Page 54 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

Scarlett slides up next to Cat, and Cat wraps an arm around her shoulders before leaning down and saying something. Scarlett’s smile beams, and Cat runs a gentle hand down my daughter's hair, a soft smile lining her face. Their affection for each other is evident on each of their faces.

My pulse thrums as warmth explodes in my chest. The last time I experienced emotions like this was when Fiona was holding Scarlett.

For a second, the icy tendrils of fear grip my heart, but the love growing there has the ice melting on impact, and in that moment, I make a decision.

A loud crackling noise from the PA interrupts. “Looks like one of the dogs thought we were taking too long for the fun to begin and decided to start the party now.” Laughter, intertwined with a chorus of every kind of bark, rumbles across the stadium.

My gaze is captured by a streak of fawn-colored fur racing around the field, a deep bark egging on the other dogs stuck on leashes to join her.

Ava’s hands are flying in the air as she tries to figure out how to get Emmy back. Scarlett laughs and chases Emmy, and Duncan’s teeth are visible from here as he watches Ava panic.

There aren’t any openings Emmy could get out of from where she is, so technically, she’s not in any danger. Despite that, Icharge out of the dugout and run onto the field, screaming my dog’s name.

To my surprise, she traces a wide arc at the sound of my voice and bounds over to me, barking.

“Good girl,” I mumble, relief pulsing through me. “Looks like I’m getting the hang of being a dog owner.”

“Strike one for our very own David James as the four-legged beauty throws him an unexpected curve ball and tries to steal second.” The PA booms again as Emmy runs right past me.

“Or not,” I chuckle, heat creeping up my neck as the crowd’s roaring amusement surrounds me. I lift my shoulders in a sheepish shrug, sparking cheers that shake the rafters.

From the corner of my eye, I see Cat instructing someone to move along the wall in the outfield and getting the pup parade started.

The Maverick Jerseys become obvious, and I recognize Adam Daniels with his dog Ryder—another Mile High Mutts Rescue alumni. Behind him, wearing the same jersey and walking a pup I think is up for adoption, is his wife, Susie.

Josh Owens and some of the other Maverick players walk by, followed by some of Duncan’s teammates.

“What is this little one up to now? Was this planned? It looks like it was planned…” The announcer’s questioning laughter fills the stadium, and I can hear him covering the mic as he asks the same question of the people in the press box.

I snort. Definitelynotplanned.

“Emmy,” Cat’s voice calls out, only to get an enthusiastic bark directed at her. A grin breaks free as I see her cheeks redden. Looks like my dog wrangler isn’t having much success either.

“While theprofessionalstry to catch our escapee,” the announcer chuckles, “Let me tell you about the dogs here tonight looking for their fur-ever homes. Mile High Mutts Rescue—”

His voice drones on as I make my way to Cat, and Emmy runs up next to me as if encouraging me to keep going. Eyes bright, tail high, she joyfully prances around the field, and to my surprise, I laugh.

My dog won’t listen to me, and I look ridiculous, but even I can admit this situation is funny. Duncan hands a leash to Ava, and I think I see him mouth ‘hold tight’ and then lift Scarlett onto his shoulders before taking the leash from Ava and moving to his place in line.

My daughter’s laughter tinkles across the field just as I reach Cat.

The murmur of the crowd increases as fans begin to recognize that Ava Norris-James is one of the people in the pup parade. Emmy, as if agreeing that her being here is a big deal, lets out a rapid-fire burst of deep barks before circling away from the line of dogs and making her way back toward where me and Cat stand.

“Hey.” Cat turns at the sound of my voice. I lift one hand in the air and rest the other gently on her arm. “What happened to those impressive dog wrangling skills I fell for?”

I watch her brows shoot up and her mouth form an ‘O’ as I realize the words I just uttered. Before I can say anything, her body slams into mine, and my feet slide out from under me. As if in slow motion, I fall to the ground with Cat landing on my chest.

The crowd roars. Cat’s body shakes with laughter, matching the rumble in my chest. Her eyes open, and I tumble into her crystal blue gaze.

Our laughter stops as another emotion takes hold. My hand rises to her cheek, my thumb caressing her warm skin. Her mouth parts slightly, drawing my attention, and my pulse races.

She gasps, her heart pounding, beating in time with mine. As her eyes fall to my lips, I swallow, anticipation snatching my breath.

A faraway voice penetrates my thoughts. “Looks like that runaway pup is actually a matchmaker who thinks our newlyweds need to kiss!”

As if given permission I didn’t know I needed, I gently tug her face toward me.

Cat appears to be thinking the same as her head lowers, her gaze pinning me. I raise my other hand to cradle her cheek and close the distance between us. When our lips touch, all outside noise fades, and the world disappears—again.

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