An Engagement in Seattle - Debbie Macomber [44]
Julia studied the picture and sat for several minutes remembering the love story Ruth had told her. It was sweet and innocent, unlike now when sex so often dominated a relationship.
Except for her marriage, she thought defeatedly. It was difficult to believe she could’ve been married to Alek this long without making love.
He’d been eager for the physical side of their relationship—until she’d revealed the first signs of wanting him, too. How typical of a man.
“Oh, Alek,” she breathed, holding her grandmother’s picture. “Will there ever be a way for us?”
In her heart she heard a resounding yes. But the voice wasn’t her own, nor was it Alek’s. It came from Ruth.
The day of the funeral, Julia wore a black dress and an old-fashioned pillbox hat with black netting that fitted over her face.
Julia hadn’t slept well the past few nights and the fatigue was beginning to show. She’d made a point of coming home late, knowing Alek would be waiting for her. She’d mumble something about being tired and close her bedroom door, slipping into bed alone.
She’d spent the past two nights wishing Alek was there with her. She cursed her foolish pride for not approaching him. But she was afraid that once she did, she’d ask him to make love to her again, and this time she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
The limousine delivered Julia, Jerry and Alek to the Methodist church where Ruth had worshiped for a number of years. Jerry and Alek climbed out first. Alek offered her his hand as Julia stepped out of the car. A small group of mourners had formed on the sidewalk outside the church, awaiting the family’s arrival. Julia’s gaze quickly scanned the crowd, then stopped abruptly.
There, seeking her eyes, stood Roger Stanhope.
Eight
Julia hesitated, one foot on the curb, the other in the limousine. Crouched as she was, she felt in danger of collapsing. Roger had dared to show up at her grandmother’s funeral! The man had no sense of decency, but that didn’t come as any surprise.
Although Alek couldn’t have known what was happening, he leaned forward, put his arm around her waist and assisted her to an upright position.
His eyes were filled with concern. Julia’s heart was beating double time and her head was spinning. She was afraid she might faint.
“I…I need to sit down.”
“Of course.” With his hand securely around her waist, Alek led her into the church vestibule. A row of wooden pews lined the wall and Alek encouraged her to take a seat.
“What’s wrong?” Jerry asked.
Julia couldn’t answer. “Water…could you get me a glass of water?”
Jerry hurried away and returned a moment later with her drink. Other friends were beginning to arrive and after taking a moment to compose herself, Julia stood.
How dare Roger come to her grandmother’s funeral! He’d done it to agitate her, and his unscrupulous ploy had worked. Julia had never been so close to passing out. Not even the day her father had—She pushed the thought from her mind, refusing to dwell on anything that had to do with Roger.
Jerry caught sight of their former employee, and his mouth thinned with irritation. “You saw him, didn’t you?”
Julia nodded.
“I’ll have him thrown out.”
“Don’t,” she said. Roger wasn’t worth the effort. “He’ll cause a scene. Besides, I think Ruth would’ve gotten a kick out of it. We tried everything but a subpoena to talk to him after the fire, remember?”
“I’m not likely to forget.”
“Who would’ve believed he’d end up coming to us?”
“Not me,” Jerry agreed.
Alek didn’t say anything, but Julia was well aware of his presence at her side. She wasn’t fooled; he took in every word of the exchange between her and her brother.
“Point out this man to me,” Alek said to them both. “I will see to his removal.”
Jerry glanced at Julia, looking for her consent. She thought about it a moment, then decided she wouldn’t give Roger the satisfaction.
“Don’t kid yourself, Julia, he’s up to something,” Jerry warned.
“I’d be a fool if I didn’t know that,