PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 71: Baby Fever Part 2

Carina stepped closer to Maya, placing a hand on her cheek. "Maya, you won't mess it up. You're not like your father. You have a kind, gentle heart, and our kids would be lucky to have you as their mom."

She took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of love and determination. "We will get that chance, Maya. We'll have our family, and when we do, you're going to be an incredible mother. I have no doubts about that."
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Maya's eyes welled up with unshed tears as she listened to Carina's words. The support and belief from her love meant more to her than she could express.

She let out a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "You really think so? That I won't mess it up? Even after everything I've been through?"

Carina looked into Maya's eyes, her voice firm and resolute. "Absolutely, Maya. Your past does not define your future. You have the power to break the cycle, to create a loving and supportive family that's nothing like what you experienced growing up. And I'll be right by your side every step of the way."

The tears that had been threatening to fall finally escaped, tracing down Maya's cheeks as she looked into Carina's eyes. She clutched the child in her arms, both taking comfort from and finding strength in the innocent little bundle that had brought a brief moment of joy into their serious conversation.

She took a deep breath, her voice cracking slightly. "I don't deserve you, Carina."

Carina looked at Maya and said "Yes you do deserve me I love you so much Maya Bishop."

Maya's heart fluttered at Carina's words. The mixture of love, reassurance, and the use of her full name made the moment all the more impactful.

She looked up at Carina, her eyes still glimmering with unshed tears. "I love you too, Carina DeLuca. More than you could ever know."

Maya leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on Carina's forehead, then on the child's head.

Carina's eyes softened at the sight of Maya's affection towards both her and the child. She gently took the child from Maya's arms and held them in her own, giving them a tender kiss on the head before looking back at Maya.

"We should give this little one back to their mom," Carina said, her voice filled with both amusement and a hint of longing. "And you, Bambina, need some rest. You look like you're about to collapse."

Maya couldn't argue with Carina's assessment. The emotional toll of the day, the weight of her responsibilities, and the fatigue of a chaotic shift were all catching up to her.

But she couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance. The brief moment with the child had been a small respite from the constant barrage of worries.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're right. I should rest. But... I just don't want to let go of this moment."

Carina's heart ached at the vulnerable admission. She understood how hard it was for Maya to open herself up to moments of vulnerability and joy, especially in the midst of their current struggles.

She gave Maya a tender smile, then looked back down at the child in her arms. "Maybe we can make sure the mother is around and then you can hold this little one a bit longer."

Maya's eyes widened slightly at the prospect, a flicker of hope igniting within her. "Seriously? You'd be cool with that?"

Carina, sensing Maya's need for a few more moments of connection and comfort, nodded. "Of course, Bambina. A few extra minutes won't hurt. And it seems like this little one has taken quite a liking to you."