They stay curled up until the night was black and only the fireflies and stars shed any light. The hoot of an owl, the distant snort of the horses and the whir of crickets put him at ease. She was happy. And he’d never been happier. Taking her to bed, he made sure every inch of her was screaming with happiness before he curled around her and slept.
The weekend was a blur. Poppy was getting ready for the grand opening and now that Archer had named him foreman, he was suddenly answering for a hell of a lot more than he’d expected. Sunday he fell asleep on the porch swing with Rowdy. And Monday Poppy had to shake him awake to get him to work on time.
He stumbled into the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee. Rowdy was making them toaster waffles while Poppy was on the porch, talking on the phone.
“Morning.” Toben ruffled his hair, squeezing his shoulder. As far as Rowdy knew, Toben was staying in the guest room so he could spend more time with him. Something Rowdy wholeheartedly approved of. And, technically, it was true. Toben kept a bag there. But not much else. “Who’s your mom talking to?” Toben asked, glancing at the clock. It was just after 6:00 a.m.
Rowdy shrugged. “Think it’s Mitchell. You want syrup?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get it.” He pulled the syrup from the pantry and set the table, trying not to worry about Poppy’s phone call.
Poppy came in as they were sitting down. “Morning.”
“Morning,” he said, wishing he could kiss her. He knew, deep down, she and Mitchell were just friends. But that didn’t stop him from being jealous.
She smiled at him. “I was telling Rowdy about the dogs at the hospital.”
Toben nodded, smiling. “Wanna go look?” he asked. “How about we head over there after I get off work? We can go after your ma’s grand opening.”
“Not too late?” Rowdy asked, his excitement barely contained.
Toben shook his head. “No, sir, I know people.”
“Sound good?” Poppy asked.
Rowdy nodded, smiling from ear to ear.
“What time do things get started tonight?” Toben asked.
“At six,” Poppy said. “Don’t feel like you have to be there.”
He glanced at her. “I don’t.”
“He wants to be there, Ma,” Rowdy offered.
“Yep,” Toben agreed, arching a brow at Poppy. His boy knew him well.
Poppy’s cheeks grew pink, her smile so sweet it took everything he had not to pull her up for a kiss. “Okay.”
He finished his waffles, washed his plate and grabbed his hat. “I’ll see you two tonight.”
“Bye, Dad. Have a good day.” Rowdy waved.
He caught sight of Poppy and winked. “It already is, Rowdy.”
Chapter Fourteen
Poppy tried to remember who was who. Cutter, the outspoken old man who owned the bar, was unforgettable. So were Carl and Lola. Though she could tell Lola was a gossip—well-meaning but a gossip all the same. She met the Johanssons from the diner, the bank manager, several of the volunteer firefighters, a few teachers, the town’s only lawyer and several Boones.
Annabeth Boone was the elementary school principal. A gorgeous woman married to an equally handsome man, Ryder Boone. Ryder owned the only garage in town. Not only did they welcome her with open arms, but their oldest boy, Cody, and Rowdy were instant friends.
“Can I take Cody up to the office?” Rowdy asked.
Poppy nodded. “Sure. Might be quieter up there.”
“And less grown-ups,” Rowdy added.
The upstairs apartment was still a work in progress. She had a desk set up, a sofa and television. The bathroom worked but the two bedrooms were used for storage. Rowdy kept a box of toys, books and blocks there for those days he was forced to stay late with her. Not that he ever complained.