Chapter 26 Love

Caught off guard by Stephen's tears, Tia hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket to wipe his tears. "Why are you crying?" Tia held Stephen close, her heart aching. "I'm sorry. Can you stop crying, please?" Stephen's eyes were red and swollen from crying. He looked utterly pitiful. Stephen's voice broke. "I'm sorry… I lied to you... I don't have a mom..." Tia's eyes were filled with sympathy as she looked at Stephen. She reached out and pulled him into her arms. "It's okay, it's okay. Stephen, you're the sweetest and most well-behaved boy. Please don't cry." Stephen nestled in Tia's arms, his sobs coming in fits and starts. "Do you like me?" "Of course. You're such a darling," Tia smiled and said. "But you don't want to be my mother." "Even though your mother is no longer with us, I believe she's watching over you from heaven. If I were to become your mother, it would sadden her." "But why? You like me, don't you? And I like you too. You could be my mother," the chi