It's Time

Katherine stood behind Maya, parting her daughter's silky hair to begin braiding it into pigtails. The little girl wiggled a little in place, more from excitement than discomfort.

Maya beamed up at her, her big brown eyes shining with anticipation. "Please make me pretty, Mommy," she said, her voice filled with hope.

"Of course, sweetheart," Katherine replied, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her daughter's head. Maya giggled, the sound a mixture of innocence and joy. Katherine couldn't help but laugh, her heart swelling with love for the little girl who was already so full of personality.

As she finished adjusting Maya's hair, Katherine glanced over at Nathan, who was sitting on the couch nearby, quietly watching them. His gaze was focused on the small, wrapped gift in his hands, his fingers tracing the edges as though afraid it would slip away if he wasn't paying close attention.