Page 97 of Concrete Evidence
The girl’s shoulders lifted and fell. Slowly she faced Avery with tears streaming down her face. “I’m afraid Gram is gone, and I wasn’t there to hold her hand while she breathed her last.”
“I understand. I really do.”
Tessa melted in Avery’s embrace. “She’s done everything for me. Always has. Been my mom and gram. Can’t imagine her not in my life.”
“When I think of something happening to Granddad, I can’t breathe. But their passing will come, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Avery felt the strong arms of Granddad surround Tessa and her. “You two sweet girls need to accept the truth. None of us have any control of when the good Lord takes us home. What we do control is how much we love and show our love. You two are diamonds, God’s diamonds.”
“Thank you, Granddad.”
“Me too,” Tessa’s tearful voice said.
“And we make mistakes too,” he said. “Don’t hold those against us.”
Avery snuggled closer to him, and so did Tessa.
“We will get through the tragedies, the threats, and all the what-ifs, but only if we let God carry the burden.”
“You have no idea what it’s like.” Tessa sobbed. “My mom dumped me with Gram. Didn’t want a kid.”
Avery sensed a burning in her spirit. “Yes, I do know what it’s like. As soon as Marc gives you the latest report, we’ll have our breakfast outside, and I’ll tell you my story.”
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AVERY OBSERVED MARCthrough the glass patio doors, noting his FBI facade had vanished to one of concern... Big brother cared. He slid open the sliding-glass door, and his gaze leveled on Tessa.
“Is she still alive?” Tessa said.
“At the moment, yes. She had a bad night but is better this morning.”
“The timeline?”
“At the most a week.”
Tessa bit into her lower lip. “Have you sent her my messages?”
“I have. Maybe you’d like to do more today.”
“I will. Can I record a video from your phone?”
“Sure.”
“Breakfast is ready,” Mia said. “Warm food made with love will help soothe the soul.”
“That’s our Mia,” Granddad said. “Bacon, eggs, hash browns, corn bread, cinnamon rolls.”
“Ah, I have a separate plate for you,” she said. “Egg-white omelet with spinach and peppers. And a slice of whole wheat toast without butter or honey.”
Granddad moaned, taking the edge off the visceral moment.
Avery turned to Tessa. “Breakfast on the patio?”
“I think so.”
Marc lifted a brow at Avery.
“Just between girls,” Avery said. “No guys allowed.”
