He presses his thumb on my mouth. “Speak, Nuisance.” I gently take his hand and lift it to my lips, kissing the heel of his soft palm. With a deep breath, I let out the words I have longed to say for so long. “I love you, too, Azeer. I love, love, love you. I love you so much that words can hardly do justice to the depth of my feelings.” My head dips and crowns Zoha with a kiss. “I love you for bringing this bundle of happiness into my life. I love you for allowing me to call her my daughter. For letting her call me Mama. I love you for making my dreams of becoming a mother come true.”

