Key Takeaways
1. A Football Legacy's Burden: Jaxon's Secret Passion
I had a legacy to live up to, and I hated it.
Family expectations. Jaxon Dexter grew up under the immense shadow of his older brothers, Archer, Dante, and Gage, all football stars groomed by their father for the NFL. Despite his talent, Jaxon secretly despised the sport, feeling the crushing weight of a legacy he never truly desired. His father's approval was tied to their football success, creating a deep-seated conflict within Jaxon.
Hidden talent. While his brothers pursued or abandoned football, Jaxon found solace and passion in baseball during the off-season. Standing on the pitcher's mound brought him a rare sense of peace, silencing the chaos of external expectations. This newfound love for baseball became his secret escape, a path he yearned to pursue despite his family's ingrained football tradition.
Seeking approval. Jaxon's desire to make his father proud, coupled with his brothers' varied experiences with football (Archer's injury, Dante's NFL success, Gage's early departure), fueled his internal struggle. He knew leaving football would disappoint his father, but his heart was set on baseball, a sport where he felt truly alive and could excel on his own terms.
2. Logan's Ten-Year Plan: Shattered by Betrayal
I had plans for when I was twenty-six. I wanted to be married with two kids and a dog.
Structured aspirations. Logan, an elementary school teacher, meticulously crafted a "ten-year plan" after the loss of both her parents, seeking control and stability in her life. Her goals included finding love, getting married, buying a house, rescuing a dog, falling pregnant with the man of her dreams, and raising a beautiful family, all in a specific, ordered sequence.
Relationship disillusionment. She believed she found her future with Richard Balmer, a Major League Baseball player, and moved in with him. However, their relationship slowly deteriorated, revealing Richard's self-centered nature and his use of Logan to maintain a clean public image. He was emotionally distant and ultimately unfaithful, leaving Logan feeling used and heartbroken.
A devastating discovery. The final blow came when Logan found Richard cheating, leading to their immediate breakup. This betrayal, coupled with Richard's cruel parting words, left her emotionally shattered. Her carefully constructed ten-year plan lay in ruins, and she found herself adrift, questioning her choices and her future.
3. A Reckless Night: The Unforeseen Connection
Can you make me forget?
Escaping pain. After discovering Richard's infidelity and his cruel dismissal, a heartbroken Logan fled to a local bar, seeking solace and oblivion. Coincidentally, Jaxon Dexter and his team were celebrating a win against Richard's team there. Logan, usually reserved, found herself drawn to Jaxon's kindness and the intoxicating allure of forgetting her pain.
An undeniable spark. Despite their initial intentions for a casual encounter, a powerful connection formed between them. Jaxon, usually wary of "cleat chasers," was captivated by Logan's genuine nature and vulnerability. Their shared night was marked by unexpected tenderness and a profound sense of relief for Logan, who found a temporary escape from her emotional turmoil.
A fateful consequence. Though they used protection, their one-night stand had an unforeseen consequence. Logan, in her distress, missed two days of her birth control prescription. This seemingly minor oversight would later intertwine their lives in a way neither could have imagined, setting the stage for a future far removed from their individual plans.
4. Life-Altering News: Logan's Unexpected Pregnancy
Because you’re three months pregnant.
Shock and disbelief. Months after her one-night stand with Jaxon, Logan attended her annual gynecologist appointment, expecting a routine prescription renewal. Instead, she was met with the shocking news that she was three months pregnant. The revelation sent her into a spiral of disbelief and anxiety, as she hadn't experienced any typical symptoms and had been on birth control.
The father's identity. Logan quickly realized the baby couldn't be Richard's, as they hadn't been intimate in nine months. The only other possibility was Jaxon Dexter, the man from her one-night stand. This realization intensified her panic, as Jaxon had expressed no interest in relationships, and the pregnancy completely derailed her meticulously planned future.
Emotional turmoil. Overwhelmed by the news, Logan grappled with a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, happiness, and profound distress. The ultrasound, showing a tiny, real baby, solidified the reality, but also amplified her fears of facing single motherhood and the daunting task of telling Jaxon, a man she barely knew, about their unexpected child.
5. Confronting the Father: A Friendship of Convenience
I wanted a friend.
A desperate search. After weeks of internal struggle, Logan, encouraged by her best friend Scarlett, decided she had to tell Jaxon. She researched him, found his address, and, despite her intense anxiety, showed up at his penthouse. Her initial attempts to explain were clumsy, filled with rambling and embarrassment, as she found herself captivated by his presence.
An unexpected connection. Jaxon, initially surprised by her appearance, was drawn to Logan's vulnerability and beauty. He offered her pizza and listened as she stumbled through her explanation. Unable to reveal the truth about the baby, Logan impulsively claimed she wanted to be "friends" to seek revenge on her ex, Richard, who was now Jaxon's teammate.
A strategic alliance. Jaxon, intrigued by Logan and her connection to Richard, agreed to the "friendship" with the shared goal of getting Richard off the team. This arrangement, born out of Logan's fear and Jaxon's desire for justice, inadvertently created a foundation for a deeper connection, allowing them to spend time together under the guise of a strategic alliance.
6. Love's Unfolding: Jaxon's Commitment to Logan
I can’t promise everythin’ will work out between us, but I can promise to try.
Growing affection. Despite their initial "friendship" agreement, Jaxon and Logan's connection deepened rapidly. Jaxon, initially hesitant about relationships, found himself increasingly drawn to Logan's genuine nature, her resilience, and her unique charm. He began to question his long-held aversion to commitment, realizing Logan was different from anyone he had met.
A heartfelt invitation. Jaxon invited Logan to his brother Gage's wedding, a significant step that signaled his growing seriousness. During their drive, Logan bravely shared the painful story of her parents' deaths, and Jaxon responded with profound empathy and a promise of unwavering support, offering her the "other hand" she needed.
Confessions of love. At the wedding, surrounded by his loving family, Jaxon realized Logan was his soulmate. He confessed his feelings, admitting she made him question everything he thought he wanted. Logan, equally smitten, reciprocated his love, and in a moment of raw honesty, finally revealed her pregnancy. Jaxon, though shocked, embraced the news with immediate love and commitment, promising to fulfill every item on her cherished "list."
7. Public Scandal: Richard's Vengeful Exposure
Hot Shot Atlanta Braves' Ace, Jaxon Dexter, Has Baby With Rival's Ex.
Richard's downfall. Richard Balmer's career was in jeopardy due to his declining performance and poor public image. He learned that Jaxon was slated to replace him as the Braves' starting pitcher and that Logan was pregnant. Believing the baby might be his and seeing an opportunity for revenge, Richard decided to publicly expose Logan's pregnancy and her relationship with Jaxon.
Media frenzy. Richard leaked the story to the press, fabricating a narrative that painted him as the victim and Jaxon as a "home-wrecker" who stole his pregnant ex-girlfriend. The sensational headline quickly spread, creating a public scandal that threatened Jaxon's burgeoning career with the Atlanta Braves and deeply distressed Logan.
Jaxon's unwavering protection. Despite the professional risks, Jaxon's priority was Logan's well-being. He confronted Richard, who was subsequently fired from the team by the new manager, Rick Stephen, for his unprofessional conduct and personal interests. Jaxon publicly defended Logan, reaffirming his love and commitment, demonstrating that his relationship with her and their baby was more important than his career.
8. A New Beginning: Building a Life Together
Move in with me, sweetheart. Let’s turn one of those empty bedrooms into a nursery for our son and move all your shit into my bedroom.
A shared home. After the public confrontation and Richard's removal from the team, Jaxon asked Logan to move into his penthouse apartment. This invitation marked a significant step in their relationship, symbolizing their commitment to building a life together and creating a stable home for their unborn son. Logan, deeply touched, happily accepted.
Preparing for parenthood. Together, they transformed an empty bedroom into a nursery, decorating it with baseball-themed items and preparing for their baby's arrival. Logan, initially overwhelmed by the prospect of motherhood, found strength and reassurance in Jaxon's unwavering support and enthusiasm.
Deepening bond. Living together, their love deepened, and they navigated the challenges of pregnancy as a united front. Jaxon's constant reassurances, his willingness to help, and his genuine excitement for their future solidified Logan's belief that she had found the man of her dreams, even if their journey began unconventionally.
9. The Arrival of Kane: Parenthood's Profound Joy
He’s perfect, Logan.
Labor and delivery. Logan went into labor, and Jaxon was her steadfast support throughout the twelve-hour ordeal. His calm presence, encouraging words, and practical assistance helped her through the intense experience. He remained by her side, a testament to his commitment and love.
Meeting their son. Their son, Kane Dexter, was born, a perfect blend of both parents with Logan's dark hair and Jaxon's nose and mouth. Jaxon was immediately smitten, cradling Kane with profound love and awe. He expressed immense gratitude to Logan, acknowledging her strength and the incredible gift she had given him.
A natural father. Jaxon embraced fatherhood with natural ease, from supporting Logan during breastfeeding to burping Kane and singing him to sleep. Witnessing his tenderness and devotion, Logan realized she had found not just a partner, but an incredible father for their child, fulfilling a dream she once thought impossible.
10. Honey Magnolia Calling: A Future Beyond Baseball
I want everything with you, Jax.
A new purpose. Six months after Kane's birth, Jaxon's priorities had shifted entirely. While still excelling in professional baseball, his heart yearned for a life centered on his family in Honey Magnolia. He realized that Logan and Kane were his true purpose, surpassing any career ambition.
Returning home. Jaxon made plans to retire from professional baseball after the current season and move his family back to his hometown. He secured a coaching position for the high school baseball team and envisioned starting a little league for Kane, ensuring their son would grow up surrounded by family and the community he cherished.
Fulfilling the list. Logan, now deeply in love and a proud mother, found her "ten-year plan" coming true, albeit out of order. Jaxon, committed to her happiness, promised to check off every remaining item on her list: marriage, a house with land and water, and more children. Their unconventional beginning blossomed into a beautiful, loving family, proving that sometimes, the best plans are the ones life makes for you.
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