“I’ll have Becca drop Poppy off tomorrow and then I can come grab her after my shift.”
“I need to head into town, so I’ll drop her off at the diner.”
“I appreciate it, Kade.”
“Hey.” I grab her elbow, not letting her leave quite yet. “Thankyou.I know this whole situation is weird, but…thank you for letting me have this time getting to know Poppy.”
It looks like she wants to say something, her mouth opening and closing, but then she shuts it and leaves.
Damn. I don’t know what she wanted to say, but I wish I could have made her stay. It’s the first time I’ve wanted that since being back home.
As much as I want to focus on Presley, between my job in Seattle, the ranch, and now Poppy, I don’t know where I’d find the time.
But I’m in Pinecrest. I’m here. Sure, the ranch brought me back to town, but Poppy and Presley? The only way I can work things out with them is by staying here.
It pulls a smile to my face. I guess it’s something I don’t mind as much as I thought I did. Getting to see Presleymore?
I’ll take whatever I can get.
Chapter Sixteen
PRESLEY
Tapping the screen on my phone, I check the time again. Ten minutes late. Kade was supposed to be here right at five, but they’re late.
When it comes to Poppy, I’m not the most patient of people. It takes a lot for me to trust her with other people, and there aren’t many who qualify. I want Kade to be one of them since he’s her father, but it’s hard.
God, is it ever hard to trust your kid with others.
Before I can send out a search party, the chime above the door tinkles and she bursts inside, Kade strutting behind her.
“Mom!” Poppy spots me, dashing into the diner. “We had so much fun today. Kade took me hiking.”
“What?” I gasp. “That sounds like so much fun.”
She pushes the wisps of hair out of her face. “He showed me the state tree and they smell like vanilla!”
“Wow. That is so cool.”
“They were so big.”
“Are you excited that you get to spend time at the ranch?”
She nods. “I love it. Kade is super fun.”
The man in question smiles behind her.
“I’m glad you had a good time. Why don’t you go tell Betty about your day so I can talk to Kade?”
“Okay.”
“Make sure to check that no one is coming out of the kitchen.”
She darts off, leaving Kade and me alone.
“How did things go?” I ask as I motion him over to sit in an empty booth.
“Good. Sorry we’re late. Poppy wanted to feed Lollipop before we left.”
