Read Dreams: Part Two for Free Online

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 his head. “The only stir it caused was one of amazement that I wasn’t in prison. Do we need anything else, Diana?“ He waved a hand at the items he’d put on the checkout counter.
    “Dog food. Specter won’t be pleased if we return without his rations.“
    “Damn. I almost forgot,“ Colby said, looking innocent.
    “Well, it’s about time,“ Angela Prentice announced in ringing tones as her daughter introduced her to her future son-in-law on the steps of the courthouse. “I was beginning to think this child of mine was never going to find herself a man. I hope you two don’t waste any time getting started on my grandkid. Lord knows, I’ve waited long enough.“
    Diana was getting tired of blushing lately. She glared at her attractive, petite mother, aware that Colby was grinning broadly. “Honestly, Mom. The least you can do is refrain from embarrassing me at my own wedding.“
    Angela’s hazel eyes gleamed with amusement. “Don’t pay any attention to her, Colby. She can be a real stick-in-the-mud. Spent too many years being a hot-shot lady executive, if you ask me. Look at the result. Thirty-four years old, and never been married. It’s a wonder you weren’t put off