by Karen Booth
Twelve
Logan now knew what it was like to be on the outs with the Keys family. And he didn’t like it one bit.
“I have to talk to your dad,” he mumbled into Julia’s ear as they both stood in the church, waiting for the rehearsal to start.
“Not now,” she whispered.
“At dinner.”
She shot him a look. “Can we talk about this later?”
He was about to retort that they’d agreed there would be no questions, but the minister had begun delivering orders. Stand here. Stand there. Walk like this. Wait for this. Get out the rings. Wait again. This was going to take forever. All while enduring the cold shoulder from Julia’s parents.
Carter and Tracy were wound as tight as he’d seen either of them, but it was seeing Mr. and Mrs. Keys like this that really ate at him. If he and Julia were going to find a future, he couldn’t be at odds with them. Surprisingly, the person who seemed somewhat relaxed, or at least comparatively so, was Julia. Whether she’d wanted to admit it or not, keeping the secret of the baby had been a big burden to bear.
By far, the high spot of the rehearsal was standing at the altar with the other groomsmen, watching Julia walk up the aisle. Step by measured step, she was both graceful and statuesque, wearing a gauzy navy blue dress that fluttered at her feet and showed off her gorgeous shoulders. Their gazes connected, and he couldn’t have contained his grin if he’d wanted to. Similarly, a smile broke across her face; petal pink washed over her cheeks. She shied away, casting her sights to the red carpet runner. His mind raced with excuses they could use to skip the rehearsal dinner—a horrible headache, a painful splinter. The truth was that he and Julia had shared a roller coaster of a day—from the high points of making love and spending time on the beach, to the low of that moment in the fitting room. They were finally back on track. She knew how he felt about the things that had bothered him for years, and he had begun the process of accepting that he might not be the baby’s father. He’d been working hard to see past that possibility. And because of the things they’d patched up today, he craved more togetherness. He longed for them to be alone.
Once the ceremony run-through was done, and the bride and groom had shared their practice kiss, it was time for Logan and Julia to walk down the aisle arm in arm.
“You are so beautiful in that dress,” he muttered out of the side of his mouth, pulling her close. “I know I told you at the hotel, but really. It’s mind-boggling.”
“You told me in the car, too. And don’t act like I can even come close to matching the way you look in that suit.” She glanced up at him, putting every nerve ending in his body on high alert. “The tie really brings out your eyes. Much better than the ones they put you in on TV.”
Damn, it felt good to be admired by her. It was intoxicating enough to be in her presence, but when she was solely focused on him? Forget it. The rest of the world hardly existed. Step by step down that aisle, all eyes on them, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to go through this ritual with her. He had some fences to mend with the Keyses, but that would pass. With the ring in his pocket, he was still waiting to find the right moment to ask, the perfect point in time. There’d been twelve years of build-up to a proper proposal. It had to be right, and it had to be romantic.
Would Julia be as much of a wreck for her own wedding as she was for her sister’s? He could just see it now—guest list a mile long, a wedding planner buzzing about and bossing everyone around, a big fancy church and an even fancier reception. Between her Hollywood friends and his legion of former teammates, it did seem to call for a grand affair. One rule would have to be strictly adhered to, by both of them—no exes. No exceptions.
Tracy insisted Julia ride with her out to the beach house for dinner, which left Carter and Logan some guy time in Logan’s car.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the baby,” Carter said. “That’s huge.”
He and Julia didn’t enjoy the business of keeping secrets, but they had agreed to keep the question of paternity under wraps for now. They had enough obstacles to overcome, and they didn’t need the world weighing in on their future. “I know. I’m sorry. I promised her I wouldn’t say anything and I had to keep my word.”
“Are you nervous? First-time dad and you have to figure out a way to make things work with the one woman who makes you crazy? That’s a big challenge.”
Logan felt the corners of his mouth turn down. It was so much more than that, and Carter had no idea. “When you put it like that, yes. I’m nervous.”
“I didn’t mean to sound all gloom-and-doom. I’m just in awe of you for trying. I think it’s awesome. You’re going to make an amazing dad.”
Logan took the left onto Lumina Avenue toward the Keyses’ beach house. Carter’s words were still ringing in his ears. Was he really going to make a good dad? He wanted to think so. He wanted to believe he was up to the challenge, even if it meant raising a child who wasn’t biologically his. “If I can be half as good of a dad as my father was, I’ll be doing pretty well.”
“I’m bummed I never had a chance to meet your dad. He sounds like he was such an incredible man.”
“He was. I never would’ve gotten as far in baseball as I did without the things he did for me. I just wish I could’ve done it all. I still feel like I let him down. Or at least his memory.” Logan always missed his dad, but it was especially palpable today. The conversation he’d had with his mom that morning would’ve been different with his father. Backward or macho or whatever anyone wanted to call it, his dad would’ve understood Logan’s perspective fully. He wanted the baby to be his.
“I don’t see any way your dad would’ve been anything less than totally proud of you.”
“I guess. But if we’d won the World Series, I wouldn’t have any doubts.”
Logan slowed down as they approached the Keyses’ beach house, which was all lit up, glowing against the darkening night sky. The parking area under the house was full, so Logan took a spot on the road. He turned off the ignition. “Ready?”
“I want to say one more thing. I know it’s only been a year, but you need to find a way to let this go. Stop being so hard on yourself.”
It wasn’t that Logan needed the affirmation, but he’d take it. “Do I need to start paying you by the hour? Or are you hoping for a future in career counseling for athletes?”
Carter laughed. “I get that you’re competitive and that you want it all. But not every ballplayer wins a World Series. Not every dad has a chance to see his child fulfill their dreams. It’s sad, but it’s life.”
I know. Do I ever know.
Tracy pulled up behind them. Logan and Carter quickly hopped outside. Carter walked double-time to Tracy’s side of the car, opening her door for her. By the time Logan got to Julia, he was too late to do the same, but he was at least able to close it for her. Tracy and Carter made their way to the house; Logan and Julia lagged behind.
“When do we get to get out of here?” he muttered.
“We haven’t even eaten yet. My sister will freak out if we leave early.”
“I know, but all I want is to be alone with you.”
She stopped just shy of the door. A sly smile crossed her lips. “You’re cute when you’re desperate for sex.”
“I’m not desperate. Just ready.” It was about more than the physical urge, though. He needed that connection with her, especially after everything today.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her forward. Julia kissed him this time and it was so natural, as if they were falling together in perfect sync. It was as if he’d stepped into a dream. She pressed into him, arching her back, hinting at everything he wanted with a welcome side of enthusiasm.
They went inside where everyone was gathering for dinner—aunts, uncles and distant cousins had
arrived at the house during the rehearsal, with their Aunt Judy, who lived up the coast in Elizabeth City, in charge. Lined up neatly on the kitchen island were chafing dishes of North Carolina chopped pork barbecue, coleslaw, hush puppies, collard greens and baked beans. Logan’s stomach growled, but something else inside him begged for attention as he again exchanged looks with Julia’s dad. He had to speak to him.
After dinner and many long toasts, Logan saw Julia’s dad step outside onto the deck. Julia was immersed in conversation with her aunt, so he took his chance. He didn’t want an argument. He wanted to fix this.
“Mr. Keys,” Logan said, closing the sliding glass door behind him. The night air was humid and blustery. “Do you have a minute?”
Mr. Keys was standing at the railing, looking out at the surf. “Always. I always have a minute for you.”
Logan finally felt as though he could breathe. “About today. I know this all came as a shock, but I don’t want everyone to be too hard on Julia. She really was doing what she felt was right. You know her. She’s always worried far more about everyone else than she is about herself.”
Mr. Keys let out a quiet laugh. “I do know that about my daughter. That’s for sure. She’s been like that since she was little. The number of stray animals she brought home over the years would make your head spin. And don’t even get me started on the charity lemonade stands.”
Now it was Logan’s turn to laugh. He loved the image of a young Julia, out there, trying to save the world one project at a time.
“So is this what you were hinting at yesterday?” Mr. Keys asked. “That business of not counting you two out?”
Logan nodded. “You could say that. I know this is unconventional, but things with Julia and I have been rocky over the years. We’re doing our best to put it together.”
“Unconventional? I’d call it putting the cart before the horse.” Mr. Keys’s words nearly made Logan’s heart seize up. He turned, leaning back against the railing and folding his arms across his chest. He nodded in the direction of the party inside. Julia and Tracy were talking, right on the other side of the sliding glass doors. “You’ll understand it much better when you’re a dad, but those two girls are my greatest gift. I would do anything to protect them. Keep them safe.”
“I understand. I really do.”
“But you know, what you and Julia do is none of my darn business. I just want my daughters to be happy.” There was an unmistakable wobble to Mr. Keys’s voice, underscoring the reasons he’d been testy with Logan.
“I admire you for doing anything to protect your girls.”
“I have to admit, I’m more than a little excited by the prospect of being a grandfather.” He elbowed Logan in the stomach. “And what if it’s a boy? I could have a major leaguer for a grandson.”
Logan caught the look in Mr. Keys’s eye, a glint of pride. Something about that moment made the baby much more real, far less of an abstract. Would the baby be a boy? A girl? Regardless, he saw ten small fingers and ten small toes, chubby legs and cheeks, a sweet baby face. In his mind, his head, and his heart, the baby looked like both Julia and him. He couldn’t see the baby any other way. It might not be the right vision to cling to, but it was an idea firmly planted, and he’d just have to deal with the reality when the time came.
“I want you to know that I won’t let Julia down. And I won’t shirk my responsibilities. You’ll have to trust that we’re doing our best to work things out.” He watched Julia through the glass—the way she focused intently when someone spoke to her, the way she tossed her head back when she laughed, and the way her smile reflected the light inside her. She was so beautiful, inside and out. Mr. Keys had called her a gift. Logan understood now how true that was. I love her. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to be lucky enough to have a second chance with her. Or in reality, more like his tenth chance. He only knew that he wouldn’t let Julia wonder whether he was there for her. She said she needed to feel safe and like everything was okay. He could do that.
* * *
After two plates of food, three lemonades and countless uncomfortable questions about the future, Julia allowed herself to relish the part she’d played in making the rehearsal dinner a success. Tracy had completed the process of softening to her sister, although it had taken some intense conversation during the car ride to the beach, topped off with Tracy downing several glasses of wine. She actually seemed happy with the way things had gone. The food had been wonderful; the cake had arrived on time and exactly as Tracy had wanted it. Everyone raved about the house renovations. Tracy even remarked that the decorations were “perfect.” Aside from an uncle from Indiana liberating himself from his pants before heading out for a late-night swim, the evening had been largely free of controversy. Now the final guests were filtering out of the beach house.
Julia was helping clean up the kitchen when Logan came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck. “Mmm. You smell so good.” His words and a single kiss sent electricity racing along her spine. And it felt so good to have his broad frame and warm body pressed against hers.
“Thank you. Shouldn’t be too long and we can get out of here. Just a few more dishes.”
“Can’t someone else deal with this? You’ve worked your butt off today.” With that, he gave her bottom a gentle squeeze. “Save some for me, please.”
Julia turned around and playfully swatted him on his arm. “You’re bad.”
“I said please.” His eyes scanned her face, amping up the anticipation. Sure, she and Logan had been to bed before. Just that morning, in fact. But not like this. Not when so much was on the line and she was so very well aware of how easily it could fall apart. She decided it was best to celebrate the fragile nature of what was between them. It was new life, just like the baby, and that was to be nurtured and cared for.
“Aunt Judy, do you mind finishing up?” Julia asked.
Her aunt looked up from the living room where she was fluffing couch cushions and picking up plastic cups. “Of course, darling. I’ll take care of it. See you in the morning at the church.”
“Have I told you how much I adore you, Aunt Judy?” Logan asked.
“You didn’t need to. It’s all over your face.” She smiled wide. “Now shoo, you two.”
Julia grabbed her purse and cardigan, took Logan’s hand, and out they went into the night. The roar of the ocean was off in the distance, warm breeze sweeping against her skin as Logan took her hand and led her to the car. They climbed inside and Logan went for a kiss instead of turning the key in the ignition.
Julia reared back her head. “If we start here, we’ll never be able to leave. And I really don’t want Aunt Judy walking by while we’re steaming up the windows.”
“So true.” Logan started the car, and after quickly looking both ways, made a U-turn in the middle of the street and raced off to the hotel. This late at night, they thankfully hit more than their fair share of green lights. Julia hoped it was symbolic of the future—no more stopping. Just moving forward.
By the time they turned the car over to the valet, speed-walked through the lobby, rode the elevator and raced down the hall to their room, they were both laughing. It was a fun and nervous laughter, filled with hope and happiness. Julia couldn’t think of a time when things had felt more perfect.
“Before we go in, phones off,” he said.
“Yes. You’re so smart.” She dug hers from her purse and shut the power off. “Good to go.”
Logan opened the door and had his hands all over her the instant it closed behind them. “This dress has got to go.”
“I thought you liked it.”
“I do. I love it. I love it so much I want to see what it looks like on the floor. I think it will go with the carpet quite nicely.”
“Just like your suit.”
“I feel like
we should hang up the suit.”
“And not my dress? Talk about a double standard.”
He wrapped his hand around her neck and rubbed her jaw with his thumb. “Kiss me and tell me we can worry about laundry later.”
“Gladly,” she purred, tugging on his necktie as his mouth crashed into hers. He smelled so good—the fragrance she could only describe as Logan, like a good glass of bourbon, warmed in the summer sun.
She took off his tie and he wrestled his way out of his jacket. Her fingers flew over the buttons of his shirt and as soon as that was gone, he turned her around, unzipping the back of her dress. He teased it from her shoulders, pushing it to the floor before pressing his body against hers. She felt the cool metal of his belt buckle in the curve of her back, and lower...a firm declaration of how turned on he was. He took her hair in his hands and swept it back from her neck, kissing her softly with a gentle brush of his tongue. She loved having him stand behind her. There was something so sexy about it, as if he expected no reciprocity, but of course she would be giving.
She reached back, finding his erection, which strained against the front of his pants. She pressed against it with her hand, eliciting a low groan from him. He backed up slightly and unhooked her strapless bra, a double dose of relief—the boning had been digging into her armpits for hours. She hummed with happiness over the reprieve from the torturous garment. Logan turned her in his arms, admiring her breasts with both hands, both eyes and a whole lot of commentary.
“I’ve always loved your breasts, but I just love how full they are right now.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Thanks.”
“I meant it. They’re stunning. Truly stunning.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”
He cupped them with his palms, rubbed her nipples with his thumbs, drawing them into tight peaks. A week or so ago, that would’ve been torture, but the initial tenderness had subsided and between his touch and the pregnancy hormones, she was writhing with anticipation of more. As if he’d heard the wish she’d made in her head, he lowered his head and drew a nipple into his warm mouth, sucking softly and flicking at it with his tongue. She cradled his head in her hands, caressing his temples, leaning down to kiss the top of his head. He switched to the other breast and did the same, ramping up the intensity with licks and hot breath, causing her skin to bead so tightly she already felt as if she might unravel the instant he touched her most intimate parts.
