Page 34 of Pitch for You

We settled on the couch, a comfortable silence falling between us. Sofia leaned into me, and I wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Thank you for today,” she said. “I haven't seen Max that happy in... well, in a long time.”

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I had a great time too. You've got an amazing kid, Sofia.”

As we sat there, sipping wine and talking softly about the day's adventures, a sense of peace washed over me. This was it - the family I'd always dreamed of. And I was determined to cherish every moment.

Sofia leaned into my touch, her eyes searching mine, our lips meeting in a soft, tender kiss. It was like coming home. When we pulled apart, Sofia rested her forehead against me.

“Wow… I didn't realize it was possible to be even better than before?”

My eyebrows scrunched together. “What do you mean?”

“Kissing you.”

As a warmth spread through my chest at her words. “I know exactly what you mean,” I murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Sofia's eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. “It's like... everything just feels right. Like all the pieces are finally falling into place.” She snuggled closer, her head resting on my chest. “I was so scared to try again, you know? After everything with Max's dad... I didn't think I could open my heart like this.”

I tightened my arm around her. “I’m honored that you're willing to take that chance with me. I promise, I'll do everything I can to be worthy of that trust.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, sipping our wine. The house was quiet, save for the soft ticking of a clock and Max's gentle snores drifting from his room.

“You know,” Sofia said eventually, her voice thoughtful, “I think Max is falling in love with you too.”

My heart swelled at her words. “The feeling's mutual. He's an incredible kid.”

Sofia sat up, turning to face me fully. “I need you to understand something,” she said, her tone serious. “If we do this - if we really commit to being together - it's not just about us. Max has to come first, always.”

I nodded. “I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm all in. You and Max... you're my family now. If you'll have me.”

Tears welled up in Sofia's eyes as she smiled. “We'd love nothing more.”

As I pulled her in for another kiss, a sense of rightness settled over me. This was where I belonged - with Sofia and Max, building a life together, one dinosaur adventure at a time.

20

Sofia

It had been a long day, filled with laughter and despite the recent divorce that still stung, there was something comforting about being with Brett. We grew up together, were best friends, and dated until we graduated. Even after twelve years apart, he still understood me better than anyone else.

As the movie played on, I stole glances at Brett, admiring the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed and the way his hand instinctively reached for mine. It was moments like these that made me question why we ever drifted apart in the first place.

But deep down, I couldn't ignore the lingering doubts caused by my ex-husband. Brett was an amazing guy, and I knew he would always hold a special place in my heart. I just hoped I could let go of the past and fully embrace the present with him.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize the movie had ended until Brett turned off the TV and looked at me with a soft smile. “Hey, what are you thinking about?” he asked, squeezing my hand.

I took a deep breath and decided to be honest. “Just about how grateful I am for this moment with you.”

He leaned in closer, our foreheads touching. “Me too.”

Our faces were inches apart. The chemistry between us was undeniable, and the pull towards him was growing stronger with each passing moment.

But just as I was about to lean in for a kiss, Brett's hand slipped and knocked over his wine glass, spilling red liquid all over his white shirt.

"Oh no!" he exclaimed, jumping up from the couch. "I'm so sorry."

I couldn't help but laugh at the situation. "It's okay. Accidents happen."

---