Page 50 of Jag

Chapter Sixteen

Jag

Week three startedout slow. By the middle, we were scrambling. We were given the go for Poppy to fly. Tickets were bought immediately. Norman had packed a bag for Poppy last week when he had her things packed and shipped. All of it was due to arrive the day before we got back.

When I called to give an update to Crusher, he told me not to worry, they would get Poppy’s room put together.

Poppy’s release date arrived, and I’d never been so happy to leave a place or so exhausted.

At the airport, Norman said goodbye to Poppy. I’m not sure in his shoes I would have done the same.

Seated in first class, with my seat leaned back, my daughter dozing, I closed my eyes.

“I like River. She’s good with Poppy, too. But most of all, I’m not sure you and I would have gotten by that first week without her,” my dad said and leaned his own seat back.

“I like her, too, Dad,” I answered without opening my eyes.

“Are you going to do something about that?” he asked.

“Working on it.”

“Need me to put in a good word for you?”

“Nah, I’m good.” I cracked an eye open and looked at my dad.

“I’m always here for you, Dom.”

“I know, Dad. And thanks for making the trip with me.”

“Wouldn’t have been anywhere else.”

“I will be glad to get Poppy home. Her room is done, Crusher called this morning to see if we were going to need a ride to the compound and he told me.”

“Poppy needs to have familiar things around. It’ll make it easier for her to settle in.”

“I hope so. That’s why River’s picking us. I called to let her know we were heading home. She mentioned it might be good if Poppy saw a familiar face when we land. Plus, she misses her.”

“You’re not doing something right if Poppy is the only one she misses,” my dad said and chuckled.