A Face in the Clouds

Paul Hutchins took custody of a beat-up flyer handed to him by his colleague, Sandy Pierson. He gave the cover a quick glance.



Surrendering to Christ

An Artist’s View of Salvation & Grace



The urge to groan hit hard, but he swallowed it back. His wince, however, would not be denied. “Sandy, c’mon. Really?”

“Yes, really. It’s part of the Easter Series for Community Focus. I need you on this story.”

Seated at his desk, Paul looked up into emerald colored eyes that were faultless and resolute. Her hands were fisted and perched on her hips in a challenging posture. Paul leaned back in his chair. “I appreciate the nod of confidence, but me? You could recruit a reporter much more attuned to a story like this—”

“Do you want to argue about it? I’ll take it to the news director if I have to.” Brows shot up in challenge over those beautiful eyes of hers—eyes that zapped his body with warmth and left it melted, despite an impending squabble.

“Miss Pierson, are you attempting that whole ‘embracing-the-pleasures-of-being-the-executive-producer’ thing?” He delivered a teasing grin, but the gesture fell flat when it wasn’t well received. Sadness touched her eyes. That stopped him at once.

“You’re available, so I asked for you to be assigned. This piece has the potential to be very meaningful. I envision it as a reminder to Metro Detroit of what the Easter season is all about.” She lifted her chin, returning at once to the spunky Sandy Pierson he knew—and loved. She pointed at the flyer he held. “So, here’s the drill. The event starts at seven o’clock tonight. Woodland Church. We need to leave here a little before six.” She retraced her steps across the threshold of his small, somewhat cluttered office at WWJ Radio. Before leaving, though, Sandy looked over her shoulder. “I’ll be there, too, field producing, if that helps any.”

“Of course it does.” Paul’s lips curved. The softness in his heart came through in his tone. “I’m just giving you a hard time. It’ll be fine.” He gathered a restorative breath, wishing he could infuse his words with greater enthusiasm. “No worries. OK?”

Their eyes held, and she firmed her lips. Nope, he thought, she’s not one bit fooled. “Well. OK, then.”

Sandy’s emotionless response and remote mood remained with him long after her exit.