Page 10 of Unexpected Love
“Yep. I don’t know how she does it all day. She’s a saint, dealing with that houseful.” She shudders, but the chief’s eyes light.
“Any chance she’s got room for one more? Even if it’s temporary? Cal’s in a bit of a bind right now and could use the help.”
The derisive look that flashes across her features before she can control it is enough to barb that tiny part of me that remembers being on the receiving end of it from my parents, teachers. Hell, everyone in my hometown.
I proved them all wrong by making something of myself. Not that I truly give a shit what she thinks of me. But this whole situation means it’s time to man up.
I sit a little straighter in my chair and make sure I can still see the girls. Charlie is still happily playing.
The chief is right. I need help. And despite what her opinion of me is, if this woman can even point me in the right direction, I’ll take it.
“Hi, Jules. My niece arrived last night, and my sister left unexpectedly this morning,” I say.
There’s a snort from across the table and a muttered “More like abandoned her kid.”
Shame and fury are hot flames of competing energy. But I don’t have time for that right now.
I clear my throat and find my balls. “If you know of a reliable, trustworthy childcare provider, I’d appreciate the contact info. I’m desperate and in a little bit of a panic. I don’t know how long I’m going to have her, and I need some immediate help.”
She looks to the back of the coffee shop, whereCharlie is now sitting quietly, watching something on Rosie’s phone, then says, “Let me give her a call and see what she says.”
“Thanks.”
Jules disappears to the counter again, and conversation resumes. Liv is suggesting what legalities I need to research just in case Charlie needs to go to the doctor and what type of baby paraphernalia I need. All the words are swimming in my head, but my gaze is locked on the tiny human who’s upended my whole world.
Jules returns with a Post-it Note bearing a name and number. “She says give her a call.” And then she leaves, like she can’t get away fast enough.
I stare at the swirly handwriting, knowing I’m in over my head with no idea what I’m doing.
But if I can run into a burning building, if I can survive getting shot and still show up for the job each and every time… I can do this.
I can take care of a toddler.
Chapter 4
Jules
By the time I make it to my brother’s house for dinner and to pack up the last of my things, my case of the grumps from earlier has doubled.
Actually, I can’t even classify it as being grumpy. I’ve fully morphed into simmering anger.
I don’t even want to be around myself, much less my brother, his wife, and their adorable but extremely loud clan of little Steves. They aren’t even children, just a pack of wild hooligans. While I’ve appreciated their sanctuary while I was getting my life in order, it was definitely time to move on.
“Yo, Sis. What’s up?” my brother greets as I walk in the door from the garage after navigating endless little-kid riding toys in the drive. They play with them and dump them wherever. It’s total chaos.
Steve’s a giant barrel-chested man who looks like a Viking and sounds like he eats gravel. He scares the baddest of asses.
“Bubs…”
“Who am I crushing?” he growls before I can even launch into my issue.
I sigh. I should’ve known he’d overreact. And I can’t handle any more added to this day.
I raise a hand. “Just chill, please.”
“Julianne. You’re standing there looking like someone stole your dog.”
“Someone did. Namely, your kids.”
