Even before Logan had gotten out of the cab, the door opened and his mother approached him and his little family, beaming.

"Grandma!" Mia called excitedly who had hurriedly followed Logan out of the cab and was now running towards Joanna Mitchell. Joanna caught her with outstretched arms and lifted her up, laughing. "There's my little sunshine." Mia and Logan's parents were heart and soul from the moment Jeffrey and Joanna Mitchell visited the little family in their new home for Christmas.

"There was a time when she was this excited to see me," Logan murmured to Camille who just smiled in response. However, his mother had heard him. "I'm also delighted to have my gorgeous and sweet son visiting me, of course," she replied, which made Logan blush. "Mom!"

Mia and Camille laughed. Shaking his head, Logan walked up to his mother, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks for letting us come," he murmured so only Joanna could hear him.

"Anytime, honey," she replied softly. Logan took a step back and Joanna now turned to Camille. "Camille, my dear, it's so good to see you."

"It's nice to see you too, Joanna," Camille replied with a smile, but Joanna saw immediately that it wasn't her usual bright smile. Camille looked very exhausted and tired from up close. Apparently, Logan's worries were well founded.

"And this is my sweet grandson?" Joanna asked, pointing to the bundle of blankets in Camille's arms.

"Yes, this is Phillip," Camille confirmed, handing her the sleeping boy. For a few seconds, Joanna Mitchell was lost in the sight of her grandson who bore a striking resemblance to her son. Then she remembered that they were all still standing outside in the cold and shooed them all into the house. "Come on, it's warm and cozy inside."

They had just sat down in the living room when footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs. Then Logan's father showed up. He smiled softly. "I felt like I heard my beautiful granddaughter's voice from down here."

"Grandpa!" Mia called and now ran towards Jeffrey Mitchell who hugged her, laughing softly. Then he suddenly frowned at her. "Oh no, that can't possibly be the Mia I saw last time. You've grown quite a lot."

Mia giggled. "And I'm a year older too."

"But still as pretty as ever," Jeffrey replied with his slightly British accent. Although he was an American by birth, he had lived in England for many years, which was often evident both in his language and in his manner. "You know what?" he said to Mia now thoughtfully. "I think I saw something in my office that might or might not be a present for someone very special."

"Really?" Mia asked excitedly.

"Shall we go up and have a look?"

"Yes!"

Jeffrey let go of her, whereupon Mia ran up the stairs. Her grandfather followed her, smiling.

"Is that really your old room, Daddy?" Mia asked surprised when Logan put her to bed in the evening. Logan nodded. "That's right, sweetheart. I grew up in this room for eight years."

"And did you really read all these books?" Mia asked impressed and let her eyes wander over the many books in the room. Logan smiled. "Dozens of times. And if you see a book in here that you find interesting, you're welcome to keep it."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Mia beamed. Logan smiled and tucked her in. "Are you happy to see grandma and grandpa again?"

Mia nodded eagerly. "Yes, Daddy."

"Glad to hear that, sweetie," Logan said softly and kissed her forehead. "Now it's bedtime."

"Good night, Daddy."

"Good night, Mia. Have a nice dream."

"You too, Daddy."

Smiling, Logan left the room, leaving the door ajar and turning on the light in the hallway. Then he went down the stairs. His parents were still sitting at the living room table, but Camille, who had been sitting with them until a few minutes ago, had disappeared. "Where is-?"

"She said she was tired and has gone to bed," his mother explained. Logan sighed, sat down and buried his face in his hands. "I just don't know what else I can or should do. It's been like this for three weeks now. And she refuses to accept my help."

"When you told us about it on the phone, I was initially hoping that it wasn't as bad as you made it out to be. But then I saw her today and I'm afraid I have to admit that you're right, Logan," Joanna said sadly.

"I don't forbid her to be sad. What bothers me is that she is completely closed to me. When she told me what happened three weeks ago, I thought we have reached an important new level in our relationship. I thought she would finally trust me enough to let me see her vulnerable side and let me comfort her. But when I wanted to bring this up to her again the next morning, she just acted as if nothing had happened. I think she was embarrassed that I saw her weak side. Why is she so uncomfortable showing me her true feelings? Why doesn't she trust me?"

Joanna put a hand on her son's arm. "Oh honey, I'm sure Camille trusts you. But you know, some people just have a harder time showing strong feelings like fear or sadness in front of other people . . . like your father, for example."

"Excuse me?" Jeffrey asked in surprise.

"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. You're a master at hiding your feelings from others, especially the uncomfortable ones."

Jeffrey Mitchell shook his head and now turned to his son as well. "You know, Logan, your mother is right when she says that some people find it difficult to open up. They fear that they will be perceived differently in the eyes of their loved ones."

"That's nonsense. I would never think badly of her. I would love her just as much as before, if not more. I wish she would know that."

There was silence for a few minutes, then Logan said softly, "You know, the real reason we're here is . . . well, I thought maybe you could talk to her, as parents."

"Well, we can't promise success, Logan, but we'll definitely give it a try," Joanna soothed him. "We don't want her to suffer either."

When Camille woke up the next morning, she was surprised to find that it was almost eleven o'clock. Wearily she rubbed her face and her gaze fell on a folded sheet of paper that lay on the mattress next to her. She unfolded the paper and read:

I'm out with the kids, showing them some of my old favorite places. Dad's at work and Mom's running some errands. If you need something, feel free to take it. Don't forget, my home is your home. See you later. Kiss, L.

With a bad conscience, Camille went into the adjoining bathroom and then left the guest room. She slowly walked through the empty house and finally went up the stairs to the upper floor. She entered Logan's old room and looked around. Thoughtfully, she approached the shelves and looked at the many books. When she couldn't see the title of one of them at first glance, she pulled it out curiously and flipped through it. She quickly realized that this was a photo album. Excited, she sat down on the bed and took a closer look. Logan's baby and child photos filled the first few pages. Camille smiled as she looked at an old Halloween photo of little Logan dressed up as Albert Einstein. She turned a few more pages and then paused again. This picture showed a group of boys around eight years old, all wearing the same team uniform, holding up their hockey sticks in a victory pose. Camille looked at the boys and found four familiar faces in the middle of the group. Eight-year-old Kendall Knight proudly grinned into the camera, next to him was Logan, smiling shyly, then Carlos, laughing happily, and finally James with his cool attitude and a nonchalant smile. Camille looked back at Logan whose hockey jersey looked brand new and clean compared to the rest of the team. She could see excitement and disbelief on his face. A caption caught her eye: First game, first win.

"Camille?"

Camille started and looked up. Joanna stood in the doorway and smiled softly. "What are you doing here?"

For some reason, Camille felt caught. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean-"

Joanna shook her head and sat down on the bed with her. "Oh, no need to apologize. I'm sure Logan wouldn't mind. What are you looking at?"

Camille showed her the photo album. Joanna tapped the hockey team picture and smiled. "I remember that day. It was his very first game. He was so excited . . . and scared."

"Scared?" Camille asked. Joanna nodded. "He was worried that he would mess up the whole game. He was afraid he wasn't good enough and thought it was a mistake for Kendall to bring him into the team. But in the end he played great. He may look small and weak, but he's very fast and agile on the ice."

Camille looked at the young Logan with his shy smile and thought about what kind of person he was today. She sighed heavily. "I don't deserve him," she murmured.

"What are you talking about, dear?"

"Logan, I don't deserve him. And he didn't deserve to be partnered with someone like me."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because it's the truth. He does so much for me and I'm often scared that no matter how hard I try, I'll never be able to give it all back to him. Especially in the last three weeks, he's been so self-sacrificing, but I . . . I was just . . . if only my father didn't . . ." Camille trailed off, feeling sad again.

"Oh, sweetie," Joanna said sympathetically, pulling Camille into her arms. "Everything will be fine. I promise."

Camille shook her head. "How is everything supposed to be okay? Logan definitely hates me. He must think that I don't trust him enough or that he's not important to me."

"Logan doesn't hate you, dear. He's just really worried about you."

Camille sniffed. "He told you everything, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did. And I can't help but say that your father's behavior was fundamentally wrong. But, Camille, this doesn't mean you're alone in the world. You have Logan and your two wonderful children. And all your friends and of course Jeffrey and I will always be there for you as well."

Camille looked up in surprise. "Really?"

Joanna smiled lovingly. "Of course. You are just as important to us as Logan and our grandchildren. Do you remember the first Christmas you spent here?"

Camille nodded.

"You and Logan, I've never seen my son so happy before. I knew you two must be soul mates. I liked you from the very first second. You're part of our family, Camille, you always have been and always will be. And should you ever need help and your parents are not . . . available at that time, you can always contact me or my husband. We're just as proud of you as we are of Logan and can't wait to call you our daughter-in-law."

Tears were welling up in Camilles eyes after she had heard all these wonderful words from Joanna. Joanna hugged her again, murmuring comforting words and rubbing her back soothingly. And that's when Camille realized what she had been missing the most lately . . . a parent's hug.

They had been talking for a while when they heard voices downstairs. Just as they were about to get up to check on the others, Mia appeared in the doorway, bright-eyed and flushed cheeks, presumably from the cold outside. She stopped in surprise when she saw her mother and grandmother, then she beamed and ran towards them. "We are back!"

Camille laughed and pulled Mia onto her lap, kissing the top of her head.

"Did you have fun with your daddy?" Joanna asked smiling. Mia nodded excitedly. "Yes, he showed Phillip and me all his favorite places. Minnesota is so beautiful . . . but also very cold."

Joanna laughed. "You know what we should do about that? How about a nice, warm bath?"

"Oh yes!" Mia exclaimed happily. Camille smiled. "She loves to bathe," she explained to Joanna who smiled and took Mia's hand. "Well then, let's do this, little mermaid. And after that there will be hot chocolate for everyone."

Camille followed Mia and Joanna out of the room and made her way downstairs, where she met Jeffrey who was holding the sleeping Phillip in his arms.

"Hello, Camille. Is everything alright?"

"Hey, Jeffrey. Yes, I'm fine. I spoke to Joanna."

Jeffrey nodded slowly. "Even though I wasn't there, I can surmise what she said to you. And I want you to know that I agree. You're important to Logan and therefore you're important to us. Never forget that, Camille."

"Thank you, Jeffrey."

"There's really no reason to thank us," Jeffrey said, smiling softly. Camille returned his smile. "What are you up to?" she asked, pointing at Phillip.

"Oh, I thought the little prince and I would take a little nap. Only if you don't mind, of course."

Camille shook her head. "No, not at all. He's much calmer around you."

"It was the same with Logan. Apparently, I have the gift of giving other people peace and serenity."

"Yeah, I can see that. I don't want to keep you from your sleep any longer. Just one more question. Do you know where Logan is?"

"In the guest room. He said something about a phone call he wanted to make."

Camille nodded. "Thanks. See you later."

Camille quietly opened the ajar door and saw Logan sitting on the bed with his laptop while talking to someone on the phone at the same time.

"Uh-huh . . . yeah, I've got 'em right in front of me . . . okay, until when? . . . all right." He looked up from the screen and spotted Camille. "Um, Kendall, I have to hang up now . . . yeah, okay. I'll let you know. See you." He hung up, then closed the laptop and placed both on a bedside table. Camille closed the door behind her and slowly approached him. "Important stuff?" she asked, pointing to the laptop.

"Kendall sent me some new lyrics to read through. He says Gustavo wants to know which part each of us wants to sing."

"Didn't you just release a new album?"

Logan shrugged. "You know Griffin. No breaks for anyone."

Camille nodded. "Right."

"Where are the children?"

"Your parents take care of them."

"Okay."

Camille sat down next to him on the bed and carefully placed her head on his shoulder. "You're still angry."

Logan shook his head. "I'm not angry. It's just . . . if you don't talk to me, then I feel like you don't care enough about me."

"How can you say that? Logan, apart from the kids, you are the most important thing in my life."

"Sometimes it doesn't feel like it . . . You know, the night you told me about your dad . . . well, I don't want to say that I liked it that you were sad, of course not, but I thought you finally trusted me enough to show me how you felt inside. But when you acted like nothing happened . . . it hurt me."

"I didn't know you felt this way. I'm so sorry. I . . . Gosh, I'm such a horrible person. And once again I think that I don't deserve you at all. And . . . and I would understand if you want to cancel the wedding."

Logan turned his head to look at her. There was pure amazement on his face. "Canceling the wedding? Why would I do that?"

Camille looked at him in disbelief. "I made you feel like I didn't trust you enough, shut you out of my feelings, was dishonest with you . . . Do you really want to be married to a person like that?"

For a moment, Logan just sat there in silence, then he smiled softly, taking her hands in his. "Yes," he said quietly, "that's exactly the person I want to marry."

"You can't be serious," Camille whispered.

"Cam . . . look what just happened. You opened up to me, we talked about it. It's a great first step. We just have to think about how we can handle things like this better in the future. Maybe my parents have a tip for us, they simply know everything. What I'm trying to say is that we're going to make it. Step by step, one day at a time. So yes, I still want to marry you. Besides, it takes a lot more than that to get me to give up on you . . . if that's even possible, which I honestly doubt. Stop feeling guilty. I forgive you."

Camille looked into his eyes, saw so much warmth and love that she felt a lump form in her throat. Then the tears came, but this time she didn't try to hold them back. She wanted to show him how much she trusted him, how much she needed his comfort. Logan raised a hand and tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks. Then he pulled her into his arms, gave her a sweet kiss and rested his forehead against hers. For a long time they just sat there, leaning against each other, silent and happy. Then they heard the happy voices of Joanna and Mia. Camille leaned back a bit to look at Logan. "Oh yeah, your mom said something about making hot chocolate for everyone. Do you think we should help her with that?"

Logan tilted his head thoughtfully. "Hmmm . . . I'm torn. On the one hand I want to spend time with my family, but on the other hand . . ." He ran two fingers down her cheek, then along her arm. Camille understood and had to smile. "How about this . . . We're going to have some quality family time now and later, when everyone's gone to bed . . . then you and I will have some quality time together. What do you think of that?"

Logan smirked. "Sounds like heaven. Okay, let's go." He pulled her off the bed and towards the door, but Camille held him back. "Logan?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you," she said sincerely, kissing his cheek. Logan smiled. "Don't thank me now . . . thank me later," he said with a wink, which made Camille laugh. "Don't worry, I will," she promised and followed him out of the room.