The Second Chance. Catherine Mann

touch couldn’t assuage her frustration or the dizzying impact of re-meeting five years’ worth of connections. She glanced up at Chuck, his sandy-brown hair tousled upward. It caught the light reflecting off the mirror that hung above the mantel.

      A mirror world indeed.

      She struggled to force that memory of ordering the piece to her mind’s eye. Even as she studied the antlers in front of her, she failed to locate the story from her perspective. All that Shana had was the retelling of a memory that Chuck had shared with her.

      As if he knew her distress, Chuck gave her shoulder a quick squeeze.

      The smile lines on Jeannie’s face deepened. A warm smile. One Shana wanted to take comfort in. The older woman gave a knowing nod. “I can tell by Chuck’s face that he thinks we’re overwhelming you. But when we heard your mother’s flight was delayed for snow, we wanted to bring you something to welcome you home. We’re here just to lay eyes on you, bring you food, then be on our way.”

      “You’re hoping that if I see you, it’ll jog my memory. I’m sorry, but it doesn’t. I may never remember. Thank you for trying, though. For caring.” She swallowed, hard. Leaned back into the wooden chair. Looked at the faces of the Mikkelsons and the Steeles. Noted how comfortable they seemed around the long dining room table. Knew their appearance here to be motivated by love.

      Somehow that recognition pained her.

      “I’m just glad you’re alive and well,” Jeannie said. “And know we’re all only a phone call away if you have any questions.”

      “I appreciate it. Please stay for dinner.” Shana bit her lip. Wishing she had something more to say. Wishing this whole meeting could somehow miraculously deliver up the memories she sought, for herself and for her child. And for this sexy man at her side? For the love she must have lost?

      Why was it so difficult to wrap her brain around?

      Disappointment swamped her.

      In spite of Chuck’s family’s warm welcome, Shana still couldn’t shake an unsettled feeling.

      She couldn’t stop searching for a reason why she was so certain there was trouble in paradise.