Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 69: Soaring Gold

The moment shattered by a squeal brought a genuine smile to Maximilian's face, unlike the usual smirks he often sported. He looked at Seher for a few more moments, and then turned his head to glance at the two-year-old bundle of energy, his emerald angel. The affection and excitement in her eyes made it seem like he had somehow brought the stars to her. While Seher gave him passion, serenity, and comfort, this little angel give him purpose. Maximilian had decided that her joy, the shine on her face, would be his purpose. He didn't know what role he would play in her life, but her happiness became his purpose. Calling her his blessing wasn't just a phrase; she felt like a salvation, a blessing he didn't think he deserved-a fruit of the good things he might have done in his life. She was the embodiment of it.

Meher dashed toward him on her little legs, startling Maximilian. He stood up, carefully monitoring each of her steps as he moved closer. His heart practically in his mouth, watching her unsteady strides, Maximilian noticed that her walking and running were not very refined yet. Approaching her with steady steps, he kept a firm eye on her legs. His fears materialized when Meher's leg wobbled, and she was on the verge of falling. In a split second, Maximilian jumped and scooped her up, wide-eyed, taking a deep breath once she was secure in his arms. He gazed at her face briefly, then hugged her tightly to his chest, her small body enveloped by his larger one. For that moment, Maximilian felt a true fear he hadn't experienced in years. He just inhaled her faint baby scent, trying to calm himself down. He reassured himself that his blessing was okay, untouched and safe in his arms. He vowed to ensure she always remained secure and protected.

As Maximilian settled down, Meher still in his arms, he gently placed her on the table in front of him, her little feet dangling. She looked at him with a beaming smile, and said, "Maxi, you come!" Maximilian couldn't help but smile back, saying, "How could I not come? My blessing was missing me." Meher nodded, pouting a bit, and added, "Yesh, me miss. But how you know?" she asked, frowning, little lines forming on her forehead. Just as Maximilian had done with Seher, he used his index finger to gently smooth the lines on her forehead. He glanced at Seher for a fleeting second, shook his head, and said, "Your mommy told me, princess." Meher gasped, looking at Seher almost accusingly, and questioned, "Mommy, Maxi your fwiend?"

Seher gently pursed her lips and replied, "Yes, not as good as yours, but he is a friend." Meher gave her mother a disapproving look and then turned to Maximilian, stating confidently, "Maxi, you no mommy fwiend, you my fwiend." Maximilian nodded, saying, "Yes, princess, only your friend." Meher then looked at him, once again wearing a smile, and pointed to herself, inquiring, "Meher pwincess?" It was a familiar self-proclaimed title for her, yet the first time someone else had acknowledged her as a princess. Maximilian chuckled, murmuring to himself, "Only if you knew, moya malen'kaya printsessa (my little princess), and then addressed her, "Of course, you are a princess, aren't you? The most beautiful and the smartest princess of all, my Meher princess." Meher giggled, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue as she hid her little face in her hands.

Maximilian couldn't help but continuously gaze at her, captivated by her little antics. She had completely claimed his heart, and he had no intention of taking it back. With the gentlest touch, he tickled her tummy, prompting loud giggles from her. Meher extended one of her little hands and, almost in a commanding tone, said, "Maxi, stop." He obliged, enjoying the joy of being at her beck and call. She then tried another command, "Maxi, up," and Maximilian promptly stood up, lifting her into his arms. She reveled in the height, gazing adorably, and then looked at Seher, saying, "Mama me so up, Dan Dan big, Maxi more big!"

Maximilian frowned and asked, "Who's Dan Dan?" Seher shook her head, smiling at her daughter's playful behavior. Without much thought, she replied, "Oh, Dan Dan. She calls Daniel that. He is the father of the child I used to look after before this. Both him and his son are very close to Meher, and to all of us, actually." A faint smile crossed her lips as she reminisced about Daniel. She shook her head, deciding to stay present in the moment until Daniel chose to reconnect.