A House Full of Hope

by Missy Tippens

  Donna’s hand patted and plucked at the neckline of her shirt as her face went colorless. “Your daddy failed us. He took away everything. Just like Mark did. Men can’t be trusted. I had to protect you. Both of you.”

  Silence stilled the air, the tick-tick of the wall clock the only thing registering the passage of time as their mother’s eyes darted back and forth between them.

  Donna dragged her attention away from her eldest daughter to Hannah, worry still etched on her face. “Don’t you understand why I had to protect you from Mark?”

  Hannah struggled to take a deep breath and prayed for wisdom. “It’s time to let go of the past. If Sydney’s let it go, and I’ve let it go, then you need to, as well. And not just for Mark’s sake or even Dad’s sake. We need to do this for our sake—the sake of our family.”

  Donna jumped up, bumping the edge of the table, sending it scraping a couple of inches across the floor. “How can you two act like nothing ever happened? I’ve always had to protect you girls. I’ll do it even if you hate me for it.” She ran from the room, but not before a whimper escaped from her throat.

  Hannah’s eyes stung with tears as she looked at Sydney. “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t want to hurt her. But we all need to face the truth or we’ll never get better.”

  Hannah stood and reached out her hand. “Come on, Aunt Sydney. Let’s go spend some time with the kids.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Early Monday morning, Mark dragged himself to his office. Something he usually found fulfilling, a joy, had become a chore. All his employees smiled and welcomed him back, but he missed Hannah. Missed her children. Missed his dad.

  He walked into his spacious, plush office devoid of anything personal, other than design drawings he’d done in college and three framed diplomas. Sat in his cushy leather chair and spread work on his outrageously expensive desk. All the trappings of success.

  He tried to drown himself in the backlog of work, but his mind wandered. He couldn’t focus. What was he working for?

  His goal had been to achieve success so his life wouldn’t be a waste. So maybe one day he could go home and show everyone he’d made something of himself. That he wasn’t a loser.

  But God had already shown him he was valuable in His sight. Why did he stay on the treadmill to earn more and more when he had more than he’d need for one lifetime?

  Besides, what was money and success if he didn’t have someone to share it with? If he didn’t have someone to love him?

  Ann’s coffee-cup slogan popped into his mind and made him laugh. Money can’t buy love. Maybe God had been trying to show him something even then.

  And hadn’t God proven the point the whole time he was in Corinthia? No matter what he tried to do for people—with money—his efforts hadn’t made a difference.

  But when he spent time working with them, relationships had started to slowly improve. What if he went back and showed them he wanted to commit to them? Showed Donna he was committed to Hannah.

  Showed Hannah he was committed to Hannah.

  But hadn’t he done that already?

  His assistant, with her curly blond hair and typical navy blue suit, tapped on his door as she stepped into his office. “Here’s that file you asked for.” She smiled as she set it on his desk.

  “I’m about to schedule these appointments you called about.” She closed the door as she left.

  But had he really showed Hannah? He pulled out his cell phone to look at a photo he’d snapped of Hannah playing with her kids.

  Hannah. He wanted to call. To see how she was doing.

  But she’d sent him away.

  He’d thought leaving was the right thing to do. Yet how had his leaving, even at her request, made Hannah feel?

  He ran his hand over his jaw and grimaced. He’d tried his best not to think about it. Not to face the fact of how it would hurt her. But now in Seattle, away from Donna’s threats, he had to face the truth. He hadn’t shown Hannah he wanted to commit at all.

  Hannah would feel as if he’d chosen Sydney over her. Just like her own mother always had. The very worst thing he could have done. Oh, Lord, help me make it up to her.

  Thinking of her pain—pain he’d caused—knifed at his heart.

  He had to go back. Go home. His true home was in Corinthia with Hannah.

  He buzzed his assistant. He’d have her set up those meetings in Atlanta. If they wanted his company, they could meet him there sometime that week.

  Because he was going to take the first flight back.

  No matter how bad things looked with Hannah and her family, he had to return and fight for her. She needed someone to choose her.

  He wouldn’t quit until he had Donna’s blessing. Sydney’s blessing. And Hannah’s, too.

  Within two hours, he’d made all arrangements and rushed to the airport without even going home to grab clothes. He ran to the gate and barely boarded in time. Grateful for good weather, he collapsed into his seat.

  The flight took off without a hitch. This time, as the little plane on the screen inched toward Atlanta, his heartbeat seemed erratic. He couldn’t remember ever being so anxious.

  She could reject him outright.

  Hope and fear battled as the plane landed several hours later.

  Wanting to surprise her, he picked up a rental car and made a reservation at the Gunters’ B and B, making Mrs. Gunter promise to tell no one. He planned to go to the bank to see Hannah first thing the next morning.

  He prayed it wasn’t a dumb plan. She’d be surprised, that was for sure. And maybe not too happy with him. But at least he wouldn’t make her truly angry by showing up when the kids were around, because he knew she’d be protective of them.

  His job now was to convince her he loved her. That he wasn’t going to leave her again. And that he wouldn’t give up trying to win over her family.

  Lord, I’m going home again. From the beginning, I’ve felt You leading me there. I pray it’s not my selfish desires. And that Hannah will accept me.

  He put on his left blinker as he merged onto the interstate and pointed the car toward home.

  Hannah sat at her desk, going through the motions of work. So much had changed in three days. Including her feelings for Mark. Well, the feelings hadn’t changed so quickly as the hope for possibilities.

  She drummed her fingers on the desk, trying her best not to pick up her cell phone. The compulsion to check for a message or missed call had pulled her from her work numerous times already that morning.

  Enough was enough.

  She tossed the phone into her purse and yanked out her keyboard. Determined to do her very best as branch manager, she wheeled closer to her desk and opened a file folder.

  A familiar voiced drifted back to her from the lobby area.

  I’m losing it. Even hearing his voice.

  Defeated, she slapped the folder closed. “Get a grip, Hannah.”

  “Talking to yourself now, are you?”

  Every molecule in the universe, every atom in her body, zeroed in on the doorway and the man standing there.

  She blinked. With no sunglasses this time, his golden gaze seemed to soak her in as he looked from her lips to her eyes. And back again.

  No words. She had no words.

  Then suddenly, her senses returned, and her brain caught up to her racing heart. “Did you stay in Georgia?”

  “No. I’ve been to Seattle and back.” His wrinkled white oxford shirt and creased khaki slacks gave testament to his cross-country travel.

  She couldn’t read his expression and remained seated, her heart pounding slow and hard. “Why’d you come back?”

  “I was wrong to leave.”

  Hope gave
wings to her soul. “I sent you away.”

  “Yes, you did. But I still shouldn’t have gone.” His tired eyes shone bright. Passionate. “I didn’t consider your feelings like I should have. I’ve been stupid. Blinded by my pride—wanting to gain respect.”

  “So, what are you saying?”

  “I’m saying I love you.”

  A gasp sounded out in the hallway. An eavesdropping coworker.

  For the first time, Mark allowed an inkling of a smile. Then he closed the door and walked around the end of her desk. He pulled her to her feet, but let go of her hands. “I’m here to fight for you. To battle until your mom and Sydney have forgiven me. Until you learn to trust me again.”

  Words she’d longed to hear. But could she believe them? “You hurt me. Hurt the kids. They’ve been moping around the house for days.” She didn’t need to inform him she had been, too. “Why this sudden change?”

  “When I went to the office yesterday, I realized all I’ve worked for pales in comparison to loving you and spending time with you.” He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes, his own filled with love. And worry. “I’ve been moping, too. I’m sorry I left when I should have loved you first and foremost and trusted God to work out the rest.”

  Happiness seemed within her grasp. But one barrier remained. “How could a relationship possibly work cross-country?”

  “I’m selling my company. Moving here permanently.”

  Chills ran along her face, neck and down her arms, and she burst into tears.

  He pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay. Somehow, we’ll get through to your family. We’ll do this together.”

  “Oh, Mark. God’s been working already.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and let him comfort her as she cried until tears soaked his shirtfront.

  He patiently rubbed her back, smoothed her hair and waited until she’d stopped with the worst of the sobs. “How’s it been going with Sydney?”

  “You won’t believe it.”

  He pulled two chairs together for them to talk. “Try me.”

  “Sydney is doing so well. She’s almost like her old self. And—” she gripped his arm “—she doesn’t blame you.”

  He leaned back in his chair and whistled. “Wow. God really has been at work.”

  Her heart sang, and joy bubbled out in a carefree laugh as she anticipated him experiencing release from guilt. She would give him and Sydney the chance to talk. Would invite him and Redd to dinner.

  But what about her mom?

  She’d invite her, as well. It couldn’t hurt, could it?

  A dozen scenarios, none of them good, flashed though Mark’s mind as he drove along the light-dappled driveway through the tunnel of trees that had so often brought him a sense of peace.

  The only peace he had at the moment was Hannah’s declaration that God had been working.

  That could only be a good thing.

  He’d been to the hardware store and had spent the afternoon with his dad. Had been explaining his plans on their way to Hannah’s for dinner. But his dad had been suspiciously quiet.

  “So, do you have any idea what’s been going on with Hannah and her family?” Mark asked.

  “You’ve already asked me that. Told you I’d let her fill you in.”

  He chuckled. “Thought I might catch you off guard. I’d really like to know what I’m walking into.”

  Redd gestured toward the house. “Is her family going to be here?”

  “I assumed Sydney would be.”

  He thought his dad smiled but couldn’t be sure. As they parked and walked over to the house, Redd looked like a man heading to his own funeral.

  Great. This might not go well.

  The front door opened, and all four kids came streaming out. They tackled Mark at the bottom of the steps, an enthusiastic welcome he didn’t deserve.

  A lump the size of a boulder clogged his throat, so instead of speaking, he knelt down to hug each one.

  “I knew you’d come back,” Tony said as he pressed into Mark’s side.

  Emily, who’d thrown herself into his arms, nuzzled his neck. “I missed you. Will you read to me tonight?”

  He tweaked her nose. “Well, that’ll depend on your mom’s plans. We can ask her if you want.”

  All business, Becca pushed up her glasses as she nodded. “Yes, let’s ask.”

  Steps sounded on the porch. And then there she was. Hannah. She stood watching, tears in her eyes. Her raven hair shone in the evening sun. A swirly skirt skimmed her shins, and a sleeveless emerald sweater highlighted her creamy skin and matching eyes.

  The pink princess necklace he’d given her glinted in the sunlight.

  When he looked from the necklace into her eyes, she touched the pendant and smiled.

  “Where’d you go?” Eric asked.

  “I had to go back to Seattle to take care of some business,” he said to Eric. Then he looked back up to Hannah. “But I’m home now.”

  Tony inched his way closer and rested his arm across Mark’s shoulder. “Home? I thought Seattle was your home.”

  Becca flicked a piece of grass off his knee. Emily wiggled, her hair brushing his chin. Eric elbowed his twin, trying to move in closer.

  Having four children glued to him felt more like home than anything in Seattle ever had. He smiled up at Hannah. “From now on, Corinthia will be my home.”

  The kids’ celebration knocked him off balance, and he landed in the grass with the four of them piled on top of him. Laughter and giggles warmed him from his heels to his grassy hair. Their unconditional acceptance was a real live demonstration of God’s grace in his life.

  If only Hannah’s mother and sister would welcome him with one fraction of that acceptance.

  Hannah reached out and helped Tony up. “Come on, kids. Mark’s had a long day. Dinner will be ready soon.”

  Redd helped peel children off Mark, taking the twins’ hands and leading them inside. Mark put his arm around Becca and ruffled Tony’s hair as he and Hannah headed toward the kitchen.

  “Come on, young’uns, let’s go wash up.” Redd herded the four to the powder room.

  A delicious-smelling pot of spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove as he and Hannah walked in.

  “My standby,” she said.

  “I love spaghetti. Would never get tired of it.”

  The blush on her cheeks deepened as she pushed hair behind her ears, telling him the compliment had pleased her. She lifted the lid and stirred the sauce.

  He couldn’t resist brushing his hand over the smooth, blushing skin as he tilted her head his direction. “Thank you for having me here. For letting me see your children. I promise I’ll try my best not to hurt them again.”

  She rested her cheek in his hand and closed her eyes. “I know you won’t.”

  When she opened her emerald-green eyes and looked into his, he knew he wanted to be right here, with her, for the rest of his life. All the background noise faded. Nothing existed but the two of them in that moment. “I love you more than anything,” he whispered.

  She cupped his jaw, ran her thumb over his bottom lip. “I love you, too. And I—”

  The doorbell rang. He groaned in response.

  She smiled, stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss.

  Lightning jolted through his body in response. “Is that Sydney at the door?”

  She looked away then directly at him, uncertainty in her eyes. Her hands fluttered nervously to the neck of her sweater; then she grabbed the pendant and zipped it along the chain. “Sydney…and, I’m hoping, my mother.”

  So she had invited them both. He found her anxiety alarming. And actually worried more about seeing Donna than Sydney. He did not wa
nt some kind of showdown in front of the kids.

  “Should the children be here?”

  She took hold of his hand and held tightly as they walked out of the kitchen. “I have a feeling it’ll be okay.”

  A feeling? Was that enough?

  The doorbell rang again.

  “Hey, kids,” Mark called as they passed the hand- washing commotion. “How about going out back and feeding Blue his dinner? Do you know how to?”

  Becca’s eyes lit up. “Sure do.” She didn’t hesitate a moment but raced toward the back door. The others followed.

  “So much for their clean hands,” Redd said. “You gonna answer that door sometime today?”

  Mark looked at Hannah and raised his brows. “Let’s do this.”

  When they opened the front door, Donna and Sydney stood side by side on the porch, although Donna faced slightly sideways.

  As if she couldn’t bear to look at him.

  His gut hit his feet. But he couldn’t worry about Donna right now. He smiled at Sydney, whose eyes seemed bright and clear. “Wow, you look great.”

  When he reached out to shake her hand, she ignored his hand and hugged him. “I’d say the same about you. You’ve grown up.”

  “Come in, you two,” Hannah said.

  As Donna walked by him, he said, “Hello, Mrs. Williams.”

  “Mark.” She nodded a greeting and continued her march inside.

  Redd stepped into the room. “Hannah, can I help— Oh, hello, ladies.”

  Donna held her purse in front of her in both hands like a shield. She nodded stiffly to him. “Thank you for babysitting the last couple of days. But I’d like to see my grandkids now.”

  His brow furrowed. His eyes darted to Hannah. Then to Sydney. When he looked at her, his expression softened. “Welcome home, Sydney.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Ryker. I’m doing really well.”

  “Redd, call me Redd.” He gave her a pat on the shoulder.

  Then he stepped into Donna’s space. “Let’s make one thing clear. I’ve gotten attached to those kids, so if you’re back in the picture, you better be willing to share.”