Page 40 of The Holiday Clause

“What do you mean? Of course love begets love.”

“Not always. I think some people are incapable of deep emotion.”

She wondered if he was referring to romantic love or his father’s approval. “Maybe you’re trying to win the hearts of the wrong people.”

He shrugged. “People are too self-centered to care about love anymore. Nobody pays attention. Everyone cuts corners, and cheaters end up at the top.”

But Logan paid attention. He remembered the books they used to read and the flowers she no longer liked. He knew things about her that other men never could know, things that came from sharing a long history with someone. “Are you saying you don’t believe in love?”

“No, I believe in love, but love isn’t a paycheck. It’s not some reward for good behavior. It’s a choice. You either show up for someone or you don’t. You either pay attention, or you don’t.” He finally met her stare. “I pay attention, Wren. I see you.”

Her breath turned shallow, and she sank a little on her milk crate. “I know you do, Logan. And I’ve always loved you for it.”

“I’d make a good husband.”

Worry crowded her thinking. Although he’d not pushed the subject, she felt the pressure of the other day return. “Logan.”

“Take my dad out of it. I’m just talking right now. It’s just us. You know I’ve always supported your vision for The Haven. I love watching you follow your dreams. I have security and enough money that—if we were married—you’d be able to streamline your plans and get them finished in a fraction of the time?—“

“Logan.”

“I’m just saying, even without Hawthorne Fishery, I have a lot to offer.”

“I know what you’re saying, and I want you to stop.”

“But it makes sense.”

“Logan, I can’t marry you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not in love with you.” She winced as her words came out harsher than anticipated. “And you’re not in love with me.”

“Love takes time. I know I could love you, Wren. And you could fall in love with me if you’d just be a little open-minded about it.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re putting too much pressure on me. This isn’t about your feelings for me. This is about your dad?—“

“It’s not.”

“Logan, it is. You never would have even asked me out if he hadn’t changed his will and added that silly clause requiring one of you to marry someone in a rush.”

“I always expected to get married, Wren.”

“But now? With me? Come on. You’re with a different woman every other week. I’m not saying you won’t make a great husband someday, but you’re not ready to settle down right now.”

“You don’t know that.”

Despite the truth, he was taking great offense at her appraisal of the situation. “Don’t be mad at me.”

“You just called me a player with daddy issues.”

“You are a player. And you do, in fact, have issues with your father. But that’s okay. Anyone would in your situation. Magnus has never been easy.”

His jaw ticked, and he looked away. “We should go.”