Second Chances Read Online Free PDF Page B

sighed and followed.  She took in the expansive wrap around porch, wondering how they found her a home so quickly.  She gave him a sideways glance.
                  “You know - it was only a few weeks ago that I said I was willing to come back here.  How did you find me something this close to home?”  She sat down next to him, as he made room for her on the porch swing.
                  Frank stretched his arm around his daughter and contemplated how she would react.
    “I’ve had my eye on this house for a while - in case.”
    “In case, what?”  She raised her eyebrow.
    Frank stammered.  “You know … uh.  In case, you needed it.”  He watched his daughter’s eyes, which looked like they could burn a hole through him, but continued anyway.  “This home popped up on the market about eight months ago.”
                  “Eight months!  I’ve only been divorced for six!”  Her brow furrowed.  “What the heck, dad?” 
                  “Let’s just say … it was a father’s intuition.  When this came on the market, it spoke to me.  And I knew you weren’t happy.  You can call it divine intervention.” He saw the look of fire that spread through his daughter’s eyes.  “Geez, it’s not like I wanted you to leave him or get divorced!” He threw his hands up.
                  “Dad!”  Paige stood up and walked toward the front banister.  She stared out at the endless row of homes, which lined her new street.  She wondered if anyone in them knew about her situation.  After all, this was a tight-knit neighborhood, and the Knights had lived here for generations. Even her brother Sam and his family lived only a few blocks away.
                  “Paige – don’t get all self-righteous.  He’s not worth it - never was.  I knew he wasn’t worth your time then and especially not now.  Don’t be angry with me when you should be saving it for Davis.”  Frank walked over to his daughter and lightly put an arm around her.  “I love you and only want the best for you.  After all, you’re my baby girl.”
                  Paige laid her head on his shoulder, as her dad’s words sunk in.  She quickly wiped a single tear away from her rosy cheek. 
    “Why didn’t you tell me that I was making a mistake?”
                  “Honey, you were always headstrong.  You wouldn’t have listened.  And sometimes the hardest thing we have to do as parents, is let our kids sort their way through as adults … even the stuff that might hurt them.”  He sighed and rested his chin on her head.
                  Paige closed her eyes.  It felt good to be in his arms.  As much as she didn’t want to admit it – she needed to be daddy’s little girl right now.  At least with him, she knew she was loved.
                  “Thanks.  I don’t know how I’m going to repay you.  I wasn’t left with much in the settlement.”  Paige sniffed.
                  Hearing his daughter’s admission of any terms of her divorce gave him the permission he needed.  Paige never talked about her life, and not only was he unsure of her financials but wasn’t sure of why Davis would leave her without some sort of structured pay, which would ensure her well-being. After everything Paige had done to elevate Davis’ career, it was the least he owed her.
                  “So tell me.  How come that no good loser wouldn’t have left you with anything?  He made good money.”
    Paige could feel her dad’s back stiffen and knew he was holding back from saying more.  She grinned, because no matter how many times he told her that she was headstrong, he was cut from the same cloth.
    “Dad – don’t start.”
    “No, after all you’ve done to stand by his side.  Why didn’t you have a good lawyer, Paige? Why didn’t you come to us for help?”
    She sighed and