Saving Sara (Redemption #1) by Nicola Marsh Read Free Book Online Page B

I’ve got a few phone calls t o make.”
    Olly perked up. “Are you calling Mom? Can I talk to her?”
    “Not today, champ, but we’ll call her in a few days.”
    Jake’s gaze met hers, beseeching her not to ask any questions in front of Olly. As if she would. She’d been the epitome of discretion her whole life. She’d had to be, being married to Vernon and putting up with his crap.
    Interesting, though, that this wasn’t an overnighter for Olly and Jake. A few days, Jake had said. The fact they couldn’t call Rose tonight, or tomorrow, meant there was definitely something goin g on.
    “Okay,” Olly said, not sounding okay at all, as his bottom lip wobbled.
    “Ready to get those hands dirty in the garden?” Cilla pointed at the back door. “My gardening tools are outside.”
    “But you just told me to clean them.” Olly inspected his hands. “You’re funny with hands.”
    Cilla chuckled, and thankfully, Olly joined in.
    As Cilla guided Olly out the back door, she glanced over her shoulder to see Jake staring into space, a frown creasing his brow.
    He looked tired, like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Whatever problems Jake and Rose were having, she hoped she could help.
    It was nice to be needed again.

9.
    S ara knew she should never have dawdled over those wedding photos in the album yesterday. Shouldn’t have reminisced. Because as the incoming videoconference button flashed on her computer and she noticed who it was, she knew she’d tempted fate.
    She could’ve ignored Greg. But he’d been her husband for seven years and despite the way their marriage had fizzled out, she didn’t want to have bad blood between them. Not when the divorce was one step away from being finalized.
    Jabbing at the answer button on her computer, she exhaled the breath she’d been unaware she was holding. When his face popped up on the screen, her heart thudded in remembrance.
    He’d made her breathless the first time they’d met, at a coffee shop near her work on Wall Street. With hair the color of ripening wheat, clear blue eyes and a smile that dazzled, she’d been smitten. Then he’d opened his mouth and charmed her further with sincere compliments and genuine interest.
    She’d dated sporadically in college but had never experienced the overwhelming urge to spend every spare second with a guy. Greg had done that and she’d allowed herself to fall for him.
    Too fast, as it turned out, because if she’d taken the time to get to know him better, to live with him, she would’ve seen the flaws earlier. His propensity for boasting, for immersing himself in his work at the expense of everything and everyone, for shutting off emotionally and justifying the withdrawal by citing his prowess as a provider.
    Those faults had emerged over time, solidifying when they had Lucy. By then, Sara had fallen out of love with Greg and in love with her beautiful baby daughter. It had been enough to sustain their marriage. So it was no great surprise that losing Lucy had meant the death of their marriage too.
    “Hey Sara, how are you?” He smiled, the way his eyes crinkled in the corners as endearing as always. “Thought I’d see how you’re getting on in your new home.”
    “I’m fine. Busy getting Gran’s house livable again. How are you?”
    “Manic at the firm.” He shrugged. “You know how it is.”
    Sadly, she did.
    As if realizing his gaffe, his gaze dipped, before he cleared his throat and refocused. “Are you seeing anyone?”
    Alarmed by the swift change in topic, she shook her head. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”
    She wanted to know why he’d asked but, becoming increasingly uneasy at this impromptu call, she clamped her lips shut.
    “It’s been a long time, Sara. I thought . . .” His brows knitted in a frown. “It’s just that our divorce is almost final and if there’s any chance for us—”
    “There isn’t.” She cut him off, her tone clipped, while she