“Oh, my goodness!” Lindsay giggled. “The man is in a hurry, isn’t he? Have you had time to talk about the future? You know—small details like where you’ll live, and so on?”
Charlie shook her head. “Not really.”
Grinning, Lindsay jumped up. “Well, first things first. Let’s get you to the doctor. And we have to persuade Gavin to stay on for at least another month, although I’m not sure if one can organize a wedding in four weeks.”
His mother and Brooke were in his mom’s kitchen when Logan returned after dropping off Charlie. She had to work, he realized that, and what was more, he had a lot of work to do, as well, but he missed her already.
“Ah, the groom!” Brooke called out. “I am so happy for you!” She threw her arms around him. “Charlie is perfect for you.”
“Thanks, sis. Yeah, she is. I’m a lucky man.”
“So have you had time to talk about the when and where?” his mom asked.
“Not really. But she wants Gavin to be at the wedding and I’m not waiting until he returns—it could take months. So I’m hoping you guys will help so that we can do this before he goes back to South Africa.”
Brooke was frowning. “What do you mean—until he returns? For another visit?”
“No, I assumed Charlie or Lindsay would’ve told you guys, but he’s only going back to get his things in order. He’s coming back to live here. Permanently.”
Brooke’s eyes widened. “Really?”
His mother was beaming. “Now isn’t that good news? For the all the single girls in town, as well. He’ll be kept very busy, I’m sure. So how much time do we have to plan the wedding?”
“Talk to Charlie. I’m happy with whatever you do as long as I don’t have to wait more than a couple of weeks.”
His mother already had her phone in her hand. “Let me phone her. A couple of weeks? I don’t know if it’s possible.”
“Tell me what you need, I’ll get it, do it, get someone to do it, but we’re getting married as soon as possible,” Logan insisted.
But his mother was already talking on the phone and she moved away.
Brooke cocked her head. “You look very happy”
“I am.”
“You’re really okay that she can’t have kids?”
“You heard about that?”
“She’d told Mom a while ago, but Lindsay entertained us by enacting your whole will-you-marry-me performance of last night. I’m really impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you to be so...so...spontaneous. And romantic!”
“See? I’m not always boring.”
“Charlie brings out the best in you.”
Just then his mom turned back. Frowning, she pointed toward her phone.
“Lindsay answered Charlie’s phone. They’re at the doctor’s. Apparently, Charlie isn’t feeling well. Didn’t she say anything to you, Logan?”
Logan grabbed his keys again. “No, she didn’t. She was very pale this morning and she didn’t want coffee, but she said she felt fine. It’s time she realized ‘I love you’ also means telling me when she’s not feeling well. I’ll phone you.”
“Oh, he’s got it bad,” he heard his mother saying to Lindsay as he stormed off to his car.
Very true, he thought. Just the idea that something could be wrong with his Charlie had him feeling all tangled up. Why the hell hadn’t she said anything?
Stunned, overwhelmed, choked up, Charlie walked out of the doctor’s office. Lindsay got up when she saw her. Her sister still had the worried frown from earlier.
“What did the doctor say? You were awfully long in there.”
“He says...”
But before Charlie could finish her sentence, the door of the waiting room burst open and Logan walked in. Troubled blue eyes immediately zoomed in on her. With two strides, he’d reached her side and pulled her close.
“Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were feeling sick? What did the doctor say? Why didn’t you phone me? What’s wrong? I love you, damn it—that means you tell me everything.”
By this time, all the emotion and tears that had been clogged up in her throat while she’d been listening to the doctor loosened, and a sob escaped. And grabbing hold of his shirt, she began to cry.
“Let’s get her out of here,” Logan said.
“Let me quickly pay the doctor,” Lindsay said, nodding.
Logan put his arm tightly around Charlie’s shoulders and led her out of the office.
Outside, Charlie tried to stop crying, but her body wasn’t big enough for all the emotion and she needed a good cry.
Logan stroked her back. “Charlie, darling—please tell me what’s wrong? What did the doctor say?”
Gulping in some fresh air, Charlie finally lifted her head and inhaled deeply before she tried to speak.
Lindsay exited the doctors rooms and rushed over to them. “Charlie—what happened?”
Charlie opened her mouth a few times before she was able to speak. In the next minute, she might not have a fiancé any longer. She had no idea how he was going to react when she told him the news.
“Charlie?” he asked again, cupping her chin.
“I’m...we’re...pregnant,” she finally got out. “I didn’t know...” Still not quite believing it herself, she shook her head. “I was badly injured in an accident. Afterward, the doctors told me I’d never be able to have kids. I’ve made my peace with it. And then I met you. But then you said you don’t mind and now I don’t know if you’d even want a child. We haven’t spoken about it. We haven’t spoken about a lot of things...” Her words dried up.
“Whoop!” Lindsay cried and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you, but how is it possible?”
But Charlie’s eyes never left Logan’s face. All the emotion she’d experienced over the past half an hour, she could see in his eyes—shock, surprise, worry, and finally the one she’d been waiting for—wonder.
A broad smile lit up his whole face and he placed a big, warm, comforting hand on her belly. “A little Charlie with bangles and curls? I can’t wait to see her.”
Those stupid tears threatened to clog up her throat again. “It could be a boy who wants to wear ties.”
The next minute, he picked her up in a bear hug. “I don’t care. You’re having my baby,” he whispered in her ear. “Have you any idea how much I want you right now?”
But it was still difficult to believe that she could have everything she’d ever wanted. “So you’re really okay with it?”
He placed her gently back on the ground. “I’m very okay with it.” He checked his watch. “This calls for another celebration. How quickly can the two of you finish today?”
And while Logan and Lindsay made plans, Charlie leaned against her fiancé, drinking in his strength, his steadiness, his love.
It was still so difficult to get her head around it, but it would seem she was actually going to get her happy ending after all—the great guy, the kids and...
“I hope you like dogs,” she interrupted him.
“Dogs? Uhm...do you want a dog?”
“Kids need dogs.”
“Make that ‘dog,’ as in only one, and I’m in.” Grinning, he bent down. “Told you I was all in,” he whispered, then gave her a warm kiss. “The accident? Was it the same one in which your parents...?”
She nodded.
He pulled her close. “You’ve been through so much in your life. I promise you, I’ll make it my life’s mission to make sure you’re happy.”
“I’m happy with you.” She smiled before he kissed her again.
His mom and Brooke were still sitting in his mom’s kitchen when Logan walked in.
“How is Charlie? What did the doctor say?” Brooke asked.
His mom didn’t say anything; she just stared at him. Before he could answer Brooke’s questions, a broad smile lit up his mom’s face and she held out her arms.
“Come and give Grandma a kiss. Charlie is pregnant, isn’t she?”
�
�What?” Brooke shrieked and jumped up, hugging him. “But...how? And—I know this has nothing to do with me, but where? Haven’t you always been surrounded by people?”
He bent down to kiss his mom. “A gentleman never tells.”
“So I gather you’re not mad anymore because I made an appointment for you with Charlie,” his mom asked, her eyes twinkling.
He stared at her for a few seconds before he burst out laughing. “Aah, so you did set me up?”
Her smile was wide. “Of course. You were so wrapped up in your work, you couldn’t see what kind of woman you needed.”
“Am I glad Mom doesn’t have a reason to interfere in my life again,” said Brooke.
“Why do you say that?” his mom asked. “You’re gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you.”
Brooke sobered. “I’ve had my chance at happiness, Mom. It doesn’t happen twice in a lifetime.”
“We’ll see,” his mom said. “So, are we celebrating tonight, I hope?” she asked Logan.
“Yes. Will you organize something for us, please, Mom?”
“Of course. Go play with your spreadsheets—Brooke and I got this.”
In his room, he took out his laptop, but a few minutes later, he found himself staring at the screen, grinning like an idiot.
Getting married, having kids—he’d never really thought about it. But now he couldn’t image his life any different. And at that moment, he knew exactly what he was going to do for Charlie.
Charlie closed the bedroom door behind them and turned into Logan’s arms. “Thanks for this evening. I’m so glad we could share this with our families.”
He led her to the bed. “You’re not feeling sick at the moment?”
Smiling, she pulled him down next to her. “No, thank goodness. What I am feeling is happy. So very happy.”
He brushed her hair back. “I’ve been thinking...”
“U-oh.” Grinning, she began to unbutton his shirt.
He caught her hands. “If you do that, we won’t be talking anytime soon.”
She pulled her hands out of his and continued unbuttoning his shirt. “Don’t you think we’ve done enough talking for one day?”
With a groan, he pulled his shirt over his head and caught her in his arms. “I love this about you,” he murmured against her lips before her kissed her.
It was much later when Logan finally had the chance to tell Charlie what was in his heart.
“I want to start looking for a house for us here, in Alisson, as soon as possible. And I wanted to make sure—will you be okay to leave your house?”
“Of course. I haven’t spoken to Lindsay yet, but she can get someone to share the house with her. Maybe Gavin won’t mind staying there until he’s decided what he wants to do.”
“I’ve asked him to join the firm,” Logan said.
Her eyes widened. “Really? What did he say?”
“He hasn’t said anything yet, but at least he’s not glaring at me anymore,” Logan said with a twinkle in his eye.
Charlie’s smile slipped. “About the house—do you think we’ll find something we both like?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course.”
“The next few weeks are going to be crazy. You’re going to have your hands full with organizing the wedding, and you’re pregnant. Of course, I’ll help you with whatever you want me to. Will you please let me find us a house and a venue for the wedding? But I’d like it to be a surprise for you. Will you trust me to get something that you’ll like?”
Her eyes held his for a few moments before she let the sheet slip down. “I don’t know. It will depend on your persuasion skills.”
Grinning, he pulled her closer. “I’m told I’m very good at it.”
“Well, then—show me.”
CHAPTER 22
Charlie opened the window of her bedroom and sniffed in the fresh fall air. In the distance, against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the cottonwood forests were breathtaking in brilliant colors of orange and brown, and the cloudless sky was painted in indigo blue. This September morning couldn’t be more perfect.
It had been the craziest five weeks of her life, but also the most exhilarating. Logan had been staying with her and Lindsay and Gavin over the last few weeks.
Exactly how their married life would work, she still wasn’t sure. She didn’t even know where they were going to live, but she also wasn’t really bothered about it.
What she’d discovered about her fiancé over the past few weeks was that he knew exactly what she liked and that he’d move heaven and earth to try and find the perfect place for them. He got things done. They wouldn’t have been able to pull off this wedding without his calm handling of every crisis.
The door to her room was flung open and she turned around.
“You’re getting married today!” Lindsay announced, tray in hand.
Charlie hugged herself. “I’m getting married today. I still can’t quite believe we’ve pulled this off! Organizing a wedding in five weeks? To be honest, there were times I rather wanted to elope.”
Lindsay put the tray down before she sat on the bed. “Mostly thanks to your bridegroom, Eleanor, and Brooke. They were simply wonderful. Come and have coffee. Eleanor sent over some croissants with instructions for the bride to eat.”
Charlie picked up a mug and warmed her hands around it.
“Isn’t it the most glorious day?” Lindsay sighed as she picked up her mug. “It’s chilly now, but the weather forecast is promising a mild and beautiful day. You feeling okay?”
“I’m great,” Charlie said, putting a hand on her abdomen. “Thank goodness the morning sickness has passed.”
Lindsay pointed toward her wedding outfit hanging against the cupboard. “I love your top and skirt; it’s so you!”
“Logan was the one who insisted on a glittering top.” Charlie giggled. “I was quite happy to go for something more classic, but he nearly had a fit when I mentioned it.”
Lindsay sighs. “I love that he gets you. Are you in for a few surprises today—the man is pulling out all the stops for his bride.”
“What do you know?” Charlie tried, but Lindsay blithely ignored her question by asking another one.
“So do you know where you’re going for your honeymoon?”
“That’s one thing I managed to figure out. I had a chance yesterday to sneak a peek at the plane tickets when Logan wasn’t looking.” Charlie giggled. “We’re making a stop in Cape Town before we fly to the Seychelles. I had to know what to pack.”
“That sounds fabulous! I’m so happy for you.”
“You will look after yourself, though, while we’re gone, please?” Charlie asked, and sat down next to Lindsay on the bed. “I’m so glad Gavin has agreed to stay until after we’re back. And I’m very happy Blake is back, as well,” she added slyly, waiting for her sister’s response.
As Charlie had expected, Lindsay’s lips thinned immediately.
Charlie grinned. “What is it with you and this guy? Everyone likes him but you.”
“He’s opinionated, irritating, and a know-it-all—everything I intensely dislike. You know why.”
“Not all men are like Mark, you know.”
The front doorbell rang and Lindsay jumped up. “I know, but Blake-freaking-Davidson makes me so mad. Don’t worry, I’ll be nice to him, seeing he’s one of the groomsmen, though why Logan had to pick him, I have no idea. I’ll go and see who’s at the door. Gavin has already left; he’s helping Logan with something. Eat up, the rest of the day is going to be crazy.”
Charlie picked up a croissant as her phone bleeped. A message from Logan.
Can’t wait to make you my wife later today
Smiling, she video-called him.
He was behind the wheel of his car.
“Hi, beautiful. Let me pull off the road. I was told I’m not supposed to see you.”
“I’m sure this doesn’t count. Where are you going?”
> Smiling, he shook his head. “Still working on your surprises.”
“I can’t wait, but you’re spoiling me.”
“I love spoiling you. Did you get my present?”
“Another one? Logan, seriously...”
But before she could finish her sentence, Lindsay came bouncing in with a small package in her hands. “A present from the groom!” she sang.
With her hand on her heart, Charlie looked at her soon-to-be-husband on the small screen. “Hang on, here it is. Linds, hold the phone.”
Lindsay took the phone while Charlie opened the small box. “Logan...” was all she got out. It was a pair of huge, golden hoop earrings with tiny diamonds all around. She picked one up. And then the tears simply refused to be held back any longer.
Logan frowned. “I can get you something else; just please don’t cry!”
“She’s crying because she’s happy,” Lindsay called out.
Sniffling, Charlie wiped her tears, and smiled at Logan on her phone. “I love it, it’s perfect. You know me so well.”
“I can’t wait to see you.” He blew her a kiss. “But now I have to go.”
“We’re getting married today. Surely you can tell me now where the venue is?” she asked again.
“Nice try, sweetheart, but it’s part of your surprise.”
He sent her a kiss before he ended the call.
Looking at Lindsay, she put the phone down. “And you’re also still not talking?”
“Nope, my lips are sealed.” Lindsay had another small box in her hand, which she gave to Charlie. “Your present from your bridegroom is probably your something new to show optimism for the future. I want to give you this for your ‘something old.’ According to Google, it stands for continuity, and the ‘something blue’ represents love and fidelity.”
The tears were back and Charlie sniffled again. “Oh, my goodness, we have to stop crying before we do our makeup!” Charlie quickly opened the little box. It was one of the rings their mother had loved to wear—a fine, golden band with a blue stone.
With tears streaming down her face, she hugged her sister. “I was wondering what happened to this one. I looked through Mom’s things the other day.” She put on the ring. “Oh, Linds, you’ve had it re-sized—it fits! I had such a vivid dream of Mom last night.”
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