Page 18 of More Than Falling in Love

He crinkles his nose.“Yeah, unfortunately you aren’t wrong.Give her a nickname.Treat her like a little sister.”

“Never had a sister.That doesn’t help.But the nickname thing, I think I can do that.Thanks for the advice, Dumplin’.”I regret my friendly dig when hurt flashes in his eyes.

“Proof that nicknames and the friend zone go hand in hand.She’s called me that for years.”He stands.“I’m off to find a drink.Need anything?”

Parker doesn’t have to explain who thesheis.It’s obvious to anyone who knows him well and has seen him around the new vet.

“Nope.But thanks.You’ve been a big help.”

Chapter 7

Poppy

After I dance with Mason for three songs, he rushes off to see if he can have more cake.And I go find something cold to drink.Keeping up with a five-year-old works up a bit of a sweat.

“Beautiful wedding.”My dad’s friend Jeffrey lifts his cup in greeting.“Good to see you again.”

“You too.So how long have you known about this?”I finish off my drink and set the cup aside.

Jeffrey and Dad have known each other for years, and ever since Dad moved here, the two have been close.Dad likely confided in Jeffrey as the relationship with Ava unfolded.

He shoots me a strange look.“I’ll tell you about it on the dance floor.”

“Sure, but I’ve only danced one song with an adult, so…”

He chuckles.And once we’re dancing, he says, “Their relationship is pretty new, but your dad is crazy about her.Has been for a while.”

There is something he’s not telling me, but it’s obvious to me that Dad and Ava deeply care for each other.“I’m not trying to tear apart the happy picture.Curiosity drove the question.”And I don’t want Jeffrey thinking I’m the least bit unhappy about this marriage.

“It seems to me like your dad has a knack for finding his happily-ever-after.”There is a wistfulness in Jeffrey’s tone.

And I get it.“Yeah.I wish he’d spread a little of that pixie dust around.”

“Right?”He laughs, but it’s hollow.

“So, tell me, when are you going to be getting married?”

Jeffrey is quite good-looking for a man his age, and I’ve often wondered why he’s still single.

“Pretty sure there isn’t a woman alive who will put up with me.I’m not as easy to get along with as your dad is.”He spins me as the song ends, and when the next starts, we continue to dance.“And my stupid choices from years ago still follow me around.And that’s why I’m getting death stares from a couple of the ranch hands.”

I want to see what ranch hands he’s talking about, but I have a pretty good idea.“I’m sure they don’t think that you are trying to spark something with me.”

“No offense, but there is no way I could date someone so young.I’d be lost in text conversations.I still add question marks and periods.I think I need someone who is more into letter writing.”

I laugh.Of all the people my dad’s age, Jeffrey is the most youthful.“Let me know when you meet her.I want to be at the wedding.”

The song ends, and the deejay asks all the single ladies to gather up.

Jeffrey nudges me toward the center.“Can’t miss this.”

“I have to do it, don’t I?”

“You do.I, on the other hand, am going to find a shadowy corner and watch the festivities.Pretty sure these types of things have an age limit.”Laughing, he walks away, leaving me standing in the middle of the dance floor.

There aren’t many single women here.But at least I’m not the only one.I bump shoulders with Goldie, and she laughs and rolls her eyes.I’m beginning to think this tradition is just a way for the men to see all the single ladies in one place.

The bouquet is gorgeous, and with a little internet research, I can probably preserve them.What woman doesn’t want flowers?

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