Motherless

33

Melody

I invited Detective Hall to stay for dinner, but as I anticipated, she politely declined. Her smile was kind but firm as she handed me Talia's bags. "You two need this time together," she said softly, her eyes shifting between Talia and me. Her words were true. We needed this—time to be just us. 

As the detective disappeared down the driveway, I turned to Talia and took her small hand in mine. "Come on, sweetheart," I said gently, ushering her toward the front door. "Let's head inside and get settled. What would you like me to cook for dinner? Anything you want." 

She shrugged, barely lifting her eyes to meet mine. "It doesn't matter," she mumbled, her voice quiet and hesitant. 

My heart tugged at her response. I knelt to her level, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "It matters to me, sweetheart," I said softly. "But if you can't decide, how about I make something I think you'll love? Deal?" 

She gave the tiniest nod, her lips quirking into a half-smile. "Okay." 

I kissed her forehead and smiled warmly. "Good. Now, why don't you put your bags in your room while I get started? Afterward, you can relax and watch TV or help me in the kitchen." 

Talia hesitated, clutching the strap of her bag. "Can I... Can I stay with you while you cook?" 

Her question warmed me from the inside out. "Of course, sweetheart," I said with a grin. "I'd love the company." 

I guided her toward the hallway, her hand still resting in mine. When we reached her bedroom door, I stopped to give her space, leaning against the frame as she turned the handle. The moment the door creaked open, her reaction was worth every late night, every ounce of effort I'd poured into preparing this space for her. 

A high-pitched squeal escaped her lips as she stepped inside, her bag slipping to the floor, forgotten. "Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed, spinning in a circle to take it all in. Her wide, amazed eyes darted from one detail to the next. 

The walls were painted a calming sage green, her favorite color. The bed was dressed in a soft, cozy quilt with accent pillows I'd carefully picked out, unsure of her tastes but hoping I'd guessed right. Shelves lined one wall, filled with books, a few stuffed animals, and some knick-knacks I thought she might like. A small desk sat by the window, complete with art supplies and a journal waiting for her. 

She ran her fingers over the quilt, then the desk, before pausing to gaze at the framed pictures of serene landscapes hanging on the walls. 

"Do you like it?" I asked softly, stepping further into the room. 

Talia turned, her face alight with pure joy. "I love it!" she cried, rushing to wrap her arms tightly around me. Her small voice was muffled against my shirt as she whispered, "Thank you, Mommy. I love you so much." 

My breath hitched. Mommy. She had called me "Mom" before but always stopped herself, hesitant, unsure. But this time, she said it fully, without fear, and my heart swelled so much it felt like it might burst. 

Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them, spilling down my cheeks as I knelt to her level. "Oh, sweetheart," I whispered, cupping her face in my hands. "Hearing you call me that makes me so happy. You can always call me Mommy, okay?" 

Her eyes widened, searching my face for reassurance. "Really? You're sure?" 

I let out a soft laugh, pulling her close and holding her tight. "I'm more than sure, baby girl. I love you more than anything in the world." 

She sniffled, her tiny hands clutching at my shirt. "I love you, too." 

I wiped away her tears and mine before standing. "Now," I said with a playful smile, "how about you and I celebrate with a special dinner? I'll make something amazing, just for us."