Ice and Fire novel Chapter 420

Cherry rushed home that afternoon, and breathed a sigh of relief to see Joe happily watching cartoons in the living room. Still concerned, she blurted, "Joe, what happened today?"

"Don't worry, Mommy, nothing happened." Reassured Joe as he ran over to his Mommy. He smiled, "I knew you were busy at work and you would be tired, and didn't want you to exhaust yourself, so, I called Uncle Bill and asked him to pick me up after school. See? Here I am safe at home!"

"Really? Nothing happened?" Cherry asked again. Her heart hadn't stopped pounding with fear since Joe called earlier and told her to go home after work. He said Bill was collecting him after school, which left her worried that something had happened, so, she rushed home to check on him. To her surprise and relief, she'd found he was relaxed, and plopped out in front of the tv.

"Nothing happened, " said Joe smiling, "Mommy, your son is very clever! Why wouldn't I tell you if something had happened?"

That put Cherry's mind at ease, and she finally stopped worrying. Looking down at her contented son, Cherry couldn't help but shake her head and reprimand him, "Do you know how worried I was when I got your call? I thought something happened."

"But, now you see, I am really okay! Everything is good, Mommy!" said Joe impatiently waving his hand.

"Joe, get over here and show proper respect to your Mommy!" Cherry knitted her brow, pretending to be mad at him and said, "You're such a brat, letting me worry for you like that!"

Joe took his Mommy's hands and with a tone of reverence declared, "Long live my Empress Mother!" he peered at her before he added, "Will you sleep on the couch with me tonight?"

"You brat, what are you up to? Be careful that your father doesn't find out. Or he will punch you when gets home." Cherry smiled, lightly scolding Joe.

"Well, I don't think Daddy will punch me! He's reluctant to hit me, because he loves me dearly!" said Joe in a confident manner.

"Now, listen carefully, Joe. You are my son. I went through a lot of pain to give birth to you. So, you must be responsible and tell me anything that happens to you, okay? You mustn't hide things from me, understood?" Cherry instructed her son.

"I know, I will. You are the greatest mother! I will be alright." said Joe, as he beat his chest. He then continued, "Do you know who I am? I am the son of Jackson. I am awesome and no one would dare to hurt me!"

When she heard the funny voice Joe spoke in, and saw his incorrigible expression, Cherry suddenly laughed. She felt lucky to have such a lovely son.

Cherry straightened herself out and ordered, "Joe, it's time to turn the TV off now, and get upstairs to start working on homework. I'm going to cook dinner while we wait for your Daddy to get home."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Joe bowed, folding his hands in front as he did, and then darted up the stairs.

After watching Joe disappear upstairs, Cherry headed into the kitchen and started preparing their dinner.

When Jackson finally got home, he heard Cherry busy cooking in the kitchen, so, he changed into a pair of cotton slippers and headed to the kitchen.

He smiled contentedly as he quietly stood behind Cherry taking in the serenity of the domestic moment, before enveloping his arms on her waist, and resting his head on her shoulder.

Cherry almost jumped, but she knew the familiar warmth of the strong embrace was Jackson. After a second, she warned him, "I am cooking here, so you need to back up a little, or you might get splattered with burning oil."

"I'm not worried about being burnt, as long as I'm with you, " Jackson whispered into Cherry's ear. No matter how busy he was, or tired he felt, as soon as he was home and breathed in the scent of this woman, he relaxed, because she was the refuge for his heart.