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“I’d like that.”
He brushed another kiss across her lips. “Sleep well.”
“You, too.”
Walking to the truck, Logan’s mind tightened as if in a vice. The same with his heart. Confusion clouded his thinking. The one thing he felt sure about was kissing Sam. There was no confusion regarding how much he liked it.
He’d come to loathe their agreement. A fake engagement didn’t fit what he wanted from Sam. Not any longer.
Did he love her? Logan had no idea.
He’d loved his mother. The thought of her reminded him he’d never see her again. They’d never talk or spend another Christmas together. No one would ever fill the hole in his heart her death caused.
Logan wasn’t as sure about his father or half-brother. He cared a great deal about Wallace and Quinn. The same with Abigail. But love? He didn’t know.
Logan wanted to ask Sam how she felt about him. Uncertainty stopped him, unsure if he was ready for the answer. The way she melted into his kiss said something, but what?
The drive home took less than five minutes. He sat inside the truck for a long time, his mind still whirling around Sam and what, if anything, he should do.
The issue of Miguel continued to weigh on his mind. Could her ex be the arsonist? If so, what did he hope to gain by setting the fires? Could he have been the person who broke into Laurel’s shop? What would destroying her store accomplish?
Nothing seemed to connect.
He kept coming back to the idea Miguel might not be involved in any of the actions under investigation. The fires might not be related, though the odds were slim. Did the break-in have anything to do with the fires?
Logan didn’t envy Aiden his job. There were numerous possibilities, unanswered questions, and possible scenarios. As far as he knew, the deputy had uncovered few clues.
Aiden had accomplished something. He’d alienated Laurel, a woman Logan was certain the deputy had grown to care about.
Tired from a full day of ranch work, helping Laurel, sorting out his feelings for Sam, and trying to make sense of senseless actions, Logan released a tired breath.
He took a quick look out the front window of the truck toward his cabin. As with every other night, nothing alerted him to trouble.
Climbing out, he made his way to the front door of his cabin and disappeared inside, unaware of a lone figure scurrying into the shadows of Jake’s house.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The grand opening of Laurel’s Florals & Floats had been a huge success, drawing people from as far away as Jackson. Soda fountain customers consumed gallons of ice cream while floral arrangements flew out of the shop.
There’d been no incidents, such as the fire of the previous night. Maybe due to the number of deputies taking turns watching the shop, discouraging prospects from any malice. It didn’t hurt to have Deputy Aiden Winters posted at the front door from six in the morning until nine at night.
Counting sales after the shop closed, Laurel couldn’t help feeling elated. She knew there’d be more good days and lots of slow days. Even if average sales were a small fraction of what came in at the grand opening, her shop would be a success.
Several days later, Sam and Daisy arranged for a town tour with the new group of guests. One of their favorite stops had been Florals & Floats. There were so many positive comments, the Bonners made a town tour a regular activity for ranch guests. In return, Laurel and other shop owners provided special discounts.
There’d been no fires, break-ins, or cases of vandalism for weeks. Aiden Winters hadn’t stopped by in almost a month.
The summer was giving way to fall, and the guest ranch was preparing for its last week of visitors. The last Sunday of the year when the staff would greet wide-eyed children and equally curious adults.
Logan and Sam spent most of their free time together, neither mentioning what should’ve been obvious to both. Logan hadn’t admitted his feelings to Sam, and she’d been equally as quiet.
For the first time all summer, the two attended church together, sitting next to Daisy and Wyatt Bonner. They’d listened to a young, eager pastor deliver a message of hope and joy.
The words couldn’t have come at a better time for Logan. It had taken a while, but he’d come to terms with his mother’s sudden death.
As the service ended, Daisy leaned toward Sam. “Margie and Anson are taking care of Reece this morning. Why don’t you two join us at Linda’s Diner? She sets out a real good Sunday brunch.”
“We’ll meet you there,” Logan whispered from where he sat on Sam’s other side.
