nothing close to disappointment. Logan gained another edge of respect for the older man, partially against his own will. “My little Abby works herself to death for that woman and what does she get?”
“It’s a gossip rag.” Eric said, his tone one of irritation. Logan was about to speak—about to jump to Abby’s defense—when she spoke.
“Gossip rag or not, Eric. It’s my job. And I work hard. I deserve a little credit.” When he heard her repeating his words, he couldn’t help the grin that crept onto his lips. So she had been paying attention. That was something, wasn’t it?
“That’s what I say as well, dear.” Martin smiled, passing another look between Abby and Logan. “Well, I don’t want to overstay my welcome, so I think it’s about time Mr. Thompson and I make our way back to the airport. Who knows how long we’ll have to wait to catch a flight.”
“Already?” Abby asked, and Logan could tell she was thoroughly disappointed. She was happy that he had come. Happy that he had been there to support her. But as everyone rose from the booth, it became apparent that there was no stopping them.
“Well, first I need to find a restroom.” Martin said with a smile. “I’ll meet you all out front. Go on.” The three of them began to walk toward the door when Logan stopped, not wanting to intrude on the few moments the two would have together.
“You two go ahead. I’ll just hang back here for a bit.” Something in him sensed that the soon-to-be married couple would need their privacy.
“You’re sure?” Abby asked, questioning him. He nodded, waving them on. He watched as they stepped outside. Abby’s arms were crossed over her chest, Eric standing a good couple of feet away. He could tell they were going to argue.
He sighed then, turning back and making his way to the counter, where various photos were arranged. Logan felt a pang in his chest as he looked them over, remembering everything. And then he came to the photo of the four of them, taken the night of the wedding. Abby was dressed in a something similar to what she wore now, Logan wearing a plain white dress shirt and black tie.
“She was happy then.” The voice startled him and Logan turned, finding Martin standing beside him. “Carefree, you know. The way it always is with first love.”
“We all were.” Logan said, not sure of what he was supposed to say.
“She’s a beautiful girl, isn’t she?” Logan didn’t hesitate to nod. “She’s my pride and joy, Mr. Sheppard. I’d do anything for her.”
“She feels the same about you.”
“Abigail’s done enough sacrificing for one lifetime, wouldn’t you say?” Logan felt the older man reach up and set his hand on Logan’s shoulder, his eyes boring into Logan’s. “I would give anything to see her this way again, you know. I want her to be happy. You think that’s possible?”
“Anything’s possible, Sir.” It seemed as if the older man was trying to send Logan a message—but he wasn’t quite sure what he was asking. Did Abby’s father have something against her current relationship? Or was he just asking, from Logan’s perspective, having known Abby when she was carefree and so full of life, if he thought it was possible she would have that once again?
“It’s Marty, Logan. Call me Marty.” Martin patted him on the back then before slipping into his jacket. “It was good to finally meet you.”
“Same here,” he replied, still slightly bewildered.
“If you ever make it out to our neighborhood, you should stop by. We could talk architecture.”
“Definitely,” Logan agreed. “Have a safe flight.”
“You have a good night.” As Logan watched Abby’s father’s retreating figure, he couldn’t help but feel as if something important had just taken place. As if, in some way, Martin Lewis has just given Logan his blessing.
He glanced back over his shoulder. It was obvious that Abby was angry with Eric, even as she wrapped her arms around her father. She didn’t reach out to Eric when she turned to say goodbye to him. He watched her lips move, watched her wave as they walked away.
And as Logan watched, he tried to make sense of what it was he was supposed to do.
~*~
They drove back to the motel, carting various loads of flowers and photos. By the time everyone had left, the sun was already beginning to fade. Logan knew they should probably head back—but something in him didn’t want the day to end.
“Hey