Page 75 of The Snuggle is Real
“C’mon, Charlie.” I walked her back to the living room, Pepper hot on our heels.
“Is my project to keep your dog busy? He seems like he wants to play.”
I chuckled. “Well, yes, that’s your big project for the day, but I thought maybe you could help with this too.”
I opened the coat closet and dragged out a plastic tub. Christmas lights spilled over the top edge, cords jumbled together.
“I want to hang these along the front porch, but they’re all knotted up. Do you think you could untangle them for me?”
Charlie looked dubious. “I can try.”
“Trying is all I ask. It’s not too hard if you’re patient.” I squatted down and worked at unwinding a few strands. “See? You just have to keep following the line, untangling it, then working a little farther along.”
“It’s kind of like a puzzle,” Charlie said.
“It is,” I agreed. “A fun little brain twister. Just like these cords are twisted up.”
“If I work hard, will you pay me like you’re paying Dad. I want to buy him a present.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Dad, huh?”
Her cheeks went pink. “I mean Ford.”
“Can I let you in on a little secret?”
“What’s that?”
“I think he would love it if you called him Dad.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm. That’s probably the best Christmas gift you can give him. But, of course I’ll pay you something for your work so you can get him a present too. It’s very sweet of you to think of him.”
“Well, I might have to leave before Christmas, and I think he’s a little sad about it. I want to at least leave him with a gift.”
“But I thought you were staying until closer to the new year?”
“Me too.” She shrugged. “My mom called. She might get out early. Ford is trying to convince her to stay with him, but she might not do it.”
“Oh. That would be really nice for you all if it worked out.”
My throat tightened, and I had to swallow with effort. I always knew Ford wasn’t for me, but an ugly, squirmy feeling rose in me at the thought of him reconciling with Charlie’s mom.
It would be the best thing for Charlie, of course. Maybe Ford too. He’d have a family again.
“I better get your dad started on his projects.”
“Okay.”
I stood and walked back into the dining room. Ford glanced up from the list. “I should make a run to the hardware store.”
I nodded mutely. “Go then.”
His brow furrowed. “Are you okay?”
I forced a smile. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
He cocked his head. “I don’t know, but you don’t seem…”
