Heart Strings

by Melanie Moreland

  “I am fine. I’ll be perfectly able to take care of myself tomorrow while Logan is out.”

  “No,” they both stated in unison, making me roll my eyes.

  “Logan is right,” Brianna insisted. “I have something I want to talk to you about anyway.”

  “Fine.” I conceded easily, seeing the determined look on Logan’s face.

  After they left, Logan pulled open the curtains and turned down the lights so I could watch the snow falling. There was a strong wind, so the snow hit the glass on occasion and swirled madly in the air. I rubbed my stomach, whispering to the tiny little dot inside.

  “You’ll love snow, baby. We’ll go for walks and make angels and have so much fun.”

  Logan walked in and sat in the chair he had dragged beside the bed. “Daddy will help you make snowmen too. Afterward, we can have hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and whipped cream.” He winked and lowered his head to my stomach. “That’s the only way to have it, Nugget. Trust me.”

  I smiled. “Daddy’s right.”

  His grin was wide. “I can’t even begin to tell you how much I like that name.” He paused. “Daddy.”

  “You’ll be a great one.”

  “I’m going to give it my best.”

  He linked our fingers. “Your mother called. Twice.”

  “I had better call her.”

  “Not tonight. I told her you’re resting. She plans to come over tomorrow.” He cleared his throat. “She, ah, is bringing dinner?” He lifted his eyebrows, looking askance.

  “Dinner?”

  “That’s what she said.”

  That seemed odd for my mother. She didn’t bring dinner. She brought wine. Extravagant hostess gifts. Dinner was a mom thing to do. “Okay, then.”

  We were quiet, watching the snow. Logan sipped a cup of coffee and crossed his legs at his ankles. “So, how attached are you to your office in the spare room?”

  I turned my head, already knowing where this was going. “It can go.”

  “Good size for a nursery.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.”

  He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “I don’t have a lot of my own stuff, but I have a couple pieces I’d like to bring with me.”

  “Bring with you?”

  He met my gaze. “You think we’re going to maintain two households for our child, Lottie?”

  “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead.”

  “Wherever my child is, is where I’ll be.” He paused. “Wherever you are is my home, so I’ll be right here—with both of you.”

  I felt a thrill at his words.

  “They kept referring to you as my fiancé at the hospital.”

  His hand tightened on mine. “I told them that so I had access.”

  “I see.”

  “As soon as possible, it will be a fact.”

  Another thrill went through me.

  When the doctor had examined me, taken some blood, and asked the routine question if I could be pregnant, something made me pause.

  “I don’t think so.”

  He had regarded me for a moment, and I asked the nurse about my purse. I always kept my pills there and took them at lunch. She had gotten it from Logan, and I pulled out the package, staring at it. I was a day behind and had never even noticed. I looked up at the doctor, who nodded. “We’ll do a pregnancy test right away.”

  When he confirmed I was pregnant, I was terrified. As deeply as I felt for Logan and he for me, it was so soon. We were still getting to know each other. He was just starting on a new career. How was he going to take the news? The thought of him angry and walking out crossed my mind. I had no idea what to expect, and I was afraid to hope that once the shock passed, he would, like me, be excited.

  At first, I had been unsure. He looked so stunned, and I had waited for his anger. Then, as if a light switch had been flipped, his expression changed, and the delight I had hoped for burst through. In one instant, he confirmed what I had secretly yearned for. He wanted this child too. From that moment on, his complete support only proved to me what I was already convinced of. We were meant for each other.

  He had fussed and cared for me all day. The fact that he was planning on making it official really wasn’t a huge surprise. Nor was the fact that he intended to move in and us being a real family. It was something we both had missed out on, and neither of us wanted to waste this unexpected opportunity.

  “I see.”

  “Just saying what I’m thinking.” He lifted my hand to his mouth, kissing it. “You aren’t alone, Lottie. You won’t be alone. We’re in this together, and I’m not going anywhere. We’re going to have a great life together.”

  “How did I get so lucky?”

  He shook his head. “I’m the lucky one. Since the day we finally met, my life has gotten better.” He stood. “Now, you need to sleep.”

  “Would you lie with me?”

  He bent and brushed his lips over my head. “Yeah, sweetheart. I’ll lie with you. We can look at the snow and plan the future. Our future.”

  I stared at Brianna. “Excuse me?”

  She calmly sipped her coffee, looking casual. Her words had been anything but.

  “I said I bought a small coffee shop.” She held up her cup. “This one, actually. I love their coffee and their philosophy. All organic, fair trade. And a simple menu. You don’t need a different language to order a cup of coffee.”

  I sipped the small cup I was allowed. It was delicious. I knew Brianna could afford to buy anything she wanted, but she already had a small business she loved.

  “What about the boutique?”

  She looked over my shoulder. “My manager wants to buy it, so I’m going to sell it to her—she deserves it. It’s her hard work that keeps the place going. Her daughter wants to do the purchasing, and frankly, I’m tired of traveling. I feel as if all I do is search for stuff for the store, for something solid in my life. I feel lost, Lottie. I want roots. I want to do something in my life I enjoy. Be more than just my money. I go to this place every day. When I found out she was planning on selling, I looked into it.” Brianna was curled up on the sofa with me, and she sat up, looking excited. “I could see some areas for improvement. Like her baked goods. She brought them in from outside, but if they were done in-house, it would make them unique and better.” She grinned. “That’s where you come in.”

  “Me?”

  She nodded. “There is a whole kitchen in the back. You could be my baker.”

  “Me?” I gaped, repeating myself.

  “Yes. Your cookies and bars. People love those to go with coffee. Maybe some scones or something else. Nothing elaborate. I think I want to keep it all simple—people are craving that these days. A great cup of coffee, an awesome snack. Sit in and read, or take it to go.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know.” She leaned forward. “I know you think it sounds odd, Lottie, but I’m so excited. I’ve done up business plans and ideas. I’ve talked to my finance guy, looked into some renovations to make the place mine, and the more involved I get, the more it feels right. I need to do this.” She smiled. “Trev’s been amazing with his ideas and sharing insights about running a business.”

  “You like him.”

  She flushed slightly, shocking me. Brianna never blushed. “He’s awesome. He doesn’t care about my money. He cares about me.”

  I squeezed her hand. “Logan says he’s a good guy. Genuine.”

  She nodded. “He is. And he’s been really supportive.” She paused. “I want you with me on this, Lottie.”

  “But I’m pregnant.”

  She waved her hand. “So, you come in, be the baker, oversee the menu, train someone with your recipes. When it’s time to pop out the kid, you’re gone. When you’re ready to come back, the shop will be there.”

  I burst out laughing. Not only at her description of giving birth, but her firm belief that her business would thrive and be there when I was ready to come back.

>   She grinned at my amusement. “I mean it.”

  “I know.” I drew in a deep breath. “I told my dad I quit yesterday.”

  “Perfect. You’re an unemployed bum. You need a job. You’re lucky I have one for you.”

  “Brianna—”

  She cut me off with a wave of her hand. “Lottie. Stop it. Stop living your life for your parents. You have a chance here. A new job. A man who loves you. A baby. Do you really want to stay working somewhere you hate? Why let that taint your life?” She pursed her lips. “Do you honestly think your father’s business will suffer? How many other employees have left and Prescott Inc. is still standing? You always say you are just an employee there. If that is true, then your father carries on. If there was more to it, maybe your father would stop being such an asshole and your relationship would have a chance to develop.”

  Her words hit me, and I paused. She was right.

  “When did you get so smart?”

  She sniffed. “I always have been. I was waiting for the right moment to spring it on you.” She eyed me warily. “Say you’ll at least think about it.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “Okay.”

  Logan

  Bobby stared at me, then picked up his bottle of water and took a swig. “Wow. Pregnant.”

  I strummed my guitar, grinning. “Yep.”

  “No need to ask how you feel about it. You look as if you’re going to explode with happiness.”

  I rested my hand on the neck of my guitar. “I feel like it. I never expected Lottie. Or how she would affect me. Yesterday, when she told me, I was shocked—so was she—but after the surprise settled, all I felt was how right this was. Fast as hell, but right.”

  “You’re not worried?”

  “I’m scared as fuck. I have no idea about pregnant women or babies, but it’s with Lottie, so I’ll learn.” I paused. “This is the start of our future together.”

  Another piece of music drifted through my head, and I shut my eyes as I fingered the notes, quickly scribbling them down. It had been happening more since yesterday. A song was building, something tender yet intense. Bobby listened as I played through the notes, nodding as his foot tapped the beat.

  “She inspire that one too?”

  “She inspires them all.”

  He clapped my shoulder. “I have a feeling the next while is going to be very productive for us.”

  “I think so as well.”

  “Carmen wants me in to record the song I sang the other night with you. He wants it out as a single right away. You’ll back me up?”

  “Yep.”

  “He wants us to be working on the album immediately.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “He’s already counting on platinum. He’ll settle for gold.”

  I smirked, hardly surprised. Carmen had deep pockets, a ton of contacts from his career, many of them based in the States. I knew he would rely heavily on their influence to make sure the record was a success not only in Canada, but in our far more lucrative neighbor to the south. He was honest with his plans, thorough in the details, and eager to set it all in motion.

  I had received a great advance, plus a decent contract, and I knew Bobby’s success would influence mine. I was hungry for it. What it meant for my future—for my family. I could write and play, enjoy hearing my work, and support the people I loved. I didn’t want the fame that went with it. Bobby or any other artist I worked with could have that.

  Another set of notes flowed in my head, and I worked them through as Bobby listened and hummed. He was a great partner, and we worked together well. He could find words or ideas that spurred my creativity, and I helped him focus. We were a good team, and I knew with time, we’d be even better.

  I wrote down the notes and the words and pushed the book toward him. “Sing the chorus.”

  He studied the page then shut his eyes and sang as I played. When the notes drifted off, he clapped my shoulder.

  “You and I are going to make history together, Logan. The Canadian version of Elton and Bernie. Mark my words.”

  “I’m all for that.”

  His amusement rang out. “Me too, my brother. Me too.”

  I stopped at the apartment to grab a few more things, accepting hugs and congratulations from Rex and Gretch, who were, as usual, playing video games since they both had the day off. Trev was at the gym, but I would see him tomorrow. They were thrilled over the music deal, as well as the news I was going to be a dad. Brianna had told Trev, who’d shared the news with them. I thanked them, cautioning it was very early and we weren’t telling many people yet. They understood, but Gretch still hugged me tight, telling me she knew Lottie and I were perfect for each other and she was excited about the baby.

  “I’ll give him his first haircut!”

  I hugged her back. “Let’s get him or her born and growing some hair first.”

  Still, her excitement stayed with me, and I hurried to get what I had come for and rush back to Lottie.

  She was sitting at the table, her laptop in front of her, when I walked in. I had met Brianna out front of the building. She assured me Lottie was fine and looking forward to me coming home.

  “Good luck with her mother tonight.”

  I had no idea what to expect, but I planned on staying close to Lottie. If her mother crossed the line, I had no problem asking her to leave. “Thanks.”

  I kissed Lottie, smoothing my hand down her thick hair. “Hey, Snow Queen. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. Much better.”

  I drifted my hand down to her stomach. “Nugget?”

  She laughed. “He or she is fine too.”

  “Excellent.” I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her tummy. “Hi, baby. Daddy’s here.”

  Lottie made a strange little noise, and I looked up and grinned. Her eyes were bright with tears, but I knew they were good ones.

  I kissed her and held her in my arms, giving her a moment to gather herself. I liked seeing this softer, emotional side of her.

  She eased back with a frown. “That is going to take some getting used to.”

  “Not an issue. I’m here for the whole ride.”

  That made her laugh. She asked about Bobby, and I filled her in on what we had discussed. She asked a lot of questions about my schedule for the next while, which I admitted would be crazy. Recording a record wasn’t a nine-to-five job, and although I was excited, it worried me that I would be gone at unpredictable times. Lottie assured me she understood and would be fine.

  “I’m already feeling better. Another few days of rest, I’ll be back to my old self.” She grinned. “With a tiny sidekick and a few more emotional outbursts.”

  I laughed and listened as she told me Brianna’s news and offer.

  “As much as you’d enjoy it, I’m not sure I want you on your feet all day,” I admitted.

  Lottie hummed in agreement. “I wouldn’t be. She wants me to create the menu and teach it to someone else. I would oversee. She also wants me to help her run the place. She doesn’t know much about the day-to-day running of a business. I took all those courses, so I can at least guide her.”

  “It interests you?”

  “Yes.” She was quiet for a moment, tracing her finger along the edge of the table. “I don’t want to go back to Prescott Inc.”

  I lifted her hand and kissed it. “Then I guess you have a new career.”

  “I guess we both do.”

  Our gaze met and held. Her lovely blue eyes were peaceful today, soft and warm. I was pleased to see she had some color in her cheeks and she looked better. Rested and not so worn-looking.

  Cupping her face, I kissed her. Her lips were full underneath mine, parting with a soft sigh as I traced my tongue over her bottom lip. Our tongues touched and stroked, languid and gentle, a kiss filled with love and promise.

  I drew back, still holding her face. “Lottie, I whispered. “I want to ask you something.”

  She nestled int
o my touch. “Anything.”

  “I said something yesterday, and I want to clarify it today.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Okay?”

  I shifted closer, dropping to one knee. “I called you my fiancée. I want to make that official.” I swallowed as I held up the ring I’d pulled from the back of my drawer. “This was my grandmother’s ring. I want you to wear it as a symbol.”

  She looked down at my simple offering. My dad had shown it to me when I was younger, and when he died, it was one of the few things I was able to keep. I’d protected it vigilantly while I was on the streets. It had meant a lot to him; therefore, it was special to me. The same went for his guitar. I recalled him playing it when I was young. Although in my later years, he’d never had time. Still, it meant a lot to me, and I kept it safe. I never bought a new one since playing this one made me feel closer to him somehow.

  The band of the ring was filigree, delicate and pretty. Flecks of diamonds were scattered on the sides, and the top was an octagon with seven small diamonds set in the platinum. It was neither showy nor extravagant, but the sentiment it held for me was great. Sentiment I hoped Lottie would share.

  “I’ll buy you something bigger one day. When I’m worthy of you,” I murmured.

  Her voice caught. “You’re already worthy. And I don’t want anything bigger.” She exhaled, the sound shaky as I slid the ring onto her finger, marveling at the fit and how it looked on her hand—as if it were meant to be there.

  “I love it. I love you.”

  I looked up, meeting her eyes. Her gaze was saturated with love. I felt it encompass me, soaking into my skin, nestling itself deep within my heart.

  “Marry me.”

  “Because of the baby?” she whispered.

  “Because I love you and I don’t want to waste a moment of what we have. Our baby is simply the icing on the cake. I get both of you to love.” I lifted her hand to my mouth and kissed it. “Let me tell the world that. Be mine.”

  A tear shimmered and slid down her cheek.

  “Yes,” was her simple answer.