Page 48 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

“She’s amazing,” he said, breaking the silence.

“She is,” I agreed softly.

“She’s got your fire,” he added, his gaze steady.

“And your patience,” I said before I could stop myself.

He smiled faintly, his expression turning thoughtful. “Do you ever think about how things could’ve been?”

His question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, my hands fidgeting in my lap. “Sometimes.”

He leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “I missed so much, Summer. Her first steps, her first words… all of it.”

“I know,” I whispered, guilt twisting in my chest.

“I don’t blame you,” he said quickly. “I just… I want to make up for it. For all of it.”

“You already are,” I said, meeting his gaze.

We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us.

“I wantto be there for her,” he said finally, his voice quiet but resolute. “Not just as someone she sees every now and then. I want to be her dad.”

Tears stung my eyes, and I nodded, unable to speak.

“And I want to be there for you,” he added, his gaze never leaving mine.

My breath caught, and I looked away, my emotions swirling. “I don’t know if I deserve that, Enzo.”

“You do,” he said firmly.

I felt his hand brush against mine, and I turned back to face him. He reached up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

My heart skipped a beat, the warmth of his touch lingering.

“Summer,” he said softly, his voice full of emotion.

Before he could say more, a faint noise from Ava’s room broke the moment.

I stood quickly, my cheeks flushed. “I should check on her.”

He nodded, leaning back but watching me with an intensity that made my chest ache.

After makingsure Ava was still asleep, I returned to the living room to find Enzo gathering his things.

“I should go,” he said, his tone gentle.

“Thank you again for tonight,” I said, walking him to the door.

He hesitated, his hand on the doorknob. “Goodnight, Summer.”

“Goodnight,” I said softly.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I leaned against it, my emotions a whirlwind.

24

SUMMER

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