Presley is watching from the kitchen, a smile on her face.
“You didn’t have to get her something,” Presley says, wrapping me in her arms.
“I know, but I felt bad for her. It wasn’t her fault.”
“It looks like everything has cleared up.”
Her fingers ghost over my cheeks. My eyes close as I lean into her touch. I don’t know how I lived without her for so long. Or how I can live without her again.
“I’m fine.”
Presley peers over my shoulder before giving me a quick kiss. “I’m glad.”
“Is it time to eat?” Poppy asks.
Jumping back from Presley, I knock my knee into the cabinet and wince from pain. Jesus. Today is not my day.
I don’t think Poppy saw because she’s currently setting up Lollipop and Strawberry on the table to eat with her.
“I’ve got the good macaroni, broccoli, and fries,” Presley says.
“I don’t like broccoli,” Poppy whines.
“You have to eat a vegetable, Pop.”
“But I don’t want to.”
“You know who likes vegetables?” I interject, grabbing the plates and walking over to the table.
“Who?”
“Lollipop. Carrots are her favorite.”
“But that’s carrots,” Poppy says.
“You need to eat them if you want to ride horses. Get big and strong,” I tell her.
She sighs. A long-suffering sigh that only a kid can give you. “I guess.”
Poppy stabs a fork into a piece and eats it, a begrudging look on her face.
“At least she’s eating her veggies,” Presley whispers. “She usually gives me more grief.”
I smile at her. “Guess she likes me more.”
“You’re a likable guy.”
I wish I could pull her into my arms and kiss her. But straying eyes from the table might spot us, and I don’t want to have to explain to Poppy what our relationship is.
I know Presley isn’t ready for that either. But that’s okay. Because I’m content with what we have right now.
“Do you want broccoli with your macaroni?” Presley asks, pressing my plate into my hands. “You get the choice.”
“There’s no strawberries in it,” Poppy’s voice chimes in.
“Thanks for looking out for me.”
I grab both plates and head into the dining room and take a seat next to my daughter. Presley sits on the other side of her.
