Amelie’s POV

“Princess, I want you to stay with me forever,” Eliza said sleepily. “I don’t have a mommy now. I want you to be my mommy. I love you, Princess.”

“I love you, too, Eliza,” I whispered.

I hugged her tight as we sat in bed. I don’t know if it was my overwhelming need to protect her from the loss of her parents or the fact that she was so sweet and truly needed me, but I wanted to give her what she asked for. I wanted to step up and take care of her. I knew I ...