Page 55 of More Than Falling in Love

He turns, then shifts behind me.“I was planning to, but things changed.She’s engaged.”

I rub his arm.“Oh, Parker, I’m sorry.”

He shrugs.“I’ll deal.”

Mason runs in, backpack swinging from his hand.“Here, Dad.Put this on the hook please.I want to get a good breakfast so I’m ready for the first day of school.”He looks up at Parker.“Poppy is going to school with us.Do you want to go?”

“I have to take care of the horses, but when you get home, I want to hear all about your day, okay?”

This kid would have an entourage if all the people who loved him escorted him to class.

“I will.I haven’t met my teacher yet.But I’m sad it isn’t Miss Ivy.She’s the best.”

I move Mason in front of me.“Get your food, kiddo.”

“Thank you.”He turns from me and faces the counter.“Thank you, Miss Ava.Everything looks great.And you made bacon!That’s my favorite.”

“I know.That’s why I made it.”She steps around the counter and gives him a hug.“I want your first day to be wonderful.”

“Thanks.”He piles food on his plate, then hurries to the table.

As I pick up my plate, I whisper to Parker, “Would I be a bad person for hoping the engagement gets called off?”

“Bad or not, you wouldn’t be alone.But most of all, I want her to be happy.And if he makes her happy, I’ll eventually get over it.”He nudges me.“Hurry up.I’m hungry.”

“I think you need coffee.I’ve never seen you grumpy.”

He points at the food.“I want to eat.”

I get my food and carry it to the table.Kent’s hand comes up as soon as I set my plate down.We’ve settled into a morning routine, and I’ll miss this.

Once I’m in my seat, I bump his shoulder.“You need to eat too.”

“I will.Thanks for being here today.He’s thrilled, and it means a lot to me too.”He slides off the bench and walks to the counter.

When we’re alone after Mason is dropped off, I’m telling Kent all about the sale and the terms.I’ve never made a secret of my love for New York, but will he be disappointed?

Kent opensone of the double doors, and I walk under his arm.Being short has its perks.I rarely have to duck.

Mason runs ahead of us, then turns around and waits.“The first grade classes are this way.”

“Poppy!”A voice I haven’t heard in months—audibly, at least—calls from behind me.

“I’ll catch up.”I don’t want Kent anywhere near Tandy.“Hi, Tandy!I’ve been thinking about you.”

Her gaze cuts to Kent as he strides down the hall.“And about what I said?”

“Maybe we could meet for lunch if you have time.I fly out tomorrow.”

“Barbecue place at eleven?I can’t wait to hear what you think of the ranch.”She waves at a woman in the office.“I need to get in there and help Maureen, but I’m glad we bumped into each other.”

“Same.See you in a bit.”I hurry down the hall, checking name plates.

I stop outside the door and survey the room.The teacher is young, and her hand is on Kent’s arm.Friends aren’t supposed to feel this kind of jealous roiling.

Mason motions me into the room.“Come meet my teacher.”

Kent turns, and his silent pleading is obvious.When I step up beside him, he presses a hand to the small of my back.“Miss Rutgers, this is Poppy.”

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