Read Dreams, Part 2 for Free Online

brand-new job with another company and then having
    to take maternity leave within the first year. But I’ve worked for Carruthers and Yale for several years now, and as far
    as I’m concerned they owe me.“
    “They do owe you after the way they refused to promote you because of the fact that you’re a woman.“
    “Don’t you see? I could use my old position as the perfect fill-in job until the baby arrives, and then I could quit. It
    would serve those old fogies right, and it would give me a well-paying job for the next few months. After the baby gets
    here, I can start hunting for a permanent position with another firm.“
    “You don’t have to work at all until the baby arrives,“ Colby said irritably. “There’s not much point. I can support
    you, and you can spend the time getting ready to become a mother. You’ve got a lot to learn on that subject.“
    Diana slid him an uneasy glance. She did not want to start a quarrel but she also wanted Colby to understand.
    “You know how I feel about working.“
    “I know you’ve got this thing about not becoming financially dependent on a man, but that’s hogwash in this
    situation. You know damned well I’m not going to run off and leave you stranded.“
    “I know that, but…“
    “But you still don’t quite believe it, do you? Forget finding another job for the next few months. Trust me, Diana. Ill
    take care of you. After you’ve settled down and gotten comfortable with motherhood, you’ll have plenty of time to
    find another job.“
    He didn’t understand, and she didn’t want to argue about it just then. Diana said nothing as they walked into the
    small grocery store.
    “Hey there, Savagar, I hear congratulations are in order.“
    “Morning, Brian.“ Colby smiled wryly at the man behind the checkout counter. “You heard right.“
    “Well, that’s great. Just great. Good luck to both of you.“ The dark-haired, slightly plump man behind the counter
    was close to Colby’s age, perhaps a few years younger. He wore glasses and his hair was thinning. He had an open,
    cheerful expression. His name was Brian McDonald, and although he seemed cautious around Colby, as if uncertain of
    his welcome, he was one of the handful of people in town who treated Colby like an old friend.
    “This time you’re going to stick around and have the wedding in town instead of running off to Reno, huh?“
    Brian grinned. Then he began to look nervous at the small joke he had just attempted.
    Colby shot him a quelling glance, reinforcing Brian’s anxious expression. “I didn’t have much choice last time.“
    “That’s true. There wasn’t a justice of the peace or a minister in the whole county who would have married you
    and Cynthia over the Fulbrooks’ objections. But that was a long time ago and times change, don’t they?
    Congratulations, Miss Prentice.“
    “Thank you, Brian.“
    “You two going to have a party or something to celebrate?“ Brian asked.
    “No.“ Colby spoke over his shoulder as he headed down the narrow aisle, hunting for tuna.
    “Too bad,“ Brian said wistfully. “Might be kind of fun. We haven’t had anything to celebrate around Fulbrook
    Corners since the Renley girl got married. That was three years ago. Not many weddings in this town these days. All
    the young people head for Portland as soon as they get out of high school.“
    “I can’t imagine anyone in Fulbrook Corners wanting to celebrate my wedding,“ Colby said as he came back with
    the tuna and a few other items.
    “You might be surprised,“ Brian said. “You’re a legend around here, Colby. And not just because you used to
    cause so much trouble. Folks in town are real proud of all that horror stuff you’ve been writing. Do you realize you’re
    the only person from Fulbrook Corners who ever got himself famous? Caused quite a stir when Larry Brockton down
    at the real estate office spread the word you were planning to come back for the summer.“
    Colby shook