Page 37

MJ

The sun hung low in the sky, its golden summer light casting long shadows across the indoor training field of Anchor Point Rugby. The faint sound of rugby balls thudding against turf and laughter carried through the air, mixing with the hum of conversation from the gathered crowd. The facility buzzed with life, a symbol of everything Logan had worked so hard to create.

And, in a way, everything we’d built together.

I stood at the edge of the building, watching young athletes show off passing drills under the watchful eye of one of Logan’s assistant coaches. My heart swelled as I took it all in—the warehouse turned training facility, the bustling community Logan had brought together, and the unmistakable sense of purpose that filled the air.

It wasn’t just his dream anymore. It was ours.

A familiar voice cut through my thoughts. “Lost in your thoughts again, MJ?”

I turned to see Arthur, making his way toward me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He held a cane, though he barely leaned on it, and the corners of his mouth quirked in a wry smile.

“Just taking it all in,” I said, smiling back. “It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year.”

Arthur nodded, his gaze sweeping the field. “He did good, didn’t he?”

“More than good,” I murmured, the lump in my throat catching me by surprise. “He built something incredible.”

Arthur chuckled, his hand patting my elbow. “And he wouldn’t have done it without you. Don’t let him sell you short, miss. You’re as much a part of this as he is.”

Before I could respond, a burst of laughter drew my attention to the far side of the field, where my siblings and their families had gathered. Ben and Tillie darted between Abel’s legs while Gus attempted to tackle Royal, much to Sylvie’s exasperation. Whip was wrapped up in Emily, whispering something in her ear that made her blush. Hazel and JP stood off to the side, laughing at the chaos as Veda rolled her eyes at Royal’s antics. Bax was fussing over Bug, and while she tried to pretend she hated it, her soft smile gave her away.

My heart tightened, the sight both familiar and surreal. We had found our peace.

This is where we belonged. Together.

Logan caught my hand as the family celebration continued at the edge of the field. “Come with me for a second,” he said, his tone light but his eyes giving away something deeper.

“You’re acting weird,” I teased, narrowing my eyes.

He grinned, brushing a hand through his hair. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

He led me through the quiet halls of the facility, the noise of the celebration outside fading behind us. My curiosity peaked as he guided me toward the outdoor training field, now bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.

He stopped at the edge of the grassy field, turning to face me with an intensity that made my breath catch. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to do this,” he said, his voice low but steady. “And it feels like everything has led to this.”

“Logan ...” I started, my heart pounding as his hands took mine.

“You walked into my life and turned everything upside down in the best way,” he continued, his gaze never leaving mine. “You made me see that rugby wasn’t my only home. You were.”

Tears pricked my eyes as he dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a stunning ring that sparkled in the golden light. It was a huge, oval-cut ring set with an intricate vintage-inspired design that wove all around the band. Tiny white diamonds sparkled from the band, and when it moved, even more diamonds surrounded the center stone like a peek-a-boo halo. The ring was the perfect combination of simple vintage chic and subtle glamour.

Logan peered up at me. “You’ve been my anchor, my inspiration, and my everything. Marry me, Julep. Let’s keep building this life together.”

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Yes, Logan. Of course, yes.”

Relief washed over his face as he slid the ring onto my finger and rose to his feet, pulling me into a kiss that stole what little breath I had left.

Cheers erupted behind us, and I spun to see the entire crowd pouring onto the field. “What ... What is this?” I stammered through a watery laugh.

“They all knew,” Logan said, grinning. “I wasn’t sure which of your brothers to ask, so ... I kind of asked all of them. I wanted this to be more than just a proposal. I wanted it to be a celebration of you—the way you deserve to be celebrated.”

As the crowd surged forward, my siblings enveloped me in hugs and laughter. Sylvie teased me about how massive the ring was, while Abel tried to wrangle Ben and Tillie. Royal clapped Logan on the shoulder, muttering something about “finally,” and JP’s warm smile felt like a silent affirmation that everything had fallen into place.

Arthur raised his cane in a mock toast. “To Logan and MJ—already a team to be reckoned with.”

The warmth and love radiating from everyone filled me with something I’d never quite felt before. I wasn’t just part of this family—I was at its center, and for the first time I let myself believe I deserved to be here.

Later that evening, Logan’s office door clicked shut behind him. My pulse jumped as I turned, his dark gaze locking with mine.

“Hiding out?” he asked.

I grinned, looking around his tidy office and down at the ring on my finger. “I just needed a quiet minute to wrap my head around everything.”

“You know,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “you’re going to have to get used to being celebrated.”

I smiled, my heart thudding as he crossed the room in a few strides. “And if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll remind you. Like this.”

His lips crashed into mine, stealing my breath and flooding me with heat. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space between us. My fingers tangled in his hair as I pressed against him, needing more.

When he lifted me onto the desk, the cool surface beneath me sent a shiver up my spine, but his heat consumed me. His lips trailed fire down my neck, his hands sliding beneath my shirt to explore bare skin.

“Logan,” I breathed, my voice breaking on his name, knowing there was a building full of people just beyond the door.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his fingers tugging at the waistband of my pants. He made quick work of them, his eyes darkening as he took in the sight of me.

His mouth followed the path of his hands, kissing and nipping until my hips bucked against him. Heat coiled low in my belly as he touched me, his fingers stroking until I was shaking, gasping, begging for more.

“Please,” I whispered, my voice raw.

Logan’s lips curved into a wicked grin, and he rose to his full height, his hands steadying me as he unbuckled his jeans. “Please, what?”

Heat radiated to every corner of my body. “Please fuck me like I’m yours.”

When he slid inside me, the stretch was exquisite, the feeling so intense I couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped.

“God, MJ,” he groaned, his forehead pressing against mine. “You’re perfect.”

Our bodies moved together, the rhythm building as we both lost ourselves in the moment. His name tumbled from my lips as pleasure crashed over me, and he followed, tightening his grip and burying himself deep.

Afterward he pulled me into his arms, his lips brushing against my temple.

“You’re mine, Julep,” he whispered, his voice low and certain. “And I’m yours. Always.”

I grinned at him, breathless and happy, as we both fumbled to fix our clothing. Logan peeked out the door with an exaggerated seriousness that made me laugh before assuring me the coast was clear. His hand found mine as we stepped out together, the quiet hum of the facility wrapping around us like a warm embrace.

As we walked back to the party, my thoughts drifted to my father’s other family. Their kindness had stung, their warmth a reminder of what I hadn’t had—but it had also been the catalyst for letting go. For the first time, I felt at peace with the past and with myself.

Royal’s booming laughter greeted us as we rejoined the celebration. Sylvie’s sly smile slid over me as she leaned close. “Your hair is a disaster,” she whispered knowingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

A hot blush crept up my face as I tried to smooth the strands, but before embarrassment could take hold, Logan’s arm slid around my waist, grounding me with his steady presence.

I looked out at the scene before me, my chest tightening in the best way. My siblings—Sylvie, Whip, Abel, Royal, JP—surrounded by their spouses, children, and the unshakable love we’d built together. Kings and Sullivans, laughing and mingling as though the past had never kept them apart. The Bluebirds, in the background, sipping wine and tittering as they no doubt gossiped about all of us.

This was my family. My home. The life I’d never dreamed possible but now couldn’t imagine living without.

We had found our peace. This was where we belonged. Together.

Logan’s lips brushed my temple again, his voice a soft, comforting rumble. “Penny for your thoughts?”

I smiled up at him, threading my fingers through his, holding on tightly to the man who had turned my world upside down in the best way. “Just thinking about how far we’ve come,” I said softly, my words meant for him alone.

His answering smile was like the sunrise—warm and endless, casting light on every dark corner I’d ever known. “Only the beginning,” he murmured, pulling me closer, his lips ghosting over mine. “And we’ve got a lifetime to go.”

As the sound of laughter and children playing surrounded us, I leaned into him, knowing with certainty that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

And for the first time in my life, I was no longer afraid to say yes to all of it.

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