The library's just a few minutes away, so I decide to stop in and check on Violet. If I'm lucky, I might even catch a glimpse of Heather. That thought brings a smile to my face, and I pick up my pace.
This morning's scare, when I couldn't find Violet, had rattled me to the core. But reconnecting with Heather again more than made up for it.
In high school, she’d had that geeky charm, with those sexy glasses and always a book in hand. I'd found it insanely attractive. I used to count down the hours to our tutoring sessions, barely able to focus on anything else. She’s even more stunning now than I remembered.
The walk to the library doesn't take long. From the outside, it's just a plain white, boxy building, nothing special. I step inside to cool air and the distinctive mustiness of old books. The place feels massive compared to its outside appearance. To the left, there's an automated checkout and book return system. Beyond that, rows of books stretch from floor to ceiling. The lights are harsh, almost too bright, but probably necessary.
Behind the information desk, an older woman sports a quirky rainbow sweater vest. The nametag pinned to it reads Amy.
“Hi,” I say, stopping in front of her. “Which way to the preschool kids? My niece should be with them.”
“They’re in the children’s section.” She points over her shoulder just as a burst of clapping and children’s laughter cuts through the silence.
“Thanks.” I follow the sound and stop short, grinning.
Heather's in a rocking chair at the front of the room, reading to a group of kids sprawled across the floor, totally absorbed in whatever story she's telling. She's wearing a ridiculous Mad Hatter-style hat, oversized reading glasses, and a red and black feather boa. Somehow, it all suits her perfectly.
Off to the side next to Heather, Violet sits on the floor with Cookie lying prostrate across her lap. I let out a quiet laugh. After seeing those two together this morning, I figured they'd be inseparable.
“Uncle Logan!” Violet calls, waving. Her smile lights up the room, but she doesn't move from the floor, probably because the dog on her lap outweighs her.
I wave back. “Hey, sweetpea.”
Heather glances up and blinks, clearly surprised to see me. Damn, she's gorgeous. A loose dark curl falls over her shoulder, and those sweet hazel eyes lock on mine. Something tightens in my chest and sinks in deep. It hits me all over again how easy it would be to fall for her.
“Logan!” she says, smiling as she gestures toward the kids. “Want to join the chaos?”
“Yay!” Violet pats the floor beside her. “Sit here!”
I shrug. Why not? This already beats every meeting I've had so far today. I thread my way through the tangle of little bodies on the floor and drop beside Violet. She wraps her arms around me, and I give her a quick hug.
Cookie eyes me with a distinctly judgmental stare, as if she's deciding if I deserve the spot next to her. I offer my hand. She sniffs, then lets out a doggy sigh and relaxes back into Violet's lap, her eyes drifting half-shut as my niece's small hand smooths over her head.
That dog's as obsessed with my niece as Violet is with her.
“Okay. Now, where were we…” Heather says, before launching back into the story. I half listen, focusing more on her dramatic voice and the cute facial expressions she makes as she reads.
A memory flits through my mind… Heather lying back on a lounger, and me sprawled on a nearby chair as we read Romeo and Juliet together. Reading had always been an area of torture for me, but with Heather, the story had come alive. I aced that test.
Heather points at me, jolting me back to reality, and all eyes turn my way.
“Huh? Did I miss something?”
Heather grins. “You're supposed to growl.” She hefts the book. “We're at the part where they have to pay the troll to cross the bridge.”
“Oh!” I scowl and lift my hands like a bear. “Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!”
Heather's brow lifts and she nods her head approvingly. “Nice.” Then continues the story.
Violet pats my leg. “Good job, Uncle Logan.”
I can't hold back the sappy grin that spreads across my face. They were just two little words, but they made my day.
Twenty minutes later, the kids are combing through the bookshelves, and Violet pulls out book after book. She offers them to Cookie, who hasn't left her side, and waits for the seal of approval, which is apparently a lick.
“I think my dog is in love,” comes a voice behind me.
I turn and smile. “You know, I predicted it yesterday when I watched you and Cookie return from your walk.” I huff a laugh. “I just didn't expect it to happen so quickly.”
