Vita tapped on the door and waited for Gretchen or Colson to answer. Vita smiled when she saw Gretchen pull open the door to greet her.

“Thank goodness you're back. How did it go?” Gretchen asked as she stepped back to let Tabitha and Marco in.

“Vita was not happy when they went into their room. I'm sure once Vita gives Deak a good talking to, they'll be fine,” Tabitha explained. “Which brings me to my next question, what do you have planned for tonight?”

Gretchen looked over at Colson, who was sitting on the couch, and shrugged. “What do you have in mind?” she asked hesitantly.

“Esha has invited us to another party tonight, and we want you to come with us,” Tabitha excitedly responded.

Gretchen was still reeling from the effects of the last party and wasn't sure if she was up for another party like the last one.

But before she could respond, Tabitha was trying to sway her decision. “Don't worry; this party is supposed to be low-key and more mellow. Esha promised.”

Gretchen wasn't sure if she trusted Esha. But going out sounded better than staying cooped up in the hotel room all night. She looked back at Colson with a pleading look hoping he would tell them yes.

Colson smirked and shook his head. He got up from the couch and went over to his mate. He stood behind her and placed both of his hands on her shoulders. “What time should we meet you downstairs?” Colson asked.

Tabitha clapped her hands as she jumped up and down with excitement. “Can you both be ready in about an hour?”

Colson nodded but never let go of Gretchen. Gretchen’s stomach fluttered as the heat from his hands burned into her skin. Yep, she was happy he said yes to going out and not choosing to stay in all night, just the two of them.

Marco sensed it was time to give them some space, “Alright, Tab, let’s go. You only have an hour to get ready.”

Tabitha rushed out of the room without saying another word, with Marco tailing behind her. Colson mouthed a thank you to Marco as he passed, and Marco nodded nonchalantly.

“See you two downstairs,” Marco told them before closing the door behind him.

Gretchen's heart palpitated against her chest, and the flutters grew. She needed to get some space between her and Colson.

Colson smirked as he felt his mate tremble beneath his fingers. He leaned close to her ear and, in a deep husky voice, told her, “Now, let's go find you something to wear tonight,” and pushed her toward the bedroom.

***

Logan pulled Madeline into his arms and held her. He could feel her heart racing against her chest. Logan leaned in slowly, wanting to savor the moment. “I’ve waited so long for this,” he whispered as he watched Madeline’s face for approval.

Madeline licked her lips with anticipation as she nodded her head in agreement. “I’ve dreamed that it would happen again, someday. And I can't believe that someday is now,” she said softly.

He grinned as he pulled Madeline closer, feeling the rush of excitement between them, and just as he was about to cover her lips with his, her phone rang.

A grunt was heard from Logan as Madeline pulled back from him. “I’m sorry I have to get that. If I don't, they will only worry about me and come to check on me,” she told him.

Logan released her and reached over to grab the phone for her. Madeline jumped when she felt the static current that streamed between her and Logan. She looked at him as she lifted the phone to her ear and answered it.

“Hello,” Madeline answered with a quiver in her voice. Logan reached out and stroked her arm as he tried to calm her.

“Grandmother, it's Gretchen. Are you okay?”

Madeline closed her eyes as she took deep breaths to calm herself as she enjoyed the touch Logan was offering her. “Yes, dear, I'm fine. Is everything okay? Have you heard anything about Deak?”

“Yes, Deak and Vita are back at the hotel. I was calling to let you know I'm heading out with Colson, Tabitha, and Marco to a party Esha invited Tabitha to,” Gretchen told her.

Madeline’s eyes popped open, and she sat straighter in her seat. “Are you sure you want to go to another one of those parties?” she asked, trying to keep the fear from being heard in her voice.

“Colson and I are going to keep an eye on Tabitha and Marco. I didn't want them to go alone,” Gretchen admitted.

Madeline breathed a sigh of relief when she heard this; she was happy to know her granddaughter was protective of her friends. But she was still worried that someone would try to slip something into their drink.

Logan mouthed to her, “I will go and keep watch over them.”

Madeline’s heart clenched, and her eyes filled with hope. Logan was willing to give up his night to watch over her family. Madeline bit her lower lip as she continued to stare at Logan.

“Okay, just let me know where you are and text me when you return, please.”

“Of course, Grandmother, I wouldn't want you to worry.”

Madeline smiled as her heart filled with joy. She was so happy to have a relationship with her granddaughter after all these years. She said her goodbyes and ended the call, then placed her phone on the table and turned to face Logan. “Thank you for offering to go and keeping them safe.”

Logan reached up and brushed his fingers against her face. “I would do anything to make you happy,” he confessed to her.

Madeline rested her hand over his and closed her eyes as he leaned in to kiss her neck. Logan left soft kisses up Madeline’s neck, kissed her cheek, and then the corner of her lip. She couldn't wait a moment longer and pressed her lips against Logan’s. It was just like she remembered from when she was younger, and her heart had never felt more complete.

Logan pulled back to catch his breath. He rested his forehead against hers as he whispered, “Even better than I remembered.”

Madeline sucked in a breath. How, after being apart for so long, how could Logan make her feel so alive with just one kiss? For a moment, the what if’s circled her mind. What if she had chosen him? What if she never left? What would their life be like today? But Madeline knew she couldn't give in to the what if’s. She knew that everything happens for a reason, and she wouldn't have her children and grandchild if she didn't take the path she had chosen. As much as she loved Logan and was thrilled to have him back in her life, she would never regret the choice she made because three essential people in her life came from that one choice.