Jean Oram - Sweet Forgiveness

Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series

By Jean Oram

2018 Jean Oram

First Edition

www.jeanoram.com

Cover Designed by Najla Qamber Designs

ZOE

Z oe Ward began packing boxes of books and journals, humming under her breath. She lifted her calico cat, Pandora, out of the box she filled with framed photos. She had a feeling she would soon be hanging them on the walls of her new home with Ashton Wallace. That was, if the way the two of them had been talking was an indication.

Today, while walking the beach after breakfast, hed pointed to a town house that was for sale a block from the Atlantic Ocean. Hed taken a photo of the Realtors phone number, suggesting they take a look around, since his one-year bachelor suite rental lease was coming up for renewal in a month. Maybe they could buy a place together.

Shed barely been able to breathe, shed been so excited. Now, hours later, she was using her nervous energy for good and packing up clutter so her small house would show better should she need to put it up for sale.

Zoe abandoned the box and hummed and danced her way across her bedroom to check her cell phone. She was expecting a text from Ashton, since it was just about bedtime. Texting goodnight was part of their daily routine, and it was a ritual she looked forward to. Tonight, as per their Friday night tradition, she had made them spaghetti and meatballs from her grandmothers recipe. Then theyd walked the beach before a lingering, sweet goodnight kiss.

There was no text yet, and Zoe sent him an emoji of a happy face blowing a kiss.

The past two and a half months had been a whirlwind. Shed managed to keep a check on her usual desire to move along too quickly, but Ashton had been right there, urging them to move faster, talking about their future and creating mutual dreams for them to share. It was perfect. He was perfect, and she couldnt wait to make him hers.

After being left the night before her wedding thirteen years ago, shed been waiting for a man like him. One who wouldnt claim she was smothering him, or acting too clingy. One who was as into commitment and sharing each others lives as she was.

Zoe set down her phone and smiled as she picked up a framed photo of Ashton. She waltzed across the room with it and placed it on her newly cleared off bedside table. She pressed a kiss on her fingertips, then gently brushed the frames glass.

There was a knock at her door and she went to answer it. Her cat Houdini was perched nearby and she scooped him up so he wouldnt escape.

She opened the door to find Ashton there. Her heart lifted, thinking he had come all the way back for one more kiss.

But there was no hug that swept her into his arms, no kiss, no upturn of his lips, even. He came in, closing the door behind him as she released her cat.

She pulled Ashton into a careful embrace. Are you okay?

He let out a shuddered breath, holding her tight. I have to go to the city to take care of some personal business.

Zoe released him, letting her hands drift to his shoulders, so she could watch his expression. Ill come with you.

I think it would be best if I went alone.

She stepped back, wishing she still had the cat to hold. What do you mean, alone?

Its a big mess I have to straighten out. You dont need to worry over it. Ill be home tomorrow night.

You dont need to protect me from your life, Ash. Worry is what people do for their loved ones. I want to help even if its messy. Only two weeks ago hed been right there, holding the bucket for her when shed had the flu. They were past the life-is-perfect stage of their relationship.