Anita sat at the patio table, savoring the last bites of her burger and salad. The warm air was filled with the sound of laughter and the splashes from the pool where kids and adults were enjoying the party. She looked around, feeling a sense of belonging that had been rare for her lately. Logan’s family so far had welcomed her with open arms, and she appreciated every moment of it.

Susan approached her with a bright smile. "Hey, Anita! We’re about to start a game of water volleyball. Do you want to join in?"

Anita grinned. "I’d love to, but I didn’t bring a suit to Connecticut. I looked for somewhere to buy one before I went to Marionville, but I couldn’t find anywhere that was open."

Susan waved her hand dismissively. "No problem at all! I have plenty of swimsuits you can borrow. Come on, I’ll help you pick one."

Anita followed Susan inside the house. As they walked to the bedroom, Susan started chatting animatedly. "So, how are you liking the party? Have you had a chance to talk to everyone?"

"It’s been great," Anita replied. "Everyone is so friendly and welcoming."

“Our two oldest sisters should be here shortly. Then you’ll have met everyone except our other brother, Gary. He couldn’t come this year.” Susan opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of swimsuits, handing them to Anita. "Here, try these on. I think they’ll fit you just fine."

Anita took the swimsuits and headed to the en suite bathroom to change. When she came back out, wearing a cute two-piece, she felt a bit self-conscious and grabbed a pair of cut-off shorts that Susan had set out as well.

Susan was sitting on the bed, looking thoughtful. "You know, I never really got back down to size after Grace was born," she said, patting her pregnant belly. "Now I really wonder how I’ll do it. I kept all my old clothes, but I feel like the size of a hot air balloon now."

Anita smiled warmly. "You look beautiful, Susan. I don’t know how you handle Grace’s energy with another baby on the way. You’re amazing."

Susan’s face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Anita." She paused, then took a deep breath. "I have a secret I haven’t told Brad yet.” She paused, beaming. “We’re having twins."

Anita’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Twins?!” she whisper-squealed. “That’s incredible! Congratulations!"

Susan laughed softly. "I know, right? I just had to test out the words aloud on someone. I still can’t believe it myself. Brad is going to freak out."

They hugged, and Anita promised to keep the secret. Susan positively glowed. "Thanks, Anita. Now let’s get out there and have some fun."

They returned to the pool area, and Anita couldn’t help but notice Logan. He was shirtless, wearing swim trunks, and the sight of him made her heart skip a beat. He looked up, saw her, and his face broke into a smile.

Logan walked over to her, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ready for some volleyball?" he asked, and before she could respond, he swept her off her feet, pretending to toss her into the pool.

Anita shrieked and laughed, her arms clinging to his neck. "Logan, put me down!"

Logan chuckled and set her down gently on the ground, still dry. Just as he did, Brad and another man exchanged glances and, with a running start, shoved Logan into the pool. Logan hit the water with a splash, and everyone burst into laughter.

Anita, still laughing, jumped into the pool to join the others. The volleyball game was a blast, with two couples on each side. Logan and Anita’s team played with great teamwork and enthusiasm, ultimately winning the game.

As they climbed out of the pool, Anita reached for a towel and began to dry off. Logan came over, two women in tow. "Anita, I’d like you to meet my older sisters, Claire and Heather."

The women smiled politely, but there was a distinct lack of warmth compared to Susan and their mother. They were well dressed, Claire in a light green romper and Heather in a flowing sundress the color of her name. Both women wore sunhats to match their outfits. Anita felt a bit self-conscious in her bikini top, especially when Logan leaned in and gave her a searing kiss before heading off to help scoop ice cream for the kids.

The sisters seemed to pounce the moment Logan walked away. "So, Anita," Claire began, her tone curious but with an edge. "How long have you been living at Harrow Hall?"

"Just a few weeks," Anita replied, holding her towel tighter around herself.

“And, goodness, California, you’re so far from home.” Claire continued.

“And the truth about Victor Harrow.” Heather clicked her tongue. “All of the Harrowsburg area has just been abuzz.”

“Abuzz.” Claire agreed.

Anita nodded, wondering if there would be more questions or if they already thought they knew everything about her.

"And that’s how long exactly? Since Victor’s unfortunate…death?" Heather added, her gaze stabbing.

“Seven months?” Claire peered just as piercingly.

Anita felt the weight of their judgment. "Eight, almost nine."

Claire exchanged a glance with Heather. "It must be quite the adjustment, moving into such an exquisite place after such a short time."

Anita felt a flush of discomfort. "It’s been an adjustment, but Logan has been wonderful," she said, trying to keep her tone light.

"Even through his sudden breakup with Vanessa," Heather remarked casually, though her eyes were sharp.

The sisters continued to pepper her with questions that weren’t really questions, each comment more invasive than the last. Anita felt her anxiety rising and clutched the towel tighter. Finally, she excused herself, seeking refuge with Grace, who was happily eating an ice cream sundae at a nearby table with half a dozen other children and playing a board game.

Grace looked up and grinned. "Logan makes the best sundaes." she said, her face smeared with chocolate sauce.

Anita smiled, her tension easing.

A little girl sitting next to Grace, about four years old, sighed dreamily. "I want to marry Logan when I grow up."

An older boy rolled his eyes. "You can’t. He’s Mom’s cousin."

The little girl was undeterred. "It doesn’t matter. He’s a prince, and I’m a princess, and it always works out in the end."

Anita couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the innocence and charm of the children wash over her. She glanced over at Logan, who was busy making sundaes for the kids. He caught her eye and smiled, and she felt a warm glow in her chest.

As she listened to the children debate the logistics of fairy tale marriages, Anita decided she preferred their company to the grilling she’d received from Logan’s older sisters. Here, with the kids, everything was simple and straightforward. The world of adults, with its complexities and judgments, seemed far less appealing.

When Logan finally joined her, he sat down next to her with a smile, presenting a huge sundae loaded with chocolate sauce, sprinkles, nuts, and maraschino cherries. Two spoons stuck out of it. "You survived my sisters, I see," he said, his tone light but his eyes concerned.

"Barely," Anita replied with a chuckle. "I think I prefer the kids' company. They have a way of keeping things uncomplicated."

Logan handed her one of the spoons and dug in with the other. Anita caught sight of Claire and Heather sitting at a small table on the other side of the pool, watching them. Feeling petulant, Anita scooped a large spoonful of ice cream and popped it in her mouth. Their tongues started wagging, and Logan followed her gaze.

"They can be a bit much, but they mean well, most of the time, I think. And for what it's worth, I think you handled them perfectly."

Anita watched as Grace frowned at the board game on the table, her cousins winning yet another round with seemingly impossible luck. Her small hands clutched the dice, frustration evident in her eyes. Anita leaned over, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Want to learn a little trick?" she whispered conspiratorially. Grace nodded eagerly, curiosity replacing her frustration. Anita took the dice and demonstrated how to roll them with a subtle flick of the wrist and a gentle release, ensuring they landed on specific numbers. Grace's eyes widened in amazement as she tried it herself, the dice obeying her newfound technique.

Logan, observing, chuckled softly. "That's quite the parlor trick you've got there, Anita," he said, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. His tone was playful, but his interest was piqued by the seemingly magical control Anita had over the dice. He watched as Grace's confidence grew with each successful roll.

Anita smiled, her thoughts drifting to memories. "It's something Vance taught me," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and affection. "He had a knack for these kinds of things—little tricks and skills that seemed like magic but were all about precision and practice." She glanced at Logan, her eyes reflecting the warmth of cherished memories. "He always said it wasn't about cheating, but about understanding the game better than anyone else. And sometimes, a little extra help doesn't hurt," she added with a wink, watching Grace’s excitement as she finally started winning against her cousins.

***

The party at Susan and Brad's had begun to wind down, and the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a soft orange glow over everything. Logan approached Anita, who was talking with some of the kids, her laughter mingling with theirs.

"Hey, Anita," Logan said, smiling. "Want to go for a walk down by the river?"

Anita's eyes lit up. "I'd love to," she replied, slipping her dress back on over her bikini. She hoped they might get to swim some more later. The idea of spending some quiet time with Logan, away from the crowd, was appealing.

They waved goodbye to Susan, promising to be back soon, and headed down a path that led to the river. As they walked, the sounds of the party grew fainter, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the river.

"Tell me more about what you found out today," Logan said, glancing at her with interest.

Anita smiled, feeling a familiar excitement bubbling up. "Well, I was reading Melusine's diary entries at the historical society. She was such a fascinating woman, and her writings are so vivid. I feel like I'm getting to know her personally."

Logan nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"And I met a man at the historical society named Samual Prendergast. He gave an invitation to read some personal letters he and Melusine wrote to each other," Anita continued. I think they’re going to bring us closer to understanding the strange events that have been happening there."

Logan raised an eyebrow. "Strange events? Like the dolls?"

"Exactly," Anita said. “It's all connected somehow. Maybe these letters will give us some answers."

As they reached the riverbank, Logan took off his shirt and laid it down for Anita to sit on. He bent down, picked up a flat stone, and expertly skipped it across the water. The rock danced along the surface before sinking with a soft plunk.

"This river holds a lot of memories for me," Logan said, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "Susan and Brad's home used to be our grandparents' place. I spent countless hours here as a kid, swimming, fishing, just hanging out."

Anita watched him skip another stone, intrigued by the glimpse into his past. "It sounds wonderful. You must have so many stories."

Logan sat down next to her, his eyes sparkling with remembered adventures. "I do. We used to come here almost every weekend. It was our little escape from the world. My brother Gary used to bring his dates down here all the time, too."

Anita laughed, nudging him playfully. "And what about you? Did you bring your dates down here?"

Logan shook his head, a shy smile crossing his face. "No, I was always awkward and shy in school. I didn't have the confidence to bring girls here or anywhere really."

"I can't imagine you being shy.” Anita teased. “I bet you were adorable."

Logan chuckled, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "I was a bit of a nerd, to be honest. Always with my nose in a book or working on some project."

"Well, I wasn't exactly Miss Perfect in school," Anita admitted. "I was the bad girl, the punk type. No one could tell me anything because I knew it all."

Logan grinned. "Really? You, a rebel? I would have loved to see that." He sat down beside her and gathered her back against his chest.

They laughed together, sharing stories of their teenage years, each revelation bringing them closer. Logan picked up another stone and tossed it into the river, watching the ripples spread.

"If I had known then what I know now," Logan mused. "High school would have been different."

Anita smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "You mean you would have charmed all the girls with your smooth moves?"

Logan chuckled. "Maybe. But I've got you down here now, don’t I?"

Anita turned her head to look at him, their faces inches apart. "Yes, you do," she said softly.

Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence as they looked into each other's eyes. Logan leaned in and kissed her gently, a kiss that was sweet and tender. They pulled back slightly, their foreheads touching.

"I think I like this spot," Anita whispered.

"Me too," Logan replied, his voice equally soft.

They spent the next few moments lost in each other, the world around them fading away. The gentle sounds of the river and the warmth of the setting sun created a perfect backdrop for their intimate interlude.

After a while, they lay back on the bank, watching the sky change colors. The river's surface reflected the hues of the sunset, and the air was filled with the gentle hum of nature.

"Do you ever think about what the future holds?" Anita asked, her voice dreamy.

"All the time," Logan replied. "Especially now. I wonder what kind of adventures we'll have together."

Anita smiled at his answer, but it faded. “You know, after Vance…well after he died, thoughts of the future just kind of stopped for me. It’s only now that I’m kind of starting to realize there actually is a future.”

Logan eased up on her elbows, and she craned her neck to catch his gaze. His eyes were serious but full of warmth. "Anita, I want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what we find out about Harrow Hall, or what challenges we face, I’m by your side."

Anita felt a rush of emotion, her heart swelling with affection for this man who had become so important to her. "Thank you, Logan. That means more to me than you know."

They shared another kiss, deeper and more passionate this time, a promise of the bond they were forging together. The world seemed to stand still as they held each other, wrapped in the magic of the moment.

Sitting together on the bank of the river, the gentle murmur of the water provided a serene backdrop to their conversation. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape, but the tranquility of the scene was in stark contrast to a sudden tension that settled into Logan.

He shifted uncomfortably, his eyes fixed on the rippling water. "Anita, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice hesitant. "Vanessa has copies of some kind of journal from Hyacinth. It claims that I'm a Harrow."

Anita sat up and turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise and a growing sense of dread. "A Harrow? How are you related to Vance?"

Logan took a deep breath sitting up as well, still avoiding her gaze. "According to the information Vanessa has, I'm his half-brother."

The revelation hung in the air, heavy and disconcerting. Anita's mouth fell open in shock, her mind racing with implications. "You're Vance's brother? How is that possible? Why—Why did you wait to tell me? Is this what Vanessa was telling you at the diner?"

Logan finally looked at her, his expression a mix of anxiety and frustration. "Yes, it was. In all the years I worked for Hyacinth, she never once brought up this information. I don't understand why she kept it hidden, or why Vanessa has it now, or if it’s even true."

Anita struggled to process the information, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "But if you're Vance's brother, then don’t you have more right to the Hall than I do?"

Logan shook his head vehemently. "No, that's not why I'm telling you this. I don't want the Hall, and this isn't about some claim to power or money. I don't trust Vanessa, and I don't know what her motives are. I just needed you to know the line she’s pushing because this affects us both."

Anita's mind raced, trying to piece together the implications of this revelation. "How would Vanessa have this journal? And why would she reveal it now?"

Logan's face darkened. "That's what worries me. Vanessa isn't someone who acts without reason. She must have a plan, and whatever it is, it's not going to be good for us."

Anita felt a chill run down her spine. The peaceful riverbank now seemed like an illusion, hiding the undercurrents of deceit and danger that threatened to engulf them. "What do we do now, Logan? How do we deal with this?"

Logan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We need to find out more about this journal and what it says. We need to understand why Hyacinth kept this secret and what Vanessa intends to do with it. And most importantly, we need to stick together. Whatever happens, we face it as a team."

Anita nodded, though her mind was still reeling. The idea that Logan, the man she trusted and was really starting to feel for—she wasn’t ready to actually consider love yet—was actually Vance's half-brother was almost too much to comprehend. But she knew Logan was right. They had to stay united if they were going to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

***

Anita and Logan returned to the party, the weight of Vanessa's revelation hanging heavily over them. Anita's mind buzzed with conflicting emotions, and she struggled to maintain a semblance of normalcy. The joyful atmosphere of the gathering felt jarring and out of place given the bombshell that had just been dropped.

"Anita, are you okay?" Logan asked, his concern evident in his eyes.

"I just need a moment," she replied, forcing a weak smile. "I'm going to change out of this swimsuit and get my head together."

Logan nodded, watching her go with a mixture of worry and helplessness. Anita made her way inside, navigating through the throngs of guests until she reached Susan's room. She changed quickly, trying to calm her racing thoughts. As she walked back down the hallway, she heard voices from the kitchen.

"Honestly, I don't know what Logan sees in her." Claire's voice was sharp and disdainful.

"Me neither," Heather agreed. "She’s bad news."

Anita froze, her heart sinking. She moved closer to the corner, listening intently despite the tightening knot in her stomach.

"Come on, you two," Susan's voice interjected, defensive. "Anita is good for Logan. She's strong and capable. You don't know her like I do."

"But we know enough," Claire shot back. "She’s the type to always be surrounded by drama. Who knows what messes she’ll drag Logan into."

Heather chimed in, "Exactly. She’s a distraction. Logan needs stability, not someone with a haunted past who’s going to play the sad little victim for who knows how long."

Anita’s breath caught in her throat. She felt a sharp sting of hurt. She had gathered from the moment she met them that Claire and Heather didn’t approve of her, but hearing their harsh words was more painful than she had imagined.

"Susan, you’re too nice," Claire continued. "You always see the best in people, but sometimes you have to face reality. Anita is not good for Logan."

Susan sighed, her voice weary but resolute. "You’re wrong. Logan loves her, and I believe she’s coming to love him, too, in her own time. That should be enough for you."

"Love isn’t always enough," Heather said coldly. "Logan deserves better."

The words pierced Anita's heart. She backed away from the door, her vision blurring with unshed tears. She couldn’t bear to hear any more. The judgment, the harshness, the complete lack of understanding from Logan’s sisters was too much to take.

Slipping out of the hallway, Anita made her way quietly through the house, avoiding eye contact with anyone. She needed to leave, to get away from the hurtful words and the suffocating judgment. She needed to think, to process everything that had happened.

As she reached her car, fumbling with the keys, Logan appeared, jogging up to her. "Anita, wait!"

She turned to face him, unable to hide her distress. "Logan, I need to go. I can't stay here."

"What's wrong? What happened?" His voice was laced with concern, his eyes searching her face.

"I just—" Her voice trembled. She longed to tell him what she’d heard and receive the comfort she was certain he would offer. But she wasn’t going to step between him and his family. "I just need some time to sort things out."

Logan took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "After that close call in Marionville this afternoon, I don’t want you to be alone, especially at the Hall. What if something happens?"

"I’ll be fine," she insisted, pulling her hand away gently. "I promise, if anything happens, I’ll call you."

"How? Your phone is busted, and there is nowhere open to replace it today. Let me come with you. We can figure this out together."

She managed a faint smile, touched by his concern. "I need to do this alone. I need to clear my head."

He reluctantly nodded, his worry evident. "Okay, but please be careful. Come over to my place immediately if you need anything. It doesn’t matter what. Anything at all."

"I know," she replied softly. "Thank you."

Anita got into her car and started the engine, giving Logan one last look before she drove away. She saw him standing there, his expression a mix of worry and helplessness, and her heart ached. But she knew she needed this time to herself, to process everything and figure out her next steps.

The drive to the Hall was a blur. Anita's mind raced with the events of the evening. Vanessa’s revelation, Logan’s sisters’ harsh words, and the implications of it all swirled in her head like a storm. By the time she reached the Hall, she was emotionally exhausted.

She needed rest. The emotional toll of the evening had left her drained. As she climbed the stairs to her bedroom, she felt a sense of calm settling over her. She would face the challenges ahead, but she would do so on her own terms.

***

Anita found herself in one of the grand, opulent rooms downstairs, the walls lined with ancient books and artifacts. The room held both the terror of her previous nightmares and the wonder of her first amazing encounter with Logan. The feelings fought, and she felt that at any moment one would have to win out.

A woman stood before her, elegant and imposing, with a regal bearing and piercing eyes. Anita recognized her immediately: Victoria Harrow. Her ghostly visage flickered through the years of her life, presenting the woman through all her ages like the choppy flow of a silent movie on the silver screen.

"Welcome, Anita," Victoria said, her voice smooth and commanding despite her appearance. “You are a true Mrs. Harrow. Widow of one and the lover of another."

Anita felt a strange mix of fear and fascination. "Why am I here?" she asked, her voice echoing in the vast room.

Victoria smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I have been watching you. You possess a strength and determination that is rare. You have the potential for unimaginable power. Power that only I’ve been able to yield in the history of the Harrows."

Anita felt a shiver run down her spine. "What kind of power?"

"The power to shape your destiny, to bend others to your will," Victoria replied. "All you need to do is bring those who trouble you to the Hall, and I will show you how to deal with them with no consequences. And in return, you will receive a boon from the Harrow."

Anita felt a strange compulsion to agree, the promise of power and retribution intoxicating. She was tired of being on the bottom, tired of being judged and played. "What do I have to do?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Simply bring them here," Victoria said, her eyes gleaming with an almost predatory light. "I will take care of the rest."

In the dream, Anita reached for her cell beside her, Vanessa's image clear in her mind. But just as she was about to wake the phone, the dream began to fade, and she woke with a start, moonlight still filtering through her bedroom window.

Anita sat up, her heart pounding. The dream had felt so real, so vivid. She looked at her phone’s shattered screen, half-expecting to see a call log or texts from last night, but there was nothing. Had she really contacted Vanessa, or was it just the influence of the dream?

Shaking off the remnants of sleep, Anita made her way to the kitchen before dawn and brewed a strong pot of coffee. She sat at the table, her mind still buzzing with the details of the dream. The promise of power, the offer from Victoria… it all seemed too surreal, and yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was truth to it, just like there was to all the clues of the Harrows’ history.

And what of Victoria Harrow’s confirmation of Logan’s parentage? Hadn’t Anita, from their first meeting in the diner, noted Logan’s similarities to Vance?

As she sipped her coffee, Anita tried to decide what her next steps should be. She knew she couldn’t ignore the dream. The offer of power was a tangible draw that she attempted to set aside, but it kept nipping at her. She knew that she needed to tread carefully. The stakes were high, and one wrong move could have disastrous consequences.