Chapter 259 - In the Shadow of the Past

For a moment, Nolan was quiet, and Logan feared he'd overstepped. But then a slow smile spread across his father's face. "I think," Nolan said softly, "that you're ready, son. And I couldn't be prouder." The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Logan turned to see Deonna and Kayla entering, arms laden with more food and a board game. "Hope we're not interrupting," Deonna said with a smile. "We thought we'd join the party." Kayla bounced over to Nolan's bedside, her pigtails swinging. "Grandpa! I brought Monopoly. Mom says you're the best at it." Nolan's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, did she now? Well, we'll just have to see about that, won't we?" As they set up the game, laughter and playful banter filling the room, Logan caught Deonna's eye. She was looking at him with a soft smile, and he felt his heart swell with love and gratitude. Here they were, his little makeshift family, gathered in a hospital room of all places, yet Logan couldn't remember the last time he