Picking up Hayi a little and swaying her from side to side, Jinah pressed soft kisses all over her forehead, cheeks and nose, peals of hysterical laughter bursting out from between her lips.

“You are so incredibly adorable!” she murmured affectionately, pressing another kiss to top of the girl’s head. “Ugh, and you also need to eat more. You’re way too light for my taste. Come over for dinner some time, I’ll fatten you up nicely,” she whispered with a conspiratorial wink.

x

“Baby girl!” Jinah exclaimed delightedly, a genuine smile dancing on her lips. She embraced the younger darling excitedly with laughter rumbling in her chest, cooing gently.

“It’s been way too long since I’ve last seen you,” she mumbled against Hayi’s silken hair, pressing an affectionate kiss to her temples. “Look at you, you’re all grown up now, huh? In no time, you’ll be able to visit the places I work at, and I’ll whip you up something really yummy, yes?” Jinah’s twin, inky pools were laced with nothing but love. She had always dreamt of being an elder sister, and Hayi was nothing but a gift from a different mother.

“So tell me,” Jinah leaned forward, brushing a stray curl away from the girl’s face slyly. “Any crushes, hmm? Unnie isn’t exactly the best woman for the job, truth be told, but I’ll help where I can.”