Mystical Love Read Online Free Page B

didn’t care. She was his Muree, and he loved her. With a devotion so fierce it scared and overwhelmed him at times.
    Jasper strode down the aisle with a light whistle. She was the lighthouse beacon in the worst of his storms — a home away from lashing wind and rain. Reaching her side, he bent and planted a brief kiss on her lips. She gave a delightful laugh and made room for him in the pew.
    â€œWas that Agatha I heard leaving skid marks on our parking lot pavement again?”
    â€œWho else?”
    They both laughed in unison. Jasper pulled his collar free and stole a peek at Muriel’s face.
    â€œHow’s the headache?” he asked.
    â€œSubsided about an hour ago.” She returned his stare. “Yours?”
    â€œFinally subsiding.” His gaze found the pulpit stand. “Funny, though, I’m still having trouble concentrating. My energy is diffused and unfocused. It’s an odd feeling.” He swung his gaze back to Muriel. “I don’t ever remember feeling this way before.”
    Jasper heard her sigh as she turned her gaze to the colored windows opposite them.
    â€œWe’ve shared a lot of things the last fifty-five years, Jasper, but I don’t remember us ever sharing a headache.” Her gaze found him again. “Strange as it is, I don’t sense any negative vibrations, do you?”
    Jasper shook his head.
    â€œNo, I don’t sense fear of any kind.”
    Muriel took his hand and squeezed it lightly.
    â€œI called Dr. Wharton. Asked if it was possible the headache is an unexpected side effect of my stroke. He was adamant in his denial.”
    Jasper grasped the fingers entwined over his.
    â€œCalled you a damn fool, no doubt. Probably even told you to take two aspirins and call him in the morning.”
    Her bright laugh reverberated through the stillness, pleasing him. He loved the sound of Muree’s laughter. It was warm and enchanting.
    â€œIndeed. Exactly so,” she bantered. They broke into another bout of laughter and then fell silent. Jasper was the first to share his thoughts.
    â€œWe can cancel the trip, Muree, if you’re not up to it.”
    She swung around, her gaze challenging his.
    â€œCancel? Whatever for? You know we’ve both been anxiously awaiting this trip.”
    Jasper swung his gaze away and, like her before him, studied the full stained glass etching of the Virgin Mary.
    â€œPerhaps it’s too soon for you to travel after your illness. Sometimes headaches are warning signs.”
    â€œJasper Grisomb!” He heard the censure in her voice and flushed. “I have spent the last six months climbing up and down Chrysler Hill. You never once objected to that. Almost shoved me out the church door yourself. And now you’re worrying that I’m not well enough to ride for a couple of hours in an airplane?” She gave a sharp sniff. “This is really too aggravating of you! You know how I hate being coddled and fussed over. I wouldn’t let the children do it in the hospital, and I certainly won’t let you do it to me now!”
    â€œHold on, Muree, no need to get so lathered up.” Jasper cautioned, “I only meant it’s your first big trip since the stroke … “ He broke off, touching his forehead again. “Actually, it isn’t you I’m worried about at all. It’s not being able to see whether we should go. I’ve always been able to tap in and get some sense of what might happen. I’m totally baffled. And if the truth be known, it unhinges me not to be in control.”
    He felt a gentle touch on his brow, felt warm fingers probing gently, brushing through his scruffy locks.
    â€œThat smacks of vainglorious pride, my dear.”
    â€œIndeed, it certainly does. Right up my alley, to my way of thinking.”
    They laughed simultaneously and then, patting his hand, Muriel signaled for him to rise. He stood, extricating himself from the