Love's Second Chance

"Unfinished Business"

Sam spent the next few days avoiding Jake, trying to focus on the wedding planning and ignore the flutter in her chest whenever she thought about him. But it was hard to ignore the way her heart skipped a beat whenever she saw him around town.

One evening, as she was walking out of the local coffee shop, she bumped into Jake, literally. He caught her by the elbows, steadying her, and Sam felt a jolt of electricity run through her body.

"Hey, sorry about that," Jake said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

Sam's face grew warm as she stepped back, trying to compose herself. "No worries, I'm just a little clumsy."

Jake chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're not clumsy, Sam. You're just... distracted."

Sam felt a flutter in her chest at the way he said her name. It had been a long time since she'd heard him say it, and the sound sent shivers down her spine.

As they stood there, the tension between them grew thicker than the summer air. Sam knew she needed to get away, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.

"So, how's Emma?" Sam asked, trying to break the spell.

Jake's face softened, and he smiled. "She's good. She's growing up so fast. You'll have to come over for dinner soon and meet her properly."

Sam's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. She hadn't expected Jake to be so open about his daughter, and she felt a pang of guilt for not knowing more about her.

"I'd like that," Sam said, trying to sound casual.

As they parted ways, Sam couldn't shake off the feeling that she was getting pulled back into Jake's life. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that, but a part of her was curious to see where things might go.

The next day, Sam received a call from Jake, asking her to meet him at the local park. He wanted to discuss some ideas for the wedding, and Sam agreed, despite her reservations.

As she arrived at the park, Sam saw Jake sitting on a bench, his eyes fixed on the playground where Emma was playing. Sam's heart melted at the sight of him watching his daughter with such love and adoration.

"Hey," Jake said, standing up as Sam approached.

Sam smiled, feeling a sense of unease. "Hey."

They walked through the park, discussing the wedding details, but Sam couldn't help but feel like there was more to Jake's invitation than just the wedding.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, Jake turned to Sam and asked, "Can I ask you something?"

Sam's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Jake's eyes locked onto hers, and Sam felt like she was drowning in their depths. "Do you think we could start over? You know, get to know each other again?"

Sam's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected Jake to ask her that, and she wasn't sure how to respond.