The Family Man by Irene Hannon

Author:Irene Hannon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Published: 2006-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

As Amy turned into the long driveway leading to her childhood home, she slowed the car and surveyed the stately red-brick, three-story Greek Revival house that had been in the Hamilton family for three generations. Set back on a wide lawn, its serene, classical symmetry conveyed a feeling of permanence and stability and order, and its sheltering walls beckoned, seeming to offer a promise of haven, tranquility and calm.

Back in high school, one of her classmates had told Amy that the Hamilton house looked like a place where you could escape from the world, that within its protective walls a person could find safety and solace. It had been a romantic notion, and back then Amy had thought of her home that way, too. But time had taught her that no physical structure could offer protection from conflict or hurt or pain or emotional trauma. God was the only one who could grant that kind of refuge. A familiar verse from Psalms played in her mind: “Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from Him comes my hope.” She’d taken that to heart long ago, and it had given her great comfort during the recent trials her family had endured.

Once she came to a stop in front of the house, Amy took an inventory of the cars lining the circular driveway. Heather and Ethan were already here, as was Heather’s twin, Chris. Tim hadn’t arrived yet, but that didn’t surprise her. Always a workaholic, the man had become even more driven since taking Jeremy’s place at the helm of Hamilton Media. He’d no doubt rush in at the last minute. But she knew he’d show up. The monthly family dinner was a tradition none of the siblings ever missed. Especially now, with Wallace finally home from the hospital. Despite his frail appearance, seeing him back at the head of the table would help make life seem more normal—something they all needed right now.

The front door, with its ornate leaded-glass window, was unlocked, as it always was for these Sunday afternoon dinners. Amy pushed through into the central hall, but the voices drifting from the back of the house told her that the family had gathered on the terraced patio. She headed in that direction, stopping for a brief second at the rear door to take in the scene. To most people, it would appear to be a typical lazy-afternoon family gathering. Her father sat on a chaise lounge, his silver hair glinting in the late-afternoon sun. He smiled as he exchanged a word with his wife of thirty-five years, Nora. Petite, with large hazel eyes, she could pass for half her age if it wasn’t for the silver flecks in her shoulder-length golden hair. Heather sat close by, Ethan behind her with his hands on her shoulders. Chris stood a bit apart, watching the scene as he sipped a glass of minted iced tea.

Yes, to an outsider the scene would look relaxed. But Amy knew otherwise. For one thing, her father never sat, except at mealtime.

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