A/N: Thanks for the reviews. Please be patient. I know I'm going slow with this, but I want it to take a while to develop, because I like long stories, okay? J Please review! Thanks!

Chapter Four: Oh, oh, Mexico

"Nice diggs, DK."

"It's just a rental. We're leaving at the end of the week."

"I'm sorry, Duncan, this is all my fault..."

Duncan grabbed her shoulders lightly and talked to her sternly.

"Yes. Me being here, with my child, away from my sick family is ALL your doing. If not for you, I'd be doped up, locked in the Kane mansion, in my own personal mental ward, never knowing my sweet baby girl. Nothing else is your responsibility, Veronica. I know who you are and the things you do. You risked a lot for me, and I knew a day would come when we'd have to cut ties forever. I'm just sorry it's so soon."

"So..." Veronica said, trying not to show the flood of emotions she was feeling, "this really is goodbye?"

Logan could see the pain in her eyes and Duncan's. He felt more like a third wheel now than when her and Duncan got back together and she would stay over in their hotel suite. He wanted to leave, but he knew he couldn't.

"Not yet. Don't think about that right now. We have the whole day tomorrow to have fun. We don't have to think about that."

Veronica lifted herself on her tip toes and threw her arms around Duncan's neck. She was really going to miss him being out of her life forever. He returned her embrace with equal emotion. He noticed Logan sulking near the couch and let go.

"So, you two hungry? I've got dinner for us."

"Ooh, I'm so starving. I was so geared for some yummy Italian before your brute here kidnapped me." Veronica winked at Logan as she said this, which made him feel a little more at ease.

"What happened, Echolls? You used to be such an awesome date."

"Never could compete with you, DK."

"Ain't that the truth," Duncan said, giving Logan a fist bump.

Veronica smiled. For a brief moment, it felt just like old times...better times.

Duncan patted Logan on the back and guided them into the kitchen.

"Gosh, this smells wonderful."

"I have a private chef. I wanted Lilly to have good food to eat, and let's face it, I never was raised to be very domestic."

"Ah...lifestyles of the rich and notorius," Veronica joked.

They ate in relative silence, none of them wanting to disrupt the light mood. When they were done, they headed into the living room. Duncan showed them the house's state-of-the-art entertainment system, which included a high-tech security system.

"Wow, this is tighter than the Kane estate," Vonica marveled.

"And you would know," Duncan teased.

"How do you know about all that?"

"Let's just say I have a friend on the inside."

"Of course you do. Who is it?"

"Like I'm going to tell you."

"Of all people," Logan added.

"Oh, so I see the plan. Let's drag Veronica to who knows where and gang up on her."

"Took you long enough to catch on," Duncan joked.

"Well, hah, joke's on you. I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. And which room would I be going to?"

"Last one down the hall, to the right. It's all set up for you already. Lilly's room is right next door."

"I can't wait to see her in the morning."

"She's ready to see you, too."

"Me? She wasn't old enough to remember me."

"I made her remember. I showed her your pictures every day. She knows who her Aunt Veronica is."

"Aww," Veronica gushed, truly touched, "I don't know what to say, Duncan."

He touched her cheek softly with the back of his hand. Again, Logan felt out of place.

"I want her to always know you. You may not see her, but she'll know you."

Veronica smiled and kissed Duncan on the cheek.

"Good night, boys. Try to keep it down. Don't wake the princesses."

With that, Veronica blew them a kiss and headed off to bed.

"So, what you in the mood for, Logan? You gonna be an old man and go off to bed, too, or can we have a little guy time?"

"Whatever you want, DK."

"How 'bout I school you in some Halo?"

"I say, you better bring it," Logan said, jumping over the couch and landing in front of the huge plasma screen.

When Veronica awoke the next morning, the television was fuzzy and both Logan and Duncan were passed out on opposite sides of the couch. She laughed at the silly boys. She rummaged around the kitchen, making no effort to be quiet, but not intentionally trying to wake them up, either. She gathered together some things and started making breakfast. Just as the waffles were getting ready, she heard a small voice.

"Aunt Veronica?"

"Oh my gosh, Lilly, let me look at you. You are so big," Veronica squealed as she picked up the little girl and spun her around in the air. Lilly giggled.

"I'm so glad to see you, sweetie."

"Me, too, Aunt Veronica. Is Daddy asleep?"

"Yes. He's there on the couch…"

"…with Uncle Logan?"

"Yeah. How do you know Uncle Logan?"

"He's in the picture."

"What picture?"

Lilly ran to her room and returned holding a framed photo. It was a picture taken the night of the prom of the four friends. Veronica noticed how different they all looked then. Before reality crushed them all. She held the photo while Lilly smiled up at her.

"See. You, Daddy, Uncle Logan and Aunt Lilly. I'm named after her, you know."

"Yes, sweetie, I know."

"She was pretty."

"Yes, she was."

"Not as pretty as you, though."

"Aww, that's sweet. But totally not true."

"Daddy said so."

"Oh…"

Just as Veronica searched for words, Duncan walked up behind his little girl and picked her up and put her on his shoulders. She laughed in excitement.

"What did Daddy say?"

"Lilly was just showing me her picture." Veronica held up the photo.

"That's a good one. She has a lot of pictures."

"Really?"

"Yes, Daddy made me a whole book. I have lots of pictures. Pictures of Mommy, Aunt Lilly…and lots of you."

Veronica blushed.

"Really?"

"Something smells great. Since when did you become such a good cook?"

"Who said I was a good cook? You haven't tried it yet."

"Want a hand?" he asked, setting Lilly down.

"Sure."

While they worked on breakfast, Lilly began to try to wake Logan. Eventually, he opened his eyes to find a beautiful set of green eyes staring into his.

"Good morning, Uncle Logan."

"Good morning…Lilly?"

"Yep. Want breakfast? Daddy and Aunt Veronica are cooking?"

Logan chuckled, rising slowly.

"Really?"

"Yep, smell it? Smells good."

"Yes, it does. Want to go eat?"

"Yep," Lilly nodded and reached her arms out, displaying the universal child's sign for, "Hold Me."

Logan reluctantly picked her up and carried her into the kitchen.

Veronica nearly choked on her orange juice when she saw Logan carry in the little girl.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Duncan joked. "Get a little wake-up call this morning?"

"Yeah. A real little one."

Duncan smiled at his best friend holding his little girl. Veronica was still speechless. He looked good, though. More natural than she would have thought possible.

"So, this little one is ready to eat."

"Him, too," she smiled up at Logan.

"Yeah, him, too," he smiled back and sat her in a high chair near the table.

Duncan took out plates for the adults and found a small plate for Lilly. He handed her a plate of food and a tiny fork and a cup of milk. The others sat down with her and ate breakfast—almost like a family.

After breakfast, Duncan took them to the beach where they played in the sand with Lilly. Actually, Logan played in the sand with Lilly, a lot. Veronica sat back in awe at the way Logan was with the little girl. She couldn't believe Logan had this soft, nurturing side to him. She closed her eyes and for a moment, she felt like she was in another life. At lunch, Duncan took them to a quaint little eatery near the beach. They ate burritos and tamales and laughed at the mess Lilly made with her food. When they were done, they all headed back to the house for showers and a change. Veronica volunteered to bathe Lilly. She carefully washed the little girl, while she giggled and splashed. She splashed hard and soaked Veronica. She laughed as Veronica wiped the water from her eyes.

"Guess I won't need a shower, now," Veronica joked.

"Funny, daddy?"

Veronica looked up to see Duncan leaning against the door, arm propped up, smiling at them.

"Yes, Lilly. Funny."

As Veronica dried off the little giggler in a towel, Duncan looked at her seriously.

"Do you ever wish you'd come with me?"

Veronica was floored. She really didn't know how to respond, so her natural sarcasm kicked in.

"Don't recall you asking me," she said, avoiding the question.

"What if I had?"

"Duncan…"

"I know, I know. Sometimes I just wish things were different. Don't you?"

"I wish a lot of things were different, Duncan, but…"

"They're not."

"No, they aren't. I should get her ready."

"No, I'll do it. You go take a shower. I have a special place to take you three."

"Okay. I'll hurry, then."

Logan darted out of the hallway just before Veronica came out of Lilly's bathroom. Every time he saw Duncan and Veronica together, every time he heard them talk, he was a little more terrified that he might be losing Veronica forever. He was now terrified that Duncan would ask her to come with him. And now, he was nearly sure she'd agree. He took a deep breath and accepted the fact that he was going to lose Veronica, if not to Duncan now, to someone else later, forever. Maybe it really wasn't meant to be.

"Logan, what are you doing?"

Logan jumped, startled by Duncan's voice.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking."

"Well, think over here. I want to talk to you for a minute."

"Where's Lilly?"

"She's playing with her dolls until Veronica is ready."

"So what's on your mind?"

Duncan rolled his eyes.

"What's always on my mind?"

"I don't know, these days, dude."

"Something tells me you do. Something tells me it's the same thing that's always on yours. Or the same one, I should say."

Logan took a deep breath. He wasn't ready now, but he might as well get used to it.

"Are you going to ask her to come with you?"

Duncan smiled, "So that's why you've been pouting this whole time."

"What?"

"Don't think I haven't noticed. I see the way you've been acting."

"Dude, I have no idea…"

"I can't deny the fact that I love her, Logan. I always will. I think you know that. But I love her so much, I could never ask her to leave everything behind and come with me into this life, if you can call it that, of hiding and running from the past. I want her to be happy, Logan."

"So do I."

"So make it happen."

"What?"

"I know she loves me, too, but it's different for her. She will never love anyone like she loves you. Whatever shit has happened between you two these past few years is nothing compared to the bond you two have. You've always had a connection. I knew it. Lilly knew it…" he drifted away as he thought of her.

"Man, I think…."

"Just listen, Logan. I want you to do me one last favor as my best friend. I want you to get past all your shit and make her happy. Please. Fix whatever it is you screwed up, learn to accept her for who she is, and stick to her like glue. Don't ever let her go. Don't screw up your life like I did. I know it's been hard on you. Hell, all of our lives went to pot after Lilly died, but if there is one thing I've learned from that little girl in there, it's that it's never too late to find something to live for. You have yours. You've always had yours. And she needs you, whether she'll admit it or not. Just do whatever it takes. I'm asking you for me, but for Lilly, too. I know how much Veronica meant to Lilly, and she would want her to be taken care of. I almost screwed things up when I turned my back on her, and I let you blame her for Lilly's death. We nearly killed her, Logan, and she forgave us. Both of us. I don't know how she did, but she did."

"Why are you telling me all this? I mean…"

"I want you to be happy, too, Logan. You deserve to find some kind of life after the hell we lived through. I know most people won't have sympathy for a couple of spoiled, rich boys, but I know what kind of torment it was like to grow up in our families. I would trade every last cent away for a decent, normal life. I'm sure you would, too. But we can't go back and choose to be born to different families. All we can do is move on. I have to live alone, with Lilly, but shut off from everyone I've ever known in order to do that. You don't, Logan. Damn, just live the life I can't. Please."

"What made you so philosophical all the sudden? It's kind of creepy."

"I would love to punch you right now."

"I know," Logan laughed. He turned around and faced the sunlight, shining over the water in the distance. The sunlight danced over each wave, making the water shimmer like a sea of diamonds.

"I'm going to do everything I can to make it right, Duncan. I have to. I can't live without her."

He couldn't look his friend in the eyes. He couldn't admit his vulnerability to anyone, not even Duncan. Even though he probably already knew. Like he seemed to know everything that was happening in Neptune somehow.

"Tell me one thing, though," Logan said.

"Okay."

"How do you know so much about what's going on at home?"

"I can't say, exactly. It's too risky for both of us. Let's just say I have someone who keeps me in the loop. Or kept. After I take off, I won't be able to keep in touch. Don't want to be traced. And I don't want my contact getting caught for helping me all this time, either. So, you heard me, Logan? You'll do whatev…"

"Didn't I say I would, Duncan?"

"Yeah, man. Yeah, you did."

"What would you do, Logan?" Veronica asked, as she entered the room. Both men held their breath as the blonde beauty looked serenely beautiful in a light yellow halter sundress with black and white floral patterns. Her hair was in a low, loose ponytail and her lips carried just a pink glossy glow. She held Lilly's hand, who's other hand was wrapped around a stuffed horse.

"Nothing, V, you ready?"

"Where are we going, Duncan?"

"You'll see. Ready to go, Princess?"

"Yes, Daddy," Lilly answered. She cupped her hands, trying to prevent Veronica from hearing her, and 'loudly' whispered, "Are we taking Aunt Veronica to the boat?"

Logan and Veronica giggled, while Duncan frowned at his little girl.

"That was supposed to be a surprise, Lilly."

"I know, Daddy," she said, still 'whispering', "that's why I whispered."

Logan bust out into full laughter at this. Veronica shot him a look to quickly shut up, as she stifled laughter herself.

"Oh, well, come on. Cat's out of the bag now."

Duncan led them all to the waiting car, which drove them to a small dock just a few miles away. The boarded a small, but luxurious yacht.

"Thought we'd do a little sightseeing around the coast, and enjoy a dinner at sunset here on the boat. Then after dark, there's a great fireworks show. Lilly loves it."

"That sounds wonderful, Duncan."

"I hoped you'd like it."

"Come on, Aunt Veronica. Let me show you the front of the boat."

Veronica let the little girl lead her, feeling the ocean breeze slide gently over her body. She closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air. It was oddly refreshing. She forgot all about Neptune, Hearst College, and the messes to clean up when they got back. She put everything far out of her mind and concentrated on enjoying the last night with her two remaining best friends, who would soon be down to just one.

As they enjoyed the cruise and the sun began to fade into the horizon, they enjoyed a gourmet meal. As darkness fell, they got ready for the fireworks display. As soon as it was over, Lilly crawled into Logan's lap and curled in his chest and fell asleep. Veronica gently patted her head and planted a kiss in her hair.

"You sort of look natural there, Echolls."

"Weird, huh?"

"Not really," she said and walked to the where Duncan stood.

"I'm going to miss you, Veronica."

"I'm going to miss you. And Lilly terribly."

"I'll send pictures occasionally. But other than that…"

"I know. No communication," she said, as her eyes began to feel moist.

Duncan grabbed her face and turned to face her.

"Be happy, Veronica. Don't let the past ruin your future. Throw it away, and move on. Find what makes you happy, find who makes you happy, and enjoy the rest of your days. Don't get caught up in what we can't go back and change."

"Duncan, I…"

"Promise me. Promise Lilly that you'll be happy. I can't give her the life I want for her. I can't give her a mother, or her Aunt Veronica, and," he said, turning to look at Logan, who was cradling the little girl in his arms rocking her gently, "apparently, her Uncle Logan, or any other semblance of a family. Help me make it up to her by being happy. Have a dozen kids as sweet as her and make them happy. Don't ruin your life like I have."

"You didn't do this, Duncan."

"Yes, I did. I made the choices that put me here. I took the pills. I believed my mother. I turned my back on you," he said, with tears in his eyes. "I can't fix that. But, I have to live with that myself. If you weren't happy, Veronica, I just couldn't live with that."

"There's just so much wrong in my life, Duncan."

"No. You think there's so much wrong, because you think life should be perfect. Even this jaded, bad-girl façade you've created for yourself can't hide what you are at heart, Veronica. A hopeless romantic. But life isn't all wine and roses, and things aren't perfect. You have to live what you've got and forget about what might have been. Just go with it, Veronica, mess and all. I know you already know what will make you happy. Don't walk away from it just because it's not perfect or not easy. You never liked easy. Why start now?"

"Because I'm a little weary of doing everything the hard way."

"For Veronica Mars there is no other way."

"Maybe you're right," she laughed. She looked at Logan who was still cradling Lilly in his arms. "Maybe you're right."