Chapter Twenty-Four
Take My Heart
The sun had long since settled over the horizon and most of the mansion's occupants had disappeared into their respective rooms. Yet, Rogue remained wide-awake, strolling the halls until she reached the kitchen. Her stomach growled reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything today except for the small bowl of cereal she'd had with Logan. Pushing her way in, she caught a sniff of smoke and her heart beat faster.
"Hey, kid," Logan greeted around the cigar clenched between his teeth. "Welcome to our favorite room of the house."
Rogue went to the fridge and peered in. "We do end up in here a lot." Pulling out some left over pizza, she scolded him: "You know you aren't supposed to smoke in here."
"Damn," he grumbled.
Rogue set the plate on the counter and took a seat opposite of him. Logan watched her every move and she was starting to feel self-conscious. She took a bite of a piece of pizza, trying to ignore his penetrating stare.
Logan leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table. "What are you so anxious about?"
Rogue swallowed. "I don't know what you…" she sighed. There was no point in lying to him. The man had a sixth sense about things, especially when it came to her. "You can't tell me you don't find this situation awkward. I mean, last night…" she trailed off, too embarrassed to finish.
Logan nodded, trying to play it cool. He had to be calm and collected. "Last night doesn't need to be anymore than what it was. Or what you want it to be."
Rogue licked her lips in thought. "What was it to you? Or what was it that you wanted it to be?"
Shit. Why do you always have to ask questions? "It was what it was."
"And what is that, Logan?" Rogue could feel her temper rising. After last night she deserved more than his elusive answers. She deserved honesty. "What was it? A mistake? What?"
"You would never be a mistake, Rogue." He growled from frustration. "But I don't know what it was."
"Then what was it to you? How do you perceive it?"
Logan sighed harshly and shifted in his chair. "Why do we have to analyze everything? Why can't we just leave things alone?"
"I know it's uncomfortable, Logan, but it needs to be done. I need to know where I stand with you."
Logan contemplated her words, remembering last night and realizing that he couldn't hurt her. She needed someone to be there. Someone she could trust; and if he downplayed last night then she would never be his. She would close her heart off to him. And Logan hated the thought of losing her.
Rogue got up, taking his silence as his answer. Logan stared at her as she began walking away and he knew this was it. If he let her walk out that kitchen door he'd be allowing her to walk into the arms of another man. She wouldn't look back this time. She'd given it all she had.
He had to make her stay. In his hopelessness, he blurted, "Marry me!"
Rogue froze. Minutes ticked away and Logan felt the tension thicken so densely he was sure the air around them became solid. And then she slowly glanced back at him, tears cascading down her soft cheeks and Logan felt his heart drop.
"What," she murmured.
Logan steadily walked towards her. "Marry me, Marie. Marry me and I swear that I'll never leave without you. I'll even have children with you. I want to have children with you. Please. I know I don't have much too offer except for my heart, but…"
"I'll take it," she whispered.
"You already have it."
Rogue gazed up into his eyes. "Yes."
"Yes?"
"I'll marry you."
Logan wrapped his arms around her slender waist and kissed her passionately.
End Chapter Twenty-Four
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NOTES: I'm sorry if my responses to you are a chapter or two behind. Yet, I'm posting so quickly that sometimes I don't get reviews until after submission.
Substan: Men have been idiots sense the dawn of time. What more can we do but try to get them to see it our way? By the way, congrats on your pregnancy! And no, there's still more to come.
Snoob: Yeah, I think so, too.
MademMorte: I am so sorry! Please forgive me! Lol. Anyway, sure you can add me. We can salivate over Hugh Jackman/Logan together.
Asder: Thank you a million times over! As a matter-of-fact, I have more "plot bunnies" for this story. Yet, I'm afraid that Cradle My Heart is already getting too long. Maybe it's time I ended it and started another one.
JessiO.T.M.: Thanks! I appreciate it.
RogCher: Cross my heart: no more stunts like that.
BoredReal: It is now. I declare it one!
Vegeta: Addictions can be fatal. Yet, I'm thrilled you can't get enough. It means I'm doing something right!
Bulma Briefs: I have AIM, but I'm not on it much. Yet, if you ever want to check and see if I'm on then go right ahead!
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Galxychld: Yeah, real life sucks, uh? Lol.
Starshine: I aim to please! And yeah, I knew that Her Secret wouldn't work out, but I didn't want to delete it.