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CHAPTER THIRTY

I’LL BE HOME FOR EASTER

POPPY

The moment we step onto the porch of my parents’ home, I get a wave of excitement and nerves. I’m so excited to see my family, to introduce them to Bowie and Becca, and so, so nervous to tell them about the baby. A wreath of spring flowers adorns the door and Becca leans in to touch them gently.

“Pretty,” she says.

I can hear my mom singing through the open window. Beside me, Bowie holds Becca’s hand, and I think her excitement about being here is probably what has him anchored to the ground. Otherwise, he just might not be standing here. He has on his most stoic face and for a second, that wild, abandoned expression I only see on him when we’ve had sex comes to mind. I’d never know he was capable of that expression if I saw him right now.

We’ve seen each other every day since our date last week, but we haven’t slept together again. Our schedules have been busy and I think we’re both trying to pace ourselves. But that doesn’t mean I’m not craving him like crazy. I don’t know if pregnancy horniness can be a thing yet or if it’s just because it’s Bowie, but I think about him all the time .

I give him a reassuring smile. “You ready?”

He nods, and Becca says, “Ready!” in a bright chirp. She has no nerves about this whatsoever and her excitement is contagious. For me, anyway. Hopefully, Bowie will get there.

“They’re going to love you guys,” I tell them.

The door swings open before I can knock. Mom stands there, wearing a flour-dusted apron that’s covered with bunnies. Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she beams at us.

“You’re here!” she sings, pulling me into a quick hug before reaching out to greet Bowie and Becca.

Bowie clears his throat, but Mom doesn’t waste any time with formalities. She tucks a stray curl behind her ear and then holds her arms wide.

“Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Happy Easter!” she says.

Becca moves right into her arms, hugging her back. “I am Becca.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Becca. I’m Jennifer, Poppy’s mom.”

“Wow,” Becca breathes. “You are a pretty mom. ”

“Why, thank you. You’re so sweet.”

“You’re so sweet,” Becca repeats.

“And I’d recognize you anywhere, Bowie Fox,” Mom says.

Bowie steps into her outstretched arms and pats her on the back, while I try not to get pregnant again over how cute he is when he’s nervous. He smiles at me over her shoulder and already looks a little more relaxed. My mom has that effect on people.

We walk inside and Dad ambles out of the kitchen. His hair is graying at the temples, but otherwise he looks so young. My parents have more energy than I do.

He holds out his hand. “Bowie Fox,” he says loudly.

He’s always loud, while my mom’s voice is light and airy. They’re quite the pair.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” Dad says.

“It’s great to meet you, sir.”

“Call me Joshua. I’ve followed your career since your rookie season. Should’ve won Defensive Player of the Year two years back, if you ask me.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” Bowie says.

Dad winks at Becca, who’s holding my hand now and staring at my dad with curiosity. “Hello there, Miss Becca. I sure am glad you’re here. I heard you have a sweet little pup at home. Would you like to meet my dog in a little while?“

Becca’s eyes widen. “Yes,” she says, delighted. “First lunch, then meet your dog!”

“Excellent.”

Bowie glances at me and gives me a relieved smile.

“There you are!” Marley cries, rushing toward me. We hug forever and I hear Eric introducing himself to Bowie and Becca before coming over and hugging me and Marley.

“I’ve missed you guys so much,” I say, feeling my eyes well up. I slowly let go of Marley’s hand and look at my parents. “All of you.”

“We’ve missed you too,” Mom says. “Now that our traveling has slowed down and you’re getting settled in Silver Hills, we need to get over there more often than a quick dinner here and there.”

“Agreed. And I’ll do better about coming home too,” Marley says.

“Me too,” I say.

Becca sees my dad’s shadow, Alex, the Yorkie, and goes to pet him. Marley turns to Bowie and crosses her arms.

“So you’re the guy,” she says. “I hear you’re some big NFL star.” Her tone is casual like she’s half-impressed, half-amused. “I guess you’ll do.” She doesn’t wait for his reaction before leaning in, her hand dramatically slicing across her throat. “Don’t be a dick to my sister or I’ll end you,” she whispers, eyes sparkling.

I cover my mouth with my hand when Bowie nods, completely serious.

“That’s fair,” he says. “I’m trying to amend my dickish ways.”

That makes me crack up.

“Ignore my wife,” Eric tells Bowie. “She’s mostly bark, very little bite. I’m thrilled you’re here. Huge fan.”

Marley winks at me as she leans against Eric’s chest, and Bowie relaxes another notch. We move into the family room and Becca sits next to my dad, studying his face. I think they’re talking about dinosaurs, but I’m not positive. And then they’re onto football because Dad pretends to be a quarterback, lifting an imaginary ball and calling, “Hut, hut!” which makes Becca laugh. Bowie looks on, a soft smile tugging at his mouth.

Our house has an open floor plan, so the family room flows into the kitchen. My mom flits in and out, refusing my offer to help. I had told her very little about Bowie…until I got pregnant…and then I wasn’t sure what to say. But now that we’re spending time together, I’ve let her know I like him…a lot. And that we’re…hanging out. Yeah, I’ve got some explaining to do.

She tilts her head toward Bowie and Becca as if to say, Make sure they’re having a good time .

“ He’s so handsome ,” she mouths.

The house smells like ham and fresh bread, and I get a warm rush of love for my family.

“When are Grammy and Granddad getting here?” I ask.

“Did someone say Granddad?” My grandparents walk in and there’s a whole new rush of hugs and introductions.

“What a wicked stellar day,” Granddad says, mostly to make Marley and me laugh.

I exchange a look with Bowie and he’s grinning wide.

“Told ya,” I whisper.

“ You’re wicked stella,” he whispers, saying it the way Granddad does, but the look he gives me makes me hot all over. He reaches out and threads his fingers through mine and my heart turns over.

When I look up, everyone is staring at us, but in the next second, they pretend not to be.

Bowie chuckles and leans closer. “Your family’s pretty incredible too.”

“Dinner is ready,” Mom calls and we all move toward the long table.

Granddad says grace, thanking God for this wicked stellar spread, and then food gets passed around. My family is never short on opinions, and somehow, the hot topic becomes corn while we dollop corn casserole on our plates.

“Corn has its virtues,” Dad says .

“Right,” Marley snorts, and my mom hums softly, unconcerned.

“It’s got fiber!” Dad says, gesturing with his fork. “We all need fiber.”

“But it’s also high in sugar. And doesn’t digest well.”

“TMI,” Eric says, laughing.

Becca has been following the conversation like a tennis match and tugs on Bowie’s sleeve. “Daddy, I eat corn?” she asks, as if wondering if it’s okay.

He smiles at her and nods.

There’s a flicker of tenderness when he glances at me and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.

“It’s really nice having you here, Bowie,” Mom says. “I’ve heard Poppy’s side of the story, but what did you think when you met our daughter?”

“Mom,” I groan.

“What?” She laughs, pointing at the two of us. “A man that looks at you like that isn’t afraid to answer the question. Are you, Bowie?”

I bury my face in my hands and Bowie tugs at my fingers, gently lowering them. He’s smiling and my goodness, I don’t know if my heart can take much more of this day.

“I thought she was beautiful, but Becca was the smart one. She was all in from the get-go. She wouldn’t stop hassling me about taking her to Briar Hill.”

Everyone laughs.

“ Aw ,” my mom says, smiling at Becca.

“I love Poppy,” Becca says proudly.

“I love you ,” I tell her.

Alex barks at something outside and it catches Becca’s attention.

“I go play with Alex,” she says, starting to get out of her chair .

“Eat a few more bites,” Bowie says.

She crams a few more bites in quickly, which cracks everyone up, and then she rushes over to Alex.

“The yard is fenced in if she’d like to throw the ball to him outside,” Dad tells Bowie.

He nods and tells Becca she can go outside if she wants. She loves that idea and they step outside.

Eric asks Bowie about the team and what it’s like winning multiple Super Bowls.

“It’s wicked stellar,” he says, which earns him a huge laugh. “I highly recommend. Much better than what we went through this past season, but we’re coming back. Cal has really stepped up since we lost Henley, and we’re adjusting.”

“I preferred hearing about how much you’re into my sister,” Marley says.

“You guys are killing me,” I say, putting my iced glass up to my cheek to cool off.

“You put Eric through it the first time he came over for dinner,” she says, laughing.

Eric groans. “I’d finally put that out of my mind.”

“I wasn’t that bad,” I argue, but then I snort, laughing. “Yeah, I was.”

“You asked what my intentions were, and I said I wanted to get to know your sister…and you said…’from what I’ve been told, you’ve already gotten to know her very well.’”

The table erupts and I laugh so hard, I have to fan my face.

“It loosened things up,” I say, shrugging. “Sorry, not sorry.”

“So, what are your intentions with my sister?” Marley asks Bowie, making us all laugh again.

I peek at Bowie through my hand and he looks happy. The happiness hums in my veins, so full I can’t keep it inside anymore.

“Bowie and I are having a baby,” I blurt out.

The words come out louder than I meant them to. Instantly, everyone goes silent. Dad’s fork hovers in the air, Marley’s smug smile freezes, and Mom’s jaw drops. Bowie tenses for a split second and then his hand squeezes mine under the table.

For a heartbeat, no one breathes.

Marley recovers first. “What?” she shrieks, nearly tipping her chair as she lunges around the table to wrap me in a hug. I told her to act like she didn’t know yet so my mom wouldn’t be hurt, but she’s overdoing it just a bit. “Oh my God, Poppy! That’s amazing!”

Eric whoops loudly. “Congratulations, you guys.”

My dad grins so wide his face might split. My mom tears up, pressing a hand to her mouth as she stands and pulls me in a tight embrace.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she whispers. “This is wonderful news.”

Grammy pats my back. “A baby! We’ve needed a baby around here.”

After my dad hugs me, he claps Bowie on the shoulder. “Welcome to the family.”

Bowie gulps and tilts his head. “Thank you, sir. Thanks for being so kind. I’m honored to be here.”

Our eyes meet and he reaches out and takes my hand again.

“Poppy makes me want a life I’d long given up hope on having for myself.” He swallows and I squeeze his hand. “I feel really lucky to have met her.”

My throat tightens. “I feel lucky too,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.