“I want a little home someday that’s ours,” I say softly. “With a yard that Owen and Ellie can play in. And maybe more animals. I want to go on family trips and see fun places. I think road trips would be fun. I want to have dinners together at our little house, with our friends and family over. I want to take Owen and Ellie to baseball games. Maybe someday have more kids. I don’t know.” I swallow. “But, honestly, I just want you, Ollie.”
He doesn’t answer right away. I worry he might not want that, either. And then worry fills me. “But if you don’t...”
Then he turns his head, presses his forehead to mine, and smiles in that steady way that makes me feel like nothing’s impossible.
“I want to give you the world, Poppy,” he says. “I’m going to give you every single thing on that list and more. You shouldhave what you want, and I’m going to do everything to make that happen.”
He cups my chin and pulls me to him, his lips warm and solid on mine. He kisses me so tenderly and softly like he’s sealing it with a kiss like a promise. And I love it. I love him.
The sleigh keeps moving. Snow falls slowly and quietly around us.
And for the first time, the future doesn’t scare me. It feels like something I can reach for and be excited for. Not waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because even if something else comes our way, we’ve proven we can make it through anything.
Chapter 32
Ollie
Buy Dirt by Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan
The day starts like any other shift, which means it doesn’t start calm at all. Lately, we’ve had a lot of calls. Mostly tourists driving through that don’t know how to drive in snowy weather, and they underestimate Wyoming winds.
“You’re smiling again,” Bucky says. “That baby’s got you soft.”
I don’t bother denying it. I just grin like an idiot and nod. “She’s perfect, man.”
Bucky nods. “Yeah, she is.”
Ellie’s picture is still open on my phone from earlier. Poppy sent it while I was resetting all the equipment. Ellie’s swaddled in Poppy’s arms, blinking at the camera, and Owen’s arm is slung protectively around her like it’s his job. Because it is, since he’s her big brother. Even the dog was next to them for the picture. Everything I care about fits onone screen now.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s been exhausting, but in the best possible way,” I say.
Bucky snorts. “You were made for this role, Ollie. I don’t know anyone more of a family man than you.”
Those words mean more than anything anyone has ever told me. Because I didn’t think I could have this or want this. I thought family was something that other people had. Or something you make with people you choose or who choose you. And here I am, making my own most unconventionally, yet making it right beside the woman I love.
Before I can respond, the bay doors start rattling. Not the usual sound either, like a truck rolling by too fast. This is heavier and deeper. Noises that aren’t supposed to be here.
The room stills and every head turns toward the doors.
I feel it in my chest before I see them. Bikes. Several of them, big and loud. Parked right out front in the parking spaces like they’re daring someone to come outside and say something. The kind of presence that doesn’t belong at a firehouse.
“What the hell?” someone mutters.
My jaw locks because I already know why they’re here. “I’ll handle it,” I say as I shrug on my hat and coat, pulling on my gloves.
Bucky steps closer. “Ollie.”
“I’ve got it,” I repeat and walk out before anyone can stop me.
Cold air hits my face. One of the men steps forward, older than the rest, gray in his beard and eyes sharp but not cruel.
“Ollie Kendrick,” he says with a wave. “We’re looking for you.”
“You shouldn’t be here. This is my work,” I say and nod down the street to the shop. “And that’s my home.”
The older guy lifts his hands slightly. “Name’s Jonesy.Grave sent me to talk. I think you might have us misunderstood.”
I laugh without humor. “That’s not possible.”
