Page 115 of Whenever You Call

“I wouldn’t want to make your dad sad, either. He was an amazing father to you, and nobody could ever or should ever replace him. That’s not what I’m here to do. I only want to make you and your mom happy… any way I can.” I paused before adding, “You know, Bella, I lost my father last year, too.”

Her hand stilled against her doll, and for a moment, she just studied me, her inquisitive eyes searching mine.

“I think our relationship was a bit different to yours, though, because we had our ups and downs. But even with those, there isn’t a man out there who could come along and replace him.”

“Do you think your dad is happy in Heaven now, Mr. Logan?”

The look she gave me killed me. Cole’s presence suddenly filled the room, waiting to hear my response—to see if I was capable of handling such an important moment in his daughter’s life as though, finally, he gave a fuck about their wellbeing.

“I do.”

“My daddy, too?”

I blew out a breath, smiling up at her. “I think Heaven will have the biggest stage your dad has ever played on, and he’ll be having lots of fun… but even then, his main priority will always be you. So long asyou’rehappy, I think he’ll be happy, too.”

She smiled back at me, a little spark that was purely Bella returning to her eyes. “Yeah. That sounds like Daddy.”

Chapter43

HANNAH

The problem with good things happening is that they can sometimes seem a little too good to be true.

Logan’s presence in my life was the first.

My daughter’s acceptance, the second.

The third came along almost a week later, and it started with the ringing of the doorbell that chimed all around the house. Knowing Logan was on shift, Livia was out grocery hunting, and Bella was at school had me staring at that damn door for far too long as though it was sure to bring only bad news. But when I finally made my way to the security panel, and a familiar face stared back at me, I didn’t hesitate to scream.

Tearing the door open to Kate, I wasted no time in calling out her name and throwing my arms around her neck before she could drop her bag to the ground and catch me with a heavy grunt.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I cried, squeezing her tight.

“Bloody hell, if only my many lovers greeted me with so much enthusiasm.”

I rolled my eyes and reluctantly pulled away, unable to take the gigantic smile off my face at the sight of her. As always, she was the epitome of modern elegance with her black, wavy hair, tawny-beige skin, and almond-shaped eyes that made her the envy of everyone she met.

“Surprise!” she cried, tilting her knee in to pose with soft jazz hands.

“No shit!” I laughed. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you know. Had a meeting in LA I couldn’t get out of. Decided to kill two birds with one stone and stop by to see my gorgeous girl.”

“Well, I’m glad you did. I’m so happy to see you! You look amazing.”

Waving a hand, she retrieved her Chanel bag from the ground and hung it on the shoulder of the fuchsia blazer she wore over a loose white tank top, her dark blue jeans hugging every inch of her slim legs.

“As much as I love a good compliment, I didn’t come here for those. I came here to take you to brunch.”

My brows rose in surprise.

The me of a few months ago would have panicked, letting it spiral out of control, but as I stared up at my friend, I heard Logan’s voice in my mind. I remembered all the times he’d held me at night, his fingers running through my hair as he encouraged me to get back to living the life I wanted to live—the one where fear and anxiety over the future didn’t control me.

Kate stepped closer, reaching up to squeeze my shoulder. “No, say it isn’t so. You’re really going to refuse me after I’ve flownallthe way from England to break you free?”

“Manipulative much?” I smirked. “And I’m already free, Kate,” In so many ways, I was, but we both heard the hint of a lie left in my voice as she studied me.

“Glad to hear it. Now prove it.” She eyed me up and down, letting her judgment shine. “But first, we need to get you out of these clothes and get you dressed in something more appropriate. Activewear on someone so inactive, Hannah? Really?”

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