Page 12 of Light of Christmas

Logan has gone through more than anyone should in a lifetime. She fought and conquered her demons and now she stands before me stronger than ever. Logan isn’t just a survivor; she is a warrior. And I couldn’t be happier to be the man standing by her side.

Logan’s eyes slowly open and she smiles even bigger when she meets my eyes. She skates towards me and throws her arms around my neck. I lift her and spin her around, earning a laugh from her.

“I love you, Bear.”

“I love you more, Angel.”

“Not a chance, big guy,” Logan says as she wiggles out of my arms.

An evil look spreads across her face. “Catch me if you can,” she says before skating off as fast as her little legs can take her.

Don’t worry, pretty girl. I already caught the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Chapter Eight

Logan

GraysonandIaretangled in each other on the couch.

The past few days have been nothing short of amazing. I don’t remember the last time I felt myself completely relax and be in the moment.

After our ice skating adventure, we found this cute little diner and ordered half the menu. The sweet older couple that ran the place kept us supplied with endless cups of coffee. And the older woman, whose name made my heart skip a beat, Claire, was testing out new sweet recipes and had us sampling them. We spent hours there talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

I never realized how much I was holding myself back all these years. I knew things felt more permanent since I met Gray. And especially now that he who shall not be named is gone. I tried to soak it all in and let myself breathe when Gray proposed, but everything going on with Allie has held me back.

This trip is showing me that I don’t have to live in that guilt because Allie will get through this and we no longer have that demon lurking in the shadows.

Somehow, this trip has allowed me to breathe for the first time in years and we have only been here for a few days. I love Cliff Haven, but getting out of there has really opened my eyes to what is in front of me.

I found myself thinking of wedding ideas and even what the future would look like with mini-Grayson’s or myself running around. That is years down the road, but the wedding isn’t.

At the diner, I mentioned to Gray that I think I wanted the girls to wear green at the wedding, and the look on his face was priceless. His smile was so big, and it didn’t leave his handsome face for hours. It’s crazy that all it took was a small comment about our future wedding to make him that happy. He is being so amazing at letting me take this slow, but he was right. It’s okay to live for myself. And for me, that starts with planning the wedding, so that when Allie is better, I can marry my best friend.

Grayson’s phone vibrates on the table, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I see Noah’s face on the screen. I don’t move off Grayson’s chest as he answers, and Noah’s goofy smile appears.

“Hey, lovebirds.” Noah quickly shields his eyes and peaks through his fingers. “Bro! Have some respect for my sis. You could have called back after you two were done doing whatever it is you two are into.”

Grayson rolls his eyes. “What the hell are you talking about? She’s fully clothed and we were just watching a movie.” He holds his arm out further to show us. I’m wearing one of Gray’s hoodies, pj pants, and a large fluffy blanket covers us.

“Oh, my bad. Sorry, Lolo. Your face just looked so zoned out that…”

“Noah! Stop. One, that’s your brother you’re talking about. Two, your brother makes a great pillow which, mixed with this winter wonderland cabin, makes me very relaxed.”

Grayson hugs me tighter to him and he plants a kiss on my head.

A smile spreads across Noah’s face. He has been an amazing friend through everything, and I can tell what he is thinking. Because I’m feeling it too. It feels good to let go a little bit.

“So, did you call for a reason or were you just bored?” Grayson asks.

I gently smack him on the chest and shoot him a look. “Sorry, Noah. Ignore his caveman ass. What’s up?”

Noah laughs. “Thanks, Lo. I know someone in this conversation loves me. But yes. I’m at your house checking on the pipes because of the freeze last night. I wanted to show you what my fur niece and nephew were up to.”

I sit up, excited, knowing I’m about to see my furbabies, and snatch the phone from Grayson’s hand.

Noah turns the camera and Willow and Oliver are cuddled up next to the fireplace together, sleeping.