Page 41 of Yuletide Acres

“You going after her?”

“Yep. Right after I pay my tab.” My phone buzzes and I glance at it, hoping might be Poppy. It’s not. “Hey, Mom. What’s going on?”

My mother’s voice is thin on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry to bother you, but Marissa is not feeling well. She’s running a temperature. Will you pick up some medicine at the store on your way home?”

“Of course.” I hang up the phone, flagging down Ralph to settle my bill. “I have to go. Marissa is sick.” So much for catching up to Poppy tonight and trying to muddle through yet another of my screw-ups. My daughter needs me, and the guilt that she’s sick while I’m drinking at a bar eats further into my psyche.

“Poor lamb. I hope she feels better.”

I turn to look at Gayle, the first time since our argument. She really is a wonderful woman, even if I feel nothing beyond friendship for her. I grasp her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m going to ask for it, anyway. I’m sorry I hurt you or if you thought I led you on. What I did tonight was stupid and careless. You didn’t deserve it.”

Gayle considers my words, clicking her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “You’re still a bastard. But at least I’ve lost the inclination to put sugar in your gas tank.”

“What a pal,” I mutter, forcing a smile.

“Hey, I actually am a pal. All things considered.” She pulls back her hand, tapping it on the bar. “I’d be more concerned about making things right with Poppy. I’ve never seen a woman so angry before. Rightfully so, Dylan.”

* * *

Iwalk into town hall the following morning, sucking down another cup of coffee. I’m exhausted, but thankfully Marissa’s fever broke during the night, and this morning she was giggling at her cartoons.

If only adults bounced back as quickly.

I texted Poppy last night, imploring her to forgive me, but never received an answer. No surprise there. But I’m not giving up. There is no way in hell that I’m not making that woman mine again.

And this time, I’m not letting her go.

“Look what the cat dragged in,” Troy quips, his booted legs propped up on the desk as he swigs his coffee.

“Save it, Troy.” I’m in no mood for my friend today.

“What crawled up your ass and died?”

“I’m tired.” Hey, it’s not a lie.

“I heard there was quite the showdown at the bar last night.”

I whirl around, eyes blazing. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Troy raises his hands in mock surrender, but the man loves getting under my skin. “It’s a small town. When the mayor has a love triangle play out in public, it’s bound to be newsworthy.”

“Wonderful. That’s all I need.”

Troy stands, clapping me on the shoulder. “I’m messing with you. Susan told me. She ran into Gayle at the coffee shop.”

I release a sigh, thankful that at least the row wasn’t front page news. “Have you spoken to Poppy today?”

“No, but I’ll see her in a little while.”

My back goes up at his statement. Not if I can help it. “How come?”

“She asked me to meet her at the shooting range. You know she found tracks, right?”

“Yeah, she told me. Anything check out?”

“Likely some hunter made a wrong turn. Personally, I don’t think she should be out there alone, but she’s stubborn. I even offered to be her roommate until spring.”

“What a guy. Sorry to break it to you, but I need you today. We have to sort out this situation at Poppy’s cabin. Also, those are protected woods, so anyone hunting needs to be informed.”

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