Page 321 of Sin Bin

He grinned before his lips swooped down to claim hers in a crushing kiss. Their friends burst into cheers and applause.

At the sound of a throat clearing, they reluctantly broke apart to see Aunt Rosalie standing there with a huge grin.

“Sorry to interrupt this incredibly romantic reunion, but we need to get Meadow in wardrobe and makeup.”

They looked around, surprised to see all the activity that had unfolded while they were wrapped up in their own world. A slew of studio vans and other vehicles were parked along the gravel road. There were makeup and wardrobe trailers for Meadow and the other two scheduled guests. The television crew bustled around with lights and camera equipment, getting everything set up.

“Wow,” Meadow marveled, gazing around. “So this is really happening. I’m so excited for you, Aunt Rosalie. This is such a big night for you.”

“It’s a big night for all of us.” Rosalie beamed at Meadow and Logan. “I’m so happy you two worked everything out. That’s why I told Logan to make sure his limo driver got you here half an hour before everyone arrived. I wanted you to have some privacy to talk. You can finish kissing and making up later. Right now I’ve got a show to do.” Tapping her watch with a manicured finger, she looked around and muttered to herself, “Now where did my assistant run off to? I told her— Oh, good, Harris is here!”

“Dad?” Meadow followed her aunt’s gaze and squealed when she saw her father helping Trish out of a black limo. Santino, Roxanne and Cynara emerged next.

“Oh, no you don’t.” Rosalie caught Meadow’s wrist before she could dash off. “Logan can be the welcome committee. You come with me.”

Meadow glanced back sheepishly at Logan. “Wish me luck.”

“You got this, baby.” He smiled tenderly and winked. “See you soon.”

The set of rendezvous with rosalie featured a cozy armchair and couch under the shelter of trees twinkling with lights. In the starry background, the lake glistened against the dramatic backdrop of mountain peaks.

As the last guest to be interviewed, Meadow sat on the couch with her legs neatly crossed and her hair swept over one shoulder. She was wearing a long-sleeved white bodycon dress with black-and-white stiletto pumps. Despite the bright television lights, she felt relaxed and confident as she answered her aunt’s questions about the community fair and spoke passionately about the purpose of the care bags that would be distributed to local foster children.

As the interview wound down, Rosalie said warmly, “It’s been such a pleasure having you on the show, Meadow. Before we go, please remind viewers where and what time the fair starts tomorrow.”

“Absolutely. The fair will be held at—” Meadow broke off with a shocked gasp as Logan came striding onto the set. “Logan, what’re you—”

He dropped to one knee in front of her, drawing gasps and exclamations from the seated audience.

When she saw the breathtaking diamond ring he held, she brought a trembling hand to her mouth. “Oh my God.” She stared at him in stunned amazement. “Logan...”

His eyes were dark and focused, full of hope and yearning. “When we met as children, I nicknamed you Jupiter because you loved astronomy. You taught me everything you knew about the planets and constellations, and the way you made me feel was truly out of this world.” He smiled. “You are the love of my life. The center of my universe. Nothing would make me happier than to have you as my wife. So right here beneath the stars, under this tree where we had our first kiss, I’m asking you to make my dreams come true.” He gazed into her eyes, his voice growing husky. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Meadow. Will you marry me?”

She stared at him through the euphoric tears flooding her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered feelingly. “I love you so much, Logan. Yes, I will absolutely marry you!”

He grinned ecstatically as the crowd went wild with cheers and cameras flashed like crazy. Still kneeling, he took her hand and tenderly kissed her knuckles, then slipped the ring onto her finger. The brilliance of the round-cut diamond nearly blinded her.

As more cheers and applause erupted, Logan captured her face in his hands and kissed her as if he would never stop. By the time they pulled apart, they were both breathless and laughing rapturously as Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” serenaded them.

“Congratulations, lovebirds!” Rosalie threw her arms around them and hugged them tightly, her eyes shining with tears as she crowed, “My ratings are gonna be phenomenal!”

They both laughed. “Glad we could help.”

Everyone rushed forward to engulf them in hugs, kisses and handshakes. The crowd of well-wishers included their family, friends, teammates and colleagues. Cabe Landrieu, Coach Bohler and several more players had showed up. Grinning broadly, they slapped Logan’s back and welcomed Meadow to the Denver Rebels family.

Gamenetic was represented by Cassidy, Priya, Dirk and the rest of the management team. Beaming with excitement, they offered their congratulations and best wishes to Logan and Meadow. While the men laughed and joked around, Cassidy and Priya swooned over Meadow’s engagement ring and swore the center diamond had to be more than ten carats.

Before she and Logan moved on, Dirk told her proudly, “Great job on the interview. We’re gonna have an incredible turnout tomorrow.” He winked. “Hiring you was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”

Logan grinned at him. “Told you.”

Everyone laughed.

Joy was rushing through Meadow’s heart, radiating from her pores. She was so ecstatic she felt like she was floating on air. She had to look down to see if her feet were still on the ground.

As she and Logan circled the crowd, they received another round of hugs and kisses from their parents and Trish.

After pulling Logan into a backslapping hug, Harris folded Meadow into his arms and hugged her fiercely as more tears glazed her eyes. This amazing man had rescued her from a life of abuse and neglect. He’d given her a home, a family, a future filled with possibilities. She owed him everything.

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