Page 31

Chapter Thirty-One

They didn’t get back to AJ’s dad’s house until pushing three o’clock in the morning. It had taken a bit of coaxing, but Logan finally got AJ to go to bed. He went to the kitchen for a glass of water before heading to the couch.

AJ’s dad came into the kitchen. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“It’s Dad. We’ve gone over this before.”

“That was a long time ago. I haven’t exactly turned out to be the man you were hoping for—for your daughter.”

“Son, none of us are perfect. You both made your fair share of mistakes, like her mom and I did. I’m sorry we weren’t a better example for the two of you as to how to make a marriage work.”

Not sure how to respond, Logan sipped his water.

“I’m proud of the both of you for not taking the easy way out.”

“Ignoring each other was the easiest thing we could do.”

“But you didn’t get divorced because you both knew your marriage was worth fighting for, even if you didn’t actually fight for it.”

“I should have. I will now.”

“I know, and I couldn’t be prouder of the way you are coming back together.”

Logan nodded. “Thank you. Means a lot to hear these things from you.”

“I’ve always liked you, even if I wasn’t impressed with how you behaved with my little girl.”

“I get that more now. Though Bree was so little …”

“She was. But even if she was still with us, she’d always be your little girl.”

Logan ruefully smiled at the thought. She would have been beautiful, but oh such a handful. She was her mother’s daughter through and through. He missed his baby.

“Bree would be happy to see her mom and dad back together.”

“It would have broken her heart to see how we grieved.”

“Here’s your opportunity to make up for lost time.”

“Yes, Dad.”

The older man grinned and slapped Logan’s shoulder. “Now, you two are married. There is no reason you need to sleep on the couch.” Dad left the room and threw a good night over his shoulder.

“Good night.” Logan shook his head, finished his glass of water, and debated what to do.

With all that was happening, he simply wanted to hold AJ, know she was close. He turned the light off and padded to her room. With as quiet a motion as possible, he opened and reclosed the door.

AJ slept with her back to him. He lifted the blanket on the double bed and slid quietly in behind her, laying close but not too close.

He rested his hand on her arm.

She startled.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

She rolled to her back and then toward him. “What are you doing in here?”

“I wanted to be close to you, to hold you. To be sure you were safe.”

Light from the waxing moon poured between the curtains illuminating the side of her face, enough that he watched a contented look cross her face.

“I expect nothing from you right now. I simply want to be near you. But if you want me to go back to the couch, I will.”

Her hand shot to his chest. “No. Stay. Hold me.” Her voice shook, and she sniffed.

Sliding one arm under her and wrapping the other around her waist, he tugged her close. “AJ?”

Another sniff. She slid her arm around him and snuggled her head into him. “It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m okay. This is exactly what I need, but I didn’t know how to ask.”

“Never hesitate again to tell me you need me to hold you. I’m a total dolt. You just have to tell me like it is. I’ll try to be less doltish, but—”

“But you’re my dolt, and I love you.”

It was his turn to laugh. “Thanks. I love you too.”

They snuggled close to one another. Logan’s body ached to know his wife again, but he was equally exhausted, and within minutes they both fell asleep.

AJ rubbed her eyes. It was morning, but she did not want to wake up.

Movement in the bed next to her made her eyes snap open.

Logan.

He was here with her. She could hardly believe it. She had hoped for this but hadn’t dared to believe it really would come about. He’d been so closed off from her for so long, was it truly possible they could be “us” again?

Careful not to wake him, she slid her arm beneath the pillow under his head. He stirred. Turning toward her, he ran his hand across her abdomen and then around her, burying his head against her head and shoulder.

He kissed her neck. “Good morning, Mrs. Jackson.”

She giggled. “G’morning, my dear husband.”

He faded again. She’d always been more of a morning person than he was.

She stroked his hair while she prayed for him and their safety.

Logan was her husband. She was so glad she never gave up on him, even though she hadn’t exactly fought very hard. She had wondered plenty of times if one day she’d get served divorce papers, but they had never come, and she was so grateful. She knew she would never file, but he had been completely in the right to do so. Still, he hadn’t.

She kissed his forehead, and he stirred again.

With eyes closed, Logan said, “You’re inviting trouble, Mrs. Jackson.”

“We’re married. It’s no trouble.”

He pushed himself up on his elbow and gazed into her eyes. “Do you mean that?” His hand that had been tucked around her ran up and down her side.

She nodded ever so slightly.

“Morning breath and all?”

Her heart raced. “Since when did I care about that?”

His smile quirked with anticipation. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

“I’ve been ready for five years.”

He lowered himself until his lips met hers. Soft and sweet until passion roared like a bonfire, and they gave themselves fully to one another as husband and wife.

A few hours later, all ready for their day, they fixed lunch. AJ couldn’t stop smiling. She felt invigorated by their renewed marriage.

Logan came up behind her and reached around her to snatch the mayonnaise.

“That closeness is completely unnecessary.”

He kissed her neck. “Are you complaining?”

“Oh no. Quite the opposite.”

He set the mayo down and fully encircled her waist with his arms. The stubble on his unshaved face tickled as he continued to kiss her neck.

“You’re going to be late to work.”

“Why would I be late to work?” His laughter made her heart sing.

She spun in his arms. “Like you don’t know.” She draped her arms around his neck.

He captured her mouth for a brief moment, leaving her breathless when he pulled away.

She groaned.

He laughed. “I love you.”

With an exaggerated sigh, she rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.

“Something was bouncing around in my head.”

His face turned serious, giving her pause. She waited for him to continue.

“I don’t think you should go to work tomorrow. It’s not safe. Your schedule is predictable, and he’ll know right where you are.”

She let go of him and stepped out of his arms. “Are you going to call in?”

“No.”

“Then why should I?” She resumed making her sandwich.

“I’m trying to look out for you and protect you.”

“What’s to say he won’t figure out where I am and come here?”

“Nothing is saying he won’t. But I can be with you all day tomorrow.”

“And what about today? If you go off to work, I’m going to be here alone until Dad gets home around four. I won’t be alone at work either. Frankly, I feel safer at the station with so many around.”

“I don’t know, I have a bad feeling about it, and I don’t think you should go.”

“I’m going to work, Logan. It’s not up for discussion.”

“And I’m going to work today.” He finished making his sandwich and turned toward the dining room.

“I’ll try to swing by for dinner.”

“Just don’t get yourself killed or anything.”

“I don’t plan on it.”

She covered the ham, lettuce, and cheese with another slice of whole wheat and joined Logan at the table. They ate in silence, the tension thick. Why did they both have to be so stubborn?

But she didn’t know what to say. She’d missed too much work from her stupid concussion. If she didn’t go in, someone else would end up pulling a double shift and have to sacrifice time with their family. And at least at the station she was surrounded by guys who would beat up anyone who tried to mess with her.

Half an hour later, Logan had to leave for work. They’d hardly said anything, and she hated it but was still at a loss for words.

She walked him to the door and handed him a set of keys. “Take my dad’s old truck. You’re too easy to spot on your bike.”

He took the keys from her. “Good idea. Are you okay with using one of those family trackers, so we can know where the other one is? May alleviate some of our anxiety.”

“That’s a good idea.” They both took out their phones and set up the app.

Logan slid his phone back in his pocket and cupped the side of her face.

She met his eyes. Frustration mixed with longing stared back at her.

“I love you. Stay inside and don’t trust anyone who comes by.”

She nodded, leaning into his hand. “You stay safe. Come home to me.”

He covered her lips with his own.

And then he was gone, driving her dad’s old beater of a truck down the long driveway. She closed the door and locked it.

With all the blinds shut as much as possible, she sat on the couch with a book. For the next two and a half hours she disappeared into a fantasy world where the hero rode a dragon and the danger was from urgals, not a stalker.