MICHAEL WEST'S JOURNEY FROM TORMENT TO TRIUMPH

A WISH

For the first time since his ill- fated marriage to Clara, Michael allowed himself to contemplate the possibility of love again. Not the poisonous, codependent variety he'd endured for times but commodity pure, passionate, erected on a bedrock of collective respect and admiration. As if his studies had summoned her, Isabella appeared in the doorway, radiant in a simple white sheath that hugged her lithe figure. Michael felt his breath catch in his throat as he took in her ethereal beauty. " There you are," she said with a warm smile." I was hoping we could go for a perambulation through the auditoriums . Unless you are too busy?" Michael snappily set aside the ancient book he'd been studying, eager to soak up every spare moment with this inconceivable woman. " Not at each," he assured her, crossing the room to offer his arm in an unmanly gesture.

“Lead the way, my lady." Isabella felt a shiver of delight chime through her at the stately endearment. With a coy smile, she accepted his p