Isabella’s head snapped up.

Her pulse quickened as her eyes met his.

“What are you implying? That’s not something you should ask.”

She turned away and walked briskly to the spectator area.

Ethan didn’t try to stop her.

A faint, knowing smile touched his lips.

He gave her a moment before following.

The games had already started by the time he took the seat beside her.

Isabella sat rigidly in the parents’ section.

Her gaze was locked on Liam.

She fought to keep her rising anxiety under control.

Then Ethan settled next to her.

Her tension spiked.

Today’s schedule included a family participation segment.

Isabella glanced down at the handbook in her lap.

She had read the rules repeatedly.

Public events like this had never been her strength.

She had thought about skipping it.

But she couldn’t say no to Liam.

Not when he looked at her with so much hope.

Liam ran over and grabbed her hand.

“Mom!” he exclaimed, bouncing with excitement. “Let’s play the game together!”

Just like that, her fears dissolved.

She gently ruffled his soft hair and smiled. “Of course.”

Ethan lingered nearby.

He watched the easy affection between mother and son.

An unconscious smile formed on his face.

“In this round, parents will carry their children and hop to the finish line,” Emma’s voice announced over the loudspeaker.

Isabella took a deep breath.

She crouched down so Liam could climb onto her back.

“Hold on tight, sweetie.”

“Okay!” Liam wrapped his small arms around her neck.

He pressed close, soaking in her warmth. “Ready, set, go!”

The starting whistle blew.

All the parents leaped forward with their children, determined.

Isabella wasn’t particularly athletic.

But she pushed herself for Liam.

Ethan followed closely, his watchful eyes never leaving her.

A flicker of concern showed in his expression.

“Go, Mommy! Go, Mr. Blackwood!” Liam cheered, waving his little hands.

Isabella gritted her teeth.

Sweat beaded on her forehead.

She refused to slow down.

They finally crossed the finish line.

Liam jumped up and down, thrilled. “Mommy, we won!”

Isabella was breathless, but her smile was radiant.

As the competition continued, they moved in perfect sync.

They dominated each round.

The final challenge was the “Three-Legged Race.”

Isabella and Ethan stood side by side.

Their ankles were tied together securely.

“Remember to move in rhythm,” Emma reminded the competing parents.

“Understood.”

Isabella and Ethan exchanged a look of determination.

“Ready, set, go!”

At the sound of the whistle, they moved forward cautiously.

At first, their steps were uncoordinated.

They nearly stumbled.

“Careful!” Ethan steadied her by gripping her waist.

Her heart raced.

A soft blush colored her cheeks. “Thanks.”

“Anytime,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.