Page 50 of More Than Falling in Love

“Dad, Kent and I are friends.There’s nothing romantic going on.If there was, I’d say something.I’m not hiding anything.”Okay, so that last part is a little gray as far as truthfulness, but I’m not telling Dad how attracted I am to Kent and that even if distance wasn’t a factor, he wouldn’t be interested.I can’t tell my dad that I have zero skills in picking someone right for me.Finally, I meet someone who captivates me, and he’s on the impossible list.For more than one reason.Some things don’t get passed down through our DNA.

“Oh, okay.”He says it with a smile, but it doesn’t completely mask the hint of disappointment.

“He’s here.I live far away.And even if we somehow lived in the same place, I’m not sure things would be different.But he’s a great guy, and Mason is the sweetest.”

“You aren’t wrong about that.”He pats my hand.“I just want you to be happy, Poppy.That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“I am, Dad.Really.”

He pulls to a stop in front of Joji and Clint’s place.“Let’s grab the package and hurry to the ranch before reading time.That’s the plan, right?”

“Yep.”I’ve been texting Kent on a different app to ensure Mason didn’t stumble onto our plan.“I’m going to sneak in while he’s getting ready for bed.”

It’s going to be awesome.

Chapter 18

Kent

Waiting until Poppy lets me know she’s on the ranch to send Mason off to get ready for bed is making me antsy.I know how excited Mason will be because I feel the same way.

These last two weeks, we’ve been talking every night for at least an hour.She’s said more about how hard it was after her mom died, and I’ve told her how I showed up at this ranch with a duffel bag, and it’s now become home.

And she’s bringing something for Mason but wouldn’t tell me what.That has me feeling a bit like a kid at Christmas.Even though it isn’t for me.

Then my phone buzzes.

Poppy:On the ranch!

I shoot off a thumbs-up.“Mason, bud, go jump in the shower.It’ll be reading time soon.”

“Yes, sir.”He leaves his new Lego set on the floor and races down the hall.

Having Poppy join reading time is all the motivation he needs to stay on schedule.It makes my job easier.The water comes on as I gather up the tiny torture devices.Then I slide a hand across the floor to find strays and prevent being stabbed in the foot later.

My phone signals another message, and I glance out the window before reading it.Poppy’s face is partially obscured by a giant teddy bear.And all I can think of is what Parker said.

I pull open the door and whisper, “He’s going to flip.”

She sets the bear on the couch, then wraps me in a hug.“It’s good to see you.And if this bear is too big, I did check with Dad and Ava about keeping it at their place.”

“It’s fine.He’ll love it.”

My kid starts belting out a country song, and Poppy slaps a hand over her mouth, stifling her laugh.“He’s so fun.”

“Yeah, that’s his newest thing.Singing in the shower.”

She hums along for a few bars.“He’s pretty good.”

“He gets lots of practice because he sings along with the radio when we’re in the truck.”

We situate the bear between us on the couch and wait.

She snuggles against the fuzzy animal.“This is so adorable.When I ordered it, I’d only seen a picture, but now that I see it in person, I love it even more.Maybe I should order one for me.I need a giant teddy bear in my life.”

I’ll hear those words over and over again in my dreams.I’ve never wanted Parker to be right as much as I do in this moment.“Is that so?”

The water stops, and she puts a finger to her lips.

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