Page 67 of A Mother's Love

She was also happy because her pottery collection was growing. She’d opted to give up the extra shift at work and make time for her pottery and gardening, which was paying off. It made her realize just how fortunate she was to have the family she did. They were a support system that gave her hope that everything would be okay.

“Is that smile for me, or are you just happy?” Justin looked down at her.

“Both,” she replied, looking up at him.

He leaned in and pecked her lips. Tessa’s eyes became saucers, and her lips parted.

“Too soon?” he asked with concern.

“Not soon enough.” She smiled and put her hand around his neck to pull him down to her. The two shared another tender kiss.

There were little cheers from her family, and she buried her face in his chest, embarrassed but also happy.

There was a knock on the door, and Kerry went to answer it. “Look who is here,” she beamed, stepping aside to reveal Jake.

Tessa’s hand flew to her mouth. “Jake?” she called out in disbelief.

“Hi, Mom. Yes, it’s me.” He chuckled.

Tessa was out of her seat in a heartbeat, and she eagerly pulled him into a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you so much,” she cried against his neck. She felt him swallow, and when he spoke, his voice broke.

“I’ve missed you too, Mom. I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long.”

“It’s okay. What matters is that you’re here now,” she assured him.

When they separated, his eyes landed on Diane, and Tessa moved out of the way so they could have their moment together.

“Hey, Sis.”

Diane punched him in the arm. “Don’t ‘hey, Sis’ me. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?” she asked with tears running down her face.

“I know. I’m sorry for hurting you…I—”

Diane pulled him into a tight embrace, not allowing him to finish. “I’m glad you’re home.” She sighed.

“I’m glad too.”

When they separated, the next person he went to was his grandmother, and then the rest.

Tessa stood back against the wall and watched with joy as her children and the rest of her family interacted. A year ago, she would not have imagined everyone in the same place all at once and having so much fun together.

This was the happiest she had been in a long time, and it gave her hope for the future.