For Better, For Worse, Forever

By Anna Dynowski

Toronto bookseller, Catharine Taylor, is spunky. Smart. And separated from her husband of ten years. With her biological clock banging away, all she wanted from her husband was a baby--just one baby--but what she got instead was a pending divorce. When an accident befalls construction boss, Hudson Taylor, she is summoned to his bedside and to her surprise, he now wants to start a family. Great! There's just one little incidental marring her joy: he suffers from amnesia and doesn't remember filing for divorce or not wanting children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597052535

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

For Better, For Worse, Forever

Do people get second chances? Can love of Christ help a person over a rocky road to reach love’s soaring heights? Ms. Dynowski has written a beautiful story with characters that are real, with flaws and heartaches, with some who strive to travel the high road wherever it may take them. Anna Dynowski’s novel For Better, For Worse, Forever takes the reader on a journey of discovery, and that journey is truly inspirational.

Jeannine D. Van Eperen

Award-winning author

Memory and Desire,

No Escape from Love,

Heir to the Good Times,

Daughter of Spain and more.

For Better, For Worse, Forever

Anna Dynowski

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Inspirational Romance Novel

Edited by: Lorraine Stephens

Copy Edited by: Christie Kraemer

Senior Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: Pat Casey

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Copyright © 2007 by Anna Dynowski

ISBN: 978-1-59705-253-5

Published by Wings ePress, Inc.

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

To my Lord and Savior, who lovingly teaches me something about myself and a whole lot about Himself through the books I write,

To Henry, my husband, who is always my most faithful and loyal cheerleader,

To Wendy, my niece, whose words of wisdom touched my heart: to be a good writer, you must be a good reader.

Scripture:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

II Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

Dear friend,

LIKE CATHARINE AND Hudson, we need to learn to commit all our concerns, desires, and fears, big or small, to God.

If we don’t, like Catharine and Hudson, we will make decisions which ultimately rob us of joy, peace, and happiness, and consequently take us outside the perfect will of God.

The good news, my friend, is our Lord forgives us our selfish choices and enables us, through His provisions, to deal triumphantly with our challenges and to enter into the abundant life of godliness.

Catharine and Hudson both arrived at the crossroads of their lives where they had to recognize their own individual heart’s desires clashed with God’s. In sacrificing their wants and needs, they took that leap of faith and placed their trust in the Lord.

When you are called to make a choice, will you remember there is no satisfaction or contentment outside of God’s will? Will you take that leap of faith and place your trust in Him?

I pray you do and enjoy the fullness of life.

God Bless!

Love and Prayers,

Anna

One

Hudson Taylor’s heart stopped in his chest, trapping his breath in his throat. What was she doing here? His grip on the briefcase tightening, he tried to gulp in drafts of air into suddenly constricted lungs.

To his chagrin, his wife—his soon-to-be-ex-wife—stood in the middle of the swanky Board Room of Langeworth Bookstores, Toronto’s largest chain of bookstores, looking like she had every right to be there. In her fuchsia-colored skirt and blazer, she was cool, calm, and collected, tipping his composure right off the Richter scale. Her brown eyes, as they glanced at him, twinkled with a hint of mirth, but mostly caution.

He swallowed.

Two years later, and Catharine still proved to be a difficult person to forget. But, he had no choice. He had to forget her. Even if his insides were mangled to pieces. Life went on, didn’t it?

He tried to get on with his life. Except that, she wouldn’t let him. After numerous failed attempts to convince him they should reconcile, here she was, in his face again, threatening to dismantle the protective barrier he’d erected between them.

Clearing his dry throat, he dragged his gaze from his wife—his ex-wife—to the Board of Directors, and got on with his life. What was left of it. I...  I’m... One look at Catharine and he’d forgotten his own name. He closed his eyes and groaned. This was not going well. Not at all. Panic pranced along his skin. He was making a complete fool of himself. He blinked his eyes open, his gaze shooting unerringly to his wife. Naturally. Where else would they land?

She had the cheek to wink. Gentlemen, this is Hudson Taylor.

His name rolled off her lips with such an intimate tone that he almost went weak at the knees. It amazed him how good his name sounded coming from her lips. Her lips. Oh, how he wanted to taste those lips. Just once. For old times sake.

What was he thinking? He felt his ears go red. Had he gone totally insane? You’re separated, Taylor. Try to remember that, will ya?

Tearing his eyes from her once more, Hudson scanned the room of executives. The assistant outside said it was all right to come in, that you were expecting me... His eyes cut back to his wife before returning to the five men seated around the conference table.

Come in. Come in. Gordon Langeworth, the spokesman and Chairman of the Board, a short, stout man in his mid-fifties, stood and beckoned Hudson into the room. Catharine Bradini is familiar with your work and has highly recommended your firm to us. He smiled a promising flash of masculine interest, on the woman, the only woman in the room, his wife, as he gestured to her to come forward.

Bradini? The name sunk in with a painful punch to his stomach. It didn’t take her long to revert back to the use of her maiden name, did it? The quiet ache of disappointment surprised him, but he quelled it. He wanted it this way, he told himself. For the umpteenth time.

Guarded compassion filled her gaze.

His heart pounded against his chest while he watched her examine his face. "Miss Bradini. It is a surprise to see you here," he said in a slow methodical way, like a chess player contemplating his next move. But, the gentle scent of her signature perfume swirled around him, filling him like breath, making his ability to think rationally next to impossible. Dry-mouthed, he took her proffered hand, her fingers, soft and warm. At her touch, his heart seized and he held onto his breath. Closing his eyes a moment, he struggled not to faint. He felt light-headed and had to make an effort to concentrate on her next words.

"Please call me... Catharine. After all, our relationship does go back a long time."

His eyes blazed open and fierce vitality returned to his limbs. Was he imagining it or was her voice edged with laughter? No, he wasn’t imagining anything at all, he thought, pinching his lips together. She was enjoying this. His skin burning, he released her fingers and took a step backwards.

What was she doing here, anyway?

As if reading his mind, she offered, "Gordon and I met a year ago when the investment arm of Langeworth Bookstores became a significant shareholder of Family in Literacy."

Amused, Catharine stepped forward, closing the gap. "As you may recall, Hudson, Family in Literacy is a joint initiative, here in Toronto, of business, labor, education, and local government, committed to raising awareness about literacy issues in the general public and getting the private sector actively involved in supporting literacy. As is my bookstore," she added, a mischievous grin dancing on her lips.

"When the Board of Family in Literacy, of which I am one of six Directors... She let her voice trail. There seemed to be another quick flash of humor in her eyes before she continued. ...met and discussed procuring a construction firm to build the Head Office for Family in Literacy—she touched a hand to Hudson’s arm— I told them about Taylor-Con."

She circled around him from behind, brushing a hand across his back in a soft caress. Of course, I told the Board you would be delighted to offer us your... presentation. Her brown eyes glimmered with amusement. Deliberately, he was sure; she dropped her voice to a husky murmur. And it would give you and I a chance to reminisce about... old times.

There was that wink again.

Anxiety rippled down his spine, leaving his whole body chilled despite the triple-digit temperatures outside. He would have to deliver his pitch for the contract with Catharine present, mere feet away, obvious pleasure lurking in her eyes and her perfume creating havoc with his senses. He couldn’t go through with this. He just couldn’t. Flicking his gaze to the door, he assessed his chances of a getaway.

Once again, as if reading his mind, Catharine intervened. And shut the door. Trapping him.

Although Catharine has her hands full with her own successful bookstore, the spokesman continued, unaware of Hudson’s distress, we are delighted—he smiled proudly at her—she has agreed to sit on this Board and offer us her generous donation of time and creative suggestions. We appreciate her recommendation of your firm.

If Hudson’s heart had stopped earlier, it now thundered in his chest. His eyes clapped on his wife. Why? Why would you propose my company, knowing I’m filing for divorce? He searched her face for an answer. You’re doing it again, aren’t you? You’re trying to force me into reconciliation. Tight knots formed in the muscles of his neck and shoulders. We can’t get back together. We just can’t. Fear, stark and vivid, punctured his chest. You have no right to do this to me.

Catharine blushed. Would you like a coffee, Hudson?

His eyes widened. What he would like was for her to do a vanishing act so he’d be able to breathe again. He cleared his throat and managed to push out a No, thank you through stiff lips.

Then, why don’t you begin your presentation. Sitting down in the chair, Gordon Langeworth cut into Hudson’s panic-strickened thoughts.

Of... course. He rested the briefcase on the table to lift the lid. Pulling out the tip sheets on his company, he distributed them before sitting down himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his wife pour herself a cup, and taking a seat at the conference table, she sipped her own coffee. Drawing in a deep breath, he tried to ignore her—Ha!—and launched into his pitch.

Three hours later, exhausted and worn out, he delivered his closing statement. And, finally, I should like to say, from commercial buildings to professional offices to multi-family housing developments, Taylor-Con Building Contractors Incorporated has a vision of creating trusting, long-term relationships with our business partners. It’s what three generations—he ignored the sharp stab of pain in his chest—of Taylor builders did before me. It’s the reason why I still do and work so hard at the things that make a difference.

With slow deliberation, Hudson rested his eyes on each of the five high-powered men sitting before him at the conference table, although he took great pains to avoid looking at Catharine.

We build confidence. We build friendships. And above all, we build quality into everything we do. That’s my promise to you. Because, after three generations, it’s who we are.

Silence hovered over the Conference Room, ribboning the occupants. Hudson watched; edges of stress cutting between his shoulder blades, as the men—and woman—conferred without so much as a single word being spoken.

Seconds passed, the tension mounted. His palms were wet. His eyelids twitched. His breath hitched.

Finally, the spokesman for the group stood. Poker-faced, Gordon Langeworth stared down his regal nose. Buttoning his blazer, he rounded the table and halted beside him.

Hudson held his breath.

The man’s face broke into a sudden smile, and extending his hand, he said, Congratulations, Taylor. The job’s yours.

Releasing the breath he’d been holding, Hudson pushed back the chair and rose to his feet. Gripping the other man’s hand in a firm handshake, he replied, Thank you, Sir.

The exec gave a hearty laugh and thumped him on the back. Well done, young man. You offered a most impressive proposal. He glanced over his shoulders to his partners before saying, We look forward to a prosperous and mutually-satisfying business relationship.

One by one, they each shook Hudson’s hand, congratulating him. Unable to stop himself, he turned his face and met Catharine’s silent stare. She twisted her wedding band around and around her finger before pushing back the chair. She rose to her feet and approached him, her perfume paving the way for her. It was a familiar scent, soft and calming, in a time of complete turmoil, and he found it difficult to keep up the emotional, if not physical distance he knew was necessary between them. If he was to succeed in doing right by her. Even if she didn’t think it was the right thing to do.

Something flickered in the brown depths of her eyes. Pride. Pleasure. As he looked at her, the light in her eyes changed to something brilliant, glittering. He could feel his frozen heart beginning to melt with the love he recognized shining there. He wanted her more at that moment than he wanted his next breath.

No. He must hang onto the cold bitterness of his pain, to keep it alive and unbearable, so the warmth of his wife would not best it.

He was surprised at how badly this thought bothered him.

Congratulations, Hudson. With a genuine smile, she grasped his hand for a brief handshake. Welcome aboard.

Congratulations? For what? Turning to the table, he snapped shut the briefcase and picked it up. I didn’t need your help in securing this contract, he said, turning to face her, his voice soft in the room.

She glanced up at him, and her lips turned downward in a frown. What are you talking about?

He raised his eyebrows. "My wife is coincidently a board member, and presto, he laughed humorlessly, I win the bid."

She wrapped her hand around his elbow and led him to the window, away from listening ears. You’re assuming a couple of things here, Hudson. The first which, I’ve been on the Board for awhile. She raised one finger in the air. I haven’t. Gordon put forward my name to the other Directors only last month, and my appointment was subject to the approval of the entire Board. And the second, that I have enormous sway with the Chairman and executive board members. I don’t. A second finger went up. They don’t even know I’m related to you.

Speechless, he stared in stunned disbelief. Of all the things she might have said, he hadn’t expected this. I really won the bid.

All at once, she lifted her hand and stroked his cheek.

His emotions tangled, he backed away, breaking the connection, fearing he would certainly betray his instincts and common sense in favor of the feelings of love she evoked. Feelings of longing and desire. Of hope and need. Feelings he tried to conquer only to find out they were too powerful and strong to conquer. But he had to conquer them. He could not afford to succumb now. He could not afford to give her the advantage. She’d take it and run. He took another step backward.

You deliberately suggested my name to Langeworth knowing I was interested in the contractor’s job. His voice was a fierce whisper. "You wanted to deliberately force me to spend time working with you so you could continue to badger me about the divorce." He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded, sure of his conclusion.

Hudson...

Forget it. Your manipulations won’t work, Catharine. We’re through. A plea rose unbidden from the depths of his broken heart. Why could you not be satisfied with just me? Wasn’t I enough for you? Wasn’t my love enough?

The weight of remembered emotion dropped onto his shoulders, intensifying his fatigue. His world had blown apart, and he felt hollow inside. A horrible sense of defeat tugged at him, and turning, he headed for the door.

It was over.

He held her gaze one last time then let the door shut behind him. His palms were damp, his pulse racing.

He swung out of the prestigious corporate office with a heavy sigh. He headed down the corridor, the soles of his feet sinking into the luxurious burgundy-colored carpet with each step. While he patiently waited for the elevator to arrive, he slipped out of his navy designer suit jacket, flung it over his shoulder, and loosened his tie. Heaving out another heavy breath, he slumped his weary body against the wood-paneled wall, and after a quick glance down the corridor, he closed his eyes.

It wasn’t that he was uncomfortable in his top-notch executive garb. Far from it. He was as accustomed to donning the suit, as he was jeans. However, a grueling three-hour meeting with the CEO of