The Sweetest Love (Love Conquers All Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

fair. They had come in second place. Then there was that time he jacked up Bobby Pierce, the overgrown bully who terrorized them for three days, demanding goodies from their lunch boxes.
    Yes, Roxy knew he had loved Abby, too. As these memories assaulted her mind they allowed her to empathize with his pain. And it was excruciating.
    Before she knew it, her bottom lip began to tremble; fresh tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to say something, but each time she attempted, nothing would come out. What does one say to someone you haven’t spoken to in over sixteen years about the loss of a loved one? Saying “I’m sorry” just felt so insignificant. So instead of saying anything, Roxy did what came to her naturally.
    Without giving it a second thought, Adam welcomed Roxy into a protective embrace. His hands rubbed her back in comforting strokes as her body shook violently from the heart-wrenching sobs threatening to break her into a million pieces. His heart twisted with each pitiful sob. God how he wish he could take the pain away.
    Wrapping her arms around his waist, Roxy held onto Adam as if her very life depended on it. The tender stroking of his large, strong hands told her it was okay to bury her face in the wall of his muscular chest. Her body further melted into his as he began a gentle sway, whispering words of comfort.
    “That’s it Roxy, let it out. I know you’re hurting. I’m hurting, too.” Tightening his hold on her he promised, “I’m here for you. Baby, I’m here for you.”
    And he would be there for her, just like she had been there for Abby.
    Nodding her head against his chest, believing his every word, she nestled even farther in his arms as if being there was the most natural place in the world. For the first time since losing her friend, Roxy truly felt comforted.

Chapter 6
    This Tuesday evening was no different than any other. Mother and daughter would have dinner and watch a movie together. It was Roxy’s week to make dinner at her place. If it were up to her she would be the one preparing dinner every week they got together. Seeing her mom work her fingers to the bone to give her the things she needed growing up made Roxy want to take care of her mother in any little way she could. She remembered the nights her mom would drink a cup of instant coffee for dinner because there wasn’t enough food for the both of them. She would never forget how her mom bought her Septa tokens so she could take the bus to school while she walked the three miles to the supermarket where she worked for barely minimum wage slicing lunchmeat at the deli counter. And she would always love her mom for making every Christmas and birthday growing up special with what little she had.
    Granted, Reba had gone back to school and earned an associate degree and her certification as a Registered Medical Transcriptionist while Roxy was in high school. She now made a decent living working for a busy, thriving oncology practice in Elkin’s Park and no longer needed to work two jobs to make ends meet. But still, Roxy felt she worked too hard and deserved occasional pampering. Maybe I’ll treat Mommy to a manicure and pedicure.
    Roxy set the dishtowel down on the miniature countertop as she jogged the short distance to the door. “Hi Mommy,” she beamed as she pulled her mother in for a big hug.
    “Hi baby,” Reba laughed as she returned the hug, kissing Roxy’s cheek. “Did you miss me?”
    Roxy threw her head back and laughed. They had just gone to church and dinner on Sunday. “Of course I missed you, my favorite mother in the whole wide world,” she teased as she led her mom over to the lumpy futon.
    Settling on one of the lumps, she clucked her tongue, reminding her daughter, “I’m your only mother.”
    “And you’re the best one, too,” she agreed before going back to the oven to take out the garlic bread to go with the spaghetti and meatballs.

    “Sweetie, you’ve been really quiet tonight.” Reba