“I want it to be surprise. I’ll tell you Saturday.”
“Saturday? But we’re getting married tomorrow.”
“I know. I’ll tell you this. I’m made reservations for the bridal suite at one of the luxury hotels for tomorrow night. We’ll leave on Saturday. Then, you’ll know where we’re going.”
“I don’t know what to pack.”
“Shorts and slacks. It’s a casual place. You could throw in a couple of those swinging skirts you wear and maybe a sundress or two. I like those on you.”
“Sounds good.”
“Of course, don’t forget a sexy nightgown. Nothing prettier than a beautiful woman in a sexy nightgown.”
“But I wanted to take my granny gowns.” She teased.
“Oh, no. Please, don’t do that to me. I hate those ugly things and they’re a big turn off. Promise me you’ll never wear them with me.”
She laughed. “But they’re so warm in the winter.”
“I’ll keep you warm. You won’t need a gown to do it. Promise?”
“Okay. I promise.”
“Thank you, my love.” He kissed the top of her head.
“You’re welcome.”
He looked around. “Maybe we should turn back now. I want to sit on the balcony and smooch with the little woman I love. How does that sound?”
“Sounds good, but I’m not so little.”
“Compared to me, you’re tiny.”
She squeezed his waist. “Honey, compared to you, Goliath would probably be small.”
•♥ •
“This is a pretty condo,” Mavis said as she took the glass of iced tea Luke served her.
“I like the layout, but the furniture is beginning to get worn. Of course, it’s nice for a rental unit,” Luke said. “If you want to see something pretty, wait until you see the Mastersons’ unit.”
“Aren’t you renting, Tim?” Neil asked.
“No, but don’t get the wrong idea. I work for the school system and a place at the beach is beyond my means. My mother owns it, but she’s generous about letting us use it.”
“We’ll show you her place tomorrow,” Brenda said. “Would anyone like some cookies to go with your tea?”
“I’m fine. How about you Mavis?”
“I’m fine, too.”
“Well, Neil. What did Dad tell you about the wedding?”
“Not much. Just that he was going to do it. I was too shocked to ask questions.”
“I know what you mean,” Tim said. “When Mom told me they were getting married, I almost fell off the chair.”
“Same here,” Luke said. “Of course, we told them we thought they should wait, but soon learned they weren’t going to.”
“So, both you guys think they’re rushing things?”
“We did at first, didn’t we, Tim?”
“At first, but the more I see how they love each other, the more I’m convinced they’re doing the right thing. You feel the same, don’t you, honey?” He looked at Juanita.
“Yes. They’re happy together.”
“Luke and I feel things have fallen into place as if it’s God’s plan.”
“Brenda’s right. I truly feel Heather is the one Dad should marry.”
“Poppa can’t marry Kate. We don’t like her,” Jacob said from his position on the floor. “I voted, too.”
“But Poppa can marry Grammy, can’t he, Jacob?”
“Yeah. We like Grammy. Me and Ben voted.”
“So you both want Poppa to marry Grammy?” Mavis looked at the two kids.
“They love each other,” Jacob said.
“How do you know?” Mavis grinned at them.
“They kiss all the time,” Ben said. “Daddy says when you love somebody, you kiss them. He kisses Mama because he loves her.”
“Daddy kisses Mama, too,” Jacob said. “And Grammy cleans my mouth with a napkin and don’t fuss.”
Mavis looked totally confused and Brenda said, “Let me explain.” She told them about the meal at their house when Kate didn’t want to use the linen napkin on Jacob’s mouth.
“I guess Kate wasn’t much of a kid person,” Mavis said.
“Bingo,” Luke said. “On the other hand, Heather treats Jacob like she does Ben. And Dad treats Ben like he does Jacob.”
“It’s because they love us,” Ben said. “Grammy told me they did, and Grammy always tells the truth.”
“Poppa said me and Ben was cousins.”
“He’s correct,” Ben said.
“Looks like they have the children on their side,” Neil said. “They sure have.” Luke smiled at the boys.
“We went to the beach today, and Poppa builded us a sand castle,” Jacob said.
“Then Grammy let us bury her legs in the sand.” Ben began laughing. “Remember the crab, Jacob? Poppa put it on Grammy’s leg and she squealed.”
“Poppa laughed and she threw a seashell at him.” Jacob started laughing too. “We had a good time.”
“My goodness,” Juanita said. “We haven’t heard these stories. Did anything else happen, boys?”
“Yeah. We was sitting in the water with Poppa and Grammy was getting shells in the bucket. Poppa grabbed her…”
“Wait, Jacob,” Ben interrupted. “First, Grammy poured water on Poppa’s back and then he grabbed her.”
“Oh, yeah. Then he picked her up and dropped her in the ocean.”
“Did it make her mad?” Mavis asked.
“I don’t think so,” Jacob said.
“It didn’t, because when she came and sat down with us, she kissed Poppa. She wouldn’t have done that if she was mad, would she, Mama?”
“Probably not, Ben.
“What did you do then?” Neil asked.
“We come and swimmed in the pool,” Jacob said. “Ben can swim gooder then me, but Poppa’s teaching me.”
“You’re getting good, Jacob. Grammy said so. Remember?”
“I ‘member. She hugged me and told me I was getting good.” He grinned.
The boys, through telling their tales, turned back to their trucks and cars.
“These two think of Alex and Heather as their grandparents already,” Brenda said. “I told Heather how much I appreciated it. I know Anna would’ve made a wonderful grandmother, but she was sick before Jacob was born, and she never got to spend much time with him. Heather will be the only grandmother he remembers.”
“Sounds like she’ll be a good one,” Mavis muttered.
“Alex is the only grandfather Ben will have a close relationship to,” Tim said. “Though my dad lives in the area, he doesn’t have anything to do with him, and Juanita’s parents live in Arizona. They’ve only seen him once.”
“Alex and Heather will probably spoil your kids rotten.” Neil cleared his throat. “Alex hinted to me your mother is famous, Tim. What did he mean?”
Tim laughed. “It’s kind of strange of me to think of Mom as famous, but I guess in some literary circles she is pretty well known.”
“Don’t be modest, Tim,” Brenda said. “His mother is the Heather Masterson who writes those books about Alex Hargrove, the mountain police officer. In fact, that’s how Alex met her. He went to a signing in Asheville.”
“Lord have mercy, I don’t believe this. I’ve read every one of her books and can’t wait for the next one to come out.” Mavis looked as if she couldn’t fathom what she was hearing. “How in the world did Alex land her? Does she know he’s a plain old country boy? And does he know how famous she is?”
“They know about each other, Mavis.” Luke grinned.
“I’m not sure I’ll know how to act around her,” Mavis said. “She’s way out of our class. We’ve always had to work for a living.”
“Mom hasn’t always been famous, Mrs. Parker. When Dad walked out on us, he left her broke and in debt. I was in college and working to help pay the tuition. Sometimes, Mom worked two jobs, and on top of that, she kept writing her stories. Dad never gave us a dime, but somehow, we
managed. Then her books began to take off and there was no more financial hardship. But please don’t think she doesn’t know what hard work is.”
“She sounds like a fine lady,” Neil said.
Before Mavis could say anything, the door opened. Alex and Heather came in. “We had a nice walk,” he said, then he saw Neil and grinned. “I had a feeling you’d show up.”
CHAPTER 34
As the Mastersons readied to leave, Juanita said, “Now
Heather, you have Alex get you home before midnight.”
“I’ll be there.” She laughed.
“Kiss Grammy good night, son,” Tim said.
He held his arms out to her and she gave him a big kiss. He then turned and reached for Alex.
Alex kissed him on the cheek.
Luke picked up his son. “Now Jacob, you do the same thing because your Mama and I are going to tuck you in. I’m sure Grammy and Poppa want to spend some time with their friends.”
“Okay,” he said in his sleepy voice.
After the children had been whisked away, Alex said, “Let’s sit on the balcony. I want you to get to know this lady of mine.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Neil said.
“Anybody want a beer?”
“If you’re having one, I do. How about you, Mavis?”
“Sure.”
Heather followed the Parkers to the balcony. “I’m glad you came down. I know it means a lot to Alex.”
“Did he tell you we’ve been best friends since we were kids?”
“He did.”
“There were six of us who stayed close through school and we’re still close. All but one of us live in the same area.”
“I think it’s wonderful to have friends all through life.”
Alex came out with three beers, a glass and an almost-empty bottle of wine. “Honey there’s only a smidgen left. Want me to open another bottle?”
“No. I’m sure there’s enough.”
“Heather doesn’t like beer.” He handed it to her and the beers to his friends. “Now, I know you’ve come to find out how I could be lucky enough to find this woman, so fire away.”
The four of them fell into easy conversation and were surprised when Brenda stuck her head out the door. “Okay, folks, I hate to break this up, but it’s eleven-thirty. Alex, you’d better take your bride-to-be home and if you’re not back before midnight, I’m coming to get you.”
“I guess I’ll listen.” Alex stood and took Heather’s hand. “We’d better hurry. I don’t want the elevator to turn into a pumpkin.”
She laughed. “Mavis and Neil, I’m so glad to meet you. And I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“We’re glad to meet you, too, Heather,” Neil said.
“Yes, we are.” Mavis smiled.
“Alex!” Brenda’s voice cut into their good-nights.
“We’re coming.”
“Good night, all,” Heather said, as Alex rushed her out the door.
•♥ •
At two minutes to twelve, Alex came through the door and looked at Brenda. “I made it.”
“I was putting on my shoes to come get you.”
“I couldn’t shove her in the door and leave. I had to be nice.”
“I guess she was pretty nice, too, wasn’t she, Dad?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve got lipstick on your mustache.”
Alex laughed, picked up a paper towel from the counter and wiped his mouth. “When my hair turned white, my mustache did, too. Now, it shows everything.”
“We never saw lipstick on it when you were with Kate,” Brenda teased.
Alex shook his finger at her and turned to Neil. “Well, what did you think of my lady?”
“Personally, I think you’re a lucky man. She seems to be crazy about you.”
Alex grinned. “What about you, Mavis?”
“If I can ever get beyond the fact of who she is, I think I’ll like her. She’s sure good with the kids, and you know what they say—kids are seldom wrong about people.”
“Jacob is crazy about her and she seems to care about him already.”
“She’ll be the same way about the babies.” Brenda shook her head. “When we were shopping this morning, we lost Heather.”
“What did you do?” Mavis asked.
“Juanita happened to look out the window and saw a children’s shop across the way. She said she bet Heather had wandered over there. Sure enough, we found her buying things for both our babies.”
“She says she thinks you’re having a girl, Brenda.” Alex took another beer from the refrigerator. “Anybody want one?” With the exception of Brenda, they all did.
“I hope she won’t be disappointed if it’s a boy,” Luke said.
“Oh, she won’t be. She said it didn’t really matter. She was going to spoil both of the babies—whatever they are.” Brenda took the glass of juice Luke handed her. “If you’ll leave the door cracked so I can hear Jacob, we’ll sit on the porch for a little while. We can’t stay too long though. My little boy is a dependable alarm clock.”
•♥ •
The next morning at nine there was a knock on the door. Luke answered it and Tim came in. “Mom sent me to be sure the groom hadn’t bolted.”
“I’m here. I hope she’s still in town.”
“She’s nervous, but she’s here.” Tim chuckled. “Actually, she said to have Brenda and Mrs. Parker come down to her place.”
“Please, call me Mavis, Tim.”
“Thank you.”
“What about me?” Jacob asked.
“You, too, Jacob. Ben already has things set up for the two of you.” He turned toward Luke. “Juanita said I was to horn in on whatever you guys were doing. I think they wanted to get rid of me.”
“Well, what should we do?” Luke asked.
“We ought to give your dad a bachelor party,” Neil said.
“Myrtle Beach is full of girlie clubs,” Luke suggested.
“Problem is,” Tim said. “They don’t open until late afternoon. I’m afraid we’d get our heads chopped off if we’re late for the wedding.”
“Alex and I are too old for those clubs, and we’re too young to lose our head, so we’d better think of something else,”
“What about playing nine holes? It’ll help me relax,” Alex suggested.
“Do you play golf, Tim?” Luke asked.
“Sure. I keep my clubs in the car. Come on. I’ll drive.”
When they left, Brenda said, “Okay, Mavis. Let’s go see if the bride is as jittery as her intended.”
CHAPTER 35
Heather sat at the breakfast bar with a mug of coffee as Mavis and Brenda arrived. Jacob ran into the room Ben claimed as his. Soon, there were sounds floating through the condo, sounds little boys make when they pretend they’re running their cars.
“Heather,” Brenda said. “Should you be drinking coffee?”
“Juanita’s making me drink decaf.”
“I had to. She’d be dancing on the ceiling from all she has drunk this morning.”
“I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”
Mavis was looking at the luxuriously furnished condo. “This place is gorgeous. I thought the one Brenda has was nice, but it’s nothing compared to this.”
“Thank you.” Heather looked at Juanita. “Isn’t there something I can do besides sit here?”
“We’ve done everything.”
“Maybe not,” Brenda said. She turned to Mavis. “Did Neil bring a suit?”
“Yes. He had me pack his navy one.”
“What color tie does he have?”
“I think I put in a blue striped one.”
“That won’t do,” Brenda said. “We’ve got to get him a tie.” Before Mavis could speak, she went on. “What color is your dress?”
“I wanted to bring my green one, but it was in the cleaners. I couldn’t make up my mind so I brought both my pink and my purple one.”
“That’s per
fect. You can wear either one.”
“Oh?” Mavis looked at them.
Brenda smiled. “We’re all wearing some shade of purple.”
“I see.” She nodded. “Then I’ll wear my purple. It fits better than the pink one, anyway.”
“Heather, why don’t you finish packing for your honeymoon and Brenda and I will run to Tangier and get a tie for Neil? I remember where you got them. We’ll take the boys, because you need to concentrate on getting ready to get married. Mrs. Parker will help you.”
“Honey, I asked your husband to call me Mavis. I wish you would, too.”
“Thank you, I will.” She turned toward the bedroom. “Ben, you and Jacob come here a minute.” The boys came into the room. “We’ve got to run to the store. We thought we’d let you pick out a toy.”
“I need a fire truck,” Jacob said. “Ben’s got a fire truck.”
“I need a police car like yours and I’d also like a new book. I don’t have anything to read.”
“Then let’s go get a fire truck and a police car and maybe a book for each of you.”
Heather held out her arms and they came running to her.
“Bye, Grammy,” they said. “We’ll come back.”
“Come back soon.” She kissed each of them.
“See you in a little while,” Juanita said as they went out the door.
When the door closed, Heather looked at Mavis. “Grammy lost out to a police car and a fire truck.”
Mavis laughed. “Grandchildren change quickly.”
“They sure do.” Heather stood. “Would you like a cup of coffee? Since Juanita’s gone, I’ll make some of the real stuff if you like.”
“Decaf’s fine with me. I drink it most of the time, anyway.”
They moved to the balcony with their coffee. “I bet Alex wasn’t nervous at all this morning, was he?”
“Oh, yes, he was.” Mavis chuckled. “They were taking him
to play golf and I heard him say it would help settle his nerves.”
Heather smiled, but didn’t say anything because the phone rang. She went inside and picked up the portable. She didn’t answer until she was back on the porch.
“How are you, Heather?”
“Fred. I told you not to bother me again.”
Stalking her Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 1) Page 17
