Read Online Mountain Sanctuary by Lenora Worth - Free Book Online

gloomy. But just remember, while you’re wallowing in all that self-pity, the world is still spinning away and you just might be missing out on some of the best things in your life.”
    Stella knew he was right, but she couldn’t bring herself to give him the satisfaction of figuring her out in such a short time. “Yeah, well, while you’re out there smelling the roses and seeing the beauty of things, stop and remember that life isn’t always beautiful, Adam. You of all people should know that. I’m sure you saw some ugly stuff being a cop in a big city.”
    He came stalking back then, and Stella had to swallow. The man sure looked intimidating when he frowned.
    Getting too close, he pointed a finger in her face. “I saw the worst of life down there, especially after the hurricanes. You get it? I saw things no man should ever have to see, but I still believe in the hope of life.” Then he pointed toward the back fence. “I believe just as those birds believe. I know He has His eye on the sparrow.” Then he stood back, letting out a shaking breath. “How else could I survive, Stella? How could any of us survive without the hope of Christ to sustain us? Think about it. You need some hope in your life. That’s all I’m saying.”
    Stella watched, her eyes burning, as he stomped up the porch steps then slammed the back door behind him. She watched and she listened, her mind brimming with a need to call out to him to help her see things his way.
    Oh, how she longed for a bit of hope. How she craved a place to just cradle her head, a strong, dependable shoulder to cry on. But she’d been taking care of business for so long now, she didn’t know how to let go and rely on anyone else. Especially God. Especially an interesting, enticing man who seemed to be the exact opposite of everything she’d always known. Where was her hope? How had she lost her joy?
    Then she heard the faint sound of the baby birds chirping, and she wondered…did God really hear the little birds?
    And did God listen to the rants, fears and pleas of a bitter, scared woman who’d lost all hope?

Chapter Six

    S tella came home to find Adam and Kyle sitting at the small dining table in the private apartment across from the kitchen. They were both so intent on Kyle’s math work sheet, they barely glanced up when Stella and her daddy entered the room.
    Wally glanced over at her, his eyes bright in spite of how tired and drained he looked. Then his gaze touched on his grandson. “That’s a nice picture.”
    Stella clutched the grocery bag in her arms. “Daddy, why don’t you go and lie down until dinner. I’ll have it ready in a few minutes.”
    They had not received a good report from the doctor. Basically, her father’s weak heart was shot and no amount of surgery would correct that. Between the cholesterol and high blood pressure, her father had to be monitored at all times. And she would be the main one doing that monitoring.
    Kyle glanced up. “Mr. Adam’s done cooked dinner, Mama.”
    Stella didn’t know whether to shout for joy or sit down and cry. “It’s ‘Mr. Adam has already cooked dinner,’ honey.”
    Kyle shrugged. “That’s what I said.”
    Wally grinned, then shuffled toward his room. In spite of his jovial nature, Stella could tell he was exhausted. “Call me when it’s on the table.”
    Both Adam and Stella said, “I will.” Together.
    Stella squirmed for two seconds, then pivoted toward the kitchen. She couldn’t be mad at Adam for helping out. It was nice to come home to a cooked dinner. At least tonight would be quiet. The couple coming to stay in the Morning Glory room wouldn’t be checking in until well after dinner and they were so regular, they knew where the key was to their suite. An easy night. Especially since she didn’t have to cook. Maybe she could catch up on some bill paying and start reading that novel she’d bought at the discount store. Or she might even go out and work on some of her china