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.”