MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE

, Amelia," Celine whispered, kneeling to hold her tighter. The scent of her mother's house, familiar an

make cookies all by myself!" Amelia

r's hair. "You're going to have to

ine's legs. Celine bent down to scoop the cat into her arms. "And I missed

hiskers missed you

home again. "I don't know a

t was that familiar, comforting smell-something her mother had always been

of her. "Mom's making your favorit

mth of her mother's house wash over her before her thoughts drifted back to the chaos she'd just l

xpression change, just for a

ungry, I guess." She took a glance at the kitchen door, where the sounds of her mother d

ome on, I'll help

her sister to the dining room. Despite everything

was here with them. Memories of her loving father fi

with Amelia. When Celine saw her mom, her eyes lit up, and she rushed int

ted, saying, "Mom, I thought I was your baby, Celine's all grown up now." The moment

epared, Amelia quickly ran off to play, while Cel

happy about it when we were on the phone." Celine's mood shifted as she replied, "I was happy at first, thinking I was marrying the m

ou feel valued, someone who's fully there with you, not just physically, but emotionally. I feel this is

, concerned smile. "You're a good woman, Celine.

f. You've done more for me than anyone could ask for. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're a fa

lready 6 PM. She knew it was time to go. Standing up, she gave her

her off. "Take care,

d, feeling both the weight of t

iving room, her face lighting up when she saw Celine. "Bye, Celine!" she said

lia on the forehead. "I will, sis. You

"I will! Whiskers say bye too!" she giggled, making the ca

rmth. "Tell Whiskers I'll miss him too." She

om, Celine stepped out the door, a little lighter. She