Page 26 of Redemption

"It can feel that way. But every once in a while, there’s a win. Like the drug bust last week on C shift. We'd been working on that for two months. It took a while, but we shut it down.”

"I know that felt good. Even though I didn't have anything to do with it, I was excited," I say, trying to keep things positive.

His eyes shine with pride in a job well done. "It did. It's moments like that which remind me why I signed up for this, even when things get tough."

We sit in silence for a moment, watching as Levi sinks a perfect shot. "You’ve always liked the challenge, though,” I say, trying to encourage him.

He chuckles, a bit of his usual warmth returning. “True enough. Keeps me feeling alive.”

"Well, we’re all proud of you.”

He glances over, gratitude in his tired eyes. “Thanks, Caleb. Means a lot.”

I take a sip of my beer, the evening settling around us. "Just let me know if there's anything I can do."

He nods, thoughtful. “Having family like you—sometimes that’s all I need.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

RUBY

"You wantus to keep Ella for you?" I ask Kels as we have coffee at A Whole Latte Love. "I know that Darren sometimes watches her, but I don't mind. You know Caleb and I aren't having another kid, so I have to get my little kid snuggles when I can."

"If you don't mind." She takes a sip from her coffee cup. "I can drop her off this afternoon before I need to get ready. Darren is going to stay by himself tonight, but if you wanted Levi to keep him company, that would be okay with me."

"Of course, we'd love to have Ella," I say, feeling a spark of excitement. "And I'll check with Levi. He's always up for a game night."

Kels smiles gratefully, and we finish our coffees, discussing the details of Ella's visit. The idea of having a little one around again is oddly thrilling, and I can't wait to tell Caleb.

Later,at home, Caleb is lounging on the couch, scrolling on his phone. I plop down beside him, tired, but wired.

"Guess what?" I say, nudging him playfully.

He looks up, curiosity piqued. "What?"

"We get Ella tonight. Kels needs a break and thought we could take her for the evening."

His eyes brighten. "Really? That'll be fun. Remind me—how long has it been since we had a toddler running around here?"

"Too long," I say, grinning. "You know, if circumstances were different..."

Caleb puts his phone down, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. He's warm, comforting, and there’s that playful glint in his eye.

"I know what you're hinting at," he teases. "But hey, who says we can't pretend for a little while?"

I lean my head against him, feeling the leap in my heart. "Exactly. It’ll be like the good ol' days."

When Ella arrives,the house fills with the lively chaos that's been missing. Her giggles echo through the rooms as she explores her temporary kingdom. Caleb chases her around, both of them laughing breathlessly.

We take turns reading her stories, inventing silly characters and voices, soaking in the sweetness of the moment. Ella’s laughter is contagious, and we find ourselves lost in the joy of play.

Caleb gives me a smirk over Ella's head as she draws with crayons, concentrating hard. "You know, we make a pretty good team."

I nudge him with my elbow, unable to keep the smile off my face. "We do, don't we? Maybe in another universe, we’d have our hands full with another one."

He nods, a soft look in his eyes. It’s a fleeting what-if, but one that hangs in the air like a sweet possibility.

As the night goes on, and after Ella is tucked into bed on our makeshift blanket fort, Caleb and I sit together, close and content.

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