Page 98 of Concrete Evidence
Outside, Avery and Tessa sat where the morning sounds of nature sang like a choir. How many times had she taken this incredible beauty for granted? She’d been blessed, and now it was time to help the teen work through her pain.
Tessa took a long drink of orange juice. “What did you have to tell me?”
“First, I want to say something about your mother.”
“She didn’t want me.”
Empathy threaded through Avery’s heart. “She left you with your grandmother, and abandonment hurts. But maybe she knew your grandmother would take better care of you than she ever could. And think about how much your dad loved you.”
“A counselor said the same thing. So did Gram. I forgave my mother, but not without tons of help from Jesus and Gram.” She swallowed hard. “Gram told me forgiveness was a gift to myself. Without it, I’d be eaten up with hate.”
“She’s right.”
“I really miss Dad, and I see so much in Marc that reminds me of him. But you’re right, I hurt, and I’m afraid something will happen to him.”
“I’m here whenever you want to talk. Nothing will be repeated unless you give me permission.”
“Thanks. Do you like my brother?”
“Yes. He’s a fine man, and we’re becoming good friends.”
“Anything more?”
Marc had warned Avery about Tessa’s fear of losing him. “I have no idea. We need to resolve the danger, and for now we’re working side by side. Why?”
“He likes you. So do I. You two look good together.”
Heat rose up Avery’s neck and face. “Are you playing matchmaker?”
Tessa shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Thought so. Have you asked him the same thing?”
“Not yet. I’m kinda worried a girlfriend would think I was in the way.”
“Looks to me like you two are a great package together.”
Tessa blinked. “Is that what you really think?”
“I do.”
“Thanks. Makes me feel better. Marc said we came as a package deal, but hearing you say it means more. You wanted to talk to me, and I’m taking up the conversation.”
“Not true. You and I have much in common. My parents always told me I’d been a mistake. If it hadn’t been for Granddad, I’d have starved as a little girl, physically and emotionally. They let him keep me whenever he wanted, and I loved every minute with him.”
Tessa placed her fork at her plate and tilted her head.
“When I was eleven, I had a breakdown, and my parents signed over custody to Granddad. While what my parents did sounds horrible, God had a much better plan for my life. My parents’ abandonment was the best thing that ever happened to me. Granddad showed me Jesus and how to live life with goals and instilled in me the value of an education.”
“Gram and Dad did the same for me.”
“Tessa, you and I are survivors. We’ll get through this and be stronger women for it. You can talk to me anytime because I’ve been where you are. Rejection and abandonment tell us we’re no good,when we are diamonds, just like Granddad said.” Avery touched Tessa’s hand. “If we let our food get cold, Mia will be upset.”
They finished in silence. Avery sank into her own thoughts, and she believed Tessa sorted out her own. Precious girl, filled with love and so much potential. They had much in common, including an irresistible FBI agent.
Avery and Tessa carried their empty plates inside. If not for the ugliness raging through them all, the kitchen scene would have resembled family and friends enjoying each other’s company.
The doorbell rang and Granddad disappeared down the hall to answer it. A few moments later, footsteps sounded, but no voices indicated the visitor’s name or purpose. Avery assumed it was one of the deputies—ranch hands used the back door so Mia could load them up with food.
