Building Trust by Kathleen Fuller

Author:Kathleen Fuller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2018-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 4

Vernon stared at the last rays of the sunset in front of him. His daughter’s words echoed in his mind, and he knew they were true. He hadn’t forgiven Joel. Not completely. But every time he thought about the past, he couldn’t let go of the bitterness. He’d kept his distance from Joel, and he wasn’t surprised he was a good worker. Better than Mahlon, he had to admit. But that didn’t mean he could be trusted with Grace’s heart. Being able to nail tar paper to a roof didn’t show a man’s true integrity.

“Here.” Ruby came up beside him and handed him a cup of coffee. Decaf, since he had to get to sleep soon. He took it and looked down at her, smiling his thanks.

“That was a quick conversation you had with Grace.”

“Were you eavesdropping too?” He rubbed the corner of his eyebrow.

“Of course not. But I’ll admit to peeking out the window a time or two.”

He chuckled and took a sip of the hot coffee. “I’m trying,” he said.

“I know you are. That’s all we can do, other than ask God for help.”

Something he hadn’t actually done. Since the bitter root had taken hold, he’d shut down communication with God. It felt empty, not talking to him, something he’d done every day of his life since he could remember. But anytime he started to pray, the words would dry up.

Charity poked her head out the back door. “Someone’s here to see you,” she said. “He’s waiting on the front porch.”

“Who is it—”

The door shut and Charity disappeared.

Vernon gripped the coffee cup before handing it back to Ruby. He was sure the visitor was Joel. The boy wouldn’t take no for an answer. He supposed deep down he appreciated his persistence, but right now he was more annoyed than anything.

When he rounded the corner, it wasn’t Joel standing on the front porch. It was Abner King, Joel’s uncle. What was he doing here? “Abner,” he said, keeping his tone steady. He stopped at the top of the steps, making it clear he didn’t want to invite the man in. “What brings you by?”

Abner came up the steps and stood in front of Vernon. He put his thumb underneath one of his suspender straps. “I wanted to talk to you for a few minutes.”

“About what?” Vernon put his hands in his pockets, resisting the urge to clench them.

“I think you already know.” He glanced over Vernon’s shoulder at the front door of the house, but Vernon didn’t move. Abner faced him. “Joel told me everything.”

“About what?” he repeated. He wasn’t about to give away any information.

Abner let out a curt laugh and leaned back on his heels. “Playing it near the vest, I see. I know you and I haven’t been close, but we’ve been cordial over the years. I’d like to think that wouldn’t change, seeing as we might become family soon.”

Not if I have anything to do with it. “Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“Ya, and I wanted to ask you a question.

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