Chapter 120

Allena had no way of getting into a complicated discussion about love and feelings with an eight-year-old, so she didn’t bother. “Of course I do.”

For a moment, the boy looked as though he had the weight of the world on his little shoulders. “I wish you still took care of us, Allena. I wish things were the same.”

Allena was tempted to offer some platitude about how life was about change and then realised the words would be more for herself than for the little boy she loved so much. She hugged him again and arranged bath time for both children before making a quick dinner of macaroni and cheese, followed by canned fruit with a dollop of ice cream. It was nearly eight by the time the kids were in bed. Cassie fell asleep immediately, while Jayden dozed with a book in his hands. Justin had texted her after seven, saying he’d be home soon, but he didn’t show up until after eight thirty. He looked tired and spent when he walked through the front door with Mittie.

“Leah’s staying at Dad’s, s