“My daughter,” he said simply, watching her reaction closely.
Jade blinked, the words catching her completely off guard. “Your daughter? I—” She paused, processing. “I didn’t know you had a daughter.”
Thiago nodded, his expression softening. “Yeah. Her name’s Sofia. She’s eight. I don’t talk about her much, not because I don’t want to, but because I’m pretty protective of her.”
Jade sat back, trying to process this new information. She’d never imagined Thiago as a father, but now that she thought about it, it made sense. Beneath his teasing and carefree demeanor, there was a depth to him she hadn’t fully understood until now.
“That’s… wow,” she said, managing a small smile. “Why are you telling me this now?”
“Because I want you to meet her,” Thiago said, his gaze steady. “You’re important to me, Jade. Sofia is a huge part of my life, and if you’re going to be part of it too, then it’s time.”
Jade’s chest tightened at his words. “Are you sure she’s ready for that? I mean, I don’t want to intrude.”
Thiago smiled faintly. “Sofia’s curious about people, and I think she’ll like you. But if you’re not comfortable, we can wait.”
Jade shook her head, her nerves fading slightly. “No, I’d love to meet her. I just… hope she likes me.”
Thiago chuckled, some of his usual charm returning. “She’ll love you. She’s got good taste, just like her dad.”
The next day, Thiago arranged for Jade to meet Sofia at a nearby park. When they arrived, Jade spotted a little girl with dark curls and bright brown eyes sitting on a swing, her laughter filling the air as she talked to her nanny.
“There she is,” Thiago said, his tone softening instantly. He led Jade toward the swings, his entire demeanor shifting as he approached Sofia. Gone was the cocky, teasing man Jade was used to—in his place was a warm, attentive father.
“Sof, look who I brought,” Thiago called out as they got closer.
Sofia looked up, her eyes lighting up when she saw Thiago. “Papa!” she squealed, hopping off the swing and running toward him.
Thiago scooped her up, spinning her around before setting her down gently. “Hey, princess. I missed you.”
“I missed you too!” Sofia said, beaming. Her gaze shifted to Jade, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Who’s she?”
“This is Jade,” Thiago said, his voice kind. “She’s a friend of mine.”
Jade crouched down to Sofia’s level, offering her a warm smile. “Hi, Sofia. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Sofia studied her for a moment before smiling back. “Hi! You’re really pretty.”
Jade laughed, touched by the compliment. “Thank you. You’re really pretty too.”
Sofia grinned, clearly pleased, and turned to Thiago. “Is she your girlfriend?”
Thiago chuckled, ruffling Sofia’s hair. “She’s someone very special to me.”
Jade’s cheeks flushed, but she quickly focused on Sofia. “So, what’s your favorite thing to do at the park?”
“Swinging!” Sofia said enthusiastically, grabbing Jade’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you!”