The Deputies: 3 Novella Box Set Read Free

things that I didn’t see before. I want to make things right. I want to make them better.”
    Hank’s throat was tight and he had to swallow hard to speak. If only she’d said those words a year ago. “Well, it’s water under the bridge now. I’m glad you’ve moved out of the estate.” Hank stood up and put his plate on the counter, his appetite suddenly gone. “Are you okay? Do you need any money?”
    It was slightly ridiculous to ask her but Babs and Jim might have actually made good on their threat to cut her off. Instead of a sob story, Alyssa’s face lit up with amusement.
    “I got a job. I sold my car and bought a less expensive model.” That explained the modest sedan in his driveway. “I also sold a lot of clothes and jewelry. Added to your monthly checks for Luke and I did okay. I found that I didn’t really need all that much money to live. We don’t go out much or anything.”
    “A job? A job?” Hank repeated, sure he must have heard her incorrectly. Alyssa had never worked a day in her entire life. At least not at a paid job. She’d done countless volunteer things for charity but a real live job?
    No way.
    “I can see I’ve shocked you. Good.” She was smiling now and showing off those dimples in her cheeks he used to trace with his tongue. Maybe it was better when she was frowning and mad at him. “I used my degree in business and got a job in the office at Luke’s school. I worked while he was in class and then he came and hung out with me until quitting time.”
    He had forgotten she had an unused college degree that was obtained before they met. She’d graduated Magna Cum Laude so he knew she was smart.
    “I guess I am pretty shocked. You never wanted a career before.”
    What else had she wanted and never discussed? He was beginning to feel like this woman in his kitchen was an impostor.
    Alyssa stood and came to stand in front of him, taking his hands in hers. He felt a shock of electricity run through him as her skin touched his. It had been over a year since he had felt his wife this closely and he didn’t like the way he was reacting.
    He wouldn’t go through it all again. After all this time, he felt nothing for her. Nothing at all.
    “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted before. I let Mom and Dad orchestrate my life, and you got run over in the process. But I’ve finally figured things out, Hank. I know what I’ve done wrong and what I need to make me happy. Being Luke’s mother has changed everything for me. Things are going to be different from now on.”
    She was smiling like everything was okay and it was far from it. Hank stepped back jerking his hands away. He needed to get her out of this house. Now.
    “I’m happy for you, Alyssa,” he rasped before turning back to watch Luke playing with Hershey in the living room, cartoons blaring from the television. “It’s about time.”
    “Long past time,” she replied dryly before glancing at her watch. “I checked your pantry and fridge and there isn’t a lot there. I probably need to make a trip to the store before the day gets away from me.”
    Hank frowned and started rinsing the dishes. “Luke and I will just eat at the diner tonight. I’ve got cereal for breakfast and he’ll eat lunch at my mom’s while I’m at work.”
    She simply smiled and gently pushed him away from the sink so she could start loading the dishwasher. “There won’t be any need to put Alice out watching Luke. As for dinner, I’m making a pot roast with carrots and potatoes. Little boys have a hard time sitting still in restaurants.”
    “You’re going to be here for dinner?” His voice came out a little strangled and he tried to hide his horror at the thought of her staying all day. They needed to discuss the divorce but shit…all day?
    She nodded, her expression completely serene. “Of course I’ll be here for dinner. I’m home, Hank. Home to stay.”

Chapter Two

    T he last several hours hadn’t exactly been a cake