A House Full of Hope. Missy Tippens

trying to hide his identity.

       Gabe wasn’t having any of that. He walked around to the side of her desk to face Mark head-on, and Hannah wanted to cheer.

       The weasel was forced to stand and look Gabe in the eye. “Hello, Gabe.”

       Gabe’s eyes narrowed, and he shook his head as if he couldn’t believe who he was seeing. “Mark? Mark Ryker?”

       Mark offered his hand. “Yes, in the flesh.”

       Gabe didn’t hesitate to shake his hand, but he didn’t offer a smile and a clap on the back like he might do for someone else who’d returned after so many years. “So, what brings you home?”

       Mark glanced at Hannah. “Banking business.”

       “Well, I’ll let you two get back to it. I hope you’ll stop by and see your dad while you’re here.” She heard the challenge in Gabe’s seemingly innocent comment.

       “I already have. But I’d like to keep my business at the bank private. I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention it to anyone—especially my father.” Mark’s manner bordered on threatening.

       Or maybe desperation disguised as threat?

       “Okay. As long as you’ll promise me you’re not here to hurt Redd.”

       Pain flashed in Mark’s eyes, but his expression didn’t change. “Of course I’m not here to hurt him.”

       Gabe seemed to accept Mark’s word and left her office with a nod and a wave.

       Once he was seated again, Mark pinned Hannah with his feline stare. “I need to know you’ll keep my visit confidential.”

       Drawn to those scary yet beautiful eyes, like she had been years ago, she couldn’t have looked away if she tried. “As long as you mean no harm.”

       That same pain flashed once again before he looked away. “I noticed my father’s house in a state of disrepair and wanted to inquire about possible financial troubles.”

       Hannah’s face burned. Redd had told her he was renting out the place because he didn’t want to live alone in such a big home. She’d tried to overlook the condition of the house, assuming he’d been too busy running his hardware store to handle repairs. But now she had to wonder about Redd’s motivation.

       Had he moved into the garage apartment so he could earn money by renting the main house? “I’m afraid I can’t share any information about your father’s accounts unless your name is on them.”

       “Mr. Jay has done so in the past. I used to check in with him about once a year to make sure my father didn’t need any financial help.”

       “And what about his well-being? Did you inquire about that, too?” she sniped before she could stop herself. She held up her hand to hold off an answer. She didn’t even want to know. Didn’t want to spend another minute dealing with this man. “Again, I’m not authorized to divulge account information.”

       Mark’s jaw twitched as if he were grinding his teeth back and forth. “Thank you for your time.”

       She took his outstretched hand and forced herself to look into his face—his too-handsome face, a scar near the left eyebrow the only thing marring its perfection. She hated to continue the conversation but needed to know his plans so she could make sure to avoid him.

       “Will you be staying with your dad while you’re visiting?”

       She thought for a minute that he might laugh, but then she realized it was a grimace. “No. I guess I’ll need you to point me to a hotel.”

       From the look of him, he liked nice things. He might not appreciate their little motel over by the lake. “The Cardinal Motel is still here. Or the Gunters opened a new B and B not far from your dad’s house.”

       “Thank you, Ms. Hughes. I’ll try the B and B.” He stared at her a moment. “You look familiar. Is Hughes your married name?”

       “Yes.” Part of her wanted to ignore the questions and hurry out of her office. But another part wanted to tell him her maiden name. To see if he even remembered ruining her sister’s life.

       She chose the latter. “I’m Hannah Williams Hughes.”

       He sucked in a breath, then quickly closed his mouth.

       Oh, yes. He definitely remembered. Not that his remembering could change a thing for Sydney.

       Stunned, Mark stared at Hannah Williams. He couldn’t believe God had led him back to Corinthia to make amends, then tossed a Williams into the mix the moment he hit town.

       Dealing with Hannah would make his job that much more difficult. “Good to see you again, Hannah.” A rote reply, even though he’d rather be anywhere but talking to Sydney’s sister.

       She didn’t return the sentiment. She simply brushed past him and walked out of her office. “I’ll see you to the door.”

       He followed as she marched across the high-ceilinged lobby, the click of her high heels echoing off all the marble. She was trim, but the boxy skirt and fitted jacket couldn’t hide her curvy figure. How could he have not recognized her vivid green eyes?

       She’d been a pesky middle-schooler when he’d dated Sydney. Had worn dark-framed glasses back then and had been serious, studious. She used to stare at him—until he’d finally asked her why. She’d blushed and claimed she wasn’t staring. After that, she didn’t hang around often. Acted scared of him.

       Which was smart. All girls should have stayed away from him at the time.

       At the front of the lobby, she held the door open for him. Her expression, cool and closed, said his actions had not been forgiven or forgotten over the past fifteen years. Apparently, his father wasn’t the only one holding a grudge. He would need to make amends with the Williams family, as well. A daunting task.

       But obviously, God expected it.

       “The B and B is a couple of miles out, on the left, heading to your dad’s house. Is there anything else you need?” Hannah asked from her post as bank bouncer, her tone dismissive.

       If only he could just thank her and head out the door, straight back to Seattle. You can do this with God’s help. “No, thanks.”

       Hannah, as pretty as she was, glared at him, her anger evident. “Enjoy the visit with your dad.”

       He gave her a smile that used every last ounce of energy, then slipped his sunglasses back into place.

       An ache tore through his chest as he concealed his Ryker eyes. It would be best to remain anonymous since everyone else in town would probably feel the same way Hannah did. The way his dad did.

       Redd would never welcome him back. Would never forgive him for all the hurt he’d caused when he left town. Lord, help me to make amends while I’m here. And if it’s not too much to ask, please enable those I’ve hurt to forgive me.

       Even if Mark could somehow prove God had changed him, that he’d grown up to make something of his life, he knew he was after the impossible. Because the fact still remained: Mark was responsible for his twin brother’s death. His dad would never forgive him for that.

      Chapter Two

      That evening, Hannah drove to pick up her four children at her mother’s duplex apartment not far from the bank. Their daily stampede to the front door to greet her never failed to lighten the stress of the day. Even the stress of facing Mark Ryker. They’re such a joy, Lord. Thank You.

       Donna eyed her from head to toe, as if taking inventory. “Hello, Hannah. Rough day?”

       Obviously, she looked harried. “A little.”

       Without a hair out of place, Donna directed the kids to gather their belongings,