Page 7 of More Than Falling in Love

Dad tugs me up to the counter, and a curvy woman smiles and steps around to greet me.Instantly, I like her.And the way she looks at my dad seals the deal for me.There is genuine affection in her gaze.She loves him.That’s easy to see.

“Grab a plate.There’s plenty.And if you need anything else, just let me know.”Ava steps behind the counter.

The dining room is full of guys who would have my friends fanning themselves.It’s evident they’ve already been working up a sweat.

I make my way to the back of the line.Dad has disappeared, and I’m guessing that’s his way of letting me mingle.

Mason leans around the guys.“Poppy, I’ll save you a seat.”

This kid must head up the welcoming committee.

I flash him a thumbs-up.“Thanks.”

The ranch hand in front of me turns around.“Poppy?I’m Parker.Nice to meet you.”He sticks out his hand, and I know then and there I have a new friend.

“Hi.”I give his hand a shake, liking that he has a firm grip.“I’m Mad Dog’s daughter.”

“Cool.You here for the wedding?”He motions toward Ava, then leans in close.“I always knew someone would snag her.Tell your dad thanks for not stealing her away.We’d all starve.”

Laughing, I pat his arm.“I’ll let him know.But yes, I flew in from New York.”

“Awesome.”He nudges the guy ahead of him.“Dag, this is Poppy.Mad Dog’s daughter.”

The extra emphasis on my family connection is curious.

But then the dark-haired green-eyed cowboy gives me a quick once-over, and I know who to watch out for.I won’t be patting his arm or anything else.Patting an arm or rubbing a shoulder when I speak to someone comes naturally, but I’ve learned there are some who take it wrong.I avoid putting my hands on those people.

“Hidalgo, but everyone calls me Dag.”

“Nice to meet you.”I can probably remember a name like Dag.

Parker holds his arm out for me to grab and leads me down the line, introducing me to all the other cowboys.Then he shifts me to the front of the line.“Ladies first, guys.”

“No, I don’t mind waiting.Y’all have been working, and I—”

A man about the same age as my dad walks up.“If I’d noticed, I’d have done the same.My name’s Beau.”

My dad has mentioned this man.

“This is your ranch.Thank you for having me.”

“Family is family.Blood has nothing to do with it.”He leans in closer.“And we’re all happy Mad Dog is marrying Ava.”

When Dad said he was moving to a ranch, I wasn’t expecting this.This is like marrying into a family.

I pick up a plate.“This all looks amazing, Ava.”

She beams.“Thank you.We’re all much happier when these guys are well fed.”

With my plate heaped with food, I walk to the table.Kent is staring at his plate, which makes me wonder if he’s bothered by the attention I’m giving his kid.I’m a firm believer in boundaries, so I’ll clear that up as soon as I sit down.

Mason scoots away from his dad and taps the bench between them.“Sit here.”

I set my plate down, then swing one leg over.When I teeter, Kent lifts his hand, and I use it for balance.

The tingling sensation is unexpected, and I’m hoping he doesn’t say anything about my stifled gasp because he totally noticed.I’m sure of it.

As soon as I’m in no danger of falling over, I let go of his hand.“Thanks.”

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