Chapter 13 - THE LITTLE GIRL WHO ASKED FOR A FAMILY
Lily was seven when she asked Brielle a question that changed everything.
They were sitting in the garden.
Painting small wooden birdhouses.
Lily looked up.
“Miss Brielle?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Do you love Daddy?”
Brielle froze.
Lily continued painting.
“Because he smiles more when you're here.”
Brielle swallowed.
“Your daddy is a very good man to you.”
Lily nodded.
“I know.”
Then she looked up.
“But do you love him?”
Brielle smiled softly.
“Yes.”
Lily grinned.
“Good.”
Brielle laughed.
“Why good?”
“Because I love you too.”
Brielle's eyes filled.
Lily continued.
“Grandma says families aren't only people who look alike.”
Brielle nodded.
“She's right.”
Lily smiled.
“Then maybe you can be in ours.”
Brielle pulled the little girl into her arms.
For years, she'd believed family was something you could lose in a single terrible moment.
Now a child was showing her that family could also be something you found.
That evening, Dominic found Brielle sitting alone in the garden.
He sat beside her.
“Everything okay?”
She nodded.
Then she looked at him.
“Your daughter asked if I could be part of your family.”
Dominic went still.
Brielle smiled through tears.
“I told her families are built with love.”
Dominic looked at her.
Then he took her hand.
“She's right.”
Brielle laughed softly.
“About what?”
May you like
He smiled.
“About wanting you in ours.”
