“How are you settling in?” Annabeth asked. “Not too quiet a life?”
Poppy shook her head. “I like it, honestly. I know it’s better for Rowdy, too.”
“Added bonus is having his dad close,” Ryder jumped in. “Where is he?”
“Archer’s probably kept him late.” Renata arrived, leaning in to hug them each. “Looks like a great turnout, Poppy.”
“I can’t get over this place,” Annabeth agreed. “Last time I was in here I was afraid I’d go through the floor.”
Poppy nodded. “There was some wood rot, plumbing issues, some wiring issues...but I think it’s turned out...perfect.” She was proud of the place and the work she’d done to make it just right. “Now it’s time to fix up the homestead.”
Ryder nodded. “The Travis place was creaky a few years back. But the land...”
She nodded. “I’ve never seen more beautiful country,” she agreed. “I can work with the house.”
“I can help,” Ryder offered. “Since we’re family and all.”
Annabeth nodded. “You should have seen our place, Poppy. But Ryder—” the look of pure adoration she sent her husband made Poppy smile, though she was more than a little envious “—made my dreams come true.”
“Course I did.” Ryder took her hand.
Poppy laughed with the other women, her attention wandering around the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. It warmed her through that these people had come out to welcome her and recognized the time and effort she’d put into turning the shop into something special.
The door opened, catching her eye. Toben walked in, all starched and pressed and so handsome her lungs emptied. His blue gaze found hers, his answering smile downright dangerous.
“About time,” Ryder said.
Toben nodded. “Had to get cleaned up. And pick up Tandy.”
Poppy stared at the woman who’d come in with him. The woman stared right back. She looked a lot like Toben, bright blue eyes and a winning smile. But Tandy seemed calm, a word she’d never use to describe Toben.
“Archer working you like a dog?” Ryder laughed.
“No picking on Archer, you two.” Renata sighed. ?
??How’s it going? Mr. Foreman?”
She was acutely aware of Toben coming to her side, standing close before he answered. “Pretty damn good.” He smiled at her. “Looks like a nice turnout.”
She nodded, fully aware all eyes were on them.
“Poppy, this is my sister, Tandy.” He nodded at his twin. “Tandy, this is Poppy.”
Tandy enveloped her in a hug. And for some reason, Poppy wanted to cry.
“I’m glad to meet you, Poppy.” Tandy kept on hugging her. “So glad.”
“You, too,” she managed, hugging the woman back.
“Where’s Rowdy?” Toben asked.
Tandy stepped back, her expression mirroring one she’d seen on her boy’s face so many times. She was excited—and nervous.
“He’s upstairs with Cody,” Poppy said.
“I’ll take her?” Toben asked.
Poppy nodded, not wanting to overwhelm Rowdy. She blinked, willing the sting of tears away. She wasn’t one for tears. Especially when she was in a room full of professionals. And people who had claimed her as family—even though she wasn’t. Maybe that was it. This sort of love and support didn’t exist in her world.