UNBROKEN PROMISE

~94~ Punished

The next morning when Logan stirred, the light was already spilling bright across the curtains. He blinked slowly awake, then turned his head with a small smile. Oma was still fast asleep beside him, her breathing soft.

Careful not to wake her all at once, he slid a broad hand over her hip, kneading softly in slow circles, before his palm drifted lower toward the curve of her bottom. She gave a drowsy sigh and stretched against him, her body arching lightly into his touch.

He kissed the crown of her head and murmured, “Mornin’, sweetheart.”

Her lashes fluttered open and she offered him a faint, sleepy smile "Morning.” Her eyes searched his face. “Are you alright?” she whispered.

His mouth curved into a smile, though his voice was rough from sleep. “I’m just fine.”

She burrowed closer against his chest at that, and he kissed her cheek, his hand still smoothing over her bottom. His breath tickled her ear as he murmured low, “You’re so soft… all of you.”

That made her pull away, swatting his hand with mock annoyance as she turned aside.

He chuckled at her little show of temper, then caught her up again, dragging her back to him with an ease that made her laugh despite herself. This time he sat upright, tugging her across his lap until she sat sideways on his thighs, her nightgown rucked up around her waist. He bent his head, pressing a kiss against her stomach, and his voice dropped warm and tender. “I’m glad I get to be the papa of your child. And I'm sorry I made ya doubt me yesterday.”

"It's alright” she said. Logan grinned and gave her bottom a squeeze.

Her cheeks went pink and she tried to duck her head, but he pulled her close, catching her lips in a deep kiss. She sighed softly against him, her arm winding around his neck as she kissed him back.

Just then, the faint sound of a knock on the door reached their ears.

Logan groaned, breaking the kiss with a sigh. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before lifting her gently off his lap. He headed downstairs, raking a hand through his mussed hair, still in his night shirt.

When he opened the door, Jacob stood there. His eyes traveled over Logan quickly, and he let out a sigh. “You just wakin’? It’s near noon. Mama Becca’s been worried sick when she didn’t see either of you.”

Logan rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry for that. We… slept late.”

Jacob gave a brief nod, but Logan lingered a moment before adding, quieter, “Reckon I’m real sorry for hittin’ you yesterday.”

Jacob gave a short chuckle, shaking his head. “Ain’t no harm done. I had no business meddlin’ in your marriage. Shouldn’t have said what I did.”

Logan nodded gratefully.

“Anyhow,” Jacob went on, “Mama Becca’s saved you two breakfast. She wants to see you both. Best get dressed and come on up.”

“sure thing, we'll be there by noon.”logan replied. Jacob nodded then tipped his hat and turned back toward the yard.

Logan closed the door and went back upstairs, Oma was sitting on the bed tying back her hair. “Who was that?” she asked.

“Jacob,” Logan said, pulling of his night shirt. “Says Mama Becca wants us at the main house.” Oma nodded finishing up with her hair.

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Oma and Logan walked side by side to the main house, Oma noticed a slight tension in Logan. She glanced up at him and asked softly, “What’s troubling you?