Glimpse of Forever

Prologue

Denver, Colorado

Nine-year-old Jennifer scraped her knee as she struggled to reach the last branch to rescue her kitten from the top of the huge tree. Puffing with exertion after she had Mordora safe in her arms, Jennifer looked below and saw the new boy from next door.

You must be Jennifer, he called, shading his eyes with his hand as he stared up at her.

She felt her face turn red and hastily tucked her red skirt between her legs. Who told you my name?

Your cousin, Tyler.

Jennifer frowned, although Uncle Mac said she shouldn’t because she might grow up with permanent wrinkles.

Who’re you? she asked, although she already knew.

Dirk. We just moved in next door to your aunt and uncle.

I live here, too, she blurted.

Yeah. I know. Tyler told me.

Jennifer frowned again. She hated sharing Tyler with anybody, except Kacy. Like her, Kacy was an orphan. She lived with her grandparents a few blocks away. They had been best friends since kindergarten, and both vowed they always would be.

Can I come up and help rescue your kitten? Dirk asked.

Sure. Jennifer tucked her dress more firmly between her legs and squeezed them tighter together. Even though she thought they were beautiful, Aunt Rachel would give her holy heck if she let a boy see her new lace-trimmed underpants.

Dirk climbed fast, and Jennifer admired his agility. When he reached her, he leaned against a sturdy limb and hooked his thumbs in his Levi belt loops. Tyler said you had unusual eyes, but he didn’t say they were pretty.

People often teased Jennifer about her speckled green eyes, but nobody ever said they were pretty. You like them? she asked, uncertain.

Dirk nodded. They remind me of my opal, Jeni.

Flustered, she resisted the urge to ask why and blurted, Nobody calls me Jeni.

Good. That’s what I’ll call you, then.

He had a nice grin. Even white teeth, too. She bet he brushed every morning and night, as Aunt Rachel said everybody should. His pale blond hair reminded her of Kacy’s white-haired guardian angel. She’d only seen Rey once, but she’d never forget the jolly, wingless angel.

Dirk stood so close Jennifer could smell his skin—clean like pine-scented soap and shampoo. He looked a couple of years older than her, probably eleven or twelve, the same age as Tyler.

Can I carry your kitten down?

She nodded and cautiously extended Mordora, careful not to let go of her fluffy orange-brown pet until Dirk had a good hold.

Why don’t you climb down first and show me the way?

Okay. Grateful for his help and relieved he wouldn’t see under her dress, Jennifer decided she might not mind sharing Tyler with Dirk after all.

When they reached the ground he handed Mordora back to her.

Thanks, she said.

You’re welcome.

Her scraped knee stung. She looked down and saw blood trickling from the open gash.

You’re hurt. Dirk pulled a white handkerchief from his back pocket and squatted in front of her.

While he wiped her bloody leg, Jennifer struggled with her squirming kitten to keep her claws from scratching her face.

A few seconds later Dirk stood back up and stuffed the waded handkerchief back in his pocket. It’s stopped bleeding.

"Thanks,’ she said again.

Why don’t you thank me with a kiss?

Jennifer’s young heart gave a funny lurch. She wanted to kiss him badly, but she’d never before kissed a boy. Did she dare?

Before she lost her nerve, she arched up on her tiptoes. He stood a head taller than her and she couldn’t reach his mouth, so she aimed for his chin.

He caught her cheeks with his hands and placed his mouth on hers. It wasn’t much of a kiss, just a peck actually, but Jennifer closed her eyes. And lost her young heart.

When they pulled apart, she felt dizzy. Woozy. Excited.

His expression turned somber. Tyler said you were terrific, but I don’t know if I agree.

Why—not? Jennifer hated the stupid warble in her voice. It sounded like she was about to cry.

Because I think you’re more than terrific, Jeni, I think you’re perfect. And I’m glad I found you.

Jennifer blinked. Found me? What does that mean?

We knew each other before. Don’t you remember?

Her heart pounded faster than she could play the scales on the piano, while visions of prior lives flashed in her young head. She gulped in awe. I-I-I knew you before...?

Several times. Dirk grinned, and she wanted to hug him something fierce. He had remembered her as he’d promised!

Will you do me a favor? he asked.

She flashed a grin. If I can.

I like your long hair. Don’t ever cut it.

Proud of her waist-long cinnamon-brown hair, she vowed, I’ll keep it long for you, always, Dirk.

When he grinned again, she worked up her nerve to ask, Will you do me a favor?

If I can, he turned her words back on her.

Will you marry me when we grow up? She blushed at her daring, and expected him to tease her.

Instead he said, You bet.

From his pocket he dug out a stone that resembled murky crystal, but as he exposed it to the sun, the stone reflected every color in the rainbow. My guardian angel said this opal would guide me to you. Now that it has, I want you to keep it. If we’re parted again, it will help you find me.

Dirk winked, and a delicious warmth curled around Jennifer as a vision—her special gift—showed them in the future, all grown up. Dirk sported a mustache, and in spite of her youth, she knew by the look in their eyes that they were deeply in love and very happy.

Music coming from a CD in her aunt and uncle’s house played, "Lay your head upon my pillow and make believe—"

That’s our song, Dirk said. When we grow up, we’ll get married and you can lay your head on my pillow whenever you want to.

Mesmerized by her new neighbor and the visions she’d had, Jennifer didn’t realize Aunt Rachel had opened the door until she called, Jennifer, didn’t you hear me? Kacy would like to talk to you on the phone.

I’ll be right there. Cuddling her precious kitten close, Jennifer backed away. I’ll see you later, Dirk.

Yes, you will, he promised.

Budging Mordora’s paws off her arm to protect herself from the kitten’s sharp claws, Jennifer gripped the opal tight and smiled again.

Dirk smiled too and winked. I think I’m going to be crazy about you, Jeni.

I think I’m going to feel the same way about you.

Her happy heart sang merrily as she turned and skipped away, anxious to tell Kacy all about the boy she had known in previous lives who had just agreed to marry her. And then they’d live happily ever after, just like in all the fairy tales.

One

Twelve Years Later—London, England

Adrenaline pumped through Jennifer’s veins as she dashed down the steep staircase of the bed-and-breakfast where she’d spent her first night in London. With her internal clock still on Denver time, seven hours behind London, she’d overslept. Now she had to rush to keep her appointment at Barings Bank.

At the front door, she opened her red umbrella, then stepped out into the August downpour for the short walk to Victoria Station.

Good grief, she mumbled when a deluge swept sideways and soaked her gray Nike’s and the bottom half of her navy blue slacks. Deciding to take a taxi instead of the tube, she hurried to the wet curb and held up her hand.

To her relief, the first taxi stopped.

Where to? the thin-shouldered, black-haired driver asked.

Because she was in a hurry, she ignored the weird sensation that shot through her as she climbed in and said, Barings Bank.

While the taxi merged with busy London traffic, Jennifer rummaged in her backpack until she found Kleenex to blot her wet slacks. When they no longer dripped, she stuck the soppy Kleenex in an empty pocket of her backpack, rezipped it and gazed outside.

Attached Victorian houses, with bed-and-breakfast signs dangling from chains near their front doors, lined both sides of the narrow street. All had small front yards, or gardens as the Brits called them, with tiny patches of grass surrounded by colorful flowers that helped ease the gloom of the rainy August day.

Excited to be in London again, even though it felt strange to be here by herself, Jennifer admired the old historical buildings that came into view when the taxi left the residential area and the road widened.

As they often did, her thoughts turned to Dirk. Don’t go there, she admonished herself, but her heart never listened when Dirk came to mind. How she would have loved to share London with him.

Tears threatened. Even though he’d been gone more than three years, she still missed him terribly. She touched the opal, now hanging on a chain around her neck, while her thoughts reverted to the day he’d given it to her—twelve years ago. The youthful vision of him, all grown up with a mustache, flashed. Dirk hadn’t ever grown a mustache, so she’d never seen him with one, except in that long ago vision. And except for one brief time in a hotel room, the day they’d eloped, she’d never laid her head on his pillow.

Jennifer swallowed and glanced at her watch. Half an hour till her appointment. She drew in a calming breath and forced her thoughts in a different direction, away from Dirk. Last year Kacy had traveled back in time with her guardian angel and decided to live there. But she’d promised to write a journal and leave it in the Barings bank vault. Jennifer hoped to locate and claim the journal. Not only did she want to know how Kacy had fared in the past, Jennifer intended to write a novel about time-travel and reincarnation. Kacy’s journal would provide vital information.

Is this your first visit to England? the cab driver asked, jarring her thoughts back to the present.

Staring at the back of his oily black-haired head, Jennifer had the distinct impression she’d seen or met him previously. No, she said, and in an attempt to appear friendly added, About a year and a half ago I came here with my best friend.

Have you ever wondered what London looked like before the invention of cars, paved carriageways, electricity and all the modern-day things that make a big city teem with activity?

Many times, Jennifer admitted. Actually, I’d give just about anything to experience England as it was a hundred and fifty years ago. Where Kacy is, Jennifer thought, but didn’t mention it.

How long would it take to decide to step back in time?

Although Jennifer thought his persistence odd, she said, About half a heartbeat.

The cab driver braked to a stop.

A chill crawled up her spine. Suddenly anxious to get away from the weird man, Jennifer unzipped her backpack again. How much is the fare?

This ride is free, Miss Quinlane.

Too shocked to ask how he knew her name, Jennifer gaped as he turned his head and she recognized him—Sevil, the black-eyed wizard in her most recent vision. The wizard who had shape-shifted and jumped to the rooftop, taking Miranda, the girl who resembled her, with him.

Wary, Jennifer clutched her backpack to her chest. Her hands trembled. She gripped the pack tighter. Why would a wizard pose as a cab driver? And why had she had a vision of him and Miranda spying on two other people named Drake and Prudence, all of whom lived in the past, judging by their old-fashioned clothes and the carriages they rode in?

I know your deepest wish, the wizard-cab driver rasped, is to see your friend Kacy, again. I can turn that wish into reality.

Before Jennifer could utter a word, a putrid fog that smelled like rotten sulfur filled the inside of the cab. She gagged and fear shivered through her as she clapped her hands over her mouth. Was she about to be asphyxiated?

The cab door opened and a strong wind swept inside. She recoiled, and shrank back against the seat, but the wind curled around her, spinning into a whirlwind and knocking her backpack and umbrella off her lap. Blindly, she groped for them. But to her astonishment the wind twirled her outside, along with the awful smell, and propelled her up into the rainy sky.

Never in her life had she been so terrified. Her heart pounded. Her skin burned. Her body trembled. And, as she hurtled through space like an out-of-orbit satellite, she feared the noxious fumes might make her barf. Round and round she whirled, higher into the sky. Would the petrifying experience never end? Would she die before it did?

In desperation, she reached for the opal at the base of her throat and prayed it would do as Dirk promised—guide her to him.

A sudden strong force expelled her from the whirlwind. In the blink of an eye, the thick, smelly mist disappeared. With a loud resounding whoosh she started to fall, skimming tree tops with frightening speed.

Panicked, she reached out and snagged a limb, halting her plunge back to earth. Before she caught her breath, lightning struck the limb and snapped it in two. Branches scratched her face and hands as she groped wildly for something else to hang on to... and failed.

The ground rushed up to meet her. She hit it hard and saw a million tiny stars. Then everything went pitch black.

Two

Cottage in the Woods

Moist, dank smelling earth greeted Jennifer’s return to consciousness. Flat on her stomach, she saw insects skirting over the scum of a stagnant puddle next to her nose. Gross.

Cold and wet, with a headache pounding like hoof beats against her temple, she forced herself to roll onto her side. Every bone and muscle rebelled. In addition, her legs were trapped by unfamiliar petticoats and a long, pale green dress. Where had these soaking wet clothes come from?

To Jennifer’s surprise the hoofbeats were real. Through gnarled tree trunks she saw a white stallion with a hatless rider galloping like a demon toward her. She raised one shivering arm. The effort cost her, but the rider waved back. Dazed and shivering, she lowered her arm.

Moments later the stallion halted a few feet away and the blond, mustached rider jumped down and knelt beside her. You’re alive.

So are you! Jennifer drew in a sharp breath and forgot to release it. Dirk, with a mustache. Too stunned to utter another word, she groped for the opal, but she blacked out before she found it.

THE NEXT TIME JENNIFER opened her eyes she lay on a lumpy mattress in what appeared to be a one-room cottage. She inhaled the pleasant odors of burning wood and candle wax. Across the room, a fire crackled in the inglenook fireplace. The flames of two candles on a narrow table, cast eerie flickering shadows on the smoke-stained walls.

Dirk sat in a chair beside the bed. He had removed his red blazer, unbuttoned the top buttons of his white shirt, and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. And she was so darn glad to see him, she didn’t know what to say.

He eyed her as though he couldn’t quite believe what he saw either. His slow perusal felt intimate, almost as though he touched her.

She smiled, then grimaced as tingles of excitement mingled with her wounds.

Concern shadowed his blue eyes. Are you in pain?

Yes. I’m cold, too. Please hold me and warm me.

Exposing a gentle smile, he bent over and tugged his black boots off. I do not wish to hurt you further.

You won’t.

If you are certain...?

I am.

He shifted his tall, lean body onto the bed, slid under the coarse blankets and gathered her close.

Jennifer relaxed, not realizing until then how tense she’d been. Her bruised temple rested against Dirk’s warm chest. He smelled like she remembered, clean, piney and sexy. If this were a dream, she hoped she never woke up. Feeling safe and secure, she closed her eyes. The steady beat of his heart lulled her back to sleep.

EARLY MORNING LIGHT draped the cottage in shadows, the next time Jennifer awakened. Alone in bed, she looked around the room. The cottage had one door, two windows and was sparsely furnished with only the bed, a small table, two straight-backed wooden chairs, and a sofa that had seen better days and faced the fireplace.

Her rescuer stood with his back to the fire, his eyes trained on her. Disappointment swirled through her as the fog cleared from her brain. He couldn’t be Dirk—unless he’d been reincarnated. Although he smelled like Dirk and had the same tiny mole under his left eye, she couldn’t be fortunate enough to find him again in this lifetime, could she?

Embarrassed by her plea to be held last night, she said, I should’ve known it was too good to be true.

The stranger arched his blond eyebrows. What?

I thought you were someone I knew.

He did a double take. A wavy lock of pearl-blond hair fell over his forehead.

And now you think I’m not? he asked with a clipped British accent.

No. He isn’t English. You obviously are.

He frowned; his fierce glare all encompassing.

Unnerved by his close scrutiny, Jennifer reached for the opal. It was gone. Where? The opal bound her to Dirk. Without it she felt she had lost him all over again. Upset, she battled the sting of tears.

The stranger, fully dressed again in what Brits called riding pink, cleared his throat. White, skin-tight jodhpurs hugged his muscular thighs and the white shirt beneath his red blazer looked new, if a bit old-fashioned. His cheeks and chin were cleanly shaven, his mustache neatly trimmed, his blond hair, except for that errant lock, combed into sleek waves. Even his black, knee-high boots boasted a military shine.

Last eventide I summoned the village physician. He said to keep you warm, ensure you ate and allow ample bed rest.

Eventide? Still a little groggy, Jennifer knew something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what was wrong. Every inch of her body felt bruised and battered, her throbbing head like it might explode.

She sucked in her quivering bottom lip as the blue-eyed man approached the bed. He moved with the easy grace of a panther. When he leaned over, his piney scent filled the space between them. His sheer size should have frightened her. It made her feel safe instead.

I really wiped out, didn’t I? she choked out.

His mustache twitched and his eyes twinkled, but he didn’t smile. I beg your pardon?

When she didn’t reply, he asked, Can you move your limbs?

Limbs? Ye-s, she said over the enormous lump lodged in her throat. Who was he? And where was she?

Fighting dizziness, Jennifer closed her eyes.

Are you all right? His soft words warmed her cheek.

She opened her eyes. He was kneeling on the floor beside her, his elbows propped on the lumpy mattress, his face mere inches from hers.

Yes, she managed. I’m fine. I think.

Worry creased his forehead. Do you not know?

At the moment I’m not sure of anything.

Should I summon the physician again?

No, that isn’t necessary.

Gingerly she slid her arms out from under the covers. They were bare. Then, to her mortification, she realized she didn’t have a stitch on.

Where are my clothes? she blurted.

Amusement sparkled in his blue eyes. Over there, by the fire, drying.

Her face flamed. Had she lain in his arms as naked as the day she was born? And who did those cumbersome looking clothes belong to? What had happened to her navy slacks, red sweater and windbreaker? Confused, she touched her bare throat. Where was Dirk’s opal?

Jennifer licked her dry lips, then remembered she’d missed her appointment at the bank. Ignoring her naked mortification, she looked for a phone, but didn’t see one. Everything in the cottage looked old—antique, actually.

I need to get dressed, she said.

You speak like an American.

Surprised by his sharp tone, she eyed him warily and resisted the urge to comment on the strange way he spoke.

I have to get up. I need to go to the bank and apologize for missing my appointment.

He rose from his knees and towered above her, his amusement replaced by a frown.

You cannot go anywhere.

She felt intimidated by his height. Buck-naked under the covers and flat on her back, didn’t help. You must think all my ducks aren’t quacking.

He arched his blond brows in surprise. I beg your pardon?

Forget it, she mumbled. Do you have a cellular?

His brows arched higher. A what?

Did he have a hearing problem? Not about to ask and risk embarrassing him, she said, Never mind.

Clutching the coarse, musky smelling blankets to her bare chest, she forced herself to sit up and managed not to wince.

Do you recall what happened? When she didn’t answer, he said, You fell from a tree, and you’re fortunate you have no broken bones.

How do you know I don’t?

I examined you whilst you slept.

How much had he examined? She wasn’t sure she wanted to know, but the words popped out before she could stop them. Before or after you undressed me?

A wicked gleam blazed in his eyes. Both.

Heat swam up her neck. She didn’t know what to say.

I intended to lend you my shirt. However, the physician thought it best not to disturb you.

Jennifer’s face burned. To avoid his probing gaze, she looked around the cottage again. Her concern returned to her appointment at the bank. How could she get there? Her backpack was in the cab, so she didn’t have any money.

Worried, she stared beyond Dirk’s look-alike. Helplessness washed through her. What was she going to do?

DRAKE SHOVED HIS ERRANT lock of hair off his forehead while Miranda stared blankly at the wall behind him. He didn’t know what