Forever and Always by Leigh Greenwood Read Free Book Online Page A

For the first time in his life, he was completely free.
    * * *
    â€œAre you sure you don’t need me to stay with you tonight?” Laurie asked Sibyl. “Jared and Steve won’t mind. They fight over who gets to take care of the baby.”
    Sibyl moved through the two parlors plumping pillows, straightening doilies, and repositioning chairs. She would have to decide tomorrow what furniture to move to make room for the reception. She might remove some of it permanently. She’d never liked it because it reminded her too much of Norman’s mother, who had crocheted every doily in the room.
    â€œGo back to your family. If I need anything, there are a dozen people close by itching to bring food, provide comfort, and try to find out what I plan to do with the bank.”
    â€œForget about the bank. You’re free . And don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. You don’t have to follow his orders or swallow your pride because you don’t want people to know your husband treats you like an unpaid servant. You don’t have to wonder if he can tell what you’re thinking.”
    Sibyl didn’t pretend she didn’t know what Laurie meant. “After seven years, it’s going to take some getting used to. I never wished Norman dead. I know you find that hard to believe, but I didn’t. I just wished I could find some way to be free of him. I even considered stealing enough money to run away.” She laughed. “That just shows how desperate I had become. I thought we’d worked out ways to put up with each other until he took it in his head to send Kitty away to school.”
    Laurie’s expression registered shock and anger. “The child is only six. What was he planning to do? Send her to a convent?”
    â€œI don’t know. He wouldn’t talk about it at home, so I had gone to the bank to confront him when the robbers entered. You should have seen him. He acted insulted, like he could just order them out and they’d go.” Her mouth twisted. “Sometimes I wondered if he was really sane. His mother gave him a completely unrealistic view of the world.” Sibyl sighed. “I never liked her. She was a stiff, proud woman. After being compared unfavorably to her for seven years, I started to hate her.”
    â€œI know how you feel. Noah did the same to me. Now if you really don’t need me, I think I will go home. I miss having my husband’s arms around me at night.”
    â€œI’m glad Jared is such a wonderful husband. It’s your reward for putting up with Noah.”
    â€œYou should start looking around for a man you can love, one who could be a real father to Kitty.” Laurie took Sibyl’s hands in hers. “He’ll have to be a real prince charming to make up for the man you loved disappearing, and those years with Norman.”
    Sibyl felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. She hoped Laurie believed her reaction was due to Norman’s death, not the horrific night that still haunted her dreams. “I’m not interested in men or marriage. As you pointed out, I have enough money to support Kitty and myself. I don’t have to subject myself to a man ever again.”
    â€œThat’s how I felt when I met Jared. It didn’t take long for me to change my mind.”
    â€œThere aren’t any more men like Jared and Colby.”
    â€œThey have a brother.”
    â€œThe chances of him showing up here are about one in a bigger number than I can imagine. Even if he did, there’s no assurance he’d be anything like his brothers.”
    â€œWouldn’t that be something? Three cousins marrying three brothers.”
    â€œGo home, Laurie. You’ve been out in the sun too long.”
    Laurie grinned. “I know it’s a silly idea, but it got your mind off dreary thoughts. Naomi will check on you tomorrow, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me