Page 8 - 2022 Tryst Sneak Peak 24

But, she was wary of awakening him, so she didn't move.
Instead, as Karyn lay there, watching Jacob sleep, a
flood of memories cascaded through her entire being.
Her heart smiled, recalling their precious history together.

****

Gillian stopped for a moment, remembering
Thomas and his tenderness during those first few weeks
after Kremmling. She paused for a moment, looking to
Achilles for some sign of... she wasn't sure what she was
looking for... and he was no help. Even though she'd
fed him well this morning, he still hadn't forgiven her for
last night. Gillian picked up the letter and her cup of
tea; and moved to where her sketch pad sat, on the
coffee table in the living room. She set down her tea,
picked up the pad and some chalk from her kit, and
continued to read.

****
They'd known each other for more than fifteen
years ... from the angst of her late teen years on into the
turmoil of her twenties, and now through the transitions of
her thirties. Yet, through it all, he was forever impervious
in his commitment to their friendship. He had been
there for her. No matter the season or time of day or
night, she could always count on him. He was her
confidant, her mentor, her rescuer, her dream master,
her priest, her brother, and her friend. He revitalized her.
He told her the truth. He believed her fears and healed
her wounds. He helped her to grow into the woman she
was becoming. There was so much in her life that she
couldn't have accomplished without him. So much
about herself, she never would have learned if not for his
gentle encouragement and consummate faith in the
strength of her heart. She felt privileged to receive his

Diana Kathryn Plopa 8 A Tryst of Fate