Creighton gives a slightly bored shrug. “Because I can. And maybe because Logan Brantley helped me realize what was really important in my life.” He cradles Rose’s head, his thumb sweeping back and forth across her downy hair.
“I’ll let him know when he gets here.”
“That would be now.”
I turn to follow Creighton’s gaze and see Logan coming toward me. He’s wearing a black pearl-snap shirt, perfectly worn jeans, black-and-brown cowboy boots, and a Boone Thrasher ball cap with brass knuckles on the front.
Holy. Hell. I want to climb him. Screw the audience.
He stops beside me and leans down to press a quick kiss to my lips. “Sorry I’m late. I had something I had to do.”
“Come find me later, Brantley. We’re going to talk about how fast we can get that shop of yours in business again.” Creighton turns and strides away before Logan can reply.
Logan looks back to me. “Is he serious?”
I nod. “I think he feels like he owes you for something. And here’s the only advice I’m going to give on the subject. When Creighton Karas offers you his help, take it. Especially this time. He might seem like an arrogant jackhole, because he is, but he can also be a pretty decent human being.”
Logan considers me thoughtfully. “I’ll talk to him.” His arm comes around me. “But first, I want to talk to you.” He pulls me away from the crowd and down a hallway.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
He leads me into a room where the Olds 442 is waiting for Boone to drive it onstage.
“You need to say good-bye to the car?”
Logan shakes his head. “No. I’ve already done that. She served her purpose, and now she’s his to enjoy.”
“So, what are we doing? Oh shit, you want to break it in one more time? Backstage?”
He shakes his head again. “No. I have to say something.”
His serious tone puts me on edge.
“What’s going on?” Something about Logan seems off, making my nerves ping.
“I would’ve picked somewhere fancier for this, but that’s not my speed. I’m just a guy who works with his hands and happens to have a knack for restoring cars.”
“You’re more than that,” I say, but he holds up a hand so I go silent, wondering what he’s leading up to. My heart rate kicks up a notch in nervous anticipation.
“I was sitting in this car when I realized that if I don’t have you in my life, I don’t have anything, Banner. Everything else I want means nothing if I don’t have you to share it with.”
He pulls something out of his pocket and drops to one knee.
Oh my God.Tears spring to my eyes as he takes my hand and holds up a small silver band with ... the X-Men symbol on it.
“I can’t buy you the big diamond ring you deserve right now, but someday I will.”
A tear slides down my cheek.
“I love you, Banner Regent, and I want you to be my wife. Marry me.”
Another tear falls as I nod and drop to my knees in front of him. “I don’t want a big diamond ring. I just want you.”
Logan slides the X-Men ring on my finger. “Good, because that’s all I’ve got to offer.”
He cups my face and covers my lips with his. I don’t know how long we stay locked together, but someone eventually clears their throat from behind us.