Stalking her Dreams (A Coverton Mills Romance Book 1) Read online

  “Thank you.” Heather turned to her father’s body one more time, leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Thank you for telling me good-bye, Daddy. I love you.” She then walked out of the room and started down the hall.

  Nurse Conley caught up with her. “Is there someone we can call for you, Ms. Masterson? Family, maybe?”

  Heather shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll get in touch with them later in the morning. My father wanted a private funeral so there aren’t many people to call. Of course, you and the other nurses are invited to the ceremony, if you want to come.” She smiled at the nurse. “After I come to the home and pick out what I want my father buried in, will you please see that someone who needs them gets his clothes? I’ll go through the drawers and see if there are any personal items I want. I’ll take the pictures of family he has, but the furniture in his room is of no use to me. Give that to a needy patient, too.”

  When Heather got home, it was six-thirty. She set her clock for nine and slipped back into bed. It was then the sobs over took her. “I’m sorry I have to break my promise, Daddy,” she said. “I can’t help being sad.”

  •♥ •

  “Brenda, thanks for letting me come to lunch,” Alex said as he bit into the roast beef sandwich. “Irma spraining her wrist yesterday has put a kink in my eating habits.”

  “I don’t mind at all, Alex. Here, have some more potato salad. Ginny made it because she knew you liked it.”

  “Thanks.” He let her put a spoon full on his plate.

  “Since she found out you’re messing around with her favorite author, Brenda treats you like a king,” Luke said.

  “I’m excited about it and I can’t wait to see the two of you together at the beach.” She grinned at him.

  Alex laughed. “And what do you think we’re going to do to entertain you when you see us together?”

  “Now Alex, you know what I mean. The way people act around each other tells a lot about their relationship. I want to be sure she’s good enough for my father-in-law.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “I want to see if this son of hers is good enough to be my stepbrother,” Luke teased. “If his son and mine don’t get along there’s no way I’ll let her become my stepmom.”

  “She told me her grandson was awfully smart, but I’m sure Jacob can handle him.” Alex winked at Brenda.

  “Of course he can. Jacob is a smart little boy, too. I hope you told her that.”

  Before Alex could answer, his cell phone rang. He looked at it and laid his sandwich down. A frown crossed his face.

  “It’s Heather. She never calls me during the day.” Into the phone he said, “Hi Heather.”

  “Alex,” her voice faltered.

  He knew she was crying. “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “I…my daddy died this morning,” she said in a halting voice.

  “Oh, Heather, I’m so sorry. What can I do?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted to hear your voice and…” She began to cry. “I wanted you to know.”

  “How do I get to your house?”

  “Oh, Alex, you don’t have to come.”

  “I want to be with you—and you sound like you need me.”

  “It would be good to feel your arms around me.”

  “They will be, by tonight. Tell me your address and I’ll look it up.”

  Heather gave him her address and he jotted it on the pad Brenda handed him.

  “Alex?” Heather’s shaky voice said.

  “Yes, darling?”

  “Daddy recognized me before he died.”

  “That’s wonderful, Heather. It should be some comfort to you.”

  “It is.” She sniffed. “Thank you for wanting to come, Alex.”

  “I’m glad to do it. If you want to talk before I get there, you know I have my cell all the time. I’ll see you this evening, darling.”

  “I love you, Alex,” she whispered.

  Though he knew Brenda and Luke were listening he didn’t hesitate. “I love you, too, Heather.”

  He hung up and turned back to them. “I guess you gathered that Heather’s father died this morning.”

  “We knew somebody in her family had. We didn’t know it was her father.” Brenda touched Alex’s arm. “Tell her, we’re so sorry.”

  “Of course I will. Now, let’s see,” he said. “The police are on the watch for the fence cutter and we’ve got things in pretty good shape around here since we planned to leave tomorrow.”

  “Yes, Dad. All the businesses are covered.”

  “You kids go on to the beach and whenever things are settled with Heather, I’ll come down. It may be the first of the week.”

  “That’ll be fine, Dad.”

  “My suitcases are packed for the beach. I did that last night. I’ll put those in the car to bring to the beach with me and I’ll pack another one to take to Wynburg.” He looked at

  Luke. “I’m thinking out loud.”

  “That’s okay. Looks like everything’s under control.”

  Alex pushed back his plate. “Thanks, kids. See you at the beach in a few days.”

  “Call us when you get to Heather’s house, Alex. We want to know what’s going on.” Brenda reached up and hugged him.

  “Yes, do. We want to send flowers or something.” Luke hugged him, too. “You be careful, Dad.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  CHAPTER 18

  It wasn’t as late as he thought it would be when Alex pulled his Escalade into Heather’s drive. There was an SUV parked there, not the small Mercedes she drove. He assumed her car was in the garage. He got out, stretched his legs on the way to her front door and rang the bell.

  Heather opened the door and a teary smile crossed her face. “Alex,” she cried. “Come in.” He stepped inside, and she fell into his arms, sobbing. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too.” He hugged her tightly.

  After a minute, she led him into the living room. A trim young man with sandy-brown hair was sitting on the sofa. He stood, and Alex guessed him to be about five-ten or -eleven.

  Heather introduced him. “Alex this is my son, Tim.”

  Tim held out his hand, “Hello Alex.” He gave the older man what looked like a guarded smile.

  Alex took the hand and noticed the blue eyes. They were the same indigo as Heather’s. “Tim, I’m glad to meet you.”

  Tim moved from in front of the sofa. “Why don’t you sit here with Mom?”

  Alex nodded and eased Heather to the sofa, keeping his arm wrapped around her.

  “Thanks for coming, Alex. I know it means a lot to Mom. I’m sorry it’s interfering with your family vacation.”

  “The kids will go on and I’ll join them in a couple of days when I see that Heather is going to be okay.”

  “It might take her a little while, but she’s tough. She’ll be fine.”

  He glanced at his mother. “You’re not talking much, Mom.”

  “I’m letting you two get acquainted.” Heather seemed relaxed now that Alex was here.

  Tim smiled. “Would you like something to eat or drink, Alex? We tried to keep the news about Grandpa’s death quiet because that’s what he wanted, but a few people found out and brought food.”

  “I wouldn’t mind having some coffee. I had a thermos with me, but I ran out about Statesville.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Tim got up and went into the kitchen.

  Alex looked down at Heather. “You look exhausted, sweetheart…”

  “Now that you’re here, I’ll be fine.” She hugged him tighter without opening her eyes. “I’m so glad you came.”

  Tim returned with coffee and two slices of red velvet cake. “One of Mom’s neighbors made this. I had a piece earlier and it’s delicious.”

  “Thanks. It looks good.”

  Tim looked at his mother and said quietly, “Looks like you might finally be getting sleepy, Mom.”

  “I think I could go to sleep.”

>   Alex said in a low voice, “Heather, honey, go on and sleep. I know you must need it.”

  She smiled and snuggled against him.

  Alex and Tim talked in low tones. “What are the arrangements, Tim? Or have they been worked out?”

  “They have. Grandpa wrote down everything he wanted while his mind was still good.” He looked at Alex. “I don’t know if Mom told you or not, but he hasn’t known any of us for a long time.”

  “She did tell me. She said she felt like she lost the father she knew years ago.”

  “Even though he didn’t know her she still visited him three or four times a week when she was home. She stopped to see him on her way in from Hickory yesterday.”

  “I’m glad. When she thinks back, it’ll be important to her.” He smiled down at Heather and saw she’d drifted off. “She really loved her father.”

  “You’re right on both counts. She was devoted to him. When she traveled, she always called to check on him, and of course, she had a private nurse with him all the time.”

  •♥ •

  Tim took a drink of coffee. It dawned on him that his mother must really love this man. She was easy with him and she’d shared her private life with him, something she seldom did with anyone.

  He said, “The arrangements are simple because that’s what Grandpa wanted. It’ll be held at four o’clock tomorrow. Grandpa said he didn’t think people ought to have to get ready to go to a funeral early in the morning, but he didn’t like dragging it out. He thought you should be buried the day after you die. His attitude was that once you’re dead, go on and get out of this world and leave it for the living.”

  “I think I would’ve liked your grandpa.”

  “I’m sure you would have.” Tim took a breath. “He didn’t think one should have a big to do when they die. Nor did he want a preacher standing over him saying things he didn’t mean and people coming by and glaring at him in a box. He believed once you’d lived your life and had come to the end, nothing you did would change things on the other side.”

  “I think he had a wonderful attitude. Heather seems to be decisive like that.”

  “They had a lot in common.” Again, Tim drank his coffee. “His service will be at the funeral home. Grandpa wanted any of his friends and family to say whatever they wanted to. Mom asked me if I would lead things. After everyone has talked, she is to read something she and Frances wrote when they were kids. It was put back with his papers. Mom said she thought she’d be able to do it without breaking down.” He took another breath. “At the graveyard, he wanted others to speak if they want to, then he asked that everyone pray the Lord’s Prayer. He’ll be interred beside Grandma. He didn’t want any formal flower arrangements. Only enough wildflowers to put some on his grave and some on Grandma’s.”

  “It sounds like a wonderful tribute to a good man.”

  “I think it will be if I can get Mom settled about the flowers. They’re part of the reason she’s been so hyper today. She’s run everywhere she could think of to pick wild flowers. She got some, but she claims there aren’t nearly enough. She was also upset because she couldn’t find something she called lady slippers. I had to look them up to see what they are.”

  “I didn’t know the name of them until your mother pointed them out to me. Now, I see them everywhere on the farm. I wish there was a way to get some here.”

  “I’ve called all the florists in town, but they definitely don’t have any. I’ll pick up some daisies and a few other things in the morning.” Tim looked at his mother and changed the subject. “Maybe we should get her in bed.”

  “Sure. Where’s her bedroom?”

  “Want me to carry her?” Tim was a little hesitant about taking Alex to his mother’s room.

  “I will.” Alex eased Heather’s head down on the sofa and stood. He then picked her up in his arms and asked, “Which way?”

  “Follow me.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Done in rich burgundy with pink accents, with cherry furniture, Heather’s bedroom looked much the way Alex knew it would. It even smelled like her.

  Tim turned back the covers on the four-poster bed and Alex placed her gently on the fluffy pillows. He took off her shoes and covered her with the sheet. He then leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Good night, sweetheart.”

  She smiled, stirred a little and shifted to her side.

  The two men eased out of the room and Tim pulled the door almost closed. “Let’s leave a crack in case she wakes. That way, you’ll be able to hear her if she needs you.” As they went down the hall he added, “There are two guest rooms upstairs and a small one on the left beside her office here.” He pointed to a room next to Heather’s bedroom. “She fixed it up for Ben.” He chuckled. “You’re pretty tall though, I don’t know if you want to try sleeping on the day bed in there.”

  Alex was startled. “You want me to stay here?”

  “I thought that was your plan.” Tim eyed him.

  “Not really. I expected to go to a motel.”

  “Being the over-protective son, I would prefer you sleep elsewhere, but that’s not what Mom wants, and Mom gets pretty much what she wants. Besides, if she wakes up and you’re not here, she’ll be upset.”

  Alex didn’t say anything. He was thinking of the love Heather must share with her son.

  Tim turned toward the kitchen. “There’s a phone on the wall close to the dinette table. I unplugged the ones in her bedroom and office earlier today and put her cell in the kitchen. Maybe she won’t hear them if they ring. There’s plenty of food in the fridge. She even bought you some Budweiser because she said that was the beer you liked. “

  “She’s one special lady, Tim.”

  “She’s unique, that’s for sure.” Tim moved back to the living room and again sat in the chair he’d occupied before. “May I ask you something, Alex?”

  “Sure.”

  “What do you think about my mom’s writing?”

  Alex chuckled. “To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know anything about it until my daughter-in-law brought one of Heather’s books to me to read because it had my name in it. I decided I’d go to the book talk in Asheville and meet the woman who dared use my name.” He took a deep breath and grinned. “Best move I ever made. I took one look at her and I was a goner.”

  Tim nodded and smiled. “She told me how you met and about the time you spent together. What I’m interested in is what you think of her having the type of career which requires her to travel and make talks and be gone for several days at a time?”

  “I don’t know exactly what you’re asking, Tim, but as far as I’m concerned writing is part of your mother’s life. If it requires her to travel, then so be it. Writing is what she loves to do and as long as she wants to write, there’s no reason why she shouldn’t do whatever it takes to keep it going. I’m sure if she had to give it up, it would crush her. I kind of relate it to my horses. If I couldn’t have them, I’d be a lost soul.”

  Tim smiled. “I appreciate you saying that, Alex. Some men don’t seem to feel it’s important for her to continue at the pace she goes.”

  “I bet you mean William.”

  Tim looked surprised. “You know about him?”

  “Yes. Heather was talking to him when I came to pick her up to go to dinner one night. I sat there and gathered from her side of the conversation he was making some kind of demands.” He chuckled. “I also gathered she has a stubborn streak and nobody is going to force her into anything.”

  “You’re right about that. William’s a self-centered person. He wanted her to fit into his plans, but he gave no thought to hers.” He looked at Alex again. “Did Mom tell you he called us while she was still in the mountains?”

  “She mentioned it. I don’t think she liked it very much.”

  “She didn’t. Especially when he told me she was shacked up with some strange man in Asheville and demanded I straighten her out.”

  Alex shook his head. “Your mom isn�
�t that kind of person, Tim. Besides, I had her days filled up, and until bedtime, I had her nights tied up, too. There wasn’t time for another man.”

  “Mom put me straight on that.” Tim grinned. “She also said she may have led William to believe she was having an affair.”

  “That she did. She told him I was there in the room waiting for her and she’d dressed for dinner. She didn’t explain I’d only been there a couple of minutes and I’d arrived after he called her.”

  “That sounds like something Mom would do.”

  They were silent for a minute then Alex spoke. “I know this is going to be hard for you to believe since we’ve only known each other a short time, but I want to tell you anyway. When I lost my wife, I didn’t think I could ever love again, but I was wrong. I’m very much in love with your mother.” He waited for Tim’s reaction.

  Tim nodded. “It’s hard to believe because, as you say, it’s been such a short time.”

  “It sounds illogical I know, but I don’t know any other way to say it. I love her.”

  Tim’s eyes met Alex’s. “Mom tells me she loves you, too.”

  “I’m glad she told you. When I told my son, he had a hard time believing it, too.”

  “I think you can understand why it’s hard for us.”

  Alex was sincere when he said, “I do understand your feelings because you love your mother and want to protect her, but eventually, I hope you’ll accept it.” He paused and added, “I think our love was meant to be. I don’t know what Heather has told you about me, but I was married to a wonderful woman for a long time. I was devastated when I lost her to cancer and there’s been no one since. Oh, I’ve dated a few women, but I kept comparing them to my wife and they didn’t measure up. Then I met your mother. I never compared Heather to anyone. She’s so unique and special, there is no comparison.”

  Tim nodded and Alex went on. “The night I met your mother I knew she was the woman I wanted in my life. I fought it at first because I thought she was too important and too high-class for me. I never dreamed she’d want me, too. Then after our picnic at the lake it was as if the angels were saying, ‘Here she is Alex. She’s the woman for you. Don’t you dare let her slip away,’ and the good Lord knows as long as she wants me, I’ll be here for her.”