Chapter Six: The First Night
But just as thoughts of doubt of maybe he wasn't coming, or that he might have changed his mind or the worry that something is wrong or he was hurt threatened to overtake her, she heard a faint sound. A knock on the door. A knock on the door. Rory's heart skipped a beat as she rushed to open it, her worries instantly replaced with relief and joy.
Standing there, a sheepish smile on his face, was Logan. He had arrived, slightly late but with a valid reason. "I apologize that I'm late, the car broke down, my phone went dead so I couldn't call." The words come out of Logan's mouth as a jumble.
Relief washed over Rory as she listened to Logan's explanation. She could see the genuine remorse in his eyes, realizing that circumstances beyond his control had caused the delay. Her doubts and worries dissolved like mist in the morning sun. Rory reached out and gently touched Logan's arm, offering him a comforting smile. "Hey, hey. It's okay, Logan. I understand. I'm just glad you're here now," she reassured him.
Logan's eyes softened, grateful for Rory's understanding and forgiveness. This is not how he wanted to start this holiday, but he was just thankful to be here. He took her hand in his, bringing her to him and wrapping his arm tightly around her. This is what he should have done first. "Thank you for being so understanding, Rory. I didn't mean to worry you. I promise to make it up to you," he said earnestly.
Rory leaned into Logan's embrace, feeling his warmth and just missing his touch. With a soft smile, Rory looked up at Logan and replied, "You being here right now, holding me close, that's already more than enough. And you don't have anything to make up to me. Accidents happen, that was an accident. Let's just enjoy this time together."
Logan's eyes brightened with gratitude and he pressed a gentle kiss on Rory's forehead. He vowed to cherish every moment they had together and to make this holiday one to remember. "So, are you going to welcome me inside?" He questions, the two of them still at the doorway of their room.
She shakes her head, letting out a small laugh. "Nope. I have a hotel room booked for us. Figured it was more comfortable there than staying in a dorm room or either of our parents house." Logan's eyes widened in surprise at Rory's response, a smile spreading across his face.
"Well, isn't that a pleasant surprise?" Logan chuckled, his arm still wrapped around Rory as they stood together. He really didn't want to let her go. "You always think of everything, don't you?"
Rory's grin mirrored the excitement and relief he felt. "I understand that we have obligations with our families and I'm sure you have your own plans, but I thought the hotel suite would offer us the ideal opportunity to have some quality alone time together. The manager of the hotel even promised me that they would put out a Christmas tree in the room for us."
Once they arrive at the Delmar hotel, Logan hangs back allowing Rory to check in. Logan watches her face when she comes back, he could see the keys in her hand but frustration on her face. "What's wrong?" Logan asks.
"They couldn't find our original reservation." She begins to say. "The type of room I booked was sold out, so they upgraded us to the only room they had left in the hotel. The Pauline Suite, it's on the top floor and has a kitchen. The manager who checked me also explained they don't have the Christmas tree up yet but promise to bring it up tomorrow."
Logan's eyes widened in surprise as he listened to Rory's explanation. "The Pauline Suite? And on the top floor with a kitchen? That means we can bake some Christmas cookies together and maybe I can cook dinner one night for you while we are together." Logan says softly, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her cheek, his words making her feel better. "Come on, let's go find our room."
Rory couldn't contain her excitement as she admired the breathtaking view from their hotel suite. The distant silhouette of Talcott Mountain provided a serene backdrop during the day, but it was the vibrant lights as it was decorated for the upcoming holiday of Blue Back Square that truly stole her heart at night. The sight was magical, like a fairytale come to life. She turned to Logan as he was setting their bags down in the master bedroom, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Isn't this amazing? Just imagine waking up to this view every day."
Logan walked behind her, enveloping her waist with his arms and drawing her near. This closeness with the woman who possessed a special spot in his heart was something he had longed for. "I can vividly envision it," he responded, his voice resonating with affection. "I can picture us savoring our morning coffee while taking in this breathtaking view. You made an excellent choice with this hotel, Ace. Thank you for inviting me to spend the holidays here. I regret not visiting earlier like I pro…."
Rory interjected, cutting him off, "No need to apologize. I'm just immensely grateful that you're here. That's all that truly matters."
—- —- —-
The next morning, Logan was the first to rise. He observed Rory, still peacefully lying on her stomach and nestled into the blankets. Carefully, he slipped out of the bedroom, gently closing the door behind him. It was only six am, and he didn't want to disturb Rory just yet, allowing her to continue her slumber uninterrupted.
Logan makes the most of the early morning. He starts by sending a text message to Finn and Colin checking in, calls the Whole Foods across from the street for a pick-up when they open in an hour with a promise of a big tip, and he starts making coffee when he hears Rory calling his name from the other room.
Logan quickly sets down his phone and rushes back to the bedroom, finding Rory awake and sitting up in bed, rubbing her eyes. He smiles warmly at her, "Sleep well?"
Rory nods and stretches her arms. "Better than I have in months, if I am going to be honest. How long have you been up?" Logan explains that he woke up early and didn't want to disturb her, so he took the opportunity to get a few things done. He mentions that he checked in with Finn and Colin, also arranged for a grocery pickup from Whole Foods and sent an email to his father asking for the details of the Huntzberger Christmas party. "I don't hear anything about making coffee."
"I'm making coffee, but I don't think it will be up to your standards. So, we can get some more when we go out?"
"That sounds perfect. Thank you, Logan. I'm sorry I slept in though. Next time, wake me," Rory doesn't need to add that she wants to spend as much time with him as can before they part ways again. She thanks him once more before going to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
Logan smiles and reassures Rory, "No need to apologize, Ace. I wanted you to get some rest. And don't worry, I'll make sure to wake you next time. I promise." He watches her head to the bathroom and takes a moment to appreciate her presence.
As the coffee brews, Logan takes the opportunity to quickly tidy up the living room, folding blankets and straightening pillows. He glances at his phone, noticing a missed call from his sister, Honor. He makes a mental note to call her back later and focuses on finishing his morning tasks. Once Rory returns from the bathroom, Logan hands her a steaming cup of coffee. They sit together on the couch, sipping their drinks and enjoying the peaceful morning. Rory shares the details of her dream from last night of the Grinch and Finn getting drunk and trying to steal the Christmas tree and they laughed.
Logan suggests going for a walk in the park nearby after finding a cafe for breakfast. Rory asks about the pickup at Whole Foods, and Logan explains that the bellperson was going to pick-up it, put away the items that needed to be in the suite's kitchen. Rory agrees, eager to spend time together. They finish their coffee and get ready for the day, enjoying each other's company and the simple joy of being together.
As they leave the hotel, Logan reaches for Rory's hand, intertwining their fingers. With a warm smile, he whispers, "Ready for a perfect day, Ace?" Rory squeezes his hand and nods, feeling grateful for the upcoming days ahead.