Alex took a deep breath. “I’m not sure where to start, Neil. What I’m about to tell you has to stay between you and me. Okay?”
“Sure, Alex. We’ve shared secrets since the first grade. You know I won’t tell anything you don’t want known.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Okay, spit it out,” Neil said.
“There’s a young man I want you to check out. His name is Timothy Masterson and he’s the principal of a middle school in Wynburg. He has his doctorate.”
“Sounds like a fine young man. What’s he done to you?”
“Nothing. I want you to see about finding a job in our area, which will pay him more than he’s making now. He has a beautiful, pregnant wife, and a son a little younger than Jacob, and his main concern is bettering his family.”
“Well, I’ll be glad to look into it, Alex. But tell me something. Why in the world are you taking an interest in this young man’s career?”
“This is where the secret comes in, Neil.”
“Okay. I’m listening.”
“Tim Masterson is going to be my stepson.”
“What! Did I hear you right?”
“You sure did. I’m marrying his mother.”
“My word, Mavis is going to have a coronary. She’s been beside herself hoping you’d find somebody. She was actually talking about it last night. She said she knew you’d never really gotten over Anna, but she hoped you and Kate could work something out so you wouldn’t be so lonely.” He took a deep breath. “I have a feeling it’s not Kate.”
“It’s not Kate.”
“She’s not one of those young things half your age, is she?”
“No. She’s a little younger than me, but I’ve already told you she has a son close to the same age as mine. As for meeting her, I actually met her in Asheville. Neil, you’ll never believe the things which have happened to keep throwing us in each other’s paths. I truly believe God meant for us to be together. She feels the same way.”
“That’s a good thing, I guess. But I don’t understand. Why don’t you want to tell the world you’ve found someone?”
“Well, for one thing, she’s kind of famous.”
“What do you mean, famous?”
“Oh, I don’t mean a movie star or such, but in literary circles, she’s pretty well known.”
“What in the world are you doing with someone from literary circles? I figure you’re like me. Farm Journal and Playboy are about as literate as we get.”
Alex chuckled. “You’re right, but she and I will work our differences out.”
“I must say, you do sound happy.”
“Neil, I’m the happiest I’ve been in years. I know this is the woman for me, and I also know you and Mavis will love her.”
“Well, my friend, you know I can’t keep this from Mavis. She’ll kill me if I do.”
“You can tell Mavis, but she has to keep quiet about it until Luke gets home. He’ll announce our marriage at church Sunday.”
“I can’t wait to see Minnie Cox’s face when she hears you’re getting married. I think it would be more effective if you announce it yourself—”
“I won’t be there, Neil.”
“Why not?”
“Man, I’ll be on my honeymoon.”
“What!”
“You heard me.”
“Then you’re going to get married right away?”
“Friday at four o’clock in a little Methodist church here in Myrtle Beach. Her family and mine will be there. Neither of us wanted a big wedding.”
“I wish I’d known. I’d have come down there to make sure this thing is legal.”
“If you want to come, you know you’re welcome.” Alex changed the subject. “The women are coming in so I’ve got to go. Now, don’t forget to check out the prospects for Tim.”
“I’ll get right on it.”
The two men said good-bye and Alex hung up the phone. He hoped he’d done the right thing by calling. He also hoped Heather wouldn’t mind if Neil and Mavis showed up for the wedding.
CHAPTER 32
On Thursday afternoon, Mavis and Neil Parker headed south.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Mavis twiddled a lock of her curly gray hair.
“Can’t a man take his wife away for a weekend now and then?” Neil’s jovial voice was teasing.
“Sure, but most of the time he’d give her some notice. He wouldn’t come rushing into the kitchen and yell at her to start packing. And be as specific as you were about it.”
“All I said was we’d need shorts and slacks and one Sunday outfit.”
“That’s not all you said. You specified it had to be a dark suit and white shirt for you and my best Sunday dress and high heels for me.”
“You packed them, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did, but I’m still wondering why I let you talk me into this.”
“It’s because you still love me after all these years.” He grinned at her.
“Of course I love you, you gooney bird. If I didn’t, do you think I’d be here now?” She punched his shoulder lovingly.
He didn’t answer because he was turning on the ramp leading to the interstate.
“Okay,” Mavis sat back and crossed her arms over her chest. “You promised as soon as we were on I-40 you’d tell me where we were going. So fess up.”
“We’re going to Myrtle Beach.”
“Lord, Neil. Whatever gave you the wild hair to take me to Myrtle Beach?” She frowned. “And why did we have to bring Sunday clothes. People don’t dress up at the beach.”
“If they’re going to a wedding, they do.”
“Neil, I think you’ve lost your mind. We don’t know anyone getting married at Myrtle Beach. The only people we know down there are Alex and his family…” She whirled toward to him. “You don’t mean Alex is…”
“Yep. The old boy sure is. Tomorrow at four o’clock, so I thought we’d better get down there tonight.”
“Who in the world is he marrying? Kate Harris didn’t go with them, did she?”
“Nope. We don’t know this lady.”
“Heavens. I hope he hasn’t picked up some slut on the beach and gone crazy. Lonely older men do crazy things sometimes.”
Neil chuckled. “From what I gathered, he’s been dating her secretly.”
“Why?”
“He hinted she was famous.”
“The more you talk the more confused I get. When did you learn all this?”
“He called today and I decided on the spot we needed to go down there to see what’s up.”
“Did he want us to come?”
“He said we’d be welcome if we did.”
“Did he call just to tell you he was getting married?”
“Actually, he wanted me to see if I could find his future stepson a job in our area.”
“Lord have mercy. What has the man gotten himself into? Already she has him trying to find a job for her lazy son.”
“No, no. The son has a good job. He’s a principal of a school in Wynburg.”
Mavis frowned. “Then why does Alex want you to find him a job?”
“I don’t know, honey. I guess he though the guy might like to live in the mountains.”
“Give me your cell phone. I’m going to call Darlene and tell her what’s going on. She was stumped when I told her we were going off for the weekend and Red would have to see the guys finished up with the hay harvest.”
“Sorry, Mavis, I can’t let you do that. I promised Alex I wouldn’t say a word about him getting married. You know I love my daughter, but she likes to talk. Luke is going to announce the marriage at church Sunday. I thought if we witnessed the event we could support him. I’m not sure whether or not the boy likes what his father is up to. I’ll get a better read on the situation in person.”
“Well, Neil, can’t you drive a little faster? You know good and well if we get down there and see Alex is making a mistake, you’re probably the only perso
n in the world who could talk him out of it.”
•♥ •
After lunch Heather and Alex went shopping for a few items, his wedding band among them. They already had the band which matched her engagement ring. When they pulled the car back in the parking deck under his rented condo, Heather said, “Honey, I’m sorry I can’t give you this wedding present in a more romantic setting, but I know we promised to take the grandkids to the beach this afternoon.”
“You didn’t have to give me a gift, sweetheart.”
“Want me to take it back?”
“Of course not.” He grinned at her.
She took a package out of her purse and handed it to him.
He opened it carefully. His eyes stared at the beautiful watch.
“Oh, Heather, I can’t believe this.”
“Do you really like it?”
“Yes, I do. I’ve always wanted a Rolex.” He removed his old watch and put on the new one. He reached for her and pulled her head toward his. “Thank you, my love.”
“You’re welcome.”
He jumped out of his car. “You wait right there.” He came to her side and opened her door. “Now, I can hold you close and thank you.” He took her in his arms.
After spending some tender moments together, they went inside where everyone admired his watch.
“Dad, don’t you let this woman get away. I can’t wait until Christmas. She gives good presents.”
“I don’t intend to ever let her get away.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. “And you’ll be lucky if you get ham at our table on Christmas.”
Heather laughed. “Don’t you listen to him, Luke. I love Christmas and I love buying gifts for those I love.”
“I thought we was going on the beach,” Jacob said. He had his sand bucket in his hand and he was wearing a blue bathing suit with gray sharks on it.
“Don’t you know grown-ups procrastinate, Jacob?” Ben asked. “Even when they intend to do something.”
“What’s ‘crastinate?”
“It means they don’t do things when we want to.” Ben hugged the yellow beach towel with the black sailing ships which matched his trunks and eyed the grandparents.
“Okay, boys, let me go in my room and get my swim suit on. Grammy has hers with her and I guess she’ll go into the bathroom to put it on.” He looked at Heather and arched his eyebrow.
“Of course, she will.” She wagged a finger at Alex. “I’ll be ready in a minute, then we’ll head to the beach.”
When they reached the beach, they built sand castles and waded in the water. Heather sat in the sand and let the boys cover her legs. Alex helped them. They laughed and giggled and squealed and played in the water. Then they returned to the pool where they swam with the boys. The four of them didn’t go in until Brenda came out on the balcony and waved them to come eat.
After showers, they had dinner. Juanita and Tim brought a roast and salad from their condo. Brenda and Luke contributed the vegetables and dessert. It was a wonderful meal and the men said they’d put the dishes in the dishwasher to show their appreciation. Afterward, Alex announced he was taking his lady for a romantic walk on the beach. “I want to give her a proper thank you for my wonderful present.”
“You’d better, Dad. After all, it’s your last chance to smooch with a single woman.”
“What’s smooch?” Jacob asked.
“It’s kissing and stuff, like they do,” Ben explained.
Luke laughed and tousled Ben’s hair. “You’re one smart little boy.”
“Of course he and Jacob are smart,” Heather said. “They take after Grammy.”
“Nobody’s going to argue with you, dear,” Alex said. “Look what a smart choice you made when you selected your husband to be.”
“Oh, boy,” Brenda said. “My father-in-law doesn’t lack confidence, does he?”
“I guess since he’s captured the woman he can be confident. I remember how I crowed when I won Juanita’s hand.”
“Same, here. I couldn’t believe Brenda was really going to marry me. That funny-faced little girl who used to sneak around and peek at me from corners.”
“Speaking of marrying.” Brenda turned to Alex and Heather. “You two know you have to be in your own rooms at midnight tonight. We can’t have you seeing each other before the ceremony on your wedding day.”
“Whoa,” Alex said. “I thought we’d have a big family breakfast.”
“No can do,” Brenda said. “Juanita and I are going to keep you apart and we’re not going to let you even peek at each other until four o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”
Alex took Heather’s hand. “Come on, honey. We might run away and do the deed without them.”
“There will be no doing the deed until after four o’clock tomorrow,” Tim said with a big smile.
Heather turned red and grabbed Alex’s arm. “You’re right. We need to get out of here.”
They heard laughter and Jacob asking, “What’s so funny?” as the door closed behind them.
•♥ •
It was nine o’clock when Luke’s cell phone rang. He looked at the number and frowned. “It’s Neil Parker. Wonder if they’ve caught the people cutting the fences.” Into the phone he said, “Hello, Neil.”
“Hey, Luke. Mavis and I have arrived at Myrtle Beach and we don’t have the foggiest idea where to go. Can you recommend a motel?”
“What in the world are you doing in Myrtle Beach?”
“You don’t think I’d let my best friend get married and not show up for the shindig, do you?”
“Dad told you he was getting married?”
“Called me this morning. It took some persuading, but I finally convinced Mavis we had to come.”
“I’m sure Dad will be glad you’re here. Where are you?”
“We’re in a Bi-Lo parking lot off 17 and there’s a Kroger across the street. You have any idea where that is?”
“Not really. Wait a minute.” Luke repeated the location to Tim.
“I know exactly where it is,” Tim said. “It’s not far from here.”
“Okay, Neil. Tim knows where you are. Why don’t you park in a space away from everyone so I’ll see your car? We’ll come get you.”
“We’ll be waiting.”
Luke closed his phone. “Neil and Dad have been friends since they were in first grade. I gather Dad called him and told him about the wedding. I hope Heather doesn’t mind.”
“I’m sure she won’t,” Juanita said.
“Good.” Luke turned to Tim. “Do you mind riding with me to lead them here? I don’t see any sense in them getting a motel. We have a bedroom nobody has used.” He looked at Brenda. “What do you think?”
“I think it’ll be fine. Since they’re Alex’s friends, it’ll be good for Heather to get to know them.”
“Okay, honey. We’ll be back soon, with the new guests in tow.”
CHAPTER 33
Alex and Heather strolled down the beach with their arms around each other. “Do you realize by this time tomorrow you’ll be Mrs. Alex Hargrove?”
“Heather Hargrove. Not a bad name is it?”
“A beautiful name.” He pulled her tighter against his side.
They were silent a moment, then in a soft voice she asked, “You’re sure you want to do this, Alex?”
“Of course I’m sure. Aren’t you?”
“I think I’m a little afraid.”
“Why, honey?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because I never thought I’d meet a wonderful man like you, much less have him fall in love with me. I still wonder if I’m dreaming and will wake up to my boring life once again.”
“What scares me is that you’ll wake up and say ‘hey why do I want this big old ugly country boy in my life?’”
She stopped abruptly. “Don’t even kid about such, Alex. You’re the only man in the world for me. I don’t really have doubts. I’m sure I’m only getting the pre-wedding jitters.”
“That’s natural. I’ve had a few questions myself.” When she looked up at him, he went on. “Not about marrying you. I know it’s the right thing, but I’m afraid I won’t…” he hesitated, then whispered, “satisfy you. I’ve only been with one woman since college and things stopped completely soon after she got sick.”
“Oh, Alex.” She leaned against him. “I’ve had those same thoughts. I haven’t been with a man since my divorce. And to be perfectly honest, my sex life wasn’t very good when I was married.”
He folded his arms around her. “When I look into those indigo eyes I love, all my doubts float away.”
She smiled up at him and whispered, “I know we’re doing the right thing.”
He dropped his arm to her shoulder and they began walking again. “I can’t wait until four o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”
“So, you can’t wait to make marry me?”
“Nah. It’s not that. It’s because I’ve never worn a purple tie before and I’m excited about it.”
“Why, you…” She playfully popped him in the belly.
“Now, wait a minute.” He swooped her up in his arms. “I think I’ll toss you in the ocean.”
“Oh, please! No! You’ve already done that today.” She wiggled and twisted in his arms.
“And why shouldn’t I? You’re beating up on me and we’re not even married yet.”
“But honey, it’s getting dark. A shark might eat me before you could save me.”
“Well, in that case.” He put her down. “I’ll let you off this time, but only because I don’t want to have to tangle with a shark tonight.”
“Would you really fight a shark for me?”
“I’d fight a whole school, or pod, or whatever they’re called.”
“I love you, Alex Hargrove.”
They stopped again and he took her in his arms. “I love you, too, and I always will. I can’t wait to make you mine forever.”
“I’m kind of anxious, myself.”
He kissed her. As the waves splashed around their ankles and pulled the sand between their toes, their kisses grew more passionate. “We’re going to have a wonderful life together, Heather.”
“Yes, I know.” She pulled away and changed the subject. “When are you going to tell me where we’re going on our honeymoon so we can get started on this wonderful life?”
Stalking her Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 1) Page 16
