Page 71 of Bittersweet

“I remember how much you loved Harper all those years ago and how torn up you were when you left to take care of Kayla. If you decide not to take the job here, we will understand. If you decide to go back to Grand Rapids, we will miss having you and Kayla here with us, but we’ll be happy for you. You deserve happiness, Logan.”

A tear slid down his cheek, and he brushed it aside. He wasn’t normally one to cry, but Gary always seemed to say just the right thing, and this was exactly what Logan needed to hear. He’d been struggling with his emotions, with his decisions, questioning everything since he and Harper got back together. Maybe it was time for him to rethink it all.

“We love you, Logan.”

“I love you too.”

“Don’t go!” a sudden cry came from the living room. “Our coffee party isn’t over yet!”

Logan and Gary scrambled from the table and scurried into the room to see Naya moving toward the door.

“Naya? Where are you going?” Logan asked.

“My ride’s here.”

“You were supposed to stay through lunch. Kayla was looking forward to this.”

Naya shrugged and walked out the door.

Logan crouched down and kissed Kayla on the top of the head as he passed. “I’ll be right back.” He followed Naya down the sidewalk. “Hey!”

She glanced back over her shoulder but kept walking.

“Hey!” he repeated sternly.

Her steps slowed, and she turned to him, clearly annoyed.

“What are you doing?” Logan looked from her to the car parked by the curb. A man in sunglasses with dark hair and a dark beard sat behind the wheel. “Who’s that? Obviously not your parole officer.”

She gave him a sarcastic smirk. “My ride.”

“You barely had any time with your daughter.”

“I’ve got things to do.”

“More important than Kayla?”

Naya gave an indifferent shrug.

“What is wrong with you?”

“Carlos is waiting.”

Logan shook his head. “You’re breaking her little heart, ya know.”

Naya mumbled under her breath.

“What was that?”

“I said she’s better off without me.”

“Better off without her mom?”

“I’m not cut out for this, Logan. I can’t be a mom.”

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“I’ll call you later. I have to think.”

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