Leaning down, I whispered, “Have I told you how stunning you are tonight?”
The slightest hint of a smile slid across her face. “I think it was implied earlier, but it’s always nice to hear.”
When we were only a few steps inside, my parents rushed over to us.
“Logan, you made it,” my mom exclaimed before hugging me.
“We left the house at the same time,” I teased before turning to Ari. “Mom, Dad, I would like for you to meet my friend Ari. Ari, this is Lynnie and Maxwell.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Turner, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Ari gracefully shook each of their hands.
“Oh, dear, please call us by our first names. Don’t let the attire fool you—we’re not formal. We’re here for the free booze and to support our son.” My mom was the perfect mix of elegance and college girl—she could clean up wellanddo shots with the best of them.
“What is this charity for?” Ari asked as she looked around the elegantly decorated space.
“The mission of Welcome Home Angel is to bring joy to children with significant health or life-altering conditions and relief to their families by creating happier and more functional living spaces,” I responded quickly.
Ari tilted her head as she narrowed her eyes at me. “Did you memorize that?”
“Logan helped found the organization while he was still in school. He’s quite the philanthropist.” Leave it to Mom to jump in and brag about me.
“Color me impressed.” Ari beamed up at me as I took her hand.
“I guess it’s time for us to find our table.” I led the way up to the front of the room to the first table where the other founders were all gathering around.
I helped Ari into her seat before shaking hands and exchanging mindless pleasantries with people as they approached.
As I scooted my chair in, Ari leaned over. “You could have warned me that you were such a bigwig at this thing.”
“And miss out on that shocked look on your face? Never.” I gave her a quick wink as my cofounder, Regina Huggins, took the stage.
“It is with great please that I welcome all of you here this evening. Years ago, I was approached by an impressive college kid with a grand idea he had come up with while taking a business class at Yale. With absolutely no experience and hardly any funding, his determination and eagerness to help children in need was the driving force behind kicking this foundation into gear. It is my honor to present to you, Logan Turner. You might know him simply from his success on the football field, but even before he was drafted into the NFL, he was our MVP.”
Ari’s jaw dropped as I smoothed out my lapels while getting up to make my obligatory speech. Awkwardly, I thanked Regina with a quick hug before addressing the crowd.
“Regina makes me sound so much more noble than I am. Frankly, I saw a need that was not being met in my home state and did my best to rectify the situation. Without the help of Regina, the rest of the angels, and the countless volunteers and builders we work with on a daily basis, this dream would have never become reality. I am humbled to say that countless children and their families alike have safer, more functional, more practical, and—let’s face it—more comfortable homes because of all the work this astonishing foundation does tirelessly. But, all of that comes at a price, and that is where all of you come in. Without your extraordinarily generous donations, children like Milly and Diego wouldn’t have what they need to feel content and succeed at home. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Please enjoy the food and drinks. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders and waitstaff, if you feel so inclined. They have all donated their time tonight to ensure that every penny possible goes right into the coffers and continues to help this organization thrive. Thank you, again.”
Ari snickered at me as I rejoined the table. “Just when I thought I had you figured out, Turner, you go and pull a stunt like this.”
“I’ll always try to keep you on your toes. Gotta keep life interesting somehow.”
The evening went on in mildly boring succession: dinner, drinks, shaking hands, introducing people, pretending I didn’t forget way too many names.
“I’m going to get another drink. Want anything?” Ari asked under her breath while I greeted a couple of the children who were in attendance.
“I’ll meet you over there.”
I couldn’t help but stare as she sashayed away.
I’m in trouble.
I would have been lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I had already broken the attachment rule before it was even in place, but I was trying to keep my head on straight.
“Mr. Turner, will you sign this for me?” asked a sweet boy named Diego as he held up a football and a Sharpie.
Kneeling down, I smiled at him. I had personally helped build a bed that was easier for him to get in and out of due to a rare condition that affects his ability to walk. “I would be honored.”
His mother was crying with joy, her hand on Diego’s shoulder. “He’s been talking about nothing but this event for over a month. Thank you so much, Mr. Turner.”
