Tides of Truth [03] Greater Love by Robert Whitlow Read Free Book Online

Mays.”
    “Who?”
    “The young lawyer with the motorcycle and ponytail.”
    Flip opened his mouth in a wide yawn.
    “Yes, yes. I think I remember him.” Mrs. Fairmont rubbed her temples. “But make sure you remind me if I meet him again. Sam wouldn’t let me set up a doggie trust. He didn’t think it necessary. What if Flip gets sick and has a big veterinarian bill or has to have a surgery? Who’ll pay for that? Christine thinks he’s a nuisance.”
    “You’ll outlive—,” I started then stopped. The Chihuahua was eight years old and might live another ten years. Each day could be Mrs. Fairmont’s last. “But whatever happens, I’ll take care of him and always ask myself what you would want to do for him.”
    Mrs. Fairmont’s eyes watered.
    “You’ll never know how much that means to me.” She waved her hand at the room. “I’m surrounded by all this, but it doesn’t mean a thing if no one loves you.”
    “That’s true.”
    Mrs. Fairmont blinked her eyes and stared at me. “Did you know I love you?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    I leaned over and placed my smooth right hand on her wrinkled, gnarled one.
    “I told Gracie the same thing.” Mrs. Fairmont touched her heart.
    “She’s worked for me almost thirty years. It was about time I let her know how much I cared for her.”
    “I’m sure that meant a lot to her. She loves you, too.”
    “She cried like a baby and told me I was like a second mother to her.” The elderly woman lowered her voice. “And I made arrangements with Sam to give something special to Gracie when I’m gone. He didn’t try to talk me out of that one.”
    “But there’s no substitute for words spoken now.”
    “That’s right. You’re young, but you’ve taught me a lot.” Mrs. Fairmont dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “Do you remember helping me write out a prayer list?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Some days I fall asleep before I get through it or forget why a name is on there. But it’s made me believe there’s a reason why I’m still here. I’ve been reading the Bible, too. Will you get it for me? It’s in the den.”
    I left the parlor and went down a short hallway. The den was a combination study-library with wood-paneled walls, comfortable leather furniture, bookshelves, and a TV. Mrs. Fairmont spent a lot of time in the den, often asleep with the TV blaring and Flip curled up at her feet. Her Bible was on a narrow wooden stand beside her favorite chair. I returned to the parlor and handed it to her. It was a blessing seeing the book in her hands.
    “I’ve heard this passage read for years at weddings,” she said, putting her finger on a bookmark and opening the Bible.
    I leaned forward. She was looking at 1 Corinthians 13.
    “It talks about faith, hope, and love,” she continued. “Have you read it recently?”
    I’d memorized the chapter but simply nodded.
    “My idea of love was too small,” Mrs. Fairmont continued, then began reading in her soft coastal accent: “‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’”
    Mrs. Fairmont looked up from the page. “God’s idea of love is greater than mine. When I tell you and Gracie that I love you, my love should include everything I read. Isn’t that one of the most amazing things you’ve ever heard?”
    To hear a woman in her mid-eighties lost in the wonder of newly discovered truth was amazing in itself.
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Mrs. Fairmont closed the Bible. “I’ve put ‘Greater Love’ on the top of my prayer list. I’m praying it for myself and everyone else I know. Do you think that means being so unselfish that you’re willing to die for someone else?”
    She yawned before I answered.
    “When I get tired