Chapter 72
Logan
Macey’s barely made eye contact with me today, and I know better than to try to talk to her in front of everyone. Our conversation yesterday was intense, and emotions got the better of me.
So I’ve avoided her as best I could. But Macey’s all I’m thinking about.
The Orlando wedding was not in the plans. But Gigi’s mother wanted it, and when Gigi tried to say no, Mrs. Phillips teared up.
She said Gigi was her baby and all she wanted was to plan her wedding for her. Since she can’t do much with the Darcy wedding, she wants complete control over a ceremony.
Gigi caved. So I did, too. We don’t want any suspicions to be aroused.
Although one wedding already feels like more than I could handle.
While Ginny, Macey, and Gigi sit underneath the huge umbrella and keep cool—or try to in this heat—Blake, Dave, and I cook burgers and potatoes for everyone.
After we eat, I excuse myself and walk out to the edge of the river to ensure I’ll be alone. I need to talk to someone who’s not wrapped up in Darcy and this whole wedding obsession.
Luke picks up on the first ring. “Hey, Wild.”
“How is everything?” I ask him.
“Status quo.”
Status quo’s never sounded so good. It just further highlights the clusterfuck of a situation that I’m in.
“Are you coming down here for the Hunt County Fair?” I ask him. “I’m competing.”
“Good for you.”
“Yeah.” I pause. “I’d love to have you here if you can make the trip.”
“I could use a break,” he says. “Cooper and Chase can run things for a few days. Maybe I’ll bring Brayden with me.”
Luke’s brother, Brayden, runs his own ranch a town over from Luke.
“He’s more than welcome. You can both stay at the ranch. How are Brayden’s wife and daughters?”
“They’re doing great,” Luke says and I can hear the affection in his voice. “Leleila keeps my brother in line. They’re good for each other.”
That sounds nice. It sounds stable.
“You’re burning a hole through the phone line with your fucking anxiety, Logan.” Luke’s tone changes to concern. “What’s up?”
“I’ve got a few things going on here that I can’t talk about yet.” I stare out at the moving river in front of me. “But I need advice anyway.”
“Okay.” I can practically hear him try to figure out a solution. “Give it to me in pieces.”
I think. “If you’re helping a person you care about, but that person can’t know, and because of that everything is all fucked up, what do you do?”
“Ride it out.” Luke’s voice is confident. “You know you’re doing the right thing, right?”
“Yeah.” That’s the only thing I know at this point.
“So all you can do is trust that this person believes in your relationship enough to not let go of you.”
“I’ve had to push…” I cut off.
“I understand what you’re saying. Macey will be there, Logan. From what you’ve told me about her—and from what I’ve seen with you two—she’s not going anywhere.”
“I didn’t say…”
“You didn’t have to.” He chuckles. “You think I don’t pay attention? Macey is all you ever talk about. She’s everything to you. I’m envious. I can’t imagine that kind of love.”
“You will. Someday, you’ll find the woman who will turn your world.”
He lets out a short laugh. “Doubtful. I’m nobody’s romance hero.”
“Just wait,” I say. “You will be.” I stare out at the darkening sky. “Thanks for the advice, Luke. I know what I’m gonna do.”
“Good.”
Macey
I can’t sleep. I’m sunburned from being at the river all day, and I’m burning up on the inside, too.
After I’ve flopped around in my sleeping bag, I sit up.
I’m worried I’ll wake up Ginny and Gigi, who are both out like lights on either side of me. But I’m not going to be sleeping for a while.
“Screw it.” I reach for my phone.
Are you awake? I’ve just hit send on the text to Logan when a light appears outside our tent.
I crawl out of my sleeping bag and over to the flap.
When I unzip it, Logan’s standing a foot away with a flashlight.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” I climb out of the tent and cross my arms over my thin, see-through pale pink tank top.
“Here.” Logan pulls off his sweatshirt and hands it to me. “Let’s go for a walk.”
I step into my sandals before I turn around to close up the tent.
Logan’s waiting for me by the edge of our campsite. His dark hair’s a mess, and he’s as sunburned as I am. He’s wearing gray track pants, a white t-shirt, and bare feet.
We take the wooden steps down to the water. Not a soul is around, and the quiet soothes me.
When we reach the river, Logan takes a seat in front of one of the large cypress trees. He pats the space beside him, and I sit down.
Conflict passes over his face, and he hesitates then sets his jaw like he’s made a decision. “Gigi told me about the quilt. How she begged you to help her find a gift and you brought her to your place and she saw it.”
“She said she wanted to thank you and she couldn’t find you the right gift. You know, the mall’s great for clothing, but not necessarily other stuff.” I probe further. “Why does she want to thank you?”
Logan doesn’t say anything.
“Anyway, Gigi didn’t know I’d made it, and before I could say anything, she asked how much it cost. She wanted to give it to you so much. She just thought it was…”
“Perfect,” he finishes for me.
I exhale.
“But it wasn’t perfect for Gigi and me. Even though I love it.”
I bite my lip. “I’m sorry the whole thing blindsided you in public like that. It really wasn’t my intention.”
I hold my breath and look at his mouth. The pulse in his neck looks like it’s going to jump right out of his skin, and he turns away from me to drum his fingers on his knee.
“I guess it all worked the way it was supposed to.” I breathe out the next sentence like I’m being held at gunpoint. “I’m your past, and Gigi’s your future.”
The pain of the statement cuts through my throat and chest like the sharpest blade of a knife. Logan goes so quiet I nearly ask him if he’s okay.
It’s at least thirty seconds before he answers me. “I guess I’ll have the ‘something old’ gift that every wedding’s supposed to have.”
Even though that’s just for the bride. But I don’t say anything.
Logan shifts toward me and faces me head-on like he’s trying to tell me something. It’s right there in his eyes, but I can’t read him.
“I’m not sure what else to say.” I gnaw at my lip like I’m going to tear it off.
Logan stands up abruptly and turns away from me, but not fast enough. The pain in his eyes nearly blinds me.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask his back.
“Yeah. Let’s go to sleep, okay?”
“I’ll be up in a minute. You go.”
He walks across the pebbled river’s edge, turns for the wooden steps, and disappears.
And I let the tears that were lodged in my throat tear out of me.