Chapter 30: Chapter 30

- You know she won't disappear if you walk away from her for, like, two minutes, right?

Cracking a smile, while Logan was still opening the passenger door so she could get out of his car, Missy spotted her older sister standing beside Devon on the Knights' lawn, watching Logan's every move with an astuteness that only she owned. Laughing, Missy hurried over to where she was and enveloped her little sister in a bear hug. Not that she was very tall herself, after all, the two of them shared the short stature and slight build of the women in her paternal family, but there was no denying that Megan, at just 5' 1" was especially gifted with the genes of the Sutton.

- I had decided to go to your house yesterday. - Her older sister told, as soon as they finally let go - But then Gwyneth told me that she had convinced Logan to share you a little and I was incredulous. – Megan turned her attention to Logan with a grimace that was a mixture of amusement and irritation – That's why I decided to wait to see if it was true, before having to invade his house with an ax to be able to free you.

"Would you like to formally file a kidnapping complaint against me, Megan?" – Logan grumbled, as he closed the car door and approached them – Or could we eat first?

- I really should report you. It's been hogging my little sister for weeks. – she complained, but soon took Missy's hand and started to take her inside – But, the good news is that today I won't allow you to steal her from me.

"I think you meant that this is the bad news…" She heard Logan begin to growl softly behind them, but soon his voice was lost as Megan pulled her along, leaving the Knight brothers behind and entering the large and comfortable home of Logan's parents.

- Aunt Missy! – Missy felt her face light up with a huge smile as soon as she saw little Eleanor running to meet them at the entrance to the living room, leading her little brother Derek by the hand, who was stumbling adorably across the floor, trying to keep up with his sister with your chubby legs – I missed you! – Ellie shouted, hugging her leg as soon as she reached it, being imitated by her younger brother.

- I missed you a lot too... - Missy sniffed, bending down to return the tight hug of those two little ones that she loved so much. Each of the Knights had a special place in her heart, but Diana and Paul's children were two more than special children. Ellie was only five years old when Missy met her and Derek wasn't even born yet, but without a doubt, it had been a rare case of love at first sight. Of course, Missy had always loved children, but there was something about being these two's aunts, about being present in their lives and watching them grow, that always made her heart swell with the purest love there was - Sorry I was away so long . I promise I won't do that again. – she said solemnly, regretfully realizing that all that trauma had really taken her away from absolutely everything she loved most, even those two adorable children.

But she wouldn't let that happen again.

- Mom said you were very sad. – Ellie put her hand on her face, worried – Are you happier now, Aunt Missy?

- Aunt Issi, meió? - Derek, who at the top of his almost 02 years old, still had difficulty pronouncing certain words, asked, squeezing his chubby little arms around her neck, as if he wanted to comfort her.

- Yes, dears. I'm much happier now. – Missy smiled, starting to distribute kisses on their little faces and making them giggle – How could I not be, after so many hugs?

- So we're going to give you lots of hugs, Aunt Missy. – Eleanor said happily, kissing Missy's cheek – Until you were very, very happy… – she was still talking when her blue eyes fixed on the blouse and skirt that Missy was wearing and her small brow furrowed – Aunt, why aren't you wearing one of your cool dresses today?

Missy swallowed, suddenly tense. Ellie loved every single one of her dresses, especially the ones with references to superheroes or Disney characters. However, when she had chosen that simple white blouse and that gray skirt, wanting to look as elegant as possible on her first lunch with the Knights and being Logan's girlfriend, – as much as it was a farce – she had never imagined that Eleanor would notice. She was making great strides toward everything that had been plaguing her since she'd seen that video, no doubt, but some of her favorite outfits still stirred such unsettling discomfort in her that she preferred to avoid them.

But how could she explain that to Eleanor?

Fortunately, she was saved from that sticky situation when Paul suddenly advanced silently behind the children, catching them by surprise when he took them in his arms, lifting them in the air with an abrupt movement, which made them laugh gleefully.

- Are you trying to steal Aunt Missy from Uncle Logan? He pretended to growl like a lion, tickling Ellie and Derek's little bellies, making them laugh even louder. - They need help? he asked, smiling at something that, when she turned her head, she realized was Logan, who was standing beside Devon, right behind her.

- I'd like to see you try. - One of the corners of his mouth lifted playfully and menacingly, which only made Paul laugh harder.

- And I'd like to see them succeed. – Diana suddenly appeared behind her husband, with her arms crossed over her chest – Maybe that way you'll stop monopolizing the poor girl and let her come see us more often. Mom has been complaining about missing Missy for weeks.

Missy was ready to apologize, when a speech from Devon interrupted her.

- Who knew that someday Logan would discover something he doesn't want to share with anyone, right? There was a strong irony in her brother-in-law's tone that confused her, especially when Logan stared at him sternly, almost as if he was silently warning him to shut up.

- No, it's not a surprise. Well, maybe just for him. – Diana retorted with equal irony, taking the youngest son from Paul's lap to try to fix his unruly blond hair – How good that he has us to help him learn to share Missy's attention, isn't it? – She smirked at her brother, earning an irritated grunt from him – What do you say, Missy? – She asked directly to her, extending little Derek towards her – Does Logan really have a chance against this little guy, when it comes to your attention?

Giggling, Missy scooped Derek up in her arms, kissing his adorable chubby cheek until he laughed sweetly.

- I may have lost the battle. – Logan sighed theatrically, going to stand beside her and kiss Derek's other cheek – But not the war. He winked suggestively, making her blush a little.

- Missy? – Gwyneth's cheerful voice was heard shortly before she entered the room to join them, giving an exultant smile to see her there – Glad you're here, dear! I'm so glad you're here today! - The emotional way Gwyneth hugged her made her remember the first time she visited the Knight's house so long ago. Which also, she couldn't help but point out, was a little weird since Gwyneth was acting almost like she was saving the country and not just paying a visit.

- I'm sorry I was away so long, Gwyneth. - Missy apologized, assuming that was why Gwyneth seemed so... Emotional, perhaps? - I swear I'll start visiting you as often as before, from now on.

- I'm happy. God, I was so worried about you... - Gwyneth caressed her face with one hand, while the other was over her own heart, almost as if something still weighed on him - But I'm happy to see that things are getting better. Her green eyes, exactly like Logan's, stared not only at Missy, but also at her son, with a silent intensity that made her feel as if they were talking about something else. Something she didn't know. However, that moment came and went and, soon, Gwyneth had already taken her hand in a gentle grip and started to lead her towards the dining room – Lunch is almost ready. I hope you're hungry. Oh, and Logan mentioned that you liked my tea blends, so I made several for you to take home, honey. Hope you like. Oh, Logan, darling... - she suddenly turned to face her son and Missy did the same, noticing that he looked happy, but also a little apprehensive - Why don't you take Missy to see her childhood room, while do I finish lunch? It's the only place in the house she doesn't know yet.

- And what's interesting there to show? – although his question was restrained, Missy could see, by the amused glint in his green eyes, that he was doing it just to tease his mother.

- Nonsense. – Gwyneth gave a quick roll of her eyes, quickly taking Missy to Logan and putting her hand in his – Dating involves getting to know the person who is beside her, which includes sharing memories with her. – She nodded solemnly for a moment, before her expression turned slightly annoyed – Now stop being stubborn and do what I asked, young man.

Before either of them could say another word, Gwyneth had turned her back on them, heading down the wide hall towards the kitchen, while Paul and Diana, with the children in their arms, walked past them with provocative looks on their faces, like if they didn't believe that presenting his room of childhood would be the only thing Logan would do when he was alone with her, before they headed in the same direction as Gwyneth.

- And here I am... - Megan sighed as she and Devon also passed by them, walking slower than the others - Losing my sister to him again.

- Do not worry, love. – Devon leaned over and gently kissed the pout that had formed on her lips – I'll keep you company. he purred sensually, earning an eye roll from Megan, who turned back to Missy, although she could perfectly recognize a satisfied smile struggling not to form on her sister's lips.

- Are all Knights this perverted? - She questioned, making Missy blush immediately - Oh, wait, don't tell me. I do not want to know. – her older sister dismissed the subject with a wave – I'll see you inside, sis. Try not to take another two weeks up there, okay? Megan teased, wrapping her arm around Devon's waist as he hugged her and the two followed behind the others, disappearing from view.

- We... We're really spending a lot of time together lately, aren't we? – Missy pondered slowly, giving an embarrassed smile as she looked at him.

- Don't let them bother you. – he put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her to give her a tender kiss on her temple – It's in the Knights' nature to tease family members. You can be sure that, in the midst of all these teasing and jokes, they are happy to see that you are well and... To see that we are together. - The warm smile that appeared made her breath catch - And, of course, I can't blame them for missing you. – Logan hugged her even tighter, allowing her to feel every line of his firm body pressed against hers – How could they not? They love you more than you can imagine. He whispered against her ear, making her shiver.

- You... Do you really think so? She swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears of joy that suddenly threatened to spill over. Of course, she would never doubt Megan's love, but she hadn't grown up among the Knights. From the first moment she was introduced to them, she had been afraid of not fitting in, of not being accepted into that family. And, ironically, Logan's first reaction to her had fueled those fears even more. But time had passed and the Knights had become as much a second family to her as they were to Megan. Still, hearing that from Logan and seeing how truly they had been not only worried about her these last few weeks, but also happy and relieved to see her again that day, had touched her deeply, even more than she'd realized.

- Of course they do. It's impossible not to love someone like you, Missy, who brings joy and sweetness everywhere she goes. – he distributed soft kisses over her face, almost as if he were drying invisible tears – Every little detail of you is passionate, love. And if, in the future, someone tries again to make you think you're less than splendid, tell me first and I'll make that bastard, whoever he is, regret ever being born. – he tickled her waist, making her laugh – And then, right after, come running to the Knights. And we're going to remind you how perfect you are. And how immensely loved she is. - That last murmur of Logan seemed to directly touch a sensitive place in her heart, relieving that pain that always accompanied her, finally causing a tear of emotion to flow down her cheek.

- Thank you… – she gasped softly, while he caught her tear with his thumb – Oh, Logan, I thank you so much… For absolutely everything. – Swallowing hard, she hid her face on his shoulder, wrapping him in the tightest hug she had ever given in her entire life – I don't know what I would do without you… Without our family.

- There's nothing to be thankful for. We take care of you because you are important and irreplaceable to us. – He smiled, while Missy turned her head to look towards where everyone had entered, with an emotional smile – Because we love you so much and we feel your suffering as if it were our own.

A minute of silence passed as his words sank deep inside her, radiating heat through her chest and making her feel… good. Whole, happy, healed...

Perhaps restored was the more accurate word. There would always be scars inside her after everything that had happened, and no doubt many of them were still gaping cuts, but more and more, and especially here, in Logan's arms, knowing the other Knights were only a few feet away. , ready to make her feel safe and loved – as if her place in that world was with them – Missy could feel that everything was going to be okay. That there weren't just people in the world who laughed and were ashamed of her.

The truth was that the people who really mattered already loved her.

And realizing that made her feel like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

- Are you okay? – Logan asked gently, when that moment of silence stretched too far, earning a shaky wave from Missy – You know, we don't have to go upstairs if you don't want to. - he offered - I know you want to play with the kids and talk to the others...

- It's okay… – she sniffed, trying to get over that wonderful feeling growing inside her – We have enough time to do all of this. And, I'd really like to see your room and get to know even more about you… – she smiled, pleased with that prospect, until she decided to add, sheepishly – I mean, if you don't mind, of course.

- Care about the fact that you want to spend more time with me? – Logan laughed – As if that were possible… – he covered her hand with his, intertwining their fingers as he started to guide her up the stairs – You know, maybe Megan wasn't just being exaggerated when she said she would need to break down my door with an axe, to try to separate myself from you.

Laughing, embarrassed, but also foolishly glad that Logan seemed to be sincere in wanting to be near her, Missy quietly followed him out into the hallway on the first floor, where she knew Gwyneth kept all the bedrooms, not just hers and her husband's, but also those of guests and those who had been his children's in childhood. In fact, Logan's was the only one she'd ever seen, as it was always locked when Gwyneth decided to take her on a tour of the new decorations she was adding to the house every now and then. And, as much as she truly was inexplicably happy to know that he wanted to share a bit of his childhood with her, Missy couldn't help but stop in her tracks in the middle of the hallway, her eyes being drawn to the framed piece right there, in position of prominence.

She didn't quite know why, but since the first time she had laid eyes on that tapestry, whose height and width were both almost 2 meters, something about it had fascinated her. Perhaps it was the vibrant colors, which remained vivid even with the action of time that was perfectly apparent in that antiquity. Or maybe it was the fact that it was obviously handiwork and that it must have taken months, maybe even years, to get it completely done. However, she suspected that the main reason she liked that tapestry so much was the image the seams represented: a tall man with broad shoulders and a shock of auburn hair, somewhat reminiscent of the bronze color of Logan's hair. , was on his back, his neck bent as he held between his arms and kissed a woman whose face was hidden by his head. Her hair was long and very dark, almost black, contrasting with her white dress and the white hands that held one of the man's arms. Around the two, there were several small children, some with red hair and others brown, all holding the hem of the woman's dress and the ends of the long scarlet cloak that went down the man's back. Behind them all, there was a green field, surrounded by thousands of sapphire blue flowers, a crystalline lake and a big yellow and orange sun rising on the horizon. It was inexplicable, but there was something about that scene that was incredibly romantic and touching for Missy, almost as if she could easily step into that tapestry and be a part of that happy scene between that loving couple and their many children.

As always lost in the warm, almost nostalgic feeling that those embroideries evoked in her, Missy was barely aware that she had stopped in her tracks when Logan suddenly spoke, standing beside her, also studying the tapestry intently.

- I keep forgetting that this old thing is here. he murmured in a barely audible voice, apparently more to himself than to her.

- You do not like? Missy asked, turning to him as she tried to control the sudden pang of sadness she felt when she learned that he didn't like something that made her so emotional.

- No... It's not that. – he sighed heavily, looking even a little disturbed – At least not anymore. When I was younger I... Well, I confess that something about this tapestry never aroused good feelings in me. – he shrugged, crestfallen – But now I think I finally got over it. It's a beautiful piece of work, though. And, you know, it's a family heirloom. It's been with the Knights for generations.

- His mother told me. – Missy smiled – When I came here for the first time, she noticed how much I loved this tapestry and told me about the tradition of each firstborn of the family inheriting it after getting married. She looked at the piece once more, a sudden, intense wave of that same searing pain coursing through her at the thought of Logan would be the next Knight to inherit that beautiful tapestry, once he was married.

With another woman.

And for some reason, his heart again felt like it was being torn apart until it was reduced to shreds.

She tried to recover, keeping her eyes fixed on the tapestry and her back to Logan, to prevent him from noticing her reaction, as he spoke again, a smile seeming to be in his voice.

- And... Did she tell you about the history of this tapestry?

- Not. She swallowed, pleased that she'd managed to keep her voice steady.

- Would you like me to tell you? – He asked sweetly, wrapping his strong arms around her waist, while kissing her neck.

- And is this a bedtime story or… - she joked, hoping that the humor could help her get back to normal and forget about that horrible feeling in her chest – Another kind of story?

- Neither, actually. – Logan laughed, hugging her even tighter – Actually, it's a story about magic. Magic… – he was interrupted for a moment and, when he spoke again, his voice seemed lost, but also solemn – And love.

- My favorite type. – she finally felt safe enough to turn around and face him, surprised to see how melancholic he looked – I would love to hear it. If you want to count, of course. – She asked gently, caressing his cheek.

Another long second passed, in which Logan just remained with his eyes fixed on her and an unreadable expression on his face, until he finally gave a small smile, almost sad.

- This tapestry belonged to the first Knight, the man who started our family. – he said, turning his eyes back to the tapestry, leading Missy to do the same – Nobody knows much about his past, where he came from or when he lived. My grandfather's father told him that our ancestor was Irish. My grandfather told my father he was Scottish. And I can swear Daniel once told me he was a Viking. – he joked in a low and conspiratorial voice, making her laugh – However, I think what is really worth knowing, and what is repeated in all versions, is that he was a warrior. An excellent one, by the way. At some point in his youth, he gathered a group of other warriors as skilled as he was, and one day they invaded and took over a large and prosperous village that lay in some unknown place. And they became the leaders and masters of the place.

- I particularly think that this could be just a romanticization of this whole situation... - Logan said, while shrugging - But they say they weren't cruel or very violent with the people of the village. In fact, legend has it that they were fair leaders: they respected women and children, protected the village from enemy attacks, and never stole anything from anyone. And Knight, being the leader of this group, was considered a kind of overlord of that place, almost a king.

- Was he just called Knight? – she didn't know where that curiosity had come from, but, suddenly, she found herself almost anxious to know if this legendary man had a first name.

- I know it's going to sound like I'm making it up. – Logan laughed – But… His name was Logan. – He smiled widely when he saw her gasp, delighted – This is another of the family traditions: every two or three generations, at least one man in the family must be called Logan. And here I am. – he shrugged – But, back to the story: they say that, one day, after some time governing that place, Knight... I mean, Logan... Well, he... - Logan pointed to the man on the tapestry, exasperated, which made her have to stifle her laughter, although that reaction gave her the impression that he didn't like being compared with his eponymous ancestor – He had a visit from a local old lady. Knight had saved her granddaughter from being raped, and for that, she wanted to reward him. When he asked her how she planned to do that… - Logan interrupted the narrative again, looking stiff, and when he spoke again, he did so with a sigh – She replied that she was a sorceress. And, as a reward for his good deed, she would give him something Knight didn't already have: true love.

- In that moment, she put an unbreakable spell on his blood. A spell that would make him recognize his soul mate, the woman he would love forever and who would be the mother of his heirs, immediately. That would make him fall deeply and hopelessly in love with her as soon as he saw her. That would make him love her, want her and need her, and only her, until the last moment of his life. And so it would be easier for him to find eternal happiness in the arms of his predestined woman. In her words, it was a precious blessing. A blessing that would become his family's legacy, because from then on, every descendant who carried his blood would be able to do the same: fall instantly in love with the person meant for him. – After another pause, Logan continued, with a laconic voice, almost lost – Knight obviously didn't believe a single word from the old woman and just continued following her life. Until, one day, he went to the village and... He discovered that woman really was a sorceress. And that she had undoubtedly done something to him. For it only took a single glance in the direction of the village butcher's daughter... And he knew that she was his kindred spirit.

- And what happened? – Missy questioned, absolutely fascinated – She also fell in love with him at first sight?

- In truth no. – Logan laughed bitterly – The old sorceress forgot to add that little detail… Or maybe she just did it on purpose. The fact is, the moment he advanced towards the woman and tried to take her in his arms, completely overcome with emotion, Knight discovered that only he was feeling that intense, almost crazy thing. The girl didn't instantly love him back. In fact, she didn't even like him. She hated the fact that he had taken her village by force, and for that she despised him. They even say that she threatened him with a machete as soon as he got close to her. - Logan told, making Missy laugh-Of course, due to the norms of the time, that didn't stop Knight from simply grabbing her and taking her to her castle, proclaiming that she was now his. And obviously, she just hated him more and more, and little by little it was killing Knight inside, until he realized that he didn't just want her to love him back. He needed this.

- But, as you can imagine, it was not an easy task. – Logan continued the story – She tried to run away from him all the time and didn't miss an opportunity to offend him. It is said that she even actually tried to stab him once. And honestly, who can blame her? – he smiled wickedly – She was practically a version of Belle, from “Beauty and the Beast”, trapped against her will in his castle. Only a less passive version of her.

- What was her name? Missy asked, through a giggle.

- Well… - Logan concentrated for a few seconds, before laughing awkwardly – Sorry, I don't know. Honestly, I only remember Knight's first name... Well, for obvious reasons. He chuckled again, shrugging.

- You don't like that story very much, do you? she guessed, asking it carefully.