Emerald of Wisdom — Ann M. Pratley

When Mitchell Stonewarden lost his wife to cancer more than a decade ago, he vowed never to give his heart to anyone else. With all of his children now adults and a new generation of Stonewardens having already begun, he's finally started to wonder - does he really want to be alone for the rest of his life? The handover of the family business to his oldest son, Vic, has seemed to be free of difficulty or issues - but has it? Mitchell knows little of his oldest son's private life away from the family. He's surprised by what is brought to his attention that he had no idea about.While Mitchell finally starts to consider moving on into a new chapter of his life, another of his sons - Max - is on his own path of discovery in life and in love. Previously well-known as 'Romeo' to his family and peers, he begins to wonder if Christy - a surprising addition to his life - has become more important to him than any other young woman he's ever met. When her work at a homeless shelter tests the boundaries of her safety, Max's commitment to her is tested. As always, he wonders if he will, indeed, end up hurting her.Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the Leadbetter family is shattered by an unexpected turn of events that leaves Stacey wondering if she is going to lose the man she's loved for more than three decades. Mark Leadbetter has been her lover, the father of her children, and an incredible husband that she's leaned on through the good and the bad. They brought five children into the world. They've already buried one. The thought of Mark not being in her life anymore is almost more than she can bear. Is she destined to be left alone without him by her side? If so, how could she possibly cope?