Read Online Happier Than She's Ever Been... by Menna van Praag - Free Book Online Page B

breakfast together, May excited and terrified about her upcoming appearance on national television and Ben proud and reassuring her she’d be wonderful.
    Three hours and twelve dress changes later, they were driving across town in Ben’s cream-and-black VW Bug.
    â€˜Hey, bichana , what time is Lily getting there?’ he asked.
    â€˜An hour before the show,’ May replied while chewing her fingernail. ‘It’s going to be awful, I’m going to freeze, I can’t remember why I’m doing this.’
    â€˜Because you’ve written a beautiful book, inspirational and passionate, that is changing people’s lives,’ Ben reassured her, ‘and you want to tell as many people about it as possible.’
    â€˜Oh yeah, that,’ May said, letting herself smile a little. ‘Now I remember: what you have is your gift from God. And what you do with what you have is your gift to God. ’
    â€˜Exactly,’ Ben said, ‘and will you say that to the world when you get the chance? Tell me what you’ve been rehearsing for the last month.’
    â€˜Okay, right, yes.’ May laughed. ‘That I believe in miracles and magic and more than we can see… that life takes care of us if we let it. I don’t understand tragedies, but I think a great deal of personal suffering is self-created. I believe in courage, compassion and connection – with long spoons – and that bringing joy to someone else is the biggest joy you’ll ever have. And that’s what I’ve always wanted to do with my book.’
    â€˜ Long spoons? ’ Ben asked. ‘That’s new. Did you add it?’
    â€˜Oh, yes, that.’ May smiled and said, ‘Well, I heard this story once from some inspirational fellow. It was about heaven and how it’s like a magnificent dinner party, every guest having one long spoon which they can’t feed themselves with, only the person sitting across them at the table. So everyone has to feed everyone else. I remember thinking it was a wonderful metaphor about connection, taking care of people and what brings us the most joy.’
    Ben watched the road, smiling to himself and wondering if he could possibly ever love the woman sitting next to him more than he did in that moment.

    Six hours later they were back in the centre of San Francisco, walking along the pavement, hand in hand, on their way to a romantic dinner.
    â€˜I was okay, wasn’t I?’
    â€˜You were magnificent, absolutely magnificent.’
    â€˜Really?’ May asked. ‘Really?’
    Ben pulled her close and kissed her. ‘Yes, for the millionth time, really.’
    â€˜I think I remembered to say everything I meant to,’ May said. ‘I talked a lot about courage, didn’t I? Maybe a little too much, and about always having compassion for yourself, how finding your passion in life is the best diet there is… what else? Oh yes…’
    While May chattered away, Ben touched the little ring box in the right-hand pocket of his trousers. He’d been carrying it around for three days and nights now, and wondered if tonight would be the night. He thought perhaps he should wait until tomorrow, since this meal was supposed to celebrate May’s first ever TV appearance. But then perhaps a proposal would be the perfect end to a perfect day. At least that’s what he hoped.
    â€˜What are you thinking about?’
    â€˜Oh, what? Sorry.’ May’s question brought Ben back. ‘Nothing. I’m fine.’
    â€˜I’m not fine,’ May said, grinning. ‘I’m so completely and utterly happy, I can’t quite believe it.’ She turned to him. ‘You know, I’ve decided I don’t want to be a multi-million-dollar bestselling author.’
    â€˜Oh?’ Ben raised a quizzical eyebrow.
    â€˜No,’ May continued, ‘I mean, I’d love for a million people to read Men, Money and