Realistic or Modern Anchored by Love (Draft Four... lol)

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Finishing off my mom makeup routine in five minutes, I rushed off to help my daughter dress while Isabel did the same with Mateo. Luckily, my daughter still liked when I picked out her outfits for her because she "liked to look cute," Giggling when she said it I nodded. "Okay, how about this?" I asked pulling out a long-sleeved floral-printed t-shirt and blush pink cotton overalls with two cute buttons at the hips, typing into a cute bow into the back. It was one of the many outfits I picked out for her for Christmas. Grinning when she nodded eagerly I helped her into it before putting her long blonde hair in pigtails and matching her outfit with gray dress shoes with a bow at her toes. The whole thing was adorable.

"What do you think babe?" I asked as she admired herself in the mirror while I kissed her cheeks. "I think you look really pretty and smart, Maysie.

When she said thank you in her little voice my heart melted. "You're welcome. Are you ready to go have fun at the aquarium?" I asked taking her hand and leading her out of Mateo's room and let her run off to play with Mateo before we embarked on our adventure today. Sitting at the Island while Isabel made her coffee, I smirked.

"See, I told you. Luckily my daughter is tired of Jayden dressing her in things that don't match." When she asked about me and the baby I just shrugged.

"I feel fine today, I should be okay. I need to cave and buy new pants though, it's a real downer every time I try to squeeze in what I have." I was starting to show a lot sooner this time, but for now, I just looked constantly bloated. "Maybe I'll do that later, we'll see how they behave. Do you know where Jayden went?"

 

[isax]

Jayden​

"To the cafe to get your usual. Sorry if you already started the coffee, Isabel," I said with a gentle smile while I walked over to the kitchen and set the drink carrier with three coffees in it. Amelia's usual machiatto, Isabel's mocha, and my straight black coffee. I then gave Amelia her go to bagel, Isabel a breakfast sandwich I thought she would like, and gave Mateo and Bel the bagels they both liked. One blueberry for my daughter and one everything for Mateo.

"It's fine. I forgot you were going there but Lindsey's mochas are so much better than mine," Isabel said while she sipped her iced mocha contently, thanking me before I nodded and gave Amelia a gentle good morning kiss. "Hi beautiful, how're you feeling?" I asked her softly while Isabel walked out to the living room where I saw her grab a few things.

"So, Dynamic Duo, where are y'all headed?"

Isabel​

"The aquarium. I figured the kids would enjoy a day with their mommies," I replied to Jayden with a bright smile before I kissed Mateo's forehead while he sat at the table with his cousin and they ate their bagels contently. "How are your stitches?"

"They're getting better. I'm counting down the days for when I can get back on the field." My friend replied with a sigh while I nodded and ate some of the breakfast sandwich he bought me.

"I bet you are. You gotta take it easy when you get back though."

After I finished my sandwich, I sipped on my mocha some more before going to grab my tan winter coat to throw over my grey turtleneck sweater, some black comfy pants and my white Nike Huraches. The attire was very athleisure.

"Well, y'all enjoy the day with the kids. Have lots of fun. Are you up for all of us grabbing dinner later?"

"I'm up for it," I responded to Jayden while I put my arms through my coat. "Just let us know where and we'll meet you?"

"Sounds good. Then dinner it is tonight." I nodded then walked over to my son and niece who I quickly wiped their mouths and asked them to go clean their hands in the guest bathroom. "Ready when you are, Amelia."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

My face instantly lit up when I saw Jayden carrying coffees. Bless this man. Returning the kiss, I nodded at his asking how I was, "Tired but you're my savior, as always," I whispered before taking my first sip of my macchiato. The first sip is the best.

Listening to the continuing conversation I shook my head when Jayden said he couldn't wait to get back to work.

"We have a lot of things to do before you reclaim your graveyard shift," I reminded him gently with a smile, watching the kiddos eat their food.

Making note of Jayden's dinner plans, I picked up my coffee and other half of my bagel and stuck it in my purse in a napkin. "I gotta go, Isabel is playing mom today," I teased before I kissed Jayden bye, grabbing our daughter's jacket off the back of the couch.

"I love you," I whispered to Jayden. "Call if you need anything. Maybe take your dog to the groomer, she needs it."

Grinning when our daughter took my hand, saying bye to her daddy.

"Bye daddy, I love you this much!" The toddler exclaimed extending her arms as far as they would go before he threw herself on him to hug him and kissing his cheek. "I'll take lots of pictures to show you all the fishes, okay? Tia said there's otters!"

 

[isax]

Jayden​

"The both of you enjoy your time out today. I'll be alright, Amelia. Maybe Liberty will be groomed when you get back," I teased before I hugged my daughter tightly and nodded at her excited statements of taking pictures of the fish for me. She was so precious and I was so glad she was this excited for the time out with her aunt and mom. "You have all the fun you possibly can, Princess. Then you can tell me all about it when we go to dinner."

I chuckled when Bel nodded excitedly and agreed, running out the door after her mother where her aunt and cousin were already in the car. Once the mom and kids quadruplet was out the driveway and heading to the aquarium, I took it upon myself to clean up the kitchen and living room for Isabel. It was the least I could do considering she and Dawson were still so cool with my family living here for the time being. With the day all to myself, I decided to do what Amelia suggested. I would take Liberty out for a grooming, just something to get out of the house so I didn't go insane.

Isabel​

"Momma look! Look at the shark!" My son exclaimed a little too excitedly while he jumped up and down at the sight of the Hammerhead shark swimming by in the glass display in front of us. His and Bel's innocence was too precious and I wanted them to stay this age forever. I never wanted my babies to grow up.

"I see it, Osito," I responded to him, quickly snapping a picture with my phone of his back to the camera while he looked and tried to reach up towards the shark. I smiled in satisfaction at how it came out and then chuckled when my niece ran over to her cousin just as excited, but more so for the stingray swimming by. I sent the picture to Dawson, following it up with a "We miss you! Wish you were here. Love you!" My fiance and I were doing pretty well now but it didn't mean that I was still trying to piece everything out myself. I kept running into dead ends and that's more than sketch. Smiling at my best friend when she walked over, I took some more pictures of our children.

"See, I told you they would love this. They'll especially love the tunnel in a bit. How are you feeling?"

 

[Lexus]

Five months later...
May
Amelia​

Please, let today go smoothly, today, just give me the day. Days like today never go as planned. Today was the baby shower for my second baby and given how past events, my anxiety was plausible, on edge that something would go wrong. Jayden and i just pieced our lives back together, we decided on a new home on the opposite side of town after I refused to live my life in fear that we would be attacked again. Things were beginning to feel normal again, but still there were small lingering thoughts that they were still out there waiting to finish the job.

Enough. I thought, putting in a simplistic pair of round stud diamond earrings. Smiling when I felt the baby inside me make their presence known. This time around, I convinced Jayden to wait until the baby was born to find out the gender. i liked the idea of being surprised, even if I was the only one. I reminded Jayden, I wanted things on my terms.

"Today is about you," I whispered to the little one.

Let's go.

***​

For the most part, I had no idea what I was about to walk into. After bickering back and forth with Isabel not to make this a statement event, I relented when she argued that I skipped this completely the first time around. All I requested was an abundance of food, and to not tell a single soul what she knew. In typical Isabel fashion, she convinced let her be the first to know the gender, but not even Jayden knew that she knew. I knew if I told him, he would try to get it out of her and that was a fight I didn't want to get into. We only had two months left, Jayden could wait it out. I was a little bummed Jayden and Liberty were working today, but I knew he would find a way to stop in eventually.

Walking into the venue in my long, green summer dress patterned with white florals and deep brown wedges. My hair done in tight curls to frame my face that I hated right now because of how round it became. A lot of things were different this pregnancy but I was a lot happier this time around, but right now my palms were sweating at the unknown of what I was about to walk into.

I hate surprises when they're for me.

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I was frantically walking around the small hall venue that I had booked for Amelia's baby shower, doing a final look of everything to ensure it was up to my standards. I was more than excited to host the event, especially considering I knew the actual gender. I was more than looking forward to the new Acciolli family addition and I knew my niece was too. I smiled when I looked over towards Little Bel helping my mother make some final touches on the white floral center pieces that she so kindly helped put together.

I just finished making my round when Amelia made her way inside and I squealed at the sight of her in her cute green dress we had shopped for a week ago. All my family, Jayden's family and Brooke were here to celebrate this day and I knew Jayden would stop in sometime throughout it. I was quick to walk over and take my best friend into a tight hug, pulling away with a laugh when Little Bel quickly ran over to do the same thing.

"You look so pretty, Mommy!" My niece said with a beaming expression of joy and I giggled at her before I nodded in agreement.

"You do look pretty. Welcome to your baby shower. I hope you enjoy it," I told her with a smile. I meant every word I said. Considering how things were when Amelia was pregnant with Bel, she deserved to experience all the moments that came with being pregnant. That's the main reason I threw her this baby shower and my mom agreed to help me plan it all out and decorate. "I hope you don't mind the olive and gold theme. I also added a taco bar just for you."

After that, I let her make her rounds of hellos with everyone in the room while I grabbed the items needed for the first game we would play while we ate. Once Amelia was sitting at her table, I smiled and quickly told everyone all the food tables were now open for eating, and I wasn't surprised when everyone quickly stood up and began making their way to the food.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"Isabel, you didn't have to do all of this," I whispered into her ear when she lead me into a tight embrace. I was speechless how elegant and beautiful the scene was. I expected nothing less out of her. Holding back my tears, I let go and took my daughter into a hug as well, kissing her cheeks.

"Thank you, baby girl, you look pretty too. Thank you for helping your aunt. I love all of this, it's so pretty! I love you so much," I exclaimed before I set her back down to go play with her cousin.

So far so good.

Saying hello to everyone, my grin that went ear to ear never faded, thanking them all for coming to spend the day with me. The moment was surreal. To feel joy and not be constantly clouded with fear for the future or that something would go wrong was an unfamiliar feeling for me. I only wished Jayden was here to experience it too, even if all of this wasn't his "thing" I felt like we should be celebrating our youngest together, but sometimes the streets had to come first and I continued to honor that sacrifice despite everything it put us through in our relationship. This was one of the good moments that was a product of our love for one another, and I wanted nothing more than to relish in it.

 

[isax]

Isabel​

"Alright everyone! Are you ready for the first round of games?" I asked everyone once they were settled back in their seats after filling their plates with the many food options I had. As I got the game going, I was so focused on hosting the event that it didn't occur to me I hadn't eaten as it continued. That's usually what happened when I hosted anything but it was worth it getting to see Amelia smile non-stop the entire time she was here. I was more than grateful she was able to enjoy it and when it came time to cut cake and open the gifts she was given, I smiled when a certain officer found his way inside and made his way over to his wife. The two of them were beyond cute when they greeted each other, so I was quick to snap a photo of them before I started pushing boxes and bags their way for them to open.

Jayden​

To say I was bummed that I was missing my wife's baby shower was an understatement, especially when I knew I should be there. I went into work and the minute I could get away for a bit, I did. Luckily, I arrived in full uniform just when Amelia was going to start opening her gifts so I figured now was a better time than ever. Walking over to her sitting in what looked to be a pretty comfortable chair, I leaned down and kissed her lovingly in greeting, smiling as I rested my hand against her stomach.

"Hi love. You seem to be having a great time," I whispered as I pulled away and brought a plastic chair over to sit next to her while I watched Isabel push over some boxes and bags our way. "Do you like everything? Isabel was working endlessly to get this perfect." I was always so grateful for Isabel and all that she did for my family. I knew the love she had for all of us was more than genuine and I owed her my life.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

The day seemed surreal. Mostly because I despised being center of attention but appreciated when anyone made the effort to go out of their way to do something as extravagant as this. It often overwhelmed me with tear-jerking gratitude. The only thing that made the scene Isabel created was when Jayden made his presence known. Grinning, I returned the kiss softly.

"I'm surprised you're here," I whispered in mild disbelief. Lately, it seemed impossible to pull my husband and our beloved Liberty from the streets. I didn't mind though.

"Isabel always does too much for us," I replied with a playful glare in her direction, reaching for Jayden's hand while we began opening things. Thanking Isabel when she brought Jayden a plate of food, I enjoyed the moment, knowing his presence wouldn't last long, and when the time came, I knew I was lucky to even get that thirty minutes.

Sighing softly, I kissed Jayden's cheek when he looked to me apologetically. "It's okay, go. Be safe."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

As much as I didn't want to leave Amelia, I knew I had no choice. Duty called for Liberty and I yet again but I was more than thankful for the thirty minutes I had to spend with my family today. I would see them later tonight, when all the gifts were stuffed in the living room of our house. That would be interesting to walk into and when I did just that, I laughed as I saw my wife laid out on the couch, my daughter asleep on the floor and all the gifts just as I knew they would be.

"Rough rest of the day?" I asked my wife gently while I bent down from behind the couch and kissed her lovingly in greeting before I took Liberty off her leash and harness then let her run around the house. "I see we have a lot of gifts to go through and put away. I can get started on that tomorrow because would you believe me if I told you I got the day off?" Well, a cops version of off. Basically, I'm not on call and I plan to spend that with my girls.

"So, I'll cook dinner tonight and then I was thinking we could take Bel out on a picnic if you're feeling up to it."

Isabel​

After an event filled day, I was more than ready to be home. I got Mateo to go down for his nap pretty easily, I also think it had to do with his own tiredness. Once he was down, I grabbed my laptop and went out to my favorite patio swing where I usually sat when I needed to work on things, and by things I mean digging into the past of my own Cowboy. I hadn't actually let go anything Dawson and I argued about when it came to Josie. I just promised myself to drop it and investigate it all on my own. Whenever I got the time to do that, I did so right now I was currently looking through bank statements that I was able to find, courtesy of knowing all my husbands passwords. I found out the four million was in fact cashed out and given to him via PBR, but it also never left his account. Before I could do anything more, the FaceTime screen popped up and scared me when I read Dawson's name at the top of it. Aha, breathe.

"Hi, Amor! How are the shows going?" I asked, doing my best to remain calm and normal. You are good at lying when needed. Breathe and pull out that Isa now.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Just as I was earlier in the day, I was surprised to see Jayden come home so soon. Sitting up, I laughed returning the kiss. "I wouldn't believe you. Sounds too good to be true to me, but I'll take it." Looking over at our daughter who was curled into a ball on the floor next to the dolls she was playing with beforehand, I shook my head at how precious she was, despite how horrific that sugar crash was.


"Don't worry about putting it all away just move it all into the room and I'll organize it. Dinner sounds nice, but I vote a movie instead, please? How was the rest of your day? What did you get called away for earlier?"

Dawson​

"The tour would be better if you and Mateo were here with me. Too many girls try to take their shot at me," I teased in a mischievous chuckle and a wink. "How was the baby shower? Did Amelia get everything she needed? What did we end up getting her?'

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I chuckled at my wife's response to my day off tomorrow. It did sound too good to be true considering Liberty and I were always being called out. I was thankful to not be scheduled tomorrow though, meaning I could be a civilian for as long as it would last, knowing full well that an officer was never really off from work.

"I think I can manage a movie," I teased, walking over to the kitchen where I surveyed our fridge to determine what to make for dinner. "The rest of my day wasn't too bad. We were called out for a drug bust. At least of kilo was found inside that house thanks to Lib." I explained to my wife before telling her I would be right back after I changed out of my clothes. When I was in something more comfortable, I made my way back over and kissed her head again. "How does steak for dinner sound?"

Isabel​

I rolled my eyes at Dawson's statement of the girls shooting their shot with him. He always loved to tease me with that but I wasn't worried about any woman catching his attention. He knew better.

"You're such a ladies man, Six," I teased with a giggle, smiling at him as he mentioned the baby shower. "It went really well! Amelia loved it and Jayden was able to drop in for a bit, even if it was only thirty minutes. We just so happened to buy Amelia the crib and the stroller she wanted so thank ya for leaving me your credit card." I laughed then, enjoying the teasing. "God, I miss you. How's the crew? Y'all holding up?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"Whatever you want to make is fine, love," I replied in an exasperated yawn, leaning my head back into the pillows on the couch. I wasn't surprised when Liberty finished her rounds of searching the house and found her usual spot of laying at my feet. She might have been Jayden's partner at work, but it was no secret I was actually her favorite.

"Good girl, Lib," I whispered, grinning when she perked her ears at the sound of my voice. Laughing when Jayden squeezed his way next to me, I shushed his louder chuckle, not wanting to wake our daughter after she just fell asleep. "Don't wake the princess, she's been cranky today." Running my fingers through his hair while I fell asleep against him.

Dawson​

"We're fine, just hot. Ready to come home. Is Mateo behaving for you?" I asked while ordering my late lunch from the room service menu. "It's only the weekend and then I'll be home. You think you can survive without me until then?"

 

[isax]

Jayden​

I chuckled softly at my wife when she explained to me that our toddler had been cranky today. I knew I shouldn't have laughed considering today wasn't the best day for Bel to be in one of her moods. I was exhausted myself, but I knew sleeping wasn't on my agenda considering I volunteered to make dinner and just wanted to spend the night with my girls. Times like this were rare and I wanted to savor it, which is what I did while Amelia fell asleep against me. While she and Bel slept, I watched one of the many crime shows I adored watching with Amelia, just because she was more irked by the inaccuracies than I was. I remember the first time I learned about her CJ side and I loved when it came out.

"Daddy?" I heard a small voice say a few moments and when I looked over at my daughter, my wife was already asleep and I didn't want to wake her now.

"Hi, Princess. Are you okay?" I asked her sweetly before patting the other side of me on the couch for her to come sit by. When she shook her head, she curled up against my side and I instantly became worried. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't have a good dream. Can we watch Moana, please?" When she gave me that look, I could never resist so I agreed and switched the channel, just sitting on the couch with my girls while I savored the moment.

Isabel​

"He's been on some of his best behavior, honestly. He knows better than to act up with me," I said with a grin, teasing my boyfriend because we both knew I was the stern parent. "Of course I can survive. I'm a strong, independent woman, Six. You knew that the minute you pursued me. I can handle my own." I followed that statement up with a giggle.

"Doesn't mean I don't miss our nights together though."

 

[Lexus]

A Month Later...
June
Officer Colella​

Just out of the academy six months ago, I was eager to get an action filled call, to prove I was made for this career despite being a woman. To my dismay though, I was beginning to become dismayed, stuck on uneventful traffic stops, noise complaints and slight disputes. Today was different though, finally. Me and my senior partner were called called to a hostage situation. A mentally ill father took his two teenage daughters hostage and was dangerously armed with an assault rifle.

As expected the standoff was eventually leaked to the surrounding media outlets and backup was called to ensure the security of the scene. It was about four hours in, when a group of photographers made the run for it, slickly making their way around the back of the property by climbing the privacy fence and aiming their cameras in the direction of the window the two girls were in.

I was tasked with detaining the most stubborn of them all, and despite her not screaming obscenities in my face, her spit fire responses still managed to rub me the wrong way in this tense situation.

"Ma'am I need you to come down, you're trespassing into an active crime scene where two girls lives are at stake, and if you make any wrong move, they could pay for it. No picture is worth that," I replied sternly in annoyance.

This is what you signed up for, Victoria. Stand your ground here.

"Ma'am if you don't come down, I'm going to have to charge you with resisting arrest on top of trespassing. Can you just make this easier for the both of us, please?" I asked, keeping a stern ton e despite feeling the heavy sweat rolling down my back, soaking into my vest, while I reached for the cold metal handcuffs on the side of my utility belt, but it was useless. She had no desire in listening, she just continued taking her photos. Sighing in annoyance, I rolled my eyes when she reached into her back pocket and threw something down toward me. Picking it up, cautiously, I nodded in hesitation when I realized what she threw at me. A DPD courtesy card for Captain Acciolli.

Of course, it just had to me my boss. He can come get her down himself then.

"Alright, I'll call but I think he's going to be pretty pissed when he realizes he has to come get you down from a fence like a child."

"C3036, 1021 C0505." Translation: "Jayden call me"

A few minutes later when my phone rang I picked it up without hesitation. "Hey, Cap, sorry to bother, but I have a defiant photographer who trespassed on the hostage scene and is requesting you to come remove her yourself," Shaking my head I was quick to dismiss is concern of it being his wife.

"No, not Amelia, but she did throw your card at me."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

Now, I know what it looks like. I'm technically trespassing into a fenced off area for an assignment. Do I care? No, not really. Do I actually do this a lot? Take a look at my record and you'll find out. None of what I was doing was surprising or new, but when the rest of the photographer group was quickly disbanded, I couldn't help but chuckle knowing I was going to be the one who lasted the longest. It was a skill I quickly picked up on considering what I typically covered. To most, they would say I was being ridiculous, risking too much, or my favorite as the rookie said, I was acting like a child. None of it phased me anymore because this, like many times in my career, was one of those moments where I have to ask myself "Is this shot worth it?" and it was absolutely yes.

While I happily stood at the top of the fence while taking pictures, I couldn't help but quickly become annoyed with the rookie trying to do her job, and let's be real folks, she wasn't doing a very good job at it. Or I'm just a total bitch.

"Sweetie, you're going to have to do a little more than what you're doing now to get me off this fence," I said rather casually, almost dismissively while I resumed to point my lens toward the window. The longer I stayed up here, the more annoying the Chihuahua like officer below was beginning to annoy me. Let's have some fun.

"Just face the fact that I'm not coming down. This isn't my first rodeo in this type of situation, Honey. I'm fully aware of what I'm doin' and I'll get down when I'm done. Then you can take me to jail, okay? You're on my time, not the other way around." Oooo she's gonna be pissed. I could see it in her face that she was, in fact, becoming more and more irritated and pissed off with me but I was enjoying this. It wasn't everyday I was trying to be handled by a rookie.

Finally, when I figured what I had was pretty good, I casually threw out Jayden's courtesy card. I wasn't just going to climb back down the fence and let this Chihuahua arrest me. She would've taken my gear, technically they have a right to, but no one was going to touch my photos. While blondie called Jayden, I quickly opened the app that corresponded with my SD card, quickly wirelessly transferring over the photos so I could wipe the card after. When that was done, I quickly airdropped them to Amelia, wiping them from my phone as well after that was done. Thank god the app keeps a copy. As I did this, I couldn't help but be amused when I heard the officer say I wasn't Amelia. You're so stupid, Jay. As if your wife would be on a fence with being eight months pregnant. Now that was a sight to imagine.

"Is the wonderful Cap on his way, Darling? He's going to be so upset you couldn't get a mere photographer off the fence."

You also know he, Amelia and Dawson are going to kick your ass. Still worth it.

The minute I saw Jayden walking over I knew he was over my shit. Quite frankly, a lot of people were but I so desperately missed being able to do this. Being at a desk all day editing was not my jam so I couldn't resist irritating the rookie even more now that her boss was here.

"Jayden! Since when did the department start hiring Chihuahua's, huh?"

Jayden​

To say I was livid when I got the call from Officer Colella would be an understatement. I had reached lividity with Isabel and exceeded it because this was ridiculous. Not only was Isabel putting the hostages at risk, she was also putting herself at risk. She was essentially being stupid and I was over it. I sighed heavily into my phone while I annoyingly rubbed my face, rubbing my eyes so hard from the frustration festering that I saw little white dots shortly after.

"Dammit, Isabel," I groaned. "I'm on my way Colella."

When I made my way to the back of the crime scene where no one should be, that frustration quickly turned into anger at the sight of Isabel still on the fence as if nothing was happening, as if I wasn't about to arrest her ass when I got her to get down. Sometimes I just want to know how to deal with this one.

"Isabel, that's rude. Leave Colella alone," I said in response to her hiring Chihuahua's remark, even thought I found to be slightly amusing despite the situation. "Now, get the hell down. I don't have time to be dealing with your bullshit, Anes."

"Ouch, what crawled up your ass today," The photojournalist quickly snapped back.

"Isabel, I'd watch it."

"I could just end all of this by tasing her," Colella said next to me while she shook her head at Isabel's behavior.

"I dare you. Tase me then deal with the wrath of an eight month pregnant woman."

Oh for fucks sake.

At that moment, I grabbed Isabel's foot, tugging her off the fence just enough to catch her off guard. When she was falling, I grabbed her waist then carried her like the child she was being to Colella's cruiser.

"Jayden, I swear to god, put me down!" I heard her exclaim but I didn't care. I didn't put her down until she was against the cruiser, head down to the hood while Colella dealt with the rest like taking away her precious gear, while I pulled out my cuffs and began to cuff her.

"You touch those photos and I'll come for you, Acciolli!"

"You did this to yourself, Isabel. It's not my fault if you have nothing to show for this by the time you get out."

"That'll be soon." Oh hell no.

"You better not, Isabel." You better not call Amelia.

"Too late."

Fuck.

"Ouch, lighten up!" She exclaimed as I tightened the cuffs.

"Suck it up, buttercup."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

To say I reached the point of misery was an understatement. I rarely slept, I was severely swollen, always hurting and my child was abusing me from the insides. At my last appointment two days ago, my doctor told me she suspected that my second born was coming early, just as Little Bel has, and I was praying for it. I just wanted sleep, and I was rudely awoken from a rare nap, when I heard the ding of Isabel sending me photos from her SD card. That only meant one thing.

Damn it, Isabel Anes. Did you really have to go and get arrested today? I should leave your ass.

Sighing I sent her the usual text. "Safe, I'll be right there."

***​

Waddling into the bonds office, I just nodded at the clerk and pulled out my card, associated with my joint account with Isabel and paid the usual fee before I signed off for her, and waited for her and her things to be retrieved. When she came waltzing out, I rolled my eyes, shaking my head profusely.

"Can you give me a break?" I teased when she came to help me out of the chair. "Jayden called me and told me you were harassing his officer. You need to stop being so cocky, he's going to kick my ass if he has to pull you off of anything else, ma'am," I scowled, walking out and handing her my keys. I was not looking forward to my argument defending Isabel later, but Jayden had to know I believed in Isabel's decisions as a photojournalist. I had a few charges on my record as well, but they were all from before I married a captain.

"What are you going to tell Dawson this time?"

 

[isax]

Isabel​

I knew my stay downtown wouldn't last as long as anyone wanted it to, all thanks to my wonderful best friend who I owed the entire world. She was, and always would be, the one to help me out of a bind like this because she knew what it was like. We both went into the same profession and we both knew what that meant. Not that our significant others didn't but let's be real. Dawson was going to chew me out and Jayden was going to do the same with Amelia.

As I walked out once I was given everything back, I wasn't surprised to find my SD card no longer in it's slot. Jayden really thinks he taught me a lesson, huh? Pendejo.

"Hi, Best Friend!" I said with an infectious fit of giggles, helping her out of her chair before I walked out with her after taking her keys. "Oh please. The Chihuahua needs to learn to have a thicker skin. All she did was call me ma'am and tell me what I was going to be charged for. You know the guys left me for her on purpose." Thinking about Dawson though made me flinch. Yikes.

"I just won't bring it up. What he doesn't know won't hurt him. Plus, isn't he the one who told me the truth doesn't always set someone free?"

I unlocked the car once we made it and quickly turned it on so the AC could blast because the summer sun was more than scorching hot. "Alright, Momma Bear, are we going back to your house? Do you want to grab food? Where am I going?"

 

[Lexus]

Amelia ​

"I did not roll out of my bed for you to procrastinate turning in those photos. We're going to turn them in and then we can go get food. If Jayden is going to come home pissed, you better make it worth it. But it's going to be hard for Dawson not to notice with you black and blue wrists, i'll kick Jayden's ass, Isabel Was it that new blonde girl?" When she nodded, I scoffed and shook my head, "Of course it was, she has a thing for Jayden. She's been flirting with him since she got out of the academy. But he plays it off like it's nothing, it pisses me off. She'll call him for the stupidest shit. He's barely home as is and takes her side over everything. It's amazing how much she looks like me when we first met," I confessed in an annoyed laugh. "Needless to say, him and Dawson are probably going out tonight after I tell him to leave "

It wasn't that I thought Jayden would readily leave me for the new blonde beauty. we had been through too much together for him to throw it all away, it was just that I was beginning to get impaitent with not being made a priority from time to time. Not too mention I felt overwhelmed with everything that still had to be finished before the arrival of our second child; and now that Jayden's parents lived here full time, as much as I loved having them around to help me, sometimes, I felt like his mom was breathing down my neck. She was constantly babying me and telling me I really needed to take my leave from work already, but I refused. I didn't see the point in sitting around all day doing nothing, it would make me go insane.Because I knew as soon as I tried to do anything around the house her and Jayden would be on me for even lifting a finger.

"Anyway, let's go turn in those photos before the wusses publish first."

 

[isax]

Isabel​

"Okay okay. To your house so I can submit these photos and then we'll go grab a bite to eat because ya girl is starving and could eat a whole cow," I knew all of the shots I got were worth it, but I also knew the minute they were out and published, Jayden would flip his shit because that fool really thought he had my photos. Dumbass. "You and I both know those photos were worth it, Amelia. I wouldn't have gone through the arrest and let your husband cuff me as tight as the bastard did if I didn't think they were." I knew the minute Dawson saw my bruised wrists all hell would break loose but I at this point, I wasn't really phased and there was nothing he could say that he hadn't already in regards to my career. He knows better.

Upon the revelation that the Chihuahua had a thing for Jayden a great annoyance toward the yapping bitch resurfaced. She needed to watch herself before I did something to her. It baffled me that she would openly call for Jayden in the manner Amelia told me while knowing he had a family and a wife. Fucking Chihuahua. I wish I would've tased your ass.

***​

After sitting at Amelia's kitchen island for about thirty minutes, I was able to finish up the last of my captions before sending off the pictures to the private DropBox I had with D Magazine. All in a days work. I shut my laptop shortly after I knew they were in and as I was walking to the couch to put it away, I heard my phone go off with a text from my colleague Luke. I laughed at what I read.

"Leave it to you to get photos like this and get arrested in the same day. How was the cell? Cold?"

Smart ass.

"Wasn't in long enough to let you know. I'll see you tomorrow."

Not even ten minutes after that was the story published. I opened the story before Amelia and I left the house, noting that Elise was the one to write the article. Cool. Love her. When I saw the photos that went with it, I released a deep breath and knew then it was all worth it. Even more so as I looked at other publications photos to note no one got the photo I did. One that had the father hugging his youngest daughter tight, his eldest wrapped around his leg as if she was holding on for dear life, the rifle slung off to the father's side while all three of them embraced each other. It was the complete opposite of what everyone assumed was happening. That was worth it. It was the last time they had together before the worst occurred. The part I also captured with the girls in a corner, the eldest, though only eight, resting her forehead against her sister's while she distracted her. Chills ran down my spine then.

"Story's out. Your husband is going to kill me."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

"My husband shouldn't be talking about stupidly risking lives like he hasn't done the same thing," I snapped back while we headed to the closest Wing Stop. Enjoying our lunch together, I drove Isabel back to her car afterward and picked up my daughter from her grandparents where she spent the night the night before. By then, it was late afternoon, and despite being utterly exhausted, I continued on with the toddler's nightly routine, putting her to bed long before Jayden walked through the door. As soon as he had, I felt the tension fill the air, but I remained silent. As usual, I was going to let Jayden have the first word, because I knew I would have the last, just how I liked it.

Is he really brave enough to pick a fight with me right now?

When Jayden called out to me, I rolled my eyes, and got up from the bed, making my way into the kitchen were he was standing like the dominant Captain he was trying to play. Cute. You may rule the streets, but not this house.

"Yes, my love?" I asked rather innocently, resting a hand over my stomach. "What's wrong?"

 

[isax]

Jayden​

It was hard to not come home so frustrated and irritated from the days events, especially when Colella came to my office before I left to show me that Isabel's photos were published with the D Magazine's story. I was so pissed then and knew I had to have a serious talk with Amelia about this because it was ridiculous. I was over Isabel trying to act like she was above authority and that all my men left her specifically for Victoria to take care of, knowing the situation at hand and that the rookie wasn't and wouldn't be successful in getting Isabel to stop taking her photos. How the hell did Isabel get those photos out? I have her cards. It was then that it dawned on me. Amelia.

The drive home was tense. I was starving, I was still heavily irritated, and I wasn't too thrilled to see my wife considering I knew she played a part in her best friends shenanigans today. So, when I walked through that door and called out to her, I tried to stay firm in my stance while I leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed over my chest. Amelia liked to think she ran this house. Because she does.

Look at you acting all innocent. I'm not falling for it.

"You know what's wrong, Amelia," I said sternly, not moving an inch from my power stance. One that I usually only pulled at work. "How the hell did those pictures get out today? Isabel can't continue to just disturb an active crime scene just for a picture when not only other lives are at stake but hers as well. You shouldn't have bailed her out. She needs to learn."

Isabel​

After managing to get Mateo down in bed, I was quick to hop into the shower myself, felling the dried sweat now begin to stick to my body. When I finished, I jumped out and threw on my red silk night gown, not because I expected Dawson to react to it because let's be honest, he was more than angry with me at the moment, but because I just wanted to feel good after a day like today. That's right. A girl can wear lingerie for herself.

I sat in the living room awaiting for my pilots return while I typed away at my laptop working on my own side piece that I had been looking into for awhile now. I was close to cracking everything, I could feel it but I groaned when I heard the front door open. He's home. If Dawson was now home, that had to mean he and Jayden was raising hell with Amelia already. I subconsciously started to rub my bruised wrists then before I stopped to not draw attention to them and smiled at my fiancee as he made his way through the hallway and into my line of vision. God, you look amazing. I shook away the thought. Down girl.

"Hi, Amor. How were drinks with your best friend?" I asked softly while I shut my laptop, not wanting to egg on a fight if I didn't have to. But I will if I need to so don't try me, Covington. I will win this one. You won't get me to submit.

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

Not wanting to raise my voice, and wake my daughter, I inched closer to my husband. "Knock off your shit, Jayden. Isabel doesn't need to "learn" a damn thing. She was doing her job, and you're being a hypocrite accusing her of risking lives, Jayden Andrew. Isabel knew what she was getting into and if she thought for even a second she was putting those girls in remote danger by being there, she wouldn't have risked it. She has always been respectful to the department, but respect is earned, not just given to you because you were a uniform, she went off on your rookie because she was telling her how to do her job, which she knows absolutely nothing about, and thanks to Isabel, the public knows how dangerous the situation was and is aware how harmful mental illness can be. Two little girls are dead, Jayden. You don't get to put that on, Isabel. They're dead because their father was sick and your men couldn't save them, but I'm not going to place blame on them for not doing their job right, because the result was out of their control and they don't deserve to be punished for doing what they were called to do. Don't be an asshole to me or Isabel because your little lovesick puppy is so eager to please you in more ways than one. You need to check your damn ego, acting like those entitled ass boys you used to hate. Who the hell do you think you are, physically hurting her, Jayden? You're on your last leg in your career, if it was anyone else you would have lost our job, the one you are so stuck in, your daughter doesn't even see you at nights now. You're not untouchable because you're a captain now. Remember what you have had to put us all through to get there."

Dawson​

"You can cut your bullshit, Isabel. He told me everything. Why the fuck did you think putting yourself in a hostage situation was worth some stupid pictures of a nut case? He wasn't worth your life or anyone else's, and who do you think you are acting above the law because you know Jayden? He has actual important shit he has to handle, Isabel, he doesn't just stand around and wait to handle your temper tantrums. That's so embarrassing. Like really? C'mon. You're better than that and you know it, Isabel."

 

[isax]

Jayden​

"It's one thing for Isabel to do her job and it's another thing for her to throw her fucking courtesy card as if it can save her ass from being arrested, Amelia. I don't blame Isabel for what happened. That's a low blow and you know it. I just wish she wouldn't have thrown a fit the way she did with Colella! She treated her with so much disrespect. She called her a freaking Chihuahua for crying out loud! That was uncalled for whether my officer was telling her how to do her job or not," I was becoming flustered. Lately, a lot of our bickering ended up on the top of the new rookie at the department. Amelia always said Victoria had a crush on me but I didn't see it. I only had eyes for Amelia even if Victoria did. "And here we go again with the Victoria bullshit. She seems to be your favorite topic of discussion now. Are you jealous? You know you're the only woman I adore with my entire being so I don't know why it bothers you so much! Victoria is nothing but a rookie and my officer to me! And all the other shit, the being Captain shit and how I got here, that was also a fucking low blow. You don't think I remember every damn day what I did to you and Bel? What I put y'all through? I don't need you to throw that in my face, Amelia because I know! And dear God, I'm trying my hardest to make sure none of that happens ever again because I love you! God, do I love you." I'm tired of fighting.

Isabel​

Alrighty then, let's go. Two can play this game, Covington.

I stood up from the couch and walked closer to my fiance, our height difference showing who had the most power play in this situation but I wasn't afraid of him. No, I was probably the only one who would stand this close, looking straight up at him and not caving. Not today, asshole.

"None of what I do is stupid, Dawson Nicholas. You're an asshole for even saying that. You're an even bigger ass for coming into this house and defending your shitty ass best friend who can't reign in his own fucking officers who deserve none of my respect because they didn't earn it and she never will. I wasn't acting above the law. I was doing my fucking job and she was trying to tell me how to do it. I'm not an idiot. Do you really think for even a second that if I was really in danger or making the situation worse, I would've done what I did today? I saw what was going on in that house, Dawson. I saw the way their father was torn. I saw their last embrace. I saw the girls curled into a corner before they were shot. I saw it all, Dawson, and not a single time in that entire span did that man so much as glance my way. I'm not a fucking idiot and I'm not a fucking child so you and Jayden need to stop treating me like one, you hear?" By now I was jabbing his chest with my finger despite the discomfort setting in in my wrists. "Never, and I mean never, tell me what I do is stupid ever again. Especially considering I'm hardly ever on the field now and days. Tread lightly when it comes to my career choices. You knew what you got yourself into when you asked to date me and here I thought you supported me."

 

[Lexus]

Amelia​

“Well lately, you’ve had a real strange way of showing it. Of course, I’m jealous, you asshole. I married you, gave you children, built this life with you, one I never wanted for myself, but I l love you so much, I gave us my all, when I knew it mattered. I’m the one who picked you up when you fell, it was me and only me, Jayden! I sat there and watched 12 people deicida our fucking future, whether you lived or died, and I’m the one who was used as the bargaining chip when your damn cover was blown. I watched you turn yourself into a human shield for me. What did she do for you? Huh? Make you feel macho and like you’re worth looking up to? She fell for those blue eyes and that power stance, I get it, because I did too, but your ego seems to be more important than the family that stands beside you. My bad for thinking that I had no right to be upset that you come to another woman’s every call, but I can’t pull you from those streets for more than a day. I’m sorry for thinking that your rank doesn’t mean you can be absent from everything we’ve built together and you coming after the one person who keeps me afloat right now, is the last thing I needed. You’re right, we won’t talk about her anymore!” I exclaimed through my own tears that now streamed down my hot cheeks, and when Jayden came toward me, I defended myself. “Don’t touch me. Just go. I don’t care if you take a shift, just leave. I don’t need you here, I wanted you here. There’s a difference.”

Dawson​

“Yes, i knew what I was getting into, but you set a standard that Im not allowed to talk shit about your best friend so it’s only right that you don’t throw mine through the fucking mud. He was only doing his job, too, Isabel. Just because his wife is glued to your hip doesn’t mean he’s a dog that has to come to your every call. If your going to get yourself into shit, find your own way out of it, and so help me God, if I ever have to take our son to your funeral because you don’t know when to stop, and you make me explain to our son that your photos were worth dying over, despite him not having a mother, I won’t forgive you for what you put him through. Is the shot worth not being a mother to your son?”