A Mom’s Redemption

Annie Payton’s lost everything she once held dear. The Village of Hope is her last chance to rebuild the life she’s frittered away so needlessly. But as she works to regain custody of her children, she never imagines an unlikely advocate in her corner—ex-husband Ian Montgomery. Ian’s always willing to help those down on their luck, but his ex-wife’s a different story. Her past betrayal is still a painful memory. As the Village’s lawyer, he’ll represent her—but that’s as far as he’ll allow his feelings to go. Can Annie show Ian that she’s changed in every way but one—the love she still has for him?

Village of Hope: A community built on love

“So here we are again.”

Annie turned, expecting a frown but finding a wry smile instead. “Yeah, probably not what you really want to be doing.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you were thinking it.”

“So now you’re a mind reader?” Ian raised his eyebrows.

“No.” She dropped her gaze. He always used to say that when she would tell him what he was supposedly thinking. Why did she have to keep remembering things from their past?

Ian headed for the door, then turned. “Let’s drop these documents off with Melody.”

Unlike Melody, he didn’t outpace Annie. Did he remember her short legs couldn’t keep up with his long strides? He used to call her “short stuff” and would stand with his chin resting on the top of her head to prove it. Another recollection. How was she going to overcome the constant barrage of memories?

“You know,” he said as they walked, “just because I think it’s better for someone else to represent you in court doesn’t mean I’m going to turn my back on you completely.”

He didn’t say it, but he might as well have finished the sentence with “like you did to me.”

MERRILLEE WHREN

is the winner of a 2003 Golden Heart Award, presented by Romance Writers of America, for best inspirational romance manuscript. In 2004 she made her first sale to Love Inspired Books. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas and Chicago but now makes her home on one of God’s most beautiful creations, an island off the east coast of Florida. When she’s not writing or working for her husband’s recruiting firm, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking the beach, where she does the plotting for her novels. Please visit her website, merrilleewhren.com.

Second Chance Reunion

Merrillee Whren

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

—1 Peter 4:8

This book is dedicated to Bev and Dan Fritz, who spent many years working at Cookson Hills Christian Ministries. I would also like to thank Jeanette Soltys Quinlan for her help with family law in Georgia. All mistakes are mine.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Doubts crowded Annie Payton’s mind as she paced in front of the windows looking out on The Village of Hope’s campus. Redbrick buildings with white Georgian columns formed a quadrangle around an expansive lawn. Tall pines and majestic oaks accented with maples and flowering dogwoods added to the beauty of the scenery.

She always loved early spring in Georgia, when the dogwoods dressed the landscape in lace. The pleasant warmth of a late-March afternoon helped to take away some of her anxiety as she waited to meet with the lawyer who hopefully could help her get her kids back. Could this place really return hope to her life?

The scent of newly mowed grass wafted through the open window. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply and wished she could mow down all the bad things in her life and make it fresh and new. But isn’t that what God had done when He’d covered her sins with His grace? Why did she doubt that God had forgiven her?

The click of the door on the far side of the room made Annie turn and look. A man, with his back to her, talked with someone in the hallway. Annie braced herself for this meeting and prayed that the decision to come here was a wise one.

When the man faced her, Annie gasped. What was Ian Montgomery doing here?

“Hello, Annie.” He looked as handsome as ever with his sandy-blond hair and gray eyes that reminded her of a stormy sky. Those eyes held no welcome.

Her pulse thundered all over her body. She swallowed hard. “You’re the lawyer?”

“The one and only.” He motioned toward the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

Like an automaton, Annie sat on the black leather chair. Why did Ian have to be the one person who could help her get what she wanted most in life? Pastor John from the rehab facility often told her things happened for a reason. Could God use this meeting with Ian for good, too?

Annie sat there, not knowing what to say.

Ian broke the silence. “You’re looking good.”

Annie wanted to tell him he looked great in his dark pin-striped suit, but she thought better of it. “Thanks. I’m feeling good, too. I’ve been clean and sober for a year and twenty days. I intend to stay that way.”

“I’m glad for your sobriety, but I have to be honest, Annie. You told me that several times before, and you didn’t follow through.”

“I know.” Annie smiled halfheartedly. Everything he said was true, and he had the right to doubt her statement. She would show him that his doubts were unfounded this time.

Ian gave her a look that told her she would have to work hard to prove she had changed. “I understand Melody Hammond, our women’s ministry director, has explained our program and gotten you settled in an apartment.”

“She has. She said I have more paperwork to fill out.”

His gray eyes narrowed. “I hope Melody also told you I only have a few minutes with you today.”

“She did. She said you have an important meeting to attend.”

Nodding, Ian grimaced. “The quarterly board meeting.”

“You don’t look too excited.”

“Let’s just say it’s not one of my favorite things.” Ian tapped the file on his desk. “You want your kids back. That’s what we need to discuss.”

Annie nodded, a lump forming in her throat at the thought of Kara and Spencer. Her babies were nearly four and three—babies no longer, but she’d missed a whole year of their lives. She longed to hold them in her arms, kiss them and tuck them into bed at night. Could she ever make it up to them? She promised herself she would get her kids back. She would.

“How long have Kara and Spencer been in foster care?”

“Over a year. DFCS took them away...” Annie stopped as her voice cracked. She pressed her lips together as she tried to regain her composure. She wouldn’t cry in front of Ian. “I was more messed up than ever, but losing the kids made me realize I had to get help and get it right this time. I want to reunite my family.”

“Annie, I don’t know whether I can help you. I have to be sure you’re going to stay sober before I can. Besides, I don’t feel comfortable being your attorney considering our past relationship.”

“But Melody said the lawyer here would help me. Since you’re the only one, doesn’t that mean you have to represent me?”

“Not necessarily. I have a friend who can probably take your case.”

“I can’t afford to pay someone.”

“He volunteers his services here from time to time.”

Annie breathed a sigh of relief, but her heart ached because Ian didn’t believe she could stay clean. Could she blame him? He’d seen her relapse too many times, but this time was different. “When will I get to talk with him?”

“I’ll arrange a meeting as soon as I can.” Ian stood as he picked up the file folder and headed for the door. “I’m sorry I have to go. We can talk again later after I contact Scott Bartlett, the other attorney. I’ll set up a time for the three of us to meet.”

“So this is it? Hi and goodbye?” Annie followed Ian to the door. He had a meeting, but his eagerness to be rid of her punched a hole in her heart.

“That’s the way it has to be today. Melody wanted me to talk to you, so I agreed.” He put his hand on the doorknob.

“She doesn’t know about us, does she? Does anyone here know?” Annie couldn’t believe she was confronting Ian this way. Was she trying to alienate him?

Staring at her, Ian took his hand from the doorknob. “That’s a fair question. Adam Bailey, the administrator here, knows everything, but no one else. I’m not going out of my way to talk about my former wild life.”

“Guess my presence is going to open up your past whether you like it or not.” Annie wondered why she continued to needle him. Maybe it was a defensive mechanism. She needed to keep him at an emotional distance because his presence aroused old feelings that were better buried and forgotten.

“You’re probably right, but I’ll deal with it in my own way. You don’t have to worry about it.” Ian opened the door and held out a hand. “After you.”

“Thanks.” Annie stepped into the hallway.

Ian closed the door behind him. “I’ll be in contact.”

“Okay.” Annie stood there, not knowing what to do now.

Ian looked as if he were going to dismiss her as he walked into the hallway, but then he turned back. “Walk with me,” he said.

His request caught her off guard, but she was grateful he didn’t dismiss her as they headed toward the reception area. “Sure.”

“Do your parents know you’re out of rehab?”

So that’s what he wanted. More information. He didn’t really want to walk with her. “No. My parents haven’t spoken to me in over three years. For all they know I could be dead.”

“Are you sure about that?”

She nodded, not wanting to think about the parents who had abandoned her. They’d called it tough love, but Annie called it no love. Could she ever prove to them that she had changed? She had to show them all that she had. Ian. Her parents. The court.

“Annie, if you need help, talk to Melody. As the director of the women’s ministry, she’s here to give you advice while you settle in. This is a good place for you to find your way again.”

Annie forced a smile. “Thanks. I guess I’ll see you later. Hope your meeting goes well.”

“Thanks. Me, too.” He smiled in return.

Annie nodded and hurried away with the image of Ian’s smile filling her thoughts. She didn’t want that smile to make her think he might care about her on a personal level. That kind of thinking could only lead her to more heartache. She’d had more than her share, and she had no one to blame but herself.

Annie forced herself not to run or to look back at Ian. The whole meeting with him had been surreal. He’d been so matter-of-fact. He obviously didn’t have any remnants of those long-ago feelings they’d shared. To a casual observer, his demeanor would have given no hint that he’d been talking to his ex-wife.

* * *

Standing at the edge of the reception area, Ian observed Annie as she slipped out of the administration building without a backward glance. Against his will, he watched her through the glass door as she meandered down the walkway. When she was gone from his sight, he let out a harsh breath. He could hardly believe he’d remained so calm during their meeting. The last time they’d seen each other a rancorous conversation had ensued. He couldn’t let even a hint of old feelings enter his mind. Annie and he were history.

Ian wasn’t sure what he was going to do. How was he supposed to deal with his ex-wife? He had to treat her like any other resident. But was that possible? Emotions of every stripe flooded his mind. How could he ever focus on the board meeting after this conversation with her?

How could he consider helping her reunite with her children when he didn’t trust her? He’d been burned before by her pledges. Her two sweet children didn’t deserve to be manipulated by the promises their mother never kept. But she’d been in rehab for a year, and John Rice didn’t put up with misbehavior at his rehab center, so maybe she was clean. But could she stay that way?

Ian looked heavenward. “Why now, Lord? Why when I need to have my focus on keeping this place going? What do you want me to do with Annie?”

“Are you talking to yourself again, Mr. Ian?” The sound of Lovie Trimble’s voice floated his way.

Ian jerked his head toward the sound. “Saying a prayer ahead of the board meeting. I didn’t see you there.”

“I was delivering a message and returned just in time to hear you muttering.” She shook her head as she settled in her chair behind the reception desk. “That board meeting must have you in a dither.”

Ian smiled, knowing Lovie had no idea what had him talking to himself and offering prayers for help. “It’s a big meeting. Have any of the board members arrived yet?”

A wide grin wrinkling her face, she glanced at the clock on the wall opposite the desk. “Not yet, but I expect they’ll arrive any minute. Hope all goes well. Adam seemed a little on edge about it.”

“He has a lot riding on this. Lots of important decisions may happen today.” Ian nodded. “Put on your prayer warrior bonnet and start praying.”

Her chocolate-brown eyes twinkled. With her silver-gray hair, she looked like the queen bee behind the reception desk. “I’ve been praying for you two daily since the meeting was scheduled.”

“I should’ve known. You’re one of the people who puts ‘hope’ in The Village of Hope.”

“I think that description fits you and Adam, too.”

“I’d like to think so, but no one can beat you. You’re the face of hope when people walk in this front door.” Ian made a wide gesture around the entrance hall with its shiny marble floor and the two-story ceiling.

“Now you’re making me blush.” Lovie waved a hand at Ian. “Go on to your meeting before I wish I were thirty years younger and could end your bachelor days. Be warned. I’m on the lookout for a good match for you.”

“Forget the matchmaking. I’ve had my chance at love, and it didn’t work out.”

Lovie shook her head. “There are always second chances. When the right gal comes along and catches one glimpse of your Ryan Gosling good looks, she’ll win your heart.”

“I don’t need a woman. And quit comparing me to some movie star.”

“How can I help it when you look just like him?”

Ian rolled his eyes. “That’s debatable.”

“I saw you staring after that cute young woman with that dark hair and blue, blue eyes who just left. She might be a good match for you.”

Ian shook his head. “Lovie, what am I going to do with you? You can’t keep trying to match me up with every woman who walks in the door.”

“Sure I can.” Lovie chuckled.

Ian sighed. “Guess I can’t stop you. Got to get to that meeting. See you later.”

Turning on his heel, Ian headed for the conference room while Lovie’s laughter followed him down the hall. Wouldn’t she have a ball if she knew Annie was his ex-wife? He shook the thought away. He needed his focus on the upcoming meeting, not Annie.

With that thought in mind, Ian hurried toward the room where the board would meet. A silent prayer for a positive outcome formed in his mind as he entered.

Glad to be the first one here, he navigated past a large oak table surrounded by a dozen chairs in the center of the room. He stopped in front of the row of windows overlooking the campus quad. Like the spokes of a wheel, sidewalks radiated out from a fountain toward the buildings around the quad. He loved this place. He prayed again that nothing would happen to close it down. Too many people depended on the services provided here. Even Annie.

Footsteps sounded behind Ian. He turned and greeted two members of the board as they found seats at the table. Before they could converse further, several other men entered the room. The area filled with greetings, laughter and backslapping as the others found places to sit. Ian nodded to acknowledge the others who had joined them. After Melody and Adam entered the room, everyone settled in, and Ian pulled his notes from a folder.

Melody squeezed her chair in next to Ian’s and leaned closer. “How did your meeting with Annie go?”

Ian shrugged. “Okay. Did you talk to her again?”

“There wasn’t time.”

“True.” Ian wondered how he could’ve asked such a stupid question. He’d better get his thoughts in order. “We can confer later.”

After Adam opened the meeting with prayer, Ian surveyed the four women and eight men who comprised the board of directors. These folks had had a vision several years ago to turn this abandoned college campus on the outskirts of Atlanta into a place to minister to folks who needed a helping hand. Over the past year, they seemed to have lost the vision.

The meeting started with the mundane reports that always characterized such gatherings. After the reports and old business concluded, Bob Franklin, the board chairman, introduced new business. Ian held his breath. This was the subject he didn’t want to hear.

Bob cleared his throat. “I know some of you won’t like what I have to say, but it has to be said. This institution is in the red. Donations are down, way down. How can we be good stewards if we continue to pile on debt? I propose we end this ministry and try to sell the property—have an auction if we can’t find a buyer in the traditional way.”

Adam stood at the opposite end of the table. “What will happen to the people who live here and depend on what we have to offer?”

Bob raised his eyebrows. “We can refer them to other charitable organizations.”

Ian stood beside Adam. “Do you intend to make a formal motion to that effect?”

Bob glanced around the table. “Not now. I’d like to hear what everyone has to say.”

Ian forced himself not to jump in with his opinion. He resumed his seat. Patience. Persistence. Prayer. He let the words roll through his thoughts as he listened to each of the board members give their views. After all the board members had spoken, Ian had a big knot in his stomach. Only five of the members implied they wanted to keep The Village open. So if it came down to a vote today, things didn’t look good.

After looking over the group, Bob’s gaze settled on Ian. “Would y’all like to say something?”

“I’ll let Melody speak.” Ian gestured toward her.

Melody stood, her posture exuding confidence. “Thanks. When I took the women’s ministries coordinator job, I didn’t know how much this place would come to mean to me. But this isn’t about me. It’s about the hundreds of women who’ve been saved from abuse, who’ve found jobs and a better life. You can’t let a financial setback end this ministry. Remember what Jesus said in Luke. ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’”

When Melody returned to her seat, Adam stood. “Melody has given you only one of the reasons why we should continue. Have we lost the vision that started this ministry?”

Ian stood. Leaning forward, he placed his palms on the table and stared at the group. “Isn’t this where faith comes in? Remember the story of the Israelites when they crossed the Jordon River and conquered Jericho. The priests stepped into the river on faith, and they were able to cross the river on dry ground. The people marched around Jericho and the walls fell. Why can’t we have faith like that?”

No one said a thing. A mower outside sounded loud in the quiet room. Trying to gauge the response of the individual board members, he let his gaze roam from face to face until it rested on Bob Franklin. Bob stood, his expression giving no clue to his thoughts.

Bob folded his arms across his trim waist. “You make a good point, Ian, but sometimes we have to count the cost, too. Don’t you agree?”

Adam held his hands out, palms up. “What about giving us a few months to work on the budget and develop some more financial partners. Can we agree on that?”

Ian had always admired Adam’s spiritual sense. “Adam’s right. Let’s see where we stand at the next board meeting in three months.”

A cacophony of voices erupted in the room. Bob banged his gavel. The roar dwindled to a murmur. Finally, quiet reigned.

Bob walked around the table until he was standing next to Ian. “What about your dad getting his church behind the ministry?”

Ian wondered where this line of thinking was headed. “His church already makes a monthly donation.”

“I know, but I mean making The Village of Hope a primary concern, not just one of dozens of ministries they support.” Bob narrowed his gaze as he looked at Ian. “I’m sure you could persuade your dad to do that.”

Didn’t this guy know Ian and his father tended to be on the opposite sides of too many issues? Probably not. It wasn’t like the differences between father and son were common knowledge. Ian had dishonored his parents with his previous behavior, and his dad had never quite gotten over it.

Ian wasn’t sure he even knew how to approach his dad, the lead pastor at one of the area’s big mega churches. They did a lot of spiritual good in the community, but Ian had always preferred to worship with a small group here at the little chapel. Sometimes people got lost in big congregations, or they could drift and never grow spiritually. He shouldn’t judge, but he and Annie were a product of that drift.

The last thing Ian wanted to do was talk to his father about the financial needs of this ministry. But if it meant keeping the doors to The Village of Hope open, Ian would do whatever it took. Too many people depended on this place. He wouldn’t let it go under without a fight.

Ian looked the chairman in the eye. “I’ll discuss this with my dad, but that’s not the only thing I have in mind. Things will be different at the next board meeting. You can count on it.”

* * *

During her first day at The Village, loneliness invaded Annie’s heart and every corner of her tiny apartment—her new home. Home. The word went straight to Annie’s heart. She hadn’t had a real home in years. Getting this apartment ready for her kids was a priority. She took a deep breath. The smell of pine-scented cleaning fluid filled the air. The rehab facility had been clean, but this place gleamed from floor to ceiling. She hated to think of the squalor she’d once lived in. Never would she live like that again.

Clean. A clean start. A clean life. A clean conscience.

Tempted to turn on the ancient TV for company, Annie couldn’t think of a thing she wanted to watch. She surveyed the apartment’s Spartan furnishings—a sofa covered in a plain blue slipcover that matched the single chair sitting at an angle in the corner. A small round wooden table and four ladder-back chairs sat in front of the opening to the galley kitchen.

Annie went into the kitchen and ran a hand across the smooth laminate countertops that mixed golds, browns and grays, mimicking the granite in her mother’s designer kitchen. Annie longed to have Kara and Spencer with her and add a few personal touches to the place. That couldn’t happen until she had some money. And that meant finding a job. Would Melody be able to help in that regard?

Taking a deep breath, Annie tried to dwell on God’s promises. She should be grateful she had a place to live and people willing to give her assistance. But Ian’s less-than-enthusiastic welcome blunted the other good things about this place. She couldn’t blame him. How could he forgive her for choosing a life of decadence over him?

Annie jumped up as a knock sounded on the door. Did she dare hope it was Ian coming to tell her he’d changed his mind about representing her? Wishful thinking.

Annie looked through the viewer in the door. A distorted image of Melody came into Annie’s vision. Her heart sank.

Manufacturing a smile, she opened the door. “Come in.”

“Thanks. Are you getting settled?” Melody set her portfolio and cell phone on the dark brown coffee table that sported a few nicks and dings.

Annie shrugged as she tried to hold her smile in place. “Not much to settle. I don’t have very many things.”

“Do you mind if I sit down?”

“Oh, sure. I’m sorry I didn’t offer you a seat.” Annie wished she didn’t feel so awkward around this very put together woman.

When Pastor John had arranged for her to meet Melody, Annie had imagined a mother figure, but Melody wasn’t the older woman that she’d created in her mind. Melody was young—maybe only a year or two older than Annie.

The other woman’s gray business suit, a sharp contrast to Annie’s blue jeans and white knit top, reminded Annie of her mother—all business and not much love. Annie longed for a gentle mother figure—something she hadn’t had growing up. Her mother had handed Annie and her brother over to nannies and housekeepers. Marcia Payton had always been too busy for her own children.

Annie chastised herself. How could she have such critical feelings about her mother when she’d neglected her own children so much that they’d been taken away? She had no right to judge anyone, least of all her mother. Annie had felt emotional neglect, but nobody reported that to the Division of Family and Children Services. At thirty years of age, why was she worried about having a mother in her life? She should concentrate on being the kind of mother her own children could depend on.

“No need to be sorry.” Melody sat on the sofa. “I’d like to get some more information from you so I can help you find a job. That’s part of what we do here.”

“That’s good to know. What information do you need?” Annie hoped it wasn’t something she didn’t want to talk about.

Before Melody could answer, her cell phone rang. She glanced at it. “I’m sorry. I need to take this call.”

“No problem.”

Annie sat at the other end of the sofa while Melody spoke in excited tones. Annie gathered that the call brought good news. She wished she could receive good news, too. But hadn’t she? She had a wonderful place to live. She should be grateful for the good things and try to move on from the bad. But with the history between her and Ian lying in wait to disrupt everything, she had a hard time being optimistic.

When Melody finished, she looked over at Annie. “Sorry about that. One of my ladies is ready to leave The Village and go out on her own, and someone has donated secondhand furniture for her to use in her new apartment. She’ll be so excited.”

“That’s wonderful for her.”

“Yes, it is.” Picking up the portfolio, Melody stood. “But, unfortunately for you, I have to meet the folks with the furniture, and that means cutting our meeting short.”

“That’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. We need to get things started for you, so someday you can do the same thing—go out on your own.”

“We can always do this later.” Annie tried to smile. The prospect of being on her own both excited and frightened her.

“There’s no point in putting this off when Ian can help you with this paperwork.” Melody headed for the door. “I’ll drive you over to the administration building so you can meet with him in his office. Then you and Ian can discuss your case further.”

Wondering whether she should tell Melody that Ian didn’t plan to be her legal counsel, Annie followed the other woman out to her car. Annie got into the passenger seat and decided she would keep her mouth shut. Ian would eventually have to explain everything. “Shouldn’t we call him first? Maybe he’s busy.”

Melody pulled her car to a stop in the parking lot. “Ian is never too busy to help me out. He’s there when I need him.”

Jealousy erupted in Annie’s mind. Did this mean Ian and Melody were involved? Annie chided herself for letting old feelings creep into her thoughts. She’d relinquished any claim on Ian when she’d left him.

“That’s good. It’s always nice to have someone you can count on.” She hadn’t been there for Ian. That was part of the reason she was in her current mess. Making a fresh start would be so much easier if he wasn’t in the mix. What would he say when she was foisted on him again without warning?

Chapter Two

Annie could barely keep up with Melody as she went through a side door at the end of the hallway where Ian’s office was located. Where did Melody get her energy? She walked faster than anyone Annie knew.

Melody tapped on the door, then went into the office without waiting for an invitation. Reluctantly, Annie followed. Ian looked up from his desk and met Annie’s gaze. An expression she couldn’t define crossed his face. Was he worried she had explained their former relationship to Melody?

Then Ian looked at Melody and smiled. “What can I do for you ladies?”

He had a smile for Melody but not for her. Jealousy slithered back into Annie’s heart. She didn’t want to feel this way. Nothing good could come from it.

Melody laid papers on his desk. “Could you go over these with Annie and then show her around campus? I had planned to, but one of my ladies is getting her own place.”

Ian smiled again. “Sure. I know how excited you get when that happens. Go. I’ll take care of this.”

“Thanks. You’re a sweetheart.” Melody turned to Annie. “I’ll check with you after I get back.”

Annie nodded, feeling like a hot potato that everyone kept tossing about. She watched Melody leave. Alone with Ian, Annie didn’t know what to say or how to act. What was he thinking? Did she dare look at him?

“So here we are again.”

Annie turned, expecting a frown but found a wry smile instead. “Yeah, probably not what you really want to be doing.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you were thinking it.”

“So now you’re a mind reader?” He raised his eyebrows.

“No.” She dropped her gaze. He always used to say that when she would tell him what he was supposedly thinking. Why did she have to keep remembering things from the past? Why couldn’t she look forward, not back?

“Just because I think it’s better for someone else to represent you in court doesn’t mean I’m going to turn my back on you completely.”

He didn’t say it, but he might as well have finished the sentence with like you did to me. The past barged into her thoughts again. It was as bad as the drugs and alcohol that had once enslaved her. She couldn’t shake it. “What do I have to do?”

“Let’s see what we’ve got here.” Ian picked up the papers Melody had left. “The usual forms we have new residents fill out so we know your job skills.”

“But you know those.”

“But Melody doesn’t, and she needs this for her records.” Ian handed her the papers and a pen. “Fill this out.”

Annie skimmed the pages as Ian busied himself with something on his computer. The papers were essentially a job application and a personality test. Annie filled in the information with a renewed hope. Seeing her job experience in writing made her realize she had some marketable skills. But how many employers were willing to take a chance on a former drug addict? The past again. She couldn’t banish it from her mind.

“Here.” She let out a loud sigh as she finished and handed the papers back to Ian. “I wasn’t sure about the contact information for my former bosses.”

“That’s usually the case with most of our new residents. This is mainly to see what experience you’ve had so we can help you search for the right kind of employment.”

“Okay.” Annie sat there, her stomach whirling with nervous anticipation. “Do you think I’ll find a job?”

“With your degree and experience, I’m sure you’ll find something.” Ian stood. “Now that you’ve filled these out, let’s tour the rest of the campus. We can start in this building, and then I’ll point out where all of our other ministries are located.”

“I’d like that.” Annie jumped up, eager to do something besides sit in Ian’s office. Even though being with Ian was difficult, it was better than being alone.

Ian headed for the door, then turned. “We’ll drop this stuff off in Melody’s office before we start the tour.”

Unlike Melody, Ian didn’t outpace Annie as they headed down the hallway. Did he remember she had short legs and couldn’t keep up with his long strides? He used to call her “short stuff” and would stand with his chin resting on the top of her head to prove it. Another recollection. How was she going to overcome the constant barrage of memories?

He stopped and pushed the envelope through the slot in Melody’s office door. When they reached a set of double doors at the opposite end of the hallway from Ian’s office, he opened the door for her.

Annie stepped into the cavernous space and took in the floor-to-ceiling mahogany-colored bookcases along three walls. A curved marble staircase hugged the fourth wall and led to the upper floor with an ornately carved balustrade. To the right were the checkout desk and two conference rooms, and on the left two rows of cubicles contained computers and monitors. “Wow! This is fantastic.”

“This is the former college library. I knew you’d like it. I remember how you loved to read.”

Annie nodded, knowing that was before drugs and alcohol had numbed her brain. She’d begun to read again in rehab, and she wanted desperately to read to her kids and introduce them to the children’s books she loved. A spark of surprise that Ian recalled her love of books ignited some happiness. “Do they have a children’s section?”

“Absolutely. Back in the far corner.” Ian led the way. “Since we have a dozen houses for children, this part of the library gets a lot of use. We’ll take a walk through the area where the children’s homes are located. We have a day care there, too, where you’ll be able to take Spencer and Kara while you’re at work.”

Ian’s positive comment put hope in Annie’s heart even though at times it seemed as though he didn’t believe his own statements. “I’d love to bring them here.”

“And we’re going to make that happen.”

Annie wanted to believe that was possible. But with Ian passing her off on one of his friends, did he really mean it? Annie straightened her spine and lifted her chin high. “How are you going to make that happen when you won’t represent me?”

* * *

The urge to take Annie by those stiff shoulders and shake some sense into her zigzagged through Ian’s mind, but he crossed his arms in order not to act on the ignoble thought. Why did she have to keep questioning his best wishes for her welfare? How could he convince her that he wanted everything good for her without personally involving himself in her life? That’s the last thing either of them needed. He decided it was best to just ignore her question.

“Are you ready to see the rest of what we’re doing here at The Village?” Even as Ian made the statement, he feared the time for helping people could come to an end in three months. He wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Sure.” Annie’s stiff stance relaxed and she didn’t argue the change in subject.

Ian relaxed, too, and pointed to the left of the administration building. “Good. We’ll start in this direction.”

“Okay.”

Annie’s one-word answers told Ian that she wasn’t feeling very comfortable with him even though she had appeared to relax. The whole scenario with Annie went beyond surreal. He was here with his ex-wife, and they weren’t saying a thing as they walked across the campus. What would his father say if he knew Annie was here?

When they reached the assisted-living facility, Ian introduced Annie to some of the residents who were enjoying a beautiful spring day on the front lawn. He stood back and listened while she chatted nonstop with Cora, one of the elderly ladies. Annie had been very close to her paternal grandparents. When they died suddenly within six months of each other during Annie’s junior year in high school, her life had shattered.

Ian had stepped in and offered her comfort, hoping to get close to the young woman he’d admired from afar for months in the church youth group. Little did he know their relationship would shatter his life, too. But he couldn’t blame her. He’d been a willing participant in the behavior that eventually nearly killed him and took Annie in a ruinous direction.

“Thanks for bringing this delightful young lady to see me.” Cora’s comment brought him back from the past.

Ian smiled at Annie, glad she could make a new start where people looked at her with fresh eyes. “You’re welcome, Cora, but now I have to take this delightful young lady away because I still have a lot of things to show her.”

Cora patted Annie’s arm. “Thank you so much, Annie, for stopping and making an old lady’s day.”

Annie’s smile matched the sun beaming overhead. “You made my day.”

He always loved her smile, but he turned away before he got too caught up in it. Loving anything about Annie Payton was a dangerous thing for him to do. “On to another part of the campus.”

“Okay.” Annie almost skipped as they made their way toward the children’s homes. “Thanks for giving me the time to talk with Cora. I’m going to visit her again.”

“She’ll be grateful. That’s the beauty of this place. We have folks from all walks of life and all ages who can give each other help in a variety of ways. It’s truly like a real village.”

“I can see that.” Annie looked up at him. “You like working here, don’t you?”

“I do. It has blessed my life more than I could ever have imagined.”

“What does your dad think about it?”

“His church supports it.”

“I didn’t ask about his church. I asked about him.”

Annie’s tendency not to hide what she was thinking had been evident from the minute they’d met again. She knew about the disagreements between father and son, and she wasn’t going to let Ian slip by with a half answer.

“He’s glad I’m doing productive work.”

“Somehow I sense a but in your statement.”

“Okay, you got me there.” Ian marveled that Annie could still read the nuances in his words. “Dad thinks I could’ve made better use of my law degree.”

“So he doesn’t like you working here?”

“I didn’t say that. He supports my work here, but sometimes he has trouble seeing the point of my helping people who frequently find themselves in trouble again.”

“People like me.”

Ian didn’t know how to respond. He wished he hadn’t answered her question, but Annie’s assessment was exactly right. Sometimes, people took more than one try to get it right. Annie fit that scenario. She seemed determined to stay clean this time. He hated to admit he was more like his dad on Annie’s account. She had to prove herself, because she’d fooled him before.

Annie jumped on his nonresponse. “Don’t know what to say?”

“Let’s not go down that road. We’ve had a nice time today. Don’t ruin it.”

Annie’s smile faded as she hurried ahead. Ian wasn’t going to try to soothe her feelings. Maybe this outing hadn’t been such a good idea. When they got back, Melody was sure to be there waiting for a report, and Ian would finally have to tell her about his past. He had to talk to Annie about it.

Annie finally slowed her pace, and Ian caught up to her. “Over your pout?”

“Yeah.” She looked up at him again. “I’m beginning to see why you shouldn’t be my attorney.”

Ian nodded. “I’m glad you’re finally seeing it my way. Why the change of heart?”

“There’s too much acrimony between us. Too many bad memories that won’t go away.”

What about the good ones? The thought slipped into Ian’s mind. He pushed it away. Annie had assessed the situation correctly. The bad memories far outweighed the good. The truth put a dagger in Ian’s heart. As sadness welled up inside of him, he sighed. “And I have to talk to Melody about it.”

“Should I be there, too?”

“I think it’s best if I do that alone.” Ian didn’t want Annie to hear some of the things he would say. She didn’t need to hear a lot of negative stuff about herself, but it would probably have to be said in the course of the conversation he would have with Melody.

“I suppose so.”

While they walked by a playground where a group of children played with abandon, Ian prayed this work wouldn’t be disrupted because of financial problems. Where would these people go? What was worse than having the ministry end? Having Annie see it fall apart just after she’d gotten here. If the facility went under, how would the loss affect her life? Would she stay strong or buckle at the first temptation to return to her former life?

Ian didn’t want to find out.

“Is this the area where you have the children’s homes?” Annie pointed toward the cluster of homes on two cul-de-sac streets.

“Yes, these used to be college faculty homes, and they converted nicely to twelve homes for children. Each one has six kids. The house parents are fabulous people.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Six kids is a lot to handle.” A cloud of sadness drifted over Annie’s face as she gazed up at him. “I couldn’t even deal with two. How will Spencer and Kara ever forgive me?”

Ian wished he knew. “I can’t answer that.”

“I know, but Kara was only three and Spencer two when they went into foster care, and I’ve only seen them a few times in the past year.” Tears welled in Annie’s eyes, but she blinked them back as she pressed her lips together.

“When you’re reunited with them, it won’t take long for them to bond with you again.” He hoped that would comfort her. She was trying not to cry, and the sight of her on the verge of tears pulled at his heartstrings. He didn’t want her plight to produce tender feelings in his thoughts. Such feelings might lead him to care too much. He’d gone down that road before. Never again. It was the road to heartache.

“I hope you’re right. Thanks for believing in me.”

Did he believe in her? Not completely, but she needed encouraging reinforcement in her life. Right about now he needed God to rescue him. Annie was getting to him. At that moment, he spied Melody’s car headed their way. God had perfect timing. “Looks like Melody’s back.”

Melody rolled down her window as she slowed her sedan. “Ian, we need to talk.”

“You get your lady settled?” Ian wondered what was on Melody’s mind.

“Yeah, hop in and I’ll give you the details.”

Ian glanced at Annie. “You want a ride back to your place?”

Annie shook her head. “I think I’ll stop by and see Cora again.”

“Are you sure?” Ian hoped Annie didn’t feel dismissed, but he had to talk with Melody alone.

“I’m sure. You and Melody have stuff to talk about.” Annie lifted her eyebrows until they disappeared under her dark fringe of bangs.

“Okay. Talk to you later.” Ian got into the car and hoped Melody didn’t notice anything odd about Annie’s comment or her expression. He had to work up to the conversation he was going to have about his relationship with his ex-wife.

* * *

As Ian got into the car with Melody, jealousy crept through Annie’s mind again. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She turned away. Why was she feeling this way? She’d pushed Ian out of her life six years ago because they’d wanted different things. They still didn’t suit each other. Nothing had changed.

Even if she hadn’t gone down the path to her own destruction, they wouldn’t have been compatible. Too bad they hadn’t recognized that before they’d ventured into a marriage that had lasted barely over a year.

Her misguided thoughts about Ian were just another example of her bad judgment. She was a terrible judge of men, first Ian and then Jesse, the irresponsible man who had fathered her children. Kara and Spencer were the only two good things that man had ever produced. Ian was a much better person than Jesse, but still the wrong man for her. If she were smart, she would forget men altogether. She had to concentrate on getting her kids back even if dealing with Ian was part of that.

While dozens of thoughts tumbled through Annie’s head, she continued to wander down the pathway that took her back to the assisted-living facility. A short distance away, she spotted three white-haired ladies sitting in the shade of a big oak tree popping with the new leaves of spring. Cora was still there. Annie quickened her pace.

“Hi, Cora.” Annie waved.

Cora smiled, her wrinkled face beaming. “What a surprise. You’re back so soon.”

“Yeah. Ian had a meeting, so I decided to visit with y’all for a while.”

Cora pointed to an empty chair in their circle. “Come join us, and let me introduce you to Ruby and Liz.”

Annie sat on the nearby chair. “Nice to meet you ladies.”

“Did you have a lovely walk with Mr. Ian?”

Annie forced a smile rather than the frown that nearly puckered her eyebrows. Why did they have to ask about Ian? “He showed me most of the campus until Melody whisked him away.”

“I keep waiting for Ms. Melody and Mr. Ian to become an item, but there aren’t any sparks there. What do you think?” Cora peered at her friends.

Liz nodded. “I think you’re right. No sparks.”

“Yep. Not a one.” Ruby bobbed her head in unison with Liz.

Annie wasn’t sure whether to be happy that these ladies saw nothing happening between Ian and his coworker or jealous that the ladies wished something was happening. She shouldn’t be happy or jealous, but she couldn’t ignore the sparks that flitted through her mind when Ian was around. They were hard to ignore even if they were one-sided.

“Maybe that poor girl still needs time to get over the death of her fiancé.” Ruby’s statement brought Annie back to the ladies’ conversation.

“Such a tragedy.” Cora shook her head as she looked at Annie. “He was in Afghanistan delivering aid with a Christian group and was killed days before they were scheduled to come home.”

Annie didn’t know what to say. How did one respond to such a senseless death? Everything she thought of saying sounded inadequate, but she had to say something. “I can’t begin to imagine her sorrow.”

“None of us can, and I think that’s why she throws herself into her work here.” Cora rocked in her chair. “She’s trying to forget.”

Annie had a lot to forget about her past, but her own self-inflicted troubles faded in comparison. She would never look at Melody in the same way again. “That’s hard to do.”

“You’re so right.” Ruby reached over and patted Annie’s arm. “Tell us about yourself, dear.”

After these ladies had extoled Melody’s virtues, how could Annie talk about the bad stuff she had done? There was nothing virtuous about her life. “You don’t want to hear about me.”

“Sure we do. We want to pray for you. So we need to know what to pray about.” A knowing smile curved Cora’s thin lips, making every wrinkle in her kind face smile. “We know you came to The Village to get help. We’re all here for some kind of help, and we can help each other with prayer.”

Cora’s warm brown eyes beckoned Annie to make a prayer request. “I’m here because I’m trying to get my kids back. Please pray that the court will see that I’m clean and sober for good and deserve to have my children again.”

Liz clapped her hands. “Then that’s what we’ll be praying about—for your little ones’ return to you.”

“Thank you.” Annie blinked back tears, so thankful that Pastor John had sent her here.

All these people at The Village of Hope doing good for others made Annie want to be a better person. She could be a better person, but could she ever be good enough to make up for her past?

* * *

Melody pulled her car away from the curb. “How was your time with Annie?”

“Okay. She filled out your papers, and I put them through the mail slot.”

“I know. I read them, and that’s what I want to talk to you about.”

Ian narrowed his gaze and wondered where this was going. “What about them?”

“Don’t you see how she can help us?”

“Help us?”

“Did you read her information? Her job experience?”

Ian nodded. “I know her job experience.”

Melody cast him a sideways glance as she parked her car. “Then you should realize what a godsend she is.”

Ian shook his head and tried to wrap his mind around what Melody was saying. “How so?”

“She was a financial consultant.”

“I still don’t know what that has to do with us.”

“In order to satisfy the naysayers on the board, we need to put a new financial plan in place. We’re going to have to get this place in the black. What better person to help us than someone like Annie.”

Ian gritted his teeth in order not to say what he was thinking about his ex-wife. There was no way they could let her near the finances of this ministry. She couldn’t be trusted. The time had come to tell Melody everything about Annie and him. “We have to talk about this. Your office or mine?”

Melody opened her car door. “Yours is closer.”

As they walked to the administration building in silence, Ian tried to figure out how he would start the conversation. Why had he ever thought he’d never have to talk about his former life?

After Ian unlocked the door and let it swing open, he stood aside for Melody to enter. “Have a seat.”

Melody sat on one of two black leather guest chairs in front of Ian’s desk. “I’m glad you’re at least going to consider using Annie’s expertise.”

Ian sat on the other chair. “I haven’t changed my mind. I have reservations about having her involved with the money.”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

Melody had just handed him an opening. He should jump right in, but he took a few moments to pray. He couldn’t do this without God’s help.

“Why so hesitant?” Melody’s brow furrowed. “You know something about her that I don’t. Tell me what it is.”

“It’s not only about Annie. It’s about me, too.” Ian took a deep breath. “I’m not going to represent Annie in her efforts to get her kids back.”

“Why?”

“It’s not a good idea because we have a rather rancorous story. Annie and I were once married.”

Mouth dropping open, Melody leaned forward. After several seconds of silence, she eased back in her chair. “Wow! So this is what you wanted to talk about?”

Ian shrugged. “Not exactly, but it has to be done.”

“How long were you married?”

“A little over a year, but our relationship goes back to high school.”

“You were high school sweethearts?”

“I guess you could say that.” Ian wondered how much he should reveal. He didn’t have to go into the details about how they’d experimented with sex and drugs at her house while her parents were away. “Anyway, I’m going to ask Scott Bartlett to represent her. It’ll work out better that way.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Melody sighed. “Annie never said a thing to me about your relationship. What does she think about your being here?”

Ian shook his head. “I don’t think it matters to her. She walked out on the marriage because she wanted the party life more than she wanted me.”

“Is that why you don’t trust her?”

Ian stared at Melody’s expectant expression. How much did he tell her? How much had Annie told her? “What do you know about Annie’s history?”

“I know she was in rehab for a year and that her kids are in foster care. She hasn’t said much more than that. Is there more I should know besides the fact that you were married to her?”

Releasing a harsh breath, Ian stared at his desk and prayed for wisdom before looking up at Melody again. “I’m going to tell you what turned my life around, but I’m going to let Annie tell you her own story. I think that’s the fair thing to do.”

“Did you and Annie talk about this?” Melody raised her eyebrows.

“We discussed the fact that I’ve never volunteered any information about my past. Adam knows, but he’s the only one.”

Melody leaned forward. “Ian, you don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to.”

Ian waved off her suggestion. “I appreciate that, but I think you might as well know my story. Otherwise, you’ll always be wondering.”

“You’re probably right.”

“As I mentioned, Annie and I started dating in high school. We went to college in Florida to get away from our parents. We studied hard during the week, but we partied harder on the weekends. A pattern we established in high school although to a lesser extent.”

Melody frowned. “And your parents had no clue?”

“I’m sure if they had, my dad would’ve put an end to it, but both sets of parents were too busy with their own pursuits to notice.”

“Did your parents approve of your relationship with Annie?”

“Yeah. My parents loved Annie. They thought two good Christian kids were right for each other. They never imagined what we were doing.”

“They never questioned anything?”

Ian shrugged. “How was your date with Annie? That’s about the extent of it.

“After college graduation we both got good jobs in Orlando. When we eloped without telling our parents, they weren’t very happy, but we didn’t care. We were living the high life. At least that’s what we thought.”

“What happened?”

“About six months after we were married, I had a business meeting one night and had a lot to drink. No one was keeping track, or they wouldn’t have let me drive home. I could hold my liquor and didn’t appear to be drunk, but I was. Way over the limit.”

“So you drove drunk?”

Ian nodded. “Not something I like to admit. Thankfully, I was the only one involved in the accident. On the way home, I was going too fast and failed to negotiate a curve. I slammed into a tree on a remote road. Someone finally drove by and saw my car lights in the woods. Somehow I managed to survive, and the accident served as a wake-up call.”

“Did your parents finally know how you’d been living?”

“Yeah, I confessed everything, expecting my dad to blow through the roof, but instead, he actually cried. He prayed for me and took time off from his pulpit. He stayed in Orlando until I’d recovered enough to go back to Atlanta at his insistence.”

“What about Annie? Where was she during all this?”

“I think the whole episode scared her, too. She was there for me. She quit partying on the weekends with our friends and moved back to Atlanta with me and got a good job. She helped me while I was going through the grueling physical therapy. She couldn’t have been more supportive.”

Melody’s brow wrinkled. “So how did everything fall apart, or is this the part you don’t want to talk about?”

“I feel responsible for her not staying sober.”

“Why?

“When I fully recovered, I decided to go to law school. My parents encouraged it, and even Annie seemed to think it was a good idea and said we could live on her salary. We even started going to church together.”

“Sounds like things were going well.”

Ian stared at the floor, then finally looked up. “Yeah, for a while. I think my going back to school was partly to blame for Annie falling back into her old ways. Those first few months of law school, I spent a lot of time studying with my study group. Annie was at loose ends and started going out with her coworkers after work. Pretty soon she was drinking again, but I wasn’t paying attention to her activities.”

“You can’t blame yourself for what she did. She made her own decisions.”

“I know, but if I’d paid more attention to my wife, things might have been different.”

Melody shook her head. “You don’t know that. How do you feel about Annie being here?”

Ian wondered how he could explain the emotions he was feeling. He didn’t want to reveal the hurt, the humiliation or the sense of failure Annie’s presence produced. “Let’s just say it’s complicated. I want to help her, but her broken promises over the years don’t inspire my trust.”

“I’m beginning to see a lot of things.” Melody scooted forward in her chair. “After hearing about your relationship with Annie, I know this is a lot to ask, but I still think we need to give her a chance to prove herself.”

“With our finances?”

“Yes. I believe it will give her a sense of purpose and help with her recovery.”

Ian gritted his teeth as he got up and walked over to his office window and looked out at this place he loved. Could Annie’s financial knowledge help save The Village, or would it only lead to more trouble? What a miserable set of circumstances he faced in an effort to put this ministry on a solid footing—dealing with his father and his ex-wife. Ian turned back to Melody. “You know I’ll do just about anything to keep The Village going. So I’ll go along with your suggestion about Annie, but you can believe I’ll be watching her every move.”

Chapter Three

The quiet of the massive church auditorium enveloped Ian as he walked down the carpeted aisle, his footsteps barely making a sound. The plush stadium seats reminded him of a theater. Thousands came to worship here each Sunday and hear his dad preach. Many people had come to know the Lord through this church, but Ian had never felt at home here while he was growing up. He wished he had. Then maybe he and Annie wouldn’t have drifted away from the church and wound up living ungodly lives.

As a preacher’s kid, he should’ve been someone who led her away from the devastating behavior, but instead, he had joined her—both of them trying to escape the unhappiness with their family situations. She didn’t think her family cared about her, because her parents were too consumed with their jobs and were never home. He, on the other hand, hated being a preacher’s kid because everyone expected him to be faultless, like his two older brothers.

Ian found the perfect companion in Annie. They shared a feeling of disinterest from their parents and siblings. Annie’s solution was to engage in risky activities. Ian had loved her as much as a sixteen-year-old boy could love a girl, and he feared losing her love if he tried to persuade her not to do those things. Maybe he could’ve saved her from self-destruction, but he never tried. Instead, he had joined her, and eventually they’d brought each other down.

Annie’s reappearance brought back all those guilty feelings. She seemed to be on his mind at every turn. Maybe after he got her connected with another attorney and let his dad know that she was at The Village, he could quit thinking about her.

Every Friday Ian and his dad had a lunch meeting. They’d been doing this ever since Ian had finished law school. He liked meeting with his dad, but Ian always wondered whether getting together was just an excuse for his dad to make sure Ian hadn’t fallen off the wagon. He could never quite shake the idea that he still hadn’t won his dad’s approval even after all this time.

The suspicions were groundless, but they remained in the back of Ian’s mind like pesky dandelions that reappeared in the lawn every spring. During these lunches, he kept the conversation light because he wanted to avoid subjects where there was a clear disagreement. But today’s lunch would force him to discuss two of those subjects—Annie and The Village.

Ian usually went straight to his dad’s office, but today he’d chosen to walk through the auditorium. He wasn’t sure why, but despite the immensity of the place, it offered a place of solitude where he could figure out how he was going to tell his dad about Annie.

After all, his dad was the one who had suggested giving Annie the ultimatum that made her leave. How many times had Ian wished he hadn’t told her that she had to quit drinking or move out? She’d packed her bags right then and there. He had always regretted the decision to follow his dad’s advice. Annie might not have left if he’d tried to help her more.

Ian sighed. He sank into one of the chairs in the rows near the front. Putting his head in his hands, he began to pray for Annie. Pray for his dad. Pray for himself. Lord, help me find my way. Please give me the guidance and wisdom I need with my dad and Annie.

“Ian.” The sound of Jordan Montgomery’s voice echoed through the auditorium.

Ian scrambled to his feet. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

“I came looking for you. I saw your car in the parking lot and wondered where you were.” Jordan knit his eyebrows together above his gray eyes so similar to his own. “What are you doing in here?”

Ian lowered his gaze. What should he say to his dad? The truth might be a good idea. Taking a deep breath, Ian looked up at his dad. “I came here to pray.”

Jordan smiled. “That’s good to hear. Would you like to share your prayers with me, so I can pray for those things, too?”

“Let’s go to lunch. We can talk about them over our meal.” Ian turned toward the door. “I can drive.”

“Okay. I’ve got to grab a few things from my office before we go. I’ll be out in a minute.”

Ian wasted no time getting to his car. He got inside and pressed the buttons to lower the windows. While he waited for his dad, he figured he had a few more minutes to pray, but he barely had time to get into his vehicle before his dad appeared. “That was quick.”

Jordan chuckled. “I may be getting old, son, but I’m not that slow. Where are we headed today?”

“How about that mom-and-pop place just down the road?” His dad was still young at fifty-eight. He had a little gray hair at the temples and a few more smile lines than he used to have, but he could easily be mistaken for a man at least a decade younger. Folks were often surprised to know that Jordan had a son Ian’s age and even more surprised that he had two older brothers. “Suits me. I had a light breakfast, so I’m hungry and ready for lunch.”

Ian didn’t say a thing. He usually would have agreed, but today his stomach was tied in knots. He wasn’t sure how much he could eat. With the hope of limiting any conversation, he turned on the radio, tuned to a Christian music station. That did the trick. His dad started singing along.

When they reached the restaurant, they walked in silence across the parking lot. Inside the hostess led them to a corner table covered with a red-and-white-checked tablecloth and laid the menus on the table. Ian settled on the Windsor chair and picked up a menu. He looked it over, but all the choices swam before his eyes. He couldn’t focus because thoughts of Annie consumed his mind. The waitress took their drink orders and returned momentarily with them and took their meal orders.

Crossing his arms, Jordan sat back in the chair. “Are you ready to tell me what you were praying about?”

“Not really, but I suppose it has to be done.” Ian wondered whether he should start with Annie or the budget crisis at The Village. Neither topic was something he wanted to mention, but he wished to talk about Annie the least.

A frown furrowed Jordan’s brow. “Have you fallen off the wagon?”

Ian laughed halfheartedly and shook his head. “No, Dad, nothing like that. I need to talk to you about what happened at the board meeting on Monday.”

Jordan grimaced. “Sorry I asked that question. I should’ve known better.”

Ian hated that his dad had asked that question, but he understood his father’s rationale. He’d missed the signs of substance abuse before, and he wasn’t going to do it again. “I don’t fault you for asking. My former addictions are something I’ll always have to live with.”

“So what happened at the board meeting?”

“The board is threatening to close The Village because donations are down and the financial situation is critical. You know how much that place does for people and how much it means to me.” Ian gave his dad a recap of the board meeting.

“So they asked you to tap us for more money?”

“Yeah. I know you already give, but is there any way you could see clear to increase the amount and have the congregation become more of a partner with The Village?”

Jordan steepled his fingers under his chin as he continued to lean back in his chair, his elbows on the armrests. “You know we’ve had our disagreements over the years about your work there, and we usually steer clear of the subject.”

“Yeah.” Ian prepared himself for a lecture from his dad on how giving money to The Village was to spend more money on something that ultimately would never succeed. His dad was probably going to say he agreed with Bob Franklin.

“You know that it isn’t really up to me. The church elders are the ones who allocate where money goes, but I can certainly call for more volunteers.”

“You will?”

Frowning, Jordan nodded. “Why does that surprise you?”

“I thought you weren’t sold on what we do at The Village.”

Jordan nodded. “In the beginning, I was skeptical that the concept would work, but I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve seen what you do and how much the center helps people.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Jordan shrugged. “I thought the fact that my congregation agreed to support the work spoke for itself. Guess you needed to hear that.”

Ian nodded, realizing God had affirmatively answered one of his prayers. He hoped that boded well for his prayers concerning Annie. “What do you suggest I do to gain more support from your congregation?”

“Talk to the elders.”

“Really?” Ian would rather stand in front of a judge and jury. They might cut him more slack than the elders of this church. His past behavior hadn’t made him any friends on the church board.

Jordan nodded. “I believe you’re capable of persuading them. After all, you’re a lawyer and good one at that. Plead your case.”

Before Ian could respond to his dad’s praise and pep talk, the waitress brought their food. Jordan said a prayer, and then they ate in silence for several minutes. The whole time Ian’s thoughts were centered on Annie. Telling his dad about her was his next big hurdle.

Jordan took a gulp of water, then looked at Ian. “Would you like me to put you on the agenda for the next board meeting?”

“If that’s what it’ll take.”

“I have confidence in you, son. They know you’re a good man.”

Ian tried to keep the surprise off his face. “I thought they didn’t think much of me because of my former behavior.”

“Not so anymore. They’ve seen how you’ve turned your life around.”

“They don’t mind that I don’t attend your church?”

Jordan shrugged. “Why should they? They know you work at The Village. It only makes sense that you would attend church there.”

“That’s good to know.” Ian could hardly believe how this conversation was working out. Even though he’d been having a lunch meeting with his dad every Friday for years, they’d never talked like this. Why had he doubted God could turn what Ian had termed a difficult conversation into a conversation that enhanced his relationship with his father? This outcome gave Ian the courage to talk about Annie.

“Then I’ll put you on the agenda for next week’s meeting.” Jordan took another bite of his sandwich.

Ian took a drink of water, then cleared his throat. “There’s something else I need to tell you about The Village.”

“You’re dating that pretty blonde who heads the women’s ministry.”

Ian chuckled. “No, Dad, but it does involve a woman. Annie.”

Jordan put down his sandwich and stared at Ian. “Annie? What does she have to do with The Village?”

Trying not to convey any emotion, Ian quickly recounted how Annie had come to be there. Then he held his breath as he waited for a response. Ian had no idea what his dad thought about her these days.

“You didn’t say how you’re feeling about Annie’s presence there.”

So his dad wasn’t going to say what he thought about Annie. Instead, he turned the question on Ian. “It hasn’t been easy. That’s what I’ve been praying about. Since she’s shown up, I’ve had to tell Melody about my past. At least, I haven’t had to explain to anyone else.”

“What did Melody say?”

“She was surprised. That’s all. But she thinks Annie can help us with the funding crisis because of her financial consulting background.”

“And you don’t?” Jordan narrowed his gaze.

“I have my reservations.”

“Why?”

Ian wasn’t sure he wanted to denigrate Annie’s image any further. Besides, the whole episode that sparked the deep distrust would make him look as bad as Annie. It was better left untold. “At this early stage in her residence at The Village, how can any of us really trust her? She’s been unreliable in the past. How can we begin to give her access to the financial dealings of The Village?”

Jordan wrinkled his brow as he raised his eyebrows. “I can’t answer that question. Sometimes, you have to step out in faith. Have faith that God will help Annie stay sober.”

Ian slowly shook his head. “The last time I saw Annie before she showed up at The Village she only wanted to use me. After that, I didn’t ever want to see her again.”

“Is that how you still feel today?”

“She’s a chapter in my life I’d like to forget. Now I can’t.” Even as Ian said the words, he wondered whether he was being completely honest with himself. He certainly wanted her to find her way to a substance-free life. He wanted her to succeed in every way. On a personal level, he couldn’t decipher his feelings.

“I’m sure this has disrupted your life, but I believe the Lord will use this for your benefit.”

“I wish I could see how.”

“You will.” Jordan cleared his throat. “I think Melody has an excellent idea about using Annie’s knowledge of finances to help The Village.”

“I can’t trust her.”

“Pray about it. I’ve been praying for Annie every day since your divorce. She and I became very close while you were recovering from your accident. It broke my heart to see her slip back into her old ways.” Jordan’s voice cracked.

Ian knew little about his dad’s real feelings. He’d refused to discuss these kinds of issues with the man for years because Ian feared disapproval. “How come we’ve never talked like this before?”

“I sensed that you didn’t want to discuss Annie. You were hurting, and I didn’t want to make you feel worse. I love you both.” Jordan nodded.

Ian wondered about his dad’s statement. “If you loved us, why did you suggest I give her that ultimatum?”

Jordan lowered his head and didn’t say anything for a moment. When he finally met Ian’s gaze, Ian saw the sorrow in his dad’s eyes. “At the time, I thought it was the best thing to do. I thought it would give her a wake-up call, but I was wrong. I didn’t mean to cause you hurt, but I didn’t think things could go on the way they were.”

Ian wasn’t sure what to say. They couldn’t go back and change things. They just had to move forward.

“The news that Annie is making a go of it does my heart good, and I’ll put in a good word to the board about more funding for this ministry. I want to see Annie and you succeed.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“And maybe this opening with Annie will lead to bringing her family back into the church. You know they left after your divorce.”

“Annie told me she hasn’t seen them in three years. She said they didn’t want anything to do with her.”

“I wondered what happened with her parents. They showed up one day out of the blue about three years ago and blamed you and me and the church for Annie’s demise.”

“What’d you do?” Ian wondered why his dad had never said anything. Probably the same reason they’d never talked about Annie. His dad was trying to protect him. Today’s conversation put a whole new light on his relationship with his father.

Jordan grimaced. “I sat there and took their accusations. There wasn’t much sense in arguing with them. They said their piece, then left. I’ve been praying for them, too. So maybe you can talk to Annie about trying to reconcile with her parents.”

“Dad, I don’t think we can dump this much stuff on her all at once.”

“You’re probably right, but when you get a chance bring it up casually.”

“Go slow, Dad. Don’t rush her.”

Jordan grinned. “You still care about her.”

Ian shook his head. “Don’t get any ideas about me and her. Our relationship is history—ancient history.”

“Okay. I get the message, but I’ll be praying for you.” Jordan held up one hand. “I have one request. Instead of our lunch meeting next Friday, I want you to bring Annie to dinner at the house.”

Ian’s heart sank as he swallowed a huge lump in his throat. Was that really a good idea, but how could he refuse his father’s request. “What if she doesn’t want to come?”

“If you ask, I think she’ll come.” Standing, Jordan picked up the bill from the table. “I’ve got it today.”

“Okay. Thanks again.” Ian wasn’t sure whether he wanted his dad to be right or wrong about Annie accepting the invitation.

* * *

Almost two weeks had gone by since Annie had arrived at The Village. She’d already had her first job interview, and she could hardly wait to talk to Melody about it. All had gone well, but Annie didn’t want to be overconfident. Sunlight glinted off the windows as she approached the administration building. The trill of a robin’s call sounded from a nearby tree. The beautiful weather and surroundings put a spring in her step. Her excitement bubbled over as she entered the front door.

“Good morning, Lovie.”

“Good morning to you, too. You sound chipper.” Lovie smiled. “Your interview must have gone well.”

“It did.” Annie knit her eyebrows. “How did you know about my interview?”

Lovie wagged a finger at Annie. “There’s not much that goes on around this place that I don’t know about.”

“I’ll have to remember that you’re keeping tabs on everyone.”

“You might say that.” Lovie grinned. “Are you settling in okay—meeting lots of people?”

Annie stepped up to the counter. “I’ve met so many people. I’m beginning to lose track of everyone’s name. We should all be required to wear name tags like you.”

Lovie glanced down and rubbed a finger across the little gold bar pinned to her blouse that sported her name. “Well, you’ll never forget who I am.”

Annie chuckled. “Lovie, you’re the best. You always make me smile.”

“Now don’t go braggin’ on me. I might get a big head.” Lovie patted her silver hair. “Who are you here to see?”

“Melody and Ian.”

“The dynamic duo. Those two are the busiest people I’ve ever known. You best be on your way.” Lovie waved in the direction of Melody’s office. “Have a good meeting.”

“Thanks.” Annie shuffled down the hallway, nerves increasing the closer she got to the office. She didn’t mind meeting with Melody and wanted to share her news with her. Meeting with Ian was a different matter. His presence would make her nervous and uncertain. Annie knocked on the office door and, in a second, Melody opened it and ushered Annie inside. “How did your interview go?”

Annie glanced around. Ian wasn’t there. She wasn’t sure whether to be happy or disappointed. Her emotions concerning Ian flitted from wanting him around to hoping she didn’t have to deal with him. “I think it went really well. Thanks for the interview practice. I was prepared to answer every question they asked.”

“Did they say what the next step would be? A callback interview? What?”

“They said they would get back to me by Friday at the latest, probably sooner. Although I think I did well, I’m glad it’s over. I’ll be on pins and needles until they call.” Annie let out a loud sigh.

“I’m so excited the interview went well.” Melody sat on the chair behind her desk. “Have a seat. Ian will be here in a minute.”

“Okay.” Annie sat on one of the chairs on the other side of the desk from Melody.

“How are you feeling about Ian’s presence here? Why didn’t you tell me you and Ian had been married?” Leaning forward, Melody clasped her hands on top of her desk.

Annie smiled wryly. “We’ve spent a lot of time together in the last few days. How come you didn’t ask me about it before now?”

“You certainly know how to turn a question around.” Melody chuckled. “I kept thinking you’d tell me, but since you didn’t I thought before this meeting would be a good time to ask.”

“I was pretty sure Ian had told you about us, but I wasn’t going to initiate that topic of conversation unless I knew for sure. He had the right not to talk about it if he didn’t want to.”

“Okay. Back to the original question. How are you dealing with him being here?”

Just as Annie opened her mouth to answer, a knock sounded on the door, and Ian entered the office. “Sorry I’m late. I was trying to confirm things with Scott Bartlett. He’ll be here after lunch to talk with Annie.”

“Wonderful.” Melody motioned for Ian to sit.

“It is.” Ian took the chair next to Annie. “Did I miss anything?”

“Annie’s good news about her interview.”

“Guess we haven’t talked since our last meeting.” Ian smiled at her. “It must’ve gone well.”

“It did.” Annie’s stomach somersaulted. Ian had actually smiled at her. She couldn’t let that affect her thinking. She wanted him to be happy for her, but she had to keep everything in perspective. Nothing had changed between them. He was only here because Melody had asked him to come. The fact that Ian hadn’t spoken to her since the day she’d arrived here told Annie just how little he was thinking of her. Out of sight, out of mind.

“Great.” Ian turned his attention to Melody. “Have the two of you talked about Annie helping us here?”

“No, we were talking about her interview. I was waiting for you before I brought it up.” Melody pulled a folder from a drawer in her desk, then glanced at Annie. “Ian and I have a request to make of you.”

“What?” Annie’s voice wavered. What could they possibly want from her?

Melody tapped her fingers on the folder as it lay on the desk. “Since you have financial consulting experience, we were hoping you’d come to our administrative meeting on Monday of next week. We’d like to hear your opinion regarding the financial state of The Village. We’re hoping you could help us streamline our operation and show us how we can make better use of our funds as well as finding more ways to raise money.”

Annie remembered when a request like this had been a challenge—one she’d accepted with pleasure. She’d been good at helping companies and businesses, especially nonprofits get a handle on their balance sheets. Was she prepared to tackle something like that now?

“I know we’ve kind of sprung this on you without warning, but we’re in need of some advice.”

Annie had no idea what to say. They were asking for her advice. They weren’t looking at her as a recovering alcoholic or substance abuser. They were looking at her as an equal. Of course, Melody did the talking. Ian sat there taking it all in. Was he on board with this request, or was he only going along to please Melody? What difference did it make? This was a chance to prove herself, especially to Ian. She wanted him to respect her once again, but she had to keep the thought of loving him again far, far away. So why did the idea keep popping into her mind?

“So what do you say?” Melody tilted her head. “Have we scared you off?”

Annie took a deep breath. “I’ll sit in on the meeting, but I have to be honest. I don’t know whether I can help or not.”

Melody nodded. “I understand. I think the more idea people we have reviewing the finances the better off we’ll be. Thanks for agreeing to attend.”

“Thank you for inviting me.” Annie eased back in her chair, the tension draining from her body.

Melody picked up the folder and held it out. “Maybe you’d like to look this over.”

Before Annie could take the folder, Ian reached over and snatched it. “I know you have another meeting to go to, so why don’t you let me take this down to my office and go over it with Annie? Scott will be coming to my office to meet Annie, anyway.”

A strange look passed between Ian and Melody before she finally smiled. “Sure. If that’s what you want to do.”

“Yeah. That’ll work out best.” Ian stood and looked down at Annie. “Ready?”

“Okay.” Annie stood and turned to Melody. “Thanks again for including me in the project.”

Melody walked around her desk and gave Annie a hug. “We’re glad to have you. Keep me informed about the job.”

“I will. Talk to you later.”

“I’ll be praying for your upcoming meeting and your job.” Melody looked as though she wanted to say something else, but she stood there with what appeared to be a forced smile.

Annie sensed friction between Melody and Ian. The uneasy feeling Annie had experienced earlier returned as she followed Ian to the door. She wished she had more time to spend with Melody, but it wasn’t going to happen today.

They’d barely been here ten minutes, and already Ian was rushing off and insisting that she go with him. Understanding dawned. Melody’s request was definitely not Ian’s idea. He didn’t trust her to look over the finances without some supervision. The realization pierced her heart. But could she blame him? She’d stolen from him to fund her drug habit. She would not only have to earn his respect again, but his trust, as well.

Chapter Four

While Annie and Ian walked to his office, he didn’t say a thing. He didn’t look at her. He didn’t even acknowledge her presence. What was he thinking? She probably didn’t want to know.

He opened the door and motioned for her to go in, still giving her the silent treatment. If he wanted this meeting, he needed to say something. Even if he didn’t trust her, and she had to prove a lot of things to him, she wasn’t going to let him treat her like some timid little mouse. She wasn’t going to jump when he said jump.

Annie stood in the middle of the room. When he looked at her with those intense gray eyes, her resolve weakened.

“It’s okay to sit down.” He wasn’t ordering her to sit, but it sure seemed like it.

Annie stared at the nearby chair. This was silly. He was only being polite. Why was she making it into something it wasn’t? She hated feeling dependent on Ian. For some reason Melody didn’t make her feel that way, even though Annie depended on Melody for all kinds of help. Maybe it was the sisterly relationship that had developed in the short time she’d been at The Village.

Annie finally settled on the chair. “I thought you said the other attorney wasn’t coming until after lunch. What are we doing in the meantime?”

Ian put the folder on his desk, but he didn’t sit in the chair behind his desk as Annie thought he would. Instead, he sat in the chair next to hers and turned it until he was facing hers. “We’ve got some things to discuss.”

“What things?” Annie swallowed a lump in her throat as she also turned her chair until they were sitting face-to-face. Was he going to bring up her long-ago transgressions?

Ian stared at the floor as if he was gathering his thoughts. When he looked up, the uncertainty in his eyes surprised her. That was not the Ian she had always known. He’d been confident, sometimes even cocky. He’d known what he wanted, and he went after it. She’d always liked that about him.

“I had a meeting with my dad last Friday, and I told him you were here.”

Oh, great. Annie wondered whether Ian’s dad had given him another ultimatum to pass on to her. During Ian’s recovery from his accident, Annie had actually felt close to Jordan Montgomery. He seemed to care about her, but she’d come to believe it was an act. Annie stared at Ian. Did he want some kind of reaction from her? What was she supposed to say?

“Annie, are you afraid of what I’m going to say?”

Was she? “I don’t know. This whole situation with you and me is very awkward.”

Ian smiled wryly. His shoulders relaxed as he settled back in his chair. “That’s for sure. I feel like I’ve been walking through a minefield since you got here.”

Ian’s honesty surprised Annie. “That pretty much describes the situation. So what did your dad say?”

“He thinks Melody’s idea to have you on the finances team is a good one.”

If Annie hadn’t been gripping the armrest of her chair, she would have fallen out of it. Her mouth hanging open, she stared at Ian. She shook her head to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. “He really said that?”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.