Hannah's Beau. Renee Ryan

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СКАЧАТЬ again. As much as she wanted to rush to the next town, she had to trust this small interruption in her search was part of God’s plan. Just as Jesus had stopped unexpectedly to heal the bleeding woman on his way to save Jarius’s daughter, this detour had to mean something important, something significant Hannah didn’t yet understand.

      Hadn’t good already come from this slight change in plans? An introduction to a U.S. Marshal was imminent. Certainly, seeking the expertise of a trained lawman was better than chasing around the territory with no real direction.

      Not to mention, they were headed to an orphanage for abandoned children. Go where God leads…

      The carriage slowed and stopped with a shudder, jarring her out of her thoughts.

      “We’re here,” he said unnecessarily.

      Hannah craned her neck to look out the window, but the reverend’s shuffling of legs and arms captured her attention before she could focus on the scenery. He was so tall. She hadn’t realized how confining the carriage must have been for him.

      Rearranging his position one last time, he stooped forward and exited the carriage. Hannah clutched the seat tighter as the bench tilted from the sudden shift of weight.

      Continuing the role of gentleman, the reverend reached back into the cabin to offer his assistance once again. Hannah stared at the outstretched palm, unsure whether to accept his help a second time or not. Even through her gloves, something strange had happened when their hands met.

      Her reaction worried her, of course, but not enough to be rude. Bracing for the jolt, she slowly placed her hand in his. The expected tingle started in her fingertips and moved swiftly up her arm. In an effort to be free of the disturbing sensation, she scrambled out of the carriage and nearly pushed the wall of man and muscle away from her.

      He looked at her strangely, dropped his gaze to his now-empty hand and sighed.

      With a theatrical flourish reminiscent of his brother, he motioned to the home standing behind him. “I give you Charity House,” he said, adding a shallow bow and a flick of his wrist to emphasize his point.

      Hannah blinked at the massive structure. “This is an orphanage?”

      “Spectacular, isn’t it?”

      She blinked again.

      Despite the grubby clouds that rapidly swallowed the pristine sky above, the house, with its clinging vines, stylish brick and soft angles, captured her imagination and made her think of fairy tales…rescued damsels in distress…happily ever afters…

      “It’s quite lovely,” she said at last.

      Unable to say anything more, she craned her neck and looked to her left and then to her right. It was evident that they stood in the middle of an exclusive neighborhood. Modern gas lamps sat atop poles at every street corner. Large, brick homes similar to Charity House in their grandeur marched shoulder to shoulder in elegant formation along the lane.

      Caught between surprise and puzzlement, Hannah slid a glance at the man looming large and silent beside her. He stood patiently, his hands linked behind his back.

      She turned her attention back to the orphanage. The sheer glamour of the home—or rather mansion—took her breath away.

      Dragging cold air into her lungs, she said, “I’ve never seen an orphanage quite like this.”

      And she’d seen plenty in the last few years. The buildings were usually sterile and functional, never as inviting as this one was.

      She focused on the sound of laughter and good-natured shrieks coming from somewhere in the near distance. The joyful noise of children hard at play made her ache with an unexpected sense of homesickness. It was an odd sensation that was part confusion, part longing, and she felt her shoulders stiffen in response.

      “Marc and Laney have spared no expense,” the reverend said. “Each child in his or her own way has suffered a great deal in their short lives. At Charity House they receive a little beauty in their previously barren worlds.”

      Hannah noted the manicured lawn scattered with blooming autumn plants. “It’s wonderful.”

      “It is.”

      A sudden thought occurred to her. “The neighbors don’t mind living this close to an orphanage?”

      “Most tolerate it.”

      It was an acceptable answer, but something dark flashed in his eyes and made her press the issue. “What about the others?”

      “As you can imagine, some don’t approve. They file complaints occasionally, but don’t worry.” His voice took on a convicted edge. “The Lord’s hand is on Charity House. The orphanage is here to stay.”

      “Praise God.”

      He gave her a heartening smile. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

      “Is the inside as grand?” she asked.

      “You’ll find out soon enough. Here come Marc and Laney now.” He tipped his head toward the front door.

      Hannah turned her attention back to the house in time to see a young couple negotiating the front steps together. Both were as beautiful as their home.

      The dark-haired, clean-shaven man was dressed in what Hannah would have thought more appropriate for a successful banker. He wore a gold and black brocade vest and a matching tie, while a shiny watch fob hooked to a middle button dangled toward a small pocket. The entire ensemble looked both expensive and elegant.

      The woman was dressed more casually, in a simple blue dress with a white lace collar. Her mahogany hair was pulled into a fashionable bun and she walked with an inherent grace any actress would envy.

      The couple held hands, as though they were newly married, madly in love, or both. Other than Patience and Reginald O’Toole, Hannah had never seen two people so finely attuned with one another.

      A gnawing ache twisted in Hannah’s stomach. Would she ever find that sort of connection with a man? Or was she destined to be alone, to serve other abandoned women and children without the benefit of a husband by her side?

      Only God knew for sure.

      As they drew closer, Hannah studied their faces. Compassion and strength of character were evident in their smiles and sparkling eyes. Eventually, the couple separated and the woman pushed slightly ahead.

      “Pastor Beau, what a pleasant surprise.” Beaming, she gripped both of the reverend’s hands and squeezed. “We didn’t expect you until Sunday.”

      He lifted one of her hands to his lips then released her. “The pleasure is mine.”

      “Beau.” The man slapped him on the back in a friendly gesture. “It’s always good to see you, no matter the day of the week.”

      “Marc and Laney Dupree, I would like to introduce Hannah Southerland.” He turned and gestured to her. “She’s a friend of my…parents’.”

      Marc nodded at her. The accompanying smile was so genuine and guileless Hannah found СКАЧАТЬ