Chapter Twenty-Seven
W e stayed in bed for a long time Saturday morning, talking while snuggling in each other’s arms.
Logan took the weekends for himself, leaving the running of his businesses to managers, Cora at the cafe, and a man named Terry at the surf shop. He didn’t go to the hospital unless it was a special day or holiday.
He used to go seven days a week for a long time. Just sitting by Riley’s bed, willing her to wake up. It had taken a toll on him, not sleeping or eating enough, exhausting himself with constant anxiety. He’d also still been in mourning for Natalie and to numb the pain, had started drinking more than he should.
Eventually, his mother and uncles had intervened. They’d sat him down and told him straight that he had to make some changes or he would end up in an early grave as well. That Natalie would have wanted him to take care of himself so he could take care of their daughter.
It still took some time, but Logan finally accepted they were right. He had to build a healthy life for himself, a life he could give Riley if she ever woke up and that became his focus. He’d bought Tidal Way a few months later.
We left the bed when my stomach rumbled. We made it up together, then I used the bathroom before joining Logan in the kitchen where he was brewing coffee and cutting up strawberries. When he’d learned they were my favorite fruit, he increased the order from the produce delivery that arrived at the cafe each morning so he could bring some home for me.
I drank my coffee as he cooked us omelets and we discussed what to do with our day.
We were doing the dishes together when my phone rang a little after 10 o’clock.
“Why didn’t you answer my video call?!” were the first words from Sadie’s mouth after I said hello.
“I’m sorry, Bug. My tablet died and I forgot to charge it.”
Logan gave me an outraged look and wagged his finger at me for the fib before waving me away to finish the dishes alone.
I stuck my tongue out and then blew him a kiss. “What are you and Grandma going to do this weekend?” I asked as I went into the living room.
“We’re going to the pool at her townhouse today.”
“That sounds like fun.”
A while later, Logan joined me on the sofa after retrieving his book from the bedroom. He put his arm around me as he read while I listened to Sadie chatter .
She’d been at a sleepover the night before so we hadn’t spoken since Thursday and she had a lot to fill me in on. After she told me all about her fun night with Kara, I asked how camp was on Friday and grinned at her response.
“I’m sure ‘that Wesley’ will be nicer next week. Remember, you don’t have to make everything a competition. You should be happy for him when he does well.” I paused to listen to her again. “Yes, even if he gloats that he beat you on a test.”
My amusement grew at Sadie’s retort. “Yes, Bug, I am fully aware I don’t know what it’s like to deal with know-it-all little boys.”
Logan quietly chuckled beside me.
I heard my mother tell Sadie they needed to get a move on before all the best seats were taken at the pool.
“Okay, yes, I’ll talk to you again soon. Be a good girl and don’t give your Grandma too much lip.” I put my arm around myself for my hug. “Yes, I am also. I love you too. Bye, Bug.”
I put down the phone with a sigh, feeling a little melancholy.
“I miss her. I’ve had time to get used to Grace being away at school and it’s still hard not seeing her for months. I’ve never been away from Sadie this long.” I ran my hand absently along Logan’s arm around my shoulder. “I can’t wait until they get here next weekend.”
I stiffened, feeling like I’d been insensitive, talking about missing my daughters for a few weeks.
“I’m sure they are easy kids to miss. That Sadie is a pill.”
I relaxed again at Logan’s amused tone .
“She is going to lose her mind when she finds out you’re going to teach her to surf.”
“I can’t wait. I just know she’s going to give me so much sass. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s trying to tell me how it’s done by the end of the first lesson.”
I grinned, mainly because I knew he was right.
That morning while still in bed, we had finished our conversation about how and when to tell my family we were seeing each other. I decided to wait until they got here. I thought telling Grace in person might be the wisest move, in case she wasn’t as happy as I hoped. It might make a difference if she could see us together and witness how giving and caring a man Logan was.
“Maybe Grace will want to try surfing also,” he suggested.
There he went, reading my mind. I gave him a grateful kiss. “That would be lovely.”
I sat on the pool edge with my legs dangling in the water as I read while Logan did laps. He swam over and tickled my feet as he came up between my thighs, resting his head on them, looking up at me sideways as I played with his wet hair.
“How does dinner at Hank’s sound?” he asked.
“Good, what time do you want to—” My phone on the towel beside me started ringing. “Hold on a sec.” I didn’t recognize the number so I answered in my work voice. “This is Madison Cage.”
“Ms. Cage, this is Sonia Ramirez. How are you?”
Logan’s eyes narrowed when he noted my body stiffen.
“Hello, I’m fine. Can you hold on a moment, please?”
I climbed out from under his arms and stood up quickly, only slightly aware of his gaze still trained on my face.
“I’m going to take this inside. Be right back.” I dried my legs then grabbed my phone again to hurry to the door. When I reached the sofa, I took a shaky breath and put it back to my ear as I sat down. “Thank you for getting back to me, Detective.”
“I’m sorry it’s over the weekend, but I wanted to let you know I reached out to Mr. Cage’s parole officer after I heard your message last evening. He got back to me this morning and confirmed Mr. Cage is on an ankle monitor and limited to Buford, Georgia for now. He is staying at a halfway house and is required to look for employment. He has to report to the officer daily at this point.
“You shouldn’t have to deal with him anytime soon; he will be monitored closely. He would have to go through a dozen steps to get permission to leave the state. It’s probably safe to say it would take another couple dozen to get you in court over visitation with your children. Well, child, since Grace is 18 now.”
The line was quiet as the detective paused, then she cleared her throat.
“I still remember you opening the door when I showed up all those years ago. I remember how upset you were, but the relief on your face when I told you he wouldn’t be back anytime soon. I also… remember that bruise on your cheek. I just want to say, in case you need to hear it, Madison, that you’re still safe from him. So are your girls.”
My heart was beating hard as I tried to find words. “Thank you, Sonia,” I finally choked out.
“Give me a call anytime, alright?”
“Okay, thank you again.”
The call ended and I let the phone fall to the floor as I buried my face in my hands and started breathing heavier.
I’d known Drew was released almost two weeks ago, but having verbal confirmation he was outside of prison walls was hitting me hard emotionally.
“Madison,” Logan’s voice registered as he said my name softly, trying to get my attention without startling me, but I still jumped.
I sat back up and wrapped my arms around myself as I looked to where he stood in the doorway, then quickly down to my lap.
“I was worried when you rushed off, the look on your face… I wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
My mind was racing, trying to process my feelings and come up with an excuse at the same time.
“Madison…” I heard the sadness in Logan’s tone this time as he took a few steps closer. “I know something has been going on with you. I wish you would talk to me. ”
I grasped my hands together, fighting to keep my composure. When I made myself look up again and met his concerned eyes, I lost the battle and began sobbing.