Page 33 of Pitch for You

I gestured to the Junior Paleontologist workshop setup. “They've got a whole dig site here. You can uncover fossils just like the pros.”

Max looked to Sofia for permission, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Go ahead, honey,” she said, giving him a gentle push forward.

As Max donned a small vest and hardhat, Sofia leaned into me. “You're amazing with him,” she whispered.

“He makes it easy. He's such a great kid.”

We watched as Max carefully brushed away sand, revealing a replica fossil beneath. His face was a picture of concentration, tongue sticking out slightly as he worked.

“You know, I was worried about dating again. About how it would affect Max.”

I turned to her, noting the vulnerability in her eyes. “But seeing you with him..." she continued, "I think maybe I was worried for nothing.”

I took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I care about both of you, Sofia. You're a package deal, and I wouldn't have it any other way.”

She smiled, blinking back tears. “Thank you.”

Just then, Max called out triumphantly. “I found something!”

We hurried over to see his discovery - a perfectly preserved imprint of a prehistoric leaf.

As Max beamed with pride, showing off his find to the workshop leader, I felt a sense of rightness settle over me. This, I thought, was what family felt like.

“This has been wonderful,” she said. “I haven't seen Max this happy in a long time.”

I squeezed her hand gently. “I’m glad. I'm having a great time too.”

As Max chatted animatedly with the workshop instructor, Sofia turned to face me fully.

“Listen,” she began, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “I know we talked about going to that wine festival later, but... would you mind if we just stayed here instead? I'm really enjoying watching you with Max, and I don't want this day to end.”

My heart soared at her words. “I’d love nothing more,” I replied, unable to keep the grin off my face.

As Max ran back to us, proudly displaying his Junior Paleontologist badge, I knew that this day marked the beginning of something special.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of fossils, interactive displays, and Max's endless questions. By the time we left the museum, the sun was starting to dip low in the sky.

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

Max nodded. “It was the best day ever! Can we come back next week?”

Sofia laughed. “Let's not get ahead of ourselves.”

As we drove home, Max's excitement gradually gave way to exhaustion. By the time we pulled into Sofia's driveway, he wasfast asleep in the backseat, his new Junior Paleontologist badge clutched tightly in his hand.

“I’ll carry him in,” I whispered to Sofia as we got out of the car. She nodded gratefully, opening the front door as I gently lifted Max from his seat.

His head lolled against my shoulder as I carried him inside, his small body warm and trusting in my arms. As I laid him down on his bed, he stirred slightly.

“Thanks for the dinosaurs,” he mumbled sleepily, his eyes fluttering open for a moment.

I smiled, tucking the covers around him. “Anytime, buddy. Sweet dreams.”

When I returned to the living room, Sofia was waiting with two glasses of wine. "I figured we could have our own little wine festival," she said with a shy smile.

“Perfect,” I replied, taking the glass she offered.

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