“Brianna,” he whispered, though it did little to disguise the yearning in his tone, “come home with me.”
His apartment, away from everything, a place no one but Aern knew existed. She felt warmth rise in her chest, and it was the first spark of hope she’d had, the first motivation to allow the burden of worry to slip. She smiled, turning into his arms with her own whispered, “Yes.”
The day melted away in peaceful contentment and a series of small, thoughtful gestures. He’d made arrangements for her, had Ellin gather clothes and supplies, made a space for her in his home. She had been grateful, and gracious enough to accept it without argument or false reservations. Because she was ready for this; she wanted to be a part of his life. When the sun began to lower, casting purple shadows across the dark-tinted window, Brianna suggested she cook them dinner.
Logan smiled, sliding his arm out from behind her where they rested, feet up on his dark leather sofa. “Now you offer to cook.”
Her shoulder lifted. “Honestly, you never asked.”
“Though I’m anxious to see what you’ve got in mind, I’ll have to take a rain check.” He glanced at his watch. “We’ve got plans for dinner.”
Brianna glanced down at her jeans and casual blouse, wondering if she’d need to change, and Logan bent forward to kiss her. “You’re perfect, Brianna. Always perfect.”
She opened her mouth, ready to question him, when a brief knock sounded at the front door. Her eyes shot to Logan, but his grin only widened when he said, “I’ve invited the neighbors.”
He stood, gaze on the door as her sister and Aern walked into the room. Emily gave the space a cursory glance, throwing Logan a quick smile before catching Brianna’s eye.
Emily wiggled her brows, raising both hands… which appeared to be holding packaged hot dog buns.
“Logan said you had some sort of secret recipe. And I feel like living dangerously.”
Brianna laughed. It was a full-body, stomach-aching, whole-hearted kind of laugh. The real thing. And for the first time in as long as she could remember, Brianna knew that no matter what was to come, it truly was going to be okay.