Page 57 of The Rancher's Second-Choice Wife

I hope you saw that, God.

All I’m asking for is a glimpse of her.

Or just any news so I’ll know she’s doing good.

“We’re glad to see you flying again with us, Mr. Rossfield.”

“Nice seeing you again, Jacqui.”

The flight attendant led him to his cabin and opened the door for Valerian. “It’s just you in first class for this flight.”

“I wouldn’t mind the privacy and the silence, to be honest.”

A sympathetic expression crossed her features. “We’ll make sure you remain undisturbed throughout the flight, Mr. Rossfield. But if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to use the service button.”

Valerian leaned back in his seat as Jacqui closed the door to his cabin. The paps would likely have something to say about this, but what they would never know was how his friend, who also happened to be the CEO of this airline, had made it clear that he would take it personally if Valerian refused his assistance.

You were there for me when I needed it, Park had told him. Now it is my turn to return the favor. Anytime you need to fly, wherever you need to go, my entire fleet is at your disposal.

Valerian’s thoughts were cut short when someone knocked on the door of his first-class cabin.

“Good afternoon, sir.”

Valerian nearly jumped out of his seat. What the hell on earth was that? That couldn’t be Jacqui, could it? That sounded more like a fucking leprechaun with bad lungs than a human being.

“May I offer you a gwass of champagne?”

“Er...I’m good, thanks.”

“How about a treem?”

A treem? Was that leprechaun code for I’m-going-to-kill-you-soon-as-you-open-this-door?

“Sir?” The attendant knocked on his door again. “It’s a new complimentary service our airline offers. And in case you’re wondering, I’m quite good at my job. I’ve experience trimming a client’s hair aboard a helicopter, a sailboat—”

Valerian nearly tore the door open when he realized what he was hearing, and it was exactly what he feared and hoped.

Poppy.

She was crouched down on one knee in front of him, and her nostrils pinched between her fingers.

So that was why she was fucking wheezing.

His mind told her it had to be an illusion. But the way his heart had already gone crazy told him he wasn’t imagining anything.

It was really her.

Poppy, my love.

She looked exactly like the girl he had seen the first time. Long hair in a braid, shirt and jeans, and even her leather apron from Salon Joyieux.

“Hi there,” Poppy said with a self-conscious smile.

But all he did was stare at her.

“Valerian?”

Poppy had rehearsed this moment countless times in her mind. But when she realized how Valerian was staring at her like she had made the biggest mistake in her life for showing up in front of him—

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