Chapter 98

Allena found the kettle in the kitchen and set it on the stove, then rinsed out the mugs and rummaged through the cupboard for coffee and sugar. The coffee tin was empty, and when she found tea bags, she settled for them, plopping them in the mugs as she waited for the water to boil. It had been unnerving; it had been a difficult decision to even consider leaving Justin and his kids, but she didn't have a choice. She had to live her life and mind her own business.

A few minutes later, she heard the front door open and close, and Justin was back in the kitchen. “They’re fine,” he said, plonking his hat on the table. “It’s cold here.”

Allena agreed, “I know—”

“We should sit by the fire.”

Allena looked at the fire crackling in the hearth and nodded. “I’m making tea.” She knew Justin didn’t really like tea. He was a coffee-drinker. But he didn’t refuse the mug when she passed it to him. Seconds later, they were sitting on the large sofa. It was lumpy and not all that comfortable, but it w