Chapter 6 #2
“Justin’s family was old money, like his ancestors came over on the Mayflower. His mom was part of some group… what was it called?” She tried to think of the name. Then she snapped, “Daughters of the American Revolution.”
“Ahh,” Logan nodded.
“I clearly did not come from the same stock. They didn’t approve.”
He raised an eyebrow. “But you’re a pediatrician for crying out loud.” He shook his head and merged over a lane. “What did they expect? A Rockefeller?”
She laughed, loosening the tension in her chest. “Probably.” She ran a finger over the console between them. “I, certainly, didn’t fit the bill.”
Logan scratched his jaw. “You’d fit my bill.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks reddened. She continued on, “Justin’s mom took one look at me and managed to make me feel like complete trash.
Her dismissal of me was painful. She often made loud sighs and critical remarks which didn’t help either.
All I’ve ever wanted was a family, and I had been hopeful to join his and make them my own.
I was wrong about that, too.” Brooke stared out the window again.
“I think you could still find that,” Logan interjected. “Not every family is like that. I think normal families would be thrilled if their son came home with you.”
She wondered if his words were true. What she came from clearly wasn’t functional, but what was normal? Would she even recognize when she saw it?
“I hope you’re right,” Brooke offered.
“Me too.”
The car grew quiet again. Sounds from the radio whirled around them. They continued in comfortable silence for a few minutes.
Brooke scrunched up her nose. “I’m sorry I just unloaded on you. You didn’t need to know all that information about me.”
“Hey, we’re friends.” He shot her a smile as he changed lanes. “You can tell me anything.”
The words vibrated through her.
She believed him.
Friends.
His words managed to loosen the knot in her stomach.
Soon, Logan merged over and exited. After the exit, the landscape changed.
They weaved down a nice and well-kept neighborhood with large oak trees lining both sides of the street.
Snow from their large storm two nights earlier still dotted the front yards of the houses.
Yards displayed handmade snowmen and made her smile.
She imagined the families outside at the first sign of snow, the children squealing with delight as they rolled the big balls to make them.
Maybe some people were normal. Maybe some people did have it all.
But would she ever be one of them? Doubtful.
Minutes later, he parked his car in front of a stately brick house with a massive front yard and white shutters. The house had a long walkway which led up to it. Despite its regal appearance it somehow still looked cozy and welcoming.
Brooke peered out the windshield. “You grew up here?”
“No.” Logan unbuckled his seatbelt. “My parents bought this place after I went to college. They wanted to be part of the local country club. They’ve become golfers in their later years.”
“Gotcha.” She unbuckled her own seatbelt and sat back in no move to leave. “And your sister, she lives in this neighborhood too?”
“She does. I should’ve mentioned that before. Danielle moved here with her husband after they married. My parents bought in the neighborhood to be close to her. But I grew up across town.”
“I see.”
She wondered if this home was an upgrade or a sensible downgrade but either way it intimidated her. Sure, someday she hoped to own her own home, but with her heavy student loans she knew it was far off from becoming a reality.
“Come on.” Logan opened his door and climbed out. “Let’s get this over with.”
The moment Brooke made it out of the car, the front door swung open and a woman around her age came barreling down the walkway toward them. She had Logan’s same dark hair and blue eyes. Even from far away, she looked stunning.
“She is real!” Danielle exclaimed as she continued the rest of the way toward them.
“I thought for sure my brother had made you up, and I was ready for him to turn up empty handed and blame your absence on a break up.” She halted in front of them and put a hand on her hip. Her hungry eyes roamed over Brooke.
Brooke gulped. “I’m real, I promise.”
Logan wrapped an arm around Brooke’s waist and inched her closer until their hips touched. Warmth spread down her body. His strong arm seemed to communicate to her they were in this thing together. It managed to dampen the pounding of her heart.
He tsked. “I can’t believe you thought I had made Brooke up.
” Protectively, he tightened his arm around her waist. His fingertips dipped into her skin.
She loved the feeling of him pressing against her.
It almost felt real. “I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or insulted.
” He narrowed his gaze, but his lips twitched mischievously.
Danielle rolled her eyes and shooed off his comment. “Come here.” She held her arms out to her. “We’re huggers in our family, so you’ll need to get used to it.”
Logan released the grip around her waist. “It’s true, sorry.” He furrowed his brow at her.
“I can’t argue with that.” Brooke stepped into her open arms and hugged her back. “I’ve never been one to turn down a hug.”
It was warm and inviting. For split second, Brooke believed the things Logan spoke about in the car: normal families with love which was unconditional. It was no wonder Logan was as terrific as he appeared to be, he had the safety of love.
They broke their embrace. Then Danielle hugged Logan.
His parents appeared in the doorway, each with a baby in their arms. “Come out of the cold and stop hogging Brooke. We want to meet her too,” Logan’s mom hollered.
“Coming,” Logan said.
He snatched up Brooke’s hand and led her up the walkway to the front door.
As they walked, Danielle said, “Everyone is very excited to meet you. You’ve been a bit of a mystery. We’re glad Logan finally brought you around.”
Danielle’s bright vibrant smile confirmed her sincerity.
“I’m glad to be here too,” Brooke replied.
And she meant it.
Her heart melted as she thought of what a family could be; all warmth and happiness. Unfortunately, it was a far cry from the world she grew up in where dysfunction, addiction, and fighting reigned. This feeling was worth coming home for.
They made it to the front stoop.
Logan’s mom thrust the baby in her arms off to Danielle. “Here, take Lily. I want to give this beautiful girl a hug too.”
Danielle smiled and scooped Lily up into her arms. “Of course.” Once the baby was safely in her arms, she bounced her and tickled her tummy until the baby squealed with delight.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Logan’s mom smiled. “I’m Amy.”
Brooke embraced her. Amy smelled like warm bread and cinnamon, and immediately Brooke sensed her goodness. They broke their embrace. Amy stepped closer to her husband and nudged him, “and my husband is Paul.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Paul bounced the other twin in his arms. “I would give you a hug too, but I’m holding Amelia.”
“Now that we have introductions out of the way,” Amy linked her hands around the crook of Brooke’s arm. “Come on in and tell me everything about yourself.” She led her to the front door.
“Oh.” Brooke flashed her gaze to Logan for help. “I’m kind of boring. There isn’t much to tell. I’m a pediatrician. I met Logan at the hospital where we work.”
The doorway was too tight to pass through side by side. Amy dropped her hands from her elbow and let her go through first.
“Mom—” Logan shot Amy a warning look. “Let’s at least feed Brooke first before the interrogation starts.”
They passed through the threshold. Cherry wood floors and an impressive staircase greeted them.
A formal living room had crisp cream-colored carpet that practically blinded her.
Next, they passed a formal dining room with seating for ten.
Finally, they arrived at the kitchen with an eat-in breakfast nook and family room attached.
The table was set with two high chairs pulled up to it.
A man stationed at the stove peered over at them as they entered.
“She does exist,” he teased. He shot Danielle an unreadable look. “I knew Logan wouldn’t make her up.” He turned off one of the burners. “I’m Michael by the way. Danielle’s husband.” Michael flipped a kitchen towel over his shoulder.
Brooke smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You guys,” Logan came up next to Brooke and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed them, “make it sound like it’s a miracle anyone would date me.”
“It is a marvel,” Michael teased. “I mean look at him.”
Brooke grinned. “I know, right?” She cupped his cheek with one hand. “I have to look at his face all the time, poor me.” She made a pouty face.
“Hey,” Logan smiled against her hand. His cheek shifted under her palm. The scratchy surface of his stubble rubbed her skin. “I haven’t heard any complaints until now.” He winked.
With a smirk, Brooke lightly patted his cheek before she dropped it.
Danielle deposited Lily into one of the high chairs while Paul strapped Amelia into the other one.
Amy snatched a canister of kid puffs cereal out of the cupboard and peeled back the lid.
She walked over and dumped a pile on each tray in front of the girls.
Their little chubby hands hungrily clutched them and shoved some into their mouths.
“Even you can admit you never bring women over.” Danielle scuttled around the high chairs and moved across the kitchen to where Paul stood.
She removed a lid to one of the tall pots.
“At least not since Shelby.” She placed the lid back on the pot and peered over her shoulder.
“So, Brooke, you can’t blame us for being a bit excited. ”
Brooke replied with a crooked smile, “I understand. Thanks again for the invitation.”
The mention of the woman who broke Logan’s heart made her stomach twist.