Ice and Fire novel Chapter 399

When they got home, Cherry busied herself preparing dinner for her and Joe while he watched cartoons in the living room.

Her cell phone was in her pocket and suddenly rang, when she pulled it out, she saw Jackson was calling.

She quickly swiped to accept his call saying into it, "Hello, Jackson!"

"Where are you, Babe?" asked Jackson hurriedly.

"I'm home, " replied Cherry. She could hear the worry in Jackson's voice and that he seemed rushed, so she added, "Why? What's up?"

"Wait for me there. I'll be home soon." Jackson hung up as soon as he gave her the short message.

Cherry slipped the cell phone back into her pocket, a little confused. 'What just happened?' she wondered. Jackson sounded like he was in a rush.

When dinner was ready, Cherry walked into the living room and found Joe, still happily lounging, while he watched cartoons.

When Joe saw his Mommy, he gave her a huge happy grin and asked, "Is dinner ready yet Mommy?"

"Yes, " said Cherry, as she sat down next to him. Her voice was tender as she told him, "But, we have to wait for Daddy to get here. He will be here soon, and the three of us will have dinner together."

"Will Daddy be home soon?" Joe asked, expectantly looking at his Mommy, there was a tinge of disbelief in his gaze.

Cherry nodded and smiled as she told Joe, "Yes, Daddy just called and told me that he would be here soon."

"Yeah! That's awesome!" Joe shouted excitedly. He was so thrilled about what his mother said, that he gleefully clapped his hands. "Then we all get to eat dinner together!" He could hardly contain himself.

Joe's delightful, happy mood was contagious, and Cherry found herself grinning and giggling, just from seeing his happy smile. She also felt a bit apprehensive, because of how Jackson sounded on the cell phone. She could tell something serious was on his mind. 'I hope everything is okay.' she thought, and in her heart, she prayed.

Ten minutes had slowly ticked by before Cherry and Joe heard the door being opened. They spun around, and saw Jackson.

"Daddy, Daddy!" shouted Joe, as he happily darted at Jackson with his arms wide open and a wide grin.

Jackson was overjoyed to see his little son, and knelt on one knee with his arms stretched to receive Joe's hug, and to give an equally happy, tight hug in return. He said affectionately, "Oh, my sweet, good boy, I am home." He tousled Joe's hair and scooped him up, carrying Joe back into living room.

"Joe and I were waiting for you so we could all have dinner together." Cherry said, keeping her tone light as she looked at Jackson, "Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Yes, yes, everything is great, now. I missed you both so much, so I hurried back today." He let Joe down as he replied. He didn't want his small son to know there was something on his mind.

"Mommy, since Daddy is home now, can we have dinner? I'm starving!" Joe asked, and angelic smile on his face.