Page 23 of More Than Falling in Love

“This was fun.When you come back, we’ll do something else fun.”

“I like that idea.”

While she’s grumping at a tractor in front of her for going slow, I send off a text.

Me:What time does Mason get out of school?I want to get him a doughnut if that’s okay.

Kent:2:45.And he’d like that.I leave the ranch about 2:30 if you want to ride along.

Me:Let me know where to meet you!

I’ll get something good for Mason’s dad too.

Kent wavesas he pulls up in front of the main house.

I climb into his truck before he has a chance to get out.“I brought one for you too.Actually, I got more than one because I wasn’t sure if you were more a blueberry-cake sort of guy, a lemon-filled type, or just a plain glazed connoisseur.”

His grin highlights his handsome face.“All of those sound good to me.Pick whichever you want, and I’ll have one of the others.”

I open the box, showing the half-dozen doughnuts.“And I guessed that Mason was a sprinkles fan.”

“You guessed right.”

Country tunes play on the radio as we drive into town.

“I bought boots today.So if they ever have a dance or something when I’m visiting, I’ll have the right footwear.”

“Now that you’ve met us and know how amazing we all are, you’ll come back often, I hope.”He’s more relaxed than any other time it’s been just the two of us.

“I’m already trying to pencil in another trip.”

He gets in line behind other cars and trucks.The scene is organized chaos, and I don’t envy the teachers who are trying to make sure kids go home with the right people.

With the engine idling, Kent turns to face me.“I feel like I need to warn you.There was a picture posted of the two of us dancing, and we’ve made the gossip chain.”

“And the church lady only made it worse, I bet.”

He laughs.“Possibly.But I didn’t want you to be caught off guard.”

Children pour out of the building, and we inch our way toward the front of the line.

“Thanks for the warning.I should probably look at the pictures.I spent hours working this morning, then shopping.I’ve hardly looked at my phone.”

“It should be easy to find.You’re tagged.”He rolls down the passenger-side window as we near the pickup point.“Mason will be happy to see you.This morning, he requested that I text and ask if you wanted to come with me to pick him up.”

“Great minds.”

When Mason spots the truck, his face lights up.“Poppy!”His backpack swings from his hand as he runs toward the truck.“You came.”

If Kent and I sparked gossip before, showing up here has thrown gasoline on those sparks.It’s obvious when a couple of the teachers exchange looks, that I’m news.

Ivy opens the back door, and Mason climbs in.Then she comes to my window.“You must be Poppy.I’m Ivy.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Next time you’re in town, give me a call.We can meet for coffee.”

By the time I come back, my dance card will be full.“I’ll do that.”

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