Stalking her Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 1)

by Agnes Alexander

  “Good morning, husband.” She smiled back. “How long have you been awake?”

  “Not long.”

  “You should have awakened me.”

  “I was enjoying watching you sleep. You snore, you know.”

  “I do not.”

  “Yes, you do. It’s a cute little bubble in your throat. Not loud, but endearing.”

  “You snore loud sometimes.”

  “I know, but you might as well get used to it. I’m never sleeping without you, so don’t try to send me to another room.”

  “I won’t. Your snoring lets me know you’re really here and you’re really mine.”

  He hugged her to him and she frowned. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No.”

  “Then, what?”

  “I smell coffee.”

  He laughed. “Irma has made some for us.”

  “Irma? Who’s Irma?”

  “Oh, didn’t I tell you? She’s the other woman I live with.”

  Heather sat up in bed and laughed at him. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those weird men with more than one wife.”

  He laughed again. “Hardly, though it might be convenient.” He dodged when she swatted a playful punch at him. “Irma’s my housekeeper. Has been for close to twenty-five years.”

  “I remember she called when we were on our picnic. Does she live here?”

  “Kind of. Her apartment is over the garage. You can only access it through the steps out there.”

  “If she’s been with you for twenty-five years, I bet she’s not going to like me.”

  “Of course she’ll like you. Who wouldn’t?”

  “Well, let’s see.” She held up her hand and began counting on her fingers. “Kate. Minnie Cox. Now, this Irma person.” She looked down at him. “Shall I go on?”

  “Okay, that’s enough.” He sat up, hugged her then stretched.

  “Let’s get dressed and I’ll introduce you to ‘this Irma person’.” When they reached the kitchen, Heather knew immediately Irma was nervous. After a greeting, she handed them a cup of coffee and asked Heather, “Do you take cream and sugar?”

  “Milk is fine. I don’t use sugar.”

  Irma quickly filled a pitcher. “I wasn’t sure what you’d want for breakfast. I have eggs and bacon or ham. Or I have the makings of an omelet. I can also make pancakes or waffles with butter and syrup. Of course, there’s grits and oatmeal. I can make toast or biscuits or—”

  “Whoa, Irma, give us a chance to breathe,” Alex said with a laugh. “Is it country ham?”

  “Yes, but I’ll get another kind if Mrs. Hargrove likes it.”

  “Relax, Irma. She likes country ham.” He looked at Heather. “Want to tempt our cholesterol this morning?”

  “I don’t see why not. We’ve been eating a lot of good-for-us things. I think ham and eggs would be nice.”

  “Would you like for me to make biscuits?”

  “Of course,” Alex said, then turned to Heather. “Irma makes fantastic biscuits.”

  “Isn’t than a lot of trouble for you?”

  “Oh, no, ma’am. I don’t mind at all.” She looked at Heather. “Do you like your eggs over easy, like Mr. Alex?”

  “If you don’t mind, I prefer them scrambled kind of hard.”

  “Irma, you’ll learn she likes most of her food overcooked so don’t worry about getting it too done.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll do the best I can.”

  Heather didn’t say anything. She had a feeling the woman was trying hard to please her. She turned to Alex. “Could we sit on the patio and drink our coffee? It’s such a beautiful morning.”

  “Of course. We’ll eat out there, if you like.”

  Heather paused as they stepped outside. “It’s breathtaking, Alex. Almost like a dream.”

  He slipped his free arm around her waist. “Think you’ll be comfortable here?”

  She glanced at him. “Of course, but I’d be comfortable with you in a tent.”

  “That’s good to know. I may want to go camping this fall.”

  She looked at him and cocked an eyebrow. “Really?”

  “Yes, really. What do you think?”

  She shrugged. “It would be a new experience, but if you want to, I’ll give it a shot.”

  He looked at her and shook his head. “You are something else, my love. Is there anything besides snorkeling you won’t do for me?”

  “Oh, there are a few things, but we won’t talk about them now.”

  Irma came outside with an insulated carafe and a partial table setting. “I thought you might want a refill.”

  “Thanks, Irma,” Heather said as Alex led her to the table and held a chair for her.

  “After breakfast, I’ll call Luke and get a couple of the hands to come help me unload the cars. We’ll try to get your office set up today.”

  She nodded. “With all this beauty around me, I do feel inspired. I can already imagine my other Alex riding around these hills.”

  Irma came out with the phone in her hand. “I’m sorry to keep interrupting, but it’s Mr. Luke. I thought you might want to talk to him.”

  “Good morning, son.”

  “Welcome home. What time did you get in?”

  “It was close to midnight.”

  “Does Heather like her new home?”

  “So far she seems to. We haven’t been up long and she really hasn’t looked at the place. In fact, we’re getting ready to eat breakfast.”

  “My goodness, it’s eight-thirty. You usually have a half a day’s work done by now.”

  “Things may change around here.”

  “I think it’s time they did.”

  “I was going to call you when we finished, Luke. Would you get a couple of the guys and come help me unload our cars? Heather brought half of Wynburg with her.”

  “Sure. What time?”

  “About ten. Now, tell me, how’s the family? We don’t have a new grandbaby, do we?”

  “Believe me, if you did, you’d know it. We’re getting anxious for the little one to get here.”

  “We had dinner with Tim and Juanita Sunday night. They said the same thing.”

  Irma came out with a bowl of fruit for each of them.

  “The food’s about ready. Why don’t you and the family come up for dinner tonight? I’ll throw something on the grill.” Heather smiled and nodded.

  “You sure you want company already?”

  “Heather’s nodding yes. So, you’re invited.” He chuckled. “I think I’m going to like living with this woman, Luke. She’s pretty agreeable.”

  “Well, if you don’t like it, it’s a bad time to find out.” He laughed, too. “I’ll see you at ten, and then we’ll be there for supper.”

  Heather refilled their coffee cups as Irma appeared with the plates. “I hope it’s to your liking, Mrs. Hargrove.”

  “It looks delicious, Irma.”

  “Thank you.” She went back into the kitchen then returned with the biscuits and an assortment of jams and jellies. “If you need anything else, let me know.”

  “Thanks, Irma.” Alex then reached over and took Heather’s hand.

  Irma smiled and walked inside.

  CHAPTER 43

  Heather was in the bedroom putting her clothes away when Irma knocked on the door. “Excuse me, Mrs. Hargrove. May I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’ve oven fried some chicken tenders and I wondered if you wanted to tell me what vegetables you’d like with them.”

  “I’m sure anything you choose will be fine. I like most vegetables.”

  “Do you like Brussels sprouts?”

  “Love them.”

  “Mr. Alex likes them, too. I can fix some brown rice and gravy. He likes it, too.”

  “Sounds fine.” Heather continued to fold her underwear.

  “Would you like me to do that for you, Mrs. Hargrove?”

  Heather started to say no, then she again got the feeling Irm
a was trying to please her. “If you’d like to help me—but I don’t expect you to do it all.”

  Irma’s hand shook as the picked up the nightgowns Heather had tossed on the bed. “You’ve got some pretty things, Mrs. Hargrove.”

  “Thank you. My daughters-in-law are responsible. They made me buy them when I was getting items for our honeymoon.”

  “Did you have a nice trip?”

  “Yes, it was lovely. Neither of us had been to the Virgin Islands and we enjoyed it very much.”

  “I’m glad you did, Mrs. Hargrove.”

  “Irma, it’s not that I don’t like being called Mrs. Hargrove, because I do, but I wish you’d call me Heather. Mrs. Hargrove seems awfully formal since we’ll be seeing each other daily.” Irma stared at her.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  “Oh, no. It’s because you’re famous and everything, I figured you’d want to be formal.”

  “Famous? Where did you hear that?”

  “You’re not mad because I said that are you, Mrs. Har…I mean, Ms. Heather?”

  “Of course not. I’m only surprised.”

  “Well, with the picture in the magazine and everything—”

  Heather interrupted. “What picture and what magazine?”

  “Didn’t you know your wedding picture was in the movie magazine?”

  “No, I didn’t. Do you have a copy?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Would you mind letting me see it?”

  Irma went to her quarters and in a few minutes returned with the magazine.

  “Well, I be doggie,” Heather said.

  Irma chuckled. “I haven’t heard that expression in years.”

  “My Daddy used to say it all the time.” She turned to Irma.

  “Has Alex seen this?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Do you mind if I keep it here and show it to him when he gets through hooking up my computer?”

  “I don’t mind at all.”

  Heather laid the magazine on the night stand and continued to take clothes from her suitcase. “Irma, where is the laundry room? Alex and I brought back dirty clothes, and I need to wash them.”

  “Oh, Ms. Heather. I do the laundry. Put them out here and I’ll do them for you.”

  “I won’t ask you to do that, Irma.”

  “But it’s my job.”

  Heather looked at the woman before her. “Well, if you really want to.”

  “I do. I guess you either wash your lingerie by hand or on the delicate cycle. Either way is fine with me.”

  “I don’t believe in washing by hand unless it’s absolutely necessary. The delicate cycle is fine.”

  “Then please toss your things in the basket in your dressing room. I’ll collect it daily, and when I have a load, I’ll do it and put it back in your closet. It’s the way I do for Mr. Alex. Is that okay with you?”

  “Yes.” Heather looked at the woman again. Irma was probably younger than she, but she had an old look about her. Heather decided to see if she could find out why the housekeeper seemed to be trying so hard to please her.

  “Irma, you seem nervous around me. I hope I haven’t done anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, no, you haven’t, Ms. Heather. I’m just wondering if you want to bring your own housekeeper here. I don’t know what I’d do without this job.”

  “Irma, let me assure you, I have no intention of bringing in a new housekeeper. I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea where to find one. As for me, I have a woman who cleans for me a couple of times a week. I hire outside help when I have company or a dinner party, but I’ve never had full-time help.” She reached out and touched Irma’s arm. “Besides, if I tried to get rid of you, I’m sure Alex would have my head rolling down this mountain side.”

  “Oh, Ms. Heather. You don’t know how much better that makes me feel. I was afraid you were some rich celebrity who wouldn’t want somebody like me around.”

  “Irma, I’m sure you know more about Alex’s habits than I do. I’m also sure you were close to Anna, and to Luke. You probably thought I’d come here and change everything, but I’m not going to.” She smiled at the housekeeper.

  Irma stared at Heather. “You mean Mr. Alex told you about Ms. Anna?”

  “Of course he did, and I don’t want you to think you can never mention her name in my presence. Alex told me what a wonderful wife and mother she was. He said they had a happy marriage, and he was devastated when she died. He also said for a long time, he didn’t think he’d ever be able to find love again.” She smiled at Irma. “Fortunately for me, he did—and we’re very much in love. All I want for the rest of my life is to make him as happy as he’s made me.”

  Tears came into Irma’s eyes. “It means a great deal to hear you say that.” She swiped her hand across her face. “I’d better go put those vegetables on.”

  •♥ •

  Luke and Brenda arrived for supper an hour early. They came into the kitchen and found Heather and Irma. “We couldn’t contain Jacob any longer,” Brenda said. “He wanted to see Poppa and Grammy.

  “Don’t apologize.” Heather blew her a kiss and held her arms out to the little boy.

  He dropped his cars on the floor and came flying to her. “Grammy, Grammy, Grammy!” He flung his arms around her neck and she began planting kisses all over his face.

  “I love you, I love you, I love you,” she said over and over.

  “I love Grammy,” he announced in an almost-yell.

  “What about Poppa?” Alex asked as he came into the kitchen from the patio with a grilling fork in his hand.

  “I had you forever to love, Poppa. Grammy is new.”

  They all laughed and Heather said, “Yes, Grammy is new and Grammy wants to go for a walk with her new grandson. The two of us.”

  Jacob said, “Come on.” He slid out of her arms and took her hand.

  As everyone watched the woman and the little boy walk across the flagstone terrace, around the edge of the swimming pool, and across the pristine lawn, Luke said, “Well, Dad, I never expected your marriage to bring my son so much happiness.”

  “As I said before, she’s the only grandmother Jacob will ever have. I’m thrilled my son lucked out and got her,” Brenda said, taking Luke’s hand. “Aren’t you, honey?”

  “I sure am.” He smiled. “I’ve got to say the old man did well, not only for himself, but for the whole family.”

  “I’m glad the family approves, because I sure do like her. Now, I’d better get back out there to those steaks. I stepped in to get a beer.”

  Irma opened the refrigerator and handed him a Bud. She also got one for Luke. “Would you like some lemonade, Ms. Brenda?”

  “Yes, Irma. Thank you.”

  The two men went out to the grill and Brenda took a seat on one of the stools at the counter.

  “Well, Irma, how’re things going for you?”

  “Very well, Ms. Brenda.”

  “I know it’s hard seeing another woman come in and take over. You were used to Anna’s ways, then after her death, you had to adjust to looking after Alex alone. Now, you have another big adjustment.”

  “I was kind of worried about it, but she’s been nice to me.

  She told me she wasn’t going to bring in another housekeeper.”

  “I never thought she would.”

  “I wasn’t sure, but I feel better about it now.” She turned to the window. “Look out there, Ms. Brenda. She sure has little Jacob charmed.”

  Brenda smiled as she watched Heather with Jacob. They were sitting side by side, cross-legged on the ground, and were intently studying something in the grass. He looked up at her, said something and they got up. They walked a little farther and paused to look at something else.

  Irma turned from the window. “Ms. Heather made a salad. It’s in the refrigerator. The potatoes are in the oven and that pot on the stove is full of corn-on-the-cob she made for Jacob. There’s a blackberry cobb
ler for dessert, and vanilla ice cream in the freezer.” She looked around. “I think that’s everything. I’ve set up the table on the lanai. I thought you’d like it out there.”

  “That’s perfect, Irma. Thank you.”

  Irma picked up the basket from the counter. “I’ll go home, now. Enjoy your dinner.” She opened the door and waved at Alex.

  He nodded and took a steak off the grill. He brought it to her and said, “Here you go, Irma. Thanks for a good day.”

  •♥ •

  When she got upstairs, Irma sat her meal on the dinette table at the window overlooking the back yard. It pleased her to see Heather and Jacob coming toward the house. She decided they were playing follow the leader, because Jacob would hop, then Heather would hop. Jacob would flap his arms and Heather would flap her arms. Their antics continued until they reached the patio.

  It wasn’t long until Heather and Brenda were carrying the food to the table and Alex was taking up the steaks. Soon, the family sat down and she noticed Jacob was sitting between Heather and Alex. They all held hands and bowed their heads. This pleased her, and she bowed her own head. Instead of thanking God for the food, she thanked Him for making Heather a part of the Hargrove family and she asked Him to make sure this would continue.

  CHAPTER 44

  On Thursday afternoon, Tim arrived with his family. As Alex grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, the boys’ choice, Ben and Jacob splashed in the pool. Once again Irma had set up the lanai. She watched as Heather and her two daughters-in-law sat on patio chairs laughing and chatting. Tim and Luke had pulled chairs up close to Alex and the three men were in a deep conversation.

  “I never thought I’d see this,” she muttered as she turned to the stove to turn down the baked beans. “Ms. Anna, I know you wanted Mr. Alex to be happy again and it looks like you got your wish.” She took an ear of corn from the pot, dipped some beans into a bowl, took a big spoon of potato salad and went to the door. She saw Alex nod to her, and in a minute, Luke got up and brought her a paper plate with two hamburgers and two hotdogs.

  When he reached the kitchen he said, “Irma, I heard Heather invite you to eat with us tonight. Aren’t you going to?”