Page 81 of More Than Falling in Love

Holding a slice of toast in midair, he stares at me.“You left before you knew?”

“You were in a lot of pain, Kent.It was obvious.So I got down there as quickly as I could.”

“Now I feel worse.”

“It all worked out.”I pat his hand.“Eat.”

He’ll be more talkative with a full stomach.

After inhaling his breakfast and devouring my potatoes, he grins.“That was good.What are we going to do today?”

“I’m going to show you the city and enjoy being with you.We’ve spent hours and hours on the phone, and I loved that, but it’s not the same.”

He stands and slides into the booth next to me.“Together is definitely preferred.I’m sorry I was a jerk at the hospital.”

“I’m sorry I called the kiss nice.”

A laugh rumbles in his chest.“It’ll take me a while to get over that one.”

“I’m looking forward to nights on your patio, listening to you play the guitar.”

“Maybe a little wine and dancing.”He drapes an arm around me.“I keep needing to pinch myself.You’re really moving.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I can be a bit dense when it comes to matters of the heart.Were you in the tool barn when I was talking to Sarah?”

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.In fact, after hearing the attraction was gone, I left.”

“I never said it was gone.I said it was different.”I slide my small hand into his large palm.“What started as attraction changed into something deeper.I love you, Kent.Have I said that?”

“Not in so many words, but you hinted at it.Strongly.”He pulls out his wallet.“Let me settle this tab; then we can start our adventure.”

“I’ve got it.For this whole trip.”I don’t want to flaunt my money, but I do want to spoil him a little.

“You can talk to Beau and Lilith about the ticket.But how’s this for a compromise?I’ll buy breakfast and you can pay for everything else today.That work?”

“Deal.”

The last time we made a deal, he sealed it with a kiss on my forehead.That is not how he does it today.I think I’m going to love my happily ever after.

Chapter 30

Kent

Tandy was wrong.Turns out, it is possible to fold myself into one of the regular airplane seats.But getting out of it might be a bit challenging.

Poppy’s asleep with her head on my shoulder, her fingers tangled with mine.After spending time in New York, I understand why she loves the city.We had a wonderful time playing tourists.This vivacious woman bubbles passion, and every time a giddy smile crossed her face when she showed me the sights, it reminded me that more than anything, she loves me.

Because of that, I’ll always love New York.

I close my eyes, eager to be back in Texas.Maybe between here and there, I’ll figure out what to say to Mad Dog.He seemed happy about seeing me with Poppy on the phone, but this is his little girl, and I’ve made her cry more than once.

When the plane touches down, Poppy squeezes my hand.“We’re home.”

I love hearing those words on her lips.

Mason will be happy about my dating Poppy, I think.But once we’re back at the house, I’ll talk to him.

I rub her back as we wait in line to exit the plane.Mad Dog, Ava, and Mason are meeting us in baggage claim.And by the way Poppy’s bouncing, she either needs to visit the ladies’ room or she can’t wait to spill her surprise.She won’t be able to wait once she sees them.

---