A Soldier for Poppy Read Free Page B

to fix that tomorrow and see what else needed his attention while he was there.
    A four-seater garden swing drew his attention and he wandered over to it, taking Poppy with him as he sat and pushed off. The gentle rocking motion added to the ambiance of the garden, but it was the woman at his side who made him come to life. How could he share his feelings for her without scaring her off?
    She held herself stiff and straight beside him. He shifted sideways and admired her long blond hair, only tonight it shone like a silver beacon under the moon’s glow.
    “Relax, Poppy. I don’t bite, you know.”
    Her tinkling laughter echoed into the night. “Maybe I do.”
    “I’ll take my chances,” he said, chuckling and pulling her close to rest against him. She’d kept her hair in a restrictive bun all day, but in the process of getting the children to bed, it had come loose and now drifted over her shoulders. His arm resting on the back of the seat, he took advantage and allowed his fingers to glide through the silver waves.
    “I often spend time out here in the evenings, enjoying the fruits of my labor, so to speak,” she commented in a soft voice. “It’s become my haven from the everyday world; a place where I can be alone to gather my thoughts and de-stress from the day’s events.”
    “Would you prefer some time alone now?” he asked, holding his breath while waiting for her answer. If she wanted her privacy, he’d give it to her, but he loved being able to hold her like this.
    “No, not tonight. Your presence doesn’t take anything away from the peace I find here. If anything, having you beside me makes it more comforting somehow.”
    “Then I’m glad I’m here for you,” he said, letting out a relieved breath as he gave her a gentle hug. “Anytime, Poppy. You know that.”
    “Yes, I do know. You and Peter were great friends but you go above and beyond in caring for us. I want to ask why but I’m not certain I’m ready to hear the answer.”
    “Then don’t let it worry you. Suffice it to say, I’m where I want to be. Peter spoke of you so often and with such love, I envied him.”
    “You did?”
    “Yes.”
    “And now?”
    He wondered how to answer in a way that wouldn’t shock her, finally deciding on the truth. “I still envy him.”
    She turned her face up to his, confusion registered in her eyes. “But he’s…gone. How can you envy him still?”
    “My dear Poppy,” he whispered as he moved his free hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, “Peter may be gone but he still has your heart. I can’t compete with a ghost.”
    “Oh!”
    “Maybe we should go in now, before I do something we’ll both regret.”
    “Yes, knowing my kids, they’ll be up bright and early,” she said as he helped her to her feet.
    He walked her to the door and passed her his empty glass. “I’ll collect my things and see you in a few minutes.”
    “I’ll probably head straight to bed. You don’t mind locking up, do you?”
    “Not at all. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night, Poppy.”
    “Good night, Carl. Thanks again for today. I had a wonderful time.”
    “You’re welcome.” He strode to the front of the house and paused before retrieving his luggage from the trunk. Resting his arms on top of the car, he allowed his head to sink into them in defeat.
    He’d almost blown it back there. She was so beautiful and serene, so tempting, he’d wanted to claim her lips in a passion-filled kiss, force her to feel something… anything… for him.
    He’d loved Peter as a brother, but he was gone and now it should be his turn at happiness. Sorry, Peter, old buddy, but how on God’s green earth am I supposed to compete with your ghost? A ghost still holding Poppy’s heart captive.
    He gathered his belongings, wincing as he encountered the green army issue duffel bag. For a man who didn’t want to bring back memories, he hadn’t prepared very well. The front door squeaked in the silence. He’d