A LOVE FORGOTTEN

Saturday morning had finally arrived, and my excitement was nearly impossible to contain. I had been looking forward to meeting Ethan all week, and now that the day was finally here, my nerves and anticipation were at an all-time high.

I woke up ridiculously early, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. After a quick shower, I wrapped myself in a fluffy robe and started making arrangements for the day.

First, I texted Sofia to confirm that Alex's playdate with Emma was still on. All set, she replied almost instantly. You go enjoy yourself, and don't overthink it!

Easier said than done.

I had just put my phone down when my bedroom door suddenly burst open.

"MOMMY!" Alex shouted as he ran in, still in his dinosaur pajamas, his curls bouncing with each step. He stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as he took in my fresh face and damp hair.

"Wow," he breathed, tilting his head. "Mommy, why are you so pretty today? Are we going somewhere fun?"

I chuckled, ruffling his curls. "Thank you, baby! But today, you're going to play with Emma, remember?"

He pouted, crossing his arms. "But I wanna go where you're going!"

I knelt down to his level, tapping his nose gently. "Trust me, sweetheart, playing with Emma is going to be way more fun than what I'm doing."

Alex studied me for a moment, then grinned mischievously. "Are you going on a date?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "W-What?"

"A date!" he repeated, giggling. "Auntie Sarah says when people dress up all pretty, it means they're going on a date!"

I gasped, making a mental note to have a talk with my sister. "It's not a date," I said, shaking my head with a laugh. "I'm just meeting an old friend."

Alex didn't look convinced. He tapped his chin thoughtfully before breaking into another grin. "Well, you're still the most beautiful mommy in the world!"

My heart melted on the spot. I pulled him into a tight hug, kissing his forehead. "I love you, my sweet boy."

"I love you too, Mommy!" he said, squeezing me back.

Just then, Sarah walked into the room, yawning dramatically. "Ugh, it's too early for all this cuteness."

Alex turned to her with a smug smile. "Mommy's going on a date!"

Sarah's eyes lit up with amusement as she looked at me. "Oh, really?"

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "Not. A. Date!"

Sarah just laughed and plopped down on my bed. "Well, not-date or not, let's get you looking even prettier."

And just like that, the mission to find the perfect outfit began.

Sarah and I spent the next hour rummaging through my closet, debating every possible outfit. Every time I picked something, she shook her head with a dramatic "Nope!" like a strict fashion judge.

Finally, she held up a stunning red sundress with delicate white flowers. "This is the one," she declared. "Flirty, but not too much. Classy, but still fun. Perfect."

I slipped into it and twirled in front of the mirror. The way the fabric hugged my curves and the red color made my skin glow—it was perfect.

Sarah clapped her hands. "See? I know what I'm doing!"

Next came makeup, and of course, Sarah took charge. She worked her magic while I sat still, watching her through the mirror.

"Okay, close your eyes," she instructed.

I obeyed, and within minutes, she was applying soft, natural makeup—just enough to enhance my features without looking overdone.

"You have to look effortlessly beautiful," she said. "Like 'Oh, I just woke up looking like this,' but really, it took an hour."

I laughed. "So basically, deception?"

She smirked. "Exactly."

By the time she was done, I barely recognized myself. I looked… radiant. Confident. A little nervous, but also ready.

I turned to Sarah, feeling a rush of gratitude. "I couldn't have done this without you."

She smiled, pulling me into a side hug. "I know. Now go knock him dead—or, you know, just have a good time."

As I grabbed my purse and keys, Alex ran up to me again, his little face lighting up. "Mommy, you look like a princess!"

I bent down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, my love."

He tilted his head. "Mommy, are you happy?"

His question caught me off guard, and for a second, my breath hitched.

I thought about it.

The butterflies in my stomach. The nervous anticipation. The possibility of seeing Ethan again after all these years.

Was I scared? Yes.

But was I happy?

I smiled, stroking Alex's cheek. "I think I am, sweetheart."