Chapter 132: Chapter 132
Logan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his outfit for what felt like the hundredth time. He straightened the collar of his shirt, smoothed invisible creases from the fabric, then ran a hand through his hair again. No matter how many times he fixed himself, he still couldn't calm the storm inside him. His hands trembled slightly, and the knot in his stomach only seemed to tighten with every passing second.
Across the room, Chase watched him quietly.
He could see the nervousness written all over Logan's face, and without saying a word, he walked over to him.
Stopping behind him, Chase slipped his arms around Logan's waist before gently turning him around to face him.
"Nervous?" He asked with a small, reassuring smile.
Logan let out a shaky laugh. "Aren't you?" He asked, his worried eyes searching Chase's face.
Chase sighed softly. "I am." He admitted honestly. "Maybe even terrified."
He reached down and intertwined their fingers.
"But we're doing this together."
Logan lowered his gaze to their joined hands before looking back up at Chase.
"What if they don't accept us?" He asked quietly. "What if they don't accept you?"
His voice cracked slightly.
"I'm never leaving you, Chase. No matter what my parents do... no matter what they say... I'm never leaving you."
Chase's heart swelled with emotion. "I know." He replied gently.
He lifted one hand and caressed Logan's cheek with his thumb.
"But if they don't accept me, then I'll do everything I can to change their minds. I'll show them how much I love you. I'll prove to them that I'll spend every single day making sure you're happy, protecting you, and taking care of you."
His smile softened.
"I won't stop trying until they see that."
Logan's eyes glistened.
The conversation reminded him of the one they'd shared the previous night. He'd confessed every fear buried inside his heart, and Chase had listened without interrupting, comforting him through every worry. He had even suggested waiting until Logan felt completely ready.
But Logan didn't want to keep hiding anymore.
For the first time in years, he wanted to live honestly.
He wanted the people he loved most to know the truth.
And more than anything...
He wanted Chase to stand beside him when he did.
"I love you, Chase." Logan whispered.
A warm smile spread across Chase's face.
"And I love you even more, baby."
He leaned forward and captured Logan's lips in a slow, lingering kiss.
It wasn't filled with urgency or desire.
It was comforting.
A silent promise.
When they finally pulled apart, Chase rested his forehead against Logan's for a brief moment before pulling him into a tight embrace.
He gently rubbed Logan's back, hoping to ease even a little of the anxiety weighing on his heart.
"It's going to be okay." He whispered.
Logan closed his eyes and simply held him.
No matter what happened after they walked through his parents front door, this was the one place where he always felt safe.
In Chase's arms.
Chase tightened the embrace ever so slightly.
Deep down, he had no idea how Logan's parents would react.
Maybe they'd be shocked.
Maybe they'd be angry.
Maybe they'd ask him to leave.
He couldn't predict any of it.
But there was one thing he knew with absolute certainty.
He was never letting Logan go.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.
If his parents rejected him, he would keep trying.
If they doubted his intentions, he would earn their trust.
If he had to swallow his pride and beg for their blessing because it meant Logan wouldn't lose the people he loved most, then he would do it without hesitation.
Because Logan was worth every fight.
He knew how much Logan loved his parents.
The last thing he wanted was to become the reason that family was torn apart.
So as fear settled inside his own heart, he silently prayed for only one thing.
That when they walked through that door...
Love would be stronger than fear.
Chase and Logan had just arrived at Logan's home, but they remained seated inside the car for a few moments.
The closer they had gotten to the house, the quieter Logan had become. Now his hands rested on his lap, trembling slightly.
Chase noticed immediately.
Without saying anything, he unbuckled his seat belt and reached across the space between them. His fingers found Logan's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"It's okay." He said softly, his voice calm and reassuring. "I'm right here, remember? We're doing this together."
Logan looked into his eyes for a long moment, drawing comfort from the warmth and certainty he found there. The fear in his chest didn't disappear completely, but it became a little easier to bear.
He took a slow, deep breath.
"I'm ready now." He said quietly.
A small smile spread across Chase's face. He leaned over and placed a tender kiss on Logan's cheek.
"No matter what happens." He whispered, "I'm not letting go."
Logan's lips curved into a genuine smile.
"Me too."
Chase smiled back and kissed his cheek one more time before letting go of his hand. He stepped out of the car, and Logan followed a second later.
They stood side by side, both looking up at the mansion before them.
It was large and elegant, painted in a soft cream color with tall glass windows that reflected the afternoon sunlight. White pillars stood proudly at the entrance, supporting a wide balcony on the second floor. Beautiful flowers lined the walkway leading to the front door, their colors bright against the neatly trimmed green lawn. A small stone fountain sat in the middle of the front garden, the gentle sound of flowing water making the place feel peaceful. Everything about the house looked warm, welcoming, and well cared for.
Chase let out a quiet whistle.
"I must admit." He said with an impressed smile. ''Your parents have really good taste."
Logan laughed softly, some of his nervousness fading.
"They do."
Chase glanced at him before reaching for his hand once again, intertwining their fingers.
This time, Logan held on tightly.
Without another word, the two of them walked toward the front door together, hand in hand, ready to face whatever awaited them.