Second Look (A New Beginning Book 3) Read Free Page A

she stayed for almost six years. She moved from California to Arizona when she needed to disappear and start fresh after the debacle with the man she thought was her child’s father. She took the first job offer she got, changed her phone number and left no forwarding address.
    She lived in Arizona four years. In that time, she concentrated on her daughter and her career.
    Why did she now feel the need to move away from Arizona? That was the best part and she regretted it only a tiny bit.
     
    A couple months ago she had a fling with a doctor at the hospital. He was sexy as hell, available and very willing. However, he also happened to be her boss. Dumb move, especially since they hadn’t spoken of it since that night. She had to admit she was lonely for male companionship and her hot boss fit the bill.
    Aside from her embarrassing fling, she missed her parents and her friends. It felt right to finally move back home, even if the past caught up with her.
    This was it, though. No. More. Running.
    “Mommy?”
    Jennifer smiled and answered in a singsong voice, “Yes, honey! I’m in my office!”
    She heard her daughter shuffle down the hallway, so she met her at the door and dropped down on her knees to give her a hug.
    “Good morning, peanut butter! How are you?”
    “I’m good, mommy. Do I have school today?”
    Jennifer looked at her beautiful daughter. She had blonde hair, brown eyes and the sweetest smile in the world. She loved to hear Amber’s soft little voice.
    “Yes, sweetie. We have to leave in a little bit.”
    “Okay. Can I pick out my clothes again, mommy?”
    It took all Jennifer had to answer with a straight face. “Yes, of course you can. Do you want any help picking them out?” Please say yes .
    “No, thank you,” Amber answered proudly. “I can dress myself.”
    Jennifer chuckled and watched her daughter walk towards her room, wondering what clothes she would choose. At least she remembered to be polite.
    She wanted to let Amber have a little independence, but the other day she chose a purple shirt with pink, sparkly hearts all over it, and then blue and black striped leggings. She finished off her outfit with mismatched socks in yellow and teal. Her teacher told her she looked beautiful, so now Amber wanted to dress herself every day.
    She walked back to the kitchen and heated up her cold coffee in the microwave. Jennifer glanced down at her outfit and what she was wearing today wasn’t much better, with her Mickey Mouse top and red scrub bottoms.
    At least I match.
    She took a deep breath as she heard Amber come through the living room. She must not have put on her socks yet because Jennifer could hear her feet as they made a slapping sound on the hard floor as she rushed towards the kitchen.
    Jennifer turned around, opened her eyes and blew out the breath was holding in relief. Today, Amber matched and her outfit looked pretty adorable. She wore a pair of jean shorts with a Minnesota Twins baseball jersey. The shirt was probably on it’s last legs considering it was a bit too tight, but it would do.
    No matter where they lived, she would always teach her daughter to love the Twins. They watched as many games as possible on TV. The Diamondbacks were her close second favorite to watch, but the Twins would always be home.
    “Nice job, Amber!”
    Her daughter beamed. “I know!”
    “I have your breakfast ready. Today, my little sweetheart gets a waffle with raspberry jelly, a banana and some orange juice. How does that sound?” Jennifer smiled at her daughter, her eyes shining.
    “That’s my favorite.”
    Jennifer laughed. That’s exactly what she said every day. Kids were kids, and there were plenty of things Amber did to give her trouble, but all in all she was great and breakfast never seemed to be an issue.
    “I have some really great news, Amber!”
    “What is it, mommy? Are you getting married?”
    Amber’s voice was hopeful when she asked her this question for the hundredth