Page 132 of Just Say Yes

“You told me once that seeing your father teach Bianca to ride a bike hurt because it was something he never did for you. I can’t fix the past, MJ, but I can try to give you something better. We’ll make all new memories if we have to.”

She turned to me, her tear-filled eyes brimming with something I hadn’t seen before—hope. “You didn’t have to ...”

“Yes, I did,” I said softly. “Because you’re the strongest person I know, but even the strongest people deserve someone to steady them when they’re learning to ride.”

She let out a shaky laugh, her hand sliding into mine. “We’re really doing this? Choosing us.”

I grinned, my thumb brushing across her knuckles. “Every damn day.”

“I love you.” Her lips quirked into a soft smile, the kind that made my chest pinch. “For the record,” she murmured, stepping closer, “I already know how to ride a bike.”

I chuckled, the sound low and easy as I tugged her gently toward me. “Good,” I said, my voice dipping. “I can plan on keeping you steady in a thousand other ways.”

Her breath hitched, her gaze flicking to my mouth before locking back on my eyes. “Logan ...”

I didn’t let her finish. My lips found hers, soft at first, testing, tasting, until her arms slid around my neck and she pressed closer. The kiss deepened, the air between us heating as her fingers curled into the fabric of my jacket.

The world around us blurred—the fading light, the cool bite of the breeze, the looming husk of the old warehouse—and all that remained was her.

Us. This.

When we finally broke apart, her forehead rested against mine, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re really not going anywhere, are you?”

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “Stuck with me. I go wherever you are.”

Her answering smile was a kaleidoscope of warmth, like the last vibrant colors of a setting sun spilling across the sky, soft and breathtaking enough to make the world stand still. She tugged me by the front of my jacket, her voice soft but sure. “Then shut up and kiss me again.”

And I did—losing myself in her completely, knowing this was just the beginning of everything we were about to build—together.

EPILOGUE

MJ

The sun hunglow 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.

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