Page 18 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

His words were so earnest, so full of conviction, that they made my chest tighten. “You’ve already done so much for us,” I said softly. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

“You’re not,” he said firmly. “This isn’t about obligation, Summer. This is about making sure Ava gets everything she needs to recover fully. If I can help with that, then I will. No strings attached.”

I studied him, searching his face for any hint of hesitation or ulterior motive. But all I saw was sincerity—and it made my walls begin to crumble.

We satat the small kitchen table, our mugs untouched between us. Enzo leaned forward slightly, his voice steady but gentle.

“I’ve worked with so many families over the years,” he said. “And I’ve seen how hard recovery can be—physically, emotionally, financially. It’s not something anyone should have to handle alone. And Ava’s not just another patient to me.”

“She’s special,” I said quietly.

“She is,” he agreed. “But she’s not the only one. You’re special, too, Summer. The way you’ve fought for her, the way you’ve handled everything on your own—it’s incredible. But even the strongest people need help sometimes.”

His words brought a lump to my throat, and I looked down at my hands. “I don’t know how to let someone help me,” I admitted.

“Start small,” he said with a faint smile. “Let me be there for Ava’s therapy sessions. Let me take her to a follow-up appointment. Let me carry some of the weight.”

I hesitated, the idea both comforting and terrifying. “What if…”

“What if what?” he prompted gently.

“What if I let you in, and it makes things harder?” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It won’t,” he said firmly. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

The way he said it—like it was a given, like there was no room for doubt—made me want to believe him.

The soundof Ava stirring in the other room broke the moment, and I quickly stood, moving to check on her. She blinked up at me sleepily, a soft smile spreading across her face.

“Hi, Mommy,” she murmured, rubbing her eyes.

“Hi, sweetheart,” I said, brushing her hair back. “Did you have a good nap?”

She nodded, her gaze shifting to Enzo as he approached. “Hi, Dr. Pearson.”

“Hi, Ava,” he said, crouching beside her. “You ready to get back to your own bed?”

She nodded again, and I scooped her up, feeling the familiar warmth of her small body against mine.

Enzo followed us to her room, leaning against the doorframe as I tucked her in.

“Goodnight, Bunny,” Ava said, hugging her stuffed animal. “Goodnight, Mommy. Goodnight, Dr. Pearson.”

“Goodnight, Ava,” he said softly.

I kissed her forehead and turned off the light, closing the door behind us.

Back in the living room,Enzo turned to me, his expression serious. “Think about what I said, okay?”

“I will,” I said honestly.

He nodded, giving me a small smile. “Goodnight, Summer.”

“Goodnight, Enzo,” I said, watching as he left.

As the door clicked shut, I leaned against it, exhaling slowly. For the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe—just maybe—I didn’t have to do this alone.

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