Poppy laughed, a squeal really, and I kicked Rusty into a walk. I held on to her tightly as I watched Quinn and Stetson get smaller and smaller as they made their way to the lake. And Poppy and I just enjoyed the view.
She began to babble:baba, mama, wah-wah, dada,and I would respond:Really, tell me all about it, that’s the coolest thing I ever heard Poppy Girl,and by the time we made it to the lake, she and I had a whole conversation. She saidwah-wahmore than any other babble, and each time it pulled at my heartstrings. I knew it wasn’t for me, that she hadn’t made that association just yet, but I could pretend and still soak it in. I never thought about having kids, but Poppy was making it quite hard not to imagine it later down the line. Especially if it was with the woman who was standing next to my nephew, her hands on her cocked hips, her hair wind-blown, and the sexiest smirk on her lips, watching me slowly walk up on Rusty.
“I thought you said you were a fantastic rider?” she mocked.
“I’m holding precious cargo.” I tickled Poppy’s stomach, and she gave me another giggle.
“Here, I got her.” Quinn held out her arms, taking Poppy from me as I dismounted so I could lead Rusty over to the other horses. “You know,” Quinn said the moment I got to her side. “I’ve lived in Alpine Ridge for seven months now. I’ve ridden all over the ranch, and I’m still taken with how beautiful it is. It’s gorgeous in the winter, it’s perfect in the spring. Summer is to die for…I can’t wait to see the fall.”
“It turns orange.” Stetson reached out, taking Poppy from Quinn. “Every tree.” He kept talking as he took Poppy to the edge of the water.
“Hey, be careful. Riding is one thing, but let’s stay away from the water, okay?” I told him.
Quinn slid her hands on my arm, tugging me close to her. “You really do have a beautiful home, Wyatt. I don’t think you know how lucky you are.”
I kissed her temple, keeping a close eye on Stetson and Poppy. “I am now that I have you. Before it was just okay.”
She slapped my chest. “I’m serious. This is all yours.”
“Well, five percent of it.”
“Five percent?”
I nodded. “Yep. Lachlan has fifty, since his dad owned half. He got it when his dad died. Rhett has forty. Abi and I both have five.”
“That’s an odd way to split it up.”
“I don’t want more than that. I would have taken less if my dad hadn't mentioned building a house at some point.” I shrugged the arm Quinn was holding, forcing her to let go. She didn’t step away, most likely knowing what I was planning on doing next. Ever since we first kissed, she could predict my moves, so when she leaned into me, letting me slip my arm around her shoulders. It felt more natural than anything. “Eventually, the two hundred and fifty acres that have my name on them will have something attached to them. Even if it’s a small house, so I don’t have to live in the bunkhouse anymore.”
“But you love the bunkhouse,” she teased.
“Sure, all two hundred square feet of it,” I replied, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
“Oh, it’s bigger than that.”
I laughed. “I’ve never counted.”
“Two hundred and fifty acres, huh?” She rested her head against my arm. “I could think of a lot to do with two hundred and fifty acres.”
It was dark by the time we arrived back at the stables. Poppy was already asleep on my shoulder as I led Rusty into his stall. Quinn gently took the sleeping baby from me to let me dismount, handing her right back the second my feet touched the ground. Poppy whimpered and curled her fists around my shirt.
“She still hasn’t had a bottle,” I whispered to Quinn.
Quinn rubbed Poppy’s back and then reached up to give me a chaste kiss. “I got Stetson if you want to take her to Kyla’s. We’ll do a night check.”
“Meet me in the bunkhouse?” I asked, leaning closer to her.
She nodded, awarding me with one last kiss.
“Uncle Wyatt.” We stopped and both looked to the front of the stall where Stetson stood with his arms across his chest. “I told you not to fall in love with her.”
Quinn barked out a laugh, but then stopped the moment Poppy stirred, slapping her hand over her mouth. “Ope.” She bit her bottom lip and widened her eyes. “I got him, you go put the baby to sleep.”
I shook my head at Stetson, sticking my tongue out as I passed him.
Poppy woke up the moment I walked into the cabin, getting fussy as I changed her and found pajamas. I gave her a bottle, and she settled, falling right back asleep in my arms. I swayed as she got comfortable, the same Shania Twain song filling the dark space around us, then slowly set her down in the crib. Last time I was here, I used Poppy as a sounding board, heartbroken after being turned down by Quinn. Now, I was here, and my heart was so full it could burst, knowing she was waiting for me and that she was mine.
“Hey, Poppy Girl,” I whispered. “I was wrong…fall in love, okay? Find that person and do not give up on them.”
