Page 27 of More Than Falling in Love

“That’s true for some people.”I point at the page.“Pick up where you left off.”

He goes back to reading, and I follow along.

When I glance up, I bite back a chuckle and brush my finger on my bottom lip, trying to signal that she has a bit of mayo on hers.She takes the hint and wipes her mouth.Mason never breaks his stride.

In the middle of page twelve, he taps a word.“What’s that say?”

“License.”

He resumes the story and continues to the end of the next page.“That’s enough for tonight.”

“You did a great job.”I give him a side hug as I hand over the phone.

Poppy leans close to the screen.“I like listening to you read.”

“Can I stay up later, Dad?I don’t have school tomorrow.”He covers a yawn.“And I’m not very sleepy.”

“You can look at the butterfly book we got if you want.”I pick it up off the side table.

He trades the phone for his book, then waves at Poppy.“Good night.”He gives me a fist bump and runs down the hall.

“You bought him a butterfly book.”She cradles a teacup in her hands.

“He’s been talking about them a lot.I try to feed his interests.”

“You’re a good dad, Kent.He’s a great kid.Funny.Smart.”She carries the phone into what is obviously her bedroom and nestles into a mountain of pillows.“How was your day?”

“Not too bad.The bull got out again.That’s always a pain.Ava’s been going crazy making desserts this week, so there’s tons of sweets in the mess hall.At this rate, I’m going to put on ten pounds before you come back.”I stretch out on the couch.“Things at work any better?Did you eat today?”

“I had a bagel this morning.Someone brought some into the office.Then you saw my dinner.”She shifts the phone and lies on her side.Her butterfly pajamas are now in view.

“Butterflies, huh?”

“Mason isn’t the only one who loves them.And, just so you know, I had these long before you gave me the nickname.”She pulls her hair over one shoulder.“And things at work are busy, but good.Really good.When I’m at liberty to say more, I’ll fill you in.”

“Whenever.I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”I glance down the hall when I hear the bed creaking.“I’m pretty sure my kid isn’t reading, so I should probably get him to settle in.”

She reaches for the phone.“It kind of sounds like he’s jumping on the bed.”

“I think that’s exactly what he’s doing.”

“Best of luck.”Her hand hovers near the phone.“Good night.”

“Night.”I end the call and trudge down the hall.

Mason stops bouncing when I step into the room.“There’s a spider on the wall up there, and I’m trying to smash it.”

I grab a tissue out of the box and pick up the spider.“I’ll take him outside.Start getting under the covers.”

By the time I get back in, Mason is snuggled in bed.“When is Poppy coming back?”

“She’ll be back sometime this summer, I think.”

“Good.I like her.She’s really nice.”

“She is.”I run my fingers through his hair, then kiss his forehead.“Sleep tight.”

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”He tucks a hand under his cheek and closes his eyes.

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