Page 16 of Surprise Mother Pucker

He wasn’t asking me to leave. On the contrary, he was asking me on a date. Did I want to go on a date with him? Of course, I wanted to go on a date with him. He was handsome, he smelled amazing, and he was clearly smart. Statistics, advanced or not, weren’t for everyone,

Part of me wanted to say yes. Had I been a normal single omega, I would have done so without hesitation.

“I would love to, but…” I trailed off, trying to find the right words.

Eli’s face fell, and he started to speak. “No, I totally?—”

“I have a daughter,” I blurted. “You should know before you ask me out that I have a daughter, and most people don't really want to date single mothers. The last thing I would want to do is accept before you knew.” I spoke in a rush, eager to get out what I was saying because I didn't want him to think I was rejecting him.

Eli’s eyes widened, and he took a second to think. “Are you single?”

I nodded. I was extremely single, but I didn't want to let on just how single I was. No alpha wanted to date an omega who, until only a few moments before, had tumbleweeds downstairs. “I am,” I confirmed.

“So, what’s the problem?” He smiled. “Because I don’t see any.”

My breathing hitched at his words. I didn’t think I had heard anything as mind-blowing as that in a long time.

“You don't mind that I have a child?” I asked, surprise leaching into my voice.

“If you're single, I don't see why it makes a difference. Wait, that sounded bad. It does make a difference—it’s a big part of who you are, no doubt. I just don't see how it could stop us from going on a date and getting to know each other a little better. That is, if you want to.” His smile was easy, but I had a good nose, like most omegas, and I could tell he was nervous. His scent had a slight charred edge to it, which meant unhappiness.

“I would very much like to,” I admitted in a small voice.

Eli’s face broke out in a smile, and he nodded enthusiastically. “That’s awesome. Okay, here—I’ll give you my number. When’s best for you?” he asked, pulling out his phone.

“During the week is the easiest time to get a sitter. They hike up their prices on the weekend,” I said, grabbing my phone and standing up to exchange numbers.

“You’ve got to respect the hustle.” He chuckled as I handed him my phone, and he typed in his number.

After calling him to check it was correct, he officially had my number.

“I’ve got to get going, but it was really nice meeting you, Kennedy.” He smiled down at me, that look making butterflies erupt in my stomach. “I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Me too,” I said breathlessly before he turned and gathered his things.

Holy hell, I had a date with a hot alpha.

I paid the sitter, thanking her profusely, before going to check on my baby. Char was flat on her back in her crib, dead to the world.

Some of my favorite times were simply watching her sleep. Partly because she was so peaceful and at rest, partly because she wasn't screaming at me.

Becoming a mother had certainly been a trial by fire, but I didn't regret it for a moment. I'd even given her the name of her father. Charlie.

I still occasionally looked on social media for Charlie, but I hadn’t had any luck.

Once I was sure Charlotte was doing okay, I picked up my cell phone and padded into the living room, dialing a familiar number.

“You’re usually asleep by now.” Beth laughed as soon as she picked up the phone.

“I had a late night, studying at the library.”

“You know I would have happily babysat the cutie.”

“I rely on you enough as it is, and I can afford a sitter for the occasional evening.”

“You know I relish any chance I get to see my niece. Did you at least get a lot of work done?”

“Kind of. I may also have gotten a date for next week,” I admitted, biting my lip.

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