Page 22 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

Enzo chuckled, glancing at me. “We’ll see. It depends on what your mom says.”

Ava turned to me, her eyes wide and pleading. “Please, Mommy? Please?”

I hesitated, the weight of her question pressing down on me. “We’ll talk about it, sweetheart.”

“Okay!” she said, satisfied with my non-answer.

Enzo gave me a small smile, and I looked away, pretending to shuffle the envelopes in my hands.

After Ava was tuckedinto bed, I found Enzo in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a glass of water.

“She’s amazing,” he said, his voice soft.

“She is,” I agreed, my arms crossed tightly.

“She’s smart, funny, creative…” He trailed off, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “She reminds me of someone.”

My stomach tightened. “She’s her own person,” I said quickly.

“Of course,” he said, his gaze meeting mine. “But there’s something about her—it’s familiar.”

I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the edge of the counter. “She’s had a good life.”

“I can see that,” he said, his tone steady. “You’ve done an incredible job raising her, Summer.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, not trusting myself to say more.

He hesitated, then set his glass down. “I want to spend more time with her. If that’s okay with you.”

The request made my heart race, and I forced myself to stay calm. “You already see her a lot.”

“I know,” he said. “But the more I get to know her, the more I realize how much I’ve missed. I don’t want to miss anything else.”

His words cut deep, and I felt the familiar guilt rising in my chest. “Enzo…”

“I’m not trying to overstep,” he said quickly. “I just… I care about her, Summer. I care about both of you.”

His sincerity was disarming, and I didn’t know how to respond. I wanted to protect Ava, to keep her safe from any potential hurt, but I also couldn’t deny how much she adored him.

“I’ll think about it,” I said finally, my voice tight.

“Thank you,” he said, his smile faint but genuine.

As he left,I stood by the window, watching his car pull away. Ava’s laughter still echoed in my mind, and the memory of their easy connection made my chest ache.

I wanted to let him in—for Ava’s sake, for hers—but the fear of what it might mean for all of us kept me frozen in place.

12

SUMMER

The clinic was bustling with activity by the time we arrived. The annual fundraiser had always been a big deal, drawing donors, staff, and patients alike for an evening of networking, speeches, and community building. Normally, I could navigate these events on autopilot. Tonight, though, was different.

Tonight, I had Enzo by my side.

Ava clutched my hand tightly as we stepped through the entrance, her eyes wide as she took in the decorated space. Balloons in soft pastel colors floated near the ceiling, and long tables were set with carefully arranged hors d’oeuvres. A small stage had been set up at the far end of the room, where the evening’s program would take place.

“Wow!” Ava breathed, her head craning to take it all in.

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