First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1)

Copyright © 2016 by emma nichols
1st Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover and Photography by:
Marisa Shor of Cover Me Darling

Prologue

Isabella

The minister paced back and forth in his billowing robe, alternating between gripping his bible and checking his watch. Finally he turned and faced Isabella who sat on a folding chair in her white wedding gown. His lips pursed as though he were carefully choosing his words.

Without thinking, Isabella shook her head and interrupted. “I’m not getting stood up.”

“They’re really late,” he commented absently as he walked over and squatted before her. “If you want me to address your guests while you slip out the back…”

“Trust me. He’ll be here. This is classic Jack.” She sighed and rolled her eyes.

In the corner on the opposite side of the room, Angelica, her younger sister, watched her blue eyes wide and a hint of a smile playing on the corner of her lips. Her mother stood erect, looking as stern as always, arms crossed over her chest. Suddenly, Jessie sashayed over and gracefully settled into the seat beside Isabella even as the minister prepared to further argue. “Listen,” Jessie began, “we know he’s late. There’s a storm. Why don’t you check again? We’ll call his cell phone.” Then she turned to Isabella. “Is your phone nearby?”

Isabella nodded numbly. Being stood up would be humiliating for sure. As the minister left the room, she grasped Jessie’s hand in hers. “Thank you.” Her words were barely more than a whisper.

“Please, what are friends for?” Jessie laughed in an attempt to break the tension.

“Apparently to pick up family slack.” She frowned as she jerked her head toward her mother and sister.

“Yeah. That. Phone?” As soon as Isabella pulled it from her purse and passed it to her, Jessie stepped away to call.

Alone and unprotected, her mother marched across the room and glared at her. “Still think you’re getting married?” Her mother began maliciously.

“That’s why we’re here.” She gripped the sides of her seat in an effort to remain calm.

Her mother snorted. “That’s why you’re here. I don’t see a groom.” Her eyebrow rose in challenge.

“He’ll be here,” Isabella gritted out.

“We’ll see.” Her mother tapped her foot angrily. “You seem to be making one bad decision after another. First you drop out of college, then you run off and get married.”

“I didn’t drop out,” Isabella explained yet again. “I changed my major. I took a leave of absence. I’ll start back in the fall.” Even as she made the claim, she wondered if it would be possible.

“You’re abandoning your family. Who will take care of things now?  I have to work, you know.” Hands on hips, her mother waited for an answer.

Isabella inhaled deeply before responding. “Angelica is perfectly capable of taking over for me,” she responded.

“Angelica is just a child,” her mother spat.

Standing, Isabella squared her shoulders, preparing for the fight. “Angelica is sixteen, four years older than I was when I began doing all of this,” she stated through gritted teeth, her arm sweeping the house and yard. “She’s bigger than I am, almost always has been. So now what’s your excuse for letting her get away without contributing around the house?” She leaned forward, slightly, daring her mother to respond, feeling the courage born of impending freedom.

With her eyes narrowed angrily, her mother turned on her heels and started to walk away. Isabella studied her. What her mother lacked in size, she made up for in stature. She could hold herself amazingly erect, especially to glare a person down. Her dark eyes would then seem a frightening shade of black, making the pupil almost indistinguishable from the iris. Her black hair was slowly becoming streaked with gray, an effect which now gave her a villainous appearance.

Mid step, her mother paused and caught Isabella off guard. “You will regret this decision, Isabella. Mark my words. You are happy now. You think this new life is going to be so much better than your life with us?”

Yes
, Isabella’s mind screamed.
Yes, it has to be
.

In that brief moment her mother’s mood changed completely. She laughed, a sound closely resembling a cackle. “It may seem that way now.” She moved closer to Isabella with every word, until at last they were virtually nose-to-nose. Then she hissed, “You will experience pain and hardship unlike anything you could ever imagine.” She nodded her knowing head slowly. “You’ll see,” she continued to warn as she walked away. And lower still, “you’ll see...”

Those eyes. Her mother had always had the power to make her feel so very small, all while sucking the joy out of any occasion. Isabella shivered and a hand grasped hers. As she glanced to her left, Jessie smiled back at her and laced her fingers through Isabella’s.

Shrugging, Jessie passed her the cell. “He didn’t answer.”

“He’s here,” the minister announced as he walked through the door. He beamed at Isabella. “Shall we begin?”

“Why not?” Inside, her heart beat erratically. Pulling her hand away from Jessie’s she wiped her palms on her dress even as her friend giggled.

They looped arms. “Let’s do this.” Then Jessie pulled her toward the vestibule as the processional began. “You sure you don’t want my dad to walk you down the aisle.”

Isabella shook her head. “Nah. Ever since dad died, I knew I’d be giving myself away. I’m okay with that.”

Seconds later, the doors opened and Angelica smoothed her long sandy blonde hair, puffed out her chest in the royal blue dress she had picked, and began her walk down the aisle. She seemed to be staring at Jack, which made Isabella sigh. Her sister always wanted what she had. It had been that way for as long as she could remember.

Jessie walked down the aisle next. Isabella watched as her fiancé, Jeff, smiled at her and mouthed, “I love you.” In response, Jessie blew him a kiss. Their interaction warmed her. Those two really did know how to love. Her shoulders sank. Her turn.

Jack stared at her, eyes wide as she neared him. She pasted a smile on her face. It was her wedding day and she wasn’t happy, wasn’t excited, and if she admitted it, wasn’t in love with her groom. A month ago, when she came to that sad realization, she’d canceled the wedding. Then Jack’s father bullied her into going through with it. For some reason, her fight was gone and she agreed. They had been in love once, hadn’t they?  Maybe they could fall in love again.

It’s not like he was hard on the eyes. Isabella had seen countless chicks throw themselves at him, swoon in his presence. He had brown wavy hair and hazel green eyes. She envied his long lashes, his height, and his naturally thin build. Maybe their children would be blessed those assets. Somehow the thought comforted her enough to keep her from turning tail and running from the church. Finally, she stood beside him.

A moment later, the minister directed them to face each other. As soon as she passed her flowers to Jessie and turned to hold his hands as instructed, Jack spoke. The sanctuary was completely silent as he expressed what was clearly on his mind. “Your boobs look huge in that dress.”

Her mouth dropped open for a moment. Then she let out a laugh. It wasn’t a sound meant to express the humor of the situation. At the moment, she found little about the experience funny. Instead, it was nearly hysterical, as though she couldn’t believe this was her fate. Taking a deep stabilizing breath, she glanced at the minister and murmured in a low voice. “Can we get this over with, please?” Without waiting for a response, she focused on her groom, game face firmly in place.

The ceremony couldn’t end soon enough. Jack stumbled through the vows. He whispered during the readings and solos. Then he had about stuck his tongue down her throat during the kiss. This wasn’t her dream wedding. Hell, he wasn’t even her dream groom.

When it was over and before they prepared to drive to the reception, Isabella dragged Jessie into the bathroom. “What’s going on?” Jessie frowned. “You have this crazed look on your face.”

“What have I done?” Isabella wrapped her arms around her body and shivered. “This was a mistake.”

“You don’t know that.” Jessie rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Jack’s...just a little rough around the edges. We’re young. He still has plenty of time to grow up.”

“I know we’re only nineteen, but what if this is it for him?  What if he never...smooths out?” She leaned heavily against the wall.

Jessie nodded. “I understand your fears.” Then she brightened. “Worst case scenario, he’ll make a great first husband.” She winked. “Come on. They’re waiting on us.”

Closing her eyes, Isabella regulated her breathing before standing once more. “Okay. You’re right. This isn’t the end of the world.”

Jessie whipped around. “I forgot to check your face. I’m the worst maid of honor ever.”

“It’s a good as it’s going to get.” Isabella shrugged.

“You’re beautiful. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.” She pulled Isabella into a hug. “Remember. No matter what, you still have me.”

“Always.” For the first time all day, Isabella didn’t have to fake her smile.

Chapter One

Isabella, Five Years Later

It was April Fool’s Day in the Adirondacks, which would explain why it was suddenly snowing. Isabella blew a rogue hair out of her face as she stared morosely out the window. She glanced at the clock and sighed.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Kristofer chuckled at his cleverness.

At first she merely shrugged like a spoiled child, then her worries all came gushing out. “It’s Girl’s Night. Jessie and I are supposed to meet at The Leaning Pine. Picture it, late dinner in front of a big stone fireplace, a glass of wine, and some great conversation.” Her hands gestured toward the window. “This. This is probably going to ruin it.”

“It’s just a little snow.” Kristofer shook his head. “I think it’s beautiful. I may go outside and snap a few landscapes.” He grinned. “I’m making lemonade, baby.”

“Yes, and you don’t have to drive in it. You live upstairs.” Her exasperation showed as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“We only have one more shoot, then you can call her and find out. The client should be here in half an hour. Let’s talk about something happy.” He paused as he considered the options. “How’s Jack?”

“Distant. Distracted. And rumors abound as usual. Next subject.” She glared at her boss.

“Not your stylist again?” His mouth was aghast.

She shook her head.

“Waitress?” He leaned closer, obviously eager to gossip.

“Next subject, please.” She raised an eyebrow, challenging him to ignore her again.

Standing up, his look soured. “Fine. The kids. How are Rebecca and Konnor?”

She heaved a sigh of relief and grinned. “They are the loves of my life. Rebecca is so smart and beautiful. I love her big brown eyes. Oh, and Konnor, I swear. That boy cries at the drop of a hat. The other day, he cried when I asked him to pick up his toys, again when I told him it was time to change for bed, and finally when an ant chased him into a corner.”

“Tears, huh?  I wonder who he gets that from.” He jabbed her in the shoulder.

Isabella took a step back. “Not me. I don’t cry.”

“Not ever?” His brow furrowed in doubt.

She shook her head. “Not since I was twelve.”

“Huh.” The way Kristofer stared at her suggested he wanted to delve deeper into her claim, but the phone rang, and he answered it. “Photography by Kristofer.”

Turning away from him, memories of that fateful day overwhelmed her. The day her father left had reshaped her future. His exit marked the moment she became an adult before she even became a teenager. Her grandparents had arrived within minutes of her father’s abrupt departure. From her bedroom, Isabella could hear them comforting her mother, the woman who drove her father away. Then she heard a sound, which made her heart sink, and her shoulders droop. It was the clicking of her grandmother’s heels in the hall as she stomped toward Isabella’s room. Through the years the sound had become the herald of impending doom.

In an instant, Isabella’s grandmother stopped next to the bed. Reluctantly, Isabella turned to face her. She hoped to be comforted as her grandmother had done with Angelica and her mother. She longed to be enfolded in those silken arms and be told everything would be all right. Isabella lifted her watery eyes to meet her grandmother’s face. To her dismay, the woman wore a severe expression.

“Listen to me, Isabella,” she commanded. Isabella nodded to show she had heard her. “You have to be the strong one now. You must take care of your mother. She’s too weak to do that at the moment. And you must take care of dear Angelica. She’s too little.” She stared at Isabella, hands knotted together, waiting for a response.

“Yes, grandmother,” she mumbled, eyes filling up again. Her heart ached and burned all at once as silent tears tumbled down her cheeks.
Who will take care of me
?  
I hurt, too
, her mind screamed.

At first her grandmother seemed satisfied and her hands dropped to her sides. She moved as though to walk away, then turned back almost as an afterthought. “Oh, and Isabella...” Fearful, Isabella looked up to meet her eyes once more. “Don’t ever let them see you cry.” At her grandmother’s command, something changed in Isabella forever. She dried her tears for one final time, then glided out to the kitchen, grabbed the broom and walked down the stairs to the family room where the last fight had taken place. She didn’t mind the labor. Cleaning was a mindless task which left her time to think of more pressing issues.

She wasn’t sure what sort of rubble she would be met with, but she faced her new role with determination. It wasn’t so bad. The picture frame holding her parents’ wedding photo had been slammed face down, shattering the glass. On the floor lay the scattered remnants of their engraved crystal wedding flutes. Somehow, even then Isabella knew picking up these shattered pieces of her former existence would be as close as she would get to piecing her life together for some time. Once again she forced back the few bothersome tears that pricked at her eyes. “Don’t ever let them see you cry, Isabella.” She whispered those words repeatedly until they became her mantra.

Or was it a curse?  From that moment on, Isabella never cried. She couldn’t cry openly and she refused to cry in isolation. Tears of sorrow, anguish, heartache, pain of any kind, failed to escape her tear ducts. She didn’t cry six days later when her first boyfriend, the first boy to ever kiss her, broke up with her. She didn’t cry six weeks later when her beloved cat had to be put to sleep. She still wasn’t crying six months after that when her father, the one person in the family who truly understood her, died of a broken heart.

“It was a massive coronary,” her mother would tell friends who called with their condolences. Isabella knew better. The coroner might have some fancy medical speak to explain away her father’s passing, but no matter what he called it, to Isabella the truth was simply that he had died of a broken heart.

Even now, fourteen years later, Isabella was well practiced in hiding her sorrow, keeping her emotions in check. Her techniques were simple really. She would empty her mind, tuck away her sadness, inhale deeply a few times, and as a last resort, look skyward and blink away those pesky tears. Worked like a charm every time.

“Well, that was our last client,” Kristofer began. “Looks like he’ll be rescheduling for next week. It’s the weather.” He shrugged. “And you’re free!”

“We’ll see. I may be free and have nowhere to go.” She spoke glumly, completely overcome with the emotions accompanying the memories of her past. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she swiped the screen and selected Jessie’s number.

The phone barely had a chance to ring when Jessie answered. “I have bad news,”

“Oh?” Isabella’s frown deepened. Already her stomach started knotting. She knew the direction this conversation was taking.

There was a sigh. “Well, you know how Jeff can be a
tad
over-protective?”

“Yes?” Isabella’s disappointment was evident in her voice.

“He doesn’t want me to go. After that freak storm last night plus more today…and he knows how we get talking and lose track of time…” She waited for Isabella to come to the proper conclusion.

“I understand.” Instantly, her shoulders slumped and she hunched over the counter.

“We’re on for next week, right?” Jessie tried to sound cheerful and certain. They had been friends since elementary school and she truly understood how much Isabella had come to rely on their time together.

“Of course. Next week.” They hung up and she let loose a long sigh.

Kristofer had been watching the entire time. “No Girl’s Night?”

Isabella shook her head. “Nope.”

He slapped the counter. “I have an idea.” He smiled at her and hoped to build up her anticipation.

“Let’s hear it.” She could already feel the cloud over her head dissipating.

“What if you go meet up with Jack?  Is he closing the store tonight?”

Isabella nodded.

“You said he was distant. Surprise him!  There’s nothing that can’t be fixed if you try.” He watched her closely for a reaction.

In truth, his idea had merit. Slowly a smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up. “You’re right. Maybe we just need to spend more time together.” Impulsively, she reached out and drew Kristofer into a big hug. “Thank you. See you tomorrow?”

“You bet. Have a nice night.”

“Thank you!  I will.” Isabella pulled her coat on over her sweater and walked toward the door.

Kristofer followed, ready to lock the door behind her. “Drive carefully!”

Nodding, Isabella waved behind her and squealed as she slid on the sidewalk. Apparently, there was some merit to Jeff’s concerns. She giggled. It only took a few minutes to wipe off the light snow which had accumulated on her car. With some force, she managed to yank the door open and climb inside. After allowing the vehicle to warm up for several minutes, Isabella cautiously drove to her destination.

She pulled into the parking space at the mall a little too quickly and held her breath as she wondered if the car would stop on the icy pavement before hitting the car in front of her. It did. Life was good. She knew Brad, one of Jack’s employees at the toy store he managed, was working. Brad would watch the place so she could whisk Jack away to have a quick dinner in the food court before she went home to relieve the babysitter. She had it all planned out.

The marble floor in the main entrance was slick from all the melting snow people dragged in on their feet. Isabella slipped then glanced around to see if anyone noticed. After finding her footing, she nearly sprinted the distance from the door to the store entrance. As she drew near, she could see Brad sitting on the stool behind the counter.

Isabella gave the area a quick once over before she realized Jack must be in the back room. She barely noticed the alarmed look on Brad’s face as she smiled, waved, and made the ‘shh’ sign over her lips at the young cashier. He seemed temporarily paralyzed, torn between moving or speaking or both, but Isabella paid no attention. She wanted to surprise Jack. She didn’t want her arrival to be announced.

The black commercial carpeting with the confetti design whispered under her feet as she bounded toward the back room door. She paused before entering. The door was ajar, and she could hear low voices and giggling from within. Any other day Isabella would have been naturally suspicious, but tonight was different. Tonight, she was determined to be happy and carefree, which was why she was blindsided.

Angelica saw her first. She tried to act nonchalant as she adjusted her blouse and wiped the smeared lipstick from around the edges of her mouth. She nodded at Jack, who seemed to be struggling to tuck in his shirt and zip his fly before turning around. Isabella wasn’t sure who he expected, but he certainly didn’t plan on his wife standing there. His jaw dropped, shoulders drooped, and some indistinguishable moan was emitted from his Cotton Candy Pink clown lips. No one spoke for several seconds. At last he muttered, “I thought you had a late photo shoot.”

“The client rescheduled.” Her words felt flat as she stood there trying to exude as much pride as she could muster, while feeling like the biggest fool.

“And no Girl’s Night?”

She raised an eyebrow. “The roads,” she murmured.

“Oh.” He couldn’t seem to figure out what to do with his hands, although having seen Angelica’s blouse in a state of disrepair, Isabella knew it hadn’t been the case moments before. He finally settled on placing them on his hips, probably in an effort to make himself appear in control, though he was obviously holding on by a thread.

“You know you can’t live with me anymore, right?” Isabella spoke quietly, yet assertively.

“Uh, yeah. I guess so.” He looked down, unable to meet her steady gaze.

There didn’t seem to be much more to say. “Well, okay then.” Isabella turned to go, then paused. “Oh, hello Angelica. I would never intentionally slight you. You will excuse me, however, if I don’t feel like talking to you right now?”

Apparently Angelica had forgotten she was part of the equation. Now being addressed for the first time, she seemed unsure how to react. She simply nodded in shock for a moment then smirked. Why shouldn’t she be happy?  She was never happier than when she took from Isabella or wounded her in some way. Maybe Angelica and Jack had more in common than Isabella originally imagined. Whatever the case, she was certain Angelica was quite pleased with the way things were working out.

As she walked out of the back room and through the store, she attempted to avoid Brad’s eyes. Must be the feeling was mutual. It was obvious Brad couldn’t meet her eyes either. Head back, inhaling deeply and blinking profusely, somehow she would keep those tears at bay.
He’s not worth it
, she thought to herself.
Don’t ever let him see you cry. Don’t ever let him see you cry.

Walking briskly through the mall with her eyes averted from passing strangers, she made it to the car intact. Already, the cold temperatures had her door sticking again. She struggled for a moment before gaining access to the interior. Once inside, she settled her head against the window and focused on breathing. She would never forget this day. April First had always been this victimless holiday, but now she had been made the ultimate April Fool.