The Puzzle

By Janet L. Adams

Jacob has been married for over fourteen years and begins receiving love interest letters from a secret admirer. He is flattered and curious about the source of these notes which include puzzle pieces. Initially, he shares his seductress' letters with his wife, but as time goes on, he stops. He has always been faithful, but will he fall to temptation? Find out in this enticing love mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887932798

Book preview

cover.jpg

The Puzzle

Janet L. Adams

Copyright © 2023 Janet L. Adams

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-274-3 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-279-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Discontent

The Plan

Follow Through

Setup

Why Not

Phase Two

Reaction

Sexy Dad

Determined

My Valentine

Continue

Wishful Thinking

What Changed

Anticipated Reaction

Glimmer

Continued Plan

Deflated

Almost There

Investigation

The Invitation

Finale

Content

About the Author

The Puzzle is dedicated to my husband, Paul, who always encourages me, appreciates me, and loves me beyond measure. God placed him in my life to complete my puzzle, and I am forever grateful.

Chapter 1

Discontent

Although I was happy with my husband and family, I felt like I had fallen into a constant rerun of my daily life. I was beginning to question everything in my mind. What was the purpose? Was I living or just existing? I had been married to Jacob for a little over fourteen years, and our love was stronger than ever, though bland. I wanted something to spice up our relationship. The mundane routine of life was becoming so laborious. Each day brought the same repetition of unsatisfying tasks. After all, one can only get so excited about the perfect crease on a pant leg or the mirror shine in the pane windows.

On the other hand, I felt blessed that nothing was upsetting the boat. We were healthy, financially sound, and strong. That is definitely something for which to be thankful even though I felt so needed, I felt so unappreciated. The kids were at the stage of life where they needed me but not for anything glamorous or exciting. I desired more in my life, and I didn't know what that was. I looked toward Jacob to fill that emptiness. We still bonded with each other in a way that I don't think we even understood. I wanted, no, craved something more. I wanted others to wonder what kept our relationship so good. Yes, that would be a challenge at this time of my life. It became my obsession, not just to prove to others our eternal love but also to reassure myself.

We met when we were nineteen during the second semester of college. Both of us had not dated a lot during our high school years. I wasn't into the casual dating scene. I wanted a connection for the future. I dated a few guys whom I thought would be a good catch, but I realized that they were high school boys with active sexual desires, and I just wasn't going to make them come true. I wanted to date my future commitment, my forever man.

Jacob, on the other hand, worked too hard to spend money on a date for someone that would not be a future investment. At first, I thought he came from a family that struggled financially, but that was not the case at all. His parents instilled the value of hard work and focus. He has loving, nurturing mother and father with a fervent belief in God and a strong work ethic. Both were alive and healthy and financially secure. His dad was the self-taught type who mastered just about any skill that he attempted. He set goals for himself, and his aim was set directly at reaching them. Jacob was a balance of both.

When we first met, we were instantly attracted to each other, and once we began dating, we were inseparable. We thought we were so together, but when I shuffle back through old photos, I laugh at how we looked. Jacob resembled Grizzly Adams—rugged and strong yet nurturing. His hair was shoulder length and wavy, and he looked sort of like a rebel. A huge smile covered his face, and joy filled his heart. He was secure in himself.

I always seemed to do what was expected of me. I never wanted to disappoint, upset, or hurt anyone. My hair was long with soft curls. I didn't wear much makeup, just mascara. The looks worked for us and for each other. We never seemed to be apart except for work and college. We developed such a strong bond and enjoyed each other's company so much that you would have thought we were joined at the hip. He was such a babe in the romance department, but it was cute. We both thought too rationally for our age.

After classes, I worked in a department store until 10:30 p.m. I would find love notes tucked under the windshield wiper; his corny innocence always touched my heart.

Jacob's personality was entertaining, to say the least. His quick-witted comments always kept everyone amused. My family instantly adored him as well. And to tell you the truth, my life has been amazing since we met. After dating for two years, we married. I still had a year to finish college, and he continued to work and save.

After college graduation, we knew that we needed to plant new roots, so we moved to Arizona. This was a tremendous shock to our families. But we totally depended on each other as family and friends were far away from us. It worked. Our relationship flourished, and we planned goals for our family and future. We set up a home in a one-bedroom apartment. Jacob established a construction business, and it seemed to blossom from the start. I interviewed for the librarian opening at the city library and was hired. Four years later, I was promoted to director. We both loved our jobs and succeeded in them. Within a