“Tony,” Shelby spoke my name from across the restaurant booth. “What’s the matter with you?”

I fisted my hands under the table and tried to get a handle on my temper. I didn’t get pissed often, but at that moment I was ready to start ripping heads off. “Just give a minute, baby.” My voice was tight; my anger clear.

Taking a deep breath, I looked toward the bar along the back wall of El Acapulco where three uniformed officers from Toluca PD were sitting. All three were drinking, but I didn’t give a shit about that because they weren’t on shift.

No, what pissed me off was the way they’d leered at Shelby the moment she’d stepped foot in the restaurant. I’d been outside on the phone with a guy from the station walking him through some paperwork I’d filled out earlier in the day when I saw the entire thing transpire through the window.

The first stooge, Officer Ryan of all people, had elbowed the other two idiots, Officer Reynolds and Officer Miller, in the sides and pointed in Shelby’s direction. When they saw who he was gesturing to, they all raked their lecherous stares over every inch of her body. It made my stomach roll and my anger flare.

Motherfuckers. I should beat the shit out of all three of them.

Shelby hadn’t seen them, but it still pissed me right off.

They had no right to look at her that way.

“Anthony,” Shelby hissed, softly kicking me under the table. “For Pete’s sake! What is the matter with you?”

"I'm fine, sweetheart." I needed to get it together. "Just saw somebody I didn't want to see."

Shelby furrowed her brow and looked around the room. When her curious gaze fell on the three stooges, her eyes lit up with understanding. "If you're talking about those fools over there, I can't blame you." She curled her upper lip in disgust. "Are they drinking while in uniform?"

"They're not on duty."

"Yeah, but still. That just seems, I don't know... wrong."

I couldn't argue with her there.

Reaching across the table, I took one of her hands in mine. "Ignore them. I don't want them to ruin our night."

Her other hand covered mine. "Our night?" She asked, a lopsided smile taking over her face. "You make it sound like this is a date."

I looked from her to Lucca, who was sitting in a high chair at the end of the booth, sucking on a lemon.

Gross, little dude.

"It is." Her eyes sparkled. "Might as well get used to it, Shelby. Far as I'm concerned, you're mine. Especially after everything that happened today."

She looked at me with questioning eyes. "There are so many things wrong with that statement; I don't even know where to begin."

Picking up a glass of water from the table, I took a drink. "Yeah? How about you start by telling me what you think is wrong with it."

"Welllll," she replied, dragging out the word. "For one, I’ve already told you that I’m not interested in dating. The only man I’m concerned about is," she nodded to Lucca, "sitting right there."

Shelby was fighting herself. I believe part of her wanted to push me away while the other side wanted to dive into my arms. She was confused and was doing the only thing she knew how to do.

She was fighting me, fighting us, every step of the way.

It was alright, though. I was a patient man, and I’d wait forever if I had to.

"I have officially sworn off men.” I raised a brow. Sure as hell didn’t seem like she’d sworn off men a couple of hours ago when she was busy screaming my name. Reading my thoughts, her eyes narrowed. “Don’t you say a single word.”

Chuckling, I held up my hands in a placating manner. “My lips are sealed.”

“Anyway,” she continued, “I've had terrible luck with men in the past. Doubt that's changed. Besides, haven't you heard? I’m the town’s resident Miss Priss. Nobody around here is good enough for me.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m destined to be an old cat lady who dies alone. At least, that’s what most people around here say.” She forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You shouldn’t want anything to do with me, Tony. You could do a hell of a lot better."

To anyone else she wouldn't appear to be affected by those words, but I could see the truth in her eyes. Knowing what people said about her, cut her deep. It tore me up on the inside. I would've rather cut my arm with a dull knife covered in anthrax than see her be hurt. Shelby may act like a hard ass most of the time, but internally, she was soft, almost vulnerable.

"Better than you? I don’t think so, sunshine. You’re perfect in my eyes."

She shook her head slightly. “I’m far from perfect. If anything, I’m tainted.”

I froze.

What. The. Fuck!

"Pardon me?" I asked, my voice hard. When she didn’t reply, I continued. "Shelby," my tone was lethal, "you've got about three seconds to explain that."

Leaning back in the booth, she dropped her hands to her lap and stared at me with hard eyes. "And what if I don't?" The challenge in her tone didn't go unnoticed. "What are you going to do, Detective Moretti?"

Detective Moretti... she was doing her best to distance herself from me.

Push all you want, sunshine. I’m not going anywhere.

After glancing at Lucca to make sure he wasn't affected by the thick air surrounding us, I leaned forward and placed my arms on the table. "What happened to you, Shelby?" Her brows furrowed and her lips pinched into a thin line. "Just tell me, sweetheart," I continued, "what caused you to have such a shitty view of yourself?"

It was a stupid thing to ask, but I was tired of dancing around the subject. I didn’t know what had taken place in Shelby’s past, but I knew it had to be bad. She was strong as hell, but she had shitty self-esteem.

Shelby’s face dropped at my question and the pissy look she'd been sporting slipped away. In its place, a look of pain settled over her gorgeous features.

My guts twisted at the sight.

"Anthony," she paused for a moment, "if I told you everything that's happened to me, I wouldn't be the only one calling me tainted. If you knew the truth about who I was, about what I’ve been through, you'd understand." She shook her head. "And you'd see exactly how scarred, how broken, how fricken damaged I am." She wasn't any of those things. "And trust me when I say you wouldn't ever call me sunshine again."

My head was about to explode.

"Baby," I said, exasperated, "I’ve already told you this once, but I’m going to tell you again. You are not your past." What would it take for her to understand? "I don't give a shit what you've been through or what's happened to you. None—and I mean none—of it will change how I see or feel about you."

Shelby’s face remained pained but her eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn’t read. Hope, maybe? “You can’t mean that.”

“The hell I can’t.” Anger nipped at every nerve in my body. I needed to make her understand how special she was. If I could make her see herself through my eyes, she’d never doubt herself again. “You want to know what I see when I look at you?”

She hesitated before offering a jerky nod.

This is your chance, Moretti. Don’t blow it.

“I see perfection, Shelby.” Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to reply, but I kept speaking, cutting her off. She probably thought I was mocking her, but I wasn’t. “The first time I saw you, you were standing in the middle of one of the most corrupt police stations in the entire state, prepared to go head to head with two men twice your size; and all because you thought they weren’t doing their jobs and protecting the people you care about.”

Her gaze shifted to Lucca, who still ignored us. Oblivious to the storm brewing around him, he chomped on a second lemon slice like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“I also see a loving mother who works her ass off to provide her son with a childhood that is the opposite of the one she suffered through.” It was the truth. The night I had dinner at Shelby’s house it was evident that she was doing everything possible to create a good life for him. He had toys, books, nice clothes. Her home was warm, clean, and her fridge was full of food.

“I see a selfless woman who barely has enough money to make ends meet yet she feeds a homeless man dinner every night so that he doesn’t go hungry.” It was one of the most selfless things I’d ever seen. Not many other people cared enough to do something like that. Most would’ve shunned Felix, writing him off as nothing more than a bum.

“I see a brave woman who works in the trenches, fighting for those who need her the most. Abused children, battered women, teenage runaways,” I paused. Taking a breath, I steadied my voice and continued, “Doesn’t matter who they are or what their story is, you work tirelessly to save them all. Do you have any damn idea how special that makes you?” I don’t think she had a clue. Most people didn’t give a shit about anybody but themselves. But Shelby? She cared about everyone around her. Even the people who society had written off. In fact, those were the people that my girl helped the most. Her heart was so big I didn’t know how it fit inside of her chest.

Overwhelmed with pride, I needed to tell her how I felt, even if it made me look and sound crazy. Taking a breath, I curled my fingers around the edge of the table and looked her directly in the eyes. “Want to know what else I see, sunshine?”

Her answer was swift. “Yes.”

“When I look at you, I see the woman who is meant to be my wife.”

She sat there like a mute, merely staring at me with wide eyes.

Needing to drive my point home, I pointed at Lucca. “I don’t know who Lucca’s father is and I don’t give a shit either.” Though I was sure as hell going to find out. It was obvious the guy wasn’t in the picture, and I needed to know why. Even if his absence made it easier for me to claim my family, I still had to find out what I was dealing with. “Like you, he is mine.”

And he was.

It didn’t matter that Lucca didn’t have my blood running through his veins. Like his mama, he was always meant to be mine. The day that Shelby became my wife, he would become my son.

“Anthony,” she replied, staring at me with unblinking eyes. “You have lost your godforsaken mind. I realize I’ve got a few screws loose but you’re nuttier than a squirrel turd.”

And the sass is back.

Steeling my features, I stared at her for a minute before replying. “Nuttier than a squirrel turd?” I ran a shaking hand through my hair. “You’re something else, you know that?”

Shelby rolled her eyes and continued to look at me like I was nuts.

I reached across the table and entwined her fingers with mine for a second time. Her gaze dipped to our connected hands. “I don’t understand you.” Her voice was so low I barely understood her. She lifted her head, and cautious eyes met mine. “You knock me off kilter.”

Welcome to my world, baby.

“It’s like,” she hesitated, “I don’t know which way is up with you. One minute you’re making me laugh and the next I’m ready to strangle you.” Squeezing her hand tighter, I silently urged her to continue. “Then you spout all this stuff about me being your wife and Lucca being yours. Do you have any idea how crazy that sounds?” She shook her head slightly. “Truth be told, I want to believe you,” she paused for a moment, “I really do. But the last man I trusted almost killed me. I can’t let that happen again.”

Whether she meant that figuratively or literally, I didn’t know, but I was sure as hell about to find out. Jaw locked, my chest tightened. “Shelby,” I somehow spoke through the anger enveloping me, “you talking about Lucca’s father? Did that son of a bitch hurt you?”

Determination spread across Shelby’s face, and her eyes lit up with a fierceness I’d never witnessed before. “Lucca doesn’t have a father.” She offered no further explanation. “Now,” she looked around the restaurant, trying her best to change the subject, “where the hell is our waitress? I’m feeling stabby, and unless I get food in my belly, I may hurt someone.” I chuckled at the way she swerved to avoid talking about Lucca’s father. “What? I’m starving. I can’t help it—” Her gaze moved past me, and her eyes narrowed. “You’ve gotta be shitting me.”

“Well look at what we have here,” a male voice said from beside me. I looked to the left and recognized the man from the diner immediately; the same one that Lucca favored looks wise. Just like last time, my hackles rose, and every possessive instinct ingrained in me washed over me like a tsunami.

What the hell is this guy’s name? Harold… Harry…

“It appears as though my favorite little pain in the ass is on a date,” he continued, taunting Shelby. Pulling my hand from hers, I was a second away from standing up and dealing with him, but Shelby beat me to it.

Should call her Firecracker in addition to sunshine.

“Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit,” she replied in a dry tone, “if it isn’t the biggest jackass this side of the Mississippi.” Leaning to the side, she looked past him. “Where’s Maddie? I need to talk to her. She knows she isn’t supposed to bring you inside.” She paused and her lips tilted heavenward. “Pretty sure it’s against health code to bring a dog inside a restaurant.”

The guy’s eyes narrowed. “Aren’t you a regular comedian.” Looking over at me, he pointed down at my girl. “If you’re planning on keeping her, I suggest you buy a muzzle or something. Chick has a mouth on her, man.”

My ire rose, and I stood up. Less than a foot separated his chest from mine. My fisted hands twitched at my sides. It didn’t matter that she had a mouth on her, he didn’t need to speak about her that way. I hadn’t been lying when I told her I’d deal with anyone who talked bad about her in front of me. Cop or not, I’d break half a dozen laws to defend her.

“Care to repeat that?”

The man—what the hell is his name?—didn’t flinch as I closed the space between us. He had balls; I’d give him that. Lucca babbled beside me, and I instinctively laid my hand on his back. “I don’t know who you are, but I suggest you watch your mouth from this moment forward. If you don’t, there will be consequences.”

The asshole smirked. “Yeah?” He tilted his chin up. “And just what are you going to do about it?” He was challenging me

Shelby chose that moment to jump up from the booth and shove herself between us. “He won't do a damn thing.” She rammed her elbow into my gut, forcing me to take a step back. “But I sure as hell will.” Flicking her long, golden hair over one shoulder, she stood straight and stared up at the man who towered over her. “You keep running your mouth to me, Hendrix Cole, and I swear to God I will neuter you with a dull knife and rusty pair of pliers.” He and I both cringed. “We clear?”

Maddie chose that moment to round the corner. “Oooh, what did I miss?” She asked in a chipper tone as she ducked under Hendrix’s arm and leaned against his side. “No, wait. Let me guess.” She looked from Shelby to me. “Handsome,” she pointed at Hendrix, “is acting like the big brother Shelby never had, isn’t he?” She smacked him playfully on the chest. “I told you to knock that crap off. In case you haven’t noticed, she’s plenty capable of taking care of herself.”

Shelby smirked and crossed her arms over her chest.

Lucca threw his lemon slice down on the ground. “Mad Mad!” He yelled, reaching for Maddie. “Up!”

Hendrix lifted Lucca from the high chair. “Sit down, pretty girl, and I’ll sit him beside you. He’s too big for you to lift.”

Maddie sat down at the booth we’d just stood from, and Hendrix placed Lucca on the bench beside her. “Hey, sweet pea.” Leaning over, she kissed him on the top of the head. “I missed you so much.”

Maddie looked up at Shelby. “Ya know what? I’ve got a great idea.”

Shelby’s face dropped before replying, “Last time you had a great idea I almost went to jail!”

Now, this is a story I need to hear.

Maddie rolled her eyes. “You’re never going to let that go are you?” Before Shelby could reply, she continued with, “why don’t you let me and Hendrix keep Lucca tonight? That way you and Anthony can spend some more quiet time together.” She glanced down at Lucca. “Besides, I figure we need all the practice we can get before our little munchkin is born.”

“Not tonight, Mads,” Shelby replied quickly. “I don’t need quiet time, and I don’t need—”

“Sure, ya do,” another familiar voice spoke from behind Maddie. Stepping up next to Hendrix, Grandmama of all people, smiled. “Now just agree to let Lucca spend the night with his Aunt Maddie, and nobody will have to get hurt.”

I glared down at the woman who wasn’t paying me a bit of attention. “What? You didn’t bring your gun this time?”

Her eyes snapped to meet mine. “Great,” she huffed. “Another smartass.”

Shelby threw her arms up in the air. “For Pete’s sake, people! We are standing in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Everybody,” she pointed around the room, “is looking at us. Either sit down or move outside. I hate being the center of attention.”

Moving over to the booth, Grandmama grabbed Shelby’s purse from the table. “Good idea,” she said, shoving the black bag into Shelby’s chest. “Time for you to go.”

“What?” Shelby asked, clearly confused.

Grandmama pointed at me. “You heard me. It’s time for you and Anthony to head home. Maddie is going to take Lucca for the night, and I’ll take him to daycare in the morning.” Shelby opened her mouth—no doubt to argue—but snapped it shut when Grandmama jabbed a withered finger into her chest. “Shelby Ray Mason, I’m telling you right now, if you start arguing with me, I will take a hickory switch to your behind.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Silence ensued.

“Sweetheart, you need a break. All you do is work, study, and take care of Lucca. It’s time for you to relax a little. Y’all go rent a movie or something and go home.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why did y’all come out for dinner anyway? I fried enough chicken to last a week. What happened to it?”

Shelby smiled, and I knew she was about to toss me under the bus.

I grabbed her arm and tugged her into my side.

She yelped at the sudden move, and Lucca giggled.

Guess he’s okay with me touching his Mama now.

“Time for us to go, baby,” I pulled her into my side, “tell everyone good-bye.”

Shelby scowled at me and mumbled something I couldn’t decipher under her breath. Stepping forward, she lifted Lucca up and hugged him to her chest. “Do you want to stay with Aunt Mad Mad, and Uncle Henny tonight, little man?”

Lucca nodded frantically. “Un-ka Henny!”

Shelby sighed, closed her eyes, and pressed her face to the side of his head. “Fine, but you owe me extra cuddles tomorrow. Squeezing him one last time she kissed him on his cheek. “Love you, sweet boy. More than you’ll ever know.”

Maddie wrapped an arm around Lucca when Shelby sat him back down. “Bye, Shelby,” she said, smiling. “You have the day off tomorrow so make sure you call me. I need to know you’re alright, crazy.”

Shelby raised a shaky hand and blew Maddie and Lucca both a kiss. “Love you, guys.”

Maddie blew a kiss right back. “Love you more.”

Turning to the side, Shelby gave Grandmama a quick hug. “Love you too, you crazy old biddy. Even if I do feel like whacking you upside the head with a shovel most of the time.”

Grandmama chuckled and planted a kiss on Shelby’s cheek. “Be safe, sweetheart. Call me before you go to bed. And remember, I’m right across the street. If he tries anything funny just holler. I may be old, but I’m still a hell of a shot.”

Next, Hendrix wrapped a lock of Shelby’s hair around his finger. “Be good, brat.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight.

I was surprised when Shelby didn’t punch him. I didn’t understand their relationship, but it was obvious they cared about each other.

Hugging him in return, Shelby whispered, “take care of them for me.”

Hendrix nodded. “Always, blondie.”

Stepping back, she looked up at me. “Ready to take me home?”

I had zero intentions of taking her to her duplex. The only place she was going was to my house. “Let’s go, baby.”

With trepidation swirling in her eyes, Shelby moved toward the door.

“Bye, Anthony,” Maddie said, waving a hand in the air.

I waved right back. “Yeah, see ya.”

Shelby and I both walked out the door.