Free In Love with John Doe by Cindy Kirk

“But I’m happy with my life. Were you happy?”
    “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Considering the fact that no one seems to have missed me, I’m guessing there may have been problems. But that’s pure speculation. I could have been insanely happy. I honestly don’t know.”
    “I hope you were.”
    “Someone once said all we really are guaranteed is the here and now,” Jack stopped and met her gaze. “Right here, right now, I’m very happy.”

    Lexi thought about Jack’s response later that evening while she was cleaning up. Addie had returned from her afternoon tired but filled with tales of soda spilled and pizza with lots and lots of cheese. After getting caught up on all her daughter’s news, it was time to make dinner.
    Afterwards, as was their custom, Addie read to her while Lexi loaded the dishwasher and wiped the counters. Though Addie did a good job with the story, tonight Lexi’s attention wandered.
    She kept trying to make sense of Jack’s responses. He had a strong sense of right and wrong. He was a city guy who liked expensive wine and didn’t always trust his own gut.
    The wedding. The roses.
    Had he not trusted his gut and married a woman who didn’t care enough about him to make sure he liked the flowers at their wedding?
    A chill traveled up Lexi’s spine. She shivered despite the warmth from the kitchen stove. Jack being married was a very real possibility.
    “Mommy, am I going to sleep in my own bed tonight?”
    Addie’s sweet voice broke through her thoughts.
    “The walkway to the cabin was cleared this afternoon,” Lexi said. “How about we gather up our things from Coraline’s then head home?”
    To her surprise, Addie hesitated. “Is it okay if I say goodbye to Sarah while you get our bags? She’ll worry if she doesn’t see me around the lodge.”
    Lexi hid a smile, knowing it was Addie who was already missing her friend. Her smile faded. She wished she could give her daughter a home with a yard and neighborhood friends to play with. But there was no way she could afford it on a social worker’s salary.
    “You go find Sarah and say goodbye,” Lexi said. “I’ll retrieve the bags and meet you by the clock in the lobby at eight.”
    When Lexi reached Coraline’s suite, she knocked, feeling a little awkward after the events yesterday morning.
    The door swung open.
    “Hi, Lexi.” Coraline looked out into the hall. “Where’s Addie?”
    “Telling Sarah we’re moving back to the cabin.” Lexi shifted from one foot to the other. “I came to get our bags.”
    “Come on in,” Coraline opened the door wider and motioned her inside. “Do you have time for tea?”
    “I wish I could stay.” Lexi stepped inside and felt herself begin to relax under Coraline’s smile and welcoming manner. “But Addie’s got school tomorrow and I’ve got work. We’re heading straight for bed.”
    “How’s Jack doing?”
    “As far as I know, fine.” Lexi tried not to read too much into Coraline’s comments. “We went snowshoeing this afternoon but I haven’t seen him since.”
    Lexi hoped her disappointment didn’t show. After all, they hadn’t made any plans for the evening. Still, she’d found herself hoping he’d stop by the kitchen.
    “You realize it’s not going to be long.”
    Lexi grabbed the two overnight bags she’d packed that morning and straightened. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
    “He’ll soon be gone, back to wherever he came from.” Concern filled Coraline’s eyes.
    “Well, while he’s here, he needs a friend.”
    Coraline rested a hand on Lexi’s arm. “I worry about you.”
    “I understand and appreciate your concern,” Lexi said. “But I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
    As she walked out the door, Lexi hoped she could not only take care of herself, but her heart, as well.



Chapter Seven
    T he Dallas offices of Delacorte and Delacorte law firm took up the entire tenth floor of Campbell Centre’s north tower.