“You mean my family?” Logan glanced quickly at her then darted his gaze back to the highway.
“Yes.” Brooke gnawed on her free hand’s thumb nail. “But they’ll be mine too someday, right?”
The thought made his heart soar. He wanted nothing more than for Brooke to slide right into his family. She was his missing thread and belonged next to him in the fabric of the family.
“You’ve been listening.” He brought their holding hands up to his mouth and he kissed the back of her palm. “I want you to be my family. I want my family to be yours, too.”
“Then it’s all settled.” The exit to his parents’ came up next. Brooke pointed at the exit sign. “Don’t miss the exit, I’ve been distracting you with all this family talk.”
“Hey,” he merged onto the exit, slowing down as he rolled to the stoplight at the end of it. “I like this family talk.”
Then he made a right turn and drove at a leisurely pace through the neighborhood to his parents. The sidewalks were lined with blooming trees. A mixture of Eastern Redbud, Dogwood and Crabapple trees made a beautiful pop of spring. Houses were set far back with green lawns and vibrant flowers. He loved coming home, even more, he loved that this time Brooke was coming too.
Logan pulled onto the street which led to his parents. “Mom is already asking if we can come for Easter.”
“I’d love that,” Brooke wistfully sighed. “I look forward to many of these gatherings. If I’m being honest—I am a bit nervous to see Danielle. I haven’t seen her since I went to her house to help with Lily’s fever.”
“Has it been that long?” He eased the car to the curb and parked. “My sister is fully on board. She even apologized to me, which is huge. I can’t remember her ever admitting to being wrong about anything before.” He turned off the car and unbuckled his seat belt.
“I know.” Brooke unbuckled her seatbelt too. “But she wanted you to be with Shelby.”
“Not now.” Logan shoved his keys into his pocket. “She texted me incessantly during your hospital stay and called me regularly to make sure you were okay. I thought I told you that.”
“You did.” Brooke clasped and unclasped her hands together. “She’s your sister, is it too much to ask that I want her to like me?”
“She does.” He brushed her hair over her shoulder. “Just give her a chance to show you.”
“Okay.”
Before they even exited the car, the whole crew came tumbling out of the house. His parents each held a twin while Danielle darted across the lawn and opened Brooke’s door.
Danielle popped her head inside. “I owe you an apology,” she blurted out.
Brooke’s gaze darted between her and Logan then back to her. “Umm.” She tucked her loosened hair behind her ears. “Really?”
“Yes, I almost ruined my baby brother’s shot at happiness.”
Danielle grasped Brooke by her hands and yanked her out of the car to a standing position. Logan climbed out of the car and joined them.
“I’m sorry.” Danielle hugged her. “I hope you can forgive me.”
“Of course.” Brooke smiled and patted her on her back before releasing their embrace. “It’s water under the bridge.”
Brooke twisted and met his gaze. She beamed. Logan winked at her.
Danielle hooked her elbow around Brooke’s. “Grab her stuff,” she instructed Logan.
“Aye, Aye.” Logan gathered up Brooke’s purse and shut the car door, and he followed behind them as they walked up the house.
“How are you feeling?” Danielle patted Brooke arm with her other hand. “Is your abdomen still sore?” Her gaze roamed over her. “My brother had better be taking good care of you.”
“I’m doing much better.” Brooke peered over her shoulder to Logan. “And I’ve had an excellent doctor taking care of me. He’s made sure I followed the aftercare to a T.”
“Good.” Danielle shot Logan a pleased look. “Then Mom and I taught him well.”
“Thanks.” Brooke smiled. “I’ve certainly reaped the benefits of your hard work.”
“You should’ve seen him as a kid.” Danielle smirked. “Oh, the stories I have to tell you.”
