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

just help me figure out what I’m supposed to do here, I’d be grateful. Real grateful .

    Rodney stared at the computer screen, the heels of his hands resting on the desk, fingers lightly touching the keyboard. Opening the e-mail program hadn’t been difficult, but clicking on the link that would open the mailbox named “Brad” was proving problematic. Every time he reached for the mouse, his chest tightened. He hadn’t looked at e-mails to and from his son since the day Brad died. But it seemed important that he do so now.
    It had been two days since Trevor Reynolds came to the ranch to talk to him and Penny, and in those two days the promise Brad had extracted from the singer had never been far from Rodney’s thoughts. His son had had the gift of discernment. He’d cared about and accepted people wherever he found them, then had drawn them closer to God by being a loving friend. Brad had sent Trevor to Kings Meadow out of love. Rodney understood that much.
    He clicked the mouse, looked at the long list of saved e-mails to and from his son—dating back to his first yearin college—and scrolled to the one he’d received soon after Brad moved to Nashville.
    Dear Dad,
    You’re not going to believe this. At least I can’t believe it. Not that it happened this fast, anyway. I got to audition for Trevor Reynolds, and he hired me. Maybe I’m that good or maybe it’s because Trevor and I have become friends through e-mail over the years or maybe it’s because I’m so inexperienced he can pay me less than he’d have to pay others. Whatever the reason, I’m now employed as a drummer in a band. We’ll be going out on the road in less than three weeks.
    Nashville’s been a little hard to get used to. It’s so big compared to Kings Meadow. Even compared to Boise. Everything moves faster too. But I’m going to like it. I’m sure of it.
    This would sound crazy to lots of people, but I know you’ll understand. I don’t think God brought me to Nashville just so I could play my drums, even though He delights in giving good gifts. I think I’m here to help Trevor in other ways. He doesn’t know Christ, first off, and from a few things he’s said I guess his dad was rough on him. Maybe even knocked him around when he was a kid. Anyway, they weren’t close like you and me, and I’ve got the feeling Trevor doesn’t care much for the idea of a heavenly Father because he never knew what a loving dad could be like. He’s a good guy, but he’s got a wounded spirit.
    Dad, please tell Penny how much I love her. We didn’tpart on the best of terms, but you already know that. Tell her I’m sorry I disappointed her but that this was what I had to do. I hope one day she’ll see that.
    Take care of yourself. I hope your back’s not giving you too much grief.
    Love you,
Brad
    Rodney drew a shaky breath and let it out slowly. He remembered reading this e-mail almost a year ago, but Brad’s words hadn’t made the impact on him then as they did now.
    Lord, help me honor my son’s last request. Thank You for sending Trevor to us. Help me know the right things to say and do while he is here in Kings Meadow. Holy Spirit, mend this young man’s heart.
    After taking another breath, he clicked on the next e-mail in the list and began to read again.

Brad
    2007
    O N THE FIRST NIGHT OF WINTER CHURCH CAMP , A fire burned bright in the lodge’s stone fireplace, but the heat from the flames didn’t reach all the way to where Brad sat, second row, left side of the room. Kids were there from six different churches, seventh graders up to seniors in high school. Brad’s first year at winter camp, he hadn’t mixed much with kids he didn’t know already. Instead he’d hung out with his best friends from Kings Meadow and been content to do so.
    But this year he’d come to the opening