Page 19 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“I took the liberty of Googling your name,” she says sheepishly. “I saw…I read about your brother-in-law, and I made a little basket for Abby’s mom. I thought she could use it.”

I glance at the basket and notice that she filled it with sweet treats but also added a few scented candles and facial stuff.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

She shrugs and keeps her focus on Abby.

As rude as I’ve been to this woman, the fact that she made a gift basket for my sister that she doesn’t even know speaks volumes about who she is as a human.

Have I just misjudged her and jumped to conclusions? Spoken like a true Pierce for sure…

5

SERENA

How is this man still hot, even when he’s a complete douchebag?

I sigh inwardly as Abby and I make candy necklaces.

She’s such a sweet little girl. She’s been through a lot.

“Abby, can you say thank you to Serena? We need to get going to dinner so that you can get to bed on time.”

“Can Serena come to dinner?” Abby asks.

Logan’s eyes widen in shock, and I stifle a giggle.

“I’m sure she has plenty to do tonight,” he says without looking over at me.

“Serena, pleeeeeeaassssseeeeee,” Abby begs as she tugs at my arm.

“Where are you going?”

“Ramiro’s Pizza,” Logan answers.

“That’s actually right by my apartment. I would love to have dinner with you, Abby.”

“Don’t feel like you have to,” he says softly.

“Yayyyy!” Abby squeals excitedly.

“We can talk about your party a little more,” I tell her with a wink.

I hear Logan sigh.

“Perfect. Would you like to meet us there?”

“I closed everything out earlier, so I’m ready to go now. I can clean this up in the morning.”

“Very well,” he grumbles.

Okay, so maybe I only said yes because I know how much it will bother him.

The warm glowof the family pizza restaurant washes over us as we step inside, followed by the familiar sound of laughter and clinking dishes. It’s a place where the smell of bubbling cheese and fresh dough mingles with the distant murmur of conversation, a comforting ambiance that feels like home.

“I didn’t realize you had such a family vibe.”

He chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Well, I guess everyone has their softer side. This is Abby’s favorite spot.”

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