Page 18 of Shattered
"Just listen, Logan. I won your momma's heart because I believed I could. I didn't have the money or status her daddy had, but that didn't stop me. You understand what I'm saying, son?"
My dad's words hit me hard. He'd touched on the one thing I'd never voiced. I didn't believe I deserved to be happy. And I sure as hell wasn't worthy of a woman like Harper. It didn't stop me from wanting her, though.
"Got it, pop." My voice was strained as I was struggling with the sudden emotional clog in my throat.
My dad seemed to understand this, because he cleared his throat and asked, "You coming to dinner on Friday?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
We said our goodbyes, and I was left staring into my half-empty coffee mug, mulling over dad's words. Was it really that simple?
I still didn't have an answer when I stepped out of the shower an hour later. My buzzing phone prevented me from dwelling on it for a while longer. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I hurried to answer it.
"You still got that thing for Harper?" Chase's voice vibrated through the line.
The scowl meant for my brother was aimed at the carpet beneath my feet. "I'm hanging up."
As I pulled the phone from my ear, I heard my brother's voice, "Wait!"
"What?" It came out as annoyed as I felt.
"If you're still trying to get closer to her, I might have something that can help."
That got my attention. I didn't care if he was yanking my chain or not, I eagerly asked, "Yeah?"
"She called in sick a few minutes ago."
My frown was back. "How's that going to help me? I'm not a damn doctor."
"No, but she sounds very off. She's going to need someone to help out around the house today."
"Lizzy's probably doing it."
"I asked, Lizzy is going to pick up Flynn and take him to school, but she has to be at the diner because Dawn's not there."
Sure enough, the wheels started to turn and what Chase was saying sank in. Whatever else he said didn't register at all. It couldn't because my brain was running in a million different directions. I vaguely remember saying bye to my brother and getting dressed.
Even grabbing food from my fridge and cupboards were done in a haze. It was only when I was standing in front of Harper's front door that clarity seeped in, along with doubt.
What the hell was I going to say? I couldn't lead with: 'Hey Chase called and told me you were sick, so I thought I'd swing by and take care of you.'
Yeah, that didn't sound creepy at all.
Hiking the grocery bag a bit higher, I scanned my surroundings until my eyes landed on my truck and I was presented with an answer.
More confident than I had been a few moments ago, I raised my hand and tapped my knuckles against the wood. Shifting my weight from one foot to the other, I waited for her to open the door and let me in.
Figuratively and physically.
Nothing could have prepared me for the sight of her, though. How could someone look so terrible and so beautiful at the same time? Her skin was pale and clammy and her eyes less vibrant with purple patches beneath them. Her nose was a deep red, and her plump lips were chaffed.
That didn't stop me from wanting to wrap my arms around her and cradle her close to my chest.
"Logan." Her voice was hoarse, possibly from coughing through the night. I felt the frown form on my forehead. I didn't get sick often, but you can bet your ass that, when I did my momma would be there doting on me. How many sick nights did Harper have to face alone?
"What are you doing here?"
Damned be any excuse I'd wanted to feed her; I wasn't going to lie. I brought my hand up and smoothed it over my beard. "Chase told me you were sick." I jerked my head in the direction of the groceries in my arm. "I'm here to help."
