“I don’t want to be right side up, Poppy. I love this crazy, amazing feeling that only you bring me.”
Her focus turns to the far wall, as if addressing someone who isn’t there. “I don’t know why she brought me here. I can’t do it.”
“You know exactly why Merry brought you here. You can do it. You are doing it. Sunshine, it’s one day at a time. Every day I feel like I’m messing up. But once in a while I get glimpses that I’m doing okay.”
“You’re an amazing man.”
“Made more amazing by this woman in front of me.”
Her face contorts as the sobs overtake her. “I almost lost them, Dylan. It’s safer if I go. I know you don’t understand.”
“Screw safe. I’ve been safe the last ten years. I want you. All the chaos and emotions and passion. Don’t take that from me.”
Her hand reaches up, stroking along my beard, and I lean into her caress. “I’ll always be with you. But I can’t stay in Yuletide. What happened at the river isn’t the only reason. Trust me when I say this is best for everyone.”
My anger breaks free, bubbling to the surface. “Trust me, when I say that it’s not best for anyone. If you knew you were leaving, why did you get so close to my daughter? To me? Why bother? To get even with me for leaving you a decade ago? Is that it?”
Her jaw quivers as a fresh wave of tears streams down her face. She doesn’t need any additional stress, but I’m in full-fledged panic mode at her admission. I grasp her upper arms, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Ouch, Dylan.”
I immediately retract my hands as she gingerly pats her right arm. “I’m sorry, Poppy. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I run my hand over my head, wracking my brain for answers. “Let me speak with the doctor about getting you released.” I hold up my hand, stopping her argument. “No matter your final decision, you’re spending the night at my house. Save your arguments.”
I burst through the curtain, marching toward my mother, who is conversing with the local doctor. “When will Poppy be discharged?” I bark, earning wide-eyed glances from my mother and the young resident.
“In just about twenty minutes. Nothing is broken, and there’s no evidence of a concussion. Just keep an eye on her. My biggest concern now is pneumonia from the cold water. I’ll go make up the paperwork now.” With a final nod, he walks away, leaving my mother to glare at me.
“I know you’re upset, Dylan, but that’s no excuse for a lack of manners.”
“She’s leaving.”
“I know. She’s getting discharged.”
“No. She’s leaving Yuletide Acres. She just told me.”
Her eyes widen in shock. “What? I thought you two were—”
“Me, too, Mom.”
She lays her hand on my arm. “It’s been a really trying day. Likely she’s just being reactive. I know Poppy blames herself for us falling in the river. It’s ridiculous, but she thinks if she hadn’t invited us, we would have been safe. A woman’s brain works in a myriad of ways, examining every option. Not all of them good. Let’s get her home and rested. I’m sure she’s going to change her mind. Until then, check your temper and show her some compassion. She damn near died today.”
I nod, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me. “I got so angry at the idea of her leaving us. Leaving me.”
“Then give her all the reasons she should stay.”
She’s still quiet, but at least Poppy seems calmer after some soup and a hot bath. Now, she’s dozing on the couch by the fire. I’m not sure if it’s the painkillers or the weight of the day, but she’s out like a light.
I pull my mother and daughter into the kitchen. It’s time for a serious family chat. Plopping Marissa onto the counter, I pull a box from my jacket pocket.
“What’s that, Daddy?”
“Marissa, do you like Poppy?”
“I love her.”
“Would you like her to be around all the time?”
My daughter nods, clutching her stuffed bear. “Will Paddington and Mr. Whiskers be around, too?”
I nod, forcing a smile. “Absolutely. Can’t have one without the other.”
“What are you planning?” my mother inquires, her gaze volleying between me and the jewelry box.
I flip open the box, chuckling at my daughter’s gasp. “It’s pretty, right?”
“It’s beautiful. So sparkly. Like a diamond.”
“It is a diamond, Cupcake. When a man loves a woman, he gives her a diamond ring and asks her to spend her life by his side. I want to ask Poppy to spend her life with us. But I need to know if that’s okay with you.”
My daughter’s brown eyes widen as a smile breaks across her face. “She’ll be my Mom?”
I blink back tears, equally terrified and excited at Poppy’s answer. “You’ll always have your mom in heaven, but I want her to be your mom here. The thing is, I have to ask Poppy first and I don’t know if she’ll say yes. So, we need to let her know how much we love her. Okay? You can’t say anything about the ring. It’s a surprise.”
“Hi,” Poppy says from the doorway and three sets of eyes swing in her direction. “I just wanted some water. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t,” I reassure her, making a quiet gesture to Marissa. “Just a family meeting.”
Poppy has so many smiles, but this one breaks my heart. It screams of desolation. “Of course. Goodnight, everyone.”
“Poppy?” Marissa calls out, stretching out her arms. “Can I have a hug first?”
“Always.” My Sunshine Girl closes the gap between them, pulling Marissa into an embrace. “Goodnight, sweet girl.”
“Goodnight. I love you.”
Tears sparkle in Poppy’s eyes as she brushes a few stray hairs from my daughter’s face. “And I love you. Say goodnight to Paddington and Mr. Whiskers for me.”
I practically have to pry Marissa from Poppy’s side, and I can’t fathom the heartache my daughter is going to endure when Poppy leaves. If Poppy leaves.
Now I just have to convince her to stay.
Chapter 17
Poppy
I stare out the window, searching for answers that aren’t coming. Tears stream down my cheeks as my mind replays Marissa’s warm hug. Her words of love.
I don’t want to leave her. In just a few short weeks, she’s become my family. As close as I have to one, anyway.
But she almost died today, while in my care. I failed Dylan when he entrusted his most precious possession to me, and no matter how anyone spins it, I’m no hero.
Just like everyone else in my life, the universe threatened to rip her from my grasp.
I will miss her. I will miss Dylan. I know that he’s my true love, but we are as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet.
My bedroom door creaks open and Dylan steps inside, latching the lock behind him. “We have a new bed, Poppy. Shouldn’t we try it out?”
I feign a smile, plopping onto the guest bed. “I’m okay here.”