A Father For Zach Read Online Free PDF Page A

though, if all went well with the job he’d have ample opportunity to find some answers.
    No. Scratch that. There was no if about it. Everything would go well. He was done messing up his life. He might not be able to delete the dark chapters, but he was determined to fill the ones yet to be written with light and grace.
    And maybe, with God’s help, he could help a wary woman and a lonely little boy do the same.

Chapter Three
    “M y goodness! That’s amazing.”
    At Edith’s comment, Nathan swiveled in his seat, paintbrush in hand. His landlady was staring at the canvas on the easel he’d set up in her garden, just outside his rental cottage. Her lips were slightly parted in astonishment, the chocolate-chip cookies and glass of milk she was holding apparently forgotten.
    Feeling self-conscious, Nathan picked up a rag and wiped a smear of paint off his hand.
    “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don’t have any training.”
    “Who cares? You have talent. That’s even better.” She moved closer to examine the painting of a little boy on a beach, his head tipped back to the sun, arms lifted, his face the embodiment of joy and innocence and optimism.
    “I saw the pen-and-ink drawing you did of The Devon Rose as a wedding present for J.C. and Heather, but I had no idea you were such a talented painter.”
    Although the praise pleased him, Nathan felt uncomfortable. He’d had so little affirmation in his life, he had no idea how to respond. “I’m not that good.”
    “Baloney. I’m no artist, but I know a…”
    The half-moon gate to Edith’s backyard opened, and her neighbor, Kate MacDonald Cole, walked through.
    “Kate…come over here!” Edith called.
    Much to Nathan’s dismay, the red-haired charter-boat captain joined the group. He wasn’t used to an audience.
    “Look at this.” Edith gestured to his painting. “Is that amazing or what?”
    The younger woman moved closer to peruse the work in progress. When at last she transferred her attention to him, Nathan could tell by her expression that she was impressed.
    “I agree with Edith. Did you paint this here in the yard?”
    “No. I did most of it at Dionis Beach over the past couple of weeks. But it only needs a few more touches, so I decided to finish it up here.”
    “How long have you been painting?”
    “Not long. I didn’t have access to any good painting supplies in…until I came here. I did pencil sketches and pen-and-ink drawings.”
    Kate gave him a steady look. “You’re good enough to do this professionally.”
    Heat suffused Nathan’s neck. “I don’t think so.”
    “You listen to Kate, young man,” Edith chimed in. “Her late husband was a very successful artist. She knows talent when she sees it.”
    “I’ll tell you what…” Kate propped her hands on her hips and surveyed the painting. “Why don’t I mention you to the owner of the gallery where Mac sold his work? She’s always on the prowl for up-and-coming artists. That way,if you decide you want to market your work, she’ll already know your name.”
    “I don’t know…I’d planned to focus on carpentry and house-painting jobs for a while.” Those were the skills he’d learned in the prison program. The ones he was comfortable with. Painting had always been just a hobby, a way to pass the time. And to express the emotions locked in his heart.
    “Why in the world would you want to paint a house when you can do this?” Edith gestured toward the canvas.
    “To put food on the table?” Nathan flashed her a quick grin.
    Kate chuckled. “Good point. It’s not easy to make a living as an artist. But you’ll never know if you don’t try, as Mac used to say. How about I mention your name, and you take it from there? Or not. It’s the Blue Water Gallery on India Street. The owner is Monica Stevens.”
    “Okay. Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
    “Are the girls ready, Edith?” Kate asked.
    “Yes. They’re in the kitchen, taking the chocolate-chip cookies