“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Blythe, Logan’s mother.” She beamed, hugging me. It was heartfelt, and just like that I felt welcomed.
There was an instant resemblance to Julia in Blythe’s features. Both were petite, and fierce in the way they held themselves.
I moved back into Logan’s space and his hand found mine immediately, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Thanks for inviting me,” I said with a shy smile.
“Of course! I nearly demanded it, although Logan was one step ahead as always. He made it clear a few months back when I first planned this party that you’d be here.” Her smile swept to Logan.
Months back, huh? The arrogant brute.
“I have to admit, I wasn’t convinced, what with all the gossip Julia spreads.” Blythe hooked her arm through mine, leading me deeper into the house and leaving Logan in the foyer with our bags. “Logan, dear, take the bags up to your room, but leave Oliver’s. He’ll be sleeping downstairs.”
Logan didn’t question her, setting Oliver’s bag off to the side before starting toward the stairs. “Should I put Cassandra in one of the guest rooms at the end of the hall or downstairs?”
His mother stopped, with me locked at her side feeling curious about the subtle smile she sent his direction. “That won’t be necessary. She can stay with you in your room.”
The look on Logan’s face—a mix of shock and bemusement—had me wishing for a camera. “Are you sure?” he asked, his words careful and slow.
“Positive. Now go—and hurry back down for brunch.”
Blythe continued down a shallow hallway decorated with family photos, stopping to point out a few of Logan as a child and even promising to pull out old photo albums later. I was instantly intrigued—especially considering she said it in a hushed whisper as though Logan, even on another floor, might not be thrilled with the idea if he heard.
At the top of a second flight of stairs, which led down, she turned to face me and released my arm.
“I can’t tell you enough how happy I am that you came. I’ve heard so much about you, and I’ll say, Julia was right: You are a beautiful young lady.”
Julia told her that? Jax, I could see, but not Julia. I couldn’t help my smile.
“Thank you. Not going to lie, I was nervous to meet you.” My face flushed at my honesty. Something about Blythe and how laidback she appeared made it easy to be open. “It means a lot to me that Logan wanted me here, and that you’ve been so kind and welcoming.”
“My son loves you. I‘ve never heard him speak of anyone the way he does you. I knew the moment Jax told me Logan was infatuated with a girl who was happier spending time with Oliver than him that you’d be the one to finally get through.”
“Oliver’s such a sweet kid. It was love at first sight with him, but with Logan…that took some time.” I chuckled, relieved when she grinned in understanding.
“How have you been feeling? I know you’ve been through a lot lately. I’ve spent every night worrying about you as much as my own children. Logan doesn’t tell me much. Jax and Julia are my eyes and ears, usually.”
The sincerity and warmth in her words landed deep. Unsure what to say, I steered the conversation in the opposite direction.
“Jax is a bit of a nut,” I chuckled. “Don’t believe anything he tells you.”
Blythe laughed, nodding her head. “I love that boy dearly, but he’s his father through and through.” She glanced at the stairs, then hesitantly back at me. “Everyone’s downstairs and eager to meet you.”
I took a step forward but she placed her hand on my elbow, stopping me.
“Oliver means the world to me. After his mother left, I filled her role as much as Logan would allow. I don’t approve of Natasha—never did—but I respected their relationship. And now I need to respect Oliver’s relationship with her.”
My gaze held hers and I agreed, but didn’t fully understand where she was going.
“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable this weekend. When Oliver and I planned the party, he sent an invite to his mother.”
“She’s here,” I stated, not needing an answer.
I guess Logan hasn’t updated his mother on Natasha’s current repertoire of insanity. What really knocked me off balance was the fact that he’d never mentioned her name when he’d rattled off the guest list. He must’ve predicted the fire and brimstone he’d encounter—and for good reason. But for now, I held my poise as well as my tongue.
“Yes, and Logan has given his blessing. I will say that she’s already on her third drink from what I’ve been told, and if she steps out of line, she’ll be gone. I’m sorry to say this, but until she does, I won’t ruin my grandson’s birthday.” Her features were soft and apologetic.
“Don’t be. I get it, I do. And it’s wonderful Oliver has you to see the big picture. Natasha isn’t my favorite person, but I agree—Oliver should have his mother here if he wants her.”
It wasn’t a lie. I never wanted Natasha to hurt Oliver, but with all the family around, she’d be a fool to try anything. And if she did, she was just digging her own grave.
“Logan’s right. You are a sweetheart.”
Downstairs looked similar to the floor we’d just left. It was a lounge area that held a bar, enough white leather chairs to seat my entire class, and a casual dining room.
Around the room were at least twenty faces—and they were all staring at me.
I stiffened, unsure whether I should do a big hello to everyone or make rounds for personal introductions.
Saving me from having to decide, Julia and Luke came straight over. We chatted for a few minutes before Jax joined in with a girl I’d never seen hang out at the house, but judging by his hands on her ass, I guessed she was his date.
“Hi, Cassandra.” I turned toward the voice and recognized a woman I’d seen only once before, in Logan’s driveway: Katherine. “We’re so glad you made it. I’ve been asking Logan repeatedly to bring you over for dinner. It seems he likes to keep you all to himself.”
She pulled me in for a hug and I went with it. She was sweet, beautiful, and matched perfectly to the man around Logan’s age who sauntered up beside her, his hands encircling her tiny waist.
“This is Katherine and my brother Lawrence,” Logan said to me, appearing out of nowhere. He mimicked Lawrence’s movement, clutching me to his side.
“Cassandra. An honor,” Lawrence said with an easy smile that matched Logan’s. Brothers for sure. “I was beginning to think they were making you up just to get us off Logan’s back about finding a good woman.”
I laughed softly. “No, I’m very much real.”
“It appears so.” His eyes shifted to Logan and they exchanged a look I didn’t understand, but Logan’s smile grew wider. Whatever it was, it was good. “I owe you a drink, Cassandra, for leading my brother back to the land of the living.”
“I think Logan and I led each other,” I replied, almost embarrassed at how deeply that struck me. It was true: I’d been hiding in the country and keeping to myself when he’d stormed in next door and changed my world.
“Whatever it was, I have my brother back, so thank you. Over the past few years, I was worried he’d become a machine that was only capable of working and raising his son.”
“Lawrence,” Logan warned, his hand tensing on my hip.
“I’m sorry. Don’t blame me for missing you.”
“Well, here I am, but where is my son? He seems to have disappeared in search of Charlie.”
“They’re upstairs with your father. He’s helping them set up a tent in the living room,” Katherine explained, smiling. “Can I get you a drink, Cassandra?”
My face lit up as I nodded. “Please, but I’ll go with you.”
After a peek up at Logan, I removed his hand from my hip, squeezed it gently, and followed her to the bar.
As we passed behind Luke and Julia, I nudged his side, smiling when he peeked back.
“You two look happy,?
?? I whispered.
His smile grew as he held Julia closer. Very, was all he mouthed, and I believed it—I could see it written over his soft features. The guy had it bad. Julia was lucky.
My steps were lighter as I continued to the bar.
“What would you like?” Katherine asked, stepping behind it.
The thing was fully stocked, which was great considering a drink would calm my few buzzing nerves. Though it wasn’t exactly the best first impression to make—especially when Jax shouted across the room to declare I was a tequila girl.
“I could go for a glass of wine. Nothing too strong for me.” I shot Jax a sharp sneer, who brushed it off with a snicker.
“Smart woman.” She laughed and filled two glasses with chardonnay, then handed me one.
“So, Katherine—”
“Katie,” she clarified. “Logan can be overly formal.”
I smiled, taking a sip. Delicious. “Yes, I’ve noticed. So, Katie, how did you and Lawrence meet?” I sat on a stool as she walked around to sit beside me.
“Through Natasha. I’ve been told you’ve met her.”
I nodded and took a larger sip, scanning the room but coming up blank of the witch. She was there somewhere, though—probably just not allowed to fly the broom in the house.
“She and I were best friends in high school. One day, she met Logan, fell hard, and convinced me to go on a double date with his brother. Swore he was gorgeous.”
She practically drawled the last part, and I caught her eyes dance over to her husband. The West men had some good genes, that was for sure.
“I didn’t believe it, of course, and she practically had to bribe me to go down to the restaurant. And then he walked in, looking anything but thrilled to be there until our eyes met and he smiled the sexiest smile I’d ever seen. I was smitten. We’ve been together ever since.”
“That’s sweet.” The hopeful romantic in me was swooning.
“Sweet and boring. That’s always been Lawrence and Katie.”
Natasha appeared behind us. Exchanging a look of disdain, we both turned to face her.
“I would hardly call us boring,” Katie defended, her smile melting into a scowl. “But then again, you wouldn’t know anymore, would you?”
“You were nothing like Logan and me. We were young, wild, and in love—couldn’t keep our hands off each other.” She slipped between us, leaning over the bar. “Sex, sex, and more sex while you and Lawrence barely kissed till, what, the third date?” She blew out an ugly laugh.
Katie stood, ready to throw back, when Natasha pinned me with her stare, reeking of alcohol. “Did he ever tell you about his twenty-first birthday, Cassandra? You should ask him. I’m sure he’s dying to replay that memory.”
“Leave her alone,” Katie threatened, “or we’ll replay for everyone here exactly how many old geezers you had to screw to keep your rent paid the last five years.”
Natasha swung her glare to Katie. “Maybe I’ll see if Lawrence is looking for some real fun.”
“Who’s ready to eat?”
Blythe stood across the room, her eyes on us. It was Oliver’s day, and I wouldn’t let Natasha rattle me. Katie seemed to brush her off, as well.
“Let’s go find our men,” Katie spouted, a broad grin in place as she looped her arm through mine.
Logan held out a seat directly beside him. Oliver was down a few spots, sitting beside a younger version of himself except for the blonde curls—Charlie had short, caramel locks. They sat closer to the end beside Blythe, who fawned over them both.
I missed my grandmother. Watching them together reminded me of how wonderful mine had been.
“Everything all right? I saw you with Natasha,” Logan whispered.
Resting my hand below the table over his thigh, I smiled. “Everything’s perfect. She may be miserable and bitter, but I couldn’t be happier.”
His lips brushed over my neck, and he placed a soft kiss on the tender skin behind my ear. “I love you,” Logan murmured.
A throat cleared behind us. “Hate to interrupt, but perhaps you can kiss your girl later and introduce her to your father now.”
I looked up to meet a pair of deep blue eyes that were identical to Logan’s, just on an older face. So this was the man who’d broken Blythe’s heart. He was handsome now—I could only imagine how much more so he’d been twenty years ago. He was also charming, which was obvious in the way he held himself and stared down at me.
“Cassandra, this is my father, Edward,” Logan said.
“Hello. It’s nice to finally meet you,” I said, smiling.
“A pleasure, darling. I hope you’re feeling better after the accident.”
“Yes, thank you.” I sneaked a peek at Logan. It was strange that so many people I’d never met knew so much about me.
“Wonderful. You’ll need some energy to keep up this afternoon. Oliver and Charlie are set on going to the aquarium.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ve never been to one.”
“Never?” Logan and Edward asked in unison.
I shook my head, smiling.
“Well, Logan’s been going since he was little. One of his favorite places,” Edward explained.
“Yes, it’s where he proposed to me,” Natasha cut in, and then leaned in to give Edward an awkward hug. “How have you been, Dad?”
My eyes dropped, as did my stomach. I turned back to face my plate that Logan had piled high with food while I was speaking with his father.
“Natasha. It’s been a long time. Maybe not long enough.” With that, Edward pulled away from Natasha, placed his hand on my shoulder, and threw me a wink when I peeked up before he walked away to his seat next to Blythe.
Natasha sat on the other side of Oliver, but it was still too close. Logan had proposed at the aquarium, where we were going in a couple hours.
“I’m sorry. We don’t have to go,” Logan whispered. “I can ask Oliver to pick somewhere else.”
“Don’t be silly. It obviously means a lot to you, so I’d love to go.”
He gave a nervous smile and turned back to his plate, picking at his food. Katie turned out to be quite the conversationalist. She filled the next hour with a multitude of questions for Logan and some for me, even telling stories about Logan and how much of a hands-on father he was. It was nice to hear, even though I didn’t need to. I’d seen it firsthand multiple times. I was in love with Logan, and she didn’t need to try and convince me he was a good guy. I could’ve used her a couple months before, though.
Through it all, I didn’t miss the way Natasha glared at Jax, who didn’t speak a word to her. I’d be talking to him before the weekend was up.
As everyone finished and stood to go upstairs, Logan was checking his phone beside me when I asked the unthinkable. It was stupid that I allowed Natasha’s words to eat at me, and why it chose that moment to pop out, I wasn’t sure.
“What did you do for your twenty-first birthday?” I asked in a hushed voice.
Judging by the blood draining from his face as he lifted his head and his inability to look me in the eyes, I knew it was best left in the past.
I suddenly realized I didn’t want to know. I groaned, withdrawing my words instantly. “Never mind. Forget I asked.”
He turned in his seat and stared back down at his phone, where he typed something. “We can talk later. Caleb just messaged.”
“Are they in Aspen yet?” I knew whatever was happening wasn’t good, because Logan looked tense. Dread settled in my gut.
He nodded, his jaw clenching as he held up his phone with the display facing me so I could read what it said.
Got in a few minutes ago. Big problem. Place has been raided.
My hand flew to my mouth as he scrolled down, revealing photos of his Aspen home. It was almost bare, and what little was left had been destroyed.
“Who would—” I started, but he cut me off with a hard shake of his head. His eyes cut to Natasha, who was in earshot, standing from the
table.
Valentine’s, I remembered. He’d sent her there. I closed my eyes, reeling at her audacity.
Logan took my hand, guiding me up. As he walked me toward the stairs, he whispered, “Don’t say a word to anyone.”
“Are you going to call the cops?” I asked, my voice drastically low.
Logan glared over to Jax, who was holding his date in his lap. “No. Jax is going to make all my problems go away very soon.”
What did that mean?
Chapter Thirty
Played
As it was my first visit to an aquarium, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the underwater tunnel that placed us right in the middle of another species’ environment was simply breathtaking. I could see why Oliver had chosen the place for his birthday, and as irritating as it was, why Logan would’ve proposed to Natasha there.
Oliver walked between Logan and me, each of us holding one of his tiny hands.
“You like it?” Oliver asked, staring up at me with sparkling eyes.
“I love it,” I replied with a smile.
Oliver dropped our hands and ran ahead of us to pull Charlie over to look at the hammerhead shark passing by. They pressed their noses to the glass, oohing and ahhing over the terrifying creature.
Brave boys.
Logan’s arm snaked around my waist, his lips pressing above my ear in a chaste kiss.
“I love having you here. Feels right.”
The coaxing static between us sizzled. Not the place for a rendezvous.
“How old were you the first time you came here?” I asked, curious and in need of a distraction from the soft caress of his fingers up the back of my shirt.
“Shortly after we moved here from Harmony. Grew up coming here at least once a month. They built this tunnel a couple years before Oliver was born. I brought him every chance I could,” he said, staring at his son.
“I like it here. It’s peaceful,” I said, my eyes on the boys as we stopped behind them.
They were laughing hysterically at the faces they made at the stingray gliding along the glass in front of them. It was nice not having to suffer through a crowd—the entire tunnel was closed off for the next few hours for Oliver to enjoy. Turns out it was a perk of the Wests being long-standing members and regular financial donors.