Page 96 of Secrets We Fight

Once she was out of earshot, Alexis asked, “What’s up? Everything okay?”

I took a deep breath. “Yeah, but I wanted to let you know that I’m moving in with Fallon, and I’d like Poppy to stay there with us during my nights.”

Alexis had found out Fallon and I were together a few days after he was shot when I’d called her to explain what had happened and why I’d needed her to pick up Poppy that night. She’d been supportive of our relationship since then, so I didn’t expect any pushback from her.

She considered my words for a few seconds before responding, “As long as Poppy is happy and taken care of, which I know she is when she’s with you, then I think it’s great.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, relieved that things were so easy between us.

“I’m happy for you.” She squeezed my shoulder. “Now let me go make sure our child isn’t grabbing every single book off her shelf.”

A minute later, Poppy came bounding down the hallway. “I’m ready, Daddy.”

“Here’s her bag.” Alexis handed me the small pink suitcase decorated with hearts. “We narrowed it down to two books.”

“All right, let’s go.”

After hugging and kissing her mother goodbye, Poppy’s small hand latched onto mine and we walked toward my car.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Her eyes lit up. “Really? What is it?”

I lifted her into the vehicle and buckled her in. “We’re going to have lunch with Fallon in the park.”

Fallon and I had decided he would go buy sandwiches at the deli while I picked up Poppy. It would also give me a chance to explain to her in terms she could understand that I was moving in with my boyfriend.

“Yay!” she squealed. “I like Fallon.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” I closed her door and then rounded the front of the car and slipped into the driver’s seat. “I like Fallon, too. In fact, I like him so much I’m going to live at his home with him.”

I glanced in the rearview mirror to see her eyebrows knitted in confusion. “You’re going to stay there forever?”

“I hope so, and when you come to visit, you’ll stay there with us. How does that sound?”

“Can I still bring my books?”

“Of course, you can, sweet pea.” I started the engine and pulled away from the curb. “You can bring as many books as you’d like.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Accepting my new relationship was likely easier at her young age, versus if she were older and fully understood about relationships.

Her happy chatter filled the car as we drove to our destination. When we arrived at the park, I opened the car door and lifted her from her car seat. I held her hand as my eyes searched the grassy area, and I saw Fallon lounging on a picnic blanket under a tree. Agents Vance and Shea stood a few yards away.

“Fallon!” Poppy shouted, tugging at my hand as she pulled me toward him.

He stood and caught Poppy when she jumped into his arms. “Hey, princess!”

His recovery from the gunshot had been remarkable, but I still checked his face for any signs of discomfort as he spun my daughter around. He seemed fine.

Poppy giggled as she hugged him. “Daddy said I get to stay at your house.”

Fallon smiled warmly. “Yeah. In fact, when we’re done here, we’re going shopping so you can pick out a few things for your room.”

Poppy turned to me. “Can I get a stuffed animal?”

I brushed her hair out of her face. “Absolutely. Now let’s eat.”