Page 49 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

The playground was alive with laughter and squeals, kids running across the jungle gym while parents and caregivers chatted on nearby benches. I sat on the edge of a picnic table, keeping a watchful eye on Ava as she played near the swings. Bunny was nestled in her arms, as always, and she was deep in conversation with another little girl.

I sipped my coffee, savoring the warmth against the crisp breeze. It should have been a peaceful moment, but my thoughts were anything but calm.

Enzo and I had been carefully avoiding the subject of Ava’s paternity for days, but the weight of it was starting to feel unbearable. Every moment spent together as a trio brought us closer to the truth, whether we were ready or not.

I heard a soft giggle from Ava and turned my attention back to her. She was laughing at something the other girl had said, their conversation a mix of whispered secrets and playful squeals.

“My daddy always pushes me really high on the swing,” the little girl said loudly enough for me to hear.

“Who’s your daddy?” Ava asked curiously, tilting her head.

The girl pointed to a man standing by the slide. “That’s him. He’s really strong.”

Ava looked at her thoughtfully. “Enzo’s really strong, too.”

“Is he your daddy?” the girl asked, blinking at Ava.

The question hit me like a punch to the chest. My breath caught as I watched Ava process it, her brow furrowing slightly. She didn’t answer. Instead, she hugged Bunny tighter and changed the subject.

By the timewe left the playground, Ava was unusually quiet. She held my hand as we walked to the car, her small fingers clutching mine tightly.

“Did you have fun today?” I asked, glancing down at her.

“Uh-huh,” she said softly.

I frowned, sensing something was off. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

She looked up at me, her blue eyes wide. “Mommy, is Enzo my daddy?”

My heart stopped. I crouched down beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Why do you ask that?”

“Because Emma said her daddy pushes her on the swing,” Ava said. “And I told her Enzo is really strong, too. But then she asked if he’s my daddy.”

I forced a smile, my chest tightening. “Enzo loves spending time with you, Ava. You’re very special to him.”

“Then why isn’t he my daddy?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

I hesitated, searching for the right words. “Families come in all shapes and sizes, sweetheart. And Enzo is a very important part of our family.”

She seemed to accept that answer, nodding slowly before climbing into her booster seat.

But as I buckled her in, I could feel the weight of her question lingering between us.

Later that evening,Enzo stopped by, his usual warm smile faltering slightly when he saw the look on my face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, stepping inside.

“It’s Ava,” I said quietly, glancing toward her room where she was playing with her toys. “She asked me if you’re her dad.”

His eyes widened slightly. “She did?”

“Yeah,” I said, sitting down on the couch. “She overheard a conversation at the playground. It got her thinking.”

Enzo sat down beside me, his expression thoughtful. “What did you tell her?”

“I told her that families come in all shapes and sizes,” I said, my voice heavy. “And that you’re a very important part of ours.”

He nodded slowly, leaning back against the cushions. “She’s not going to stop asking, Summer. Not now.”

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