Page 28 of More Than Falling in Love

One great thing about this kid living on a ranch, he’s asleep seconds after his head hits the pillow.

I pick up my phone and smile at the recent text.

Poppy:Thanks for letting me join y’all tonight.And let me know what book is next, but only if you don’t mind me being part of reading time.

Me:I’ll have a chat with Mason and figure out which one will be next.Have a great Saturday.

Poppy:You too.

When I close my eyes, I see Poppy in the field, but this time she’s wearing her butterfly pajamas.I need to work on keeping my thoughts in the friend zone.

Chapter 11

Poppy

It’s only been six weeks since the wedding, but after wrapping up my work project, I invited myself back to the ranch for a visit before I get slammed again.Hopefully, I won’t be intruding by staying with Dad and Ava.But he already rented out his house, and there are zero hotels near here.

Waiting to deboard the plane, I check my messages.I smile when I see what texts are waiting.

Dad:Let me know when you land.Ava is picking you up.Can’t wait to see you.

Kent:Mason is with Ava and excited to see you.Hard day on the ranch.Fences down.Cows escaped.A couple are calving.It’s been nuts.I probably won’t see you till tomorrow.

I haven’t mentioned anything to my dad about reading time with Mason and Kent.If Mason has told people, then I’m guaranteed to hear about it.I tap out responses as I inch up the aisle.

Me:Just landed.Love you, Dad

Me:Landed.Hope things calm down.

After hitting send on the text to Kent, I follow it with a happy face.

His text affirms that at least between us there won’t be any weirdness.That makes this trip to the ranch even better.

Hearing that the guys are all out chasing cows and fixing fences is a reminder of how different life is here, how hard they work.

Since Mason is with Ava, I’ll know soon enough how much has been said about our nightly calls.The first time Mason called, I stared at Kent’s name on my phone, calming my nerves before answering.Then Mason greeted me.

Listening to him read took only a few minutes, but his thrill made that time worth it.The look Kent shot me the next night when I had the book in hand was equally rewarding.In the days following, I thought about reading time while doing other things, looking forward to it.

I love the work I do, and I’m good at it.But having that time each evening gives me warm fuzzies I never knew I craved.

Last night, Mason finished another book, and I have the one we’ll be reading next in my bag.After this trip, everyone will know the routine.

I speed walk through the airport, and as I’m approaching the ramp into luggage claim, my phone buzzes.

Kent:Mason’s new book is on my nightstand if you want to read with him tonight.

Me:I might do that.But I have a copy in my bag.

He sends a heart in response, and I stop and stare.He’s never sent that before.Kent and I occasionally chat about our day after Mason crawls in bed, and I want to be careful not to think too much of one tiny little picture.But, honestly after talking nearly every day for a month, I feel closer to him.I’m guessing he feels that way too.

When I walk into baggage claim, Mason bolts toward me.I let go of my bag and scoop him up.The kid has grown in the short time I’ve been gone, and soon, picking him up will be out of the question.

He gives me a hug, then pulls back.“I’ve been waiting forever for you to come back.”

“It hasn’t been that long, and you talked to me last night.”

He wraps his arms around my neck again and gives me a squeeze.“But I couldn’t hug you last night.”

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