Page 39 of More Than Falling in Love

His focus is split between the net and the book Poppy gave him.He’s been looking at the pictures and trying to sound out words he doesn’t know.“Look, Dad.In these pictures, the chrysalis changes before the butterfly comes out.”Then he points into the net.“And that one is darker than the others.”

“That butterfly might emerge first.”I’ll need to read through his new book while he’s sleeping so that I can answer his questions.

“When it comes out, will you take a video so that Poppy can see?”He shifts to look from a different angle.

“Sure.”I walk around the house, gathering dirty laundry.

Ava has us spoiled.Whatever gets put into the laundry baskets magically gets washed and folded.I’m not sure how I would’ve made this single-dad thing work if not for everyone here on the ranch.They’ve all been a huge help.

But why does it feel different when I see Poppy with Mason?It’s not just because of her age.Ivy, Daisy, and Jasmine are great with him.And it’s not just because Poppy is single.When Dag’s friend Goldie is around, she showers Mason with attention.She’s not in a relationship.

When I walk back into the living room, Mason is putting on his boots.

“You’re in pajamas.Why are you putting those on?It’s time to read, not time to wander outside.”

He waves the book we’re about to finish.“Dad, I have to go get Poppy.”

She’s spent most of her day with us, and we aren’t the reason she came.Now I get to gently explain this to a kid with stars in his eyes.

I sit on the sofa and pull Mason into my lap.“Listen, bud.I know Poppy likes spending time with you.But there are other people who want to visit with her too.She has to fly home tomorrow, and her dad hasn’t gotten to see her much because she’s been with us.Doing stuff.”

His shoulders slump, and he flings off his boots.Then he wriggles out of my lap.“I’m gonna brush my teeth.”

My heart breaks a little as he trudges down the hall.Would it be so horrible to steal her for a few minutes?My phone is right there, and if I ask, she’ll be here in a heartbeat.I pick up my phone, fighting the urge to shoot her a text.

Just then, a message pops up.

Poppy:Should I video chat or knock?

In two strides, I’m at the door.

When I yank it open, she waves.“I guess that’s my answer.”

Her butterfly pajamas are tucked into her boots, and her hair is tied up in a cute knot.I put a finger to my lips and motion for her to come in.Without my giving more info, she follows me to the sofa and sits at one end.I sit at the other.

Mason stares at the floor as he walks down the hall, but when he looks up, my eyes burn.She has completely turned his frown upside down.

He stops in front of the couch and puts his hands on his hips.“Y’all need to scoot close together or you won’t be able to see.”

She scoots closer to me and taps the space between us.“You can sit here.”

He climbs up and snuggles into the gap.“I thought you forgot about reading.”

“I didn’t forget.”She combs her fingers through his hair.“I want to find out what happened to the missing birthday snake.”

Grinning, he opens the book.“This is even better than video chat.”

I rest my arm on the back of the couch, careful not to touch Poppy, and lean in so I can see the page.Then Poppy’s hair brushes my arm.It scares me that she wields so much power over our happiness.Letting her this close, having her become entwined in his routine was a mistake.What happens when she meets someone and falls in love?She won’t always have time for Mason.Or for me and our friendship.

Mason isn’t the only one who looks forward to calling Poppy each night.But sitting here with Mason nestled between us, I’m questioning the wisdom of everything.If she feels even half of what I feel for her, it’s not fair to carry on a relationship that has no chance of a romantic ending.

But even now, if she walks away, I’d be letting what happened to me as a kid happen to my son.

She leans her head on my arm, and I snap my gaze to her.That smile makes me want to believe she’ll be part of his life forever.

Mason slams the book closed, and I realize I’ve missed the ending.I’ll have to read it myself to find out what happened to the snake.

“All done.”He looks at me.“Is it time for bed?”

---