Audra shrugged. “I haven’t asked. The house feels so empty without Rosie.”
“She hasn’t lived here for a year, but I understand. Something is missing.”
The men rejoined them, Robert looking a bit pale. Audra frowned at her father. “What did you do to the poor man?”
“Only what a good father does. Checking his intentions.”
“Daddy!”
After spending a week with the Schaeffers, Robert returned to Hollywood, and Audra tried to settle back into her life in Indianapolis. Mr. Clarion allowed her to return to her job but told her she’d have to wait for another case that would be appropriate for a woman to try. Audra tried to be content, but something important had disappeared from her life. Robert called a couple times a week, but that wasn’t the same as sharing a table with him. She missed looking into his eyes, reading his heart. After a few weeks, Daddy asked her to join him for a walk after dinner. They walked a couple of blocks toward a city park, a comfortable silence between them.
When they reached the park, he led her to a bench and they sat.
“What’s on your mind, Daddy?”
“You and your young man.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and swiped his forehead. “Indianapolis isn’t your home anymore.”
“Why would you say that?”
“You’ve been dutiful, doing everything as you always have, but you light up when that young man calls.” He shoved the handkerchief back in his pocket and turned to Audra. “Your mother and I are not thrilled that he’s been married and divorced. However, we’ve prayed about it and feel peace. You are a grown woman, and I know from watching you that you don’t easily give your heart away. If it is your desire, you have your mother’s and my permission to see what develops with Robert.”
“What if he asks me to marry him?”
“Then we trust you to say yes only after you’re certain you know God’s heart on the matter.” He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a lopsided hug. “You are my only remaining child, Audra. I don’t want to get in the way of what God may have for you. Robert seems like a good man. All we ask is that you know your heart before you proceed.”
“I will. I think I already do.”
He squeezed her hand. “I thought you’d say that.”
They made their way back to the house. A man waited on the front porch for them, a glass of water sitting next to him. He stood as soon as they turned up the walk to the house.
“Robert?” Audra froze, uncertain her eyes weren’t deceiving her.
He hurried down the steps and wrapped her in an embrace. She breathed deeply, the scent of his spicy cologne smelling wonderful.
Daddy cleared his throat, and Audra felt her cheeks flush. “Don’t forget our conversation.”
“Yes, sir.”
The screen door closed behind Daddy, and Robert pulled her to the chairs on the porch. “What was this conversation? Anything I should know?”
“First, what are you doing here?”
“I have a contract offer. It’s a seven-year contract with a studio, but before I sign it, I had to see you. Hollywood has been empty without you, Audra.” He ran his fingers over hers. “I miss you.”
“It’s been the same way here.” She smiled. “I got used to having you around.”
He tweaked her nose. “Having me around? Then come back to Hollywood.”
“I don’t know. What’s waiting there?”
“I am.” Robert’s expression was serious as he looked at her. “We have a future together, but not from across the country.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Remember Sam Mayer? He doesn’t offer jobs to just anyone. Besides, only God could have put the two of us together. A girl from Indiana and a boy from Arizona meeting in Hollywood. That has God written all over it.”
Audra looked down then took a breath and stared into the depths of Robert’s blue eyes. “The only way I’ll come is if it’s forever.”
He didn’t flinch from her gaze. “I will promise you forever, Audra.”
“You won’t regret not being with another star?”
“Not when I’m holding the one God created for me.” He slid to one knee in front of her. “I love you, Audra Schaeffer. You care deeply and are a beautiful woman, one I want to grow old with. Marry me and I will be blessed among men.”
She searched his eyes and found nothing but wells of love. Her heart soared in response. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Robert whooped and stood to his feet. He rushed down the stairs and into the street. “Audra Schaeffer’s agreed to marry me!”
He rushed back to her and swung her around, and she laughed with delight from the security of his arms.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Since the time she could read, award-winning author Cara Putman has wanted to write her own stories. In 2005, she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer, Colleen Coble. With prompting from Cara’s husband, she shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara has been writing books.
Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW and its conference committee. She served as the ACFW Publicity Officer for 2007-2008 and Membership Officer in 2009. She has also been the Indiana ACFW Chapter President and currently serves as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.
Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, and active in women’s ministry, and an all-around crazy woman--crazy about God, her husband, and her kids, that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and George Mason Law School. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com and www.carasmusings.blogspot.com.
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Stars in the Night Page 28