Hannah’s Beau by Renee Ryan

hands linked behind his back.
    She turned her attention back to the orphanage. Thesheer 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 herself smiling back.
    Laney, however, clearly wanted none of the distant politeness required of first meetings. She boldly yanked Hannah into a tight hug. “Any friend of our favorite pastor is certainly welcome in our home.”
    At the genuine warmth in Laney’s words and the open acceptance