Page 26 of More Than Falling in Love

Mason slams the book closed and grins.“Finished!”

Poppy claps.“I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks.I have to go to bed now.”He crinkles his nose.“Because of school.At least tomorrow is Friday.”

Melodic laughter comes over the line.“Just a few more days until summer, kiddo.”

“That’s what Dad said.”He holds the phone close to his face.“Can I call you again?”

“Anytime.As long as it’s okay with your dad.”She glances at me.“I’m glad you called tonight.”

“Good night.”He waves before ending the call.

Mason and I run through the bedtime routine, and then I crash on the couch with my phone.After typing out a text, I stare at it for several seconds before hitting send.

Me:You made his day.Thanks.

It doesn’t say all of what I feel, but it shows my appreciation.Trying to navigate life as a single dad, I’m usually wary of people who show my kid too much attention, other than folks on the ranch.That hasn’t been the case with Poppy.Partly because of who her dad is and how he treats Mason.But mostly because of who she is and how she doesn’t expect anything in return.

Poppy:I enjoyed it.Maybe I can do it again sometime.

Me:We’d like that.

Friday evening,I yank on a shirt before walking into the living room.

Mason is already showered and waiting with his book.“I’m going to call Poppy now.”

“I’m not sure, bud.It’s Friday.She might have plans.”

I’m not selfish enough to wish that she’s spending her Friday night at home alone, but the thought of her out dating stresses me a bit.Hopefully, she’s smart and stays aware of her surroundings.How does Mad Dog not go crazy with worry?

“She doesn’t.I talked to her earlier on Mad Dog’s phone.”He taps the name at the top of my favorites, kicking off a video chat.

Poppy grins.“Reading time?”

Mason nods.“We start a new book tonight.”

“And I’m ready to read along.”She holds up a copy ofNate the Great and the Missing Key.“I stopped by the bookstore on my way home.”

My kid shoots me a look that melts my heart.“She has the same book!”

“That’s really sweet.”I’m not an emotional guy, but there’s a lump in my throat.

She meets my gaze, and I hope she can feel all the words I’m not saying.

Mason points at the screen.“But don’t read ahead.We need to do it together.”

“I’ll only read without you if I miss a night.”

“That’s fair.”He snuggles up beside me and hands over the phone.“Okay.Here we go.”

There are no take-out containers on the table tonight, and I wonder if she’s gone all day without eating again.I’m thankful for the humor in the books because it makes reading time more enjoyable.

He’s on the second page when a knock sounds on her end of the phone.

“Sorry.That’s my dinner.”She hops up, then returns with a brown bag.“Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“That’s okay.If you don’t eat, you’ll be grumpy.Isn’t that right, Dad?”He looks up at me.

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