CHAPTER 283: HEART AND BLOOD (1)

Georgia’s POV

When I woke up, it honestly felt like I’d just finished a 10k run and a full workout session. Every muscle in my body protested when I stretched, but the moment I stepped out of the room, all of that vanished.

The morning sunlight was already shining bright in the living room, and there they were, Nick, Vicky, and little Katie at the dining table, while Prudence and Benjamin were in the kitchen, laughing and playfully teasing each other as they cooked.

The whole scene felt so warm, so alive, it tugged a smile out of me. For a moment, I thought of my parents; if they were still here, maybe they’d be just like that, too.

"Good morning!" I greeted cheerfully, and all eyes turned to me.

Katie’s brows furrowed in concern. "Are you sick again, Aunt Georgia? Uncle Nick said you didn’t feel good last night, that’s why you were still in bed."

Nick stood up and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, his touch gentle but telling. I caught Vicky trying so hard to hold back a grin; Prudence and Benjamin’s amused glance from the kitchen didn’t help either.

Oh, they definitely knew. So embarrassing! I just want to melt or be swallowed by the ground right then and there.

"I’m not sick, honey," I said, returning Katie’s worried look with a smile before kissing the top of her head. "I was just really tired yesterday from work and, um, other activities I had last night."

That was it. Vicky snorted into her mug and tried to cover it with a fake cough.

"What kind of activities?" Katie pressed, curious as ever.

Good grief. This child!

"Well," I started smoothly, "we had dinner with Uncle Nick’s siblings, and then we checked some designs for our new house."

Just like that, her attention shifted, eyes wide with excitement. Thank goodness!

"Really? I’ll have a new room too?"

"Yes, sweetheart," I said, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Everyone will have their own rooms, even Nanna Wendy. She is getting old, and I want her to live with us instead of a separate house.

Later, let’s ask her what colors she wants for hers, and you can pick yours too. But first, finish your breakfast so we can visit her, okay?"

Katie nodded eagerly and went back to eating her cereal with new motivation.

I headed toward the kitchen to help Prudence with the plates, but Nick’s hand caught my elbow before I could reach for anything.

"I’ll do it," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "All you ladies, sit down."

And so we did—watching our two men fuss around the table as the smell of fresh pancakes and brewed coffee filled the room. For a moment, everything felt perfect.

After breakfast, Katie’s laughter echoed from the bathroom as I poured water over her tiny shoulders. She looked so carefree, splashing bubbles everywhere, her hair sticking to her cheeks while she tried to form little mountains of foam on her hands.

"Careful, you’ll flood the whole bathroom," I teased, scooping the bubbles off her nose.

While I washed the last of the bubbles from her hair, my heart suddenly softened in a way I couldn’t ignore. She wasn’t just my niece anymore—at least not to me. Every day, she was becoming a piece of my heart as if she were my own. Maybe she was, just from a different womb, but from the same heart and blood.

"Katie," I started gently. "Can I ask you something?"

She looked up at me with her big brown eyes, curious and trusting. "What is it?"

I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Would it be okay with you if... Uncle Nick and I become your new daddy and mommy? Of course, we will not forget your mom and dad, not ever, but would you like to become our daughter, and let’s become a family? More than just a niece and aunt."

For a heartbeat, there was silence—just the soft dripping of water. Then Katie’s lips parted in surprise.

"Really?" she whispered, her small hands clutching the edge of the tub.

I nodded, brushing a strand of wet hair from her forehead. "Really. Only if you want to, sweetheart. We would never want to make you feel like you have to. But... we love you very, very much. You’re already family to us."

And even if you say no, you will still be more than a niece to me. For me, you are already my daughter, born from my heart and blood.

Katie blinked, her eyes glistening. Then she suddenly threw her wet arms around my neck, soaking my shirt.

"I want that, Aunt Georgia," she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "I always wanted a mommy... I don’t remember my mommy, it feels like I never had one, and I already love you!"

My throat tightened as I hugged her back, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Oh, sweetheart... You just made me the happiest in the world."

She giggled softly, pulling away just enough to look at me. "So that means... I can call you Mommy now?"

I smiled through the lump in my throat. "If you want to, yes."

"Okay... Mommy," she said shyly, testing the word for the first time.

And just like that, one small word, one small voice, my heart found a new kind of peace and happiness.

I wrapped her in her towel, her tiny arms clinging to my neck as if afraid I’d disappear. I bit my lip, trying so hard not to cry, but memories kept flooding in like waves I couldn’t stop.

I still remember the first time I saw her, so small, so fragile. I was at the hospital the day she was born, standing beside my brother, who was nervously pacing the hallway, his hands trembling. And when mt brother finally handed her to me, I couldn’t believe something so perfect could exist. Her little fingers had curled around mine, and I’d promised myself I’d always protect her, even if I was only her aunt.

********

Thank you for the Golden Ticket!

Iyb

Noni_Byz