Sarah introduced Victoria:
- Vicky, this is Uncle Mike. He’s a doctor and a kind man who helped us become a family.
Victoria smiled trustingly, studying him. Sarah introduced her mother, who, frail from arthritis, thanked Michael profusely. He nodded, barely hearing—his eyes were on Victoria. Her gray eyes, long lashes, sharp nose, full lips, and thick hair mirrored Emily’s.
Victoria tugged his sleeve:
- Uncle Mike, come eat! Don’t just stand there, sit!
Over lunch, Michael savored the muffins, praising Sarah:
- Thanks, this is the most heartfelt meal I’ve had in ages.
Sarah blushed, looking away:
- Oh, stop. Thanks to you. All I need now is Vicky.
Victoria giggled, jumping into Sarah’s arms as she tickled her. After lunch, they unpacked Michael’s gifts. Victoria gleefully pushed her doll around, playing “mommy.” Michael discreetly took a few strands of her hair, slipping them into a bag. He held off sharing his suspicions, waiting for DNA results.
The wait felt endless, but he was resolute. “What if I’m wrong, and she’s not mine? Or if she is, how do I tell her I’m her dad, that I left her in foster care?” Finally, the results came: 99.9% chance he was Victoria’s father. Joy surged through him—he wasn’t alone anymore.
But Sarah loved Victoria like her own. How could he take her away? Sleepless, he visited the group home, showing the DNA test to the stunned director:
- You’ve got to be kidding! We were set for adoption, and now this? Fine, I’ll bring Victoria. You’re her dad.
In the playroom, alone with a wide-eyed Victoria, Michael said:
- Vicky, I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m your real dad, and you’re my daughter. I only found out yesterday. Are you happy? I’m thrilled I found you! We can be together now.
Victoria hugged him, whispering:
- I used to wish for a mom and dad. But I can’t live without Mommy Sarah. She takes care of me, and I love her. Daddy, please, I want her with us.
Michael’s heart ached—Sarah was her mother in every way that mattered:
- Whatever you want, princess. I promise Sarah will always be with you.
Victoria laughed, hugging him tightly. Michael felt peace—he’d never let her go. The solution was clear: propose to Sarah and build a real family.
The next day, he arrived at Sarah’s with a massive bouquet of red roses. Stunned—her ex only brought wilted daisies when drunk—she invited him in, brewing tea and setting out raspberry jam and cookies.
Steeling himself, Michael began:
- Sarah, I know this is sudden, but I found out Victoria’s my daughter. Here’s the DNA test.
Sarah studied the papers, then sank onto a stool, crying:
- Why does this keep happening? I love Vicky, and now she’s yours. I can’t live without her. I wish you’d never come—I’d still have hope.
Michael knelt beside her, taking her shoulders:
- Sarah, hear me out. I don’t want to hurt you or Vicky. But I can’t abandon my daughter. So, I have a proposal: marry me. We’ll raise her together, and no one will split us up. We’ll be happy—I’ll make sure of it.
Sarah stared, stunned:
- Are you serious? But we hardly know each other. What about love?
He squeezed her hand:
- What rules? We both love Vicky—that’s enough. We’ll learn about each other. I’m a decent guy, a surgeon. You’re young, hardworking, kind. Why not build a family? Why tear her apart?
Sarah paused, then said softly:
- For Vicky, I’ll do it. Just don’t rush me. I’ll try to be a good mom and wife. And please, don’t leave my mom—she’s sick and needs care.
Michael smiled:
- No one’s left behind. We’ll take your mom with us, buy a house. I’ll get her the best treatment. Everything’s going to be great, trust me. Thank you for saying yes.
After he left, Sarah sobbed to her mother:
- Mom, what did I do? We barely know each other—I still call him “sir.” Marriage? What if it fails? I always thought love comes first.
Her mother stroked her hair:
- Sweetie, life’s been hard for us. You loved your ex—what good did it do? He dumped you when he learned you couldn’t have kids. Now look at Michael. He knows you love Vicky and offers a family, not just a fling. That’s real. He’s kind, responsible. Love shows in actions. You’ll see—he’s the best husband you could have.
Sarah nodded:
- Thanks, Mom. You’re right. This is my chance to be a wife and mom. I can’t let it slip.
Michael’s life transformed. He withdrew his savings and bought a spacious countryside home near a pine forest, with rooms for everyone. For Victoria, he built a cozy bedroom and a small playground—she was always on the move. He wanted Sarah to ease into their new life away from city chaos.
A month later, they quietly married at city hall and officially adopted Victoria. The family moved into the new home. Sarah proved a stellar homemaker, cooking delicious meals that spoiled them. Day by day, she and Michael grew closer, their bond strengthened by caring for Victoria. He kept his promise, giving her space, unaware she secretly wished he’d be bolder.