A Miracle for the Flirtatious K-9 Handler (Love in Sweet Bloom #10)

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

Sunlight filtered through the intricate stained glass windows, sending colorful patterns dancing across Paul’s face. The warm glow illuminated his features as he hesitantly stepped into the quaint wooden church. It had been months since he last attended a service, but Sheriff Matthew Hart’s invitation pulled at his heartstrings and nudged him toward the towering doors. As he gazed around the simple interior, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of comfort take hold.

“Paul, I’m glad you made it,” Sheriff Hart exclaimed with a wide grin as he patted him on the back. “Come on, let’s find a seat.”

“Thanks for inviting me, Sheriff,” Paul replied, trying to sound more at ease than he felt. They settled down in a pew next to Dr. Linda Morison, the sheriff’s wife. She gave Paul a friendly nod, her reddish-brown curls bobbing slightly.

“Nice to see you here, Paul,” she whispered just as the piano music swelled.

Paul stood with the rest of the congregation as they sang in unison. The music filled his soul, and he closed his eyes, allowing the words to wash over him. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt such a sense of peace and connection.

After finishing a series of three songs, the pastor, a wise and weathered man with gray hair and a matching beard, stepped up to the pulpit, his presence commanding the attention of the congregation. The room fell silent as he began his sermon, his voice strong and unwavering as he spoke of placing trust in God rather than solely relying on oneself. Paul sat in the pew, captivated by the words that seemed to echo inside his soul, igniting a sense of understanding in him. As the pastor continued to speak, his words became like a soothing balm for Paul’s restless mind and troubled heart. He couldn’t help but reflect on his own life. He had always been so focused on proving himself, working hard to become the best K-9 handler for the New Orleans Police Department, then getting a spot at the Disaster City Search and Rescue Academy, and finally being the first K-9 handler for the Sweet Bloom sheriff department. But he realized maybe he needed to put more trust in God, too, and figure out what exactly He wanted for Paul’s life.

“Remember, my friends,” the pastor said, eyes sweeping across the congregation, “even when we are strong and capable, we must never forget to lean on the Lord and trust in His guidance.”

The atmosphere was filled with a quiet reverence as the message sank into the hearts of all those listening.

“Let us pray,” the pastor concluded, and the congregation bowed their heads. Paul closed his eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly connected to something greater than himself.

“Thank you, Pastor Petrie,” Sheriff Hart said as they rose from their seats. “That was truly inspiring.”

“Always a pleasure, Matt,” the pastor replied with a warm smile. “And it’s wonderful to see some new faces here today.”

“Indeed,” Dr. Linda Morison added, her hazel eyes glancing over at Paul. “I think we could all use a little reminder to trust in God now and then.”

“I’m glad I came,” Paul admitted.

“You know,” the pastor said thoughtfully, “if you ever need anything or just want to talk…I’m here.”

“I appreciate that,” Paul said, sincerity coloring his tone.

“And if you’re up for it,” Sheriff Hart added with a mischievous grin, “I could use a hand coaching the youth soccer team this spring. Lord knows I don’t have your energy.”

Paul chuckled. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that. It sounds like fun.”

Just as the congregation dispersed with warm smiles and light hearts, a thunderous crash echoed from the back of the church. Murmurs and gasps swept through the crowd as everyone turned toward the source of the noise. One of the elderly church members had fallen and was lying on the ground.

Paul sprang into action, instincts honed by his search and rescue training kicking in. Dodging around pews and stepping over scattered hymnals, he moved toward the elderly members of the congregation, who looked bewildered and scared.

“Sir, let me help you,” Paul said gently to Mr. Jenkins, an elderly man with shaking hands. Carefully, he checked him for injuries while Sheriff Hart joined him. Once they were sure he was okay, they helped him up and guided him over to a nearby pew.

Linda and Shelby were next to him in short order, both hopping into doctor mode as they continued to examine Mr. Jenkins to find out why he fell.

“It was nothing, nothing,” Mr. Jenkins assured them. “I just tripped on the edge of a pew.”

Paul noticed little Riley Hart standing near her father, her blue eyes wide with shock but unshed tears, showing her attempt at bravery. He kneeled beside her and offered a reassuring smile. “It’s quite an adventure today, huh? But your dad and stepmom’s handling everything really well.”

Riley nodded vigorously and returned his smile. “Yeah, Daddy’s super good at fixing things. So is my new mommy.”

“Thanks for talking to her while I was busy,” Sheriff Hart told Paul with a grateful smile.

“No problem,” Paul nodded just as an ambulance arrived, siren wails mixing with the still-ringing church bells.

With a sigh of relief, Paul stood up and looked around. He caught sight of a familiar figure just a few feet away. Emily was watching the whole thing with a concerned look on her face, her delicate hands clasped in front of her. He hadn’t known she attended church, but it was a welcome surprise.

There was something about her—the way her brown hair framed her face, the kindness in her green eyes—that drew him in. Going against his natural tendencies, Paul felt a powerful urge to get to know her better.

“Hey, Phillips, I didn’t know Emily came here,” Paul mentioned, nodding in her direction.

“She sure does,” Phillips confirmed with a grin. “Emily’s been coming here for years. She’s actually pretty good friends with my girlfriend, Christie.”

“Interesting,” Paul mused under his breath.

“Planning on striking up a conversation?” Phillips teased. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you looked at her at work when she wasn’t paying attention.”

“You must be mistaken,” Paul corrected. “We’re just coworkers, the same as everyone at the office.”

“Good, because you already made the mistake of dating Laura, and you don’t want to double down on that by making it a habit of going through the females at the office.”

Paul nodded. “Got it.”

“Good, Evans. Tell you what, why don’t you come with us to Lucy’s for lunch,” Phillips offered as his girlfriend joined them.

“Sounds good. I appreciate the invite,” Paul agreed, forcing a smile.

“Great. Let’s head over,” Phillips said, leading the way toward the exit of the church.

As they entered the diner, Lucy Belmont greeted them with her warm southern drawl. “Well, hello there, y’all. Come on in and grab a table.”

“Thanks, Lucy,” Phillips replied, guiding his girlfriend to a booth near the window.

Paul slid into the seat across from the couple and glanced around, hoping to catch another glimpse of Emily. But unfortunately, she didn’t come in with the group.

Christie noticed his distracted gaze and teased, “Looking for someone?”

“Just observing,” Paul responded, trying to sound nonchalant.

“The food here is the best around,” Christie assured him, switching the subject. “Lucy’s pies are almost as famous as her hospitality.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Paul said, offering a smile.

Phillips handed Paul a menu. “Try the barbecue pork sandwich; it’s my favorite. And don’t skip on the sweet potato fries.”

Paul nodded, appreciating the recommendation. As he scanned the menu, Sheriff Hart and Linda walked in with little Riley in tow and sat at a table next to them.

“So, how’s the new job treating you?” Christie asked Paul, bringing his attention back to their table.

“It’s been great,” Paul replied. “The first week has been intense but rewarding. I’m learning a lot.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Christie said genuinely. “I hear your K-9 partner is amazing.”

“Maddox sure is. I couldn’t do the job without him.” Paul smiled, thinking about how much their lives had changed since joining the sheriff’s department.

Lucy came over and brought their drinks, then took their orders. At that moment, Emily walked into the diner. She paused at the entrance, looking around until her eyes met Paul’s. For a second or two, it seemed like time stood still between them.

“Hey, Emily,” Christie called out cheerfully, waving her over to their table.

Emily smiled slightly and walked over.

Phillips nudged Paul subtly under the table as Emily approached—his way of signaling to be nice. Paul rolled his eyes discreetly but prepared a friendly greeting.

“Hi, Emily,” Paul started as she reached their table. “Glad to see you made it.”

“Hi everyone,” Emily responded with a polite nod toward the group, barely making eye contact with Paul.

“Emily helped me decorate my classroom for Christmas. You should see it, Paul. It’s like walking into a winter wonderland,” Christie told him.

“Sounds like she has a hidden talent,” Paul replied, realizing that engaging with Emily through Christie might be his best approach for now. “Is it completely finished? Do you need any help setting anything else up? I’m not much of a decorator, but I can lift heavy things and climb ladders.”

Emily turned her attention toward him for the first time, but there was only a frown on her face. “We’re all good. We finished last week.”

“Well, if you need any other help at the school, just let me know,” Paul offered.

Sheriff Hart joined in from the next table. “Speaking of helping, maybe Maddox can play Santa Paws for the kids at the community Christmas event,” he suggested with a grin. “I would have Bolt do it, but he’s not great at sitting still.”

“And Doodle is out because he’s even worse than Bolt,” Christie stated with a chuckle, referring to her golden retriever, who was best friends with the Hart’s German shepherd.

“That might just be the winning ticket to get everyone excited,” Linda agreed enthusiastically.

Paul laughed, warming up to the dynamics of this group. “I think Maddox would enjoy that role too much. We’d love to take part.”

The conversation shifted toward community events as Lucy came over with plates of steaming food: barbecue, pork sandwiches, and sweet potato fries as recommended, and other diner delicacies.

“Well, I better get a booth before the place fills up,” Emily stated with a quick wave goodbye. “See you all tomorrow at work.”

She made her way over to a table and took a seat. He wondered why she didn’t sit with them, but before he could go over and ask, a young man appeared beside Emily, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and giving her a huge grin. They exchanged friendly words, seemingly familiar with one another. Paul’s spirits dampened, but he tried his best not to let it show.

As they savored their meal, Paul couldn’t help but steal glances at Emily and her companion. Who was he? A tall and handsome stranger with piercing blue eyes, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers. His hand rested lightly on Emily’s arm as they laughed and conversed, sparking a twinge of jealousy in Paul’s heart. Was he just a friend or something more? The way he looked at her made it clear they had known each other a long time, but how? What was their connection?

“Let it go, Paul,” he scolded himself internally, trying to concentrate on the surrounding conversation. But it was hard to do when he saw Emily clinging on to the man next to her.

“Everything okay?” Phillips asked, noticing Paul’s distraction.

“Of course,” Paul replied, attempting a convincing smile. “Just lost in thought after that sermon, I guess.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Christie chimed in, offering an understanding nod.

It wasn’t a complete lie. Pastor Petrie’s words echoed in his mind about trust and guidance, making Paul feel maybe he had found not only a new job here in Sweet Bloom but also a new path for his life—one that included faith not just in himself or his abilities but in something greater.

As their lunch progressed, Paul tried to push Emily from his mind, focusing on enjoying the company of his new friends. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something special about Emily Ortiz—and he knew he needed to find out what it was.

He couldn’t help but sense a shift within him. The warmth of camaraderie, coupled with the underlying current of faith and purpose, stirred something deep within his soul.

Christie noticed the contemplative look on Paul’s face and reached out a comforting hand. “You seem lost in thought, Paul. Everything okay?”

Paul met her gaze, a mix of uncertainty and newfound determination reflected in his eyes. “I think I’m starting to understand what Pastor Petrie meant about finding guidance in unexpected places.”

Christie smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. “Sometimes, the path forward reveals itself in ways we least expect. Trust in the journey, Paul. You never know where it might lead you.”

As they continued their lunch, Paul felt a sense of gratitude for this newfound community and the possibilities that lay ahead. He made a silent promise to himself to explore this newfound path with an open heart, ready to embrace whatever blessings or challenges came his way.It had been a long time since he felt this good, and he knew it was because he was exactly where he was meant to be.