Chapter 1
This is a fun little short story I had previously published with an ebook company years ago. I'm taking each chapter and revamping it as I publish the chapters here. Hope you enjoy, and let me know what you think.
If you're looking for a light-hearted and fast-paced romance then this is your next story. Just sit back and have fun with this one.
“Carson, what did we say about using glue on anything besides paper?” Logynn’s patience was running thin as she stole a glance at the clock, counting the minutes until she could dive into her favorite novel. Carson Reed, with his endless energy and knack for mischief, tested her limits daily at Harmony Hills Headstart. Yet, despite the frustration he often caused, Logynn couldn’t help but feel for the troubled boy who carried more weight on his small shoulders than anyone his age should.
Despite numerous talks with his mother, there was no sign of progress. His father, just back from Iraq a week ago, stepped back into Carson’s life. Logynn’s emotions were a mix of hope and unease as the day to meet Carson’s father finally came. Carson, an energetic three-year-old, hadn’t seen his dad since he was eighteen months old. Only recently did his dad meet him again with his mother and stepfather. I’m sure both were just as nervous to meet again, but on a more personal level.
Mrs. Whitaker, her new last name, was firm in her decision and had promptly filed for divorce after writing Chase to let him know she was moving on with someone else. Logynn couldn’t help but wonder how this reunion would unfold. Would Carson feel comfortable in leaving with his father? She had come to make sure he would be okay. Despite her sympathy for Chase’s past struggles in the war, she couldn’t help but feel anxiety over today.
Logynn felt a warmth spread through her chest for the young man, eager to compare his real presence to the image she had created in her mind. Watching her classmates busily clean up their workspaces, she eased into her seat with a satisfied smile. Her eyes rested on the clock, willing the minutes to pass faster and bring three o’clock closer.
Logynn watched as the children slowly left, one by one, with their parents. Carson, as usual, was the last to go. He avoided looking at Logynn, instead fixing his gaze on the large picture window that framed the playground outside, now quiet and still. Resting his cheek on his hand, he seemed deep in thought. The sound of a deep male throat clearing suddenly drew Logynn’s attention to the doorway. Standing there wasn’t the Mr. Reed she had imagined, but someone far more striking than she could have ever anticipated.
Mr. Reed’s chestnut brown hair matched perfectly with the shade of his son Carson’s. His piercing blue eyes, so similar to Carson’s, carried a depth that was hard to ignore. The snug fit of his pants highlighted his lean hips, while a black Hanes T-shirt, loosely tucked at the waist, showcased a wide belt buckle gleaming in the light. As Logynn’s eyes wandered upward, she caught sight of intricate tattoos peeking from beneath the sleeves on both arms. A gentle throat clearing pulled her focus back to Mr. Reed’s face, briefly distracting her from the striking view of his well-built physique.
Logynn’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, caught sneaking glances at Carson’s father. “Mr. Reed, I assume,” she said, attempting to shift focus. Carson studied his father as though he were a stranger, while Mr. Reed stepped into the room cautiously, halting near Logynn’s desk. Noticing the tension between the two, Logynn considered whether she should involve Carson’s mother. Standing up, she smoothed her treasured Seven jeans, which she'd saved up over time, and crouched down to meet Carson at eye level. “Carson, buddy, your dad’s here. Do you want to go home with him?” The sound of restless fabric shifting hinted at Mr. Reed’s unease as he waited for his son’s response. Carson briefly glanced at his father before locking eyes with Logynn, remaining silent.
Carson’s voice was barely audible as he expressed his uncertainty to Logynn. She watched the boy, usually brimming with confidence, now looking lost and vulnerable, and it tugged at her heart. Mr. Reed’s eyes revealed his inner struggle as he looked at his son, a silent plea for connection clear in his expression. “Carson, your father is here, and he wants to spend time with you,” Logynn said softly, hoping to bridge the gap between them. Carson gave a casual shrug, his gaze shifting between Logynn and his father. As Logynn glanced at Mr. Reed, she saw him move closer, crouching down to their level with a blend of hope and apprehension on his face.
“Hey, buddy, I understand if you’re feeling a little hesitant. But if you’re willing, how about we spend some time together and see where the adventure takes us?”
Carson’s eyes flicked between Logynn and his father. “Ice cream?”
Logynn and Mr. Reed shared a knowing look before breaking into identical grins. With a comforting pat on the boy’s shoulder, Mr. Reed nodded and said, “Absolutely, buddy.”
Logynn tidied up her desk, carefully placing each item into her bag. As she glanced up, Mr. Reed’s tall figure stood before her.
His presence filled the room with an air of authority and warmth that naturally commanded her attention. “Thank you,” his deep voice echoed warmly.
Adjusting her bag strap over her shoulder, Logynn met his eyes, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “Of course.”
Extending his hand, he introduced himself with a warm smile, “Chase, as opposed to Mr. Reed.”
Logynn took his hand graciously, feeling the firm yet reassuring grip. It wasn’t merely a formality; there was an unspoken connection in that fleeting touch. “Logynn Meyers,” she said, savoring the brief moment of their introduction.
“I’ll be picking him up every day next week. Kelly and I are trying out joint custody—fingers crossed it works out,” he added with a weary smile, crossing his fingers for emphasis.
As they left the classroom, Logynn locked the door securely before turning to address them. “Give him time and follow his lead. He’ll set the pace he’s comfortable with.” She gave Carson a reassuring look before saying goodbye. “Have fun, Carson. See you first thing Monday morning.” Carson glanced back with a casual smile before heading off.
Logynn strolled toward her car, catching a glimpse of Chase helping Carson climb into his gigantic F-150, a bold tomato-red truck. She noticed the excitement in the young boy’s eyes as he admired the colossal vehicle. Reaching her cheerful yellow Volkswagen Bug, a sunny little gem on wheels, she unlocked it and slid into the driver’s seat with ease. It might not have been as commanding as Chase’s truck, but to Logynn, it was her treasure. She gave the dashboard a fond pat before starting the engine, buckling her seatbelt, and driving away from the school. With a commitment-free weekend ahead, she looked forward to indulging in her nerdy delights: stacks of books, endless coffee, and marathon episodes of sappy romance series.
