Page 32 of The Runaway Bride's Vow

“And what about you?” Was he clinging to the past? The troublesome thought weighed on her.

“At first, I agreed to the sale. But in the end, I found I couldn’t part with the place. I took out a loan and bought out her half of the house.”

She nodded in understanding.

On the other side of the kitchen were French doors that led to what looked to be a family room with a big couch, a recliner, and a huge flat-screen television.

Logan moved to the oven and pulled out trays of food. The aroma of tomatoes and oregano floated through the room. Brooke’s stomach rumbled its approval. As he arranged it on the counter, Brooke asked, “Is all of this for us?”

He nodded. “I didn’t know what you’d want to eat.”

A smile pulled at her lips. “So you got a little of everything?” When he nodded, she said, “I wonder where you got that idea.”

He sent her a sheepish smile that melted her heart.

Dinner consisted of lasagna, pasta alfredo, pizza, and salad. They barely put a dent in all of the food, but Logan assured her it wouldn’t go to waste. He would make single serve portions and freeze them.

Afterward, they played Kaylie’s favorite board game. With her dad’s help, Kaylie won two of the three times they played. Afterward, they curled up in the family room to watch an animated movie. Kaylie sat on one side of her dad while Brooke sat on the other side of Logan. It was cozy, but Brooke couldn’t relax. Her stomach was a ball of nerves being so near him. She wondered what he was thinking.

Sometime during the movie, Kaylie fell asleep, and Logan pulled the blanket from the back of the couch to cover her up. The evening had flown by, and Brooke’s cheeks were sore from smiling so much. Logan was so much fun to be around when he let down his guard. She hoped he’d do that more often.

At last Brooke grudgingly decided it was time to go. They left Kaylie asleep on the couch as Logan walked her to the door.

When she slipped on her jacket, he said, “I feel like I should be driving you home or something.”

“But then what would we do with my car that’s sitting in front of your house?”

“You do have a point.”

“Thank you for a lovely evening. I really enjoyed it.” And she hated that it was over.

“And I enjoyed having you here.”

“Goodnight.” She turned to the door.

“Wait.” When she turned back, he said, “I had a really good time tonight.”

“Me too.” She felt as though Logan had finally let down the wall between them, and she’d gotten to see the real man and father. “Thank you for having me.”

His gaze met and held hers. “I wish it could have been just the two of us.”

She shook her head. “It was perfect this way. I truly enjoyed myself. You have an amazing daughter.”

His eyes lit up with pride. “She is really special.”

For the first time that evening, there was an awkward pause. All the while she wondered if he was going to kiss her. She’d found herself waiting all evening, but the moment never came. And now the date was almost over.

His gaze searched hers. “I enjoyed this evening so much that I was wondering if you wanted to do it again. Not with Kaylie this time—just, uh, you and me. Would you be interested?”

She didn’t even have to think it over. Her heart leaped for joy. He was into her too. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“How about tomorrow night?”

Boy, he didn’t waste any time. The smile on her face broadened. “It’s a date.”

“I’ll message you tomorrow with the details.” He sighed as he stared into her eyes. “So, I guess this is good night.”

“I guess so.” The way he stared deeply into her eyes made her heart pitter-patter.

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