After a moment of stunned silence, I asked, "Sweetheart, why do you want that?"
"Because he's super nice!" She counted on her little fingers. "He brings me presents, plays with me, and tells really funny stories. And..."
She paused, then said seriously, "His eyes are brown like mine! My teacher says people with the same color eyes might be family!"
My heart clenched.
"And, and," she continued excitedly, "when he stayed with me at the hospital, I felt so safe. Like he really loves me. Mommy, does he want a daughter, too?"
She tilted her head. "If he wants to be my daddy, then I'd have a daddy! Just like the other kids in my class!"
Tears started welling up. This five-year-old child, in her most innocent way, was expressing her longing for a father's love.
"Sofia," I stroked her hair, "do you really, really like Alex?"
"Super, super much!" She nodded vigorously. "He's the best grown-up in the whole world except for you and Godmother! If he could be my daddy, he'd be the best daddy ever!"
Then she suddenly grabbed my hand, eyes full of hope. "Mommy, can you ask him if he wants to? Like in fairy tales—he could marry you and then we'd be a real family!"
My heart completely melted.
Looking at her hopeful eyes, at her drawing of our little family, I suddenly understood what Yekaterina had been saying. Sofia longed for a father. And Alexander... Alexander was her father.
"Baby," I took a deep breath, "Mommy will talk to Alex today, okay?"
"Really? Really?" She bounced on the bed with excitement. "You'll ask if he wants to be my daddy?"
"Mommy will have a good talk with him," I said. "Now get dressed. Time for lunch."
"Okay!" She obediently raised her little arms so I could pull on her fluffy sweater. "Mommy, if Alex says yes, can we be like other families?"
"Maybe, little one. Maybe."
I watched Sofia hop out the door like an excited bunny, sighed helplessly, then grabbed my phone and texted Yekaterina.
"I've decided. Can you come over soon?"
She replied almost instantly. "On my way!"
Seven o'clock sharp, Alexander arrived.
"Alex!" Sofia ran to him excitedly. "You came!"
"Of course. I promised you," he crouched down to hug her. "How are you feeling today?"
"Much better! I want to show you my new drawing!"
Alexander smiled at her. "That would be my honor."
"Godmother's here too," Sofia pulled Alexander along, saying excitedly, "She said she wants to watch a moviewith you."
Yekaterina emerged from the kitchen, nodding at Alexander with a friendly smile.
Dinner was warm and cozy, but I was distracted, constantly thinking about how to bring up what I needed to say.
After dinner, I got Sofia a bedtime book.
"Sweetheart, you read with Godmother," I said. "Mommy and Alex need to talk."
