Sweet P's Big Dream

By Virginia Elkins

You ever wake up one day and wish you could have a fresh start to your life. Well that is what happened to Dawn. One day she was living out her dream,making plans to get married and live a happy normal life. Then the next day, all her dreams came crashing down,in one quick blow.Follow her through the next year of her life. Listen as she tells you how she survived the most tragic event of her life

• Language: English
• Publisher: Virginia Elkins
• Release date: Aug 9, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452477367

Virginia Elkins

I am a stay at home mother of two beautiful girls. I enjoy writing and spending time with my children. I love music of all types and the outdoors

Book preview

Sweet P’s Big Dream

by

Virginia Elkins

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Virginia Elkins on Smashwords

Sweet P’s Big Dream

Copyright © 2010 by Virginia Elkins

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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This Book is dedicated

To my close friends

And my family

They stood by me and supported me

Through this whole

process.

I love you all!

.

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Sweet P’s Big Dream

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James Town Tribune

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True love can make all the difference i in the world

True friendship lies in the hearts of others

Can two people love after heartbreak?

Can two strangers meet and fall in love after surviving separate tragedies that hit their young lives. We will walk with them through their lives as they encounter daily trials and tribulations. Hear from a close friend as she describes a love affair like no other. Can a small town change how one person thinks about him or herself? That too is a question this book addresses. All this inside so set back and enjoy.

My Dream

When I started this book I was merely expressing how I was feeling at the time. It kind of took on a whole life of its own. The main characters in the story are based off of friends and family and things that I have witnessed through everyday life. I was inspired by the love of that special someone. He made me realize what it was like to really be loved unconditionally. Life can really be a challenge but there are those rare times that you can set back and say, wow my life wasn’t all that bad there are worse things that could happen to me. I hope this story speaks to your heart and maybe makes you realize how lucky you are to have the life you’ve been given.

Special places of interest

Pete’s Diner

Simpletons Grocery

Anna Bell Antiques

Old fashion flower shop

Eddies Bar and Saloon

Mabel’s Bed and breakfast

Boat docks

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James Town Tribune

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Never give up on your dreams someday they may come true

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow

A peek inside

prologue by Joe

Chapter One-Meet Dawn

Chapter Two-Meet Jose

Chapter Three-September Surprises

Chapter Four-Meet Lynn

Chapter Five-Jose’s big surprise

Chapter Six-Love Prevails

Chapter Seven-To be loved or not to be loved

Chapter Eight-Christmas Miracles

Chapter Nine-Jose’s Christmas Wish

Chapter Ten-Why Now?

Chapter Eleven-I’m no Detective

Chapter Twelve-Lynn Tells All

Chapter Thirteen-Life after New York

Chapter Fourteen-Jose’s Fear

Chapter FifteenNew Beginnings

Chapter Sixteen-Rose Petal Mornings

Chapter Seventeen-The ties that Bind

Chapter Eighteen-Raising the roof

Chapter Nineteen-Precious Memories

Chapter Twenty-Magical Moments

Chapter Twenty-One-Stormy Proposal

Chapter Twenty-Two-Eyes as Dark as Onyx

Chapter Twenty-ThreeInto the Darkness

Chapter Twenty-FourTrue Hero’s

Chapter Twenty-FiveThe rest of the story

The End-More James Town Tribune

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Prologue

James Town Tribune

Joseph Franks

This is Joseph Aden Franks local journalist, and I am reporting to you from James Town Virginia not to be confused with Jamestown the historical town. Population 1206 unless you count the dogs then we are roughly 1256, just kidding there. Our town is located just off the shores of the Atlantic Ocean we are one of several small fishing towns along the southern coast.

We are known for our hospitality and our love for the past. The moment you set foot in our little town you’ll step back in time twenty-years. The buildings here in town have been kept much like they were so many years ago.

You’ll experience the Ocean up front and personal. Our town lines the shore so no matter where you are you’ll hear its monstrous waves.

We can offer you privacy and peace of mind. Come here to escape the city life or to just get away from every day life. The sandy beaches offer solitude and relaxation.

Once you’ve settled into one of our five bed and breakfasts. You might want to check out some of the local attractions.

At Pete’s Diner you can enjoy some fine dining from his killer crab cakes to his down home cheeseburgers. You will walk away satisfied and full. No he doesn’t have an all you can eat buffet, but I will guarantee when you’re finished you will be glad he didn’t. Just ask anyone in town they swear by his food.

If you’re feeling a need for some chips, maybe a post card to remember your visit, stop over at that the local grocery and help yourself to some shopping. Mr. Simpleton or his son can help you find almost anything. Whether it be toothpaste or fine jewelry, he has it all.

If you’re looking for something a little older, than you should walk a few doors down and visit Anna Belle Antiques. The best damn antique store along the shore. Just talk to Eric he has just what you’re looking for.

Maybe you’re not into antiques but love your flowers. Mrs. Katy would be the person you’re looking for. She has the biggest garden around. Stop into her flower shop and experience the beauty.

Well if you’re still not impressed and you’re looking for something cold to drink. Well then you just might want to look up Eddies bar. He offers a wide variety of alcoholic drinks and while you drink enjoy a nice rounded game of pool while music from the old time jukebox drowns your sorrows away.

I could go on and on all day about our beautiful little town but until you get here you could never imagine something so peaceful and pleasant.

So next time your out for a drive with no where to go just swing by our little town and see for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Just look me up this is Joseph Franks down home country boy. Born and raised here in James Town. You’ll find me hanging out over at the James Town Tribune where we report the news as we see it.

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Chapter one

Meet Dawn

You ever wake up one day and wonder if the past year of your life was all just a dream, or wonder if today is that dream? Well I did. Just when I thought my life had hit its peak it took an unimaginable turn. No one could have foreseen what was about to happen to me.

It all started one day in early summer a few years ago. I was walking along the beach one chilly morning. The tides were crashing along the shoreline making a thunderous pounding sound against the rocks. The gulls were flying overhead looking for their early morning snack. The sand was cool and squishy against my bare feet. I took the same route to work every morning and this morning seemed to be no different.

How could I have ever been so wrong? Lost in thought as I was most mornings, I was startled by the sound of a male voice. It seemed to be coming from the rocks; at first I didn’t see anyone but as I searched the shore I finally caught a glimpse of who I heard. There setting on a large rock was a very handsome man with messy brown hair and the most gorgeous eyes I’d ever seen. His tan skin stood out against his white t-shirt and denim shorts.He didn’t see me, which was very good because frankly I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I would have been rather embarrassed if he had seen me standing there staring with my mouth hanging open.

I gathered my composure and headed on my merry way. My boss didn’t approve of me being late for work, so I figured it best if I kept going. Throughout the day my mind drifted back to the beach. I wondered if he was new to the town, or if he was visiting with friends, or if he had family here in James Town. I’m not sure what it was about this fellow but he had definitely got my attention.

The next morning as I was getting ready for work I couldn’t help think about him, I was hoping that I’d see him again. I know that seems rather odd, but there was just something about those eyes that caught my attention. They looked so pure, so innocent. I’d never been one to judge someone based on those qualities but they were so beautiful.

I left the cottage a few minutes early just in case he was there. I was going to be brave and speak to him. To my disappointment the beach was empty just like all the mornings that had come before. The walk to work seemed a little longer for some reason, and the smile that once crossed my face had long turned into a frown. I spent the rest of the afternoon at work wondering if I’d ever see the handsome stranger again.

Hindsight is always twenty twenty, its times like these that you wish you could turn the clock back twenty-four hours and do that moment over again. I could only hope that I didn’t make the same mistake again, which in my case I probably would. It was just not in my nature. I’d never been a very out spoken person, and to confront a total stranger on an empty beach would have been so out of character for me.

Weekend finally rolled around and I had given up all hope of seeing the stranger again. The rest of the week had proven hopeless. I began tidying up the cottage when I realized that my kitten Smoke had played a Houdini again. He was always finding a way out and he liked to go down by the rocks and chase crabs onto the sand.

I set out for the beach grumbling all the way. I could use a good walk but it was rather annoying when it wasn’t on my own terms. I swore I was going to kick that kitten’s booty clear into the next state.

I had been walking the shoreline for about twenty minutes when I came across a little rundown shack. It was a small little house with four ragged walls made from old wooden pallets and a black tin roof. The door was an old refrigerator box, which had been cut to fit just right. I approached the shack very carefully not sure what might come running out. We didn’t have too many homeless people in our town but the ones we did have drift in and out weren’t your average human beings.

When I approached the shack I heard a familiar voice. I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, but after a few seconds it hit me. That deep voice I was hearing right then was the same voice I heard just the week before. I was so stunned that I couldn’t move. My mind was racing; I didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. I wanted to approach but how? Then it hit me, I was out there for a reason, I did have a missing cat.

I found it very difficult to knock on the door but I managed and apparently he heard it. He opened that door and I found myself looking up into those gorgeous blue eyes. I was momentarily speechless. He had to repeat himself two or three times before I actually heard him ask if he could help me with something. I mustered a yes please, have you seen a little gray kitten wondering around.

The look he gave me was priceless, he said today must be your lucky day miss. He left me and stepped inside the shack, when he returned he was holding Smoke. He seemed very content in the stranger’s arms. He carefully placed him back into mine and smiled at me. I could have melted away right then.

I turned to leave and he reached out and touched my shoulder. I was stuck there in that moment looking into those eyes. He just simply said you better look after that feller a little better some stranger might come along and swipe him up.

Walking back to my cabin I soon realized that I had done it again. I didn’t get a name or anything, but I had at least spoken to him. Sometimes I just wish I weren’t so shy.

As I lay in bed that night I couldn’t help wonder about my trip to the beach that day, I had found the nerve to knock on the door, but once that door was opened I lost all nerve. Was it because I was shy or did it have to do with my past. There was just something about me it’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t lived the life I have. I tend to shut down when people get to close or I think they are getting to close.

I fell asleep that night bound and determined that tomorrow was going to be a new day and that if I was ever going to move on with my life I needed to put the past behind me and make room for a new one.

Here is a little background that might help you understand things better. I had moved to this little town not a month prior to the day on the beach. I had come here looking for refuge, and to begin a new life where no one knew about the pain I had left behind. The town was small, not more than a thousand people were living there. The beach took up the majority of the coast. I had a cabin along the shoreline, it was a cozy cabin a little big for just me, but it worked.

I worked at an antique store for a guy by the name of Eric, very eccentric fellow, but very kind and generous. The shop was located at the other end of town and I found that taking a short cut across the beach cut off about ten minutes of my trip. I rather enjoyed working at the shop I learned a great deal about old things, and got to meet a lot of the people in the town.

You might ask yourself how I managed to acquire such a nice cabin or how I picked that particular town. Well that too is a bit of a story in itself. I had the opportunity to become friends with a nice young woman at a hospital this past year. She was dying from cancer and had no immediate family. She and I got really close during those months and when she died I was heartbroken. That was just something that you can’t prepare yourself for.

A week later I was informed that she had been a very wealthy woman and that she had left me this cabin and fifty thousand dollars. I tried to find out exactly what had prompted her to do such a kind thing, but the nurses at the hospital said that she had felt connected to me and that I had helped her feel alive during her stay there. She wanted to pay me back for my kindness.

As for the job well that too fell into my lap, when Eric found out that I was moving into the cabin he was first to greet me. He knew all about me and was told to make my arrival a special one. And that he did, he gave me the grand tour of the town introduced me to the key people. He even offered me a job at his antique store. He said if I wanted to get to know people then that was the place to be.

Someone was always coming in to talk to Eric; he seemed to know everyone in town. And if he didn’t know them he soon would, people there loved to gossip and he was in the center of it. I wasn’t really into the gossiping but it was fun to set back and listen to them. Sometimes he was worse than the nurses at the ICU.

The next morning was Monday and a work morning. I got up had my breakfast of wheat toast and got dressed. I took my daily shortcut but this time I didn’t look for the stranger. I had decided that if I were meant to see him again then I would and if not then so be it. I had wasted too much of my life wondering what if.

I arrived a few minutes early for work that morning I must have been walking rather briskly, I normally had it timed just perfect. Eric never opened the doors early and if I got there too soon I was left standing outside the door looking silly.

I wasn’t left there waiting long Eric lived above the store and had heard me messing around the sidewalk. I didn’t much like the front of the store the way it was, Eric had several flower pots and antiques arranged out front and I was constantly moving them around.

Once inside I began my job of making sure the antiques were dusted and that the shelves didn’t look too clustered. After finishing up I took my place behind the counter to wait on the costumers that filtered in and out.

I was standing behind the counter ringing up a customer when it happened. The man from the beach walked in. He was standing in the little shop, and boy did it look little with him there! I was stunned and I couldn’t move. The gentleman at the counter had to call out to me to break my concentration.

For a moment he stood at the door just looking at me. Then all at once he gave me a big smile and walked over to where I was standing. I just froze I didn’t know what to say or do. How often does the person you were thinking of just show up out of the blue.

He asked me if we had met before. I had to smile, (he clearly had a sense of humor) I like that in a man. In return to his comment I mustered, I do believe we have. He smiled even bigger. You will never guess what he did next? He asked me out. Me! Little ole me! I was just so pleased. My first date since I moved here, and to go out with someone as intriguing as him even better.

We made plans to meet at the family restaurant which was only a few doors down from the shop at seven p.m. that night. Pete’s Diner was the only restaurant in town so there really wasn’t much choice in where we ate. The food was good and the people were friendly and to me that was what was important.

He left the store and I watched him walk out the door. How could such an interesting man be interested in me?

Eric had extra work for me to do so I was late getting out of the store. After work I had to rush home I arrived there shortly before seven. I had just enough time to slip into my blue silk dress pull my hair up and get to the diner.

It was about two blocks from my little seaside home. So I had to rush it a little I didn’t want to take my shortcut this time. Sand in my sandals didn’t sound pleasant. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. Is that possible? By this time the sun was beginning to set. I could see it in its entire splendor as I walked along the street. The way the sun reflected on the water was just amazing.

When I arrived at the diner, it was two minutes till seven. It was packed with local town folk. When I walked through the door, my eyes caught his immediately. He was setting at the bar and was looking rather odd and out of place but extremely handsome. He was wearing a pair of denim blue jeans and a dark blue button down top and his hair was neatly combed. The shirt made his eyes stand out even more than usual. I knew I was staring but I just couldn’t take my eyes off of him.

I went in and sat down next to him at the bar. When the waitress walked over I ordered a Dr. Pepper he obviously had ordered a coke before I arrived but she topped his off too. I felt rather odd setting there next to him we still hadn’t exchanged names and we were virtually strangers. He wasn’t saying anything so I figured I should go first with the introductions; he appeared to be a little backwards. This time I refused to leave him without knowing his name at least.

I began first by introducing myself he looked at me kind of puzzled but responded very quickly; his name was Jose. Sounded Spanish and he sure didn’t look Spanish. I know I shouldn’t judge and I sure wasn’t about to ask him about it. He commented on how beautiful my name was. I had hated my name when I was growing but now I’m glad my parents chose it.

Not long after our introductions, he began to open up. He told me about his life since he moved to James Town and he spoke about how he’d been forced to move out of his home town. He also told me why he lived in the shack on the beach. That was one thing that I had been very curious about.

I kept my life pretty guarded from him I only revealed the obvious things about myself. I refused to reveal any of my past life. I was still very hurt and wasn’t ready to rehash the pain. He didn’t seem to mind that much. He was very polite in not asking many personal questions.

After we finished our dinner he asked if it would be okay to escort me home. How could I refuse? It was actually nice to have some company for a change. I hadn’t made to many friends since I moved there, unless you want to count Eric.

The walk home seemed to take forever but I really didn’t mind I didn’t want the night to ever end. Jose had this incredible sense of humor and he had me laughing most of the evening. As we walked along the empty street we could hear the surf against the beach and the seagulls flying about, it made it feel so romantic. The moonlight lit the road for us to see. At one point he asked me if it would be alright to take my hand. Of course I said yes. Our hands seemed to fit together so nicely. It felt really good to be held like that again.

We finally arrived back at my place shortly after ten, I wasn’t ready for the night to end, I wanted so much to invite him in, but it was only our first date and I didn’t want to scare him off or have him think I wanted sex. So instead I told him what a good time I had and asked if we could do it again soon.

His eyes lit up like the forth of July and he answered in a strong dominant voice that he’d love to do it again. He pulled my hand up to his lips and kissed it ever so softly. He told me good night and I went inside. At first I just stood there in the doorway holding the door handle I was afraid that if I let go the night would be over. I heard him walk down the porch steps and I opened the curtains a crack and watched him disappear into the darkness.

The next day at work was so strange. People I hardly even knew were coming up to me in the shop and asking me who the handsome stranger was. One young woman about my age even asked if I wanted him for myself, if not she was very interested in him. Then another older gentleman made the comment that we were meant for each other.

The day seemed to go by pretty fast with all the people wandering in to ask questions. I was to busy to notice when he appeared in the door. When I finally looked up and saw him it startled me. He must have noticed because he came over and bent down and whispered in my ear boo I could only laugh. It was funny though it didn’t take long for the store to clear out. It was like he had the plague or something. Even Eric made himself scarce.

He looked around at the empty store and asked where everyone went; he said do I smell bad or something? I couldn’t help but laugh again. Then I explained the day I was having. He thought that was funny and began laughing really hard.

I wondered what had brought him back to the store. When he began looking around I assumed he must have come looking for something in particular. He didn’t seem like the type of guy who was interested in antiques, but you just never know about somebody.

I approached him and was very business like and asked him if I could help him with something? He looked a little worried and hesitated for a moment. It was then that I realized he wasn’t there to buy anything. He was just there to see me. I was very flattered but wasn’t about to tell him so.

Instead of him just saying he came to see me he made up some bull about wanting a telegraph machine. We didn’t have any in the store at that time, but the way I saw it though, he was trying to pull one over on me. So I was going to get him as well.

I walked over to our junk table in the back corner of the store; on it were bits and pieces of old television sets and radios. I picked up the biggest part I could find and carried it over to where he was standing.

He had a look of disbelief on his face. At first I thought he figured me out. But he started sweating and fidgeting. I thought it was rather hilarious myself and had a hard time keeping from laughing. I knew he didn’t have a clue what it was that I was holding.

I fed him this whole line of bull about it being a nineteen forty-two telegraph machine and how it had seen its days in World War II. How our local phone company had kept it in working condition till the early nineteen sixties and it found its way here to the antique shop where is had been setting for many years.

At that point his face had begun to turn a pale shade of pink and he began to fidget just a bit more. I could tell he was becoming really worried. Once I had finished with my story. I decided to let him off the hook. I told him I could hold it for him until he had a place of his own to keep it in. When I walked back to the table to put it back I couldn’t help but smile. It might have been cruel making him sweat that one out but it would be a lesson for him.

He seemed very impressed with my knowledge and had listened to my whole story. I don’t know if it was because he was afraid I would ask him to buy it or if he just enjoyed listening to me go on and on. Either way I enjoyed it.

We sat there for a little while longer just chatting and enjoying one another’s company. When he got up to leave he made a point to tell me that he enjoyed my story, but that an old tube radio wouldn’t make a good telegraph machine. He told me better luck next time. I was so embarrassed.

Eric stepped in from the back. He had been listening to my whole conversation, his only words to me were If I didn’t know any better I would have bought that hunk of junk, from you. He had been so impressed with my abilities that he gave me a raise. That put me at a little above ten dollars an hour and hour. It wasn’t like I really needed the money but I wasn’t going to complain.

It began raining that afternoon and I had to make my way home through the storm. By the time I reached the cabin, I was cold and soaked. I went upstairs and took a nice long relaxing hot bath. But lying there in that tub made some memories come flooding back. Things I hadn’t thought of in some months.

When I was living in southern Ohio, I had met the man of my dreams. We were so much in love or so I thought. I lived every day for him. He provided me with everything I ever needed. We were engaged to be married this past May. He had me spoiled, every thing I ever wanted he gave me. He loved me like no one ever could. I never thought our love would ever end. I thought we were going to be married and have a family and live happily ever after. Just like in the fairy tales.

Then it happened every ones worst nightmare. He became abusive; some say it was always there I just never saw it coming. I left town as soon as I was able to. Once I was gone I always worried that he would find me and kill me. For the longest time I looked over my shoulder wondering if he was lurking in the distance.

His name was Andrew and he worked for a local factory in the town we lived in. He was a bit older than I was but at the time, that didn’t matter to me. He had always been a quiet man not much of a sense of humor and a little on the serious side. But, I was in love with him none the less. I’ve tried not to think about those days. But, sometimes those feelings just come flooding back.

When I was given the cottage I felt in my heart that I was being pulled there to James Town, I knew that if I was ever going to get over what had happened, I needed to first move on. That first day when I saw Jose on the beach I thought that was my reason for being there. Those eyes looked so safe and secure. I could sense compassion in them. I never thought I’d be able to love again, but Jose made me want to forget the past, and it gave me something new to live for.

Two weeks passed since the day at the antique shop, and I hadn’t seen or heard from Jose, it was August now and the flowers were all in full bloom the town was really beginning to brighten up. I didn’t even know if Jose was still in town. I have been really worried that I upset him some how. Maybe I was trying to hard and he didn’t like that or maybe my faint scars turned him away.

I had been cooped up in the cottage trying to decide where to go from there. I went to work and came home and slept, I was just too tired to deal. I didn’t want to think that I had been willing to open my heart up only to have the opportunity snatched away from me.

On top of my personal life the antique shop had been flooded with tourists. They were looking for anything that might help them remember James Town. They didn’t realize that it’s an antique store and not a gift shop.

James Town seemed to be a popular tourist spot. I’m not really sure what attracted them. I assumed it could be the old buildings or even the fishing wharfs. The town does seem to have an interesting history. It also has an old town feel about it. It’s one of those spots to get away from the city life and relax; Although I wasn’t getting much relaxing done myself.

Unfortunately my mind had not been on the job. Normally I could answer all there questions and not hesitate to help the customers. My mind just seemed to be on something else. I kept thinking back to my first date with Jose. It was so amazing. I kept running everything through my mind criticizing every detail, had I maybe of said something wrong, or maybe it was what I didn’t say that had run him off. I just hoped it wasn’t our last date.

Eric caught me day dreaming at one point. He wanted to know what was on my mind. When I explained what my problem was, he became very disturbed. He darted out of the room. I have to say that was the fastest I had ever seen that old man move.

When he returned he was a holding, a letter it was folded up very neatly.I carefully opened it and began reading it. It was from Jose he had written it the day he was in the antique store. It said:

Dear Dawn,

I have some very good news. I got a job working for the paper in James Town. Unfortunately, I will be gone for the next two weeks for training. I will be staying in a Richmond hotel for a few days. If you need to reach me a fellow named Mark has all the info. He works for the Tribune there in town. I am looking forward to the day I return. So, we can have our second date. I will be thinking of you.

Best Wishes,

Jose

Well that does explain a lot. I cannot believe Eric forgot to give this to me. If the letter was correct then he should have been back there that day.I can’t express to you how relieved I was not to mention how angry I was with Eric for being so stupid and forgetful. To think about the things that had been running through my head I was such an idiot.

I had known this guy for less than a month, and already my heart was aching for him. I never thought I could feel this way about anyone again. I politely asked Eric if I could take the rest of the day off. He was still feeling really guilty about the note and agreed to give me the rest of the day off as long as I came in a little early the next day and opened the shop up. He handed me a set of keys and wished me luck finding Jose.

I headed to the Tribune to see when Jose would be returning. My heart was beating fast as I walked the short distance to the paper. I was so nervous when I opened that door that I didn’t noticed the figure coming out, I smacked into the person so hard that I almost fell backwards to the ground. Had it not been for those strong arms wrapping around me, I probably would have. When I finally gathered my composure and got my breath back I looked up and was looking into those amazing eyes that I had missed for so long.

All I wanted to do was kiss him. But instead I gave him the biggest smile that I could muster and told him how much I had missed him. He had been smiling at me from the time I looked into his eyes. My heart was racing and I knew I must have been breathing kind of hard, because he asked me to have a seat on the old worn bench on the edge of the sidewalk. I think he might have thought he hurt me. When really what I was feeling was far from painful in fact it was more like, dare I say love?

I began thinking about what a future with Jose would be like, waking up every day in his arms feeling his touch. Coming home from work and seeing him setting by the fireplace, reading the evening paper. Seeing little rug rats with his eyes and my hair running around the cottage.

I was snapped out of my daydream when I felt a warm touch on my lips. I opened my eyes to see him staring deep into mine. He had slipped a soft kiss upon my lips.

He began telling me all about his trip and how beautiful Richmond was. We made our way down the street and stopped in at the diner for a late dinner early supper. I hadn’t thought about this before but where was he going to stay. I couldn’t let him go back to that old shack.

During our dinner, I decided it would be a good time to mention something that I really hadn’t gave much thought about up till now. I wanted him to come and stay with me at the cottage, there was more than enough room and he would have his own place to sleep. I know that it might sound kind of forward but he needs a place to stay and I need the company.

Knowing how to bring it up and how to word it was the difficult part. I didn’t want him to think I was moving to fast or misunderstand my intentions. You know the funny thing was I didn’t have to bring it up. He actually did that for me. He began by telling me how nice the hotel was that he stayed at in Richmond. Then he brought up the shack and how hard it was going to be to move back into it. That gave me a window of opportunity; I said it very quickly and very bluntly.

The look that came across his face was better than any thing he could have said. It was a look of disbelief and shock. I went on to explain that the cottage was much too big for just me and that there was an extra bedroom and that he’d have plenty of privacy.

We sat through dinner without saying another word. I was very nervous and was afraid I had crossed the line. It was getting dark outside and only the lights from the street lamps lit the streets. There were no stars in the sky it was a dark cloudy evening.

As soon as we hit the sidewalk and started toward the cottage, Jose took me by the hands and turned me to face him, he looked deep into my eyes gave me a big smile and these were his exact words madam Dawn I would be honored to share your cottage with you, are you sure this is what you want? He then bent down and gave me a long passionate kiss. His lips were soft and moist against mine I didn’t want that kiss to ever end. But I began to feel drops of rain upon my head. He took my hand and we ran the rest of the way back to the cottage.

When we arrived at the cottage, both he and I were drenched. His bag that he’d kept his clothes packed in were drenched as well. I wasn’t real sure what to do, I knew he was going to catch cold if he stayed in those wet clothes and it's for sure he couldn’t stand there naked. I went looking through my closet and found one of Andrew’s robes; I had once used it to cuddle up with on cool nights I thought it would fit Jose perfectly. He took a shower in the guest bathroom while I took one in the master one. I have to admit all I could think about was him standing in the shower and the water trickling down over his gorgeous face.

When I got done with my shower he had a fire going in the fireplace, the rain had cooled it off a bit and the fire had taken the chill off the cottage. He was setting on the floor next to it in the black terry cloth robe. My heart sank. He reminded me so much of Andrew. I immediately disregarded that thought and joined him on the floor. He pulled me close to him and he held me tight.

I woke up in my bed the next morning, having not a clue of how I got there. Last night had seemed like a dream. All that worrying I had done those two weeks, seemed all senseless. I got dressed for work and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Jose had breakfast fixed. Bacon, eggs, toast and orange juice were placed nicely on the table. It was set for the two of us with a nice arrangement of purple Iris’s in the middle. They were from my garden out front, they just happened to be my favorite.

He must have sensed my shock, because he came and took me by the hand and lead me to my seat. I was so close to crying, I didn’t want him to think that he had done something wrong, so I held it in the best I could. He was a magnificent cook the food melted in my mouth.

We finished breakfast and both walked to work together. He talked all the way there about how he was nervous, it was his first day and he wasn’t sure if he was ready for it or not. He left me at the antique shop and went off to begin his day. I had no doubts; he was going to be the best photographer ever. Of course my opinion was biased.

Eric seemed surprised to see me when I walked through the door. He had that look. But instead of saying anything to me about it, he stepped into the back and didn’t come out till lunch. I wasn’t sure what his problem was. But when lunch time rolled around he came out. He had that same puzzled look. Only this time he spoke. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hear what he had to say.

He started off by asking me this simple question. Do you love him? It caught me off guard and I hesitated before I answered. I said yes I think so. Then he started in on me, he sounded just like my father did when I told him I was marrying Andrew. He went through the whole spill of how it was wrong to live with someone without being married. Especially someone I knew little or nothing about.

It made me rather angry at first. But I did see where he was coming from. He cared for me and didn’t want to see me hurt in any way. But I was a big girl and could handle anything that was thrown at me, or at least I believed I could.

I quickly went back to work and immediately erased the thoughts from my mind. I was not going to let my negative thinking ruin my day. And since that day when Andrew beat me half to death I tend to slip into this negative frame of mind that seems to undermine my life. For so long I blamed myself and I began to believe I was not meant to be happy.

Then that day on the beach when I looked into those soft innocent eyes that belonged to Jose. I knew things were going to be different. It wasn’t my fault and I wasn’t cursed.

The day seemed to move pretty quickly, the tourist crowds were still hanging about. I seemed to be a little more focused now that I knew what had happened with Jose. Thinking he had left had made work seem impossible. The people that flowed into the store seemed a lot more interesting than the weeks before. I found myself asking each of them where they were from. One really old fellow said he came from northern Nebraska. He was a long way from home.

He told me this interesting story about how back during the civil war this town had been a stopping ground for a lot of the slaves headed north. I found this bit of information rather interesting. The town I had lived in back in Ohio was also known for being part of the Underground Railroad.

Before I knew it was time to go home. I had met a lot of interesting people. I guess I should have been paying a little more attention those past two weeks. I locked up the store and made sure to tell Eric that I appreciated his bit of advice, even if it did upset me for a while he was only thinking of what was best for me.

He has become a sergeant father to me since I moved there. He was always looking out for my best interest. I couldn’t fault the man for caring. I needed him and he needed me.

The sun has been setting earlier and earlier everyday. I find it harder and harder to make the trip back to the cottage. I have this fear of the dark, have had it ever since I was a small child, still today I try to avoid any contact possible with it. I realized I’m only a few short blocks from work but no matter how hard I try to accept that fact, I just don’t seem to be able to get it to sink in.

When I opened the door to the cottage a sweet aroma filled the air. It seems Jose had decided to fix dinner for the two of us that night. The kitchen smelled of tomato sauce and garlic. It was a huge mess, but I only just smiled. It was nice to come home to the cottage and it not feel as empty and to not have to cook dinner that is just wonderful.

He sent me upstairs to shower and change and to get a bit of relaxation in before dinner was finished. I ran a nice hot bath and stepped in. The water was so relaxing I sank back into the tub and closed my eyes, just enjoying the smells as they found there way into the bathroom.

I began thinking back to that horrible night when Andrew decided to beat me; he and I had shared many a nights much like this one. I had gone home from work and had prepared lasagna for dinner I had the table set with fresh flowers from the garden and two pillar candles burning. The lights were dimmed and there was soft romantic music playing on the stereo, then I heard the slam of the door. At first I ignored it hoping that it was just the wind. I was so wrong Andrew came creeping in, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, and he began yelling at me accusing me of sleeping with a man at the bar. Before I had time to even react, I was being hit with a medal baseball bat. I became weaker and weaker with each and every blow. The next thing I remembered was opening my eyes up and seeing a police officer standing over me. He didn’t have to speak the words I could see it in his eyes. Andrew was gone and I had been left for dead.

My thoughts were interrupted with a knocking on the bathroom door; it was Jose, in his deep voice he hollered in making sure if I was okay, I responded trying to cover up the tears. He told me I had been in there for a long time and he thought I had drowned; I laughed at the notion and began climbing out of