Page 120 of I'll Keep Her Safe

She softens. “I know. And while it’s still weird that your boyfriend is my dad, I’m glad you have someone who makes you feel safe and happy after what you’ve been through. You deserve that.”

“Thank you.” I squeeze her hand, then release, sinking back against the seat with a long exhale, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. Bailey is here, and she’s—I can’t quite believe it—happy for me and Wyatt. That’s more than I could have dreamed of, and gratitude washes through me.

More than that, I have my friend back, the person who’s been with me through all the ups and downs, who knows me better than anyone. That makes me so happy I could cry.

“Now.” Bailey picks up her coffee, eyes lighting wickedly. “Tell me everything that happened with Kurt.”

40

Wyatt

The sun inches toward the horizon, and anticipation hums through me as I wait for Poppy’s return.

“Thanks, guys.” I grin as I stand at the front door of my new house. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Anytime,” Kyle says, clapping me on the back as he passes. “Good luck.”

Wes, Kyle, and Violet spent the entire day helping me move furniture and boxes from my old place into Marty’s house—what is now mine and Poppy’s new home—while Bailey distracted Poppy with a day out in the city.

“He won’t need it,” Daisy says, squeezing my arm on her way past. She joined us after finishing her shift at Joe’s. “I overheard Poppy talking to Bailey this morning. She’s crazy about you.” Daisy gives me a warm smile, then joins Wes on the front stoop.

“We want a full update as soon as you’re done,” Violet demands, grinning, and I laugh.

“You’ve got it. If all goes according to plan, Poppy will text you in a few hours.” Nerves fizzle in my gut as I contemplate what I’m about to do, but I push them away. I know I’m doing the right thing. It’s what we both want.

I say goodbye to my friends, thanking them again, then walk through the new house, soaking in the quiet, making sure everything is in order. Violet and Daisy helped make up the bedroom and guest room—what will be Bailey’s room when she visits—while the guys helped me haul furniture and assemble some new pieces I purchased, including a few items for what I’m hoping will become a nursery. Maybe that’s a little presumptuous, but I’m hoping Poppy will see my intention—to prepare for the future we want. Together.

There’s a sound downstairs, and my stomach dips as I head to the basement, patting my jeans pocket for the hundredth time.

“Wow,” Bailey says, looking impressed as she wanders the kitchen I installed for Poppy. She’s right on time, following the plan precisely. Her gaze swings to me as I enter the room, face softening when she sees me. She sends me a smile steeped in emotion as Poppy notices me, too.

“Oh, hey.” Poppy shifts her weight, as if she’s not sure how to behave when Bailey’s present. “I didn’t know you’d be over here.”

“I’m here,” I say, my voice hoarse. I cross the room, pulling Poppy into my arms, and kiss her on the mouth. “How was your day?”

Poppy looks uncomfortably at Bailey, who laughs.

“It’s fine,” she mumbles, waving a hand, her cheeks red. “I guess I’m going to have to get used to it, aren’t I?”

“We don’t have to—” Poppy begins, but Bailey shakes her head.

“You should. It’s great to see you both so happy.”

I chuff a laugh, releasing Poppy to hug my daughter. “Good luck, Dad,” she whispers, quiet enough for only me to hear. “I’m just going to call Dean,” she tells Poppy as we part. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Sure.” Poppy watches her go, then turns back to me, smiling. “It was a great day. We had a long chat and just enjoyed hanging out. It was lovely to spend time with my bestie again, without…” she trails off, and I nod, because I know what she means.Without the secrets between us.

I stroke a hand across Poppy’s hair, relieved to see the tension gone from her shoulders, the crease permanently etched on her forehead for weeks finally fading. I know she’s been anxious about Bailey’s reaction to us, and it was my idea for Bailey to fly out and patch things up. That, and I needed her to distract Poppy while I put my plan into action.

“I’m glad the two of you worked it out,” I murmur, pressing my lips to her forehead, and Poppy leans into me.

“I missed her.” Her hands snake around my waist, her head burrowing into my chest. She sighs. “I guess I should figure out what to make us for dinner.”

“Not tonight, baby. Tonight, I’m going to cook.”

Her eyes shimmer with amusement. “Really? You remember the last time you ‘cooked’ we ate out?”

I laugh. “Not tonight. You’ll see.”

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