Page 40 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

“Them be fightin’ words, James!” He turns with his back toward the building and lifts his hands as he air boxes, and I snort.

Gratitude fills me for Logan’s friendship as we head into practice. I realize this life change with Cat will require me to take my emotions as they come.

One at a time.

The same way I handled stepping onto the baseball field for the first time after losing Fiona. Each moment felt impossible, but I eventually found my groove.

I did it then, I can do it now. Even if our marriage is in name only.

Chapter Sixteen

Cat

PuttingmySUVinpark and silencing the engine, I blow out a shaky breath. My heart is pounding like a jackhammer and I’m waiting for it to burst through my ribcage. I pull down the sun visor and inspect my face.

My eyes don’t reflect the panic that’s humming through my body. In fact, I look completely normal for someone who’s life is going to change in an instant.

The nagging doubt that’s been tugging at the back of my mind comes to the surface, sending my thoughts spinning.

CanI do this? Is it fair to David and Scarlett? How could Aunt Dottie put me in this position?

And the one that nearly has me fleeing: Am I going to get my heart broken…again?

There’s no point in lying to myself.

The moment I laid eyes on the disheveled man at Mile High Mutts Rescue, I felt a spark igniting a dormant part of my heart, awakening a desire to get to know him better—a longing to take a chance on love.

The fact that that man was David is poetic justice.

I wipe my hands down my pants, touch up any stray hairs, and say to my reflection: “Remember Cat, this is mutually beneficial.”

I let David’s words wash over me and push out a breath.

Taking one final look, I flip the sun visor up. Reaching over to the passenger seat, I grab my purse and the apple crisp I brought.

“Cat!” A girl’s voice excitedly yells out, followed by a deep woof that brings a smile to my face and settles some of the butterflies flitting around.

I step out of my vehicle to find David holding Emmy’s leash on the front lawn and Scarlett running to greet me. She throws her arms around my waist, catching me by surprise, and squeezes. Affection blossoms throughout my chest, and I wrap my arm around her, pulling her close.

“Emmy is so excited to see you,” she mumbles against my stomach, the vibration moving through me like a favorite song I didn’t know I needed, calming me, before whispering. “I am too.”

A thunderous ‘woof,’ followed by a deep ‘No!’ has me pulling my gaze up to find the dog we’re discussing sprinting toward us. I balance the apple crisp and brace myself for the spirited greeting I know is coming.

Emmy leaps in the air before sitting before me, her deep-throated huff striking another cord in my heart. “Hey girl,” I reach down and pick up her leash. Her mouth open, bright eyes shining. “I see you’re still giving your dad trouble.”

Scarlett’s laughter cascades over me and I glance up to see David watching intently. His eyes are filled with a warmth that makes my breath catch. Swallowing hard, I walk with Scarlett and Emmy toward the man who is effortlessly slipping past my walls and quietly filling my thoughts.

“Guess you need my ‘dog wrangling’ skills more than I realized,” I tease, chuckling, and hand him Emmy’s leash. Scarlett tugs my hand, her eyes glinting with a shared secret, my heart swelling.

His eyes crinkle at the corners, and he shrugs. “She’s stronger than she looks.”

Emmy lets out a resounding bark as if affirming that she may be small, but she is indeed mighty.

“I meant to stop by Mile High Mutts to grab her some treats, but I didn’t have time.”

“That’s okay,” Scarlett chirps. “Uncle Dunky—”

“Scarlett,” David warns, but it’s too late…the nickname is out.

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