(Hey everyone, this is a new After story, let me know what you think, I hope you enjoy: Always and Forever)
It was 7:00pm and the Young family had finally finished moving all their boxes into their new home in Washington. Tessa sat down on her bed with her 10 month old niece who was now permanently in her care. They, along with Tessa's mother Carol had moved back to Washington where her brother Spencer was currently attending WSU in his second year.
Tessa looked down at the little girl snuggling into her chest and caressed her blonde hair – Kadence Lynn was a mini resemblance of her aunt as much as she was of her mother. Tessa sighed as she glanced at the photo of Pippa, how she wished that her older sister was here with her. Kadence babbling in her lap caught the girl's attention.
"Yeah Bubba, it's just us now, but we're gonna be fine, I promise." She kissed her niece's forehead as she closed her eyes. "Sweet dreams Kadie, I love you."
Just as the little girl fell asleep, Carol walked in and smiled wistfully. "You look just like your sister... Spencer invited one of his friends over, when you're ready, come down and introduce yourself to our guest. Kadence will be fine."
Tessa nodded, placing the little girl in her bed before she followed her mother out into the living room where her older brother sat with another boy. The boy was dressed in all black with tattoos peeking out of his shirt; though he wasn't the type of guy Tessa would normally go for, he was extremely attractive.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother's voice. "Since she's not going to introduce herself, this is my daughter Theresa."
Tessa sighed. "Mom, please for the billionth time, it's Tessa."
The boy chuckled before extending his hand. "Well Tessa, I'm Hardin."
Her eyes widened at his english accent and he smirked at her response. Their moment was interrupted by a cry and Spencer jumped up. "Our little munchkin's up, I'll get her."
Tessa heard Hardin laugh. "Little munchkin? He's so getting picked on for that."
She narrowed her eyes, snapping. "Don't you dare." He seemed to backtrack, which made her sigh. "I'm sorry, it's just a tough time and Kadie's the last thing we have left of her."
Hardin could hear the emotion in her voice and moved closer. "Left of who?"
"Our sister."
Tessa was shocked when she felt his calloused thumb softly wipe the tear she didn't know fell before she was pulled into his arms. She was barely holding it together until he whispered. "You don't have to be strong, let it out Tess." It was the final drop in the bucket and it all overflowed.
Tessa collapsed into Hardin's chest; he tightened his grip on her waist, holding her up as her fists balled around his shirt. She managed to calm herself as Spencer brought Kadence into the room, the little girl reaching for her aunt as soon as she saw her. She took the baby into her arms and rubbed her back. "It's ok Bubba, I'm here."
Hardin smiled softly as he watched Tessa care for Kadence. They spent the remainder of the night in each other's company, he didn't know her secrets and she didn't know his. But what they both didn't realise was that from that moment forward, they'd be intertwined in each other's lives always and forever.