Page 13 of Faking It With the Single Dad

“Okay,” she says softly, though she doesn’t look convinced.

I reach out and ruffle her hair. “How about we go for a walk later? Get some fresh air, maybe grab some ice cream?”

Her eyes light up just a little. “Can I get chocolate?”

“Of course,” I say, smiling.

She nods, a small smile breaking through her moody exterior.

I stand and grab my laptop, determined to make some progress on the mess with the land. After rebooting it, I open my email and immediately spot a new message in my inbox. The subject line alone makes my stomach drop.

Re: Ownership of Blackwood Land.

Clicking it open, I skim the contents, my eyes widening with every sentence.

Apparently, someone else has claimed ownership of the land—myland. The email is from my assistant, Jake, who says he stumbled upon the information while doing unrelated research. He’s worried because he knows how important the sale is to me.

I read the email twice, my anger growing with every pass. How is this even possible? The land was my father’s, and I have the documents to prove it.

Without wasting another second, I grab my phone and call Jake.

“Hey, it’s me,” I say as soon as he picks up.

“Man, I’m glad you called,” Jake says, his voice laced with concern. “I didn’t want to freak you out, but I thought you needed to know.”

“How did you find out?” I demand.

“I was running some searches for a client and came across the records. The database says you’re not the owner anymore.”

“What?” I snap as I start to pace the room. “That’s impossible. I’ve got the original documents. This land has been in my family for generations!”

“I don’t know what to tell you, but the database doesn’t lie,” he says. “It lists a different owner. I sent you the details in the email.”

I clench my fists, barely able to contain my frustration. “This has to be a mistake. Can you dig into it more? Find out who filed the change?”

“Already on it,” he says. “But you might want to be careful. This kind of thing doesn’t just happen for no reason.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, and end the call.

I sit heavily on the bed, running a hand through my hair. This situation is spiraling out of control, and I have no idea how to fix it.

Alice’s small voice breaks through my thoughts. “Are we still going for ice cream?”

I look up at her and force a smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”

The walk is a welcome distraction. The crisp air does its best to clear my head. Alice holds my hand as we stroll through town. At least her earlier moodiness has now disappeared.

When we reach the ice cream stand, she immediately chooses chocolate, and I get vanilla. Sitting on a nearby bench, I notice people glancing our way. Their whispers are barely hidden behind their cupped hands.

At first, I ignore them and chalk it up to small-town gossip. But then I overhear two women standing a few feet away.

“Did you hear?” one of them whispers. “He’s back because of his brother’s ex. And the boy.”

“Luke, right?” the other replies. “I heard he’s trying to take him. And marry her, too.”

My blood runs cold.

Alice looks up at me, oblivious. “What’s wrong?”

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