Epilogue
Jamie’s back and her feet were swollen. It looked as if she’d swallowed a watermelon. She rubbed her belly, “I can’t wait until you’re finally here because you’ve been giving Mommy heartburn,” she said as she clutched her chest.
It was hard to believe what a difference a few years made. Her life couldn’t be more, for lack of a better word, perfect. She’d continued her college education and received her bachelor’s in social work. Though Jamie had received her bachelor’s in social work, she decided she wanted to get her master’s degree. Once she earned her MSW, she got a job right out of school.
Her job was tough because she worked with the Department of Child Services. It broke her heart seeing some of the children in similar situations she’d been in when she was a child. But, it wasn’t bad because she counseled families and oversaw that the steps were made so that the children were happily living in safety. Because she’d been a child of abuse, she was able to read the signs and see through the ones who denied their crimes even though the evidence was right in her face.
And then, there were those that she unfortunately couldn’t help and therein lie the heartbreak. Other than those tough days when she cried until she had no more tears to shed, she felt that she was making a difference. Today, unfortunately, was one of those hard days. It didn’t help matters that the baby who was due in a month decided to do Kung Fu in her belly and everything she ate gave her acid reflux.
As she got out of the car and headed to her house, her cell phone rang. Jamie smiled when she saw that it was Kat. Her friend was doing great. Inspired by Jamie, she decided to go to school for business management. Kat said she no longer wanted to work the clubs but own them. Jamie was supportive of her friend’s dream.
“Hey, Kat, what’s up?”
“I was just calling to remind you about the bachelorette party this weekend. It’s going to be a wild night.”
“Nothing too wild, I hope,” Jamie chuckled, as she entered her house. The most delicious aroma hit her.
Asa had worked from home today. That was one of the perks of his job now that he was director of surgery. He worked at the hospital most days but he’d worked from his office in the house more since Jamie’s pregnancy.
“Since Thea wants things to be lowkey, we’re having it at my house because Thea and her fiancé have an agreement of no strip clubs. I’m having that Italian place she likes so much cater the party. We’ll have cocktails. I have some mocktails for you and then, I’ve hired the Chocolate God.”
“The Chocolate God? That sounds a lot like a stripper. I thought Thea said no strippers?”
“No, Thea said no strip clubs.”
Jamie rolled her eyes. “You’re splitting hairs. Anyway, I’m at home now and I need to get out of these shoes and sit down.”
“The joys of pregnancy, huh?”
“Yeah, but you know, when he finally comes, it will all be worth it.” She rubbed her belly. “Okay, hon, I’ll talk to you later?”
“Yep. If not, see you Saturday.”
“Looking forward to it.” Jamie hung up turned around to see that Asa had joined her in the hallway. He had a way moving so quietly that she didn’t know he was there until he close up.
“Who is Chocolate God?” Asa asked pulling Jamie into his arms and gave her a deep long kiss.
“The stripper at Thea’s bachelorette party this weekend.” They had no secrets from each other so Jamie had no problem telling her husband the truth.
He raised a brow. “Should I be concerned?”
“You know, I only have eyes for you. Besides, no one could give it to me like you, Daddy.” She kissed the side of his mouth.
Asa popped her on the ass. “Damn right.” He placed his palm on her protruding belly. “How’s our son today?”
Jamie smiled at how tender Asa was when he talked about their child. Sometimes, it was hard to believe that he carried a deep dark secret. “He was doing acrobatics all day.”
Asa bent down and wagged his finger at her belly. “Son, you have to take it easy on mommy, especially at night when she’s trying to get some sleep.”
Night time seemed to be the baby’s favorite time to move around, keeping Jamie up at night but she wouldn’t trade this for the world. She was excited about being a mom and that Asa was the father. Having suffered through trauma from their parents, they knew what not to do as parents. It was why they’d waited a few years before trying for a child.
Jamie stroked her husband’s hair as he kissed her belly. She’d come a long way to lead such a charmed life. She was married to the man of her dreams and she having his child and she was in a career that she enjoyed. Life couldn’t get any better.
“What’s smells so delicious?”
“I’m making chicken in mushroom garlic sauce and asparagus.”
“Mmm, sounds yummy. You’ve really been embracing taking over the cooking.”
“I promised my lady that I would take care of her. Cooking dinner is the least I can do since you’re carrying my child.”
“You’re my hero.”
“Go take a seat at the dinner table. I’ll bring the food out shortly.” He kissed her cheek before heading into the kitchen.
Jamie sighed in relief as she kicked off her shoes. Asa would probably give her a foot rub later. He really was amazing. She only had to wait a few minutes before Asa brought her a plate.
“Dinner was delicious,” she sighed in contentment. “I think our son liked it, too. He’s finally calmed down.”
Asa stared at her with his impenetrable gaze. “Something is the matter.”
“You know me so well.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I have something for you.”
He raised a brow but remained silent.
Jamie wobbled to her feet and left the room to get her briefcase. She returned to the dining room table and pulled out a file before sliding it in Asa’s direction. She waited for him to read the file she’d taken from work. It was a case that had frustrated her for months. A family, seemingly normal, but something was off and she knew it. The children were clearly being harmed but there wasn’t enough evidence to take them out of the house. Her supervisors didn’t want to do anything about it.
Asa’s expression grew stormy and his nostrils flared as he read. Jamie saw that look in his eyes.
It was time for another monster hunt.