Page 24 of From Ice to Home
The truck’s engine rumbles loudly when I switch off the radio, driving into the familiar road that ends in the cul-de-sac where Hannah lives. It’s not my own truck, which I would’ve preferred, but rather a rental that could get me from the airport to Georgetown. Pulling up in front of Hannah’s parent’s house,I cut the engine with a heavy sigh. I grip the steering wheel for a moment, staring at the house. The red front door has definitely gotten a fresh coat of paint, making it stand out against the white siding. The porch swing is still here, swaying slightly in the early morning breeze. The blend of purple and pink hydrangeas are beautiful, undoubtedly Mrs. Sanders’ handiwork.
The porchlight blinks off, and my gaze drifts upward to the second-floor window. Her window. It’s cracked open, telling me that she still loves the fresh summer breeze early in the morning. Sitting here brings up countless memories of sitting on that porch swing, of tossing rocks up to her window…of stealing quick kisses when dropping her off.
Now, I’m here with a knot in my stomach, one that threatens to swallow me whole. The whole neighborhood is still quiet, except for the occasional bark of a dog waking up. I’m sure old man Deacon will be out to fetch his paper in no time, along with Mrs Talmund.
Leaning back against the headrest, I close my eyes for a second, needing strength and courage.
‘God, I know I should’ve come to You sooner with this,’I pray silently, gripping the steering wheel like it’s a lifeline. ‘I’ve made a mess of things, and I don’t even know how to fix it. I just know I need her, I need Hannah. Please help me through this, I can’t lose her again.’
Sighing, I open my eyes, catching a glimpse of the front curtain shifting. There’s no hiding the fact that I’m here anymore, since I’m pretty sure I’m already spotted.
Here goes nothing.
Pushing open the truck door, I step onto the gravel driveway, the crunch underfoot louder than it should’ve been in the stillness. My legs feel heavy the closer I get to the porch, each step bringing me closer to the inevitable.
What if she doesn’t want to see me?
What if she ran away because she really doesn’t want me?
I hesitate for a second, my hand hovering over the knocker.
It doesn’t matter—either way I have to know.
Knocking on the door, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to encounter. Footsteps thud on the other side of the door and my heart is pounding in my ears as I wait.
The door swings open, revealing Hannah’s younger sister. Her dark hair is tied back in a messy ponytail, and the freckles I remember from childhood have only deepened. The last time I saw her, she was a scrawny ten-year-old, always trailing behind Hannah and me…sharp-eyed, confident, and constantly suspicious of my intentions.
“Lucas Walker,” she says, her voice tinged with equal parts curiosity and accusation. “What are you doing here?”
“Hello Esther,” I greet her with the formality I know will trigger the little frown between her eyebrows—the one she gets whenever someone calls her by her full name. “It’s been a while.”
Her eyes narrow slightly, scanning the porch as if confirming there’s no one else here but me.
“So you’re the reason she’s back home?” she mutters, looking over her shoulder toward the stairs before pinning me with her gaze. “Should’ve known.”
Before I can reply, another voice interrupts.
“Who’s there, Es?” Pastor Mark’s deep voice resonates from inside the house. She hesitates, just long enough for guilt to settle heavy in my chest. Then she steps aside, pulling the door open wider.
And there he is.
Standing in the doorway, Pastor Mark’s sharp gaze lands on me. For a moment, all the air leaves my lungs. This is the man whose sermons shaped so much of my faith, the man who invited me into his home and his family when my own was falling apart. He is also the man I once hoped would give mehis blessing to marry his daughter. And now I’m standing here, already married to her without his knowledge, or permission.
Not good, Lucas.Not good at all.
“Lucas.” His tone is warm, but there’s a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He steps closer, setting the dish towel over his shoulder, his expression shifting to one of concern. “It’s good to see you, son, but I wasn’t expecting you here. Especially this early.” He glances at Essie, who’s now lingering near the stairs, and then back at me.
He folds his arms casually, his voice remaining steady but carrying a weight that makes my stomach tighten. “Is everything alright?”
I quickly take my cap off, brushing my free hand through my hair. My words get caught in my throat, and I attempt to swallow. I have no idea how to explain what I’m doing here without saying something about what’s going on.
Or do they know we got married?
Of course not. Otherwise he would know why I’m here.
“I need to talk to Hannah,” I manage, my voice low.
His voice is measured as he studies me for a moment. His eyes are not unkind, but a bit cautious. “She’s had a hard week, Lucas. I’m not sure if she’s in the right place for surprises—“
