“Boone likes Amelia and wants to marry her.”
Kade turns to look at Poppy. “There’s not anyone in school that you want to marry, is there? You’re too young.”
“I’m five.” She takes another bite, this time chewing before answering. “I don’t like anyone. Boys are silly.”
“That’s right.” Kade lets out a breath.
“But do you like my mom like Boone likes Amelia?”
“Would that be okay if I did?”
A pensive look washes over her face.
Oh God, what if Poppy isn’t on board with the idea? I don’t want to do anything to upend her life again. Leaving Paul was one thing. And at some point I will have to drop the bomb that Kade is her dad. Throw in me dating him, and I don’t know what she’ll think.
“I think so. As long as you keep taking us on horse rides.”
“Is that it?” Kade asks her.
“And fishing!” She points a finger at him. “I want to go fishing again. Maybe with Mom too.”
Kade turns to look at me. “I think I can do that, Pop.”
“Then you can like my mom.”
“Do I get a say in this?” I ask, popping a banana slice in my mouth.
“Do you like Kade?” Poppy asks. “I like Kade, so you should like Kade.”
“Yeah, Pres. You should like me because your daughter does. She has good taste.”
I burst out laughing. “I can’t with you two.”
“It’s a good thing you love us.”
“I onlylikeyou.”
“That’s it?” Kade waggles his brows at me.
“Right now? Yes.”
“Can I go stick my feet in the water?” Poppy interrupts.
“Yes, but stay by the shore where we can see you,” I say.
“I will.”
She runs the few feet to the lake, pulling off her boots and sticking her feet in.
Kade bumps my elbow with his. “You really only like me?”
“What would you say if Ilikelike you?”
Kade tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, brushing his fingers down my jaw before cupping my chin in his hands.
“I’d say Ilikelike you too.”
I press a quick kiss to his lips, not wanting wandering eyes to see.
