Page 52 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

I smiled, my tears falling again. “I’m glad, baby. You deserve to be happy.”

We spentthe rest of the evening curled up on the couch, Ava nestled between us as she talked about all the things she wanted to do with her “daddy.”

“Can we build another castle?” she asked, looking up at Enzo.

“Of course,” he said, smiling.

“And can you come to my school?”

“I’ll be there,” he promised.

She grinned, hugging Bunny tightly. “This is the best day ever.”

I glanced at Enzo, and he reached over, squeezing my hand. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes.

We’d done it.

Later,after Ava had fallen asleep, I walked Enzo to the door.

“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

“For what?” he asked, tilting his head.

“For being patient. For being… you,” I said, my cheeks warming.

He smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from my face. “We’re a team now, Summer. You and me. And Ava.”

I nodded, my heart swelling at his words. “Goodnight, Enzo.”

“Goodnight,” he said, his smile lingering as he stepped outside.

As I closed the door behind him, I leaned against it, my chest filled with a quiet hope I hadn’t felt in years.

We were going to be okay.

26

SUMMER

The soft hum of activity in Enzo’s kitchen did little to soothe my nerves. I stood by the counter, absently straightening plates while Enzo stirred something on the stove. The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filled the air, but I could barely focus on it. My mind was spinning, and my chest felt like it was tied in knots.

“They’re going to take it well,” Enzo said, glancing at me over his shoulder. His tone was calm, but the slight furrow in his brow betrayed his own tension.

“How can you be so sure?” I asked, crossing my arms tightly.

“Because they love Ava,” he said simply. “And they’ll love her even more once they know the truth.”

I let out a shaky breath, leaning against the counter. “What about the fake relationship? They’re going to feel betrayed, Enzo. We lied to them.”

“They’ll understand,” he said, turning off the stove and wiping his hands on a towel. “We’ll explain everything. We did what we thought was best for Ava at the time.”

“And for the foundation,” I muttered, guilt twisting in my stomach.

Enzo stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. “Summer, we’re doing the right thing now. That’s what matters.”

The soundof the doorbell jolted me, and I froze.

“They’re here,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

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