Hmm. Jealousy. Her heart sputtered out of beat. “You didn’t let me finish. Sam suggested I ride down with him to save gas and – since we’d already stayed late – that we stop to get a bite to eat while we were out there. A bigger selection of restaurants and all that.”
Logan nodded. “I bet he did.”
Candice narrowed her eyes. “Logan, nobody drives clear out to Collin’s without grabbing a bite to eat. The two go hand-in-hand.”
“Oh, so you knew he’d ask you to dinner too?”
“No,” she snapped.
“Why didn’t you ask me to take you? I’m still your husband, you know? I told you I’d help you move in here and you do it without me. I said you could have your pick of the furniture – that I’d deliver it here for you and put it wherever you’d like and you refuse. And then you go ask some tool you work with to do it for you instead. I don’t get it.”
Logan wouldn’t be calling names if he had any idea what Sam had just done, but she’d save that conversation for another time.
“You want me to ask you for help next time?”
“Yes,” he assured, voice rising. “That is exactly what I want. You’re my wife, Candice”
She gulped, licked her lips once more. “Okay,” she said. “I will.”
The deep crease in his brow smoothed. “Okay?”
“Yes. The next time I need help with something I’ll call you.”
He gave her a single nod, looking satisfied. “Good.”
Her heart was working in double rhythm. She took a deeper breath this time, let it out slowly, and rubbed her palms over the front of her skirt. “Well I’ve told you what’s up with me,” she said, “so now it’s your turn.”
Logan motioned to the chair. “Mind if I put this together while we talk?”
Candice shook her head. She expected him to walk over to the chair then, but he stayed in place.
“First off,” he started, “I want to apologize. I shouldn’t have accused you the way I did. I should have given you a chance to explain without jumping down your throat. I know now – after some rational thinking – that you’d never do that.”
“Okay.” After a quiet moment, she added something more. Something that had been bothering her for the last week. “Even though I didn’t do it on purpose, I feel awful about not filling out that form and sending it back. Had I known…” She drifted off there, feeling sick about the whole thing even still.
“No,” Logan said, “I know. Let’s just put it behind us.” He shifted his gaze to the furniture on the floor, began making his way toward it. He inspected the lower part before taking hold of the chair top. “This one is light,” he said. “Would you mind lowering it onto the base once I push the clamps in?”
“Sure.”
“Here,” he said as she neared, “put your arms out.”
She did, and Logan handed it over. It was much bigger than he made it look; her arms could barely hold it in place.
“You got it?”
“Yep.” It wasn’t heavy after all, just awkward.
“Okay. I’ll tell you when.” He fiddled with things for a moment and then leaned his head away from it. “Alright,” he said with a grunt. “Lower it straight down.”
Candice could not see beyond the large piece, but trusted she was in the right place as Logan said.
“Keep coming. Almost there.”
She bent her knees, going lower even still, and met with a hint of resistance before hearing it click into place.
“Got it.” He came to a stand, a wide smile on his face. “That’s my girl. Now go on and have a seat. See if you like it.”
Within the small walls of her apartment, the chair suddenly looked huge. “It didn’t look this big in the pictures,” she said. “I’m starting to wonder if it’s going to work in here.”
Logan gave her a sideways glance. “You mean with all of the other furniture?”
Candice gave him an eye roll.
“Just sit down and test it out. Then you can decide.”
She nodded. “You’re right.” Though inwardly she wondered if his offer to move in with him still stood. Or had he decided against it altogether?
Candice centered herself in front of the chair, hunched down, and plopped onto the seat. “Ah, yes. This is a keeper.” She wiggled deeper into it with an appreciative sigh and closed her eyes. After a quiet moment, Logan cleared his throat.
Candice peeked up at him.
“You’re kidding, right?” he said, looking incredulous.
“Kidding about what?”
Logan searched her face, causing her to straighten up in the chair with interest.
“What?” she asked.
He shook his head, squatted next to the chair and reached out an arm. Before she could register his action, the entire chair morphed into a new shape. The back of the seat dropped into recline mode while the footrest shot up like a jet. Candice’s transformation probably looked like some freakish dance move. Her upper body dropping into place after hovering in mid-air for a blink. Her feet and legs rising fast and furious to make room for the footrest.
“That’s how you sit in a recliner,” Logan said with an air of confidence.
Candice looked up at him with wide eyes.
“C’mon, it’s not the first time you’ve seen one of these, cave lady.”
“Of course it’s not. I just wasn’t expecting that. You could’ve warned me.” She smoothed a hand over her skirt, feeling as if she’d just been tricked into going on an amusement ride. The warmth of embarrassment crept from her neck to her cheeks.
Logan eased into a grin. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“How is it now that you’re laying back?”
Candice tried to get comfortable in the new position. Shifting one way and then the next. “Good, I guess. How do I sit it back up?”
He gave her a disappointed headshake before cranking it back into place. “Lever’s right there,” he said. “You pull it to go back. Push it forward to sit up. Or you can just press the footrest down with your legs.”
“Okay. Do you want to try it?”
Logan shrugged. “Sure.”
Candice was hoping to spring the thing back for him in surprise but he beat her to it, cranking the lever himself as he sat. “Oh, yeah,” he groaned, sinking deeper into the chair. “Aw, this is nice. Really nice. Might have to take a trip to Collin’s to get one of my own.”
Candice smiled as she watched him. He looked as if he’d died and gone to heaven. She imagined, after a long day of hard labor, a chair like that could really put a man at ease. Of course she was on her feet all day. Or in that horrible desk chair the rest of the time. “Scoot over,” she said.
One of Logan’s eyes flicked open. “Huh?”
“Scootch,” she said. “I’m getting on there with you.” The chair was massive; surely she could fit on there with him.
“I’m not so sure we’re both going to – ”
But she was already climbing onto it. She wedged her butt in first. Logan – seeming to finally get the memo – shifted to allow her more space. Once her legs were settled into place, Candice leaned all the way back beside Logan. It felt nice, for a second. Until the front of the chair rocked right off the ground, began tipping back. Before Candice could think to do something, to possibly sit back up to balance out the weight, the chair tipped further still, until it landed on the floor with a solid clunk!
Lamplight bounced off the textured ceiling above, which nearly encompassed her entire view. Logan broke into laughter. Candice did the same, tucking her skirt beneath her legs to keep it in place.
“So you’ve got the upright position,” he said through chuckles, “which is rather boring. The reclined setting that lets you kick up your feet. Or option three, the flat-on-your back mode which gives you a nice view of the ceiling versus looking at the bare walls.”
Candice wiped at a trace of moisture gathered in the corner of her eye as she laughed som
e more. “Number three,” she said. “This one is definitely my favorite.” As the laughter died down, quiet taking over the room, she felt her body release the tightness it held only moments ago. Muscles going from rigid to lax. The pull of gravity tugged her deeper into the soft leather comfort beneath. The feel of Logan, warm at her side, gave the same peaceful release to her previously-worried mind. Earlier, while at the restaurant, she’d been longing to see Logan. Had felt a near desperation to be close to him. And here he was, nudged right up beside her. All was right in her world.
Logan shifted the slightest bit, and Candice could feel his eyes on her. He brought his face closer to her, and Candice’s pulse rushed. The warm, feathery feel of his breath trickled over the side of her face. Grazed her hairline before his lips pressed against her forehead. “This one’s my favorite too.”
Her insides responded to the act before her mind could. A pool of warmth crashed into her heart, seeped into her limbs, and had her melting all over. And then taking flight. Like a helium balloon reaching for the skies.
Candice wondered – if she turned her face toward his, would he kiss her? Euphoria spilled over her body at the thought alone. But she didn’t dare find out. Not yet. They had a lot to talk about, and they’d need to take things slowly. That is, if Logan was still willing to work it out, after all she’d put him through.
She leaned her head onto his shoulder. “Thanks for being someone I can count on,” she said in a whisper. “I know I didn’t ask you for help, but you were right – I should have. I know you’d do anything for me.” The truth of it struck her more deeply than before, having uttered the words for herself. “It makes me wish I was a more generous person. And um… if there’s something I can do for you, I hope you’d at least ask.”
“How about you don’t see Sam Green outside work anymore?”
Candice backed up so she could look him in the eyes. “You can’t really be worried about him.”
Logan held her gaze. “I am.”
Her heart missed a beat.
Logan reached out, moved a strand of hair from her face, and let his fingers linger just behind her ear. “Whether he’s confessed it or not, Sam Green is interested in you. He’d be an idiot not to be. It’s only a matter of time before he makes his move.”
Why don’t you make a move? an inner voice screamed. She couldn’t help it. It had been so long and he was touching her in that way of his and he had her in the very palm of his hand. She gulped. “You really have nothing to be concerned over.”
Logan’s jaw tightened. His nostrils flared the slightest bit, like they did when he was angry. And then he was shifting out of the seat, and climbing off completely.
“Let me help you sit this back up before I leave,” he said once he was standing.
If Candice had been a helium balloon a moment ago, Logan’s shift in demeanor had poked a hole right through her. The air was seeping out at an alarming rate.
He walked around to her side and held out his hand. “Here, I’ll help you up first.”
She took the offered hand, feeling too weak to get up on her own after the whole deflating incident.
Logan hoisted the chair back to its upright position and turned to her. “You’ll call if you need anything,” he said. “Promise. Me, not Greeny.”
Candice nodded, wishing she could say something to keep him there. Hadn’t he said he needed to talk with her? What about moving in? Was the option still on the table?
He stepped toward the door, a near-desperation growing within her as she watched. Just as he moved to take hold of the brass knob, Candice forced herself to speak. “Wait.”
Logan froze in place, but didn’t bother looking over his shoulder.
“Have you eaten? I have this salmon fillet I planned to cook tonight, but since I’ve already eaten I could make it for you.” When he didn’t reply she added to it. “I could nuke some rice to go with it. Or a potato.”
At last he spun and gave her a nod. “Sure. That sounds nice.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Scents of fresh fish cooking in the pan made Logan’s mouth water. He hadn’t eaten salmon since he’d lived with Candice, and he’d missed it. He couldn’t believe he’d nearly left without giving her the ultimatum. Thank heavens she’d stopped him before he left. Invited him to stay.
“Smells good,” he offered when Candice spun away from the pan. A floral apron covered the front of her body, the tied strings pulling it tight against her form. He missed seeing her like this. Missed the certain ease that took over whenever she cooked.
She opened the fridge, pulled a fresh lemon from the crisper, and bumped it closed with her hip. He’d already finished the salad she’d made him, complete with croutons, cucumbers and ranch. Boy, had he missed her cooking. Aside from the meals he ate at Allie’s or his mother’s, Logan lived off mac and cheese and canned soup.
His blood had cooled since the whole Sam Green incident, but he still couldn’t believe how oblivious Candice seemed to be about the guy’s motives. It had given validity to the ultimatum brewing in Logan’s mind. Whether Sam’s intentions were as murky as a Louisiana swamp or as pure as a mountain spring, Logan could not sit back and watch his wife go out to dinner with another man. Seeing him at work every day while her personal life was a in such a state was bad enough. Besides, Logan had lived in limbo for far too long. He would find his opportunity, present his case, and find out just where his wife stood.
Candice’s apartment had only one measly barstool. So while he ate, Candice sat on the countertop, talking about the kids in her class. He’d missed that too – hearing about the kids she’d come to love.
“Anyway, I was finally able to meet his mom,” Candice continued as she spoke of a troubled student, “and it wasn’t what I’d expected at all. I’d kind of figured maybe she was young and wild. Not involved a whole lot. But – I don’t know – she seemed totally invested. I can’t figure out why he acts up the way he does. Like he’s starving for attention.” She shrugged. “I don’t know. The teacher who had him last year warned me about him, but I just really have a soft spot for the little guy.”
“You always like the troubled ones most.”
Candice grinned. “I do?”
He laughed. “Don’t act like you don’t know it. What’s his name?” Logan asked before taking a drink.
“Gabe.”
“He’s lucky to have you as a teacher.”
The look on Candice’s face said she knew what he meant. “I just hope he straightens up before next year. The fifth grade teachers aren’t very forgiving.”
Logan took hold of his empty plate and came to a stand. After rounding the counter he rinsed his plate at the sink and loaded it into the dishwasher. “Least you’ve got one of these,” he said.
Candice slid off the counter and smiled. “Yeah. Who cares about frivolous things like furniture. This, right here, is where it’s at.” She pointed to the open dishwasher – the only thing that stood between them.
Logan grinned, though her comment prodded at the ache in his chest. The very real pain he felt when he thought of her living there by herself. Forget about the lack of furniture or homey appeal, it didn’t seem safe. An outdoor entrance among dozens of strangers who could easily see her come and go. Nothing but a flimsy door with a tiny peephole (that she didn’t even bother using) standing between her and the rest of the world.
“I want you to move in with me,” he blurted.
Silence.
Candice stared at him, barely blinking.
Logan rapped his knuckles on the counter and blew out a trapped breath. “Or we need to see a lawyer about getting a divorce, if that’s what you want. I’m tired of living life as a single man without … living life as a single man. Lord knows I’m not leading a married man’s life either.”
Her face fell flat. “Do you want a divorce?” Her voice sounded shattered.
“Of course not, Candice. I’m still in love with you. I extended our spot on th
e list because I hoped you’d give me another chance.”
Candice leaned down and closed the dishwasher, leaving nothing but the tiled floor between them. “This is an ultimatum?” she asked.
He managed one short nod as his stomach dropped. A flame of fear roared in his chest. Please don’t pick divorce, Candice. “I’ll give you until the weekend to decide,” he said, suddenly wanting her to take her time. He would spend the next few days on his knees praying to the heavens above. Begging for a second chance with her. He strode past her quickly, hoping to make it to the door before she spoke.
“I don’t need any time to think about it,” she blurted.
Logan stopped right there. Slowly spun back to face her. And gulped when their eyes met.
“I’ll do it,” she said. “I’ll move in with you.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“I’m just saying you should be careful. That’s all.”
Candice propped her cell phone as she grabbed the steering wheel with both hands. “I will. But I really do think it will be good for us.” She had already known that Lana Peters, one of her closest friends from Colorado, would not agree with her decision to move in with Logan. Candice had hesitated even telling her, but finally decided she should. After all, Lana had been with her through those difficult years, and Candice welcomed whatever advice she had to offer.
“Sure, it could be good for you guys,” Lana said, “or it might be that you end up wasting even more of your life instead of moving on once and for all.”
If there was one thing Candice was not worried about it was time. Not hers anyway. But she did worry for Logan in that regard. She wanted him to be young enough to start a family with someone else. “I’m not ready to walk away just yet, and neither is Logan. So we may as well give it one last try.”
“And start the painful process of letting go all over again if it doesn’t work? Candice, you already did this. And it was horrible for you. It doesn’t make sense for you to move back home, solidify your separation, and then move back in with him once you’re all healed.”
Mending Hearts: Logan's Story Page 10
