Page 1 of More Than Falling in Love

Chapter 1

Poppy

Ilove mornings.

Standing in line to get coffee, I’m the only one smiling.Flying is always an adventure.But given the expressions on the faces around me, my sentiment is not widely shared.

With my white chocolate mocha in one hand and my carry-on in the other, I make my way to the gate.I’m so excited for my dad, but his wedding has stirred up my thoughts.And not in a good way.It’s solidified my failure in the relationship department.He’s found love twice.I can’t even find it once.And I’m not sure I’d know “the one” if he walked up and literally swept me off my feet.

Forget arrows.Cupid will need a guided missile to ignite a spark in my heart.I’m not against other people falling in love.My parents had an amazing relationship.They were perfect together.Until my mom died.Watching Dad navigate that grief was as painful as losing my mom.But after seeing true love modeled, one thing is clear to me.I haven’t met my perfect match.And I’m not holding out hope I ever will.

My dad’s ability to find “the one” spotlights all the reasons I should remain alone.I clearly did not inherit his gift for recognizing suitable partners.

I’ll focus on my career.And my life in New York.

As I wait to board a flight to Texas, I try to keep my thoughts on the good news.

Dad is getting married!I knew he was sweet on a woman from church, but the marriage part is a surprise.It’s so sudden.Maybe there’s a story there he’s failed to mention.

In college, I waited for Mr.Right to swoop in and make my dreams come true.He must’ve gone to a different school or maybe he lives on a different planet.So now, I’m making my own dreams come true.

I’ll never tell my dad about my plan to remain single.I mean, he’ll support my decision no matter what because he’s awesome that way, but I know he’s hoping I’ll find my someone.

At least he never asks about grandkids, so that helps.

The crowd gathered has me a bit concerned.The flight is full, and I’m worried I’ll get bumped.But so far, so good.

When I finally set foot on the plane, I relax a little.I’ll find my seat, and in just a few hours, I’ll be on a ranch.That should be fun.Dad talked about spending time on his grandfather’s ranch when he was younger, but by the time I came along, the ranch wasn’t in the family.

Glancing at the numbers, I make my way down the narrow aisle, then shove my red carry-on into an overhead compartment.Sitting in the middle isn’t ideal, but since I snagged this flight on such short notice, I can’t complain.Being there for Dad’s wedding is important.

I ease into my seat but keep my purse in my lap because inevitably I’ll have to move for the person who will be sitting by the window.

Passengers file by, and I wait to see who will end up beside me.Usually it’s fun meeting new people.

An older woman, full figured and dressed in a bright yellow pant suit stops and looks at the numbers, then at her phone.

Behind her, a man impatiently sighs.Based on his attire, I assume he’s flying for business.His gaze snaps to me, and he grins in the same way a predator smiles at its dinner.Hopefully, he’s not in my row.

The woman in yellow lifts her bag, and I’m worried she’s going to drop it on someone before she can get it into the compartment.

“Would you like me to help you?”I stand, ready to catch the case if it falls.

Her head wags back and forth.“I got this.Why don’t you scoot on over to the window?”She glances at the guy behind her.“Where’s your seat?”

He points at my row.“Aisle seat so I can be on my way quickly.”

The woman in yellow rolls her eyes, then turns back to me.“I’ll be the buffer between you and this hungry wolf.”

Clearly, I’m not the only one who picked up on the predator vibes.I laugh as I move to the window seat.“Thank you.”

She shimmies to her seat, then drops into it.“Tandy Cavanaugh.Pleased to meet you.”

“Poppy Miller.”After shaking her hand, I shove my purse under the seat in front of me.

The guy sitting on the other side of Tandy puts in his earbuds and focuses on his phone.

She bumps my shoulder.“If I was wrong about the buffer, I’m happy to switch seats with you.”

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