Page 52 of The Snuggle is Real
“Sasha,” I said in a warning tone.
“What?” She blinked at me, trying to look innocent. “It’s true. LuAnne has sure gotten herself in a mess this time.”
“You don’t know anything,” Charlie said angrily.
Sasha crouched to put herself at Charlie’s level. “Well, I know she’s not here for you, honey. If I were your mama, I’d never?—”
“Shut up!” Charlie shoved her. “You’re not my mama and your shoes are stupid!”
Balanced on those heels, Sasha didn’t stand a chance. She fell on her butt with a shriek.
Charlie darted out of the line, dashing tears from her face.
“Charlie!” I called, but she broke into a run.
Sasha grabbed my leg. “Help me up! I’m getting all wet.”
I shook her off. “Charlie’s right. You don’t know anything, and this is none of your damn business.”
“But Ford?—”
“I’m her family! Me!”
I charged after Charlie, my throat tight with pain for my little girl.
She’d been so happy the past few days I’d convinced myself that she was over her mom’s absence. Stupid. She was just a kid, and her mom had been her whole world. Sasha’s words weren’t just stupid; they were cruel.
Charlie ran straight to Mason, dashing around the table and burying her face in his chest with a sob. Dottie was there too, clucking and stroking Charlie’s hair.
He spoke softly with her while I made my way over. Now that I knew she was safe, I gave her a few minutes to get the comfort she needed.
My heart ached that she’d run from me, but I was glad she hadsomeoneshe could trust.
Dottie rounded on me when I arrived. “What on earth happened back there? Charlie’s very upset.”
Her scolding tone was like salt to the wound.
“I know.” I tugged at my beard in frustration. “She ran off before I could stop her.” My gaze went to Mason. “Thank you for being here for her.”
“Of course,” he murmured.
“I want my mommy,” Charlie said in a sad little voice. “Why doesn’t she call? I want to talk to her.”
I stood by helplessly as Mason squeezed her close and rocked her, his eyes on mine. “I’m sure she misses you too.”
Charlie sniffled. “If she missed me, she’d call.”
“Charlie, she’s trying to get better.” My voice came out too thick and I cleared my throat. “If she could call, I’m sure she would.”
Charlie tipped her face toward me, looking wary. “You think so?”
I nodded. “I know it. Your mom is sick, but she loves you. You know that, right?”
Charlie gave a shuddering sigh. “I guess.”
“You know who else loves you?” Mason said.
“Who?” Charlie asked.
