Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher Page A

let me, I’d like to help with at least one of the feedings every day. On my days off, I could do more than one.”
    It was on the tip of Rodney’s tongue to refuse. But another spasm jabbed his back and he thought better of turning down the offer. As much as he would like to pretend he was a young man with a strong constitution, he could use the help. And if the two of them were to be of help to each other, what better way than spending more time together? “Sure,” he answered at last. “I’d be grateful for your help. Like the old saying goes, many hands make light work.”
    â€œWhat time would you like me to come over?”
    â€œPenny helps in the morning before she goes to work. Why don’t you come at one?”
    â€œOne it is. I’ll be there.”

    At the sound of the back door closing, Penny looked up from her knitting, surprised when she saw the time.
    â€œDad?”
    â€œYes, it’s me.” He appeared in the living room doorway.
    She put the needles and yarn into a nearby basket to protect them from Tux, who delighted in unraveling unguarded knitting projects. “I didn’t realize how late it is. How was your Bible study?”
    â€œGood. But it’s always good.” He entered the living room and sank onto his recliner with a deep sigh. “Always good to be home too.”
    Did he look more tired than usual? “Can I get you anything?”
    â€œNo. I’m fine. But not sure I’ll manage to stay awake for the news. It’s been a long day.”
    He was more tired than usual. “Dad, now that I’m back to work, why don’t you feed the cows just once a day? Or even twice a day.”
    â€œI’ve told you why.” He shook his head. “I’ll go back to a single evening feed for calving season, but for now I want to stick with three times a day.”
    â€œBut it’s so much extra work for you.”
    Her dad’s expression changed from tired to exasperated. “Pen . . .”
    She raised her hands in defeat. “Okay. I won’t say anything more about it.”
    â€œYou know what I could really use?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œTo see you having a little bit of fun. You should spend your free time with others your own age. Accept some of those invitations you get from your girlfriends. Go to a dance or a movie or just out to eat. You don’t need to sit around with your old dad all the time.”
    â€œI like spending time with my old dad.”
    He leaned toward her, resting his forearms on his thighs. “Penny, you should get to be young while you are young.”
    Go out. Have fun. Meet a nice man. Go on a date. Fall in love. Get married. Have babies. She heard all of that in her dad’s simple comment. But it felt wrong that she had those options when her brother could never do any of them. Rationally, she knew it wasn’t wrong to want those things. But she couldn’t reason away the feelings. They were inside of her, tangled up with grief and guilt.
    With another sigh, her dad rose from his chair. “I think I’ll call it a night after all.” He stepped over to the sofa, leaned down, and kissed the top of her head. “Good night, Pen. I love you.”
    â€œI love you too, Dad. Sleep well.”
    She listened as he climbed the stairs to his bedroom. After his door closed behind him, she considered retrieving her knitting once again, then decided against it. She suddenly felt as tired as her dad had looked.

Chapter 8
    P ENNY LEANED FORWARD FOR A BETTER VIEW OF the computer screen. “There,” she told Bill Carter, seated at the keyboard. “Click on that button.”
    â€œThat’s why I couldn’t figure it out.” He chuckled. “It was too easy. Thanks for your help.”
    â€œNo problem.” She straightened and turned away.
    The library seemed extra quiet today. Karli Hellman was off on Fridays, Tara Welch was busy