A House Full of Hope

by Missy Tippens

  Why couldn’t the children’s own grandmother have thought about their welfare? “I’m sorry. She doesn’t let go of a grudge, and she lets it blind her to everything and everyone around her.” Like she had Hannah’s whole life, making her feel invisible while Donna worried over Sydney.

  “Look, I know what I did was rotten. Like you said, your family fell apart. Sydney is still struggling. Your mom has every right to be angry.”

  “Well, she has no right to accost you in the church parking lot.”

  He gave her a sweet smile that did funny things to her stomach and for some reason made her want to burst into tears. This was Mark Ryker. She shouldn’t feel bad for him. Yet the past few days made it difficult to think like Donna. God wouldn’t want her to hold on to the past.

  He nodded toward the church. “Come on, let’s go get them. From here on out, I’ll stay away from your mom.”

  He truly did seem to have changed. In high school, he was cocky and rebellious. Couldn’t Donna see the difference? The man had changed his life, was once again attending church. And now he didn’t feel welcome even here.

  “No, you can’t let her stop you from coming to church. We’ll use the front door. You use the back door.”

  The laugh that came out of him didn’t jibe at all with the anguish on his face. “I know I should probably head back to Seattle. But with Dad starting to warm up, I can’t. I’ll do my best not to turn your life upside down.”

  This time tears popped into her eyes.

  As he held the door open for her, he noticed them. “Hey, don’t be upset. It’ll be okay.”

  How could she tell him she wasn’t upset over her mother? She simply didn’t want to see him hurt.

  And that was plain crazy. Why this sudden softness for the man who’d destroyed her family?

  Maybe God was already healing old hurts.

  “Mommy!” Emily ran over, followed closely by Eric.

  “Mr. Mark!” Tony called as he and Becca joined the stampeding children.

  Ann looked over at Mark, concerned. “Are we ready to go?”

  “Everything’s fine,” he said. “Time to head home for lunch.”

  But everything wasn’t fine. This man, who for all intents and purposes wanted to run Hannah out of her house, had somehow edged his way into her life.

  And Donna would make everyone miserable if Hannah allowed him in.

  Chapter Seven

  A burst of irritation flashed behind Mark’s eyes Monday morning as he adjusted his schedule to fit Donna’s order to avoid her family, waiting until he was sure Hannah had left for the bank before heading to the house. But the irritation quickly diverted. To himself. Because he couldn’t get Hannah out of his mind.

  Her gorgeous green eyes haunted his dreams. She was a good woman. A good mother. He enjoyed her company. When he woke up that morning, the first thing he wanted was to see her and the kids.

  But she was off-limits. Unless he could think of some way to convince Donna otherwise…

  Forget it. Donna wasn’t the forgiving type. No way Hannah would be interested anyway.

  Hand on the steering wheel, he mashed the gas pedal and headed to his dad’s property. The whole issue was a moot point anyway. His life was three thousand miles away.

  When he pulled up to the house, he discovered Hannah’s van. The kids stood on the porch and raced out to his car when they saw him.

  Uh-oh. A problem with Donna?

  “Did you come to watch us?” Becca asked as she pushed up her glasses.

  “Sorry, but I’m here to do repairs.”

  The front door closed, pulling his attention away from the kids. Hannah froze when she saw him. Awareness sparked between them. Then a smile lit her face.

  Could Hannah Hughes be happy to see him?

  She’d been wary, tentative with him before. Antagonistic, even. This smile gave him a jolt. No way. No way could there be attraction between the two of them.

  And if there was…well, he couldn’t allow it.

  As her long, shapely legs carried her toward the car, black hair swirling around her face, fitted suit accenting every curve, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Definitely not a pesky kid anymore.

  Mouth dry as sawdust, he tried to swallow.

  “Y’all hurry and get in the van. We’re late.”

  They ran and climbed in as she searched her bag for keys. “I’m late. My mom called this morning and said she couldn’t take them until nine-thirty. I think she’s trying to punish me.”

  His earlier irritation ballooned into full-blown anger. Why would a woman want to make her own daughter’s life more difficult? “I’m sorry. Will it cause problems at the bank?”

  She flashed the keys once she found them. “I hope not. I just took some personal leave time. But I hate doing it last minute like that.”

  “I can help anytime you need it. Maybe Donna wouldn’t find out.”

  She returned his irreverent grin. “I have half a mind to take you up on it right this minute. Guess I’m not brave enough, though.” She hurried to her side of the van and waved goodbye.

  Mark had his projects planned for the day, but after rummaging through the tool shed discovered he needed to buy some supplies at his dad’s store before he could begin. Might help him get on Redd’s good side.

  He hadn’t yet told Hannah he’d decided there was no way he could move his dad back in the house anytime soon. He should probably make a quick trip to the bank to tell her. He should also thank her for keeping her promise not to tell Redd about the donation. So far so good in that department. And as long as his dad didn’t mention the money, Mark wouldn’t, either.

  When he arrived at the hardware store, Redd was busy with a customer, so he began gathering the materials he needed—more sandpaper, more primer, a new wire brush. Mark knew exactly where every item was located, which was oddly reassuring—comforting even, that some things never changed.

  He could depend on finding nuts and bolts on aisle two. Plumbing supplies on aisle four. Lawn and garden on aisle seven.

  “Finding everything you need?” his dad asked from behind him as Mark bent down to grab a box of nails.

  “Sure am. I’m glad you’ve left everything the same.”

  “Never had the urge to make the place all newfangled. Why mess with a good thing?”

  Yet, according to Phil, the business was struggling now. “I like knowing where everything is, and I imagine others feel the same.”

  “I did go to a computer system a few years ago. Didn’t like it at first, but it’s made things easier. I guess some things do have to change to keep up.”

  Yes, Mark had learned he had to change. With God’s help.

  “Holler if you need anything.”

  “Dad, wait. I wanted to talk to you if you have a second.”

  “I’m pretty busy. Time to send out billing.”

  Mark nodded. There wouldn’t be any heart-to-hearts with Redd. “I know I’ve pressured you to move back in the house. But I realized you’re right. Hannah and her kids need the house until they can build. So I won’t push you anymore.”

  “Way I figure it, that’s been my decision to make all along.”

  Touché.

  “You’re right. I shouldn’t have presumed you might want my opinion.” He grabbed another twelve-pack of shutter fasteners. He and his dad had made a smidgen of progress, so he tried not to let discouragement take over. “I’ve got a couple more items to pick up, then I’ll be ready to check out.”

  He couldn’t let his dad get under his skin. The man was obviously not going to all of a sudden pronounce forgiveness and reach out with open arms. Mark had to be patient. In the meantime, the house would end up in better condi
tion.

  After he bought the supplies, he headed to the car to drop off his purchases. Then he walked into the bank and headed toward the back, to Hannah’s office.

  Hannah’s eyes widened when she saw him coming, and she glanced around, as if hoping no one spotted him approaching. He got the feeling he should have come incognito. More than sunglasses alone could handle.

  She sat up perfectly straight. Tense. “What can I do for you, Mr. Ryker?”

  Mr. Ryker? “I just stopped by to let you know I’m not going to push my dad to move back into the house. He seems happy where he is and is enjoying having your family around.”

  She remained straight and still and didn’t appear to breathe. “So you’re okay with us being there for the next couple of years? Even if your dad is financially able to quit renting it out?”

  “Yes.”

  Her shoulders relaxed a fraction. “Why?”

  He hadn’t anticipated her asking why. What could he say? Because I have a totally inappropriate attraction to you and want you and your kids to be happy? “Like I said, Dad’s happy. You’re happy. I should leave well enough alone.”

  She leaned back in her chair on an audible exhale. “Thank you. I appreciate your honesty.”

  No, she wouldn’t have appreciated his total honesty. She’d probably have been freaked out by it. But the partial truth would suffice. “Gotta get back to the house. Need to finish the shutters.”

  “Feel free to work as late as you like. I’m not worried about incidental contact.”

  Incidental contact. Of course, she meant social contact. Yet he fought the urge to brush his palm over her soft cheek. To run his fingers through her hair to see if it was as silky as it had seemed when it skimmed his knuckles the other day.

  He wanted to wrap her in his arms. To protect her. Help her with her children.

  What was wrong with him? Never mind they lived at opposite ends of the country, and he had a company to run. The woman would never consider a relationship with him at the risk of alienating her mother.

  He slammed his sunglasses on and stalked out before she saw the need she’d unleashed in him. The need to connect. To know her better.

  Lord, I’ve been selfish all my life. Help me fight the temptation now. Keep reminding me that I hurt this woman years ago. Give me strength to fight wanting her in my life when I know that would only bring her grief.

  When Hannah drove into the clearing, she saw him.

  Mark.

  He stood near the front porch, working over a sawhorse. Skin tanned. Golden hair gleaming in the sun.

  When he heard them and looked up, she over-braked and jarred them all.

  “Mom. The seat belt just locked,” Becca griped.

  “Sorry.”

  As Hannah got out of the car and approached, he dried his face with the edge of his T-shirt. He turned and met her with those penetrating feline eyes.

  “Hi. I took you up on your offer to stay late. Almost finished with the sanding.”

  Words failed her. How could this man make her pulse jump? Make her wish for so much more in life?

  Wish for things she couldn’t have.

  She nodded. Cleared her throat. “No problem.” With extreme effort, she dragged her eyes away from him. “Kids, come inside and help with dinner.”

  “Can I stay out here and help?” Tony asked, his voice quiet and unsure.

  Her gaze darted to Mark, and those wishes suddenly paled in comparison to the wish for him to be tender with her children.

  Mark ruffled Tony’s hair. “Fine with me if it’s okay with your mom.”

  She sucked in air and resumed breathing. “Sure. Just be careful and do what he tells you to do.”

  Tony sidled over beside Mark. “I’m a good painter. Can I do that?”

  “Well, buddy, I planned to paint the lower shutters with primer tomorrow if it doesn’t rain. But you can help me finish the sanding.” He squatted down and handed him some fine-grade sandpaper. “You got any protective goggles inside?”

  “I have some for swimming.”

  “I imagine that’ll do.”

  Tony grinned as he ran inside. The other three kids took off, following.

  Though trying to guard herself from feelings for Mark, she couldn’t ignore his kindness to Tony. “Thank you.”

  In less than a minute, Tony zoomed out the door looking like a goggle-eyed fish.

  Mark gave a chuckle and showed him where to start.

  Becca trailed behind in pink swim goggles, squinting without the aid of her glasses. “Can I help, too?”

  Even though she wouldn’t be able to see for detail work, he gave her a job anyway, showing her how to brush off the largest paint chips and debris from the last shutter.

  When the twins showed up a couple of minutes later wearing matching green goggles, Mark burst out laughing and seemed to concede accomplishing much. “Come on, you two. Help me glue the shutter joints back together.”

  Eric and Emily’s dark heads bent next to Mark’s blond one as they watched him demonstrate. He held the bottle of wood glue as Emily applied it. He guided Eric’s hands to press the wood together.

  As the hot evening sun streamed across the yard heating Hannah’s skin, warmth bathed her insides. Mark would be such a good dad someday. A good husband.

  For some lucky woman.

  She smiled encouragement at Tony, patted Becca’s shoulder and dragged her gaze away from Mark and the twins. Dinner wouldn’t make itself.

  Once she had a pot of water boiling, she tossed in the macaroni. A salad would at least offer some vegetables, with a main course of mac and cheese. As she sliced a cucumber, she popped a piece in her mouth and chewed carefully.

  She’d gnawed the inside of her cheek that afternoon at work after receiving an email from the branch administrator asking her to please give more notice when she was going to come in late. As if she had control of her child-care provider calling in sick at the last minute, or being delayed.

  Add to that, Donna was still miffed about Mark spending time around Hannah and the kids. And when Donna stayed miffed, Hannah never knew what she might do.

  With salad on the table, rolls in the oven and the main course on the stove keeping warm, she walked out to the front porch. A slight breeze lifted the hair from her shoulders, sending shivers down her arms.

  She wanted to blame the wind, but suspected it was as much a reaction to the man working side by side with her children.

  “You’ve accomplished a lot,” she called. More than she’d expected.

  Mark looked up, smiling, eyes shining. He seemed as happy as the kids. “We have. Another couple hours of work and I’ll be ready to prime.”

  She motioned the children inside. “Y’all come and eat.”

  “Thanks for helping,” he called as they zipped up the stairs.

  “You’re welcome, Mr. Mark,” Becca called back.

  Hannah crossed her arms loosely in front of her, pressing against her stomach, testing. It hadn’t hurt in a couple of days. “You’re really good with the kids.”

  “I’m good with repairs. Your kids are good around other people. You’ve raised them well.”

  His praise was balm for a struggling mom. Peace fell over her as he approached the porch.

  He wiped his hands on his jeans. “You really have. They’re well behaved and happy.”

  She stood at the top of the steps and tightened her arms around her waist. “I want to be everything to them, to provide all they need. Sometimes it just seems impossible.”

  He climbed steps, coming within inches of her. “You mean financially?”

  “Financially, emotionally, spiritually…”

  “Raising four
kids is a lot of pressure for one person. Maybe you should cut yourself some slack. Let others help you more.”

  She already depended on her mom beyond her comfort level. Besides, no amount of help from Donna would fund her dream. “I won’t quit worrying until we’re securely in our own home.”

  He gently cupped her upper arm and gave a light squeeze. “You’ll do it.”

  His hands were warm and work-roughened. She wanted to pull away but couldn’t resist his tender touch. As she tried to gather strength to move, he brushed his thumb back and forth on her arm and gave one last, encouraging squeeze.

  She wanted to lean into him, to have him hold her and tell her she would have that security, would fill that missing piece in her life.

  What then? Could owning a house really provide what she needed?

  For the first time in years, she questioned everything she’d been striving for to make her feel secure.

  Mark could.

  No, she had to do this herself if she was going to find security for her family. Platitudes—and strong arms—wouldn’t get her anywhere.

  And if she gave in to the desire to allow him to be her rock? She couldn’t do that. Though the relationship with her mother was sometimes bumpy, the woman had always done the best she could. Had always protected Hannah and loved her. Donna would see a relationship with Mark as betrayal.

  She took a step away from him.

  But he was so good for her children. She couldn’t turn the man away after he’d sacrificed his last working hour. “The kids would be thrilled if you’d stay to eat with us.”

  His mouth opened, poised to answer, yet no sound came out. He hung that way for a few seconds, as if weighing the decision.

  The door opened, and Becca stuck her hand out, holding Hannah’s cell phone. “Someone called.”

  “Thanks, sweetie.” She glanced down, and saw the missed call was from Sydney. Her eyes darted to his. “My sister.”

  “Thanks for the invitation, but I should go and let you call her back.”

  “Yes, of course. I guess we’ll see you tomorrow.”