Page 73 of More Than Falling in Love

I stare out the window.“Thanks for letting me know.”

What I have to say shouldn’t be done over the phone or by text.I want to look her in the eye when I say it.In person.Not over video.So it’ll have to wait.But I owe her a giant apology.

As we pull through the gate onto the ranch, I face Mad Dog.“Know when she’s coming back?”

“She said three weeks.”

I have three weeks to get the cork back into the bottle and go back to being the friend Poppy deserves.

Tryingto forget about New Years was easier when I could do chores.It’s been a week since my surgery, and watching others do chores makes me feel useless.“I hate this.”

“I never would’ve guessed.”Parker points at the hose.“Want to help me wash down the horses?”

“Yes.Finally something that doesn’t violate the doctor’s orders.”Gingerly, I bend over and turn on the water.“Sorry I’m in a perpetually bad mood.”

“Have you talked to her?”

Shaking my head, I focus on the horses.“We skipped reading this week.”

“You okay?”

I shrug.“Mostly.I think.I’ll feel better after I’ve apologized.”I hold up my brace.“And this stupid brace is supposed to be replaced with a cast this week.Oh joy.”

“Next weekend, I’m driving out to look at some horses.Want to come along?”

“You want my company or are people voting me off the ranch?”

He walks up next to me.“I think a change of scenery will do you good.I bet Ava and Mad Dog will keep Mason for you.”

“You’re really willing to put up with me in a confined space all weekend?”

“Newsflash.We’re friends.I’m not dreaming up ways to avoid you.Want to come or not?”

“If they can watch Mason, I’ll go.”Getting off the ranch might do me some good, help me clear my head.Maybe.

Hugging Mason,I’m close to changing my mind about making this trip with Parker.He doesn’t need my help when deciding on a horse.But I’m guessing they want a break from my bad mood.I’ve worked at not being grumpy these last two weeks, but more than once, I failed.

“Have fun, Dad.Miss Ava and I are going to bake cookies.And Mad Dog said I can visit Mr.Jeffrey’s ranch.”

“Sounds like you’ll have a busy weekend.”

“Yep.”He hugs me again.“Love you.”

“Love you too.”I climb into the truck and close the door.“I’m about to change my mind.”

“Then I better get you out of here.”Parker laughs as he shifts into gear.“This will give us a chance to talk.”

“Fabulous.”I tilt my head back.“Wake me when we get there.”

“Poppy said the same thing when I drove her to the airport.”

I count to three before responding.“Have you talked to her?”

“I was about to ask you the same question.”

“And here I thought you were dragging me along because I’m useless on the ranch right now.”Deflecting will only delay our conversation.

He’s quiet as he merges onto the highway.

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