[Blake] Fix You

[Logan Chase Renner]

"Dani," Logan said, trying his best to keep an even tone, "I will see what I can do about the tour dates. The best I can do is try and make some personal calls tomorrow, but we'll probably have to wait until Monday." His patience was wearing thin, not that he would change any of it. He had Emma on his lap, sucking on his arm, and Kenzie was crying because Logan hadn't done her hair correctly. "Here, could you take her for a minute," Logan said, handing Emma over to Dani, "I guess I don't really understand why you need that time blocked off, are you taking a vacation or something?" Logan asked, pulling Kenzie closer as he attempted to fix her hair while she told him through tears that it was useless and he had already ruined it. Dani had tried to help but obviously Kenzie wasn't having it. "Well, I'm getting married," Dani replied, taking Emma into her lap. Logan stopped, shaking his head at Kenzie, "Alright go ask Mom to fix it," he told her while she stomped out. He had a hard time believing she was already going to be four in a few months. She had the lungs to go with it though. "Okay but seriously, what are you doing during that time?" "I already told you, I'm getting married. Jake proposed. Finally." Logan stared at her over some paperwork he was trying to get done before Blake's parents came over. It was Friday night so normally Logan would be playing with the kiddos and not doing paperwork. He wasn't supposed to bring his work home on the weekends. But even he had to admit that Blake's parents coming over was making Logan really uneasy. For good reason, seeing as the last time he had seen her parents they hadn't exactly agreed about things. And after that it was strictly them being around helping with the kids, and being there for Blake while she got readjusted to her own life. But they'd had to return home eventually, and this was the first they would be seeing them after all that. Keeping himself busy in his office was his weird way of keeping his mind off of them coming over for dinner, and if that meant taking a meeting with Dani, than so be it. "Wait." Logan said, sitting back and setting his pen down, "He actually proposed? Wow," he said out loud, smiling at her, "Well congratulations. That's..." he was going to say amazing, or exciting, but all he could manage to say through his smile was, "very overdue."

Dani had explained that she was heading out, going over to hang out with Ryan, and Logan arranged to have a more formal meeting with her on Monday at the office. They'd have to rearrange some tour dates around her wedding. She'd handed his baby back to him and left, leaving Logan to head into the kitchen to see what Blake was cooking. "Hey," he said, glancing at what was on the counters, "Look's good, what are you making?" he asked, shifting Emma in his arms and spotted Kenzie sitting at the counter, hair fixed and mostly happy, though he thought he'd just caught the end of conversation where Blake was trying to explain to their daughter why Brayden couldn't come over. It was all really sort of nerve wracking, having awkward exchanges with you wife, you can;t kiss her or hold her or be intimate, and you couldn't tell her that her parents had wanted to take her off of life support. He couldn't tell her it had caused a huge fight between himself and her parents and that even though they had all moved past the incident, they hadn't really talked about it or made up. And made him self conscious to be at odds with her parents when he also didn't fully feel like he had Blake by his side on this one. Usually they were a united front about things, but he was on his own. And it was awkward to him to have her parents in their home while he and Blake were still readjusting; he didn't like her parents seeing their relationship like this.

[Blake Emma Renner]

Cooking was one thing about her life that hadn’t seemed to do a drastic 180 when she woke up in the hospital which felt like years ago, but realistically wasn’t that long at all. And what a team of people she had surrounded herself with.. It was almost as though Mackenzie and Logan had perfect harmony with how they were going to help Blake adjust in her new life. Between rehearsals, recordings, watching old interviews, she’d studied who “Blake Renner” was. But she still couldn’t get over the fact that she had two beautiful daughters and was married to the one man on Earth that she thought would always be unattainable to her. She took her apron off, going to wash her hands at the sink when Kenzie came stomping in, yelling about how this night was ruined. Blake kneeled down, brushing the tears from her heartbroken daughter’s face. Emma was probably laying in Logan’s arms somewhere perfectly content. But Kenzie, away from Brayden, was watching her little world unfold in tiny disaster after disaster. She smiled slightly, pushing her hair form her face before she started to work on her daughters hair.

After finally getting Kenzie all finished and ready to go, the little girls cheeks were still red and blotchy from the tantrum she was trying to throw to get Brayden to come over. “I will call Uncle Shane and Aunt Claire after your grandparents leave and we will see if they can come over, IF you behave during dinner,” Blake said, looking over the lettuce that she was washing for a salad. “I’m not eating all my vegetables.” Kenzie said with her arms crossed before looking over her shoulders at Logan. She glared at him, taking out her tiny toddler angst at him. "We are having chicken marsala.. if that's okay with you," she said with a slightly nervous smile.
“I don’t want grandma. I don’t want grandpa. I don’t want mommy. I don’t want daddy. I DON’T WANT EMMA.” Kenzie started screaming. Blake looked up, trying to faux seriousness at Kenzie. “Who do you want?” she questioned to the little girl. “ I want Brayden, oh my god!” Kenzie said, throwing her head back. “Okay, how do you get him?” Blake asked, lifting her eyebrow slightly at Kenzie as she finished making the salad. Kenzie looked between her parents, narrowing her eyebrows slightly. “Here’s the deal,dad” she said, putting both of her hands on the counter. “I will be nice. I will eat my broccoli. There will..be Brayden…with my dessert.” she said, looking between the two of her parents. She struggled to hop out of the tall chair before making her way up to the stairs, telling her siri to facetime uncle Shane.

Blake took in a deep breath, drying her hands on the towel as she walked over to Logan. The last time she had seen Shane he’d actually interrupted herself and Logan. She smiled at him, just standing there so effortlessly in the kitchen, but looking like every part of heaven she could have possibly imagined. The flutter in her stomach probably showed as a blush on her cheeks as she stepped closer to him. “Are you nervous?” she questioned before scoffing to herself quietly and looking down at her nails. “Of course you’re not. You’ve been around them hundreds of times,” she said, taking in a deep breath before she looked up at him. His eyes were so beautiful, she felt that you could actually get lost in them. She reached over, slowly placing her hands on top of his, but as she went to tighten her grip she heard the doorbell ring and pulled her hand back quickly at the surprise. Blake tore herself away from Logan’s eyes, looking down at Emma before she nervously ran her hands over her skirt and headed toward the front door to let her parents in.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Kenzie was glaring at him and he had to admit he couldn't be to cross with her. There had been a lot going on, a lot of adjusting for everyone. Logan couldn't dismiss the month or so of time he had at home with Kenzie; they'd bonded more so then they had ever before. He knew not having mommy around for that amount of time probably felt like a lifetime for someone who was three. And now she was back and things were different she she was competing for Logan's attention with mom and a new baby. Things were not back to normal in the Renner house. Even if they put on a good front for the public. "Yeah, that sounds great," he had said, smiling, before moving over to where Kenxie was pouting and now trying to negotiate with him. Blake had stood her ground, the best way to deal with Kenzie. As she stormed out Logan called after her, "You heard your mom, no Brayden unless you behave. No dessert unless you behave actually, so I guess that means you're on your best behavior." Logan looked at Emma who was making noise quietly, already trying to be just like her big sister. She at least had a much more calming disposition than Kenzie, the easy going second child. Logan looked up when Blake asked if he was nervous, coming over from the sink. Honestly, he was, but he couldn't begin to even explain it to her. Just as soon as she was asking though, she was answering for him, figuring he wasn't nervous. They'd been married for four years after all, why would he be nervous about his in laws. If only she knew. It was nice though, the small moments they shared here and there, like now as she placed her hand over his. It wasn't much, but it meant a lot to him. They may not be the way they were a few months ago but he was standing in his kitchen with his wife by his side and his baby in his arms; he had absolutely zero complaints considering he had almost lost them both. "You look nice," he added with a wink. It was funny because he could sort of feel when she was trying to impress him, (as if she needed to) but he was enjoying it. It was nice after being together for so long to still get dressed up for each other and try to impress each other; even though they didn't to. Their situation was a weird little blessing that was reminding Logan of all the small things he loved about her from day one. Blake had gone to get the door, Logan staying back in the kitchen for a moment before going after her to greet them. "Hi," he said, giving her mom a hug, shifting Emma around so she wouldn't get squished, "How was your flight?" Such a common thing to ask. He held out his hand to shake her father's, offering a small smile.

[Blake Emma Renner]

As soon as Blake opened the door she slightly regretted inviting her parents over for dinner. What was she trying to prove? Oh look, mom and dad. Here I am trying to figure out my life with my husband and my kids and I don’t know a lot about what is going on, but look I can still make a chicken marsala. Stupid Blake. Stupid chicken marsala sauce. They were coming in and moving quickly, giving her hugs and stepping to the side as they started to take off their jackets. Blake smiled looking between her parents and Logan. Maybe it was always this formal. How would she know? “Oh, may I see her?” Blake’s mother questioned, taking Emma from Logan as the men shook each others hands. “Kenzie should be down in a moment. She’s…..praying.” Blake said, offering a small smile. It probably wasn’t a lie. Blake had heard Kenzie praying plenty of times about Brayden. Mainly that he love her forever and always. “ Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. But I have some bruschetta if you like,” she said, placing her hands behind her back. How strange it was, to feel out of place in your own home. She wasn’t sure what exactly she was trying to prove by inviting them over. But now she just wished that she had kept her small little family to herself for the evening. She did know one thing though, Logan made her nervous and calm at the same time. So she moved over toward him, placing her arm behind his lower back at the same time as Kenzie came down the stairs, holding onto the rail and trying to seem as proper as she could. “Grandma! Grandpa!” she said excitedly, running over to them with a smile that would show no indicator that she had just been throwing a fit. She reached up to hug her grandfather and as he picked her up in his arms, Kenzie locked her eyes on Logan, holding up two fingers, which Blake could only take to mean as Kenzie’s way of saying she was getting two desserts. “I’m so excited to see you! I’ve waited ALL day!” she said, giving her grandpa a kiss on both cheeks. Her father was smiling, talking to Logan about the flight, but her mother looked like she was tearing up. That was weird. Blake narrowed her eyebrows slightly but tried not to let it show that it had caught her off guard. Maybe it was just emotional for her to see the family all together. “I’ll go get the bruschetta,” she said, looking at Logan as though he might offer to help her.

[Logan Chase Renner]

And so it began. Logan glanced at the clock in the hall, wondering how long they would stay, which was a terrible thought to have. But he was uncomfortable, Blake seemed sort of uncomfortable, Blake's mother was crying? What was that anyways. Kenzie swooped her small self in and wrapped Grandpa tightly around her little finger. Two desserts? Sure. That was his girl. You can pout and cry all you want, but you put on a good face when it counts. Even now Logan could tell Blake was already acting like she wasn't sure what they should be doing. He had moved his hand to rest on her shoulder, hearing her offer them an appetizer, "That sounds good, I'll help you get that. Kenzie, why don't you show Grandpa your new guitar?" She'd been begging for her own for pretty much ever, saying the little one she already had was for babies. She still had a kid sized one but it was a step up. It was cute that she wanted one as it was. Emma was with Blake's mom and that was fine, she was a happy little thing so Logan led Blake to the kitchen, asking her what he would help with. "Feeling weird about them being here?" He asked her, taking the tray from her. He thought for a moment, deciding it didn't hurt to tell her the truth, "Well, I guess so am I," he shrugged. Logan leaned over without thinking and kissed her cheek before beginning to leave the kitchen. It had been a little while since he'd done that. But he was just feeling like they both were sort of needing each other right now. Logan set the tray of bruschetta on the counter, hearing Kenzie already putting on what she would consider an impromptu show for them. Logan looked at Blake, really feeling like he'd failed her a little by keeping her in the dark. Telling her about the hospital was heart breaking, but her not knowing now seemed more unfair. He didn't want her to think it was always like this with her parents. He wanted her to know her father had once really liked Logan, or had acted like it. And that Logan used to hug her dad once upon a time. They used to invite them into their home and it was no big deal. Maybe he should have told her, at least that things with her parents and Logan were a little tense. He should have warned her, that wasn't fair of him. "Things aren't always this... formal," he said quietly, trying to calmly tell her that things were just a little different all around. "You know, I think every one is still adjusting... it's been strange for your parents. As it is for all of us." He paused, "Things got a little tense while you were in the hospital." Logan took Blake's hand, giving it a squeeze, "I want things to be comfortable too. I guess we all just need a little patience," he said, letting out a breath. Patience was a nice way of putting it. "But I'm here, if things get weird. I know it's all still strange to you, but I love you. That's what I'm here for. For when things in your life get a little weird," he smiled.

[Blake Emma Renner]

Blake could hear Kenzie working on her guitar performance. “I call this one… polka dot headband,” she said proudly before singing out the different colors of the polka dots on one of her favorite headbands. She looked up at Logan as he came into the kitchen, sighing softly in relief from his presence. “I mean maybe a little weird,” she said, offering him the tray before she crossed her arms over stomach. But suddenly he was admitting that he too was nervous about them being here, and then leaned over and kissed her cheek. Blake stood there speechless for a moment after he left, reaching her fingertips up to touch the skin where he had kissed her. “Really?” she asked quietly, catching up to the fact that he was nervous, too. Blake blinked, pulling herself back to focus as she followed him into the living room where everyone could eat some appetizers while watching Kenzie do her show. “This one… is about my boyfriend. It’s called ‘Bat Symbol’.” she said, clearing her throat. She watched everyone, feeling a little tense. Why did it feel like no one was comfortable? No one seemed to be at ease. Emma seemed fine. There was that. She looked up at Logan as he spoke to her and smiled again at the way his hand fit perfectly over hers. And there he did it again…taking her breath away. She looked up at him, trying to steal her eyes away from him and the fact that he just said those three magical words. “Still?” she questioned in slight disbelief and awe. He still did? This was his second chance, an opportunity for him to get the hell out of dodge. But, still? “I don’t know that my life was ever normal to begin with…” she said, lifting her eyebrows slightly. “Shane Madden is one of the people most called from my phone… I think he’s legitimately one of my closest friends. I have recipe books filled with post it notes that are color coordinated based on what Shane wants to eat with each mood,” She looked up at Logan, wanting to tell him she loved him, too. She opened her mouth, wishing for the words to come out, but instead found herself smiling. She turned toward him, wrapping her long arms around his lean frame, clinging to him tightly as she rest her cheek on his shoulder. Her mother was busy asking about what type of balsamic vinegar Blake used with her bruschetta, but in this tiny little fraction of a moment, she felt like all she had was Logan. What if who she was, wasn’t someone he could truly love anymore? I mean, think about it. The experiences that led them to where they are now… she didn’t remember them. She didn’t remember what shaped them into the couple that they are. She barely fell on his radar in highschool, and she doubted highly that it would be enough for him. “Can you give us a moment? I’ll set the plates… Kenzie wants to perform more songs,” she said. “We can watch her all night,” her father said. “Please do,” Blake muttered quietly, grabbing Logan’s hand before pulling him into the kitchen and then into the pantry before shutting the door. She stood there in the dark for a moment, momentarily reaching up to pull the string to turn the light on but then stopped herself. She swallowed nervously, reaching up to place her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating beneath her fingertips. She curled them against the fabric of his shirt before resting against his chest. “ What has happened…” she questioned quietly.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Logan smiled as he watched Kenzie, but leaned over to Blake who had responded with slight shock. "Of course still, we're still us." He had to admit though, he would never consider their life normal. "Well, Shane is a very special type of friend," he added, half joking, half serious. Logan wrapped his arm around her, pulling close to his side. They had things to work through still, but she should know how he felt, and that he wanted to work through them. He had never gven up on her and he wasn't about to now. And they all knew that, even her parents, who had glanced their way for even the briefest of moments. Yes, we're still together. It was oddly satisfying, like they had to prove to her parents that they were still in this, under whatever circumstances were thrown their way. Logan followed Blake to the pantry, a little relieved to be back alone with her, maybe even a little eager. Funny how things like being alone with your wife in a dark pantry seemed so childish, like something the Madden's would do. But Logan thought it felt more normal than anything that was going on lately. Him and Blake, sneaking off to be Logan and Blake, two pieces of one whole against everyone else. "We created a monster," he said feigning concern, knowing that wasn't at all what she meant, but he wasn't sure what she was thinking right now. He could feel her in the darkness, neither of them moving to turn on the light, standing inches from him against his chest. So much had happened. So, so much. He was constantly over thinking every movement he made around her, second guessing ever word that left his mouth so as not to freak her out. Making sure he didn't touch her too intimately, not gushing over her all the about how much he loved her. Maybe with her parents in the house he just wanted them to feel like 'them' so much that he hadn't been careful around her. Kissing her cheek, saying he loved her. Now he wondered what she was thinking, if those things were weird to her, how she felt about them. If he should slow down; should be be courting his wife more seriously? "We can't stay in the pantry all night, but.... since I have you for the moment, do you want to go out? Tomorrow night, for dinner, maybe go see an exhibit or go sight seeing?" He felt ridiculously self conscious now even though she couldn't see him. "You know, like a date..." he added, as if it needed explaining. Maybe it did, he wasn't sure. "Maybe your parents can babysit," he smiled in the dark at the thought.

[Blake Emma Renner]

Blake couldn’t help but laugh quietly as Logan suggested that they had created a monster. She had some pretty impressive gumption, that was for sure. “I don’t know where she gets it,” Blake said honestly, bringing her hand up to the side of her head. If that girl wasn’t her child.. she would be one hell of a headache. She was now anyway. Being this close to Logan.. she was glad that it was dark. She hadn’t been this close to him since they filmed the ‘Style’ music video together. And what a fitting song for them. Especially what he had just said about still loving her. Maybe their love really never would go out of style. That night following the video, she’d gone to the guest bedroom. The only reason she stayed on the other side of the door was because of the fear of what was to come if she stepped in. But how many times did Logan have to prove that he was in this for the long haul? She couldn’t see him, but the moment he asked her on a date, she looked up in his direction. Was his heart beating faster? There’s no way that asking his wife out made him nervous. Yet, here she was, getting all nervous from her husband. Blake laughed at the absurdity of it all, resting her forehead against his chest as she shook her head. This was ridiculous. They had two children together and here they were in a closet like they were sneaking away at some high school party. But he’d been at the highschool parties. He’d helped her out of closets she’d been locked in. And now, she’d gladly be locked in one with him to escape. Logan Renner had become her escape, and here he was asking if she wanted to go on a date. Blake reached up, carefully placing her hands behind his neck as she slowly stood on her toes, almost cautiously bringing her lips to his. Every single nerve felt like it was on fire. How often was it that you got to kiss someone who you have been pining over since you first moved to California? Except now she was in New York. And he was hers. The greatest love of her life was standing in some dark pantry, wearing some shirt that she had probably picked out. How strange it was.. to think of what their life must have been like before. Arguing over what movies to watch, knowing what outfits drove him wild, buying eachother things just because they reminded them of one another. A simply beautiful life that they had created together was more than she could’ve imagined. And here she was making him sleep in the guest bedroom. What a wonderful, patient, loyal, beautiful man, who just so happened to taste like some sort of mixture of vanilla and honey. Maybe that was in her mind. But he tasted like dessert… like the type of sinful thing that you shouldn’t have until you eat your main course. Her entire life was the dessert section of the menu. He’d given that to her. “I’ll wear that white dress,” she said , obvious that she was slightly out of breath from kissing him. Blake reached over, opening the pantry door before going into the kitchen to take the marsala out of the oven. “Dinner’s ready,” she called out shakily.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Logan had a glimpse of all the times they had ever stuck off at some party, whether it was to make out or discuss life altering situations, but it was something that was solid in their relationship; taking small moments away from the chaos to be together alone. He hadn't been close enough to smell her perfume like this in ages, and here he was doing all he could not to close that gap. He had to know what she was thinking, had to find out if she would take that step. Had to know if she was falling for him again. He had waited so long, been so patient with her. Had given her space from himself, tried to handle all the things ever so she could adjust; paid the bills, handled her contracts, handled every person she talked to, tried to ease the adjustment with the girls. He was just doing everything he could to make things easier for her, sleeping in the other room, leaving her be. He'd been told he was patient, that a lesser man wouldn't have stuck around. Logan thought that was absurd. He would wait forever if he had to. But he didn't have to, being yanked from his thoughts as he realized she was kissing him. He had never wanted something so badly in his life but now that she was kissing him, he just couldn't hold back. You couldn't stop rushing water once you opened the flood gates. For what felt like a short moment he couldn't stop his hands from sliding around her back, pulling her against him, his fingers finding their way to being tangled in her hair; only if just for the shortest of moments before she left him in the pantry, breathless. She'd agreed to a date tomorrow, but all he could do was stand in their dark pantry, trying to pull it together while his lips still tingled, his body warm from the rush. Damn her. He stood there in the dark, hand grabbing a nearby shelf, leaning against it as he closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts. They were having dinner. With her parents. He needed to leave the pantry, and be civil, and sit and eat dinner with her without jumping her. He could probably handle that. Probably. Logan stepped out of the pantry, inwardly laughing at the irony. Blake thought she was the lucky one, having him as a husband, getting all nervous around him, blushing. And here he was, memories intact, totally thrown off kilter with one kiss in a pantry and he could barely think straight. Maybe it was just the muscle memory, or the actual memories that he still had, that had him needing to take a cold shower. Logan watched her as she carried the dish to the table, seeing Kenzie climb into her chair, Blake's mother putting Emma in the high chair. Logan waited, pulling Blake's chair out before sitting down, not even trying to find dinner conversation. Maybe someone else should. He heard her father say that dinner looked great, Logan nodded, "Yeah, it does. Kenzie, pass daddy the rolls, Sweet Pea."

[Blake Emma Renner]

Blake took in several quick breaths, trying to steady her heart as she looked up at her mother who was coming into the kitchen. She was busy getting Emma into the seat so Blake turned to go grab Logan and her father a cold beer from the fridge, pouring Logan’s into a mug that she pulled from the freezer. She touched the side of his arm, setting the beer at his place before she smiled politely at him, thanking him for pulling her seat out for her. She looked up at the table, noticing that her parents were waiting for them to dig in. “Oh,” she said slightly, unsure of how dinner functions usually went. Usually Shane was already digging in. Blake looked around, deciding to make a plate for Kenzie first. Kenzie giggled at being called Sweet Pea, a term of endearment that she loved so much. She picked up the basket, unable to hand it to Logan so instead got down and carried it over to him. Her tiny little hand reached into the basket to take a roll for herself before departing back to her seat. Blake placed the chicken marsala on Kenzie’s little plate, getting her some of the green beans as well but making sure to push the almonds away from them. Blake then offered the dish to Logan, since really he was the head of the household and all. She watched as Kenzie started to chug down her sweet tea, not knowing any limits on how much she should really have. That child had southern blood in her, but Blake would be damned if she wasn’t a little clone of Logan’s. It was strange that her parents were the ones that she had the most memories of; yet she felt more comfortable when it was just her little family. She was starting to wonder when that shift had changed. First she used to be nervous OF Logan, now he calmed her. He still made her nervous, but not in a “I’m going to vomit” way, but more of a, butterflies in her stomach, does he think I’m pretty…way. Blake pushed her hair from her face, fidgeting in her seat before she reached her hand under the table to hold onto his knee. “How was everyone’s day?” she asked before lifting her own glass of tea to her lips. “Today was quite productive,” Kenzie offered before tearing a bite of her roll. “What did you, darling?” Blake’s mother asked. “Well, Brayden showed me his penis.” she said, chewing on her roll. Blake immediately choked on her sweet tea. “What?” she asked, looking at Kenzie. “Boys have penises, girls do not.” she said, nodding at Logan with pride in her newest discovery. Blake blinked for a moment, “I’m going to get a drink? Anyone else want one?” she asked, though she didn’t stick around to see if anyone did. Logan and her father already had beer. But maybe Logan would want whatever she got, too. Blake came back toting two rocks glasses and what looked like the most expensive bottle of scotch she could find before pouring both herself and Logan a glass, sliding back into her seat and resting her hand back on his knee as she started to take a long drink from the glass.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Logan took a deep breath, thanking Kenzie for the rolls, taking the serving dish from Blake as he put some onto his plate and some onto Blake's plate too. After passing it all to her father, he was grateful to Blake for starting up conversation, though Kenzie's idea of appropriate dinner conversation needed work. Leave it to her to bring up penises at the dinner table. And she was so damn proud of herself for having learned all these new things about boys. Logan nodded, pointing at her as if to indicate she was spot on, "Right you are, Kenz." So that's probably what the preschool wanted when he screened their call that afternoon. Oh well. Logan was also grateful for Kenzie's endearing distraction from Blake's hand on his leg. He had never wanted her parents out of their house so badly, and he meant that in the best way. Aside from being severely attracted to his wife at the moment, he also could feel her father just soaking up his disapproval of his granddaughter talking about penises. But Logan knew better, he was a guy, he had a brother. Mr. Parker had never raised a son, but Logan knew it was important that Kenzie know about that stuff now, she might as well. He would rather she not be afraid of a penis and be able to understand the importance of choosing the right one, or you know, the right guy so to speak. Blake had gone to get drinks, probably needing to escape the conversation but returned with scotch. Well good, they could just be jolly together then, drinking scotch waiting until they had the house to themselves again. "Thanks," he smiled, taking a sip, and ate some of his green beans. Blake had returned her hand to his leg and Logan turned his attention to her father, a friendly reminder of what he shouldn't be thinking about right now. "So how's the oil business doing?" Logan asked, genuinely curious about what her father had been up to as of late. Logan felt a little bad about things that had gone on, wishing he could make things better between them.

[Blake Emma Renner]

Blake set her glass of scotch down, taking in a deep breath as she sat back. It was strange, really. She’d spent nearly all of the entire afternoon cooking dinner but now she had almost no appetite. Kenzie was busy picking the tomatoes and croutons out of her salad so that all she would have left was lettuce and cheese with her ranch dressing. But she was also trying to sneakily get Emma some of that roll. After leaning forward to take the roll out of Emma’s fingers, she winked at Kenzie. Emma wouldn’t have known what to do with it anyway, and was still staring down at her fingers where she had been holding the bread. A gift from her sister. Hopefully Kenzie would always love Emma the way she seemed to from afar when she thought no one else was looking.. but really, there was nothing wrong with showing someone you loved them more drastically. People deserved to know they were loved. She turned to Logan who was talking to her father about his business. “With the election coming up the oil business is going crazy. No one wants to do business with the men in the middle east during campaign time because they want to portray themselves as fine Americans. So we’ve been pretty busy.. doing a lot of buyouts. Exxon Mobil is one we’re looking at going after pretty soon,” he started talking but her mother was quick to wave them off. “None of this business talk. It’s Sunday!” she said, looking up at Logan. “Logan, sweetie. We’ve been talking and we think that you two deserve a little…” she said anxiously, looking at her husband then back at Logan, “ Alone time. You are such a hard-working young man, and anyone would be a fool to think you weren’t loyal to our daughter during times when we weren’t strong enough. We wanted to offer to watch the girls, give you and Blake a chance to really escape.” she said. Blake narrowed her eyebrows. When they hadn’t? She’d been so focused on Logan had she completely forgotten about the turmoil her parents must have gone through? Blake opened her mouth to say something but then looked at Logan, figuring it was best to await his response. “We wanted to offer you the ranch back in Texas.. we could take the girls to your parents house in California if you like,” she offered. “ Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Kenzie said. “ California? Oh my god, DADDY! MICKEY MOUSE!” Kenzie said before letting out a piercing scream.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Logan listened to her dad, nodding as he noticed Blake grab a roll from Emma. As if Kenzie thought they didn't notice; they were much older than her, even if she pretended to hate Emma, they all knew she adored her baby sister, even if it was secretly. It was cute and Logan smiled, reaching down to take Blake's hand under the table. Blake's mom had cut them off, dismissing business talk at dinner and began talking about Logan and Blake needing a little vacation. He tensed up a little, unintentionally squeezing Blake's hand at the mention of that one time when her parents had basically given up hope. Logan cleared his throat, glancing at Blake and placing a practiced smile on his face. Even without her memories, he had a feeling her gut would tell her it was strained. Logan couldn't get a word in edge wise before Kenzie was screaming about Mickey Mouse and going to California. Logan had to admit it was an awfully nice gesture... and they could really use some time to themselves. If it was fine with Blake, Logan didn't see why it would be a bad idea. "Alright," he said over Kenzie screaming, calming her down with a look, "I think that sounds really nice actually, thank you. If that sounds good to Blake," he added, watching her. Logan wasn't worried about the girls. They'd be in good hands with Blake's parents, get to go see Pops and Mickey Mouse. But he wouldn't suggest they do anything Blake didn't want to do. But maybe something familiar, like visiting her home in Texas would be nice for her.

[Blake Emma Renner]

“How can I say no…” Blake said almost nervously when she noticed Kenzie’s reaction. But really, she was looking at Logan. How do I say no? Her heart softened slightly cause she could tell that he was feeling unease about something as well. Maybe time alone would be good for them. The rest of the dinner was a lot less interesting than penises and Mickey Mouse, which is something that she never thought she would have to think in the same sentence. But they had joked around, Kenzie had been telling everyone what she was learning in pre-school, Emma stayed in her perfect little happy mood, oblivious to any discomfort. After clearing the dishes and allowing Kenzie her two desserts, she gave Claire a call. But instead of having Brayden come over, Claire insisted that Kenzie come spend the night and that Uncle Shane would come get her. So with that, Blake set to make some plates for them to take home and put together a bag for Kenzie. But as long as she had Brayden, she figured it would be fine. She also filled Claire in on the little conversation from dinner, which was only met with laughter. Figures.

Blake stepped down the hallway, pausing as she heard some tense discussion going on between her father and Logan. “I am the one that has always believed in her, don’t you dare say that in my house,” Logan said through what sounded like clenched teeth. Blake leaned back against the wall, narrowing her eyebrows. “You have to understand. You will never know what it is like. I pray to God you never have to see your daughter in the situation we were in,” her father countered back. “I wouldn’t have given up on her like you did,” Logan said back testily. “We weren’t giving up on her! The doctor said there was no hope. We didn’t think being hooked up to a machine is what she would have wanted,” her father said, though this time it sounded almost like a plea. Blake felt like someone had sucker punched her as she sunk even further against the wall. This entire time…Logan had been fighting for her. And it seemed like, in the hospital, was he the only one that was acting for her? Her own family had given up hope, but Logan hadn’t. He was so full of loyalty and devotion that he had even stared death in the face and didn’t back down.

The doorbell rang and Blake immediately pushed herself away from the wall, going quickly to answer it as she tried to make it not obvious that she had been eavesdropping. “Shane!” she said, with a good amount of scotch on her breath at this point. “I have a penis,” Brayden said, placing his hands immediately on his hips. “Batman!!!” Kenzie said, pushing past Blake’s legs as she wrapped her arms around her tiny little best friend. Ah, a Madden at heart that kid was. Blake offered Shane the basket of goodies, before holding onto him. She gave him an extra tight hug, feeling all sorts of sentimental tonight. “Thank you,” she said quietly, hugging him for a while longer than she normally did. Once they were on their way it didn’t take too long for Emma to essentially announce that she was ready to go to bed. With that, her parents made their departure. Blake was standing at the kitchen counter where the accumulation of dirty dishes had found its home. Gripping against the counter top she drew in a deep breath before having another drink of scotch. It sounded like Logan was done putting Emma to bed. Blake scrolled through her phone, playing Coldplay through the Bluetooth speakers before she turned her attention to the dishes. How much had she drank? She closed one eye, looking at the scotch bottle as she tried to determine the damage that herself and Logan had done to it. God, she didn’t deserve him. Not even because of the boy she remembered, but because of the man that he had turned into.

[Logan Chase Renner]

Logan had retreated to Emma's nursery after Blake's parents had left, shaken from his conversation with Blake's dad. It wasn't that Logan thought they were shitty people for what they had done, it was that her father still looked at him like he had done his daughter wrong. Logan had only ever loved her, been so devoted to that he couldn't stand to see her die. Yes, he'd been selfish, he wasn't ashamed to say that. It was his selfishness that had given him the strength to keep trying. But it was also the fact that her father was so stubborn that he couldn't just say thank you. Thank you for not giving up on her. All Logan got was a stern talking to making sure Logan hadn't told Blake anything. Of course they wanted her to stay in the dark. So did Logan, essentially. He had wanted Blake to never find out what had happened. He just hated lying to her. Emma went down easily and Logan went back downstairs, alone with Blake finally, though at this point his conversation with her father had really killed his mood. Logan grabbed the bottle of scotch, pouring just a little more into his glass and took a sip, watching her do the dishes. "That wasn't so bad," he mentioned, now that everyone was gone. Might have been the scotch that helped him through it though. "Got the house all to ourselves," he said quietly, leaning against the counter and stared into his scotch as he swirled it lightly in the glass. Coldplay played softly in the kitchen and Logan hummed along, moving to the sink with intentions of helping her with the dishes but just found himself watching out the window. He would have sold his soul to the devil to be able to have this moment, he didn't care who he pissed off along the way.