“I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. I know it’s not my place to say this, but I am incredibly proud of you.”
I feel a blush cover my face and I look away.
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
“Can I hug you for a minute?”
Stepping forward, I rest my head on his chest and sink into his embrace. I sense we are both feeling a little vulnerable right now. His heartbeat quickens as he gently rubs his hand up and down my back. We hold each other in familiar comfort for a moment before he whispers, “I’ve missed this. I have missed you.”
I don’t know what to say. Of course I have missed him. I’ve longed for this for years, but I’m just terrified that if I give into these feelings he will leave again. He must feel the change in my body because he takes a step back and smiles down at me.
“So, I have a confession. The real reason I stopped by is not just because I was in the neighbourhood. I wanted to invite you over on Friday night for dinner.”
“I don’t know, Logan. Is that a good idea?” I turn and walk towards the window to put some space between us.
“It’s okay, friends have dinner all the time. No strings attached, I promise.” He uses his finger to cross his heart and grins warmly. How can I say no to a man who smiles at me like that. It’s just dinner.
“Okay,” I agree. “What can I bring?”
“Just yourself. I’ve got dinner covered.”
When I raise my eyebrow in question, he huffs.
“I do. I have developed more culinary skills since I last cooked for you.”
“It’s fine, you always made great mac n’ cheese. Seriously the best I’ve ever had.” I can’t help but giggle at his offended expression.
In the past, Logan had a rotating menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and mac n’ cheese.
The laughing voices of children stomping up the stairs interrupts our conversation.
“Okay, I’m going to head out so you can help create some happy accidents. Does Friday at 6 p.m. work for you?”
“Sounds good.”
Leaning down, he kisses me on the forehead before walking towards the exit. He stands to the side as the kids pile into the room dropping backpacks and calling out greetings to me. When I meet his eyes, he delivers a breath-taking smile and winks before retreating through the door and down the stairs. What have I gotten myself into?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
I have been heart sick ever since visiting Hannah’s studio on Wednesday afternoon. Seeing her art has really fucked with my head. I knew I hurt her, but to see her anguish on canvas guts me. I wish I could turn back time and make better decisions. I was naive and misguided, but I didn’t know what else to do and thought walking away was the only choice.
As I pick up blankets and pillows that have fallen to the floor and throw them back onto the couch, I hear a soft knock on the back door. Taking a deep breath, I exhale slowly before making my way over. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. She’s been here hundreds of times before.
I find her standing with her back to me looking out into the yard. Leaves on the trees are starting to change colour and there is a chill in the air. I have already hung up a bird feeder and there are chickadees flitting around the yard. Hannah spins around when she hears me.
“Hi. You still have the swing,” she says, grinning ear to ear.
I replaced the swing hanging from a large maple tree with her in mind. She used to love swinging there when we were kids, and the yard looked strange without it. I’m hoping one day she will enjoy it again. Adults can swing too, right?
Before I even have a chance to greet her properly, Morgan dashes past me out into the yard, grabs one of his many balls, and brings it to Hannah, dropping it gently into her hand.
“Is this for me?” she asks my dog as he wags his tail with excitement.
She throws the ball, and he races to retrieve it, bringing it back proudly.
“Just one more time, buddy. Hannah’s here to visit me, not you.”
“Don’t listen to him, Morgan. I want to see you too,” she coos.
