‘No one seems to want me.’ He put his plate on a cushion and pushed around his peas.

  ‘Logan. Stop feeling sorry for yourself.’ She turned on the TV and they watched a film. She had cleared away the plates and fed Roger and Robbie. Logan was sulking on the couch, his leg causing him quite a lot of pain. Emilia was bathing Robbie and putting him to bed.

  ‘Logan! The water’s still warm! I’ve topped it up for you. Don’t get your leg wet!’ He heard Emilia call. Logan sighed and got up. He used his crutches to get the bathroom, the bath was full of boats Robbie had played with. He took them out and added some extra bubbles and go in with his leg hanging out. He sighed and rested his head back.

  ‘Room for one more?’ He heard her ask. He opened an eye and nodded. She carefully climbed in avoiding wetting his leg. She leant back on him and smiled. ‘This is the life, hmm?’ She tried to make a small conversation. He was down in the dumps. Robbie had screamed at him, she had been busy.

  ‘Aye.’

  ‘It’s not for long, babe.’ She took his hand and squeezed it. He’d stayed quiet the rest of the time.

  They went to bed early. He had been quiet, clearly in a lot of pain. Emilia spooned him until he fell asleep then rolled over to her side. She hoped his mood would improve slightly by the morning but understood his frustration.

  When she woke, he was fast asleep. It was 08:30, she heard Robbie making noises down the monitor, he was awake and bored. Logan was facing away from her and tucked under the quilt, all she could see his thick black hair just above the covers. She cuddled into him and kissed his shoulder. She was careful not to hit his leg, which she would also have to change the bandage on and clean. She dozed for ten minutes until she heard Robbie getting more impatient. She got him from the bedroom and fed him. She read him a book and he was giggling.

  ‘Lowan!’

  ‘You want Logan? I know, he’s better at this than me.’ She laughed. She walked to the bedroom, he was still fast asleep. She placed Robbie by his side and he pulled himself up using Logan’s shoulder. ‘Lowan!’ He giggled. He smacked him on the head, causing him to stir. He smiled when he saw the little boy holding onto him.

  ‘Hello, you.’ He turned carefully and pulled the boy onto his chest. ‘Speaking to me today, are we?’ He picked him up and blew a raspberry on his stomach. Robbie’s laugh filled the room. He did it again.

  ‘How’s your leg?’ Asked Emilia, lying on top of the covers.

  ‘Aching.’

  ‘I need to sort it out for you. Clean it up a bit. What about your ankle?’ She was leaning above him and playing with him hair.

  ‘Also, achy.’ Robbie stood on his chest and supported himself on Logan’s face. ‘He’s liking standing now, isn’t he?’ He smiled. His eyes were full of love and pride for him.

  ‘Yeah, I guess he is. It won’t be soon before he’s running about and talking.’ She smiled.

  ‘I guess I’ll have to wait and see if I experience that.’ It was a slight did. She knew. But she wasn’t getting into that.

  She was saved by Roger, sitting at the door.

  ‘Oggy!’

  ‘He must want a walk, I’ll take him. You stay here with Robbie.’ She smiled, kissing them both. ‘I’ll take him for a short one, and then maybe later we can give you some fresh air.’

  On her walk she bumped into Duncan and May. They had only met once or twice, but May was extremely welcoming.

  ‘Hey, Emilia! We have a girl’s night soon; would you like to come?’

  ‘If Logan’s well enough, it would be nice.’ She smiled.

  ‘Oh, I heard about his accident. Is he okay?’

  ‘A bit grumpy last night, but yeah, he seems better this morning.’

  ‘Well, it’s on Saturday. No kids allowed, apart from this one.’ She smiled, holding her stomach. She wasn’t showing yet.

  ‘Sounds delightful. I’ll make sure Logan will babysit.

  Emilia returned, she let Roger outside who went and sat in his pool. They days were still quite warm, but fall would soon arrive. She went to their room and found the boys asleep cuddled up together. She took a quick photo and smiled. It was a good time to do some work whilst neither of them were bothering her.

  She got a lot of work done as they slept for another two hours. That made her feel better about the new workload. Anthony told her everyone was still love the columns, especially her combination of stories about the different people now in her life. The one about being reunited with Sebastian had been released and it was a hit.

  ‘Emilia!’ He called. Her peaceful time was over. She went to the bedroom, he was sitting up with Logan. ‘Love, I’m afraid I can’t carry him with my crutches.’ She smiled and picked the baby up. She passed him his crutches and they went to the kitchen table. It was eleven; he checked his phone for any emails about an interview. Nothing. It was a Sunday though. He started flicking through a newspaper.

  ‘Coffee and toast?’ Offered Emilia. He nodded and smiled. He noticed a red circle on a job advertisement. A job advertisement for writers. ‘Em? What’s this?’ He asked.

  ‘I … I was just looking. You know, I case there was something I fancied. It’s a promise though. I still haven’t decided if I want to permanently move here.’ She sat opposite him with her own breakfast. ‘It just caught my eye.’

  ‘A columnist for the newspaper?’

  ‘It doesn’t pay as well though, it’s less hours. It’s only two a week.’

  ‘There will be other jobs.’ He was trying to hide his smile. It wasn’t a definite that she was staying, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.

  ‘Don’t look too happy. I’m just thinking about it.’ She stopped her coffee, but she knew he was staring at her.

  Chapter Nine

  On the Monday, Logan had heard from the high school. He had an interview that Wednesday. His leg was still rather bad, but if he explained why he was limping so badly. They would understand. He hated the crutches and only used them when he left the house. He was annoyed he couldn’t shower, he had to bathe all the time with his leg over it. Emilia was helping him, but he missed being able to walk the dog properly and run about with the kids.

  He was sat on the couch preparing himself for his interview. He only had two and a half years teaching experience in England, albeit at a rough school. He only taught six months in America as he couldn’t be bothered with it. He preferred the docks in New York. His leg was propped on the table and Roger was resting his head near the couch.

  Emilia had gone for a run which she had started again recently, so he was watching Robbie in his playpen. He was paying with some crayons, he tipped them all out and kept putting them back in the pot. He kept doing it repeatedly. Whatever kept the lad happy.

  Emilia came through the door, her music blaring through her headphones. She was wearing some running pants and a grey t-shirt. She had quite a sweat on and went straight for a drink. She came behind him and kissed his cheek.

  ‘Babe, you stink.’ He chuckled. ‘Good workout?’

  ‘Not as fit as I used to be. I didn’t have the time when it was just me.’ She looked at his laptop. Pacman was open. ‘That’s not going to get you a job now, is it?’ She giggled. ‘Here, let me do your leg.’

  She bathed it gently. The skin was healing nicely, but it was delicate, it would definitely leave a nasty scar. The bruising had come out on his ankle, but he was having less trouble with it, he was wearing shorts which made her job easier, it also allowed more air to get to it. She wrapped it up and kissed his knee.

  ‘I’m grabbing a shower.’ He pulled her onto him and held her like a baby. ‘Get off me. I stink!’ She laughed.

  ‘Not that badly.’ He nuzzled her.

  ‘Stop, I feel gross. I need a shower. I don’t want to cover you in sweat.’

  ‘It’s not like I haven’t made you sweat before.’ He laughed.

  ‘Mama.’ Called Robbie.

  ‘I’m needed.’ She walked over to him. ‘What’s up, bud?’ He tipped all the crayons and showed her him putting them all back. ‘Wow. Well done.’

  ‘He’s been doing that for an hour.’ Chuckled Logan.

  ‘He’s impressed with himself.’ She picked him up and kissed him. ‘Are you going to give Logan lots of kisses. Help him feel better?’ She plonked him down on Logan’s knee. He picked him up and kissed his cheek lots of little times. He squealed and laughed.

  ‘I feel a lot better. Thank you, Robbie.’ He smiled. He sat him on his knee and played with his hand. ‘Round and round the garden, like a teddy bear. One step, two steps. A tickle under there.’ Logan tickled Robbie’s stomach and he kicked about and laughed.

  ‘You’re too adorable. Give me ten minutes.’

  Emilia returned from the bedroom. She was freshly showered and wearing some skinny jeans and a white jumper. She’d dried her hair which was now in a ponytail.

  ‘What are you doing for the rest of the day, love? It’s only two.’

  ‘I have a bit more work to do. I have some free time though.’ She sat beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. They watched TV and he traced idle circles on her thigh. They ended up lying on the couch, snuggled up.

  ‘Robbie’s fallen asleep.’ She whispered. ‘I’m going to put him to bed. Then maybe we can have a nap of our own.’ She smirked.

  ‘A nap?’ He kissed her neck. ‘Or a nap?’ He chuckled.

  ‘Why don’t you go to our bedroom and maybe we’ll find out.’

  She put Robbie down for a nap and walked to her bedroom. Though Logan wasn’t in the bed, or the room. She felt him come behind her.

  ‘I believe this is for you.’ He smiled, handing her a rose.

  ‘Where the hell did you get that from?’ She giggled.

  ‘I never reveal my secrets. Now.’ He pushed her back until her knees hit the bed. ‘What kind of nap are you offering me?’ She fell back, and he leant over her. He kissed her neck and she giggled.

  ‘I just want a cuddle.’

  ‘Mm. What about what I want?’

  ‘Well, what do you want?’ She smirked. His hands slid up her shirt.

  ‘I think that’s pretty obvious, don’t you? I want every moment I can get with you.’ He pressed into her, then winced as he caught his leg. ‘Shit.’

  ‘Oh, be careful.’ She stopped him and pulled him up to their pillows. ‘Maybe we should save it, until you’re better.’

  ‘I don’t want to save it.’ A small smirk appeared again. ‘I want you now. Don’t you want me, love?’ He was back on top of her, she was giggling.

  ‘I just don’t want you to get hurt.’

  ‘Well, you’re currently breaking my heart. So, I am getting hurt. Come on, love. Relax.’ He lifted her jumper off her. He kissed her, and she smiled, then deepened it.

  ‘Logan.’ She moaned. She grabbed his shirt and ripped it from him. ‘Slow down.’ He did try. He trailed kisses to her neck down to her collar. She ran her fingers through his hair. His hands went to the button of her jeans, while he kissed her stomach.

  ‘Do you still want me to rest?’ He asked, looking up at her. She shook her head. ‘Are you sure? We could just have a cuddle.’ She pulled him up and flipped them over. Her mouth went to his neck, then to his jaw.

  ‘I mean, if you insist on wanting a cuddle.’ She teased, her hands went to his waistband. ‘I think you would prefer this though.’

  ‘You’re right, Em. Don’t stop. Please.’ He begged.

  ‘That’s better.’ She smirked.

  ‘Fuck.’ He whispered.

  Logan cuddled Emilia from behind and intertwined their fingers. She was in and out of sleep, and he kept placing little kisses on her neck. They had the duvet right up to their necks with more blankets to keep them snug. Her smelled fresh after her shower, and her skin had a coconut scent. He would stay here forever with her, given the choice. She sighed deeply and pushed herself into him more.

  ‘Oi.’ He whispered, nuzzling her cheek.

  She grinned, ‘What time is it?’

  ‘Three, love. I reckon Robbie will sleep for another hour yet if you want round two.’ He chuckled. ‘If you can handle it, that is.’

  ‘I know I can. You can’t. That isn’t a challenge. I’m content. Just keep cuddling me.’

  She heard him start humming into her and closed her eyes.

  It was Wednesday. Time for his interview. Emilia had put fresh bandages on his leg and dosed him up on plenty of painkillers. He was dressed in a blue suit with his hair neater than usual. Emilia drove him to the school and parked up. She got out of the car with him. It was summer holidays, so the school as very quiet. Only a few teachers were about, but no students.

  ‘Right, so you have your mock lesson?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Your resume?

  ‘CV, but whatever.’

  ‘Your certificates?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Your confidence?’

  ‘Mostly.’

  ‘A big smile?’

  ‘He forced an awkward smile on his face and showed her his teeth.’

  ‘A sense of humor. Check.’ She giggled. ‘Now, just one more thing.’ She took his face in her hands and leaned up to kiss him. ‘Good luck.’

  Thank you. I… I appreciate it.’ He smiled nervously.

  He turned around she tapped his backside. ‘Go get ‘em.’

  ‘Oh, Em. Naughty girl.’ He looked back and blew her a kiss.

  She watched him limp up the steps and now time would tell.

  An hour later, he returned. She watched him limp over to the car, he had his head down. Two girls giggled at him as he walked past. Was it his limp? Or his good looks? She knew what school girls were like. He opened the passenger door and got in.

  ‘So?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘How did it go, idiot.’ She said, smacking him playfully.

  ‘Well. The interview and lesson went well. The students were nice enough. There were concerns from the students about my leg, but I explained to them about the match. All the girls seemed a bit red.’ He said, his eyebrows knitting together.

  ‘It’s because you’re handsome. Especially with that suit on you. Why don’t we get you home and out of it? I think it would look good on our floor.’

  ‘I like the sound of that plan. They said they would tell me by the end of the week if I got the job.’

  It was Saturday night. Emilia was sitting on her bed in her underwear, planning on what to wear for the girl’s night. She was a bit reluctant about going, she didn’t know them that well, apart from Fiona. She was in the bedroom looking at different outfits. What would make a good impression? They were all going to Rachael’s house whilst Alex was away. She was the only one without a child in her house.

  Logan came in with Robbie, he could walk a lot better for short distances, but the bandages were still on, and he couldn’t shower yet. He was still stuck to bathing every day. ‘Your mummy’s going having some fun tonight. So, it’s just me and you.’ He smiled, kissing the boy’s cheek. ‘Are you going to miss her? I am.’ Robbie just hugged Logan’s neck.

  ‘I can pull out. If you need me here.’ She reached up and kissed him. ‘I don’t mind.’ She was praying for him to ask her not to leave.

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous. Go and have some fun. You know I’m in safe hands with this little one looking after me. You’ve done enough work today. You’ve walked the dog, cooked dinner. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll get the boy ready for bed, we’ll read a book, watch a film. Then I’ll be waiting for you. Have a good night.’

  ‘I don’t even know what to wear. I hardly know them.’

  ‘Wear this.’ He handed her a plaid shirt.

  ‘Logan, that’s your shirt I picked up off the floor earlier.’ She wasn’t impressed.

  ‘Oh, so it is. Why don’t you go like that?’ He suggested. ‘I know the lads would be impressed… hopefully jealous.’ He smirked into her neck, but she didn’t give him the satisfaction of laughing. She wanted to stay here and be with him, dressed like this, or less.

  ‘You’re wasting my time. Get lost.’

  Emilia arrived at Rachael’s house. She took a bottle of wine over and some chocolates for May. It was only fair. They welcomed her in.

  ‘Emilia, you look lovely.’ Smiled Fiona. ‘How is everything?’

  They all sat around a table and chatted about everything and anything. Sometimes the men and their ridiculousness. They also chatted about work and everything in between.

  ‘So, Emilia. What made you fall for Mr. Tight Pants?’ Asked Penelope. ‘Not just what we’ve heard. But what do you like about him?’

  She felt uncomfortable with them all looking at her, ready to spill the gossip.

  ‘Urm. I guess his sense of humor is something I really like. He’s just genuine.’

  ‘So, not the looks?’

  ‘I mean, he’s obviously very handsome. But I would say that is just a bonus of him. Plus, his family are lovely.’ She smiled at Fiona.

  ‘Have you said you love him yet?’ Asked May. That was just like her. All fairytales.

  ‘Urm. No. I haven’t.’

  ‘But you do love him, right?’ She questioned.

  ‘I’m not sure. I don’t rush into it.’

  ‘You must know.’ She smiled.

  ‘May.’ Said Fiona. It was a warning for her to calm down. Not everyone has had a fairytale marriage like you.’

  ‘I’m sorry. It’s just, I really want Logan to be happy. He’s been through a lot.’

  ‘We haven’t spoken much about it. He’ll tell me eventually. Maybe.’ He hadn’t told her much, if anything about his time in America. She knew about his childhood, but that was it.

  ‘When do your work commitments finish here?’ Asked Rachael.

  ‘January.’

  ‘You mean you’re leaving?’ Asked Penelope. ‘Is Logan leaving?’

  ‘No, he isn’t. I’m still thinking about it. Whatever is best for my son.’