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“Jealous as fuck, man. Enjoy it. I don’t even know what it’s like to have Darby alone.”
“Maybe you should slow the baby machine.”
“I may give Darby a break after number three.”
I’ll regret asking, but I do it anyway, “Why number three?”
“All part of my plan to make sure she’s stuck with me. I thought I had this parenting thing down pat after fourteen years, but Darby blows my ass out of the water. She’s a fucking pro. Even the thought of two babies doesn’t rattle her. Some days, I wonder if I can keep up. I figure with baby number three in the mix, she’ll realize how much she needs me and will overlook how I’ll never be good enough for her.”
I drop my neck back and roll my eyes to the ceiling. “You are full of bullshit.”
“Seriously, she’s your sister, but you don’t know what it’s like to look at her and wonder how I lived without her.”
Poppy’s face pops into my head. “I can relate to that feeling.”
“Figured you could.”
“When we get back, give me my week and we’ll take all the kids and Runner for a weekend.”
“That’s a lot with Poppy’s condition.”
“You’ll see that won’t be a problem. I have to remind her about limitations.”
“Can’t wait to see for myself.”
“Pierce,” my mood grows serious, “you sure you’re okay with this? I’ll transfer the funds tomorrow so you don’t take a hit.”
After Dr. Rexwell’s last appointment, I worked on a way to get Poppy back to Charleston. Flying first class was an option, but Darby didn’t like it. She has a lot of pull with upper-management and requested to use the Brasher company jet. Brasher had no problem with our offer to exchange for a month’s free rent on her bakery. Pierce agreed without my knowledge and they set it up. Darby went straight to Poppy because she knew I’d disagree. They conspired and I lost.
I objected but gave in when Poppy explained Ryanne and Dante could fly with us, and Ryanne could finally meet everyone in Charleston. Her excitement sealed the deal. A month’s rent won’t hurt us, but knowing he’s losing money didn’t sit well.
“You insult me like that again, we’ve got a problem,” he snaps. “I don’t give one shit about that money if it means we get you back here.”
“Thanks, man, I owe you.”
“The fuck you do. The family is so goddamn eager, I won’t be surprised if Annie plans a parade.” Devin giggles loudly, agreeing with his dad.
My lips curl at the sound of him. “You hear wind of a parade, shut it down.”
“Not getting in the middle of that.”
I change the subject. “Did you talk to Warren and Miller about the renovation?”
“We’re ready when you give us direction.”
“I’m bringing Dante in on Saturday. He’ll help.”
“I’m all about surprises, but you sure you don’t want to bring your wife into this?”
“She’ll know soon.”
“Going to be hard to keep this secret when you’re living in town. People talk. That building is prime real estate.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“Another thing before we go. Hate to bring it up, especially with the situation, but you should know—Stephanie’s pregnant.”
My stomach twists. “That’s great, man. Darby is probably ecstatic.”
“She is, but she’s concerned about how you and Poppy will feel.”
“She shouldn’t be. No one needs to tip-toe or worry. Poppy will be excited for Stephanie and Todd. Our time will come.”
“Let’s hope it comes soon.”
“Poppy’s call, I’m game. My guess is she’ll want to walk on her own first.”
“You aren’t getting any younger and there’s some catching up to do.”
Devin babbles, sounding irritated. “Even my nephew wants you to stop riding my ass.”
“Nah, that was him fighting for the phone.”
“Get him to sleep. I’ll call tomorrow.”
“Got it. Have a good night.” There’s a loud squeal right before the line goes dead.
Poppy’s in the same position when I slip in beside her.
“Was that Pierce?” she asks sleepily, winding back over me.
“Yes, everything’s all set for Friday.”
“Did he take your offer to pay?”
“Nope.”
“Didn’t think he would.”
“Go back to sleep.” I twirl my fingers through her hair, wondering if she’s fully awake or her words are drowsy babble.
“I want to get well and dance on a stage again. Just one more time to prove it can be done.”
My chest and stomach seize at her admission. This is one thing I have no control over. “Poppy, I can’t—”
“Shhh,” she semi-slurs.
On instinct, my arms contract around her, and my adrenaline spikes. Her breathing shallows back as she sleeps.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” I whisper in the dark, determined to move mountains to get her back in that place.
Chapter 30
Poppy
“I thought I understood, but now I get it.” Ryanne stares across the water.
“Told you it was amazing.”
“I forgot about the beauty of the south.”
“When I first started on my own in Charlotte, it was hard. I was filled with self-doubt. Every morning, Evin would call me, sitting right here, drinking coffee, and listen to my rambling. He would pipe in with his opinions, but mostly he’d listen, always calm and steady. After my business plan saw success, our calls turned more advisory. But they were mostly while he sat here in his favorite place,” Darby relays with melancholy in her voice.
