UNBROKEN PROMISE

~65~ Angry

Oma was angry at Logan, and that surprised even her. She rarely got angry. Frustrated, yes, but never like this. The feeling made it hard to focus on anything else. She kept replaying everything in her mind, from the way Logan stormed out that morning to the sight of Mathew, bloodied and bruised, standing in the kitchen.

She was still lost in thought when Megan walked in with Caleb and Cookie trailing behind her. Caleb clung to her skirt, his little hands gripping the fabric like he didn't want to be too far from her. He'd been more attached lately, following her everywhere, as if sensing that soon enough, things were going to change with the new baby coming.

Megan let out a small sigh as she eased herself into a chair, resting a hand on her stomach. She still looked a little pale, but not as bad as she had that morning. "Alright," she said, glancing at Oma. "I know that look. What happened?"

Oma hesitated, then shook her head, wiping her hands on a cloth. "It's nothin'."

Megan snorted. "Now, you know I ain't buyin' that." She shifted slightly, reaching for a glass of water. "I heard Jacob fussin' about Logan earlier. Said he lost his mind."

Oma sighed, rubbing her temple. "It's just... he went too far, Megan. He didn't have to do what he did to Mathew."

Megan hummed, watching her closely. "You feel bad 'cause Mathew got hurt? Or 'cause Logan's angry?"

Oma hesitated again, staring at the worn wooden table beneath her hands. "Both," she admitted quietly.

Megan nodded, as if that was exactly the answer she expected. "Well, you know how Logan is. He don't do things halfway. I ain't sayin' he was right, but I do know one thing he wouldn't have done it if he didn't care."

Oma didn't answer.

She wasn't sure what she wanted to hear right now.

-------

Logan hadn't come in for lunch, but when supper rolled around, he finally walked through the door.

The moment he stepped inside, the air in the room shifted.

He looked calm... too calm. Like he had spent the entire day making sure not a single flicker of emotion showed on his face. Mama Becca had already scolded him earlier and checked his knuckles, making sure he hadn't hurt himself worse than Mathew. But now, she said nothing.

No one did.

The tension sat thick between them as they ate. The only sounds were the quiet clink of silverware against plates, the occasional rustle of movement.

Except for Caleb.

As usual, he was completely unaware of the tension around him. He kicked his feet under the table, stuffing his mouth with cornbread before perking up mid bite.

"I felt my baby kick today!" he announced proudly, grinning through a mouthful of food.

Megan, who had been picking at her meal, smiled softly and rested a hand on her stomach. "You sure did, baby. And you hollered so loud, I thought you'd wake up the whole town."

Caleb giggled, his face lighting up. "It was real strong. Maybe the baby's gonna be a cowboy like Papa and Uncle Logan!"

Jacob chuckled, ruffling his son's curls. "Or maybe a troublemaker like you."

The small moment of laughter softened the air, but only for a second.

Logan barely touched his food, and every now and then, Oma could feel his eyes on her.

She didn't look at him.

Not yet.

Because if she did, she wasn't sure if she'd still be angry... or if something else entirely would take its place.