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Lord. He wished he could go back in time and change that part of his past. Now that he was older and pushing thirty, it became a necessity for any potential relationship.
    “Are you a believer?” He held his breath.
    “Yes. I’ve attended Crossroads Christian Church since birth. It’s much smaller than yours, only a few hundred people. But it’s a good church that preaches the truth. Plus, I enjoy the fellowship and it’s nice because my entire family still goes there.”
    He finally released his breath in relief. She was a believer. That was now her best quality out of the handful he already knew about her. He had been wrestling all week about wanting to track her down and ask her out. Being a cop, he had resources at his disposal. Getting back into the school in order to run into her would not have been a problem.
    The music started and their attention moved to the front. He looked around . When did everyone get here ? Ava saw one of her co-workers sitting at the table beside her and turned to speak with her while the DJ started introducing the wedding party.
    When the clapping ceased, the food came out and Matt turned back to Ava, itching to talk with her again. “I didn’t have a chance to tell you this the other day, but I think you are a great teacher. Your students adore you and you seem to really enjoy it.” He took a mouthful of food.
    “Thanks. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.” No hesitation stalled her words or need for her to think about it. “I love being their cheerleader, giving them confidence in themselves, and making them feel special.”
    “Well, they are very lucky to have a teacher who cares as much as you do.”
    Her cheeks blushed a light pink. She laid her fork down and dabbed her mouth with her napkin. He hadn’t seen any food on her lips and he would know, since he’d been staring at them. She must be just covering up her embarrassment.
    “This is such an important time in their lives and I want my class to be a positive impact on them. Sad but true, most kids see more of me than their parents. This is my opportunity to not only teach them, but also to make them feel loved and accepted.”
    He sat mesmerized by the way she used her hands when she spoke and her facial expressions that told a story of their own. She had a rare passion. He hoped he could spend more time with her to get a better insight into what made her this incredible.
    “ It’s hard knowing some kids have a rough home life, because in most situations I can’t do anything about it. Unless I can prove abuse or neglect, my hands are tied. That’s why my time with them is so precious.”
    She’d struck a chord inside him, a frustration of his own. Being a cop was his passion, but having to walk into situations where children had become the victims, made the weight of this job heavy.
    “I can understand that. There have been a few times I’ve had to go in with a social worker to take a child out of an abusive home. It made me sick.”
    They continued to share their stories until the time came for the garter and bouquet toss. They took turns getting up for the event. Matt couldn’t help but notice that Ava hid behind all the other girls.
     

     
    Ava took cover behind the squealing girls eager to grab the bouquet. She chuckled at how ironic everything had turned out. She planned on giving Kate grief for trying to set her up with Matt, but it seemed to be pure coincidence and couldn’t believe that their paths had crossed again. Ava secretly glanced back at the table, catching a quick look at Matt while a reserved smile formed across her face.
    She returned to her seat, thankfully empty-handed. They hadn’t sat long when the happy couple reached their table. Ava rose up to meet Kate and gave her a big hug.
    “You look beautiful, Kate.”
    “Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here.” Kate looked over at Matt talking with Kyle. “I see you and Matt are hitting it off.”
    Ava almost expected her to tap her