Page 45 of Jenna's Threatened Sanctuary

“Yeah, I think I’m on the right path, even if I had to take a few unexpected turns to get there.”

The statement made Jenna smile and glance at Calvin. The last few days had been horrible and unexpected, but a magnetic force pulled her to him, memories of times long ago making her want to knock down every wall she’d ever built and discover if they could get on the right path again.

Cruz’s phone chirped and he stared down at the screen. “It’s late. I’ll let you get some rest, Dr. Simon. If possible, I’d like to speak with you tomorrow.”

Intuition tingled Jenna’s spine. “What’s going on?”

Indecision darkened the blue of Cruz’s eyes. “A black sedan was found abandoned in a corn field. I need to check it out.”

“Who’s the car registered to?” Jenna asked, holding her breath.

Cruz bounced his gaze from Jenna to Calvin then back to Jenna. “Dr. Edward Church.”

Horror dipped low in Jenna’s stomach. “No way. He wouldn’t do this. Any of this.”

Hesitation warred on Cruz’s face, and he scrubbed a palm along his jaw. “If it was him then this mess is over. Edward Church is dead.”

Warm,chubby hands pressed against Jenna’s cheeks the next morning, and a high-pitched giggle broke into her dream-like state. Slowly, she awakened and found herself staring into Oliver’s brilliant blue eyes.

“Mama!” He pressed a slobbery kiss to her cheek.

Her heart swelled. Pressure filled her sinus cavities as grief poured in over her friend and mentor. She fought to not let the sadness show as she sat up and forced a big smile. “Good morning, little man. Are you hungry?”

Oliver scrunched his button nose and nodded then waddled toward the door of the room they occupied at the shelter.

Jenna wrapped a long white robe around her sleep tank and shorts before getting Oliver fresh and clean for breakfast. Once he was ready, she swung him up on her hip and trudged down the stairs toward the kitchen.

Calvin stood at the counter and poured coffee grounds in the machine. His hair was still tousled from sleep. Joggers hung low on his hips and a t-shirt showed off his biceps.

Lust clogged her throat. Nothing sexier than a handsome man making coffee.

Oliver struggled to climb down her and ran to Calvin with his arms stretched high. “Cal! Up!”

Calvin grinned and snatched up Oliver, keeping him away from the machine chugging out hot liquid. He winced and shifted Oliver to his other side. “Do you want breakfast?”

“Eggy.”

“Eggs?” he asked, brow furrowed as if really trying to decipher Oliver’s language.

Oliver gave one big nod.

Calvin glanced her way and his lips curled into a subtle smirk. “Is that okay”?

“Absolutely.” Her heart gave an extra little pitter patter watching the two of them together.

“Okay little buddy. I’ve got to put you down while I cook.” He set Oliver on the ground then rubbed his hands together and glanced around the kitchen.

She filled a mug with coffee and watched Calvin cross to the refrigerator. He rummaged through the shelves and grabbed a carton of eggs, milk, and shredded cheese. Joy filled her as Oliver stayed one step behind him, mimicking Calvin’s every move as Calvin searched for pans and bowls to whip together the eggs.

Wrapping one hand around her warm mug, she reached the other for Oliver to grab. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you settled at the table so you can eat.”

Oliver toddled over and let her strap him in his highchair, his eyes trained on Calvin the entire time.

Calvin ferried two plates filled with fluffy eggs to the table, one for her and one for Oliver. “I’m not much of a cook so I hope this tastes okay.”

“Are you kidding me? This is a treat. No one ever makes me breakfast.” Jenna took a bite and a burst of salt exploded on her tongue. “Delicious.”

“Yum,” Oliver said, smashing his breakfast into his mouth.

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