Page 103 of Misfortune and Mr. Right

Olivia sends me a gently scolding glance.

We spend the rest of the night singingHappy Birthdayto Rhett and giving him treats, and I teach Cassidy how to make Rhett lie down, roll over, and give a high five.

There’s a knock at the door about an hour after we’ve finished dinner.

Olivia jumps up and answers it.

“Hey!” she says to her sister.

Lynette answers Olivia. “Hey, thanks for watching Cass.”

I’m on the other side of the living room with Rhett and Cassidy, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Lynette obviously doesn’t see me at first.

“I needed that more than I knew.” Lynette sighs a contented sigh.

I stand up to make my presence known.

“Logan?” Lynette says as soon as I come into view.

“Lynette.”

She looks at Olivia. “What’s he doing here?”

“Mister Logan brought pizza!” Cassidy jumps up and runs toward her mom. “And we each made our own one. And I put as many pepperonis as I wanted and so much cheese! And he brought Rhett!”

“Who is Rhett?” Lynette’s usually carefree face has turned skeptical and guarded.

“My Boston terrier,” I tell her.

On cue, Rhett runs over to greet Lynette.

“Oh! I remember you. Hey there, cutie pie.” She bends and scruffs his chin and then rubs between his ears.

Lynette stands and looks me in the eyes. “I think I owe you a thanks.”

“For?”

“A certain three months.” She glances down at Cassidy.

“Don’t mention it.”

“I have to mention it. I should have said something sooner. I’m not sure why you did that, but—well, thank you.”

“What did Mister Logan do, Mommy?” Cassidy looks up at Lynette with wide, innocent eyes.

“He gave us a present, honey. A big one.”

“Can I see?”

“Yes. When we get home.”

“Yippie! I’ll get my backpack.”

Cassidy skips in toward the living room.

“Really, Logan. I’m a little overwhelmed. I don’t know what to say,” Lynette says.

“You already said it,” I tell her. “Thanks is enough.”

---