Shattered Hearts A MFM Love Story

~ ~ Maddy ~ ~

A first responder hurtled past the car as I eased off the gas, about to park up. I was meeting Riley Jo and Nana Em in town. My eyes followed the flashing lights until they vanished from sight. I hoped it was nothing serious. Today was supposed to be a happy day for the townsfolk of Lockwood.

Getting out of the car, I popped the keys into my purse. It hit me. This was Cooper’s car. I cursed for the umpteenth time the loss of my little car.

Never mind, I would give it back when I collected my things and leave him a note. I could ask Nana if Howard, her best friend, would help me—that’s if she agreed to let me stay for a few days whilst I found an apartment, oh and loan me some cash until I got myself a job.

But what job? I had zero experience in anything, apart from horses.

One thing at a time. I could worry about those details later.

My phone pinged, and I dipped inside my purse to get it. It was Riley Jo asking where the hell I was. Smiling, it felt good not having to hide or lie about who I was going to meet. With a spring in my step, I felt lighter than I’d done in months, since before the wedding.

I gasped and stopped walking. Lifting my hand, my wedding ring stared back.

Ugh...First order of business. I yanked it off my finger and stomped over to the nearest trash can and hovered. No. He could have it back, with my note and his stupid car. I popped it inside my purse.

Another ping. This was a picture of Riley Jo eating a slice of Miss Marly’s famous apple pie.

Not a moment passed when it pinged for a third time. I have a surprise waiting for you, it read.

Shaking my head, smiling, I rounded the corner spotting my sister waiting for me outside Marly’s family diner. All the diners had put extra tables and chairs out front today as Lockwood was expecting to be jam-packed with all the celebrations. She waved and I slowed my steps because that wasn’t Nana Em or Conner sitting with her.

My heart added an extra beat. I’d know that hat and those broad shoulders anywhere...Logan Reilly.

Damn.

There was nothing I could do now. I had to suck it up. Plastering on a smile, I made my way toward them. Riley Jo was up out of her seat, pulling me into a hug. I had to smile as her ever-growing baby bump pressed against my abdomen. “There’s something different ’bout you?” she whispered in my ear, pulling back. “You look happier!”

I hadn’t told Riley Jo why I’d asked to meet her and Nana Em here. I wanted to talk to them together.

I heard the clearing of a throat and turned my attention to familiar eyes “Hey Logan.” I swore that man got more handsome every damn time I saw him.

“I just ran into him. Said he was looking for you, so I told him he could wait with me.”

Thanks, Riley Jo. “You wanted to see me?”

He smiled and although it was warm and welcoming, it conflicted with the determined look in his eyes. “I was hoping for a chance to talk to you.”

Riley Jo sat back down. “You two go right ahead, don’t mind me.” She wiggled her eyebrows, grinning, looking happier than a tornado in a trailer park. And if I didn’t know better, I might have thought she planned this.

“Nana’s gonna be here soon. She messaged me to say she was running a little late.” Riley Jo picked up her fork, humming. “You don’t mind if I eat your slice of pie?” She blinked. Then burst into a girly chuckle. “I am eating for two.”

Internally sighing, I had no choice but to talk to him. “No. Go right ahead. You can get me another slice later.”

“Let’s take a little walk,” he said, pushing up from his chair.

Nervously, I nodded as he placed his hand on the base of my spine but we didn’t make it two steps before the screech of one of my mama’s friends caught our attention. She was hurrying up Main Street as if a fire had been lit under her ass.

“Girls, girls.” She gasped.

Riley Jo groaned. “Mornin’ Mrs Winkleman.” Tilly Winkleman was one of those women - you know the one. Inconsiderate and would push their way into a line of waiting people. Or talked so loudly that everyone would know she was there.

Ugh... I braced myself for whatever brand of nasty gossip she was about to spew out today.

“Girls! Girls!” She repeated like we hadn’t heard her the first time. “Girls... have you not heard?”

Me and Riley Jo shared a glance.

“It’s your dear sweet Nana.” Hand on her chest. “The poor thing.”

A shiver passed over me.

“They just rushed her to the hospital. She fell, but thank heavens your mama was there.”

Riley Jo was up out of her seat, snatching her purse. “We gotta go.”

“My truck’s right there. I’ll drive you both,” said Logan, his tone daring me to say no.

I looked at Riley Jo, who nodded.

We arrived at Mercy Heights in record time. Adam was waiting for us. He looked glum for what a better word as we got out of the car.

“I’ll park the truck,” said Logan.

I met his heavy stare and found stubbornness glaring right back at me. “You don’t have to stay, Logan. You’ve done enough driving us here.” I hoped he would leave.

“I’m stayin’.”

There wasn’t time to argue as we followed Adam into the hospital and he told us Nana was in surgery with Dr Chambers. Her MRI had shown a bleed on the brain.

Riley was crying as Adam hugged her. Swiping away my own tears. I spotted Mama and Howard.

If looks could kill. Mama bounced toward us. “What is she doin’ here?” she hissed, pointing her bony finger at me and Riley Jo.

Ignoring her, I walked right past her and hugged Howard. “Any news?”

He shook his head.

“A word Mrs Lockwood.” Adam pulled my mama to one side as Riley Jo came and hugged Howard. I couldn’t hear what he said, but she wasn’t happy as she stormed off and the air felt lighter.

Logan arrived and laced his fingers with mine. “She’s a tough one, your Nana. She’ll be good.”

He didn’t let go of my hand, and I prayed he was right.

Over an hour passed, and Logan had gone in search of some caffeine when the double doors opened and in walked Dr Chambers. I sagged in relief when he told us the surgery was a success, but because of swelling, they’d had to put her in a medically induced coma to help the healing.

“Can we see her or at least sit with her for a while?” asked my sister.

Dr Chambers scrubbed a hand over his chin awkwardly. “I’m afraid Mrs Lockwood, your mother, insisted that Howard and next of kin could visit - next of kin being your mother.”

“She said what!?” wailed Riley Jo, her bottom lip trembling.

I gritted my teeth, not at all surprised. I had a feeling this had more to do with me than Riley Jo. My mama was punishing me.

“Can’t you do something?” Riley Jo shifted her watery eyes to her husband.

Adam shook his head. “We can’t go against the next of kin’s wishes.” He wrapped his arms around his wife and she buried her face in his chest, but it didn’t stop me from hearing her call our mama a bitch.

I agreed wholeheartedly.

“I’m almost finished here. Do you want a ride home, Maddy?” asked Adam, whilst rubbing his hand up and down Riley’s back.

Oh hell. I’d forgotten all about that. Where was I supposed to go? I couldn’t go back there. I wouldn’t spend another night under that roof. And I couldn’t go to Nana’s now, when Mama found out I'd left Cooper she’d have me arrested for trespassing.

And I couldn’t go to Riley Jo and Adams. That would be the first place Cooper looked.

I needed some fresh air to think. “If you don’t mind giving me a lift to my car?” I had my credit card—or rather Cooper’s credit card and about fifty dollars cash on me. Maybe I could check in a motel for a night or two and figure out what I was gonna do.

Adam nodded, smiling. “No problem.”

“I’m just gonna head outside to get some fresh air.”

“You want company?” asked my sister, twisting her face toward me.

I shook my head. “No, I’m good. You stay with Adam. I won’t be gone long.”

Making my way outside, I felt like the air was being squeezed out of my chest. Cooper might have heard by now about my nana’s accident and that I was with Riley Jo. Mrs Winkleman would have told the whole of Lockwood. I couldn’t risk going back to the house at all.

Outside, I quickened my steps as I felt the start of a panic attack coming on. I breathed in and out, getting in as much air as possible.

Heavy footsteps chased mine.

I didn’t need to turn around to know who’d followed me outside and as he came to stand in front of me. Our eyes met.

“You okay?” His eyes flitted over me, making sure I was okay.

I breathed deeply three more times and strangely the tightness in my chest eased up, for which I was grateful. “I’m good.” I smiled. “Thanks for coming with me, us...driving us here, but you don’t have to stay with me now. Adam said he’ll give me a ride back to my car.”

I turned before he could say anything, walking away.

“Maddy, just ...wait."

I bit on my lip. One thing I knew about Logan Reilly was that he was bullheaded when he put his mind to something. His large strides had him walking beside me in no time.

“I said I wanted to talk and I still do if you’re up to it?”

It wasn’t a good idea to speak with him. My head was all over the place with Nana’s accident and not knowing where the hell I was gonna stay tonight.

Being quiet for too long, he took my hand and led us around the side of the hospital to the gardens and my heart hummed a merry tune. Stupid heart.

Still letting him lead, I couldn’t deny it felt nice to have my hand in his. It was much bigger and rougher than mine and, like always, it made me feel safe as we walked together down the path before diverting onto a grassy ridge. The soft ground beneath heralded our arrival onto another small pebbled pathway that weaved through the trees to the wildflower garden, planted by the ladies from the church.

Lucky for us, it was quiet today. Not a soul around apart from the birds in the trees and a warm breeze ruffling my hair and teasing the hem of my dress.

“I think this is far enough,” Logan looked around as I pulled my hand free and pretended to admire the flowers.

A warm hand curled around my forearm. The touch was welcome at so many other times, just not today. Not when I didn’t want to talk about what had happened earlier this morning. A surprised cry was half-stifled as I was spun around, stumbling with the movement. Logan wrapped his other hand around my hip to help steady me, as his other hand moved up to grip firmly against the exact same spot a bunch of fresh bruises sat.

Pain flared sharply, slicing up my arm.

I gasped, wincing.

Then internally cringed.

I’d been so good at concealing this kind of reaction. Biting down on the pain. But right now I felt raw, emotionally bare, now that Logan had discovered my shameful secret, one I’d been so careful to hide from him and everyone else.

Horror flashed in his clear grey eyes when he realised what he’d done. He yanked his hand from my arm. “Goddamn. Sorry, sorry...” he apologised, tripping over the words taking a step away, taking his warmth with him.

I swallowed and looked away, not wanting to see his pity or worse, for him to look at me like I was somehow less in his eyes. That I was weak, pathetic. But it was getting harder and harder to shield the brittle, scared girl I was.

“I better head back inside. Riley Jo will wonder where I’ve gone,” I said a little too panicky.

“Look at me, Maddy.” His voice was a disappointed bark and my gaze instantly whipped to him. I wanted to believe his tone had startled me, but I knew better. I was the dutiful Lockwood daughter, and I always obeyed.

A heartsick part of me wondered how long would it take to cut that part out of me like a tumour and discard it? A more disparaged side to me whispered I’d never be brave enough to stop trying to be perfect.

I curled my small hand into a fist, digging my nails into my palms, reminding myself that today I hadn’t done what I was told. I’d gone against what was ingrained in me - I’d escaped.

“Maddy...” Logan’s eyes were intense. “You’ve been avoiding me for weeks, months. You’re not running away from this conversation.”

For a moment, I was awestruck with how handsome Logan was with his dark hair dusting his neck, a little wilder now, being slightly longer than usual. I wanted to reach up and run my hands around the back of his strong neck and play with the ends to see if it was as soft as it looked.

He stepped closer; he was so tall and well-muscled in a cotton shirt and faded denim-blue jeans, that I had to tilt my head up to meet his eyes. “I have not. I think you are imagining things, Logan Reilly.”

Logan’s mouth pressed to a troubled line. Wrath glinted in his eyes like a knife and clenched his square jaw tight. “Too bad, Princess. We’re talking about it.”

My bottom lip jutted out. Sick of people telling me what to do. “You think I’m gonna share anything with you, out here in a public garden?”

He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Fine. Let’s go back to my truck and go someplace where no one can see or hear us.”

I shook my head. Doing that meant he would squeeze every bit of shame from me. Here, I had a better chance of keeping control. “Fine, you want to talk—talk.”

“What the hell has that fucker been doing to you?” he snarled.

I flinched at his tone. Cooper liked to intimidate me. He liked hurting me by holding me so tightly I’d bruise. He wanted to at the very least break me.

Logan’s face dropped, seeing my fear. He held both his hands up. “I’m sorry. I’m not angry with you.” His look was earnest. “You know I’d never hurt you, right?” He licked across his lips, sighing. “Please, Maddy. Tell me what’s going on.”

I knew in my heart Logan would never hurt me. And I briefly wondered what Cooper would do or say if he saw me standing here talking to him. I was sure his cruelty would be felt for days.

I shook the thought away. I was leaving him. He couldn’t hurt me any longer.

Logan patiently waited but I’d been silent for so long on the truth of mine and Cooper's sham of a marriage, that I didn’t know how to unknot my tongue, how to voice it, or even where to begin.

“He’s been hurting you...” Concern and anger swallowed his voice. It became tight when he asked, “Hasn’t he?” I knew by the way his golden colouring paled no matter what lie I teed up. He wouldn’t believe me. But I couldn’t let him know the truth. Because I knew Logan would take matters into his own hands.

And I was fixing it. Leaving him. He couldn’t hurt me any more. “What do you want from me, Logan?”

He breathed heavily through his nose, his eyes falling shut briefly. When he next looked me in the eye, puzzlement darkened his gaze. “I thought we were friends, and you could trust me.”

A pang of guilt slammed into me.

“I can’t believe I didn’t realise what was going on.” He shook his head. “I should have known.” Pain replaced confusion, “I watched you—”

He stopped.

“Watched me what?”

“Become less—less you.”

He wasn’t wrong. And I couldn’t deny it. I was less.

Logan stepped closer, his warmth wrapping, shielding me, and it took all my strength not to lean into him.

He raised his hand carefully and plucked at the sleeve cuff of my dress, and he tugged gently. “This the reason you’re suddenly wearing long sleeves.”

It wasn’t a question, and his keen observation surprised me.

He let go of the cuff and bowed his head, tension stiffening his entire frame, as he dragged across his mouth, his coarse-grained curse of ”Fuck,” muffled beneath his large palm.

I blinked in surprise. Feeling guilty for his hurt, but there was also a small amount of relief. I wouldn’t have to hide any longer. I was free... nearly. Not to be bullied or treated cruelly again by no man. “I’m gonna be okay, Logan.” And that was the truth.

Logan’s head jerked up. Streaks of anger settled across his face, tightening his jaw once again. “Leave him, Maddy. You don’t have to put up with his shit.”

“Way ahead of you, cowboy.” Logan’s eyes flashed wide and for the first time in months, I laughed. “What? I surprised you?”

“You’ve left him? What when? Riley Jo mentioned nothin’.”

I bit my lip. “I haven’t told Riley Jo—I was gonna do it today.”

“What—he just let you go?”

“He doesn’t know yet.” I tipped my chin up valiantly. “By the end of today. I will be free of him.”

“No,” he said sadly. “No, you won’t.”

Heavens, that confident feeling I’d just experienced vanished as something desperate speared through his gaze. “Don’t go back.” He lifted imploring hands. “Come home with me,” he paused. “I can collect your things.”

I scoffed. “I can’t do that.” It was crazy to even suggest it.

“Fine. If you won’t come home with me. Then I’m gonna pay him a visit and give him a taste of his own medicine.”

Fear spread like acid through my veins, making my heart run faster and a sheen of cold sweat beaded upon my palms. I grabbed both his hands. “No, please. No, Logan. He’s dangerous, crazy.”

“See right there. You’re scared of him and yet seem to think you can go back and what?” Shaking his head. “End it and just walk out?”

“I’m gonna do it when he’s not there.” Christ, I sounded pathetic. “Leave him a note.”

“And where will you go? He’ll go looking for you.”

That was true. My shoulders sagged as I shifted my weight, stamping my foot on the ground with frustration. “I won’t put you in danger.”

“You don’t need to worry ’bout me, Princess. I can look after myself.” He glanced away. “Come home with me. Let me look after you. Treat you like you deserve.”

I blinked, astounded. He still wanted me? After everything?

I searched his eyes for the truth and I saw it gleaming. Desire. Need. And my stomach flipped.

But it still left an insurmountable stumbling block. Jackson. Logan would expect me to choose between them.

Logan’s handsome features pinched as he shook his head, looking baffled. “This isn’t about Jackson or choosing.” He sighed, reading my thoughts. “It’s about keeping you safe.”

“And maybe I need to keep you safe!” I bit back. “You already said he might come looking for me.”

Logan’s nostrils flared. His anger lit the air like a struck match with crackling energy. “I’m not scared of him. I’ll protect you. Always.”

“And I won’t get you hurt,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around my chest as if I could shield my heart from him.

He made a step toward me and I stumbled a step back, sweeping up a hand to ward him off.

The torment scoring across his features hurt worse than any pain Cooper had ever inflicted.

“I won’t put you in danger’s way,” I whispered, my voice cracking

His spine snapped straight, expression twisting into a fierce glare as he stabbed his chest. “I’m telling you. You ain’t going back there without me.”

I bristled. “I’m telling you I can handle it.” My voice became shrill.

Logan’s mouth pressed into a harsh line, and tension had his hands fisting by his sides. “Why do you gotta be so stubborn, Maddy Lockwood?”

I wasn’t being stubborn. I was protecting him as much as myself. Shuddering, I turned around before the hot tears stinging my eyes fell.

Behind me, I heard a sharply muttered, “Fuck.”

Logan’s large hand latched onto my shoulder and twirled me around, blinking the tears away as I stared upwards, startled. He loomed over me, bringing his hands up to cradle the sides of my face, his touch adoring as he swept his thumbs across my cheekbones. I was lost in his eyes. “No one ever gets to lay a hand on you again, Princess.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead and all the air left my lungs at the warm, comforting touch. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” He placed a tender kiss on my eyes, my nose, my cheek, and with every careful press of his warm, firm lips, my heart fluttered inside my chest in wonderment. “I would die before I let any more hurt fall on you.”

“But I can’t choose,” I breathed, in a small, weak voice.

He smiled. “I’m not asking you to choose. I just need to know you’re safe.”

My hands grabbed hold of him greedily, scrunching his shirt in my hands, pulling him closer. One of his hands skimmed along my collarbone to trail up my throat.

“Don’t go trying to be tough all on your own. Let me in, Princess.”

I went to protest.

“It’s not a weakness, Maddy.”

With one hand on my hip, the other wrapped around the nape of my neck, he lowered his head, his mouth a hairsbreadth from my own. “You might not love me back. But let me show you how much you mean to me.”

I only got to gape at him in surprise before his mouth claimed mine. And my body exploded with shock at the feel of his lips on mine.

This was only the third occasion we’d kissed, and it was more intense than the first time and the time in the barn.

This wasn’t an uncertain kiss. This was the kiss of a man who knew what he wanted ... And it was me. Logan’s kiss was stamped with confidence. His body pushed against mine with urgency. His hand latched around my hip, commanding. I surrendered as he drank me down like a desperate man. Kissing me until all I saw was him.

I came up briefly for air. “This can’t mean anything, Logan.”

“Okay,” he murmured into my lips.

“Logan,” I sighed.

“Maddy,” he groaned back. “I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re coming home with me.”

“Promise me you’ll stay away from Cooper?” It was my final demand, adding. “And it’s only temporary until I get myself sorted and find a job.”

“You have my word, Princess.”

He never remarked on the temporary bit as he eased back and took hold of my hand, his large fingers twining around mine.

What was I getting myself into?