Page 15 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

“You okay?” Enzo asked, his hand hovering over the door handle.

I forced a tight smile. “Just peachy.”

He smirked. “Relax. They’re going to love you and Ava.”

“I don’t need them to love me,” I muttered. “I just need to survive this dinner.”

“You’ll do great,” he said confidently. “Besides, Ava’s the real star tonight. All you have to do is smile and nod.”

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue. In the back seat, Ava was already bouncing with excitement, clutching Bunny tightly.

“Mommy, are there going to be desserts?” she asked eagerly.

“I’m sure there will be,” I said, turning to look at her. “But you have to eat your dinner first, okay?”

“Okay!” she chirped, grinning.

Enzo opened the door, stepping out and walking around to help Ava out of the car. I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress before stepping out into the cool evening air.

This was just one dinner. I could handle it.

The moment we stepped inside,the hum of conversation and laughter greeted us. The Pearsons were gathered in the dining room, a long table set with elegant dishes and a centerpiece of fresh flowers.

“Enzo!” a woman’s voice called out, and a petite woman with short dark hair hurried over to us. She wrapped him in a quick hug before turning her attention to me and Ava.

“And you must be Summer,” she said warmly, extending her hand. “I’m Beth, Enzo’s sister.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand.

“And who’s this little one?” Beth asked, crouching down to Ava’s level.

“I’m Ava,” she said shyly, clutching Bunny.

Beth’s face lit up. “Well, Ava, it’s wonderful to meet you. And who’s this?” she asked, pointing to Bunny.

“This is Bunny,” Ava said. “He’s my best friend.”

Beth chuckled. “I like him already. Come on, let’s get you all settled.”

She led us into the dining room, where the rest of the family was already seated. Enzo’s parents, Richard and Elaine, greeted us with warm smiles, though I could feel the curiosity in their gazes as they took in Ava.

“Mom, Dad, this is Summer,” Enzo said, his hand lightly resting on my back. “And this is Ava.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Summer,” Elaine said, her voice warm and motherly. She leaned down, her eyes sparkling. “And hello to you, Ava. My, aren’t you a little princess in that dress?”

Ava grinned, her shyness melting away. “Thank you!”

“And Bunny, too,” Richard said with a chuckle. “I think he fits right in.”

Ava beamed, clearly enjoying the attention.

Dinner started off smoothly enough.Ava charmed everyone with her stories about her dragon castle and her plans to become a “super doctor” like Dr. Pearson. The table buzzed with laughter and conversation, and for a moment, I allowed myself to relax.

“So, Ava,” Elaine said, her tone light but curious, “do you get your imagination from your mommy or your daddy?”

The question hit like a freight train. I stiffened, my fork hovering mid-air, and forced a smile.

“She’s always been a creative kid,” I said quickly, trying to deflect. “She loves making up stories.”

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