Danny's Main

“Hey, lady,” Chris called from the hall that led to the office. “It’s time for your break. Let Renee handle the front, and you come eat with Sheila and me.”

Suspicious, Julie asked, “Did Da

Chris’s brows shot to his hairline. “I’m appalled. You act as if we never eat together, Julie.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, Julie continued to stare at him.

“Okay, fine, he may have called and requested some extra eyes on you. But you know damn well that Sheel and I love you like a sister. So get your ass back here and eat with us.”

Even with her gut wrapped in knots, Chris’s quirky invitation was too sweet to turn down. Julie giggled. “Okay, since you asked so sweetly.”

Over burgers and fries Julie opened up to her friends about what had been going on with Ivy. She explained that she hadn’t shared her worries sooner because discussing it even with her closest friend made everything feel too real. She’d been avoiding the topic as much as she could while trying her best to get in touch with Ivy.

As best friends did, Sheila and Chris came up with multiple reasons why everything would be “just fine.” They were so convincing that by the time Da

***

HAD IT NOT been so pathetic, it may have been comical the way Da

“She said she’d call at five.” Julie huffed, looking once again at her watch.

Da

“Sorry, I’m just…” She shrugged, and worry etched her creamy skin. “You know.”

“I do. I—” His thoughts were cut off when the phones rang loudly, sending them each scrambling for a headset.

The conversation wasn’t long. In fact, it was barely a conversation at all. For the most part, Ilene spoke and Da

“But”—Da

“I’m so sorry, Julie. I really am. I know how long you both have waited for this. I can put you back on the list,” Ilene offered.

Da

“No,” she croaked. “Don’t put us back on the list, Ilene.”

He nodded his approval, grateful that she felt the same way and heartbroken that they would never have the family they so desired.

“We’re done,” she said.

The agency worker rambled on a few minutes longer, but Da

“He was ours.” Her thin voice vibrated into his chest. “I already loved him, you know?”

God, he knew. He absolutely fucking knew. “Yeah, honey, I loved him too.”

“I meant what I said to Ilene. I can’t do this anymore.”

Da

His gut shredded when she said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a family. I’m so sorry.”

“Oh, Jules.” Pulling her tight to his chest, he inhaled deeply. Gardenias and Julie filled his senses as he kissed her soft forehead. “Woman, you are my family. When are you going to learn? I love you, honey. I’m yours.”

“And I’m yours.”

Chapter Eighteen

Then I Got A Friend

“SON.” ALLAN PULLED Da

Something about his father’s hugs, no matter how old Da

Da

Allan had already wrapped his arms around Julie before he acknowledged Da

“Those things got trashed when…after… Neal died.” The memory of seeing those bookcases cracked on the floor was branded in his brain.

Allan’s eyes sparkled as he glanced between Da

“Dad,” Julie sighed, no doubt attempting to steer the conversation away from the subject of children.

But Allan continued on his path. “Loss comes in many shapes and sizes, but thank God, so does gain. You two hold on to each other and, I promise, you’ll find your slice of perfection.”

Julie nodded wordlessly.

“Oh, oh, you’re here!” Anita exclaimed, rushing in through the side door. “I was just outside picking this from the herb garden.” Her basket of fresh mint fragranced the air. “I’ve never had so much fun with rosemary, basil, and mint. I could just kiss the previous owners for leaving such awesomeness behind.”

Allan roped his arm around his wife. “How about you just save your kisses for me?”

“Well, maybe she could spare just one for me?” a familiar voice teased as he came through the open front door.

“Chester!” Da

Chester ignored Da