Code Name Heist (Jameson Force Security 3)

Sin is off talking to Joslyn. For a moment, I find myself alone while I nurse my beer until my eyes latch onto Anna Tate sitting at a table holding her baby. She gave birth a little over two months ago, and I’m not surprised she’s here. Kynan and Joslyn have kept her inside the fold of Jameson, refusing to move on from Jimmy’s death without her still in our lives.

Kynan had told me that she hung out at headquarters a lot at first, trying to understand what had gone so horribly wrong. There were no answers. Then the stress of Jimmy’s death had put her on bedrest, but Joslyn had been her constant visitor. Even though Anna has family in the Pittsburgh area, it had been a community effort to help Anna through the remainder of her pregnancy.

And then little Avery was born—a sweet baby girl I had been told Jimmy had wanted instead of a little boy as he’d felt he could spoil her a lot more than he could a son.

Barrett had told Sin and me one night at dinner that Anna had started coming around more after the birth. She’d bring Avery by to show everyone, especially because she looked so much like Jimmy.

And then she started helping out here and there while her mom watched the baby so she could get out of the house.

Next thing we know, Anna works part-time at Jameson, mostly as Kynan’s personal secretary, but also wherever else she can lend a hand.

It seems as if Anna has somehow taken Jimmy’s place at Jameson, not to do the same type of work, of course, but so his spirit remains. It’s been nice getting to know her a bit over the last few months. While she’s still a bit grief-stricken over losing her husband as well as overwhelmed with being a single mom, she’s persevered.

I glance one more time over at Sin before making my way over to Anna. She glances up as I approach, giving me a friendly smile, “Hey, Saint.”

Squatting beside her, I set my beer on the table and look at the sweet little girl in her arms. I wonder when that will happen for Sin and me? Avery’s wrapped in a lightweight pink blanket, gazing up at the twinkling lights above her.

Reaching over, I touch my fingertip to her cheek, and she smiles. “She’s the prettiest thing here today, but don’t tell Joslyn I said that.”

Anna snickers, smiling down at her daughter. “I’m a little biased as I favor her, too, so your secret is safe with me.”

“How are you?” I ask, noting the smile slipping a little.

“I’m hanging in there,” she says, her eyes resolute. “One day at a time. Between this little girl and Kynan running me ragged, I’m staying busy enough.”

“That’s good to hear,” I say as I straighten up.

“Hey… can you do me a favor?” she asks, also rising from her chair.

“Sure,” I reply easily.

Suddenly, she’s shoving Avery into my arms. “Can you hold her a minute? I have to pee like a racehorse, then I want to grab a plate of food.”

I take the baby, not sure what to do. I don’t have much experience with them at all.

Actually… I have no experience. This is like the first time I’ve ever held one.

“Um… wouldn’t you rather—”

But she’s gone.

Anna ditched me with her child.

I mean, what type of mother does that? For all she knows, I could be the world’s clumsiest dolt. I could drop the baby or—

Avery starts to make sounds of distress. I panic, alarm pulsing through every vein in my body.

“Oh, please don’t cry,” I mutter as I drop into the chair Anna vacated. “Please don’t cry. Please don’t cry.”

I gently rock Avery back and forth, all the while muttering and pleading for her not to cry.

Miraculously, she doesn’t, but watches me with interest. Getting a little bolder, I make a funny face.

Avery rewards me with a gummy grin.

“Oh, who’s a sweet little girl?” I coo, crossing my eyes and then blowing a raspberry.

When she giggles, I’m completely fucking gone.

“Wow,” I hear Sin’s voice before I see her. She moves to my side, peeking over my shoulder at the baby. “You’re a natural.”

“Not really,” I mutter, sparing her a short glance before giving my undivided attention back to Avery.

Sin pulls a chair out from the table, turns it, and sits facing me, her knees almost touching mine. We stare at the baby for a bit, dopey smiles on our faces.

“You’re a natural,” she says again, and I hear something in her voice that strikes me as a bit… odd.

Almost relieved even.

When I look up, she’s grinning.

“What?” I ask, wanting to know the secret that hides behind the mischief now in her expression.

“Well,” she drawls as she leans in a little closer to me. “I wasn’t going to say anything yet because I wanted to reveal it to you in a big way, but…”