Page 82 of More Than Falling in Love

“So the plan is to take them to your new apartment tomorrow?”But I’ll pretend with her for a bit.We’re actually good at pretending.

She nods.“Yeah.I’ll get the keys today.Maybe I’ll invite them over tonight instead of tomorrow.

I’m holding both carry-ons, and she’s got our coats.The closer we get to baggage claim, the faster she walks.Excitement radiates off her, and I love it.

When she sees Mason with her dad and Ava, she breaks into a run.Poor Mason looks at her, then at me.He’s not sure who to greet first.

I motion toward her and quicken my steps.He’s hugging Poppy when I ease up beside her.

“I missed you, bud.”

When I lean down, he throws his arms around my neck, and I lift him off the ground.

Poppy bumps my arm.“You aren’t supposed to do that so soon after surgery.”

“Oh, right.”I’m trying to follow doctor’s orders because I do not want to end up back in the hospital, so I set Mason back on his feet.“Did you have fun?”

“Lots and lots.One of the barn cats had kittens, and Mr.Clint and I got to look at them.And we gave the mama extra food.”

Poppy is hugging her dad a second time.I can’t hear what they’re whispering to each other, but there’s a solid chance it’s about me.

We snag her two suitcases off the carousel, then head to the parking garage.

“How long are you staying, Poppy?”Mason is holding her hand and dragging a suitcase with the other.

She stops, and I barely avoid bumping into her.

Chin quivering, she squats in front of Mason, then glances at her dad.“Forever.I’m moving here.I’ll sometimes visit New York, but this is my home.”

Mason wraps his arm around her, and at this rate, we’re never getting out of the airport.I don’t mind so much.My kid is happy.And I totally get why.

Ava claps.“This is wonderful.I might cry.”

Mad Dog brushes a tear off her cheek, then tucks an arm around her.“I might join you.”

Once we’re moving again, I hang back, and Mad Dog falls into step beside me.

“Sir, I love your daughter, and my intentions are to show her how much every day.”

He pats my back.“I know.And it makes me very happy.”

I’m not ready to ask for his blessing, not yet.But when the time is right, I will.

We’ve spentmost of the day with Poppy, seeing her apartment, talking about how fun life will be having her here.But now that dinner’s over, Mason and I are back at the house.Just the two of us.

“Hey, bud.Can we talk for a bit?”I open my arms.

He climbs up into my lap.“I had fun, Dad, but I did miss you.”

“I missed you too.”I’m trying to find the right words to explain to a six-year-old about the shift in my relationship with Poppy.“When I was in New York, I talked to Poppy—”

He holds up a finger.“I have a question.”

“What?”This is going to take longer than I anticipated.

He narrows his eyes and cocks his head.“Do you love Poppy?”

“I do.”

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