Chapter 4
Logan
“Ican't tell you how glad I am that you're taking over here,” Barry Snyder comments, for probably the fifth time. The mayor is starting to sound like a broken record. “It's quite a coup to get a home-grown Pelican Point guy here.”
Yep, I've heard that a time or two today, as well.
“We're really hoping you can do something to build this place back.”
And that, too.
“That's my plan, Barry.” My gaze sweeps the pristine baseball field, impressed at the investment the town has made in their team facilities. It’s much better than I had anticipated.
“You've done a great job with this field, and that's the first piece of the puzzle.
I have some ideas for the next step that I'd like to toss around with you and the town council at some point, ways to get the community involved.”
“Sure. Sure.” He smiles, showcasing his pearly white caps that must have cost a fortune. “We'd be glad to hear what you've got. Our next meeting is Friday. You're welcome to stop by.”
“Good.” With a nod, I turn, ready to get out of here. “Well, I appreciate you stopping by. I need to run.”
On the way to my office, I check my phone.
No messages. I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
My nerves have been tight all day. Violet started preschool this morning, and I’ve worried how she'd handle it.
Normally, I tell myself no news is good news.
But the need to see for myself gnaws at me, so I set off.
The preschool's only a couple blocks away, so it’s an easy walk from the ball field.
Pelican Point has grown over the last few years, but the downtown area is still small and walkable.
Fresh paint covers buildings that had previously been eyesores, and there’s even a coffee shop, a bakery, and a florist. Who could have imagined the town had blossomed so much?
Part of me wishes I'd been here to see the transformation instead of just hearing about it secondhand.
“Hi, Mr. Maddox!” The preschool’s bubbly receptionist straightens in her seat. “How can I help you?”
“Just stopping by to check on Violet since it's her first day.” I glance around. It's completely silent, and there are no kids anywhere.
“Oh, it's library day. They take the children over so they can check out books, and then the librarian has reading time with them.” She points toward the beach. “You should go see them. It's just a few blocks down on the right. Look for the lighthouse. It's the big white building next door.”
I glance at my watch. My next meeting is in two hours. “When will they be back?”
“It'll be at least another hour or so. They like to give the kids plenty of time with the books.”
“Alright. Thanks.”
The library's just a few minutes away, so I decide to stop in and check on Violet. If I'm lucky, I might even catch a glimpse of Heather. That thought brings a smile to my face, and I pick up my pace.
This morning's scare, when I couldn't find Violet, had rattled me to the core. But reconnecting with Heather again more than made up for it.
In high school, she’d had that geeky charm, with those sexy glasses and always a book in hand. I'd found it insanely attractive. I used to count down the hours to our tutoring sessions, barely able to focus on anything else. She’s even more stunning now than I remembered.
The walk to the library doesn't take long.
From the outside, it's just a plain white, boxy building, nothing special.
I step inside to cool air and the distinctive mustiness of old books.
The place feels massive compared to its outside appearance.
To the left, there's an automated checkout and book return system.
Beyond that, rows of books stretch from floor to ceiling.
The lights are harsh, almost too bright, but probably necessary.
Behind the information desk, an older woman sports a quirky rainbow sweater vest. The nametag pinned to it reads Amy.
“Hi,” I say, stopping in front of her. “Which way to the preschool kids? My niece should be with them.”
“They’re in the children’s section.” She points over her shoulder just as a burst of clapping and children’s laughter cuts through the silence.
“Thanks.” I follow the sound and stop short, grinning.
Heather's in a rocking chair at the front of the room, reading to a group of kids sprawled across the floor, totally absorbed in whatever story she's telling.
She's wearing a ridiculous Mad Hatter-style hat, oversized reading glasses, and a red and black feather boa. Somehow, it all suits her perfectly.
Off to the side next to Heather, Violet sits on the floor with Cookie lying prostrate across her lap. I let out a quiet laugh. After seeing those two together this morning, I figured they'd be inseparable.
“Uncle Logan!” Violet calls, waving. Her smile lights up the room, but she doesn't move from the floor, probably because the dog on her lap outweighs her.
I wave back. “Hey, sweetpea.”
Heather glances up and blinks, clearly surprised to see me. Damn, she's gorgeous. A loose dark curl falls over her shoulder, and those sweet hazel eyes lock on mine. Something tightens in my chest and sinks in deep. It hits me all over again how easy it would be to fall for her.
“Logan!” she says, smiling as she gestures toward the kids. “Want to join the chaos?”
“Yay!” Violet pats the floor beside her. “Sit here!”
I shrug. Why not? This already beats every meeting I've had so far today. I thread my way through the tangle of little bodies on the floor and drop beside Violet. She wraps her arms around me, and I give her a quick hug.
Cookie eyes me with a distinctly judgmental stare, as if she's deciding if I deserve the spot next to her. I offer my hand. She sniffs, then lets out a doggy sigh and relaxes back into Violet's lap, her eyes drifting half-shut as my niece's small hand smooths over her head.
That dog's as obsessed with my niece as Violet is with her.
“Okay. Now, where were we…” Heather says, before launching back into the story. I half listen, focusing more on her dramatic voice and the cute facial expressions she makes as she reads.
A memory flits through my mind… Heather lying back on a lounger, and me sprawled on a nearby chair as we read Romeo and Juliet together. Reading had always been an area of torture for me, but with Heather, the story had come alive. I aced that test.
Heather points at me, jolting me back to reality, and all eyes turn my way.
“Huh? Did I miss something?”
Heather grins. “You're supposed to growl.” She hefts the book. “We're at the part where they have to pay the troll to cross the bridge.”
“Oh!” I scowl and lift my hands like a bear. “Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!”
Heather's brow lifts and she nods her head approvingly. “Nice.” Then continues the story.
Violet pats my leg. “Good job, Uncle Logan.”
I can't hold back the sappy grin that spreads across my face. They were just two little words, but they made my day.
Twenty minutes later, the kids are combing through the bookshelves, and Violet pulls out book after book. She offers them to Cookie, who hasn't left her side, and waits for the seal of approval, which is apparently a lick.
“I think my dog is in love,” comes a voice behind me.
I turn and smile. “You know, I predicted it yesterday when I watched you and Cookie return from your walk.” I huff a laugh. “I just didn't expect it to happen so quickly.”
Heather grunts, her gaze on Violet and Cookie as they continue working on their book selection. “Yeah, well…” She shrugs. “Cookie's been known to rush into relationships.”
I chuckle. “Honestly, it's the best thing that could have happened for Violet. The last year has been tough on her.”
Heather’s face falls, her pretty hazel eyes full of sympathy. “I'd heard through the grapevine that Tracy had passed away. I'm so sorry. That must have been tough.”
I swallow hard, wishing I hadn't brought it up. Then I nod. “Yeah, it was.”
“If it's any consolation, Violet certainly seems to be adjusting well. I mean, I've only seen her twice now. But she's…” Heather shrugs. “Happy, maybe? I don't know. It's hard to imagine kids who've lost a parent smiling much, you know?”
“She has her moments, and there's been a lot of therapy for both of us. It was tough enough to lose a sibling, but to then become a parent was a lot to handle.”
Heather barks a laugh. “Logan, that's an understatement if I've ever heard one.”
I smile at her, loving the interaction in a way I can't explain. It just feels nice to talk to someone about it, someone who's not paid to listen to me.
I nudge my chin toward the kids browsing the books. “Do you do the reading hour a lot?”
“Yeah, a couple times a week usually. The preschool is so close, they can just walk over.” She glances at me, her nose wrinkling. “Sometimes if the kids get too rowdy, they'll call me and ask for a special session.”
“It seems like you enjoy it as much as they do.” She's magnetic—I can't look away.
Heather bobs her head. “I do.” She watches the kids for a long, quiet moment. “It's the best part of my job, and why I really love being a librarian. Seeing the kids get captivated by stories and books, and knowing that I have a hand in that... There’s something magical about it.”
“I can see that.” Violet lugs a small stack of books toward the checkout desk, Cookie hot on her heels.
“Today was my first day at the ball park, so my morning has been one meeting after another,” I comment.
“But my marketing team mentioned that they’re looking for ways to incorporate community partners.
If you're interested, you could have a booth for the library at all our home games next season. We could make it an official collaboration of sorts.” I shrug, turning to meet Heather's gaze.
“I mean, it wouldn’t be until the spring, of course.
But we'll start hosting games in March with our spring training. And from what I hear, it can bring quite a crowd. Lots of families.”
Heather blinks, her plump lips parting in what I can only guess is surprise. “That would be great, Logan. Thank you,” she finally answers. “I tried working something out with the last manager, but the team wasn't interested.”
“Huh.” I grunt. Not surprising. “Well, it's under new management now and we need to get more involved in the community here.
That will be a big focus for The Rockets, and I can't think of a better way than starting with the local library.” I lift a shoulder.
“Like, I don't know, maybe a big book drive, or something.”
“Yeah.” She bobs her head, her gaze moving to the kids. “We have plenty of time to work out the particulars.”
“Uncle Logan!” Violet shouts, lifting her haul. “Look what I got.” The huge smile on her face is worth every damn penny of the move.
“Great job, sweetpea.” I glance at my watch. My next meeting is in twenty minutes. “I need to get back to work. You stay with your teacher. Okay?”
Her little bottom lip pops out, but she nods. “Can I take Cookie to school with me?”
Heather shakes her head. “I'm sorry, Violet. Cookie has to stay here.” She squats down to Violet's eye level. “But you'll get to see her tonight. I promise.”
Violet nods but doesn't say a word. My heart clenches. It's obvious she doesn't want to go back to school.
“And if it's okay with your uncle, I could really use your help.” Heather glances at me, her eyes twinkling. “I have to take Cookie for a long walk after work. Something tells me she’d be really happy if you held her leash. Would you like to join us?”
“Yeah!” Violet’s entire demeanor brightens in an instant. I could have kissed Heather in that moment. And not just because she brought that smile to Violet's face, either.
“Great. Thank you.” Heather leans in and talks behind her hand. “Just so you know, Cookie can get a little difficult and sassy sometimes. But I have a feeling she’ll behave for you.”
“Okay, kids!” the preschool teacher calls out. “It's almost time to head back. Check out your books now.”
I drop a kiss on Violet's head and give her a hug. “I need to go, Vi. I'll pick you up in a couple hours, okay?”
“Alright, Uncle Logan.” The joy on my niece's face absolutely makes my day, and I realize I'm smiling on the way back to the office.
But I'm not certain who put it there. Violet or Heather?