Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1236

The little one barreled straight into Sandy, tackling her to the floor.

“Tina!” Shane reached out, pulling his daughter back a bit. He was happy to see their reunion, but the kid was a little too enthusiastic.

He shot Sandy a worried look—she was still recovering, after all.

“I know you’re excited to see Mom, but don’t knock her over!” he said.

“But I want to!” Tina protested, clinging to Sandy’s leg and bursting into tears. “Mommy, I’m your daughter! Don’t leave me, okay?”

“Oh, sweetheart…”

Sandy’s heart shattered at the sight. The second Tina ran into her arms, it was like something inside her broke open. Her eyes stung and turned red, the emotion overwhelming.

Strangely, she didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable. Just a deep, aching tenderness.

Tina lifted her tear-stained face.

That tiny face… Sandy looked again and realized Tina was almost her mirror image as a child.

With a trembling hand, Sandy gently stroked her daughter’s hair. She bent down, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Don’t cry, honey.”

“But will you keep me?” Tina sobbed harder, not satisfied without a promise.

Sandy was a total novice at this. She glanced helplessly at Shane.

He was delighted, though his thick brows were furrowed in mock seriousness. He coaxed gently, “Just say yes, Sandy. From the day she was born, she’s never had a mom. You can’t imagine how tough it’s been for her—other kids picked on her, she almost ended up with no friends at all.”

“That’s right, Mommy! You almost missed me entirely!” Tina sniffled, laying it on thick.

Sandy’s guilt was almost unbearable. She wiped Tina’s tears, kissing her forehead. “I’m so sorry, Tina. From now on… you have a mom. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

“Yay! Mommy—Dad, I made it! I finally have a real family!”

“I’m sorry, Tina,” she whispered, crouching to awkwardly pull her daughter into a hug.

“That’s okay, Mommy. You’re here now.” Tina nestled deeper into her arms.

Shane, left out of the hug, suddenly realized Whitney was still on the line.

He turned away slightly, asking, “Whitney, do you need something else?”

Whitney was busy tracking down Sienna, but had found something important.

She sounded tense. “Shane, while Sandy’s heart is soft for Tina, don’t waste this chance. Bring her to the Nelsons’ place—introduce her to your parents now!”

“You mean, right now?” Shane said, surprised. That seemed a little sudden.

“If you don’t go to the Nelsons’ now, someone else might take advantage of the situation!” Whitney insisted.