Page 33 of Savoring Christmas
“What a beautiful room,” Mia said.
“Ivy MacRae helped me put it all together after the remodel. She’s really good. From Willow and Fern.”
“Sure. I’ve seen her shop but haven’t gone in. Obviously. Given the state of my apartment.”
“Like you said, it’s a temporary space.”
“Though four years later, here I still am,” Mia said.
He pulled a fleece blanket from a basket by the fireplace and placed it near the hearth. “Cannoli might like to curl up in front of the fire.” He flicked on the gas fireplace.
The puppy trotted happily over to the blanket, curling into a tiny ball of fluff and closing her eyes.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Logan said to Mia. “I’ll open some wine. Red or white?”
“Red sounds perfect for a cold night.”
She followed him into his kitchen and actually gasped. “Logan, my goodness. It’s gorgeous.”
He watched as her gaze took in the deep navy-blue cabinetry accented with polished brass hardware and light, veined marble countertops. She walked over to the spacious farmhouse sink and ran her fingers over the brass fixtures. Then, she looked up at the exposed wooden beams that ran across the ceiling and textured stone walls.
He chose a cabernet from his wine rack and pulled the corkscrew from the drawer next to the sink.
“Thanks. Sadly, it doesn’t get used much,” Logan said. “But now, knowing how to make a few dishes, that might change.”
She laughed as she ran a hand over the island’s surface. “We might need to add a few more to your repertoire.”
“Maybe a private lesson or two right here in my kitchen?” Logan handed her a glass of wine.
“A private lesson? That’s an interesting idea.” To his surprise, she stepped onto her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. “But how would you pay my steep fees?”
“What exactly will I owe you?”
“More kisses?” Mia asked, a flirtatious twinkle in her eyes.
“I happen to be rich in kisses.” To prove it, he gave her another. He held her hand as he led her back to the living room.
They settled on the sofa with their wine, Cannoli dozing contentedly at her place by the fire.
“I don’t know what could have kept Patty from work tonight.” Mia said. “I hope the children aren’t sick.”
“Me too,” Logan said. “We could go out there tomorrow morning? Make sure everything’s okay, invite them to my mom’s cookie decorating party.”
“Do you know where she lives?”
“Mom told me she’s renting a house out on Stone Creek Lane. I haven’t been out there in a while but I could find it. I can’t believe that place is even livable. It was rundown when I was a kid.”
Her gaze dropped to her glass. “I wish there was more we could do.”
“Me too.”
She was quiet for a moment, then took a small sip of wine. “It seems so unfair that some have so much and others so little.”
“My mother always says, ‘with privilege comes responsibility,’” Logan said. “She and my dad have always lived that way. In a community like this, we try and take care of ourown. But people fall through the cracks, mostly because no one truly knows their situation.”
She nodded, playing with the fringe on one of his throw pillows. “Do you think Patty will take offense to us just showing up? It’s kind of intrusive.”
“We’re new friends checking up on her. Hopefully she’ll see it for what it is.”
