Mrs. Denovan blinked rapidly, her mouth slightly open. Mr. Denovan leaned back slowly, absorbing every word.

“You’re… you’re saying Anika is your daughter?” Mrs. Denovan asked at last, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maya nodded slowly. “Yes.” Silence fell again. Maya lowered her eyes, afraid to meet theirs. 

“I’m not here to take her away,” she said softly. “Being her godmother… that’s already more than I ever dreamed of. I’m just thankful she’s safe. That she’s loved.”

When she looked up again, Mrs. Denovan’s eyes were shining with tears.

“You truly didn’t know?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“No,” Maya said. “Not until I saw the birthmark. And then...