Stalking her Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 1)

by Agnes Alexander

  “Thank you, Neil.” Heather kissed his cheek. “As long as they’re with you I won’t worry.”

  Alex shook his hand. “Thanks, my friend.”

  Luke went running to his wife. “Honey, what happened?”

  “What do you think happened? I needed you and you weren’t there. Don’t you care that I’m about to have your baby and it’s beginning to hurt? Fathers are worthless at a time like this.”

  “I’m sorry, Brenda. The phone must not pick up in the hospital.”

  “That’s no excuse!”

  “They always come in…” The nurse stopped when she saw Heather and Alex. “Didn’t I already take you folks up to delivery?”

  “You sure did. We may have two granddaughters in one day. What do you think of that?”

  “Wow. That would be a coincidence.”

  “Not really,” Neil said. “These folks don’t believe in coincidences. They believe in miracles from God.” He looked at Alex . “As soon as this excitement dies down, I need to talk with your stepson. There’s been a sudden opening in the school system here and I think he might be interested in it. It’d be a big promotion for him and his family.” He winked at Heather. “See what I mean about miracles?”

  Without another word, he headed toward his car, leaving Heather with her mouth open and Alex grinning from ear to ear.

  “Did I hear him right?” Heather looked at Alex as they followed the nurse to the elevator.

  “Yes, honey, you did.”

  “Oh, Alex. Having Tim get a job here would be the answer to my prayers.”

  •♥ •

  Jude Winslow frowned as he dismounted. Not only was the fence joining his property to Alex’s cut, it was missing. He whipped out his cell phone and dialed Alex’s number. Irma answered.

  “I need Alex to come to the north end of the Wells pasture,” he said.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Winslow. He’s gone to the hospital with his son-in-law and his wife. They’re having a baby.”

  “I see. If he gets home anytime soon, have him call my cell.” He hung up without waiting for her to say anything else. He then dialed his office in the barn. It took a while for anyone to answer, but when they did, he said, “Listen and don’t try to talk, Doby. I want you to find Buck and the two of you come to the North end of Alex’s Wells pasture. Somebody had chopped down a twenty-foot section of fence. We have some wire in one of the outlying sheds and we’ve got to get the fence back up before it storms. Alex isn’t home and can’t help.”

  He hung up and walked over to the standing posts. He was about to grab it to see if it was tight enough in the ground when he saw the top of it was covered with blood. He muttered,

  “What’s going on?”

  Whipping out his phone again, he called the police.

  CHAPTER 46

  As a dangerous storm approached Coverton Mills, Mary Heather Masterson, seven pounds and thirteen ounces, let out her first cry at five-thirty-five in the afternoon. Tim swore she smiled at him. A little while later, Heather and Alex entered Juanita’s room. Tim held his daughter and Juanita looked tired, but beautiful as she lay back on the white sheets with her dark hair fanned around her head.

  “Want to hold her, Mom?”

  Heather nodded and sat in the chair on the opposite side of the bed. Tim placed the baby in her arms. Alex knelt beside her and looked at the pink bundle.

  “Isn’t she beautiful, honey?”

  “Yes, she is. We have our first granddaughter.” He grinned at her. “I want to see her feet so I can see how strong she’ll be.” When Heather unwrapped them, he touched her tiny feet and said, “Look at those cute little toes. My granddaughter may be a dancer.”

  Heather shook her head and smoothed the thick, dark hair on the top of Mary’s head. “You children did a beautiful job. She’s perfect.”

  Tim picked up the all-in-one camera he’d bought in the gift shop. “I’m going to take a picture of the happy grandparents.”

  Alex nodded. “Make one for us, too.”

  “Of course.”

  Heather said, “Thank you for naming her after my mother and me, Juanita. I was surprised and honored.”

  “I know how much Tim loved his grandmother, and you’re like a mother to me. There’s no other name right for our little girl.”

  Before Heather could answer, the door opened. “Well, I see the ecstatic grandparents are already spoiling the new arrival.”

  “Come in, Cole,” Alex said getting up. “And you’re right. Spoiling the grandkids is our job.”

  “She’s a nice one, isn’t she?”

  “She’s wonderful, Cole. Thank you for coming to our rescue. With Juanita and Tim being from out of town, I wasn’t sure she’d get the best of care.”

  Cole patted her shoulder. “Grandmothers always worry about things like that. Besides, I was happy to do it. The Hargrove family is special to me, and as far as I’m concerned, Tim and Juanita are part of that family now.”

  Alex put his hand on Heather’s shoulder. “When this beautiful woman agreed to marry me, we did become one family.”

  Cole lifted Juanita’s wrist and felt her pulse. “I think that’s wonderful and I’m looking forward to having a celebration around your swimming pool whenever you get all these grandbabies home.”

  “We’ll definitely do that.”

  “How’s Brenda?” Heather asked.

  “She’s hanging in there. Keep your fingers crossed if you want the babies born on the same day. She could deliver before midnight.”

  Heather looked down at the sleeping baby. “You hear that, Mary? Your little cousin and you will have the same birthday. Oh, what birthday parties we’ll have. Poppa and I will throw the biggest events you’ve ever seen for our girls.”

  “Now, Mom, the baby could turn out to be a boy.”

  “Not after all the pink things I’ve bought for it. It’ll be a girl.” She smiled at Mary. “But in case Grammy is wrong, she won’t be one bit disappointed. She’ll take them back and get blue. She loves little boys, too.”

  Cole went out of the room laughing and saying, “And I thought my dad was silly over his grandsons.”

  After an hour, Heather and Alex decided to let Tim and Juanita have some time together with their daughter. Alex did insist on holding Mary before they left. Of course, they took his picture. When they were in the hall, Heather went to the bathroom. Alex walked out to the deck to call Neil and check on the boys. He also gave Irma an update.

  “How are my boys?” Heather asked when she joined him.

  “They’re fine. Mavis said they aren’t paying much attention to the storm. I talked to both of them and they said it was okay if they had to spend the night there. Ben did ask if I would bring him to see his new sister tomorrow. He said he needed to check her out to make sure it would be okay for her to live with them.”

  Heather chuckled. “That sounds like Ben.”

  “Jacob said he’d check his sister out too, if she ever got here.” He smiled. “Irma offered to go get the boys, but I told her not to bother. They’re having fun with the Parkers.”

  When they came back into the waiting room with their arms around each other, Alex looked surprised and Heather watched as a tall, good-looking man stood and smiled at them. “Hello folks.”

  “Jude. What in the world are you doing here?”

  “Came to give you some news, but it looks like you have news for me.” He continued to smile at Heather. “Are you going to introduce me to this beautiful woman you’ve managed to hogtie?”

  “Of course, but mind your manners. Honey, this is Jude Winslow—my neighbor, and Cole’s father, and the guy I swore I wasn’t going to introduce you to until we’d been married for two years.”

  “Hello, Jude.” Heather chuckled and held out her hand. “I’m so grateful to your son for taking care of Juanita.”

  “I have to admit, I’m proud of the way my boy keeps bringing new lives into this world.” He dropped her hand. “I hear
you have a new granddaughter.”

  “Yes. We’re excited about it.”

  “I’m sure you are, and I’d like to see her before I leave. Meet your son, too. But I have to confess, I dropped by to discuss something with Alex.”

  “In that case, why don’t I go check on Brenda, and if you’re not finished by then, I’ll go spend some more time with Mary.” She squeezed Alex’s hand.

  “Thanks, honey.” As soon as Heather left the room, Alex asked, “What’s going on, Jude?”

  “I found some fence on your Wells pasture down and when I learned where you were, I got my men to put it back up.”

  “I appreciate it.”

  “Let’s go out on the deck where we can talk privately,” Jude said.

  Alex nodded and followed him outside.

  When he was sure they were alone, Jude went on. “I called the police, because there was blood on one of the posts.”

  Alex frowned. “Did the police know what happened?”

  “Not about the blood, but there was something else. Do you know a Rachelle Albright?”

  “Never heard of her. Why?”

  “The cops found a car parked on one of your side roads. The registration in the dash said that was her name, but that wasn’t the troubling thing.” He gave Alex a funny look then continued to speak. “They found some papers in the car. They were ramblings about how much she loved Alex Hargrove and how they’d be so happy together if it wasn’t for Heather Masterson.”

  “How could that be?”

  “I don’t know. Are you sure you don’t know this woman? Not even a one-night stand?”

  “Jude, I haven’t had any stands—one-night or otherwise. Until I married Heather, I haven’t been with a woman since Anna died.”

  “I didn’t think so, but I knew you’d been going to Wynburg.”

  “That’s where Heather lived.”

  “According to the registration, so did this Rachelle Albright.”

  “How can this be happening? Now, of all times.”

  “I’m sorry to lay it on you, Alex, but I was sure you’d want to know.”

  “Of course, I do.”

  “Richard Staples said he was going to check out things in Wynburg as soon as possible. Maybe he already has.”

  “Does this woman have something to do with the fences being cut?”

  “They don’t know yet.” Jude sighed. “It’s a mess, Alex. I’m sorry it’s happening to you now that you’ve finally found happiness again.”

  “I have done that, Jude. Heather’s a wonderful woman.”

  “I took one look at the two of you together and knew that.” He forced a grin. “I don’t like it, though. She’s quite a looker. You could’ve played fair and at least let the rest of us meet her before you dragged her off and married her.”

  “Wasn’t any way in the world I was going to let any of you lonely old men see her until I had her locked down good and legal.”

  “Can’t say as I blame you. Looks like you’ve got a winner. I hope this is settled soon and you can get on with life.”

  “So do I, Jude.”

  •♥ •

  Later that evening, Luke came into the waiting room where Heather and Alex were again sitting on the love seat. “Did you see Tim and Juanita’s baby?”

  “Sure did. We both held her.”

  “That’s great, Dad. I’ll go see her as soon as I can.”

  “Is Brenda okay?” Heather asked.

  He nodded. “Would you bring me back a sandwich when you two go to eat?”

  “Why don’t I stay with Brenda and you can go with your Dad?”

  “Not this time, Heather. You need to go.”

  “He’s right, honey. We’ll bring you something, son.”

  “Thanks.”

  When Heather and Alex returned, she went into Brenda’s room so Luke could step out and eat. The women were watching a storm update. “It looks like it’s going to be bad. I hope it doesn’t hit close enough to scare the boys.”

  “Since they’re with the Parkers, I’m not worried. They have a storm cellar.”

  “Good.” This relieved Heather, and she turned to Brenda. “Now, how are you feeling?”

  “Better, but I get a twinge now and then. I haven’t had the epidural put in yet.” She had no more than finished her sentence when a pain ripped across her body. She let out a little scream.

  Heather jumped up.

  “Wait. It’s easing off. I’ll be okay.”

  Heather sat down and took her hand. “Have you thought about names for your baby, Brenda?”

  “If it’s a boy, we’ve almost decided on Alex Thomas. If it’s a girl, we’re thinking about Anna.” She looked at Heather.

  Heather smiled. “I think that would be lovely tribute to

  Luke’s mother.”

  “It wouldn’t bother you to call the baby Anna?”

  “Of course not. I think it’s a great way to honor someone you love. You know, Mary was my mother’s name, and I’m thrilled Tim and Juanita chose it.”

  “She’d told me earlier they’d decided on Mary Heather as a surprise for you. I think that’s lovely.”

  “So do I. It was…”

  Brenda dropped the remote and let out another little scream.

  “I’m going for Luke.”

  Brenda nodded.

  At eleven-fifty-two, weighing seven pounds and fifteen ounces, Anna arrived. When Heather and Alex got into the room to see her, Brenda was smiling. Her blonde hair was pulled back and she had on lipstick. Luke held his baby.

  “I have a daughter, Dad. Heather was right about it being a girl.”

  “Most of the time she’s right.” He smiled at his wife.

  Luke stood. “Want to hold her, Heather?”

  “Oh, yes. Please, let me.” She dropped in a chair. As he’d done in the other room, Alex knelt beside her.

  Luke placed the baby in her arms. “Meet your granddaughter, Anna Heather Hargrove.”

  Heather looked at him. Tears filled her eyes. “I’m so honored. I never dreamed…” She looked down at the baby. “Anna Heather, you’re beautiful. I’m so touched your parents honored me by giving my sweet granddaughter my name. I know your grandmother Anna would have been as pleased as I am.” She looked at Alex. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

  “She sure is. Can I see her feet?”

  She shook her head as she uncovered Anna’s feet. “Poppa wants to play with your toes. Is that okay?” She chuckled. “Oh, Anna, I’m going to tell you what I told Mary. Your Grammy and Poppa are going to give you some of the best birthday parties anyone could imagine. You girls have already brought so much joy into the world for us, it’s hard to comprehend.”

  “Have you got a camera, son?”

  “Sure do.”

  “We want a picture with our granddaughter. Then, I want one of me holding her.”

  “You can hold her in a little while,” Heather said. “I don’t want to give her up yet. Look how she fits in Grammy’s arms.”

  “Heather, we’re thrilled.” Brenda had tears in her eyes. “Luke and I were worried that you might not be excited over Anna since Juanita had given birth.”

  “Are you kidding? There’s enough love in my heart for both my granddaughters. I’m delighted with my beautiful Anna.”

  “We can tell you are.” Luke looked at his dad. “Your wife never stops amazing me.”

  The door opened, and Tim came in. “Hi, folks.”

  “Tim, come meet our granddaughter, Anna Heather.” Tim walked over to his mother. “Hi, there, Anna. It’s your Uncle Tim.” He smiled at Luke and Brenda. “She sure is a cutie.”

  “Thanks, Tim.”

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt your family gathering, but Juanita wants to talk to Ben. I thought Alex would know the number.”

  “I sure do, son.” Alex jotted the number down on a note pad beside Brenda’s bed.

  A little later, Heather and Alex were having a last cup of stale coffee before leavi
ng their families and heading home.

  “Let’s sit here and thank God for all our blessings,” Heather suggested.

  “Good idea.” Alex led her to the love seat they’d sat in most of the day and night.

  CHAPTER 47

  Tim slipped down the hall and knocked on the door to Brenda’s room. “Excuse me, folks, but Luke, could I see you for a minute?”

  “Sure.” Luke leaned over and kissed Brenda’s forehead. “I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Cole’s waiting for us in the private little room at the end of the hall,” Tim said as Luke closed the door.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  When they were seated in the small room, Cole said, “Thanks for coming guys. I thought I’d let you know what Dad came by and talked to Alex about, and to catch you up on what’s happened since.”

  “What is it, Cole?” Luke frowned at him.

  He went on to explain about the fence being down and the car being found, and the mystery of Rachelle Albright.

  “I can’t believe this. I don’t think Dad would—”

  “Of course he wouldn’t,” Cole answered.

  “Wait a minute,” Tim interrupted. “The name Rachelle Albright sounds familiar to me. I know I’ve heard it before.”

  “Like I said, she’s from Wynburg.”

  “Let me think, and I’m sure it’ll come to me.”

  “While you’re thinking, let me tell you the latest. Dad called me a while ago because he didn’t want to tell Alex on the phone.”

  Tim and Luke both looked worried, but waited for Cole to continue.

  “Like the folks suspected, Earl Turner seems to be the one who keeps cutting the fences. They found his fingerprints on some posts. They’re looking everywhere for him. But that’s not the big problem.”

  “Then, what is?” Tim asked.

  “When they went over that Albright woman’s car again, they found something interesting in the trunk.”

  “What was that?” Luke asked.

  Cole looked at Tim. “They found the medical records on your son, Tim. Not his pediatrician, but the doctor’s file from where you had his IQ tested.”