Four Months Later

Gabriella’s POV

"Mom, I want to play with my friends," Estella said to me with her puppy-like look. How on earth am I going to say no to her when she looks at me that way?

"Okay, have fun with your friends, but do not miss lunch. Daddy is making something special today," I caressed her hair, and she smiled, saying, "Okay Mom, I promise I will not miss dinner." She took a few steps to leave, and I called her again, "Really Estella, no hugs or kisses for me?"

"I am sorry, mother." She turned around and hugged me. I bent to her height, and then...