Page 63 of Sin Bin

“That is so sweet of you to say, kiddo.” Lois sighed, looking misty-eyed again. “Our loss is definitely Gamenetic’s gain.”

“Definitely,” agreed Tavvi, a Native American woman who worked as a project coordinator. “I mean, I know you need to pay your bills and all—” She playfully rolled her eyes, drawing hearty laughter “—but I wish you didn’t have to leave us. You’ve been volunteering with the agency since you were in high school. It won’t be the same around here without you.”

A chorus of agreements went around the group, thickening the lump that seemed permanently lodged in Meadow’s throat.

Agatha gave her back a comforting rub. “We’re all going to miss you tremendously, but everyone has to understand that God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. The reason you couldn’t find a job here is because you’re needed in Denver. Maybe there’s another group of foster children you’re supposed to help. Maybe there are new friends and connections you’re supposed to make.” Her dark eyes twinkled. “Or maybe your future husband is waiting for you in Denver.”

Meadow blushed as all the women laughed and cheered encouragingly while the men made a strategic retreat to the refreshment table.

“Maybe you’re right, Agatha,” Tavvi said teasingly. “Maybe moving to Denver will inspire Meadow to start going out on dates. God knows her love life here has been drier than the Mojave Desert.”

This drew more laughter and good-natured ribbing. Meadow’s nonexistent love life had been fodder for many lunch-hour conversations at the center. She’d been encouraged to create profiles on different dating apps—she never did—and she’d endured more matchmaking schemes than she cared to remember.

“I’m not thinking about dating right now,” she told the cackling group of women. “My main priorities are settling into my new community and getting acclimated to my new job.” Even as the words left her mouth, she could see the dark pools of Logan’s eyes, could feel him stroking her cheek after rocking her world with that explosive five-alarm kiss.

Something in her expression must have betrayed her thoughts because Tavvi gave her a sly smile. “Maybe you already have your eye on someone. Did you happen to meet any cute guys while you were in Denver for your interview?”

“No,” Meadow said so quickly that several eyebrows lifted. She flushed and pushed her glasses up her nose. “I mean, I was only there for three days—”

Lois grinned. “A lot can happen in three days.”

Tell me about it!

“All I know is that when you do find Mr. Right,” Agatha declared, “you’d better invite all of us to the wedding!”

There was another eruption of laughter and enthusiastic whoop-whoops.

After they finished eating, Tavvi cut the cake, doling out the first slice to Meadow.

Cameras flashed as she sank her fork into the moist chocolate confection. When she tasted it, she sighed and gave an appreciative thumbs-up. Logan would so love this cake.

As if she’d read her mind, Agatha elbowed her in the ribs and winked conspiratorially. “Maybe you’ll meet Logan Brassard in Denver.”

“The hockey player from Vegas?” one of the adoptive fathers piped up.

“That’s the one.” Agatha turned back to Meadow with a twinkling smile. “It just occurred to me that you and Logan have very similar backgrounds. You both spent part of your childhood in foster care, and you’ve both done a lot for the community.” She lowered her voice as she added confidingly, “You might not know this, but Logan has donated millions to fund many group homes around the state. He also founded the Children’s Odyssey Ranch for foster youth.”

Meadow was stunned. “He’s the anonymous benefactor?”

Agatha nodded. “Not many people know. He insisted on that.”

“Wow,” Meadow marveled, shaking her head slowly. “I’ve volunteered at the Odyssey Ranch several times. How did I not know that Logan Brassard was the founder?”

“Well, if I recall, you were away at a summer internship in Botswana when the ranch opened. I met Logan at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He was just a kid himself, barely twenty-one. Such a handsome rascal with that cowboy swagger and mischievous grin. The kids were so excited to meet him. He signed autographs, gave out a ton of jerseys and toys, played games and rode horses with the children. He made that day truly special for them, and the ranch has been a resounding success ever since.” She smiled proudly. “The only reason I know he’s the founder is because my doctor serves on the board of trustees. He says Logan prefers to keep his philanthropy private. He doesn’t do it for the attention or accolades. He gives back because he remembers what it was like to be orphaned, and he wants to make things better for as many foster children as he can.”

Meadow’s throat closed up and she blinked hard.

Agatha touched her arm. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” She swallowed. “That was just…really touching.”

“I know. He’s a beautiful man, inside and out.” Agatha’s eyes twinkled warmly. “Now that we have a professional hockey team, everyone in my family has become Golden Knights fans. But I’m secretly rooting for the Denver Rebels to win the Stanley Cup. I bet Logan will bring the Cup home and celebrate with the kids at the ranch.”

Meadow smiled softly. “I could see him doing that.”

As soon as she finished her piece of cake, Lois grabbed her hand and led her to the front of the room, where she called for everyone’s attention. When the crowd grew silent, Lois once again thanked Meadow for her hard work and dedication. Then she presented her with a silver charm bracelet and a beautiful plaque commemorating her eight years of service.

Meadow could barely see through her tears as several others got up and paid glowing tribute to her with stories and jokes. She soaked in their words, her heart expanding with love and gratitude.

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