Page 187 of Five Summers

We both glance at him and as I let go of Poppy, Alex tugs at my arm. As I lift him up, Poppy's smile widens, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

“How about I make us pancakes?” suggests Poppy.

“Yes,” Alex says, full of excitement.

“Alex, why don’t you go get dressed? We have a big day today,” Poppy says, turning her attention to the cupboard as she gathers the ingredients to make pancakes.

“Daddy, can you come with me?” he asks.

“Sure," I say, gently setting him down on the floor.

Without wasting a moment, he dashes off down the hall to his room. I didn’t get the chance to see his room yesterday. While Poppy packed a few things, I played silly games with Alex to keep him entertained. Last night when Poppy tucked him into bed, I didn’t want to interrupt their special moment between mother and son. After reading Alex another book on the couch before his bedtime, I said my goodnight.

“I’ll be back soon,” I say, making my way down the hall.

I walk in and find him rummaging through a couple of packed boxes.

“What are you looking for?” I ask as he pulls stuff out of a box.

"Just some clothes," he says, tossing a stuffed gorilla on the floor.

"Hold on," I cut in. “I don't think Mom put them in there.”

He stops and stares at me.

Taking a quick look around the room, my gaze lands on a chair in the corner, where I notice a pile of neatly folded clothes. "Are they the ones?" I ask, pointing in that direction.

His eyes lock on the direction I’m indicating, and he immediately sprints towards it. Something in his room catches my gaze, luring me towards it with curiosity. Holding the metal photo frame in my hand, I settle onto the bed to examine it. The photo immortalizes a moment from years ago, showcasing a younger Poppy and me in our youthful glory, beaming at the camera. The memory hits me like a wave - I was at Poppy’s place, and she wouldn’t let me off the hook until I smiled for the photo. I can’t forget how she made silly faces, and I just had to smile.

To my surprise, she had kept this photo for all these years and gave it to Alex. No wonder he recognized me the first time I met him. Despite all the mistakes I made and the challenges Poppy endured, she never harbored any anger towards me or portrayed me negatively to our son. Instead, she included me in his life, making sure that he knew who his father was.

If only I could go back and tell my younger arrogant self, not to be a selfish asshole, that the key to true happiness is this incredible girl and the life we’d have. Don’t turn your back on her, because she doesn’t deserve to be abandoned. The way she sees you differs completely from how others see you. In her eyes, you are an exceptional individual who means the world to her.

“We should pack that as well,” Alex says, walking over and taking the photo frame from my hands. He puts the frame in the box, then picks up the gorilla and puts it on top.

“I’m going to help Mommy with breakfast,” I say, making my way to the door, and giving him some space to get dressed.

While Poppy skillfully flips the pancakes, I make my way over to her. I wrap my arms around her gently from behind, pulling her closer, and plant a kiss on her shoulder. "Thank you," I say appreciatively, my voice filled with gratitude.

"What for?" she asks, her gaze lingering on me as she casts a glance over her shoulder.

“For simply being you, and for including me in Alex’s life.”

Chapter seventy-two

Poppy

Alex sleeps peacefully on the four-hour flight, undisturbed by the hum of the plane’s engines. Meanwhile, Xander eagerly suggests reliving our mile-high club experience from our unforgettable flight that took off from Australia. I am initially hesitant, but Xander’s alluring touches gradually wear down my resistance. That man seems to have committed every one of my pleasure spots to memory.

As soon as our plane touches down and we load our bags into the town car, a wave of nervous energy washes over me. Xander mentioned his lifestyle has changed and that he specifically designed the house with me in mind. This statement fills me with a mix of curiosity and unease as we venture into this unknown chapter of our lives.

With Alex sitting between us, Xander and Alex engage in lively conversation, filling the journey with their laughter. I shift my attention to the window, and I am immediately taken back by the luxurious houses that adorn the street.

"Are you alright, Princess?" Xander asks, concern in his voice.

“Yes, how much longer?”

“Not far now. Just up ahead.”

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