Page 54 of More Than a Little Spark

It’s been three days since I saw Daphne, and I’m faking being okay pretty well.Working makes it easier.It’s the nighttime that’s the hardest.

Poppy motions for the boys to go to her.“I’m headed into town, so I’ll take you to school.Fred, do you have your bag?”

“It’s at the house.”

“We’ll run by there.Mason, you ready?”

“Yes, ma’am.”He swings around and waves at the rest of us.“Bye.”

A chorus of goodbyes rings out as they leave the mess hall.

I text Poppy a quick thank-you, then clear my plate.“Kent, want to ride with me to the horse barn?”

“Sure.No sense in taking up two spots over there.”He grabs his hat off the rack near the door.

I don’t have to wonder if he knows about the breakup because as soon as we’re in the truck and rolling, he says, “Fred told Mason that you and Daphne broke up.I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah.”

He shoots me a side glance.“Was it because of Fred and his mood shift?”

“I need to focus on being a dad right now.”Of all the people out here, Kent should understand.At least I hope he does.

His brow furrows.“When Poppy and I had a falling out—I can’t even call it a breakup because we were just friends—I was a mess on the inside but tried to hide it from Mason.Keeping up a brave face is exhausting, so whenever you need a break or a listening ear, call me.I’ve been where you are.Circumstances were different, but the thoughts constantly on repeat in your head, wondering if things would be different if you’d done this or that are the same, I’m betting.”

I nod.“There’s been a lot of wondering.Mason clearly loves Poppy, and I was hoping that Fred would see that too and be open to the idea of Daphne.”

“It’s hard to know what festers in those guys’ brains sometimes.And it’s hard waking up one morning and taking on the role of Dad.You’ve done a great job.”

“I don’t really feel like I have.If he trusted me, dating wouldn’t be an issue.But whenever I tried to talk to him, he kept saying everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t.”

We pause the conversation when we get to the barn.Parker has two horses saddled and ready.And Kent and I start riding toward the bridge.

“Mason was happy to have Fred over again.”

“Fred missed him.I’m glad he’s not isolating himself as much.”I scan the fence line, looking for any damaged posts and broken wires.“How’s Clara?She’s a bundle of energy these days.”

“So busy.She’s a mini of Poppy, which I love.And watching how good Mason is with her sometimes makes me want to cry.As silly as that sounds.When I took a job at the ranch, I expected to be alone forever.Life did not work out that way.”He points at a stretch of wire that’s come detached from the posts.“How things are today might not be how they are in six months.”

I mark the spot in my map app.“True, but I’m trying to live in the present and not just be hoping that things will be different in the future.”

“Makes sense.”

During the rest of the ride, we’re focused on the fences.And Kent doesn’t say anything more about Fred or Daphne.

Chapter24

Daphne

Daphne

It’s nearing midnight, and the office is dark except for the set of fluorescent lights above my desk.Work is what keeps me from dissolving into a puddle of tears most days.With a task list, I can hold back my sobs and pretend that my world didn’t shatter.

Whoever said that it’s better to have loved and lost might be right, but I’m not anywhere near ready to admit that.

The elevator whirs as it approaches our floor, and I stop.Who is here at this time of night?

Zoe, my boss’s wife, steps out of the elevator and waves.“Hi.Austin sent me.”

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