Derek strode across the hotel grounds toward the playground. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the area, where the joyful sounds of children's laughter filled the air. He smiled, pleased with the initiative that had led him to build the playground and make the hotel child-friendly.

He spotted Samantha on the swings, her legs pumping, her face radiant with joy. Maya stood nearby, watching attentively. When Samantha saw Derek, her face lit up even brighter, and she waved enthusiastically.

"Rek!" she shouted. Derek waved back and quickened his pace, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

By the time he reached them, Samantha had slowed her swing, her excitement infectious.

"Hey, Sam! Having fun?" Derek said, crouching down.

"Yes! But it's more fun when someone pushes me," she said, her eyes twinkling with hope.

Maya started forward. "I offered to push you."

"I don't want you. I want Rek," Samantha said. Derek flashed Maya a reassuring smile as he stood.

"It's okay. I've got this. You can take a break," he said. Maya hesitated, then nodded gratefully, moving to a nearby bench and keeping a watchful eye on them. Derek pushed the swing gently. Samantha's giggles filled the air as she soared higher.

"Do you like swinging that much?" he asked. Samantha bobbed her head.

"I love it! It feels like flying!" she exclaimed.

Derek continued to push the swing steadily. "How often have you been here?"

"Only once. Mommy won't let me come," she said, gripping the swing tightly.

"Why? Did you get into trouble?" Derek asked. Samantha shook her head.

"No. She says she doesn't like it here." Derek stopped pushing. "She doesn't?" he asked, surprised, glancing at Maya.

"Yes," Maya replied.

"If you're that sad about leaving, I could talk to your mom," Derek offered.

Samantha looked at him, confused. "Do you know my mommy?"

Derek chuckled, realizing she was very young. "Of course, I know your mommy, Sam. I'm sure she'd agree to let you stay if I talked to her. Should I?"

Samantha shook her head. "Mommy already promised to take me to parks and amusement parks," she said.

"That's fair then. I will miss you, Sam," Derek said.

"I'll miss you too, Rek. Maybe since you know my mom, you could ask for her number so we can talk?" Samantha suggested.

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Will she give me her number?"

Samantha nodded. "If you tell her you're my friend, she will." Derek nodded, though it was starting to seem as if Maya wasn't Samantha's mother.

"Well, your mommy sounds wonderful," he said, resuming his gentle pushing. He decided to ask Maya for the number and clarify the situation.

They continued to swing and chat, their laughter mingling with the evening breeze. He felt an unexpected connection forming with this little girl.

Maya watched from her bench, a soft smile on her lips. It looked as if Derek were Samantha's father.

Derek glanced at Maya. Seeing her fond expression, he decided to ask for the number and leave.

Before he could, Maya's phone buzzed. It was Evelyn, asking her to bring Samantha back.

Maya approached them. Derek smiled, ready to ask for the number, but Maya spoke first.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Derek, but we need to go inside now." Derek nodded.

He opened his mouth to speak but Samantha tugged his sleeve.

"Rek, I like you," she said.

"I like you too," he said, ruffling her hair.

"I want you to be my daddy," she said. Maya's eyes widened.

"Maya!" she scolded, then turned to Derek. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's alright," Derek assured her.

"Will I see you again?" Samantha asked hopefully.

"We'll see, Sam, if your mommy lets us," Derek said, glancing at Maya, who shrugged.

"We'll see. Let's go, Sam," Maya said, taking Samantha away. Derek watched them leave, suspecting Maya might not want him to see Samantha again because of her unusual request.

"Sam, you can't tell strangers you want them to be your daddy," Maya scolded her in the elevator.

"But Rek is my friend," Samantha replied.

"Your mommy won't be happy to know you said that," Maya said.

"You won't tell her, will you?" Samantha asked. Maya shook her head.

"If you promise you won't do it again, it'll be our secret," she said, extending her pinky finger.

"Pinky promise," Samantha said, locking pinkies.

Reaching their suite, Samantha burst through the door. "Mommy, we're back!"

Evelyn, who had been pacing anxiously, turned with relief. "Welcome back, sweetie. Did you have fun?"

Samantha nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Mommy! I played on the swings, and Rek pushed me really high!"

Evelyn smiled. "I guess you both had fun?"

"Yes, we did. He said I can see him again if you let us. Will you let us be friends?" Samantha asked.

Evelyn nodded. "Of course, I will." She decided to try to meet Derek's parents and perhaps even get Samantha enrolled in the same school as Derek.