Page 30 of More Than Falling in Love

“Fun!Parker is a sweetheart.He’ll teach you everything you need to know.”Ava checks her phone, waiting for news from the guys.

“I’m not looking for a sweetheart.”I finish my tea and cover a yawn.“I hate to go to bed without telling Dad hello, but I’m about to fall over.”

On cue, her phone beeps.“He just texted.Clint is driving him home now.”

“Oh, good.”I rub my face.“Do you need me to help you get Mason home?”

“Kent will probably be here—”

Footsteps sound on the porch, and my heart does a little flippity-flop.

“I bet that’s him.”Ava walks to the door.

Kent lifts the Stetson off his head as he steps inside.“I’m sorry to leave him with you all day.Did he behave?”

“He’s always a doll.Kent, you remember Poppy, right?”Ava rubs his arm.“You okay?”

“Just dead tired.”He nods at me, a tired smile etched on his face.“Nice to see you again.”He’s playing it cool, trying not to add to the rumor mill.“The way he’s growing, I won’t be able to carry him much longer.”

After a quick survey of Kent’s arm muscles, I can guarantee it won’t be a problem.Those biceps could handle a kid five times Mason’s size.They might even handle me.

“Like a weed.”Ava hands over a bag of food.“In here is dinner for you and breakfast for tomorrow if you decide not to go to the mess hall.”

“Thanks, Ava.You’re amazing.”He scoops Mason off the sofa, then sticks out his hand for the bag.

“You carry him.I’ll take this.”Ava follows him to the door.“Poppy, I’ll be right back.”

I want to offer to go in her place, but that would draw attention, and Kent tries to avoid attention.I’ve at least learned that much about him.Using the minutes until my dad gets home, I brush my teeth and change into my jammies.

When I step out of the bathroom, Dad is walking in the front door.“Poppy, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.You look exhausted but happy.I think married lifeandranch life are good for you.”

He blinks and purses his lips like he’s trying to decide what to say.Then he nods.“I’d hug you, but I’m a mess.”

“Not an excuse.”I give him a hug.“I’m about to go to bed.I’ve been up since forever.”

“Night.”He saunters down the hall.

“Love you.”I close the door and yawn as I trudge to the bed.

My phone lights up as I crawl under the covers.

Kent:It was good to see you.Things go okay?

Me:Good to see you too.He only read two pages.I think he missed you.

Dots dance on the screen, then stop.

Me:I didn’t mean to imply that it was bad that you were out working.I hope you know that.

Kent:I know.This isn’t the first time he’s fallen asleep on Ava’s couch.It’s part of life for us.

There are more dots, and I wait.

Kent:I have no idea what Mason has told Ava and your dad about reading time.They haven’t said anything to me.And I would’ve said more when I saw you at Ava’s, but I wasn’t sure.

Me:It’s fine.I understand why.Did the package arrive?

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