The minute the words left his mouth he felt the wrongness of them. It all seemed surreal. He wasn't sitting here saying those words to her.

"I'm getting married."

He said it again… as if to assure himself that the words were real and coming from his mouth.

"Wow." She managed to breathe out, her face completely stunned. He couldn't read the expression in her eyes, but everything seemed to register pure shock. "That's… I… wow."

"I, umm, I just wanted you to be the first to know." He looked at her carefully, exploring her body language. Trying to really get a sense of what was running through her mind. She nervously reached up to take a strand of hair and place it behind her ear. He tensed up. That wasn't a good sign. It was at times like this, when she did the hair thing, that she was flustered. He looked down, and heard her take a deep breath across from him.

"Why isn't she here?" She whispered questioningly. He looked up to meet her now confused gaze. Why isn't she here? He asked himself the same question during the entire plane ride. Why hadn't he brought her to meet Veronica? Hadn't he been harping about how Veronica was the one person she would love? He took a deep breath, and looked up as he attempted to smile.

"I guess I just wanted to get your opinion first." She shook her head, unsure of what he meant.

"Logan, I'm happy for you. Why wouldn't I be? I mean, this is… it's great! You're getting married! Congratulations!" She reached out and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her again, closing his eyes to simply enjoy the comfort of her arms. He'd been in those arms so many times before, and they always made him feel just right. It was odd, he always thought, how just the feeling of her beside him could make it seem… like home.

"Ronnie… no one else knows about this. Not even Trina."

"No, no, I understand. Well, this is perfect then! We get some time together alone before we tell everyone!"

"Tell everyone?"

"Christmas! We'll throw you an engagement party! You can send for her! What's her name again?"

"Christine."

"Right… Christine." She nodded as she looked down, and bit her bottom lip pensively. "You know what Logan? I'm going to make this week the best week we've ever had. That way it can last you for the rest of your life."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, once you're married, I doubt that we'll really have a lot of time together. I mean, you're all the way in California with your job, and Christine….. I'm sure you're going to start a family. I… well I'm gonna have the B&B. You know… I will be getting my life together. We gotta make the memories now." There was such finality to her voice, such certain conclusion that he shivered internally, the thought of losing something that had lasted his entire life terrifying him. He didn't want things to change. Couldn't he be married and be her friend at the same time? Couldn't they just continue the way they were, comfortable and happy? The silence lingered between them and finally he felt Veronica's hand upon his own.

"This is good news… isn't it?" She whispered and looked up into his eyes. He looked at her for an extended moment and nodded.

"Yes."

***

She didn't think that she would be able to regain her breath after feeling like she'd been kicked in the stomach. Married? Did he say married? He had barely met this woman! He had been writing about her in his letters, but there was never any hint that it was serious. How long had he known her? How long had they dated? Was she a blonde or a brunette?

She took another long sip of her tea, letting the questions swirl furiously through her brain. Why would he simply avoid telling her about this woman? Was there something wrong with her? And why was there so much emotion in his eyes?

"This is good news… isn't it?" She asked him, in hopes that she'd get some hint of the regret that was shining in his eyes. He looked up, and for a second she remembered a similar look, from a long time ago. She smiled, seeing his face as a teenager again in her mind and then shook it off, remembering that the man before her was an adult now. He would be going to someone else with that expression very shortly. She felt a pang in her stomach, and fought it off, refusing to let it take over. She was his friend, and she would support his decisions.

"Yes." He stated finally and she smiled and breathed out, as if she had been holding her breath awaiting his answer. She realized that in a sense, she had.

"Good. I'm glad you came Logan." She smiled finally, deciding to put him at ease. He was counting on her this week, and she would be there for him.

"So, you want me to just stay straight 'til Christmas?"

"Well, yea. You might as well. It's only a week away. And don't worry… I'll give you a discount." She winked and picked up their empty cups to place them in the sink.

"Ronnie, I know this is a big shock."

"Hey… it's me. You can tell me anything." She turned from her position before the sink and raised her eyebrows at him. She watched as he looked at her for a moment, and then his mouth slowly curved into a smile. "Ok, now let's get you settled in, it's gonna be a cold week."

She headed back out into the living room area, near the stairs, and picked up his garment bag as he picked up his suitcase and overnight bag.

"This is the official tour so pay attention." They walked up the stairs, the second floor was large and spacious, three doors on either side of the hallway and one at the very end. The wooden floor was covered with a central rug that ran the length of the hallway, and the walls were wallpapered in a similar pattern as the dining room. The doors were all a clean white as she walked to the second door on the left and pushed it open.

"This here will be your room. The amenities include a small fridge, cable television, a queen size bed, a safe, and a balcony, although, in this weather I doubt you'll want to use it. The dresser can be used to store your things as well as the closet. The phone on the desk works, but you can only make local calls for now… unless you have an international calling card. Umm… what else? Breakfast buffet is at 9am, or you can have breakfast brought to you at whatever time you wake up. Dinner is not included, for most guests, but I'll make an exception for you. The bathroom comes with a shower and a full whirlpool tub separately. There's also a hairdryer, but I doubt you'll need it." She smiled as she finished walking around the room and pointing everything out. He simply stared at her as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"This is so incredible."

"What?"

"You.… this whole place. I can't even imagine how much money…."

"Uh uh, we shall not discuss price. I applied for a small business loan, and some grants. Between Mac and I, we saved up some money to make repairs and decorate. It's… it's good. It'll all be worth it."

"I'm just amazed at how great it turned out. It's even better than you described it."

"Why thank you." She beamed proudly. After all, it was her baby, and she felt so proud of all that she had put into it. She knew for a fact that people staying here would feel at their utmost best.

"So…."

"So?"

"Do you carry porn?"

"STOP IT!" She slapped his arm playfully and shook her head in mock disgust. "I can't believe you. Now follow me." He stood up, leaving his things on the bed to follow her into the hallway.

"That door down at the end is mine. That's my room. If you need me for anything, just scream out or come knocking. Umm…. There's another floor upstairs with three suites which are for honeymooners or couples, etc etc. Those have Jacuzzis and king size beds and they come with champagne and fruit baskets." She clicked her tongue against her teeth and nudged him while raising her eyebrows suggestively. He nodded in understanding and laughed at her silly gesture.

"I should've known you would've gotten into this kind of business. I mean, with your father owning the Mars Investigations and everything.

"Yea, well, I just took that idea and extended it." She looked down at her watch and nodded. "Well listen, I still have quite a bit to do, so why don't you start getting comfortable, unpack, watch some TV, shower, whatever you wanna do. I'll be downstairs finishing up. Then, I'll get ready, and we'll go out to dinner ok?"

"Oh, Veronica we don't have to go out." She watched as his face lit up with concern. Her financial concern, she was sure. She had promised him a good time. That's what she would give him.

"Quiet. Just make sure you're ready by 7:30pm. I'm going to take you to a great place." She smiled and couldn't help giving him another hug. "I know I've said this… but I missed you."

"Don't worry… I like hearing it." They laughed as they held each other for a few moments, and then she pulled away from him, not wanting to let the feelings linger.

"Ok, I'll come up when I'm done." He nodded and she walked out of the room as she closed the door behind him. She stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. This would be fine. She could handle this. She just hoped it wouldn't be a total disaster.