To train these dogs

They’ll need time, patience…and love

Training service dogs is Autumn McCaw’s passion. She won’t let anything jeopardize her business’s chance of success, including her former love Wyatt Nelson. But with a looming deadline to prove herself capable, she has no choice but to hire the one man who hurt her years ago. Relying on the single dad is tough—especially since he has trust issues of his own. But can Autumn and Wyatt overcome their past to save her business…and open their hearts to love?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

“I’d prefer to build a relationship with the dogs first,” Wyatt said. “It would make the initial training go much faster.” 

“Let’s just jump in. These dogs are pretty advanced.” There was no way she’d stand for him to spend days on end building a relationship with them. Autumn had a timetable to keep. It was bad enough he insisted on starting the dogs over on obedience training. 

“Who’s this?” Wyatt cocked his head at the golden retriever. 

“Winston. He’s slated to be a diabetic service dog for a single adult who lives alone.” She brought the golden retriever over. For now, she had to follow Wyatt’s rules because she wanted to meet her client’s promised deadlines, and without him, she would fail.

“Tallulah is our priority,” he snapped. “Remember the July date we discussed?” 

“I remember, but I wanted you to meet Winston. Maybe start the training with him.” 

“But—” 

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Humor me.” 

After a moment he said, “you’re the boss.” 

“Let me get him a service vest,” Wyatt said, as he shrugged out of a large black backpack that must have come from his truck as well. He fished out a large red vest and replaced the golden retriever’s harness. 

Was it her imagination, or was Winston standing taller with that official vest on? 

She had to give Wyatt credit. Not only was he accredited through the Air Force, but he’d furthered his training by taking outside classes and taught civilians as well. Very ambitious. One of the things that had attracted her to him at the resort. 

But they weren’t at the resort anymore. Autumn sure hoped she and Wyatt could find a rhythm to their working relationship and end up being a successful team, because she already felt like a failure for not making something of herself, like her siblings had. They all had a focus in life and her parents were so proud of each of them. She wanted that for herself.