Page 49 of More Than Falling in Love

“Bye, Sarah.”

After getting ready for bed, I dial Kent’s number.

He answers before the end of the first ring.“Want to switch to video?”

“Sure.”I smile at the screen when he appears.“How’s the kiddo?”

Kent is out of view for a minute as he walks down the hall.“He’s kept food down finally.”

He pushes a door open and turns the camera to Mason, who’s curled up in Kent’s bed.My fingers itch to comb through the kid’s hair.

When Kent does exactly what I’m thinking, Mason’s eyes flutter open.“Poppy.”

“Hey, kiddo.I’m sorry you’re sick.”

He offers a weak smile.“Me too.”

“Feel better, okay?”

“I’m getting better.”He closes his eyes again.“Night, Poppy.”

Kent carries the phone back to the living room, and we talk for the next two hours.

Two weeks later,Dad is waiting for me in baggage claim.I’ve seen him more in the last few months than in the entire year before that.And I feel a bit guilty about that.

I throw my arms around him.“Ranch life seems to be treating you well.”

He holds me a second longer.“It is.And I have news on that front.”He scans the carousel as suitcases appear from the back.“Did you check a bag?”

“Yes.A red one.Oh!Did the package arrive?”

He picks up my suitcase as it moves in front of us.“A huge box arrived at Joji’s.It’s good you didn’t have it sent to us.I doubt we could have hidden a box that size.Maybe you should have warned Kent.”

“I did.Sort of.I told him I was getting Mason something big and if they didn’t have room, you’d keep it at your place.I kind of want them both to be surprised.”

Dad laughs as we walk toward his truck.“Oh, he will be.”

“Now, back to the news.”I lift my eyebrows and pin him with a stare.“What haven’t you told me?”

“I wanted to tell you in person.It happened a few weeks ago, and honestly, I’m surprised Mason hasn’t said anything.”

“You’ve successfully built up my excitement.What?Tell me.”

He opens the truck and loads my baggage.“I resigned as pastor and took a job as Jeffrey’s ranch manager.”

“Dad!That’s awesome.I mean, I know you loved being a pastor, but seeing you on the ranch has put a new spark in your eye.But wait?Jeffrey’s ranch?”

“It’s a stone’s throw from Beau’s place.Everything just worked out.”

I love that for Dad life has worked out.There’s a warmth in his smile that’s been missing for years.“I’m happy for you, Dad.Really happy.”

He fills me in about news on the ranch as we make our way out of town.But he doesn’t bring up Kent or Mason until we’re exiting the highway.“Poppy, if you’d prefer that someone else pick you up from the airport, I won’t mind.You know that, right?”

“I’m happy you had the time to do this.It’s been nice catching up.”

If Dad wants to ask about my relationship status, he’ll have to be more direct.

He shoots me a side glance.“I like Kent.Don’t feel like you have to…” After a shrug, he flashes a smile.“How awkward can I make this?”

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