Page 100 of Jackass

“Ok, let’s end this here, and we can pick this back up in the morning. We need to work out a plan to find this woman. Everyone, go get some sleep.” King slammed the gavel on the table, and we all shuffled out of church.

I didn’t hang around downstairs. Making my way to Charlie’s room, I needed to check in on her. See her safe in her bed. When I opened the door, Charlie wasn’t alone. Sammy laid in the bed, snuggled up with our daughter.

After what I learned tonight, I stripped down to my boxers and climbed into bed with my family. Sammy had the right idea. Though, I knew she slept in here because she was mad at me. But right then, I didn’t care, I just needed to hold them both.

I laid my arm across Sammy’s hip, and she stirred.

“Jack?”

“Shh, baby. I know I fucked up. We can talk about it in the morning. Right now, I just want to snuggle with my girls.”

I laid there listening until her breaths evened out, and I finally relaxed enough to get a few hours’ rest before I had to shatter my woman’s heart.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Samantha

I woke up alone. I remembered Jack slipping into bed with Charlie and me last night. Now they were both gone.

I picked up my phone to check the time. Seeing it was almost ten, I climbed from the bed and headed for the bathroom. My clothes were all in Jack’s room, so I would save the shower for later. I needed to find out where my daughter was. I threw on the same jeans and T-shirt I wore yesterday and went downstairs.

Trudging down the stairs, I headed straight for the kitchen.

The kitchen was empty.

I stepped into the main room and found Charlie snuggled up on the couch with Tank, watchingMy Little Pony.

I quietly stood by the couch until Tank noticed me.

“Oh hey, Samantha.” Tank grinned.

He didn’t appear bothered at all to be caught watching a children’s program.

“Riveting show, I see.” I chuckled when he narrowed his eyes at me.

“Hey, it’s got everything. Horses, drama, life lessons. What more could anyone want?”

“Shh,” Charlie scolded us, without taking her eyes from the TV.

“Sorry, baby,” I told her. “Do you know where Jack is?” I whispered to Tank.

“They’re back in church. They went in right after breakfast. Jack asked me to sit with Charlie so you could sleep.”

“Uncle Tank, no talking,” Charlie reprimanded.

Tank locked eyes with Charlie and, with his fingers, he made a show of locking his lips and handing her the key.

I couldn’t help the chuckle that slipped from my lips, seeing this mountain of a man snuggled up with my four-year-old daughter watching a show about magical animated ponies.

Leaving the two of them to their show, I walked over and sat at the bar.

“What can I get you?”

I looked up at the voice that spoke to me.

Mimic stood there, eyes hard, focused on me.

“Nothing, thank you.” I shook my head. Turning toward the church doors, I willed them to open.

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