The moment Brooke made it out of the car, the front door swung open and a woman around her age came barreling down the walkway toward them. She had Logan’s same dark hair and blue eyes. Even from far away, she looked stunning.
“She is real!” Danielle exclaimed as she continued the rest of the way toward them. “I thought for sure my brother had made you up, and I was ready for him to turn up empty handed and blame your absence on a break up.” She halted in front of them and put a hand on her hip. Her hungry eyes roamed over Brooke.
Brooke gulped. “I’m real, I promise.”
Logan wrapped an arm around Brooke’s waist and inched her closer until their hips touched. Warmth spread down her body. His strong arm seemed to communicate to her they were in this thing together. It managed to dampen the pounding of her heart.
He tsked. “I can’t believe you thought I had made Brooke up.” Protectively, he tightened his arm around her waist. His fingertips dipped into her skin. She loved the feeling of him pressing against her. It almost felt real. “I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or insulted.” He narrowed his gaze, but his lips twitched mischievously.
Danielle rolled her eyes and shooed off his comment. “Come here.” She held her arms out to her. “We’re huggers in our family, so you’ll need to get used to it.”
Logan released the grip around her waist. “It’s true, sorry.” He furrowed his brow at her.
“I can’t argue with that.” Brooke stepped into her open arms and hugged her back. “I’ve never been one to turn down a hug.”
It was warm and inviting. For split second, Brooke believed the things Logan spoke about in the car: normal families with love which was unconditional. It was no wonder Logan was as terrific as he appeared to be, he had the safety of love.
They broke their embrace. Then Danielle hugged Logan.
His parents appeared in the doorway, each with a baby in their arms. “Come out of the cold and stop hogging Brooke. We want to meet her too,” Logan’s mom hollered.
“Coming,” Logan said.
He snatched up Brooke’s hand and led her up the walkway to the front door.
As they walked, Danielle said, “Everyone is very excited to meet you. You’ve been a bit of a mystery. We’re glad Logan finally brought you around.”
Danielle’s bright vibrant smile confirmed her sincerity.
“I’m glad to be here too,” Brooke replied.
And she meant it.
Her heart melted as she thought of what a family could be; all warmth and happiness. Unfortunately, it was a far cry from the world she grew up in where dysfunction, addiction, and fighting reigned. This feeling was worth coming home for.
They made it to the front stoop.
Logan’s mom thrust the baby in her arms off to Danielle. “Here, take Lily. I want to give this beautiful girl a hug too.”
Danielle smiled and scooped Lily up into her arms. “Of course.” Once the baby was safely in her arms, she bounced her and tickled her tummy until the baby squealed with delight.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Logan’s mom smiled. “I’m Amy.”
Brooke embraced her. Amy smelled like warm bread and cinnamon, and immediately Brooke sensed her goodness. Theybroke their embrace. Amy stepped closer to her husband and nudged him, “and my husband is Paul.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Paul bounced the other twin in his arms. “I would give you a hug too, but I’m holding Amelia.”
“Now that we have introductions out of the way,” Amy linked her hands around the crook of Brooke’s arm. “Come on in and tell me everything about yourself.” She led her to the front door.
“Oh.” Brooke flashed her gaze to Logan for help. “I’m kind of boring. There isn’t much to tell. I’m a pediatrician. I met Logan at the hospital where we work.”
The doorway was too tight to pass through side by side. Amy dropped her hands from her elbow and let her go through first.
“Mom—” Logan shot Amy a warning look. “Let’s at least feed Brooke first before the interrogation starts.”
They passed through the threshold. Cherry wood floors and an impressive staircase greeted them. A formal living room had crisp cream-colored carpet that practically blinded her. Next, they passed a formal dining room with seating for ten. Finally, they arrived at the kitchen with an eat-in breakfast nook and family room attached. The table was set with two high chairs pulled up to it.
A man stationed at the stove peered over at them as they entered.
