That made me smile and tear up at the same time.

When morning light crept in, it brushed across Lily’s face, catching the small freckle near her eyebrow that Lewis used to kiss every day. I smoothed her hair back and thought about all the times I had doubted myself.

When Lily woke and looked up at me, I leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Are you still mad at me?” she whispered.

I smiled through the ache in my chest.

“No, baby. I’m just very, very proud of you.”

I used to think my daughter needed someone stricter. I didn’t realize she already knew exactly what to do when it truly mattered.