The Game She Hates (A Healing Kind of Love #1)

by Ella Marie

When I step through the doorway, my heart actually stops. There she is—the mysterious woman from the coffee shop—

The audacity of this guy!

That’s why I mentioned the referral today, even though I’m not exactly enthusiastic about counseling. But if it means she’ll think about me, even just a little, I’ll keep that thread going.

I’ve taken Pearl’s advice to heart and dressed in gray sweats, hoping to blend in and avoid her labeling me a robber—unless, of course, it’s her heart that I’m stealing.

With that thought lingering, a bell rings, and when I turn my head, I see her—the one person who’s unknowingly turned me into a stalker.

😂🤦‍♀️

From where I’m standing, I can discreetly keep my eyes on Pearl. I’m trying not to make it too obvious, but I’ve never encountered anyone quite like her. If kindness had a face, it would look like hers.

“Why is that your guess?” “The way you carry yourself. You’re kind, and it’s like you can’t frown. Even when you do, it’s another one of your adorable expressions. And you care about people. That’s why I call you Sweet P,” he says, and at the mention of “adorable expressions” and the nickname he gave me, my heart quickens.

“Hockey is my identity, and so far, it hasn’t steered me wrong. It’s what everyone knows me by, and it’s the only place I feel like I belong.” “That’s not true.” Pearl’s voice trails off as she walks toward the living room. “I don’t know you as a hockey player. I know you as the stalker at Randy’s café,” she says laughing at her own joke.

😜

I need a husband who is a spiritual leader and who understands the profound sacrifice You made on Calvary. Please guide me to this person.”

Amen, girl… ❤️

Tonight, I’ll say the prayer. I’ll ask Jesus to come into my life. I need to finally know what it’s like to have a good Father.

Did you and Zane just have a moment? I mean, moments? Every time he scored, he basically dedicated the goal to you.” A smirk is playing at the corners of her lips as she calls me out.

as someone who’s not known for having a tiny waist, I’ve spent far too long wishing I looked like Kate, Robyn, or any of these thin bridesmaids. It’s why I’ve always gravitated toward loose clothing, and the thought of wearing the tight teal dress for the wedding in a couple of weeks makes me anxious. The moment I tried it on, instead of feeling beautiful, I felt self-conscious. Oh, how I wish I could imprint the words of Psalm 139:14—‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made’—in my heart and mind forever.

🙌❤️

God, I never thought to ask for love because I never believed in it until now. But if there’s still time to make such requests, and if I could have my pick, it’d be sweet Pearl I’d want to walk down the aisle with.

🥹❤️

I’ve never seen him more attractive. Jealous Zane, well, where have you been all my life?

Romans 12:18,” Tyler spits out a verse. “Do you always have one of those ready to serve?” I jab him from behind. “You’d be surprised how much of the Bible you retain if you make it a priority to read it every day. And with my kids, we memorize verses together. It’s become a big part of my life.”

I love this… ☺️❤️

May the trials in my life draw me closer to Jesus, not drive me further away. Help me to fully trust you again, Lord.

Trusting Him doesn’t mean understanding everything, but standing by Him even when we don’t understand our circumstances.”