Page 20 of The Secret Heir Next Door

A waitress walks us to a booth. She leaves us a Spider-Man coloring book. Logan orders drinks and a pizza before the server takes off again.

“My party is going to be amazing! I’m going to wear my Spider-Man unicorn costume, and we’re going to have a cake with Spider-Man on it. And balloons and games and?—”

Logan laughs, ruffling Abby’s hair. “She’s been talking about this party non-stop. I’m not sure if she’s more excited about the cake or the costume.”

I glance at Logan, seeing a different side of him as he interacts with Abby. He’s much more patient and engaged, a far cry from the jerk of a man I’m used to. It’s endearing, and I can’t help but be intrigued by this new facet of his personality.

“So,tell me more about this party,” I say, returning my attention to Abby. “What else would you like there?”

Abby’s eyes sparkle as she launches into a detailed description. “We’re going to have a piñata, and it’s going to be shaped like Spider-Man! And there will be a bounce house, and a magician who does tricks with cards and rabbits. Oh, and my friends are all coming, and we’re going to play tag and eat lots of pizza!”

“Sounds like it’s going to be a blast,” I comment, genuinely impressed. “I’m sure it’s going to be the best party ever.”

She nods vigorously, clearly pleased with my enthusiasm. “Yeah! I’m so excited!”

As Abby goes back to her coloring, Logan and I settle into the booth, breadsticks in front of us. The conversation shifts naturally to a more adult tone, though I can’t help but glance at Abby every now and then, admiring how she’s clearly the center of Logan’s attention.

“So,” I begin, breaking the comfortable silence, “how did you get roped into all this party planning?”

Logan raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a half-smile. “I’m Funcle Logan. Abby’s got me wrapped around her little finger.”

“Seems like you’re handling it well,” I say. “I didn’t know you were such a... doting uncle.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, she’s got a way of bringing out the best in people. It’s a nice change of pace from work.”

“You don’t seem like the type to get all into birthday parties,” I remark, trying to gauge his true feelings. “What made you get so involved?”

Logan takes a sip of his drink, considering his response. “Honestly? It’s because of Abby. She’s been through a lot, and ifI can make her happy, it’s worth it. Plus, I kind of like seeing her so excited about something.”

“That’s sweet,” I say, touched by his sincerity. “I guess there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

Logan’s gaze softens, and he shrugs slightly. “Everyone’s got layers, right? I’m just glad to be able to make her smile.”

Abby’s attention shifts back to us as she eagerly grabs a breadstick.

“Yum!” she exclaims, taking a big bite. “These are the best!”

Logan laughs again, clearly enjoying this slice of normalcy. “I think she could live on these breadsticks if we let her.”

I look at Logan, noticing how much he seems to genuinely enjoy Abby’s company. It’s like I’m seeing him in a new light, one that contradicts the more guarded, brusque persona I’m used to.

“You know,” I say, trying to keep the conversation light, “You’d get a lot more accomplished in life if you weren’t always such a…a tough guy.

Logan raises an eyebrow. “Tough guy? Really?”

“Yeah,” I admit, “you seem like you have this tough exterior. But seeing you with Abby, you’re... different. More... human. And that was the nicest word I could think of in front of Abby.”

Logan’s smile widens, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Is that a compliment or an observation?”

“Both, I guess,” I reply with a grin. “It’s just nice to see a different side of you.”

Before he can respond, Abby pipes up, her face brimming with excitement. “Guess what? I’m going to have a Spider-Man cake, too! And my friends are all coming, and we’re going to play musical chairs and?—”

Logan cuts in gently, “Okay, okay, Abby. We get it. Your party’s going to be epic.”

She giggles, her enthusiasm never waning. “It’s going to be the best party ever! You’ll be there too, right?”

I laugh, charmed by her energy. “I can certainly try. I’ll make sure to bring my best Spider-Man impersonation.”

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