A/N: Hello there! This is getting posted a few days later than I would have wanted, but I moved this weekend and things were a little hectic. But here I am with a new chapter for you all! Thank you for every single review, follow, favorite and read. It may sound redundant, but every single one of those notifications makes me smile.
Also, thanks to everyone who helped me with lawyer/bar exam questions! It is appreciated and helpful!
Disclaimer: I still can lay no claim to Veronica Mars. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
She had seen the date coming. It wasn't like she would have been able to miss it. It came every year. But it had been a long time since she had been in Neptune for it and that changed things. Away from Neptune she could focus her thoughts on it for a brief moment and then re-channel her energy into whatever she was in the middle of when this day arrived.
But in Neptune it was difficult to even consider not doing something to mark it. Plus it was a milestone year. It needed to be acknowledged.
Which is why she had taken the day off from the office and was now making her way through Neptune Memorial Cemetery, carrying an arrangement of different items balanced carefully in her hands. She pauses briefly at Carrie's Bishop's grave and pulls a lily from the bouquet and sets it on top of the smooth stone.
"I hope you're happier Carrie. In whatever afterlife you believed in. I hope you are really happy now."
She weaves through the maze of gravestones until she reaches the one she'd been aiming for. She sits down on the grass next to the headstone and organizes what's she brought with her.
Her voice is quiet when she starts speaking. "Hey Lils. You'd probably be hating this day if you were alive, huh? Either that or we'd be on some beach in like Bali or Rio or drinking champagne in Paris or something equally extravagant. Actually we'd definitely be doing that, especially if you hated today. I brought your favorite champagne and a strawberry cupcake. Nothing but your favorites today. "
She lays down the mixed bouquet of white lilies and Gerber daisies across the base of the headstone. Although Lilly had liked lilies enough they were never her favorite flower. She liked the boldness of brightly colored Gerber daisies and Veronica had to think that her love for the flower partly came from Celeste's dislike for them. Lilly was nothing if not consistent in her attempt to raise as much hell as possible with Celeste in whatever way she could.
Veronica popped the cork on the champagne and pulled out the plastic flutes she had brought with her. She poured a generous cup and placed it carefully on top of the smooth stone.
"Happy Birthday Lilly."
Veronica took a swig of the amber liquid directly from the bottle before she spoke again.
"I know it's been a long time since I came to see you. I'm sorry about that. I just…had to get out of Neptune. I know you'd understand. You hated this town as much as I did. I'm back now though and this time it looks like I'm here to stay."
Veronica pulls out the cupcake from its box and sticks the pink candle in it and then pulls a lighter from her pocket. She takes a swipe of frosting with her index finger before she lights the candle and places it next to the flute of champagne.
"Logan and I are back together. This time…this time it's for good though. I love him Lilly. More than I've loved anyone else. I know it's cliché and sappy but it's true. I put on this tough guy face, but underneath I'm just a melty pile of goo for that boy. He joined the fucking Navy! Wouldn't have seen that coming if Madame Sophie had predicted it on that stupid show of hers. Sometimes I still can't believe it. Logan fucking Echolls, obligatory psychotic jackass turned down the straight and narrow and joined the military…"
She chuckles, "Well as straight and narrow a path that Logan will be on. His road definitely still has some curves to it."
Veronica pauses and takes another drink of champagne. She watches the flame flicker on the candle as it melts the wax away and it drips down into the cupcake's frosting.
"I bet you're happy we finally got our shit together and found our way back to each other. You probably would have hated Piz. I can nearly hear you tell me that he's too vanilla for me. 'You need some spice in your life Veronica Mars. Not some vanilla everyman.' Yeah, you would have hated him. You would have found him so boring."
She drinks again. "I miss you Lilly. I wish…god I wish things had been different. I know it does no good to wish about things that you can't change but it doesn't make me wish I couldn't make them different."
"I rest easier knowing that despite everything, the rumors and shit that have been thrown around after the trial, I know the truth."
She pauses and shakes her head; a stray tear making it's way down her cheek. "I wonder if we would already have kids now if you were still around. Me and Logan, because even you have to know we were destined to end up together, cheesy again, I know…and you with some billionaire you met at Vassar or at a club in LA. I don't even know if you ever wanted kids. Not something we ever really talked about huh? The future. You were too busy living this dream life and I was too busy trying to keep up. I'm glad you befriended the little eight year old me on the playground that day all those years ago."
"Ours is a friendship that would have lasted."
Veronica drinks. "So what gossip should I give you? Madison Sinclair is still Lucifer, but that shouldn't really surprise you. Um…it is actually surprising how many people from high school are still as petty as before. I had thought most of them would mature some…I guess there are some who have…but it's a minority."
Veronica chuckles and looks around the still cemetery. There is almost an eeriness to it in all its quiet emptiness, despite the sunshine and warm summer breeze and Veronica can't suppress a shudder.
"I hope you're keeping an eye on your brother and niece. I worry about them from time to time…"
"I'm sure they're fine wherever they ended up. I never knew the final plan. It was safer for me that way. I hope they're happy."
Veronica drinks and finishes off the bottle of champagne. She stows the empty bottle in her bag and draws her knees up to her chest.
"I went to law school. That wasn't in the plans before. Though I was always working towards the FBI and that…well it wasn't what I thought I wanted. Stupid that life throws us curveballs. I'm sick of them. For once I'd like things to go just as I plan them."
"If life really went how I planned though I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't be with Logan. And I like where life has taken me so far. I really do. It may not be what I expected, but I like it."
Veronica pauses and pulls a strand of grass from the soil. Her fingers idly begin to tear it as her mind continues to process her life.
"Do you think I'll make a good mother? I mean, not now, obviously but someday? I hope so. I never thought I wanted kids, but thinking about having kids with Logan, it makes me happy. Guess that they're right, sometimes you just have to find the right person and when you do everything falls into place. Too bad I was too young and stubborn to figure that out years ago. He may not have been in my plans six months ago but he is definitely everything I need. God, I'm such a sap. When did I turn into such a sap Lilly?"
Veronica checks her phone for the time and sighs. "I'm going to go buy you a birthday present now and just keep it for myself. Something outrageous that I would never normally buy for myself and do it all in your memory. So happy birthday Lilly. Love you."
She's almost reached Logan's car when another one pulls up and parks behind it. Veronica isn't surprised when Jake Kane steps out from behind the wheel and they share a look. She nods, the only acceptable thing she can think of, and he returns a curt one back before striding past her.
She doesn't turn around until she hears her name.
"Veronica." His voice is hoarse, like he's already been crying and she waits for him to continue. "Thank you. Just…you were a good friend to her. To both of them. Thank you."
She nods again, unable to form any words and he turns quickly and heads the way that she has just come from. She hopes he leaves the cupcake and champagne there when he leaves, the memorial she left to her best friend.
Logan,
I don't know if you realized what today's date is. (Was? Yesterday for you by now I guess…) I still can't believe she's gone. Or the fact that today would have been her 30th birthday. I can't picture Lilly at 30. I could picture her at 21 but that was different, I guess. I miss her so much. I spent part of the day drinking champagne at her grave. Just talking to her like she could hear me. I don't care if anyone saw me and thought I was crazy. I just…it's been a really long time since I've visited her grave.
I can imagine that she would have been super put off about turning 30. She definitely would have been one of those girls who insists she's turning 29 over and over again. And Lilly, well I'm sure she would have gotten away with it for years. Either way we would have been celebrating in some exotic location, shopping and drinking and doing whatever Lilly wanted. As was the way things normally went.
So in her memory that's what I did today. I slept until 10. Drank champagne before noon. Drove to LA for some retail therapy and dropped an insane amount of money on a pair of Jimmy Choos that Lilly would have adored. (They're pretty great I have to admit. Kinda sexy too.) Then I had oysters at some place in Long Beach and watched the sunset.
I think dad was worried about me. He kept texting me all day until I finally just shut my phone off. There was a pretty frantic voicemail, or five, when I finally turned it back on. (Don't worry, I've talked to him and we're good now. Just his overprotectiveness bubbling over.)
I think Lilly would be proud of the woman I've become. And I know she'd be totally thrilled about us. I just wish she were here to enjoy life with us.
Love you Logan. I'm thinking about you. You better be thinking about me.
See you when you get home in 64 days.
-Veronica
Veronica was sitting in Weevil's living room, playing with Valentina later that week, the three year old keeping her on her toes. She wasn't sure what she was thinking when she'd volunteered to watch her for them but she was glad she did.
So far it had been smooth sailing and Jade and Weevil would be home at any time so she was feeling confident in her babysitting abilities.
"'onica, 'onica pway? Tea 'arty?"
"You bet sweetheart," Veronica answers the little girl and sits cross-legged on the floor next to her and puts a small plastic cup almost to her mouth and pretends to drink. "Um, this is good tea Valentina. Thank you for sharing."
Valentina smiles and drinks the pretend tea from her own cup. They're still sitting in those places when Jade and Weevil come in thirty minutes later.
"Ah her favorite activity," Weevil says with a smile and snaps a picture before Veronica can stand up. "And now I have photographic proof that Veronica Mars is a softie at heart."
"You'll ruin my rep," she rebuts with feigned anger and then grins. "How was…your thing?"
"The rehearsal dinner went fine," Jade answers as she picks Valentina up and hugs her tightly. "Thanks for watching her. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been able to."
"Happy to help!" Veronica assures her. "Your cousin couldn't have done tonight without her maid of honor I'm sure. We just played. She's an angel."
"We certainly think so," Jade agrees. "Okay time for bed. Give daddy a kiss. Say night night."
Valentina leans out of her mother's arms far enough to place a kiss on Weevil's cheek and then waves to Veronica. "Night, night."
"Night!" Veronica answers and waits until Jade is headed down the hall before she turns to Weevil. "How are things?"
He shrugs.
"Tell me."
"They're fine," he says with a shake of his head. "I'm being careful."
"You better be."
"I know what is at stake V," he says motioning around him. "I'd never do anything that would put them at risk."
"I know."
"But I'm still not going to be pushed around in my own town. I had to step in."
"I know Weevil," she assures him. "And I'm doing everything I can too."
"Rumor on the street is you're taking the bar exam…"
"Where in the hell did you hear that?"
"Wallace mentioned it when he brought his car in for a tune up last week," Weevil says. "I think it's great."
"I'm not sure it's the best move for me right now," Veronica tells him honestly, "but it's been decided. I've turned in the paperwork and the payment has been made and I've been studying my ass off. I'm just not sure what I'm going to do with it once I've passed. If I pass."
"You'll pass."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
He nods and grabs a beer from the fridge, "Want one?"
"No, but thanks. I should probably head out."
"No rush," he says with nod of his head. "We're just going to chill, you're welcome to stay if you want."
"Thanks but I should probably get some studying in tonight…"
"You know what they say?"
"I'm sure you're going to tell me."
"That whole all work no fun bit."
"Trust me I have plenty of fun."
"Sure you do."
"Hey!"
Weevil laughs. "You've always been all work V."
"Work is fun for me."
"And you wonder why people think you're weird."
Jade laughs as she reenters the room. "Are you being mean Eli?"
"He's always mean." Veronica responds with a smirk and Weevil gives her an evil eye. "I'm going to head out. Lunch next week Jade?"
"Definitely! I'm off on Tuesday and Wednesday just let me know what day works best for you."
"Let me check my calendar and I'll text you. Bye!"
V,
I did remember the date, vaguely and in passing, but I always remember it. I didn't think about what she would have been turning though, but wow, 30? That makes me feel old. Does it make you feel old?
God I miss you. Things have been insane here. They're keeping us busy. I've read all of your emails and I'm sorry I haven't responded.
Trust me, I think about you constantly Veronica. There isn't an hour that goes by that you aren't in my head.
I can't wait to see you in those shoes, but trust me you don't need a pair of heels to be sexy. I find you sexy in anything. (But especially in nothing.)
Also I definitely did not set up everything for you to take the bar. And you're right there is no way I would have trusted Dick with that. I would have gone straight to Mac or Wallace. Have you figured out who set it up yet? I have to say that is strange, but I think you're making the right choice Veronica. You'll make a kick ass lawyer. And while I'm sure you're stressing about it sugarpuss, you're going to be fine. Don't let it totally kill you okay?
No drunken wedding reception make outs for you. I promise to make it up to you when I get back. You can even put on your dress and we'll make it a real reenactment if you want.
You know I was so worried you wouldn't answer my call, but I'm very glad you did. Veronica you make my life better by being in it.
I've got to fly first thing tomorrow so I need to get some sleep. I'll be dreaming of you Veronica. Always.
Love you,
Logan
P.S. 62 days. 2 months to go.
"Do you have an idea of what kind of dress you're looking for?" Veronica asks Alicia as they sit sipping cups of coffee in the Starbucks at the Neptune Mall. "Style wise?"
"Something simple," Alicia says with a smile. "I do like lace. I'm not looking for some grand dress, just a simple number, probably knee length in ivory or blush."
"Our best bet is probably Nordstrom or Bloomingdales. What do you think?"
"Nordstrom's," Alicia answers definitively. "Thanks for coming with me Veronica."
"I wanted to," she assures her future stepmother with a smile. "I'm really happy you and my dad are tying the knot Alicia. You make him so happy and that's all I've ever wanted for him."
"He makes me pretty happy too."
Veronica and Alicia share a smile. "I'm sorry things didn't work out between you before…I…"
"It wasn't your fault Veronica," Alicia assures her. "We had our own issues then. And it doesn't matter how things turned out then, we made it here and we're happy now. That's what matters."
"Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure you knew…"
"I know. I'm glad we're able to do this Veronica. I never had a daughter and I know I can't replace your mom…"
"You're here," Veronica interrupts, "that pretty much replaces her already."
"Veronica…"
"I don't want to talk about mom."
"We don't have to. I just…I'm here for you if you ever need anything Veronica. I know you're an adult now and fully capable of taking care of yourself and you have Logan, but if you need something. I'm here."
Veronica smiles, "That means a lot Alicia. Thanks."
"Okay enough of this mushy stuff! Let's spend some money."
"I'm always okay with that!"
"I want you to pick something out that you like for your Maid of Honor dress. Something you can wear again. Since you're the only bridesmaid we don't have to worry about matching you with someone else. And you should pick something you can wear with those new heels you bought."
"Oh that's a perfect idea!" Veronica exclaims happily. "What flowers did you decide on?"
"We decided to just use white roses, simple. We're keeping everything simple and low key."
"Good morning ladies," a middle-aged woman greets them as they wander into the formal dress section of Nordstrom's. "What are you looking for today?"
"I'm getting married in a few weeks," Alicia explains with a dreamy smile on her face, "I need a dress and my soon-to-be step daughter needs a Maid of Honor dress."
"Well congratulations! I'd be happy to assist if you like. Or you can browse for awhile."
"I think we just want to browse for right now," Alicia tells her, "I'm not exactly sure what I want yet."
"Of course. I'm Marsha, please let me know if I can be of any help with your search and when you're ready to try something on let me know."
"Thanks Marsha," Veronica tells the woman with a smile. "We will."
They're searching through racks of dresses, laughing over the ridiculous ones and every once in awhile asking for the opinion on a possible choice. It's forty minutes later when they're headed into the dressing room behind Marsha, both armed with close to a dozen choices.
"Oh this one is terrible," Alicia says through the dressing room divider. "I'm not even going to show you."
"You have too!"
"Nope. Just trust me when I say this one is definitely not the right one. How is it coming for you?"
"I like all the ones I've tried," Veronica answers dully. "Which is going to make this so much more difficult."
"Just pick the one you like the best."
"Well I want you to pick a dress first," Veronica tells her, "so I can make sure we don't have the same style."
"Don't worry about…"
"I am going to worry about that," Veronica interrupts with a laugh. "We don't want to be too matchy-matchy."
"That makes sense."
"I know."
"No reason to be so smug missy."
Veronica laughs and steps out of the dressing room in a strapless deep purple colored chiffon dress that hits just above her knees. "I won't lie though," she tells Alicia, "I kind of love this dress."
"That color looks amazing on you," Alicia assures her when she comes out of her dressing room in a long, halter-top dress in a deep blush color. "What do you think of this one?"
"What do you think of it?"
"I asked you first."
"It's pretty."
"But it isn't wedding worthy is it?"
"If you like it…"
"I want your honest opinion."
"No," Veronica tells her after a second, "I don't think that's it."
"Me either," Alicia agrees. "You should get that one Veronica. It looks amazing on you."
"I'm going to try on a few more," Veronica replies, "I want to make sure."
Twenty minutes later Veronica is back in the purple dress and admiring herself in the mirror. Marsha obtained a pair of nude pumps for Veronica to try on with it and she's modeling in the dressing room hallway.
"You look outstanding dear," Marsha gushes with a smile. "Just outstanding."
"Thank you," Veronica says with a blush. "Alicia?"
"This might be it," Alicia says from inside her dressing room and steps out in an ivory and nude lace dress with cap sleeves. The skirt is a simple pencil style and the top is belted with a satin tie that flatters Alicia's figure. "What do you think?"
"You look incredible!" Marsha exclaims clapping her hands together in excitement. "Just incredible!"
Veronica nods in agreement, "Dad is going to flip! You have to get that!"
"Oh yes dear," Marsha agrees with a vehement nod. "That is your dress."
Alicia is smiling a ear-to-ear smile and nods, "I love this. I absolutely love it."
"I think we're done," Veronica answers and reaches out to hug Alicia. "You look beautiful."
"You do too Veronica. I knew that would be the one for you."
"Now who's being smug? But thanks."
"You two get changed out of those dresses and hand them to me and I'll get them packaged up for you. You are going to have a beautiful wedding day."
They nod in agreement and then do as they were told. They are enjoying a leisurely lunch a little while later as they discuss more of the wedding details. The event is going to be a small affair, held in their backyard at sunset with about thirty of their closest friends and family in attendance. It was of course going to be catered by Luigi's, which Veronica thought was perfect.
"It's all coming together so quickly," Alicia says with a happy sigh. "I'm so glad. I was nervous we were too ambitious choosing such a close date, but we're actually ahead of schedule."
"If there is anything else I can help with…"
"I appreciate the offer Veronica," Alicia tells her, "But I know how busy you are with the work at MI and studying for your bar exam. I'm not about to ask you to add something else to your plate."
"It's no problem…"
"You are a sweetheart for offering," Alicia interrupts, "but don't worry. Today was perfect and now there are only a few things left to get settled. Your dad and I can handle them. You don't have to worry."
"You'll let me know if anything changes and I can help out though…right?"
"Of course."
"Good."
"Do you know if Wallace is bringing a date? He's been kind of antsy about answering me."
"He hasn't said anything to me about it," Veronica says with a shrug. "I can ask him for you if you want."
"Don't worry about it," Alicia tells her. "I'll bug him this week for an answer."
"Let me know if you need me to intimidate him into giving you a final response."
"I'll do that."
Veronica glances down at her phone to check the time, "I hate to run, but I should get to the office. I've got a couple client meetings this afternoon."
"Of course," Alicia says and stands to give her a hug. "Thanks for a great morning. I had a good time."
"Me too. I'll see you later."
"Hey Wallace!" Veronica calls in greeting as she steps onto Dick's beachside patio. "How did you manage to get grill duty?"
"He volunteered," Dick responded from a table a few feet away where an array of food was sitting, tiki torches lined the porch, already lit despite the sun still shining high in the sky. "And I wasn't going to tell him he couldn't work for it."
"Dick burned the first round of hot dogs," Wallace replies with a laugh, "I figured if we wanted an edible meal I had to step in."
"I got distracted," Dick argues, "not my fault."
"Really?"
"Shut up Wally."
"You two," Veronica admonishes with a chuckle and shakes her head. "Thanks for hosting Dick."
"I always have a blowout for the Fourth Ronnie," Dick answers with a shrug. "More people will start showing up in a few hours."
"How is the view of the fireworks from here?"
Casey Gant walks up and joins in the conversation, "Not too bad. Not the best, but we can see the Neptune pier's fireworks decently."
Casey's fiancé, Kate laughs at them with a shake of her head. "The fireworks are great here. Don't let them tell you any different."
"Thanks Kate. I don't believe them much anyways."
Wallace looks around, "I thought Sarah and Mac were coming with you."
She nods, "They were but I wanted to stop by the office first and they were going to pick up some stuff for s'mores. They should be here soon."
He nods and Dick glances behind her and grins. "And here they are now. Ladies."
"Dick."
"Hi!"
"Ronnie says you got stuff for s'mores?"
"We did," Sarah says with a smile. "We're having a bonfire aren't we?"
Dick nods, "Yeah later, probably after the fireworks. All right, since Wally here has the grill I'm going to ride some waves. Anyone care to join me?"
Casey nods and Kate turns to Veronica. "I've got a blanket laid out down by the water. Wanna heckle the boys with me?"
"I would love to," Veronica says with a smile. "Heckling Dick is one of my favorite hobbies."
"I knew I would like you," Kate answers with a smirk and Veronica grabs her beach bag off the back of one of the patio chairs.
"Do we have to take this?" Dick asks Casey.
Casey shrugs, "I do. Not sure about you."
Veronica glares at him and he throws his hands up in surrender. "I'll take it."
Veronica and Kate laugh and head out to the beach followed by Mac and Sarah. They're settled on the beach a few moments later as Dick and Casey run into the surf to join the other surfers from the beach. The girls are relaxing, drinking from the glasses they'd brought with them, and just enjoying the sunshine when Madison and Shelley arrive with their significant others.
"Well hello," Madison says, her eyes glinting with distaste and Veronica gives her a smug smile back. "I didn't realize Dick invited just anyone this year."
"Madison," Veronica answers her voice dripping with sarcasm, "So good to see you. I didn't realize you could be out in the sun."
"And I didn't realize you had any fun at all."
"Madison," Kate interrupts quickly, "Shelley. I thought you weren't going to make it today. Didn't you say something about not being able to make it?"
Madison turns a glare towards Kate, "Our plans changed and we were free. I see you and Casey decided to come down."
"Casey would never miss a Dick Casablancas Fourth of July gathering," Kate replies with a smile. "And it had been too long since I was able to hang with Veronica. So it was a double win."
"I didn't realize you and Veronica Mars were friendly."
Kate smiles and downs the rest of the liquid in her cup, "We were fast friends. I'm done with my drink. I'm going for a refill, care to join me Veronica."
Veronica nods and stands, "Do you want anything Sarah? Mac?"
"I'm good."
"Me too."
She nods and heads back up the beach with Kate. She stays quiet until they're almost to the house and then Veronica starts laughing.
"I thought Madison's head was going to explode."
"I simply cannot stand that woman."
"Me either," Veronica assures her. "I've hated her since high school."
"Casey has told me stories," Kate says and refills her cup with the Sangria she'd made earlier. "He also told me about the time he joined a cult."
"Ah yes," Veronica says with a smile. "The Moon Calf Collective. They were a nice bunch. A bit fruit loopy, but nice."
Kate laughed. "For a long time I didn't believe all the stories Casey told me. It just didn't seem feasible for all of that to happen in one high school. Then when he brought me out here for the first time and I started meeting people I figured out that he had actually toned down the stories. I had wanted to meet you for a long time. You're kind of famous."
"More like infamous, I'm sure."
"Depends on who you're talking to I suppose."
"You met him in college right?"
"Yup," Kate says with nod. "Yale. My family is from the east coast. I'm a fourth generation Yale-r. We met at freshmen orientation. I made him chase me for a while though. I didn't finally agree to go out with him until halfway through junior year."
"Good for you."
Kate laughed. "We've been together ever since."
"And you're not married yet?"
"Neither of us felt any rush. We'll get around to it eventually. It drives my parents crazy that we didn't go the more traditional route and get married sooner. They're quite conservative. According to them we should have dated for two years, been engaged for one and then married. By now we should have provided at least one heir. But since we're not married yet..."
"Not into the living together before you're married, huh?"
"God no. They like to pretend I'm still their saintly little virgin daughter. They know we live together, they just choose to ignore it."
"Ah parents."
"Yours like that?"
Veronica laughs, "Nope. Well, at least my dad isn't. He accepted a long time ago that I grew up and he visited me in New York a time or two when I was living with my prior boyfriend. We don't really talk about it, but he doesn't frown on it either. And…well I haven't heard from my mom in years so who knows what she thinks."
"I'm sorry…"
Veronica waves her off, "No worries. I barely think about her anymore. She abandoned us years ago."
"Well that still sucks."
"Yeah."
"Katie-girl where did you go?" Casey's voice calls through the house. "Wallace says the food is ready. Time to eat, everyone else is here."
"We're in here," Kate answers with a smile. "I was just sharing my famous sangria with Veronica and swapping stories."
"That's scary."
"Oh no reason to be scared of little old us," Veronica says with a teasing smile. "We're completely innocent."
"I know you Veronica Mars," Casey answers, "And you Kate. And I promise neither of you are innocent."
Veronica and Kate share a look before they burst into laughter and Dick turns to throw all three of them a questioning look.
"What's so funny?"
They just continue laughing and Casey shrugs. "I don't even know."
"Well if you don't get out here and get some food it's all going to be gone. So I'd get out here if I was you."
"We're coming," Veronica answers between breaths. "I'm starving and Wallace is a pro on the grill."
The crowd has grown as the night has gone on. Music is pulsing from Dick's sound system and there are several couples dancing in the sand. Veronica is sitting off to the side, Jade and Weevil sitting with her, laughing at Dick's antics and Wallace's drunken dance moves.
She leans over to Jade, "I'm so glad you guys came."
"Me too," Jade says with a wide smile. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"
"Perfect," Veronica agrees with a nod. "You two go dance, enjoy yourself."
Weevil stands and pulls Jade up with him. "V's right, let's enjoy this night toddler free. Let's dance chica."
Jade giggles and lets Weevil pull her towards the other dancing couples. Mac drops into the space that Jade just left and Veronica can tell her friend is slightly more than buzzed.
"Why aren't you dancing?"
"My dancing partner is something like eight thousand miles away," Veronica responds and shrugs. "Kind of takes the fun out of it."
"Eh I guess."
"You seem to be having fun though," Veronica says with a laugh. "Made any new friends."
Mac only grins, "Maybe."
"Good for you Mac!"
A tall brown haired man that Veronica hadn't met until that night comes to stand in front of them and holds out his hand to Mac. "I believe you promised me a dance Mac. Let's go!"
"Okay Josh. Bye Ronnie!"
Veronica calls after her, "Have fun!"
She spies Wallace who is staying suspiciously close to Sarah, despite her dancing with one of Dick's friends and his pretty dancing partner and she can't help but smile. She's glad that Dick had convinced her to come.
The first of the fireworks blast into the sky and the dance floor seems to cease moving as heads all start to turn to the night sky. The music is still pulsing around them a, perfect background to the colorful explosions.
Veronica can't help but pull out her phone.
L,
The 4th seems to mean something a little different to me this year. I'm watching the fireworks after enjoying a fantastic day at the beach with my friends and all I can think about is you. Having you in the Navy…it changes how I look at things.
And I'm glad it has. I'm thankful for you, defending the freedom our ancestors fought so hard for and it...it's good.
God you make me so sentimental. I swear you can't reveal this side of me to anyone. I'll totally lose my street cred and then what kind of PI would I be?
59 days until you can come home to me. Don't make me wait a second longer than I have to, okay?
Love,
V
A/N: Less than two months to go until our favorite couple is reunited. I'm pretty stoked to get to it!
I hope you enjoyed of this chapter as much as I did. Please let me know what you think! Those reviews are pretty exciting to get.