“Six years. I was honorably discharged after I lost my leg in Afghanistan.”
“That must have been traumatic.”
Richard took a deep breath. “I had two years of operations, intense physical therapy, and counseling. At the end, I was still messed up.”
“Is that when you decided to move to Sapphire Bay?”
“I thought you were only asking one question?”
Paris’ impish smile dissolved some of his mounting panic. “I was making the most of our time alone. I won’t tell anyone what you’ve said.”
“It’s not top secret. I didn’t come to Sapphire Bay for the scenery or the fishing. I came here because of Pastor John. A friend started going to John’s PTSD support group. He’d already gone through the usual counseling sessions, but he was still struggling. Within six months of talking to John and the rest of the group, he felt better.”
“What makes John’s group different?”
Richard helped Paris move a table. “We usually have a meal together and talk about things that don’t involve PTSD. When someone’s struggling, we listen and try to help. Pastor John has been where we are. He knows what it feels like to return to a life that’s the same but different.”
“I’m glad you found him.”
“So am I.” He thought about his journey to Montana—the doubt and fear that had followed him every step of the way. “I was terrified I was doing the wrong thing. My parents wanted me to leave Jack with them, but I couldn’t. I’d already lost my wife because of who I’d become. If I had to leave Jack behind, I wouldn’t have made it to Sapphire Bay.”
Paris’ eyes widened. “Are you saying—”
“Without Jack, my life wasn’t worth living. He was the reason I got out of bed each morning. Because of him, I wanted to be a better person. When we arrived here, all we had were a few suitcases and my truck. John found a room for us in The Welcome Center and encouraged Jack to join the children’s programs. I volunteered at the church. When John discovered I had construction experience, he sent me to the old steamboat museum to help build the tiny homes.”
“And look at you now.”
Paris’ gentle smile made his heart pound. “Yeah. Covered in glitter and hoping my son doesn’t fall in love with a puppy.”
“At least Toto won’t be going home with you.”
Richard wouldn’t put anything past his son or Pastor John. “When John realizes Jack loves puppies, he’ll ask him to babysit Toto when he goes out with Shelley.”
Paris laughed. “That sounds like something he’d do. Especially if he thinks you have a soft spot for puppies.”
Richard heard Jack’s excited voice before he saw him. “We’re about to be ambushed.”
“It’s too late for me,” Paris said. “Toto’s already won me over.”
“Dad! Look who I’ve brought to say hello.”
Attached to a bright red lead was the scruffiest ball of fur Richard had ever seen. With big, round eyes, a pink nose, and sticky-up ears, Toto was the cutest puppy he’d ever seen.
“Isn’t he perfect?” Paris whispered.
Richard sighed. Almost as perfect as the woman beside him.
Jack picked up Toto and cuddled him close. “We played fetch, but Toto isn’t too good at bringing the ball back.”
Shelley grinned. “He’s still more interested in eating everything.”
“Pastor John said he’ll be better when he’s older.” Jack patted Toto’s head. “Do you want to hold him, Dad?”
Richard saw the pleading look in his son’s eyes. “I’d love to, but we’re not getting a puppy from the animal shelter.”
“I know. Pastor John and Shelley said I can visit Toto whenever I like.” Carefully, he handed the happy puppy to Richard. “You have to make sure you don’t drop him,” Jack warned. “He’s only little and it might hurt him.”
“I’ll make sure he’s okay.” Richard held the puppy close to his chest and glanced at Paris. She looked just as besotted as Jack.
