Read Online All of My Love by Francis Ray - Free Book Online Page A

he has Faith and they’re blissfully ecstatic. You and Stella’s love gave him his heart’s desire. I’d like to see both of you find the contentment and love you found only with each other.”
    Paul rubbed the back of his neck. No wonder her children were so strong, independent, and successful. Their mother didn’t pull her punches. “Some things just aren’t meant to be.”
    “Who says?” Ruth quickly came back. “Strong people with the guidance of God and the Master of Breath shape their own destiny, shape their own lives. They don’t let life shape them. You took a hard knock, so did I when I lost Vincent. Nothing would have kept us apart if the choice hadn’t been taken from us. You have another chance. I’d give anything if that were possible for me.”
    Paul’s throat felt tight. Ruth didn’t have to bare her soul to him. She’d done so to help him and give him a swift kick and a strong dose of reality. “Vincent must have been a wonderful man.”
    “He was. Luke reminds me of Vincent so much. I’m blessed to have the children.”
    Paul heard what she didn’t say, because he’d felt the same thing. You loved your children, but they didn’t make up for the loss of a spouse or replace a spouse. “Good night, Ruth, and thanks.”
    “Thank me by talking, really talking, to Stella tomorrow,” she told him. “You might be surprised by what you learn.”
    “I just might do that. Good night.”
    “Good night, Paul.”
    Paul ended the call and just stood there. He’d blamed and judged as well. Maybe it was time to ask the tough questions and face what would surely be the even tougher answers.
    *   *   *
     
    For the first time in months, Stella slept peacefully. The second the alarm clock went off, she was out of bed and headed to the shower. She wasn’t sure what the day with Paul would be like, but she wasn’t afraid anymore. He’d stood up for her last night when he didn’t have to. She just hoped and prayed they could build on that as they worked to finish by Mother’s Day.
    She swallowed as a long-forgotten memory slipped into her mind. After Duncan was born, no matter what other gift Paul might give her for Mother’s Day, that night she’d always find a single red rose and a box of gourmet chocolates on her pillow. This year she’d settle for not seeing scorn on his face or hearing it in his voice.
    Less than thirty-five minutes later after a quick breakfast, Stella parked her rental behind Paul’s truck and got out. She opened the trunk and reached for the hard-shell ice chest.
    “I’ll get that.”
    She jumped, then smiled as Paul quickly reached her. “Good morning. Thank you.” He must have been watching for her. “Henri prepared lunch for us.”
    Paul picked up the ice chest. “Don’t forget your gear.”
    Stella patted her large handbag. “It’s all in here. I’m wearing hard-sole shoes. I’m ready to help.”
    He stared at her for a few seconds then started back up the walkway. Stella followed. She knew that pensive look. He was thinking about something. She couldn’t tell if it was about them or something else. In the past, he’d liked to work things out on his own.
    She followed him back inside and removed her gear from her purse. She frowned. It was too quiet. Her goggles on top of her head, her mask around her neck, she went to the kitchen. Paul leaned against the shell of the counter. “You got a lot done.”
    “I think we should talk,” he said.
    Her heart thumped in her chest. This could be the beginning or the end for them. “All right.”
    He pushed away from the cabinet, glanced around. “You can sit on the cooler.”
    “Thank you, but I’m too nervous to sit,” she answered and received a startled look from him. “I want to be honest with you, Paul. I threw away my life with you for an illusion of love and happiness. By the time I realized it, it was too late.”
    “Why?”
    “Why did I believe him?” she asked.
    “Why did you leave