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  Andy choked back his emotion and nodded. “Thank you.”

  Andy helped Mrs. Nelson down the stairs and continued to hold on to her arm as they made their way back to her house.

  “It was a marvelous day,” Estella said, looking up at the night sky. “You’ve given this old woman a precious gift, I hope you know.”

  Andy looked at her oddly. He’d given her nothing—in fact, he’d felt quite remiss for not at least wrapping up something of his mother’s to offer her for Christmas.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “I mean you gave of yourself, Andy. You gave your time and your heart. For years I begged God for a child, a son. It was like a thorn in my flesh that I could never have children.” She paused as they reached her house. “I know you belong to others, but in a small way, I feel God has given you to me.”

  Andy felt a warmth spread over him. “I feel the same way. I wasn’t ready to be without a mother. God knew that and sent you into my life.”

  Estella’s eyes filled with tears. “I’d like very much to be there for you in whatever way you need me, Andy.” She paused and seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say next. “Andy, I don’t know how you might feel about this, but I’d like to make a proposition.”

  “Go ahead. You have my complete attention.” She’d stirred his curiosity.

  “I have this big old house all to myself—and there is a war on, don’tcha know.” She smiled and gently squeezed his arm. “I’d like you to come here and share my home—if you’re of a mind to do so. I’d like to cook and clean for you, to take care of you . . . until you convince that sweet Mary Beth that it’s her job to do so.”

  “Mary Beth?” Andy asked uncomfortably. “Why, she’s just a friend.” He didn’t sound convincing even to himself.

  Estella looked up at him and smiled. “That remains to be seen. Either way, would you at least think about my proposal?”

  Andy thought of the loneliness he felt each time he stepped through the doors of his parents’ house. Someday he might not feel that way. Someday it might make a good home for his own family. He smiled and thought of Estella’s comment. It might make a good home with Mary Beth. But right now the gift Mrs. Nelson offered him was exactly what he needed.

  “I’d like very much to move in with you. I’d like to know that there’s someone waiting for me at the end of the day. Someone who loves me . . . someone I love.”

  Estella reached out to him. “Oh, Andy. Only God loves you more than I do.”

  Andy hugged her close. Thank you, God. Thank you for the gift of this woman’s friendship and love.

  Estella pulled back and dabbed at her eyes. They stood in the cold night air, the darkness enveloping them like an embrace. “Look at the stars, Andy. So many—so crisp and clear—almost as if you could reach out and touch them.”

  “Like the stars you said the congregation put on the Christmas tree at church. It’s like each one is a memorial to those who’ve sacrificed their lives,” Andy murmured.

  “What a wonderful thought, Andy. It is indeed like that,” Estella replied. “And how appropriate. When Jesus came into this world, a star appeared in the skies in His honor.”

  Andy shook his head. “I’m not sure I understand.”

  Estella smiled. “Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. A star marked His arrival. The wise men went to find Him, led only by that star and God’s hand. Now we look to the skies and remember those who’ve fought in this war—who’ve given their lives that others might live in peace and freedom. It just seems a special way to remember them and to remember what God has given us.”

  Andy put his arm around Mrs. Nelson and looked back up at the silent stars. No blue, no gold—just the wonder of God’s handiwork and the precious reminder of His selfless love—a love that made life worth living.

  TRACIE PETERSON is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 80 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.

  Visit Tracie’s Web site at: www.traciepeterson.com

  Books by Tracie Peterson

  www.traciepeterson.com

  House of Secrets • A Slender Thread • Where My Heart

  Belongs

  LAND OF THE LONE STAR

  Chasing the Sun • Touching the Sky

  Taming the Wind

  BRIDAL VEIL ISLAND*

  To Have and To Hold • To Love and Cherish

  To Honor and Trust

  SONG OF ALASKA

  Dawn’s Prelude • Morning’s Refrain • Twilight’s Serenade

  STRIKING A MATCH

  Embers of Love • Hearts Aglow • Hope Rekindled

  ALASKAN QUEST

  Summer of the Midnight Sun

  Under the Northern Lights • Whispers of Winter

  Alaskan Quest (3 in 1)

  BRIDES OF GALLATIN COUNTY

  A Promise to Believe In • A Love to Last Forever

  A Dream to Call My Own

  THE BROADMOOR LEGACY*

  A Daughter’s Inheritance • An Unexpected Love

  A Surrendered Heart

  BELLS OF LOWELL*

  Daughter of the Loom • A Fragile Design • These Tangled Threads

  LIGHTS OF LOWELL*

  A Tapestry of Hope • A Love Woven True • The Pattern of Her

  Heart

  DESERT ROSES

  Shadows of the Canyon • Across the Years • Beneath a Harvest Sky

  HEIRS OF MONTANA

  Land of My Heart • The Coming Storm

  To Dream Anew • The Hope Within

  LADIES OF LIBERTY

  A Lady of Secret Devotion

  A Lady of High Regard • A Lady of Hidden Intent

  RIBBONS OF STEEL**

  Distant Dreams • A Hope Beyond • A Promise for Tomorrow

  RIBBONS WEST**

  Westward the Dream • Separate Roads

  WESTWARD CHRONICLES

  A Shelter of Hope • Hidden in a Whisper • A Veiled Reflection

  YUKON QUEST

  Treasures of the North • Ashes and Ice • Rivers of Gold

  * with Judith Miller ** with Judith Pella