*Athena*
Later that evening, I find myself tucking Bella into bed, a quiet moment of warmth amidst the busyness of the day. Sam had some important phone calls to make, leaving me to take care of his little girl. "Sleep tight, little princess," I whisper, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
As I pull the covers snugly around her, Bella gazes up at me with her big, dark eyes, shimmering with innocence and curiosity. "Tena? Will you be my mommy? Because I don’t have a mommy," she asks, her voice small and vulnerable.
Her words hit me like a wave, almost bringing tears to my eyes. “Oh, sweetie,” I reply, my heart aching for her. “You do have a mother. Even if she’s not here anymore, she is up there watching over you. But I can be your very best friend.”
Bella’s face lights up with a sm
