Love Against the Odds

traught nephew. She had always treated Dave like her own child, ha

l get through this. Your uncle and I will come firs

rmidable pride reduced to rubble. Vulnerability consumed him, l

is heart. "Please, God, save her... Save Betty. I'll change-I promise.

s face lit with a reassuring smile. "Mr. Marshall, the surgery wa

ame and disbelief. His hands trembled as he wiped his tear-

d happen if Betty told them everything he'd done? What if she revealed the harsh words, the

ice thick with urgency. "Ca

can, but she's still weak and needs rest. I

d a way to make amends. He followed the doctor down the steril

pockets. "I left my credit card in the car." Without waiting for a respon

ts. Fresh fruits, her favorite leafy greens, whole grains-anything to help her regain her streng

. Betty lay motionless, her face pale but still breathtakingly beautiful. Pulling a chai

been such a fool. I promise to take care of you, to love you the way you deserve.

rent of guilt and hope. For hours, he sat there, holding her hand, willi

ose from his chair, his body stiff from sitting. Le

he whispered, his voi