Daddy Undercover (Crescent Cove 9)

“Oh, don’t start that up.”

I dabbed my eyes. “Sorry.”

“I meant the Ric stuff,” she wrinkled her nose at the old nickname, “but definitely the waterworks too.” She pulled me in for a fierce hug. “Someday, you’ll have one too. Just don’t rush it.”

My sister’s plum and jasmine scent rolled over me. She’d been out of the loop of the Cove for the last few years—only returning this year—and really didn’t know just how inaccurate that probably was. I glanced at my mother, but she’d averted her eyes to her plate.

I pulled away and dabbed at the corners of my eyes. “I don’t have time to fix my mascara, so no more tears. I’m just really happy for you.”

“Well, don’t worry. I’ll be using Aunt Gina’s services.”

I laughed. “This town keeps my babysitting muscles in tiptop shape.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Erica popped the last fry on her plate in her mouth. “I’m sufficiently ready for more shopping.” She pushed me out of the booth. “After I pee. You know, it’s been a whole twenty minutes.”

I stood and let her go by.

“She doesn’t know, mija.”

I waved off my mother. I definitely didn’t want to discuss that with her right now. “It’s not a big deal.”

She reached for my hand. “There are miracles every day, especially in Crescent Cove.”

I squeezed her fingers and quickly let go. “I’ve got plenty of time for that, mami.”

“That’s right.”

The early lunch crowd started filtering in. Polly was a really good waitress, but she only had two hands.

I leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to my mom’s cheek. “Gotta work.”

“Go. I can amuse myself.” She pulled her huge purse onto the table.

“Put your money away. I got it.”

“Mitchell doesn’t allow free food.”

“Yes, but I do get a discount.” I winked at my mom. She always enjoyed a good deal. “If you want to pick up some streamers for me, that would be a big help.”

“That I can do.”

Kayla and I already had enough decorations for baby showers for the entire town, but the suggestion distracted my mother enough to put away her wallet.

I waved at my sister where she was waiting by the front door.

“That’s my cue.” My mom slid out of the booth and slipped on her jacket. “I’ll check in later about the shower.”

“Sounds good.” My mother didn’t know how to not check in and hover over plans. “Don’t you have to work at the station?”

“No, the sheriff is training Christian to cover dispatch for when the baby comes. Just in case your sister needs me.”

“Jared didn’t mention that to me.”

“It was a spur of the moment thing. He understands how important family is.”

Of course he did. I knew that more than anyone since he was my best friend. He put up with my zany family with very few complaints. Heck, he dealt with the whole crazy town without much grumbling.

Even if he got his uniform pants in a wad some days.