Page 15 of The Secret Heir Next Door

I lean back in my chair, staring out the window at the city below. My thoughts drift to Abby. My brother-in-law’s death left a void that I've tried to fill, but I'm not exactly the fatherly type. Planning a four-year-old's birthday party is the last thing I want to be doing, but I owe it to my sister to make sure Abby is taken care of.

Serena's offer came at the right time. If she can pull this off, it solves two problems for me. If not, well, there are always other planners. I wonder if I should actually hire another one, as a plan B…My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my thoughts.

By three o’clock,I find myself standing outside Serena's shop, watching through the window as she arranges a display of cake pops. She looks focused and determined.

She’s so damn sexy.

How can I be so attracted to someone who is everything I shouldn’t be impressed by?

I need someone professional, a gorgeous accessory on my arm who can also talk shop. I need someone who will support me and help me achieve all of my dreams while understanding that her goals are fine, but I am the breadwinner. Call me old school, but that’s how I was raised.

That’s not this woman.

She’s more laid-back—intuitive. But she clearly doesn’t know her place in the world. Well, in MY world anyway.

She’s not the one for me but why is she all I can think about?

I push open the door, the bell chiming as I step inside.

"Welcome to Sweet Treats!” she calls out cheerfully. Her entire demeanor changes when she sees that it’s me. “What can I do for you?"

"I'm here to check on your progress," I say, glancing around the shop. "How's the party planning going?"

"You don’t miss a beat, do you?”, she asks, wiping her hands on her apron. “Everything is on track,". "I've spoken to the vendors, looked at a few venues, and started on ideas for decorations. Abby will have the best birthday party she's ever had. But I’d really like to meet her first to make sure I’m capturing her essence and what she wants.”

"She’s four. She doesn’t have an essence or even know what she wants.”

“Yes she does,” she giggles.

“Trust me, I know my niece better than anyone.”

“I trust that you do know, but I’d still like to meet her.”

I let out a long sigh and pull out my phone. I call Deidre.

“Logan,” she says.

“Dee, what’s Abby doing tonight?”

“Wreaking havoc on me and her sisters,” she sighs.

“I’m picking her up at five thirty to make sure I get everything right for her party.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m picking her up at five-thirty. I’ll take her to dinner and to the park or something. Give you a small break.”

“Wait, is this a joke?”

“No. I know I haven’t been around much, but…I’m trying to be helpful here.”

“I’ll take it,” she murmurs. “Thanks.”

I hang up the phone and don’t miss the small smile playing on Serena’s face.

“What are your shop’s hours?”

“I’m here until six.”