Her skin itched. “Logan,” her voice cracked. She swiped at the perspiration on her temple and cleared her throat. This evening must end, immediately. When he didn’t appear to hear her, she repeated louder, “Logan?—”
He glanced over his shoulder and met her gaze. “Yeah?” He studied her.
“I need—” Brooke fidgeted with her watch, “to head home. Remember, I have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow?”
Her pulse galloped. She couldn’t stay any longer in this home, not when her relationship with Logan wasn’t real. Logan needed to be here with Shelby. Shelby was the person for him, she’d fit.
“Oh.” Logan quickly sat up. His lips formed a tight smile. “Right, I completely forgot.” He kissed each of the twins on their heads then stumbled to his feet.
Brooke scooted off the loveseat and readjusted her blouse as she stood. “It was nice meeting all of you.” She glanced around the room and tried to flash her best smile.
Everyone rose to their feet in a rush. Danielle and Michael each scooped up a baby. Amy and Paul crossed the room.
“Thank you for coming.” Without hesitation, Amy pulled her into a hug. “I’m glad Logan found you,” she whispered before she let go.
Logan hugged everyone goodbye.
With Lily on her hip, Danielle moved closer to Brooke. “Sorry.” She avoided eye contact and glanced down at Lily. “I shouldn’t have brought up Logan wanting kids. I apologize if I made things awkward.”
Brooke cupped Lily’s cheek with her hand and didn’t find Danielle’s gaze. “It’s fine.” She brushed the baby’s cheek then dropped her hand. “I know you only want what’s best for him. Don’t worry, I want that too.”
“I want my brother to be happy,” Danielle added.
And it’s not you.
Those were the words left unsaid.
The sting of rejection made her chest tighten. She wasn’t even good enough as a fictional girlfriend.
“I know.” Brooke smiled and met Danielle’s gaze. She pulled back her shoulders and straightened her back. “I want him to be happy too.”
Logan finished his goodbyes and came up next to her. He placed a hand on the small of her back. Her body warmed to his touch. He leaned in closer for only her to hear when he said, “Let’s get you out of here.”
More goodbyes followed, since one didn’t seem to be enough for this family. His parents walked them to the front door and watched as they walked to their car. Brooke waved back to them. Logan made it to the car and opened her door. She scooted into her passenger seat.
“I know they are a lot—” Logan gripped the corner of the car door and peered over to his parents’ front door. They had wandered back inside. He twisted back at her. He scratched his chin. “Did my sister say something weird?”
“No.” Brooke leaned back in her seat. “She was fine. But she did mention how you wanted kids.” Then as an afterthought, she added, “I think she doesn’t think I fit the bill for you.”
Logan groaned and leaned his forehead against his hand.
“I told her I’d only have kids if I found the right person.” He popped his head back up. “Sounds like a reasonable answer to me, right?”
“Totally.” Brooke fidgeted with the end of her jacket. “I’ll never see them again, and I bought you a little time, so you’re welcome.”
“Thanks.” He straightened himself. “Hey, we survived, right? Soon this will be a distant memory for them. And you won’t need to worry about my sister who doesn’t know boundaries.”
Logan might forget her.
His family might forget her.
But Brooke knew Logan was one person she’d remember, forever.
“So true.” Brooke placed her hand flat against his hard abdomen and gazed up at him. “And for what it’s worth, I had a nice time even with Danielle. But I started to feel guilty lying to them. They really care about you. It was refreshing to be around a family, especially parents who want what’s best for their kids. You’re blessed with a beautiful family. I hope you can find someone who can slide right into the missing spot next to you.”
“Me too.” Logan rubbed the back of his neck.
“You—”
