Page 19 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

What would it feel like to have someone love me as much as David loves his daughter?

“Cat, did you hear me?” Tony asks, his voice full of concern.

“I’m sorry. A text came through just as you were talking. I only heard you say something about ‘six months’.”

A sigh comes through the phone, and I’m pretty sure if he were sitting in front of me, he’d be squeezing the bridge of his nose. A wry grin lifts my mouth.

“So the stipulation requires you to be married within six months from the time of notification,” Tony rushes out. “That is, of course, if you aren’t married already. Are you married?”

My brows shoot up to my hairline, and my mind races. Tears prick the back of my eyes. “Is this a joke?”

“I’m sorry, it’s not. Your aunt had some valid reasons, plus the others she put in the letter.” Tony responds kindly.

“I don’t understand. Why would she do something like this?”

“Dottie loved you very much, Cat,” Tony says softly. “Read the letter and then call me. We can talk a bit more about it—”

“Thank you, Tony,” I say curtly, running a trembling hand through my hair. “I have to head into the office.”

“Catherine—”

I hang up the phone and drop my head on the steering wheel, and the tears I’ve been holding back pour from my eyes.

“Aunt Dottie, I don’t understand,” I sob, a burning sensation spreading throughout my body.

This is too much to take in. I couldn't care less about the money.

What’s tearing me apart is that the one person I loved and trusted most just betrayed me.

A soft knock pulls me from the sadness that threatens to drown me.

“Cat,” David’s voice is gentle. “Are you okay?”

Swiping the tears from my eyes, I put on my best smile. “Give me a second, please.”

From my peripheral, I see David backing up from the car and turning away from me. Waiting until I’m ready. Pulling down the sun visor, I gently dry the wetness on my cheeks, before smoothing out under my eyes.

Inhaling and exhaling, I grab my bag and push the car door open.

“Good morning!” I force my voice to be cheerful, and David turns to face me. “I got your texts.”

When I meet David’s eyes, there’s a swirl of emotions staring back at me, and for a moment I’m pulled back to my twelve-year-old self telling my crush my family is moving.

Today, anyone would know I’m not okay. But the hazel eyes staring back at me have me falling into a bout of deja vu.

Breaking eye contact, I head toward the clubhouse tunnel entrance. David’s footsteps quicken, and I can feel his warmth as he moves beside me.

Just like when we were kids, I know he wants to pull what’s wrong out of me, but like then, he knows I have to be ready first.

“Perfect,” he teases. “Then we won’t have any surprises.”

“I doubt that,” I snark. When I turn to find his raised brow, I add. “I’m pretty sure Scarlett and Emmy will bring lots of surprises.”

“Those two.” He chuckles, running a hand down his face, and a real smile tugs at my lips.

“I can’t wait to spend time with them. They’re going to be the highlight of your social media account.” When he doesn’t respond, I quickly add. “If you’re okay with that. There’s a few things I’d like to talk to you about. The biggest one is being clear about what you’re comfortable with.”

A warm hand gently grabs my arm, halting me. Tiny shivers course through me, leaving my body humming. My pulse races. Glancing up at the man next to me, emotions I haven’t felt in decades come rushing back.

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