Infinite (4 page)

Logan didn’t let me take so much as a step away, tightening his grip on my hips. “Caleb and Hilary will be married by the end of the day,” he explained to them. “Cassandra and I were just discussing how happy we are for them.”

He kissed the top of my head and I smiled, peering up into his clear blue eyes.

“They’re getting married
today
?” Julia bounced up and down, clasping her hands in front of her. “That’s incredible news! A lot to do, though.”

And with that, Julia and Luke disappeared inside the room, leaving us alone again. Instantly, my own relationship fell into the background. I was a maid of honor, and today would be about Hilary.

“You know…” I attempted to shimmy away from Logan’s grasp, but with no success. “Caleb probably has a lot invested already. It’s not really fair for him to lose out—”

“I’ll settle things fairly with Caleb.” He held me even closer. “You don’t worry about that.”

“Can we get our best friends married first, then discuss our own future?” I asked pleadingly.

After one more kiss, he nodded. “Of course. I’ve got to get a minister down here, and I’m sure Hilary has plenty for you to do too.”

“Yeah,” I agreed softly, staring at my feet. The idea of marrying Logan in a week was still buzzing around my head. “You’re right.” I looked back up and smiled. “This is her day.”

“Oh my God!” Julia swung the door open and darted out toward us. “We’ve got to go get her dress, and hope that it’ll even fit. And find her some flowers! Then…”

Her words faded as she led me back into Hilary’s room, with Logan still standing in the same spot. One glance back to his eyes still on me tightened my heart, reminding me exactly why he was the man I was going to marry.

I’d never thought I’d spend a Sunday evening in a hospital chapel, but that’s exactly what I was about to do. Logan had all the right connections, and managed to get a minister there shortly after dinner. Julia made sure the perfect bouquet—exactly what the florist was hired to do for the original wedding—was created in time for the ceremony while I took care of the dress.

And despite the gown being a little roomy in the stomach area, the fit wasn’t too bad. Hilary insisted it was comfortable and her dream gown, no matter how it looked. I, myself, was thankful my maid-of-honor gown was back from the seamstress, and after a quick call to the salon we had two women coming down to the hospital for hair and makeup.

“You look beautiful,” I said to Hilary, pulling a mirror from her hands.

Her eyes darted to mine. “I had a baby last night, and now...” She looked lost, as if searching for something to convince herself it was all real.

“And now you’re marrying your dream guy,” I finished for her. “You look amazing.”

“I was wheeled down here, Cassandra. Fall risk and all.” She held up her wrist and shook it; the brightly colored “RISK” label next to her ID band was a constant reminder to everyone that this wasn’t the most normal wedding day.

“Quinn is perfect. Your milk will be in before you know it, and you’ll be able to feed him the way you want. Plus, the doctors are optimistic he’ll be out of here sooner than expected. You got this, Hil. You have your family, and in a few minutes, you’ll be Mrs. Hilary Townsend. Just like you used to scribble in your notebooks.”

Slowly, her face lit up with a glowing smile.

“Now relish the moment, because your little man’s gonna be needing you soon. Deal?”

Her hug caught me off guard when she sprung from the wheelchair, but I went with it, clutching her tightly.

“Thank you, Cassie.” She pulled back, tears brimming in her eyes.

“None of that now.” I grabbed a tissue from a lifesaving secret pocket in my dress and handed it to her. “Save those happy tears for after the ceremony.”

We shared a silent smile just as Julia entered. “Okay, Caleb and Logan are inside, Luke is watching Quinn, and your parents just arrived,” she told Hilary.

When Julia said “watching,” what Hilary didn’t realize was that both Luke and Quinn were actually inside the chapel, waiting; no way was Caleb leaving him out, if he could help it. I’m not sure how he’d managed to get the head maternity nurse down to the chapel to have his premature son present for the ceremony, but he had. And Caleb wouldn’t have done so if it wasn’t safe.

“Luke shouldn’t have to miss this,” Hilary said.

“He’s a guy,” Julia replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. “He just wants you and Caleb to not have to worry, and to have a memorable ceremony.”

“You got yourself a good guy,” she told Julia.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Is Oliver coming?” Hilary asked, looking hopeful. “He’s the ring bearer, after all.”

Julia’s smile wavered. “He’s been stuck in traffic with my mom for over an hour. Sorry.”

“I know he’s probably bummed he’s missing it,” I cut in, knowing how much Oliver was looking forward to the wedding originally. “But once he sees you have a little baby boy for him to play with, he’ll be good.”

Julia nodded through her chuckle, telling Hilary, “Yeah, Logan made me promise not to tell him. He wants to see his face when he hears he’s not going to be playing with dolls at your house.”

Hilary’s dad appeared behind us, her mom having already slipped inside. “You ready?”

“Hi, Daddy.” She gave him a hug, then slid her arm through his. “Never been more ready in my life.”

The double doors to the chapel opened. I entered first, my eyes instantly connecting with Logan’s before treating themselves to a full sweep down his body. I’d seen him in a suit plenty of times but never in a tux, and until that moment, I’d never have thought there’d be a difference. But I was seriously mistaken.

Logan’s lips turned up as he caught my appreciation. He returned his own, his fiery gaze devouring me with one slow appraisal, telling me he also very much liked what he saw.

I met Luke near the front of the chapel. He handed me a sleeping Quinn, wrapped in white, to give to Logan to hold during the ceremony. But as I moved past Caleb to hand the baby to Logan, Caleb snared my arm gently.

“I’ll take him,” he whispered, already gathering his son into his arms.

I only nodded with an understanding smile, then found my spot on the other side. Julia came up behind me just as the music changed, and the few guests in attendance rose.

It wasn’t quite the outdoor lavish affair Hilary had planned, but it felt exactly like a wedding should. The groom was madly in love, and there was no denying it—his entire body was noticeably rigid, his stare locked on his bride as she walked through the double doors. His face shone with complete adoration as she approached him, her father planting a quick kiss on her cheek before giving her away to the man who would lay down his life in an instant to protect her.

It wasn’t until Hilary was stepping up beside Caleb that he maneuvered his body fully to face her and revealed their son’s presence.

Hilary let out a gasp and covered her mouth with a trembling hand, tears springing to her eyes. When she reached Caleb, she leaned in to kiss their son’s forehead before Caleb handed the little bundle to Logan.

The sight sent my heart into my throat, a rush of endorphins flooding my system. Logan holding a baby did something crazy to my insides. Right then and there, I knew I wanted to give him that, a baby we created together. There wasn’t a single fear or doubt to be found. Logan West was my soulmate in every way. And as soon as I had him alone that night, I planned to let him know that in six days, I’d be honored to call him my husband.

Quinn was wriggling in his arms so Logan raised him to his shoulder, patting his back softly, just like a pro. I couldn’t look away, despite the occasion. I wondered if he felt the weight of my stare or had caught onto a wave of my thoughts as he peered over at me with that knowing smirk of his I loved.

Yes, Logan, you look very sexy.

My appreciative but perhaps inappropriately timed perusal was interrupted by the minister clearing his throat.

“If we’re ready?” the man asked me directly, sending my cheeks up in flames.

Hilary giggled, peering over her shoulder at me, then nodded for him to proceed.

I couldn’t help stealing peeks at Logan while our best friends took their vows, and he caught me every time. “I love you,” he mouthed, and my stomach danced.

“The rings?” the minister interrupted me again.

“Oh! H-here.” I stepped forward, having been charged with the task since Logan was holding the baby.

     And then, in a nearly empty chapel on the bottom floor of our hometown hospital, Hilary got her family and her happily ever after.

Chapter 6

After the wedding, Caleb and Hilary said their quick goodbyes. Hilary’s exhaustion was evident—not that anyone didn’t completely understand, as she’d had a pretty busy weekend.

Logan offered us up as babysitters for Quinn when they were ready for a honeymoon, and even though he didn’t ask me first, he didn’t need to. Of course we’d happily watch him anytime we could.

Hilary’s mom began sniffling at my side. “I can’t believe she’s married.”

“She’s happy,” I said, watching Caleb push Hilary in the wheelchair she’d gotten back into immediately after the ceremony. The nurse rolled Quinn’s bassinet beside them.

“Yes, she is. But what about you?” She turned fully to face me. “You and that Logan fellow have been engaged for quite a while, it seems.” Her gaze shot to Logan standing a few feet away, talking to Luke. “Only reason a girl waits is because she’s unsure. Heard he’s got quite the reputation.”

I shook my head, suddenly feeling very defensive. “We’ve only been engaged a few months. He’s a good man. I love him very much.”

“What’s not to love? The man’s got plenty going for him, but obviously something’s missing. And marriage isn’t just about love; everyone knows that. It takes work. Gotta make sure you marry more than just a pretty face and hands that know how to pleasure you.”

My discomfort reached a new level, and thankfully her husband noticed; Hilary’s father was always there to apologize for his wife. But sadly, he’d made a habit of it, which was probably why she never saw fit to raise
her level of tact.

“Sorry, she’s been—” he started as his wife walked away.

I touched his arm, shaking my head. “She’s fine. I’m glad you both could come today.”

An appreciative smile lit his usually somber face. “You’ll make a wonderful wife one day when
you’re
ready, Cassie. And Logan or any man would be damn lucky to have you.”

The words penetrated deep into a part of my heart I’d long since sealed off. Mr. Robinson was the closest semblance of a father I’d ever had.

“Thank you,” I choked out, fighting back tears my father didn’t deserve. But the loss of having a real dad always brought them anyway.

Our drive home felt longer than usual as a foreboding, nearly suffocating silence had all of a sudden settled between us as we left the hospital. I wondered if Logan could feel the nervous anticipation radiating from me, because I definitely picked up on an icy tension emitting from him. I wasn’t sure what exactly his deal was, though I figured it had something to do with our own wedding plans.

I wanted to tell him right then and there that I’d marry him next weekend, but some part of me felt I should wait until we were alone in our room that night—maybe draw a warm bubble bath, add some candles for a romantic ambience, or wear something sexy to make the moment memorable.

How we’d manage to get it all organized with so little time and me back at school teaching that very next week—only two days after saying “I do” while Logan was busier than ever with work, as well—was going to be the toughest obstacle. Luckily, the school system was testing a new year-round schedule and I had this week off (as did Oliver, who was in my class this year and perfectly behaved, just as I’d expected). But there was no possible way I could take the first few days after the wedding off for a honeymoon, so that would have to wait until at least the next month or possibly the holidays.