“You call me if you need anything, no matter what time of day or night it is.” I can tell it’s not a suggestion, it’s a clear instruction that he expects followed. “Even if it’s to get up during the night and you can’t get out of bed on your own. I don’t want your mother hurting her back trying to lift you.”
“Wow, nice way of telling me I weigh a lot.” I’m trying to joke around, which is what I do sometimes when I feel pushed to talk about my feelings.
“I’ve carried you a few times now, so you know that’s not true,” Landon replies, still in a serious tone. “Don’t talk negatively about yourself, Poppy, I won’t allow it.”
A warm feeling starts flooding my heart. Landon thinks more of me than I think of myself.
“Landon. Thank you… for everything.” I gulp mid-sentence. I want to say more, oh so much more, but I’m stuck for words.
“I’m glad you called me. You need me and I’ll be here. No matter what happens in your life.” He hesitates. “You’re important to me, Poppy, I hope you know that.”
Not giving me time to answer, he leans down and his lips land on mine.
Finally!
So soft and tender, he brings my lips to life. His hand slips around the back of my head as I tilt up for him. It always feels so magical when his fingers are in my hair, slowly caressing me, while my brain shoots fireworks of excitement in my head.
I grab hold of his shirt, wanting more. But it’s too late. Landon pulls away from me, leaving me panting because he took the air out of me.
“See you tomorrow, we’ll talk then.” He stands, turns, and walks out of the room.
He doesn’t look back. Doesn’t say any more.
Just leaves me here, wondering where the hell we stand.
It’s too much for me to take right now.
I lay my head on the back of the couch and just wish the world would stop spinning and let me off. There’s too much change to process at once, and I’m barely managing to hang on right now.
What even is my life this last week! I’m so confused.
Chapter Thirteen
LANDON
Standing outside on the front porch, I quietly open the front door with my key. Just inside the door, I slip off my smelly socks and shoes that I’ve been wearing for days to let my feet finally breathe. I brace myself for the onslaught that’s about to occur. Taking hold of the door that’s still open, I deliberately slam it shut to see the reaction I get.
“Daaaaaaaad.” I hear my name being screeched from the top of their lungs. The boys run screaming down the hallway the moment they hear the front door close.
Throwing my bag in through my open bedroom door as I walk past, I drop to my knees, arms out ready to catch them as they launch themselves at me. Nash and Kade’s arms are open wide, and the biggest smiles are plastered on their faces.
“Now that’s the kind of welcome home I’m talking about.” I start laughing as I bury my head between theirs and take a deep breath.
I now understand in the animal world, how the parents communicate with their sense of smell. It’s like the moment Idraw their scent into my body with my lung-filling breath, my protective parent soul can finally rest. These are my little cubs, and I need to be close to them, even just for a minute, to reassure myself that they’re fine. I’m home, Poppy’s safely next door, and my boys are happy to see me.
“I missed you, Daddy,” Nash whispers in my right ear, followed by the slightest little sniff, his tears releasing the emotion he’s been holding in since I left. I’m sure it’s a big thing the first time your parent leaves you for more than a night.
In my other ear, it’s the polar opposite. Kade is already talking nonstop about everything he’s been doing while I was away.
But I don’t mind. He can talk as much as he likes.
Because strangely enough, I missed the constant chatter. Give me an hour and I highly doubt I’ll still be feeling that.
“I missed you guys so much.” I squeeze them tighter than I realize.
“Daddy, you’re squishing me.” Kade starts squirming to get away from the hug. Releasing them from my arms, I push back up to standing and ruffle the hair on the tops of their heads. I see Felix farther down the hallway, leaning against the wall and smiling at us.
“Hey, Felix,” I say as I start walking toward him.
