Pretend You're Mine!

Chapter 3: First Impressions

Sunlight poured through the living room windows of Harrington Manor as Lexi knelt cross-legged on the rug, her leather satchel set aside. Sophie sat opposite her, clutching Honey, her wide eyes fixed on the picture book Lexi held.

“Once upon a time,” Lexi began in a warm, sing-song voice, “there was a little owl who couldn’t hoot…”

Sophie’s lips curved into a small smile. Ethan watched from the doorway—momentarily forgotten around the corner of the hallway—his surgical mask still hanging from one ear. He’d expected a polite greeting, a quick handshake, and then a contract-signing photo op. Instead, he found something infinitely more disarming: Lexi’s effortless ease with his daughter.

“…every night,” Lexi continued, turning the page, “the little owl would practice and practice, until at last—HOO-WOOT!—she found her strongest, truest voice.”

Sophie giggled, bouncing Honey in her lap. “Can she find her voice again tomorrow?”

Lexi closed the book, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I think she can—especially with a friend by her side.” She nudged Sophie gently. “And I’ll be your friend, too.”

Sophie’s grin widened as she crawled into Lexi’s lap for a hug. Ethan felt a lump in his throat. This was more than a rehearsal for school events; it was the first moment he’d seen Sophie truly relax in weeks.

“Daddy!” Sophie called, pointing.

He stepped forward, masking his emotion with a steady nod. “Hello again.”

Lexi rose, brushing imaginary lint from her skirt. “I promised Sophie I’d read her favorite story,” she said, offering Sophie a quick embrace. “Next time, I’ll bring another book.”

Ethan cleared his throat. “Thank you, Lexi. That…means a lot.”

She smiled confidently. “Children learn best when they feel safe. I want Sophie to know she can trust me.”

That afternoon, the kindergarten PTA meeting assembled in the same bright classroom where Sophie sat each morning. A semi-circle of coffee-toting parents formed around Miss Chen’s small desk. Ethan lingered by the back wall, tense in his navy suit, while Lexi found a seat beside him, arms crossed over a tailored blazer.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson—two gregarious parents—chatted about bake sales and fundraising. Mrs. Patel fretted over holiday crafts. At the front, the PTA president droned through the agenda: volunteer sign-ups, budget approvals, and dates for field trips.

Ethan watched Lexi calmly listen, occasionally jotting notes on a legal-sized notepad. When the president announced the need for “family volunteers” at the spring play, several parents exchanged nervous glances.

“I’m volunteering,” Lexi said before Ethan could respond. Her voice was soft yet authoritative. “I’d love to help with costumes and be present during tech rehearsals.”

A ripple of relief passed through the group. Mrs. Thompson leaned in, whispering, “Thank you—so many of us work full time.”

Lexi closed her notepad and smiled. “My schedule is flexible. Sophie’s event calendar is my priority.”

Ethan felt a surge of gratitude. Lexi wasn’t merely playing a part—she was stepping into it wholeheartedly.

When the meeting adjourned, the PTA president approached Ethan. “Your wife is wonderful,” she said, nodding toward Lexi. “I hope she’ll stick around.”

Ethan swallowed. “Yes. I’m grateful she’s…helping us.”

Mrs. Patel shook Lexi’s hand. “Thank you for being here. Sophie is lucky.”

Lexi responded with genuine warmth. “Thank you. I’m honored.”

As the classroom emptied, Ethan fell into step beside Lexi in the hallway. “You passed with flying colors,” he said quietly.

She looked up, surprised. “Really?”

He nodded. “You didn’t just fill a role—you earned their respect.” He paused. “And Sophie’s, too.”

She glanced down, a soft flush on her cheeks. “She’s remarkable. I want her to feel proud of her family.”

Ethan studied her profile—the gentle arch of her cheekbones, the sincerity in her eyes. For the first time, he allowed himself to imagine a real partner at his side.

“Thank you,” he said again. “For everything today.”

Lexi tapped her notepad closed. “It was my pleasure. I’ll see you—and Sophie—at the holiday concert next week?”

“Absolutely.” He offered his arm, more in gesture than necessity. She linked hers through his, and together they walked toward the exit, a convincing picture of a family united.

In that moment, Ethan realized Lexi’s greatest gift wasn’t just her professionalism, but the promise of hope—a promise he’d dared not make until now.