Annie chuckled. "You're more responsible than me, you know that?"
Bella beamed, proud. "That's because you're family. Family takes care of each other."
Annie felt her eyes sting a little. She'd lost so much, so many faces fading from her memory—but here was this girl beside her, nursing her through sickness, watching over her like a hawk, and never once asking for anything in return. She pulled Bella into a side hug, careful not to press too much against her belly.
"You're the best little sister I never asked for," Annie whispered.
"And you're the big sister I always needed."
Roy pretended not to hear as he turned onto the highway, the Mercedes gliding like a silent beast through Philadelphia's morning traffic.
In the rearview mirror, he saw Annie rest her head on Bella's shoulder while Bella kept glancing at her with that same hawk-like protection.
For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself a tiny smile.
They were almost home.
