Page 36 of Dark Surrender

CHAPTER SEVEN

“This place is incredible. You have good taste in real estate, little cousin.” Logan smirked, taking the bottle of beer from Fletcher and following him out back to the pool.

“It was an emotional purchase. This was our family holiday home growing up.” Fletch shrugged.

The sun was low in the sky, darkness approaching. Someone, or an automated system, chose that moment to turn on the lights. Around them, fairy lights and other outdoor feature lighting created a tropical-resort-type feel.

Emotional it might have been, but this place was spectacular.

It had a warm family feel but also a type of romantic touch. And certainly luxury. Every inch of it was the best of the best.

Logan knew enough about these things to spot the Italian marble and Moen faucets. Chandeliers from France. The Boco do Lobo sofa and chairs.

He didn’t miss any of it.

Some of them he had in his own house.

“Oh, wow, are these the updates you did out here?” Addison asked, stepping from behind them in a sundress. She and Hunter had recently arrived in a chopper, soon after everyone else. “Hey Emma.”

The two women hugged.

“Looks good, Fletch.” Hunter slapped his brother’s back.

“Yup. We added the pool house, but we need to get a fence around the pool. For now, we’ll need to watch these little girls constantly,” Olivia said as Fletcher lifted Sammy into his arms.

“Tired, monkey?” he asked her.

“Nope. I’m a grown-up,” Sammy replied.

“I know, I know, I’ve created a monster,” Olivia moaned, holding up her hands, and Logan wondered what that was about.

“Notthatgrown up. Stay a kid for as long as you can.” Fletcher kissed her nose. “Now, time to get into your pajamas.”

“I’ll take her,” Addison offered. “Sienna is just finishing her dinner, so I need to get her changed.”

Olivia smiled in thanks, and Fletcher handed over the little girl.

Logan waited for that familiar pang to set in with all the kids around him. It was there, but only subtly. Perhaps because these girls were family.

Stepfamily, but family.

“Aunty Addy, can we have snacks in bed?” Sammy asked.

“Nope,” they all heard as Addison disappeared with the child.

Logan laughed.

“You want kids one day, Logan?” Fletcher led them outside, where Logan got a glance at a stunning luxury lounge setting, which he recognized—he’d been looking at the same Royal Botania range for his place in Philly.

Nearby, a table from the collection was set up for dinner, and they sat. Harper walked out with two large salads and placed them in the middle.

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