Page 39 of Consuming Logan

Ariss gave his mother a bored expression. “Bring it on,Karen.”

His mother totally missed the verbal set down. Logan understood the term to mean Ariss Walters would not be intimidated by threats to involve the authorities.

“Damn it, Belle,” his father raged. “That’s it.”

“Four months pregnant,” his mother scoffed. “She’s wasn’t even in the country. We spent a helluva lot of money for you to go to medical school. You should understand how babies are made. You have to be there.”

“No, she wasn’t,” Logan growled.

“See, she’s trying to trap you, Logan.” Maribelle smirked at Ava. Everyone turned to look at Ava. Waiting for an answer.

“What, exactly, are you accusing me of,” Ava challenged, both arms crossing her chest.

“You’re scared he’d come to his senses and leave you. Getting pregnant to steal a man who shouldn’t be yours,” Maribelle rolled her eyes. “So cliche.”

All of a sudden, Ava started screaming. “I hate this. And for the record, Maribelle. I fell in love with Logan. I didn’t trap him.”

“Didn’t you? You have ruined his life. All his plans are derailed. You can’t understand what it’s like to have a purpose for your child’s life. This whole wedding is a mistake.”

Drew Walters spun on Logan and his parents. By the fire blazing in his dark eyes, it was clear he did not separate Logan from his family.

“My daughter doesn’t have to marry your son. She has a home,” Andrew bellowed. “My child doesn’t need your money, your connections, or your son to be happy.”

A chill fell over the room. All at once, chair legs scraped across the hardwood flooring, everyone scrambled for added distance.

“Lawd Jesus, open up the windows of heaven,” Deacon Hill screeched, “‘cause we need an escape route.”

Even Maribelle plugged a cork in her endless bottle of Ava insults. A hush fell over the table as he and Ava’s father faced off.

“Logan,” Ava warned, squeezing the bulging muscles in his forearm. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Fundamentally he understood Drew’s position. Fathers instinctively protected their children. Ava leaned in closer, using her nearness to calm him. Drew’s eyes held a possessive gleam. Logan was sure his looked similar. They both had entered protect and defend mode.

“Don’t,” Logan growled, “ever tell Ava to leave me.”

Drew Walters stepped closer. Logan could smell the coffee on his breath, could feel the warning signals in his bunched muscles.

“Daddy,” Ava reached for her father’s hand. “Logan is my fiancé and the father of my baby. He’s family too.”

Logan tightened his hold on Ava. She defended him.

“I don’t give a damn what you and your family think you have of value. That little girl in your arms means everything to me. You and your family will not continue to hurt my child,” her father snarled. “She’s carrying my grandchild.” Drew pointed at Ava’s belly. “That’s my family. I defend my family against anybody and anything who poses a threat. Can you say the same?”

Logan sucked in a breath, fighting against the rage he felt. Damn his mother.

“I love Ava,” Logan breathed. “She and this baby are my life.”

His mother would never understand the depth of love between him and Ava.

“Then your life may be cut short. Get your priorities in order, Logan,” Drew grabbed his shoulder, his grip unrelenting. “Getting a woman pregnant doesn’t make you family. And, your ring on my daughter’s finger, doesn’t make you her husband.”

What was Drew saying? Would he actually advise Ava against going through with the wedding? Logan regarded his mother. Any childhood notions he had of her just loving him without any conditions vanished. She didn’t want his love. Control and obedience seemed the only two settings she oscillated to and from. He had to let go. Maribelle had to make the decision to be a part of his and Ava’s life.

“If she,” he pointed at his mother, “doesn’t want Ava in my life, then she won’t have a relationship with me, my wife,” Logan emphasized, “or my child.”

Maribelle gasped. “Logan, don’t listen to this nonsense,” Maribelle hissed. “I’m your mother.”

“Exactly. Yet you insist on berating my fiancée. Sabotaging my wedding. Questioning my child’s parentage. I’m done.”