Page 31 of Logan

“It’s okay,” Dixie said gently. “Just try to get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

As she quietly closed the door and retreatedto her own room, Dixie couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. She knew how close Logan and Clint had been, and she could only imagine the pain he was feeling now. As she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her heart ached for Logan. She would miss Clint Townson, but no one would miss him more than his son.

When she woke up later, the sun was shining through the window. She tossed the blankets aside, stood, and made her way to the bathroom. Leaving the bathroom, she pulled on her robe, tied the belt, and quietly made her way to the door. She opened it and listened but heard nothing, so she stepped into the hall.

As she came to the spare bedroom, she saw the door open, and peered in to see the room empty and the bed made. She smiled as she headed for the kitchen, but it was also empty.

Looking around, she didn’t see any sign of him until she looked at the coffee machine to see a small card propped against it. Picking it up, she realized it was Logan’s business card and, on the back, he had simply written thank you.

Dixie hoped he was okay. He’d been so torn up and she knew it wasn’t going to get better for a long time.

Picking up her cellphone, she found his number on the card and sent him a text.

Are you okay?

No, but I will be. Thanks for last night.

Of course. I loved him too.

I know you did. And he loved you.

Yes, he did. Please let me know when thearrangements have been made and if you need any help, call me.

Thanks, Dixie. Talk soon.

Her heart broke just reading his messages. He was still in a lot of pain, and she knew it would take Logan a very long time to get over losing his father.

She wondered if he’d gone back to the house, but somehow, she knew it would be too hard for him right now and thought about where he could go. As she leaned against the counter waiting for her coffee, she suddenly remembered the little cabin Logan had told her about when they were together. She smiled as she remembered telling him she wanted to see it, but he refused to take her there. It was his and Clint’s sanctuary and they were the only ones to go there.

No matter how much she tried to talk him into it, he wouldn’t take her. She didn’t take it personally. She knew it was where they spent a lot of time together. Either fishing, hunting, or just enjoying a weekend together.

After drinking her coffee, she showered, dressed, and headed to the coffee shop. She had to open at ten and it was almost nine, so she needed to get her butt in gear and get to work. She just hoped Logan was alright.

****

Logan walked out of the funeral home and headed for his truck. His dad had wanted to be cremated, so he would abide by his wishes. He would have a memorial service for him, though, sinceso many people had loved him.

After leaving Dixie’s house this morning, he went home, changed clothes, then saddled his horse and rode to the cabin. He stayed there for a few hours then headed to town to make funeral arrangements. Once that was done, he went to the local paper to put in the announcement for tomorrow’s paper.

Then he called Sam to let him know that he’d be out for a while. Sam, being the man he was, told him to take all the time he needed, and he’d help him in any way he could. Logan didn’t doubt that for a second.

As he drove home again, he thought about being in that house. The memories, scents, and familiar surroundings were ripping him apart. He was surprised when he saw blue lights behind him and pulled over. He hadn’t realized he was speeding. He pulled onto the shoulder and got his information from the glovebox. He was reaching for his wallet when he glanced over to see Deputy Nevada Shelton beside the door. Logan lowered the window.

“Logan? I just heard about Clint. I’m so sorry.”

Logan sighed. “Thanks, Nevada. I appreciate that.”

“If you need anything, please let me and Courtney know.”

“I will. I appreciate it.”

“It will get better, but you’ll always miss him. I know what you’re going through.”

“Yeah, you do, don’t you? I’m going to try. Thanks again.”

“Yep. Talk to you soon.” Nevada touched thebrim of his hat and walked back to his SUV cruiser, climbed inside, then drove off.

Logan sat on the shoulder of the road for a few minutes, then with a deep sigh, he pulled onto the road and headed home. But, instead of stopping at the house, he pulled up to the barn, got out and entered it. He saddled his horse and rode him to the cabin. He just wanted to be alone, and the cabin was the one place he could be.

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