Love Finds a Home Read Online Free

initial feedback from everyone was positive, so we researched the success of similar programs in other churches and wrote up a mission statement. I’ve been compiling a list of men willing to serve as positive role models for boys who don’t have one in their lives.”
    Jake could see where this was going. “And you want to add mine to the list.”
    “I already did.”
    “This is where I remind you that I’m new to the area. You don’t know anything about me.” Only what Jake had told the pastor the first time they’d met, and he’d deliberately left out a few details of his former life.
    “I know the important things.” Matt’s gaze remained level. “You’re a believer. You’re growing in your relationship with Christ. And you mentioned that you wanted to get involved in one of the ministries at Church of the Pines.”
    Jake could have argued every point. He was a new believer. He had a long way to go when it came to relationships, not only with the Lord but with everyone in general. And he’d had no idea that a casual comment about serving in the church would bring about suchquick results. Jake had meant it, but thought he would have more time to prepare for the task. Like a few months. Or years.
    “Has anyone ever told you that you’re awfully pushy for a preacher?”
    “Can’t honestly say I’ve heard that one,” Matt denied cheerfully.
    “Only because people won’t say it to his face,” Kate interrupted. She slid a steaming plate in front of the pastor and checked the level on Jake’s coffee cup before moving to the next table.
    “We have a picnic planned for this coming Saturday,” Matt went on. “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. We’ll match up the pairs after that.”
    “I don’t know,” Jake hedged. “I would 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, anyway. Not too long ago, the only thing he could claim to have “under his wing” was his duty weapon.
    Maybe he should have thought it through a little more when he’d told God he would say “yes” to whatever He asked.
    Especially considering that he had been about to die when he’d made the promise.
     
    “Listen, Mom! Do you hear that?” Jeremy’s head popped out from behind the colorful screen that separated the children’s area from the rest of the library.

    He had volunteered to reorganize the picture-book section, literally turned upside down by a rambunctious pair of four-year-old twin boys who had visited the library with their teenage babysitter earlier that morning.
    Emma didn’t bother to tap her finger against her lips, a gentle reminder for her son to keep his voice down. For the past two hours, they had been the only ones in the building.
    “Hear what?” She tipped her head, pretending to be unaware of the faint but unmistakable sound of music drifting through the open windows.
    “The ice-cream truck.” Jeremy abandoned his post and rushed toward her. “Can I get something? Please?”
    Emma was already reaching for her purse, stashed on the bottom shelf of the circulation desk. Apparently Charlie “The Ice-Cream Man” Pendleton had decided to take advantage of another hot August afternoon. His ancient truck, with its equally ancient sound system, drew children into the streets with an enthusiasm that transformed the local Christmas tree farmer into a Pied Piper in denim bib overalls.
    The music grew louder, a sure sign that the ice-cream truck had just turned the corner as it cruised toward its destination—a shady spot in front of the Grapevine Café.
    “Here you go.” Emma handed him some change. “Be careful when you cross the street.”
    Jeremy stuffed the money into the front pocket of his khaki shorts. “I