All I Need: Rod & Daisy (All Of Me Duet Book 2) by A.D. Justice (electric book reader txt) 📕

after eighteen months, with four and a half years on probation. He’ll also have to register as a sex offender. He tried to argue at first since he really, really didn’t want to go to prison, but she convinced him to take the deal. She pointed out she wouldn’t be able to give him such a sweet deal if more women came forward with assault charges.

“I know that doesn’t sound like enough prison time after what you’ve been through, but I assure you a bench or jury trial wouldn’t have produced any different results. At least with this deal, we get him off the streets immediately.”

“Thank you, Detective Knox. That’s great news. Daisy and I appreciate how thorough you’ve been and how seriously you took this case. We weren’t expecting this news today, so we this is a pleasant surprise. In fact, I think Daisy is in shock and unable to speak at the moment.” I rush to her side before she faints on me.

“That’s understandable. His comeuppance has been a long time in the making. Finding some sort of closure can be overwhelming and surreal. When everything sinks in, feel free to call me if you have any questions. He’s incarcerated now, and we will transfer him to the state prison as soon as the Department of Corrections processes his sentencing papers. He won’t around to bother anyone for quite a while.”

“Thank you, Detective.” Daisy manages a short reply before disconnecting the call.

Then she turns to me and throws her arms around my neck. Sobs wrack her body. Hot tears drench my neck, and her fingers dig into my shoulders. She’s crying so hard it scares me—for her health.

“It’s finally over, Rod. It’s really done.” Hearing her voice, even broken from crying, makes me feel slightly better. “Thank you for standing by me through this whole nightmare. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Baby, why didn’t you tell me this was taking such a toll on you?”

“I didn’t realize how stressed I’ve been over it until the detective said he’ll be sent to the state prison soon. I’ve been carrying this around for years and now it’s finally over.” She dries her face off and takes a deep, calming breath.

“Are you better now, my love?”

“Better.” She nods and gives me a watery smile. “This is emotional enough as it is. Add pregnancy hormones on top, and it’s a recipe for an instant meltdown.”

“I’m holding you to that early maternity leave agreement. You need a break. Your body needs a break too.”

“No argument here. I don’t have enough energy left in me to fight. The temporary teacher has already started working with me so she can take over in case of an emergency. Twins are slightly harder on the mom than a single baby, you know. Tomorrow, I’ll let her and the administration know I won’t be back beginning next week.”

“I’m so relieved to hear you say that. You have no idea how much.” After leaving a million kisses all over her face, I take her to the kitchen and make her favorite meal—herb and mustard sirloin and a loaded baked potato. With hot food in her, she seems calmer, but I still insist she rests on the couch while I bathe the kids and get them ready for bed.

Juliana comes in to say goodnight to Isa, then asks to talk to me in private. Although I’ve had enough surprises for today, I can’t refuse her request. The two leading ladies in my life both need my best, and I’ll do whatever it takes to give it to them. She and I sit in my office with the door closed.

“What’s up, little bird?”

“Gabe called a few minutes ago.”

That’s not at all what I expected her to say.

“What? Gabe called you? Why? What does he want?” If he thinks he’s getting close to Isa, he’s fucking crazy.

“He wanted you, Daisy, and me to know he cooperated with the investigation and had enough information from their fraternity days to help the police get a confession. He’s not looking for a pat on the back for it though. He said it felt good to do the right thing for a change, and he wanted us to know his former buddy is no longer a threat.” Her deadpan tone isn’t fooling me. She’s trying to act as though she’s unaffected by his outreach, but I know Juliana. Common sense never entered her mind where Gabe was concerned.

“The detective called to tell us just a few minutes ago. I appreciate his cooperation and help, but that doesn’t make up for protecting that prick for years or for what he did to you and Isa. Doing what’s right is the least he could’ve done in this situation.”

“It’s a step in the right direction. Give him credit for that much.”

“Jules, you know it’s hard for me to give him any credit at all. But I do appreciate his coming forward to stop his college buddy from ruining more lives than he already has over the past seven or eight years.”

“Fair enough. What else did the detective say?”

Over the next few minutes, I bring Jules up to date on the case, then I pry into how she feels. She’s been quiet about the side effects of her treatment to prevent the cancer from advancing further. I’m well aware of what a horrible toll it takes on her body, her appetite, and her energy. The home health nurse has been coming by a couple times a week to make sure she’s staying hydrated between doctor visits.

“I’m hanging in there, my overprotective brother. You have a nurse checking on me frequently, and I’m constantly in the doctor’s office for one thing or another. Yes, cancer sucks, but I’m dealing with it. I’ve promised to tell you if I have new symptoms. So far, I’ve only had the same ones I’ve been dealing with, so not much has changed.”

“Please just hold the line until the twins are born. The doctors have