“Yeah, yeah.”
That’s another subject that I’m going to figure out how to broach with them later. Telling them Poppy is my daughter. But considering we haven’t even told Poppy that I’m her dad, I can’t really tell them anything yet.
Rex greets us in the kitchen, showing us to the back tasting table. Waiters are bustling in and out, delivering trays of food.
It’s one thing that people are really liking. Sure, reviews are left on the rooms and the ranch as a whole, but right now? The biggest draw is the food.
Thank God Rex agreed to stay. Without him, I would have had to cut my losses and sell this place off.
He brings over small plates of some new dishes, explaining what they are. I don’t know that much about what he’s serving—all I know is they are fucking delicious.
“You know, it’s a good thing I don’t work here because I’d want to eat this all the time.” Grace wipes her mouth off, savoring the whipped brie.
“Pretty fucking thankful that I work outside all day to stay in shape.”
“As long as you’re eating.” Mom points her fork at me. “I still say you’re too skinny.”
“You worry too much, Mom,” I say. “I’m fine.”
“It’s a parent’s duty to worry about their child,” she huffs.
Her words hit differently than they ever have before. I’ve only known that Poppy is mine for a little while. And I would do anything for that girl. When I get her in the afternoons, I want to make sure she’s safe. Happy, but safe.
I want to ask her if the worrying ever stops. I have a feeling I know the answer, but it doesn’t make me want to ask her any less. Get her best parenting tips.
Whenever we do tell Poppy, and I can finally tell my mom and sister, I know they’ll love that little girl as much as I do.
“I’m going to go snag some dessert for us to take home,” Grace says.
I smile at her as she scoots out of the booth to go talk to Rex.
Mom aims a pensive look my direction. “You are happier than I’ve seen you in a long time.”
I poke the remaining food on my plate. “Some days yes, some days no.”
“Anything I can help with?”
“I just need to figure out things here and back in Seattle.”
“I hope Pinecrest wins out. Not that I don’t mind Seattle, but I like having you close by.”
“I know, Mom.”
“It’s your life and you don’t have to take us into consideration, but it’d be nice to have you home.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She finishes her dinner and I walk the two of them out, waving goodbye with the promise to stop by over the weekend for brunch.
These are things I didn’t have in Seattle. I would have gone back to the office at this point. Hell, I never would have left.
It’s not like I have great balance here, what with all my time spent fixing up the ranch, but I have more of a life here than I ever did in Seattle.
Maybe it’s not only about staying and fighting for this thing between me and Presley. Maybe it’s also about finding where I’m supposed to be. Until a clear picture comes to me, I feel like I’m stuck in limbo.
With the weight of too many people counting on me, I only hope I make the right choice.
Chapter Thirty
