A Mother for the Firefighter's Daughter. A Second Chance at Happiness

“Polechka... sunshine,” he said softly, his voice unusually gentle and warm. “How are you feeling?”
The girl slowly turned her head toward his voice; her huge eyes were full of tears and fear.
“Daddy...” she whispered weakly, and her lips trembled. “I was so scared...”
Andrey carefully sat down on the edge of the bed and gently stroked her hair, trying to calm her.
“It’s all over now, sweetheart. I’m here with you—now everything will be fine. Do you hear me? You’re no longer alone.”
Polina quietly sniffled. Her gaze flicked toward me, and suddenly her face lit up with some innocent joy. I was at a loss and awkwardly smiled at the girl.
“You came!” she said quietly, but clearly, reaching out her little hand to me. “Mommy...”
I have always loved children and couldn’t wait for my own—but... Fate decided otherwise. I lost my last chance to ever become a mother... Yet I saved the daughter from the fire of my former husband, who suddenly called me ‘Mom.’