Mom, Don't Cry! Here comes a new Daddy! novel Chapter 72

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

(Sabrina’s POV)

Dinner goes well.

Too well, actually.

Better than I expected.

I watch Ethan and Jake across the table, their heads bent together as they examine the dessert menu like it contains the secrets of the universe. Jake is pointing at something, his little face animated with excitement, and Ethan nods seriously like my five-year-old’s opinion on ice cream flavors is the most important thing he’s heard all day.

And that…precisely that attentiveness…worries me.

The bond between them is growing stronger with every passing minute, and it makes me uneasy

in a way I can’t quite name.

They’re getting too comfortable with each other. Too natural. Like they’ve known each other for years instead of days.

What happens when this doesn’t work out? When Ethan realizes dating a single mother isn’t his cup of tea and walks away?

Jake will be devastated.

I’ll be devastated.

“Mom, look!” Jake waves the menu at me. “They have chocolate lava cake! With ice cream! Can I get it? Please?”

“You already had breadsticks and pasta and-”

“But I ate all my vegetables! Mr. Jason promised I could get the biggest dessert if I ate my vegetables, and I did! I ate every single one!”

He’s right. He did. Even the broccoli, which he usually refuses to touch.

“Alright. You can get the chocolate lava cake, but only a small piece.”

“But Mom…”

“Jake.” I give him the look. “Only a small piece.”

“Fine.” He sighs.

C

5

KIKA

|||

O

Г

1-4

<Chapter 53

Cler

Ethan leans in at that moment and my body goes tense, as whispers in my ear, his hot breath sending tingles down my spine. “Come on, Sabrina. I promised Jake he can get the biggest desert if he finishes his veggies. Don’t make me break my promise. It won’t do much harm to eat sweets

once in a blue moon.”

I glance at Jake. He’s sulking, now, staring at his hands with this disappointed look on his face that

makes my heart twitch.

I feel bad for dampening his spirit. He did after all, finish his vegetables for once. That at least

deserves a reward.

“Alright. Just this once, you can have the biggest desert.” I relent.

“YES!” Jake pumps his fist in the air, then turns to Ethan. “You’re getting one too, right? We can

share!”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Ethan says with a smile that makes my stomach flip.

The dessert arrives fifteen minutes later-a massive chocolate cake with a molten center, topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. It’s obscenely large, clearly meant for sharing.

Jake digs in with the enthusiasm only a child can muster, getting chocolate all over his face. Ethan helps him wipe his face, cutting the cake into smaller pieces, making sure he doesn’t burn his

mouth on the hot center.

And I sit there watching them, my chest tight with conflicting emotions.

After we finish, Ethan pays the bill despite my protests, and we head out to the parking lot.

I assume we’re going back to Sophia’s. But Jake has other ideas.

“Mr. Jason! We should get flowers for mom! Real men always give flowers to ladies they like. That’s what Tommy’s new dad does!”

“Jake, you troublemaker, what are you-” I start.

“Jake is right.” Ethan interrupts smoothly. “Every woman deserves flowers. Especially his mom.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re standing in a flower shop while Jake carefully selects roses. Red ones, because “red means love” according to the flower lady.

Ethan buys an entire bouquet-twelve long-stemmed roses wrapped in elegant paper-and presents them to me with a slight bow that’s both charming and ridiculous.

“For the most amazing mother I know,” he says.

My face heats. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” I say, taking them with embarrassment burning my

5

20

7OQ KIKA

|||

O

J

21-4

Chapter 53

cheeks.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Jake giggles. “Mr. Jason, you’re supposed to say that when you’re alone with mom, not in front of me!”

“Noted. I’ll save the really good compliments for later.”

“Later?” My voice comes out higher than intended.

“If you’ll allow there to be a later for us,” Ethan says quietly, and there’s something vulnerable in his expression that makes my heart clench.

Before I can respond, Jake is tugging on Ethan’s hand. “Can we go to Fun Zone? Please? It’s where families go to play games and stuff! Tommy went with both his dads last week and said it was the best day ever!”

“Please, mom? Please please please? We won’t stay long! Just one hour! I promise!”

I should say no. Should take him home, put him to bed, create some distance between my son and this man who’s becoming far too close far too quickly.

But the hope in Jake’s eyes makes me unable to say the word.

“One hour. That’s it.”

Jake squeals and hugs my leg, “Thank you! You’re the best!”

I give him a tight smile, already regretting my decision.

Fun Zone is exactly what it sounds like-a massive entertainment center with arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, and a climbing wall. It’s packed with families, the air filled with electronic beeps, children’s laughter, and the smell of popcorn.

Jake’s eyes go wide the moment we walk in. “This is the best day ever!”

And for the next hour, I watch my son experience pure joy.

Ethan plays every game with him. Skee-ball. Air hockey. Racing games. He doesn’t just participate -he engages fully, cheering when Jake wins, offering tips when he struggles, celebrating every small victory.

At the basketball hoops, Ethan lifts Jake up so he can make the shots easier. At the claw machine, he helps him strategize to win a stuffed dinosaur. At the climbing wall, he stands below, encouraging every step, ready to catch him if he falls.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify