Page 80 of Yuletide Acres

“I want to stay with Poppy.”

“You can in a little while. But Poppy is hurt, and the doctors need to take care of her.”

My daughter’s lower lip trembles as fat tears roll down her cheeks. “She’s hurt because of me.”

“No, sweetie. It was an accident. Now go on. Sit with Grandma.” I watch her slink, dejected, back to my mother’s side, before turning my attention to Poppy.

I step to Poppy’s bedside, but my beautiful girl maintains a staring contest with the blanket. “Hey, Sunshine. You okay?”

With those words, she breaks, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry? You saved my daughter's and mother’s life. Why are you sorry?”

“It’s my fault.”

“Sunshine, no, it isn’t. If you weren’t there—” I can’t finish the statement as I pull her against me.

“If I wasn’t there, they never would have fallen. It’s just like with my parents. With my foster parents.”

“I don’t know what you mean, Poppy.”

“My parents and foster parents all died in car accidents. What are the chances? I was sick, so my birth parents were taking me to the hospital. I wanted ice cream, so my foster parents were taking me out. They died. Everyone I love goes away.”

“Darling, you are a hero. You saved my daughter and mother today. I owe you everything. Please, stop with this nonsense.”

“I’m not a hero. I’m a curse.”

I tip her chin up, desperate to convince her otherwise. “You quit spouting those lies. You are not a curse. You’re the most beautiful heroine I’ve ever known. And I’m indebted to you. Anything you want, just name it.” I mean it, too. If she demands a mansion in Big Sky, I’ll figure out a way to make it happen.

“A pair of flannel pajamas.” Her voice is barely a whisper.

“Done. But let’s dream bigger.”

“Lots of flannel pajamas?”

I pepper her face with kisses, smoothing away the tears before they have a chance to fall. “I’m offering you anything you want in this world and you’re asking for pajamas? What about a huge rock on your finger? An over the top wedding? You want a gaggle of kids? I’m your man.”

“Stop, Dylan. You’re not indebted to me. I’m just glad I got them out.”

“I enjoy being indebted to you, Poppy.”

Her eyes return to their downward cast, and I feel the apprehension wafting off her. Even after all these years, I know when Poppy is closing herself off. Creating distance. I have to coax her out before she gets any more introverted. “Let’s get you home. You can sink into a warm bath and curl up by the fire.”

“I’ve made a decision.”

“About how I can start repaying my debt to you?” I know that’s not what she means, but I’m determined to stay optimistic.

“I’m leaving Yuletide Acres, going back to Eugene.”

That single sentence, those eight words, upend my equilibrium. “What are you talking about? You’re not leaving Yuletide. You just got here.”

Poppy’s wide hazel eyes find mine, holding my insistent gaze with her tear-ridden one. “You were right to leave me ten years ago. Now, it’s my turn to go. I’ve turned your life upside down.”

“I don’t want to be right side up, Poppy. I love this crazy, amazing feeling that only you bring me.”

Her focus turns to the far wall, as if addressing someone who isn’t there. “I don’t know why she brought me here. I can’t do it.”

“You know exactly why Merry brought you here. You can do it. You are doing it. Sunshine, it’s one day at a time. Every day I feel like I’m messing up. But once in a while I get glimpses that I’m doing okay.”

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