Tessa Simmons couldn’t stop hugging Rachel. She’d seen her and talked to her via phone and video, but for some reason, the girl radiated light that Tessa desperately needed. She finally stepped back, and Rachel’s smile still existed on her face. Nothing ever seemed to bother her, and Tessa wished she could be more like that.
“It’s just so good to see you,” she gushed at her niece. She then took Travis Newman in her arms and practically cried into his shoulder too. He was as thin as Rachel, and they’d probably have children who’d disappear when they turned sideways.
Having people her son’s age in her presence made Tessa miss Matt all the more. She understood why he hadn’t come, though she’d invited him well in advance. He was pretty serious with a woman named Kimberly Bird, and they were
