Page 49 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

A sharp, affirmative ‘woof’ echoes throughout the kitchen, causing two sets of eyes to turn in my direction.

“Daddy!” Scarlett crawls off the step stool and flies into my arms, squeezing my neck. I grunt as her weight slams into me, and my chest tightens. My little girl isn’t so little anymore.

“Good morning, peanut.” Kissing her on the cheek, my gaze drifts back to Cat, who’s still watching us. The affection in her eyes sends a flutter through my chest. She gives me a shy smile and turns back to the stove.

This routine we’ve fallen into over the last few days is comforting and yet…unsettling. We feel like a family. That sinking feeling in my gut returns, and I turn my focus back to the little girl in my arms. “Did you sleep well?”

Scarlett nods her head exuberantly, beaming at me.

“Coffee is ready if you want some,” Cat calls over her shoulder, not looking at me.

“You know I do.” A grin stretches across my face, and I kiss Scarlett on the forehead before setting her on the floor. “Why don’t you get Emmy her breakfast?”

Scarlett immediately whips into action with Emmy hot on her heels. I watch for a moment, and my smile grows impossibly bigger at the silent conversation the two of them are obviously having.

Turning my gaze back in Cat’s direction, I walk over to the cabinets and pull open a door. Grabbing two mugs, I set them on the counter. My pulse is racing, and I force my breathing to slow as I try to pretend that the woman making breakfast just six inches from me isn’t the reason for my increased heart rate.

Pulling the carafe from the hot plate, I fill both cups. Then, I grab two packages of sugar and add them to one of the mugs. Lastly, I add a little creamer to each and stir. Pushing the cup with sugar toward Cat, I lift my mug to my lips, and a small moan escapes. “What do you put in this?”

“That’s a secret.” Her cheeks lift, but she doesn’t look at me. “Breakfast will be ready in two minutes.”

I let my gaze roam over her face. My chest tightens, and the air in the room suddenly feels charged. Putting my mug on the counter, I reach into one of the cabinets. I pull out plates, grab silverware, and head to the dining room.

I need space.

After the table is set, I walk back into the kitchen and pick up my mug. “I’m gonna hop in the shower before breakfast,” I say just as I reach over Cat’s shoulder and grab a piece of bacon from the plate beside the pan.

“Hey!” She swipes her hand at me just as I shove the bacon in my mouth and grin.“You know that’s rude, right?”

“What’s yours is mine, Mrs. James.” I shrug, my mouth still full. “I can’t control myself when it comes to bacon.”

Her chuckle follows me as I walk back to my bedroom, and a spark of warmth flits around my heart just as guilt pools in my stomach.

This ping-ponging of emotions is exhausting, and I’m not sure how to navigate them. Especially since I’m pretty certain the bacon isn’t the only thing I’m having trouble controlling myself around.

Anhourlater,Catis getting into her car with Emmy, and I’m getting into my truck with Scarlett. Today is game day, which means that I don’t need to be at the stadium until this afternoon.

“Do you think Emmy will be too tired for Bark In The Park later if she goes to Love-It and Leaf-It all day?” Scarlett’s concern is obvious in her eyes as she watches Cat and Emmy pull away.

“She won’t be there all day.” My gaze flits to the rearview mirror. I see her chewing on her bottom lip. “She’ll have a chance to get in a nap when Uncle Duncan picks both of you up this afternoon. You won’t head over to the stadium until later.”

“Uncle Dunky is coming tonight?” She beams, and the corner of my lips lift as I dip my chin. “What about Aunt Ava?”

“I know she’s going to do everything she can to be there, but she won’t know for sure until later.”

Scarlett nods seriously, and my lips twitch. I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of how quickly Scarlett moves through emotions, and honestly, I hope her ability to do that never changes.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, peanut?” My brows pull together, and my gaze snaps to hers in the rearview mirror. Her soft, hesitant tone is very un-Scarlett-like.

“I like having Cat around.”

My heart constricts, and I swallow hard. “I do too.”

“Me and Aunt Ava think Mommy would’ve liked her.”

My brows shoot up, and I’m unable to keep the surprise out of my voice when I ask. “You talked to Aunt Ava about Cat?”

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