Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Peeking up, I say, “She makes me feel whole. Eh, I know . . .” I chuckle, shaking my head. This isn’t just to anyone. It’s admitting it to my dad and one of my best friends. He’s always got my back. “I haven’t felt like that in a long time.”
Reaching over, he grabs my shoulder and gives me another solid squeeze. “Love is funny like that. Kind of chews you up and spits you out sideways, changing you in ways that can be challenging to your comfort zone. But isn’t that the beauty of it? If we stayed in our comfort zones, we might as well travel this journey on our own.”
“I keep thinking it’s because of my age.”
“It’s not. It’s here. She’s the difference, hence different,” he says, looping back to his opener. I’m not always as quick as he is with the greater picture of our place in this universe, but I imagine wisdom comes with age. I sure hope so. “You’ve spent the past few years cleaning up messes you left all over the place, Laird. Sounds like you somehow still ended up right where—”
“I’m supposed to be.” I nod. “I told Poppy that recently.”
“Truth is found in the proof. You’re changing. That means growth in new ways.” His eyes track across the pool again. “This relationship looks good on you. You look healthy. Body, mind, and soul, my son.” He was born a little late to be called a hippie, but he’d fit right in. He’s my dad, and he is respected in his industry and has done well despite appearing to be laid-back most of the time. He says that’s what helped him. He’ll always be a Southern California surfer at heart.
“I am. Body, mind, and soul.”
I pat his back and return that shoulder squeeze. “Thanks, Dad.”
“I’m only a phone call away. You know that. With just a short drive, we can hit the waves anytime and talk through any troubles.”
“You don’t have to worry about me anymore. Your job here is done—not because I found Poppy but because I finally found myself again.” I catch Poppy sticking out her tongue and twisting her face at me.
So fucking adorable.
At home with my family.
Can it get any better than this?
“I think your mom approves.”
I chuckle. “The lady waving frantically at us?” I joke as if we can’t see her gesturing us over.
“That would be the one.” We walk over to join them.
Grabbing my hand as soon as I approach, my mom says, “You’re not going to believe this, Laird.”
Poppy’s smile kind of says it all as she tries to hide it behind a glass of wine. What are these two up to? This should be good. Restraining my grin in response is impossible. The sight of my mom and my girl bonding so easily, like they’re fast friends, causes a knot in my chest. The good kind that doesn’t need to be broken. Maybe it’s my heart.
I ask, “What am I not going to believe?”
Presenting Poppy like a new car, my mom says, “Poppy was prom queen.”
My gaze darts to my girlfriend. Interesting. “I’m not surprised. She’s beautiful.” Inside and out would make me sound like a lovesick puppy, but it’s true. I’m more drawn to who she is, her laughter, and her smile than outward appearances. She just happens to be the full package for me, custom-made to attract me like a bee to her honey.
Clasping her hands together, she holds them in front of her. I’m not sure that Poppy knows where she’s going with this, but I do. I will let this play out and let my mom have her fun.
Her mini, my sister, comes over with Autumn on her hip. “What’s all the excitement about?”
My niece is already reaching for me, her favorite uncle. She’s stinkin’ cute and loves her uncle Laird. Though the competition for best uncle is fierce when the Crow Brothers are also competing for the title.
Nikki stuck with Crow tradition the best they could. Those two . . . apparently couldn’t figure out where she was conceived on our last tour because they were doing it so much. I’d punch his lights out if they weren’t married.
They went with the season instead. With her blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair, Autumn suits her.
Poppy comes around the group, greeting Autumn with the most infectious smile I’ve ever seen. Maybe the last of the sun’s rays are getting in my eyes, but I can see her smiling at our child one day. Luckiest kid in the world to have her as their mom.
The results of the paternity test shocked me, but I was relieved more than anything else. The loss changes forms. It was never about having kids. It was about having kids with Poppy. Almost three years together if it weren’t for the accident. Would we have kids by now?