Free Forever in Haven's Crossing by Kyleigh Drake

thought, she shut her eyes and sleep quickly took over.

Chapter 11
    She only slept about an hour, waking up to ice being put in the glasses. She grabbed her short satin robe out of the closet and wrapped it around her. She headed toward the kitchen and smiled to herself when she saw Logan standing there at the counter with a dish towel slung over his shoulder. That is so freaking sexy, she thought as she walked toward them. “Can I help?” she asked. Caleb gave her a hug and a quick kiss.
    “You can pour the tea and we’ll get everything on the table.” They sat before her a feast of steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and hot rolls.
    “This is amazing,” she said, as she began to eat.
    “Our momma made us both learn to cook when we were little,” Logan answered, smiling.
    “Well she did a fine job,” Kim replied.
    During supper, they all laughed and talked, making the moment even more special. They all three cleaned up afterwards, which took no time at all. As Logan finished putting away the last of the dishes, Caleb took her hand and led her out on the front porch. They sat down on the swing and Kim noticed three little hummingbirds near the flower garden. Logan came out and took a chair across from the swing, propping his boots up on the banister and lacing his fingers behind his head. “Whatcha thinkin’, darlin’?” he said lazily. She looked away before answering. Why is it so hard for me to look at them when they ask me what I think or feel?
    “Just thinking about how beautiful it is out here. It’s really peaceful actually.” A soft breeze made her shiver just a little and Caleb pulled her closer, putting his arm around her.
    “Want me to go get ya a jacket or somethin’?”
    “No thanks, you’ll work just fine,” she replied with a smile, as she laid her head against his warm body.
    They sat there awhile, enjoying the evening sky and then Logan put his feet down and moved his chair so it was facing her and Caleb. “I think now’s a good time to tell us why you were cryin’ this mornin’, don’t you?” Dammit! He smiled when she let out a loud sigh and rolled her eyes. “You didn’t think we’d forget now, did ya?”
    “No,” she said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
    “Then get to it,” he ordered.
    “Fine,” she said, again not looking at him but feeling his eyes on her. “It was just really overwhelming I guess. Your parents were so nice to me and when your mom hugged me…” She started to feel the tears again, but didn’t want to cry so she stopped a moment. Caleb rubbed her arm up and down with his hand.
    “When Mom hugged you, what, baby? We really want to know.” She swallowed and started again.
    “It made me wish that I had a mom like that.”
    “Can you tell us what happened to your parents, sugar?” Caleb asked gently. She took another deep breath before speaking.
    “They were both killed in a car accident when I was eleven. My sister and I were shipped off to some aunt who didn’t really want us, but took us just out of a feeling of guilt, I think. So, life pretty much sucked after that and I learned real quick that I needed to take care of myself.” Caleb put his head on hers and Logan leaned forward and took her hands in his, rubbing her knuckles with his thumbs. She looked up at him and saw so much love and sincerity in his eyes.
    “We’re so sorry your life didn’t start out good, sweetheart. Every kid deserves to be happy and to not have to worry about the things you worried about. We’re here now though and we’re gonna make up for all that lovin’ you didn’t get growin’ up. I’m just so sorry we didn’t find ya sooner.” She began to cry after hearing his words and leaned forward to hug him.
    She decided to tell them the truth, so between her tears and sniffles she said, “I want to believe you—but I’m afraid you’ll leave me, too.”
    “Shhh, it’s okay, baby,” Logan soothed “Let it all out. We’re not ever gonna leave ya,