Page 88 of Rising Star

“If she wants to call me Mama and it’s okay with all of you, then it’s fine with me. Justine is still little and can’t comprehend everything, but I don’t want you to be mad at her if she does.”

She reflected on what we shared for a minute. “I’ll tell her I’m okay with her calling you Mama. I won’t tell her she’s stupid anymore.”

“That’s really kind of you. That’s your big sister’s job. To explain things she doesn’t understand to her, like I just did with you, and to reassure her. Emily is my big sister, and she always explains stuff to me too. Because she’s older and knows more.”

Glee painted Mikaella’s face, and my heart swelled inside my ribcage at the sight, knowing everything would turn out just fine.

Side by side, with my hobbling on crutches and her supporting me, we went back to Sam and Justine. My man moved to his feet, relief loosening his features the moment we neared them.

“Sweet pea,” he said, sauntering our way, his eyes asking mine if it was safe to proceed.

I gave a subtle nod. And he looked at me with so much love and a lot more emotions. Respect, lust, affection, gratitude. The entire cocktail.

Squatting in front of his eldest daughter, he sucked in a jagged breath. “Can we talk?”

Mikaella shook her head, and Sam’s face fell. “Sweet pea—”

Her eyes flew to mine, and with a squeeze of her hand and a nod, I assured her everything would be all right.

“Daddy, it’s okay if you want to kiss Maddie. Because you can’t stop looking at her mouth, and I think it’s because you love her.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And she said you’re less grinchy when she’s with you. And I agree.”

“Did she?” Sam said, wiggling his brows when he glanced at me.

Mikaella bobbed her head. “If Justine wants to call her Mama, I won’t call her stupid again.” She shrugged. “Justine is little. She doesn’t understand how mamas and daddies work.”

Mikaella said something in her sister’s ear, and both girls snickered, watching Sam and me.

“What is it?” he asked after a moment.

They held hands and asked together, “Can you kiss?”

Sam raised a brow. “You sure?”

They nodded.

Before I had time to say anything, Sam’s hand molded to my jaw, and his mouth claimed mine, our lips meeting and my heart thundering in my chest.

The girls screamed, bounced on their feet, and clapped their hands, excitement pouring out from them. Soon their arms wound around our legs. My good leg.

Sam’s hand splayed over my lower back, steadying me, and he tugged me closer to him. “I love you, Maddie,” he mouthed, kissing me once more.

The girls cheered and hugged us.

“Can you be my mama now?” Justine asked, and all laughter died down.

“Yes,” Mikaella replied before Sam and I could utter a word. “It’s okay. Maddie and I discussed it, and we decided it’s normal for you to be confused because you are little. She can be your mama if you want her to be.”

Justine’s eyes brightened, and Mikaella offered me a thumbs-up.

“You’re stuck with us now,” Sam whispered against my mouth.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Remind me of this moment when my thoughts go dark, please.”

“Always.”

26

SAM