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“It’s Branch,” I say.
“Go take it. I’ll get her to sleep.”
I press another kiss to her lips, unable to help myself, before slipping out of the room.
“Hey,” I say, moving to my bedroom.
“Hey, man.” He sighs, the day’s exhaustion evident in his tone. “How’s my girl?”
“Poppy is with her, putting her to bed. But she’s been a little angel. Only asked for her mom approximately eighty-six times.”
He chuckles. “Sounds about right.”
I sit on the edge of my bed. “How are you? How’s your dad?”
“We’re waiting on our rental car now. I checked in with Mom, and he’s stable at the moment, but they have him in intensive care. He had another small heart attack during the transfer to Nashville. But he seems to be hanging in there.”
Thank God. “I’m glad to hear that. Do you need anything? What can I do to help?”
“You’re already doing more than you know.” He sighs. “I’m not sure I thanked you for stepping up with Sunny like this. You have no idea how much it helps knowing she’s with you and Poppy.”
You and Poppy. I like the sound of that.
“It’s been fun.” Until the last hour. “We sent you and Lay some pictures and videos at dinner. Don’t know if you’ve seen them yet.”
“I haven’t, but I think Layla did. She was tearing up at her phone when we got off the plane, so I figured that was why.”
I smile. “If you guys need anything, give us a call.”
“We will. Tell Pop thanks, too, please.”
A chuckle that needs no explanation passes my lips. “I’ll thank her very thoroughly.”
“Bet you fucking will.” He laughs half-heartedly. “Okay, we’re up next. Gotta go. Keep my baby safe.”
“I’ll protect her with my life.”
“I know you will. Later.”
He ends the call.
I toss my phone on the bed and listen … to nothing. Silence. No baby crying, no Poppy shushing, no rustling coming from across the hall.
Thank. Fuck.
I stand and tiptoe across the hallway and peer into the guest room. Poppy is bent over the edge of the playpen, my shirt barely covering the bottom of her ass.
My cock throbs so fucking hard, and I grip the doorframe so tightly that the wood protests. Poppy leans back slowly before turning to face me. There’s a wicked smile on her lips that matches the twinkle in her eye.
I step back, my heart pounding, and motion for her to come to me.
She bites her lip, slinks out of the room, and gently closes the door behind her.
The soft click is followed by a sigh from both of us. Poppy pivots, facing me, her cheeks already flushed.
“What are you waiting for?” I ask, walking backward into my room with a smirk. “Get over here.”
She giggles, jumping to me, her legs wrapping around my waist in one smooth movement.
