Shattered Dreams

By Sadie Ramsey

Allison's looking forward to returning home from her business trip so she could share her exciting news with her husband, Tristan, only to find that he wants a divorce instead of a family.
Devastated by the divorce, Allison finds herself single again and pregnant. It's difficult but Allison finally starts living her life again and begins to build a new life for herself and her son. It's not until an old boyfriend, Luke, comes back into her life that she is able to trust a man again and find love once again.
Engaged to be married and moving to a new city Allison has quit her job and sold her home to be closer to Luke only to have her plans come to a screeching halt when she receives a letter from her ex-father-in law James, threatening to serve her with a restraining to keep her and her son in the state. If she decides to leave anyway he will file for sole custody of her son, claiming she's an unfit mother. He has the money and the connections to drag the custody case out for as long as it takes.
James is asking the unthinkable of Allison. He wants her to move back to the vineyard for one year to give him time to get to know his grandson, if she agrees, he will acknowledge Bradley as his grandson and drop the custody suit. The only problem is that Tristan is completely unaware of what his father is up to.
Tristan had hoped to never seen Allison again. Now she's returned to the vineyard for one year. Now... it's not just Allison that is back home but her son as well. The child of another man. The man she had an affair with. His best friend Luke.
Luke lost Allison to Tristan a little over five years ago and he's not about to let that happen again. Allison is the only woman he would ever love and he couldn't bear to lose her again to Tristan. He will stop at nothing to make sure that never happens.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brighton Publishing LLC
• Release date: Nov 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781621834731

Sadie Ramsey

Sadie resides in Mandeville, Louisiana were she has lived for the past 24 years. She is one of fourteen siblings and loves being from a large family. She is a mother of two grown children and is looking forward to be a grandmother someday, but for now she's ok with being a grandmother to her daughter's cat and her son's dog. She works full time at a local hospital where she is the Lead Therapist for the Sleep Center there. She is looking forward to the day she can retire and write full time. She loves trying different ethnic foods, wine, traveling, her children, the New Orleans Saints and LSU not necessarily in that order. Like they say here in Louisiana Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez (Let the Good Times Roll.)

Book preview

Shattered Dreams

Sadie Ramsey

Brighton Publishing LLC

435 N. Harris Drive

Mesa, AZ 85203

www.BrightonPublishing.com

ISBN13: 978-1-62183-473-1

Copyright © 2017

eBook

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Cover Design: Tom Rodriguez

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. The characters in this book are fictitious and the creation of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to other characters or to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or copyright owner.

Prologue

Wake up sleepy head. Luke laughed as he jumped on one foot around the bed while trying to step into his pants. Once he managed to pull them on, he bent down and gave Allison’s shoulder a light kiss. God he loved this woman. He loved her hair, her skin—the very smell of her. Her scent reminded him of honeysuckle. He ran his hand slowly down her back before pressing his lips to her soft skin. She made him smile when she began to purr like a baby kitten.

It’s getting late, sweetheart, he whispered as he took a light nip at her shoulder. I want to get an early start on the climb.

Everything had to be perfect. He was excited and so nervous that he was afraid he would let his secret out before they even made their climb.

He’d spent most of the night going over what he wanted to say, but no matter what he said, he knew that it would never express how he truly felt.

He laughed when he heard that low sultry moan of hers as he began pulling the blanket off her shoulder.

Keeping her eyes closed, Allison reached up and pulled the blanket over her head, hoping he would let her sleep a few minutes longer.

Allison pulled the blanket down just low enough to peek at the small clock sitting on the bedside table. She moaned loudly when she saw the time.

Heavens, it’s only six o’clock in the morning. What’s the hurry anyway? We have all day to do the climb. She moaned and then pulled the blanket back over her head. I’m going back to sleep, she muttered from under the covers.

We’re burning daylight, chimed Luke as he slowly pulled the blanket off her head and kissed her exposed cheek. Smiling, he gave the blanket another tug, exposing the soft skin of her shoulder. He gently caressed the exposed area with his hand.

If she agreed to marry him today, he knew that no matter how many years they would spend together, he would never tire of her. He loved this beautiful woman more than life itself. She would make him the happiest man in the world if she said yes to his proposal.

He proceeded to kiss each area of exposed skin. He lifted her silky dark-brown hair to his nose and smiled. It smelt like honeysuckle. Then he let it slip slowly through his fingers. It amazed him how soft and silky her hair was compared to his. He adored everything about her, even her light snore.

Luke gently caressed her neck with his fingers and then lightly nipped her shoulder with his teeth as he made his way farther down her body. A low guttural sound escaped his throat as he took in her sweet scent. The affect she had on him never ceased to amaze him.

Allison rolled over onto her back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Laughing, she reached up and gave him a kiss.

As much as I hate being woken up at this time of the morning, I have to admit, I like the way you do it, she said in that low sultry voice of hers that always drove Luke mad.

I was going to tell you it’s time to get up, but you know what, to hell with it. Luke laughed as he joined her in bed. He kissed her as he pushed her tank top over her head.

An hour later, they finally climbed out of bed.

They checked and rechecked all of their equipment before they headed to the site for the days’ climb.

It was a gorgeous sunny day. The temperature was 79 degrees, and there was an occasional light breeze. Luke’s spirits were high, and he was looking forward to the climb.

What’s with you today? Allison laughed. You’re like a kid in a candy store. I’ve never seen you so excited about a climb before.

He tapped his left pocket, making sure it was securely closed. Luke wanted the day to go off without a hitch. He wanted everything to be perfect for Allison. They’d both completed that particular climb before, but today was going to be different.

It’s a perfect day, and I’ve got my girl with me. What’s not to be excited about? He reached for her, pulled her into his arms, and gave her a kiss. What are we doing standing around here? Luke laughed excitedly. We’re burning daylight. Let’s get going.

It was a difficult climb, but they were both seasoned climbers. They made their way up the rock in less time than usual. As Allison reached the top, Luke extended his hand to help her onto the top ledge. She stood up and slowly turned around, taking in the view from every direction.

I never get tired of this view, she announced in amazement.

Luke stepped behind Allison and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close. He kissed the top of her head as she pointed to an eagle soaring gracefully along the air current. They could hear the bird cry as it headed to a lower elevation.

Luke brushed her hair away from her neck, then bent his head, and pressed his lips to her neck.

Allison leaned back against Luke and rested her head on his chest. They stood in silence for several minutes, taking in the beauty all around them.

Luke turned Allison around and pulled her into his arms for a slow passionate kiss. After releasing her mouth, he brushed his thumb gently across her cheek. He smiled as he pressed his lips to hers again.

I love you, Luke whispered.

He was so nervous. He smiled then reached for her hands as he got down on one knee.

Allison, this was the first place we climbed together, and I can remember feeling like I was on top of the world that day. I have felt like that every day since I met you. When I’m with you, I feel complete. I think we complement each other. Together we can climb the highest of mountains, and reaching the top will always be pure joy as long as we do it together. I can’t begin to tell you how much you mean to me and how happy you make me. I don’t ever want that feeling to go away. If you agree to marry me, I promise to do my very best to make you happy. I promise to love and cherish you, and to be faithful to you always. I’ll be on top of the world every day for the rest of my life if you will honor me and agree to be my wife.

With his hands shaking, Luke pulled the ring out of his pocket. He reached for Allison’s left hand and slipped the ring on her third finger. Then he pressed his lips to her hand.

I love you with all my heart, and I never want to be separated from you from this day on.

Speechless, Allison stood in shock as she looked down at the beautiful ring on her finger. She and Luke had only been dating for six months. She had no idea he felt so strongly about her. Marriage. Wow! That was a huge step. Possibly one of the biggest decisions a person would ever make in his or her life. Allison cared for Luke. He was fun; he made her laugh, and he treated her like a queen. So why not marry him? She couldn’t help smiling as she looked at him on one knee in front of her. It was the sweetest, most romantic proposal she had ever heard. Luke was smart, handsome, and hardworking, and they got alone great. Some people got married with a lot less than that going for them.

Allison caressed his cheek and smiled. Then she nodded. I’ll marry you, Luke Richardson. I would be honored to be your wife. Laughing happily, she bent down to kiss him.

Luke jumped up, pulled her into his arms, and swung her around as he kissed her. When he stopped swinging her around, he continued holding her, not wanting to let her go. When Luke finally put her down, he walked to the edge of the rock, raising his arms above his head. She said yes, he yelled at the top of his lungs. She actually said yes, he repeated. I’m the happiest man alive, he screamed out. Laughing, he walked back to where Allison stood and pulled her into his arms. I love you, he uttered as he kissed her cheek. I love you, he repeated and then kissed each of her eyes. I love you, he whispered as he kissed her nose. I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me. I promise you won’t regret it.

After they’d made it back to the cabin later, Luke built a fire in the fireplace while Allison took a shower. He couldn’t seem to stop smiling as he walked around the cabin getting dinner ready. From the refrigerator, he pulled out the bottle of champagne that he’d placed there earlier.

He reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out his cell phone, and scrolled through the contact list until he found the name he wanted.

"Tristan. Hey, buddy. How’s it going?

"Luke. It’s great to hear from you. It’s been way too long. What’s been going on with you?

That’s why I’m calling. Look, I’m passing through town tomorrow, and I was wondering if we could get together.

Sure. That sounds great.

What do you say to meeting at Trojan’s for a drink at around five tomorrow?

Sounds great. See you then.

***

The next day, as they drove to the restaurant to meet Luke’s friend, Luke told Allison several stories about some of the scrapes he and Tristan had gotten into when they were younger.

They arrived before Tristan did, so they decided to wait at the bar.

Is this one of your old stomping grounds? Allison asked as she looked around the room and smiled. "I can picture you here. I bet you had all the girls drooling over you back then.

I’ll be honest with you; it might have happened once or twice. He grinned mischievously at her.

Allison laughed and poked him in the ribs.

The only woman I want drooling over me now is standing right next to me. That was then, but now I have every man in this bar envious of me. They see that I’ve got the most beautiful woman in the room, and they’re all wishing they were in my shoes.

Thank you. That’s sweet of you to say.

It’s the truth. Luke held Allison’s stare for a moment and then bent over and brushed her lips with his. Yeah, this bar was where Tristan and I used to hang out in our wilder days. He smiled as he remembered some of those days.

Luke looked up and spotted Tristan as he walked through the door. Jumping up from his barstool, he rushed over to greet his friend.

Tristan, Luke yelled as he shook his friend’s hand and then pulled him close for a hearty hug. Both men laughed and pounded each other on the back.

It’s great to see you. It has been way too long. How have you been? How’s your dad?

He’s doing well. I told him that I was coming to see you, and he sends his love. I was surprised when you called. I know you’re busy with work, but it’s been way to long since we’ve gotten together. So what have you been up to? Tristan grinned as he slapped Luke on the back again. There was something different about his friend, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

Heavens, it’s been years since I’ve been here.

Rachel, is that you? cried Luke when he spotted her standing slightly behind Tristan. He reached out and gave her a hug.

I’m sorry, apologized Tristan. I got so excited about seeing this big goofball I forgot you were with me.

It's great to see you Luke. How have you been, smiled Rachel as she reached up and gave Luke a kiss on the cheek. It’s been way to long since the three of us have gotten together like this. I was thrilled when Tristan told me that he was coming to meet you for a drink so I hope you don't mine I insisted that he take me with him.

Of course I don't mind, said Luke as he pulled Rachel back into his embrace. I miss you just as much as I miss Tristan."

Luke gave Tristan and Rachel a big smile. There’s someone I want you to meet. We’re sitting at the bar. He led Tristan and Rachel to where Allison was patiently waiting.

Allison turned on her barstool, watched the exchange between the two men, and smiled. As they approached, her heart began to pound in her chest, and the strangest feeling came over her.

She couldn’t help but notice the contrast between the two men as they made their way toward her. Luke was slender and statuette. He had blond hair, brown eyes, and looked like he’d just stepped out of a GQ magazine. He was a happy-go-lucky guy with a quick wit and a ready smile. The man that walked next to him was his complete opposite. To say Tristan was handsome was putting it mildly. He had to be the best-looking man Allison had ever seen. He was broad shouldered and muscular. His hair was black and in need of a trim, but it was the color of his eyes that caught her attention. They were the bluest eyes she’d ever seen: deep and dark, with jet-black lashes that only made them look bluer. Tristan literally took her breath away. He was much more serious looking than Luke.

The woman that clung so possessively to his arm was one of the most strikingly beautiful women Allison had ever seen. She was everything Allison wasn't. She carried herself with a self-assurance that showed in the way she held her head and the way she walked. Allison's heart sank a little as she looked the woman over quickly taking in the lady's outfit. It was designer all the way. Embarrassed Allison looked down at her worn jeans and sandals.

She glanced back to the man with her and frowned. Her reaction to the stranger gave Allison cause for concern and even frightened her a little. She let her eyes wander down to his chest and saw how the polo shirt he was wearing fit him like a glove, and good lord but she had never seen anyone fill out a pair of jeans the way this man did.

Reluctantly, Allison pulled her eyes back up to take a good look at his face and noticed how the light of the restaurant highlighted his jet-black hair, making it shine. His physique told her he was used to doing hard physical labor. He had a nice smile that seemed sincere to her. It was a smile that made it all the way up to his eyes, making them appear as if they were smiling as well, but she didn't think he smiled too often. He was much too serious for that.

There was something about this guy that made her feel like she already knew him. Allison had once laughed at a girlfriend when she had told her how she had been left breathless for a brief moment when she’d seen her husband for the first time. Allison wasn’t laughing now. As Luke's friend made his way to where she sat he was having the strangest effect on her nerves, and she just hoped it wasn’t showing on her face. She put a smile on her face and tried to get her breathing under control.

As Luke lead Tristan and Rachel to the bar, Tristan noticed a woman watching them. She had to be one of the most attractive women he’d ever seen. He caught her staring as he made his way toward her.

He hoped with every fiber in his body that she was not the person Luke was talking about. As they approached the bar, Tristan’s wish was soon crushed.

The closer they got the more nervous Allison became. What was the matter with her? She needed to pull herself together or she was going to make a fool of herself. Allison’s heart rate shot up dangerously high, causing her to lift her hand to her heart.

Tristan couldn’t seem to pull his eyes away from her, but when she smiled at them, she astounded him.

Sweetheart, I’d like you to meet my best friend, Tristan Kendall and his girlfriend Rachel Thompson. Tristan, Rachel, let me introduce you to Allison Stevens, my fiancée'. Luke smiled proudly as he bent down and kissed Allison.

Tristan’s heart sank all the way down to his feet. He felt as if the wind had been knocked out of his lungs. This beautiful woman was with Luke, just as he’d suspected.

It's so nice to meet you. said Allison as she offered her hand to Rachel.

Rachel ignored Allison's extended hand then ran her hand possessively up Tristan's arm. Letting Allison know that he was hers.

Embarrassed by Rachel's rejection of her offered hand, Allison smiled shyly over at Tristan, and once again extended her hand out to him.

Tristan reached for Allison's hand.

Am I lucky are what's laughed Luke. I popped the question yesterday and she said yes. I still can't believe she said yes," he laughed shaking his head in astonishment.

So, Rachel don't you think it's about time you make an honest man out of Tristan here, laughed Luke as he slapped Tristan on the back. I just want the two of you to be as happy as we are. There's no better feeling than being in love. Isn't that right Tristan?

I'm working on that, grinned Rachel. With raised brows, Rachel looked over at Allison.

Tristan took the hand Allison offered into his, and the moment they made contact, he felt a tingling sensation shoot up his arm. His gaze locked with hers, and in that instant, he knew by the stunned look on her face that she had experienced the same sensation as well.

He held her hand a little longer than was necessary. Unaware of what he was doing, Tristan gently pulled her toward him. When Allison tried to pull her hand away, he held on to it, not wanting to let go.

Smiling shyly up at him, Allison pulled her hand out of his and suddenly felt a since of loss.

Luke has told me so much about you. She felt shy as she glanced from Tristan to Luke. He told me how the two of you grew up together. She glanced at Luke and smiled. He’s told me some pretty interesting stories about the two of you, so, I have to warn you, she laughed as she winked up at him and then glanced over at Luke, I have some leverage over the two of you now. This kind of leverage can come in very handy when you find you might need something. She grinned mischievously at him. All I have to do is remember a couple of those stories, and I’ll be in complete control, she teased.

Well, I wish I could say the same about you. It seems that Luke has been keeping you a secret, and I can’t say I blame him. Tristan let his gaze slide slowly over her face and then settled on her lips. A faint smile spread across his mouth as he watched a light-pink color flood her cheeks.

He hated to admit it, but she was already in complete control. All she had to do was smile that adorable smile of hers and laugh that sexy laugh, and he would grant her just about anything she asked. Tristan was completely mesmerized by this woman. He watched as her eyes lit up when she laughed. He’d just met the woman, and she already had a claimed on his heart. It took him completely by surprise. Dazed, he stood silently for a moment, trying to understand the affect Allison was having on him and tried reign in his emotions. There was something happening between the two of them. He could feel it, and he knew she felt it as well.

He suddenly felt angry toward Luke. Luke was like a brother to him. He knew he shouldn’t be having those feelings, but the green-eyed monster was stirring inside of him, and he didn’t like it one bit. He should be happy for Luke.

I had no idea he was even seeing anyone.

I don’t know how I should take that. Allison smiled as she looked over at Luke and gently poked him in the ribs.

Luke bent down and gave her a light kiss. To be honest, he smiled at her and slowly ran his finger across her cheek, I was scared to tell anyone about us. I was worried that if I told anyone it might jinx us. I wanted to be sure you felt the same way that I did. Laughing, he looked over at Tristan. You can’t imagine how hard it was for me to keep this from you. I wanted to shout it to the world that we were seeing each other and that I was madly in love with the most wonderful girl in the world. You’re my best friend, and it was killing me not to tell you.

Tristan stood there silently and watched as Luke kissed Allison. He balled his hand into a tight fist and forced himself to turn away, to look anywhere but at the two of them. It took all of his strength not to pull Luke away from Allison.

Tristan’s breath caught in his throat when he heard Allison laugh. He watched as she tipped her head to the side a little and smiled up at Luke as he bent down and kissed her lips.

Rachel hadn't missed the exchange between Tristan and this woman and she didn’t like the way Tristan was staring at Allison. So Allison have you set a date for the wedding yet, asked Rachel as she looked around the bar letting Allison know she really wasn't interested. When she looked back at Allison she gave her a cold hard glare. If you need any help planning your wedding I could make a few suggestions on some inexpensive bridal shops, venues or caters. I'm sure I could come up with something you can afford.

Rachel placed her arm through Tristan's and pulled him closer. Sweetheart I would love a glass of wine, pleaded Rachel as she reached up and kissed Tristan on the cheek. Rachel turned to Allison and smiled. How long have you and Luke been seeing each other?

The smile Rachel had given Allison was not a warm and inviting smile.

We've been dating for six months now.

Goodness, you don't waste any time do you, snickered Rachel. Rachel didn't even bother to hide the smirk on her face as she openly studied Allison. She let her eyes briefly take in Allison's faded jeans and sandals. She looked at the way Allison had carelessly pulled up her hair into a ponytail and smiled to herself. This girl wore no makeup and no jewelry and after only a few seconds, Rachel dismissed her as a possible adversary. The poor girl had no taste at all. Rachel's hard cold gaze met Allison's for a brief moment before she turned away in a dismissing manner.

Allison couldn't help but admire Rachel. She was well dressed and she carried herself with grace and self confidence that Allison couldn't help but be a little envious of, but there was also a coldness about her that Allison didn't care for. Allison liked Tristan immediately and knew that they would be great friends, but she could never see herself being friends with this woman.

Chapter One

Five Years Later

The robust smell of fresh-brewed coffee permeated throughout the small cozy kitchen. The early morning was Allison’s favorite time of the day. She loved how peaceful it was. She loved the way the birds started to sing their early morning wake up calls, how the air was fresher and cooler, and the everyday stressors from the outside world had not made their presence known yet. It was the beginning of a new day and anything was possible.

The cool breeze that came through the open window above the sink caused the curtains to flap gently back and forth, bringing with it the sweet smell of the roses that were growing directly beneath the window. Standing in the archway that divided the dining room from the kitchen, Allison looked around at all of the packed moving boxes that cluttered the kitchen countertop and floor. She had packed late into the night, but she still wasn’t finished. When she had finally decided to call it quits for the day, it was well past midnight. Tired and sore, Allison had taken a couple of Tylenol before going to bed, hoping that they would help her get a little sleep. To her chagrin, she had not slept well and had woken up sore, stiff, and with a headache.

Walking over to the cabinet, she pulled out the only coffee cup that remained in the cabinet. Allison made a mental note to remember to pack it. Everything else in the kitchen had already been boxed up.

She looked around the cluttered kitchen and frowned. The movers were coming the next day at 8:00 a.m., and there was still so much that she needed to do. It was going to be another long backbreaking day. Allison wished she had a magic wand she could just wave and all of her packing would be finished.

She poured coffee into her cup before walking to the back door and pulled it open. The crisp, fresh morning air quickly filled the kitchen. The sun was just starting to rise. As it rose, it made the dew on the lawn sparkle like diamonds. She watched in fascination as several monarch butterflies flit gracefully across her backyard, going from one flowering plant to the next.

The sweet scent of the flowering jasmine shrub planted along the back fence drifted in her direction on the cool breeze. Allison appreciated the gentle breeze that morning. Based on the weather report, she knew that it was going to be short-lived.

If someone asked Allison if she had any vices, she would have to say coffee. Taking a slow deep breath,