Page 32 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

Ava held up a star-shaped sticker, her face serious. “This one’s for Bunny.”

“Of course,” Enzo said with a grin.

Watching them, I felt a strange mix of emotions—pride, gratitude, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite name.

Enzo wasn’t just good at his job. He was good with people. He cared in a way that felt rare and genuine.

And it scared me.

Because the more time I spent with him, the harder it was to ignore the truth.

As we leftthe clinic later that afternoon, Ava clutched her new stickers proudly, her smile brighter than the sun.

“Did you have fun today?” I asked as we walked to the car.

“Yes!” she said. “Enzo’s clinic is the best!”

I glanced at him, my heart tightening at the warmth in his gaze.

“Yeah,” I said softly. “It is.”

16

SUMMER

The sun was bright overhead as we stepped out of the car and onto the gravel parking lot of the local botanical gardens. Ava held Bunny tightly in one hand and clutched mine with the other, her face alight with excitement.

“This place is huge!” she exclaimed, craning her neck to look at the towering trees lining the entrance.

“It’s one of Mom’s favorite spots,” Enzo said, smiling as he stepped up beside us.

“It’s beautiful,” I admitted, glancing around. The gardens stretched as far as I could see, filled with vibrant flowers, winding paths, and the soothing sound of trickling fountains.

“Summer! Ava!” Elaine’s voice rang out as she waved us over from a shaded bench near the entrance.

“Hi, Grandma Elaine!” Ava called, running toward her.

My chest tightened at the word “Grandma,” but Elaine’s delighted smile eased some of the tension. She crouched down to hug Ava, then stood, her eyes sparkling as she greeted me.

“We’re so glad you could make it,” she said warmly.

“Thanks for inviting us,” I said, forcing a smile.

Richard joinedus a few moments later, offering a firm handshake and a kind smile. Beth and her husband weren’t far behind, their two kids trailing after them with ice cream cones in hand. The scene was picturesque—an idyllic family outing that should have felt comforting.

But all I could focus on was the growing knot in my stomach.

Enzo’s family had been nothing but kind to me and Ava, but their curiosity about us—and about Ava’s father—was becoming harder to deflect.

“Let’sstart with the rose garden,” Elaine suggested, taking Ava’s hand.

Ava chattered happily as we followed the group down the path, pointing out flowers and asking questions about their names. Enzo stayed close to her, answering her questions with ease and offering little facts that made her giggle.

“Did you know roses have been around for millions of years?” he said, crouching beside a bush of deep red blooms.

“Millions?” Ava asked, her eyes wide.

“Yep,” Enzo said with a grin. “They’re older than dinosaurs.”

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