Oh my god guys! I really never meant to take 4 months to update this story. I haven't been just sitting around though doing nothing. Since the last time I updated I've done 3 college classes which ate up A LOT of time and then two weeks ago I had surgery for kidney stones. Not a fun experience. I still have the stent in which is as uncomfortable as hell but oh well. It's supposed to come out in two weeks. Anyway, this is probably the biggest chapter I've ever written I'm sure the final word count here is going to be over 14000. I wrote about 4k words just today even. I wanted to get it out sooner but I just kept getting delayed so I apologize. Hopefully since it's a super long chapter (68 pages in Word) that you might forgive me here. Also this chapter is M of course. I originally wrote the chapter without the detailed sex scenes. I just did a PG version which I told myself people were going to find that unacceptable given what this chapter is about. It's the one you've been waiting 6 months for (six months in the story for of course). Anyway, please review and let me know what you thought. I broke a 100 reviews with the last chapter :D. Thank you to all of my readers and reviewers. I really appreciate all of you!


The alarm sounded loudly which caused Logan to jump up in bed. He yawned and smacked the alarm off. He had been in a dead sleep. God, it was only 5:30. Why did 5:30 have to come so damn early? A small smile crept onto his face once he remembered what they were doing today. He glanced down at Veronica who looked very peaceful in her sleep. OK so I won't wake her just yet, he decided.

He headed into the bathroom to get ready and came back out almost half an hour later after he had showered, shaved and changed. He sighed. Oh she so wasn't going to like this…

Logan leaned down and kissed Veronica's shoulder. "Wake up sleepyhead."

"No." Veronica grumbled. "Go 'way." She clung tightly to her pillow, facing away from him.

He smirked. "Time to get up Veronica. The plane leaves at 7."

Veronica cracked one eye open. "Logan, it's your damn plane. It can leave whenever. Besides, we're not even meeting Jackie and Wallace until tomorrow."

"Yes but I've something else planned for today. I'm sure you're gonna like it."

"Lo-gan!" Veronica moaned as she refused to part from her pillow.

Logan sighed. OK if it had to be done this way, so be it. He grabbed the pillow out of her grasp and tossed it to the side. "Logan!" She yelled. He wrapped her left arm around his neck and carried her into the bathroom. He set her down on her feet and was facing down sleepy yet evil glares from her face.

"Come on Veronica. Time to get moving."

After hearing a few dozen expletives fired his way, he swung the door shut and laughed as he headed into his closet. He had his suitcase all packed; there was just one thing missing. He waited until he heard the water turn on then went to his safe. He dialed in the combination and pulled on the handle to open it. He grabbed the ring box from the top shelf and opened it, glancing at it. The ring was still looking as beautiful as ever. He couldn't wait to see Veronica's expression when she opened it. He had thought about getting the diamond reset in a different bad but ultimately decided against it. He snapped the lid back closed and gently put it under his clothes. He zipped up the suitcase at the same time the taps turned off on the shower. Wow! She's being fast today. I'm impressed. We may actually leave town at 7.

Veronica came back out of the bathroom at the same time Logan was bringing his suitcase out of the closet. She was clad in her pink terrycloth bathrobe and her hair was still soaking wet. "I hate you." She grumbled as she wandered into the closet to get dressed.

"Love you too baby." Logan made a kissy face at her.

She glared at him as she put on a teal v-neck t-shirt and black shorts. She then went back into the bathroom and threw her hair up into a French Twist. She decided not to even bother with her makeup. It was far too early to do it and honestly she could care less how she really looked at this point. Especially since she was going to be flying for God knows how long. "So where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

"Logan…"

"Oh come on Veronica. I know you're going to love it."

"How long are we going to be flying?"

"A few hours."

"Gee Logan could you be more vague?" Veronica grabbed her pillow, suitcase and carry-on and headed for the front door.

Logan sighed as he grabbed two garment bags: One bag held his navy suit and navy tie for his work meetings and a full sleeved, sheer silver v-neck sequined knee length dress which he had seen her wear once before since they had gotten back together. The other garment bag held his black suit and maroon tie for when they would go out for dinner. The dress that was in this bag however, was a surprise for Veronica. She had picked out a dress to wear but little did she know that Logan took it back out replaced it with a different one. The new dress could be worn in a little bit warmer climate. The silver dress, since it had full sleeves, he'd save that one for when they were in Chicago.

"Would you quit complaining already? You can sleep on the plane."

They left the condo by 6:45 and had a driver take them to the airport. Since they were going to be gone a few nights, Logan was reluctant to drive his Range Rover and leave it at the airport. As soon as they were inside the car, Veronica dozed off. Logan sighed, not surprised at all. He told the driver to pull over a few minutes later.

"We're stopping. Why are we stopping? I doubt we're at the airport already." Veronica told him. She still had her eyes closed.

Logan smiled as he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the lips. Veronica jumped, startled. She finally opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Happy Anniversary." He grinned and gave her another kiss.

Veronica looked at him confused. She had to think for a moment. Oh god it was April 12th. It was the anniversary of their first kiss. She smiled and gave him another kiss. "Happy Anniversary. So where are we?"

"See for yourself."

Veronica rolled the window down and sure enough they were sitting in the parking lot of the Camelot. "Of course. I should have figured."

"OK, we can head to the airport now." Logan told the driver.

Veronica grinned as she closed her eyes again. He was so sweet that he remembered that.

It was just after 7 when they took off and Veronica slept almost the entire time. She woke up about 45 minutes before they were set to land. Logan was busy reviewing his notes.

"Hey." He kissed her forehead. "Sleep OK?"

"About as well as you can on a plane." She sat up and stretched. "How long have I been asleep?"

"A few hours." Logan commented as he made a note on one of the papers.

"How much longer?"

"Getting impatient?" He smirked.

"I never stopped getting impatient."

"About 45 minutes, give or take."

Veronica laid back and glanced out the window. The last time she had flown was…well, when she came home from Quantico. She stared off dreamily into space. It was super sweet that Logan did remember today was the anniversary of their first kiss. Then again, she did remind him of the date in her letters.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Just today."

"Today?" Logan repeated.

"This morning." Veronica clarified and Logan grinned.

"Did you think I forgot?"

"Well, I wasn't sure. I figured you would remember because of the letter…"

"Yeah, I did remember because of the letter but I do remember all of those dates you told me about." Logan told her. "They were just as important to me as they were obviously to you."

"That's nice to hear." Veronica smiled. "So tell me something because I don't think I've ever asked you."

"What's that?"

"What was going through your mind when I kissed you?"

"Veronica, that was 9 years ago. You really think I remember exactly what was going through my mind then?"

Veronica's expression fell flat and Logan burst out laughing. "I'm just kidding. I was thinking…" He paused for a moment. "Oh my god."

"Seriously?" Veronica grinned.

"Yeah seriously. You took me by surprise which is something that you tended to do often and a lot of the time it was with stuff that I didn't like."

Veronica's gaze narrowed.

Logan chuckled. "That moment you told me about in your letter with the expression on my face looking like I was shocked was right but part of it was wondering if that kiss really happened."

"Why? Did you used to have dreams about us kissing?"

"Only constantly."

Veronica giggled and it was Logan's turn to ask. "Did you?"

"Did I what?'

"Ever dream about us kissing?"

Veronica opened her mouth to say something but then quickly closed it.

"What?"

"Nah…"

"So I'll take that as a yes." Logan smirked."So when were your dreams?"

"When were yours?"

"Probably since I was 12 years old really." He admitted. "I don't remember a time when I hadn't had a dream about you."

"You're so cheesy."

"So tell me already…"

"I don't know…" Veronica squirmed in her chair. "Probably around the time you and Lilly first started dating."

"Really?" Logan's face broke out in a huge grin.

"Yes really."

"Did you ever tell that to Lilly?"

"You think I had a death wish or what?" Veronica stifled a laugh. "She would have killed me."

Logan smirked. "Are you kidding? She probably would have encouraged you to."

"No she wouldn't have."

"Trust me, she would have."

"Guess I'll just have to ask her the next time I'm in the cemetery won't I?"

"Veronica…"

"She didn't feel that way when she found out that you kissed Yolanda now did she?"

Logan threw her a knowing look. "That was different."

Veronica stared at him, bewildered. "How was that different?"

"Three reasons. First of all, I was pissed off at her and Yolanda and I were drunk enough that I didn't care. "

Veronica's eyes narrowed.

"Second, she knew you well enough to know it would end just there."

Veronica's expression evened out. Yeah at that point the thought of having sex with him hadn't really entered her mind. Although that did become a prominent thought in her mind throughout her junior year.

He saw her expression changed and raised a curious eyebrow. "Wouldn't it?"

"What?"

"You're just looking like you want to dispute that."

Veronica shoved his arm. "Oh I am not."

"You are too."

"Grow up would you?" She laughed. "The thought of it going further than that didn't enter my mind until…"

Logan stared at her curiously.

"After we had actually kissed. Like the end of junior year."

"When? The pool house?"

"Yeah right about then. After all, it could have happened then." It would have happened then, she thought. They came pretty damn close actually. "And you? Just when did the thought enter your mind?"

"The real possibility of us sleeping together? Yeah, in the pool house with you sitting on top of me."

Veronica threw him a knowing look.

"The dreams about it, though, that would have been the summer before junior year. You know, when you had cut your hair and went for this whole badass attitude you had adopted."

"Badass." Veronica stifled a laugh.

"You were the ultimate badass, baby." He pulled her over to him. She got up, straddled his waist, facing him and kissed him, "You still are."

"Well thank you." She gave him another kiss. She started to giggle when she could feel him harden. "You should calm down." She whispered. "I have no intention of joining the mile high club today."

Logan smirked. "How about tomorrow?"

"We'll see."

Logan laughed. "Well you need to get off of me then. I can't calm down with you straddling me."

Veronica acquiesced and took her seat next to him. "And the third reason?"

Logan had to think for a moment as to what they were even talking about. Damn Veronica and her distractions. "She was always trying to get you to do something daring."

"True but I don't think that included kissing her boyfriend."

Logan shook his head. "My guess is you're never going to agree with me on this."

"It's not looking good."

He gave up then. Veronica may have been her best friend but no one truly knew Lilly and what she was capable of like Logan did. He'd pretty much seen it all with her: the super intense highs which had been known to include wild and very risqué sex, the volatile lows with fights that included furniture being thrown around the room. He'd never hit a girl before… period. He would never go there but Lilly had lived to taunt and torment him; flirting with endless guys right in front of him and it pissed him off to no end.

"You know," Veronica's voice made Logan jerk up, startled since he had been off in his own little world. "All of this talking about kissing and stuff made me wonder something."

"What's that?"

"Let's say I wouldn't have kissed you that day. Would you have ever kissed me?"

"I'd like to believe yes. It doesn't matter now you know."

Veronica threw him a knowing look. "I know it doesn't but I was curious if you would have had the balls to make the first move."

Logan scoffed at the notion that he didn't. "We would have kissed eventually. I would have made sure of that."

Veronica smirked at the little dig she gave him. She closed her eyes for a moment only to be interrupted by hearing the pilot's voice coming the PA system telling them that they were now going to begin their descent. Logan had told the pilot before they took off not to mention where they were flying to because it was a surprise for Veronica.

Fifteen minutes later, the plane had landed and Veronica had stepped out the airplane, carrying her luggage when she stopped and gawked at the sign at the airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. "Oh my god, we're in New Orleans?"

Logan's face broke out into a huge grin. "That's right."

Veronica dropped everything on the ground and flew into his arms. Logan wrapped his arms tightly around her and laughed.

"Now was it maybe worth getting up so early for?"

"Yes it was." Veronica smirked. She glanced around in awe. It was true she had been here before but it had been 4 years ago and she didn't think she'd ever get back here.

Logan arranged for a car to drive them to the hotel. When Veronica gazed out the car window everything was coming back to her. She wasn't in New Orleans very long; 2 nights but she really enjoyed it.

"So are we staying in the French Quarter?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe yes or maybe I have no clue cause I've never been here before?"

Logan chuckled as he gave her a kiss. "Maybe you're going to have to wait and see."

"You don't know." Veronica scoffed.

"Yes I do know. Yes, it's in the French Quarter, OK?"

Veronica smirked. She got him to break down and tell her.

It was half an hour later when the car pulled up to the Hotel Le Marais. The Hotel Le Marais was an upscale boutique hotel that was modern and had 4 star amenities and were known to have a high level of personal service. Logan had spent 2 days at his office researching hotels before he decided on this one. Sure he could have went with a more well known hotel chain but he thought this would led to a more memorable experience.

Veronica got out of the car and gazed around. It was beautiful. Logan escorted her in and the driver followed, carrying their bags. Veronica took a seat in the lobby and nervously waited. She was so excited!

It took Logan a few minutes before they were checked in. The room they were in was on the 3rd floor and had a balcony overlooking the French Quarter. Veronica swung the French doors open and gazed outside. "Wow!" She sighed in satisfaction. "This is incredible, Logan. Come out here."

Logan stepped outside and was behind her. "It is pretty incredible." He wrapped his arms around the middle of her waist from behind. "So…are you going to be my tour guide?"

Veronica chuckled as she turned around. "You're acting like I'm regular visitor to here. I've only been here once, Logan. What I remember about it, I love it but everything will probably be just as new to me as it is to you." She gave him a kiss. "Where do you want to go first?"

"I'm open to suggestions."

Veronica smirked. "OK. I have an idea. Give me five minutes and then we'll go." She headed into the bathroom, carrying her makeup case. After she went to the bathroom, she quickly applied some eye shadow, mascara, and lip gloss. She came out a few minutes later and grabbed her purse. "Ready?"

"In two minutes yes." Logan then made his way to the bathroom. When he came back out, he grabbed the keycard for the room and they headed out. Once in the taxi she gave the driver the address. She had been to this spot once before when she was in New Orleans. Honestly her mind had automatically drifted to Logan as soon as she had went there.

Fifteen minutes later, the cab driver pulled up at the destination. Logan looked confused. He wasn't getting it at first. It was a cemetery.

Veronica got out and Logan followed. "Give me five minutes, OK?"

The driver nodded.

"Do you know where we are?"

"Umm…in a cemetery it looks like."

"That's correct; we're in the Saint Louis Cemetery #1." She told him as they started walking around.

"OK." Logan still wasn't getting it which made Veronica laugh. She shook her head.

"What?"

"OK, let me give you a hint why we're here. Which one of your favorite movies had a scene here?"

Logan had to think for a moment and then his eyes lit up. "Oh, Easy Rider."

"That's right."

He gave her a kiss. "Wow you remembered that."

"I've been here once before on my work trip. It's by pure luck I remembered the address."

Logan laughed.

"We should probably go though. He's still charging us for this cab ride."

"Oh true."

The next stop they made was to the Audubon Park and saw the Tree of Life.

"Wow!" Veronica gazed around. "This is huge."

"It's supposedly the oldest tree in the park."

Veronica nodded as they took a seat under it. "I had read that." She then casually mentioned. "One of my friends in Quantico, her sister got married here."

Logan threw her a knowing look as he took a seat next to her and gazed around. "Really? I guess I can see why. It's pretty beautiful here." He watched her for a moment then asked, "Any reason you're telling me that?"

"No." She brushed him off.

"Are you wanting to get married in New Orleans?"

"I don't know." She shrugged truthfully. "I hadn't thought about it. I just remember Carina talking about her sister getting married here."

They walked around Audubon Park for about half an hour then they heard Veronica's stomach start to growl. They both laughed.

"Guess we forgot about lunch didn't we?"

"Yeah we did. Know of any restaurants that you liked?"

Veronica thought for a moment. "Yeah there's one I can think of."

She had a cab take them to Café du Monde. It wasn't far from Jackson Square which was where the St. Louis Cathedral was. Veronica had wanted to see it the last time but didn't get time to.

When they arrived at Café du Monde, they each got a Café Au Lait and split an order of beignets. They sat down at a table near the window and talked about what else they wanted to do while they were in town. Veronica mentioned going to Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral and Logan wanted to walk Bourbon Street. It was just after 3:30 when they made their way to Jackson Square and saw the Saint Louis Cathedral.

"Did you know that this is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the US?" Veronica said as they gazed at it.

Logan shook his head. "Nope didn't know that."

They quickly toured the inside and took some pictures. Before making their way back to their hotel room to change for supper, they also took a stroll along the Moonwalk by the river. When they arrived back at the hotel at 5, Veronica headed into the bathroom to plug in her curling iron and waited for it to heat up. Meanwhile Logan went ahead and changed into his suit in the bathroom. Veronica peered into the open garment bag that was lying on the bed. The other garment bag hung in the closet. When he came out, he noticed how she seemed to be staring at the dress in confusion.

"What?"

"Um…this isn't the dress I packed."

Logan smirked. "I know. I got you a different one."

"Logan, why did you do that? I had already packed my shoes…"

"Your shoes will match." Logan assured her. "I do check on things like that. Go try it on."

She glanced at the dress then took it into the bathroom to change, locking the door. As soon as the door was locked, Logan dug to the bottom of his suitcase and pulled out the ring box and put it in the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He grinned. When he had arrived in New Orleans he had remained undecided about where exactly he was going to propose. After he had spent some time sightseeing, there was one place that he decided that would make the most sense.

It was twenty minutes later when Veronica stepped out, her hair now in soft wavy curls, wearing candy apple red Elie Saab sleeveless mid-thigh length dress that was covered in sequins and lace. This looked so much better on her than the boring light pink dress she had packed. So good in fact that Logan temporarily stopped breathing. Veronica smirked, "I take it you like it." She gave him a kiss.

"Explain to me again why you don't wear more red?" He asked as he circled around her getting a view from every angle. "You need to wear more red. Red is your color."

She smiled as she put on her silver Jimmy Choo Glitter T-Strap Wedge sandals. "You think so?"

"I know so." Logan confirmed. "Wear more red please."

Veronica giggled as he kissed her.

"What?"

Veronica shook her head. "Nothing. It's just…that's not the first time I heard that."

"Really?"

"You know, you came close to telling me the exact same thing Lilly told me before that Homecoming before she died. Except she told me that I needed to wear more strapless red satin."

Logan thought for a moment. "I could have got strapless red satin." He admitted. "I figured I was going to incur this huge backlash from switching your dress that I decided that red would be enough."

"It's very beautiful." Veronica noted as she gave him another kiss. "Thank you. Are you ready to go?" She reached down and grabbed her small purse.

Logan nodded.

"What time is our reservation?"

"Six."

"Where are we going?" Veronica asked.

"Arnauds."

"Ooo…that sounds good."

It was a few minutes later when they headed out. Logan ultimately determined they would need to take a cab not only to Arnauds but the destination they planned to go to afterwards. The restaurant was about half full; mainly because it was still relatively early. After they ordered a bottle of wine, they each opened their menu and looked over the selections.

"What are you going to get?" Logan asked from behind his menu.

"Hmm…I don't know. I'm thinking the crab cakes sound good."

Logan pulled his menu down and stared at her, his eyes narrowing. Was she serious? Veronica never pulled her menu down but she knew what his expression would be. She started chuckling. "I'm kidding Logan. I know you're allergic to shellfish. I'm thinking the veal. What about you? What are you going to get?"

"I'm thinking the filet mignon."

After their wine was brought and their order placed, Logan made a toast to Veronica and their future which lead her to believe that he was going to propose to her then. But instead he raised his glass and waited for her to do the same and then clinked them together. Veronica frowned for a moment then let her face clear so Logan couldn't catch her disappointment. He saw it though; and he almost proposed then but then he mentally reminded himself that all good things come to those who wait.

"I'm sorry." He told her as he sipped his wine.

"For what?"

"That we're only here for one night. I'm sure there's a lot more that you want to do."

Veronica shrugged. "It's OK. We'll have to come back sometime. Next time we should come back during Mardi Gras so you can see it up close and I can get to enjoy it without having to worry about protecting people in potential danger."

Logan smirked. "We'll have to do that."

The food was brought 10 minutes later and by the time they were done they were pretty full; however it didn't stop them from splitting some dessert. Logan let Veronica decide what they would have and as soon as Veronica saw the word chocolate she immediately told the waiter that was what she wanted. Logan and Veronica ended up splitting a dessert called Chocolate Devastation which was a flourless chocolate cake that had Belgian dark chocolate and espresso.

Veronica grabbed a forkful of it and fed it to him. Logan smirked as he obliged and ate it. "So what's up with this?" He did the same and fed her a bite of the cake.

"I don't know; we had never done this before." She told him as she ate her bite. "Very good cake."

"Yes it is." He gave her a kiss. "You taste chocolatey delicious by the way."

Veronica started chuckling. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Good cause it is one." He gave another kiss.

They took turns feeding each other and by the time they left the restaurant it was just after sun was low; it would be setting probably within the next half hour. They then took a cab to their final destination: the City Park. Logan had done some research and found there was one place within the park that would be the ideal spot for him to propose: the Love Sculpture in the sculpture garden.

"I'm surprised you wanted to come here." Veronica commented as they walked through the sculpture garden.

"Why is that?"

"I just didn't think that this would interest you."

"Well, I guess you don't know everything now do you?"

Veronica smirked as she gazed off into the horizon. "God, what a gorgeous sunset."

"It is amazing." Logan agreed as he stared at the mix of pink, purple and orange swirling in the sky. They started walking; their hands were still threaded together. "It's epic."

Veronica's eyes grew wide on him. "Epic?"

"What? You don't think so?"

"Well, not really." She told him bluntly. "I will say it's beautiful. Truthfully I haven't heard you say the word epic in a long time."

"Like…the Alterna-prom?"

She grinned. "It really is too bad you don't remember that speech."

"Who says I don't?" He challenged her.

"You don't." Veronica reminded him. "You've already admitted that to me."

He stopped them just before the Love Sculpture. Veronica didn't notice though. She just noticed when Logan stopped and stepped in front of her. "I thought our story was epic, you know? You and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, bloodshed. Epic."

She smirked. "I wrote that to you in my letter if you remember right."

He grinned at her smugly. "But summer's almost here."

Veronica's eyes grew wide.

"And we won't see each other at all. Then you'll leave town then…it's over."

"Logan…"

Logan laughed. "Are you reciting it with me now or are you just shocked that I remember?"

Veronica chuckled. "A little of both I guess."

"So I'm curious about something." He told her casually.

"Hmm…" She glanced up at him.

"I saw you looking upset about something earlier; what was that about?"

Veronica shook her head. "It's nothing."

"Veronica…"

"It's nothing, Logan." She insisted. "It's just…when you were making that toast about our future, I…I just thought you were going to end up proposing. That's all." She started to walk again. They were still holding hands but she was walking ahead of him. "I will tell you that if you would have proposed then I would have agreed. It would have been an epic night." Veronica told him as she looked off into the horizon at the sunset. Logan stopped a few steps later. They were in front of the Love Sculpture.

"What?" She turned around to look at him.

He smirked. "Are you not even noticing where we're at?"

Veronica glanced over and noticed the Love sculpture. She grinned.

"Had to do that for our namesake." Logan told her as he gave her a kiss.

Veronica giggled. "Well, of course. It would be wrong if LoVe…" she gestured in between the two of them, "didn't pose at the Love Sculpture."

"That's right." Logan stared at her for a moment. The slowly descending sun was casting very golden tones against her hair. It was as if she had been cast against a very golden background and she looked absolutely gorgeous against it. Almost angelic.

She watched him in amusement. She didn't think she had ever seen this look on his face before. It was hard to describe. "Logan, what's going on?"

He leaned down and kissed her. "I love you."

Veronica gave him a knowing smile. "I love you too. You know that."

"I do." He nodded. "And so I was curious about something."

"Hmm…what's that?" She glanced at the Love sculpture.

"How would you like to make this an epic night?"

When Veronica looked over at him, she noticed he was down on one knee. She gasped. He had the ring box in his hand but he hadn't opened it yet.

She gasped. "Oh my god, are you serious?"

"Can you think of a better time for me to do this?" Amazingly, there weren't any other people around them. Logan got lucky waiting until an hour before closing. He preferred it to be a little more private. "I love you Veronica. I think I've been in love with you since I was 12 years old." He told her in all honesty.

Veronica blushed. Her heart was racing. She was even having a little bit of trouble breathing which Logan found amusing considering the fact that she hadn't even seen the ring yet.

He flipped the ring box open and Veronica's mouth nearly hit the ground. "Veronica Anne Mars…will you marry me?"

Veronica couldn't take her eyes off the ring. She stared at it in awe. It was huge! This caused her to be quiet for several moments which was killing Logan who was still waiting for her answer.

"Veronica…" Logan was trying to keep his voice even. He wouldn't never admit to being nervous but the fact that she had been silent for several seconds got to him a little.

"Oh god. Yes. Yes. Of course I'll marry you Logan." Veronica took off her ring she got for Christmas and put it on her right ring finger.

Logan beamed as he stood up, took the ring out of the box and placed it on her left ring finger. He wrapped his arms around her, lifted her up and kissed her several times. He would have probably kept kissing her if a person hadn't stopped them to let them know that they were closing in 10 minutes. Logan grinned and asked the woman if she would do them a favor and take their picture. The woman agreed and took a couple pictures for them. One was of them kissing in front of the sculpture and the other one was Veronica standing in front of Logan, his arms wrapped around her waist from behind standing beside the sculpture. They were both smiling ear to ear. They thanked her then left.

Thirty-five minutes later, they had arrived back at the hotel. They could have been back sooner but they asked the cab driver to drop them off on Bourbon Street as they wanted to walk the rest of the way to the hotel since Logan hadn't gotten the chance to walk around Bourbon Street until then. They had only been in the room for five minutes when there was a knock on their door for room service. Veronica looked at Logan in confusion and he grinned. He knew what was coming.

Veronica opened the door and a waiter rolled in a cart that held a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice and a container full of chocolate covered strawberries.

"Went all out I see." Veronica commented as she took a seat on the bed. Logan got out his wallet and tipped the waiter who then promptly left.

Logan locked the door after putting the do not disturb sign on it. "One of the things I'm known for." He poured them each a flute of champagne then took a seat next to her, handing her a flute.

"So what are we toasting to now?" Veronica asked, gazing intently at him.

"What would you like to toast to?"

"To the future."

"That's nice…and completely vague."

"So what do you want to toast to then?"

"We can toast to the future I guess but more importantly our married future."

"OK to our married future." They clinked the glasses together and each took a drink out of their own glasses.

"Good champagne." Veronica commented as she grabbed one of the chocolate covered strawberries and took a bite out of it. "Mmm…these are good but the ones we had on Valentine's Day are better."

Logan decided to try one then. "Hmm…yeah they're not as good but they're still pretty good." He leaned over and gave her a kiss. It was intended to be a quick kiss but Veronica turned it into something longer. Logan eventually had to pull away. "Wow, couldn't even wait until we were done eating the strawberries, could you?" He set both of their glasses back on the cart along with the strawberries.

"We can save them for later." She grinned devilishly as she pulled him on top of her. Her lips reclaimed his and he readjusted himself, making himself more comfortable in between her legs which she instantly wrapped around his waist. She helped him get his suit jacket off and tossed it on a nearby chair. The cream colored dress shirt and maroon tie quickly followed. They quickly flipped positions so Veronica was straddling his waist. Logan sat up long enough to reach behind the lace and sequined dress to unzip it and pull it over her head. Her pink lacy bra and matching panties were lost in record time. They flipped around again so Logan was hovering above her. He leaned down and kissed her again, his lips making a slow trail down from her lips to the spot right behind her left ear, to her throat, to the top of her chest then to her left nipple. His lips wrapped around it, suckling on it and gently tugging on it with her teeth. She started to moan when he put two of his fingers inside her, moving them in and out of her, slowly at first but then more rapidly. He switched sides to the other breast and was devoting the same attention to it. When Veronica let him know she was close to coming, he drug his lips away from her breast and moved down her body, to let his tongue taste her. It wasn't long before she was screaming oh god Logan. Logan had to chuckle to himself. He always did love her screaming his name. He dug around in his suitcase for his condoms. He set the box down on the nightstand beside them.

"We are planning on a long night aren't we?" He asked as he saw her fish one of them out of the box. He climbed back in bed beside her and let her put it on him. She then straddled his waist, moving him inside her. She took him as far as she could. Logan let out a content sigh.

"Oh yeah. The night is just getting started." She promised as she leaned down and kissed him. She then moved up and down at a steady pace for a minute and then kicked it up a notch. It wasn't long before they were both screaming.

At 11 o'clock, Veronica climbed off of Logan after their latest round. She was still trying to catch her breath. "Wow!" She panted.

Logan chuckled. "Yeah, I'll second that."

After a few moments of silence Veronica said, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Have you really been planning on proposing to me in New Orleans all this time?"

Logan grinned as he turned on his right side to face her and threaded their fingers together. "Honestly? No. I have a different place in mind. When you mentioned how you'd like to go back to New Orleans, I thought this would be the best trip to it. Well besides the fact that the first time we kissed was 9 years ago today."

"So you were always planning on proposing on this day?"

He nodded. "Yeah. It's not a holiday but it still holds special significance to us."

"That it does." She grinned as she dropped her gaze in order to conceal a blush that was starting to spread on her face. She was unsuccessful as she found out when Logan started to laugh at her.

"Seriously?"

"What?"

"Why are you blushing?"

"Because…" she finally looked up to meet his gaze. "you're being so sweet and romantic and I couldn't have imagined a better proposal from you."

"Good. I'm glad." He leaned over and kissed her. "Mrs. Echolls."

"Whoa, whoa." She held up a hand teasingly. "Mars-Echolls thank you and professionally it's going to stay Mars because I just ordered 300 new business cards."

Logan let out an exaggerated sigh. "OK."

Veronica laughed. "You're ridiculous."

"I guess I've been around you too long."

"Hey!" She slugged him playfully. He quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to him. He leaned over and kissed her again.

"I'm just kidding you know. I don't blame you for not wanting to change your name. The last name Echolls isn't exactly synonymous with a lot of good things in this town."

"Hey I still plan to hyphenate my name." She reminded him. "It's just professionally I don't plan to." Her left hand stroked his right cheek. Her gaze drifted over to her ring. She sighed as she stared at it.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just…"

"Yeah?"

"This ring is ridiculous Logan."

Logan's eyes narrowed. "I'm hoping ridiculous is a compliment in this sentence."

"Oh god of course it is. I just mean it's huge and…"

"And…"

"I just don't know if I deserve to wear it."

"Why the hell not?"

"Because I think it may be too much." She told him honestly. "I don't want to even know how much you spent on it."

Logan grinned. "I didn't spend a dime on it."

She looked at him in confusion.

"It was my great-grandma's ring, Veronica."

Her eyes grew wide. "Really?"

"Yeah, my mom's grandma. And mom had this ring as her engagement ring until I was a junior in high school and then dad decided to be a bastard and repeatedly cheat on her so he got her an even bigger ring."

Wow! Veronica didn't know the history behind the ring but she felt honored that she got to wear it.

"My mom gave it to me the night she got her new ring and she told me to hold onto it and to only give it to someone that I truly loved."

Veronica was beaming.

"I love you Veronica. I'll always love you."

"I love you too, Logan. I always will." She kissed him softly.


Veronica glanced over at the clock which was on the nightstand behind Logan. It was now almost 2:30 in the morning. She glanced down at him. Logan was asleep peacefully facing her. Veronica couldn't sleep though. She had been preoccupied with the huge rock sitting on her left ring finger.

An idea then popped into her head. She very stealthly snuck out of bed and grabbed a fluffy terry cloth robe from the bathroom and put it on. She knelt down by her suitcase and quickly found her notebook and a pen. She was glad she decided to bring it along just in case anything struck her to write down as a memory. She quietly closed the door to the balcony behind her and took a seat. She clicked her pen on and just began to write.

Dear Logan,

So I haven't written you a letter since I came home. I haven't really had a reason to until now. I felt it was necessary considering we got engaged tonight…well, technically it was last night. Right now it's 2:30 in the morning and I'm gazing down at the French Quarter from our amazing balcony. Even though you're currently asleep, I couldn't. Mainly because I haven't been able to stop staring at this huge rock on my finger. It's unbelievable, Logan. It's sweet you would give this to me even if I don't think I really deserve it. I love the fact that it was your great-grandma's. I feel extremely flattered that you had chosen to have me wear it. I can't help that while I'm staring at this ring, my mind is reflecting on our past.

Even with the 7 year hiatus we've still been through a lot together, Logan. I could probably write a book on everything we've been through and in a way I already have with my letters. You've had a chance to read all of them now and I think you enjoyed them so it became a no-brainer to write this letter.

I've known you for more than half my life now, Logan. I remember the first day we met on the soccer field. I never would have thought that you found shorts and knee socks hot but I did enjoy hearing you admit that years later. I also really loved hearing how you fell in love with me when we were 12 years old. If it were anyone else, I may have questioned that statement but considering we're now engaged I'm willing to bet it's true. My myself I've been in love with you for at least 9 years now. As much as I'd like to say it was since I was 12 years old, I can't say that 100% certainty. But I have loved you a long time, Logan. I think you know that though. I may have had a hard time admitting it in the past but deep in your heart you've known it's true. I love you, Logan. I'll always love you.

Ever since we got back together I have been trying to picture what our married life would be like. I don't think it will probably be much different than the way things are now considering we live together. But I know things will keep getting better. We have a lot to plan for, Logan. Our wedding first and foremost. I have been thinking about this since our freshmen year at Hearst. I had pictured us getting married at someplace that's tropical. I'd still wear my wedding dress but I imagined you wearing some sort of linen shirt and shorts. Are you liking this idea? Yeah, I thought you probably would. I'd just like to get married on the beach somewhere. I realize we live at the beach and we could always do it there. I just like the thought of getting away though.

Things haven't been the easiest for us, Logan. In fact, it has been downright challenging at times. We have had to overcome a lot of obstacles to be together and also a lot of emotions too. Through it all, we still managed to find our way back to each other. I think we're stronger this time around though. We've both grown up a lot. We're both more secure in this relationship this time around. We both know no one else will be able to split us up. Not Madison or Duncan or anyone else that caused us to raise any doubt.

It's inevitable though . We're still going to have our problems. I honestly believe though that there's nothing that we won't be able to get through. As long as we're able to talk to each other and not close ourselves off to each other. OK I'll admit; that's more a problem for me than it is for you. But I have been doing better with this.

Just like I have been doing better when it's came to trusting you. Hopefully you feel the same way with trusting me. I know it's more my issue but I think you always think that I just may fall back to my old standby and run away from you. It's been 6 months now and when it's came to us, I haven't done it once. I'm calling that personal growth by the way. Anyway, I just want to emphasize to you that I do trust you, Logan. I trust you with my whole heart.

Veronica turned the page over and looked. Wow! This was already 2 ½ pages long and she still had a few things to tell him too. She didn't get the opportunity right then to though.

"What are you doing?"

Veronica jumped in her seat. She glanced up to see Logan standing in the doorway in all his naked glory rubbing his right eye. She smirked as she closed the notebook and clicked her pen off. "Nothing; just writing." She rose and dropped the notebook and pen back into her suitcase. She closed the curtains shut and flung the robe off.

"Writing what?" He yawned.

"Well I can't tell you that. It's a surprise." She climbed back onto the bed and under the covers.

"A surprise?" Logan grinned sleepily. "Come on; tell me."

"No."

"I'll torture it out of you, you know."

"At 4 am? Get real." She scoffed. "You look like you're going to collapse here."

"Verroonnicaa." Logan's voice dragged on as he climbed into bed next to her. His arms wrapped around her waist so she wasn't able to squirm away. "Come on, tell me." His fingers started to make their way up her spine which was sending shivers all over.

"Stop it. It's a letter, OK?"

"A letter for me?" He kissed her neck.

"Yes and if you go to sleep now like a good little boy, I just may even let you read it someday."

"Someday?"

"Go to sleep, Logan." Veronica yawned for the first time all night. She leaned over and gave him a kiss. "Goodnight."

"Why not now?"

"Cause it's not done." She grumbled after a yawn. Her eyes were closed. "If you don't drop it, I'll go tear it up."

Logan sighed. "Fine. Goodnight."

"Love you." She mumbled as she drifted off to sleep.

"Love you too." He said in a sigh.

The next time Veronica opened her eyes it was 10:54. She had to raise her head off of Logan's chest to see the clock. She then glanced up at him. He was still asleep peacefully. His arms were still wrapped around her waist. She leaned up and gave him a kiss.

"Good morning." Veronica told him.

"Morning, baby." He gave her another kiss. "What time is it?"

"Almost 11."

"Seriously?" Logan groaned.

Veronica nodded even though she knew Logan's eyes were still closed. "Why? Still pretty tired?"

"Kinda. Why?"

Veronica smirked devilishly as she climbed on top of him. Logan held back a painful laugh because he was getting instantly turned on by her being on top of him.

"Are you kidding me? We did like 4 rounds last night."

"I know." She told him as she leaned down and kissed his neck. "Not what I had in mind." She added as she moved her way down him.

"Seriously?"

"I guess I don't haavvee to do it you know?"

"I'm just surprised, that's all." Logan admitted sheepishly.

"If you don't want me to…"

"Go ahead…" he smirked. "Blow my mind…and any other parts of me you want to."

Veronica rolled her eyes and went back to business. She kissed her way down his body and wrapped her left hand around his cock. Her tongue flicked across the head at first then she licked him up and down a few times.

"Ahh Veronica." Logan sighed as he let his hands dangle in her hair. Her lips were now wrapped around the head, sucking on it at first. She then slowly took him in her mouth as far as she could. Her right hand kneaded his balls gently.

Logan moaned. God her mouth on him felt amazing. She started to pick up the speed then and moved him in and out of her mouth at a rapid pace. "God, Veronica." She glanced up at him then and watched as his already dark eyes darkened a little more. It wasn't in anger; it was in lust. He always loved it when she looked up at him doing this.

"Fuck you're awesome." He moaned as he helped move him in and out of her mouth.

Veronica could then taste the pre-cum on the head so she let her tongue lick it up. "Getting close baby?" She told him in a sultry tone.

"Fuck yes." He growled, trying to restrain himself a little.

"Come for me, Logan. Let me taste the rest of you."

He didn't need to be told again. His penis went rigid for moment and he held her head close to him as he came in her mouth. Veronica drank everything up, eagerly swallowing what he had to give her. She even moaned to let him know how much she enjoyed it. When it was over, Veronica collapsed on top of him in exhaustion.

"God I love you Veronica." He sighed in ecstasy. She was incredible. "That was amazing."

"Thank you." She grinned as she kissed him as she lifted her head to look at the clock. It was 11:19. "What time are we heading to Chicago?"

"Whenever we want." Logan grinned at her.

Veronica rose and headed towards the bathroom. "I should get going." She glanced back at him and noticed how he was looking extremely comfortable on the bed. He had one arm behind his head and was reclined back against the headboard. She shook her head at him. "Yeah, that means you need to get ready too."

"I will, I will." Logan promised.

Veronica disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door, locking it. She glanced at herself in the mirror, her gaze drifting down to her ring. She still some 16 hours later couldn't stop herself from staring at it. She went ahead and removed it and put it on the bathroom counter. She quickly took a shower and came out about 10 minutes later to find Logan hadn't moved from the bed. In fact, he had the TV on and was engrossed in a slasher flick.

Veronica groaned and manually turned the TV off.

"Hey!" Logan whined.

"Don't 'hey' me." Veronica growled. "Get your ass moving would you?"

Logan sighed and rose, heading for the bathroom. "You had the door locked. I couldn't get into the bathroom." He yawned and his eyes narrowed. Her ring was still sitting on the counter. "Do me a favor, would you?" He asked as he grabbed it.

Before she could ask what, he slipped it back on her left ring finger.

"Don't lose this."

Veronica bit her lip. "Sorry, sorry. I had to take it off."

"Why?"

"Because it's valuable Logan and I didn't want to wear it while I was showering."

Logan headed into the bathroom then to do his morning routine. As soon as she heard the shower turn on, Veronica whipped out her cell phone and called Wallace. It took him 3 rings to answer.

"Hey V. You on your way?"

"Not just yet." She told him. "Logan's taking a shower and hopefully we'll be leaving here within the next hour or so."

"So…how's your time been in NOLA?"

"You knew I was here?"

"Yeah Logan mentioned it when I talked him."

"I can't believe he told you but he didn't tell me."

"It was a surprise, V. How is it there?"

Veronica laughed. "It's been good."

"Good, huh?" Wallace sounded amused.

"What?"

"Nothin. You just sound suspiciously giddy."

"Am I not allowed to be giddy?"

"I've never heard you be giddy, supafly."

"Well you can't say that anymore now can you?"

"Do you plan on letting me on the source of your giddiness?"

Veronica remained quiet for a second.

"Logan?" Wallace was lead to guess.

"Yeah."

Wallace groaned when she didn't continue. "You know, you've perfected the torture process apparently since the last time I saw you."

The bathroom door opened and a huge woosh of steam came out followed by a towel clad Logan. "For God sakes Veronica just tell him already would you?"

Veronica frowned wondering how he even knew who she had on the phone, much less what they were talking about. "You don't even know who I'm talking to."

"You're talking to Wallace. I figured you'd end up calling him to check up on what time we're meeting."

"I could be talking to my dad." Veronica reminded him.

"But you're not." He smirked as he dropped the towel and pulled on a new pair on black boxer briefs. "You wouldn't torture your dad like this. Just tell him." He continued to dig around in his suitcase for his outfit

"Yeah just tell him." Wallace mimicked Logan. He knew what she was going to tell him though. There were only a couple things that she could tell him right now about her and Logan and he was pretty sure it wasn't going to be that she was pregnant.

"Fine you spoilsports." Veronica pouted into the phone. "Last night Wallace Logan and I went to the Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden."

Wallace was confused by the statement. "Seriously? That's your news?"

"What? Did you know there's a sculpture there called the Love sculpture?" Veronica told him. "We had just to pose at it. The first two letters of Logan's name and my name put together spells out love, you know."

Wallace shook his head at the phone. This is a side of Veronica Mars he had never witnessed in the almost 10 years of being her best friend. She was acting like a lovesick teenage girl. "Huh. Nope can't say I knew that."

Logan rolled his eyes. He was going to save them a lot of time and just called out. "Yeah and she just happened to get a huge rock there, Wallace."

"Congratulations V! Wow! That's great!"

"Thank you." Veronica's mouth gaped open. "You ass!" She mouthed to Logan.

"Jesus Christ, Veronica! You've now managed to drag out the news like 15 minutes when you could have just told him in two minutes and been off the phone and ready to go."

Veronica scowled.

"Did you now notice how I'm the one who's ready and you're not?"

Veronica turned her head away from him snottily even though she knew he had a point. "OK, so we should be there somewhere about 2 or 2:30 I think."

"OK we'll be at O'Hare around 2 then."

"OK see you soon."

"Bye, V."

"Bye Wallace."

She pressed end on her cell phone and glared at her fiancé. "I can't believe you told him."

"Had I not who knows how long you would have been torturing him. Go get dressed would you?"

She slid herself off the bed and on her way to get her clothes of out her suitcase she smacked the back of his head.

"Hey!"

"You deserve it." She rationalized as she grabbed her clothes and headed towards the bathroom to change. She still had her makeup in there that she wanted to put on. As soon as she closed the door, Logan glanced down at her suitcase and noticed her notebook. It was closed but it was visible nonetheless and curiosity was getting the better of him as to just what she was putting in this letter she was writing to him. He made his way over to it, bent down and picked it up. Before he could search through it to figure out where the letter was, he heard. "You even read one word of that letter, I promise you I will rip it up."

He quickly dropped the notebook back onto the top of her open suitcase. "How do you even know I was looking for the letter?"

"Because I have eyes in the back of my head Logan that can see through wooden doors and see what you're doing."

Logan groaned as he zipped up his suitcase and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

Seven minutes later, Veronica came out with her hair blow dried pin straight, minimal makeup but still very noticeable. She wore a magenta lace ¾ sleeve shirt and black capris. She threw all of her toiletry items including her makeup clutch into her luggage and zipped it up. She put on her black strapped sandals and closed her bigger suitcase and set it up. "Ready?" She raised an eyebrow.

Logan just stared at her for a moment. It was crazy just how little time it took for her to look so amazing. It had been quite awhile since the last time she had worn her hair straight.

"What?" She started to tap her foot.

He shook his head. "Nothing. I was just thinking how great you looked."

Veronica's expression softened a little and she stopped tapping. "Thanks." She told him sincerely and gave him a quick kiss.

"Come on. We should probably go."

On the way to the airport, it had dawned on Veronica that she should call her dad and let him know the good news. Honestly Logan was surprised he wasn't the first one called but instead it was Wallace. She had a little time before they were at the airport so she decided now would be a good time to call. It would be almost 10 o'clock there.

"Hello?" Her dad answered on the 2nd ring.

"Hi dad."

"Hi sweetheart. How is your trip?"

"Great." She admitted. "We're just on our way to Chicago now."

"Did you get to do lots of sight-seeing in New Orleans?"

"You knew we were going to New Orleans?"

"Yeah, I did. Logan did let me know the itinerary."

Veronica's mouth dropped open for the second time that morning and it wasn't even noon yet. Logan chuckled to himself. "I can't believe you didn't tell me." It was as if she was accusing him of some moral crime.

Keith stifled a laugh. "Honey, if someone tells me to keep a secret, I keep a secret."

Veronica sighed. "So do you know everything?"

"What everything?"

"Did Logan tell you he was proposing last night?"

"No he didn't. That's terrific, sweetie." Keith sounded genuinely happy. Truthfully he wasn't told but he did assume it would probably happen on this trip. "I'm assuming you said yes."

"Nope sorry. I guess we'll need to move my stuff home." Veronica teased. "You can get on that before I get home right?" She glanced over at Logan who wasn't really amused by the joke. "Yes, of course I said yes."

"Congratulations honey. I'm very happy for you and Logan."

"Thanks dad." Veronica beamed. The car rolled to a stop and Veronica glanced out the window. They were already at the airport. "Oh I guess we're here already. That was quick. I better go. I'll call you tonight, OK?"

"OK, honey. You know you don't have to though." He reminded her. "Go have fun with Wallace and Jackie. Tell them hi from me."

Veronica smiled. "I will. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

"Bye."

Veronica hung up her phone then exited the vehicle. It was quarter after 12 by the time they boarded the plane and they were already in the air by the time it was 12:30. It was nice that Chicago and New Orleans were in the same time zone so she didn't have to worry about another time change.

"So did you like tell everyone we were going to New Orleans?"

"No." He confirmed. "A few maybe."

Veronica shook her head. She couldn't believe no one told her. Then again, it had been a great surprise.

It was just before 2:30 by the time they landed at the O'Hare Airport. Wallace, Jackie, and Jackie's son Marcus were outside waiting for them. As soon as she made it down the steps, Veronica ran and launched herself into Wallace's arms. Luckily he caught her. Logan chuckled and shook his head as he exited the plane. Jackie, who was standing next to Wallace laughed too.

"Hey girl." Wallace told her as he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a huge hug. He moved back and got a good look at her. "Wow, you look great, V. It's been too long, girl." He himself hadn't changed much. He had a goatee much like the one Logan used to sport before Veronica used her influence and got him to shave it off. His hair was in a buzz cut.

"Yeah, I know." Veronica nodded. "Hey Jackie." She smiled at her and gave her a hug.

"It's good to see you, Veronica."

"You too."

Wallace then glanced down and his eyes grew huge at the size of Veronica's ring. "Damn Logan. You rob a bank?"

"Funny, Wallace." Logan smirked as he shook his hand. He kissed Jackie's cheek. "Good to see you, Jackie."

"You too, Logan." Jackie then glanced down at her son who was to the left of her. He looked to be around 11 or 12 and had glasses. His hair was buzzed like Wallace's. "Oh, Logan, Veronica this is my son Marcus."

"Hi Marcus." Veronica stuck out her hand for him to shake. He politely did.

"Hello."

Logan shook Marcus' hand too and told him hi.

"So where are you guys staying?" Jackie asked as they made their way out of the airport.

"The Radisson Blu." Logan told them and Veronica gave him a curious look.

"Really?"

"Yeah." Logan nodded.

"That's cool." Wallace told him. "Very nice hotel from the outside. I haven't been in it."

"Well, you'll get the chance now."

"Great. Let's go."

Wallace, Jackie and Marcus had taken a cab to meet them at the airport so they had gotten a chance to ride in the limo with Veronica and Logan to their hotel. Originally, Veronica thought it was silly that they would even need a limo during this excursion however since they were now accommodating 5 people instead of just 2, it was rather handy.

Once they had left the airport parking lot, Marcus glanced over between all of the adults. He had a pensive look at his face. He wanted to ask something but wasn't sure if he should.

Jackie then noticed her son's expression. "What's the matter, honey?"

"I just wanted to ask something."

"Sure." Veronica told him, making the assumption the question was for her. "Go ahead."

"Did you ever date Wallace?"

Veronica glanced over at Wallace and bit back a smile. Wallace grinned and Logan held in a smirk. "You ever been asked that before?" Veronica asked Wallace.

"Honestly, no. It's been 9 years and that's the first time I've ever heard that question. Why don't you go ahead and answer it."

"No. No Marcus." Veronica shook her head. "Wallace and I never dated. We've always just been friends. Really good friends."

"Oh. I just saw your hug…"

"Naw, little dude." Wallace told him. "We just haven't seen each other in person in a really long time."

"Oh, OK."

They arrived at the Radisson shortly before 3. Veronica soon found out that Logan had reserved the Aqua suite which by the size and looks of it must have cost a pretty penny. She sighed quietly. She wished he wouldn't do this though. Everyone was beyond impressed by the size and décor of the suite. Everyone chatted for about half an hour then Wallace rose. They had to leave because Marcus had to go to a birthday party for one of his classmates. Before they left, they decided to meet at The Rosebud for supper at 7 o'clock. Logan then called for his driver to take Wallace, Jackie and Marcus home.

As soon as they left, Veronica let out a heavy sigh as she laid down on the king-sized bed.

"What?"

Veronica slowly shook her head from side to side. "Nothing. Just tired."

"Well that's understandable."

"You know what sounds really good right now?"

He smirked as he leaned down and gave her a kiss. He knew exactly what sounded good right now. "What's that?"

"A nap." Veronica yawned and sighed. God, this bed was comfortable!

Logan smiled as he watched her eyes drift shut then. OK so yeah that was sounding pretty good. Neither one of them had slept more than a few hours last night. He climbed on the bed next to her and yawned. The next time Logan's eyes opened, they squinted at the clock that was on the nightstand by Veronica. His eyes grew wide. It was 10 to 6. They were meeting Jackie and Wallace in an hour.

He gave Veronica a hard nudge. "Get up. It's almost 6. We need to get ready."

"What?" Veronica mumbled.

"Veronica, get up. We have to get going. We're meeting Wallace and Jackie in an hour."

"Oh crap." She flew up.

Luckily they didn't have to do too much to get ready. Veronica opened the garment bag that held the red dress when Logan produced the other bag.

"Logan…" Veronica sighed. God he bought her another dress?

"No, this dress you've worn before. I just brought it though because it's a little bit cooler here than in New Orleans and this one has sleeves." He opened the bag and pulled out the silver v-neck sequined dress.

"Oh." She nodded as she looked at it then grinned. "Good. I'm glad you brought this one along. I was looking for another chance to wear since I haven't been able to lately."

Logan told her, "I thought it had looked really nice on you and wondered why you hadn't worn it again."

"I just haven't had anything to wear it for."

Logan grinned, "Now you do."

"Now I do." She gave him a small kiss.

It was just after 7 when Veronica and Logan had arrived at the restaurant the Rosebud. The Rosebud was an Italian restaurant with classic Italian American dishes and located in the heart of Little Italy. It was Jackie and Wallace's favorite place to eat and Wallace knew that Veronica would not be protesting given the fact that she loved Italian food. This place was also special to them: it was where they not only had their first date but it was also where Wallace had proposed to Jackie.

When they arrived, they found Wallace and Jackie were already there. They were seated in the waiting area waiting to be called. When they had arrived they were told there would be a little wait.

"Did you find the place OK?" Wallace asked as he shook Logan's hand and gave Veronica a small hug.

Logan nodded. "Oh yeah. No problem. We were just running a little late."

"Veronica?" Wallace raised a sardonic eyebrow. "Late?"

"Haha." Veronica scowled.

Ten minutes later, the foursome followed an auburn haired hostess to a table towards the back of the restaurant. A dark haired waiter came a few moments later and took drink orders which Jackie told Veronica and Logan that she and Wallace normally drank wine when they came here. Logan and Veronica didn't have any objections over drinking wine so Jackie ordered a bottle of red wine for the table. The waiter let them know he'd be back in a few minutes with their wine and to take their order.

"So any recommendations?" Logan posed the question as he flipped the menu open.

"Well I get the Chicken Marsala." Jackie said from behind her menu.

"And I normally get the Strip Steak Italiano Style." Wallace said from behind his menu.

A few moments later the waiter returned to get their orders. While Wallace and Jackie stuck to what they usually got, Jackie told him to bring Bruschetta as an appetizer. Logan got the same thing Wallace did because the Italiano Style intrigued him. Veronica shook her head when he told her this. She ordered the Baked Lasagna and a Caesar Salad. Wallace poured everyone a glass ¾ full of wine.

"So Jackie…where's Marcus?" Veronica asked as she sipped her wine.

"One of our neighbors' daughters is watching him." Jackie told her. "I think the birthday party was kind of tiring so he just wanted to stay at home."

"So how's the wedding planning coming?"

Jackie grinned. "Good. We're looking at August 30th in New York."

Logan and Veronica shared a look.

"What?" She frowned.

"No, no it's great." Veronica quickly told her.

"You guys haven't already picked your date have you?"

"Geez, Jackie. They just got engaged last night." Wallace reminded her.

Logan and Veronica were telepathically communicating between themselves. Wallace caught their expressions and frowned. "You haven't set the date yet right?"

"No, no." Logan quickly shook her head. "Nothing definite and it definitely wouldn't be in August."

"Why is that?" Jackie asked.

"Because we don't have any anniversaries in August is my guess." Veronica told them as she sipped her wine. "He proposed last night on the anniversary of our first kiss."

"Aww…" Jackie gushed. "That's sweet. Wallace proposed to me here since this is where we went for our first date after I moved here."

"Awww we have romantic guys don't we?" Veronica said in a sweet voice.

Wallace smirked at that.

"Can I see your ring?" Jackie asked.

"No, I want to see yours first."

"Do you want to see mine?" Wallace teased and the girls rolled their eyes at him. The girls switched rings looking at each other's. Jackie's ring was a white gold band with small round diamonds with a princess cut diamond in the middle.

"That's beautiful." Veronica commented truthfully. If she wasn't wearing Logan's great-grandma's ring, this would have been a better example of something she would have wanted.

Jackie smiled. "Thanks." She couldn't stop staring at Veronica's ring though. "That's incredible you guys. Logan you did an amazing job picking that out."

"Oh I didn't pick it out actually." He told Jackie as he drank his wine. "It was my great-grandma's. It was my mom's engagement ring."

"Wow!" Jackie couldn't help but exclaim. It was nice to have a history with the ring and how it could be considered a family heirloom.

"Yeah, that's pretty much been my thought since last night." Veronica admitted quietly

Their Bruschetta was brought then along with Veronica's salad. The main thing that was discussed was what was going on with Jackie and Wallace and including the last time Jackie had returned to Neptune which was for her dad's funeral 4 years ago. Terrence Cook was still working for Mr. Lobo then but Leonard was making it as hard as possible for him. He'd constantly remind him that until he considered Terrence's debt paid in full, he owned him. Terrence would work 12 to 13 hours a day and got very little as far as breaks and meals. He was barely making ends meet financially too. One night he overdosed on sleeping pills and scotch.

Initially Jackie was beyond devastated. She couldn't believe that her father would take such a drastic action when he led her to believe that his life was great. He couldn't be happier. It wasn't until she was searching his house through his papers and financial records that she learned the full truth behind his job. It made her sad that he couldn't tell her the truth. And it made her pissed off at Leonard Lobo. After consulting with a lawyer for a wrongful death case, the lawyer advised her she would probably lose given the circumstances that her dad was working for Mr. Lobo in the first place.

Jackie stayed in a depression for months until Wallace reached out to her. Within 6 months Jackie had moved from New York, with Marcus in tow, to be with him in Chicago. Marcus was resistant to Wallace at first but eventually Wallace won him over. They created a huge bond over basketball. It was Marcus' favorite sport too.

As for jobs, Jackie was working as an administrative assistant at an insurance company and Wallace was working as a field engineer for Corning.

About halfway through their meal, the subject changed to what was going on with Logan and Veronica and what was happening back in Neptune. The last time that Wallace was home was in May to see his little brother graduate from high school. Last Christmas Darrell and Alicia had went to Chicago to be with them. Logan also talked about his company and his meetings the next day and his hopes for getting his products in stores in Chicago.

When Wallace asked about Veronica's dad, she took the route she normally did when she discussed him. She glazed over it with saying not much has changed since they last talked. Logan frowned at the statement. Wallace was her best friend; he couldn't believe that she wouldn't tell him the truth.

It was almost 8:30 by the time they left the restaurant. Wallace and Veronica decided to meet for the lunch the next day. Everyone hugged each other before taking off in their separate directions. Veronica stressed to them how she really enjoyed getting together with them tonight and that hopefully they would be able to get together with them the next night too. Wallace told her that he'd let her know at lunch the next day.

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was just after 9. Veronica let out an exhausted sigh. Logan stared at her curiously. He didn't think that their dinner was that bad.

"What?"

"No, it's nothing. I'm just so tired." She plopped down on the bed. "It was really good to see them though."

Logan cracked a smile. "It was." He took a seat on the edge of the bed and stared at her.

"What?"

"Can I ask you something and you promise you won't get mad?"

Veronica groaned; she hated that question. Mainly because it normally involved something she would get upset about. "What?"

"Why are you still not telling him the truth?"

She looked at him perplexed. "What are you talking about?"

"Veronica, Wallace should know the truth about your dad."

She sighed. "Look I just didn't want to get into it tonight."

"He's a big boy. I'm sure he could handle it. You're finally opening up and being honest with all of us. You should be with him too."

Veronica pondered for a moment. He had a point; she should tell Wallace more. She decided that she would tomorrow. "Logan?"

He plopped on the bed next to her. "Hmm…"

"I think we should get married at the end of June."

Logan popped up. "What? Are you serious?"

She slowly sat up. "Why not?"

"Well first of all, that's two months away. We have quite a bit to plan."

She shrugged. "I mean, we don't have to. I just think it would be really cool if we got married on an anniversary."

Logan smirked at what anniversary it was. "You want another reason to commemorate the first time we had sex?"

Veronica grinned. "Is that such a bad thing?"

"No." He shook his head. He actually liked that idea. "We'll see though. We need to see what we can arrange."

"OK." She nodded. "It's something to think about."

"It is. I'll give it some thought OK?"

"OK." Veronica paused for a moment. "I also want the assurance of knowing my dad is going to be able to walk me down the aisle."

Logan sighed and bravely looked over at her but her eyes had already drifted shut.

It was an early night for them. It was 10:30 when they went to bed and Logan was up at 6 to prep for his meeting that morning at 9:30. Veronica slept though. She woke up right before he took off at quarter to 9. She gave him a kiss and wished him good luck and to call her and let her know how things went. He told her he would and that he would see her later. He hoped that she had a good time with Wallace at lunch.

Veronica ate her breakfast in bed. Well, she ordered room service and opened the door for them but she ate her actual meal in bed. Her phone rang at 10:30. She didn't look at the caller ID first though before she answered; she just assumed it was Logan.

"Hey honey." She answered.

"Hi sweetie." Mac told her with a laugh.

Veronica laughed then. "Sorry Mac. I just thought you were Logan. He's supposed to be calling and letting me know how his meeting went."

"That's OK. So how's the trip been? How's Wallace?"

"He and Jackie are doing good. The wedding is planned for the end of August it sounds like. It's going to be in New York City."

"Cool. How did you like New Orleans?"

"You knew we were going there too?"

"Yeah, I did."

"Well I have been there once before, Mac. I love the city. How are you doing? Everything OK with the baby?"

"Things are looking good. Six weeks from today."

"That's great." She paused for a moment. OK so she wouldn't torture Mac like she did with Wallace. "I've…I've got some news too."

"Yeah?"

"Logan and I got engaged a couple nights ago." She told her happily.

"That's great, Bond." Mac referred to her by her old nickname. Veronica cracked a smile at the name. She hadn't heard Mac use it in years. "Congratulations."

"Thanks Mac."

"Where did he propose?"

"It was at the Love Sculpture in the City Park in New Orleans."

"Oh, that's romantic."

"It was. It was great and a complete surprise." She admitted.

They talked for a few more minutes then Veronica told her she needed to go because she was going to meet Wallace for lunch.

It was just before noon when Wallace met Veronica at Filini, which was the restaurant at the hotel. Logan had the car with him to go to all of meetings. Veronica told Wallace she could take a cab to meet him wherever but Wallace told her he would just come to her this time.

They took seats in a booth and looked over their menus. They both decided to have water this time for their drinks.

"So how are you doing?" Wallace asked her after they placed their orders. Filini was also known for their Italian food but this time Veronica stuck to fettuccine and Wallace stayed out of Italian food and had a cheeseburger.

Veronica sighed. "It has been a crazy few days." She admitted.

"I bet. Between the job, your dad's health, and Logan it does get hectic."

"The job stays busy but I have some help this time around." Veronica told him about Alex and how she knew him. Wallace did ask if Logan ever got jealous and she assured him that Alex and Logan got along very well.

They spent some time talking about Logan and Wallace admitted that he did notice that Veronica didn't appear to be stressed out or as edgy or insecure as she was the last time she dated Logan. She appeared to be very happy and content. He liked seeing her this way. Actually it was a first for him when it came to the subject of Logan and Veronica in a relationship.

After they started to eat, Veronica told him, "OK so I lied to you."

Wallace's eyebrows furrowed. He was preparing for the worst here. "About what?"

She let out a breath she had been holding unintentionally. "Lying's the wrong word. I just wasn't being completely upfront with you."

"About what, V?" He repeated.

"About my dad."

"What's going on?"

"He's still stable…for the most part." She stopped for a moment then continued. "But things are slowly going downhill for him. We're exhausting every option we can but the cancer is starting to spread more."

"God, V." He let out a small whistle. "I'm so sorry."

Her eyes were on the table. "Thanks. I…I talked to Logan last night. We may end up getting married at the end of June."

"Holy crap! Are you serious?"

Veronica nodded. "Yeah. Part of the reason is because we have another anniversary in June but another reason is because of him. I want some sort of assurance he's going to be able to walk me down the aisle you know?"

"Oh no I get it. I completely understand." He paused for a moment then decided to ask. "So why did you just tell me about this last night?"

"I wanted to; Logan reminded me last night when we got back to our room that I should be honest with you. But…"

"But what?"

"This whole thing…it scares the shit of out of me, you know? Dad's been everything to me and I feel like I need to be brave for him."

"Veronica…"

"Wait…just a second OK?"

Wallace nodded.

"So I keep this wall up so people don't really know that I'm kind of freaking out on the inside." She took a long drink of her water. "Logan has spent quite a bit of time convincing me it's not needed. That you're all of my friends and that's what you're here. For support."

"Of course V. You know you can always come to me."

"Thanks Wallace. I appreciate that."

"That's what I'm here for. You're my best friend, V. There may be more mileage between us but I'm always here for you. Don't forget that, OK?"

"I won't. I promise."


OK I know the ending sucked and was abrupt but this was a friggin long chapter, OK? I really wanted this talk between Wallace and Veronica in at the end. OK so update. Next chapter...well, when I have writer's block I write what I know and I wrote parts of that chapter months ago and right now there's about 5k words already written on the chapter so good news. Next chapter Mac has the baby...and another surprise too ;) The votes I got where that Mac is having a girl. Only had one vote for a boy. I think everyone wants a girl so Dick has some kind of karma thing and he'd need to watch out for his daughter and prevent her from dating guys like he was in high school (I know; that's a long time away from but still...) Do you want a baby shower thrown for her? I can write that in. I want to thank Kathi, silvergrrrl, who I consulted on hotels and restaurants as she's in Chicago. Really appreciate the help! Please review and let me know what you thought. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and I'll make you all a promise: I'll get the next chapter out on this story before Xmas. I promise ;)