Warning: Talk of Alzheimer/Dementia

Happy Reading!!! :)

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Three months later....(this is three months since Christmas)

"You sure it's okay that I go?"

"Liv."

"It's your mom. I don't want to intrude or make things awkward." I was rambled. "I can just wait here."

Logan and I were currently in the parking lot of the care facility his mother was at. I may be slightly freaking out about meeting his mom. Over the last few months Logan's opened up a bit more about his family, especially his mom.

Telling me stories about his childhood and how'd he bake with his mom when he was young. He even talked more about his little brother. The love he still felt for him clear as day. I couldn't explain how much it meant to me that he was opening up, trusting me more than he ever has.

But while a part of me was happy to meet his mom, there was a part of me that wanted to shake her and demand why she completely shut down. Leaving her son to grieve all on his own. I knew it wasn't entirely her fault. She lost a son and didn't know how to cope. But she could have remembered she had another son that needed her.

I had so many mixed feelings that I worried I would say something when I finally meet her. But at the same time I wanted to make a good impression. She may not be...fully there but she was my boyfriends mother. I wanted her to like me regardless of everything, even if she doesn't end up remembering me.

"Liv." Logan's hand squeezed my thigh. "It's going to be okay." He sent me a supportive smile. "I want you to meet her."

I knew how much this moment meant to him. From what he's told me he's never introduced a girl to his mom before. So this was a huge step for both of us. Meeting your boyfriend/girlfriends family is always a big deal.

"Okay."

"The moment you feel uncomfortable say the word and we can leave." I knew he meant it too. If I so much as looked uncomfortable he would get me out of there. Regardless if its his mother or not.

Reaching down I squeezed his hand and gave him a nod. Giving myself one last little pep talk I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out, Logan moving around the front of the car to meet me. With a small smile Logan laced our fingers together, gently tugging me towards the building.

It was actually a nice facility his mother was in. Almost had that retirement home vibe about it. Tons of pretty flowers and trees along the outside, a huge water fountain in front. It honestly looked like a the perfect place to live.

The closer we got the tighter Logan's grip became. The only sign that he was just as nervous as I was. Probably more nervous about his mom remembering him than anything else. From what he's told me there are some days she seems to almost remember him, or remember something about her two sons. Then others it was like she was a complete stranger.

When we walked through the front doors I was instantly met with a beautiful foyer. There was a desk straight ahead, to help direct visitors, and all around were couches and chairs. From a quick glance around there were two different directions you could go, probably taking you to rooms and other areas.

"Logan." My head snapped back around as the female voice. For a split second jealousy raised its ugly head before I caught sight of who called my boyfriends name. A gorgeous older lady came from down the hall, grinning widely at the two of us. At first I wondered who she was before I noticed the badge hanging from her shirt, showing she worked here.

"So glad to see you!"

Beside me Logan grinned at the the older lady, clearly familiar with her. As she neared us she looked over at me, curiosity filling her eyes.

"And who is this beautiful young lady?"

"Mary this is my girlfriend, Olivia. Liv this is Mary she helps with my mom."

"Girlfriend!" In two big steps Mary pulled me into a tight hug, my hand slipping out of Logan's. Instantly her hugs felt like Colleen's, Aubrey's moms. There was something about her that put me to ease immediately.

"It's nice to meet you finally." She grinned, pulling back. "This one has talked about you non-stop for ages." The way she said it had me turning an raising an eyebrow at Logan.

"Ages huh."

"Everything she says is a lie."

"Oh hush." Mary softy hit his arm. "This old lady never lies." Leaning towards me she whispered with a wide grin. "He's talked about you for years."

"Mary." Logan groaned beside me, his cheeks turning slightly pink. An embarrassed Logan, now this is a side I definitely want to see more often. He's always been cool, calm, confident.

"It's nice to meet you." I finally said giving her a grin in return.

"Glad this one over here finally brought you along. Although all the ladies are going to be upset he's off the market. Got quite the ladies man over here." Yep, I liked this woman.

"Got a secret girlfriend I don't know about?" I asked teasingly.

"Well there is Polly."

"Oh?"

"And Margaret."

"Don't forget Beth." Mary chimed in. I had a feeling almost all the older ladies here had a crush on Logan. Not that I blame them of course.

"So I should prepare myself for fighting off old ladies huh."

"Watch out for their walkers. They can be deadly." Logan advised making me laugh.

"You two came at a good time." Mary said a moment later. "Lunch is almost ready and its lasagna day, your mothers favorite. She's already in the dining room if you want me to take you there?"

"That would be great." Logan nodded. My nerves came back a little but they seem to have settled a little. I can do this.

"She's having a really good day today." Mary said over her shoulder as she lead the two of us towards the dining area. We passed a few workers on our way, all greeting Mary and Logan. Logan is clearly well known here.

The fact he keeps coming to see his mom after everything is beyond sweet. It can't be easy seeing the woman who raised you not remember who you are. The amount of respect I had for my boyfriend.

"After lunch she may want to walk in the garden." Mary reminded as we came to the dining room. My eyes searched the room, trying to find Logan's mom. He did show me pictures of her from when he was little.

I gently squeezed Logan's hand as Mary lead us through the room. There were surprisingly quite a few people here already. Some alone and some with family.

"Hi Claire, you have some visitors."

We came up to a woman who was sitting at a table, her back to us. The first thing I noticed was the brown hair, same color as Logan's. When Claire turned around to face us I was struck with how similar she looked to Logan.

I guess a part of me was picturing an older looking woman, greying hair, kinda frail but Claire was anything but that. While she did look a bit older she could pass for being in her early 40's. She had a healthy glow about her. Her brown eyes were the same shade as Logan as she stared up at us.

Claire looked at us with a soft smile, one dimple on her left cheek showing. Logan had one on his right cheek, usually hidden by his beard. I don't know why it was so shocking seeing how similar the two looked. Carbon copies. Made me wonder if his younger brother would have looked the same if he was still here.

"This is Logan and Olivia." Mary introduced us. My heart tightened in my chest that her own son had to be introduced to her like a stranger. Her own flesh and blood. His mom looked healthy that you almost believed she was until you realized she couldn't remember things.

From what Logan has told me over the last three months his mom didn't have the same memory loss as Alzheimer's. She remembered things; day to day things, the people that work here and even some of the other residents. But no matter how many times she sees Logan she doesn't remember him. Her doctor told him the emotional damage and stroke could be the cause of why she can't remember him.

The worst part is the doctors say she could one day wake up and remember or she may never will. It's been well over eight years so that glimmer of hope gets less and less. I know Logan has held onto hope that one day his mom will remember him but I can see the toll it takes on him every time he comes home from seeing her.

"Hello." Claire greeted us. She looked the two of us over, the spot between her eyebrows creasing just a little. Like she was a little apprehensive yet curious.

"Would it be okay if we sat with you?" Logan spoke softly.

"Sure." The tension in her shoulders eased up as the two of us took a seat across from her at the table.

"I'll go get you guys some food." Mary grinned at all of us before walking away.

Awkward silence wrapped around us the moment Mary left. Unable to help myself I found myself talking.

"It's so nice to meet you." I sent Claire a smile. "Logan has told me so much about you."

"He has?" Claire looked over at Logan, frowning.

"I was here a couple of weeks ago and we talked for a little bit." Logan supplied. I inwardly winced. Nice going Liv. She didn't remember and here I am bringing it up.

"Oh. Well its nice to see you again."

Cue the awkwardness again.

"How has your day been?" Logan took over, easily making conversation.

I sat there quietly watching as the two of them started talking. Logan definitely knows how to make light conversation and keep away from things that could confuse Claire. I couldn't help but feel like I was already failing at meeting his mom.

"Olivia owns her own bakery." Logan said, bringing my attention back to the conversation.

"Oh really?" Claire's face lit up at his words, looking over at me with a smile.

"It's called Sweet Delights." I returned her smile.

"To own a bakery so young is impressive."

"Thank you." My cheeks turned a little pink at her praise. "I knew it was something I wanted to do when I graduated. Took a little bit but we are doing really good."

"I bet your parents are very proud of you." My chest tightened at her words. That was something I've always wondered. Hoping that my parents, wherever they are, were proud of me for following my dreams.

Below the table Logan gently squeezed my knee.

"I hope they would be." I spoke softly. At Claire's confused look I elaborated. "They passed away a few years ago in a car accident."

"Oh hun, I'm so sorry." She reached across the table and grabbed my hand. "They would be very proud." My throat closed up as I gave her a small smile.

"I remember when I lost my mom. I was 18 and felt so alone." From the corner of my eye I watched Logan lean forward like he was surprised she was talking about this. "The first little bit was hard but then I met someone who helped ease the loneliness."

Logan and I were quiet as she spoke, neither of us wanting to move or ruin her story. I have a feeling her talking about the past was a huge deal.

"Owen was the love of my life. Tall, dark and handsome." Claire laughed while shaking her head. "Very much that bad boy my mom would have hated, but he was a sweetheart. He was in the Navy and on leave when we met."

My eyes widened slightly at that little bit of information. Was he Logan's dad?

"We spent two months together before he went back." Claire's voice got softer. "I got the call that he passed away four months later, I was already three months pregnant."

I couldn't stop myself from looking over at Logan. He was staring at his mom so intently. His grip on my leg was hard as if he was physically holding himself back from saying anything.

"Then...then..." Claire frowned as she struggled to remember anything after that. It was a miracle she remembered what she just did. I could tell Logan wanted to ask more, ask about his father but he knew he couldn't. It may just push Claire over the edge.

"He sounded like an amazing man." I flipped our hands over and squeezed hers. Before we could say any more Mary finally came back with a tray full of food.

As soon as Mary placed a plate down in front of Claire you could almost see our current conversation being wiped away. Giving us a smile Mary left us alone once again. The dining room had filled up within the time we sat down, more and more people filtering in. Thankfully none came to sit at our table giving us some privacy.

"So how did you two meet?" Claire asked, eyes shining once more as she took a bite of her lasagna.

"We officially met right before her brothers wedding." Logan answered, looking over at me with a small smile.

"He was in the Marine's with my brother for years and when we met I was only 17." I elaborated. "Took a little while before we got together."

"More like eight years." Logan mumbled. 

"What took you so long? She's beautiful and owns her own business." Claire teased, looking over at her son.

"Yeah what took you so long." I turned to Logan with a raised eyebrow, pigging backing off his mom. My lips twitched as I held back a grin.

"Don't gang up on me." He narrowed his eyes at the two of us but I could see the happiness on his face. Seeing his mom joking and us two getting along probably meant the world to him.

"Too late." I grinned as I took a bite of my own food.

"You two make a cute couple." Claire said it so matter of factly. She didn't say anything else as she continued on eating, oblivious to the way Logan beamed in her direction. She had no clue how much her words meant to her son.

For the next little bit we sat there eating and making small talk. We talked about everything from some show Claire has been watching, to stories about my family. Sitting here talking to his mom I questioned why I was so nervous in the first place. It was going great.

Now that I've gotten to meet her and talk to her most of the angry feelings towards her disappeared. I couldn't help but still feel a little bit of resentment towards her for how things have ended up. For how Logan's lost not just one family member but two. She's alive and well but with no idea that her own son is sitting across from her.

It was heartbreaking knowing that no matter how hard Logan tries or how many times he comes to see her she will never fully remember.

"Would you like to take a walk in the gardens?" Logan asked after a little while, our food long gone.

"Would love too."

The sight of Logan helping his mom up and her taking his arm made me fall that much more in love with him. Side by side you could really see the resemblance between the two. To anyone watching you'd know they were mother and son. The sight was so sweet as the two of them made their way towards a set of double doors. I trailed after giving them a little bit of space.

Unable to help myself I brought out my phone and snapped a few pictures. It was only the back of them as they walked outside but it was the sweetest picture. One I know Logan will thank me for later.

Of course Logan knew his way around but he let his mom lead him towards the gardens in the back of the building. There were a ton of nicely paved pathways leading in different directions, chairs and benches along the way.

When we reached the garden my eyes widened. It was stunning. Big beautiful trees, tons of bright flowers. Every where I looked there was something new. A mix of different flowers and plants. The garden was very well cared for, no wonder it was Claire's favorite place. If I lived here it would be mine too.

"This place is beautiful." I commented as we walked further in.

"Isn't it." Claire beamed. "There's a vegetable garden in the back. I love to come out and plant new things when the season is right." Claire looked over her shoulder at me, still holding onto Logan. "Can I show you?"

"I'd love that."  The look on her face showed she was truly in her happy place and wanted to share it with someone.

The three of us walked down the paved path, Claire occasionally pointing out certain plants and things that have been recently added. As we walked I kept snapping pictures of the two. My favorite was them both looking at each other smiling.

"There's everything from lettuce, basil, tomato's. I planted some zucchini last year." Claire listed off as we finally hit the vegetable garden. It was really impressive. Row after row of vegetable beds sat in front of us. Some were raised so you wouldn't have to bend over.

Even though it was the end of March there were a lot of plants already blooming. I didn't know all that much about gardening but I knew enough that getting anything to grow was amazing.

"Wow."

"Lettuce grows the best in cooler temperatures." Claire stepped away from Logan and went over to one of the flower beds. There was a long line of lettuce growing. I was impressed at how big they actually were at this time of year.

I moved alongside her as she points to herbs and vegetables, telling me facts about all of them. I asked questions about some which she eagerly answered. The entire time Logan stood there, arms crossed, watching the two of us with a soft look on his face. Seeing him happy was enough to make me glad I agreed to come today.

We stayed out in the garden for well over an hour before Logan suggested we head back inside. The air was getting colder as the clouds covered the sun. I tried my best not to act surprised when Claire came over to me and laced her arm through mine. She kept me close to her side as we walked ahead of Logan.

"Thank you for visiting with me today." She spoke softly.

"Of course. Thank you for showing us around."

"He loves you." She said after a moment. She said it so quietly I almost didn't catch it. "He looks at you like my Owen looked at me."

I didn't know what to say to that. My heart ached for her and the love she's lost. How I wish things could have been different for her and Logan.

"He looks familiar." Claire said suddenly. She was frowning and looked like she was trying hard to remember. Took me a second to realize she was talking about Logan.

"Does he remind you of someone?" I gently asked, not wanting to push too hard but wanted to see what she would say.

"His eyes." She nodded. A quick glanced over my shoulder I made sure Logan wasn't listening in, thankfully he was further back typing away on his phone. "They remind me of someone I knew once."

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked before I could stop myself. At her nod I took a deep breath hoping like hell I wasn't crossing a line. "Do you remember anything about your son?"

"My son." She didn't say anything for a minute. Making me worry I shouldn't have said anything. "He had the darkest hair when he was born. Little chubby cheeks."

My lips spread in a wide grin at her words.

"He rarely ever cried either. The most perfect baby." The love in her voice clear as day. "He had this little dimple on his right cheek."

"He sounds like the cutest baby."

"Oh he was. Had all he girls wrapped around his finger whenever I took him anywhere. Knew he was going to be a heartbreaker the moment I saw him." Little did she know Logan was a heartbreaker.

"You raised the perfect man." The words made my throat close up.

"I hope so." She didn't catch my mistake as she squeezed my arm and shot me a smile.

Our conversation came to an end as we left the garden and made our way back inside. Tears pricked my eyes but I quickly blinked them away. How did Logan do this. One second she's remembering little pieces and the next its like her brain clears it all away.

"How was the garden?" Mary suddenly appeared in front of us.

"Beautiful as always." Logan answered from behind me. His hand came up and rest on my hip. I leaned back against him, feeling the warmth and strength from him.

"Oh good." Mary sent Logan and I a sad smile. "I'm afraid visiting hours are almost over."

So fast? The last four hours have flown by. Crazy to think I didn't want to come in and now I don't want to leave.

Oblivious to the change in us, Claire let my arm go and turned to face me. Those familiar brown eyes staring back at me.

"Thank you for spending the afternoon with me, dear." With surprisingly strong grip, Claire pulled me into a tight hug. My throat was thick as I hugged her back.

"I'll come back soon." I promised as we pulled away. And I meant it. Even if she didn't remember me I'll come back with Logan. And I'll even bring some desserts from the bakery.

"Please do." With one last smile she turned to Logan. I stepped to the side to give them some space.

"He is amazing for coming every couple of weeks to see her." Mary spoke softly behind me, watching the pair like I was.

"I don't know how he does it."

"His love for her outweighs all the bad."

Her words stayed in my head as I watched Logan hug his mom. It was like her words finally made me understand why Logan keeps coming to visit his mom. She may not remember him but she will always be his mom. The love he has for her will always triumph the pain of her not remembering.

"You better keep her." I heard Claire say as they pulled away.

"I plan on it." Logan looked over his mom's head to look at me. The look he gave me made my insides warm. I didn't plan on letting him go either.

It wasn't until after we said goodbye and were in the truck did I finally speak.

"She's pretty great."

"She is. She liked you." Reaching over Logan placed his hand on my knee. "Thank you for coming with me today."

"Thank you for letting me. Happy we finally got to meet." Seeing the sad look on his face I placed my hand on his. "She talked about you."

At his confused look I continued.

"I asked if she remembered her son and she told me about you as a baby. She remembered."

"She did?"

"Even talked about your cute little dimple." I nodded. When he didn't say anything I started to worry I shouldn't have said anything. "Sorry I-"

"No, don't apologize." Logan shook his head. "Sometimes she'd say things from the past but never about me or Blake." He almost seemed to be in shock that his mom said something.

"She may not fully remember but she does know she loves you." That much was clear.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being you." Was all he said before he leaned forward, pecking my lips.

"We can come back soon right?" I asked. He kept staring at me with a look on his face. I raised an eyebrow.

"I love you."

"You better." I teased.

With a laugh he gave me another kiss before starting the truck. The started the drive back home, the care facility fading in the review mirror.

After twenty minutes of driving I finally asked the question that's been burning the tip of my tongue.

"Did...did Blake have a different dad?" When Claire said Owen had died while she was three months pregnant there was no way Logan's younger brother could be his.

"When I was four my mom started dating a guy." Logan started talking, keeping his eyes on the road. "I think his name was Lance but I hardly remember the guy. He came around a few times, seemed decent. I don't remember much but when he stopped coming by my mom sat me down and said I was going to be a big brother."

I smiled at the thought of four year old Logan learning he was going to be a big brother. The way he probably took the role to heart.

"Growing up my mom was worried Blake would start asking about his father but he never did. He once told me that he didn't need to and that was that." Logan shrugged. "I asked a few times about my dad, Owen, but my mom never said much."

"That's cause he had you." I know that Logan was the 'dad' Blake never had. Teaching him how to tie his shoes, to ride a bike, throw a football, drive. That's just who Logan is. Giving to everyone and rarely doing anything for himself. I know that first hand.

The rest of the car ride home we talked about other things. Mostly about the bakery and the new workers we just hired. I could tell Logan wanted to talk about something other than his mom so I was more than happy to get his mind on something else.

Since we re-opened in the new year the bakery has been slammed. It was like the holiday season put us on the map. Everyday we sold out of stuff, having to close the doors before 2 o'clock. We've had to hire three more people to keep up with the demand.

It's been insane and I wouldn't have been able to do it without Logan. Every day he came in to help. Working the back and the front. I had thought he would stop working with me at the bakery but he's said he likes it and wants to stay, for now.

Maybe the reason we have more customers was because of him. I've heard the whispers the older ladies, and younger ones, make whenever he works the front. Hard not too when they are stare.

It was funny watching older ladies fawn over my boyfriend, even though their married. Can't really complain when it brings them in weekly to buy stuff. But there have been a few times I've had to glare at a few customers.

Girls my age would come in and stare at Logan, giggling and trying to flirt. A few times some have reached across the counter to touch his arm. My jealous side would come out in full force. Grabbing him and bringing him to the back with me. I may or may not have kissed him right there at the cashier once to prove he was mine.

Not my fault when my boyfriend was fucking hot and everyone in a 30 mile radius wanted him too. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

An hour later we pulled up to Logan's apartment. What I hadn't known during Christmas when we got together, was that Logan had kept his apartment in Burlington. While he was away he apparently was renting it out.

When we got back the two of us had a serious conversation about what things would look like now. The first thing Logan said was that he wasn't leaving again. He was planning on staying in Burlington, with me, for as long as I wanted him.

So for the last three months we've been taking it...slow. Well somewhat slow. Going on dates. Getting to know each other even more. We've even gone on a few double dates with my brother Knox and his wife Aubrey. Of course it was beyond awkward but my brother has been slowly coming around to us being together.

It may have only been three months since we got together but it feels like we've been together for years. It was just....easy being with Logan. It also helped he was just the sweetest. Every day I fall more in love with him than I thought possible.

Walking into his apartment felt like home. I've tried to spend equal time between his place and mine but in the last couple of weeks I've spent more time here than my own apartment. I even have my own toothbrush and a change of clothes here. One plus side to being here most nights  was my roommate, Jess, had a bit of space for her and her new boyfriend Sebastian.

They were newly together so I was more than happy to let them have some alone time. Plus I happened to like Logan's apartment a bit more than my own. Just cause he was there and everything smelled like him.

"Want to order take out?" I didn't have to answer as my stomach grumbled at his words. "Guess that's a yes." Logan chuckled.

"Chinese or Pizza?" I suggested placing my shoes by the door.

"Pizza?"

"Sounds good. My usual please." Going up on my toes I kissed his cheek before heading towards the bedroom to get changed. When I first started staying here I felt a bit awkward but now I don't even hesitate in stripping out of my clothes and making myself at home.

I wasted no time changing out of my clothes into one of Logan's t-shirts. Wearing his clothes has slowly become an addiction of mine. If I could I would wear something of his everyday. Like a complete weirdo I sniffed his shirt, smelling the scent that was all Logan. If only I could bottle that smell.

I was almost done taking my makeup off when I suddenly felt someone behind me. Lifting my eyes I met Logan's through the mirror. He leaned against the door frame watching me. His arms crossed over his chest, making his biceps pop.

The look on his face had my toes curling. My eyes traced his wide shoulders, the strength there making my mouth water. I could already feel the scrape of his beard against my inner thighs. There wasn't a single part of Logan that I didn't love.

I watched as his eyes raked over my form, lingering on my ass which I knew was peeking out from underneath his shirt. My bratty side made me lean forward just a little more, wiggling my ass. I bit my lip as I watched his jaw flex at the sight.

My new favorite thing is teasing Logan. Watching his eyes darken, his body tense as if trying to hold back from grabbing me. Pushing the right button where his control snaps. I loved his sweet caring side but I equally loved his darker side that made my toes curl and legs shake.

"Trying to tease me, Liv?" His voice was low.

"Is it working?"

Without a word he pushed off the door and stalked towards me. The way he came towards me had me shivering. He looked like predator stalking his prey. Logan's arms came down beside me on the counter. I loved how he made me feel small yet safe below him.

My eyes threatened to close when I felt his breath against my neck but I forced them open. Keeping them locked with his. He was purposely keeping his body off of mine, teasing me in return. Logan was quiet for a moment.

"Thank you for coming today."

"Of course." My eyebrows creased, wondering why he was thanking me again.

"Let me thank you properly." He trailed his lips across my neck.

"Mmm now that sounds like a fantastic idea." I bent my head to the side to give him better access to my neck. His lips pressed against the spot that made me moan softly. "Think we have time though?" If he ordered pizza than we had twenty minutes top until they get here.

"Leave that to me."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi everyone! This chapter was the most requested one, followed by smut of course :D I always had planned on showing Olivia meeting Logan's mom. I purposely wrote Claire the way I did. There are different forms of Alzheimer's/Dementia and I wanted to show that while his mom can't remember, she can remember sometimes. That she isn't completely gone. So that is why she's written the way she is.

I am so so sorry for the wait of the bonus chapters. I was going to have them up in the new year but I've hit a bit of writers block lately. Everything I write I've hated. So writing this has been a bit hard so I'm sorry if it isn't that great :D But there is going to be a few more Bonus Chapters coming up! If you have anything you wanna see make sure to comment and maybe I'll add it! I love hearing what you guys wanna see.

Thank you so much for the support you've given this book. You guys are incredible and I couldn't have asked for better readers. I love you guys so much. Wish I could hug every one of you and thank you for reading my stuff.

So I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!!! As always let me know what you think!! I'll see you guys soon with the next bonus chapter. Trust this next one is going to be your favorite *wink* *wink*

Love you!!

<3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S Don't forget to follow my socials! I post a lot of aesthetics and stuff. And you can always message me, I love replying!