Page 101 of Auctioned to the Devil

“Would’ve thrown you over my shoulder.”

“There he is again.”

I kiss her.

She laughs against my mouth, but her arms slide around my neck.

Then three sets of footsteps thunder down the stairs.

We separate just before Jack barrels into the room.

“Daddy!”

“What?”

“There’s a bear!”

I’m on my feet before he finishes.

“Where?”

“In our room!”

I stop.

Emily starts laughing.

“What?”

Sophie appears behind him carrying a stuffed black bear.

“Jack’s scared.”

“I am not!”

“You screamed.”

“Because it surprised me!”

I stare at all three of them.

Then at Emily.

She’s trying not to laugh.

Failing.

“You’re enjoying this.”

“Immensely.”

Lily climbs onto the couch beside her.

“Daddy, are bears scared of you?”

Emily snorts.

I ignore her.