You always worried you’d married too soon after your last relationship. Your ex was a drunken mishap, and that small accident produced a child. You held on for the sake of your daughter, Luna, but that relationship was doomed from the start. Michelle never was mother material. That was how you gained full custody, and your ex left the state to live her life, free of burdens.

You had been in a relationship for only a couple years before you married him. Phillip Graves. He was a wonderful man, and he proved to be an exceptional stepfather to your young daughter. The evidence; simply by watching.

Phil was reading quietly to your daughter, her head on his shoulder as her eyes fluttered sleepily as he spoke in a low, gentle tone, telling a story called The Birthmark.

“—And every branch of natural philosophy; and not long before a story opens and men experience of a spiritual affinity, more attractive than any chemical one.” he murmured softly, keeping Luna tucked in comfortably. “He had left his laboratory in the care of his assistant, washed the stain of ashes from his fingers and persuaded a beautiful woman to become his wife.”

As you listen, watching from where you leaned against the doorframe, it was too hard to keep the smile from forming on your face. It didn’t matter what story it was, it was the sound of his voice that softened your heart.

“It was not unusual for the love of science to rival with the love of a woman…” he finally trailed off, the sweet girl fast asleep. Phil’s lips curled into a smile, as he carefully shifted off the bed, and tucked Luna in.