6

CJ was surprised when his father approached him shoving money in his face like a fan.

"Who do I have to kill and will Taddy find out" CJ deadpanned in true Jones style.

"I know you like your weekends to yourself and I know you probably have plans tomorrow night but I was kinda hoping …" Jack shrugged and looked contrite, "You might take the twins to the movies and Maccas for the evening."

"Movie and fast food?" CJ grinned as he eyed the money, enough for Tarn to come as well if he was careful with it.

Jack seemed to sense his hesitation and withdrew his wallet, adding another 20 pound note, "Please? The kids should get to know this Tarn if he's gonna start coming around."

CJ's face lit up and Jack knew he'd played the trump card.

"I was hoping to ask Tad if Tarn could come to dinner one night, so you could meet him and …wow, really?" CJ grinned, "That's enough for all of us to have fun."

Jack frowned and casually added another note to the pile and now CJ's mouth was watering.

"Maybe the arcade before the movie then, to tire them a bit and keep them in their seats" Jack said with a shrug and CJ snatched the money.

As CJ counted it and saw it was more than he would need for two dates he became suspicious, "What are you and Tad gonna do?"

"Hang out. Watch telly. Talk" Jack shrugged and CJ's head flew up at the last word.

"You can't leave him. You can't leave us!" the money fluttered to the floor as CJ advanced on his startled father.

"You hurt him and I'll pound you!" CJ snarled, "You don't get to leave us. You don't hurt my Taddy"

"Easy, easy" Jack pulled his shaking son into a hug as he despaired. "You really think that's what this is? Get the kids out of the way while I break up with Taddy?"

"You can't" came a muffled reply and Jack groaned.

"Oh baby, I don't ever want to leave your Taddy" Jack soothed, "He's my heartbeat, my air. I wouldn't survive a single minute without him."

"Really?" CJ drew back and the tears in his eyes tore at Jack's heart.

"Never. When I die, I'll still drag my bones home for one more kiss!" Jack declared and CJ snorted.

"Dad! You'll never die" he scolded and Jack grinned.

"Exactly!" Jack crowed, "So there will always be another kiss."

"Look, I know I've been a bit distant lately and I need to reconnect with your Tad." Jack hugged CJ tightly once more, "I meant a night that is about us, not you kids. Love you all dearly but I think your Tad deserves some love right now."

CJ smiled into his Dad's big strong chest and sighed as he agreed.