Chapter 23

Hi lovelies!!! New chapter woooo. I hope you enjoy!!! XO

The day after Thanksgiving, Vanessa found herself slipping back into the familiar rhythm of life with Kai. The holiday had been warm and filled with laughter, but now the house was quieter, and the routines of daily life resumed. As she tidied up around the house and got Kai settled with his favorite toy, she was ready. It was time for Zac to officially meet Kai—not just as her friend, or an emergency babysitter but as something more.

She sent Zac a quick text, inviting him over later that day. His response was almost immediate, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident even through the words on the screen. Vanessa couldn't help but smile, feeling a flutter of anticipation herself.

A few hours later, as the sun began to dip low in the sky, Vanessa heard a knock at the door. Her heart skipped a beat. She walked to the door, smoothing down her sweater and taking a deep breath. When she opened it, the sight before her made her stop in her tracks.

Zac stood there, looking more handsome than ever. His hair had been freshly cut, the edges sharp and neat, giving him a slightly different but no less familiar look. He wore a crisp button-down shirt, something that was clearly not his usual casual style. In one hand, he held a gift bag that was unmistakably meant for a child, and in the other, a bouquet of flowers, vibrant and full of life.

Vanessa blinked in amazement. "Did you dress up for this?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and admiration. Her eyes darted to the gift bag. "And did you get him toys? Oh my God."

Zac shifted slightly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. Before he could answer, she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, noticing the new cut. "And is that a new haircut?"

"Yes, yes, and yes," Zac replied, leaning in to kiss her softly. He then extended the flowers towards her. "And these are for you."

Vanessa took the flowers, her heart swelling. "Baby…" she murmured, her gaze softening as she looked up at him. "You know he already likes you."

Zac nodded, but his expression was serious, almost contemplative. "I know, but this is different." He paused, his eyes searching hers as if trying to convey the depth of his thoughts. "This time, I'm meeting him as your boyfriend. If all goes well, I'll be a key figure in his life, and I don't want to mess it up."

Vanessa sensed the weight of his words, the importance of this moment not just for her but for Zac as well. She reached out, her hand running up and down his arm in a comforting gesture. "Hey," she said gently, "it's going to be fine. Come on, let's go inside."

With that, Vanessa stepped aside, and Zac entered the house, taking a deep breath as he did. This was a significant step for them both, but as she closed the door behind him, Vanessa felt a sense of calm settle over her. They were in this together, and whatever came next, they would face it as a team.

Vanessa smiled as she called out to her son, "Kai, baby!" Her voice was warm and inviting, instantly catching Kai's attention. He looked up from his playpen with a big, toothy grin, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his mother.

"I want you to meet someone. Officially," she said softly as she lifted him out of his playpen and carried him to the couch. She placed him gently on the cushions, kneeling beside him to be at his eye level. "You remember my friend, Zac?"

Kai looked up at Zac, a mix of surprise with a hint of familiarity.

Zac approached them slowly, his hands slightly trembling with nervousness. He crouched down so he was eye-to-eye with Kai, who was busy examining the colorful patterns on the couch. "Hey, Kai," Zac said, his voice gentle but a little uncertain. "I'm Zac."

"Buddy," Kai mimicked - recalling what Zac had called him the first time they met.

"Yeah! That's my buddy," Zac said excitedly.

Vanessa smiled, watching the two of them interact. "Aww, yeah baby. This is my friend Zac and I really hope he can be your buddy," she explained to Kai. "He's going to be spending a lot of time with us. Isn't that nice?"

Kai looked up at Zac, curiosity flickering in his eyes. His eyes shifted between his mom and Zac, as if trying to process this new information. Zac reached into the gift bag he had brought and pulled out a small, brightly colored toy car. He held it out to Kai with a hopeful smile. "I got something for you, bud," he said.

Kai's eyes widened with excitement as he grabbed the toy car from Zac's hand. For a moment, he stared at it in awe, his little fingers tracing the wheels. Then, without warning, he turned and ran off, the car clutched tightly in his hand as he darted back to his play area.

Zac watched him go, a look of surprise on his face. "Well, that was anticlimactic," he said, half-joking, half-disappointed.

Vanessa laughed, a soft and understanding sound. She reached over and gave Zac's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Haha. I know," she said, her tone comforting. "I know this might seem a little silly, given that he's probably not going to register much right now, but just letting him know you're going to be around is important."

Zac looked at her, his expression softening. "You're right," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I just want him to be comfortable with me, you know?"

Vanessa leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Zac's cheek. "He will be," she assured him. "You're doing great."

Zac nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. He glanced back at Kai, who was now engrossed in his new toy, making soft vrooming sounds as he rolled the car along the floor. A sense of relief washed over Zac.

"Besides," Vanessa added with a playful smile, "the best part is I don't have to kick you out early. You can stay over and come over whenever you want."

Zac's eyes lit up at her words, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Is that so?" he teased, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her a little closer.

"Absolutely," Vanessa replied, leaning into him. "No more rushing out the door in the morning or sneaking around."

Zac's smile turned into a grin as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I like the sound of that," he said softly. The tension he had felt earlier melted away, replaced by a comforting sense of belonging. Being with Vanessa and Kai felt right.

Vanessa looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Me too," she whispered. She could see the relief in his expression, and it made her heart swell. They were stepping into a new chapter together, one that felt full of promise and possibility.

Zac glanced over at Kai, who was still happily playing with his toy car. "Looks like he's already given me his stamp of approval," he joked.

Vanessa chuckled. "I think so," she agreed, her hand finding his. "And you know what? I have too."

Zac squeezed her hand, feeling more connected to her than ever.

Later that night, the house was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustling of the leaves outside and the occasional creak of the old floorboards. Vanessa and Zac had decided to watch a movie, eventually drifting off to sleep on the couch, wrapped up in each other's arms. It had been a peaceful evening, the kind that left them both feeling content.

But in the middle of the night, a small, frightened voice broke the silence.

"Mama… Mama…" Kai's voice was shaky, filled with fear as he stood in the hallway, his tiny figure illuminated by the dim light coming from the living room. He had been having a nightmare, one of those vivid, confusing dreams that left him scared and disoriented.

Still half-asleep, Kai shuffled into the living room, his eyes scanning the darkness until he spotted his mom on the couch. But as he got closer, he saw something that made him stop in his tracks—Zac, lying next to Vanessa, his arm draped protectively over her.

Kai's little heart raced with a mix of fear and confusion. In his mind, Zac was an intruder, someone who didn't belong in this sacred space with his mama. Without hesitation, he climbed onto the couch and, with all the strength his small body could muster, shoved Zac to the side.

"No! My mama!" Kai cried out, his voice tinged with both anger and desperation as he pushed against Zac's arm, trying to wedge himself between them. His little hands gripped onto Vanessa, holding her tightly as if afraid she might disappear.

Vanessa stirred awake at the commotion, her heart aching as she realized what was happening. She could see the fear in Kai's eyes, the possessiveness that only a young child could feel so intensely. "Hey, baby, it's okay," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him close. "Mama's right here."

Zac, who had been jolted awake by Kai's sudden push, quickly moved aside, his heart sinking as he watched the scene unfold. He could see how upset Kai was, and it stung to realize that, in this moment, he was the outsider.

Kai buried his face in Vanessa's chest, his small body trembling as he clung to her. "No, Mama, no," he repeated, his voice muffled against her shirt.

Vanessa rocked him gently, her fingers running soothingly through his hair. "Shh, it's okay, baby. It was just a bad dream," she murmured, trying to calm him down. She glanced at Zac, who was sitting up now, looking unsure of what to do.

Zac opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it, not wanting to make things worse. Instead, he watched as Vanessa comforted Kai, feeling a pang of guilt for being the cause of the boy's distress, even unintentionally.

Vanessa noticed Zac's hesitation and reached out with one hand to touch his knee, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Zac," she whispered softly, her eyes telling him that she understood.

Kai, still nestled against his mother, slowly began to calm down, the nightmare fading from his mind. But even as his breathing steadied, he kept his grip on Vanessa tight, making it clear that he didn't want to share her at that moment.

Zac nodded, understanding that this was one of those situations where he needed to step back. "I'm sorry, Kai," he said quietly, his voice gentle and sincere. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Kai didn't respond, but he glanced up at Zac with big, wary eyes before turning back to Vanessa, snuggling closer to her.

Vanessa kissed the top of Kai's head, her heart aching for both her son and Zac. "It's okay, sweetheart," she whispered to Kai, then looked at Zac with a soft smile. "He has nightmares sometimes. It used to be a lot more frequent, but now it's much better." She wanted to reassure Zac that this was routine and not something triggered by his presence.

Zac nodded, his eyes filled with understanding and concern. He didn't want to be the cause of any discomfort, especially for Kai. Vanessa could see the worry etched on his face, and she knew she needed to help him feel more involved in a way that would ease both his and Kai's anxiety.

"Could you do me a favor?" Vanessa asked softly, her tone gentle and reassuring.

"Of course, anything," Zac replied as he straightened up, ready to help however he could.

"I have a milk bottle for him in the fridge. Could you warm it up for him? Just 30 seconds in the microwave should do the trick," Vanessa explained, her voice calm and steady.

"Yeah, absolutely," Zac said with a nod. He gave Vanessa a small, grateful smile before getting up and heading to the kitchen. As he walked away, he couldn't help but glance back at Vanessa and Kai, seeing the way she held their son so protectively. It made him more determined to be a part of their lives, to be the support they both needed.

In the kitchen, Zac found the bottle in the fridge just as Vanessa had said. He placed it in the microwave, setting the timer for 30 seconds. As he waited, his mind raced with thoughts. He wanted to be there for Kai, to help him feel safe and secure, but he also understood that it would take time for Kai to fully accept him. The soft hum of the microwave was the only sound in the kitchen, but Zac found it strangely soothing as he let his worries settle.

When the microwave beeped, Zac carefully took out the warm bottle, testing it against his wrist to make sure it wasn't too hot, something he'd seen his dad do for Olivia and Henry. Satisfied, he made his way back to the living room, where Vanessa was still holding Kai, who had begun to calm down but was still clutching her tightly.

"Here you go," Zac said softly, handing the bottle to Vanessa.

"Thank you," Vanessa whispered, giving him a warm smile as she took the bottle from him. She adjusted Kai slightly, guiding the bottle to his lips. Instinctively, Kai latched onto the bottle, his little body relaxing further as he began to drink. Vanessa could feel the tension leaving him, his eyelids growing heavy as the familiar comfort of the warm milk began to lull him back to sleep.

Zac watched the scene unfold, feeling a quiet sense of fulfillment. It wasn't the grand gestures that mattered; it was moments like these—being there for Vanessa and Kai in the small, everyday ways that truly counted.

As Kai continued to drink, Vanessa glanced up at Zac, her eyes reflecting the gratitude she felt. "Thank you for helping," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

"Anytime," Zac replied, his tone equally soft. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from Vanessa's face. "I'm here for both of you, whatever you need. If you guys need space… I can leave too."

Vanessa's heart swelled at his words. "Absolutely not. I want you to be right here. With me. With us." She knew that Zac was committed, not just to her, but to Kai as well. It was a difficult transition for everyone, but Zac was making it clear that he was willing to be patient, to take things one step at a time.

After a few more moments, Kai finished the bottle and let out a small sigh, his breathing even and steady. Vanessa gently laid him down on the couch between them, tucking a blanket around him. She leaned back, her body finally relaxing as she looked over at Zac.

"He'll be okay," she said, more to herself than to Zac, but he nodded in agreement.

"You're an amazing mom," Zac said, his voice filled with admiration. "The way you handle everything…it's incredible. You were born to do this."

Vanessa blushed slightly, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes meeting his. "And you…you're doing great too, baby. I'm really glad you're here."

Zac reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

As the night wore on, the three of them remained on the couch, a quiet sense of unity settling over them. Kai slept peacefully between them, his nightmare forgotten, while Vanessa and Zac stayed close, their hands still intertwined. It wasn't perfect, and there would be challenges ahead, but in that moment, they were exactly where they needed to be—together.

The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the living room. Zac stirred, blinking awake as the world around him slowly came into focus. He glanced down and saw Vanessa still asleep beside him, her face peaceful and relaxed. Kai was nestled between them, his small chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

Zac felt a sense of calm wash over him, the kind that comes from being surrounded by the people you care about most. He let his gaze linger on Vanessa for a moment, admiring how serene she looked in sleep. But just as he was about to settle back down, he noticed Kai beginning to stir.

Kai's eyes fluttered open, and he looked around, momentarily disoriented. When he spotted Zac, he blinked a few times, clearly trying to figure out who this person was beside him. But then his gaze shifted to his mom, and any lingering confusion was replaced with the straightforward urgency of a hungry toddler.

Kai reached out, tugging on Vanessa's shirt with a soft whimper, signaling his hunger. Zac watched as the little boy tried to wake his mom, and his heart softened. He didn't want to disturb Vanessa, especially after the long night they'd had.

Zac leaned closer to Kai, speaking in a quiet, gentle voice. "Hey, buddy," he whispered, careful not to wake Vanessa. "Are you hungry?"

Kai looked up at Zac with big, curious eyes, nodding slightly. He tugged again at Vanessa's shirt, but Zac reached out and gently touched his hand to stop him.

"Let's let Mommy sleep a little longer, okay?" Zac suggested with a warm smile. "How about we go to the kitchen and get you some food?"

Kai hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting back and forth between his sleeping mother and Zac. But Zac's friendly demeanor and soft tone seemed to reassure him. Slowly, Kai released his hold on Vanessa and, with a little help from Zac, clambered down from the couch.

Zac stood up carefully, making sure not to jostle Vanessa. He held out his hand to Kai, who looked at it for a moment before placing his tiny hand in Zac's. Together, they quietly made their way to the kitchen, Zac's heart swelling with a mix of pride and tenderness.

In the kitchen, Zac lifted Kai onto a chair by the counter and began to look around for something to eat. He opened the fridge and found a few options—some fruit, yogurt, and bread. Turning back to Kai, he asked, "What do you feel like eating? How about some yogurt and fruit?"

Kai, still waking up but intrigued by the idea of breakfast, nodded. Zac smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment as he gathered the items. He sliced up a banana and some strawberries, then scooped some yogurt into a bowl, arranging the fruit on top.

"Here you go, buddy," Zac said as he placed the bowl in front of Kai, handing him a spoon. Kai looked at the bowl, then back up at Zac, as if considering whether this was an acceptable breakfast. But the sweet smell of the fruit must have won him over because he picked up the spoon and started eating, albeit a bit messily.

Zac couldn't help but chuckle softly as he watched Kai eat. It was a small moment, but it felt significant. He was learning how to be there for Kai in the ways that mattered, step by step.

As Kai dug into his breakfast, Zac leaned against the counter, keeping a close eye on him. "You're doing great, little man," he said with a smile. Kai glanced up at him, yogurt on his chin, and gave a small smile in return.

A few minutes later, Zac heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. He turned to see Vanessa standing in the doorway, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked over at Zac and Kai, her heart swelling at the sight of them together.

"Morning," Vanessa said, her voice still a little groggy.

Zac smiled warmly at her. "Good morning. We didn't want to wake you, so we thought we'd handle breakfast."

Vanessa's gaze softened as she took in the scene. "Thank you," she whispered, walking over to them. She leaned down and kissed Kai on the head, then did the same to Zac. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Zac shrugged modestly. "Nah, he's a pretty cool kid."

Vanessa chuckled, her heart swelling with affection as she watched the two of them. This was her new reality—a partnership where they supported each other and took care of the little things that made a big difference.

"What's on the menu? 'Cause you look pretty good," Vanessa said with a playful wink as she poured herself a cup of coffee. Her voice carried a light, teasing tone, a stark contrast to the quiet tenderness of the night before.

Zac blushed, a bashful smile spreading across his face as he glanced at her. "Keep it PG, Hudgens!" he said, clearly flustered but enjoying the playful banter.

Vanessa smirked, moving closer to him, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Hmmm… and what if I say no?" she teased, brushing against him just enough to send a shiver down his spine.

Zac's eyes widened slightly, his gaze darting over to Kai, who was still happily munching on his breakfast, completely oblivious to the flirtatious exchange happening above him. The juxtaposition between the innocent scene at the counter and the playful tension between them made Zac momentarily flustered.

"Uhhhh," he stammered, trying to keep his composure as Vanessa continued to lean in, her presence intoxicating. He could feel the warmth radiating from her as she tilted her head, looking up at him with those captivating eyes.

"I want my morning kiss…" Vanessa pouted, her lips curving into an exaggerated frown that was both adorable and irresistible. She was making it clear that she wasn't going to let him off the hook easily.

Zac hesitated, glancing again at Kai, who was still blissfully unaware of their interaction. But he could also see the playful challenge in Vanessa's eyes, the way she was giving him permission to indulge in this small, intimate moment despite their audience.

He leaned in, his heart racing as he closed the distance between them. "Well, if you insist," he murmured, his voice low and warm.

Vanessa's pout softened into a smile just as their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss. It was sweet and gentle, but also filled with the unspoken promise of something deeper, a connection that was growing stronger with each passing day.

When they finally pulled back, Zac couldn't help but grin at the satisfied look on Vanessa's face. "Happy now?" he teased, his voice still a bit breathless from the kiss.

"Very," Vanessa replied, her tone dripping with playful satisfaction. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before turning back to her coffee, taking a sip as if nothing had happened.

Zac shook his head with a laugh, still feeling the warmth of her lips against his. He glanced over at Kai, who was now finished with his breakfast and looking up at them with a curious expression.

"Mommy got her morning kiss," Zac said to Kai, leaning down to the little boy's level. "Maybe next time, you can help me out, huh?"

Kai didn't fully understand, but he giggled at the sound of Zac's playful tone, his face lighting up with a smile. Zac felt his heart swell with affection, knowing that these little moments, these simple acts of love and connection, were laying the foundation for something truly special.

Vanessa watched the two of them, feeling a deep sense of contentment settle over her. This was more than she could have ever hoped for—a partner who was not only there for her but also embracing her son with open arms and a full heart.

As the morning continued, the three of them settled into an easy routine. They shared breakfast, with Vanessa and Zac taking turns entertaining Kai while the other prepared more food or refilled coffee. The house was filled with the sounds of laughter and light conversation, a stark contrast to the quieter, more solitary mornings Vanessa had grown used to.

Vanessa couldn't help but marvel at how naturally Zac fit into their lives. It was as if he had always been there, a missing piece that finally found its place. And as she watched Zac lift Kai into his arms, spinning him around to the sound of the little boy's delighted squeals, she knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful.