A House Full of Hope

by Missy Tippens

  She tried to smile. The children were having so much fun and had worked hard to keep the secret. She forced levity to her voice. “I wonder if that’s in his bag of Purina or…” She tapped her chin. “Oh, I’ll bet it’s the bread cabinet!”

  Squeals confirmed her guess.

  That card said, “The last clue is hidden among Becca’s favorite things.”

  The man knew her children well enough to know their favorite places and things.

  But now he wouldn’t be a part of their lives.

  Pain gripped her insides as they went upstairs to Becca’s bedroom. Hannah walked straight to the bookshelves, and in front of Becca’s favorite book series sat a gift box.

  Her hands shook as she opened it.

  “Kids, why don’t we let your mom open this in the privacy of her room?” Redd said.

  “No, we want to see!” Becca said. “I’ve been good and kept the secret for ages!”

  “It’s okay,” she told him as she opened the package. Inside lay a set of toy princess jewelry. A pair of dangly earrings and a huge pink-stoned, heart-shaped pendant.

  Redd whistled.

  “Do you like it, Mommy? We all picked it out!” Emily said.

  “It’s beautiful.” She closed the box and, not wanting her kids to see her face, wrapped them in her arms. Their precious arms around her neck brought comfort. “Thank you all for helping Mark plan this surprise. He’ll be so proud of you. Now, be good and let Mr. Redd tuck you in, okay?”

  She kissed each one good-night and then dragged herself to her own room. She didn’t want to explain anything to Redd. She just wanted to crawl under the covers and sleep.

  But first she pulled out a stool and set the jewelry box on the highest shelf in her closet.

  Mark had no idea when he bought a heart for her that he would be breaking one, as well.

  Chapter Fourteen

  As the first rays of sun peeked in the kitchen window, Mark fought the temptation to yank the curtains closed. The glow of the overhead lightbulb was about all the cheer he could take.

  Sitting with Ann at the kitchen table, once again packed and ready to leave, he just needed to say a few goodbyes and be on his way.

  He’d like to tell the Hughes children goodbye, but Hannah wouldn’t allow it. He’d have to hope she made excuses for him.

  He turned the coffee mug in his hands. “I’m sorry to keep you wondering if I’m staying or leaving. I’m really leaving this time.”

  “Oh, you’re no bother at all. You’re a busy man with obligations, and I’m sure it was difficult to get this time off.”

  A knock sounded on the back door. Then his dad stuck his head inside. “I saw the lights on back here and figured you were up.”

  “Come in,” Ann said. “I’ll let you two talk.” She poured Redd a cup of coffee and headed out of the kitchen.

  “So…” his dad said as he stirred cream into the coffee “…figured you must be leaving town.”

  The two remained quiet as Mark continued spinning the cup, reading the slogan on each side: Money can’t buy love…but chocolate can.

  If only love were that easy.

  “You wanna talk about what happened last night?” Redd asked, breaking the silence.

  He’d figured his dad would notice. “Was she upset?”

  “What do you think?”

  Thinking of her pain twisted his gut in a knot that might never come out. “Donna asked me to do the honorable thing and leave because Sydney’s coming home to stay.”

  Redd shook his head. “I don’t know about that, son. Seems to me like it might be best for Sydney to deal with her past if she’s ever going to get well.”

  “I told Hannah I can’t take a chance on hindering her recovery.”

  “What does Hannah think?”

  “She sent me packing.”

  Pursing his lips and scratching his head, Redd said, “Don’t you think you should’ve worried about Hannah? About protecting her? She doesn’t trust easily. Seems to me she’s let you in her life and offered up her heart.”

  That offer was now off the table. Unable to sit still, he carried his mug to the sink. His dad’s comment ate like acid on his nerves. “I’m sick about this. About how my past actions caused this whole situation. Now we’re all suffering the consequences.”

  “Look how far you and I have come. There’s still hope.”

  Not if Hannah had given up. He walked over to his dad and stuck out his hand to shake. “Time to go.”

  Instead of shaking, his dad stood. “Don’t throw love away, son. I messed up with you. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes.”

  He hadn’t thrown it away. He’d simply tried to do what was right. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back. Hannah thinks it’ll be difficult for the children.”

  “Thanksgiving?”

  “We’ll see. Maybe instead, you can come out to Seattle to visit me.”

  Redd shook his head, disappointed.

  “Hey, I’ll fly you out, try to impress you with all my tools and ‘toys’ in the lab.”

  With a quick hug, Redd said, “You put Hannah first. We’ll worry about the holiday later.” Then he walked with Mark to his car.

  Thunder rumbled in the distance as he drove away. A fitting send-off considering the way he felt inside.

  The day was surreal. Hannah woke—for the second time—knowing Mark was gone. Even the atmosphere seemed oppressive, as if he’d sucked the oxygen out of Corinthia as he left. The skies had darkened, and another storm front was moving their way.

  When she’d awakened earlier, she’d feared he might come see his dad to say goodbye. She hadn’t dared look outside for his car. She’d pulled the covers over her head and hidden out, thankful Redd had called to offer to watch the kids for the day.

  She stayed in bed as late as she could, allowing a short pity party. But then she forced her two feet to the floor and went back to life as usual.

  Her heart felt bruised. Tender. I miss him already.

  Rationally, she knew he would have left eventually anyway. Better she sent him on his way now. Before he could hurt her more.

  Time for her to move on. Time to focus on her kids, her job and eventually building their dream house.

  Time to deal with Sydney’s return.

  Strangely, her mother had called that morning, as well.

  Who was she kidding? There was nothing strange about it. Donna had gotten her way, and now she wanted Hannah to be there when Sydney arrived to help ease the transition.

  Hannah sighed numerous times as she showered and dressed for the day.

  Just show Sydney you love her and support her, she kept reminding herself.

  As Hannah opened the front door to leave, thunder rattled the window. She nearly screamed in fright, startled by a person standing there, soaking wet and about to ring the bell.

  Though the woman’s skin looked older than her thirty-two years, Hannah immediately recognized the brown eyes. “Sydney.”

  “Hi, sis.”

  The resentment fell away, and the joy of seeing her big sister lifted the heaviness of the day. “You look good.” She wrapped her in a warm embrace.

  Sydney was a little stiff, but then she melted into the hug and gave Hannah a tight squeeze in return. “I look and probably smell like that wet dog I just petted.”

  Lightning struck nearby, followed by an almost instantaneous boom. They both squealed. Then laughed.

  “Come in out of the storm.”

  As they stepped inside the house, Sydney brushed wet hair off her forehead. “It’s so good to see you, Hannah.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t make the last family session. My job has been t
ough lately with the promotion, and I’m having some…trouble…with child care.”

  “That’s okay. I totally understand.” She smiled with bright, clear—sober—eyes. Nothing there but the old Sydney. And maybe a touch of sadness. “I hope you don’t mind that I stopped by here first. Have to get my nerve up to face moving in with Mom.”

  A laugh escaped before Hannah could stop it. “I’m glad you came. Let’s get you a towel.” She led her sister to the kitchen and grabbed a large, fluffy bath towel out of the dryer. “Here you go. Let’s sit at the table and visit awhile, then we’ll go to Mom’s together.”

  Their conversation started off slow like cold molasses, but eventually, they warmed to each other as they spoke about all that had been going on in their lives.

  Of course, Hannah had to tiptoe around the past few weeks. She didn’t mention Mark.

  But one thought kept running through her head. Would I have been forced to choose between them? What if she were sitting here right now with Mark waiting in the background? Would it have changed the way she’d received her sister?

  “You look great, Hannah. Are the kids here?”

  Panic made her heart race. She didn’t know how much Sydney was ready to handle. And wasn’t sure how attached her kids might get to their aunt. “I—”

  “It’s okay. I understand if you want to wait a while before I see them.”

  “I’m sorry. I just don’t know if it’s good for them until I see whether you’re going to stay. They’ve…well, they’ve lost a lot.” And will have another loss today when they find out Mark’s gone.

  “Totally understandable.” She gave Hannah’s hand a squeeze and smiled to encourage her.

  A generous gesture that put Hannah to shame. “They’re not here right now anyway. Redd Ryker offered to watch them for me today.”

  “Wow, I never would have guessed Mom would let her grandkids hang out with a Ryker.”

  Tension gripped the muscles across Hannah’s neck and shoulders. “You guessed correctly. I’ve been working on her, though. Trying to get her to forgive Mar— Sorry.”

  “You can say his name. I’ve worked through our issues.”

  Should I bring it up? She stared into Sydney’s clear brown eyes and debated.

  “What is it, Hannah?”

  She couldn’t wait. Couldn’t start out with a lie between them. “He’s been home. Mark came home.”

  “Really?” Her expression brightened. “I’m glad. For him. And for his dad.”

  Oh, Lord, this could be so damaging to Sydney. Please help her. “And for you? Were you hoping to see him?”

  “Actually, no. But I’d welcome the chance to talk.”

  She felt as if her heart was going to beat right out of her chest. “To give him a piece of your mind?”

  Sydney was taken aback. “Goodness, no. I’m well beyond hating Mark. As much as Mom has tried to keep me holding on to a grudge, my counselor has helped me work through what happened. Besides, he didn’t force me to do anything.”

  She grabbed her sister’s hand and wanted to sob with relief. “So you’re really better this time.”

  “I am. I’ve blamed everyone else—even Mom—for all the bad decisions I made. Mark wasn’t to blame in the first place.”

  “Do you still have feelings for him?”

  Sydney laughed. “Of course not. What’s with the focus on Mark, Hannah?”

  Like a dam with gallons and gallons of water backed up, words pushed against her lips, and guilt boosted the power. “I love him” burst out along with a gush of tears and big, heaving sobs. She tried to wipe the tears away to see her sister. Dreading Sydney’s reaction.

  Sydney’s eyes widened. But then Hannah couldn’t see through the tears. She swiped at her eyes with her sleeve. “Sydney?”

  Her sister grabbed her into a big hug. “Oh, Hannah, it’s okay.”

  She stood in her sister’s arms and cried all the tears she’d held back over the past twelve hours. “And now he’s gone. I sent him away.”

  “Oh, sweetie.” Sydney comforted her, rubbing her back, smoothing her hair off her face.

  “I thought you would hate me. But I was ready to give up everything for him—you, Mom… I’m so selfish. I wanted him to love me enough to put me first.” She sniffed and grabbed a tissue. “Yet he listened to Mom and chose to protect you.”

  “That’s not right. I’m okay with you and Mark. Sure, I have a lot of stuff to work through. But nothing to do with him.”

  After wiping her eyes and blowing her nose, she took Sydney’s hand and led her back to the table. “I’m sorry. I sound like a spoiled baby.”

  “No, you have every right to be angry. My problems robbed you of so much.” She gripped Hannah’s hands and blinked away her own tears. “Over the last few months, I’ve had to come to terms with all the devastation my addictions have caused. And I’m sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  Hannah couldn’t believe they were having this conversation. She’d worried about hurting Sydney, yet had felt guilty about not caring enough for her sister to resist loving Mark. While the whole time, Sydney was dealing with her own guilt. “Of course I forgive you. I love you, and I’m glad you’re home.”

  She truly meant it. Forgiving Sydney eased a burden she’d been carrying, and the weight of many years began to lift.

  “Thank you. Now, tell me everything about Mark. Surely we can work it out.” She gave a little laugh. “Believe me, I’m the queen of working out problems.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mark stared at the screen on the headrest of the seat in front of him. His flight had been delayed hours due to heavy rains and wind. Now they were finally in the air on what seemed an endless journey toward Seattle. Home.

  The problem was, he’d started to think of Corinthia as home.

  He touched the screen to view the map, to see how much farther they had to go. The map showed their progress along the route with a line that led all the way back to Atlanta. As the little picture of the plane moved farther and farther away from Georgia, he felt sick in his gut. A physical pain, as if he were being pulled away from Hannah and the children like a rubber band about to snap, breaking some sort of connection. He couldn’t stand watching the miles pile up between them.

  But she’d made her choice. He knew, in the long run, it would be best.

  Donna would have never accepted him anyway.

  He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

  God, show me Your will. Your way. Help me to accept Your plans for my life.

  The plane inched farther away from Hannah, and Mark wanted to make it stop. But he had to resist the temptation to return to her.

  She no longer wanted him.

  And, ultimately, hadn’t he done what he thought honorable and right by honoring Donna’s wishes?

  He turned the screen to a movie channel, but the film faded as he closed his eyes and wished for sleep.

  Hannah wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist, offering strength. She nodded toward their mom’s back door.

  Sydney opened it and stepped inside. “Hi, Mama.”

  Donna whipped her head around from the pot she was stirring. “Well, whataya know. My girls.” She gave them a wobbly smile with tears in her eyes. Then she wrapped them in her arms. “Welcome home.”

  Though Hannah knew she was talking to Sydney, she had a sense that maybe her mom was welcoming her, as well. But that caused mixed feelings. She was still angry with her mother, yet relieved some part of their disagreement was over.

  After they unloaded Sydney’s luggage and a few boxes of belongings from the car, they gathered around the table.

  Hannah had a plan she hoped might help them deal with the past—as a family. Sh
e hoped to get her mother to open up and talk so maybe, just maybe, she could let it all go.

  “Mom, I see you’re cooking,” Hannah said. “But I was really hoping you and Sydney could come out to my house for dinner tonight. So you can both spend some time with the kids.”

  A tense, closemouthed smile stretched the skin on Donna’s face. “You’re welcome to eat here with us. I would love to see them.”

  Sydney leaned forward on her arms, looking relaxed, and offered a genuine smile. “I’d really like to go out there, have an official tour. Seven people around this table would be a little crowded.”

  “It seats eight if we squeeze in.” Donna looked back and forth between them. “What are you two up to?”

  Sydney nodded at Hannah to encourage her.

  Hannah took a deep breath and willed her heart rate to slow. “Sydney and I have talked. I told her everything.”

  Donna’s thunderous expression put the recent storm to shame. “Hannah, you didn’t.” She reached across the table to Sydney. “Honey, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, Mama. I forgave Mark a long time ago. And after working through my problems with a counselor, I came to realize he wasn’t at fault.”

  “But he introduced you to that bad crowd. Bought you alcohol.”

  “And he also tried to keep me away from it as soon as he saw I had a problem. But I wouldn’t listen. I began hanging around those kids by myself.” She grabbed both her mother’s hands and squeezed, her knuckles turning white. “Mama, I did it for attention. To be accepted.”

  “That’s silly. You had plenty of attention. You were popular at school. Had straight As. Teachers loved you. You were president of the sophomore class. You—”

  “I was unhappy.”

  Donna shook her head in disbelief. “What? We gave you everything.”

  “You and Daddy weren’t getting along. I overheard him talking to you about divorce.” Sydney’s nostrils flared. “I heard him snoring on the couch each night. Heard you crying in the bedroom.”