They stood in comfortable silence for a while, sipping their coffee, watching the sky turn from blue to gold to deep purple. Finally, B spoke. They mean it, you know, about calling you mama. It's not just gratitude talking or relief that Meera is alive. They've chosen you.
All of them, even Matthew. I know, Eliza said softly. I can feel it. And Bo, I need you to know that I take that seriously. I'm not going to leave.
I'm not going to let them down. Whatever happens, however long you need me here, I'll stay. Even though this isn't the life you probably imagined for yourself, Bo asked. Even though you're caring for another woman's children in another woman's house. This is better than any life I imagined, Eliza said honestly.
In my old life, I was broken, defective, worth one silver dollar in a public square. Here, I'm needed. I matter. I get to love children who love me back, who chose me not because I could give them life, but because I chose to stay when staying was hard. That's more than I ever thought I'd have.
Bo turned to look at her fully, his winter sky eyes reflecting the last of the sunset. You're not defective, Eliza. You never were. Anyone who told you that was a fool. My body can't.
Your body isn't what makes you valuable. Bo interrupted gently. Your heart is. Your courage is the fact that you stayed awake for 24 hours straight fighting for a child who wasn't even yours by blood. That's what makes you valuable.
Catherine would have his voice caught and he had to pause to collect himself. Catherine would have loved you, would have called you sister, would have been grateful beyond words that her children found you when they needed someone most. Eliza's tears fell freely now, running down her cheeks unchecked. I wish I could have known her. She's here, B said, gesturing to the house behind them.
In her recipes, in her children, in the way this home was built with love. You're not erasing her, Eliza. You're honoring her, keeping her alive through the life you're giving her children. Thank you, Eliza whispered. For bringing me here, for giving me this chance, for not judging me.
Thank you, Bo countered. For staying, for fighting, for loving them even when they made it hard. They finished their coffee as the last light faded from the sky and the stars began to appear countless and bright in the clear desert air. And when they finally went inside, when Eliza climbed the stairs to tuck five children into bed for the first time as Mama, her heart was fuller than it had ever been. She saved Meera's room for last, the little girl already drowsy but fighting sleep to wait for her promise tucking in.