Page 110 of Smoke

Alaina smiled and extended her hand to me and Korri. “It’s so nice to meet you both. I’ve heard a lot about you from this man.”

“You two know each other?”

She nodded. “Devin went to high school with me, and apparently, our fathers knew each other in another life.”

“How are the Jareaus?” Devin asked.

“We’re good. Forever expanding.”

“Y’all are up to what now? Twenty grandkids?”

Alaina giggled. “Very funny, but almost accurate. Everyone knows we are a fertile bunch. Cartel just had number four. Reese just had number three. If you count the honorary Jareaus, we’re at twenty-two with one on the way,” she added, rubbing her stomach.”

Devin laughed. “Y’all took go forth and multiply to a whole new level. Congratulations, though.”

“Thank you. It’s definitely not easy being pregnant with so many kids. They love coming to my house with all the animals. My daughter is ten, the twins are in their terrible twos, and this one gives me a run for my money every morning. I love it, though. I wouldn’t change a thing. Anyway! I can’t wait to meet this sweet baby! These are my favorite shoots, so I’m honored to capture her for you.”

I smiled. “Devin showed me some of your work. You do a beautiful job.”

“Thank you. Shall we get started?”

I nodded, and we headed for the elevator. Once we got off at the NICU floor, we made our way to Juri’s room. I was surprised when I walked in to see the feeding tube and breathing machine were gone. Her nurse smiled at me as we entered.

“Your little angel wanted to surprise you,” she said, standing from the rocker.

Tears immediately flooded my eyes. I shoved my purse into Devin’s hands and went to wash my own. As soon as they were dry, I went straight for my baby.

“Hi, Juri,” I whispered, kissing her forehead. “I’m so happy to see you, baby.”

My emotions were all over the place. I’d been praying hard that she would have a smooth recovery from such a traumatic birth. I was twenty-nine weeks when she was born, and she was currently what would have been her thirty-fifth, almost thirty-sixth week.

We’d been trying to get her to feed for about a week now, and she’d finally gotten the hang of it. I knew they were going to see if she could breathe on her own last night, but to see her doing it had me tearful.

“Hey, Juri,” Korri said, coming over after washing her hands. She fingered her little hand, and Juri grabbed her finger.

I smiled. “I think she missed you, Korri.”

“I missed her too.”

Devin came over and slid his arm around my waist as he peered down at Juri.

“Look at my lil’ soldier,” he said with a chuckle. Juri stirred at the sound of his voice. Her eyes partially opened, making him smile. “Hey, princess. I missed you.”

I heard a camera snapping and looked up to see Alaina capturing a shot of us.

“I’m sorry. I love off guards, and that was too perfect not to shoot. Y’all make a beautiful family.”

I smiled as Devin kissed my temple. “Thank you.”

“I’m gonna get set up while you get her dressed. Korri, you wanna help me?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

They moved to a corner while I handed Juri over to Devin. Grabbing her bag, I gathered her outfit. My heart swelled as I turned back to find him kissing her forehead and speaking softly to her. The bond he’d built with my children was so beautiful to me. I knew they… we… would be forever protected.

I thought about the fact that he pulled up on the chief of police and Patrick’s father on our behalf. The man was crazy, no doubt about that, but what woman didn’t want a man that stood on business about them?

“Devin,” I said gently.

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