Heather grunts, her gaze on Violet and Cookie as they continue working on their book selection. “Yeah, well…” She shrugs. “Cookie's been known to rush into relationships.”
I chuckle. “Honestly, it's the best thing that could have happened for Violet. The last year has been tough on her.”
Heather’s face falls, her pretty hazel eyes full of sympathy. “I'd heard through the grapevine that Tracy had passed away. I'm so sorry. That must have been tough.”
I swallow hard, wishing I hadn't brought it up. Then I nod. “Yeah, it was.”
“If it's any consolation, Violet certainly seems to be adjusting well. I mean, I've only seen her twice now. But she's…” Heather shrugs. “Happy, maybe? I don't know. It's hard to imagine kids who've lost a parent smiling much, you know?”
“She has her moments, and there's been a lot of therapy for both of us. It was tough enough to lose a sibling, but to then become a parent was a lot to handle.”
Heather barks a laugh. “Logan, that's an understatement if I've ever heard one.”
I smile at her, loving the interaction in a way I can't explain. It just feels nice to talk to someone about it, someone who's not paid to listen to me.
I nudge my chin toward the kids browsing the books. “Do you do the reading hour a lot?”
“Yeah, a couple times a week usually. The preschool is so close, they can just walk over.” She glances at me, her nose wrinkling. “Sometimes if the kids get too rowdy, they'll call me and ask for a special session.”
“It seems like you enjoy it as much as they do.” She's magnetic—I can't look away.
Heather bobs her head. “I do.” She watches the kids for a long, quiet moment. “It's the best part of my job, and why I really love being a librarian. Seeing the kids get captivated by stories and books, and knowing that I have a hand in that... There’s something magical about it.”
“I can see that.” Violet lugs a small stack of books toward the checkout desk, Cookie hot on her heels.
“Today was my first day at the ball park, so my morning has been one meeting after another,” I comment. “But my marketing team mentioned that they’re looking for ways to incorporate community partners. If you're interested, you could have a booth for the library at all our home games next season. We could make it an official collaboration of sorts.” I shrug, turning to meet Heather's gaze. “I mean, it wouldn’t be until the spring, of course. But we'll start hosting games in March with our spring training. And from what I hear, it can bring quite a crowd. Lots of families.”
Heather blinks, her plump lips parting in what I can only guess is surprise. “That would be great, Logan. Thank you,” she finally answers. “I tried working something out with the last manager, but the team wasn't interested.”
“Huh.” I grunt. Not surprising. “Well, it's under new management now and we need to get more involved in the community here. That will be a big focus for The Rockets, and I can't think of a better way than starting with the local library.” I lift a shoulder. “Like, I don't know, maybe a big book drive, or something.”
“Yeah.” She bobs her head, her gaze moving to the kids. “We have plenty of time to work out the particulars.”
“Uncle Logan!” Violet shouts, lifting her haul. “Look what I got.” The huge smile on her face is worth every damn penny of the move.
“Great job, sweetpea.” I glance at my watch. My next meeting is in twenty minutes. “I need to get back to work. You stay with your teacher. Okay?”
Her little bottom lip pops out, but she nods. “Can I take Cookie to school with me?”
Heather shakes her head. “I'm sorry, Violet. Cookie has to stay here.” She squats down to Violet's eye level. “But you'll get to see her tonight. I promise.”
Violet nods but doesn't say a word. My heart clenches. It's obvious she doesn't want to go back to school.
“And if it's okay with your uncle, I could really use your help.” Heather glances at me, her eyes twinkling. “I have to take Cookie for a long walk after work. Something tells me she’d be really happy if you held her leash. Would you like to join us?”
“Yeah!” Violet’s entire demeanor brightens in an instant. I could have kissed Heather in that moment. And not just because she brought that smile to Violet's face, either.
“Great. Thank you.” Heather leans in and talks behind her hand. “Just so you know, Cookie can get a little difficult and sassy sometimes. But I have a feeling she’ll behave for you.”
“Okay, kids!” the preschool teacher calls out. “It's almost time to head back. Check out your books now.”
I drop a kiss on Violet's head and give her a hug. “I need to go, Vi. I'll pick you up in a couple hours, okay?”
“Alright, Uncle Logan.” The joy on my niece's face absolutely makes my day, and I realize I'm smiling on the way back to the office.
But I'm not certain who put it there. Violet or Heather?
Chapter 5
