Page 19 of Defending What is Mine

As soon as I have the details, I text Sam.

ME: Everything is good to go. He said he’ll be there by one to make sure the fence and stuff is set up before guests arrive.

ME: Can’t wait to see the look on her face.

Sam: Fence?

* * *

After realizing I don’t actually know this man, I decide it would be wise to arrive around one myself. Early enough that I’ll be able to keep an eye on things, but not so early that it puts me into some creepy-stalker-guy status (at least I hope.) As I crest the final hill on their street at ten minutes after, my eyes practically pop out of my head. Parked in front of their duplex—blocking their driveway and most of the front yard—are two obnoxiously red and blue trailers plastered with a disconcertingly large clown face under the headline, ‘Magic Rob’s Traveling Circus.’ Thanks to the trucks and trailers, I have to park down the street.

As I walk back to the house, I spot a man who I can only assume is Rob, given that he’s dressed in a clown costume, wearing a pair of red, size 20 shoes, and his painted face is a damn close match to the one on the trailers. He’s standing in the yard giving directions to the other workers about where they should set the fencing and unload the animals.

“Rob?” I ask as I extend my hand.

The clown nods.

“Jack Wilde. We spoke on the phone. Thanks for doing this on such short notice.”

Rob the Clown stares, ignoring my extended hand. “Did you bring cash?”

“Uh. Yeah. That’s what you said on the phone.” I reach into my back pocket and pull out a stuffed white envelope.

The clown smiles wide through his painted-on expression. “Hey.” He pauses while he opens the envelope and quickly counts the money. When he’s satisfied, he shakes my hand vigorously. “Seeing those little faces light up with a smile makes it all worthwhile, you know what I mean?”

“Yeah.” I hesitantly nod in agreement. “That’s the hope.”

“Don’t you worry, pal. For what you’re paying”—he holds up the envelope and waves it at me—“I’ll make sure she feels like the belle of the ball today.”

“For what I’m paying, you better,” I say as I head for the door.

Just as I reach the sidewalk, I spot Sam attempting to maneuver a folding table through the front door by herself and hustle to help. “Need a hand?”

Without looking up, she blows at the loose strands of hair that have fallen in her face, then answers briskly. “Sure, if you have the time to spare. Mind grabbing that end? It’s starting to slip.”

“Whatever you need, beautiful,” I say with a smile.

Startled, Sam looks up. “Jack?” She gives me an incredulous look and gestures over my shoulder. “My God! What have you done?”

Sheepishly, I look back at the yard turned petting zoo. “Are you mad? It’s too much, isn’t it? In my defense, I had no idea it would be so…so big.”

“Mad? Are you kidding? When Mollie and Vanessa come over the hill and see all of this, God, you’ll be a living, breathing, superhero to that girl. But it must have cost a fortune. I can’t let you pay for this. Not by yourself.”

I step forward, pulling the screen door back to lock it open, before picking up my end of the table. “Where to?”

“Over there, next to the driveway. This one is for gifts and party bags, and then…if you don’t mind, there’s a picnic table in the back that I’d like to bring around front, too.”

I stop abruptly and straighten, squaring my shoulders and standing tall, as if I’m about to salute a commanding officer. “Ma’am, No problem, Ma’am. Just aim me in a direction and issue your orders.” Sam’s eyes light up and I make a mental note that a little Army polish goes a long way with her.

I happily assist with whatever other tasks she finds, ensuring she’s satisfied with every last detail before the party gets underway. Next thing I know, as we stand in the living room sipping on a much needed glass of cold lemonade, the front door is thrown open, followed by a crazy-eyed little monkey running into the house and practically knocking Sam to the ground as she jumps into her arms and wraps her in a hug. “Thank you, Mommy! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the best surprise ever.”

The looks on both Sam and Vanessa’s faces are more than enough thanks for the time and money I invested in the day. Consider me an addict. Whatever it takes to keep them looking like that, I’m their man.

“Sweetheart, I’m glad you like it, but don’t thank me. Thank him.” Sam spins around, turning until Vanessa and I are face to face and I get a chance to fully appreciate her ear-to-ear grin.

Yep. Right there. No doubt about it. Addicted. “Honestly, your mom here is the one who did all work. I just made a phone call.”

Sam tilts her head and shoots me a look, but I continue before she has the chance to say anything. “See, she was telling me how important it was that you have the best, most special, most unforgettable day. That way you would know just how important you are to her. So?” I trace my index finger down the girl’s nose. “Did it work? Do you know just how special and unforgettable you are?”

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