Page 27 of The Hot New Single Dad Next Door

“Oh, yes.”

“But we have to be quick if you want to keep your son safe,” she says. “The sooner we petition the court, the better.”

I swallow hard as the entry bell chimes behind me.

“Mommy!”

Summer’s professional face quickly fades, and she beams as she slides out of the booth. I turn and watch as a child races across the diner and into Summer’s open arms.

Sonya.

Behind her, Scott widens his stride to catch up with her, his hand wrapped around Liam’s. As my child sees me, he rushes forward as well, running to meet me at the table.

“Hey,” I say, standing up and welcoming his little embrace around my knees. “This is a surprise.”

Scott approaches, his eyes on Sonya and Summer. “Thought we’d swing by for lunch since Summer was stopping in,” he says to me. “Sonya’s been missing her something fierce.”

“The feeling is mutual,” Summer says as she holds Sonya tightly. “How’s my baby girl?”

Sonya doesn’t answer. She just squeezes tighter.

Summer throws on a pout and smiles at us. “So shy. Just like Daddy.”

I arch a brow at Scott and mouth, “Shy?”

Scott shakes his head, but doesn’t argue with it.

“And you,” Summer says as she stands, her eyes downward, “must be Liam.”

I run my fingers through his hair. “Yes,” I answer. “This is my son, Liam. Liam, this is... Sonya’s mom.”

He looks up at her. “Hello.”

“Hello,” Summer says. “It’s nice to meet you.” She looks at me. “What a cutie.”

“Thanks,” I say. I look at Scott. “Well, I have to get back to work, so?—”

“You go ahead,” Summer says. “We’ll watch him.”

“Yeah,” Scott says. “And then I’ll take him back with me and we’ll catch up when you’re off?”

I nod. “Yeah. Sure.”

Summer and Sonya slide into the booth together, while Scott sits down with Liam across from them. I give my son a kiss, promising to bring his favorite sandwich when I return.

“Hot damn,” Tish says, peeking through the doorway as I head toward the kitchen.

“What?” I ask.

“Is that Scott’s ex?” she asks.

“Yeah. Why?”

She whistles. “There’s a hot new single mom in town.”

I deflate.

Yeah, Tish.

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