Whiskey In The Water

Chapter 13-Lori

Chapter 13

Lori

The next morning, I wake up and turn to snuggle up with Logan but he’s not there. I listen for a minute to see if the shower is running but it’s not. I slip out of bed and down the stairs, still in my pajama shorts and tank top. I hear voices in the kitchen and wonder who’s here. Walking into the kitchen, I see Logan and Alice sitting at the island with Ashton and Izzy. “Morning.” I say as I move to the coffee maker for a cup. “What’s the plan for today?” I ask. “Well, we’re taking Clyde for the week.” Ashton says. I look at him confused while everyone is smiling at me. “What? Why?” I ask. “We have a surprise for you.” Logan tells me. “What surprise?” I ask. “Just go get dressed. We leave in thirty.” Logan tells me.

I head upstairs and get dressed in a lavender sundress that I bought when I went shopping with Izzy and my white ballet flats. I brush my teeth and brush my hair before pulling it up into a ponytail. I head downstairs and see everyone in the living room. “Are you ready to go?” Logan asks. “Yeah.” I say and Ashton and Izzy hug us goodbye and Clyde leaves with them. We head to the car and Alice follows us out. “Where are we going?” I ask. “You’ll see. I’m treating you and Alice both.” He tells me.

We get into the car, and I watch the world go by as we head out. Before long I see us pulling into an airstrip. “Why are we here?” I ask. “We’re going on a trip.” He tells me. “But I didn’t pack.” I say sadly. “Alice and I packed our things last night while you were in your office.” He tells me. “Really?” I ask. “Yes. Now come on.” He tells me and the three of us board the plane. “Who’s plane is this?” I ask. “It’s ours.” He tells me and I look at him in shock. I look around for a minute and then I start laughing. “What’s so funny?” Alice asks. “A few months ago, I was living with my dad, being beat every day. I didn’t have a car and barely making anything at the diner and now I’m married and having a baby. I live in a huge house, have a driver and we have a plane.” I say and they both smile at me.

After we get up in the air, I’m looking out the window at the clouds. I take a deep breath and look at just how beautiful the view is. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Logan asks. “It is. So, are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask. “We’re spending the week in Greece.” He tells me and my eyes go wide. “Are you serious?” I ask. “As a heart attack.” He tells me. “Oh my God. We’re going to Greece.” I whisper. “And we’ll go anywhere else in the world you want to go.” He tells me. “I love you, Logan.” I say.

It isn’t long into the flight before Alice is sleeping in the bed in the back and I am laying down with my head in Logan’s lap. He’s running his fingers through my hair, and it lulls me to sleep. The next time I wake up we only have a couple of hours before we will be landing. “Hey sleepyhead.” He says softly and I smile at him. “Hey.” I say before sitting up and rubbing my eyes. I look over and see Alice sitting in one of the seats, reading a book. “How did you sleep?” Logan asks. “I slept pretty well. Did you sleep?” I ask. “I dozed.” He tells me and I look at him concerned. “When we get to the hotel it will be late so we can all sleep some more and get started exploring in the morning.” He tells me. I look out the window and when it’s time to land, we get off the plane and into the car that Logan arranged to pick us up. We head to the hotel and as soon as we walk up to reception, Logan says. “Reservations for Logan Edwards.” The receptionist checks her computer and says “Yes Mr. Edwards. We have the Athen suite ready for you. Paulo will take your bags up for you. Dinner is being served in your room in fifteen minutes as requested.” She tells him. “Thank you.” Logan says and we head to our suite.

Walking into the suite, Alice and I both are in awe. “Holy crap.” I say as I look around. Paulo walks in behind us and says “This suite has a sitting room as well as two bedrooms, each with their own private balconies. Just call #21 for room service and 0 for the front desk. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable.” He says before seeing his way out.

I walk out onto our balcony and look out at the lights of Santorini and I’m quiet. “What’s on your mind sweetheart?” he asks. “Logan. I’m in Greece.” I tell him. “That you are.” He says. “You know, I used to read about Greek mythology and read about the culture. It always fascinated me.” I tell him. “It’s a beautiful place. Room service should be here in a few minutes, and we can get some sleep before breakfast in the morning.” Logan tells me. After we eat, we head to bed, and he wraps his arms around me and I drift off to sleep.

I wake up to the sun shining into the room from the balcony and see Alice and Logan sitting at the table, enjoying the sun. “Good morning baby.” Logan says when he sees me awake. “Good morning.” I say. “Breakfast just got here.” Alice says and I slip out of bed and head over to the table to join them. I look out over the city and gasp. “Wow.” I whisper. “Even better in the daylight.” Alice says. “It really is.” I say before we start eating. “So where to first?” I ask. “I know you can’t drink but there’s a place that I think you might like. It’s called Thera Vineyard. They set you up with a picnic and they even let you stomp grapes for wine. Then they bottle it, and you can take it home with you to ferment.” He tells me. “Oh, that sounds so cool.” I tell him. “You game Alice?” I ask. “Absolutely.” She tells us.

After breakfast, we get dressed and meet in the living room of the suite. “Are you ready?” Logan asks. “Yes.” I say and I’m almost bouncing where I stand. “Excited baby?” he asks. “Yes.” I say again and he smiles. We head out to the waiting car and head to the vineyard. We drive under the arch that says Thera Vineyard and head to the front entrance. Once we are out of the car, we head inside, and a woman walks up to greet us. She’s taller than me and thinner. She has long blonde hair and looks elegant. I look down at the simple dress that I’m wearing and start feeling insecure, but I try to hide it. “Hello Mr. Edwards. My name is Elena. If you’ll follow me, we’ll get started on the tour.” She tells us, smiling up at Logan but he just nods politely. “She’s beautiful.” I whisper softly but he hears me. He leans down next to my ear and whispers “You’re perfect.” I look up at him and he brings my hand up to kiss my knuckles.

Elena takes the three of us to the first area. “This is our bottle room. You’ve booked the grape stomping for both red and white grapes. Here’s where you’ll choose your bottles and choose the name for your brand. How many bottles will you be requesting?” she asks. “Three. One for each of us.” He tells her and she says “Perfect. If you’ll choose your bottles and decide on a brand name.” We all walk around the wall, looking at all the bottles on the shelves. “All of the bottles are different.” I say. “They are. We have a glass blower that makes all of our bottles for us, so each bottle has its own personality.” She tells us. “That’s so cool.” I whisper. I look at all of the bottles and see one that I really like. The bottle has a rainbow coloring and it’s beautiful. I’d like this one.” I tell Elena. “The rainbow bottles. I have several of those myself.” She tells me as she takes the bottle from the shelf for me. After we choose our bottles, we move over to the counter, and she logs into the computer. “So, who’s name will these be under?” Elena asks. “Logan Edwards.” He tells her. “What are we thinking for a brand name?” she asks. “All three can be different, can’t they?” Logan asks. “Yes sir.” She tells him. “I’d like mine to be Leonard’s Grove.” Alice says. I look at her and she says, “My late father’s name.” and I smile. “What about you Mrs. Edwards?” she asks. “Mission’s Pride” I say and Alice and Logan both smile at me. “And you, Mr. Edwards?” she asks. “Mother’s Mission.” He says and I lace my fingers with his and he squeezes my hand.

After taking a tour of the vineyard, she leads us to where a picnic basket is sitting. “Everything you will need should be in the basket. Please feel free to walk the vineyard and picnic wherever you like.” She tells us and Logan grabs the basket, and we head out to walk. “This place is amazing.” Alice says. “It is. It’s incredible.” I say. We walk for a while and Logan asks, “How about here?” We both nod. Logan takes the blanket that was in the basket and spreads it out for us. He helps Alice to sit and then helps me to sit before sitting next to me. Alice starts taking everything out of the basket while I look around. Logan makes me a plate of fruit and cheese. “Eat mama.” He says and I smile at him. I take the plate and start snacking. Logan takes out the rest of our lunch and after we eat, Alice lounges and Logan lays his head in my lap. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asks. “I am. Thank you for this but what made you decide to surprise us with a trip?” I ask. “After Ashton told me about taking Izzy on a babymoon, I decided with everything you’ve been dealing with lately that you could use one and you’re not the only one that’s wanted to see Greece.” He says before looking over at Alice. “Really?” I ask and she nods. “The reason he chose this city is because I have family here. One of my cousins still lives here.” She tells me. “Are you going to get to see them?” I ask. “Yes. I’m going to spend a few days with them while we are here so you will have some time alone.” She tells us. “That’s amazing.” I tell her.

After sitting for a while, we head to back to the main building. After handing off the basket to one of the workers, Elena greets us again. “Did you enjoy your picnic?” she asks and this time she’s looking at me. “I did.” I tell her. “So, next is the wine tasting. Now, Mr. Edwards has informed us that you are expecting so we have some sparkling grape juice for you. Congratulations on the new addition.” She says and I smile softly. We head over to one of the tables and she brings over the first bottle. “I know you can’t drink it but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the aromas.” She tells us. Pouring a little in three glasses. “If you’ll take a whiff of this one, tell me what you smell.” She says. “Is that oak and citrus?” I ask. “It is. This one is a smooth oak with a citrus aftertaste. This particular bottle is a vintage 1921.” She tells us. “Oh wow.” Alice says. “If we find something we like, can we purchase the bottles?” Logan asks. “Of course. Just let me know which ones you would like, and we will put them aside for you.” She tells him. We sample four more bottles and Logan purchases three of them.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the grape stomp.” A man announces. Logan laces his fingers with mine with one hand and holds out his other arm for Alice. We walk over to one of the barrels and Logan helps us in before stepping in with us. The music starts to play, and we start stomping the grapes to the beat. After we finish two different kinds of red grapes and one kind of white grapes, we are at the spraying station, cleaning off our feet and once we’re done, we head to the front counter. “It’s been a pleasure helping you. I really hope you all enjoyed your day.” Elena tells us. “It was relaxing and kind of fun.” I tell her. “The bottles with the green corks are the ones that you chose at the wine tasting. The red corks are the ones that you stomped yourselves. The red corks need to ferment for at least one year before opening.” She tells us. “Thank you, Elena.” Logan says and we head out to the waiting car.

We go back to the hotel room and we order room service. After eating, Alice excuses herself to shower and head to bed while Logan and I sit on the balcony. He has a cup of coffee and I have a cup of tea and we sit and just look at the lights in the distance. “What do you think of Greece so far?” he asks. I look at him with a blissful smile and say “It’s more than I ever could have imagined. Logan, we stomped our own wine. How cool is that?” I ask. “It was pretty fun.” He says. I take a deep breath and relax in my chair before Logan stands. He walks over to me and takes my hand, helping me stand up. He takes a seat in the chair I was sitting in before pulling me into his lap. He wraps one arm around my waist and places his other hand on my barely there baby bump. I lay my head on his shoulder, and we just enjoy being together.

After spending the week in Greece, we board the plane to head home. Once we’re in the air, I’m watching the clouds and they look so majestic. “Are you okay honey?” he asks. I look at him and smile and say “I am. I feel so much more relaxed and look at this view. Those clouds look heavenly.” I tell him. “So, I figure we would take a few days when we get home to get settled in and then we can get with Ashton and Izzy about expanding the mission.” He tells me. “That sounds good to me.” I tell him.

Once we land, we are escorted to the car, and we head home. Pulling up at home, Hans takes our bags inside and Logan helps us out of the car. Walking into the house, Clyde greets us at the door. “There’s mama’s boy.” I say as I crouch down to pet him. When I stand, Ashton and Izzy greet us and after we hug them, Izzy says “Welcome home. How was Greece?” I smile and say “It was amazing. We had so much fun.” I tell her. “We have a surprise for you little sister.” Ashton tells me. “Surprise?” I ask and look at Logan and he’s smiling at me. “You know about this?” I ask. “He’s kind of behind it.” Izzy tells me. I look back at Logan and he’s smiling wide.

Logan leads us all to the patio and as soon as we walk outside, I stop in my tracks when I see her. “Mila?” I ask in a whisper. “Hey baby girl.” She says. “Oh my God. You’re here.” I say before rushing to her and into her open arms. She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tight as the tears start falling from both of our faces. When we separate, I look at Logan and say, “You found her.” He nods and I look back at Mila. “I can’t believe you’re here.” I say and we all move to take seats at the patio table. “A man named Rico found me. Said you were looking for me, but I didn’t recognize your last name until he told me your maiden name. I can’t believe you’re married. I can’t believe your father allowed it.” She tells me. “Oh, well, dad isn’t here anymore.” I tell her. “Good riddance.” She says and smiles at me. “So, tell me what you’ve been up to.” She says. “Well, you know how dad was. He had a friend living with him and they were both abusing me. I escaped and ran away. A girl I worked with at the diner helped me get away. I ended up at Izzy and Ashton’s mission. Logan was my lawyer. Helped me get a restraining order against dad and his friend. Helped me make sure the papers were filed to keep his friend from taking my baby.” I tell her. “You’re pregnant?” she asks. “I am. I’m almost four months.” I tell her. She looks at Logan and asks, “You’re going to be the father?” He nods and says, “The baby will never know I’m not their biological father.” I look at him and smile. “So, now, I’m working with Izzy to expand the mission to help young mothers get a better start.” I tell her. “I knew you were destined for better things honey. You were always so smart and compassionate.” She tells me. “Tell me what you’ve been up to.” I say. “Well, after your dad ran me off, I met someone. He’s amazing. We married a year after meeting. We’ve been married for eight years and have a six-year-old son, Jacob. He knows about you. We’ve actually been discussing how to find you.” She tells me.

After talking for a while, she goes to leave. Hugging me, she says “I would love to see you again.” I smile and before I can answer, Logan says “You and your family are welcome here anytime.” I look at him and he smiles at me. “Thank you, Logan.” She says. Looking at me, she says “You have my number. You need anything, I’m here.” She tells me and I nod my understanding. After she leaves, Logan and I move to the couch, and I lean against his shoulder. “You found Mila.” I whisper. “I did. She was important to you, and I want you to have a big family.” He tells me. I look up at him and say, “You’re my family.” He kisses me softly and says, “I know that baby but I want you to feel as much love as possible.” I cup his face and say “You make me feel more love than I’ve ever imagined feeling. You are my amazing man.” I tell him.

We spend the next few days just lazing around and relaxing. But then we have to get together with Ashton and Izzy about the expansion. Not to mention having another doctor’s appointment to check on the baby. “Wake up baby.” I hear Logan whisper. My eyes flutter open and I see his smiling face. “We have to get started. We have your appointment in an hour and then we’re meeting Izzy and Ashton at the mission.” He tells me. I sit up and he kisses me softly as his hand goes to my stomach.

After eating, we head to my doctor, and everything seems to be going perfectly. “You seem more relaxed than last time I saw you.” the doctor says. “Logan took me on an early babymoon.” I tell her. “That will do it. Where did you end up going?” she asks. “We spent a week in Greece.” Logan tells her. “Oh. That’s amazing. I hear it’s beautiful there.” She says. “It is. I’ve always wanted to go so he planned for an entire week there.” I tell her. “That’s great to hear. Now, it looks like you’re measuring right where you should be. You’re officially fifteen weeks along. We should be able to tell the gender at your next appointment. But until then, keep doing as you’re doing. Don’t let yourself get overly stressed and don’t overexert yourself. If you need anything or have any questions, call me.” She says before seeing herself out.

We head out and he walks me to the car. Helping me into the passenger seat, he buckles me in, like he always does and kisses me softly. “I love you.” He says softly. I smile and say, “I love you.” He gets into the driver’s seat, and we head to the mission. “How are you feeling?” he asks. “I’m good. I’m feeling good.” I tell him. I lay my head against the headrest and just watch the world go by with a smile on my face.

Once we get to the mission, we head inside and see Izzy and Ashton sitting in the sitting room with Mary, and Evan is with her. “Hey guys.” I say as we walk in. “Hey.” Mary says before standing and hugging me. “Hey guys. How was Greece?” Evan asks. “Amazing.” I tell him and he smiles as he hugs me. We all sit down, and Izzy says, “I thought we’d bring Evan and Mary into the conversation.” I nod and say, “Good idea.” Izzy brings out her notebook and pen and says “Okay, so you were talking about expanding the mission?” she asks. “I know, like when I got here, you have Susan to check out the baby but she’s a general practitioner, not an OBGYN. I was thinking about what would have happened to me and my baby had I not met Logan and I honestly don’t know what I would have done.” I tell them. “What are you thinking?” Evan asks. “Okay, so, say a girl comes in and is pregnant. She has nowhere to go. No one to help her. What are her choices? Either terminate the pregnancy or if she’s too far along to do that, put it up for adoption. But what if those weren’t her only choices?” I ask. They all look at me and listen. “There are so many dorms here. The mission already provides legal services, a safe place to stay and counseling. But what if you provided more? We could hire some case workers that would help them with finding jobs, setting up bank accounts to help them save their money. They could help them with finding childcare and help them eventually find an affordable place to live where they won’t have to work dead end jobs and struggle.” I tell them. They look at each other and Izzy says, “Are you willing to run that end of it?” she asks. “I’d like to. I mean, I know what that feels like. The minute I found out I was pregnant, I was scared I would have to abort or give them up for adoption when all I wanted to do was be able to raise my baby.” I tell them. “You’d understand better than anyone.” Ashton tells me. “So, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll reach out and put the word out that we’re hiring social workers and you and Izzy can interview them and tell them what the job would entail. Between Logan, Evan, and I, I’m sure we can get some of our contacts to provide jobs as needed.” Ashton tells me.

Once we talk to everyone and get a game plan together, Logan and I head to his office to check in and get some files that he needs to work at home. The rest of the day is spent with him in his home office and me in mine, him working on some of his cases and me working on an agenda to get the extension up and running.