Whiskey In The Water

Chapter 8-Logan

Chapter 8

Logan

I lead Lori into my office, and she walks to my desk and asks for a notepad and pen. I give her what she asks for, and she moves to the couch to call Izzy. I just sit and look at her for a few minutes and I can’t believe how strong my woman is. She picks up her phone and makes the call. “Hey Izzy…no, everything’s great…I wanted to talk to you about Mary…Yeah, I got her to talk to Logan and he’s filing a restraining order for her…The only thing is that she’s going to have to see the judge and give a statement but Logan is going to talk to him and see if she can give her statement in his chambers so that she doesn’t have to face her mom…He’s going to ask if I can be there with her and I was wondering if you would be there with her too…Great. As soon as we know when we’re meeting, I’ll text you…Thanks Izzy.” She says before ending her call and I’m still looking at her. “What?” she asks when she sees me looking. “Do you realize how amazing you are?” I ask and she looks down at her hands, shyly. “Come here.” I tell her and she comes over to the desk and I take her hand and pull her to stand between my legs. “I love you.” I tell her again. “I promise I’m getting there.” She tells me. “In your time.” I tell her and she leans down and kisses me softly.

I pull her down into my lap and she tenses just a little bit. I cup her cheek and say, “I won’t hurt you.” She puts her forehead to mine and says, “I know.” When we separate, I tell her. “I’m calling my friend Evan Black. We went to law school together and we’re still good friends. I want you on the call with me.” I tell her and she nods. I call Evan and he answers on the second ring. “Hello Logan. What’s up?” he asks. “Hey Evan. I need a favor.” I tell him. “What can I help you with?” he asks. “You know I’ve been helping at the mission. Well, there’s a new resident there. I have my fiancé; Lori is on the call with us, so I’ll let her tell you about the favor.” I say and Lori looks at me shocked and I nod my encouragement. “Hi Evan.” She says. “Hello Lori. What can I do to help?” he asks. “We were there this morning, and I saw a girl there named Mary. She was sitting in the kitchen, and I started talking to her. She’s seventeen and ran away from home. According to her, her mom is an addict and was using her to pay her dealer for her drugs. Logan is filing a restraining order for her, and we know she will have to be at the hearing to give her statement, but we were wondering if she could give her statement in your chambers so that she doesn’t have to face her mom.” She says. “I don’t see that being a problem.” Evan tells her. “Would it be possible for me and Izzy Montgomery to be there with her to make sure she’s comfortable?” she asks. “Absolutely. I know it’s going to be hard on her so if you two being there makes her more comfortable then by all means. I know Logan will be there as her attorney. Will she need to be emancipated or is someone taking custody of her?” Evan asks. “She turns eighteen on Sunday so there’s not really any need.” Logan says. “Okay. Good. File the paperwork and have her served and we will get her scheduled as soon as possible.” Evan says and we end the call.

“I’m going to get my journal. Can I write in here while you work?” she asks. “Of course. You never have to ask.” I tell her. She heads to her office to get her journal and a pen and a minute later she’s walking back in, and I see she’s also put on one of my hoodies. “That looks good on you.” I tell her. “Sorry. I’m a little chilly and it looked comfy.” She tells me. “Honey, you can wear anything of mine you want.” I tell her and she smiles softly before sitting on the couch and looking down at her journal. I turn to my computer and get started on typing up the restraining order and then shoot off a text to Ashton to get Rico to serve her. “Logan?” she asks. “Yes baby?” I ask. “I was thinking about something.” She says. “Okay?” I say, curiously. “I know all of this is stressing Mary out and her birthday is Sunday. Do you think maybe we could get just a couple of us together and give her a cake or something?” she asks. “Text Izzy so her and Ashton can be there. Tell them we’re meeting there at noon on Sunday, and we can get her a gift. We can ask Alice to make her a cake.” I tell her. “Thank you, Logan.” She says and I wink at her before going to answer some emails.

A little later, we are lying in bed and Lori is snuggled against me. I kiss the top of her head, and she snuggles closer. “I’ll be back.” I tell her and get out of bed. I walk into the walk-in closet and open the drawer where I keep family heirlooms. I take out the item I’m looking for and walk back into the bedroom to see Lori watching me. I sit on the side of the bed and say “I love you. I know I’ve said it before and I know you’re not there yet but, Lori, you and our baby mean so much to me. I see you and I can see how amazing you are and how strong you are. We’ve already been calling you my fiancé so I was wondering if you would be willing to make it official. Will you marry me, Lori? Be my wife.” I say and she smiles softly. Leaning forward, she cups my face with both hands and says, “I’d love to.” I kiss her softly and then I slip the ring onto her finger. She looks at it and then at me, shocked. “Logan. This is beautiful.” I pull her into my lap and say “It was my grandmother’s. My grandfather gave it to her as soon as she turned eighteen. They were married for over fifty years.” I tell her and she lays her head on my chest and says, “I want to get married before the baby gets here if that’s okay.” I kiss her temple and say, “Anything you want baby.”

The next morning, we get up and get ready for our day. Heading down for breakfast, we see Alice standing at the stove, cooking. “Good morning my babies.” Alice says. “Good morning mom.” I say. “Morning Alice.” Lori says and she walks over and hugs Alice. “How are you this morning?” Alice asks her. “Good. Logan proposed to me last night.” She tells Alice and she looks at me and smiles. “I’m so happy for both of you.” Alice says. “You’d be proud of our girl here.” I say. “I’m proud of both of you every day.” Alice says and I say “We were at the mission yesterday morning and Lori saw a new girl there and got her talking and got her to talk to me so that I could help her. Apparently, no one could get her to talk. She even got the girl to talk to Kathy.” I tell her and she looks at Lori, so proud. “We spoke to Evan last night and he’s going to help get the restraining order and let her give her statement in his chambers and Lori got him to let her and Izzy be there for support.” I tell her. “If anyone understands that fear it’s Lori but you also know how to help her past it.” She tells Lori. “I’m still working on it, but I see what you’re saying.” Lori says.

After breakfast, we head to the mission. We walk in and see one of the receptionists and ask, “Can you tell me where to find Mary Carter?” She looks up from the computer. “I think she’s in the sitting room.” She tells us and we head that way. Walking into the sitting room, we see her sitting at one of the tables, drawing. When we walk up, Lori speaks softly. “Mary?” she asks. Mary looks up and sees us and puts her pencil down. “Hey.” She says softly. “Can we sit?” I ask and she nods her head yes. We take seats across from her and Lori says “Logan got the restraining order handled last night and she’s being served today. We also spoke to Logan’s friend and he’s going to let you give your statement in his chambers and Izzy and I can be there with you.” Mary looks up at her and I can tell she’s still tense. “What is it?” I ask. “What if I still run into her?” Mary asks and Lori looks at me. “Let me call and see if he can come here and get your statement.” I say before standing and moving to the other side of the room to call Evan.

He answers on the second ring and asks, “What can I do for you Logan?” I laugh and say, “What makes you think I need something?” I ask. “Because you’re calling during business hours.” He tells me. “Fair enough. The young woman we were talking about last night. She’s worried about being at the courthouse because she’s scared she’s still going to run into her mother. I’m a little worried about her leaving the mission until this is handled because if she’s at the courthouse, her mom could follow her to the mission.” I tell him. “Are you with her now?” he asks. “We are.” I tell him. “Let her know I’ll be there in an hour, and we can do it there.” He tells me. “Thanks man. I owe you one.” I tell him before ending the call.

I walk back over to the table and tell Lori “Text Izzy and let her know to be here in an hour.” I look at Mary and say, “Evan will be here in about an hour to take your statement, so you don’t have to risk running into your mom.” I tell her and she visibly relaxes. “Thank you.” Lori mouths to me and I just nod.

An hour later, Izzy walks in with Evan behind her. Izzy walks over to the table where Lori and Mary sit and Evan walks over to me and he looks at Mary. “Thanks for this man.” I say and he seems to snap out of his little trance that he was in and says “Yeah. Let’s get started.” I smirk and lead him over to the table.

We walk up and I say “Mary, Lori, this is Evan Black, the judge I was telling you about. Evan, you know Izzy, but this is Mary Carter and my fiancé Lori Jones.” I tell him. “It’s nice to meet you ladies. Congratulations on the engagement Lori.” He says. “Let’s sit.” I say. Once we are all seated, Evan and I are on one side of the table and Lori, Mary, and Izzy on the other and I see both ladies reach for Mary’s hands in support.

Evan takes out his note pad and pen and says “I know you went over this with Logan, but I need you to walk me through it. Take your time. We’re not in any hurry.” He tells her. “My name is Mary Carter. I’m seventeen, eighteen on Sunday. My mom, Lana Carter, is an addict. She’s on meth. She has been using me to pay her dealer for her drugs.” She tells him. “This next question is going to be a hard one, but I have to hear it from you. How was she using you for payment?” he asks, and she lets go of Izzy’s hand and wipes away a tear that falls. “She was letting him have s*x with me.” Mary says. “Was it consensual?” he asks. “No. He’s bigger than me. He would hold me down. I tried to fight him off several times, but he would punch me or choke me out and r**e me anyway.” She tells him. “Are you planning to stay here until you can get on your feet?” he asks. “I am. Izzy said I can stay here as long as I need.” She tells him and Izzy takes her hand again and squeezes it for support. “That’s all I need. Here’s what’s going to happen. Monday morning is her court date. I’ll listen to her side but it’s just a technicality. I’m granting the restraining order, but I would advise you to stay inside this building until you know for sure that she’s going to leave you alone.” He tells her. “I will. Thank you.” She tells him and he nods before standing.

I walk him to the lobby and outside. “You okay man?” I ask. Evan looks at me and asks, “Did she give you any information on the dealer?” I shake my head no but say “No but I will find out.” I tell him. “Do that.” He tells me and I smirk. “She turns eighteen on Sunday. That’s only three days away.” I tell him. “I heard that.” He says. “We’re giving her a small party here at noon on Sunday. Bring a gift.” I tell him and pat his shoulder before heading back inside.

Lori meets me in the lobby as I walk back in and she says, “Izzy is taking her to see Kathy.” She tells me. “Good. Let’s do a little shopping.” I tell her. “What are we shopping for?” she asks. “Gift for Sunday.” I tell her and we head to the car. After getting her buckled in, I get into the driver’s seat and she asks, “Is Evan okay?” I look at her and ask “Yeah. Why do you ask?” She looks at me and says, “His knuckles were white when he was taking notes.” I take her hand and say “He hates hearing what she went through. He hates this s**t just like we do.” I tell her. “If you say so.” She says and I ask, “What are you thinking?” She looks back at me and says, “I think he might be into her.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles and say, “I invited him to her party Sunday.” She smiles and says, “That’s good.”

We walk into the local mall, and I ask, “What do you think she’d like?” Lori looks around at the stores and says, “I know she likes to draw.” I smile and lace my fingers with hers and lead her into the store where I bought her journals. “Welcome back. Here for more journals?” the saleswoman asks. She’s the same one that helped me before. “Not this time.” I say and Lori looks at me confused. “I bought your journals here. This is the saleswoman that helped me pick everything out.” I tell her and she smiles at the woman. “Actually, we’re looking for a gift for a friend. She loves to draw.” Lori tells her. “I got you. Follow me.” The saleswoman says and we follow her to an art section.

After grabbing all we need for the gift and a carrying case for it all, we head home. Once we’re home, we head to the kitchen to eat, and I text Ashton to see if he can get Rico to find out the dealer’s information and then text Evan.

Lori said Mary likes to draw.

We got her supplies

I put my phone on the top of the island as we start to eat and talk. My phone buzzes with a text and I see it’s from Evan and I can’t help but smirk.

Thanks for the input.

Sunday morning, we wake up and Lori has her back to me, and my arms are around her. I move my hand to her stomach, and she places her hand over mine. “Good morning honey.” I say. “Good morning.” Lori whispers. I place a soft kiss on her shoulder, and she turns to face me. She places a hand on my cheek and leans forward and kisses me softly. We just lay there looking at each other when her stomach starts to growl. We both start laughing and I say, “Let’s feed you mama.” She kisses me one more time before we get out of bed and get dressed.

When we get to the kitchen, we sit at the island and Alice places our plates in front of us before getting her own and joining us. “This is delicious mom.” I say and Lori nods her agreement with a mouth full of food. “Thank you, son.” She says and looks at Lori. “I made the cake like you asked. You said she likes to draw so I got a little creative.” She tells us. Lori looks at her confused and I say, “Alice used to decorate cakes back in the day.” Lori looks at her shocked and Alice stands and gets the cake from the counter and takes the lid off. It’s decorated in every color of the rainbow and has pencils and a sketch drawn on with Happy 18th Birthday Mary around the bottom of it. “Alice, this is perfect.” Lori tells her. “It goes along with your art theme for her.” Alice says. “You’re the best, mom.” I tell her and she winks at me, and we go back to eating breakfast.

We get to the mission about noon and see Ashton and Izzy pulling up with Evan pulling up behind them. We all get out of our cars, and I carry the cake and Lori carries our gift. We head inside and Kathy sees us. She knew about our plan. “She’s in the sitting room.” She tells us and we head that way. Walking into the room, Mary looks up and sees us and looks shocked. “Surprise.” Lori and Izzy say together. Mary stands up and hugs both ladies and says, “You didn’t have to do this.” When she sees us holding a cake and some gifts. “It’s your birthday. You deserve a party.” Lori tells her and Mary hugs her again. “I’ve never had a party before.” Mary says. “Oh, we’re so changing that.” Izzy says and we all nod our agreement.

I put the cake on the table, and she looks at it. “This is amazing.” Mary says. “Our housekeeper made it.” Lori tells her and Mary says, “Tell her thank you?” Lori nods. “Let’s do the candles.” Izzy says before putting the candles on the cake and after we sing Happy Birthday to her and she blows out the candles, we start cutting the cake. After we eat and talk, Lori says “Want to open your gifts?” Mary nods her head yes and Izzy hands her the gift from them. Opening the gift bag, she pulls out a cardigan sweater and stands to put it on. “I love it. Thank you.” Mary says and she snuggles into the sweater. “Your other one looked a little worn. Thought you could use a new one for your new start.” Ashton says. “It’s perfect.” Mary says. I hand her the gift from us, and she opens it and looks at us confused. “It’s a carrying case for your art supplies.” I tell her. “I don’t have any supplies.” She says sadly. “Look inside.” Lori says and she opens it up and she looks at us and smiles. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.” Mary says. “You don’t have to say anything. You’re one of us now and we support each other.” I tell her and she smiles wide.

Next up is Evan. “I got you something too.” He tells her and hands her an envelope. She pulls out the piece of paper and reads it before looking at him shocked. “What is it?” Lori asks. “Art classes at the community college.” She says softly. She reads a little more and says, “This says there are two spots reserved?” she asks. “I thought I could take the class with you. I used to draw some myself.” Evan says. “I’d like that. Thank you. Oh my God. I can’t believe this.” She says and I see her wipe away a tear. “This has been the best birthday. Thank you all.” Mary says and we all spend a little more time talking and hanging out and I’m standing to the side with Evan and Ashton while the ladies fuss over her more. “Art lessons for two?” I ask. Evan shrugs his shoulder and says, “Didn’t think she was ready to go out alone.” I smirk and say “Of course.” And Ashton is smiling along with me.

After a bit, we get ready to go and as we are leaving, we see Evan walk over and start talking to Mary. As we walk out the door, Lori looks at me and asks, “Did you know that’s what he was getting her?” I shake my head and say “No. But he did have a point when I asked him about it. He said he didn’t think she was ready to go out alone.” She nods and says “No she’s not. But he needs to be patient with her.” Before she turns to look out the window.

We get home and as soon as we walk in, Clyde meets us at the door and so does Alice. “How’s the birthday girl?” she asks. “She’s okay. She loved the cake and said to tell you thank you.” Lori says. “Good. Now, head to the patio and I’ll bring your lunch.” She tells us and we head that way.

Walking out to the patio, I pull out the chair for Lori and help her sit before taking my own. We look out at the garden and Lori looks deep in thought. “What’s on your mind honey?” I ask. “I just don’t understand.” She says. “Don’t understand what sweetheart?” I ask. She looks at me and says, “How a mother could let someone do those things to their child.” I see her place her hand on her stomach, and I say “Her mom is sick. Addiction makes you do things that you wouldn’t ever imagine doing. Mary should never have been put through those things. No one should but, honey, she has us now. You understand what she’s going through more than any of us but there isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do to help protect her. I know Ashton and Izzy feel the same.” I tell her. “Seems like Evan does too.” She says. “Seems that way.” I tell her.

“Tell me about Evan.” Lori says. “What do you want to know?” I ask. “If he’s going to be spending time with her…” she starts, and I cut her off. “Honey, he’s a good man. He’s also very patient and very protective. I don’t think there’s anyone better to help her than him. But if it will make you feel better, we can invite him to dinner so that you can talk to him and maybe give him some input on how to help her.” I tell her. “I’d like that.” She says. “You seem really protective of her.” I tell her. “I never had any siblings and neither has she.” Lori says. “You’ll be an amazing big sister.” I tell her before reaching for her hand and she smiles up at me.

Alice brings our plates out and we start to eat, and Alice joins us. “Logan said we could have Evan over for dinner so I can talk to him.” Lori says. “About Mary’s case?” she asks. “No. Seems our friend has taken a liking to Mary.” I tell her and she smiles. “Like you did with your bride to be over here?” Alice asks. I look at Lori and she’s smirking at me. “Oh yeah. Just like that.” I say as I pop a bite of my BLT into my mouth. “Well, let me know what you need from me.” Alice says. “Thanks mom.” I say and she pats my hand. “So, what all did she get for her birthday?” Alice asks. “We got her art supplies and a carrying case. Ashton and Izzy got her a nice cardigan. Hers was so worn out and they thought it would be a good symbol of a new start.” I tell her. “Didn’t you say Evan was going to be there? What did he get her?” she asks. “He reserved two spots in some art classes at the community college. Apparently, he used to draw and decided to get back into it and didn’t think she would want to go to the classes alone.” Lori says. “That was nice of him. But is she comfortable with him?” Alice asks.

“That’s why we’re going to have Evan over for dinner to talk to him about it and help him with getting her comfortable with being around him.” I tell her. “Maybe we should have him come along with us to visit her. She might get more comfortable with him if we’re there for support.” Lori says. “That’s not a bad idea. After lunch, I’ll have Evan come for dinner tonight.” I tell her and Alice stands. “Well, let me get started on a menu.” Before kissing the top of both of our heads and heading inside. I look at Lori and she’s smiling at me.