Last Flight Read online

  ‘Are you my uncle’s girlfriend? Because that would make my uncle a prince.’ She beamed.

  ‘Ahh, of course she is. I remember now.’ Smiled Judy.

  ‘No, Emilia is just a friend.’ Said Logan. ‘And, little miss, your uncle isn’t a prince. It’s your daddy who is the prince, he’s the good man.’ He said, lifting her into the air, causing her to scream and laugh.

  ‘So are you.’

  ‘Your daddy is better than me. Have you missed me, princess?’ She nodded and hugged his neck. ‘Sorry I’ve been away so long.’

  ‘It’s okay. Did you miss me?’

  ‘Every single day, but we got to Skype. I’m glad I’m here now.’ He kissed his niece on the cheek and put her down. Emilia was standing awkwardly in the corner, Robbie in her arms.

  ‘Everybody, this is Emilia. He brought her more into the room. ‘We met on the flight here and her hotel messed up, so I offered her to come here. This is Robbie, her son. He smiled. Fiona offered her a drink and a sit down. Logan sat beside her on the couch with Robbie in between them.

  ‘Do you all live here?’ Asked Emilia.

  ‘No, I live down the street. My apartment has three bedrooms unlike this massive house with five. Honestly, there’s no need.’ He chuckled.

  ‘Maybe there would have been if you had gone in the Navy, instead of going to University. Where’s that degree got you, eh?’ He joked.

  ‘Maybe I just don’t have anyone to share a five-bedroom house with.’

  ‘Yet.’ Winked Adrian.

  ‘I bet you three are exhausted. Plus, your body blocks will be all wrong.’ Said Fiona.

  ‘Aye. I think we should get this little one to bed, but first I need to see my baby boy.’ He smiled. Emilia was shocked at this use of ‘we’ and ‘baby boy’ who was he referring to?

  ‘He’s in the garden.’

  The group followed him to the garden and a black scruffy looking dog was bathing in the sun.

  ‘Roger.’ He called. The dog’s ears pricked and as soon as he noticed Logan, he bounded over in three strides. He was taken down by the ball of fur. ‘Hey, boy! I missed you too. I’m back for good now and I’m never leaving you again.’ He hugged the dog’s scruffy head.

  ‘This is home.’ He smiled, placing their bags down. They had walked from Adrian’s and felt better for the fresh air, Roger padded quietly at their sides. He gave Emilia a tour of the house and showed her to her room. It was plain. The walls were white and there was a double bed in the middle with two bedside tables at each side. There were no photos, but why would there be? It was a guest bedroom after all.

  ‘You’re quite welcome to use both of the spare bedrooms if you want to.’ He smiled. ‘I’ll get Adrian to bring an old cot round, so you can both sleep better.’ His smile was infectious even when she was so tired.

  ‘You’re too kind. Have you got some towels? I was going to have a shower and bathe him.’

  ‘Of course, love.’

  All three had washed and changed. Robbie had enjoyed his bath with some toy boats Logan brought him from his babysitting times. The two of them were now sitting in their pajamas even if it was eleven o’clock in the morning, Roger was in the garden soaking up the morning sun. They hadn’t yet had a proper sleep. Robbie was asleep in Emilia’s room and they had the TV on. Logan had lay down on his couch and his eyes were soon drifting until he had fallen asleep. She couldn’t find any blankets to cover him with. Was it acceptable to go into a man’s room who she had only known for roughly twelve hours? She did it anyway and picked up his quilt. His room was bare aside from a photo on his cabinet of the family who had been in the previous house and one with and Roger as a puppy. She took one of his pillows and walked to the front room. She placed his quilt over him and gently lifted his head to play his pillow underneath. He snuggled into it and smiled. He was handsome, she thought, returning to her own bedroom for some sleep.

  Emilia woke, and Robbie was just stirring.

  ‘Hey, baby. Are we all better now?’ She smiled. The clock told her it was just past three in the afternoon. She walked to the living room and Logan was still snuggled into his couch. ‘He’s a sleepy head.’ Smiled Emilia, bouncing Robbie. He was giggling and squirming, she placed him on the carpet with some toys. He was starting to bum-shuffle and crawl but not walking yet. Emilia could only see Logan’s thick mop of hair as he had buried himself in his covers. Something about it made her laugh, he was like a child who had come back from a long activity weekend. Robbie gave a particularly loud shriek and Logan awoke.

  ‘I’m so sorry, I’ll take him somewhere else.’

  ‘Don’t apologize, love. I need to wake up anyway, or I won’t sleep tonight.’ He smiled sleepily. It was a good look on him. His voice was thick with sleep and his hair was disheveled.

  ‘I’ll make us some coffee.’ She smiled.

  As she did so, Robbie crawled over to him and he picked the boy up and placed him on his chest as he was still lying down.

  ‘Hello, you.’ He smiled. ‘Shall we see what’s on TV?’ He asked. Robbie squealed ‘eyaahh’. ‘I’ll take that as a yes.’ He used the remote and flicked through the channels. ‘All a bit rubbish. I know a better game.’ He smirked. He lifted the quilt to hide his face. ‘Where’s Robbie gone?’ Then he popped his head back. ‘There he is!’ Robbie laughed loudly. ‘Where’s Robbie gone?... There he is!’ Robbie gripped the quilt and tried to pull it up. ‘You’re so clever.’ He grinned.

  Emilia was watching the exchange from the kitchen as he had an open plan apartment. It made her heart melt, someone being so good with her son, and not just because they wanted her. She had had jerks like that. No one had been as tender with him. Logan’s affections were real enough, but that scared her a little. He was offering so much, yet she had nothing.

  ‘He seems to enjoy that.’ She smiled, placing his coffee on the table.

  ‘Works with them all, darling.’ He chuckled, sitting up and placing Robbie next to him on the couch between Emilia and him. He took a swig of coffee and sat back.

  ‘Is there anywhere you would like to go? I feel we would all be better for a day out. Help us sleep tonight. What do you say I ask Fiona and Adrian? Maybe we could go to a park?’

  ‘That sounds lovely.’

  The entire family went along to the trip. Fiona was holding James and Ellie’s hands, Adrian was supporting Judy, and Logan was walking Roger, whilst Emilia pushed Robbie in his pram. She felt slightly out of the mix, like she was intruding. She shouldn’t be there. She should have her own people to do this with, yet she didn’t.

  ‘Everything alright, love?’ He smiled softly, bumping her shoulder.

  ‘Just thinking.’

  ‘What about? Me.’ He smirked, shooting her a wink.

  ‘You wish.’ She flirted. ‘I just didn’t expect all this.’ She replied.

  ‘We’re not a massive family, we have room for two more.’ He chuckled. Family? They had only known each other half a day. How could he consider her as part of the family? Maybe she was overthinking it all.

  Fiona had made a picnic for them all they lay out on a blanket.

  ‘What sandwich would you like, Judy?’ She asked, handing out juice cartons to her children.

  ‘Cheese, please, dear.’

  ‘Uncle Logan! Do rocket with me!’ Shouted James.

  ‘Rocket? You’re ten. You’re nearly as tall as your dad now, mate. How am I supposed to do that?’

  ‘Pleeeeeaaaseee. Please, Uncle Logan. For me.’ He gave up.

  ‘Fine.’ Logan hoisted the boy over his shoulder and started running. ‘Oooh, prepare for take-off! Ready? We have lift off!’ Logan raised the boy above his head and made rocket noises. James was crying with laughter.

  ‘That’s all I can manage now, kid.’ He placed him down and shuffled up to Emilia. ‘Houston, we have a problem. My back has gone.’ He laughed.

  ‘My turn! My turn!’ Screamed Ellie.

  ‘It’s only fair.’ Laughed Emili
a, giving him a nudge.

  ‘I’m glad Robbie isn’t old enough yet.’ He chuckled.

  Yet, thought Emilia. She highly doubted Logan would know her by then. He did the same for his niece, when he had finished he lay down beside Emilia who had her back against the three.

  ‘I saved you a ham sandwich, and a Sprite.’

  ‘My hero,’ He smirked. ‘But I think it’s another sleep I need if you’re offering that.’ She tried her best to ignore his little comment, but she’d be lying if she hadn’t thought about it herself. His head rested by her thigh, Robbie tried to reach for him. ‘What do you want, little man? You’re too young for rocket. Your mummy wouldn’t approve, and I’m trying to win her affection at the moment.’

  ‘If that’s the case, then no, she wouldn’t approve. Maybe a game of peek a boo is a fair alternative.’ She smiled, pushing a stray piece of hair out of Logan’s eyes.

  ‘Oh, well, if the little man insists.’ He hid behind his hands and made him laugh with delight. He repeated the game and Robbie never tired of it. A ball rushed past them as the kids were playing fetch with the dog.

  ‘You don’t mind having a dog in the house, do you?’ He asked. ‘it’s just, Fiona and Adrian can continue looking after him for now.’

  ‘Not at all. He’s your dog. Plus, he’s a big sweetheart.’

  ‘Well, they say dogs take after their owners.’ He smirked, the dog joining them.

  ‘Do you ever stop flirting?’

  He bit his bottom lip, ‘I know you like it.’

  ‘M-ma-ma.’ He pointed at Roger.

  ‘Noo, doggy.’ She smiled.

  ‘Ogg-y.’

  ‘Nearly! Good boy!’

  Half an hour passed. Logan fell asleep against Emilia whilst she stroked his hair. He was startled awake when a ball hit his side.

  ‘Uncle Logan! Come play footie! Dad’s playing!’ Shouted James.

  ‘Can I play?’ Asked Ellie.

  ‘No!’

  ‘Let your sister play.’ Scolded Fiona.

  ‘No, she’s rubbish.’

  ‘I won’t play without her.’ Said Logan. ‘What do you say? A little three-a-side. Emilia and Fi can join.’ He smiled.

  ‘Yay! Come on, mummy!’ Beamed Ellie!

  ‘Give Robbie to Judy, she’s perfectly safe. Just gets names mixed up occasionally.’ Reassured Fiona, so Emilia nodded.

  ‘Dad and Logan can be captains!’ James was a very sporty boy, with his father’s competitiveness. His favorite was tennis and he was a high ranking ten-year-old. They picked their teams, Adrian choosing first and surprising everyone by picking Emilia. At first, she was unsure what they were playing exactly, until they told her it was soccer. Adrian also got James in his team. Logan knew he had the weaker team, however, he didn’t intend to play to the rules.

  ‘I can’t believe my own husband didn’t pick me. Here’s a tip for you, Em. Never marry them.’

  ‘You know I love you, but you’re shit at football.’

  ‘Go on, Emilia! Score!’ Shouted James. ‘Quick, Logan’s behind you!’ Before she knew it, Logan had tried to tackle her, but she wasn’t having it. She kicked the ball into the makeshift goal of jackets.

  ‘Yaaay!’ Cheered Adrian, pulling his team into a group hug. ‘We’re winning!’

  ‘He’s so bloody competitive.’ Laughed Fiona. Logan put an arm around her.

  ‘I had to grow up with it, he would throw the Monopoly board if I beat him.’

  ‘He still does.’ She laughed.

  Emilia was going for another goal, but Logan was in defense and decided to change the sport around. It was time to play dirty. As she went to score he ran into her and picked her up. She was squirming in his arms.

  ‘Get off!’ She laughed, her sides in stitches. ‘You dirty cheat!

  ‘Quick, Ellie! Get the ball!’

  She ran as fast as her little legs could take her, then kicked the ball into the goal. Her father letting it go in, which was scolded by James, who had taken over as captain.

  Logan still had Emilia giggling in his arms, ‘You’ve played this before.’

  ‘One of my foster homes wouldn’t let us play American football. It was too violent. It was a strict home, so yeah, I’ve had some practice.’ She winked.

  ‘Sneaky. I think your team is cheating, for having distracting players.’ He smirked, placing her down, but not letting go. ‘Too beautiful.’ He whispered. Now that was flirting. She felt good, she hadn’t run around care free for ages. She was shocked at his remark but decided to give back what he gave.

  ‘I agree. Your team has a handsome captain. How lucky am I that I get to live with him, who knows what could happen?’ She winked, walking off, leaving his mouth hanging open.

  The group ended up in a pub after the park, it was a warm evening and the kids were knackered out. Just how the adults like them, though they were still all over the climbing frames.

  ‘Shall we give him a go on the slide?’ Smiled Emilia, picking him up and carrying him over. Logan followed suit. Emilia walked to the top of the slide and Logan waited at the bottom.

  ‘Come on, Robbie! I’ll catch you.’ He grinned. She let him go, the slide was small, so he didn’t go far. He caught him then lifted him into the air. ‘Wooooo!’

  Fiona and Adrian were watching from the bench, speaking in lowered voices.

  ‘He really likes her.’ She said. ‘He’s so smitten. I haven’t seen him like that with anyone… even her.’

  ‘I know, but I worry for him. I don’t want another woman to break his heart. She seems lovely but is he ready to take on so much. Remember what happened last time. I don’t think he could go through all that again.’

  ‘You know he’s in a better place now, he’s great with kids. The child lacks a father, maybe he can fill that void.’

  ‘How can we be even discussing this? They hardly know each other!’

  ‘Keep your bleeding voice down!’ Fiona hissed. ‘She’s grateful for the help, I know a stressed mother when I see one. Yes, I have you, but you’ve haven’t been around as much as we both would like. This is great for her, and she clearly likes him back, or she wouldn’t flirt with him.’

  ‘Well, for now, my brother is my main priority. Not them.’

  ‘I understand that, Ade. Let’s just see what time does.’

  It was eight o’clock by the time they arrived back at Logan’s house. Roger went straight to the window and fell asleep, whilst Robbie had fallen asleep in the pram Fiona had given her, as well as some other bits and pieces for him.

  ‘Tiring day, love. To believe we were on a plane this morning.’ He chuckled with a yawn.

  ‘I’ll feed Robbie then get him to bed. Maybe I could make us some hot cocoa?’ She smiled.

  ‘Let me. You sort out your boy.’

  Half an hour later, Robbie was tucked up in bed and Logan and Emilia were sat on the couch with hot chocolate and cream. They sat opposite one another under a blanket with tired smiles on their faces.

  ‘So, tell me Logan Evans. Why have you been so good to me? Do you do this for all the single mothers you meet?’ She chuckled, poking his side with her toe.

  ‘No, I don’t. He chuckled. ‘I just saw something in you… that reminded me of myself. Kindred spirit sort of thing, perhaps? You just looked so brilliant and strong, then we got chatting and we had a lot in common.’

  ‘That’s nice.’ She yawned.

  ‘Time for bed?’ He suggested. She nodded. They got up, placing their cups in the sink. ‘Well, goodnight, lass.’ He smiled tiredly.

  ‘Goodnight.’ She replied, leaning up and kissing his cheek. He moved his head, so his lips were on her. He wasn’t greedy. He kissed her in a soft tender way, only lasting a few seconds.

  ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t really have done that. I just really wanted to.’ He stuttered, his face was full of guilt but not regret. ‘It’s just… I haven’t liked anyone in such a long time.’ He tried to explain.

  ‘Shh, Logan, it’s
fine. She placed her hand on his cheek. ‘It’s okay. It was nice.’ She pressed a small kiss to his lips again. ‘I do like you. I really do, but I can’t dive head first into this. Robbie is my first priority.’

  ‘I understand.’

  ‘Good, I’m happy to take things slowly, but I can’t just throw myself into a relationship with a man I barely know. My baby is my world and I can’t let another man hurt him like his father did.’

  ‘You know I would never hurt him, or you. You can trust me.’ He smiled softly, playing with a loose strand of her hair. ‘But I understand your concern and would be worried if you did throw yourself into it.’ He said, giving her a hug and stroking the back of her head.

  ‘Goodnight, Logan.’

  ‘Goodnight, love.’

  Chapter Three

  It was seven in the morning on a Sunday. Logan could never sleep in no matter what the day. He had slept well through the night, but Emilia had been on his mind before and after he fell asleep. He was drinking some apple juice whilst sat on a chair near the kitchen island wondering if she really did like him. She hadn’t stopped his kiss after all. He never thought of Robbie as an issue, the boy was a gem, he enjoyed his company as much as Emilia’s. She was right though, she couldn’t dive head first into this, and neither could he. He had been hurt before and that sent him to America for three years.

  Roger sat beside him and rested his head on his knee. Breakfast was wanted. He stroked the dog’s floppy ears and got up to feed him. He went to the bathroom for a shower and to decide a plan for the day.

  Emilia found it hard to sleep. Her clocked flashed 07:30. Too early for her usually. The baby was fast asleep still, the journey had taken it out of him. She left him to sleep and ventured to see if Logan was up.

  He was. He was coming from the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist, his hair was ruffled with the water. She noticed he was well tone. He hadn’t noticed her until she made a startled sound at the sight of him. He turned to her in surprise, nearly dropping his towel.