The last thing Madeline could ever have expected was Jackson running into her arms, calling her his mom.

Jackson must have been feeling terrified and insecure.

He buried his tiny physique deep into her arms. It was as if the only way to lessen his fear was to hold her tight with both his hands while his eyes remained shut.

Madeline felt her heart clench at the signs of distress on his small cheeks. It had been a long while since she had felt such an intrusive stab of pain eating its way out of her chest.

She lifted a hand to lightly pat the back of Jackson’s head, her voice soft.

“It’s alright now, Jack. It’s alright.”

With her comforting words, Madeline saw Jackson relax and calm from his previous upset state.

“Is Jackie okay, Mommy?” Lily walked over and asked innocently.

“He’ll be alright. Don’t worry.” Madeline smiled. “Mommy made you some snacks. How about you share some with him?”

“Okay!” Lillian reached out a hand to Jackson. “Come on, Jackie, let’s go eat some