I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it, let alone my bank account.
Things back home in Seattle really are easy. I mean a few problems here and there are easy to take care of. Is this a sign that I really should be going back home?
Except…I don’t want to leave Presley and Poppy. Every time the three of us are together, it feels like we’re a family. I only just got them back. Going back and forth between Seattle and Pinecrest? It’s not going to be easy. Sure, closing more deals back home will help with money for the ranch, but the travel will deplete my funds.
At this point, Poppy doesn’t even know I’m her father. I don’t know when Presley will be ready to tell her, but I want her to know.
I squeeze my hands around the steering wheel, getting ready to leave, but my hand aches.
God, I really wish things were easier here. That we didn’t have to deal with Paul, her father’s estate, and telling Poppy the truth.
I guess that’s life. Nothing is easy.
Especially when it comes to the woman I love.
Chapter Thirty-Two
KADE
“We’ve only got three guest rooms left,” Reenie says. “Seventeen, twenty, and twenty-two.”
Leaning against the doorjamb in seventeen, I take in the gutted room. It pains me that we’re taking it down to the studs, but it needs to be done.
Presley and I can’t keep it for our own secret sex den.
“Things have really turned around here.”
The hallway smells of fresh paint and is now well-lit. The windows at each end of the hall let in the bright sunshine.
“I barely recognize the place,” Reenie says. “You’re done a great job here, Kade.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She pins me with a fierce look. I have a feeling I know what is going to follow.
“Have you made any decision on if you’re staying?”
“That’s the million-dollar question.”
It’s all I’ve been thinking about. With things picking up at the ranch, we’re getting closer and closer to finishing things here. It means I haven’t been able to spend as much time with Presley and Poppy.
I miss them. More than I ever thought possible.
“Kade, you have guests,” Joey’s voice echoes over the radio.
“I’ll get the linens ready for our next guests coming in and talk to Rex about the tasting menu for them tonight.”
“Thanks, Reenie. I owe you a raise.”
“I’ll take it.” She beams at me.
Jogging down the stairs, I hear the happy voices that help soothe the tension in my aching body.
“Is Max here today?” Poppy asks.
“Sorry, sweetheart. He’s with my parents. But maybe you can come over and play with him this weekend. I miss your mom.”
“Can we, Mom?” Poppy asks. She’s bouncing up and down, in a bright orange coat, jeans, and her ever-present cowboy hat.
