I never planned on becoming a stepmom.
When I met Daniel, he came with a seven-year-old daughter named Lily. She was quiet and watchful. The kind of kid who observed everything before deciding if it was safe to speak.
I never planned on becoming a stepmom.
Her biological mother was still alive somewhere, technically, but she’d disappeared years before. She’d left Daniel for someone with more money and better looks.
I never tried to replace Lily’s mother. I just showed up.
I packed lunches with the crusts cut off the way Lily liked. Learned how to braid her hair in a specific pattern that didn’t pull. Sat through every school concert, soccer game, and parent-teacher conference.
I never tried to replace Lily’s mother.
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