Steps to the Altar (40 page)

The outside door opened and Daddy stuck his head in. “Dove, we need to get out to the front of the church now. It’s time.”

The sound of the organ thrummed through the office walls. I could just make out the melody—“We’ve Only Just Begun.” Dove had always loved the Carpenters.

“One last time,” I said. “How do you feel about Isaac?”

She looked directly into my eyes. “He pure out gladdens my heart.”

I squeezed her hand gently. “Then it’s time, Gramma.”

For a moment, her pale blue eyes widened and she grasped my hand so tightly I almost winced. “Don’t leave me.”

“Not a chance,” I said, leading her to the door toward my father. “Not until I deliver you safely into the arms of the one who loves you.”

“And then?” she asked, her voice reedy with panic.

“Then I’ll stick around to make sure he’s treating you right. Just like you always have me.”

With that, she let go of my hand, straightened her spine, and stepped over the threshold, the old Dove restored. “Then let’s get this marriage on the road.”

A Berkley Prime Crime Hardcover

0-425-19597-X

National bestselling author

EARLENE FOWLER

Sunshine and Shadow

Spirited ex-cowgirl, quilter, and folk-art expert Benni Harper is investigating the connection between her favorite author, the murder of a family friend, and a crazy quilt.

When she starts receiving strange phone calls and anonymous letters telling her she’ll be the next victim, Benni’s interest in the case becomes even more urgent.

“BEGUILING...INGENIOUS.”
—
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(STARRED REVIEW)

“WARMHEARTED.”—
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Berkley Prime Crime Books by Earlene Fowler

THE SADDLEMAKER’S WIFE

The Benni Harper Mysteries

FOOL’S PUZZLE
IRISH CHAIN
KANSAS TROUBLES
GOOSE IN THE POND
DOVE IN THE WINDOW
MARINER’S COMPASS
SEVEN SISTERS
ARKANSAS TRAVELER
STEPS TO THE ALTAR
SUNSHINE AND SHADOW
BROKEN DISHES
DELECTABLE MOUNTAINS
TUMBLING BLOCKS