in the pillows.
The door creaked open and Stephanie tip-toed in, placing a cup of spiced chai tea on Tessa’s nightstand. The aromatic mixture of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and other herbs filled the room, tickling her nose. Steph knew the trick to getting her up.
She gave in and raised her head. “What time is it?”
“Time to get up, that's what.” Dressed in a smart business suit, Stephanie placed her hands on her hips and studied Tessa with an air of disapproval. “Don't tell me you've been crying over Michael again?”
Tessa sat up and took a sip of tea before meeting her friend’s gaze. “Just thinking about him, that’s all.”
Stephanie shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. “I know you’re grieving, but it's been months since you broke up. Come on. Get out of bed and get ready for work. Your boss called and said she’d place you on unpaid leave if you call in sick one more time. I was tempted to tell her you weren't even sick.”
“But I have been sick.” Tessa leaned back against her bedhead and bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry in front of Stephanie.
“I know.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, Stephanie took hold of Tessa’s free hand. “It’s hard to let go, especially having been together for so long. But breaking up was the only option. You know that.”
“But maybe I was too hard on him.” Tessa grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. “Those drugs changed him, Steph. He wasn’t himself.”
“I know. But you did try to help him. For months. I watched you slowly being torn apart. The truth is, you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.” Stephanie squeezed her hand. “You can't help someone who lies to you about their addiction, even if it is to prescription drugs. And he stole from you. You need honesty in your relationship, and Michael wasn't willing to give that to you. You did the right thing. You’re better off without him.”
“It's just hard not knowing where he is or how he's doing.” Tessa glanced at the photo of him still sitting on her dresser. “It's hard being single again. I feel …” She paused and searched for the right word, as the ache in her chest grew. “Lonely.”
“You poor thing.” Stephanie leaned forward and hugged her tightly. “I’m here for you, Tess. And so’s God, you know that. I understand you feel bad about this whole situation, but God’s with you, and He’ll help you through it. And you never know what, or who, He might have in store for you!” She gently brushed the stray hair from Tessa’s face and gave her another hug.
Tessa nodded reluctantly. Steph was right. She’d made the right decision and knew that God would be with her and would help her through it, but translating that knowledge to her heart was another matter altogether.
“Come on kiddo, breakfast’s ready. Let’s get you up, dressed, and off to work.”
Tessa slid out of bed as Stephanie retreated to the kitchen. As she swallowed down the rest of her tea, Michael's photo caught her attention once again. Grey eyes with a hint of blue in a tanned, chiselled face stared out at her, tugging at her heartstrings. She picked up the photo and flopped back onto her bed, gazing at the face that was so familiar. This torture had to end. She traced the outline of his face with her finger before hugging the photo to her chest. Closing her eyes, she squeezed back hot tears. This was it. The end.
“God, please help me get through this day.” Her body shuddered as she gulped down unbidden sobs. “I’m sorry it’s taken so long, but I’m ready to let go. Please help me.” Tears streamed down her face as she hugged the photo tightly one last time before she opened the bottom drawer of her dresser and stuffed the photo under the pile of chunky knit sweaters she rarely wore.
Time to move on, and with God’s help, she would.
Continue reading Tender Love here.
Other Books by Juliette Duncan
Find all of Juliette Duncan's books on her website: www.julietteduncan.com/library
Find all of Juliette Duncan's books on her website: www.julietteduncan.com/library
The Shadows Series
A jilted teacher, a charming Irishman, & the chance to escape their pasts & start again.
Lingering Shadows
Facing the Shadows
Beyond the Shadows
Secrets and Sacrifice
A Highland Christmas
True Love Series
Tender Love
Tested Love
Tormented Love
Triumphant Love
Precious Love Series
Forever Cherished
Forever Faithful
Forever His
A Time For Everything Series
A mature-age Christian Romance series
A Time to Treasure
She lost her husband and misses him dearly. He lost his wife but is ready to move on. Will a chance meeting in a foreign city change their lives forever?
A Time to Care
They’ve tied the knot, but will their love last the distance?
A Time to Abide
When grief hovers like a cloud, will the sun ever shine again for Wendy?
A Time to Rejoice
He’s never forgiven himself for the accident that killed his mother. Can he find forgiveness and true love?
A Sunburned Land Series
Slow Road to Love
A divorced reporter on a remote assignment. An alluring cattleman who captures her heart…
Slow Journey to Joy
An emergency dash to Paris, an engagement on hold, and an ex-husband who wants her back…
Slow Path to Peace
With their lives stripped bare, can Serena and David find peace?
Slow Ride Home
He’s a cowboy who lives his life with abandon. She’s spirited and fiercely independent…
Transformed by Love Christian Romance Series
Book 1 - Because We Loved
A decorated Lieutenant Colonel plagued with guilt. A captivating widow whose husband was killed under his watch…
Book 2 - Because We Forgave
A fallen TV personality hiding from his failures. An ex-wife and family facing their fears…
Book 3 - Because We Dreamed
When dreams are shattered, can hope be restored?
Book 4 - Because We Believed
A single mom forging a new life. A handsome chaplain who steals her heart…
Billionaires with Heart Series
Her Kind-Hearted Billionaire
A reluctant billionaire, a grieving young woman, and the trip that changes their lives forever…
Her Generous Billionaire
A grieving billionaire, a devoted solo mother, and a woman determined to sabotage their relationship…
Her Disgraced Billionaire
A billionaire in jail, a nurse who cares, and the challenge that changes their lives forever...
Her Compassionate Billionaire
A widowed billionaire with three young children. A replacement nanny who helps change his life…
The Madeleine Richards Series
Although the 3 book series is intended mainly for pre-teen/Middle Grade girls, it’s been read and enjoyed by people of all ages. Here’s what one reader had to say about it: “Juliette has a fabulous way of bringing her characters to life. Maddy is at typical teenager with authentic views and actions that truly make it feel like you are feeling her pain and angst. You want to enter into her situation and make everything better. Mom and soon to be dad respond to her with love and gentle persuasion while maintaining their faith and trust in Jesus, whom they know, will give them wisdom as they continue on their lives journey. Appropriate for teenage readers but any age can enjoy.” Amazon Reader
The Potter’s House Books…
stories of hope, redemption, and second chances. Find out more here:
http://pottershousebooks.com/our-books/
The Homecoming
Can she surrender a life of fame and fortune to find true love?
Blessings of Love
She’s going on mission to help others. He’s going to win her heart.
The Hope We Share
Can the Master Potter work in Rachel and Andrew’s hearts and give them a second chance at love?
Stand Alone Christian Romantic Suspense
Leave Before He Kills You
When his face grew angry, I knew he could murder…
About the Author
Juliette Duncan is a Christian fiction author, passionate about writing stories that will touch her readers' hearts and make a difference in their lives. Although a trained school teacher, Juliette spent many years working alongside her husband in their own business, but is now relishing the opportunity to follow her passion for writing stories she herself would love to read. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Juliette and her husband have five adult children, eight grandchildren, and an elderly long haired dachshund. Apart from writing, Juliette loves exploring the great world we live in, and has travelled extensively, both within Australia and overseas. She also enjoys social dancing and eating out.
Connect with Juliette:
Email: author@julietteduncan.com
Website: www.julietteduncan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulietteDuncanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette_Duncan