An April Bride Read Online Free PDF

Vacation Bible School or maybe with the youth group,” the reverend offered. “For as long as I’ve been pastor of this church, you two have always been together.”
    “So I hear,” Marshall said. When he glanced over at Stella, he saw the trace of disappointment in her eyes. “I’m glad those times seem to be resurfacing.”
    Reverend Howell’s brown eyes moved from Marshall to Stella. “And how are you handling this new normal, young lady?”
    Marshall wondered that too. He gave her the same encouraging look she’d given him so many times. “Be honest, Stella. I want to know the truth.”
    She glanced down at her hands and then started twisting her engagement ring. “It’s been hard,” she said, an apologetic expression on her face. “I’ve dreamed of being Marshall’s wife for as long as I can remember. I always felt so secure in our love and in the life we’d planned.”
    “And now?” Reverend Howell nodded for her to answer.
    “Now, I’m not so sure. Is this a test? Is God testing us to see if we can hold up? I don’t understand.”
    Marshall’s heart went out to her. He’d put her through so much by not allowing her to visit him in the hospital and by keeping her in the dark about what was really wrong with him. “I’m so sorry,” he said, taking her hand.
    Reverend Howell offered her a tissue. “You have a right to question this situation, Stella. This was a big blow—and right before your wedding too. Sometimes we don’t know theanswers to the why and how, but we do know the Lord is in control. Do you still believe that?”
    She lowered her head and wiped at her eyes. “I tell myself not to worry, but . . . my whole life has changed overnight. I don’t feel so secure and confident in anything these days.”
    Marshall tugged at her hand so she’d look at him. “You can be sure about me, Stella. I don’t back down on a pledge. And if I pledged myself to you, then that’s how it’s gonna be. I won’t desert you.”
    “But what if you don’t love me anymore, Marsh?”
    Marshall couldn’t take the hurt on her pretty face. “I believe I do still love you, deep down inside. I just have to find a way to bring all those feelings to the surface.” He got up and bent down in front of her. “Don’t give up on me, okay? Stella? Okay?”
    “I’m sorry,” she said, embarrassed now. “I didn’t mean to cry. Really, I didn’t.”
    “Hey, it’s okay,” Marshall said. “This was a good idea. This discussion has shown me that I need to be careful of your feelings too. It’s not all about me, you know. It’s about us.”
    She nodded and smiled. “And God’s plans for us.”
    Trust in the Lord .
    “Yes.” Marshall pulled her to her feet. “I’m so sorry to put you through this.”
    Reverend Howell stood and came around the desk. “You two love each other. That we all know. Marshall, you’re admirable to go through with the wedding while you’re still not one hundred percent, but be very sure you both can handlethis hurdle. Weddings are stressful even when everything is hunky-dory. So pace yourselves and remember you have the rest of your lives to get through this.”
    “But we only have the rest of this month until the wedding,” Stella said. “I don’t want any regrets.”
    Marshall understood what she was saying. “I don’t think any man would regret being your husband.”
    “I don’t want just any man. I want you,” she said. “All of you.” Then she thanked the reverend and left the room.
    Reverend Howell gave Marshall a solemn stare. “I think you and I need to say a prayer, son.”
    Marshall nodded in agreement and closed his eyes.

    Stella waited by her convertible, her prayers centered on trusting in God. Her faith had always been her stronghold. She wouldn’t waver now. She found comfort in knowing that even if the worst happened, she’d get through it. She had the best parents in the world, and she had a solid faith community to see her through.
    But