Page 87 of Game Plan

“It went about as well as whatever you’re imagining right now. And Finn got home, like he has all week, and looked around at the disaster of his house because Sunny is hell on wheels. And he just smiled, put us in the car, and took us for ice cream.” My chest aches as I recall the look in his eyes—the sparkle and kindness, free of judgment or irritation. “He gets up with Sunny at night if I’m asleep and he hears her first. He makes dinner if I’m overwhelmed. I’m included in every single thing that has to do with the endorsements—no questions asked. He’s good to everyone in his life, not just me.” I swallow around a lump in my throat. “I think you’d like him.”

There’s a silence for a moment, but Mom fills it this time. “I think I would, too.”

I bristle, not expecting that reaction, and wonder if she’s just being nice about it because it’s too late to talk sense to me.

“I know you’re probably worried,” I say hurriedly. “The last time I was in this position, Dad had to come pick me up and almost got put in jail. But I promise you, this isn’t like that. Finn isn’t like Jordan at all, and you don’t have to worry about me.”

“Do you know what, Poppy?” Her voice is bright. “I’m not.”

“You’re not?”

“No. I would’ve been had you texted this to me or sent an email. And thank God I didn’t hear it from someone else because I would’ve panicked and thought someone kidnapped you.”

I grin, still uncertain where this is going.

“Jordan stole a lot from you,” she says. “But over time, you’ve found those pieces and put yourself back together. You’ve blossomed in every way except this one. And I’ve been worrying that you’d never find that part of yourself again.”

My bottom lip quivers, so I bite down to keep it from moving.

“Hearing you talk about Finn changes everything,” she says. “You sound happy. Confident. You don’t sound like you’re carrying two spears and an axe around with you anymore.” She pauses. “I feel like I just got the last piece of my baby girl back.”

I look at the ceiling, refusing to blink so I don’t cry. Damn her.

“Thank you for telling me,” she says. “And I know you’re over there trying to find a tough girl line to hit me with, so you don’t feel like a girl with emotions. But just know that, fake or not, I’m happy for you.”

I laugh. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome. By the way, have you been taking your vitamins? Because I really think I’m feeling better already. I went on a walk tonight and just felt sprightly.”

“Don’t ruin this moment,” I say, laughing.

“Fine.” She laughs, too. “I love you. Call me later.”

“Love you, too.”

The call ends, and I’m certain she’s calling Aunt Carmen to tell her the news. Gossips, both of them.

I turn to put my phone on the nightstand when my gaze is captured by a pair of gorgeous green eyes. Finn stands, filling the doorway, watching me with a softness that makes my knees go weak.

“Hey,” I say.

“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“No.” I toss my phone on the bed. “I was just telling my mom that I’m officially your fake fiancée.”

“How’d that go?”

I blow out a breath, the corners of my lips curling upward. “Good. Really good, actually.”

My cheeks flush, and I look at my toes, wishing I was better at navigating this kind of thing. But the lines around us are too faint, too nondescript, and I don’t know what that means. Or what’s safe. What’s … real.

Or what I want to be real.

My gaze lifts, and Finn catches it. “Come here.”

I move across the room as he heads to me, meeting him at the foot of the bed.

“Did you know that this has become my favorite part of the day?” he asks, brushing a piece of hair from my cheek.