Sarah took my hand and led me into the living room, ignoring everyone around us. She held onto me the whole time, as though I might vanish if she let go. Sarah pulled two photo albums off the bookshelf and then guided me to the couch. “I think these are the right ones.”
I held my breath as Sarah flipped through pages, and my heart seemed to catch in my throat when she finally stopped on one. I knew it was my mom the moment I saw her. The same violet eyes I saw in the mirror stared back at me. They were dancing with laughter as her arm was thrown around a much younger Sarah. “She was so beautiful.”
Sarah’s eyes filled with tears, and I knew mine were doing the same. “Inside and out, baby girl. Inside and out.”
I held back a sob. “Will you tell me about her?”
Sarah’s tears spilled over, tracking down her cheeks. “There’s nothing I would rather do.”
Andrew sat down next to his wife, brushing the tears away. “Now what’s got these waterworks going?”
Sarah beamed up at him. “Just long-lost family finally coming home.”
Andrew’s expression turned puzzled. He looked from Sarah to the album. When his eyes zeroed in on the photo we were looking at, they widened and shot to me. “Are you Anne’s?”
I nodded, not quite able to speak. The couch depressed next to me, and a strong arm encircled my shoulders. I inhaled Liam’s scent. “She is,” he answered for me.
Andrew’s smile was soft. “Welcome home, Tessa.”
This is what it felt like to belong, to have a family. To be truly loved and accepted. I sent a silent message of thanks to my mother, thanking her for bringing these people into my life in the roundabout way she had. For loving me enough to keep me even though she was probably terrified. For all the gifts she had given me.
I looked at Sarah. “I can’t wait to get to know her through you.”
Sarah reached out, wiping away one of my tears. “I can’t wait to introduce you.”
36
Liam
Itook a long pull of coffee from my travel mug as Tessa and I drove into town. A five-a.m. wake-up call to take care of the horses had come far too early that morning. We’d stayed late at the Coles’ last night, and Sarah had told Tessa story after story about her mother. They’d cried a little, but mostly, they’d laughed. And then they’d laughed so hard they cried.
I was so glad that Tessa had a piece of her history now, that she had family in the truest sense of the word. Someone who knew her roots. I yawned as I set the cup in the center console. I just wished our night hadn’t meant only five hours of sleep.
Tessa reached over and rubbed the back of my neck. “You didn’t have to come with me. The shop is locked up tight, and Jensen will be there in an hour or so.”
I scowled at the road. “I don’t want you alone. Ever.” I glanced at Tessa. “You promised, remember?” If she thought I would be okay with her wandering off by herself, she was crazy. Especially since we had no idea where that fucker, Garrett, was.
Tessa threw up her hands. “Okay, okay. I just wanted you to get some rest.” She grinned at me. “You’re grumpy when you don’t get your beauty sleep.”
My scowl deepened, but I couldn’t hold it in, I started to chuckle. “It takes a lot to look this good.” I sent a wicked grin in Tessa’s direction. “Maybe you can take a nap with me this afternoon. Help me catch up on my sleep.”
Tessa leaned over and ran her tongue over the shell of my ear. “That sounds like a real restful plan.”
My jeans tightened. “You’re going to make me get in a wreck.”
Tessa laughed but settled back in her seat. “I trust your control.”
I shook my head as I pulled up to the back of the Kettle. “You shouldn’t. I have none when it comes to you.”
Tessa grinned at me as I slid out of the SUV and rounded the front of the vehicle. When I opened her door, she jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs around me. “I love you.”
A smile stretched across my face as I gripped her pert little ass with my hands. “What was that for?”
Tessa ran her hands through my hair. “I’m happy. There may be a whole bunch of shit we can’t control, but I don’t care. I’m happy.”
My chest got tight, and I took her mouth in a slow, deep kiss. “I’m so glad you’re happy.”
Tessa studied my face. “Thanks for helping to make me this way.” She dug her heels into my ass. “Now, take me to work,” she said with a laugh.
