Logan had seen Jean in so many different versions… fierce and biting, clever and guarded, seductively playful, even heartbreakingly silent.
But this?
This was different.
She looked… young.
Like someone who never had a mother to tell her that love didn't have to hurt. That trust didn't have to be earned through suffering.
Logan took a step back, not wanting to ruin that fragile peace. But the floorboard creaked faintly beneath his shoe.
Jean stirred slightly, lifting her head, and their eyes met through the small opening of the door.
For a second, Logan thought she'd pull away… go back behind her wall.
But she didn't.
She held his gaze, her expression unreadable, until Martha followed her line of sight and turned.
"Logan," his mother said with a warm smile. "You have a strong woman in your life."
He cleared his throat, stepping fully in.
"I know," he replied softly. "She just doesn't know it yet."
