97. New Mom

“Aunty Val, when will Daddy and Riley come back?” Lucas asked and looked at Valerie innocently. Valerie looked down and smiled. “Soon.” “Why did they leave?” he asked. “Well, they just got married and newlywed couples are supposed to go on honeymoons,” Valerie said.  Lucas looked deep in thought for a moment. “So…” he paused. Valerie looked at him questioningly. “What is it, Bud?” “If daddy married Riley, does that mean she is my new mommy?” Lucas asked. Valerie’s heart skipped a beat at Lucas’s innocent question. She crouched down to be at his eye level, her smile soft but thoughtful. “Well, Lucas,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “Riley loves your dad very much, and they just got married, which makes her a big part of your family now.” Lucas tilted his head, still trying to understand. “But does that mean she’s my new mommy?” Valerie reached out and gently ruffled his hair. “Riley cares about you a lot, Lucas. She wants to be there for you, just like your dad. But no one can