The question caught David off guard. “No. I don’t.” “Why not?” The simplicity of the question cut through his usual excuses.
He usually said he was too busy with his career or hadn’t met the right person. But sitting across from Maya, those reasons felt hollow. “I guess I just haven’t found the right family yet,” he said finally. “My mom said family isn’t just about who you’re born to,” Maya said with wisdom beyond her years.
“She said family is the people who look out for you and love you.” David was floored. Family was something he’d traded for success. His parents were gone, and his relationship with his brother was distant. He was surrounded by people, but no one really *looked out* for him.
“Your mom was a very smart woman,” David said, feeling a strange lump in his throat. Just then, David’s phone buzzed with a text from Andrew saying he was outside with the bags. The timing was perfect.
Maya had finished her steak and was eyeing a dessert cart rolling by. “Want some dessert?” David offered. Maya’s eyes sparkled. “Really? I can?” “Absolutely.” David signaled the waiter.
“What’s on the menu tonight?” The waiter, now treating Maya like royalty, listed the options. “We have a chocolate lava cake, New York cheesecake, and a selection of house-made ice creams.”
“What’s ice cream?” Maya asked David in a low voice, clearly embarrassed. David’s heart broke again. A child who had never had ice cream. “It’s a cold, sweet treat made from cream and sugar. It comes in all different flavors. You have to try it.”
David turned to the waiter. “Bring a sampler of the ice creams. What flavors do you have?” “Vanilla bean, strawberry, dark chocolate, and salted caramel.” David looked at Maya. “Any of those sound good?” She shook her head, overwhelmed.
“Bring a little of each,” David decided. While they waited, David stepped out for a moment to meet Andrew at the curb. His assistant was waiting by the black SUV with several bags from a high-end department store.
“Got everything you asked for, David,” Andrew said, handing over the bags. “Clothes, shoes, the works. I guessed on the sizes, but I got a variety.” “Great job, Andrew. Thank you.” David hesitated, then added, “I need you to make sure the guest room is ready. Tell Mrs. Gable to stock it with whatever a kid might need.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow but remained professional. “Understood. Should I tell her to expect a guest?” “Yes. And tell her to have a kid-friendly breakfast ready for tomorrow.” David paused. “And Andrew, let’s keep this quiet for now.”
David returned to the restaurant carrying the bags, aware of the curious stares. He found Maya delighting in a spoonful of chocolate ice cream, her eyes closed in pure bliss. “This is the best day ever,” she declared, carefully sampling each flavor like a little scientist.
David set the bags down and watched the simple, honest joy on her face. “Which one is the winner?” Maya thought seriously. “I like them all, but the brown one is the best.” “Chocolate,” David smiled.
“So, what do you think of these bags?” Maya’s eyes went wide as she noticed the colorful shopping bags. “What are those? Are they for the restaurant?” “Actually, they’re for you,” David said, trying to keep his voice casual, though his heart was racing.
“For me?” Maya couldn’t believe it. “Like a present?” “Yeah, a few presents, actually.” The girl froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. “But why? It’s not my birthday.”
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