Logan watched Abby move around the kitchen tidying up the mess in dazed, mechanical movements, her brow knit with worry. Why wasn’t she happier that Piper finally came clean?
He was about to ask her when there was a knock at the door.
Abby’s eyes widened, increasing from worry to full-on panic mode. “That must be Sadie and Lucy. They’re early.” She froze, a damp dish towel hovering over a glop of cookie dough on the counter as if she didn’t know what to do next.
“Hey.” He crossed the kitchen and placed both hands on her shoulders, peering deep into her eyes. “Everything’s going to be great. You’ve got this.”
Her features relaxed as he drew her into his arms for a quick, reassuring hug. “You’re right,” she sighed. “I just need to put Piper out of my mind for the moment.” She straightened and slid two warm cookies onto a plate. “I can do this. Welcoming guests to Blessings on State Street is one of the best parts of the job.”
“That’s the spirit.” He flashed a grin, adding, “I’ll come with you and help carry their luggage,” and followed a few steps behind for moral support.
But when Abby opened the door, they didn’t find Sadie and Lucy standing on the front porch.
Instead, Donnie’s lawyer, Victor Fuentes, skulked in the shadows like a neighborhood kid about to apologize for hitting a foul ball through their window.
Logan had met the guy only once, almost six years ago when he’d accepted the job as caretaker of Donnie’s beach house in Blessings Bay. Victor, not Donnie, had been the one to meet him at the house, go over the paperwork, and give him a rundown of his responsibilities.
And over the last six years, Victor had been his go-to guy, the one to cut his checks and answer any questions he had about the property and his duties. Through all their dealings, he’d seemed like a no-nonsense, genuine guy. Not cocky, but confident. Nothing like the sheepish man currently avoiding his gaze.
“Victor. Hi.” Abby couldn’t hide her surprise but still managed a welcoming smile. “It’s so nice to see you. Please, come in.” She stepped aside, and Victor shuffled inside. “What brings you all this way?”
“I have the financial documents you requested.” He pulled a thick manila envelope from his briefcase, but Logan wasn’t buying it. He could’ve sent the information Abby needed electronically or by registered mail. There had to be another reason for his impromptu visit. A reason he probably wouldn’t like.
Logan stood by Abby’s side, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And from the way Victor kept shifting his feet, the sole would be worn clear through to the floor.
“Thank you. But personal delivery really wasn’t necessary.” She tucked the envelope under her arm, then held out the plate. “Cookie? They’re snickerdoodles, straight from the oven.”
“Uh, no. No, thank you.” Was Victor sweating?
Whatever it is, just spill the beans already, Logan silently urged.
Victor swallowed, and his Adam’s apple protruded as if he’d gulped down a golf ball. Yeesh. The guy was a wreck.
“Th-there’s actually another reason I’m here.” He tugged on his collar. “It’s rather embarrassing.”
“What is it?” Abby’s voice rose warily.
“I’ve been practicing law for over twenty-five years, and nothing like this has ever happened.” Victor glanced between them, then down at the floor.
“Victor, what’s wrong?” Abby pressed. “You’re making me nervous.”
Victor exhaled, and his shoulders slumped in the telltale posture of a man resigned to his unfortunate fate. “When I was going through your file, I discovered I’d made a terrible oversight.” The tips of his ears turned pink as he pulled another envelope from his briefcase. This time, a small white one. “I found a letter from Mr. Preston. A letter he wrote nearly six years ago. And that I was supposed to deliver upon his death.”
“Oh.” The color drained from Abby’s cheeks, and she took a moment to process the information.
Logan placed a hand on the small of her back with the instinctive need to steady her, both physically and emotionally. A letter from Donnie from beyond the grave? That was some heavy stuff. He couldn’t imagine how she felt right now.
After a long pause, Abby held out her hand for the envelope, but Victor shook his head. “My apologies. I should have been clearer.” He turned toward Logan. “The letter is for Mr. Mathews.”
“Me?” Logan balked. “Are you sure?”
“Quite sure. And please accept my sincerest apologies for the delayed delivery.” He handed Logan the envelope then bid them an awkward, mumbled goodbye before letting himself out.
Logan held the letter in his hands, too flummoxed to speak. Why had Donnie left him a letter? Was it about the house? The timeline matched, since according to Victor, he’d written it shortly after he’d inherited the place.
He had expected to hear something after Donnie’s death, but when he hadn’t, he’d simply carried on as usual, taking care of the house the same way he always had. He’d continued to receive checks from Victor, so why upset the status quo?
He cleared his throat. “I guess we should read it, huh?” He glanced at Abby. Was it weird to read a letter from her ex-husband—one of his best friends—now that they were together? How would Donnie feel about him dating and hopefully marrying the woman he loved?
He’d asked himself that question a hundred times and always landed on the same answer. Donnie would want Abby to be looked after, to be cherished. He’d be happy for them.
But what if, by some freakish turn of events, this letter said otherwise? What if Donnie asked him to stay away from Abby? Would he honor his friend’s request? Or worse—would Abby want him to?
Uncertainty swirled in his stomach, but he pressed on anyway, tearing open the seal. “Should we read it together?”
She kneaded her lips, then shook her head. “No. I don’t think so. It’s addressed to you. You should read it first.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure. I’ll take these back to the kitchen.” She lifted the plate of cookies and forced a smile, but it didn’t fool him. She looked as rattled by what could be in Donnie’s letter as he felt.
He waited until she disappeared down the hall before sliding out the single sheet of notebook paper.
His heart pounded at Donnie’s chicken scratch handwriting covering the page.
Nugget,
A flutter of warmth filled his chest at the familiarity in the greeting. Of course Donnie would address the letter with his call sign—the call sign Donnie had made stick thanks to the care packages Logan’s grandmother sent him loaded with his favorite dessert, Nevada Nuggets. He’d hated the name at first, but once his grandmother passed away, he’d viewed it as a tribute. Funny how losing someone can change your perspective so profoundly.
If you’re reading this, I finally kicked the bucket. Which shocks me as much as it does you. Remember when we thought we’d live forever?
His heart twisted as Donnie’s voice filled the room. He could hear his bright, boisterous baritone so clearly.
Well played, Death. You finally got your man. We had a good run.
Logan could picture Donnie’s jovial grin. He never seemed to take things too seriously. Even death.
Here’s the thing, Nugget. I’m not afraid of dying. I’m afraid of what will happen after I’m gone. To the people I love. To one person above all.
Logan’s pulse spiked, and apprehension skated up his spine. He had to mean Abby. But what was he so afraid of?
You haven’t met Abby yet, but you will soon. Man, how I envy you. Meeting Abby for the first time was the best moment of my life. I’ll try to put it in words you’ll understand. Remember the first time you flew the A-4 Skyhawk? You said it was like strapping a rocket to your back. Well, buddy, meeting Abby is kinda like that. Only a million times better.
Logan couldn’t help a small smile at the analogy. Donnie’s description was spot-on.
I know you think I did you some kind of favor when I hired you to manage the house in Blessings Bay. And as good as my legs look in superhero tights, it’s time I set the record straight. Honestly, I should’ve done it a long time ago.
A heavy weight of foreboding settled on Logan’s shoulders. What was Donnie about to confess?
The truth is, I’m no hero. Far from it. In fact, you’re the one doing me a favor. You see, I need to keep the house for Abby. I know she’ll love it. One day, she’ll probably want to make it her home. But not now. Not when there’s a chance she’ll discover my secret.
The last word leaped off the page, and Logan felt sick to his stomach.
This couldn’t be happening. He refused to believe his friend had an affair. And yet, Donnie had written the words with his own hand. My secret. Was it possible he meant something besides an affair?
Man, Nugget, this is hard to admit. Especially to you. You always saw the best in me. You kept me on the straight and narrow like my own personal Jiminy Cricket in a G suit. I hate to let you down.
Logan looked away. His eyes suddenly felt hot and itchy. Come on, Donnie. Tell me you didn’t do it. He rubbed his eyes with his knuckles and forced himself to look back at the letter.
Even worse than letting you down, I let Abby down. She trusted me, and I betrayed that trust. It was only the one time, and I never contacted the woman again, but it doesn’t change facts. I screwed up. I did the unforgivable. And no matter how hard I try to make up for it, I know I can’t.
A guttural groan rose in Logan’s throat like a lament from deep within his soul. His heart ached for Abby’s sake. How could Donnie do this to her? And how was he going to tell her?
A spark of anger flared in his chest. Donnie cheated on Abby and proposed anyway—without telling her the truth. And then the coward waited until he died and made him do the dirty work.
Logan resisted the overwhelming urge to crumple the letter and toss it in the trash. There wasn’t anything Donnie could say to assuage the ball of fury blazing through his veins.
You probably hate me right now. And I don’t blame you. I kinda hate myself. I’ve tried to bury the guilt, determined to be a better man. The kind of man Abby deserves. Although, I know I don’t even come close. But I hope and pray she knows how much I love her. That what I did had everything to do with my own fears and insecurities and nothing to do with her not being good enough. Man, Nugget. Even writing those words—knowing how much I hurt her—kills me. It kills me that I could be so selfish. So stupid. And Abby’s going to pay the price.
Logan’s jaw flexed with another flash of anger.
Donnie had no idea how hefty a price.
I’ve thought about telling her the truth. I’ve come close a few times. But I’m a coward. I can’t handle the thought of losing her. She’s the best thing in my life. Once you meet her, you’ll understand.
Oh, he understood. He also knew that loving someone meant putting their best interest above your own. And Donnie had dropped the ball. Big-time.
If Abby moves to Blessings Bay like I think she will, the truth will eventually come out. It’s the kind of small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. Think Mayberry by the beach. The woman I mentioned works at one of the only restaurants in town. They’re bound to meet. Maybe even become friends. I can’t stomach the thought of Abby being blindsided without someone there to support her, to help her through it.
Which leads me to my big request. I know it’s asking a lot. And you can curse me under your breath all you want. But I need you to tell Abby the truth, so it comes from someone I trust.
And then I’m gonna need one final favor. Not because I deserve it. Or because you owe me anything. Do it for Abby.
Take care of her, Logan. She’s a heck of a lot stronger and braver than she realizes, but I don’t want her to go through this alone.
She’s going to need someone like you. Someone steady and trustworthy. Someone loyal. Someone better than I ever was.
And please, tell her that I love her.
And that I’m sorry.
The raw humility in Donnie’s words—and the way he used his given name this time—broke something in Logan’s heart. His defenses crumbled. His anger softened. And the dull ache grew more intense.
He missed Donnie. Sure, if he saw him right now, he’d slug him good and hard before he hugged him. But he still wanted to hug his stupid, selfish, spineless friend. He couldn’t explain it. Despite all the awful things he’d done, he wanted Donnie to make amends with Abby and meet his son.
Over the last few months, he’d had a taste of fatherhood, thanks to Max. He loved that kid as if he’d known him his whole life, as if he were his own. He wished Donnie could have that same gift. To experience firsthand how the love of a child can make you a better man.
But it was too late.
Donnie’s lie had cost him more than he’d ever know.
His gaze fell to the last few lines, cinching the knot around his heart even tighter.
There are no goodbyes. Only see you laters.
So, see you later, old man.
Donnie
Tears blurred the final sendoff, but Logan didn’t care.
He didn’t bother hiding them or wiping them away.
He let them fall, both for the pain from the past and the pain yet to come.
The pain in which he would now play a part.
When he gave Abby the letter to read for herself.