The little one barreled straight into Sandy, tackling her to the floor.

“Tina!” Shane reached out, pulling his daughter back a bit. He was happy to see

their reunion, but the kid was a little too enthusiastic.

He shot Sandy a worried look—she was still recovering, after all.

“I know you’re excited to see Mom, but don’t knock her over!” he said.

“But I want to!” Tina protested, clinging to Sandy’s leg and bursting into tears.

“Mommy, I’m your daughter! Don’t leave me, okay?”

“Oh, sweetheart...”

Sandy’s heart shattered at the sight. The second Tina ran into her arms, it was

like something inside her broke open. Her eyes stung and turned red, the emotion

overwhelming.

Strangely, she didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable. Just a deep, aching

tenderness.

Tina lifted her tear-stained face.

That tiny face... Sandy looked again and realized Tina was almost her mirror

image as a child.

With a trembling hand, Sandy gently stroked her daughter’s hair. She bent down,

tears spilling down her cheeks. “Don’t cry, honey.”

keep me?” Tina sobbed harder,

was a total novice at this. She

delighted, though his thick brows were

the

how tough it’s been

up with no friends at

You almost missed me entirely!” Tina sniffled, laying

thick.

guilt was almost unbearable. She wiped Tina’s tears, kissing

so sorry, Tina. From now on... you have a

anywhere, I promise.”

I finally

hugged Sandy tight, sobbing for real now, and grabbed

it over Sandy’s.

crying, she squeezed both

scheming as

child could. “Now you

married!

have a real family, and

picked on again!”

Shane said, knowing

be.

had

was already pressuring her

cleared his throat,

at the still-shocked

go with it for

of this day—she

family to

looked away, blushing as Shane’s arm wrapped around

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