Cricket Cove (30 page)

Chapter Forty-Seven

A
fter they’d shared their feelings, Amelia led Logan into the bedroom where they’d made love. As a result, they were late getting to the farmhouse.

When they pulled up in the driveway, Amelia wasn’t surprised to see the line of vehicles—John and Zanny, Emma and Archer, Ben and Ainsley… even Jack and Gilly, Michelle, and Rick. The entire immediate family seemed to be present, at least if their cars were any indication.

She clasped Logan’s hand tightly as they went up the walk. “I feel a bit like I’m going to a funeral.”

“I can understand that. Do you need a few minutes?”

The kids’ happy yells came from the direction of the barn, and she glanced toward the large structure across the meadow. She was tempted to join them, but she resisted. “No. Let’s get this over with.”

Emma met them at the door with a hug. “Finally. What took you so long?”

“We aren’t that late,” Amelia said, her cheeks heating.

“Are you blushing? Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Emma said, rolling her eyes. “You’re worse than Archer and me, and we’re newlyweds.” Her smile faded. “How are you, really?”

“I’m okay,” Amelia answered as she shrugged out of her coat. “Is everyone here?”

“Yes. Nonny and Eli are driving up, too. Should be here shortly. Is that all right?”

“It will have to be.”

Rachel and Owen came down the hall then, and Rachel ran to embrace her.

“Oh, my God, Pip, I’m so happy to see you. I was so worried.”

The tears that were choking her sister’s voice astonished Amelia. Of all her siblings, Rachel was the calmest, the least emotionally volatile. “Rach, I’m okay. I promise.”

“I don’t believe you. God, Pip, I should have been there. One of us should have been there.”

“For heaven’s sake, that’s ridiculous.” Amelia pulled Rachel’s arms down from around her neck. “Did you know he had a gun? He probably figured he’d use the bat on me first, then the gun. But if anyone else had been there, he would have used the gun first. I
know
that. I thank God none of you were there. There’s no way I could have drawn first.”

Rachel stared at her, her eyes wet with unshed tears. When she blinked, they fell, and Amelia used her thumbs to wipe the wetness away. “I couldn’t have lived with myself if he had hurt one of you all. I kept waking up last night with nightmares about just that very thing.”

Rachel looked over her shoulder at Logan. “You think she’s right?”

He nodded. “He wouldn’t have been able to subdue more than one person with just the bat. And I doubt he was there to inflict the least amount of harm possible, so yeah. I think if anyone had been with her, he would have shot first.”

Amelia saw that everyone else had gathered around the dining room door. Rick chimed in, seconding Logan’s opinion.

“From what we’ve been able to put together, he was at a bar before he showed up at Pip’s. He was running his mouth off pretty good, and he wasn’t subtle about what he’d planned. No one believed he’d actually do it, though. They thought he was just blowing smoke.”

“I just hate that you had to be the one to wipe him off the planet, Pip.” Rachel hugged her again, then stepped back and drew her composure around her like an invisible cloak.

Since the kids were out of the house, Amelia spoke freely. “Look, I took a man’s life. That’s not an action I ever thought I’d have to take. I hate that it happened, and I didn’t do it lightly. But while we were talking last night, Logan said something to me that resonated. He asked me how I would feel about Roger’s death if Lori had been the one to pull the trigger, if she’d taken his life to protect her own.” She had to stop and clear her throat. “And the simple answer is that I’d be proud of her for finally standing up to the bastard.” She looked at Logan, who squeezed her hand.

He kept his eyes on hers as he finished the tale. “And I asked her why her life was less important than Lori’s. That’s when the lightbulb went off. Amelia had every right to defend herself, just the same as anyone who was being threatened. No matter what happens, she did what she had to do. And yeah, it’s a damned shame she had to kill him. But at the same time, he’s gone. He’ll never bother her again, he’ll never hurt another person again. And it is over.”

“As long as law enforcement agrees, it is,” she concurred. “And I guess we’ll find out soon enough if that’s the case.”

They went in then and sat down since breakfast was ready. Amelia didn’t have much of an appetite, but she made an effort. As she looked around the table, she could see the determination on her family’s faces. Yes, they were upset, but more than that, they were rallying together. That they were so strongly united behind her touched her deep inside. It wasn’t that she had expected anything less than their full support, but knowing she had it and seeing it in action were two different things.

“What are you thinking?” Logan murmured from beside her.

“That despite what happened last night, I’m blessed in so many ways I can’t begin to count them.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

B
y the time the Tuesday before Logan’s birthday came around, the family was optimistic that no charges would be filed against Amelia. The last two and a half weeks hadn’t been easy, and Logan and Amelia had hit some rough spots. They’d even had their first fight, but they’d quickly resolved the minor issue, and Logan felt they were stronger for having had it.

He and Amelia had met a few times with Sawyer Evans to go over the case. They were meeting again today at the state-police post, and Sawyer told them to expect a determination from the prosecutor any day.

“But you don’t think he’ll press charges?” Logan asked, needing the reassurance.

“I can’t promise he won’t, but that’s the direction he’s leaning. The only thing holding him back is Lori’s involvement. Until one of us talks to her, he can’t really close things out.”

“Yeah, well, maybe she’ll take time away from her fucking honeymoon to talk about her husband’s death so she can clear her best friend,” Logan ground out. “Though I’d hate to interfere with her bliss.”

The state police had finally tracked Lori down two days after the shooting. She’d gone to Florida with Trace, and from what she’d told her parents, she had no desire to or intention of returning to Kentucky. Inclement weather had set in with two back-to-back systems dropping mountains of snow on the region, and so far, the investigators had been kept too busy with local concerns to go after Lori to get her statement.

Even pleas from her parents had no effect on her resolution to stay away from Kentucky, and word had made it back to Hazard three days ago that she and Trace had gotten married. Her parents had been as shocked as anyone.

“Logan…” Amelia chided.

“What? It’s the truth. She didn’t waste any time. I’m starting to think your mom and Emma were on to something. And I don’t care if it does get her in trouble. I can understand the prosecutor’s hesitancy. I know you weren’t involved,” he hurried to clarify when she scowled at him. “But Lori? You have to admit this worked out just a little too well for her.”

She sighed. “I guess. Though if you knew Lori, it would make more sense. I don’t think she has the ability to be on her own.”

“So you think she’s just the kind of woman who can’t live without a man?” Sawyer asked, his tone not derisive, but serious. “Whose entire self-worth is wrapped up in what he thinks of her?”

“Exactly. I don’t think it’s anything more nefarious than that. And maybe she really has blamed me for Jimmy’s death all these years, and she sees this delay as a way of paying me back. I don’t know. I’m sick of thinking about it, sick of dealing with it. I’m all thought out, to be honest.”

“Well, as long as this next storm coming in is just rain like they’re predicting, I’ll be on a plane headed south. You aren’t the only one who wants this settled. If she did manipulate the situation to favor herself, she’ll answer for that if the law has anything to say about it.” Sawyer straightened away from the table. “For what it’s worth, I’m convinced you acted solely out of self-defense, and I’ll fight to make sure things go the way they should.”

“Thank you. I hope you’re right,” Amelia told him with a smile.

Logan wasn’t too jealous as Sawyer smiled back when they shook hands, as she’d told him she thought the man might just be a match for Rachel. If that turned out to be the case, it would be an interesting pairing, as the few times Sawyer had interacted with Rachel, the woman had snubbed up cold to him. When Amelia had asked her about it, she’d rolled her eyes.

“He could arrest you and throw you in jail. Besides, have you seen how serious he is all the time? He makes Logan look lively in comparison. No offense, Logan.”

“None taken,” Logan had assured her as he’d tried to disguise his amusement.

Now, as they headed for the bakery beside Emma’s shop to have lunch, he clasped Amelia’s hand with his. “Better?”

“Some. But that nightmare is still lingering a bit. I’m sorry.” She’d had a violent nightmare early that morning that had left her curled up in a sobbing ball of misery. All Logan had been able to do was hold her and try to break through the dream’s grip.

“Don’t apologize. I know how it is. Sometimes the dreams are almost worse than whatever event caused them, in a way.”

“I thought I’d moved past the nightmares. Guess that was a little naive of me, huh?”

He smiled as he parked, then leaned over to give her a peck on the lips. “A little. But it shows me that your optimism is returning. And I’m here for you, no matter what. Love you.”

She returned his smile. “Love you. Now feed me!”

When Sunday came, Logan was full of nervous anticipation. “It’s just a birthday party. I shouldn’t be so damned nervous,” he told Archer as they waited in the living room. He knew that wasn’t true, though. He had big plans for today, and he was scared to death they’d fall apart. He’d told no one, not even Archer, in the event that his brother would try to talk him out of it on the grounds that he was moving too fast.

Logan and Amelia had walked up from her trailer couple of hours ago, and he’d quickly been shooed into the living room. John, Owen, and Archer were there, as well, with John on the floor playing with his daughter. Ben and Ainsley had sent their regards, but she was feeling a bit under the weather, and they’d stayed in Lexington.

Logan was trying to watch John and Molly surreptitiously. He was amazed that such a small baby was laughing and interacting the way Molly was. Archer, who was seated beside him on the love seat, nudged him in the ribs.

“First off, you’re right to be nervous. Birthday parties in this family can be dangerous. And second, what are you staring at? You look like you’re trying to figure out a puzzle.”

Logan scowled and batted Archer’s elbow away. “I just didn’t think babies were very… interactive, I guess.”

John smiled up at him. “She’s a bundle of energy. Until she goes to sleep, and then she’s dead to the world. Eli was always easy to wake up, but Molly? She’s like Noah. You could take her into a crowded bar and I think she’d snooze right through the ruckus.” She cooed at him and John tickled her belly, making her laugh.

Logan shook his head. “Did you hear that? She’s laughing. Like a regular human. How is that possible?”

“Logan, you’ve never spent any time around babies, have you?” Owen asked, his face reflecting his amusement.

“No, sir.”

“Sir? You’re still calling him ‘sir?’” Archer teased. He turned to Owen. “I thought that made you feel old.”

Amelia’s father shifted in his chair, stretching his legs out in front of him. “It seems to keep your brother in line.”

The three of them laughed at Logan’s muttered curse. “That’s not funny,” he protested, though he couldn’t hide his amusement.

Raised voices sounded from the front porch, young raised voices. John scowled and stood, bringing the baby with him. “What now? Those two have been driving us crazy. Here, Logan, hold her.” Without waiting for Logan to protest, he plunked Molly down in his lap and hurried from the room.

Logan sucked in a breath and eyed the baby warily, both afraid he’d hurt her with his grip and, at the same time, afraid he’d let her fall. “Oh, God. She’s moving. What do I do?”

Molly looked up at him with a toothless smile, her hand going to her mouth to be sucked on as she studied him.

Archer was no help, as he was laughing so hard Logan swore he heard his brother snort a time or two. He looked to Owen for advice.

“She likes to stand up. Just put your hands under her arms, fingers on her back, thumbs in front, and lift her straight up. She’ll do the rest.” Owen demonstrated, and Logan carefully maneuvered so that he was supporting her. When he raised his hands, Molly surprised him by giving a solid push off his legs. Once she was up, she smiled and gurgled at him, kicking her legs with delight.

“Well, look at you.” He repeated the movement and again, the baby “jumped.”

“She also gets a kick out of being held straight up in the air on her belly, then lowered quickly,” Archer said as he wiped his eyes.

Logan eyed him, doubtful, but when he saw Owen nodding, he shrugged. “Okay. What do I do?”

“Lift her over your head, straighten your arms, then lower her. Don’t go too fast, but don’t go too slow, either,” Archer said.

“If I break this baby, I’m blaming the two of you. Ready, Molly?” Taking a deep breath, he lifted her. As soon as he had her dangling in the air above him, she started chortling. When he lowered her, he was amazed to see her flatten out just like a paratrooper would after jumping from an airplane. “I’ll be damned. Did you see that?”

He raised her back up, then lowered her quickly. A split second of shock washed over her face as she started to drop, then her smile widened and she gave what he would consider a giggle.

“You’re just a little paratrooper, aren’t you? Look at that form. Strap a parachute to your back, and you’d be ready to jump.”

“She would do it,” Emma said as she came into the living room. She snapped his picture as he raised and lowered the baby again. “John and Zanny are going to have their hands full with her, I think.”

“Probably. She reminds me a bit of you,” Owen told her as she leaned against his chair. “Even that young, you were fearless.”

Logan’s arms were starting to tighten. “This is good exercise, actually.” When Molly gave a tiny yawn, he lowered her so that she was lying against his chest. She drew her knees up, and he carefully adjusted her, cradling her close. “Is this okay?”

Emma took some more pictures. “Oh, I’d say it’s very okay. She’s going right to sleep.”

He leaned down so that he could see, and sure enough, Molly’s eyes were almost closed. When she saw him looking at her, she perked up for a moment, giving him a smile that made him realize how much she looked like Zanny.

“Oh, my God. Look at that.” He looked at Archer. “Did you see that?”

“See what?” his brother asked. “The bundle of cuteness you have on your chest? Yeah, I noticed.”

Logan shot him an exasperated look. “Obviously that, but the smile. Did you see the smile? She looks just like Zanny.”

When everyone in the room looked at him as though he were nuts, he fought to find the right words. “She’s a baby. It’s one thing to see Sydney and know she looks like Emma, or to see Ben and how much he looks like you,” he told Owen, “but she’s just a baby. How can she look so much like Zanny and be so young?”

Emma tilted her head and sat on the arm of Owen’s chair. “She always has, to some degree. You’ve just never paid attention to her before now. And to be fair, she’s starting to develop features that she didn’t have before. So she looks more like Zanny now than she did when she was born.”

Rachel stepped in to tell them lunch would be ready in five minutes. “Come on, birthday boy. It’s almost time to get your hat.”

Logan gave an exaggerated groan. “Amelia’s insisting on that, is she?”

Rachel’s grin was cheeky. “You are family, and it is the rule.”

Emma stood and offered her hand to Owen. “Come on, Daddy. Let’s go browse the goodies.”

Logan carefully scooted to the edge of the love seat. “Can you take her?” he asked Archer. “I don’t want to drop her.”

“I’ll be glad to take her.” Archer lifted the baby into his arms like a pro. The softness on his brother’s face spoke volumes, and Logan smiled.

“You can’t wait to have one of your own, can you?”

Archer shrugged as he settled Molly in against his shoulder, rubbing her back. “We’re not in too big of a rush, but sooner rather than later.”

Logan detoured down the hall, looking at the portraits that lined the walls. He stopped in front of a picture that had been taken when the kids were still young, with Amelia being about two years old. John came in with Eli and joined them.

“What are we looking at?”

“Logan just realized that babies look like their parents,” Archer teased softly. “If I had to guess, he’s wondering what his and Amelia’s kids might look like.”

Logan shot him an irritated glance, but since his brother was right on the money, he couldn’t argue. “I know kids look like their parents. I mean, I look just like our old man. Archer’s kind of a mix, I guess. But it just struck me how odd it must be for parents. Do you find it disconcerting?” he asked John.

“It’s a little odd,” he confessed, his hands on Eli’s shoulders. “Take Eli, for instance. Just like his brother and sister, when he smiles, he’s all Zanny. But when he’s being serious, he looks just like Ben.” He pointed to a black-and-white portrait a little farther down the hall of a young boy Logan assumed was Owen. “And I think when Noah gets older, he’s going to look so much like Dad it will be scary. Campbells have strong genes.” He tousled Eli’s blond hair, and Eli grinned up at him, showing the gap where he’d lost a tooth.

“Yeah, when I go anywhere with Uncle Ben, everybody thinks I’m his.” He giggled.

John wrapped his arms around him and lifted him off the ground, burying his face in Eli’s neck to blow a raspberry and send the boy into belly laughs that echoed through the hall. “You’re
my
baby boy. I won’t let Ben have you. But he’s right, the resemblance is that strong. It’s like looking into the past and the future at the same time. Come on, buddy, let’s get washed up for dinner.”

Once they were gone, Logan looked at Archer, waiting for his brother’s teasing. It didn’t come.

“You aren’t as scared by the whole concept of having kids anymore, are you?” Archer asked quietly.

“It still terrifies me,” Logan hedged.

“But not like it did.”

He shook his head. “No, not like it did. It still bothers me, thinking about what might happen if we have kids and something happened to Amelia or to me.”

Archer settled the baby in more securely, then put his arm around Logan’s shoulders. “You’ve seen how this family bands together. Do you think any one of the people in this house would let your children go through what we went through, Lo?”

“No, I don’t. And I guess that’s what changed the way I feel. I don’t want to be a single father, or have Amelia be a single mother, but if worse came to worst, I know our kids would be loved. And I guess I’m wondering what they’d look like. I never thought I’d say that.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that. I’m glad I did, though.”

“What if I’m not father material?”

Archer chuckled. “You raised me, and I turned out pretty well.”