Chapter 37
Dani
By late afternoon, the house had the soft, familiar hum of transition, the kind that always came before goodbyes. Harper’s laughter still echoed faintly down the hall, and my suitcase sat by the front door, half-zipped, accusing me of trying to leave before I really wanted to.
I’d spent most of the morning spending my last few moments with Harper and packing up my things before I left to return home.
Soaking in every last moment with them, here, in their house that had become mine over the last two weeks.
Harper knew goodbye was coming and had been hesitant to leave my side, clinging to me like my own little koala.
When Harper finally bolted off to find her stuffed dolphin, Logan turned back to me. He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing his words. “You don’t have to rush off right after we drop her off.”
I pretended to check my phone, the screen blank but offering a momentary shield. I said, “I probably should get home before it’s dark,” my voice softer than I intended.
His mouth tilted, that almost-smile that said he was about to push his luck. “Or, you could let me take you out instead.”
My head snapped up. “Huh?”
“Dinner,” he clarified, running a hand through his hair. “An actual one. Somewhere that doesn’t involve chicken nuggets and crayons.”
I blinked at him, half caught between amusement and disbelief. “You’re asking me out?”
“Yes.” His tone was simple, but his eyes held that subtle intensity that always disarmed me. “I’m askin’ you out… on a date.”
“Logan…” I started, unsure what to do with the sudden warmth creeping up my neck.
He smiled, softer now. “Before you say no — I already coordinated with Hunter and Cami. The kids are having a sleepover. Harper’s thrilled. Apparently, Cami told her they could build a ‘midnight snack fort.’”
I laughed, shaking my head. “That sounds like a ridiculous idea.”
“Controlled chaos,” he said. “They’ll survive. Maybe.”
I focused on my bag, trying to busy my hands. My heart thudded loudly. “You didn’t have to go through all that trouble.”
“Didn’t feel like trouble,” he said simply. “I just figured… it’s been a long couple of weeks. You’ve taken care of Harper and me. I’d like to return the favor — even just with a meal that doesn’t come in a takeout box.”
I looked up at him, and the sincerity in his expression nearly undid me. This wasn’t just gratitude. There was something else there. Something gentle and hopeful, wrapped in the kind of steadiness I’d almost forgotten how to trust.
“You don’t owe me anything, Logan,” I said softly.
“I know.” His voice dropped lower. “But maybe I just want to spend time with you.”
That landed between us like a truth neither of us had planned to say out loud.
I studied him, the hint of stubble he hadn’t shaved yet, the faint laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, the way he stood like he was still half-braced for rejection and still willing to risk it anyway.
And suddenly, all I could think about was the last time he was here the warmth of his T-shirt against my skin, the way he’d stayed by my side without hesitation, the way he’d made space for me in a house that wasn’t mine but somehow felt like home.
“Okay,” I murmured.
His brows lifted. “Okay?”
“Guess we’re going to dinner, cowboy,” I said, smiling despite myself.
He let out a deep throaty laugh, his green eyes locking onto mine.
“Where are we going, then?” I asked, trying to redirect the flutters building in my chest.
“It’s a surprise.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re really leaning into this whole mysterious thing, huh?”
“Maybe,” he said. “But you’ll like it.”
“Should I be worried?”
He stepped closer then, close enough that I could smell his cologne, something warm and familiar that made my stomach do a little somersault. “Not at all, Counselor.”
I swallowed, trying to sound casual even as my pulse raced. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“Good.”
By the time Harper had her backpack packed and her dolphin safely secured under one arm, the plan was set.
Logan loaded her things into the car while I knelt to tie Harper’s shoe. “You’re sure you’re okay staying over?” I asked.
“Of course! Auntie Cami said we’re gonna make popcorn and do makeovers and maybe camp in the living room!”
“That sounds perfect,” I said, smiling.
She threw her arms around my neck. “Don’t be sad, Ms. Dani. I’ll see you tomorrow!”
“I’m not sad,” I lied, hugging her tight. “Just going to miss my favorite girl.”
She pulled back, grin wide across her face. “You can miss me a little. But Daddy says you’re going to dinner, so you won’t be lonely.”
I blinked. “He told you?”
“Uh-huh. He said it’s a secret mission.” Placing her finger to her lips with a “Shh”
Logan groaned softly from behind us. “Thanks for blowing my cover, kiddo.”
Harper giggled, totally unbothered. “You’re welcome!”
When we finally pulled into Hunter and Cami’s driveway, Cami came out onto the porch, smiling like she’d been waiting for us.
“Perfect timing,” she said, crouching to greet Harper, who immediately started talking a mile a minute.
“Midnight snack fort!” Harper squealed.
Cami winked. “You bet. I’ve got snacks and blankets ready.”
Logan shot me a look, amused. “She’s in good hands.”
I nodded, watching Harper disappear inside. “Yeah. She’s gonna have the best night.”
Cami glanced between us with a knowing smirk. “So… you two have plans?”
Cami shot me a look, her eyes wide before a full, very obvious smile crossed her face. “Tell me everything.” She mouthed, emphasizing everything.
I gave her a look that said don’t start, but she just laughed.
I’d have to figure out what was going on myself before I could rationalize it to her.
When we got back in the car, it felt like there was something new humming just beneath the surface.
“So,” I said finally, glancing at him. “Where to, Mr. Secret Mission?”
He smiled, eyes on the road. “You’ll see. Just relax, Dani. Tonight’s about you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah,” he said, his voice soft but certain. “You’ve spent the last two weeks caring for Harper. Tonight, I just want you to have a night that’s easy. Good food, good view, no responsibilities.”
I turned toward the window, hiding my smile. “You’re kind of sweet when you want to be. Is that part of your southern charm?”
He chuckled. “Maybe, or maybe it’s just you.”
“Right, I’m the problem,” I teased.
“Nah,” he said, glancing at me briefly, his voice low enough to make my pulse jump. “You’re the reason everything’s starting to feel right again.” The words came out almost as if they were not meant to be said out loud.
And those words hung between us, unguarded and heavy with something that felt like the beginning of more.
I looked out at the sunset bleeding gold across the sky and tried to steady my heart.