Page 68 of Consuming Logan

Susan had made herself scarce since Logan’s endowment funding and discharge from the hospital. As awful as it sounded, she’d been grateful. Maribelle did not like the woman, and Ava did not want any more fuel added to the pre-wedding dumpster fire.

Logan, standing close to Maribelle, tried to calm his mother down at Susan’s presence. Her fiancé’s eyes darted from her to Susan, and then he frowned. He too realized some unpleasant history existed between his parents and Susan. No doubt, questioning why Rebecca Lynn’s aunt decided to attend the wedding rehearsal was more drama than she could stomach. While everyone else looked on, Robert Lee boldly approached Susan and they exchanged a longer than appropriate hug.

“Robert,” Maribelle snapped, “That is quite enough.”

Ava’s gut started to churn.

Darwin, who’d been quiet of late, strolled forward. He gave Ava a kiss on the cheek. When he tried to move away, she grabbed him by his wrist and pulled him back.

She whispered, “Your parents are already arguing about your brothers, so why did you bring her here?”

Darwin gave her a twisted grin. “You don’t bring Susan anywhere.”

Ava knew exactly the character traits he referred to. Trying to stop the heiress was like trying to stop the wind, the rain, and rising floodwaters. She had the feeling they would all need lifeboats once the truth hidden under decades of Masters family secrets came crashing down. “The woman is a human tornado—smart, fast, and vicious.”

And that frightened Ava. Susan had the power and influence to blow in the direction of her choosing. Ava just hoped she didn’t barrel into her life and inadvertently destroy the man she loved.

Darwin gave her a weak smile. “Dad wants to tell Logan the truth.”

Ava agreed that keeping Logan in the dark about anything was a mistake, but it wasn’t her place to tell him. Well, she really didn’t know much. Tyson wanted a relationship with his brothers. After what he’d done to save Logan, the man had her support.

“I think he should sooner rather than later,” she whispered. “Logan hates secrets.” The last she wanted was to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

Darwin grunted. “Have you met my mother?”

Yeah, Maribelle wouldn’t be happy about it, but the woman always had a reason to be ill tempered with someone. Truly, since Robert Lee had announced he wanted a divorce, Ava noticed her mother-in-law seemed a tad bit off-kilter.

Rebecca Lynn took charge, ushering Graham and Shayla in and away from the back corner to join the melee. Ava was happy for her sister. She and Graham hadn’t begun to contemplate marriage. Maybe, Shayla had the right of it.

“Before we get started, I would like to make an announcement,” Robert Lee said, signaling for Tyson and Maximus to join him.

Logan frowned. “What’s going on dad?”

Ava sucked in a breath, moving quickly to stand by Logan. He would need the support once he learned the truth about his brothers.

“Logan,” Robert Lee looked his son in the eye, “I should have told you years ago, but—,”

“We think the wedding should be postponed,” Maribelle blurted out.

“Damn it, Belle,” Robert Lee bellowed. “You know that’s not what I wanted to say.”

“What,” Logan bellowed simultaneously.

Ariss stormed forward blocking Ava’s transit to the altar. “Why did you invite that awful woman to the rehearsal?”

The fire in her mother’s voice shocked her. The altercation at Sunday dinner had thrown a big fat monkey wrench in between the Masters and Walters families, but her mother was known for her diplomacy. How could she and Logan raise healthy, well-adjusted children when their in-laws couldn’t stand to be in the same room together? Her mother and Maribelle would probably jab each other in the eyeballs on her wedding day.

“Son,” Robert Lee plead, “that’s not what I had to say.”

“Save it, dad.”

Her mom pulled her lower lip between her teeth. “Ava.” A furrow formed between her brows.

“Mom, what is it?”

“Drew and I think you and Ava should come home, rest, eat, get away from this stress,” her mom rushed on, “just till the babies are born and you’re back to work. We’ll help you, of course.”

A hush fell over the room. Ava felt Logan stiffen at her back. Tears welled in her eyes. Granny Lou stood to her feet.