Logan’s heart plummeted at the mention of his ex-wife. Charity wasn’t reliable at all. She was supposed to take Piper for the holiday, but yet again, she flaked out. It seemed that now, her new method of disappointing their daughter was to never return Piper’s phone calls. That was followed by never showing up and never following through with promises.
“I’m not sure, sweetie. I had an important meeting earlier this morning and had my phone turned off. Maybe she called and I missed it.”
Piper kept her gaze fixed on the driveway. “Yeah. Probably.”
He pulled out his phone, willing there to be a message from Charity. Nothing. Zip. She’d abandoned her daughter once again. Shoving the phone into his back pocket, he walked over and pulled Piper into a hug. “It’s going to be okay. She’ll call.” He hated lying to her, but he didn’t know what else to do.
She nodded against his shoulder. “Bike to the beach with me?”
Logan smiled. “Of course.”
She grinned and pulled away from him. “Hurry up.”
He raced over to the garage door and pulled it open. Grabbing his bike, he wheeled it over to where Piper was biking up and down the street. He unhooked his helmet and snapped it under his chin.
Soon, he was pedaling next to her. She giggled like she was holding onto a secret.
“Race you!” she screamed and took off.
“Hey! That’s not fair,” he called after her, but a smile played on his lips. It was just like his daughter to do something like that.
Five minutes down and they stopped right before the sand. Water lapped at the shore as they dismounted and pushed the kickstands down. They left their shoes by their bikes. Sand squished between Logan’s toes as he raced after her. She was headed for the water. They allowed the waves to race over their feet, but that was as far as they would go. Water temperature plummeted this time of year.
After scouring the beach for shark teeth and shells, Logan settled down on the sand and watched his daughter poke at some washed-up seaweed with a stick.
His heart ached at what his ex did to their daughter. She loved her mother, and the fact that Charity couldn’t care less angered him. There was nothing and no one that would keep him from his little girl. If only his ex had that same kind of commitment.
His thoughts returned to the conversation with his mom. His dad had given him permission to do what he thought was best with the money. He trusted Logan. But right now, all Logan wanted to do was pretend that it wasn’t there. Just take small amounts out so he could spend time with his daughter and quit all the odd jobs he’d had to pick up in the past to survive. But that was it.
Leave it to his mom to pressure him into spending it. Logan harrumphed and pushed his toes into the sand as he studied the waves. It seemed that even though he wanted things to remain the same, his life had been forever changed.
4
HANNAH
The sterilized smell of hospital air filled Hannah’s nose as she willed her body to calm down. The coolness of the wall behind her seeped through her shirt, grounding her to earth. She had her first encounter with Logan and survived. One point for her.
“Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson to the ER,” a nasally voice announced over the intercom. The soft Christmas music that came from the piano in the far side of the room returned to normal volume.
Hannah glanced around and took in the people who were meandering through the lobby. Some were talking in hushed voices, others had furrowed brows and tear-stained faces. Hannah’s heart went out to them. Maybe that’s why she’d dedicated her whole life to social work despite how her mother felt.
How could she not when she’d spent so many nights after school slumped on one of the worn-out couches, waiting for her mom to finish her rounds? All the people she’d interacted with contributed to her desire to help others. When she’d told her mom what she wanted to do, her mom grew quiet.
Apparently, years of working with teenage moms seemed to have tainted her. She told Hannah she wanted her to have nothing to do with those types of people. Anger coursed through Hannah’s veins as she glanced around.
Everything exploded on prom night. The memory caused Hannah’s spine to tingle. It was the night that the two most important people in her life betrayed her.
Taking in a deep breath, Hannah let it out slowly. She couldn’t think about that right now. She pushed off the wall and straightened, shoving the memories deep down where they belonged. She couldn’t go meet her mom for the first time in seven years emotionally charged. And she couldn’t stay down in the lobby forever.
She made her way to the elevator with the tips of her fingers curled around the luggage handles. Reaching out, she slapped the up button and waited, keeping an eye trained on the elevator lights.
“Hannah Banana?”
Ugh, that nickname should have died years ago.
“Hannah?”
Taking a deep breath, she turned.
Bright green eyes behind dark-rimmed glasses gazed back at her.
“Sandy?” she sputtered.
A wide smile, sans braces, spread across her high school best friend’s face. “It’s been so long! I can’t believe you’re here!” Sandy opened her arms and pulled Hannah into a giant hug.
Unsure of what to do, Hannah patted her back. After a moment, Sandy pulled away.
“How have you been?” Sandy asked as she pulled her purse strap back onto her shoulder and took a step back. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“Oh, I’ve been good. You know. Work keeps me busy.”
“That’s right. You were always a book-smart girl.” Sandy reached out and play-punched Hannah’s shoulder. “And Ohio? That’s awesome. It’s good you got away.” She moved closer to accommodate the crowd of doctors and nurses who were gathering by the elevators.
“Yep.” Hannah nodded. In a small town like Beaufort, it was hard to get away.
“Here to see your mom?”
Hannah peered up at the elevator lights. If the elevator ever came. “Yep.”
Sandy glanced over at her luggage. “She forgot about you, didn’t she?”
Hannah grabbed the handles tighter. “Something like that.”
“At least some things never change.”
Heat crept up Hannah’s cheeks. She wanted to change the subject. “So, are you visiting someone?”
Sandy’s face brightened. “Oh my gosh, yes! My fiancé!” She reached out her hand and shoved a giant ring right under Hannah’s nose. “The wedding is this weekend. The afternoon of Christmas Eve.” Then her grinned faltered.
Hannah peered over at her. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just all a mess. My fiancé just got in an accident—”
Hannah’s eyebrows shot up.
Sandy waved her hand. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing too serious, and thankfully, it won’t show up in the pictures.”
“That’s rough.” Hannah was grateful to hear that he was okay.
“Well, it doesn’t end there. Apparently, my maid of honor has shingles and can’t come. None of my bridesmaids can fly in early, so I’m stuck.”
The elevator door dinged, and Hannah followed after Sandy. Soon, they were standing inches apart as doctors and nurses stepped in after them.
Hannah glanced over to Sandy who had a glint in her eyes.
“What?” Hannah asked.
“I have an idea— you could be my maid of honor.” Sandy moved a few inches back and ran her gaze up and down Hannah’s body. “Yeah, you are about the same size as Patricia.”
Hannah stared at her. What was happening? “I’m sorry. What? Who’s Patricia?”
Sandy waved her hand. “Ugh. It’s Jimmy’s sister who was supposed to be my maid of honor, but now has shingles. Geez, girl, keep up.”
“And why is it important that she and I are the same size?”
Sandy’s smile faltered. “Because you’re going to be my maid of honor.” She gripped onto Hannah’s arm. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Pl
ease?”
Hannah glanced around. A few doctors were studying their interaction. Saying no felt wrong. “I guess.”
Sandy threw her arms around Hannah as she squealed. “Yay! Okay, this is my floor, but I’ll call you with details.”
The elevator rang as it stopped on floor three. Sandy moved to slip through the open doors. “I’ll call you at your mom’s. Is that okay?”
Hannah nodded.
“Oh, and I should probably tell you. Logan Blake’s the best man—” she yelled as the elevator doors closed on her voice.
Hannah heart sank. What did she just say? Logan? She wanted to stop the elevator and make it go back down so she could clarify what Sandy had said. Unfortunately, it just kept going up. Her shoulders slumped. There was no getting out of this.
The elevator door opened on floor six, Labor and Delivery, and Hannah’s stomach flipped. She couldn’t worry about that commitment right now. She’d deal with it later. Right now, her focus should be on the upcoming interaction with her mom.
In the foyer, two nurses stood behind the desk with charts in hand, whispering to one another. A woman clutching her swollen stomach inched past Hannah with her face contorted in pain. Hannah gave her a sympathetic look as she waited for her to pass.
With her luggage trailing behind her, Hannah approached the desk.
The older nurse, who looked like she could be Hannah’s grandma, glanced up at her and then down to her stomach.
Hannah sucked in her breath, hoping there was no way this woman could mistake her as pregnant.
“What can we do for you, sweetie?” Her southern drawl seeped from her coral lips.
“Well, if it isn’t Hannah Bell!” the other nurse squealed as she set her chart down and bounded around the desk.
“Loretta?” The air whooshed through Hannah’s lungs as she was enveloped in a hug.
The nurse pulled away. Her overly lined eyes peered up at Hannah. “It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you.”
There was no way Hannah would forget the accent and contagious smile. Loretta was her pseudo mom all those nights she waited in the lobby as a kid.
Hannah wrapped her arms around the now pudgy woman. “It’s been so long,” she said as she smiled. This was a reunion. This was what it felt like to be wanted.
Loretta grinned from ear to ear. “It has! I mean, I left for a while, but now I’m back. And so are you!” She paused as she glanced at the luggage in tow. “You’re not…” She motioned toward Hannah’s midriff.
“Oh, no. Goodness, no. I’m here to see my mom.”
Loretta giggled. “Oh, I see. Let me go grab her. She’s with a patient.” She started down the hall, then turned and winked. “I hope you’re not too old for blue popsicles. Maybe I’ll peek into the freezer and see if there are any there,” Loretta called over her shoulder.
Hannah smiled at her retreating frame. It was a ritual they had. Giggling on the couch as they tried to gobble up the popsicle before it melted. It helped break up the monotony of hanging around contracting women.
Loretta disappeared around the corner, and Hannah leaned against a wall. Thankfully, the other nurse went back to charting, which allowed the lobby to fill with silence. This was the first time she would see her mom since Georgia left. Hannah’s stomach twisted at the thought.
She sighed. After what Georgia had done, Hannah doubted her mom was capable of forgiving her. She studied her nails and took a deep breath. She needed to prepare for the icy reunion headed her way.
A few minutes ticked by before a familiar voice called out her name.
“Hannah, why are you here?”
Hannah swallowed and turned. “Hi, Mom.”
Her mother’s greying hair was pulled back into a bun with wisps of curls framing her face. She had a pair of polka dot reading glass perched on the tip of her nose. Behind the lenses, her eyes narrowed.
Hannah hated the scrutiny her mom always gave her. “I took a cab from the airport, and you weren’t home. It’s pouring outside, but without a key I couldn’t get in,” she rushed out.
“Your flight wasn’t supposed to come in until nine tonight. What happened?” Her mom folded her arms.
Hannah sighed. Of course, getting an earlier flight would be her fault. “Sorry, Mom. I tried calling you, but no one answered.” She lowered her voice. “If you had a cell phone…”
“You know I don’t believe in those things. Just another way to stay tied to everyone around you.” Her mom’s arms fell to her side as she patted her pager. “All I need is right here.”
“Right, Mom. Of course.” The hospital and this job were all her mom had ever needed. Why did Hannah think things had changed? She paused. “So, can I get the key? I’m guessing you’re going to be here a while.”
Her mom shoved her hand in her pocket and pulled out her keys. After threading the house key off, she handed it over. “I won’t be home until seven. There should be food in the kitchen. Help yourself to whatever.”
Hannah dropped the key into her coat pocket, right alongside her underwear and socks. “Sounds good. I’ll see you when you get home.”
Her mom’s face relaxed as she studied Hannah. It didn’t sit right with her, so she shifted her weight from foot to foot. An arm reached out, and Hannah almost smacked it away. Thankfully, she’d fought the urge. It wouldn’t have gone over well. Her mom pulled her closer and held her for a moment. It was awkward, but it was a hug.
“I’m happy you’re here, Hannah. It’s been too many Christmases.”
Hannah patted her mom’s back. “Yeah, I’m happy to be here, too.” Her stomach knotted at the lie. Even though she didn’t know where she wanted to be or belonged, she did know this wasn’t the place.
5
LOGAN
Laughter filled the air as Logan walked into his parents’ house after Piper. He furrowed his brow as he glanced in the direction of the kitchen. The thought that Hannah might be here raced through his mind, but he pushed it out. It wasn’t her. There was no way she’d come back after the way she’d left before.
Piper took off her shoes and bounded up the stairs. “I’m gonna go watch a show,” she said as her voice grew quiet the further she got.
“Okay,” Logan called after her.
Suspicious of what was happening in the other room, he approached the doorway. Two women sat at the table across from his mom. They were laughing and drinking tea. He stepped into the room.
“Hey, Mom. Just wanted to let you know that me and Pip are home.” He turned to leave. He didn’t want to get stuck in a conversation with his mom’s friends. They could talk forever.
“Wait a minute. Sit down.” His mom beckoned him over.
Logan hesitated, then turned. This was never good. “Hey, I was hoping to catch the game…” He gave her a look.
She smiled as if pretending she didn’t see him. “These ladies just have a question they wanted to ask you.” She pushed out a chair, and the ladies across from her smiled.
Logan knew exactly what she was doing. It was exactly what he had feared. He clenched his fists and forced a smile. “Sure, Mom.” He made his way over to the chair and sat down. He turned his attention to the women across from him.
“This is Josie and Betty. They’re my friends from book club.”
The woman with short grey hair smiled while the other woman with long white hair nodded. Logan felt a bit guilty for the way he was acting. They were victims of his mom’s schemes. This wasn’t their fault.
Logan leaned forward and grasped his hands and rested them on the tabletop. “Listen, ladies, I’m not sure what my mom said.” He glared over at his mom. “But I’m really not looking for new business ventures right now.”
Betty giggled, her nerves apparent in the way her gaze flitted across the room. “We understand, but…” She glanced over to Josie.
“We thought we’d pitch our idea, and then you can decide for yourself,” Josie finished. “You know, for the future.”
He wanted to fight back. He hated the corner his mom had pushed him into. How could she? His dad’s money was a sensitive subject, and she was ignoring how this made him feel.
Josie gave him a big smile. “We’d really appreciate it.”
Logan sighed and nodded. “Go ahead.”
Betty reached toward the ground. When she straightened, she placed a crochet blob on the table. After stretching the ends a few times, she smoothed it down. Logan studied it. It looked like a shirt for a preemie.
“This is the Kitty Cuddle,” Betty explained.
“The…Kitty Cuddle?” Logan glanced from woman to woman.
Josie nodded. “It’s made from completely organic material. It’s hypoallergenic and machine washable.”
“Just not the dryer,” Betty piped up.
Logan studied her as he nodded. Since when did cats need things to be hypoallergenic?
“It’s to keep cats warm. See?” Betty flipped open the scrapbook next to her and shoved it toward Logan. Inside were pictures of a particularly disgruntled looking tabby cat who had been shoved into a tiny Kitty Cuddle. Its hair was ruffled, and its eyes were wide.
“Wow,” Logan said as he flipped a page. “That is something.”
“That’s Mr. Sprinkles,” Betty said, beaming.
“Mr.”—Logan paused—“Sprinkles.” He flipped another page. “He doesn’t look too happy right here, huh?” He lifted up the picture where Mr. Sprinkles was half hissing, half meowing.
Betty nodded. “He was hungry.”
“Anyways, we were thinking we’d charge twenty-five dollars a shirt as they take us about five hours to make,” Josie said.
Logan coughed. “Twenty-five?”
Both women nodded.
“Huh.” How was he going to let these women down without hurting their feelings? “Do you have a business plan? Or a pamphlet I can take?”
Betty looked at Josie. “Business plan?”
Forgiving the Billionaire (A Clean Billionaire Romance Book 2) Page 3
