Page 5 of Forever Focused

“What would you like to do? If you could do anything, what is at the forefront of Miss Poppy’s mind?”

“I’d like to travel and help people,” she admitted. “I want to see the world, talk to people, and experience everything.”

“Then do it.”

“How?”

“Well, you could see about getting your license to become a travel agent and help people make their plans. We could help you with charter flight discounts at Flyboys, and then you could also take some of the information to decide where you want to go. What do they call those people? Travel blobbers?”

“Oh my gosh, Glory…”

“Travel bloggers… with a ‘G,’” Poppy giggled, looking at the woman, who simply winked at her. “I suppose I could – and that might be interesting. I could start doing a few places locally and…”

“You could fly to Alaska with Uncle Lee next time he goes and do a piece on Juneau, see Lexi, and see the world.”

“The next time Madison and her daddy go up – you could go with them,” Glory volunteered easily, smiling. “Get some flyers made, some business cards, get with your Aunt Harley to help build you a website… and start the process to create, shape, and mold who Poppy Walters is.”

She stared at all of them, realizing they were right.

“What do I call it if I do something like this?”

“How about ‘Adventures in Love’ – or is that too cheesy? I mean, this is starting out as your chance to heal from your first big crush. Now you can learn to love other things, places, and people…”

“And maybe you’ll meet someone, sharing those adventures with him,” Dixie said gently, smiling at each of them. “Some of us are lucky to find true love twice, so don’t belittle what you felt if it bothered you – but use it. Why do you think I have my café?”

“Really?”

“Oh yes,” she smiled tenderly. “I needed an outlet – and suggested this for a reason. You have so much potential, Poppy. It’s time to let yourself shine and grow, sweetheart.”

“You really think I can do this?” she asked tearfully, feeling the stirrings of excitement and hope within her for the first time since that fateful day. She saw all three women look at each other in surprise before the looked at her.

“I’m surprised you haven’t already tried something like this, sweetie,” her mother said proudly. “You are so special, so wonderful, and so much like your father.”

They shared a look across the table as her mother continued.

“Live your life, enjoy it, and seeing these places will let him see it through your eyes. I bet your daddy will love to hear your stories and take on these trips – and you should ask him about Afghanistan. He loved the people there and probably wouldn’t have met me if there hadn’t been an issue. So yes, open the doorway and step out into the world on your first adventure.”

CHAPTER 3

* * *

MICHAEL

Air Force Academy,

Colorado

Guess what, Mr. Fancy-Pants-Cadet Petersen?

You’re pretending like you don’t care - but I know better. You can’t hide from me - we shared a womb, bro. Time is slipping away and while you’ve been gone, things have happened.

Poppy got her travel agent certification, and her Instagram is up! She’s getting her business off the ground, and I’m so excited for her. Can you believe that? I thought you were going to write to her or say ‘Congratulations.’ As ga-ga as you were over her, are you really going to continue acting like it’s over?

I think we both know better.

Love,

Madison

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