Page 40 of The Snuggle is Real
Charlie flung her arms around my waist, hugging my middle. I gently smoothed her curly hair, touched by her affection. It had been a long time since I’d had a proper hug, being away from my family.
“Anytime, Charlie. It was fun to spend time with you both.”
Once she’d gone into the bathroom, Ford turned to me. “I know you want to help us, but getting us a tree? You can’t honestly tell me you’ve got donations earmarked for that.”
“Not yet.”
“Mason…”
“Ford, I told you that I was testing this new Adopt-A-Family program. The point isn’t to provide only for someone’s base needs. If it was, we’d be called The Needs Foundation. We’re the Holiday Hope Foundation, because we want families to hope for better. We want them free to enjoy the holidays, to spend timewith their loved ones, to celebrate this special season without worry and stress.”
Ford chuckled. “Life without worry? What’s that like?”
“If you relax and accept what’s freely given, then maybe you could find out?”
He rolled his shoulders. Then his neck. I wasn’t sure if Ford was gearing up for a thank you or a wrestling match.
“I guess I have been a little uptight about all this,” he admitted.
“Just a smidge,” I teased.
“I’ll try to be more gracious.” His brow furrowed. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate what your agency is offering. I really do.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I just…I can’t help but feel like I shouldn’t need help. That I should do better.”
“Give yourself a break, Ford. You’re on your own without a support system. That’s why agencies like mine exist. To fill those gaps. It doesn’t mean you’ll need us forever.”
“I had no idea I’d have Charlie or I could have planned ahead, saved more, maybe lined up more work.”
I nodded. “There you go. This is an extenuating circumstance.”
He smiled ruefully. “You’re just placating me, aren’t you? The poor guy with the hurt ego.”
I laughed lightly. “I guess it didn’t work?”
“Eh, better than you telling me to stop bellyaching and put Charlie first.”
“You’ll always put Charlie first,” I said. “I’m sure of that.”
“You’re right.” He opened the front door to gesture me through. “That girl flashes her big brown eyes at me, and I’m toast.”
I chuckled. “Welcome to being a dad.”
He smiled. “I guess I am one now, huh? At least for a little while.”
“Maybe you always have been.”
“Thank you,” he rasped, eyes gleaming. “For everything.”
I held his gaze. “It’s my pleasure.”
As I walked out to my car, I realized I meant it. Maybe a little too much.
CHAPTER 12
Ford
