Chapter Eleven

Logan was standing near his desk, supposedly packing up what few belongings of his remained in the office, but really, he was daydreaming. Imagining the life he should have waiting for him—the one he should be starting. She was there, of course—Abigail Lewis was always there, always his future.

Even though she wasn’t even a part of his present.

He couldn’t help it, though. He knew he couldn’t be angry with her for leaving—well, not really, anyway. He should have known she would run. She’d told him that she didn’t love him—who was he to question that?

Maybe she was right—maybe he didn’t know her at all.

He thought back to that night, not so long ago. Sure, she had been drinking—but he’d seen life in her eyes. He had recognized something there—something he couldn’t have possibly mistook for something else.

She still cared about him.

He remembered his plane landing, and the first thing he had done was to check on her flight. He’d rented a room and then went to her gate, waiting anxiously for even just a glimpse of her. He hadn’t planned on speaking to her—really, all he’d wanted was to make sure she was okay.

But as he’d watched her emerge from the boarding bridge, her eyes panicked as she searched around, he couldn’t move. The crowd had parted, as if everything had fallen together just to create that moment. And when her eyes had finally found his, her shoulders had relaxed and the fear he’d seen written all over her had simply…vanished.

She was relieved to see him.

He had taken it as a sign—that despite whatever she had said before, she did care about him. The evidence had been written all over her face.

After they had parted ways, he’d taken a seat along the wall, watching her as she walked through the airport. When she’d finally settled down at the bar, he couldn’t resist getting closer. Couldn’t resist the temptation to slip back in time, throwing back drinks and enjoying themselves. He hadn’t meant for it to go so far.

Logan sighed, running his hand through his hair, shaking his head.

Not that he regretted it.

He only regretted the position he had put her in. What was she supposed to do? She was engaged to another man. She’d given him her word.

Logan couldn’t help but wonder why, if she was really happy in her relationship, though—why had she felt the need to spend the night with him?

Maybe all she had needed was one more night to find closure, he told himself. He remembered how she had told him that, after he left her, she had waited for him to come back. Maybe, deep down, all she needed was to drive the final nail into the coffin.

Maybe she would be happy now.

He sighed again, deciding to push the thoughts from his mind. He’d spent way too much time thinking about this over the last three months—it was time to accept the way things were. Abby had left, and she wasn’t coming back.

It was time to move on with his life.

He heard a phone ringing in the distance and he crossed the room to the door, trying to tell the secretary that he wasn’t in. But the woman ignored him. “Mr. Sheppard—”

“I’m not in the office, Jean—”

“But Mr. Sheppard—it’s a personal call. You told me that if anyone by the name of Lewis—” He didn’t give the woman a chance to finish before he spun around and hurried back into his office, certain to close the door behind him.

It couldn’t be her—could it? What were the odds that she was thinking about him at this very moment—the very moment he had decided to let her go? He reached out for the phone, hesitating.

“Abby?” He questioned after a long moment.

“I’m sorry, Logan—it’s the more unappealing of the Lewises.” It was the voice of a man that responded—one that Logan recognized. Though he wasn’t displeased to hear Martin’s voice, disappointment still flooded through him.

“Mr. Lewis—”

“Call me Marty, Logan.” Logan couldn’t help but frown as he stared down at his desk.

“Marty,” he corrected. “What can I do for you?”

“Well—I hope you don’t mind me looking you up.”

“No, sir—not at all, actually.” It was the truth. Logan was only disappointed because it wasn’t Abby on the phone—part of him was thrilled, on the other hand, that the older man was calling. For some reason, it gave him just the slightest bit of hope that there was still a chance. If he could win over Abby’s father—what more was stopping him from winning her back as well?

Well, the fact that she’s getting married…oh, any day now. That might be a deterrent, he thought to himself.

“It’s Marty, Logan. All of this ‘sir’ and ‘Mr. Lewis’ business makes me feel like an old man.” Logan chuckled then. “Anyway, I was just calling because I was in the area—I was wondering if you were available for lunch.”

He probably shouldn’t—he knew. He had a few things he needed to finish up at the office before he packed up for good. But he just couldn’t resist.

“Lunch shouldn’t be a problem. Whenever you’re ready, sir—I mean, Marty. They won’t miss me, I’m sure.” They’d have to get used to him not being around soon anyway.

“Good. There’s this small little burger joint right across from the Chase building—should we just meet there in about a half hour?” Logan knew exactly which burger joint Martin was talking about. It was a hidden treasure of the city—one Logan would be sure to miss when he found himself on the other side of the country.

“Sounds great—I’ll see you then.”

As Logan hung up the phone, he took a deep breath, wondering just what was on the older man’s agenda. Why had he called? What did he want to talk about?

Or was Logan just jumping the gun, clinging on to some nonexistent hope?

He groaned then, running both of his hands through his hair, every muscle in his body on edge. Regardless—the man had good timing. If he had called at the same time next week, he would have found an empty office. Logan was glad he would have this opportunity, even if it didn’t get him any closer to Abby.

It occurred to him that perhaps Abby was already married. Maybe this was what her father had come to discuss. Maybe he was disappointed in Logan for letting her go through with it.

Or maybe he really was in the area, and he was just looking for some company to share a burger with.

Logan rose to his feet and grabbed his blazer off the back of his chair, pulling it on as he exited the office. “I’m going out to lunch, Jean—hold my calls.”

“Is everything—?”

“Oh, it’s fine. I’m just meeting—a friend.”

“Be careful, Logan. I don’t want to see you put yourself through what I saw you go through a few months ago.” She was an older woman—motherly, caring. Logan leaned over and touched his lips to the woman’s head.

“I’ll be okay, Jean. Don’t worry. It’s just a burger.”

“You know what I’m talking about, Logan.” He smiled sadly at her, remembering the mess he’d been when he’d returned from the trip to Kentucky. He’d been such a pest, constantly questioning Jean—wanting to know if he’d had any calls. Hoping he would hear from her just once.

He deserved the pain—he knew that. Whatever he’d experienced, he was sure it was no contest with what he’d done to her all those years ago. At least he’d almost been expecting it. Sure, he’d hoped for something different, but something had told him that Abby wasn’t done running yet.

“I’ll be careful.” He nodded, waving as he walked away. He hardly noticed the other people on the floor as he passed by them, his thoughts distracting him.

The restaurant wasn’t all that far from Logan’s building, so he made the trek by foot. When he finally arrived, Martin Lewis was already seated at a booth near the back. He waved from his seat, calling Logan over. When Logan made his way over, the older man offered his hand and the two shook before Logan settled in across from him.

“Thanks for meeting with me on such short notice.”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. I’m glad you called.” Logan shrugged out of his blazer, having learned from experience that jackets were much more costly to replace than were dress shirts. He’d had the misfortune of making a mess of himself on more than one occasion.

“I really enjoyed talking with you the last time we met, Logan.”

“I’m glad. Really, though, the pleasure was all mine.” He wasn’t just being nice either. Logan meant it. He was glad he’d had the opportunity to meet Abby’s father, even if it made resenting him that much more difficult.

Impossible, rather. Because having seen the way Martin Lewis cared for his daughter…it had made all the difference.

“I regret not having the chance to meet you sooner, son.” Logan only nodded, unsure of how to respond. He, too, wished they’d had the opportunity to meet all those years ago. But deep down, he knew it was for the best that they hadn’t. “I know that you and Abby were serious for quite some time many years ago. I wish I had taken the time then to get to know you rather than allow the assumptions of my friends to make up my mind for me.”

“No—you were right. I was a different man then.” Logan knew Martin would never have approved of him then. He had been drifting through life until he met Abby, and even then, he had been too dense to do something with himself.

“Truth be told, I really don’t think you were.” Martin found Logan’s eyes, and he could see that the man was being honest. “For a long time, I thought I knew who you were. I grew up in this world, and I saw the way men looked at the women I grew up with. The golden ticket, I think, is what they used to say.”

Martin paused, looking down at the table for a moment before meeting Logan’s eyes once more. “I thought I knew what you were all about. But I saw the way you looked at her, Logan. And it was not at all what I had expected.”

Just then, the waitress came over to take their order. Logan ordered his usual, without looking at the menu—eager to continue the conversation. He wanted to know where this was leading. The older man followed suit, not taking any longer than necessary to order exactly the same thing as Logan.

“You were saying?” Logan asked, trying not to appear too eager.

“You really love my daughter.” Martin told him.

“Without question.” What would be the use in lying?

“You didn’t really stop, did you?” Logan shook his head. He was sure it would be impossible to, even now. “I wish I’d known that sooner, Logan.”

“I didn’t want to intrude on whatever life she had made for herself. When I left her—I wasn’t doing it because of anything that she had done. I was just…” He paused, searching for the words, trying to explain to the man why he had left Abby in the first place. It had nothing to do with not loving her enough—in fact, it was just the opposite. He had loved her too much, and that had frightened him for far too long. “I was terrified. I didn’t think I deserved her.”

“I’ve had a hard time finding someone I thought did.” Martin told him and Logan wondered if he spoke of Eric—the man his daughter was soon to wed. Did he really think Eric deserved Abby? “You could have found her again.”

“By the time I had finally figured it all out, I couldn’t imagine she would ever be able to look at me the same way.” Logan told him.

“But she does.” Abby’s father replied. But Logan shook his head, leaning back into the seat.

“No—I really don’t think that’s the case, sir. Marty.” Wouldn’t she have stayed if she did?

“Forgive me for being frank, Logan—but are you blind?” Logan looked up, somewhat stunned. Martin’s eyes held his. Logan recognized that look—he’d seen it on Abby’s face so many times before, whenever he’d done something incredibly stupid. “I’ve never seen my daughter look at any man the way she looks at you.”

Logan couldn’t find his voice for several moments.

“But she hasn’t called me. She hasn’t tried to find me.”

“Because she’s afraid, Logan. She’s spent so much time trying to let you go—so much time and energy trying to push you away. And she’s afraid to let you back in. I saw what she went through, when she came home from Hawaii. ”

“But she has to know that I would never—”

“Plus, she’s a woman bound to her commitments. If she gives her word, she does everything she can to stick by it. She’d sacrifice almost anything.” It was true. Logan knew this from experience. She was as stubborn as they came.

“Even her own happiness?”

“That’s what I’m here to try and prevent, Logan.”

“So you didn’t just happen to be in the neighborhood…” Martin Lewis chuckled, shaking his head.

“Well, no, it wasn’t entirely by chance.” He leaned forward. “Eric is a good man. He really is. I know that he loves Abigail to the best of his abilities. But he’ll never be able to put her wants and needs first. I want someone who will be there for her, Logan. Someone who can take care of her, even when she doesn’t think she needs it.”

“What are you asking me to do, Marty?”

“I’m not asking you to do anything.” The man reached into his pocket, pulling out a thick envelope. “I’m here to give you this.” He slid the heavy stationary across the table. It only took one glance to realize what it was. “I think your invitation must have gotten lost in the mail. I decided I would personally deliver it—just to make sure it made it into the right hands.”

Logan stared down at the expensive looking cardstock, wondering what he was supposed to do with it. “The wedding is this Saturday.”

“Saturday?” Logan questioned—knowing exactly what he was meant to be doing on Saturday.

He had a plane to catch.

“I’m not asking you to do anything you don’t want to do, Logan. Please understand me. I’m not asking you to storm in there and make a scene. I just want you to think about it. Think about what she’s about to do and see if there’s—if you think it’s the best choice for her. And if it isn’t, maybe you can come up with some way to talk her out of it.”

“Have you tried?” The older man shook his head, settling back into the seat.

“I don’t know how much I can say without crossing a line. I can’t tell her not to do it—she’ll think I’m only trying to control her life. I can’t tell her I think she’s making a mistake, because if she does decide to go through with it—she’ll always think that I disapprove. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.”

“But you think it’ll be easier for me?”

“You’re not her father.”

“No, but I’m probably a little bit biased.”

“It’s worth a shot, Logan.” Logan ran his fingers through his hair, uncertainty coursing through him. “You don’t have to do anything—remember that. I just wanted to give you the opportunity, just in case you had anything to say.” It was obvious that Martin Lewis loved his daughter. He wanted only the best for her—and he’d come to Logan. That seemed worth considering.

“It’s something I’ll have to think about.” He didn’t want to be her father’s puppet, but something told him the man was speaking from his heart. He really was worried about his daughter’s future happiness—and he was only doing what he could.

“Enough serious talk—what’s on your agenda for the day?”

“Actually—packing,” Logan revealed as the waitress arrived with their food.

“Oh?” Martin asked, genuinely intrigued. Logan wondered if his news would alter Martin’s wishes at all.

“I’m moving back east—I bought some property there awhile back and I’ve been going back and forth, building my house. I finally finished a few weeks ago.” After he’d taken an extended vacation to deal with everything that had happened recently.

“Abby always did love the east coast.” Obviously, it wouldn’t make a difference in the slightest. “I was never much of a fan of the winters, myself. Never really knew what to expect.”

“Cold,” Logan responded, smiling. “You can always count on the cold.”

“What about work?” He asked before taking a large bite of his burger.

“Oh, my firm is opening another branch out that way—I’m actually taking a bit of a promotion, going out there.”

“Sounds like pretty much everything is going your way, Logan.” Logan nodded, swallowing the bite he’d taken of his own food.

“Pretty much everything.” He agreed, knowing exactly what it was he was missing.

“You deserve happiness, too. I hope you find everything you’re looking for. You’re a good man.”

“Thanks, sir—I mean, Marty. It really means a lot, coming from you.” Logan knew, in that moment, that the two men had made peace with the past. Logan no longer could blame Martin for his own choices, and Martin knew the role he had played. He had assumed he knew exactly what kind of guy Logan was.

He’d assumed wrong, though. And maybe, if Logan would have stuck around a bit longer—just maybe the older man would have seen it.

Both were guilty, in their own ways. Logan knew Martin was trying to atone for his mistake—and Logan knew that, like Martin, he should, too.

They continued on through lunch, talking about various different topics. The weather, Logan’s job, his years of schooling. Here and there, they would talk about the past—his past with Abby, Hayley and Blake. Logan could tell that Martin had heard little of this—but that he enjoyed the knowledge. The opportunity to know his daughter just a little bit better was one that Martin took with complete sincerity.

When they parted ways, Martin wished Logan happiness. Logan knew, of course—as did Martin—exactly what his happiness would rely on.

He found that he was unable to return to his office and so he wandered around the city, not seeing the beautiful buildings surrounding him—some he’d even contributed to the building of. He was lost among his thoughts, uncertain of what to do.

Abby was a big girl—she was fully capable of making her own decisions. And that would be exactly what she would tell him.

~*~

She stood in her bathroom, the morning of her wedding. She wore nothing but her underwear, staring into the mirror. She wasn’t sure how she had missed it before—a tiny bump now protruded from her normally flat stomach. It wouldn’t be obvious that she was pregnant for at least another month, she guessed—but she could tell now.

She had spent the last three days fluttering through the possibilities. At one point, she’d even been desperate enough to call her father—but he’d been out of town for the day, and when he’d returned, she had decided to keep it to herself for just a little longer.

Abby had no idea what to do.

If she admitted the truth—if she confessed to Eric her momentary lapse of fidelity, he would probably forgive her—if only to save face. The two could continue on with their marriage—their life.

She wasn’t so sure, though, that Eric would be willing to raise her child.

She wasn’t so sure she wanted him to.

But her options were limited—she’d run out of time. She couldn’t call the wedding off now—not after so much time and planning had gone into it, knowing that everyone would soon be gathering.

That was something that Hayley had been good at. Handling the crowd, making decisions. Not Abby, though. She was a people-pleaser. She always had been.

“Abigail?” Eric knocked on the door. “Jenny is here—they’re ready to take you to the church.”

“I’ll be right out,” she replied, staring into the mirror for just a moment longer before turning and slipping into the jeans and t-shirt she was wearing to the church.

“Do you have everything?”

“Most of it should already be at the church.” She told him, the tension in the room almost tangible. She hesitated for a long moment, contemplating confessing everything to him.

It would be so much easier if he would make the decision for her.

But instead, she stood there in silence, looking at the floor.

“Well, then. I guess I’ll see you in a few hours.” Eric told her as she passed by him. She noticed that he could hardly look at her, and not for the first time, she wondered if he already knew. He wasn’t stupid, by any means. It was his job to read people, and she was sure that she had been an open book the last few months.

“I’ll see you in a few hours.” She repeated, unable to really look at him.

Just as she reached the door, Abby stopped, looking back over her shoulder.

“Eric?”

“Yes, Abigail?”

“You’re sure you want to do this, right?”

“I’ve been sure since our third date. We make sense together. I know I’m not—what I mean to say is, I know that what we have isn’t a fairytale. But it could still have a happy ending.”

She noticed that love wasn’t even part of his argument. And shouldn’t it have been? Shouldn’t he have told her how much he loved her—how perfect they were for each other?

“I was just curious,” she finally replied, nodding her head.

“Better get going—don’t want to be late.” He urged, and Abby decided to say nothing more.

This is a mistake. She told herself, but she couldn’t stop it.

She let her feet carry her from the apartment and into the waiting limo. She let Jenny ramble on about her morning—about everything Abby was to expect for the rest of the day. The photographer was already at the church, ready to capture the bride going through the pre-wedding process. The stylists were there working on the bridesmaids, and everything would be wrapped up in time for Abby’s arrival.

She hardly noticed.

The morning flew by, Abby in a fog the entire time. She knew that her time was running out—but she had no idea what to do. She was at a loss.

A knock sounded at the door and Jenny hurried over to answer it, giving Abby a moment to appraise her own appearance.

She looked beautiful—though not much like herself, she had to admit. Her hair was carefully wrapped in some fancy up-do, her makeup professionally done. She almost felt like a porcelain doll—perfect on the outside, but empty within.

“Um…Abby?” Jenny spoke, pulling Abby from her thoughts. “There’s someone here to see you—”

“Who?” The only person who would want to see her before the wedding would be her father.

“It’s—” Jenny looked around at the other women in the room before she leaned in closer. “Logan, Abby. It’s Logan.”

The room swayed. Abby had to grab hold of Jenny in order to keep from falling.

“Tell him to go away, Jenny. Please.”

“I already tried that. He said he just wants to talk to you—he only needs two minutes.” Abby felt her throat closing up, the tears already threatening to appear.

“I can’t—”

“I can tell him again.” Abby nodded, watching Jenny hurry back to the door. What was he doing here? How had he known where to find her?

“I’m not leaving, Abby—not until I talk to you. I’ll say what I have to say from out here, if you make me.” He was raising his voice then, making certain that she heard him. She looked around the room, suddenly very aware of all eyes on her.

“Let him in.” She finally gave in, knowing he was telling the truth. He would only stand out there and continue to make a scene.

He wasn’t dressed for the wedding. He wore jeans and a t-shirt, his hair more disheveled than ever. His gray eyes swept over her, taking it all in. “Ladies?” Abby questioned. “Could you give us a minute?”

“Not a problem, Abby. Take as long as you need.” It was Jenny, ushering the rest of the women out. Abby was aware that the photographer had taken a few shots of the encounter and in the back of her mind, she noted that she would definitely have to ask for a discount.

“You look…”

“Beautiful, I know.” She’d heard it a million times.

“No, I was going to say like a princess.” He shook his head. “That’s not how you envisioned your wedding.”

“There’s a lot I didn’t envision about this day—but it’s all happening.” Why was she so angry with him? There was a flood of resentment in the pit of her chest spilling out and spreading through her. “What are you doing here, Logan?”

“I’m trying to keep you from making a mistake.” Mistake. There was that word again. “You know you don’t want this, Abby.”

“And you think this is the most opportune moment to be telling me this?” She was actually livid. What right did he have to be here? What did he think he was doing? “It’s been months, Logan—months.”

“Hey—you left me this time, Abby.” His tone was tense—strained.

“You knew where to find me.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to be found.”

“So why didn’t that stop you today?” She didn’t need this—not today. Not with everything else that was going on today.

“Because—I knew if I didn’t come today, you’d go through with it.”

“So you think that, because you’re here, I’m going to just up and call off the wedding? Cause a scene, break some hearts, ruin some futures?” That’s exactly what he was asking her to do.

“No—and I’m not asking you to do anything like that, Abigail.” He shook his head, stepping closer to her. “All I want you to do is—for just once in your life—think about yourself. Put yourself first.”

The room swayed again—a church bell sounded in the distance. Time was almost up.

“You have to leave, Logan. You can’t be here.”

“Abby, please.” He was begging her now. She could hear the pain in his voice. He loved her so much.

But she couldn’t do this—not for him.

She longed to do what he asked. She was dying to tell him about the life they had created—to throw her arms around his neck and let him carry her away.

But she couldn’t.

“I have to make my own decisions—and I want you to leave.” It hurt her to say the words. She watched his eyes change—saw the pain etch itself inside them. “Just go.”

“If this is what you want, Abby—if this is what will make you happy—”

“Get out!” She actually screamed then, the urge to throw herself into his arms almost undeniable. But she couldn’t do it.

“I love you, Abigail Lewis. I’ll never stop, no matter how much it hurts.” He held her eyes for several long moments, pleading with her the entire time. Her body actually began to shake as she stared, dying to go to him.

And then he was gone.

She felt the tears coming on and she willed them away. Abby struggled to maintain her breathing. She fought to keep her feet planted on the floor so that she didn’t run after him, telling him that she did love him—that she did want him. That he had given her something she thought she would never have.

Several moments passed before Abby could tear her eyes away from the spot Logan had just vacated. A few renegade tears had escaped, leaving a hot trail down her cheek. It took everything she could muster not to break down into sobs.

“Abby?” She heard another knock at the door now, another voice—this time her father. “Abby, dear, are you all right?”

“I’m fine, Dad—I just need—” But he didn’t wait. He pushed the door open and was already walking into her room, his eyes full of concern.

“Was that Logan I just saw?” His eyes were roaming over her, taking in her appearance—the pain in her eyes, the tears on her cheeks.

“Don’t worry, I sent him away.” She couldn’t help the acidic tone in her voice. Isn’t that what he would have wanted her to do?

“Why, dear?” His question nearly knocked her breathless once more, but not because of the words—it was his tone. He almost seemed remorseful.

“Why was he here?” She tried to clarify. He couldn’t possibly have meant the question the way she’d taken it.

“Why would you send him away?” She couldn’t breathe for a moment.

“Isn’t it obvious?” She was lost. Utterly and completely lost. “Isn’t that what you wanted me to do?”

“Oh, Abigail,” he reached out and took her hand then, his eyes pleading with her. “All I want you to do is whatever will make you happiest.”

“Whatever will make me happiest?” Abby repeated his words. She pulled her hand away, feeling as if his touch burned her. “Did you really just say that? Did you really just tell me that my happiness is what matters most to you? Because if you really meant that, then we wouldn’t even be in this position. If you really meant it—Logan never would have left in the first place.”

“Abby—” But she didn’t let him speak. She couldn’t. She’d been holding this in for far too long.

“I was happy, Daddy. All those years ago—I was more than happy. I had Hayley. I had Logan. I had a bright future ahead of me.” She shook her head. “What do I have now?”

And suddenly, she knew the answer to that. She touched her hands to her stomach, the tears in her eyes fading.

Her father took advantage of her silence, doing his best to explain himself and console his daughter. He didn’t notice that she no longer needed consoling. “I was foolish, Abby. I know it’s late—and I’m sorry. But when you told me that Hayley had died—it nearly killed me. Not because it was Hayley, but because it could have been you. You’re the most important thing in this world to me, my dear. And all I want is for you to be happy. I don’t care if you find it with Logan—or with Eric—or with some homeless man on the street.” He paused.

“All I care is that you find it.”

It was as if everything was falling into place. It didn’t even matter to Abby that she had her father’s blessing—because, for once, she had her own.

“Abigail?” She realized that she hadn’t spoken for several moments and she turned to her father, her eyes wide—and, for the first time in many months—maybe even years, they were awake.

“I can’t be here, Daddy.” She shook her head, reaching back to try to undo her dress. There was a new urgency within her.

“Abby—”

“I can’t do this. I just—this isn’t what I want. This has never been what I wanted.” She reached up and tore the veil from her hair, taking with it the pins that had held her hair firmly in place. “This isn’t where I’m meant to be.”

“Where are you going?” Her father asked, eyeing her curiously.

“Anywhere but here.” She felt a frenzied ball of laughter erupt inside her throat. “I love him, Daddy.” She laughed.

“Love who?”

“Logan. I love him—now, always—forever.” She was six years ago now, back on the beach. He’d promised her forever that night, knowing that he was leaving. Knowing that he would never love another like he loved her.

And, at last, Abby could say the same.

She would love Logan Sheppard forever. She would love him for the man he had always been—it had nothing to do with wealth or status. He could be a pauper sleeping in an alley somewhere and he would still be just as appealing.

“And I’m going to have his baby, Dad.” She leaned forward, excitedly pressing her lips to her father’s cheek. “I’m going to be a mom—and he is going to be an amazing father.”

“Don’t you think you should try the marriage thing first?” He asked, his eyes twinkling as he saw the happiness that his daughter was suddenly enveloped in.

“It’s too late—it’s already started.” She was glowing—absolutely radiant. He offered her a confused look, uncertain of what she was trying to say. “In about six months, you’re going to be a grandfather.” She watched as his eyes widened.

“You’re—?” Abby nodded, smiling from ear to ear. “And Logan?” She nodded again.

“It was the best mistake I’ve made in my entire life.” She began to step toward the door. “And he doesn’t even know!” She began fumbling with the remaining pins in her hair, feeling too constricted. She needed to be free of all of this—of this entire charade. She knew where her life was—and it wasn’t here. “I have to go to him—I can make it to Sacramento—”

“No, Abigail—no, Logan isn’t going back to Sacramento.”

“What?” She turned, confused. How would her father know where Logan was going to?

“Logan—he’s going back east. His firm is branching out—he just finished building a house—”

“He’s leaving? Today?” The urgency within her grew even stronger. “But—”

“I’m sure he hasn’t left yet—” Of course—he would have to go to the airport. She had to hurry—she had to catch him before he left. She hurried toward the door once more, yanking the door open, calling for Jenny. The young woman appeared instantly, as if she had been waiting for the call. Abby waved her in without delay.

“I—I can’t be here, Jenny. I have somewhere to be—”

“I was hoping you would say that.”

“But I can’t—it’s suffocating me.” She gestured to the dress and Jenny laughed.

“This is something I can fix.” Jenny leaned over Abby’s shoulder. “You might not want to stick around for this part, sir.” Martin seemed to realize what was about to take place and he laughed.

“Well, I think I have some news to deliver. There are guests waiting for an event that was never meant to take place.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Abby whispered as he passed by her. He paused, turning to embrace his only daughter.

“No, my dear—thank you.” And with that, he turned, leaving the two young women behind. Jenny immediately set to work, unclasping and unzipping until Abby was left standing in just her undergarments.

“Good luck, Abby,” Jenny wished as Abby pulled on the clothes she had worn to the church. “Don’t worry about anything here—we’ll make sure it all gets taken care of.”

“You’re a good friend, Jenny.”

“I try!” She smiled boldly at Abby. “Now go!”

She didn’t need telling twice. It was only a moment before she was dashing from the church doors out into the street, trying her hardest to hail a cab. When she came up empty handed, her eyes landed on the limo that had brought her to the church.

“Eric will just have to forgive me,” she muttered as she threw herself into the backseat of the waiting car, instructing the driver to take her to the airport.

“Ceremony’s over a bit early, isn’t it?” The man asked, a knowing smile on his face.

“It wasn’t meant to be.”

It was amazing, the lightness that surrounded her. She hadn’t felt so carefree, so blissful, in such a long time. She felt whole again. Like whatever had been missing was found, returned to its rightful place.

All she needed to do was make it in time. She had to find him—had to tell him that she loved him. That she’d never stopped. And that they had a future. Together—one they’d already started without even planning it.

It seemed to take forever to get to the airport, but as soon as they were near enough, Abby threw herself from the vehicle and darted inside the building, knowing how crazy she must look to anyone standing by. A mad woman—with her hair still half styled and makeup flawless, dashing through the airport in an old pair of jeans and a worn t-shirt.

But she didn’t care.

Her only thought was of finding Logan.

She kept her eyes open, searching for that disheveled hair she would recognize anywhere.

And then she saw him.

He was nearing the security gate—almost to the point of no return.

She had no choice.

“Logan!” She yelled. Nothing. “Logan!” She tried again, pushing closer, trying to get through to him. “Logan!” A few people had begun to turn around then, eyeing her curiously. Abby began to point at him, trying to get others to get his attention for her.

“Logan!” She yelled as loud as she could. At the same time, a generous neighbor had nudged Logan on the shoulder, pointing in Abby’s direction.

His eyes found hers immediately. He didn’t even bother to grab his bags as he pushed passed everyone in line behind him, weaving his way through until he could find her. Neither cared that they had suddenly become a spectacle—that all eyes were on them as they collided into one another.

“You still love me?” She questioned, the memory of that night once again washing over her.

“Forever, Abby.” He touched his lips to hers before showering her with kisses—her lips, her cheeks, her neck, her forehead. “Forever and ever.”

“Good—because I have a confession to make.” She pulled herself closer to him. “Logan Sheppard, I am utterly and completely in love with you. I have been since the night you kissed me on that rooftop, and I’m afraid I always will be.”

“That is quite a confession.” The happiness was simply pouring off him.

“I actually have another,” she whispered into his ear.

“I hope it’s as good as the first.” Abby touched her lips to his neck, raising herself to his ear.

“Well, I hope you’ve built a house large enough for three, wherever it is we’re going.” She pulled away, so that she could find his eyes. “Because it would seem that we are expecting.”

“You mean—?” Abby nodded.

“You’re going to be a daddy, Logan. And a husband. And you’re going to have a loving wife who is still willing to give the world for you.”

“Shouldn’t I propose?”

“I’ll give you a hint,” she touched her lips to his once more. “I’m a sure thing.”

Date: 2015-04-20; view: 535