Page 55 of Yuletide Acres

“You failed in that endeavor. You’re not pretty, Poppy. You’re beautiful.”

She picks at her gown, fingering the torn material.

“I’ll get your dress to the seamstress. She can fix it.”

She shakes her head, her chest heaving. “It’s not that. I have pepper spray in my purse. I was attacked years ago, and I promised myself after that incident that I would be prepared. I would be aware.” More tears drip from her round eyes, but she doesn’t bother to wipe them away. “I never saw him coming.”

“He planned it that way. If he is who Troy and I think he is, he’s got a record, Poppy. It isn’t your fault you didn’t see some psycho waiting for you.” I pause, almost hesitant to ask the other question. “I didn’t know someone attacked you. Was it in Eugene?”

“No.”

I can tell, even from that one word, that there’s more to the story. Much more. And the sinking in my gut tells me I know when the attack occurred. “When did it happen?”

“A few weeks after you left.”

I hold back from punching the brick. “Damn it. I’m sorry, Poppy.”

“For what? It wasn’t your responsibility to look out for me. You had to take care of your family.” She rubs her brow, a frown marring her face. “After the last couple of weeks, I am beginning to think I’m not cut out for life up here.”

Hell no, we are not taking that conversation train anywhere. I squeeze her tighter as my mother’s truck pulls up. “You absolutely are. And now, you have a personal bodyguard and guide.” I press a kiss to her forehead before helping her into the front seat.

My mother only knows the basics of what happened, but I’ll let Poppy disclose what she feels comfortable telling.

Right now, I’m headed home to stoke the fires—both inside the house and in Poppy’s heart.

* * *

Iarrive home an hour later, as Poppy’s new fur babies grumble from the backseat. The hormone driven side of me wanted to head home immediately, sinking into a bubble bath next to Poppy. But the responsible side knew that I had to ensure her cabin was safe and her attacker secure behind bars.

Once I verified both, I was free to head home to my girls.

I smile as the golden retriever traverses the snowy path to my front door. I wonder if my mother has taken Poppy on a tour yet, or if Marissa has usurped all her time.

“Hey, we’re home,” I call out from the foyer, setting Paddington and Mr. Whiskers free. For two animals who have lived through their share of upheaval, they certainly take change in stride. Maybe it’s the comfort of companionship—so long as the other one is there, nothing bad can happen. “Poppy? Cupcake?”

“Shh,” my mother whispers, motioning me upstairs. “Marissa had a nightmare and asked Poppy to lie with her. I checked on them fifteen minutes later, and they were both passed out.”

I crack open the door to my daughter’s room, the light from the hallway falling across Marissa and Poppy snuggled together. My heart seizes at the sweetness of the moment, yet another one that my daughter missed out on in her young life.

I pull the door closed, turning to my mother with a smirk. “I guess you’re my date for the evening. Care for a drink?”

We pad to the kitchen and I pull out a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue, pouring us each a glass.

My mother clinks my glass, sipping her whiskey with a smile. “To you. Thank God you got to Poppy in time. I hope that piece of trash is locked up tight.”

“Definitely. Troy told me he’s wanted in Bozeman on a stalking charge. It turns out that the woman he’s been harassing resembles Poppy. When the woman fled Bozeman, he thought she came here. So, he followed. Claims he didn’t realize Poppy wasn’t the same woman until he got her cornered.”

“Sounds like a garbage excuse to me,” my mother scoffs.

“I agree. Although he’s got a list of psychiatric illnesses as long as your arm. He’s been in and out of state hospitals most of his life. Who knows what he was thinking?”

“Regardless of his reasons, he terrified Poppy.”

“I know.” And I hate that fact. “He’s going to be transferred back to the state hospital to await trial. So, he won’t be causing her any further trouble. I checked her cabin before coming back here. Wanted to make sure he hadn’t started there and caused any damage. But everything looked sound.”

My mother shoots me a knowing look. “I know you’re disappointed. I halfway considered waking Poppy up so you two could spend some time, but they looked so peaceful sleeping.”

“Let them sleep.”

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