Shutting the door carefully behind her, Donna sighed.
It was Christmas. First one they had as a family of three.
At five weeks old, Elizabeth Paulsen-Specter already felt like she had been a part of their lives for much longer. This little bundle of joy already had everyone's attention - especially Donna's.
Which was to be expected, but they spent the holidays with Marcus this year and apparently, that didn't go over well with someone.
"Aunt Donna?"
Donna froze for a second, hand still clutching the door handle. Then she turned around and saw Hayley.
"Why aren't you in bed, Bug?"
Seeing the girl's attention on the door behind her, Donna frowned. Then she stepped closer to the little girl. "What's wrong?"
"Is Belle asleep?"
"Yeah. She is."
"Aunt Donna?"
"Yes?"
"Is it true that you love her more than me?"
"Oh Bug… come here."
Hayley came closer. Donna enveloped her in her arms and dropped a kiss on her head.
"Just because she's here, it doesn't mean that I love you any less. There are all kinds of ways a person can love, right?"
Hayley nodded.
"Just because I love Uncle Harvey doesn't mean that I don't love little Belle, too. And just because I love her, it doesn't mean that I don't love you and your brother. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah... I think..."
"I'm gonna give you another example. You got that new dollhouse this morning. Right?"
Hayley nodded again.
"Well, does that mean that you will love your other toys any less?"
"No!"
"See! It's the same thing with Belle. Just because she was born, it doesn't mean that I don't love you. Because I do. Very much so."
"I love you too, Aunt Donna!" Hayley wrapped her arms around Donna's neck and hugged her again.