Her Forever Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 3)

by Agnes Alexander

  “Yes, sir. He left about an hour ago.”

  “Tell him to come by in the morning. I need to talk with him.”

  “I’ll tell him. In the meantime, sir, I don’t think the perp will bother you any more tonight. Try to sleep a little, and we’ll be in touch in the morning.”

  “Thank you.” He hung up the phone and relayed what the police said.

  “That’s good, but I still say you’re coming in the bedroom.”

  “I agree with Hunter. We’re going to be right there with you, too. I know you want to protect my mother, so if you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for her.”

  That was the only argument Seth needed to hear. Fifteen minutes later, he and Julia were snuggled on the queen-sized bed in what they called the ladies guest room with pink flowered walls and a spread to match. There was also a pink velvet lounge chair. Hunter was stretched out in it. They pulled a lounge chair from another room for Andrew.

  “Julia, of all my fantasies of getting together with you again, I never dreamed our first night would be in a frilly bedroom with my sons watching our every move.” Seth pulled Julia closer to him.

  “I didn’t think we’d have all our clothes on, either.”

  “Mom!”

  “Dad, will you two hush and go to sleep? It’s after one o’clock in the morning. It’ll be daylight before you know it.” Hunter shifted his position.

  “If you two think it’s strange, how do you think I feel? I never slept an entire night in the room with my mom and dad, now here I am with my mom and her boyfriend. If you want the truth, it’s downright bizarre.”

  “Hey, little brother, maybe there’s a country song in this for you.”

  “That’s not a bad idea. How’s this? ‘My mom and her man got in the bed – I knew what they had in their head —My bro and I said, we’ll stop this—We won’t have to use our gun or fist.’ How does that sound? Like it?”

  “I do like it,” Hunter said as they all laughed.

  “Now, that’s enough, Andrew. How do you two expect Seth and me to go to sleep if you keep talking?”

  “That’s our point, Julia. I’m trying to protect my future step-mom’s reputation. We want you and Dad to go to sleep first.”

  “As Julia said, how can we sleep if you keep yammering?”

  “Okay, okay. Let’s give them ten minutes, Andrew, and if they’re not asleep, we sing some more. How’s that?”

  “Sounds fair to me.”

  Ten minutes later, Seth whispered, “I think they’re asleep.”

  “I think so, too.”

  “They’re wonderful boys, Julia.”

  “Yes, they are. In one night, I’ve grown fond of all three of your children.” Before he could correct her, she added, “You know I already loved the fourth one.”

  He pulled her closer and nestled his face in her hair. “I guess we’d better follow their example and get some sleep. Are you comfortable.”

  “The most comfortable I’ve been in years.”

  “Me, too.”

  He kissed her, and as they began to drift off, instinct made Seth’s hand slip inside Julia’s sweater. She felt his big hand fondle her breast, and she smiled.

  C HAPTER 24

  Julia was the first one awake the next morning. Seth stirred a little and grunted, but he didn’t take his hand from inside her sweater. She gently took hold of it, pulled it out and placed it on his chest. He grunted again, but didn’t wake up. She slipped out of his left arm and eased to the side of the bed. The boys were still asleep. Hunter had somehow managed to get to his side and was sleeping in the fetal position. Andrew was spread-eagled with his right leg hanging off the chair. His mouth was open, and he was snoring gently. She smiled at the sight of them, got to her feet, and eased out of the room without waking any of the men.

  She found a bathroom in the hall. After using the facilities, she took a wash cloth form the wicker shelf between two sinks. With it she washed her face, then squirted some toothpaste she found in a drawer on the corner of the cloth. She used this on her teeth and rinsed her mouth with water from her hand.

  She was about to open the door when she heard Seth’s deep voice yell, “Julia, where are you?” He sounded frightened as he hobbled out of the room they’d slept in. Andrew and Hunter bounded out behind him.

  “What happened?” Andrew demanded. “Where is she?”

  “I’m right here,” she said, and stepped into the hallway. “I had to find a bathroom.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me? It scared the sh…it scared me when I woke up and you weren’t there.” Seth took a big breath.

  She walked up and put her arm around his waist. “I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to scare you. Don’t be mad.”

  “I’m not mad, sweetheart. I was frightened.” He looked at her and smiled. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you again.”

  “What’s going on?” Jessica came out of her room.

  “Julia slipped out to go to the bathroom and Dad panicked.”

  “She should’ve told us she was leaving the room or used the bathroom connected to the bedroom,” Andrew said. “It gave us all a start.”

  “You were all sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “Has something happened?” Ashley came out into the hall and closed the door.

  “I’m sorry I created such a commotion,” Julia said. “I just had to go to the bathroom.”

  Seth took her chin in his hand and turned her face toward his. “I guess, since I love you so much, I’ll forgive you this time, but let it be a lesson to you. Don’t you go anywhere out of my sight until our stalker is caught and if you have to go to the bathroom, tell me first.”

  “I promise, I’ll stick close to you and I’ll tell you every time I get the urge to go to the bathroom. Satisfied?”

  “Yes.” He leaned down and kissed her.

  •♥ •

  Andrew watched her face and didn’t see any defiance or reluctance to obey this man. She’d never before let anyone tell her what to do, not even his dad. Again, he thought he was seeing a side of his mother he’d never seen.

  “Well, since we’re all up, why don’t we go downstairs and have some breakfast?” Seth looked around. “Where’s Jimmy?”

  “Maybe he’s still asleep,” Hunter said.

  “He wouldn’t sleep through this commotion. His military training wouldn’t let him.” Seth looked at Jessica. “Do you know where he is?”

  She dropped her head and muttered something.

  “What was that?”

  “We didn’t do anything, I swear, but he stayed in my room with me, Daddy.”

  “What the hell do you mean letting him stay in your room?” Seth was instantly angry, and it showed.

  Jimmy came out of the bedroom. “Sir, it wasn’t Jessica’s fault. She was frightened after the call came and she wanted me to stay with her. As she said, we didn’t do anything. She’s not that kind of girl.”

  “Jimmy, I’ll not have you—”

  “Daddy, it was me. I asked Jimmy to stay with me. We meant for him to leave before everyone woke up.”

  “So, you were going to sneak—”

  Andrew watched Julia tighten her arm around Seth. “Jessica, it’s okay, honey. Your daddy understands. Don’t you, Seth?”

  “Wait…I…”

  “You do understand, don’t you, darling? Jessica needed someone with her. Who better than the man she cares about? Now, tell her you understand.”

  “Julia, I don’t—”

  She tightened her grip on his waist and looked up at him, raising an eyebrow and giving him a coy smile. “Just tell her,” she whispered.

  Seth relented. “I guess I understand, Jessica.”

  “Good,” Julia said, and relaxed the hold she had on Seth. “Now, I suggest we all go down and see if we can find some breakfast. I’m a pretty good cook, so nobody is going to go away hungry today.”

  “Honey, I have a cook. She’d be mad
as a hornet if you took over her kitchen.” Seth was easing her toward the elevator.

  “Good, I wasn’t looking forward to trying to fry enough bacon for this crowd. I know how much Andrew eats, and I figure the rest of them are eaters, too.”

  •♥ •

  As the elevator doors closed, Ashley said, “I don’t believe what I just witnessed. I’ve never seen Daddy back down the way he just did. And he did it so quickly.”

  “Me, either, sis,” Hunter said. “I figured you were in for a butt kicking, Jimmy.”

  “I know. I’ve seen your dad lose his temper several times. The offenders weren’t happy when he got through with them, either. That’s why I tried to stay in the room until you all went downstairs. I didn’t want to create a family fight.”

  “I would have fought for you, Jimmy.” Jessica took his hand. “Daddy has always been so strong I was just afraid I couldn’t win.”

  “Well, it sure is a first. When he and our mother were married, they did nothing but scream and fight. Of course, in most cases, Daddy was right, but that didn’t stop her from adding to the fray.” Ashley said.

  “I’ve noticed Mom acting different, too. When Seth told her to never get out of his sight and not to go to the bathroom without telling him, I waited for the fireworks. I couldn’t believe it when she was as docile as a newborn. When Dad tried to order her around, they didn’t yell or scream, but Mom would tell him off in a few calm words and then do just what she pleased. He only tried a few times to tell her what to do, but it didn’t take him long to learn it was useless. She wouldn’t be ordered around.”

  “That’s odd. I thought she might just be the kind to let a man lead her around.” Jessica smiled at Jimmy.

  “At least we now know she can handle Daddy.”

  “Well, you all can stand here and philosophize about their relationship for hours if you want to, but me, I’m ready for breakfast. I suggest we haul it downstairs.”

  “I agree with you, Hunter and I figure Seth isn’t through with me yet, no matter how quickly he dropped the matter. I want to get some food in me while everyone is still around and I won’t have to face him alone.”

  “Come on, Jimmy.” Jessica linked her arm in his. “I’ll sic Julia on him again if he says anything else.”

  They found Seth and Julia at the big round table in the family dining room. They were seated close together, drinking coffee. She sat to his left.

  “Do you mean Norma served you two coffee and isn’t in here flapping her jaws at you, Dad?” Hunter pulled out the chair one down from his father.

  “I think she’s too shocked at seeing Julia. She can’t figure out who she is or what she’s doing here, and I haven’t said a word. I’m just letting her ponder it.”

  Andrew sat by his mother. “I hope she can cook as well as you can, Mom,” he whispered.

  “I’m sure she can, so you behave yourself.”

  “So you’re a good cook?” Seth reached for her hand.

  “Darling, I’m an excellent cook. Don’t like to clean, though.”

  “You don’t have to clean if you don’t like it, but I would like to sample your cooking again. It’s been a long time.”

  “You will eat it again, and I guarantee, you’ll be pleased.”

  Jessica sat in the chair Jimmy held for her. He took the one beside her, and they both eyed Seth.

  Norma came in with the coffee pot and poured coffee for all of them without saying a word until she got to Andrew. She stood back and looked at him. “I know you. I saw your picture in CountryTime, and you look like Hunter. You sing country songs.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I do.”

  “And he’s polite, too.” She looked at Seth. “Not like some men around here.” She rolled her eyes and added, “Breakfast will be ready in a minute.” She left the room.

  Seth called for attention and they all looked at him.

  “Now that we’re all here, I want to find out what everyone’s plans are for the day.” He looked at Jessica. “Are you going to school, honey?”

  “If you don’t want me to, I can call in a substitute. I’ll say it’s a family emergency, and that won’t be a lie.”

  He nodded. “What about you, Hunter?”

  “I’ve got to get to the paper as soon as we finish. It comes out tomorrow and I’ve still got to settle on the front page headlines.”

  “Okay. Andrew, I know you and Julia need to be checked out of the hotel since you’re going to be staying here.”

  Andrew looked at his mom. “Are we staying here, Mom?”

  “Yes, darling. It looks as if we are.”

  “Okay.”

  Seth went on. “Jimmy, I know you have to get back to your place to work, but do you think you’d be able to go with Andrew to help get them signed out and bring their luggage here?”

  “Jude is gone, but I’ll call Doby. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble working it out with him. I want to do all I can to help out, sir.”

  “I can go with them to make sure they get everything.”

  “No, Julia. I don’t want to leave the girls here alone and I won’t let you go without me. The guys can handle it.”

  “Well, if you’re sure that’s the best thing to do.”

  “It is.” He looked back at Jimmy. “I’m sorry I popped off at you a while ago. It’s sometimes hard for me to realize my daughters are grown women and not my little girls any more. Maybe when you have kids of your own, you’ll understand.”

  “It’s okay, sir. I do want to protect Jessica. I care a great deal about her, but again, I want to assure you nothing happened between us last night.”

  “He’s telling the truth, Daddy. We slept in our clothes.”

  “Jessica, honey, I don’t need reassurances about your behavior. As I said, I’m trying to accept the fact that you’re grown and what you do as an adult is really none of my business.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.

  He smiled at her while the others stared at him. “Honey, I’d feel better if you’d go ahead and call a substitute. I want to keep you all as close to the house as I can today. The caller said things were going to happen here tonight, but she might decide to start early.”

  “I’ll call right now, Daddy. Excuse me.” She stood and went into the den to make her call.

  “Ashley, be sure to keep the children inside today. They say it might snow again this afternoon and I know how they like to play in it, but I don’t think it’s safe for them to go outside now.”

  “You’re right, Daddy. I’ll make sure they stay in.”

  “I guess that takes care of everyone except you and me.” He looked at Julia. “You can do anything you please as long as you stay where I can see you.”

  “And you? What are you going to do?”

  “I’m going to do some paperwork in my office and I want to check with Richard. He’ll probably come to talk with us this morning about the call last night.” He grinned. “And if we can get our offspring busy in other pursuits, maybe we can close my office door and do a little smooching.”

  “The way the both of you act, you don’t seem to need closed doors. I noticed you didn’t mind snuggling close all night.” Hunter laughed.

  “So? What’s wrong with that, son?” Seth had a twinkle in his eye.

  Julia blushed.

  Norma came through the door with a platter of country ham and a big bowl of scrambled eggs. She followed it with grits, biscuits and an assortment of jams and jellies.

  “It looks wonderful,” Julia said.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” She eyed Seth. “Another polite person. I don’t see how you rate such nice guests.”

  “Get used to them, Norma. They’re not guests, they’re family.”

  “Holy saints. Don’t tell me this good-looking, cultured woman has taken up with the likes of you. Is she blind and deaf and maybe a little touched in the head?”

  Julia chuckled. “She’s none of those things, Norma. She’s in love.”

&nbs
p; “Lord have mercy, are you sure you know what you’re getting into?”

  “I’ve got a good idea.”

  “May the Good Lord watch over you. You’ll need it.” Norma left the room.

  “Speaking of that,” Julia said. “I think we should thank the Good Lord for watching over us last night and for bringing us together. Shall we join hands?” She glanced at Seth and saw he was a little uncomfortable. She said quickly, “Since this is my first time at your table, may I have the honor of saying the prayer?”

  “I think that’s appropriate, honey.”

  She thanked God for bringing them safely through the night, she thanked him for the food and she ended the prayer with, “…And thank you most of all, dear Heavenly Father for bringing Seth and me back together. May our love always be a tribute to You and a blessing to all of our children and grandchildren. Amen.”

  •♥ •

  As they began passing the food, Seth’s three children stole glances at Julia. They were surprised and pleased at her gentle nature and awed at her capacity to love. Not only was it obvious in the happiness she’d brought into their father’s life, but she seemed eager and ready to accept each of them.

  •♥ •

  Norma, on the other hand, was dumfounded. As she glanced into the room she couldn’t help wondering if Julia was for real. She sure hoped so, because Mr. Armstrong seemed smitten with her. And regardless of how they picked on each other, Norma loved this man as if he was part of her own family. She always had, and she resorted to picking to keep anyone from ever knowing her deep feelings. It had worked to this point.

  The first Mrs. Armstrong never had a clue, but this one might just be smart enough to figure it out. Norma hoped if this woman learned how important Seth and his children were to her, she wouldn’t be jealous and fire her.

  She really did need this job. Since Ward had started drinking so much and knocking her around she planned to leave him soon. She’d taken about all she could take from him and she was trying to save up enough to throw him out. The final decision came when she began to suspect him of cheating on her. She hated a cheating man and she was almost sure he was playing around with other women. In fact, he confessed to her about one woman, though he never told her the bitch’s name. He didn’t have to, since he also told her the woman was dead.