I'll Love You Forever: The Love of a Good Woman, #3

By Momi Robins-Makaila

I'll Love You Forever: The third book in "The Love of a Good Woman" Series, after book 1, First Love, and book 2 Trusting Our Love. (Rebecca and Michael's journey continues…)

 

If you believe in second chances…

If you believe that love can conquer betrayal …

 

You'll love these sweet, provocative Christian romances.  

 

Destined by God to love one another since the day they were born, Rebecca and Michael's lives' take divergent paths until, at their twenty-year high school reunion, they find their way into each other's hearts.

 

The world does its best to tear them apart, but they fight back for the privilege of loving one another for the rest of their lives.

Their love story inspires another betrayed, nearly divorced woman, Roxanne Miranda to fight tooth and nail for hers.

 

Can Roxanne save her marriage?

Is the betrayal just too big to forgive?

 

Find out!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Momi Robins-Makaila
• Release date: Aug 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393220329

Momi Robins-Makaila

I was born and raised in Wai’anae, Oahu in Hawaii. I have more than 20 years of experience teaching public school as a middle school special education, autism and middle school math teacher in Hawaii (18 years) and in Chandler, Arizona (2 years). I graduated from The Kamehameha Schools in 1991. Yes, that long ago. (Smile) I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at West O’ahu, a Master’s degree in teaching with a focus in Special Education, from Gonzaga University, and a second Master’s degree in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Care from Grand Canyon University. I have a beautiful family and am thankful everyday for all of my blessings. Whether you're reading my memoir; self-help books; Christian Romances; Middle School Novels; magazines; engaging me on Facebook or Twitter; watching my videos on Youtube; or at one of my speaking venues, the goal is to take you on an enjoyable journey of discovery, relationship and personal growth.  Woven throughout the fanciful, entertaining journeys in my "coming-of-age" novels for Middle Grade and Young Adult audiences are lessons to inspire the understanding of ones self, perseverance, trust, faith, and overcoming obstacles in the face of fierce adversity.  You can find more about myself and my work at www.momirobins.com Thank you for your interest, support and time.

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 Momi Robins-Makaila.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the website address contact form.

Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.

Front cover image by Masina Sausi.

Printed in the United States of America. First printing edition 2020.

Momi Robins-Makaila

Momilani Enterprises

Kapolei, Hawaii, 96707

www.momirobins.com

For God and Family...

and for you, the reader of this book, I pray that my stories will entertain and inspire you to live your best life; the life God has destined for you.

Preface

IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, you want to love yourself, to have balance in your life, to experience real joy, to walk confidently with purpose; to know who you are and what you have is enough, and you want real love. You want reminders of the truth that love conquers all, no matter the obstacles.

Whether you're reading my memoir, Christian romances, or middle-grade novels, my goal is to take you on an enjoyable journey of discovery, relationship, and personal growth.

In my memoir, I hope that my willingness to be transparent and honest about real struggles empowers you, by the grace of God to embrace your own struggles with honesty and without fear. 

In my sweet and provocative Christian romance novels, the characters are relatable and interesting. You'll love and hate them; cry and laugh with them.

Woven throughout the fanciful, entertaining journeys in my 'coming-of-age' novels for middle grade and young adult audiences are lessons to inspire the understanding of one's self, perseverance, trust, faith, and overcoming obstacles in the face of fierce adversity. I hope you enjoy them. 

Sincerely, thank you for picking up my books and sharing this journey with me. If you'd like, please visit  www.momirobins.com and drop me a line.   Momi

Introduction

REBECCA AND MICHAEL’S journey from Trusting Our Love, book 2 of The Love of a Good Woman Series continues.

Destined by God to love one another since the day they were born, Rebecca and Michael’s lives’ take divergent paths until, at their twenty-year high school reunion, they find their way into each other’s hearts. 

The world does its best to tear them apart, but they fight back for the privilege of loving one another for the rest of their time on earth. 

What they didn’t know was that God intended more for them, a destiny that transcends life as we know it. 

Rebecca and Michael’s love story is not only theirs, but it’s also the same love story of those before and after, those who follow God’s path.

Chapter 1

Back to Before

THE FEW MONTHS THAT had passed since Michael's attack was an eternity. Countless nights and most mornings in the dark of her bedroom, Rebecca spent, bedside, on bended knees. Before the reunion, she was comfortable, then she took a chance on love, only to find herself alone and uncomfortable. Rebecca resented God for what felt like a sick joke, but eventually, the biting anger subsided.

Rebecca's practice of prayer—kneeled at the bedside, became regular, comforting, and helped begin to curb a lifelong habit of bobbing like a see-saw, tossed to and fro in the wind, the result of allowing spiritual immaturity to barricade destiny from her reach.

On this particular morning, the debilitating habit returned with a vengeance. The second Rebecca opened her eyes, the feeling of being on a seesaw bobbing up and down between believing and not erased the month's efforts in prayer.

Uh, huh, huh, huh, she sniffled, loosening a feeble whimper knowing full well the miserable day she could face if she didn't rebuke what was stewing inside. Rebecca ached to label the morning a good one, in spite of herself. God? she reached for a tissue on her nightstand. I love you. Thank you for our blessings, for protecting and keeping my family safe, and thank you for agreeing to continue keeping us under your wing. But, God, I can feel my will battling yours again. Her fists pounded into the mattress. My double-mindedness is killing me; it makes me feel defective. I've been working on trusting your will for my life, and I pray that I grow sensitive to what you want for me, but this morning, it is simply, just too damn hard! How the hell can I wake up with this feeling in my brain? she pounded her fists again. I had a dream about Michael. He was extending his hand to me, but even though I tried to grab on, I couldn't touch him, she sniffled and swiped a tear from the side of her face, trying to battle her way out of self-pity. I'm tired of being so weak. It's leaving me with nothing to give. I can't even comfort my own daughter. I need your help! she raised her voice. Emma got cut from the soccer team for which she wanted so desperately to be a part. She's devastated about that. Help her please.

Rebecca blew her nose in the tissue and stuffed it into the pocket of her pajamas, then swung her legs off the bed. The cold tiles prompted her toes to search for her house slippers, somewhere on the floor. I don't feel like praying, she mumbled as she bent her knees to engage in what felt like the 'thing-to-do.' Ahem, she cleared her throat, stretched her neck, right then left, and clenched her hands, as if following a scope and sequence. She interlaced her fingers and rested her head into the steeple of her hands. God, I feel defeated. I feel as if I am balancing on a tight rope. It seems like no matter how much I work, how much I do the right thing, how much I try to be good, I keep getting knocked down. I want to see the signs you send instead of being blinded by this world that seems to be getting worse by the minute. I'm tired of feeling sorry for myself, waking up defeated. You know because you see. I start my day already in a downward spiral. I know I'm fortunate God because you're always there to pick me up, dust me off, and carry me, but why do I always have to feel like I've hit rock bottom before I feel okay? Rebecca whimpered. Why can't things be simple? she waved her palms in the air as if the gesture would make it harder for God to ignore the tantrum.

Before Michael, everything about my life was fine. Now, I can't even be happy with what used to make me happy. I don't mean to be an ungrateful cry baby considering all the blessings I have. I am almost at a million dollars. That was a big goal. God, I'm talking net income, Rebecca interrupted her tantrum, loosening a faint chuckle. You know that has been one of my biggest goals, she rolled her eyes. I know you've got your hand on me, she wiped a lone tear trickling down her cheek. But, then I have these moments, these weak moments. I don't like being weak, she protested. Rebecca leaned her forehead onto the bed as she stared blankly into the white sheets. But then again, when I feel weak, I come to you, fingers crossed, head bowed. That's something to celebrate, right? she released an exaggerated sigh.

Rebecca lost focus when Michael's Facebook post popped up on her phone. She secretly stalked Michael through his Facebook page to make sure he was well. He seemed well. She laid the phone on her bed, faced down, and flipped the switch to vibrate. Sorry, God. I got distracted, a guilty smile stretched across her face.

These stupid issues of mine are nothing but unresolved remnants of my past experiences that I can't make right, fix, change. God, I feel as though my life is on a moratorium. Professionally, I'm operating in overdrive, but personally, I can barely move. Her mind flashed back to the day at the beach when that psycho attacked Michael. The next day he admitted Gerald did the hiring. In two months, the state of Hawaii sentenced Gerald to 3-years of probation and 1000 hours community service, every bit of it well-deserved, she condemned, but then everybody moves on. Everybody but me that is. Michael forgave him. Gerald is turning over a new leaf. But for me, I'm going backward. Michael was the one hurt, and he forgave, but I couldn't. It was because of that incident that idiot Gerald incited, that I lost Michael, Rebecca loosened a snarling grunt. Michael forgave him enough that he wrote a letter for leniency, but I can't let go! she raised her voice again. Gerald has let go of his need to control me. But, here I am, the idiot still stuck, three months later."

Frustrated, Rebecca threw her hands in the air. Even Amy and Kevin got back together and are in regular counseling, she continued with her conniption. Amy told me they were working on 'growing their passion,' she mocked. And here I am, fricking alone! Rebecca loosened a squeal.

Ok, ok. My tantrum is over. I'm going to stop complaining, Rebecca blew a deep breath. I'm gonna work on staying firm and not allowing myself to get tossed to and fro in the wind. I know you've been working in my life. These past few months have been good for the girls and Gerald, Amy, and Kevin, and I am thankful, but I want to be alright too. Now that everything is fine and I can actually start a new life, I have no one to start a life with, she grunted. Isn't that just a hoot, she threw a crooked smile. Rebecca snapped her arms up as if caught red-handed. Ok. Sorry, God. That was the last bit of my tantrum. No more whining, for today, she drawled. This Colorado trip will take my mind off of Michael, I hope. God, I'm going to need you to help me with that. Please let me focus on being a blessing for others. Please take care of my girls. Bless my mom, too, for always being there to take care of them when I can't. Oh, and my brother. Rebecca wriggled her finger. Don't forget him, please.

As she attempted to stand, her numbed knees forbade the movement. She wiggled her legs to incite blood flow to her knees and toes before hoisting herself to her feet. I guess I better get started with my day, huh? I've got a plane to catch. Thanks for listening, as always. Have a great day. I love you, God. Oh, and amen, she crossed her fingers over her heart.

Morning, smiled Rebecca when she reached the Barista at the drive-through window.

Hey, Rebecca, good morning. I didn't recognize your voice. You're even earlier than usual. Gosh, girl, she raised her eyebrows. You work too hard. If you're not here super early, then you're super late. You better slow down and take a breather, she wriggled her finger. Here you go. That will be $4.38. Rebecca handed the barista a debit card clutched in her first two fingers and simultaneously retrieved the iced coffee.

Well, you're working too hard then since you know how early and how late I come, Rebecca winked.

I guess you've got a point, she nodded.

Rebecca stared at the drink as a frown formed on her face. Why do I get this every morning? she asked herself as she sipped through the straw. I can't say I even enjoy this. Huh, she groaned.

As Rebecca pulled away from the drive-thru, she envisioned the moment when the arduous work it took to grow her business yielded the only result that meant anything of substance—to build a company that positively impacts her community.

I'm thankful for his company. A grateful sigh loosened from between her lips. Rebecca cautiously crossed the ramp onto the busy highway, the song playing on the radio, serving as a bridge into her inner thoughts.

When the song ended, Rebecca pretended she was giving a speech—honored for her achievements as a woman business owner and philanthropist. She snapped to attention. Yes, I have soaked myself into my work, developing an effective, easy-to-use academic and social skills curriculum for at-risk youth so that we can change the trajectory of their lives; improve their lives. She waved her palm, dismissively, as she waited for the pretend applause to stop; a humble smile stretched across her face. Oh, thank you, but this award is not necessary. This award should be given to God, for He is the giver of all good things. I am fortunate enough to receive the pay-off of changing children's lives (in Jesus' name). That I am a part, is reward enough, she gazed across the windshield as if hundreds of people were sitting in theatre seats watching her on stage.

Rebecca continued her daydream. Our School Tools individualized system of support centered around a social, emotional paradigm is now across Hawaii, California, Washington, and Colorado, and is growing by leaps and bounds. Our partnerships have inspired multiple private schools to copy our template because we are impactful. The experience of working with public and private institutions have gifted us with invaluable opportunities to continue to better outcomes. We have worked tirelessly to cultivate relationships with the administration and directors of the schools, districts, and state departments of education, providing support and expertise wherever and whenever it was needed, and it is paying off. When we first started in Colorado, we created an innovative academic, business, and financial plan for a new school. We were asked to consult on the design of an alternative school for emotionally disturbed youth—the vision of the school was to build resiliency and strengthen life skills in students who'd experienced traumatic life events. When we built that first brand-new school in Colorado, much was riding on that project. We had so much to learn. It all started from an empty shell of an expansive loft-like space—a blank canvas. We collaborated with the architects, engineers, technology team, and administration, creating one of the best institutions in America. The journey is just beginning. We will keep you all posted on our progress and welcome investment into future endeavors. Thank you for this honor! She shifted her head side to side, pretending a crowd of thousands hinged on her every word. Rebecca tapped the steering wheel, sheepishly giggling as she concluded her pretend performance.

This is my dream, doing good work helping children. And, it is okay to be wealthy, doing what I love, she affirmed. I can feel proud of that, as long as I give the glory to God. She raised her finger to heaven. I'm going to give that speech one day, she pressed her finger into the air.

Please let me be on time, she begged. Rebecca wriggled her fidgety fingers atop the steering wheel while the long line of cars in the airport parking lot inched forward. By the time she circled the 4th floor for the 2nd time, in search of a stall, the 30 minutes had weighed heavily on her patience. I can't miss my flight. I should have left half-hour earlier,