Page 4 of Logan

A smile spread across Logan’s face as Connie, the owner of the diner, approached them. She enveloped his father in a warm hug before turning to Logan and doing the same.

“It’s so good to see you both,” she said, wiping away a tear.

“Good to see you too, Connie,” Logan replied. “We’ll have our usuals. Dad? Would you like to sit at the counter or grab a booth?”

“The counter,” Clint answered with a grin as people continued to wave and greet him warmly. “I’ve missed this place.”

Logan felt a lump form in his throat. No one could understand how much he would miss this man who had been such a pivotal part of his life. He had never once resented his father, even during their arguments fueled by theirsimilar personalities. They loved and respected each other, and Logan couldn’t imagine life without him.

As Clint excused himself to use the restroom, Logan fiddled with his glass of lemonade.

“How is he holding up?” Connie asked sympathetically.

“Not well. He insisted on getting one of your burgers even though he knows they’re not good for him.” Logan shrugged.

Connie reached out and touched his hand tenderly. “Let him enjoy his time, Logan.”

“I’m trying, Connie. I keep reminding myself to let him live what little life he has left, but then I worry that if I don’t make him do what he should, it will shorten his time even more.”

“We both know that’s not how it works. Your father is happy to be here today, you can see it.”

“I know.” Logan glanced toward the back of the diner as he saw his father return, but he was constantly stopped by people wanting to chat, causing Logan to let out a small chuckle. “He’ll have a nurse with him, starting tomorrow until…” He shook his head.

“He’ll need someone there since you have to start your job.” Connie looked at Clint. “Everyone loves him,” Connie whispered.

Logan nodded in agreement, unable to find the words to express just how cherished his father was. He knew he should be resting in bed, but his dad’s happiness was obvious, and he couldn’t deny him this day out. No matter what he said, his father would do as hepleased.

When they drove home later, Logan glanced at his father.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, son. I’m fine. Just tired.” He looked at him. “Thank you for taking me. I enjoyed the day.”

“Me too, Dad.”

“Do you know what I want to do tomorrow?”

“What?”

“I want to go for a horseback ride. Just a short one.”

“It will be damn short,” Logan growled but grinned when his father chuckled.

“You’re as stubborn as your mother used to be.”

“Bullshit. I get it from you. Don’t try to put that on Mom.”

When he drove up to the house, he watched as his dad opened the door, then walked to the porch. Logan walked behind him in case he lost his balance. It killed him to see this bear of a man barely able to climb the three steps to the porch.

“We’ll go for a short ride in the morning. You know your nurse will be here around noon.”

“I don’t need a nurse,” his father snapped.

“Yeah, bitch all you want. You’re getting one. I can’t be here during the day once I start my job.”

“Okay, son. Did you call Ash yet?”

“Yes. He said he’d be by to talk to you about it.”

---