“How wonderful,” said Bonnie’s mother. “I’m so glad for you both.”
“I have to be at work by eleven tomorrow, so I’ll be by to pick her up about nine if that’s okay,” said Sky.
“Don’t worry about it. She can stay till you get off. Around two, right?”
“Yes. But are you sure? I don’t want to impose on you.”
“Of course. They’ll be up half the night anyway and sleep late in the morning.” She ushered Maddie inside. “Bonnie’s waiting upstairs for you.” When the child scampered off, Janet turned back to Sky. “I’m glad to see you and Max together. He needs someone like you in his life.”
Sky chewed her bottom lip. Dare she ask questions? “Um, have you known him long?”
“He was a year ahead of me in school. He and my Johnny were in several classes together. Kinda quiet. Mostly kept to himself. About his only friend was Anna Watkins.”
“Anna Watkins?” Sky ignored the jump in her heart rate.
Janet quickly placed a hand on Sky’s shoulder. “Oh, not like a couple or anything. Just friends. She was head over heels for Cade Jackson.”
“Cade?”
A gust of cold air swirled around them, and both ladies folded arms across their midriffs.
“You think he’s arrogant and self-centered now, you should have known him in high school.”
Before Sky could comment, Bonnie called from upstairs. “Mom…I can’t get the player to work.”
“Sorry. Better get up there. Thanks for letting Maddie spend the night. Bonnie has been pestering me about it for a week. Have fun tonight.”
Sky was almost back to her car when a sudden realization blindsided her.
She knew who Logan’s father was.
Max glanced at the caller ID before he answered his cell. “Hey, John. What’s up?”
“You still at work?”
“Yeah. Waiting for Jason to get back from late deliveries.”
“You gonna be home later?”
“Yes and no. Sky and I are going out.” He couldn’t keep from smiling. “Our first official date. You need something?”
There was a short pause before he replied. “I don’t like doing this on the phone.”
Something put Max on full alert. “What’s wrong? Are you all right?”
There was an audible sigh before Big John spoke again. “Okay. Fine. We’ll do it on the phone. What are your intentions?’
“Intentions? Intentions about what?”
“About Sky. And Maddie. What are your intentions?”
Friend or no friend, Big John was putting his nose where it didn’t belong. “I intend to take Sky to dinner and maybe a dance. What business is it of yours?”
“That girl is like a daughter to me, boy. I don’t want to see her get hurt.”
“And you think I’d do that?” Pain slithered to the surface and put an edge to his voice. “That I’m no good for her?”
“Hell, no!”
“Then what is it?”
A muffled curse preceded another long sigh. “I knew I’d mess this up on the phone. Look, son, you and Sky and Maddie are as close to family as I got in this world. I heard about that boy being in town and what he claims.”
Anger spiked, and Max fought to remain calm. “I’m not his father.”
“I believe you. I’m just saying there’s talk already, and it’s bound to get back to her.”
“I talked to her. She knows I’m not his father.”
A heavy silence lingered.
“Spit it out, John. Whatever you got stuck in your craw, just spit it out.”
“Maddie’s awfully fond of you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
