Page 32 of Consuming Logan

Logan released a low groan. It was Ava’s turn to giggle. “Get used to it.”

As much as she wanted to feel Logan’s hands on her body, she enjoyed the time with the kids. Unfortunately, while she’d been coaxing Logan out of his shell, most of the kids had gotten started on their projects.

“Come on. I’ll introduce you to some of the boys.”

Logan’s green eyes narrowed, zeroing in on one lone little boy working by himself at the end of the table.

It was Thadeus. He and his mom had been to the Second House at least three times in the past year that Ava could recall. His father, a well-known alcoholic to the staff and volunteers, enjoyed getting physical with Thady and his mom. At seven, the kid had a protective streak when it came to women. Not to mention, he didn’t take kindly to being bullied. It saddened Ava to admit it happened even among these kids who were in a situation very similar to Thady’s. The fact that Thady’s right arm was significantly shorter than the other meant the kids targeted him a lot. It was common for him to complete his projects alone. Even when volunteers offered to help, he refused.

“That’s Thady,” Ava whispered.

“Go,” Logan winked at her. “I’ll take care of him.”

“Wait,” Ava said, wanting to explain the boy was a special case, but Logan being Logan barreled into his introduction leaving her to watch in awe.

“Thady, I’m Logan. I’ll be your partner today.”

Without lifting his head, Thady dismissed Logan, “No thanks.”

Ava moved to intervene, but Logan cut her a reassuring glance. He had this under control. Of course, he did. Logan always created a pathway to success. She smiled. Their baby was lucky to have this brave, confident, and compassionate man for a father.

She could busy herself with the girls, but she stayed close, ready to assist.

“Didn’t ask, Thady,” Logan said, swinging his long legs over the plank bench to take a seat.

Thady’s head shot up, his dark eyes fixed on Logan’s bandaged arm. “What’s wrong with you?”

His tone was one of curiosity rather than criticism.

“I was in a fight.”

Ava watched as Thady’s eyes lit up like a bonfire. “Really? Did you get beat up?”

Logan scowled. “What? Hell—I mean no. I did not get beat up.”

“So, what happened?”

Ava stilled, not sure how Logan would answer the question.

Logan tossed his head back, his eyes looking heavenward. “How about you tell me about your project first.”

She tried not to think about the blade coming at her, but she couldn’t help it. Her breathing became difficult. She could hear the pounding of her heart in her ears.

A faint sound must have escaped because in the distance she heard her name.

“Ava, you okay?”

Before Logan could intervene, a train of little girls bombarded her, circling her legs with tiny arms.

“Ms. Ava. Why are taking too long. Come play with us.”

The haze cleared from Ava’s eyes. Giggling little girls, some with gapped-toothed smiles started leading her away.

“I’m fine, Logan. See you in three hours.”

Three hours passed in a flurry of construction papers, scissors, and glue. Ava helped the girls clean up, putting their leftover supplies back in the plastic storage bins. Logan and Thady weren’t at the table where she’d last seen them. She stopped Olivia to ask their whereabouts. Before the woman could answer, Ava heard Logan’s laughter. She looked up to see Thady and Logan posing for a selfie both of them touting their bandaged hands.

She smiled. Now what were the odds of that? Logan was good for the little boy. It brought tears to her eyes noting that Thady might be even better for Logan. Caring for a child’s need of acceptance, focusing on their future beyond the madman who wanted to hurt her, was a path to recovery for them both. Her man would be an amazing father. She knew it even if he seemed unsure.