Poppy's Present (Poppy's Place) by Stephanie Beck Read Free Book Online Page A

the backs of her hands over her cheeks. Poppy met her halfway.
    “Looks like everything will be okay,” she said.
    Rose shook her head, but the tension lines no longer pulled her eyes. “Only because of you. I could stand here and apologize for everything I’ve ever done, for the way we’ve treated you, but I think we both know it wouldn’t be completely true. I’m always going to hate you a little bit.”
    Poppy spun away and strode for her men. She didn’t need this ending. Rose grabbed her elbow and tugged until Poppy turned.
    “But I will always, always be grateful that you turned out so wonderfully despite our failures. Very grateful. Have a safe trip home and, um, I really do wish you the best, even if I can’t fathom what you consider the best.”
    It was on the tip of her tongue to offer more help, but Poppy knew her heart wouldn’t be in it; she couldn’t take another rebuke or rejection.
    “Take care of yourself,” Poppy said. “And him.”
    She held extra tight to Trevor’s arm as they made their way through the hospital. She didn’t want the tears, but they fell anyway, even after they cuddled in the town car with Michael again at the helm.
    “I almost wish the old coot had ended up at our house. Can you imagine the talking to Mom would have given him?” Trevor said.
    She snorted and brushed away a stray tear. “Yeah, she would have let him have it. Because she loves me.”
    Trevor kissed her hair. “Damn right she does. I’m pretty sure the dads and Mom all love you more than they love us.”
    “I second that. Paul tells me all the time he’d have booted my ass years ago if not for you,” Cody added.
    She elbowed him. “He did not.”
    “Swear on my best cow.” Cody crossed his heart. “You make our family. Not just better. You make it.”
    “Jeez, guys, I’m trying to stop crying here.” She swatted Cody’s shoulder. “I’m, you know, letting go again. I’m not terribly upset, but if I’m honest, I wasn’t expecting the Hollywood ending here anyway.”
    “Fuck that,” Michael said.
    She burst out laughing. “That was much more of a Trevor response than my Big Guy.”
    “I stand by it. Fuck the Hollywood ending where old wounds are magically healed—I never trust those anyway. This is more honest, but it’s not a bad ending. We’re in San Antonio, and we’re going to take this old school Western style and ride off into the sunset, heads held high, knowing we did right, we’re doing right, and by God we’re living the dream.”
    Poppy’s eyes dried right up, the unexpected mirth too powerful to leave room for tears. Trevor put his hands together once and then twice. Poppy joined him, nudging Cody’s side until Baby Boy also applauded.
    “Well fucking said, Michael.” Trevor patted his shoulder. “Right on. What else are we going to do in this sunset business? Not to steal your thunder, but what about cake?”
    “Hells yes to cake,” Michael said.
    “And ice cream,” Cody added.
    Poppy laughed. “I’m up for anything, as long as I’m riding with you guys. You know, we have another day here. Why don’t we see a movie, eat some good food, and jump on the hotel bed before we call our adventure over?”
    Michael stopped at a red light and tossed a grin over his shoulder. “I have until Monday at nine. Whatever adventure you can think of, I’m game.”
    “Count me in,” Cody said.
    Trevor kissed her bare neck. “Count me twice.”
    Poppy settled back in the seat and grinned. Her girls were having fun with their grandparents, her family issues were seen to, and she was facing the rest of her life with three men who loved her. She couldn’t wait to see what adventures came next.
     

 
    ~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~
     
     
    Even before she understood what all the thrusting meant, Stephanie Beck loved reading romance. When the stories didn't end the way she wanted, writing her own was the perfect solution. From ridiculous humor to erotica, Stephanie loves being