Rescuing Freedom

Rescuing FreedomEllis Summers This book is dedicated to all the people who supported me on this journey. Visit my website, sign up for my newsletter and enjoy my blog: EllisSummers.comOther Books By Ellis:A Smuggler's Last Song - Grant series Book 1Quinn & Barrett – Grant series Book 2Granted – Grant series Book 3Stand-alone books:Complicated StrangersHunting for BlueRomance BooksSurf & TourFree Book Giveaway!Jumping Into FireThis is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidences are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Copyright © 2023 Ellis SummersAll rights reserved.No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Contents 1. Freesia-Truth or Dare 2. Iris-About Time 3. Dominic-Drifting 4. Freesia-Life's a Circus 5. Dominic-Stuck 6. Freesia-Morning Hiccups 7. Iris-Hello Parker 8. Freesia-Rocky Visitor 9. Dominic-Hey Wink 10. Iris-Competition 11. Dominic-Slippery Savage 12. Freesia-Pizza Time 13. Dominic-Firebuilding 14. Iris-Washburn Troubles 15. Freesia-Oh, Shawn 16. Dominic-Greeting the Ex 17. Olin-DNA 18. Spencer-Sleeping Arrangements 19. Iris-Truths 20. Freesia-Jeepster 21. Olin-Escaping 22. Freesia-Welcome Home 23. Iris-Meeting a Beast 24. Freesia-Making Arrangements 25. Ringmaster Bill 26. Freesia-Plotting 27. Iris-Special Delivery 28. Dominic-Searching 29. Freesia-Bluffs & Lies 30. Dominic-Grenades 31. Spencer-Knives Out 32. Iris-Don't Fight, Doc 33. Freesia-Going it Alone 34. Dominic-Questions 35. Olin-Searching 36. Freesia's Mountaintop 37. Iris-Cave Man 38. Dominic-His reckoning 39. Freesia-Standing Up 40. Dominic-Wink & Neet 41. Freesia-A Part of Her 42. Iris-Finding Warmth 43. Spencer-Gummy Lead 44. Iris-Oh Gayle! 45. Freesia-Back to the Circus 46. Iris-Home 47. Freesia-Trying Her Best 48. Freesia-Meet The Fam 49. Iris-What's a Girl To Do? 50. Freesia-Fat Elephant 51. Spencer-Hats Off 52. Freesia-Stinging Tears 53. Freesia-Boom Baby 54. Spencer-Dangling Ropes 55. Freesia-Promises 56. Iris-Confessions 57. Freesia-Medical Advice 58. Epilogue 59. Excerpt: Complicated Strangers About Author Also By Thank You! Freesia-Truth or DareBefore she closed the lid on the basket containing the special lunch she'd made for her husband, Freesia Hollister tested her eavesdropping equipment one last time. Proud that all aspects of her simple scheme were in order, she hurried to the garage and placed her precious cargo on the front seat of her red pickup truck. Driving to his office gave her the time she needed to reaffirm her belief that cheating husbands deserved ensnarement. After finding a parking spot with a view of the entrance to her husband's office building, she grabbed the basket and rode the elevator to the eleventh floor. She pushed a small button on the inside of the basket, activating her homemade listening device.With one last glance in the mirrored wall of the elevator, she brushed her long, brown hair away from her forehead and straightened her form-fitting dress. The doors opened, and she strolled to the reception area with a confident stride."Hello, Mrs. Hollister," Betsy said with a smile. The red-headed receptionist closed her folder and filed it in the rack behind her desk. "I'm glad you got my message. It’s perfect timing. I'm just heading out to grab a bite to eat, and Shawn'll be expecting his lunch guest in fifteen minutes."Free lifted the lid of the wicker basket. Her bangles slid down her arm as she pulled out a wrapped sandwich and an envelope. "Lunch, and a bonus for your kindness." "Mmm. Smells like homemade bread. Thanks for saving me from the cafeteria." The receptionist gathered her purse from under the desk and shoved the envelope inside. "I'll continue to keep you informed." Flashing a smirk, she nodded toward Shawn's office. "Good luck in there."With slow steps, Free moved along the short hallway, basket in hand, then stepped into Shawn's office without knocking. She knew her disrespect toward his privacy offended him, but she didn't think married couples should have to announce themselves when entering a room. Unless one of them had something to hide.Shawn rested his elbows on top of legal books and notepads. His jacket hung on the coat rack behind him, and his vest was buttoned up, like his expression. He sat straight and brushed back strands of black hair covering his green eyes. "Free. What a surprise."Free placed the basket on the corner of his desk. "I know your day is always busy, but I thought we could enjoy lunch together.” She smiled sweetly. “Like we used to.""If I knew you were coming, I could have changed my schedule." He glanced at his watch. "I have an appointment soon." He lifted the corner of the basket and inhaled deeply. "Wow. Roast beef." His stern gaze softened. "You're still the best cook in Denver."Her cooking was once a way into his heart, but now it only fed his hunger. “Thanks.” She barely spoke above a whisper. Freesia had wanted her marriage to work. And every bone within her begged for him to adore her, but she'd realized months ago, he didn't."Why don't you come home early tonight?" she asked, nearly pleading. "I'll make a romantic dinner.""Oh, shit. I forgot to tell you about our company dinner." His words held warmth, but the coldness in his eyes said otherwise."Would you like me to come?" She reached across the desk, touching his hand, wishing for an answer that would prove all of her suspicions wrong."Listen, baby," he said without looking at her, "we're meeting to discuss if we should join another law firm in a case.” He dropped his Montblanc pen on the stack of books. “You'd be bored. I'll leave early. Promise."Free slipped behind his desk, and as she ran her hand along his shoulders, she cringed but leaned closer. "I'll be waiting for you."He flinched, squirming in his chair. "I've got to get back to work."Her heart turned cold, but her voice warmed. "Just in case you're famished, you can have my sandwich. I've got more at home.""Great idea. I can't wait to see you." He saluted her with his pen. "I'll make this up to you, baby."Free held her head high as she walked from his office but knew he didn't have