Page 17 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“I . . . I don’t think so, pumpkin. Your grandparents—”
“They aren’t mad at you,” Olivia said, cutting him off. “Grandpa told me that sometimes daddies need time away to think things over and that you would always love me no matter what, but I get sad when you aren’t here.”
At her words, Logan swallowed tightly.
Beth had no idea her father had spoken to Olivia about Logan’s absence from their lives.
“He said that, did he?” Logan sounded doubtful.
Olivia’s head bobbed up and down. “He really did. So will you come for Christmas? It would be the best gift ever if you did.”
After a brief hesitation, Logan said, “I’ll think about it.”
Olivia released a loud sigh as her shoulders sank. “That’s what Mommy says all the time, and it almost always means no.”
Once more Logan smiled and looked at Beth. “My parents said the same thing to me, and Olivia’s right, it nearly always meant no.”
Olivia pleaded, folding her hands as if praying. “It would make me so happy if you were with us for Christmas.”
“Pumpkin . . .”
Olivia wasn’t hearing it. “Grandma makes the best stuffing in the entire world, and she puts it right inside the turkey and everything just like Thanksgiving. And there’s mashed potatoes and lots of gravy with cranberry sauce. I don’t like that much, but I take one bite. Mommy calls it a thank-you bite, which means I’m grateful enough to give it a try.”
Breathless by the time she finished, Olivia looked pleadingly at her father. “Will you please, please, please come for Christmas?”
Logan seemed to take in his daughter’s words. “You say you’re sad without me, but is your mommy sad, too?” Although he asked Olivia the question, it was directed at Beth.
“It’s okay,” Beth quickly responded, not allowing Olivia to answer. “Olivia and I have learned to adjust.”
Olivia twisted her head as though to study her father. “Are you sad without us, too?”
Again, he responded with a shrug as if he wasn’t sure what to say. “Sometimes, but like your mother said, I’ve adjusted.”
Olivia mulled this over. “Is it possible for adults to get unadjusted?”
Logan shared a surprised look with Beth. “I don’t know.”
“Neither do I,” Beth added.
They sat in silence for several seconds.
“I had no idea you were on the ferry,” Beth commented, wanting to fill in the uncomfortable pause.
“Yeah, I’m selling my motorcycle.”
Beth swallowed hard, knowing how much Logan loved his Harley. He’d earned money washing cars at a dealership as a teenager until he’d saved up enough to pay for the bike. He treasured it more than any other possession he owned.
“No, you can’t,” she said, without realizing she’d spoken aloud. The money situation would have to be dire if Logan had resorted to selling his beloved motorcycle.
“It is what it is,” Logan murmured.
“I remember your motorcycle!” Olivia cried excitedly. “You promised to give me a ride one day. Remember?”
“I do, and perhaps I’ll buy another one someday. I always keep my promises, Olivia. You’ll get your ride, I guarantee it, I’m just not sure when.”
“But I like the motorcycle you have now.”
“So do I,” Logan said, sadness leaking into his response.
