Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 29

Chapter 22-2

Chapter 22-2

“It’s okay. Mom has a protector now. He can’t be mean to us.”

I yawn, suddenly becoming tired. Today was a long day. A good day, but long.

+25 Pomys

“Time for bed, kiddo,” Aunt Sophia says, noticing. “Big day tomorrow. We need to see how your

mom reacts after her date with Jason tonight.”

”

I giggle and change into my pajamas, clutching Rexy close. As Aunt Sophià tucks me in, I think

about mommy. I hope mommy’s happy right now. I hope she’s not scared of sleeping alone. I know

she can’t sleep without me, but this mission is important.

I hope she likes Jason and knows he is a good person who will take care of her and make her

happy.

And when the trip finally ends, we can go home together. Jason will stand tall in front of mommy

with his shiny shoes and his nice eyes, and tell dad to leave us alone.

(Sophia’s POV)

After Jake finally falls asleep-which takes forever because the kid is too excited to settle down-l grab my phone and collapse onto the other bed.

The video is still blowing up. Seventy-five thousand likes now. The comments are a mix of supportive messages, thirsty comments about Jason (fair-the man is gorgeous), and a surprising number of people sharing their own stories about moving on after divorce.

I scroll through them, my chest tight with emotions I don’t want to name.

My mom found love again after my dad left. It was the best thing that ever happened to our family.

That little boy is so brave for helping his mom. We need more kids like him.

THE WAY JASON LOOKS AT HER. That’s how you know it’s real.

Dustin is probably losing his MIND right now and I’m here for it “

I smirk at that last one. God, I hope Dustin is losing his mind. He deserves every ounce of misery coming his way.

I just never expected the one to deliver this blow to be Jake. This kid is a real piece of work.

My phone buzzes. A text from Richard.

Richard: Sophia. What the hell is happening? I’m seeing videos of Sabrina all over social media. Is this

going to affect the custody case?

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Chapter 22 2

Shit.

+25 Points

I didn’t think about that. What if Dustin’s lawyer uses this against her? Claims she’s being reckless, dating random men while her divorce is pending?

I text back quickly: It’s harmless. She’s on a vacation cruise. She met someone nice. That’s it. She’s allowed to move on with her life.

Richard: I know that. YOU know that. But Dustin’s lawyer might spin this differently. Keep me updated And tell Sabrina to be careful.

I set the phone down, anxiety churning in my gut.

Did I make a mistake?

Maybe posting the video was a little too reckless. Maybe I should’ve waited. Maybe-

No.

I stop that train of thought before it derails completely.

Sabrina deserves happiness. She deserves to be seen as more than just Dustin’s ex-wife or Jake’s

mom. She deserves to be seen as a woman who’s beautiful and talented and worthy of love.

And if the whole world sees it?

Then so be it.

I pull up the video again and watch it one more time.

The way Jason’s hand settles on Sabrina’s waist-protective but gentle. The way she leans into him, like she trusts him completely even though they just met. The way they look at each other during the dance, like no one else exists.

And then the kiss.

God, that kiss.

It’s not some chaste, polite peck. It’s raw and real and full of the kind of passion I haven’t seen from Sabrina in years. Maybe ever.

My eyes sting, and I blink rapidly.

I’m not crying. I’m not.

But I am thinking about what it must feel like-to be looked at like that. To be wanted like that. To

be chosen

I haven’t felt that way in… I can’t even remember.

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Chapter 22-2

My phone buzzes again. Another text, this time from an unknown number.

Unknown: The video is perfect. Thank you for sharing it. -J

Jason.

+25 Points

I hesitate, then reply: You’re welcome. Just don’t break her heart. Jake won’t forgive you. And neither

will I.

Jason: Understood. I don’t plan to.

I stare at the message, trying to read between the lines. Is he serious about Sabrina? Or is this just a vacation fling for him?

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