Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,309

have a card or something?”

“No, sir, just doing our job,” he says. “You all can go in. We’ll stand out here and keep them away.”

I nod and lead Logan into the building, the guys and Stacy following closely behind.

“Gah! I was wondering where they were,” Stacy says when we’re all inside.

“What are you talking about?” Cole asks her. His arm is still thrown across her shoulders.

“I called the police. I had a feeling after last night at the visitation that this might be a possibility. I figured better safe than sorry.”

Cole stares are her in fascination. “Thank you,” he finally says. The rest of us, including Logan, tell her how grateful we are before taking our seats.

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The funeral is . . . nice. I really don’t know what else to call it. There were several members of the family, and the community, who stood before the room to tell stories of Logan’s grandfather. He seemed as though he was well liked and would bend over backward to help you. I wish I could have met him. We’re back at her parents’ house and I’m keeping my eye on Logan. She’s staying busy helping her mom with the food.

“Let’s go for a walk, handsome.”

I look over and see Logan’s gran smiling up at me. Leaning in, I kiss Logan on the temple and hold my arm out for her gran. “Where are we headed?”

“Oh, just out to the back porch. This house is getting a little stuffy for my taste,” she says.

Once we reach the porch, she points to the swing. I make sure she gets comfortable before sitting down beside her. “You look at her just like my William used to look at me,” she says.

I grin. “How is that exactly?”

“Like she’s the sun and you’re simply here to revolve around her.”

I laugh. “Pretty much. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

“She says the same about you. It’s refreshing to see two young kids as young as yourselves fall in love.” She raises her eyebrow as if daring me to deny it.

“You should see it from my end.” I wink at her. “Everything is better. I can’t explain it. When something happens, she’s the first person I want to tell. I miss her when she’s gone, even if it’s just to run out to the store.” I chuckle. “I must sound like a complete freak. I promise I’m not,” I defend myself.

“Nonsense. You sound like you are quite smitten with my granddaughter.”

“I’m in love with her.”

“Good. I told her as much. I just needed to make sure my suspicion was correct.”

“How did you know? We hadn’t even met yet.”

“The way her eyes lit up when she talked about you. I could tell you caused that. You make her feel special and loved. Only a man in love can put that look in a woman’s eyes,” she says, patting my knee.

“Mom, there you are,” Logan’s dad says. “There are several people looking for you, wanting to say goodbye.”

“Oh, dear.” She starts to get up. I stand and offer her my hand and help her from the swing.

“Do you need help getting in?” I ask.

“No, sweet boy, I can make it.” She pats my arm and disappears inside.

“She’s a handful.” Logan’s dad laughs. “She kept Dad on his toes.”

“I bet she did. I’m sorry for you loss.” I’ve said that already, but it seems appropriate to say it again speaking of his father.

“Thank you. My daughter is happy,” he says, cutting to the chase.

I smile. “I hope so, sir. That’s all I want for her.”

“I can see that. I gotta be honest, at first I was worried. Your career comes with unwanted attention, and I wasn’t sure how either of you would handle it. That is until I saw what happened today at the funeral home.”

I turn to face him. He must see the question in my eyes.

“I needed some air. I was standing off to the side of the building when those photographers started hassling you. You put my daughter and my family first. I wasn’t sure you would. I’ve seen way too many who are in your position who thrive on being the center of chaos and attention. You claimed our family as your own and you protected my daughter.”

“Logan comes first with me, always. I would give it all up tomorrow if it meant that I got to live the rest of my life with her. I love music, writing is my passion, and God graced me