Chapter 105

On Wednesday morning, Allena rounded up the kids, got them dressed and ready for the day, and then headed into town to take Jayden to school. He’d gotten past the hugging stage about a year ago, preferring to high-five her at the school gate. But for the past couple of days, he’d clung to her, oblivious to his school friends walking past. Allena hugged him tightly, smoothing her hand over his hair, telling him she loved him.

“I saved my allowance,” he said as she crouched down in front of him, straightening his backpack. “You can have it if you want.”

Allena looked at his serious expression. “Why would you want to give me your allowance…?”

Her words trailed off, and he shrugged in a way that was so much like Justin that her heart rolled over.

“I know Dad said it wasn’t about money, but you know my friend Simon—well, his mom has a job at the library, and she stayed there when she got more money—”

Allena squeezed his small shoulders gently, pain and guilt radiating through her entire bo