Love Finds a Home

Love Finds a Home
Kathryn Springer

Widowed mother Emma Barlow knows her shy, studious son needs a male influence. And where better to find him than in the mentoring ministry at their local church? But when the new chief of police becomes her son's mentor, Emma is worried.As the widow of a fallen officer, she's nervous about letting a lawman into their lives. Especially one as handsome–and conflicted–as Jake Sutton. But when her son comes out of his shell, and even Emma finds herself smiling, she knows that love just might find a home in Mirror Lake…and create a new family.

“We have a picnic planned for this Saturday,” the pastor said.

“Not only to give potential parents information, but as a meet and greet so the mentors can get to know the boys and vice versa,” he continued. “We’ll match up the pairs after.”

“I don’t know,” Jake hedged. “I’d have to know more about what’s involved.”

“It’s easy. You just take a kid who needs a little time and attention under your wing.”

Under his wing.

That, Jake thought, wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Not for someone like him.

Maybe he should have thought it through a little more when he’d told God he’d say yes to whatever He asked.

Especially considering he had been about to die when he made the promise.

KATHRYN SPRINGER

is a lifelong Wisconsin resident. Growing up in a “newspaper” family, she spent long hours as a child plunking out stories on her mother’s typewriter and hasn’t stopped writing since! She loves to write inspirational romance because it allows her to combine her faith in God with her love of a happy ending.

Love Finds a Home

Kathryn Springer

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

—Ephesians 3:17–18

To Colleen, my “third” daughter, who has a special place in my life and in my heart. Love ya!

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

Letter to Reader

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“Flowers?” Police Chief Jake Sutton spotted the enormous bouquet of roses the moment he stepped into the break room, where the officers roosted near the coffee pot before heading out on patrol every morning. “I’m touched, guys, but you shouldn’t have.”

The three men staring morosely at the fragrant centerpiece snapped to attention at the sound of his voice.

“We didn’t,” Phil Koenigs muttered, the droop of his narrow shoulders more pronounced than usual.

“No offense, though, Chief,” Tony Tripenski added quickly. “We would have brought you flowers if we knew you liked them.” His eyes widened when he saw Jake’s eyebrow lift. “I mean, not that you look like the type of guy who likes flowers…”

Phil rolled up the fingers on one hand and cuffed Tony on the shoulder. “Put the shovel away, Trip. All you’re doing is digging yourself a deeper hole.”