Can't Let Go - By Michelle Brewer Page 0,40

accident.

But then the possibility was staring him right in the face, and he realized that he’d wanted one with her. That was part of the reason he’d given in and gone back to school. He had no idea what to do with himself—but he knew he wanted to prove himself worthy.

Unfortunately, he was pretty sure he’d made a terrible mistake somewhere along the way.

“It was nice to finally meet your dad.” He finally spoke, willing himself away from his own reverie.

“He liked you.” Abby said, her tone a certain one. “I always knew he would.”

“It was good of him to come.” Logan thought of the way the older man had looked at his daughter. She was something precious to him—the person he cherished most in the world.

Logan imagined he probably saw Abby in a similar fashion.

“Hayley was like a daughter to him. He loved her—I wish he would have gotten to know Blake too. They would have gotten along well.” She had a distant tone in her voice, as if she were some place far away now.

“I think your dad could get along with anyone he wanted to, really.” Abby nodded. It was part of her father’s charisma. He’d never walked into a room and not made a friend. “He seems like a good man.”

“He is.” Sometimes, though, she couldn’t help resenting him. She couldn’t help but blame him for the choices that had been made so long ago—the ones that had brought her here, to this place.

“He loves you.” Abby nodded again, knowing it was true and grateful for the reminder. She only wished he could have loved her enough to trust that she knew what she was doing. That she knew who she was falling in love with.

“You’re a good man, too, Logan. I always knew you were.”

“Well, I do try…” He was trying to lighten the air again. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Fortunately for me, I don’t have to exert much effort.” He laughed at the jab, nodding his head. She finally looked up, meeting his eyes.

Logan broke out into laughter.

“What?” She asked. He reached forward and touched his thumb to her chin.

“You had a bit of chocolate—just there.” He pulled his hand away, smiling warmly. “There, all gone.”

“I’m not sure I should trust you.”

“You can always trust me, Abigail Lewis. I don’t care how much time goes by—if you’re married and you have ten kids—I will always be here for you.” The sincerity was obvious in his tone—she didn’t even have to look to his eyes for confirmation. But she did anyway.

“I’ll remember that,” she replied, her voice hardly more than a whisper. “We should probably head back, shouldn’t we?” She asked, bringing the moment to a close. Abby couldn’t help but be glad for it. She’d gone through more than enough today without having to rekindle the past.

“It is getting late.” There was a chill in the air, summer still too far on the horizon for the air to stay warm.

And so the decision was made. They made their way back to the truck, both lost in thought. It was a silent drive back—peaceful, comfortable. But still silent. The drive was short, and soon they were already back at the motel.

The stars shone brightly in the sky as they stood out on the balcony. It felt strange to have to part now, Abby thought, remembering how things had been back in Boston. How natural had today felt? Sitting at his side, laughing with him, knowing what he was thinking with just a glimpse of his eyes?

“For being such a horrible day, it really wasn’t all that bad,” Abby said quietly. “I’m glad you were here, Logan.”

“So am I,” he replied. They sat in silence for a few moments staring out at the stars. “Why didn’t you tell Eric about quitting?” Abby shrugged.

“Because, if there’s anyone I’m rebelling against, he’s the one. And I want to get it through his head that my career is no less important than his.” She sighed. “He’s always hated the fact that I work there.

“He does seem to…have an air about him.” Abby laughed then, the sound dancing out into the night air, sounding like music to his ears. He’d always loved her laugh.

“That’s one way of putting it.”

“So then…why? Why stay? Why marry him?” He knew he shouldn’t be asking this, but then again, he knew she wouldn’t answer if she didn’t want to. She sighed quietly.

“Honestly?” He nodded. “Because he’s predictable. I know what’s going to happen with