Page 30 of Light of Christmas

My eyebrow raises. What the hell is she talking about?

Logan smiles and turns to sit sideways in my lap to lean against the side of the chair so she can see me better.

“I was feeling a little weird about not having our first Christmas in our home with our animals. But you planned this amazing trip and I saw you going to your hiding spot to grab presents, so I brought yours.” The words fly out of her mouth and when she finally looks at me, her eyes go wide.

“Umm, sorry. If that wasn’t what you were going to say, ignore all of that. I just---”

I cut her off by pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. When I pull back, I place another kiss on her forehead and lean mine against hers. My hand runs up and down her legs and I say, “That’s exactly what I was going to say, Angel. You took the words right out of my mouth.”

Logan lets out a relieved breath.

“And you say I have freaking mind-reading powers. But I agree. This place is amazing, but I want our first Christmas at home with our family. Even if that means my annoying ass brother will show up unannounced with some crazy shit for Willow and Oliver.”

Logan’s head tilts back as she laughs. “Oh, you know he’s going to. He sent me a text with them this morning and Willow had a princess crown on, and Oliver had on a tie. They were watching Cinderella.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head. My brother is something else.

We sit in silence looking out at the ice-covered lake, the trees blanketed in a fresh layer of snow swaying gently in the wind causing the snow to fall to the ground below.

This place is beautiful. I can see Logan and I coming here every year. And hopefully bringing our kids here someday. The thought of a miniature Logan running around makes me smile. I’m sure she would be just as stubborn as Logan. I know for certain she will be just as strong as her mom because just by Logan existing, she exudes strength and determination.

I stare at my beautiful girl and the excitement of spending the rest of my life with her consumes me. I feel tears prick the back of my eyes.

Logan turns her head to meet my gaze. Searching my eyes, she says, “Bear? What’s wrong?”

Shaking my head, I wrap my arms around her. “Nothing. I’m just getting a good look at the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Logan’s concern turns into a giggle. “Wow, big guy. That was a little cheesy. But right back at ya, caveman.”

I place a gentle kiss on her lips. Logan turns, her back against my chest, looking back out at the lake. I wrap my arms around her waist, my hand finds her butterfly tattoo and I absentmindedly trace the lines with my finger.

I don’t know how long we sit there before I notice a smile followed by a tear falling down the side of Logan’s face.

“Angel.” I say wiping away the tear with my thumb.

Logan laughs and shrugs. “Sorry. Your cheesy little comment got me thinking about the future beyond the wedding.”

“Oh yeah? Want to tell me?”

She wraps my arms tighter around her. “Sure. But if you start tearing up again, don’t blame me.” I kiss her cheek and wait for her to continue. “So, obviously we need to have the wedding first. I was thinking your parents’ place. It would be…umm….”

“Angel. Just say it.”

“I was thinking we could get married under the willow tree so you could have a happy memory of that place. I feel like it would be healing for you. But if you don’t want to, I completely understand.”

The tears burn in the back of my eyes, and I couldn’t stop one from escaping even if I wanted to.

Logan glances over her shoulder at me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it.”

“No. You’re right. It would be healing for not only me but everyone else.” I press a kiss to her lips then her forehead. “Thank you, Angel. I don’t know why it shocks me that you would want that, but it shouldn’t. You have the ability to connect to people in a different and unique way. And I am honored to be one of the people that you allow to see your light shine.”

Tears flow freely down Logan’s face. She smacks my arm gently and kisses my cheek. “You and your words you big teddy bear. But thank you for allowing me to see your light too. I wouldn’t have been able to get out of the darkness that consumed me without your shining bright light guiding me.”

“Now who's being cheesy, pretty girl.”

“You started it!”

“Good point. So, care to share what you are thinking about beyond the wedding?”

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