Chapter 8: Becoming a Mother Again
The days after the wedding were chaotic but strangely hopeful.
Victoria spent as much time as possible with Lily. At first, the little girl was shy around her. She had spent her whole life calling Eleanor “Grandma” and had only recently started understanding that Victoria was actually her mother.
But children are resilient.
Within a week, Lily was climbing into Victoria’s lap and asking her to braid her hair. She started calling her “Mommy” without hesitation. Victoria cried the first time it happened.
Alexander was surprisingly supportive. He didn’t push Lily to call him anything. He simply treated her with kindness and patience. One afternoon, Victoria found him sitting on the floor with Lily, helping her build a tower out of blocks. The sight made her heart ache in the best way.
One evening, after Lily had fallen asleep, Victoria sat with Alexander on the couch.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For not leaving. For being kind to her.”
Alexander took her hand.
“She’s part of you,” he said simply. “And I love you. That means I’m going to love her too.”
Victoria leaned her head against his shoulder.
“I don’t deserve you.”
May you like
He kissed the top of her head.
“Maybe not,” he said with a small smile. “But you’re stuck with me anyway.”
