Sunny
She thought of the secret she now carried, the line she and Liam had crossed. But as she looked at Maddie and Hailey, their eyes heavy with tiredness but still shining with innocence and trust, she knew her next words were true.
“Yes, sweetheart. I’m very happy here with you and your sister, and your dad. You don’t have to do anything special for me.” Though she quickly added: “Tidying up your mess is always appreciated, though!”
Maddie smiled widely, snuggling into her pillow.
In the hallway, she leaned against the wall, taking deep breaths. The weight of her actions, of the secret she now shared with Liam, pressed down on her. But so did the warmth of Maddie’s words. Family. Was that what they were, in all its messy, complicated glory?
Before climbing the stairs, she stopped in the living room. She approached the mantelpiece and just stood there for a long moment. Solemn. Respectful.
“I’m not replacing you,” Sunny whispered to one of Kate’s photos. “Forgive me. I just… I don’t know what I’m doing.”
She suddenly felt foolish talking to a picture, but the guilt was palpable. Was she betraying Kate? Betraying the trust Maddie and Hailey had in her?
She sighed then turned and marched towards the stairs, her feet heavy.
In the quiet of the night, she allowed herself to hope. Hope that she and Liam could navigate this uncharted territory, that their secret wouldn’t shatter the fragile peace they’d built in the house.
It was a risk, a leap of faith. But as Sunny drifted off to sleep, she realized it was a risk she was willing to take.
She was more sure of herself now. More sure of her decision.
For the sake of two little girls who had stolen her heart.
And for the unexpected connection with a man who, against all odds, had found a way to live again, not just exist.
Duty, secrets and love now twined together like vines in the Anderson house.