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imagine.”
    “We take things for granted,” Philip said.
    Andrew knew that’s where they differed. He didn’t take things for granted any longer. He regretted what he’d done and hoped God had forgiven him. But Andrew hadn’t been as forgiving of himself as the Lord. He’d been trying to repent for his waste and the neglect of his family. Yet how could he?
    “We’ll keep them in our prayers,” Jemma said.
    Andrew told them about retrieving Hannah’s belongings earlier that day, but he didn’t mention the excitement he’d felt talking with Hannah—a feeling he didn’t yet understand.
    “Speaking of Loving Arms,” Philip said. “Bill from the volunteer committee told me Annie DeWitt phoned about a maintenance problem they’re having. I’m guessing it’s ants. She spotted sawdust on the porch floor. We need to get someone over there to check it out. Bill’s been tied up with some family issues, and—”
    “I’ll talk with him on Sunday and take care of it.” Andrew knew he had an ulterior motive for going to the shelter. His interest extended beyond the bounds of charity, yet the more he thought about it, the more excitement and dread he felt. Would his involvement only lead to trouble?

Chapter Three
    H annah tried to relax as she stood outside Loving Hair Salon the next day. She wondered how much she should tell her co-workers. Yet Hannah realized she had to be honest. A counselor she’d spoken to had stressed the necessity of a safe work environment. Annie had even arranged a ride to and from work for her as a safety precaution.
    When she stepped inside, Macy looked up and gave her a wave. “Feeling better?”
    “A little,” she said, hoping her makeup covered the bruise. She slipped off her coat and hurried past the beautician toward the storage room where she placed her belongings, then gathered a stack of towels and capes to stock the front.
    Her nerves jangled. If even one customer noticed her face, she’d be the new topic of conversation for the day. Sometimes they forgot that beneath the drone of the hair dryers their gossip could be heard by everyone.
    Hannah went about stocking the work stations, keeping the right side of her face away from Macy until shefound the courage to talk with her. Her thoughts drifted to Andrew’s visit the day before. He confused her with his kindness.
    Before she could finish, the bell on the door gave a ding, and their first customer arrived. Saturday meant a busy day, and between the phone calls and new customers, Hannah was surprised that two hours had gone by when she looked up to see Andrew coming through the entrance.
    As she towel-dried a woman’s hair, he watched her from a chair in the waiting area. She tilted her head in a subtle hello, then sent the customer to her stylist and turned to wipe her hands. When she swung around, Andrew stood beside her. Hannah glanced at Macy and noticed the questioning look on her face.
    “Did you want your hair washed?” Macy asked, as if wondering why he’d walked into the work area.
    He halted and did a double take. “If that’s okay?”
    “Sure,” Macy said before refocusing on her client.
    Hannah held her breath, wondering what Andrew wanted.
    “I remembered you said you worked here,” Andrew said, talking in a near whisper as she steered him toward the sink.
    Hannah eyed him, not knowing what to say. She motioned for him to be seated, then wrapped a towel around his neck and draped a plastic cape around him. She eased the chair back, and he reclined against the basin. “You didn’t really want a shampoo, did you?” She heard his nervous chuckle.
    “Not really, but I do need a haircut.” He stopped and arched his head upward, looking toward Macy. “I didn’t want to cause any trouble by walking back here. I justwondered how you’re doing.” His eyes shifted to her cheek, then her lip. “The bruise already looks better.”
    Unbidden, her hand lifted and touched her swollen cheek. “I covered