Her Forever Dreams Read online

  “Don’t try to act so tough, Julia Singleton. You’re a hot woman, and Woodrow’s sister made it clear how you got where you are today.”

  She paused and her eyes blazed into his. “And what does that mean?”

  She knew he didn’t like being spurned because he blurted, “For years, for some reason nobody understands, none of the women at the store had ever attracted Woodrow’s attention, though he was a handsome single man, but he was instantly taken with you. The fact that you were ten or fifteen years younger than him didn’t matter. We knew what was going on. It wasn’t long until you worked your way up. His sister told us that he married you not only to give your kid a name, but to stop the gossip about how you were sleeping with him to get all the promotions.”

  “How dare that evil woman say those things, and how dare you repeat them to me!”

  “I dare to say it because I know it’s true. She said it was and she should know. She and Woodrow were close as any brother and sister could be until you came along and ruined their friendship. It wasn’t long after you were married that he bought her out and cut off all ties with her. Everyone knows you were behind that. Face it, Julia. You’re the kind of woman that takes what they can get from a man, no matter what you have to do to get it. Dorie knew you poisoned her brother against her.”

  “I had nothing to do with the relationship she had with her brother. She fractured it herself. We tried to make her a part of the family, but she hated me, and she hated Andrew. She kept telling Woodrow that he was a fool to take on the responsibility of the boy and she wouldn’t let up. Every time we saw her she threw it up to Woodrow that he would never be Andrew’s father, no matter how much the boy pretended to love him. Finally, Woodrow had all he could stand and he told her there was no way he’d choose her over his son and if she couldn’t accept our family, then she could get out of his life.” Tears came to Julia’s eyes. “Woodrow and I had a good marriage and I was always true to my husband and Andrew’s birth father was never an issue between us.”

  “Oh, I know you were faithful to him when you were married. But what about now? You don’t have to be true to a dead man. You know you’re a sexy woman and there are a lot of men out there who would like to give you the attention you must have missed since Woodrow died.”

  She stared at him with her mouth open.

  “There’s no reason for a hot woman like you to make yourself live the celibate life now.” He grinned. “Why, his sister called me the other day, and though I’m pretty sure she was hopped up on drugs, I believed her when she told me you were seeing some dude at the beach. Has the man who impregnated you finally come back? And how many other men’s beds have you slipped into since Woodrow died? I don’t care how many men you sleep with. I just want to be one of them, Julia.”

  Julia closed her eyes and took a deep breath to keep from screaming at him. She stood slowly and said in a quiet, but firm voice, “Chet Roberts, I will listen to no more of these vicious lies tonight or ever again. Just because you’ve had too much to drink doesn’t excuse the things you’ve said. You have until the store closes at six o’clock tomorrow to clean out your office and put your resignation on my desk. Otherwise, you’re fired. And remember, North Carolina is a free to fire state for any reason. Insubordination seems to be appropriate here.”

  She picked up her purse and briefcase and walked out of the restaurant.

  •♥ •

  Chet Roberts shook his head and began eating his prime rib. He knew Julia would get over her mad by tomorrow and he’d be able to sweet talk her out of firing him. He’d always had a way with women, even stubborn ones like her. She’d give in eventually, and he’d get her into his bed. He had no doubt of that. It might even be more fun with her if he had to fight a little to get it. He liked a little fire in his women.

  “Excuse me, sir,” the waiter said. “I saw your companion leave. Would you like me to take her plate away?”

  “Put it in a to-go box. She didn’t touch it and I’ll eat it later. There’s no need to waste good food. And while you’re at it, bring me another scotch on the rocks.”

  The waiter gave him a strange look, but only said, “Yes, sir.”

  CHAPTER 8

  “Good morning, Daddy.” Jessica Armstrong leaned down and gave her father a kiss on the cheek then moved to the coffee pot on the counter. “Reading anything interesting in the Asheville paper?”

  “They picked up on Hunter’s story about the body in the barn. I think I’ll have the gates to the estate locked. I don’t want all the curiosity seekers and the news media trouncing around in here. It would disturb the horses.”

  “Good idea. Is Norma coming in today?”

  “I told her not to bother because you and I did fine yesterday and we could handle the rest of the weekend.”

  “Then I’ll cook a Sunday breakfast. I haven’t cooked for my daddy in a long time.” She smiled at him. “What do you want? Bacon and eggs?”

  “That’ll be fine.” He reached for the phone and dialed. When it was answered, Seth said, “Theo, when you make sure everything is secure in the barn, how about setting the controls on the gate so nobody can get in without a password.”

  “I’ll do it boss. What password do you want to use?”

  “Make it something I can remember. How about ‘Young love 1028?’”

  Theo chuckled. “Will do, but I have to ask what brought this young love business about? You’re always saying you’re not young anymore and unless something’s happened I don’t know about, you’re not in love at the moment.”

  Seth started to tell him he was wrong, but thought better of it. “I was watching Jessica cook breakfast and she’s been seeing the Littleton guy quite a bit lately.”

  “I see. They’re not getting married, are they?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Was just wondering about the 1028. Thought it might be a wedding date.”

  “Boy, you sure are nosy this morning, Theo. 1028 happens to be my grandson’s birthday.”

  “Okay, boss. No more questions.”

  “Good, because Jessica is taking up the bacon.” He hung up the phone and turned back to his paper.

  “Daddy, do you like Jimmy Littleton?”

  He looked at her over his reading glasses. “Sure. Jude tells me he’s a great horseman and is turning into a pretty good cattle farmer.”

  “Jimmy told me last night that they’re planning on setting up a section of their farm to rescue mistreated and abused horses.”

  “That’s commendable.”

  Jessica put two slices of bread in the toaster and broke three eggs in a bowl. As she beat them she mumbled, “I like him a lot, Daddy.”

  Seth smiled. “I can tell.”

  She was silent a minute then bit her lower lip. To a man that was the universal sign that a woman had something serious on her mind. Finally, she said, “I think I might be falling in love with him, and that scares me.”

  Seth folded his paper and lay it aside. He removed his reading glasses and smiled at his daughter. “Honey, love is nothing to be afraid of. It should be something you look forward to and enjoy.”

  She poured the eggs in the pan. “I know that, but Jimmy is so much more worldly than I am.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know he was in the Air Force, and his dad and his mother were both senators and had a huge ranch out west. They also had some other houses, and he has traveled the world and hobnobbed with heads of state. I think he said he once met the queen. I know he has dined at the White House on several occasions. He’s lived in a society that I don’t know much about.”

  “Well, he’s living here on the farm with his mother and stepfather now and he seems content with his life.” He watched her take up the eggs. “When I’ve been around him, he’s easy to talk with and he seems to like my daughter, maybe too much.”

  She blushed. “He’s been nothing but a gentleman with me, Daddy.”

  She brought th
e food to the table and refilled their coffee. When she sat down she reached for her dad’s hand and said a quick prayer.

  This surprised him, because praying before a meal wasn’t a habit in their household. “Are we starting a new tradition?”

  She smiled. “Do you mind?”

  He shook his head. “I think it’s kind of nice.”

  “The Winslows always hold hands and pray before a meal. I guess I’m getting used to it and would like for us to do it.”

  Seth took a fork full of egg and broke off a piece of toast. “Well, one thing’s for sure. If it gets serious, Jimmy will be getting a woman who can cook a good breakfast for him.”

  “Daddy!”

  “Well, it’s true. Breakfast is a time when two people in love can get a good start on their day.” His mind drifted to twenty-three years ago when he shared breakfast and discussed plans for the day with the woman he loved.

  “I don’t recall you and Mother ever having breakfasts together. She was always still in her room asleep and you were getting ready to go to the barn or something as soon as you and Norma got us off to school.”

  “Just because your mother and I had our difficulties is no reason to think that some marriages aren’t happy ones. Look at the Winslows.”

  “They are happy, Daddy. It’s a treat to be around them. He kids her all the time about being a politician and being so tiny, and she eats it up.”

  “It must be wonderful to have a relationship like that.”

  Jessica looked at him and a memory crossed her mind. “Were you ever in love like that, Daddy?”

  Seth looked at his daughter and wondered if he should tell her the truth. He decided since she was a grown woman he’d risk it. “Yes, Jessica I was. It’s been a long time, but I’ve never forgotten that love.”

  Jessica bit her lip again then asked, “Was her name Julia?”

  Seth’s face could only be described as shocked. Finally, he muttered, “How did you know?”

  “When you were in the coma after you were shot and began coming out of it, you kept calling for somebody named Julia. We thought it must be a nurse or something because we didn’t know any Julia, so we forgot about it. Now, I realize you get that far away look in your eyes every time that name is mentioned, even if we’re talking about someone as impersonal as the movie star, Julia Roberts.”

  “I didn’t know I was so obvious.”

  “You’re not obvious to anyone who doesn’t know you as well as I do. Remember, I’m the one who figured out you and Mother were married in name only for a long time before the shooting.”

  Seth finished his breakfast and pushed back his plate. He reached out and touched Jessica’s cheek. “You’re a very insightful little girl, or should I say young woman?”

  Jessica grabbed his hand. “It’s all right, Daddy. I don’t mind you calling me your little girl.”

  “Good, because to me, you’ll always be my little girl.”

  They looked at each other for a minute, then Jessica whispered, “Tell me about Julia, Daddy.”

  He reached for his coffee and drank. “I’ll tell you someday, honey, but not today.”

  “Why not today?”

  “It’s been a long time, but it still hurts when I remember losing her.”

  “Is she dead?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know, but I hope not. I don’t want to think she’s not in the world any longer.”

  “Why don’t you…”

  The telephone interrupted her. Seth still had it on the table from when he called Theo. He looked at the caller ID and handed it to Jessica.

  •♥ •

  “Good morning, Jimmy.” She grinned as she spoke into the phone.

  “Hi, pretty lady. I thought you might still be asleep since we got in so late last night.”

  “No. I was up and having breakfast with Daddy.”

  “What are your plans for the day?”

  “I have no plans. What are yours?”

  “Well, Mama and Jude have gone to church. I was lazy this morning and decided to sleep in, but now that I’m up, I was wondering if I could talk a good-looking girl into going snowmobiling with me.”

  “I guess that depends on if you know a good-looking girl or not.”

  “Oh, I know a few, but since I’m not close to Hollywood, how about you going with me?”

  “I guess, since I have no plans, I’m willing to be your second choice.” She giggled.

  “How about I come over in about an hour?”

  “Sounds fine. That’ll give me time to try to look as pretty as some of those Hollywood girls.”

  “Don’t you dare paint up like some of them do. I think you’re pretty just the way you are. Didn’t you see all the single guys looking at you at the party last night?”

  “Can’t say as I noticed.”

  “Well, I did. I thought I was going to have to challenge some of them to a fist fight when they kept ogling you. I wasn’t about to share you with them.”

  “I know it’s not so, but it’s sweet of you to say it.”

  “Sweet, my foot, I’m like Mama, the truthful senator. I never lie.” Before she could answer, he added, “Now, I’m going to get off this phone and hurry over there. I want to see if you can kiss as good in the daylight as you can in the dark.” He hung up.

  Jessica laughed out loud as she laid down the phone. “He’s something else.”

  “Oh?” Seth looked at her.

  “He’s coming to take me snowmobiling.” She was still grinning. “He said he wants to kiss me in the daylight.” She then covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

  Seth chuckled. “It’s okay, honey. Sounds like Jimmy might be falling, too.”

  “I hope so, Daddy. I really hope so.” She started to gather the dishes.

  “Don’t bother with these.” Seth stood and took the cups from her hand. “You go on and get ready for your date. I’ll put them in the dishwasher.”

  “Thanks.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

  •♥ •

  Seth watched her run down the hall to the large entry way and disappear up the winding stairs to her room. He couldn’t help remembering how excited he used to be when he knew he was going to be kissing Julia in the daylight.

  •♥ •

  Julia was in the store office at three on Sunday afternoon. She was checking the sales records of some of the part-time employees and wondering if she should do some shifting of departments. It seemed the two girls in lingerie were spending more time talking with each other than to the customers. She didn’t mind employees having a good time working together, but the key word was ‘work’ not ‘fun.’

  The door to her office opened and Chet Roberts stuck his head in without knocking. “Got a minute?” He asked in a cheerful voice.

  She glared at him. “Have you cleaned out your office?”

  He stepped in and closed the door behind him. “So, you’re not all the way over your mad?”

  “I’m not mad, Chet. I’m disgusted with you and your services are no longer needed or wanted in this company.”

  “Oh, come on, Julia. You know I’m slated to be the manager in the Asheville store. You don’t have anyone else to send so there’s no way you can fire me now.”

  “Wanna bet?”

  “Yeah. I’ll bet you. Who are you going to send in my place?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but since I have good managers in all the other stores, I know just the right person to manage the Asheville store.”

  “And who is that, my dear?”

  “Me.”

  For the first time, a frightened look crossed his face. “You wouldn’t want to do that.” She didn’t reply and he went on, “You know I can run that store at a profit.”

  She still didn’t say anything.

  “Julia, be reasonable. I don’t want to leave Singleton’s. Where would I go?”

  She only lifted an eyebrow.<
br />
  He shook his head. “I really thought you and I had a rapport. Why, I was hoping we’d get together. Maybe even get married sometime. None of that will happen if you push me out.”

  “You’re more pathetic than I thought, Chet.” She looked at her watch. “It’s 3:15. You have two hours and forty-five minutes to clear your office.” She picked up her pen. “Please close the door when you go out.”

  As soon as her door closed, she dropped her pen, put her elbows on the desk and dropped her head in her hands. What was she thinking? Had she made a decision too quickly? There was no way she could manage the store in Asheville. No way at all.

  She lifted her head and leaned back in the swivel chair. But why not? He’s probably nowhere near Asheville now. Her mind contradicted this statement. That can’t be so. There’s no way he’d leave his farm. Her mind flipped again. So, what if he is still on the farm? He probably doesn’t come into Asheville very often, and if he does, he certainly wouldn’t be shopping at Singleton’s. He would leave that to his wife. Her eyes flew open at this thought. Oh, my Lord, what about his wife? She would probably be the type to shop there. Julia’s heart beat faster at this thought and a feeling of apprehension filled her. What will it do to me if I come face to face with Mrs. Seth Armstrong?

  CHAPTER 9

  It was getting close to Christmas and Seth sat in his private office off the tack room in the main barn writing bonus checks to give his hands. There was a tap on the door.

  “Come in.”

  Chief Richard Staples came through the door. “How’s it going, man?”

  Seth lay his pen down. “Maybe I should ask you that question. I’ve been wondering if you’ve learned anything about the murdered woman.”

  “So far, all we know is that she’s dead. I know you don’t want hear that, though.”

  “You’re right about that. There has been too much publicity, and it isn’t doing my boarding business any good, though our long-time boarders are sticking with us. Three of the newer people have moved their horses from here and we haven’t picked up any new boarders.”

  “If it’ll die down soon, maybe it won’t hurt your business too much.”