“Oh my God, when I told Granny Lou about Samuel Holbrook and the threats, I had no idea. This is a miracle.” Tears spilled down her cheeks.
Logan pulled her into his embrace, feeling her tears through his shirt. Hearing his name called for the third time in under one hour, he looked up to see Lina’s runway stride moving towards them.
“Logan if you have hurt Ava again, I’m going to bury you in one of these sand traps.” Ava moved away for him, wiping her eyes. His father picked that moment to exit stage left.
“I’m fine, Lina. I’m great.” Gideon picked that moment to approach with his checkbook in hand.
“Lina you working the booth with Ava?” Neither woman paid attention to him. Ava retold his father’s generosity. Both women were busy celebrating the contribution.
“No Gideon, Ava doesn’t need me to be a back up anymore,” Lina said.
“Well sweetness, you’re standing at a smooch booth. And I want my kiss. From you.”
“You can’t be serious Gideon. I’m not on the menu.”
“Okay.” Logan watched as Gideon slid the checkbook into his breast pocket preparing to walk away. How was this going to play out?
“Come on Lina, it’s for charity,” Ava chimed in. Gideon halted his retreat.
“All right, all right Ava, but only with him.” No sooner had Lina spoken, Gideon cupped the back of her head, sealed his mouth on hers and kissed her. Hungry and insatiable, all mixed together.
When he released her, Lina’s eye remained closed. Gideon was smiling and Logan was holding Ava tighter at the waist.
“Don’t ever put your lips on Ava.” Logan said with a scowl on his face.
“Ava’s yours. Lina’s fair game,” was Gideon’s reply. Gideon retrieved his checkbook, ripped out the check and deposited it in the collection. And walked away. Lina’s eyes were open now.
“I think I’m pregnant with his baby.” Logan’s laugh vibrated through the tent poles, until Ava commented.
“Me, too,” Ava said. Logan offered a fierce scowl at her comment.
“I think I need a sandwich and a cigarette after that kiss. How much was his donation?” Ava’s nimble fingers phished out the check from the narrow deposit slit. Eyes resembling silver dollar pancakes, mouth open and closed, without making a sound. Logan reached for the check and read the amount.
“Five thousand dollars.” Logan smiled to himself. Lina was in trouble, whether she knew it or not. Lina shook her head from side to side, fingers pressing her temple on either side.
“This booth is going to have me stumbling back into serious like with another doctor. Take care of Ava. I’m punching out, girl. Call me tomorrow.” Good that she knows Gideon’s got her scent.
“Where do you think she’s going?” Ava asked him.
“Not my concern. But your babies will be mine, no vicarious impregnations allowed.” Ava looked up at him, head angled over her shoulder.
“You want to have babies with me?” He laughed at the shocked expression on her face.
“Yes, Ava I do. As soon as you marry me and let the world know that you are mine.”
“I am yours, Logan.” Her unrepentant affirmation brought him to his knees. At last she was his.
“Marriage? We are going to get married and have babies?”
“You have to know that husbands and wives, grow up to be mommies and daddies.” Her eyes widened. “Do you want to be married to me, Ava?” He would give her the sun and moon if it made her happy.
“I asked first, and I’m the senior officer.” His laughter rang out then.
“I’d be honored to be your husband. And make beautiful babies that look just like their mother.” The kiss between them was deep, raw, and breathtaking. Logan pulled away first. Smiling at Ava’s kiss swollen lips.
“Our time is up. I need to swing by the office, then I’m taking you home.”
Chapter 21
Darwin stood back and watched the sparks ignite between Logan and Ava. He was happy for his brother. He hoped his mother would see that they belonged together and stop her plotting and scheming.
Rebecca was gorgeous, but she would never hold Logan’s attention. But, he was thoroughly entangled in her web. He took off in the direction he had last seen her. She sat on a wrought iron bench, underneath a magnolia tree. Her garden hat rested in her lap while her blonde waves slightly lifted away from her face on the breeze. She looked serene until he approached. Venom and something else he didn’t care to investigate reflexed back in her soft blue eyes as she raked him over from head to foot.
“How long you plan on hiding out from these people?”
“I do not hide. I was relaxing until you came over.” She rolled her eyes heavenward, before perking that silly hat back on her head.
“You ready to leave?”
“Darwin, please. I am not leaving with you. Your brother has done enough to embarrass me. I’m not going to put another nail in my coffin by walking out of here with you. You don’t have to entertain me.”
“I like entertaining you. And you’ve known from the beginning your pursuit of Logan was a futile effort.”
“I do not believe I asked your opinion on the subject.” He ignored her clipped tone and extended his hand.
“Take my hand, Rebecca. Walk out with me.” Her eyes were partially hidden by the hat brim, but he saw her decision before she spoke the words.
“I can’t.” His jaw tightened.
“You gonna let me in tonight?”
“Don’t I always.”
“See you tonight, darling.” He turned and walked away. Smiling to himself he headed for the exit. “You’re mine, Rebecca.”
Chapter 22
Ava and Logan entered SCMC at the outpatient clinic entrance. Saturday afternoon offered a reprieve from the heavy influx of patients during the weekdays. The familiar scent of orange oil as the doors slid closed behind them reminded her that she hadn’t touched a patient in five weeks. She’d been focused on learning the Navy’s customs and traditions. The expectations of a commissioned officer and command structure were her priority.
As they navigated the hallway Ava took in the skeleton crews manning the check-in desks through the glass fronts. A few patients scattered throughout in the lobbies of their respective clinics waiting for appointments.
“Why did we come this way? The main entrance is closer to your office.”
“Let’s stop in the physical therapy suite, first.” He was probably concerned about one of the patients enrolled in the wound research project. They stopped in front of the PT suite, and Logan opened the door for her. Ava entered with him close behind.
“Come with me. The session started ten minutes ago.” Ava followed as Logan led her through a series of corridors and deserted office space. Finally they reached an oak paneled door with a slim glass insert. Ava could see exercise equipment through the door, but the room appeared to be empty. Logan pushed open the door and ushered her through.
“Ava!” Monique Faulkner was perched on what looked to be a stationary bike, but pedals occupied the place handle bars would normally be. The girl came to a quick stop, pulling her hands off the pedals. Hopping off the bike Monique ran across the room and threw her arms around Ava’s waist. Ava hugged her back, having missed their unique friendship.
“Monique you look great. I’m so happy to see you.” Big, innocent eyes on Logan, tears swelling in her eyes, Monique squeezed her tighter.
“You did it Dr. Masters. You brought Ava back.”
“I told you that I would.” Ava looked over at him. Logan had plans to come for her. His eyes told her, indeed he was coming for her. Her heart raced knowing the truth, she loved this man.
“Dad.” Having ignored everyone in the room. A lanky, teenaged boy sat at the chair closet to the window with his head buried in a book. Ava looked over his head to find a familiar face seated in an armless chair hugging the wall. Intelligent eyes and that same military haircut he wore during the donor tour all t
hose months ago.
“You’re Monique’s father?” Monique had released the bear hug, so Ava could shake hands.
“Nice to meet you, Ava. I’m Matthew Keaton and technically I’m Monique’s stepfather. Monique was an infant when her mother and I got married. I retired from the Navy one year ago. Her mom is currently deployed to Qatar.”
“Jason, say hello to my friend Ava.” The lanky boy glanced up for a second, tossing a non-descript gesture in Ava’s general direction. Ava remembered Monique mentioning Jason wanting to visit during her hospital stay. Things had worked themselves out.
“My goodness, Monique. Jason is handsome.” Monique giggled.
“He’s taking me to the prom,” Monique whispered conspiratorially. “Dad. Tell Ava how you can help. He can make it so you get to stay here, in Shell Cove.” Ava thought she saw Logan’s ears perked up.
“I’m listening,” Logan said. Ava was, too. But she didn’t want to get her hopes up.
“Monique’s been giving me an earful for weeks about getting you back to Shell Cove. I explained to her that you had to complete ODS first, before we could negotiate with the assignment officers. You had me concerned for the first few weeks, Ensign Walters.” Ava’s eyes bugged out of her head in surprise.
“You followed my progression through officer training?” He nodded his head in affirmation.
“Queens Bay Naval Clinic has a position for a nurse, if you are interested?” Ava’s heart started beating at a rapid pace. Was it possible to have Logan, be close to her family and serve her country? This man was offering her a dream.
“May I ask your rank at retirement?” He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he directed Monique back to the exercise machine and waited until she started arm pedaling. Ava’s heart plummeted. It was just a dream. Returning, he focused those dark, intelligent eyes on her.
“I retired as an Admiral, three stars.” Monique’s dad was a three-star Admiral. At that rank, you’re speaking on Capitol Hill and talking on CNN. Wow, talk about life coming full circle. Ava immediately stiffened her spine, stealthily coming to attention. Logan eyes seemed to glow, keeping steady eye contact with the Admiral.
“You have the connections to do what you say. She’ll take it.”
“Logan,” she chastised, “don’t answer for me.” She grinned up at him. Her lip biting days were over.
“Ava. Don’t play. I told the department I was taking a sabbatical before your call from officer training. I was coming for you.”
“You what!” Logan was putting his career on hold for her. The fountains connected to her eyes sprang to the “on” position.
“Admiral, I would welcome the opportunity to serve as the clinic nurse at Queens Bay. Thank you, sir.”
“Please call me Matthew. It took almost three months for me to respond to my first name. After, thirty-three years in uniform, it’s taking more than twelve months to adjust to civilian life.”
“Thank you, Matthew.” Ava excused herself. “I’m going to the ladies room,” she responded before Logan could ask.
Face refreshed, Ava entered the outpatient hallway and slammed into a mountain of soft flesh. She tried to push away only to discover her wrists were manacled in a man’s large grip. Her head shot up, and her eyes landed on the distorted features of Randall.
“Hello little doll, it must be my lucky day finding you all alone.” Heart beating fast, but not erratic, Ava maintained control of her emotions. Her first instinct was to recoil, but then she thought of her life. The life she always wanted. A life filled with love, free from insecurity and doubt. Her love for life and Logan fueled her. It was hers now and no one was taking anything from her ever again.
“Get your hands off of me.” Ava pulled against his hold. There was no leeway.
“They fired me because of you and that surgeon of yours.” She was Logan’s. And she didn’t share. “I was about to leave a departing gift in the research lab, but I think I’ll leave my mark on you.” A newfound instinct took over.
“This is not your lucky day. It’s my homecoming,” Ava roared. She curled her body, pulled her knee up and drove as much power through her calf, her knee, and her thigh. She plowed straight into dangling parts like a pile driver during road construction.
Randall released her to cup between his legs, but she held on trying to relocate his reproductive anatomy to his throat. His cry was that of a wounded animal. The sound rebounded through the empty hallway. He would pay for his torment. His sabotage. She was positioned to deliver another blow when Logan and Matthew rounded the corner at a run.
“Ava!” She heard Logan and more than one other person running to her location.
“I’m okay.” She called back. Ava felt herself being pulled into warmth. Logan had her now secure in his arms. Her eyes stayed trained on the enemy. Randall was doubled over, but his breathing was less labored.
A vicious war cry tore from Randall’s lips, and he got to his feet and charged them.
Everything happened at once. Logan pushed her away from him, spun on his heel and hit Randall square in the nose. Blood seemed to pour from a faucet down Randall’s face onto his starched, white dress shirt. Randall was crumpled on the floor swearing up a red, white and blue streak. Oh God, Logan moved towards him muscles strained, teeth bared, nostrils flared.
Ava moved toward Logan, not looking back at her, he extended his hand, palm up, fingers splayed wide. She froze. Logan stood over the other man.
“Don’t ever come near Ava again. I’ll punch a hole in your chest, rip your heart out, and feed it to you if you do.” Ava was glad she was a safe distance away. Logan’s voice was bordering on animalistic. At the sound of a commotion in the hallway, Ava looked up to see Matthew Keaton and two men wearing dark blue security uniforms.
“You okay, ma’am?” The shorter of the two men asked the question.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Logan remained at her side. Standing guard. Ava felt light, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulder. “Logan, let’s wait over by the door.” They both moved to stand by the sliding doors leading to the parking lot. Matthew approached then, spine straight, fists loose at his side, the look of a warrior, ever ready when needed.
“The Shell Cove authorities are on the way,” Matthew said. “I’ll stay with the medical center security team and guard the perpetrator until they arrive. After Ava makes her statement you should be able to go.”
“Okay, and thank you Matthew.” Ava offered her thanks as he walked away. “Do you want to make a statement? I can talk to the authorities on your behalf.” She laughed and kissed him.
“Try and stop me.” Ava blinked back tears of joy as she threw herself in Logan’s arms. Randall’s threat that night in the ballroom had brought her and Logan together. Though she fought the attraction he’d chased her until his love caught her in an embrace she never wanted to be without. Today, confronting Randall helped her finally heal all the wounds of the past. She was worthy of love. She was courageous enough to stand and fight for herself and those she loved. She was no longer chasing Ava.
“I love you, Ensign Ava Walters, Navy Nurse Corps officer.” Ava nodded, tears in her eyes.
“I love you, Logan. Now and forever.”
“Don’t say anything you don’t mean, Ava. I’ll hold you to it.” Logan grinned at her.
“For you, I can deliver.”
As Logan held her close, Ava felt all the joy of having all her dreams come true.
Logan was her hero, the man that would always fight for their love. And she would do the same for him, both now and forever.
Epilogue
Ava pulled the pot roast from the oven and placed the roaster on the stovetop. Removing her oven mitts, she watched as Logan placed the finishing touches on the dining room table. Since her house was rented, the Walters-Masters family dinners happened at Logan’s house. Ava had temporarily moved her things in the apartment over Logan’s garage. A decision he grumbled about daily. She could contin
ue the forty-minute commute to the Queens Bay Naval clinic from Logan’s, but she was actively looking for a place closer to work.
Logan grimaced as he set the serving tray on the countertop. “Why did you invite everyone we know to Sunday dinner?”
Ava dropped a kiss on his lips and Logan smiled like a loon. He was so easy. “You’re the one that volunteered to help me in the kitchen.”
“I know, but twelve people, Ava? I have never had more than four people in this house at once.”
“I’ll be sure to tell any children we have that daddy has a four maximum rule for their birthday parties.” Grabbing the carving knife off the block, Ava sliced the meat, layering it on the serving tray.
“Speaking of children. When are you going to set a wedding date?” As soon as you tell me everything about Brooke we can set a date. Just then, the side door, that Logan still periodically forgot to lock, opened and the room filled with people.
“We can talk after dinner,” he said, moving to the door to greet their houseguests. The Walters families plus one were the first to arrive, her parents, Aron and Zari, Granny Lou with Deacon Hill in tow.
“What’s up, sis?”
“You, little brother.” Aron smirked at her.
“You’ve got jokes.”
“Hi Ava, I made a sour cream pound cake for dessert,” Zari the resident baker never let Ava down. Lina decided to join the fun now that the threat of laxatives in her food was no longer warranted.
“Ava! I’m so glad you get to stay here in Shell Cove with me,” Lina said from the doorway.
“The food smells delicious,” her mother said, placing a kiss on her cheek. Granny Lou entered the kitchen.
“How is grandma’s Naval officer?”
Chasing Ava: A Bachelor of Shell Cove Novel (The Bachelors of Shell Cove) Page 27
