The woman standing barefoot in my kitchen like she was exactly where she belonged.
This felt like more than coming home, and although I had no idea how to manage it, and grief still crawled at the edge of my mind on tough days, I knew I wanted her to stick around.
Chapter 37
Dani
By late afternoon, the house had the soft, familiar hum of transition, the kind that always came before goodbyes. Harper’s laughter still echoed faintly down the hall, and my suitcase sat by the front door, half-zipped, accusing me of trying to leave before I really wanted to.
I’d spent most of the morning spending my last few moments with Harper and packing up my things before I left to return home. Soaking in every last moment with them, here, in their house that had become mine over the last two weeks. Harper knew goodbye was coming and had been hesitant to leave my side, clinging to me like my own little koala.
When Harper finally bolted off to find her stuffed dolphin, Logan turned back to me. He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words. “You don’t have to rush off right after we drop her off.”
I pretended to check my phone, the screen blank but offering a momentary shield. I said, “I probably should get home before it’s dark,” my voice softer than I intended.
His mouth tilted, that almost-smile that said he was about to push his luck. “Or, you could let me take you out instead.”
My head snapped up. “Huh?”
“Dinner,” he clarified, running a hand through his hair. “An actual one. Somewhere that doesn’t involve chicken nuggets and crayons.”
I blinked at him, half caught between amusement and disbelief. “You’re asking me out?”
“Yes.” His tone was simple, but his eyes held that subtle intensity that always disarmed me. “I’m askin’ you out… on a date.”
“Logan…” I started, unsure what to do with the sudden warmth creeping up my neck.
He smiled, softer now. “Before you say no — I already coordinated with Hunter and Cami. The kids are having a sleepover. Harper’s thrilled. Apparently, Cami told her they could build a ‘midnight snack fort.’”
I laughed, shaking my head. “That sounds like a ridiculous idea.”
“Controlled chaos,” he said. “They’ll survive. Maybe.”
I focused on my bag, trying to busy my hands. My heart thudded loudly. “You didn’t have to go through all that trouble.”
“Didn’t feel like trouble,” he said simply. “I just figured… it’s been a long couple of weeks. You’ve taken care of Harper and me. I’d like to return the favor — even just with a meal that doesn’t come in a takeout box.”
I looked up at him, and the sincerity in his expression nearly undid me. This wasn’t just gratitude. There was something else there. Something gentle and hopeful, wrapped in the kind of steadiness I’d almost forgotten how to trust.
“You don’t owe me anything, Logan,” I said softly.
“I know.” His voice dropped lower. “But maybe I justwantto spend time with you.”
That landed between us like a truth neither of us had planned to say out loud.
I studied him, the hint of stubble he hadn’t shaved yet, the faint laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, the way he stood like he was still half-braced for rejection and still willing to risk it anyway.
And suddenly, all I could think about was the last time he was here the warmth of his T-shirt against my skin, the way he’d stayed by my side without hesitation, the way he’d made space for me in a house that wasn’t mine but somehow felt like home.
“Okay,” I murmured.
His brows lifted. “Okay?”
“Guess we’re going to dinner, cowboy,” I said, smiling despite myself.
He let out a deep throaty laugh, his green eyes locking onto mine.
“Where are we going, then?” I asked, trying to redirect the flutters building in my chest.
