Page 22
Chapter 22
Lucy
T he knock at my door is soft but sure, followed by the telltale thump of an excited tail wagging against wood. I already know who it is before I even reach the door. My heart skips a beat as I swing it open to find Logan standing there, Lewis trotting happily at his side. Logan’s dressed casually in jeans and a flannel shirt, but it’s the bouquet of wildflowers in his hand that steals my breath. Vibrant colors—yellows, purples, and whites—spill from his grasp, as imperfectly perfect as he is.
“Morning,” he says, his voice low and warm. There’s a softness in his eyes, a vulnerability that makes me want to step closer.
“Morning,” I reply, my cheeks already warming. “Wildflowers? Did you pick these yourself?”
He shrugs, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe. Thought they’d suit you better than roses.”
I take the bouquet from him, brushing my fingers lightly against his as I do. The flowers smell fresh, earthy, and alive. “Thank you, Logan. They’re beautiful.”
“So are you,” he says softly, his gaze holding mine just long enough to make my pulse race.
Lewis nudges my leg, breaking the moment as he barks once, as if to say, “Don’t forget about me!” I laugh and reach down to scratch behind his ears, grateful for the distraction.
“Come on,” I say, stepping aside to let them in. “Coffee’s on.”
We settle on the porch with steaming mugs, the morning air crisp and filled with the sounds of Pine Harbor slowly waking up. The leaves rustle in the breeze, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the wildflowers resting on the table between us. Lewis sprawls at our feet, his contentment mirroring the quiet ease that’s settled over us.
Logan takes a sip of his coffee, his gaze drifting over the yard before landing back on me. “I’ve been thinking about what’s next,” he starts, his tone careful but steady.
“Oh?” I prompt, my heart fluttering at the way his brow furrows in thought.
“For the campaign, for the team, for me.” He pauses, his eyes searching mine. “For us.”
The words hang between us, and I feel their weight, their promise. “What are you thinking?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
He sets his mug down, leaning forward slightly. “I want to stay here, Lucy. Pine Harbor feels like home now, and it’s not just because of the team or the campaign. It’s because of you.”
My breath catches. “Logan…”
“Let me finish,” he says, his voice steady, a small, tender smile curving his lips. “You’ve shown me what it means to be part of something real—something worth fighting for. You make this place feel like home, Lucy. I want to build a future here, with you at the center of it all. If you’ll let me.”
Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them back, not wanting to miss a second of the sincerity etched into his face. “Of course,” I manage, my voice thick with emotion. “I’d be crazy not to.”
His grin is boyish and unguarded, and it makes my heart ache in the best way. “Good,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “Because I’ve got some plans I want to share with you later. But first, there’s something I need to do.”
Before I can ask what he means, he stands and offers me his hand. “Come on. Trust me.”
The Town Square is buzzing with activity when we arrive, vendors setting up stalls and families milling about. Logan’s grip on my hand is firm yet gentle, a quiet reassurance that steadies the fluttering nerves in my chest. Lewis trots happily beside us, his leash slack as he takes in the sights and smells.
“What are we doing here?” I ask as Logan leads me toward the fountain at the square’s center.
“You’ll see,” he replies, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just trust me.”
A small crowd has gathered, their murmurs growing louder as Logan steps forward. I glance around, confused, until I notice the mayor standing nearby, a plaque in his hands.
“Logan, what is this?” I whisper, my heart pounding.
He turns to me, his expression soft but serious. “It’s something I’ve been planning for a while. Something I hope will mean as much to you as it does to me.”
The mayor steps up, addressing the crowd. “Thank you all for being here today. We’re here to celebrate not just the success of the Timberwolves and their incredible community campaign, but also the legacy of someone who has inspired so much of what we’ve accomplished.” She looks at me, her smile warm. “Lucy Hart, this is for you.”
He hands the plaque to Logan, who turns it so I can read the inscription:
In Loving Memory of Coach Michael Hart
A Legacy of Compassion, Leadership, and Community
Dedicated by the Pine Harbor Timberwolves and Friends
Tears spill over before I can stop them, and I press a hand to my mouth, overwhelmed. “Logan…”
“Your dad’s legacy is what brought us here,” he says, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “It’s what inspired this campaign, what inspired you. And now, it’ll inspire this community for years to come.”
I throw my arms around him, not caring about the crowd or the cameras. “Thank you,” I whisper against his shoulder. “This means the world.”
He pulls back just enough to meet my eyes. “You mean the world to me, Lucy.”
As the crowd disperses, Logan and I walk hand in hand through the Town Square, Lewis trotting contentedly between us. The sun is setting, casting a warm golden glow over the cobblestone streets and painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
“So, what’s next?” I ask, glancing up at him.
He smiles, squeezing my hand. “Whatever we want. Together.”
I lean my head against his shoulder, letting the peace of the moment wash over me. For the first time in a long while, the future doesn’t feel uncertain or daunting. It feels full of promise, of hope, of love.
As we reach the edge of the square, Lewis pauses to sniff at a patch of flowers, his tail wagging lazily. Logan chuckles, looking down at him with fondness. “He’s going to love this new chapter as much as we will.”
“You mean his happily-ever-after?” I tease, nudging him playfully.
“Something like that,” he replies, his grin widening. “Though I’d say it’s our happily-ever-after too.”
And as we walk into the twilight, the three of us together, I know he’s right. This is just the beginning—of a life built on love, trust, and the kind of happiness that only comes when you finally find where you belong.
THE END.
Loved this book? Then get ready to fall for My Brother’s Grumpy Best Friend!
Here’s a quick peek at what’s waiting for you:
A grumpy hockey player and his best friend’s sassy little sister are stuck sharing a house.
Their long-standing rivalry is about to get complicated.
She’s sunshine and stubbornness. He’s all gruff and guarded, but the more they clash, the harder it is to ignore the sparks.
Yet one secret could ruin everything… Will he win her over, or will she shut him out for good?
Click here now to grab your copy!
Read chapter one on the very next page.
Because let’s be honest— one book is never enough! Happy reading!