Indestructible

I ignored his last statement, as I was still stuck on the first. “Hope? Twenty years later? Time for him to give that up.” I was so agitated I nearly shouted.

“You don’t see it from his side. Over all these years, he’s never stopped loving her. He hates himself for what he did, and the women he’s dated since were nothing but flings. My mother’s the only one for him, and he knows it. It’s one of the things I admire about him: He won’t give up.”

My hands fell away. “I’ll admit that would be somewhat disturbingly romantic if not for him continuing these so-called ‘flings’. Maybe your mother’s confused by the messages he’s sending. I mean, if he loves her, then he shouldn’t be able to screw around with anyone else.”

“Some men aren’t like most women, sweetheart. Sex can be meaningless—no attachment necessary.” He didn’t look at me as he spoke, and I knew why.

“That’s how it was for you?” The question barely made it out.

“Yes, just a means to an end. I’ve told you before. And then I met you. I’ll never walk away from what we have, or jeopardize it again. Unlike my father, I know how lucky I am and how extraordinary my woman is.”

My entire body rested against his. “I’m just as lucky. My mom hardly dated when I was growing up, but I used to dream that it was because she was waiting for my father,” I admitted for some unfathomable reason. It just felt natural.

“You don’t ever talk about him,” Logan said, his attention focused on my words.

“Or to him,” I added. “He’s no longer a father to me. He walked away and never looked back. He didn’t want us.”

“Cassandra—”

“It’s fine. I accepted it a long time ago. I only brought it up because, despite the ridiculousness between your parents, you’re lucky to have them both.”

He didn’t say anything, and my thoughts turned to another child whose parents’ future I was uncertain of.

“Does Caleb want to be a father?”

“More than anything, now that it’s happening. And before, yeah, I think he did. He’s always been good with kids. Loves the hell out of Oliver.”

“They’re so good together. I hope she didn’t screw things up by running.”

“No, he’s calmed down. And honestly, I think he enjoyed the chase deep down.” Logan chuckled. “Although the day he found out, I was a little worried. Never seen him so angry. Caleb isn’t close with his father, and he wouldn’t want that for his own kid.”

“You think they’ll get married?”

“Considering he sent me a photo of the ring he had designed and is on a private jet to my home in Aspen right now, I’d say the odds are good.”

“What!?” I choked out. “I want to see it! I can’t believe you’ve been holding out on me!”

He chuckled. “Caleb asked me to keep it to myself. Of all people, you should understand that.”

“Touché.” I rolled my eyes, smiling. “Now let me see!”

“Later. My phone’s in the kitchen, and there’s no way in hell I’m leaving this bed yet.”

I sank down against him, reeling with excitement.

“This is huge! I mean, I know they’re having a baby, but—”

“But nothing. He loves her, and he’s going to prove it. They’ll make great parents.”

“Wow, Hilary and Caleb married. She got her wish.”

“Her wish?”

“Yeah. Ever since we were kids, her wish was always the same on every shooting star: that one day Caleb would notice her and they’d fall in love, get married, and have beautiful babies together.” I couldn’t stop smiling.

“And what about you? What did you wish for?”

I shrugged, feeling my face heat slightly. “I don’t remember.”

“Cassandra, we both know you’re a horrible liar.”

“I’m serious, I don’t remember.” My face was in flames.

“Is that your final answer?” He pulled away, his brow cocked.

Oh crap. “Yes, it is.” There was no way I was telling him anything.

Suddenly, I was flat on the mattress. Logan’s fingers pressed into my stomach, tickling me until I couldn’t breathe.

“Stop! Logan, stop!”

He stilled his fingers. “Do you remember what you wished for?”

“Yes: a dog!”

He sat there for a moment, searching my eyes. Then, without warning, he dug his fingers back into my sides.

“You can’t lie to me, Cassandra.” He chuckled as I kicked, clawed, and laughed hysterically.

Gasping for breath, I panted, “Logan! Stop—please!”

“Tell me.”

“Love!” I spit out.

He stopped and stared down at me, waiting for more.

I scooted back to rest against the headboard and took a breath, looking down at the ruffled sheet. “I wished for love from a man who would never leave me like my father left my mother.”

Logan lifted my chin. “Good thing I moved next door.”

His lips were on me and I didn’t fight back, basking in everything he had to give.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Family

“Grandma!”

Oliver ran into the townhouse the moment the door swung open.

“There’s my little doll!”

My view of her was blocked when she bent down to hug Oliver. All I caught were a pair of simple black heels and a head of dark, glossy, short hair.

“Is Charlie here?” he asked impatiently.

“In the back,” I heard her say, laughing softly as Oliver flew out of her arms and disappeared.

She righted herself, straightening the black slim-fitted blazer she wore paired with simple-fit jeans. It suited her well: laidback elegance. Her radiant smile greeted us next.

Logan’s mother was everything I’d expected. Kind and loving, she opened her arms for her son, who walked into them instantly. They embraced for a long moment before her focus landed on me.

“You must be Cassandra. Come in. It’s freezing out here. ” She ushered us inside her enormously understated home. Everything was clean and simple, with a traditional yet slightly modern aesthetic. It wasn’t what I’d expected, given the classic architecture of the exterior.

“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Blythe, Logan’s mother.” She beamed, hugging me. It was heartfelt, and just like that I felt welcomed.

There was an instant resemblance to Julia in Blythe’s features. Both were petite, and fierce in the way they held themselves.

I moved back into Logan’s space and his hand found mine immediately, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Thanks for inviting me,” I said with a shy smile.

“Of course! I nearly demanded it, although Logan was one step ahead as always. He made it clear a few months back when I first planned this party that you’d be here.” Her smile swept to Logan.

Months back, huh? The arrogant brute.

“I have to admit, I wasn’t convinced, what with all the gossip Julia spreads.” Blythe hooked her arm through mine, leading me deeper into the house and leaving Logan in the foyer with our bags. “Logan, dear, take the bags up to your room, but leave Oliver’s. He’ll be sleeping downstairs.”