12. Blessing (Fire, Hanna)
"When you and Papa get married," Hanna asks, "Can I call you Mama?"
Fire demurs, thinking of Rose, whose early death sometimes still shadows Brigan's heart.
"Wouldn't it be … wrong … for me to take your mother's place?"
"But what if I want you to? I don't even remember her. You're … " Hanna sends feelings of comfort, friendship and heartfelt respect. "I'd be proud to have you as my mother."
And I would be blessed to have you as my daughter.
Too close to tears for speech, Fire gathers the child into her arms. Short of giving birth herself, nothing could make her happier.