Forever Again

By Diana Forrest

When Police Chief, Jason Prescott suffers a devistating loss he forces himself through each day for the sake of his three daughters. After a year of struggling to come to terms with his loss, into his life comes a woman who he finds undenialbly attractive and at the same time completely wrong for him. Reva Maxwell. She is beautiful, smart and driving Jason crazy. She is being harassed and stalked and needs Jason's protection, but Reva is the sister of the man who took away Jason's happy life. Jason figths his growing attraction for Reva while trying to find the person who has been threatening her. When one lead leads to another Jason and Reva are forced to spend a lot of time together. The result is a passionate secret romance that Jason does not reveal to his family for fear that they will not understand. Between protecting Reva and hiding his growing feelings for her, Jason needs to come to terms with who Reva is and whether or not his daughters and family can deal with who Reva is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781257469208

Book preview

FOREVER, AGAIN

by

Diana Forrest

This is a work of fiction.

Any resemblance to actual person, places or events is purely

coincidental.

All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright law, or by the express permission of the author.

Copyright© 2008 by Diana Forrest

ISBN # 978-0-557-05236-3

eISBN: 978-1-25746-920-8

-1-

March

Captain Teddy Caulfield took the call so he was the first to arrive. It was a head on collision between an SUV and a full size pickup truck. The accident happened at ten thirty on a Friday morning, school was in session and traffic was light. The roads were clear, it was cold out but there was no snow or ice on the roads. At the gas station on the opposite corner several customers witnessed the accident and it was clear to everyone that the driver of the truck was at fault, he had been going to fast and had blown through the red light without even slowing down. Hitting the SUV on the driver’s side with so much force the truck had shoved it off the road and crumpled the vehicle so it was now little more then half it’s original width. The truck itself looked like an accordion.

There was dead silence as Teddy arrived and the moment he set eyes on the SUV he felt his breakfast crawl up his throat. It was a red SUV with a Wells Police Department sticker in the rear window and he knew of only one like it in town. The driver of the truck was obviously dead, but Teddy checked anyway, he lay sprawled partially across what was once the dash and hood of his vehicle, he had come through the windshield and his eyes were open and staring at nothing.

Regan Maxwell had most likely been high, drunk, or both. Regan owned a bar in town and he was very popular with the drug using residents of Wells. He had been arrested several times for dealing but they could never get anything to stick.

Teddy took a deep breath and approached the driver’s side of the SUV.

Oh God no. He said, even though he had known who he would find, and swallowed hard to keep from being sick.

The driver was slumped over the steering wheel, her head twisted at an un-natural angle and her eyes closed. Reaching in Teddy felt for a pulse and found none and he pulled his hand slowly away. As he turned away to wait for the ambulance he saw the little boy in what was left of the back seat and then he did rush to the side of the road to be sick. That they were both dead was obvious, but Teddy went back and checked, he had to make sure.

Shit. He gasped as he stepped back from the vehicle. The ambulance pulled up he motioned to Bud Stokes. They’re dead.

Christ, are you sure? Bud asked.

Yeah, but check anyway would you, I need to make a call. Teddy walked back to his car and picked up his radio. Lena can you connect me to Alex Mason?

Sure Teddy, what’s up? She asked as she made the connection.

Not now Lena, just get Alex. Teddy’s voice prevented her from asking more questions. Teddy, usually happy go lucky and cheerful, sounded like he might be crying.

Alex came on the radio and Teddy told him what he had found and Alex felt his knees buckle and Teddy apologized to him.

I’m sorry man, I didn’t know who else to call. I couldn’t call Maddy and Jason . . . Alex I don’t know how to tell him. Teddy said and he felt tears fill his eyes and he choked down the knot in his throat.

Where’s Jason? Alex asked and felt his voice break.

He’s transporting a prisoner to the State Police, and he should be on his way back anytime. Teddy looked back and saw the EMT’s removing the driver from the SUV, and he looked away.

See if you can find him and I’ll try to intercept him. Alex said.

Alex maybe you should get down here now, Jason just pulled up. Teddy said and dropping his radio he went to intercept Jason.

Jason stopped his police car by the side of the road. As he walked toward Teddy he noticed the people gathered around watching the activity. It was normal to have people stop and look, but this crowd seemed bigger then usual and they were quiet and some looked shocked, which was not so usual. They seemed to be watching him too and Jason wished they would just go away. He could never understand why people always stopped to look at accidents, it was so invasive.

Teddy was coming toward him and the look on his face made Jason pause. Teddy was white and he seemed to be in a hurry. Jason looked around and then he froze, his eyes stopping on the red SUV, now he understood the size of the crowd and their silence. It had to be someone else, Jason told himself, she hadn’t been planning to go anywhere that morning, and Brady was sick home from school.

Jason. Teddy said as he reached him and Jason knew and he heard a roaring sound in his ears and his vision suddenly blurred as he felt dizzy. He stumbled forward and Teddy grabbed his arm. Don’t go over there.

Justine? Jason said and Teddy closed his eyes and shook his head. No! Jason shoved Teddy aside and stumbled toward the stretcher Bud was wheeling toward the open ambulance.

Bud caught him and Bud was big enough to hold him. No Jason, don’t go.

Get the fuck off me. Jason shouted and tried to keep going. It wasn’t true and if he could just see who was in there then he could prove to them that it wasn’t Justine.

Oh God, oh God. He felt his legs begin to shake and he sagged against Bud. It’s not them, it can’t be. She’s home, home with Brady, he’s sick.

Jason. Alex reached him and he put his hand on Jason’s arm.

No Alex. Jason said again and then the wind blew and the sheet lifted off Justine’s face and Jason saw her. He struggled and with a hard shove he got away from Bud and he went to her.

Her face was unmarked and her eyes were closed. The sheet below her shoulders was stained crimson and there was something not quite right about the position of her body but he didn’t look there. He touched her face and it was still warm.

Jus, you can’t do this. Jason leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. Please, I need you Jus. He could still smell the perfume she had put on that morning, her blond hair was pulled back in a braid and the clip holding the side had slipped out and he reached down and straightened it.

Alex came to him and tried not to look at Justine, it wasn’t right and it was unfair and it broke his heart but he needed to be there for Jason. He would think about the loss of his friend later, now Jason needed him.

Jason, come on. Let them take her. Alex said and Jason shook Alex’s hand off his arm, he couldn’t leave her.

I can’t. Jason said his voice breaking.

Yes you can. Come on I’ll help you. Alex said and he pulled Jason back and covered Justine’s face.

Jason looked at Alex and his eyes were red but dry and he looked dazed. He shook his head. Brady must be at home, she must have left him home alone Alex, I need to get there and make sure he’s okay.

Jason, Brady’s not at home. Alex said quietly and Jason shook his head.

Turning he pulled away from Alex and headed for the SUV and Alex tried to stop him, but Jason pushed him away. He slowed as he got close to it and walking carefully, putting one foot in front of the other as if it was important how he placed his feet, he walked the last few steps and then he stopped. Maybe they were all still in shock and that’s why they didn’t get to him in time to prevent him from seeing Brady.

Jason put his hand over his mouth and fought the roaring in his ears and the blackness that threatened to pull him in. It was not his son, it couldn’t be and then he saw the toy clutched in the small hand. Brady had discovered rockets and space a few months before and was obsessed with working for NASA and becoming an astronaut. The replica of the space shuttle told Jason everything he needed to know.

His knees buckled and he hit the ground on his knees, hard but it didn’t register. All he could see was the rocket and he knew that part of him was gone and he would never get them back. The sound that came from him wasn’t even remotely human and it jarred Alex into motion. He came to Jason and with Bud’s help they got him to his feet and to Alex’s car.

Teddy I’m taking him to Maddy’s, I had Kaitlyn pick up the girls and she’s going to meet us there.

I’ll take care of everything and let everyone at the station know what’s happened and then I’ll come up there. Teddy said and he looked past Alex to Jason who was now staring straight ahead with a blank expression on his face. He’s in shock.

Yeah me too. Alex said and with a last look the stretcher he turned and got into the car with Jason.

How do I tell the girls, Alex? They will be so upset. Jason said and Alex was taken aback by the lack of emotion in Jason’s voice. Do you know where they are? I think . . . I don’t know where they are.

Alex opened his mouth but couldn’t speak. He drove to the B&B as quickly as he could and when hey arrived Fletcher met them at the door.

Hey. He started and then he saw Jason’s face. What’s wrong?

There’s been an accident. Alex said and Fletcher looked at Jason and then back at Alex who shook his head. Fletcher led them into the living room where Maddy was and she took one look at Jason and she knew.

Maddy. Jason said and she flew at him and hugged him. Maddy, Justine’s . . . Jason choked and then he just held her.

Alex? Fletcher asked.

I don’t know all the details yet but there was an accident this morning and Justine and Brady were . . . He couldn’t say it so he just shook his head and Maddy moaned as she hugged Jason.

Are you sure, maybe there’s been a mistake. She said and tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks onto Jason shoulder.

It’s true. Jason spoke and he pulled back from Maddy. I saw her.

Jason, not Justine and Brady. Maddy cried and she started to shake and Fletcher took her and held her as she cried and Jason stood watching her. The knot in his throat was about to choke him but he couldn’t seem to swallow it.

I have to tell the girls. Jason said and he looked at Alex. "Tawny’s in school and Tina and Tara were both at the house.

Kaitlyn’s getting them, Jason she’s going to bring them here. Alex explained and turned as the door opened and he heard Kaitlyn.

Alex just told me to bring you here. I don’t know what’s going on. She led the girls into the living room.

Dad what’s going on? Tina asked and as she took in who wasn’t in the room and her fathers expression she knew. Dad, where’s Mom and Brady.

Sit down. Jason said and he took off his baseball cap and ran his fingers through his short dark hair.

I don’t want to sit. Tina said. She was the most like Jason, vocal and outgoing, and she would demand answers.

Tina, please just sit. Jason said and then he wiped his eyes and as the three girls sat down he looked down at them. Tawny at sixteen and still in school looked scared to death, Tara was already starting to cry and Tina was shaking her head as tears gathered in her eyes.

This morning your mother and Brady were in an accident. Jason said and at the look on Tina’s face he looked away. They’re . . . um . . . they are. He stumbled over the words not able to say them. To say it would make it real. They were hurt real bad and they didn’t make it.

Daddy. Tawny broke down and rushed at Jason and threw her arms around his waist. She sobbed and Jason patted her head and looked away.

Dad. Tara said and she came to him and hugged him.

Tina went to Maddy and they sat together holding each other until Maddy’s twins woke and started to cry. Maddy stood and left the room and Fletcher followed her.

Kaitlyn looked away from Jason and his daughters and looked at Alex who had his back to the room. She came up behind him and slipped her arm around his waist. He dropped his arm around her shoulders and she saw his face was streaked with tears. Justine had been family to all of them and even though Kaitlyn had only known her for a year and a half she had become very good friends with Justine.

The funeral of Justine and Brady Prescott was a sad day for many of the residents of Wells. Justine had been well liked and had been involved in many community activities. The whole town it seemed turned out to pay their respects and Jason stood stoically and shook hands and accepted condolences. He neither cried nor changed expression. Jason thanked everyone for coming and when asked how he was doing he just nodded his head and said fine.

The graveside service was private and no one other then the immediate family, Alex and Kaitlyn were there. Jason stood with his daughters and watched as his wife and son were lowered into the ground and he never wavered. He was polite and contained and completely emotionless.

At the house afterwards he spoke to everyone who came and thanked them for coming. He kept his arms crossed and if anyone seemed about the hug him he turned away. When someone cried he walked away. Jason found that by pretending it hadn’t happened he could deal with it a little better. He continued to tell himself that this was all a nightmare from which he was unable to wake up.

After everyone had gone home and the girls had gone to their rooms, he went to his and lay on his bed and prayed he would wake up from the nightmare. When he woke up he was sure Justine would be there. She and Brady both and everything would be normal again. He would no longer feel the empty, hollow pain that seemed to be eating up his life.

July

Jason sat in the dark of his bedroom. He had just made it through his first week back on the job since the accident. He was slouched in chair that he and Justine had shared on several occasions. They had sat together watching TV, they had sometimes just sat and talked and one night he had made love to her in the chair. He could see her vanity with her make-up and perfume bottles, her jewelry box still stood open from the last time she had pawed through it. He couldn’t remember what the occasion had been but he did recall coming to find her and she was still in her slip and he had tried to talk her into being late.

Jason. She had laughed as he ran his hand up her thigh. Stop it. I am not going to be late because you think you need to fool around. She had slapped his hand and he had grabbed her and pulled her down onto the bed.

But baby you’re so sexy like this. Jason had said and smiling down at her he had convinced her to be late.

Jason closed his eyes against the memory and pushed away the pain of being without her. He had cried after the funeral, cried for his son. The little boy he had been so proud of, not that he wasn’t proud of his daughters, he was, it was just that a man and his son had a special bond and Jason and Brady had been very close. Crying for Brady was something he could do, but when he thought of his wife he choked and the tears wouldn’t come.

Reaching over he picked up the silk robe that hung over the arm of the chair and he put it to his face. The smell of her was beginning to fade and that made him angry, couldn’t he have that at least, if nothing else.

He saw the framed picture of them at their wedding twenty-one years before. Justine had been the most beautiful bride, with her blond hair in curls and the long white gown, her blue eyes and incredible smile. He couldn’t do this. There was no way he could go on without her. It had been four months and everyday when he woke up his first thought was that it had all been a nightmare; his second was that he would never wake from the nightmare.

Reaching down he flicked the snap off his holster. Slipping the .40 gun out of the holster he looked into the barrel. One tiny movement of his finger and it would be over. He wouldn’t have to go on without her. He let the barrel rest against his temple.

Justine. He said her name and he saw her as he had the last time he had seen her alive. She had woken him up the morning of the accident with her fingers trailing over his chest. She had whispered promises in his ear and as her hands had moved below his waist Jason had given up falling back to sleep and he had made love to his wife and when he got up a while later he had left her asleep with a kiss and a whispered, ‘I love you’.

Jason wrapped his finger around the trigger and was slowly squeezing when he heard the front door open and Tina called his name. Jason’s hand trembled and he dropped it away from his head. Hearing his daughter moving through the house he quickly stood and unloaded the gun and slipped it back into the holster.

Dad, Are you here? Tina called again and Jason left his room without a backward glance and pulled the door shut tight.

Here Tina. Jason came down the stairs and followed the sound of her voice to the kitchen.

Hey Dad. I brought you some dinner. Tina said and she kissed him on the cheek. You need to shave. She said and set a plate on the table.

Where’s Tawny? Jason asked and sat, he wasn’t hungry but he would eat for her sake.

She is at her friend Stephanie’s house.

Shouldn’t she be home for school? Jason asked picking at the burger on the plate.

Dad school doesn’t start for another month. Tina said and she sat across from him. How are you doing?

I’m fine. He said and because she was waiting for it he took a bite of the burger.

Are you home for the night? She asked and fixed herself a plate.

Yeah, you? He asked and she nodded.

I wanted to talk to you about Mom’s stuff. She said and Jason dropped the burger back onto his plate.

There’s nothing to discuss. He said and standing he left the table.

Dad, I know this is hard for you but you haven’t done anything with her things, her clothes are still where she left them. I was putting your clothes away yesterday and saw her things; don’t you think it’s time to put it away?

Tina it’s my business and I’ll thank you to stay out of it. Jason snapped and he grabbed his gun belt off the back of the chair and buckled it back around his waist and left.

Tina watched him go and felt tears fill her eyes. She missed her mother too, but seeing her things every time she went into their room made it harder to deal with. Tawny was staying away so she didn’t have to see it and Tara had gone back to college and had decided to get a job in New York for the summer just so she had an excuse to stay away. Tina was the one who had decided to save her father no matter what.

He barely remembered to shave once a week and if she didn’t make him eat she thought he would forget that too. Most mornings she found him asleep on the couch in the living room still wearing his clothes from the day before. He’d take a shower and go to work and come home and repeat the process.

Tina thought for a few minutes and then she grabbed her purse and wrote him a note telling him where she had gone. In minutes she was at the B&B and talking to her aunt Maddy. Maddy had been Justine’s best friend and she had taken Justine’s death nearly as hard as Jason had. Maddy had dated Justine’s brother in high school and they had planned on marrying until Kory Holt’s tragic death.

Maddy herself had had a hard time getting over Kory, but with Jason’s help she had done it. Several years later she had met Fletcher Reed, the lead singer of the rock band Touchstone. They had married two years before and had twenty-two month old twins, Dylan and Rose. Tina hoped Maddy could help her father.

Aunt Maddy, he’s not living, he’s just going through the motions and I’m afraid he’s going to get hurt or do something stupid. Tina sobbed and Maddy hugged her and looked at Fletcher over Tina’s head.

I’ll talk to him okay; you stay here with Fletcher and help him with the babies. Maddy said and she went to find Jason.

He was at the police station in his office, Tommy nodded to her when she came in and Maddy knocked on Jason’s door.

He looked up and she saw what Tina was talking about. He hadn’t shaved in a few days and he looked exhausted. As she looked down at him she was shocked to see that his hair had a lot of gray in it that hadn’t been there before. His eyes, so like hers were cold chips of ice, set in a tanned face that was too thin. In fact his whole body was too thin, and his uniform shirt hung off him. She felt like shit for not noticing sooner.

Hi Jason. She came in and shut the door. How are you?

Jason shrugged. I’m fine Maddy. His voice was flat.

That’s not what Tina says. Maddy said and watched his expression.

It got colder and he narrowed his eyes at her. Jason was an intensely private person so even his daughter talking about him went against the grain.

She worries over nothing. He said and he picked up his coffee cup and started to drink it and stopped and pulled it away and set it back down.

How old is the coffee?

Jason glared at her. Maddy what do you want?

I want you to wake up Jason, just like I needed to once. She said and she leaned on his desk. Reaching out she took his hand and shook him. "Jason I know this is