Logan didn’t question her, setting Oliver’s bag off to the side before starting toward the stairs. “Should I put Cassandra in one of the guest rooms at the end of the hall or downstairs?”
His mother stopped, with me locked at her side feeling curious about the subtle smile she sent his direction. “That won’t be necessary. She can stay with you in your room.”
The look on Logan’s face—a mix of shock and bemusement—had me wishing for a camera. “Are you sure?” he asked, his words careful and slow.
“Positive. Now go—and hurry back down for brunch.”
Blythe continued down a shallow hallway decorated with family photos, stopping to point out a few of Logan as a child and even promising to pull out old photo albums later. I was instantly intrigued—especially considering she said it in a hushed whisper as though Logan, even on another floor, might not be thrilled with the idea if he heard.
At the top of a second flight of stairs, which led down, she turned to face me and released my arm.
“I can’t tell you enough how happy I am that you came. I’ve heard so much about you, and I’ll say, Julia was right: You are a beautiful young lady.”
Julia told her that? Jax, I could see, but not Julia. I couldn’t help my smile.
“Thank you. Not going to lie, I was nervous to meet you.” My face flushed at my honesty. Something about Blythe and how laidback she appeared made it easy to be open. “It means a lot to me that Logan wanted me here, and that you’ve been so kind and welcoming.”
“My son loves you. I‘ve never heard him speak of anyone the way he does you. I knew the moment Jax told me Logan was infatuated with a girl who was happier spending time with Oliver than him that you’d be the one to finally get through.”
“Oliver’s such a sweet kid. It was love at first sight with him, but with Logan…that took some time.” I chuckled, relieved when she grinned in understanding.
“How have you been feeling? I know you’ve been through a lot lately. I’ve spent every night worrying about you as much as my own children. Logan doesn’t tell me much. Jax and Julia are my eyes and ears, usually.”
The sincerity and warmth in her words landed deep. Unsure what to say, I steered the conversation in the opposite direction.
“Jax is a bit of a nut,” I chuckled. “Don’t believe anything he tells you.”
Blythe laughed, nodding her head. “I love that boy dearly, but he’s his father through and through.” She glanced at the stairs, then hesitantly back at me. “Everyone’s downstairs and eager to meet you.”
I took a step forward but she placed her hand on my elbow, stopping me.
“Oliver means the world to me. After his mother left, I filled her role as much as Logan would allow. I don’t approve of Natasha—never did—but I respected their relationship. And now I need to respect Oliver’s relationship with her.”
My gaze held hers and I agreed, but didn’t fully understand where she was going.
“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable this weekend. When Oliver and I planned the party, he sent an invite to his mother.”
“She’s here,” I stated, not needing an answer.
I guess Logan hasn’t updated his mother on Natasha’s current repertoire of insanity. What really knocked me off balance was the fact that he’d never mentioned her name when he’d rattled off the guest list. He must’ve predicted the fire and brimstone he’d encounter—and for good reason. But for now, I held my poise as well as my tongue.
“Yes, and Logan has given his blessing. I will say that she’s already on her third drink from what I’ve been told, and if she steps out of line, she’ll be gone. I’m sorry to say this, but until she does, I won’t ruin my grandson’s birthday.” Her features were soft and apologetic.
“Don’t be. I get it, I do. And it’s wonderful Oliver has you to see the big picture. Natasha isn’t my favorite person, but I agree—Oliver should have his mother here if he wants her.”
It wasn’t a lie. I never wanted Natasha to hurt Oliver, but with all the family around, she’d be a fool to try anything. And if she did, she was just digging her own grave.
“Logan’s right. You are a sweetheart.”
Downstairs looked similar to the floor we’d just left. It was a lounge area that held a bar, enough white leather chairs to seat my entire class, and a casual dining room.
Around the room were at least twenty faces—and they were all staring at me.
I stiffened, unsure whether I should do a big hello to everyone or make rounds for personal introductions.
Saving me from having to decide, Julia and Luke came straight over. We chatted for a few minutes before Jax joined in with a girl I’d never seen hang out at the house, but judging by his hands on her ass, I guessed she was his date.
“Hi, Cassandra.” I turned toward the voice and recognized a woman I’d seen only once before, in Logan’s driveway: Katherine. “We’re so glad you made it. I’ve been asking Logan repeatedly to bring you over for dinner. It seems he likes to keep you all to himself.”
She pulled me in for a hug and I went with it. She was sweet, beautiful, and matched perfectly to the man around Logan’s age who sauntered up beside her, his hands encircling her tiny waist.
“This is Katherine and my brother Lawrence,” Logan said to me, appearing out of nowhere. He mimicked Lawrence’s movement, clutching me to his side.
“Cassandra. An honor,” Lawrence said with an easy smile that matched Logan’s. Brothers for sure. “I was beginning to think they were making you up just to get us off Logan’s back about finding a good woman.”
I laughed softly. “No, I’m very much real.”
“It appears so.” His eyes shifted to Logan and they exchanged a look I didn’t understand, but Logan’s smile grew wider. Whatever it was, it was good. “I owe you a drink, Cassandra, for leading my brother back to the land of the living.”
“I think Logan and I led each other,” I replied, almost embarrassed at how deeply that struck me. It was true: I’d been hiding in the country and keeping to myself when he’d stormed in next door and changed my world.
“Whatever it was, I have my brother back, so thank you. Over the past few years, I was worried he’d become a machine that was only capable of working and raising his son.”
“Lawrence,” Logan warned, his hand tensing on my hip.
“I’m sorry. Don’t blame me for missing you.”
“Well, here I am, but where is my son? He seems to have disappeared in search of Charlie.”
“They’re upstairs with your father. He’s helping them set up a tent in the living room,” Katherine explained, smiling. “Can I get you a drink, Cassandra?”
My face lit up as I nodded. “Please, but I’ll go with you.”
After a peek up at Logan, I removed his hand from my hip, squeezed it gently, and followed her to the bar.
As we passed behind Luke and Julia, I nudged his side, smiling when he peeked back.
“You two look happy,” I whispered.
His smile grew as he held Julia closer. Very, was all he mouthed, and I believed it—I could see it written over his soft features. The guy had it bad. Julia was lucky.