Page 33 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

“Whoa,” Ava breathed, clutching Bunny tighter.

Watching them together was both heartwarming and nerve-wracking. Their connection was undeniable, and every moment they spent together seemed to deepen it.

As we reacheda small pond surrounded by benches, Ava broke away to chase a butterfly fluttering near the water’s edge. Elaine and Richard sat down nearby, chatting quietly, while Enzo stayed on his feet, his gaze never leaving Ava.

“She adores you,” I said softly, stepping up beside him.

“She’s easy to adore,” he said, his voice warm.

I nodded, my chest tightening. “She’s lucky to have you.”

He glanced at me, something unreadable in his expression. “I think I’m the lucky one.”

His words hit harder than I expected, and I looked away, focusing on Ava as she crouched by the water, pointing out tiny fish to Bunny.

“Careful, sweetheart,”I called, stepping closer.

“I’m being careful!” she said, her voice full of determination.

Enzo laughed softly. “She’s got your stubborn streak.”

I froze for half a second before forcing a smile. “She’s just independent.”

“She’s more than that,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “She’s smart, curious, creative…”

“Like her mom,” he added, his voice softer now.

I glanced at him, my heart skipping a beat. Before I could respond, Ava’s voice rang out.

“Mommy, do you remember when I made the big castle with Enzo?”

“I do,” I said, smiling.

“It was so fun,” Ava said, her face lighting up. She turned to Enzo, clutching Bunny. “Do you think you can help me make a new one soon?”

“Absolutely,” he said without hesitation. “What kind of castle are we building this time?”

“A dragon castle,” Ava said, nodding seriously. “With a moat. Like the one in the story you told me.”

Enzo tilted his head. “The one I told you?”

“Yeah!” Ava said brightly. “Mommy told me you liked castles when you were little, just like me.”

Enzo’s brow furrowed, his gaze shifting to me. “She did?”

My stomach flipped. “I—um—I might have mentioned it once,” I said quickly.

Ava nodded eagerly. “She told me lots of stories about you!”

“Did she?” Enzo said, his tone curious.

Ava didn’t seem to notice the change in his voice. “Yeah! She said you were really good at puzzles, just like me!”

The air felt heavier suddenly, and I forced a laugh. “Kids and their imaginations, huh?”

Enzo didn’t respond right away, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at me. “Yeah. Imagination.”

The moment passed,but the tension lingered. As we continued walking, I felt Enzo’s gaze on me more than once, though he didn’t say anything.

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