Page 178 of Sin Bin

Everyone burst out laughing.

They stopped for lunch before visiting the Children’s Odyssey Ranch, where the guys received an enthusiastic hero’s welcome.

Several kids remembered Meadow and greeted her with big hugs that brought a lump to her throat. She hugged them back warmly, asked how they were doing and grinned at their excited chatter. She didn’t notice Logan watching her until one of the girls pointed to him and whispered delightedly in her ear, “I think Logan likes you!”

Meadow looked over and met his eyes. His tender smile warmed her from head to toe.

“I like him, too,” she confided, causing an outbreak of giggles among the girls.

Nadia, Scarlett, Jess, Bianca and Nelson had never been to the ranch, so the children eagerly volunteered to give them a tour. They were joined by the ranch’s executive director and two counselors, who answered questions and provided updates as the group toured the sprawling property.

Logan and Meadow walked close together, their bodies brushing against each other. He was carrying a small boy on his shoulders while she carried a chubby-cheeked toddler on her hip. They kept looking at each other and sharing quiet smiles. She knew he was feeling the same gratitude and joy she felt from watching the older children show off their home. Many of them had suffered unspeakable abuse and trauma. To see them happy and thriving was an unbelievably precious gift.

The tour ended at the stables, where the stable manager brought out a beautiful pair of Arabian horses. After everyone admired and petted the horses, the guys took a few turns around the fenced corral. When two little black boys clamored for a “horsey ride,” Logan and Reid obliged them, carefully lifting each child onto the saddle before mounting the horse behind them and setting off at a gentle gallop, riding side by side.

The children’s beaming grins were so adorable that Meadow and Nadia looked at each other and dissolved into sappy sighs, drawing laughter from the girls.

Bianca grinned knowingly at Nadia. “How’s that two-year timeline looking?”

“Weaker by the day,” Nadia admitted, unconsciously splaying her hand on her stomach with a smile. “Reid is wearing a sista down, y’all. Please pray for me.”

Everyone laughed and encircled her in a supportive group hug.

After returning to the hotel, Logan and Meadow showered together and changed clothes before heading out to her father’s house in the black Jaguar that Logan had rented.

He was unusually quiet on the way, tapping his fingers restlessly on the steering wheel and frequently glancing in the rearview mirror.

Hyperaware of his every movement, Meadow turned to stare at him. “Are you nervous about meeting my father?”

His eyes darted to her and away. “No.”

She grinned. “Yes, you are.”

His lips twitched. “Maybe a little.”

She laughed, reaching over and touching his cheek. His nervousness was kind of adorable.

“He’s a park ranger, right? He probably has a shitload of guns.”

Meadow laughed again. “He is a gun owner. But you don’t have to worry about that. Seriously. Dad’s really cool and easygoing. He’s not gonna give you a knuckle-crushing handshake or threaten you with his shotgun.”

“How do you know?” Logan challenged.

Her smile wavered. “What do you mean?”

“How many guys have you brought home to meet your father?”

“Um…well…you’re the first.”

“Which means you don’t know how he’s going to react to me.”

He had a point, Meadow conceded. “Don’t forget he’s met you before. Well, technically, you guys didn’t actually meet. But he saw you that day and he knows...” How much you’ve always meant to me, she added silently.

Logan looked at her. “He knows what?”

“Nothing.” She smiled. “Just relax and be yourself, Logan. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

He didn’t look reassured, his eyes narrowing as he studied the road ahead.

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