will have workplace domination. We’re starting a business as a family, something for all of us, and for the kids. I’m just happy you need me to fulfil your dream. If you didn’t, you might figure out that you deserve the world and leave us in the dust.”
“You are the world,” she said, coiling her arms around his waist. “My whole world. My missing piece. I want to have a family with you. Just like yours. Full of love and support and happiness.”
“It’s a lot of work.”
“Since when have you been afraid of hard work?” she asked, relenting and stepping away to take his hand. “I guess if I don’t leave now, I never will. Did you already say goodbye to everyone?”
“Yeah.”
The whole gang was by the car when Poppy and Turner got downstairs. There were smiles and tears, mostly from her mom who wouldn’t know what to do without her daughters around.
“You’re late for work,” Val said, pulling Turner down to kiss his cheek. “Your lunch break is almost over and you still have to get to the site.”
“He’s used to being in charge,” Charley said, hugging her brother before doing her best to pull Poppy away from him. “We have to go.”
“The Venture isn’t going anywhere,” Turner said, yanking her back to his side.
That was when she noticed Primrose and Preston standing a little away from the group saying a more private goodbye.
Poppy nudged Turner to nod at them. “Young love.”
“Yep,” he said, kissing her head and gathering her into his arms. “Be safe.”
“Call me when you get a break,” she said, wishing that she could call from the car and the plane. “The minute you get a break.”
“I will,” he said, kissing her.
They were still twined in each other when someone took hold of her hips to ease her away. “We’ve gotta go, sis.”
Fighting it wouldn’t change that truth. Leaving was her decision, so Poppy couldn’t object too much. Turner smiled as she was pulled into the car and put an arm around Grammie when she went to his side.
The car started to move and Poppy watched those left behind grow smaller until they disappeared when the car rounded the curve of the drive. The moment she sagged back in her seat and breathed out, everyone inside pounced closer.
“You’re getting married?” Willow exclaimed. “You and Turner?”
Poppy just nodded.
“Next week,” Charley said, grabbing her hand to squeeze it tight.
“Tuesday,” Poppy said. “A week tomorrow… if all goes to plan.”
“You have us,” Val said, taking Poppy’s free hand. “We’ll help. Everything is going to be perfect.”
Rushing home to deal with organizing the apartment was one thing. Planning their secret wedding in a week? By herself? Some might call it insanity. Turner didn’t know and wouldn’t until he got home… either he’d be delighted or it would be another burden on his shoulders. He would have a lot of loose ends and things to catch up on from his time away. But getting married, it was what they both wanted, and at least in her plan, he didn’t have to worry about details.
It was a great idea. A fabulous plan… she hoped.
THIRTY
“All the way around the back,” Charley said, using her grip on Poppy’s hand to drag her down the alley next to Naughtie’s.
They’d arrived back at the Venture and shown Violet and Primrose to their new apartment. Number thirteen: Poppy and Charley’s old place. While the two Granger Girls were still adjusting to the restricted closet space, Poppy snuck Charley out and they headed over to the bar.
From the airport, Val and the twins had been taken home in a separate car. Poppy intended to call them later to check they’d settled in at home.
An important part of her plan involved Naughtie’s. Poppy would need the proprietor’s permission to hold the reception there, otherwise she’d be diving head first into a calamity.
Charley led her to a plain looking brown door next to a double-long grate in the ground. With the side of her fist, the younger woman pounded on the door.
“The bar isn’t open yet,” Charley said, telling Poppy something she already knew. Nothing happened. There wasn’t a sound from the other side of the door. “Sometimes we have to knock a lot.”
“We could just call him,” Poppy shouted over Charley’s next round of aggressive knocking.
Her friend turned to show a sassy smile. “I prefer this way. It’s much more fun to scare them.”
Scaring them might be fun for Charley. Poppy, on the other hand, was about to ask