Hey! So sorry it took this long to get the chapter out. As a reward for waiting so long, it's an 11k chapter. We've now moved onto February and Valentine's Day. Hope you like it. So I do have an M scene in here towards the end ;) Anyway, please let me know what you thought. I really do appreciate all my reviewers. You're the reason I write in the first place. I'll give you a timeline again for the other chapters at the end of the chapter. Oh and of course we know I don't own the Lumineers song nor do I own Veronica Mars. I've never mentioned that disclaimer but we all know that anyway, right? I will however, be the lucky owner of one of the Jason pictures hopefully very soon. Happy reading! :D
Author's Note 7-31-13- Sorry I just resubmitted the same chapter with a new author's note. I forgot to mention that I opened a poll on my profile page about Mac and Dick's baby and whether or not they should have a boy or a girl so if you would please go vote I'd really appreciate it!
February 9th, 5 days before Valentine's Day
"I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart…" Veronica quietly sang to herself. It was Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock and Veronica was currently sorting through her filing cabinet. "I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweet…"
It was a nice quiet day. It was exactly what she needed after the last few weeks she had had.
Veronica had spent the last two weeks at Duncan's trial. She even had to testify which was not a surprise to her. She didn't lie when asked about Duncan taking off with Lilly. She admitted she had knowledge that it was going to happen however she never knew the exact location of where Duncan took off to. When asked why she would risk being an accessory to this crime, her answer was simple and succinct: Meg asked her to.
When the prosecution asked her to elaborate, Veronica stated that in the hospital room, Meg told her that if anything happened to her that Veronica was to make sure that Meg's parents did not send the baby away. Veronica had seen the way that Meg's parents had treated Grace and she feared for the baby's life. The prosecution then asked a ton of questions about Duncan and his blackouts and fits. Veronica found the conversation annoying and repetitive but she never strayed from her honest belief that Duncan is the much better parent than Meg's parents.
What ultimately sealed the case was when Grace took the stand. The intimidating glares from her parents did not rattle her at all. The questioning that Grace had to endure would have been nerve-wracking for Veronica. Grace spent over an hour on the stand going over her writings she was forced to do, being locked in a secret room in her closet. The notebooks of her writings made excellent evidence in this case. When she was done, she was just as calm when she got off the stand as when she got on the stand. Veronica watched her in amazement. The girl was only 18 years old. It was so shocking that she had endured so much psychological abuse when she was little, that it didn't seem to faze her at all. Veronica knew the facts though. Grace had spent the last few years in therapy. It was at Lizzie's insistence. It was done in secret and Lizzie paid for it. Even though Lizzie hadn't set foot inside her parents' house in several years, she always managed to keep in close contact with Grace. She had already lost one sister; she wasn't going to lose Grace too.
The judge ultimately declared that physical custody be granted to Duncan. The Mannings were able to have supervised visits with their granddaughter once a week. Stewart Manning threatened to appeal. The judge stated it was up to him but she also made it a point that it would be wise to take what he can get. She told him to get a judge more sympathetic than her would be a rare find. He was lucky he even got one day a week with his granddaughter after hearing what his daughter had went through. Stewart quickly shut his mouth.
After the trial, Veronica, Logan, Duncan, Lilly, Lizzie and Grace all went out to celebrate. Duncan made a speech about how grateful he was for everyone's help in the case and it couldn't have been more appreciated. The night ended when Logan took her home and told her how proud of her he was.
"I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart…"
Veronica then felt the back of her head being kissed and a set of arms being wrapped around her waist from behind. Her face broke out into a huge grin.
"You singing about me again?" Logan whispered against her ear.
Veronica turned and grinned coyly at him, "I don't know. Could be you. Or it could be my other boyfriend…"
Logan smirked. "So so funny." he leaned down and kissed her. He glanced around. "You should really take a day off. It's the weekend." he reminded her.
"Trust me; I'm well aware it's the weekend. I haven't gotten a chance to do any regular work because of the trial. Now that it's over, it's time to play catch up."
"Don't burn yourself out, OK?"
Veronica nodded.
"Why don't we go out to eat tonight?"
"OK. What time?"
"Have you eaten anything lately?"
"Some chips."
"Anything besides that?"
"I'm not really that hungry, Logan. I'm fine."
"Well let's make it 6 anyway. I'm sure you'll be starving by then. Do you want me to pick you up here?"
"Nah, I'll just meet you there."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I've still got some work to catch up on so I'll just meet you there."
"Don't push yourself too hard, Veronica, OK?"
"I know. I'm fine. Where do you want to eat?"
"I don't know. Pizza? Thai?"
"Pizza sounds good."
"OK." he gave her a kiss. "I'll meet you there at 6."
"Bye. I love you."
Logan grinned, "I love you too Veronica." he then left.
With Veronica going to be at work for awhile, Logan decided it was time. He was now ready to do what he had been planning for months now. It took him 15 minutes to get to Veronica's apartment. He quietly knocked on the door and a few moments later, Keith appeared dressed in a Mets T-shirt and black sweatpants.
"Logan. Hi. Are you looking for Veronica?"
"No, no. I know she's at her office. I just came from there. That's why I'm here now. I actually came to talk to you."
Keith moved away from the door to let him in. "Sure come on in."
Logan stepped in and patted Backup's head as he took a seat on the couch.
"Everything OK?" Keith asked as he sat down in the chair next to the couch.
"Yeah no everything is fine. I just thought it was time for me…to…uh…"
"You want my blessing to marry my daughter?" Keith guessed.
Logan sheepishly laughed. "I didn't think I would actually be this nervous asking for it."
"Do you think I'm going to tell you no?" Keith raised an amused eyebrow.
"Well I'm hoping not."
"Logan," Keith sighed. "I know we've had our differences in the past. Believe it or not even while Veronica was in Quantico, I was kept posted on how you were doing."
Logan looked stunned by the admission. "Really?"
"Yes really. I've been very impressed at how well you've done with your company."
"Well thank you. I appreciate you saying that, Mr. Mars."
Keith laughed. "We had a talk about that, Logan."
Again Logan gave an awkward smile, "I know. I just haven't gotten used to calling you Keith yet though."
"Well, you might want to, considering I'm going to more than likely end up being your father in law."
Logan beamed. "Really? You have no objections?"
"What would I object over? You've made my daughter the happiest I've seen her since she heard about my diagnosis." Keith admitted honestly. "Veronica took hearing the news very very hard and I think you being back in her life has really helped. So, no Logan, I don't object. You have my blessing."
"Thank you…" he caught himself, "Keith."
Keith chuckled. "Are you planning on asking her on Valentine's Day?"
"Actually no and she knows that. I told her it wouldn't be on a holiday. It will still be awhile from now." Logan told him. "But there is a reason I'm asking for your blessing now."
"Which is?"
"I want her to move in with me."
"Oh." Keith said. "OK, yeah."
"I plan on asking her that on Valentine's Day but I know Veronica and her first thought is going to be…"
"She doesn't want to leave me because of my health."
Logan smiled. "Exactly."
"No I understand. It's going to be interesting to try to convince her."
"Do you think you can help me out?"
"Yeah, I'll try my best."
"That's all I ask." Logan said as he rose. "OK, well I better get going. I have some stuff I need to do before I have supper with Veronica."
"Well, thank you for asking, Logan. I do appreciate that."
"You're welcome. I'll talk to you later."
Logan headed back to his condo. He was smiling to himself. He couldn't help it; things were finally falling into to place now and it felt great. It was a relief to know that Keith had no objections. Deep down he didn't think he would but still had remained skeptical. Keith and Logan have had a pretty bumpy relationship over the years. Sure there were some neutral times. Unfortunately they had tended to be in the minority. Hearing Keith tell him that he had noticed how happy Veronica was had made Logan feel amazing.
It had come as a shock to hear how Keith had been keeping up with how Logan had been doing business-wise. It was flattering to know but surprising nonetheless.
******Flashback******
Logan had remained aimless for potential careers while in school. Nothing had seemed overall appealing to him. He didn't like the thought of working for someone. He wasn't big on the whole subordinate role. He could live with "punching a time clock, 9 to 5 schedule" but he had to be the one in charge.
He graduated from Hearst in May 2010 with Wallace, Mac, and Dick and had earned a Bachelor's in Business. He had spent the first 3 months after he graduated pretty much lost. He hadn't really contemplated what he wanted to do. It was one day at the end of August that he had gotten his moment of clarity in the one place that he normally got them: at the beach surfing. He was about to get in the water when he saw off in the distance a teenager giving lessons to a girl who was no more than 9 on a board that was more adult sized than kid sized. Logan could easily tell that the girl was having a hard time adjusting to how she should stand on the board. It got Logan to thinking about when he first started to surf. He had similar problems. Then again, at the time, there weren't as many options in boards as there now are. Regardless, Logan liked the idea of coming up with surfing equipment and boards for kids.
He knew he needed more experience with this potential business venture so he went to the person that helped him with his business plan freshmen year: Mac. He and Mac sat down and came up with a very detailed, very thorough business plan. She had the computer expertise he needed for the design programs and to pull the business off the ground so, as a thank you, she was made a partner. A silent partner but a partner nonetheless. Logan told her she didn't have to be silent but she was fine with it. He did make sure she was compensated nicely for it though.
Now, 3 years and 150 employees later, Logan was having overall success. He was doing something he loved which was great. It was also great having people recognize him as a single person instead of having the connotation of being Aaron Echolls' son following him. That image was hopefully put to rest now.
******End Flashback******
After reviewing the glowing numbers a few weeks ago, Logan decided that it was time to branch further out than just California. He'd like to take the company's business further east. There were bound to be kids in other parts of the US that would be interested in surfing. He already had calls put into a bunch of locations throughout the eastern half of the US. He had a half a dozen cities interested. He knew he'd be making some trips in the near future but he was hoping that Veronica would end up joining him for some of them if she could. He was sure she'd definitely want to go to Chicago with him in April. If for no other reason than to see Wallace and Jackie. He knew it had been about 7 years also since the last time Veronica had seen Wallace. Logan knew they kept in touch with email though.
"Hey." It was now just after six and Logan looked up to see Veronica sitting down across from him.
"Hey." he leaned across the table and gave her a small kiss. "How's the rest of your day gone?"
"Good." she nodded as she flipped open her menu. "Quick."
"I know you have a lot of work to catch up on Veronica. Just don't get burn yourself out, OK?"
"I'm trying not to." Veronica smiled. "What did you do all day?"
"Ran some errands. Did some shopping." It really wasn't a lie either. He actually did do both. The shopping involved the daily presents that Veronica would be getting every day before Valentine's Day with Valentine's Day being the day that he would give her a key to his condo.
The dark haired waiter came and took their order then. They ordered a large pizza with everything on it and some cheese breadsticks. Logan ordered a beer and Veronica just had water.
"So I've got some news." Logan told her as he drank his beer.
"Good news?"
"Yes, I like to believe it's good news. The company is looking at expanding and going further east. I've got some locations on the eastern half of the US interested in our products."
"Really? That's great!" Veronica leaned over the table and gave him a kiss. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks. So starting in March, I'm going to be doing some traveling. Doing some marketing trips."
"Oh." Veronica tried to keep her expression neutral. "Great."
Logan gave her a knowing grin, "I would like you to come with me."
"Really?" her eyes lit up.
"Of course."
"I'd have to check and see how things go for work."
"That's what I figured. I'm bringing this up now because I figured you want to plan for the 2nd weekend in April. You'll definitely want to come with me then."
"And why is that?"
"Because I'll be going to Chicago." Logan grinned at her.
Veronica let out a surprised gasp, "Really?"
"Yes, really. I figured you could come with me and that way you'd get to see Wallace and Jackie."
"Oh that would be awesome!" Veronica squealed then paused. "Wait, people surf in Chicago? How?"
"Veronica no one said you can only surf in an ocean. They do have Lake Michigan."
"Really? I guess I just have a hard time picturing it."
"Well they're more dependent on the weather and the wind for their waves."
"I could see that." Veronica nodded as she sipped her water.
"So what do you think?"
"Yeah, sure I'd love to go."
"Great. Have you ever been to Chicago?"
Veronica again nodded. "Yeah a couple times but not since Wallace moved there. He was still at Hearst when I was there."
"Was there any place that you really liked working on assignment?"
Veronica's face broke out into a huge grin, "New Orleans."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Ever been there?"
"Actually no. I haven't been. When were you there?"
"Mardi Gras 2010."
"Ooo…Mardi Gras? That must have been interesting."
"Hectic would be a better description." Veronica groaned as the waiter brought their breadsticks to them. "I got to see part of the festivities but really didn't get to enjoy any of it because of the job."
"Well that sucks. We'll have to go to Mardi Gras sometime." Logan took a bite out of his breadstick.
"New Orleans is beautiful anyway though. The French Quarter, Bourbon Street. It's a great place."
Logan smiled as he mentally jotted down notes.
By the time they finished eating it was 7:30. As they left the restaurant, Logan reached over and grabbed her hand. Veronica smiled at the gesture. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. "So are you going to stay with me tonight?" Logan asked when they arrived at her car.
"Umm…no."
"Why not?" Logan fake pouted.
"Because I've stayed at your place the last two nights." Veronica reminded him. "I need different clothes. Besides, I'd like to sleep in my own bed."
"My bed's more comfortable." he taunted.
"I'm sure it is." she gave him a kiss. "No."
Logan sighed. "OK, fine." he gave her a final kiss. "Good night."
"Goodnight. I love you."
"I love you too Veronica. Call me tomorrow, OK?"
"I will."
Veronica headed home then. A bubble bath was calling her name. She found her dad making himself supper when she walked in.
"Hey honey."
"Hi dad. How are you feeling?" she reached over and gave him a hug.
Keith cracked a smile. "I'm doing OK. How was your day?"
"Long, boring, tiring."
"You know, you need to watch and make sure that you don't get burnt out. "
"That's exactly what Logan said too."
"Well great minds tend to think alike."
"That they do." Veronica grinned. "I'm going to go take a nice long bubble bath. All I've had time for lately because of the trial and work is a quick 5 minute shower. If you don't see me after 45 minutes…" Veronica paused for a moment. "Oh, I still wouldn't worry about it."
Keith chuckled. "Alright. You go enjoy your Calgon moment."
Veronica died laughing. "It's beyond creepy that you even know what that is."
"You'd be amazed at everything I know, honey."
Veronica cracked a smile, "I have no doubt about that."
Veronica grinned as she took off to her bedroom. She sighed as she stepped into the bubble filled bathtub 10 minutes later. God, it felt amazing! Veronica was able to forget all of her worries and stress. By the time she emerged 35 minutes later, she felt boneless. She could barely move. She very slowly changed into her pajamas and climbed into her bed. It was a very early night. Within a few minutes she was asleep.
Even though she was up at 6:30 she took her time getting into the office. It was after 10 when she showed up and she was met by a smirking Alex.
"Hey Alex." she smiled at him then noticed his expression, "What?"
"Nothing. You…uh…just had a delivery."
"A delivery?"
"Yeah. It's cute; honestly I think Hannah would love it." Alex informed her, referencing his older daughter.
Veronica still didn't have a clue what Alex was talking about until she opened her door and found a big, plush teddy bear with a red ribbon around his neck residing in her black executive chair. Each of his paws had a red heart on them. He held a message in a bottle in his right paw. She uncorked the bottle and pulled out the note: I love you beary much. Logan. She started to laugh as her mind drifted back to the conversation they had junior year.
"Soo…you care to explain?" Alex rose from his seat and wandered into her office.
"I can't believe he did this." Veronica shook her head.
"Veronica?"
"What? Sorry, it's just. Back when we got together the first time junior year, I asked Logan if we were ever going to have a normal relationship. His friends weren't big on me back then." Veronica explained as she sat down in her chair and put the teddy bear facing her in her lap. She was playing with its paws. "Logan was throwing out ideas of what normal could be: holding hands, going to the mall together or buying teddy bears with hearts that say I love you beary much."
Alex laughed. "He's got a good memory."
"We both do." Veronica corrected him. "The first time I told him I loved him I said I love you beary much."
"Yeah you both do." Alex grinned as he headed back to his desk. He closed Veronica's door which then prompted her to call Logan at his work. She called direct to his office. It rang twice.
"Logan Echolls' office."
"Hi Kori. Is Logan in?"
"Oh hi Veronica. Hold on a second. I know he was just on the phone on a conference call. Let me see if he's free." Kori came on a few seconds later. "Yeah it looks like he's done with his conference call. I'll put you through."
"Thanks Kori."
A few seconds later, Logan came on. "Hey sugarpuss."
Veronica groaned, "Seriously, if I paid you, would you please stop using that nickname?"
"No."
"Logan…"
"So what's up?"
"What do you mean what's up? I'm sure you know why I'm calling. I had a huge teddy bear sitting in my chair when I came into my office."
Logan chuckled as he typed on his computer, "Is that a problem? Is he trying to take over your job?"
"Logan, Valentine's Day is still 4 days away."
"I'm well aware of that, thank you."
"Then why did you buy me something now? Save your money."
"Do you not like it?"
"Of course I like it." she paused for a moment. "I love it. It's my Logie Bear."
Logan stifled a laugh, "Seriously?"
"Yes." She was smirking. He could tell it even over the phone. "It's adorable but you don't have to that."
"I know I don't have to. I want to. We never got to spend these holidays together as a couple so I'm trying to make up for it now."
"Save your money." Veronica repeated.
"The present you'll get on Friday isn't going to cost me anything. I wanted to spend some money on some other stuff first."
"Other stuff?" Veronica repeated hollowly as she started up her laptop. "Please tell me you didn't go crazy and buy me something for every day up until Valentine's Day?"
"And if I did?"
"Logan!"
"Veronica, if I want to spend money on you why can't I?"
"Why should you?"
"Because it's fun." Logan reasoned as he reclined his seat back and kicked his feet up onto his desk. The phone was cradled against his right ear. "Because I love you."
"Yes, I know." Veronica smirked. "You love me beary much."
Logan chuckled. "That's right; I do. Did you think I had forgotten that from junior year?"
Veronica shook her head as she cradled the phone against her left ear. Oh and she was playing with the bear too. "No, I knew you'd remember." she sighed. "Please don't go crazy, OK?" she pleaded.
Logan sighed. "Fine."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
"OK, I just have one question if you expect me to accept this."
"And what is that?"
Veronica let out a heavy sigh. "Did you win this at a ring tossing game?"
Logan gave a small chuckle. "Bye, Veronica."
"Bye Logan."
Tuesday started at 9:30 and this time, Veronica was at work when the present arrived. Alex was still gone so Veronica had left her office door open. The messenger dropped off shallow gold box. Veronica untied the red ribbon on the box and lifted the lid and her face brought out into a huge grin. Chocolates. Yummy.
-R U trying 2 get me fat? Veronica smirked as she sent the text. She popped a piece of chocolate in her mouth. It was only a few moments later when Logan sent a text back.
-Sweets for my sweet
-Extremely cheesy
-Sweets for my sweet from ur sweet
-LOL thank you Logan.
Wednesday morning came the delivery of flowers. And not your typical flowers you would find for Valentine's Day either. It was a bouquet of Mokara and Dendrobium orchids. They were very pretty as they were various shades of pink. She sniffed them and looked up to see Alex giving her a puzzled look. "Are those orchids?"
Veronica held in a smirk, "Yes they are."
"Are you a fan of orchids?"
Veronica shrugged. "They're pretty but they're not my favorite. I like lilies better." She told Alex honestly as she sniffed the flowers again.
"Logan doesn't know what kind of flowers you like after all this time?"
Veronica laughed. "It's not that. He would have gotten me roses more than likely but he always bought Lilly roses."
Alex nodded. "And the lilies because…"
"Yeah, because of her name. He's trying to play it safe here I think. I mean they are beautiful though."
That night, Veronica met Logan at his office. Kori was just getting ready to leave. "Hey Kori." Veronica smiled.
"Hey Veronica. Go on in. Mac's in there but I think it's probably OK."
"Yeah, I'm sure it would be. Thanks."
Veronica opened the door and saw Logan and Mac in what appeared to be a deep conversation. They both looked up when she came in. Their expressions were suspicious; as if they had been caught doing something they weren't supposed to be doing. "Hey." She gave a quick wave and a wary smile.
"Hey Veronica." Mac gave a nervous smile.
Veronica then glanced at Logan who was wearing his classic I-didn't-do-anything-wrong look. She then turned back to Mac. "Mac…what's going on?"
"Nothing."
"Yeah, I don't believe that. How about the truth?"
"It's nothing." Mac insisted. "Logan…was just…telling me some of…the presents he got you for Valentine's Day."
"Oh really?" Veronica raised a curious eyebrow. "Do tell."
"No she won't." Logan piped in. "It's a surprise, Veronica."
"Did you like your present today?" Mac asked.
"Yes, the orchids were beautiful." Veronica smiled.
"Orchids?" Mac stared at her, confused. "I thought your favorite flowers were lilies."
"They are." Veronica admitted with a sly grin and Logan's sheepish reaction said it all.
"Why didn't you get her lilies then?" Mac asked the most obvious question.
"Because Logan's dead ex-girlfriend's name is Lilly and he thought I would think that he was thinking about her."
"No, I…"
"Well, then why not roses?"
"Oh, Logan always gave Lilly roses." Veronica explained. "Regardless the orchids are beautiful, Mac. I really do like them."
"God you have a complicated life." Mac told Logan as she rose. "Must head out. See you tomorrow, Logan. Bye Veronica."
"See ya, Mac." Veronica watched her walk out of Logan's office and Mac closed the door as she went. Veronica smirked at Logan then.
"Trying to throw me under the bus because I picked the wrong flower?"
Veronica chuckled as she sat down on the edge of his desk. "I won't say you picked wrong; I'll just say you over thought things. I do think they're beautiful, Logan but you don't have to jump to the conclusion that I'm going to think there's ulterior motives if you gave me the same type of flowers that you gave Lilly. I wouldn't have made a big deal out of it." she paused for a moment then continued. "However the fact that you bought them and all these presents at all…"
She was cut off then. "Are we back to this again?"
"Logan it's exceedingly unnecessary."
"I think you've made your point about that and I told you I'm going to spend money on you whether you like it or not." he pulled her down to sit on his lap. "Besides," he gave her a kiss, "I think you'll really enjoy the other ones that are still coming."
"I'm almost scared to see what you have planned."
"You'll like them." he gave her a kiss. "I promise. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, kind of."
"Well, let's go eat then."
They went to a nearby restaurant that had Chinese. About 15 minutes after they arrived, Logan's cell phone rang. He groaned when he saw the Caller ID. It was his sister yet again. She had been pestering him over the last week because she hadn't received a RSVP on her wedding. Logan had been dodging her phone calls until now.
He sighed as he answered the phone, "Hello?" He wouldn't have even picked up but Veronica was watching him and he knew she would ask why he wouldn't answer it.
"Well it's about time!" Was Trina's greeting. "Don't you ever get your messages?"
Logan picked at his Sweet and Sour Pork. He was now starting to lose his appetite for it. "I've been busy with work, Trina."
"The least you can do is call me back, baby brother."
"What do you want?"
"You don't have to be so rude."
"Well you're ruining my date, Trina. Just tell me what you want."
"Ooo…your date. Is that with Veronica?"
"Yes." he hissed. "If you don't tell me what you want, I'm hanging up the phone."
"Well, I never got an RSVP that you were coming to my wedding."
"There's a reason for that. I'm not going."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm not going to see you ruin your life yet again. Besides, I'm going to be in Miami then anyway for work."
"Miami is not that far from Jamaica you know?"
"I'm not going Trina." Logan repeated again. "I have a bunch of meetings for work. Like I said, I'm not going to watch you mess up your life and get married to a guy who you only got engaged to because you got pregnant."
Veronica bit her lip. This was not good.
"Logan, I've been engaged for over 6 months now. Jack is a decent guy. He's an honest guy. I swear to God you're so fucking paranoid."
"No, call this relying on my intuition. Remember your last marriage? It barely lasted 2 months. I told you it wasn't going to end up working out and who was right?"
"You were." Trina replied glumly.
"Show me one decent thing he did other than for himself and I just may consider going otherwise as of right now, I'm not going. I need to go now. Bye."
Logan punched end on his phone and shut it off. He let out a heavy sigh.
"Is this guy a really bad guy?"
"I don't know." he responded in a quiet voice. "There's something about him that I don't trust. Trina for some odd reason is being so naïve. She still wants to believe that none of the guys that she meets see dollar signs when they find out she's Aaron Echolls' daughter." he groaned as he drank his beer. "I try to warn her like I did with her first husband and she tells me I'm wrong. Then I turn out to be right and she yells at me for that. I'm sick of it!" he spat. "Let's change the subject please!" he pleaded.
"OK." Veronica nodded as she ate her Kung Pao Chicken. "One question though before we do?"
"What's that?"
"Why haven't you asked?"
Logan's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Asked what?"
Veronica rolled her eyes, "Now who's playing naïve? You had me do a background check on that abusive boyfriend of hers all those years ago. Why haven't you asked me to do one now?"
Logan felt stupid. Of course he should have had her do a background check on the guy. Honestly the main reason he hadn't asked was because he wasn't thinking this engagement was going to last. "Yeah I should have thought of that sooner. Are you sure you're not too busy?"
Veronica gave him a knowing look. "This guy is going to be your brother in law. No, I can do this in a short amount of time. This is a cakewalk. I just hope for Trina's sake that nothing comes up."
"I would like nothing more than for him to have a clean record. I just somehow think I'm right."
Veronica smirked at him and he returned it. "So…how much are you going to charge me for this?"
"I don't know. I mean, it could be a pretty big bill." Veronica teased.
He leaned over and gave her a slow kiss. "I'm kind of tight right now…" He struggled to get out.
Veronica smirked at the double entendre as she felt up his leg and could feel his erection straining against his pants. "Yes, you are, aren't you?" she grinned devilishly as she stroked him under the table.
"Veronica…" he said through his clenched teeth.
"Hmm…" she smiled sweetly as she teased him.
"Stop it. I…I don't want…to do this…here." his voice dropped down to a whisper. "I want to come inside you, not all over my pants OK?"
"Then why are we still here?"
"Good question; let's go."
Veronica awoke Thursday morning pretty groggy. It was another late night. Even though she slept facing away from him, she knew that Logan wasn't in bed. She glanced over at the time and found it was already 8:30. She was meeting a client at 10:30. She slowly sat up and saw a present sitting next to her. She flipped the card open and it read:
-Model it for me, would you?
OK so that could only mean one thing, she groaned to herself. She cautiously opened the present. She figured she would be getting lingerie at some point, she just hoped that Logan didn't let his "17 year old, perverted" self go wild. She pulled it out and examined it. It was from Agent Provocateur. It was a Rizzo Corselette in a deep rose color. She was still holding it up and looking it over when Logan came in.
"Seriously?" Veronica raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"What?" Logan smirked. "I think it'll look great on you."
"Yeah, I'm sure you do." she threw her feet off her bed and drudged into the bathroom carrying her present. "There better not be any thong underwear in here, Logan." she warned him as she shut the bathroom door.
"There's not. I promise." Logan confirmed. "I think I know you a little better than that, Veronica."
"We'll find out in a moment here." Veronica's voice was muffled because of the door. It took her a few extra minutes to get into it because of the corset snaps. She did a once over on herself in the mirror. Not bad. Not bad at all.
"Do I get to see it here?" Logan called to her.
She reached in the box and found a deep rose colored silk robe. She pulled it out and quickly wrapped it around her, knotting it at her waist. She swung the door open.
He gave her a knowing grin, "I meant the lingerie."
Veronica sighed as she unknotted the robe and slid it off her shoulders. Logan's mouth dropped open.
"Wow!" he commented as he walked around her, surveying it from every angle. "That looks incredible on you."
"Glad you like it." Veronica told him as she leaned down to pick up the robe. She turned to head back into the bathroom.
"Hey!" he clutched onto her arm, stealing the robe away from her so she couldn't put it back on. "What's wrong with it?"
"Nothing's wrong with it."
"I think you look sexy as hell in that, Veronica."
"Thank you."
"Then what's the problem?"
"It's nothing. It's just…I'm kind of surprised you picked this."
Logan looked at her expression then glanced down at the lingerie, "Why?"
"Well, this is a one piece thing and I have it on good authority that you don't like one-piece ensembles."
Logan groaned. Really? Why hasn't this died yet? "Veronica why the fuck would you ever listen to Madison Sinclair? Seriously, the girl lived to torment you. She only said it to put you down and make you insecure."
Veronica sighed. "I know; I shouldn't still be letting this bother me."
"No, you shouldn't. You know, I felt really bad hearing that shit she told you and stuff. She knew she could play you so well but honestly the main reason she did it was because I'm sure she was still bitter about what happened and knowing you would be miserable was making her feel better."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"It means I was drunk off my ass. She had to do all the work and then, when it happened, I…"
Veronica was unsure whether or not she really wanted to hear this, "Yeah?"
"Well, I was screaming your name, not hers." Logan admitted with a sly grin. Veronica was still skeptical though so she hid her smile.
"If that's true, why did she show up that night at the Grand?"
Logan shrugged. "I dunno. My guess is she was hoping that if I was sober, I'd actually want to do her. I try not to dwell on it." Logan mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair. "And I think it's time you stop dwelling on it too, OK?"
"OK." Veronica whispered.
"I mean it, Veronica."
"I know." Veronica commented, a slight edge to her voice.
"We're going to get married here, Veronica. Madison Sinclair was, is, and always will be irrelevant, OK?"
Veronica nodded.
"The longer you let this bother you, she keeps winning."
Veronica thought for a moment. That was a very valid point. "We can't let that happen."
Logan smirked as he wrapped his arms around her waist, "No, we can't." he leaned down and gave her a rather lengthy kiss. "Honestly, you tend to look pretty phenomenal in anything you wear whether it's a one piece or 2 pieces but there's one way I like best."
Veronica gave him a knowing smirk, "Naked?"
"Yeah." he told her quietly as he kissed her again. His hands rested on the straps of the lingerie and he was attempting to lower them but he was prevented from going any further.
"Sorry, not going to happen." she smiled sweetly at him as she pulled the straps back up.
He pouted, "You're really enjoying telling me no aren't you?"
"Logan we just had sex like 5 hours ago. You can wait until tomorrow night." she told him as she left his grasp and headed back into the bathroom to change. "Besides I have a meeting in about an hour so I need to get to work soon to prepare." she turned around and held the bathroom door open.
"You giving me a promise about tomorrow?"
Veronica rolled her eyes. "Do you think I'd be that mean to you? After all, tomorrow is Valentine's Day." she reminded him as she shut the door.
Logan let out an exhausting breath as he sat down on the edge of his bed and folded her robe up. He really thought they were past the whole Madison thing. She said she was past it; did the fact that he gave her lingerie really drudge that memory back up? Was this always going to be there? That thought made a horrifying shiver run up Logan's spine. He thinks he was finally able to get her to see the big picture. The last thing Veronica would ever want is for Madison to think she would ever win this twisted game they liked to play. Hopefully this was to going to end…now.
Friday morning around 11 there was another delivery. Another card accompanied it too. –Bring these tonight, OK?
This piqued Veronica's curiosity. It looked like a candy box yet again. Well until she opened it and saw a dozen chocolate dipped strawberries sitting there. They varied from milk chocolate, some in white chocolate and some dipped in milk chocolate and topped with chocolate chips. Now how she was going to keep herself from eating them beforehand?
Alex came strolling into Veronica's office and set a file down on her desk. "So what was today's present?" He peered inside the box. "Ooo…chocolate dipped strawberries. This kid is good."
Veronica stifled a laugh, "Kid?"
"Yeah, I know sorry."
"I'm trying to figure out how I'm not going to eat any of them before bringing them to dinner tonight."
"Easy. Keep them with me." Alex grinned.
"Forget it." Veronica scoffed as she closed the box. "You'd eat them all." she rose from her desk and set them in her mini fridge. "So what are you giving Lizzie for Valentine's Day?"
"I bought her some flowers and taking her out to dinner tonight."
Veronica smiled, "That's nice."
Alex smirked, "We can't all be like your boyfriend."
"If you think I like him showering me with all these presents you obviously don't know me." she reminded him. "Trust me, he went overboard." she groaned. "I tell him that every chance I get and he doesn't really care. When we were together we never really got a chance to celebrate any holidays together. This is his idea of making up for it."
"Well, that's nice of him to do that."
"Yeah, it is even if he went completely overboard."
Veronica closed her door and called Logan's cell phone. "Hey sweetums."
"Trying out a different nickname now?"
"Just seeing what works."
"Keep looking."
"What's up?"
"So did you seriously make these strawberries yourself?"
"What?"
"You said the present I get on Friday wasn't costing you anything."
"Yeah, no I didn't make the chocolate strawberries. I'm talking about the present you'll get tonight is one that I didn't buy."
Veronica sighed. God, another one? "Have I stressed enough it's ridiculous…"
"Yes, several times. You'll really enjoy the present tonight. At least I'm hoping so."
"Do I at least get a hint?"
"Nope sorry."
"You're no fun." Veronica pouted.
Logan laughed.
"How am I supposed to not eat these at all?"
"It's a little something I like to call willpower. You may have heard of it."
"Yeah, don't lecture me about willpower when you couldn't go more than 5 hours without sex." She reminded him about yesterday.
"But I did, didn't I?"
"Only because I didn't give in."
"OK meet me at 7 at my place OK?"
"OK. Sounds good."
"I'll see you tonight. I love you."
"Love you too Logan." Veronica hung up and dove back into her work.
It was just before 7 when Veronica knocked on Logan's door. She came dressed a rose red Herve Leger Bandage Tank Dress and carrying chocolate dipped strawberries in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other. Logan's present was in her purse.
Logan swung the door opened and grinned at her. He was dressed rather sharp too. He was wearing a deep red dress shirt and black dress pants.
"Wow!" They said in unison which caused them both to laugh.
"You look beautiful." Logan kissed her cheek. "Want some help?"
"Please." She handed him the champagne. "Thank you. You look pretty good too."
Logan gave a sexy grin, "Well thank you." He raised an amused eyebrow. "Champagne?"
"Why not? I mean we have the chocolate covered strawberries."
"Sure." He motioned his head in the direction of the deck door. "Come on."
"We're eating on the deck?"
"Not quite."
They made their way onto the deck and could see off in the distance a table with a red tablecloth on it and 2 wooden high-back chairs with white seat cushions. He even had candles lit. Veronica's face lit up. "Eating on the beach?"
Logan nodded. "What do you think?"
"I love it." Veronica admitted as they headed down to the table. "You're such a romantic." she commented as she took a seat in the chair to the left.
Logan took a seat in his chair and scooted it forward so he could remove the lid from Veronica's dinner. "Did you cook too?"
Logan grinned, "I did." He lifted the lid and showed her what appeared to be Lemon and Garlic Chicken and Roasted Vegetables.
"Wow! This looks great, Logan." she told him as she unrolled her napkin so she could place it in her lap.
"Thank you. Dig in."
The conversation was kept light as they ate. Veronica complimented Logan more than once on his cooking skills. It was almost an hour later when Veronica reached inside her purse and handed him his present. "Happy Valentine's Day."
Logan smirked at her as he went and opened it. He grinned when he saw the familiar box that held the cologne he always used, "My favorite cologne. Thank you." he leaned over and gave her a kiss.
"Good thing you haven't ever changed cologne like in the last 11 years."
"You remember you're the first one who bought it for me, right?"
Veronica grinned, "That was because Lilly dared me to. She said you were wanting it so she dared me to buy it."
Logan chuckled, "You were so naïve then. You really did believe anything that girl said didn't you?"
"Are you telling me you never wanted it?"
"I had never asked for it, no." Logan clarified.
Veronica's mouth gaped open. Logan took the liberty of giving her another kiss then. "That doesn't mean that I didn't like it though. I will admit that I told Lilly that I did like the smell of it."
"That was your Christmas present if I remember right?"
"Yeah, the Christmas before she died yeah." he gave her another kiss. "Thank you for getting it for me now. I was almost out."
Veronica smiled sweetly, "I know. I pay attention to that kind of thing."
Logan laughed as he put her present in front of her. Again, it was small enough to be a ring box. Veronica groaned which made Logan laugh harder.
"Why do you insist on torturing me?" Veronica whined as she held the present in her palm.
"Because it's fun. Go ahead and open it."
She unwrapped the present and stared at the box for a second then at Logan. She flipped it open and saw a shiny silver key. "A key?"
Logan nodded.
"You're giving me a key to your place?"
"Yeah."
Veronica stared at it for a moment which irritated Logan because her expression was unreadable. "So what do you think?" he pressed.
"I think it's great. Thank you."
Logan shook his head in disbelief. She wasn't getting the symbolism apparently. "Veronica, do you know what this key is for?"
"Your heart?" She joked and Logan laughed. "Well, I'm assuming it's for your condo."
"It is." Logan confirmed. "Are you still not getting it?"
Veronica stared at it for a second and then it finally dawned on her. Her mouth gaped open for the second time tonight. "Wait…you mean like…move in?"
Logan gave her a knowing smile, "I think it's a good idea if we're going to be getting married eventually, don't you?"
"Yeah, it is…"
"OK, let's hear the argument."
"Argument?" she looked at him confused.
"I know what you're going to say, Veronica. You're worried about being away from your dad. I've already talked to him though. I told him about this."
"You did?"
"Well, I figured you were going to give me an argument about leaving him alone. He's in support of this though."
"Really?"
"Are you surprised he was?"
"No not really." It was the truth. Veronica was aware that her dad had come around on Logan. He'd seen a real change since they had gotten back together.
"Sooo?"
"So…yeah. Of course. I think it's a good idea for us to live together."
Logan was beaming. "Good. So when do you think? Tomorrow?"
"What? Are you crazy? It's going to take me more than a day to pack my stuff Logan."
Yes, that would be too easy wouldn't it? "So how long are you thinking?"
"Like next weekend."
"You're going to need a whole week to pack?" Logan raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I've seen your room Veronica. Quite frankly I could fit two of your bedrooms in my bedroom alone."
"Shut up!" she slugged him.
Logan chuckled. "My point is you don't have that much stuff."
"Well the other part is that I do want to spend some time with my dad."
Logan held in a sigh. He could fight this but it would be a losing battle. Then again, he was surprised that it didn't take nearly any extra arm-twisting to get her to agree to move in. "OK. Fine."
Veronica smirked as she rose from the table and came over and straddled his lap. "Why are you so anxious to have me move in here?" She wrapped her arms around his neck. Logan grinned. He was liking this position.
"Because I'm thinking about tying you to my bed and never letting you out of my sight."
She kissed his neck, mainly because she was breathing in his cologne. "We had a talk about that though remember? It's not good for business."
"We'd try it on a weekend." Logan assured her. "You see, I always wanted to try it but was never able to because we never really got to have sleepovers. But now…" he gave her another kiss, "with you moving in…" another kiss "we will definitely…" another kiss "have to try it."
"Fine, I'll let you do that."
Logan raised a curious eyebrow. "Really?"
"One condition."
"And what's that?"
Veronica grinned devilishly, "Well, if I let you tie me up, you have to be willing to let me tie you up."
Logan looked like he was a kid in a candy store, "Are you kidding me? Of course, I'll let you do that."
"Yeah, somehow I didn't expect you to argue." Veronica told him before kissed him. She readjusted herself on his lap which of course made Logan instantly hard.
"You're mean." Logan told her between clenched teeth.
"Well, just consider it a mutual torture process. You don't do it me and I won't do it to you." She wiggled her hips on him.
"Where the hell is the fun in that?"
"Isn't that the truth?" She laughed. "Better hurry. I don't think you're going to last long." she taunted.
"Don't ever question how long I can last at anything, OK?"
Logan took what she said to heart though and rose from his chair and Veronica still had her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.
"What, you can't walk?"
"Am I really that heavy for you?"
"Are you kidding? You're like a feather."
They made it inside Logan's condo in record time and took turns ripping each other's clothes off from the second they walked through the door. The trail of clothes led from the deck door all the way to Logan's bedroom. By the time they arrived at his bed, they were both nearly naked; Logan just in his boxers and Veronica in the lingerie that he bought her for Valentine's Day.
"Have I told you lately just how hot you look in that?" Logan lifted her up and put her on the bed softly. He pushed the straps and pulled the corset top down to her waist. He slowly kissed a path down her body started at her neck. She moaned as he teased one of her nipples. "Not…today…no." She struggled to get out.
"You do. You taste amazing by the way." He murmured as he turned his attention to her other breast. While his lips were on her breast his hands were busy pushing down the lingerie off her. After he managed to part her from it and her panties, his fingers had made their way inside her. As he thrust his fingers in and out of her, he flicked his tongue across her nipple before allowing his lips to suckle on her.
"Oh god Logan." She moaned as she ran her fingers through his hair. "God, I'm going to come."
His fingers accelerated their pace then.
'I'm coming now, Logan. Oh god!" she screamed as the orgasm ripped through her. She was still panting heavily as his lips continued their journey down her body. As soon as Logan's tongue licked into her, Veronica's moaning returned. He found every crevice inside her. He sucked and nipped at her clit which made her moan even louder.
"Logan…Logan, I'm coming again. God, I'm coming, I'm coming." She struggled to get out as she came again.
Once she regained her normal breathing, she flipped them around so she was on top of him. She could tell he was still painfully hard as she helped him take off his boxers. She stroked him for a minute before Logan barked at her to stop. So she did. And she replaced her hand with her lips.
"Ahh…Veronica." Logan was trying to maintain her composure as he felt her tongue flick across the head of his penis before her lips wrap around it. He never forced her to do a blowjob before and didn't have any intention of doing it now. While it was not something done every time they had sex, she did manage to do it on a fairly regular basis for him.
She moved him in and out of her mouth a little slower at first as one hand was wrapped around him and the other was massaging his balls "God, you're amazing Veronica." He sighed contently as his fingers ran through her hair. She picked up the pace then and Logan assisted in the process. He held her head and moved a little deeper in her mouth each time. Veronica was used to it though. He had been the only guy she had ever done this with. In fact, Logan was the one that taught her everything she knew about how to give a blowjob.
Logan was now losing it though. He couldn't hold back any longer. "Veronica…I'm going to come; it would be wise to move now."
But she didn't. She held onto him as he bucked his hips, held her head right against him and came in her mouth. Veronica eagerly swallowed it as she could hear Logan moan, oh god Veronica a few times.
When it was over, Veronica collapsed on the bed next to him.
"God that was incredible Veronica." Logan panted.
"You're welcome." she smiled sweetly at him.
It took a couple minutes for Logan to get his normal breathing back. When he did, he took care of protection and then joined her on the bed. As soon as he was inside her, Veronica switched positions on him so she was on top.
"You're just full of surprises tonight, aren't you?"
Veronica smirked as she leaned down to kiss him, "I like to keep you on your toes."
When they were finished, Veronica moved away from Logan, retrieved her robe and while she was putting it on, she told him she would be right back. This did confuse him at first but it was only a couple minutes before she returned carrying her box of chocolate strawberries and a new bottle of champagne with 2 flutes.
Logan grinned as he sat up. The sheet was covering his lower half. He took the champagne and the flutes from her and she joined him on the bed, setting the box down in between them. Logan peered inside as soon as he was done filling the flutes. "I'm rather impressed."
"By what?"
"Your willpower." Logan snickered as he handed her a flute. "You didn't eat a single one did you?"
"Let me tell you something, it was extremely hard to do that though."
"I bet it was." He grabbed one of the milk chocolate dipped strawberries with chocolate chips and fed it to her.
She grinned from ear to ear as he did this. "So how is it?" he asked as she ate it.
Veronica shrugged as she grabbed one of the milk chocolate strawberries and fed it to him, "You tell me."
"Mmm…pretty good." he told her after he finished his bite.
Half an hour later, after each of them took turns feeding the other person a few strawberries, both Logan and Veronica were reclined back on his bed staring at the ceiling in contentment.
"All in all, I think this was a pretty good Valentine's Day." Veronica concluded after a few moments of silence.
"Pretty good?" Logan glanced over at her and raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"OK very good."
Logan chuckled.
"Don't you think so?"
"The best one I've ever had." He confirmed as he kissed her.
******Monday morning******
Veronica had been staring at her computer screen for several minutes. She had a relieved look on her face. She had been looking up Logan's future brother in law's information for the background check. It showed that he had an arrest a couple years ago for embezzlement and fraud from his company. It did however say that he was exonerated. That was good news. Maybe now Logan could put his mind at ease.
It was lunch time when Veronica was able to get the information to him. He grinned at her when he walked into the restaurant and saw her waiting for him. "Hey baby." he kissed her.
"Yes, stick with that nickname OK? I can live with that one."
Logan chuckled as he scanned the menu. "How's your day been?"
"Good. I…uh…went ahead and did that background check for you." She handed him the folder. "Jack's record is clean."
"It is?" Logan asked. He wasn't wanting to believe it. He flipped it open and noticed the charge of embezzlement and fraud on it. "What are you talking about clean? He was charged with embezzlement and fraud two years ago."
"Logan, he was exonerated. His record is basically wiped clean."
Logan remained skeptical but kept it to himself. He was going to have a nice talk with Trina. He wanted to see just how much Trina knew about her fiancé and his so called exonerated charge.
An hour later, they left the restaurant together. "I have to head back to the office. I'll call you when I get off work tonight, OK?" Veronica told her as they walked to his car.
"Sounds good." Logan put the file under his arm. He leaned down and kissed her. "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye." Veronica headed to her car, paused for a moment then turned around, "Logan?"
"Yeah?"
"This news about Jack…it's a good thing but if you want, I can dig into it more and see what happened."
"Nah, that's OK."
This surprised Veronica. She figured he'd want more information before he could believe it. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it."
"OK. I'll talk to you later." She gave a quick wave then headed back to her office. That was easy; too easy. Way too easy actually. Something's not right. She decided that even though Logan said he didn't want the background on what happened, Veronica being Veronica decided to research it anyway. She herself was curious what happened. She dove into her work as soon as she walked in the door. She told Alex to take messages for all of her calls.
It took a couple hours but Veronica was able to find the information about what happened. Jack Hansen, Trina's fiancé, was an accounting manager for his company. Over a 6 month period he had noticed huge amounts of money were missing from their accounts receivable account. He reported it to his manager as he was assuming there had to be some sort of error in either billing or maybe on the bank side. His manager, the CFO, told him he would do some research and see what was going on. Two days later, the cops arrested Jack as the missing money had appeared in an account with his name on it. Jack ended up serving 68 days in jail before evidence was found that it was his manager was the one who was embezzling and set up the account in Jack's name.
-I know u didn't want it but found out truth about Jack. He is a good guy Logan. Trina is lucky. U should tell her that.
Logan sighed when he read that message. –I can't do that
Veronica frowned. –Y not?
-Ur 2 late.
-2 late?
-Meet me my office in 20 minutes.
-OK
Why did Veronica have the worst feeling in the pit of her stomach? She arrived at Logan's office within 15 minutes and Kori, who was on the phone, just waved her in. She opened the door and found Logan, sitting in his black executive chair, facing the south window. His back was towards her.
"Hey." she sat down on a chair in front of his desk. "What's going on? What happened?"
Logan was quiet.
It dawned on Veronica then. "I knew you were agreeing way too easy. Did you confront Trina about Jack?"
It took several seconds before Logan responded, "Maybe."
"Oh Logan…" Veronica gave a heavy sigh. "I take it Trina was pissed off."
Logan flipped his chair around then to face her. He ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. "Livid is a better word."
"OK." Veronica sighed. "Start from the beginning."
******2 hours ago******
Logan knocked on Trina's apartment door. She lived in a relatively nice section of LA. She had gotten a pretty good sized trust fund from Aaron when he died so she was able to get herself a very posh apartment. She did receive the bulk of Aaron's estate but honestly, that didn't upset Logan in the least. The fewer ties to his father, the better. In fact, most of what he did get went to charity.
Logan wanted to be self-sufficient. He didn't want to rely on anyone else for his livelihood. Well, OK so that wasn't entirely true. He did use the money that he had gotten from his mother's estate to start his company. And it did also help that Mac and Dick matched the amount Logan had put in to start the company. It only took around a year and half to start turning a profit. Right now, Logan was looking at a very profitable year and it was only February.
Trina answered a few moments later. She swung the door open and Logan peered in. Her apartment appeared to be in utter disarray. She liked to blame the baby but Logan knew this was all Trina. Trina's thought was 'Why should I clean when I can hire a maid to do it for me?' Unfortunately the maid only made weekly trips and the other 6 days it looked like it did now.
"Logan." Trina frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk Trina." He paused for a moment waiting for an invitation. When it didn't come he asked, "Can I come in?"
Trina groaned as she flitted her hand and moved away from the door. "I thought we said all that needed to be said last week."
"Well, that was until I did some digging on Jack…"
"You did what?" Trina's face turned murderous. "Damn it Logan! Why the hell can't you leave anything alone?"
"Because I'm the one who usually has to pay when you get in trouble."
"I told you he was a good guy."
"Really? A good guy? He has a record Trina."
"He was exonerated of that Logan!" Trina yelled and as soon as she did, Logan could hear the baby crying in a nearby room.
"You know about…"
"Of course I know!" She spat. "I had him looked into before I said yes to his proposal." She stomped into the nearby bedroom and brought Mary back in with her. She was about 4 months old now and had a good head of red hair and big green eyes, just like her mother.
"You did?"
"You know, it pisses me off to no end how you think I am still so stupid that I wouldn't do that. Especially when it comes to the welfare of my daughter. My guess is you had Veronica look him up and if she would have been in town at the time I got engaged, she would have been who I went to but instead I had to go with Vinnie Van Lowe. Stop thinking I'm stupid, Logan!"
"I don't think you're stupid." Logan argued. Naïve, maybe but not stupid, he said to himself.
"No, you just wanted to find something so you could prove to me that yet again you were right and I didn't know diddley shit about the guy I was marrying."
"I'm…I'm sorry, Trina." And he meant it. He should have left well enough alone.
"No, you know what? That's not going to work this time, Logan. You don't want to come to my wedding? Fine. You don't want to give my fiancé half a chance? So be it. Just don't expect that you're going to see your niece anymore."
"What?"
"I want you to get the hell out of here Logan and leave me alone! Quit sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. No one asked you to butt in, you just go ahead and do it. You don't really care about my feelings…"
"Of course I do."
"No, you don't! If you did, you wouldn't have went behind my back to try and prove that I didn't know my own fiancé."
Logan stood there speechless.
"Get out, Logan. I want you to stay out of my life, you got me?"
"Fine." Logan mumbled.
"Take a good long look at your niece. It's going to be the last time you ever see her."
"Trina…"
"Get out now, Logan."
****** End flashback******
"Oh Logan…" Veronica said sadly.
"Yeah." Logan looked morose. "What the hell did I do, Veronica?"
"I think…" she was trying to find how to word this delicately. "you were trying to do the right thing. You were trying to look out for Trina. The thing is Jack had a clear record, Logan. I told you that." She pulled out the new information she printed out and handed it to him. He took it cautiously and flipped through it. "I researched it further cause I knew it was too easy that you would simply be satisfied hearing what I gave you. I knew you would want more information. His boss set him up, Logan."
Logan's eyes darted to hers.
"He knew there was something wrong with the money and the account; he reported it to management and was told they would take care of it. As a thank you, they set him up to be the fall guy."
His eyes fell back on the article.
"Jack's boss was found to be embezzling money over a period of several months from the company."
Logan tossed the article onto his desk and ran his fingers through his hair.
"He really was innocent, Logan."
He stared at Veronica for a long second. His eyes were sad. "So what do I do now?"
"I don't know, Logan." she told him miserably. "I really don't know."
In case you didn't figure it out, the last part of this chapter was why it's called Bittersweet Valentine. I have many people to thank for their help on this chapter. They should know who they are ;) but regardless, the people in my KS VM backer Skype group who did help contribute when I had doubts. Kathi with her help on surfing on Lake Michigan and Lyz with her help on whether or not it was really believable that Logan could start a company and make surfing equipment for kids. I'd like to believe it's true. Few other notes. I need to know if Dick and Mac should have a boy or a girl and what the baby's name should be. That's coming up in a couple chapters. This whole thing with Trina isn't the end of that storyline. It will take a hiatus for a few chapters but it will be revisited in more than one way. Also, I'm bringing Madison back in. I've already written the scene for a future chapter. I think you'll like it. It's a very interesting chapter. Anyway, final note. Next chapter will be April and it will be the trip to Chicago...and another place too. The following chapter will be May and Mac has the baby and then one after that is June and...well, you'll just have to wait and see what happens there ; ) Anyway, please review. I love to read them!