I kissed his forehead.
“You never have to be afraid of spilling juice here.”
Leo considered that seriously.
“Even grape juice?”
I laughed through my tears.
“Even grape juice.”
He wrapped his arms around my neck.
“You’re my favorite mommy.”
I held him tightly.
“And you’re my favorite little lion.”
David appeared in the doorway and watched us with a gentle smile.
For once, there was no phone ringing with demands from my mother.
No threat of losing an inheritance.
No endless attempt to prove that I deserved a place in my own family.
Only the three of us standing in a sunlit kitchen while Leo proudly explained his drawing.
Later that evening, Chloe joined us for dinner.
She brought a small chocolate cake to celebrate Leo finishing another follow-up appointment.
David cooked pasta while I set the table.
Leo insisted on putting the napkins beside every plate.
