Song of the Brokenhearted Read Online Free PDF

was annoyed at him again.
    Dane’s distraction was taking a toll like the small bites of a piranha that soon ate entire creatures whole. After all these years, she could still so easily go from prayerful and peace-filled to anxious, as if the fears and stress crowded around the corners of life, seeking any opening to steal themselves inside.
    The autumn breeze curled around her, softening her mood as she looked up at the stars. God was with her, tugging at her to draw closer. It was time for her to listen even more. Wasn’t that the advice she’d give at Bible study?
    Back inside, the kettle whistled from the stove, sending out a plume of steam into the air. The microwave door was fogged, and most of the water had evaporated. Jason was sleeping anyway. She poured Dane a cup and herself a half cup. She popped the tea bags into the water, which made her think of Aunt Jenny, who would’ve insisted she use loose-leaf tea.
    â€œThe willow tree isn’t getting better,” Ava said as she set Dane’s cup of tea onto the table beside him. He didn’t raise his head from the computer and made only a slight grunt in response. She didn’t expect Dane to jump up and rush out to save the tree, but his complete lack of concern nipped at her. He and little Sienna had helped her plant it those many years ago. He knew it was special to her—why else had he built the bench there one Mother’s Day? Dane didn’t thank her for the tea, but took a sip and set it back down as if she weren't there at all.
    â€œAm I talking to myself?” Ava said, staring at her husband.
    Dane glanced up, then returned to studying his computer.
    â€œTree isn’t looking good,” he repeated in a monotone voice.
    â€œI hope it doesn’t die after all these years,” Ava said flatly.
    Dane groaned and stood abruptly. “I need to go back in.”
    Ava looked up at the large clock on the wall. “It’s almost ten.”
    â€œI’m aware of that.” Dane closed his laptop and stuffed it into his bag.
    â€œBut—”
    â€œCall Leo about the tree. That’s what we pay him for,” Dane said as he grabbed his keys and kissed her good-bye.
    â€œWe pay him to clean up the yard.”
    â€œSee if he can fix a tree as well.”
    â€œWhat’s his number?” Ava said testily. Why wouldn’t Dane offer to call him? They lived under the unspoken agreement that she handled the inside of the house and he did the outside.
    â€œI’ll text it to you,” he said over his shoulder.
    â€œI want to talk about some things. What time will you be home?”
    Ava tried to think what she’d advise someone else in her shoes. She’d tell the woman to pray for her husband, try to be supportive, but to also be clear in verbalizing that she needed from him. She’d seen too many couples take severe turns in opposite directions and end in divorce within a year or two of being happy and solid.
    â€œI’ll be late. Can’t talk tonight. How about this weekend?”
    â€œSienna will be here this weekend.” Ava followed him to the garage.
    â€œThat’s right, well, we can still talk when she’s here.”
    â€œWhat is going on at work?” she asked pointedly.
    It tapped at her thoughts, the fear of every woman when her husband started working late. She’d seen it a thousand times, and she knew her life wasn’t immune to such crisis.
    Dane stopped, turning around. His tense expression softened as he looked at her face. He reached for her hand, but she kept it stiff and unresponsive.
    â€œHey, I’m sorry. Really I am. The board is meeting for a special session in the morning. Some investors are flying into Dallas on Thursday, and we’re having a crisis with the portfolio getting finished.”
    â€œSo this is about the merger? Is everything all right?”
    Dane shrugged. “With this economy, nothing is all