Page 20 of Landing Her Eagle
LOGAN
“Blargh.”The groan slips out when I open my email and see the number of unread messages I must deal with. I scroll to the bottom of my inbox and scroll up, marking the ones I can delete. After that first pass, I’m able to dump about two-thirds of the messages, so that’s a relief.
“Hmm…I wonder what Marisol wants?” I click on the message. I met Marisol in Madrid a few years ago, and we spent a few pleasant nights together when I was there on assignment, but we never hooked up. It didn’t feel right. My heart was with Daphne. She’s happily married now, with a little boy and a baby girl.
To: Logan Morris
From: Marisol Figueroa-Sebastien
Hola, Logan, I hope all is well. We are good. Henri is getting into trouble as only a little boy can. Pierre’s mother says he takes after his papa. My little man misses his Tio Logan, so you must come visit soon. You need to meet your honorary niece, Ariana! Any progress with the fair Daphne? I want the chance to spoil your children as much as you spoil mine. I have baby’s first castanets waiting for a recipient. ;-) Don’t be a stranger! Abrazos, Mari.
Baby’s first castanets? That’s cold. Henri would have discovered “Baby Shark” eventually, even without my help, and he can sing it in both Spanish and French. My little buddy is the smartest two-year-old ever. I’ve seen pictures of Ariana. She’s a beautiful baby, with Pierre’s blond hair and Mari’s nose. I will absolutely make time to see them while I’m in Spain.
I imagine what my kids will look like. I’d love to have a little girl with Daphne’s brown eyes and a smattering of freckles. I’ve seen pictures of her parents, and her mom had red hair. So does mine. Maybe we’ll end up with a redhead. My mom would love to spoil a little girl since she only had me and my younger brother. She had fun doing “girl stuff” with my cousin Kendall, and she has a secret stash of American Girl doll stuff she thinks we aren’t aware of just waiting for a little girl to have tea parties with. She’d have tea parties with little boys too, of course, but without a doubt, Mom and my aunt Faith are both hoping for little girls to spoil in the next generation.
Wow. Kids. Never thought of them before. I always assumed I’d be a father one day, but it was an abstract thought. I can see it with Daphne, though. She’d be a great mom. Does she want kids? She’s never talked about getting married or having a family. I assume she’ll want kids someday. Not too soon though. We have so many places to go, and it’s easier to do that without a kid. I want Daph all to myself. I’m in no rush to share her.
I shoot off a reply to Marisol.
To: Marisol Figueroa-Sebastien
From: Logan Morris
Hey Mari, I’m good. Baby’s first castanets? Really? Henri loving being a big brother? Pierre hinting for baby number three yet? I can’t wait to meet my beautiful niece, Ariana. She will love her Tio Logan. I’m more charming than either of your brothers. I’ll be in Spain for a few weeks in November, so count on me dropping by. As for Daphne…see attached. Hugs to you too. Logan.
I attach the picture of us kissing in front of the Cape May Lighthouse. I can’t believe that was less than twenty-four hours ago. It feels like a lifetime has passed since yesterday. I hear the dryer buzz and go to take care of the laundry before I leave for lunch with Daphne.
As I get in my Jeep to pick up lunch, I reflect on how fortunate we are that it’s a nice day for October—upper sixties, so not too hot but not cold enough that you don’t want to sit in the fresh air. It’s going to be a good day for lunch outside, and there’s a park with a pond and picnic tables close to Daphne’s office.
I pick up the food and arrive in the lobby of her office building five minutes early.
“Logan!”
I turn and see my uncle Will approaching from the elevator bank, his green gaze, so like mine, sparkling.
“Hey, Uncle Will, I was going to come visit you after lunch. Are you heading out or coming back?”
Holding out his hand for a shake, he says, “Heading out. Wish to join me?”
“Thanks, but I’m meeting Daphne, and we’re going to the park. Ah, here she comes.”
Daphne comes out the door to the right of the elevator bank. I guess her work area is on the ground floor. She sees me and walks toward us, smiling. I reach out my hand, and when she takes it, I pull her into a hug.
“Now I see why you turned me down, Logan. Hello, Daphne.” Uncle Will smiles at her. “How are things down here today?”
I’m impressed she keeps a straight face when she responds. “Hi, Will. They’re great. We’re living the dream!”
“You’re full of it, but I appreciate the attempt.” He laughs. “Have fun, you two. Logan, come on up when you get back. We’ll catch up. Keep holding down the fort, Daphne.”
We all smile and nod at each other, and Uncle Will heads out, holding the door for an attractive auburn-haired woman entering.
“Thanks, Will!” she says with a smile.
“Mallory!” Daphne waves the woman over. “Mallory, this is my boyfriend, Logan. Logan, this is Mallory, my cellmate. She keeps me sane. Sane-ish.”
The smile on Mallory’s face gets even bigger. “Logan! You are one of my most favorite people for putting that smile on Daphne’s face! Nice to meet you.”
I hold my hand out to shake. Her hand is small but strong. You can tell a lot about a person from their handshake, and I like her immediately.
