Hazel smiled, held Valencia's hand, and stroked it—an amused smile on her face. “What do you mean? I'm a woman and a mother, of course. How can I not be aware that you are pregnant?”

Valencia's face formed into a smile, and her mind turned warm. So this is what it feels like to have a mother. So sweet.

Hazel held Valencia's hand and stared at her seriously. “Valencia, I wasn't present in the past to fulfill motherly concerns, but from now on, I'll make sure that I don't leave any stone unturned.”

Valencia nodded and smiled sweetly. Suddenly, she recalled something important and whispered into Hazel’s ear. Maverick didn't...