Beyond a Broken Dream: A Christian Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance: The Crystal Cove Series, #3

Chapter 1

Heather could see the dark side of Michael's personality take over, but before she could answer, his nurse came in to administer his medication and take his vitals. Heather stepped away from the bed and watched Michael for a moment.

Was this the same benevolent Michael who had just deeded her the church property? Why did he hate Andrew so much? She could tell he was angry at her for praising Andrew and the fact his brother made Evelyn happy. It seemed there was a darker side to Michael, an angry side she was afraid to know. The nurse hurried around finishing her duties, and Heather made sure to stay out of her way.

Michael pressed his lips tightly together while waiting for the nurse to complete her scheduled chores. Heather's words echoed like a Chinese gong in his head.

Why did Andrew capture the attention of every person he ever cared about?

He knew Andrew was handsome and charming. And it didn't hurt that he was also a man of God. In his mind, it seemed Andrew was a better match for Heather and exactly what she needed. Perhaps she would be happier with Andrew.

The thought brought an ache inside his belly. He had an insatiable desire for Heather, and the selfish part of his heart desperately wanted her for himself. But deep down in the recesses of his heart, he only wanted what was best for the nurse. And if that meant sacrificing his own needs and desires, he had no choice but to step back. Heather meant too much to him for him to ruin her happiness. Michael turned and looked over at her. The woman was beautiful, sweet, and selfless. Too good for him. She deserved someone better.

When the nurse left, Michael changed the subject.

Tell me about your life growing up. His eyes remained fixed on Heather's face as he waited for her response.

His question caught Heather by surprise. Growing up? She thought for a moment before carefully answering, My childhood was nothing special, Michael. I'd rather not discuss it, but you can tell me about yours. Michael sensed the uneasiness in her voice. He knew he had touched on an uncomfortable subject. Was there something in her past, some dark secret in her childhood that made her afraid of relationships? Something that caused her to dismiss the notion of true love? His mind churned with questions.

I'll make you a deal, Heather. I'll tell you about my childhood, but only after you promise to share yours afterward. He gave her a reassuring smile. Being a shrewd businessman, Michael couldn't pass up an opportunity to challenge the woman and watch her reaction. He remained silent as he watched the parade of emotions play out on her face.

Fine, I agree, but we're allowed to ask questions, and each of us has to answer. Heather made herself comfortable in her chair, ready to give Michael her undivided attention. Michael started by sharing all the fun experiences he had with childhood friends and the girls he had dated. Next, he told her about his passion for music and how it was his escape when times were tough. Then he talked about his business and his mother.

Your mother is quite wonderful.

She is, but she meddles too much. Michael ran a hand through his hair. She was always closer to Andrew. Always tending to whatever he needed. His wants and needs seemed to be more important than anything else. His voice became more serious.

What about your father ... and Andrew? she asked timidly, knowing she was heading into uncharted waters.

What about them?

Heather saw his lips pull back into a scowl, but she wouldn't back down. The facts were: Andrew was good for Evelyn, and Mr. Robbins was his father. Regardless of how much Michael despised them, Heather needed to know the truth. 

What happened with them, Michael?

I don't want to talk about that, Heather. He reached for the glass of water on the tray next to his bed.

I know, but I'm asking. So please share with me. I want to help. She touched his hand lightly. Heather watched Michael's eyes flinch, and her heart ached at the pain in his eyes.

Michael forced a deep sigh past his lips before sharing the familiar story about Andrew and the girl. While his version was identical to the one his brother had shared with her, Heather could feel the heart-wrenching pain in his words. Heather watched as his breathing quickened when Michael finished, and he clenched his fist.

Why don't you believe him, Michael? Why was it easier to believe a girl you barely knew over your brother?

I wanted it to be true. I wanted a reason to make Andrew look less than perfect. Even when she ran off, I still blamed him. He should have never stuck his nose into any of it. We would have been together.

But then there would be no Evelyn, no Carla ... she trailed off.

No you. He said.

Ignoring his remark, Heather went on, Michael, don't you think if she wanted to be with you, she would have stayed? Regardless of what your brother said, or what people found out?

Michael thought long and hard about what Heather said. Andrew had tried to warn him, but he had ignored it. So when Andrew found her with the dealer, he wanted to blame Andrew. But looking back now, he was glad their relationship ended. In the end, she was no different than all the high society junkies in town. But then he met Carla, and now he had a beautiful daughter and the opportunity to rebuild his life.

You're probably right ... but there's more than that. He frowned. My father wanted Andrew to take over the business. But, when Andrew chose a different path, he was forced to settle for me. You don't know what it's like to feel his disapproval all the time. Michael pressed his lips tightly together.

Your father is an interesting man. He may be a man of few words, but I can tell you one thing, Michael, he has been here every day. He played checkers with Evelyn yesterday and told her the story about the trophy you won years ago. He does love you. He just has a hard time expressing it.

Michael looked up at the ceiling, taking in what Heather had said. So Dad came down. But why didn't he come in to visit? Michael assumed his father would rather have stayed at home. He closed his eyes and shook his head before gazing into her eyes.

Your turn, Heather.

Heather cleared her throat. Well, as you know, my parents both died when I was young. Then she remained silent.

Michael waited with anticipation, but when she remained silent, a playful laugh echoed throughout the room as he threw his head back. Oh, no you don't, Heather; you don't get out of it that easily. Spill it all. He rolled to his side, eagerly anticipating her next words.

Heather responded with a chuckle. She knew Michael wasn't about to let her off the hook so quickly. Okay, okay. I lived with my Nana for a bit before she died. She was the sweetest Nana anyone could have and my favorite person. The one person who cared about me and how I felt. As a child, the one thing I'll never forget was her large collection of cat statues. They filled every room in her house. She said it was less work than the real thing. Heather smiled as images of Nana's house flashed before her eyes.

When she died, I went to live with my aunt and cousin. Heather took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Her gaze met Michael's.

It wasn't a pleasant experience. Her face turned pale, and Michael reached out and took her hand in his.

Please, tell me. I want to know.

Heather took a breath and continued, They were mean and downright abusive. My aunt forced me to sleep in the laundry room on an old army cot recycled from the trash. And whenever there was a rainstorm during the night, water dripped on my face from a leak in the ceiling. Heather's face twisted with emotion. And believe me, it rained a lot.

She laughed at the memory before continuing, They made sure I was their slave. I cooked and cleaned, and if I wasn't doing that, I was in the laundry room on my cot. I remember the day I found a doll after school and took it home with me. It was missing an eye and an arm, but that didn't bother me. I treasured it for years. It comforted me during my darkest moments. She sighed as wetness began to form in her eyes.

Michael rubbed his hand down the side of her arm. It's okay, go on.

One day, they found it and threw it away ... I didn't even know they had taken it. Then, one day my cousin teased me about losing my doll, and that's when I knew. Heather turned and stared at the monitors above Michael's head. I was only allowed to eat whatever scraps they left for me at the dinner table. Heather gave him a shy smile. Don't be disgusted, but sometimes when I cooked, I licked the bowl if the dish was tasty. But if I got caught, my aunt wouldn't hesitate to take a wooden spoon to my knuckles. She rolled onto her side and stared at the ceiling as Michael eyed her with pity.

One day, this girl I knew who lived a few houses down came into our yard and asked me to go to church with her after my aunt and cousin left the house. As you can probably imagine, I was hesitant to go. I told her that I didn't want to get into trouble. But something spoke to my heart, which I now know was the Holy Spirit, and I went anyways. To this very day, I can still remember the peace I felt worshiping the Lord in music. The pastor's message touched my heart, and God has been with me ever since. I found strength in Him for every obstacle I faced while living with my aunt. I wore clothes that didn't fit and woke up with raindrops on my face many times. But I wouldn't give up hope; I kept praying for something better. Finally, she stopped and looked at him. 

Did you believe in love when you were a child? His voice softened with anticipation.

Yes ... when I was very young, I wanted a family, a better life, and a prince charming who would love me like no one ever had. But my parents fought so much while I grew up that I dismissed those wishes as a hopeless fairytale. They stayed together because they knew God frowned on divorce, but they didn't love each other. My mother would always tell me that marriage wasn't what it was cracked up to be. She told me to think twice if I ever wanted to get married someday.

Heather stopped to take a breath. Living with my aunt wasn't any better. She would have men around all the time. They would hit her, but she told every man she still loved them. They would always try to touch me, but I managed to get away and hide. After that, I knew better, that love wasn't real. The only person I knew that loved me was God. But now that I'm older, I see love can happen for some people, but I believe finding true love that lasts a lifetime is about as easy as finding a mermaid in the ocean.

"So, you have changed your mind about love then? You told me a few months ago you didn't believe in it at all. What changed?" He watched her cheeks flush with pink.

I'm not sure ... it just has. Heather kept her gaze away from Michael.

Michael rolled onto his back.

What about boyfriends and such? I'm sure you've had a boyfriend before, haven't you?

I've had some, but nothing serious. I kept them as just friends. When things got too serious in the relationship, I would end it. Love ... She shook her head. It complicates things.

I'm sorry your life has been so difficult. It breaks my heart to see how anyone could be so mean to you, let alone hurt you.

Thank you, Michael. Heather sat up taller. But I'm stronger now because of it. Plus, I'll always have God. He's helped me through it all. Her lips turned up into a smile.

Still, I hurt for you, Michael said with compassion in his voice. "You know, Heather, not all relationships are like that. Some can be