Page 63 of More Than a Little Spark

Poppy embraces him.“You’re a good kid.Come on in.Mason is gathering snacks to take to the game room.”

I give Poppy a wave, then climb back into the truck and head to the house.Daphne holds my hand as we drive.

“You okay?”Daphne asks, her voice low.“I only ask because you have tears in your eyes.”

“More than okay.He told me he loves me.And that’s not a common occurrence.It’s only the second time I’ve heard those words.The first time he’s said it to my face.”I park and slide out.

She waits, knowing I’m going to open her door.

Now that we’re finally alone without a teen to embarrass, as soon as I open her door, I lean in and kiss her.

She grips my shirt and presses closer.

I’m the only thing keeping her from toppling out of my truck.When I break the kiss, I rest my forehead on hers.I’m sure she can feel my breath as I speak.“About the question Fred asked?—”

“He asked me the same question before you arrived, and I wasn’t going to lie to him, but I’m sorry I told him before telling you.”

“I knew.That’s what made breaking up so hard.”

She leans back and cups my cheek.“But it was absolutely the right decision.Fred needed to know that you’d do anything for him.He needed to feel chosen and loved.And he does.And because he feels safe, he’s open to change.”

Carson nods.“Kent told me how Mason would crawl in Poppy’s lap for story time.But Fred is a teenager in every way, so I’m not sure how warm he’ll be.I can’t even picture story time.”

“We’ll figure it out.I know Fred kept talking about us getting married, and while I would love for that to happen someday, I don’t think this is the right time.”

“I agree.”I scoop her out of the seat.“Let’s go inside.There is no reason to have this conversation out here.”

Laughing, she grabs her purse, then hugs my neck.“You know how to sweep me off my feet.”

“You were sitting, not standing.So I guess I swept you off your butt.”I wink.

She grabs the knob and opens the front door.“I have something for you in my purse.”

I set her on the couch.“For me?”

She pulls out a Matchbox car.A red Ferrari, then taps the package.“I saw this one day and bought it because of your costume the night you saved me.It was in my purse the day we broke up.And it’s just been sitting in there.I couldn’t make myself get rid of it.Or even take it out of my purse.Hope springs eternal, I suppose.”

“I love you, Daphne.For so many reasons.You’re amazing.You love me.You gave me grace and space when I was trying to figure this out as a single dad.And you never gave up hope.For us.”

“When you pulled me out of that car and I felt a little spark, I was so excited because it had never happened to me before.I’d never felt that way.Then I got to know you more, and it became so much more than a little spark.I love you, Carson Blake.”

Chapter28

Daphne

Daphne

Isnuggle up next to Carson on the couch, and Fred flops into the overstuffed chair.Carson and I still go out alone some nights, but most of the time, we choose activities that Fred can do with us.It’s giving me time to get to know him a little more.

And on movie nights, we always let Fred pick.

He cues up the movie, and I stifle a laugh.Tonight’s movie isScooby Doo!Camp Scare.

Carson pokes my arm.“You want to run home and get your costume?”

“That dress was destroyed at the hospital that night.I don’t have it anymore.”

“That’s a genuine shame.”He winks.

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