John had just had his 5th cup of coffee he hadn't slept at all in the past 2 days. He knew something was wrong when she left why hadn't he tried to stop her or at least get her to stop. By now everyone knew Ashley had taken off most people were surprised but a few weren't. John was so sick of people offering him their sympathy they acted like she was dead. He was mad but most of all he was hurt the love of his life had abandoned him and their 3 children to go god knows where. But even now he couldn't hate her, he just wanted her to come home and for everything to be like it was before. He'd been in his office pacing around for hours but he didn't seem to notice.
"Daddy" came a voice from behind him. There Gracie stood in her pink night gown and slippers.
"Gracie what is it you should be asleep" he said. He winced because his voice sounded rougher than he would have wanted it to.
"I miss mommy" she said. "did i do something wrong?"
John's heart broke in all his worry and self denial he had never thought about how this would effect Gracie or the boys.
"Baby you didn't do anything wrong" he said. "come here" he said.
John sat down and pulled Gracie on to his lap. She laid back against his chest.
"Your mom left because she felt she had too" he said "she just needs to figure somethings out"
"So she's coming back right?" Gracie asked.
"Of course she is" John said. He wasn't sure who he was trying to convince himself or Gracie.
"Mommy loves me and Talon and Christian and she wouldn't leave us without a reason right" Gracie said.
"Yep your mom loves you so much, I bet she is thinking about you right now" he said.
"You think?" she asked.
"I know it" he replied.
"She loves you too daddy" Gracie said.
"I know baby I know" John said. "now it's time for you to get some sleep so go"
"Ok night daddy I love you" she said.
"Love you too" he said.