You Deserve The Best, Jerome -- Chap 1 Episode 11

Michele dispaired. The usually outgoing and cheerful Jerome became a stiff, wooden dummy when confronted with his son. She wished there was more she could do to help him. She gave him time and space.

It helped that Jerchele was such a delightful baby. He never cried unless he had a poopie. He cooed and giggled and gurgled all day long. But still Jerome watched him suspiciously from a distance. Then one day Michele spied Jerome doing that thing he did-- standing 3 feet back from the bassinet and staring in terror. But then, instead stepping away, he stepped closer.

"Hello pretty baby."
"ggrr gogogg thhbpt"

"Why, you're a stinky baby, ain't you?"

"Waaaa aa! erp. Greehe."

Michele felt a wave of happiness sweep over her. Her big, strong detective almost slain by an itty bitty baby. He was so brave.

"And then he got a teeny, tiny stiffy and peed right in my face."

"That's how you know he loves you."

The breakthrough with his son relieved some of the stress Jerome was going through. Some. He still tossed and turned at night. Michele knew what he dreamed of. Commitment. Permanence. She didn't know why she kept herself apart from him. He deserved better.

Marry me?

Yes