Now and Forever:: A NEW ADULT TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE NOVEL (RAVENHURST SERIES Book 5)

by Lorraine Beaumont

  “Very good, Frank,” said Milford, making his way past the attendant. “Thank you.” He smiled. It was strange hearing people call him Sir; he wondered if he would ever get used it. The elevator swished down the shaft, dinging one floor at a time. With a final ding, the doors slid open. A young woman fell out against him.

  “Oh God, sorry,” she cried, keeping her face down.

  “Are you all right?” Milford asked, trying to hold her upright.

  “Oh, I am fine,” she sniffed, and stumbled forward, her ankle twisting. Her purse landed on the glossy lobby floor with a loud thud, the contents spilling out. “Oh hell!” she wailed, and dropped down to her knees. “Oh perfect,” she laughed cried.

  “Here let me help you.” Milford reached out and picked up a plastic covered oblong object, handing it out to her.

  “NO!” It was too late. He was holding her tampon. “Great.” She shook her head and took it from him. “Thanks.” She shoved it into her torn shoulder bag.

  “Can I help you with something?”

  “Oh sure,” she sniffed. “You wouldn’t happen to know any decent guys from like another century to fix me up with because all the ones from this century are ASSHOLES!”

  Milford blinked hard. “Really?” he asked, a thought taking form in his mind.

  “Yes, really,” she snapped and then she shook her head. “I am sorry. I am not usually like this …” Tears clouded her vision. “I’ve just had a really bad couple of days.”

  “It is all right,” he assured her, helping her to her feet once more.

  “Thanks,” she said, standing. “I just wish…”

  “Yes?”

  “Oh God, sorry,” she gushed. “You don’t need to hear about my crappy life.”

  “What is it that you wish?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” She took a deep shuddering breath.

  “The holidays are just around the corner,” he reminded her. “Surely you have something in mind

  “Do you know any knights in shining armor?” she joked.

  “I am afraid the only knight I know of is already taken.”

  “Funny.” She laughed then and looked up at him.

  He gave her a bemused look.

  She sighed. “It would be awesome if I could just meet a decent guy, you know. He doesn’t have to be perfect.” She made a face. “I’m not that picky. He can have some flaws but is workable, you know.”

  “Oh, I know,” he assured her.

  Her brow creased. “I better go before the Gestapo throw me out of here.” She glanced at the attendant that was making his way toward her. She pulled her purse back on her shoulder. “Sorry, about, you know, spilling my guts to you an all.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “Well, thanks…”

  “Milford,” he supplied. “My name is Milford.”

  “Well Milford…” She gave him a wan smile. “I am Sadie by the way, Sadie McAllister.”

  “It has been a pleasure, making your acquaintance. And I will certainly keep you in mind.”

  “Yeah…” She gave him an odd look and turned to walk away… the broken heal of her shoe flapped up and down as she limped toward the door.

  Milford stood there for a moment, coming to a decision. “Oh Ms. McAllister,” he called out quickly before he changed his mind.

  She stopped at the revolving glass doors. The attendant now caught on the other side of the glass. She ignored him and looked back over her shoulder.

  “You forgot something.” Milford walked purposefully back to her side.

  Her brow creased. “I did?”

  “Yes.” He held out a folded white handkerchief.

  “Oh that’s not mine.” She shook her head.

  His eyes twinkled. “I know,” he said and leaned in conspiratorially. “I feel the item inside is what belongs to you.”

  Her cheeks bloomed with color. Great he had another tampon. Flustered she took it from his hand and shoved it into her shoulder bag. “Well happy holidays,” she said.

  “Yes, Ms. McAllister. Happy holidays to you as well. Good luck.”

  “Huh?” Good luck? She turned around to ask what he meant but he was already gone. Poof. Just like that. “Okay then.” She pushed through the revolving door and stepped onto the street. A brittle wind hit her square on and she gathered her too thin jacket around her body and made her way back home.

  The elevator dinged open.

  Milford reached into his pocket and withdrew his watch. The golden case engraved with a Raven snapped open and he checked the hour. It was about that time. He tucked his watch back into his pocket, and stepped inside the elevator. The smell of spicy cologne and floral perfume lingered in the air.

  “What floor, Sir,” another liveried attendant asked.

  “The penthouse, please,” he replied, facing forward and clasping his hands.

  “Very good, Sir,” said the attendant as he leaned forward and hit the button.

  The doors swished shut and the floors glided by in a fast blur, much like his life had. Too soon, the elevator came to a jolting halt. Again, the doors swished open with a ding.

  “Your floor, Sir,” said the attendant, placing a hand on the door to keep it open.

  “Thank you.” Milford stepped out and waited for the doors to close once more before he made his way over to the large doubled doors at the end of the hall. The carpet muted the sound of his shoes, but each step reverberated to his soul making him very aware of his surroundings. It felt like he was walking in a shadow of his former self.

  It was a bit surreal.

  He felt as though he would wake up and find himself once again surrounded by the ancient walls of Ravenhurst. He shuddered at the thought. Taking a bracing breath, he unlocked the door and stepped into the penthouse. Black suitcases were stacked neatly in the corner just inside the door. He leaned down and unzipped one. Gold and jewels glittered from the confines. He let out a gusty relieved sigh. “Thank goodness.” He zipped it closed and stood back up.

  “Milford is that you?”

  “Yes, I am here.”

  Marguerite walked around the corner, into the foyer, wearing a swirling print Emilio Pucci dress and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. She smiled warmly at him. “Whatever took you so long,” she asked walking over to him, giving a kiss on his wind chilled cheek.

  “Oh,” he waved his hand dismissively and then removed his coat and hung it on the hook by the door. “I simply had some unfinished business to take care of.”

  She gave him a curious smile. “Were you doing your Christmas shopping early?”

  “Yes,” he cleared his throat. “I believe you could say that.”

  “Hmm…” Her eyes narrowed for a moment. “Well come inside,” she said brightly. “You know he has been beside himself with worry for you,” she added, walking into the beautifully appointed living room.

  Floor to ceiling windows covered the far wall giving glimpses of High-rises, and treetops swaying back and forth across the substantial acreage that contained Central Park. Situated in front, was a long black velvet sofa along with boldly striped slipper chairs in black and white, flanking the sides. The sounds of the city were muted, even though one of the windows stood open. All he could hear was an occasional whistle of wind and the soft clicking of Marguerites high-heels on the polished marble tiles as she made way across the room.

  Lifting up her Kelly Green Birkin bag off the slipper chair in the corner, she pulled out a tube of Chanel lipstick. Remembering Katherine’s warnings she set the bag gingerly on the chair instead of tossing it like she would have…in another time.

  “Marguerite!” boomed a deep baritone voice from the end of the hall.

  “Yes,” she called back.

  “This contraption will not shut off, again.”

  She took a breath. “He cannot figure out how to shut off the shower.” She breezed past Milford and headed down the hall to the back room.

  Milford reached into his pocket and pu
lled out the glossy magazine ad he had kept in his bureau, the creases prominent on the page as he carefully unfolded it. This was one of his favorites. It was of St. Lucia…white sandy beaches with crystal waters. “Not too long now.”

  He heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall and quickly tucked the ad safely back into his pocket.

  “There you are,” Darias boomed, smiling widely, holding out his massive arms.

  Milford looked at, his liege, his friend, wearing a tailored suit, his long hair falling around his broad shoulders.

  He stepped forward and embraced Milford in a bone-crushing hug.

  “My lord, I cannot breathe,” he choked.

  Darias loosened his hold. “Sorry.” He gave him a sheepish smile. “It is good to see you, my friend.”

  “I am glad to see you as well.” Milford adjusted his jacket and let out a low appreciative whistle. “I have to say, you do clean up rather nicely, my lord.”

  “For goodness sakes Milford, we are in the twenty first century now, you may call him Darias,” Marguerite said, walking back into the room.

  “I think not. It would not be proper.” He shook his head adamantly.

  She lifted her brows. “Suit yourself.”

  “So my friend…” Darias smacked him on his back, making Milford pitch forward. “Did all go as planned?”

  “I believe so,” Milford hedged, regaining his balance.

  Darias grunted seemingly accepting his answer. “Tell me what news do you have of my brother and Gaitland?”

  “You do not remember?” he asked, rubbing his shoulder, his brow furrowing.

  “No.” Darias exhaled and sat down on the sofa. He braced his elbows on his knees, his hands hanging down in between. “It is all a blur.”

  Milford pulled on his tie. It suddenly felt too tight. “Well, once you disappeared the battle ceased and your brother had his wounds tended.”

  “Good.” Darias nodded his head. “I am happy to hear he survived. He is/was a good brother,” he said gruffly, his voice sounding choked. “And Gaitland, did he too survive?”

  “Yeees…” he stretched out the word and then blinked hard.

  Darias narrowed his eyes. “Why do you say it like that?”

  “Well, he did take that sword for you… remember?”

  “Yes,” he said, just now remembering. “Tell me, did he survive?” His black gaze settled on him.

  Milford rounded his eyes. “I believe so,” he hedged again, skirting around the true answer.

  Darias merely nodded once again accepting his feeble answer. “Did you have any trouble getting it?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “The cases are in the foyer by the door.”

  “Good.” He pressed his hands on his thighs. “Did you bring it all?”

  Milford swallowed hard. “No. Not all of it.”

  “Was that wise?”

  “I think that it was the best course of action.” Milford left out the part that Raven and Reed had found it as well. Darias didn’t need to know everything, after all. Some secrets were better left alone.

  Marguerite sat down on the sofa next to Darias and took his hand in her own. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it, giving her a knowing look.

  She smiled. He lowered her hand, holding it tightly. “So Milford, tell us everything,” she said.

  “Everything?” he squeaked.

  “What happened to…oh what are their names?”

  “You mean Reed and Raven?”

  “Yes, are they all right?” she asked.

  “Who are they?” Darias asked looking between the two.

  “Oh, he owns Ravenhurst now and Raven is his bride?” She gave Milford a questioning look.

  He nodded. “Yes, they are married.”

  “Well, I liked them, so that is good to hear.” She leaned forward and straightened the stack of books on the glass table. The one on the French Revolution, she placed under a magazine.

  “Is he a descendant of mine?” Darias asked.

  “Um…” Milford shifted uncomfortably. “I do not really have that answer right now.”

  “Hmm,” he said and then shrugged his broad shoulders.

  “Where are we off to first?” Marguerite asked, changing the subject.

  “I believe we should go to Scotland.” Darias pulled a picture out of his pocket. “There is a castle there that I have had my eye on for some time.”

  “What?” Milford sputtered.

  “Surely it is too cold to go there now?” He shivered. “Wouldn’t you would prefer to go someplace warm?” Milford asked hopefully.

  “Nonsense,” said Darias, tucking the picture back into his pocket.

  “Well,” Milford choked out. “I would prefer to sit this one out then.”

  “What?” Darias gaped at him. “You have to come. It would not be the same without you.”

  Marguerite, looked at Milford seeing his distress interceded, “Darias, surely a little trip to someplace warm would be nice for a change?”

  He gave her a questioning look and then exhaled. “Oh, all right,” he conceded. “Just for a little while.”

  Milford rubbed his hands together, beginning to relax. “I know just the place.”

  “You do?” Darias asked, lifting his dark brow.

  “Yes, yes,” he said and pulled out the glossy ad from his pocket and carefully unfolded the paper. He held it out.

  Darias took it from his outstretched hand. “So we are off to St. Lucia then?”

  “Yes,” Milford said, smiling broadly, shaking his head in agreement. Visions of white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters drifted into his mind.

  “Perfect, then it is settled.” Marguerite stood and smoothed her dress. “But we need to take care of something before we leave.”

  “What?” Milford asked bracing himself for the inevitable.

  “We need to go figure out where we are going for dinner.”

  “Oh,” Milford exhaled. “I know just the place.”

  “You do?” asked Darias.

  “Yes. I do.”

  “You lead and we will follow.”

  Milford smiled. Those words were truer than either of them knew.

  “Oh Milford,” Marguerite said, slipping on her coat. “I have to know one more thing?”

  “Yes,” Milford said warily.

  “Whatever became of Morrigan and Merlin?” she asked, pulling on her gloves. “Did they too survive?”

  “Ah,” he said, hesitating. A glimmer of what might have been flashed into his mind bringing visions of another time and place. “Now, that is a story that would be better left for another time…” I think.

  To my readers:

  First and foremost, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to you all. I do not know if I would have been able to finish this series without your continued enthusiasm and encouragement. I wrote this last book for you and can only hope I made it live up to your expectations for the series. As a writer, that is my greatest hope and fondest wish.

  If you enjoyed the books in my series, please consider leaving positive feedback at Amazon or other points of purchase. Just a line or two would mean a lot. Thanks so much! And as always, I am wishing you and yours all the best!

  Lorraine Beaumont

  Not ready to say goodbye to the Ravenhurst Series just yet? Well, good news—you don’t have to.

  I am releasing standalone books for companion reads to the series, which will include several of the characters introduced in the original five books. (I just can’t seem to get them out of my head so I guess they are telling me they need stories of their own)

  I would love to know what you think so be sure to stop by my Facebook page or drop me an email. You know I love hearing from you all!

  Here’s a Blurb :

  Erin Grey had a plan. 1. Graduate medical school

  2. Marry Heath Bartlett 3. Live happily ever after…

  But when her happily-ever-after doesn’t pan out, she takes a spontan
eous vacation to England to forget all her troubles … that is, until she happens upon a knight with a sword protruding from his chest.

  Gaitland d’ Mezerach never thought he would get a second chance at anything…especially not on life itself, but when he is stabbed saving the life of his friend, something happens and instead of dead, he finds himself in the future being saved by an angel.

  Coming 2015

  If you have missed Sebastian, Katherine, Devlin, Grayson, and Isabelle …you can visit them for, A Victorian Christmas at Ravenhurst, where you will find out what they have been up to and see what surprises they have in store for you for the holidays.

  Blurb: All alone on Christmas Eve, Devlin Renquist finds himself visited by three ghosts. Is a reformed reprobate entitled to a little happiness of his own? Or is he destined to live out his days alone in retribution for his past mistakes?

  Coming December 2014

  For more news on my books, works in progress, or upcoming giveaways, or where to find me, sign up for my newsletter: HERE

  If you are looking for a change of pace you may want to check out my New Adult Paranormal Dark Fantasy Romance series.

  SCROLL DOWN TO READ AN EXCERPT

  BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN

  I AM RELEASING ANOTHER BOOK OR

  HAVING A GIVEAWAY

  SIGN UP HERE

  http://www.lorrainebeaumontauthor.blogspot.com/p/mcembedsignupbackgroundfff-clearleft.html

  Connect with me online

  Email: lbeaumontbooks@gmail.com

  Blog: lorrainebeaumontauthor.blogspot.com

  Twitter: @Lbeaumont_

  Become my Friend on Facebook:

  www.facebook.com/lorraine.beaumont.14 or

  Visit my Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/LorraineBeaumonttheAuthor

  Also by Lorraine Beaumont

  THE RAVENHURST SERIES

  FORGOTTEN TIME

  SHADOWS OF YESTERDAY

  A KNIGHT SUCH AS THIS

  COMBO EDITION

  TIME TO REMEMBER

  DREAMS OF TOMORROW