Disclaimer: I do not own or claim any rights to Big Time Rush or the characters portrayed in this story, nor do I own or claim any rights to The Bachelor. It's all in good fun and because I can't contain the visions in my head that scream to get out.

So...this is where the non-Jagan shippers start to hate me. Logan's date is turning into a monster. I feel horrible because it's already longer than the other guys' and it's not even half done yet. I blame this on Caroline and the fact that she has a lot to say, but also because it's important to show the interaction between her and James, and her/James/Logan. Logan's hometown date will be broken up into 2 or 3 chapters, mostly because this is as far as I've written and I don't want to make everyone wait until I get the whole thing done—that could be a week at the rate it's going, since I only have time to write while riding to and from work right now.

For those who ask, no—you won't get to read about Ryan's hometown date, though you will learn more about Ryan in the final chapter.

Something I need to say. I have to remind you that only one man can win James' heart in the end, which means that not everyone will be pleased. You all ship different pairings and have your favorite, and having watched the show enough myself I understand your frustrations when your chosen contestant is eliminated or another contestant seems to receive more attention from the Bachelor. But we're getting down to the wire here and decisions have to be made, decisions that are extremely hard for James. He doesn't want to send anyone home at this point, but he has to follow his heart, guys. And I wish I could please everyone, but I can't. If you get upset at any point in this story and decide not to read anymore, I understand and thank you for giving me as much of your time as you have. I also remind you AGAIN that nothing is set in stone until the final proposal, and anything can happen between now and then.

Thanks for the wonderful reviews, guys. Still makes me smile and laugh and flail when I read them. I love you guys so much for reading this and sticking with it.

So for those who don't know, this is how "The Bachelor" works. Approximately 30 contestants are chosen to compete on the show. They live in one big house together for about six weeks, and each week at least one contestant is eliminated at the rose ceremony. If the Bachelor gives you a rose, it means you stay another week. There are other roses given for other reasons (for example, the First Impression rose is given to the contestant who makes the best first impression on the Bachelor), and once you receive one of those roses you're guaranteed to remain until the next week. At the end of each date the Bachelor also has the choice of giving his contestant a rose or deciding not to, and that decides whether you go home or not. There are group dates and one-on-one dates and the drama gets out of hand sometimes because the competition can be vicious, but ultimately it gets down to two contestants and at that point the Bachelor decides to propose to one of them, or he can choose to propose to neither of them. I've taken some liberties with the rules and the process here, partly because I'm not sure of all the rules and partly because it works better for the story, but hopefully it makes sense and stays somewhat true to the show's atmosphere.

I dedicate this to kathrynew30 because even though she laughs at me for watching the show, she is always encouraging when it comes to my writing and she's been wanting this story for a long time. I also thank Aranelle for being an amazing beta and continually supportive of me in every area of my life.

The smile hadn't died since 6 A.M when Logan woke. He'd checked on Caroline, showered, dressed, checked on her again, and then went to the kitchen to put on coffee and start breakfast, all of it done with the smile that would not die.

Today his dreams would come true.

Whether or not it would last past today was another story; fully aware that this could be the beginning of the end for him and James, Logan didn't delude himself into believing without a doubt it would work. James would get a glimpse of daily life with him and Caroline today, and would hopefully begin to understand just what he was getting himself into, but there was a part of Logan that wanted to believe it would all be okay, that James would fall in love with Caroline as he had Logan and would want to become part of their family.

Either way, his dream of having them in the same room and interacting together was going to happen. That would be enough to last him a lifetime.

Only slightly nervous, Logan piled the ingredients for breakfast on the kitchen counter. He wished there'd been something he could do about the fact that the house was old and falling apart, but as there wasn't, he had to live with it. The camera crew arrived shortly thereafter and Logan tried to act as if he wasn't being filmed; it was different without James or the guys around.

Logan wasn't comfortable with the fact that Caroline would be on camera, but he knew it was a necessity and had warned her the night before that the house would be filled with strange men but encouraged her to pretend they weren't there as much as she could. He explained it as if they were filming a video the way he and Grandma sometimes did when she was riding her horse or having a birthday party. She had no problem with this, especially if at some point she would get to ride Sunshine.

A pan was put on the stove, eggs cracked and beaten, vegetables chopped up. The closer it got the more his stomach twisted, not from nerves but from anticipation. He hadn't gone this long without seeing James since meeting him; even when he wasn't involved in a date, James had always found a way to talk to him, to reassure him for two minutes with a kiss or even just a look. Since Logan wasn't in the early part of the week, he had to assume James would have already visited two if not all three of the other guys, and who knew what could happen in that time? James could've fallen more in love with Carlos or Kendall or even Ryan, and if any of them had wonderful families, it would be difficult for James to pass that up.

Don't worry about it. He loves you. You know he loves you.

Yes, Logan knew that. But was it enough?

The ringing of the doorbell jolted him, his heart suddenly racing. James was on the other side of that door.

Logan literally ran to the living room, hopping over a couch and just missing the table in his haste to get there. He flung open the door, his smile growing into a huge grin that almost hurt, and then he was in James' arms, or at least the one that wasn't holding a gift bag.

Lips found his hair, his forehead, and then finally the place he wanted them most, his mouth, as James kissed him with the same eagerness. The familiar taste made his knees weak, his hands gripping James' leather jacket to keep him near as if he had ideas about leaving, and it was a good five minutes before either of them came up for air.

Logan finally stepped back, feeling like he could breathe again, only then noticing Rich behind James. "Hey, Rich. Good to see you."

"Same, Logan. How you doing?"

"Much better now, thanks." Logan let out a breath and then allowed himself to look at James, who was smiling at him. "You look so damn good."

James grinned wider. "Thank you. Same goes for you. I'm not sure if that's because it's true or because we haven't seen each other in days, but-"

"Maybe it's both. Hi. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." James tilted his chin up, kissing him more softly this time, and then he sighed in contentment. "Okay. I'm good. Extremely nervous, but good. Where is she?"

"Still asleep, unless the doorbell woke her up. Though she probably would've come out here by now if that was the case. All she could talk about last night was how James is coming and he's going to take her to see Sunshine and teach her flips and watch movies with her and God, I don't know which one of us is more excited to see you at this point."

James laughed. "We'll call it even. Can I come in?"

"Oh! Yes! I'm sorry!" Logan backed into the house, waiting until both James and Rich had entered to close the door. "I was working on breakfast, come on into the kitchen."

"When are we waking up Caroline?"

"Soon, James. Soon." Logan grinned, reaching back to squeeze James' hand. "So you're nervous?"

"Of course I am. Kids can be tough. If she doesn't like me, she'll let me know."

"True, but I doubt that'll be a problem. Just talk to her like you do on the phone. What is all that?"

"Oh, this?" James set the bag on the kitchen counter and extracted two boxes from it. "You can open yours now, if you want. Caroline gets hers when she wakes up."

"What is it?"

"Not telling you. You'll just have to be surprised."

"You're so aggravating."

"But you love me anyway?"

Logan dragged James closer, lifting up slightly to kiss him. "I suppose."

"Mmm, you'd better." Another kiss that was brief this time, then James asked, "Is all that for us? What are you making, omelets?"

"And toast. Here, let me get you some coffee. You look tired."

"I got in late last night."

"Long date with someone else?"

"Are you fishing for clues?"

"Maybe."

"The truth is I had a lot on my mind and couldn't fall asleep right away."

After pouring a mug for James and passing it to him, Logan asked, "So who all have you seen so far?"

"I can't tell you." James took a sip and hummed. "Damn, that's good. Hot, but good."

"Is there anything you can't eat? I should've asked that first."

"I'm allergic to vegetables," James joked.

Logan rolled his eyes. "You sound like Caroline. She actually told me that one night. 'Daddy, I'm 'lergic to broccoli.' I didn't even know she knew what that word meant."

James grinned. "Okay, so I'm not actually allergic, but I—oh, fuck this."

Logan gave him a questioning look when he set his mug down, but then Logan understood when James pulled him close for another kiss, his tongue set on rediscovering Logan's mouth while his hands roamed everywhere. Logan didn't have it in him to stop James, feeling the same need to make up for lost time.

"I missed you," Logan said again, his voice hushed as James backed him up against the counter.

"There's never enough time."

"Maybe someday there will be. If everything goes well today...we can have that."

James nodded, hazel eyes staring into Logan's chocolate ones. "Can we wake her up now?"

"Not yet. We've got a little time still, and I want to open my present."

"It's really nothing much, don't get too excited."

"Let me be the judge of that." Logan sat down at the kitchen table, holding out a hand for his gift.

James passed a box to him and took the chair next to Logan, scooting it closer and laying an arm on the back of Logan's chair.

"You look nervous. What did you get me?"

"Just...something. Like I said, it's nothing big, and I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will, relax." To prove his point, Logan pressed a kiss to James' lips, then lifted the top off the box. He peeled back tissue paper to reveal a book, the cover distressed but artfully so. There was no title that appeared immediately. "What is it?"

"Open it and see."

Logan did, and found that it wasn't actually a book at all but rather a photo album, or perhaps the technical term would be a scrapbook. Each page contained pictures taken from their moments together, with the dates and locations listed at the bottom. Some were of the scenery and landmarks they'd visited, others the two of them doing simple things like walking on the beach or standing high above Rio gazing out at the city below. There was even a picture of them on the hot air balloon, Logan standing with James behind him and holding him near. "Where did these come from?" Logan whispered, in awe.

"A few are from my camera, but most of them are screenshots Rich took for me from the video he's gotten of us. I wanted you to have something to remember. I have a matching one at home."

When Logan finally tore his gaze away from the book there were tears in his eyes. "This is...you did this?"

"Well, with Rich's help, yes. It was my idea, though."

"Do you even know how much I love you, James? Can you even fathom what I'm feeling right now?"

James swallowed, unable to meet Logan's eyes, but he said, "I think I have some idea."

"I don't care what happens after today, leave here knowing that you are the love of my life and that's never going to change. Marry whoever you want, but know that, and know that what we have in this moment is the most perfect thing I have ever known."

James' eyes hardened slightly. "I hate it when you say things like that."

"I know, it makes it harder on you, but-"

"No, it's because you make it sound like this isn't going to last. Like you've already made up your mind on that."

"It's not me who's going to ruin this, James."

"Well, quit thinking I am."

"Look at the situation we're in. There's no guarantee you'll end up with me, I'm just trying to prepare myself for that if it doesn't happen."

"Fine, but don't convince yourself it's over before it's even begun."

"I'm not."

"You are. I know how hard this is, okay? I know it's not easy and you're scared that what I say to you or do with you might be nothing compared to what I do with everyone else, but I'm asking you right now, Logan. Trust me. Have faith in me."

"I want to."

"Then make it happen. Quit spending each day with me as if it's your last. Enjoy our time together as just that—time together." He leaned in, pressing his lips close to Logan's ear to whisper, "I love you. Please believe that."

Logan's head fell onto James' shoulder, his body slumping in relief. He'd sensed it, felt it in James' touches and his kisses, but hearing it was what he'd needed most. He knew James couldn't say it out loud, had known he probably would never hear those words unless he made it to the proposal, but now James had said it and the relief was overwhelming. That didn't mean they were in the clear, because there was still the Caroline issue to get past and Logan had no way of knowing if James loved the other guys as well, but it was enough for now.

"Okay?" James asked, running a hand over Logan's hair.

"Okay." They kissed again with the intent of it being brief, but it took an alarm going off on Logan's phone for him to pull away. "Time to wake her up. You ready for this, James?" He silenced the alarm before slipping the phone back into his pocket.

"No, not really. But yeah, go ahead."

"You don't want to come with me?"

"I...would she freak out?"

"I don't know. I'll tell you what-throw some toast in for me, and I'll handle the wake-up to make sure she's awake enough to greet you properly."

"Deal."

James' nervousness was cute, Logan squeezing James' shoulder as he stood. "I love the album."

"Yeah?"

"Yes. It's perfect."

"Cool." James rose to get started on toast, Logan looking back once before heading into Caroline's room.

The little princess was sleeping soundly, cheeks plump and rosy against the bright yellow pillow her head rested on. He sat on the edge of her bed, running a hand down her back. "Wake up, pumpkin. It's time for breakfast." She shifted, fighting to stay asleep, and Logan tried again. "I'm making you an omelet. With lots of cheese."

"Cheese," she echoed, half-awake now.

"And toast, we even have strawberry jelly this time."

"Sunshine."

"Yes, you get Sunshine, too, but not until after school. And James has a present for you, but you have to get up and get dressed first."

"James. Take me to ride Sunshine."

"We both will, yes. Come on, open your eyes."

They fluttered, then squinted against the sun pouring in even through the curtains. "Tired."

"You shouldn't have stayed up so late last night. I told you this would happen."

"Can James come now?"

Logan smiled. "I'll see what I can do. Don't fall asleep again, okay?"

"Kay."

Logan returned to the kitchen to find James speaking to Rich in a hushed voice, Rich reaching up to squeeze his shoulder. The moment they realized Logan was there the camera was raised again, Rich stepping back, and Logan wondered what that was about but let it go. "She's asking for you."

"For me? Really?"

"Mm-hm. She said, 'Can James come now?'"

"Oh. Wow. Okay." James smoothed down his hair and adjusted his jacket, which had Logan laughing.

"James, you're fine. It's just Caroline, she isn't going to care what you look like."

"I know, I just...I'm so nervous."

"Don't be. She loves you already." Logan held out a hand, James taking it in a death grip, and led James down the hall to Caroline's room, where he flipped on the light.

Caroline blinked a few times, letting her eyes adjust, and then Logan watched James enter the room, stiff as a board. "Relax," he whispered. "Be yourself."

"James? Did you come to be my prince today?"

James froze, Logan witnessing the wonder come over his face as he stared at the living, breathing version of the little girl he'd spoken to on the phone. Her tangled blonde hair was a mess, her eyes still full of sleep, and there was a pattern of paw prints all over her favorite pajama shirt. She lifted wide blue eyes up to James, who approached the bed slowly and sank to his knees next to it.

"I did."

"I made you a crown."

"I...have a crown?"

"Uh huh. You're big."

A laugh was choked out of him. "Yeah, I guess I am. Or maybe you're just little."

"Daddy says I'm just right."

Logan smiled, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the doorjamb and watched them.

"Well, your daddy doesn't lie."

"Nope. He says I get to have jelly, too."

"If I ever finish the toast, sure. Are you gonna get up and—oh no. The toast!"

James was up in a flash, running out of the room. Logan chuckled and returned to the bed. "Come on, let's go help James before he burns the house down. And we'll put on your special dress, okay?"

"Okay."

Logan got Caroline up and ready for her day, all except the hair which of course she fought him on. He gave up for the moment, frustrated, and followed her into the kitchen, where James was finishing up beautifully browned toast. "I see you saved it."

"Not the first batch. You can't smell that?"

"I smell it." Caroline's nose wrinkled. "Stinks."

"At least we know your nose works properly," James smiled, pressing a finger to it. "Ready for some toast with jelly?"

"Yeah!"

James set the plate on the table, Logan pulling butter and jelly out of the fridge before reaching back in for orange juice. He passed James that and glasses, then turned to the stove to resume the omelets he'd been about to start when James arrived. "You're not really allergic to vegetables, are you?"

"Nah. But I avoid them when I can."

"Vegetables are yucky," Caroline pointed out.

"The worst," James agreed.

Logan whipped his head over a shoulder to shoot James a warning glance. "Vegetables are good for you. And they're necessary to grow up big and strong."

"Right," James corrected himself. "Some of them don't taste good, but we have to eat them because they're good for us."

Logan nodded, letting James know that was a sufficient thing to say, and James relaxed some. "May I fix up your toast for you, Caroline?"

"Uh huh. I like it with jelly."

"So I gathered." James grinned, buttering a slice before slathering it with strawberry jelly while Logan finished up Caroline's omelet. "Here you go, princess."

"You didn't cut it."

"Oh. Uh...how do you like it cut?"

"Quarter it, James," Logan supplied. "Diagonally."

"Okay..." Grabbing a knife, James did that. "Is that right?"

"Yep!" Happy now, Caroline picked up a piece and bit into it, her lips smeared red as she chewed. Logan slid a small omelet onto her plate, cheese oozing from between the perfectly golden halves.

"Damn, that looks good, Logan."

"One thing I do well is cook," he beamed.

"That's not the only thing," James purred, causing Logan to blush but give James another warning glance.

"You eat ham?"

"I'll eat almost anything. Except-" Remembering his current company, James amended that. "Almost anything."

"Good. Caroline, eat your eggs, too."

"I will."

"Not when your toast is done, you'll be too full then. Do it now. Take a few bites of omelet."

Sighing, Caroline picked up her fork and obeyed.

Logan couldn't get over the way James was glued to her every move, fascinated. "James."

"Hmm?"

"Go ahead and make yourself some toast. And there's more coffee if you want it."

"That would be great, thanks." He stood up from the table, smiling at Caroline before joining Logan at the stove. "She's amazing," he whispered.

"I know. I'm a lucky guy."

"Yeah, you are." James planted a kiss on Logan's cheek, Logan allowing it but ready to fight off any other show of affection in front of Caroline. He had nothing to worry about, though, as James turned his attention to coffee. "So what's the plan for today, guys? I take it we're riding Sunshine?"

"Yeah! And Daddy said I get a whole hour today!"

"How much time do you usually get?"

"She usually only gets a half hour," Logan answered for her. "But with the full hour, she'll get to brush and feed him, get to learn some things about his care, and ride him for a little bit."

"Sounds good," James replied. "What time do they open?"

"She can't go until after school."

"School? She has to go to school today?" James' face fell, a serious pout on its way when Logan clarified the statement.

"She's only going a half-day. I was going to keep her home, but it's picture day and she can't miss that."

"Picture day? Oh my god, is that why she's in that adorable dress?"

Caroline hopped out of her seat. "Look, James! It has ruffles! When I do this, they dance!" She wiggled her body, twisting it back and forth like a washing machine spindle. The ruffles did indeed dance around her knees.

The look on James' face was one Logan would never forget. He was melting on the inside, falling more in love with Caroline each second. Logan slid an arm around James' waist, his own heart so happy.

"She's beautiful," James whispered.

"I know," Logan answered softly, laying his head on James' chest.

"I'm gonna dance when they take my picture."

"Oh no, you're not. You're going to give me a nice, big smile." Straightening up, Logan pointed to her chair. "Eat some more of your omelet, we don't have a lot of time and we still have to do your hair."

Caroline returned to her chair, taking another bite of her eggs even though she obviously wasn't pleased about it. Logan flipped the concoction in the frying pan and then turned off the stove, letting it settle before halving it. "Pass me a plate, love?"

James reached for one and then froze at the same time Logan did, their eyes locking onto each other.

"Did you just-" James started.

"Did I-"

"Yeah, you did."

"I'm sorry, I didn't even think, I just-"

"It's okay. No one's ever called me that before, it surprised me."

"I...it just..."

"Logan." James set the plate down on the counter and leaned in, kissing him gently. "It's fine."

"Ooooooooooh, I'm telling! Daddy and Ja-ames sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-"

"Caroline! Enough."

James snickered. "Sorry."

"I swore I wasn't going to kiss you in front of her."

"Oops?"

Sighing, Logan picked up the plate and slid half the omelet onto it. "Here. Go eat your vegetables."

"Fine." Hanging his head, James took his coffee and breakfast to the table. "Can I snag one of your little toast squares?"

"Sure! Are you gonna marry my daddy?"

Coffee spewed everywhere, droplets spraying all over their plates and the table.

"Ew, gross! You spit on me, James!"

Rich couldn't hold it in, James glaring at him until he stopped laughing. "I'm sorry, Caroline, I'm sorry, hang on, let me...Logan, can we get a towel over here?"

"On it, calm down." Logan wiped Caroline's face with a dish towel. "Honey, why would you ask that?"

"Cause he kissed you. When you kiss, you get married."

"Sometimes, Caroline, but not always."

"I saw it on T.V., Daddy. They kissed and the man said, 'Man and wife.'"

James raised an eyebrow. "So you didn't say anything about-"

"No! I wouldn't, not until I knew for sure and then maybe not even for a long time, it's not going to be easy for her. Caroline, you're done. Go get me the brush."

"No."

Logan gave her a threatening look and she scampered off.

"Jesus." Still wide-eyed, James said, "That was the last thing I expected out of her mouth."

"Well, if you hadn't kissed me-"

"I couldn't help myself, you called me 'love,' what was I supposed to do?"

"I don't know, control yourself better?"

"You know I have no control around you, we've been through this, I get near you and I can't even think straight, you make me crazy and I-"

"Here, Daddy!" Caroline whizzed into the room, waving a brush around.

"What is that thing?" James asked, distracted for the moment.

"It's my brush. But it hurts. I don't like it."

"Well, no wonder, look at those stiff bristles. Logan, are you trying to scalp her with that?"

"There's nothing wrong with that brush, it works fine."

"On your hair, maybe; yours is short. Longer hair takes a gentler hand. Come here, Caroline."

She approached almost fearfully, holding the brush out to him.

"Get rid of that thing." James plucked it out of her hand and tossed it onto the table, then reached into a back pocket and whipped out a black comb. "Now, only super special people get to use this, okay? This is my Lucky Comb."

"Can princesses use it?"

"Yes. You and me, we get to use it because we're royalty. Is there a spray bottle somewhere, Logan?"

"No, she's has a detangler that works."

"That stuff dries out your hair. We can do without it. Turn around, princess."

Logan watched with narrowed eyes, torn between awe and resentment that James was able to do with Caroline what he had to fight for. Hands more gentle than Logan had ever witnessed, James started at the bottom and combed out the snarls, using his left hand to hold the tresses in place so they didn't tug on her scalp when he ran the comb through them.

"How are you wearing your hair today?"

"Daddy got me a bow."

"We can work with a bow. Logan?"

"Sure. Be right back."

He returned quickly with the headband he'd purchased the day before, one that matched her dress in color and had a big floppy bow attached to it. James grimaced but took it. "Thanks, love," he said with a smirk, an answering smile tugging at Logan's lips.

"That didn't hurt, Daddy! Do I look pretty?"

Logan knelt before her, one hand resting on James' knee. "You look beautiful, pumpkin, just like you always do. Now let's get this headband settled on you...there. Perfect. James?"

Spinning her around for a better look, James cocked his head. "She needs a little body."

"But I have a body. I have feet, and hands, and a head and arms and-"

"No, honey, I meant your hair could be a little more poofy."

"It's fine, James," Logan bickered. "It's a school picture, not a photo shoot."

"Which is basically the same thing. But okay, you're the dad."

Spying the microwave, Logan said, "Crap, is it that late? We need to get going."

"Logan, did you eat anything?"

He shrugged. "Don't worry about it. I'll grab something later."

"No, you need to eat."

"I'm fine, love. Let's get her shoes on and get moving, I don't want her to be late."

"You sure?"

"Positive." Logan offered James a smile, feeling that pull to kiss him again and seeing in James' eyes he was feeling the same, but Logan curbed that temptation and rose to his feet. "Honey, go get your pretty black shoes."

"My ballet slippers? James, come look at my shoes!"

A second later James was being tugged out of his chair and dragged down the hall, Logan watching them go with a smile. He knew that even if James did marry him it wouldn't always be this easy; James was new and exciting to Caroline, and soon enough he would become an evil parent just like Logan, but for the moment it was precious to watch and Logan wished this day would never end.

Logan would have preferred to drive his own car, but there was no camera installed and Rich would have a poor view from the backseat; Caroline's excitement over riding in the "big car" made up for it anyway.

After Logan took a minute to relay their itinerary to the driver and make sure he knew where he was going they piled in, Logan keeping his distance for all of thirty seconds before sliding up against James, who hugged him close while encouraging Caroline to be seated. She immediately settled in next to him, frowning when Rich joined them.

"How come you get to come?"

"He's special," Logan replied. "He goes everywhere with James."

"Hi, I'm Rich." He held out a hand but Caroline gasped, eyes wide.

"You are? Do you live in a fancy house? Daddy says if we were rich we could buy one but we're poor."

"Caroline, we are not poor. We are very blessed to have what we do."

"I want a real castle."

James studied her. "Where, in the backyard?"

"That would be neat!"

"James," Logan warned.

"What? I said nothing."

Logan shook his head, his heart wanting to burst for this man who was most likely plotting to build a castle for Caroline. "You will not spoil her."

James shrugged.

Caroline was staring at Rich. "How does that work?"

Rich smiled at Caroline. "Want to look in? I'll show you what I see."

Once Caroline had hopped to the seat across from them, James turned to Logan. "So do I get to meet your mom?"

"Yeah, she's coming over for dinner. And probably to give you the third degree."

"I would expect nothing less. What's she cooking?"

"I can see Daddy and James! Look, they're right there!"

Grinning while waving at the camera, Logan answered, "Mom's not cooking anything. I figured you all could watch a movie or do crazy flips while I'm working on dinner."

James blinked, then his mouth curved up into a smile. "You're cooking for me?"

"Of course. You didn't eat any of your breakfast either, did you?"

"No, I had planned to, it looked really good. But then Caroline asked if I was going to marry you."

"Mmm, you should've given her an answer," Logan teased. "She's horrible at keeping secrets."

James' eyes twinkled when he leaned in for a light kiss, Caroline immediately breaking into song again.

"Daddy and Ja-ames sitting in a tree!"

"Okay, okay, Caroline." Logan pulled away, angry at himself for not having more control.

When Caroline whispered something to Rich, he cracked up, sobering quickly at the curious glances from Logan and James.

"What did she say?" Logan wanted to know.

"Oh, she just said James is going to marry her daddy because married people kiss a lot like you guys."

James smiled but Logan did not, determined now to keep his hands and lips off James when Caroline was present.

"How would you feel about that, Caroline?" James asked. "If I wanted to marry your daddy?"

Logan gaped, immediately wanting to smack James. What was he thinking? "Caroline, don't-"

"Do you love my daddy?"

James was speechless for a few seconds, then he met Caroline's unwavering gaze. "Yes, I do," he answered firmly.

"Okay then. I think Daddy loves you, too."

Logan was silent for the remainder of the ride, emotions a storm inside him, but when James held his hand he allowed it.

James and Rich stayed behind while Logan escorted Caroline to class, making sure her bow wasn't crooked and her dress hung properly. "I'll pick you up after lunch, okay? I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Daddy. Will James come back?"

"Yes, he's here with us all day."

"And I get to see Sunshine?"

"Yes. Be good."

"Okay."

She skipped off and Logan took a moment, leaning against a wall to gather his thoughts. Everything had been a whirlwind since James walked through the door, and he knew their next conversation would most likely end up with them fighting.

Things were so much easier when it was just the two of them, but the reality was that Caroline would always be there and if they couldn't find a middle ground, this wasn't going to work. He climbed into the limo with a sigh.

The first words out of James' mouth were, "I know you're mad at me-"

"Of course I'm mad at you! What are you thinking, you don't ask her questions like that! I told you, one simple hint becomes fact in her mind and if you're not going to marry me it might devastate her. She's already attached to you."

"Well, I had to ask at some point! Her opinion is important to me."

"I know, James, and I love that, but there are better ways to go about it. You don't just ask her out of the blue if she wants us to get married."

"She started it!"

Logan's mouth opened slightly. "She started it? Did you really just say that?"

James shrugged, cheeks reddening. "Look, I need to know how she feels. If she hates me-"

"James, she does not hate you. That is glaringly obvious to anyone with eyes. She let you brush her hair, for God's sake! That's huge, you don't even know."

"Well how am I supposed to know? She brought it up and I thought it was a good window of opportunity so I took it and we'll have to have that conversation at some point anyway, so why not now?"

"Because we don't know how this is going to turn out, James!" Logan yelled. "You might pick Kendall or Carlos and then what the hell do I tell Caroline? She's five, she doesn't understand all of this. One day we're kissing and the next time she sees you, you're kissing Kendall or Carlos and what does that do to her? Tell me, James, what do I say to her when she asks why you're kissing someone else instead?"

James looked away to form an answer, and when he spoke his voice was low and serious. "Did you not even hear what I said to her, Logan? Did you miss the part where I said I love you? Do you think I'd say something like that to your daughter if it wasn't true?"

"No, I just...I'm so afraid to believe. I know you love me. I've known that since Rio. What I don't know is if it's enough. I know you love them, too. They come with so much less baggage and-"

James' arms reached out to pull Logan close, his mouth cutting off the argument so that Logan had no choice but to melt into it, this being something he would never tire of. "Stop fighting me," James whispered, eyes pleading. "Please."

This time it was Logan who initiated the kiss, James helping him when Logan made a move to climb up onto his lap and settling Logan into place with a sigh. Their mouths teased each other until touches became a little more desperate, Logan rocking over James when his body began to scream for a repeat of their last night alone. His head fell back as James' teeth grazed his throat, hands sliding up to tangle in James' hair and tug brutally so that James cried out, and the next thing Logan knew he was on his back, having been thrown onto the long seat.

He was bereft for a few seconds, the loss of that touch torture, but then James was on him, one elbow resting over his shoulder while the other hand unbuttoned his shirt and James' mouth sucked at his neck. There would be a mighty bruise by morning, but Logan welcomed it as the other had faded and he missed having that reminder that all of it hadn't been a dream.

"Don't stop," Logan begged just as Rich called out "Brooke," and for once it did nothing. James waved a hand in dismissal toward Rich, continuing to free Logan from his shirt while he devoured the bare skin that appeared, and Logan closed his eyes when the kisses neared his waistband. "Yes," he urged, hands back in James' hair and guiding him lower.

"Guys. Guys. We're here. Guys, stop!"

James ripped his mouth away, glaring up at Rich with a feral groan of frustration.

"I'm sorry, we're here," Rich repeated.

"Fuck." James sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Where the hell are we?"

Sitting up slowly, Logan looked around while getting a grip on his breathing. "Work. The library."

"Oh. Oh! I get to see where you work?" James' bright grin chased away the last vestiges of frustration.

"Yes, I thought it was a good idea. I don't know that we'd live here, I'll probably want to move, but today is about understanding my daily life. But we won't stay long, we have to pick up Caroline in a few hours."

"That's cool, I don't mind watching you in action. Button up your shirt, though, you look ravished and sexy. I don't want anyone else lusting after you."

Only blushing slightly, Logan did what he was told.

"Here, comb your hair. It looks like we just had sex."

Logan took the comb with a raised eyebrow. "Even though I'm not royalty?" he teased.

"Please, you're the king of my heart. That's more than worthy of my Lucky Comb."

"James..." When he said things like that, Logan almost wished he wouldn't because it was too easy to imagine James only said words like that to him. He couldn't express that, though, or James would accuse him of not believing again.

"Be quiet and comb your hair. I know what you're thinking."

"Fine."

One corner of James' mouth turned up, Logan fighting not to respond in kind but losing the battle quickly, and when he passed the comb back James said, "Thank you, love."

Heart melting, Logan sighed. "What am I gonna do with you?"

"Love me in return."

Logan nodded. "Done."