Mended Trust: Trustworthy Texas Trilogy, #2

By Lynda Bailey

All Ford Washington wanted for was to marry his childhood sweetheart, Zoe, have a couple of kids and live a simple, yet happy life. Too bad Zoe had other plans. His wife leaving damn near destroyed Ford, but he buried his pain and forged ahead in order to care for his two young children. When he isn’t bartending at the Bluebird Saloon, Ford’s at home with Abel and Emery. Though being their dad gives him immeasurable happiness, Ford thinks it might be time to start dating again. And that’s when Zoe arrives back in Trustworthy.

Zoe Miller Washington knows her mind. She always has. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Period. Like the time when, at the tender age of ten, she decided she’d one day be Ford’s wife and mother of his children. And she was. But a growing restlessness started to consume Zoe from the inside out. Something was missing, but she didn’t know what. Until she met Jenna. Then Zoe’s disquiet began to ease, though not completely. Now she’s back in Trustworthy to get the final pieces of her heart’s puzzle—her husband and kids.

Jenna Blakely is—most definitely—not a pushover. She’s a Top, for heaven’s sake, and a good one at that. However, from the moment she met Zoe, she couldn’t say no. To anything. Not to taking Zoe on a cross country trip, not to them moving in together, not even to showing Zoe the beautiful complexities of a Top/bottom bond. But when Zoe wants to return to Trustworthy to see her kids, Jenna fears there’s more to her request than meets the eye. Does Zoe also want to “see” with her estranged husband and, if so, what will that mean for her relationship with Zoe?

Mended Trust is a BDSM, polyamorous romance which contains scenes of domination and submission, spanking, whipping, multiple sex partners and more. It is intended for mature readers only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynda Bailey
• Release date: Jun 27, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386733287

Book preview

All Ford Washington wanted for was to marry his childhood sweetheart, Zoe, have a couple of kids and live a simple, yet happy life. Too bad Zoe had other plans. His wife leaving damn near destroyed Ford, but he buried his pain and forged ahead in order to care for his two young children. When he isn’t bartending at the Bluebird Saloon, Ford’s at home with Abel and Emery. Though being their dad gives him immeasurable happiness, Ford thinks it might be time to start dating again. And that’s when Zoe arrives back in Trustworthy.

Zoe Miller Washington knows her mind. She always has. She knows what she wants and she goes after it. Period. Like the time when, at the tender age of ten, she decided she’d one day be Ford’s wife and mother of his children. And she was. But a growing restlessness started to consume Zoe from the inside out. Something was missing, but she didn’t know what. Until she met Jenna. Then Zoe’s disquiet began to ease, though not completely. Now she’s back in Trustworthy to get the final pieces of her heart’s puzzle—her husband and kids.

Jenna Blakely is—most definitely—not a pushover. She’s a Top, for heaven’s sake, and a good one at that. However, from the moment she met Zoe, she couldn’t say no. To anything. Not to taking Zoe on a cross country trip, not to them moving in together, not even to showing Zoe the beautiful complexities of a Top/bottom bond. But when Zoe wants to return to Trustworthy to see her kids, Jenna fears there’s more to her request than meets the eye. Does Zoe also want to see with her estranged husband and, if so, what will that mean for her relationship with Zoe?

Mended Trust is a BDSM, polyamorous romance which contains scenes of domination and submission, spanking, whipping, multiple sex partners and more. It is intended for mature readers only.

This is a work of fiction. Names, character, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

MENDED TRUST

COPYRIGHT © 2017 by Lynda Bailey

Published by Lynda Bailey. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the author.

Contact Information:

[e-mail]

Visit me at www.lyndabailey.net

Book Art by The Killion Group/Hot Damn Designs

ISBN-13: 978-1548101190

ISBN-10: 1548101192

Publishing History

First Edition, 2017

DEDICATION:

To my husband, Pat...You are my rock. I couldn’t do any of this without you. I love you.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

To Suzanne: Thanks for being the best CP ever!

To Kim: Thanks for being an awesome line editor and for letting this vanilla author take a peep at your techno-colored world.

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OTHER WORKS BY LYNDA BAILEY:

Battle-Born Love

Battle-Tested Love

Erotic Escapades of a Married Couple

Naughty Neighborhood

On a Knife’s Edge

On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful – MIC

On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful – KIRA

On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful – GRACE

Shattered Trust

Wildflower

Mended Trust

by

Lynda Bailey

Chapter One

The blare of the TV jerked Ford Washington to a sitting position. Jesus!

His blurry, sleep-deprived vision slowly honed in on his four-year-old son. Abel clutched the remote in his small fists, his eyes wide.

Reaching over, Ford plucked the clicker from Abel’s grasp and muted the sound. He stretched his aching muscles – courtesy of the lumpy couch – and swung his legs off the sofa. He scrubbed both hands down his face with a loud yawn then looked back at his son.

Dressed in his Spiderman pajamas, Abel dipped his head. I sorry, Daddy.

Ford rubbed his neck with a smile. No worries, buddy. He sat back and patted his thighs. C’mere.

Abel scrambled onto his lap. Elmo time.

You know the rule...you eat your breakfast?

He bobbed his head. Uh huh.

Yeah? Better check with Grandma just to be sure. Ford looked around. Where is Grandma?

Right here, Ronnie Washington replied as she appeared in the hallway, two-year-old Emery in her arms. I’m sorry...I had this one on the changing table when I heard the TV. She leveled a hard stare at Abel. Young man, I told you not to disturb your father.

Mom... Ford yawned again and waved his hand. ...it’s okay.

No it’s not. You’re exhausted from working these double shifts.

Emery reached both hands out for him. Daddy...Daddy...Daddy.

It’s just until Liam gets back. Unfolding his tall frame off the sofa, Ford tossed Abel over his shoulder to a squeal of delight, kissed his daughter’s cheek then headed for the kitchen.

His mother harrumphed behind him. "And when will that be?"

Since it’s Memorial weekend, he’ll be in for sure. Then full time in a couple more weeks maybe. Ford plopped Abel into his booster seat in front of his full bowl of Cheerios. You need to eat, mister, or no Elmo. He took Emery from his mom. How ‘bout a kiss for Daddy? His daughter landed a slobbery kiss to his cheek, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck. His heart melted.

A couple of weeks...maybe? Ronnie repeated. She shook her head with a disgusted grumble.

C’mon, Mom. Ford placed Emery in the highchair and handed her half a piece of toast. Kate just had a baby. Can’t blame the guy for wanting to stick close.

She pursed her lips. I don’t know why your father and me can’t keep the kids overnight. It’d be easier all the way around.

They sleep better here. Ford poured a cup of coffee, stifling another yawn. As much as he loved his mom, he hated having this discussion, mostly because he’d inherited her stubborn streak. Neither he nor his mom knew the meaning of the words back down.

Maybe he was being obstinate, insisting Abel and Emery stay home while he worked nights. But after all the changes those two had been through in their short lives, giving them the comfort of sleeping in their own beds seemed a small price. He leaned against the counter and sipped the hot brew. Everything go okay last night?

Ronnie turned to the sink. Of course. She started the water then grabbed the dish soap from the child-proof cabinet underneath.

Leave the dishes, Ma... Yet another yawn. I’ll take care of ‘em later.

I don’t mind.

The rigid set to his mom’s shoulders told Ford not to argue. He caught Emery staring at him with the same color eyes as Zoe. Thoughts of his estranged wife tightened his gut. He crossed his eyes and his daughter’s giggle chased away any unpleasantness. He then sidled up to his mom and kissed her temple. You know I appreciate everything you do around here, right?

She didn’t look up from rinsing the silverware in her hands. I know.

And that I love you.

I love you, too. She angled toward him. I also worry...if you’re not working, you’re taking care of the kids–

Taking care of your kids is the most important job for a parent...isn’t that what you and Dad always say?

She harrumphed again. Don’t get cute. You still work too hard.

I’m fine...really. ’Sides it’s only temporary. And the money’s too good to pass up.

His mom gave him a sideways glance. I won’t waste my breath mentioning your father and I could help with money.

A small grin lifted the corners of his mouth. Wouldn’t want you wasting your breath.

Ronnie narrowed her eyes and drained the sink. Want me to fix you some eggs before I go?

Nah. I brought home a cheesesteak sandwich from the bar.

She concentrated on drying her hands. I ran into Margret Templeton the other day.

Mrs. T? How’s she doing?

Fine. Said her daughter’s moved back to town.

Oh?

Yes. Guess things didn’t work out for Suzy in Dallas.

Ford slid into the chair next to Abel, not liking the sudden turn of the conversation. That’s too bad.

Maybe you could give her a call sometime...take her out for dinner or a movie.

He muffled a groan. The last thing he needed was his mom trying to set him up with Suzy Templeton, or anyone else. Yeah...maybe.

Elmo time now, Daddy? Abel asked.

Ford looked in his son’s cereal bowl. Two more bites. He held up two fingers. Then it’ll be time for Elmo.

Abel quickly scooped the requirement into his mouth. Kay, Addy, he mumbled around the food as milk dribbled down his chin.

Ford laughed, wiping Abel’s face with his thumb. All right, buddy. Daddy’ll be right there.

Abel wasted no time scurrying from the kitchen. Ford stood, pulled his sandwich from the fridge then lifted Emery from her highchair.

Ronnie grabbed her purse off the hook by the washer and dryer. So you’ll give Suzy a call?

He heaved a sigh. I’m still married, remember?

His mom propped her fists on her hips. And Zoe’s been gone for two years, remember?

A year and a half, he countered, almost embarrassed he corrected her.

She delivered her patented mom glare, the one with the power to shrivel his insides. It’s time you moved on with your life. You need to talk to a lawyer about getting a divorce. She abandoned you for heaven’s sake.

Ford adjusted his hold on Emery, his gaze downcast. I know. Yet the thought of a divorce arrowed his heart. Because that meant he and Zoe were really over. He met his mother’s unflinching stare. I’ll look into it. I promise. But, he added quickly when a smile blossomed on Ronnie’s face, I won’t be calling Suzy Templeton any time soon.

Her smile vanished. Why not? Your sister’s almost out for summer break so you’ll have an any-time babysitter.

Hanna’s got better things to do than–

Than what? Help her big brother? Ronnie swatted the air. "She’ll be fine.

I’ve got enough on my plate right now without adding dating drama.

His mom opened her mouth, but Abel called from the living room. Daddy! Elmo!

Grateful for the reprieve, Ford bussed a kiss to his mother’s cheek. Gotta go. Elmo calls.

This isn’t over, she warned, opening the back door.

I know...thanks again for everything. Say bye-bye to Grammie, Emery.

She waved her tiny arm. Bye-bye.

Ronnie blew a kiss to her granddaughter. Bye-bye, sweet girl.

Ford carried Emery into the living room. Abel sat on the floor in front of the TV, the remote in his hands.

Here, Daddy. He offered the clicker to Ford.

Thanks, buddy. Ford checked the time of the DVR. You can watch one Elmo then it’s gonna be time to get ready for school. Okay?

Kay. Abel fixed his attention on the screen.

Ford settled onto the sofa, Emery beside him, cuddling with her favorite stuffed panda, and scrolled through the recorded Sesame Street episodes until he found Abel’s favorite. He hit play then unwrapped his cheesesteak. He devoured it in nothing flat. With a full stomach, he leaned his head back against the cushion.

Almost immediately his eyelids grew heavy. He knew for the next little while his kids would be safely occupied and he could catch a short nap. Being a single father, and working full time, meant he needed to improvise his sleep patterns. And the last few weeks, with both Kate and Liam gone, had been brutal. But it’s like he’d told his mom – it was temporary.

Liam and Kate – husband and wife and owners of the Bluebird Bar and Grille – were still technically newlyweds, despite having a two-week-old son. Kate had an adult daughter, Sedona, who also worked at the bar. But Wade was Liam’s first child...Ford couldn’t resent the time the man spent at home with his wife and young son. Heaven knew he’d doted on Zoe morning, noon and night from the time he learned she was pregnant...

Zoe.

The all-too-familiar ache pressed against his breastbone. Usually he could deal with the memories of his childhood sweetheart and wife conjured, but not today. Today he was too tired...too raw...to withstand the pain. He stared at the gold band on his left ring finger, and a tear eked out.

It’d been eighteen months since Zoe left, and Ford was no closer to understanding why she left than the day it happened. In that time, though, she’d sent birthday and Christmas gifts to the kids, postmarked from places like Minnesota and Florida – a far cry from Trustworthy, Texas. He never knew she wanted to travel. Had he known, he would’ve taken her anywhere her heart desired...

In less than an hour, the program ended. Ford got Abel washed and dressed, ready for school. It was only preschool, taught in the basement of the Methodist church, but it gave Abel time with kids his own age while prepping him for kindergarten. After their usual lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and pasta, Ford buckled his kids into their respective car seats then headed out, anxious to get back home so he could catch another much-needed opportunity to sleep during Emery’s afternoon nap.

~*~

Jenna Blakely hefted the heavy suitcase onto the bed with an inelegant grunt.

Zoe paused, a bundle of panties in her hand. You okay?

You bet, Jenna replied in a cheerful voice though she wasn’t okay. Far from it. She’d had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach ever since Zoe announced she wanted to return to her home town of Trustworthy to see her kids. Jenna worried Zoe’s desire to see her kids also included a desire to see her husband. After all, she still wore her wedding ring. You want me to come with you? Surprising him outta the blue might not be such a great idea.

Zoe deposited the underwear in a bureau drawer, closed it then tossed the empty duffle bag under the vanity sink. I need to do this alone. I owe that much to Ford. She planted her hands on her slim hips and looked around the miniscule but tidy Motel 6 room. I know it’s not much, but it should work while we’re here, right?

Jenna nodded. Right. She unzipped the worn piece of luggage, more to give herself something to do than any real need to unpack. If she had her way, she’d load everything back into her fifteen-year-old Mercury Mountaineer and get Zoe the hell out of Texas.

Zoe moved up next to her. You sure you’re okay?

I’m fine, baby doll. Jenna dug the truck keys from her pocket and offered them to Zoe without looking up. You should get going.

Zoe took the key ring, wrapping her fingers around Jenna’s. What will you do while I’m gone?

Finish putting stuff away then walk Dodger. Is there a park anywhere ‘round here?

Yeah...a couple of blocks to the west.

Jenna nodded, her attention still on the folded t-shirts and jeans. Think you’ll be back in time for supper? Christ...could she sound any more pathetic? She tugged to free her hand, but Zoe didn’t release it.

Since it’s only one o’clock, I figure I’ll be back well before then. Worried amusement tinged Zoe’s voice. She pulled on Jenna’s hand until they faced each other.

Forcing her expression to remain impassive, Jenna stared into cornflower blue eyes.

God, how she loved this woman. More than she ever thought it possible to love a two-legged creature – she definitely preferred the four-legged ones. And the thought of losing Zoe ripped through her heart like a machete.

Zoe brushed her mouth against Jenna’s. It’s important I do this. You understand, don’t you?

Somehow Jenna curved her lips into a smile. Of course, baby doll. She turned back to the suitcase before Zoe could read her true emotions. Now go. Otherwise I might not let you leave until we christen the bed.

Zoe giggled, and Jenna heard relief in the sound.

Promises, promises. Zoe flounced to the door, an extra swing in her hips.

Jenna trailed behind, watching Zoe climb behind the wheel. She then squatted next to Dodger. He whimpered and she petted his head. On top of everything else, the motel had a strict no pet policy which left her beloved red-nosed pit bull tethered outside to the concrete post which supported the metal awning. Zoe tooted the horn as she drove