Read Online Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher - Free Book Online

his head, Trevor strode toward the exit.

    Before entering the fellowship hall, Rodney paused to look behind him. Something stirred inside his chest as he watchedTrevor leave the church. Because his son had liked the singer so much, he was prepared to like him too.
    Help me care for him as You care for him, Lord. Show me all the reasons You brought him to us. Help me honor my son’s friendship with him.
    He released a breath and continued through the entry door. A quick sweep of his gaze located the candy booth, and he set off in that direction. He hoped he wasn’t too late for some of Edna Franklin’s fudge. His disappointment would be acute if he was.
    He’d almost reached the booth when his daughter moved into his path, forcing him to stop. “Dad, you know the doctor said you need to cut back on sweets.”
    â€œCut back, not cut out altogether. There are limits, dear girl, to what I’m willing to give up this side of heaven.”
    â€œDad . . .”
    He frowned. “I’m not in my dotage, Penny. Please don’t treat me as if I am. And I don’t need you to act like my mother either.” The look in her eyes said he’d hurt her feelings, and he regretted his words, even though he’d spoken the truth. “Sorry, honey, but I can still think for myself.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, hoping the gesture might soften his added comment.
    I know , she mouthed as he stepped back again. Then she gave him a fleeting smile before walking away.
    His daughter was worried about him. And not just about him. Penny seemed to worry about everything. She tried her best to command the events around her, fighting hard tonever lose control. Rodney had seen signs of the trait after the death of her mother, but it had worsened in recent years. And after Brad died . . .
    He gave his head a shake, driving off the thought. If he wasn’t careful, he would find himself doing exactly what Penny did. Instead of worrying, he chose to say another silent prayer, this one for his daughter, asking God to heal her heart.
    â€œMerry Christmas, Rodney.”
    He looked to his right and watched Joe Dodson, the contractor he’d worked for off and on for many years, close the final steps between them. “Same to you, Joe. Haven’t seen you around much. How are you?”
    â€œGood, thanks. And you?” The man’s eyes said it was more than a casual question, more than an inquiry about the state of his health.
    â€œI’m all right, Joe. Some days are better than others, but I’m doing all right.”
    â€œGlad to hear it.” Joe looked away at the sound of someone calling his name. “Looks like Sue’s done shopping.” His gaze returned to Rodney. “I’m wrapping up a job down in Boise. When it’s done, I’ll give you a call.”
    Rodney nodded before his friend hurried after his wife. Then, resolute, he faced the candy booth once again. It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without at least one square of Edna’s fudge, and he sure hoped he wasn’t too late to get it.

    Hours later, Penny dropped onto a folding chair, exhausted. “Over for another year,” she said to herself, then groaned.
    â€œEverything ran like clockwork, Penny.” Janet Dunn sat on another folding chair nearby. “You have amazing organizational skills.”
    â€œMust be the librarian in me.” Penny was too tired to laugh at her own comment.
    â€œYou could be right about that.” Janet looked toward the opposite end of the fellowship hall. A tender smile curved her mouth and her face shone with love.
    Penny didn’t have to look to know the cause. The Reverend Tom Butler and Janet—both of them in their forties and never married—had recently become engaged. About time too . They had been dating for around two years, and anybody with eyes had known, long before this, that they belonged