My Baby’s Daddy

“Just call me Zach, Ava.”

“Very well then, Zach.” Ava didn’t like honoraries either.

“He’ll be having dinner with us tonight,” said Shirley.

“Oh, good. I can show off my cooking.” Happily, Ava went into the kitchen to work. Shirley wanted to help, but Ava kicked her out. “Go and accompany my future grandson-in-law.” That was what she said.

Shirley covered her mouth and came back out, smiling. She saw Zacharias looking at the photos around the house. Ava’s house had an Eastern design. Standing in this house, Zacharias looked a little different than he usually was. Shirley came up to him and held his arm.

Zacharias smiled. “So, when are your parents coming back for Christmas?”

her lips and shook her head. “No idea. They haven’t

trying to run away. Zacharias put an arm around Shirley’s shoulder. “Why don’t I invite

went

fun celebrating Christmas with two families around,”

right. There’s only him, his dad, and Tony celebrating Christmas anyway. It’s a little quiet. Shirley nodded. “Sure. We’ll celebrate Christmas together.” Shirley then helped Ava wash the greens and set up

with Shirley

had been too long since he had homemade food. Ever since his mother’s passing, that household didn’t feel like home. Back when he was a teenager, his father hired the best servants around

greens,

cook, Ava. I love

liked Zacharias. Both Zacharias and Shirley had their fill. Later, they walked out of Ava’s house, and Zacharias suggested they

his men.

Zacharias nodded. “Of course.”

Even though the stretch of road outside Ava’s house was a quiet spot, a car hidden nearby had someone in it aiming their camera at the couple. The person took careful but clear shots. In the photo, Zacharias was holding Shirley’s hand, and in the photo of them in the car, Zacharias had an arm around Shirley’s shoulder. The person also took photos of

only tucked their phone away after Zacharias’ convoy was gone.