A/N - An update finally! Sorry to have left this one hanging for way too long. I think a quick review of the previous chapter should catch everyone back up to where we are - even just glancing at the first paragraph of that chapter might help. Thank you to everyone who comes back and reads this again. And as always, special thanks to Bondopoulos for always being such a fabulous beta and frequently pestering me to get back to this one!
Disclaimer: All original VM characters belong to Rob Thomas.
A soft knocking sound jostled Logan from his light slumber. The nurse had been there not long before to check on him, and he'd just started to doze off again. He let out a quiet sigh when he realized the petite blonde walking into his room was not the one he'd hoped to see. He was a little surprised that she'd actually followed through with coming to see him given her past behavior.
"Hey," Katy whispered nervously as she took a step into the room so the door could close behind her. She looked him in the eye for a brief moment before glancing back down at the purse she was clutching tightly in front of her slightly protruding stomach; her pregnancy way past the point of being able to hide, especially with her petite frame. Logan noticed her shoulders were slightly hunched, and her furrowed brows reminded him of several other uncomfortable encounters that they'd had over the past three years.
"Hi, Katy," Logan replied, realizing just how weary he sounded, although after everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours he supposed it wasn't really surprising.
"How are you feeling?" she mumbled, the anxiety and uncertainly in her tone matching her posture. She glanced in the direction of the bed, but her eyes didn't travel all the way up to meet his. "Mom said there were some complications from the procedure."
"Yeah… nothing too major, but they don't want to take any chances." He paused and then continued with a caustic tone. "I guess malpractice isn't high on their list of favorite activities."
"I can't imagine a visit from me is high on yours," she said sullenly as she finally made eye contact with him again.
Logan shrugged and looked down at his arm where the IV was still attached. "If it makes you feel any better, it's higher on my list than being hooked up to machines in the hospital."
He tipped his head up when she choked out a humourless laugh. "Well I'm glad to know I'm not at the very bottom at least."
Logan let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm sure you're not here just to inquire about my health," he stated a bit more tersely than he'd intended. He didn't want to argue with her, but he was short on energy and this was the last place he wanted to have this conversation. It seemed best to just get to the point of her visit.
"You're right," Katy said, nodding her head as her expression became more resolute. It always surprised him how she could go from anxious to fierce when pushed into certain situations. "I obviously wanted to talk to you about Evie. I know when we spoke last, you said you didn't want me to be a part of her life if I couldn't promise it would be permanent this time. Well, now you know why I couldn't promise that," she stated, pointing down at her swollen belly. "Things are a little more complicated. I didn't know what I should do, so I did what I always do and just avoided dealing with it. But now that I've seen her here...I guess it changes things." She paused and took in a shaky breath, the resolute expression on her face already starting to crumble slightly as she continued. "God Logan, it broke my heart yesterday when she reacted like that."
"There was more to that than just seeing you here, but what did you expect, Katy? You're practically a stranger to her now. Sure she sees your pictures all over Kathleen's and knows you're her mom, but that's not the same as being in her life," Logan told her, surprising himself with how cold he sounded. "She's a little girl. It's confusing." In the past he'd tried always tried to take into account everything that Katy had been through. He'd tried so hard to be understanding, but maybe he'd finally reached his limit. He'd been sympathetic so many times knowing that they'd both been through so many tragedies when they were young, but seeing Evie's reaction the day before felt like a turning point for him. Evie had to be his priority.
"I don't know what I expected," Katy spat back, her tone a mixture of anger and desperation. "I didn't expect my daughter to be terrified of me, though. Of course Mom told me later why Evie acted that way, but that didn't make me feel any better. I didn't fight you one iota when you asked to adopt her. I'm still upset that Mom thought I would actually try to cut you out of Evie's life after how much you'd done for her. I know what you mean to her, Logan. I know she needs you." She paused and took a steadying breath, continuing in a calmer tone. "Look, I didn't come here to fight with you. That stuff is history now. But I can't move back to Oregon, Logan—my life with Dalton is in Texas—but I also don't want Evie to hate me or think I don't still love her, because I do. I don't know how I can prove that to her though if you won't let me see or talk to her."
"That's not fucking fair, Katy. You can't walk away and not contact us for months and then blame me."
"I called. I—"
"Only when you heard I was with Veronica. You haven't made any effort beyond that. I want what's best for Evie, and she deserves more than a mom who's only around when it's convenient." Logan stopped abruptly, clenching his jaw. It had been a long time since he'd had to deal with something that tested how well he could control his temper and he didn't like how quickly that old rage seemed to bubble to the surface. "I don't want to fight with you either, but I'm not willing to compromise on anything if it's not what's best for my daughter."
Katy let out a loud sigh and shook her head. "I wouldn't expect you to." Her expression softened as she continued. "But she's still my daughter too. I'm sorry that I didn't stick around and try to get some help dealing with all my demons, but I can't change that now. And I never called after I left the last time because I always felt so guilty for leaving and then things got more complicated when I found out I was pregnant again."
"Have you actually gotten help now?" Logan asked, wondering if something or someone had finally forced her to since she'd brought it up voluntarily. In the past when they were together it was a topic that she'd quickly shut down any attempt to discuss.
Katy nodded, but not with a lot of conviction. "I've started. It's hard, but Dalton has been encouraging me to with the baby coming. He knows there are things I'm still not ready to share with him, but he's been really understanding about it." She paused for a moment, what seemed like a wistful look appearing on her face as she looked down and ran her hand across her baby bump. "Dalton and his parents—who live in Corpus Christi, too—they're all so excited for the baby."
Logan almost felt guilty that his first reaction to what she'd just said was to assume that Katy had already planned an escape—loving father and grandparents to take over raising this baby if she let herself fail again—but given her past track record, it really wasn't a stretch to imagine. Although maybe his gut instinct was wrong this time. Maybe whatever support she was getting would make a difference, but he wasn't willing to bet Evie's well-being on the fact that Katy had already changed that much either.
"Well, I'm glad you've at least started working through some of your issues and that you've got people around you that care," Logan replied, trying to at least sound like he believed her.
"Yeah, me too. I guess it's helped me at least become more aware of the issues I need to work through." She paused and let out a bitter laugh. "And when I get back I can discuss how shitty this trip has made me feel too."
As Logan started to furrow his brows and was about to protest, Katy cut him off with an apologetic look and a wave of her hand. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to imply that's because of anything you or Evie did. I know Evie's reaction is my own fault. Listen Logan, I'd still really like the chance to see her again while we're both here in San Diego. Now that my current situation is out in the open, the hesitance and anxiety I had about coming home to tell Mom isn't a factor anymore. I don't know when I'll be able to fly up, but I hope to come up at least once before the baby's born. I'd prefer a chance to see Evie now, but if you're set against that, I won't...I don't want to make things worse between she and I if it's not the right time."
"After yesterday, I just don't think it's a good idea, Katy. Not here, right now."
Katy nodded in understanding, but he saw her shoulders dip in disappointment. She glanced down at her bump again, before looking back up at him. "I don't know how it will work, but I want Evie to have the chance to know her brother. I know with her and you in Oregon and us in Texas, that won't be easy, but I don't want either one to grow up not knowing the other one exists. Mom told me about your brother, so I really hope of all people you could understand that."
Logan hadn't even stopped to consider that aspect of their current situation since learning about Katy's pregnancy the day before. He'd been so focused on how seeing Katy again had affected Evie that he hadn't given much thought to the fact that Evie would have a sibling soon. It saddened him to think that she could grow up possibly not even knowing him—just like himself and Charlie.
"We don't fly out until Sunday morning," Katy continued. "Please think about it, Logan. Mom has my number if you change your mind. And if you do decide that now is just not a good time, then I'll be in touch to talk more about where things go from here."
As Katy turned to head to the door she paused and looked back over her shoulder at him. "I hope you get out of here soon. I'm sure your daughter really misses you," she told him with a tender smile. "I know how much she loves you, and I've never doubted how much you love her."
Before Logan could say another word, Katy had vanished into the hall.
Logan had never liked hospitals, and his impatience to be discharged had only intensified with Katy's visit. Luckily the doctor had stopped in right after Katy had left to let Logan know that everything looked good and that the nursing staff was already working on his discharge paperwork. Just moments later, a nurse came in to remove his IV and to let him know he could get changed back into regular clothes again. He was definitely happy to have something to focus on besides the situation with Katy.
Logan's mood improved even more when he exited the ensuite lavatory and found Veronica leaning against the edge of his bed.
"Look at you. All dressed and standing up-right," Veronica commented with a teasing smile.
"And tube free," Logan added as he closed the distance between them, holding up his hand that previously had the IV connected to it.
He carefully slid his hands under her arms so he could lift her to sit on the mattress, putting her at a much better height for a proper greeting.
"And good morning to you," he told her as he positioned himself between her knees and then leaned in to press a kiss to her lips.
"Mmm… yes it is," she replied, sounding a tad breathless after the kiss. "Sounds like you get to blow this joint soon?"
Logan nodded. "The sooner, the better. I really missed you and Evie last night."
"We missed you too," she told him with a tender smile on her face, reaching up to gently stroke his cheek before running her fingers through his hair. "Not that I don't like having you in this particular position, but I'm sure you're still a little sore. Did you want your bed back? I don't want you overdoing it before you're even released."
"Now you sound like one of the nurses," Logan countered with a smug grin and a wink. "I suppose you're right though," he admitted before kissing her one more time and then turning so he could sit on the bed next to her. "So how did the evening go with you and Evie?"
"Given the circumstances, much better than I'd expected. She had a bit of a rough patch watching another family at the pool, but after that, things were fine."
"What happened at the pool?" Logan asked, instantly worried
She gave him a reassuring smile before she started to explain. "Well, there was a very vocal little boy who kept yelling out for his mommy to watch him, and I'm sure that put Katy right at the front of Evie's mind again. She even asked me where my mom was."
"Do you know where she is?" Logan asked, wondering if Veronica had seen Lianne at all in the last three years that he'd been gone.
Veronica shook her head and sighed softly. "Nope. But that's probably for the best."
Logan reached over so he could hold her hand, gently stroking his thumb along the back of hers. Veronica looked down at their hands before she spoke again, her voice sounding a bit uneasy. "Speaking of absentee mothers, did Katy already stop by?"
Logan inhaled a deep breath as he nodded. "Yeah, a little while ago."
Veronica tipped her head up to look him in the eyes again; it was easy to see the concern in her expression. "Did it go okay?" she asked apprehensively, her brows furrowing just the tiniest bit.
"As well as could be expected, I suppose. I did tell her I didn't think it was a good idea for her to see Evie here in San Diego."
"Did she get upset about that?"
"A little, yeah, but she didn't push too hard on me about it at least." He paused for a moment. He was still struggling with the comparison that Katy had made to him and Charlie. "She mentioned something I hadn't really taken the time to consider yet. She's pretty adamant about Evie getting to know her half-brother. Being here with Charlie, that definitely struck a chord with me. She did point out of course the obvious geographical obstacles we'd have, so she's not being completely oblivious to that, but it's something I hadn't even thought about since this all started yesterday. And who knows what might happen in the future I suppose a lot depends on how she handles everything this time around."
"Do you think she's doing better than she was before?" Veronica asked next.
Logan shrugged and let out a deep sigh. "I don't know. She said she's started seeing someone, but she also hasn't told her fiancé everything about her past, which might not be a good sign." There had been several occasions in the past when Katy had been back with them that he'd fooled himself into thinking she seemed better initially, but every time he'd been proven wrong.
"Do you think she might bolt on him, like she did the other guy, and end up with Kathleen again?"
Logan shook his head. "I don't think so. Well not before she has the baby. Not this time. It sounds like her fiancé and his parents are really excited about the baby, so I'm thinking that will make it different for her. Whether she eventually bolts on them and just vanishes for a while again, I can't really say. I really hope that she won't—for her sake as well as Kathleen's. I'm guessing Kathleen might be having a tough time with all this too, even if she's acting like she's not. I know she sometimes blames herself for Katy's bad decisions, even though she really did everything she could to help her. And I'm sure she wants a chance to get to know her grandson."
Veronica opened her mouth to say something just as the door to the room opened and one of the nurses came in.
"I'm sure you're happy to go home," the nurse commented happily as she walked over to them with a folder of papers. "Here's some information for you to take with you and a prescription for some mild painkillers that the doctor prescribed for the next couple of days. You can fill that at the pharmacy downstairs if that's easier for you. I just need to have you sign some papers and then we'll have you out of here in a jiffy."
Veronica squeezed Logan's hand tenderly before she released it so he could take the forms from the nurse.
They made it down to the main floor quickly. Even though Logan had protested, the nurse had insisted that it was standard procedure for discharged patients to leave in a wheelchair. Veronica had happily volunteered to push him and had thoroughly scolded him when he suggested just ditching it in the elevator once they were alone. Luckily the pharmacy was able to quickly fill his prescription and, with that taken care of, they were finally headed back to Coronado.
Logan hadn't forgotten that they'd been interrupted by the nurse earlier and was wondering how Veronica was feeling with the whole Katy topic. He honestly wasn't even sure how he was feeling about it and couldn't imagine this entire situation was easy for Veronica either. It was certainly not what either of them had expected to be dealing with at this particular point in time. He had of course noticed the uneasiness in Veronica's demeanor whenever they'd talked much about Katy over the past week, and that was when she was just some estranged mother to Evie and not an ex-girlfriend visiting him in his hospital room this morning. Even if he'd long since moved past those sort of feelings for Katy, he wasn't sure Veronica was completely convinced. He struggled over whether to just let it go for now and see what came up later, but knowing this might be the last bit of privacy they'd have for a while, if there was more she'd wanted to say, he felt he should give her the chance.
"So, we sort of got interrupted at the hospital when the nurse walked in," he threw out there a little hesitantly. "We um… we may not get a lot of alone time for a while once we get back... if there was still anything you wanted to talk about we could now."
"Oh," Veronica replied, definitely looking a bit caught off guard as she quickly glanced at him for a second before turning her attention back to the road in front of her. "Well, it is a lot to process I guess… for all of us. I get why you and Katy would want Evie to know—at least eventually—that she has a sibling out there, but do you think that's going to be tough on her? I know if I'd found out my mom had started another family when she abandoned me, I think I'd have a hard time with it, although I'm not sure how I would have felt about it at four years old."
"Yeah," Logan responded with a discouraged sigh. "It's definitely something I need to consider. Maybe it would be better for Evie to get to see her and spend some time with her before the new baby comes. I'm thinking that might make Evie feel a little less like she had been replaced, but I'm not sure if that will help or not. Not to mention the logistics, with Katy being in Texas and us in Oregon."
"Maybe—" Veronica started and then shook her head, cutting herself short.
"Maybe what?" Logan asked, trying to get her to continue. "I do want to hear what you're thinking about all of this, Veronica. I know this is all still so new for us being in each others lives again, but I've meant everything I've said about wanting this to work this time—which includes being open and honest about things, even when the other person might not agree."
Veronica glanced in his direction with a tender smile before she continued, mostly watching the road, but sneaking a couple glances at him as well. "I want that too and I was just thinking—I know you said you were leaning toward not letting her see Evie here, but maybe this would be the best time to try to rebuild some connection between them. As long as Evie's past worrying about Katy trying to take her away from you, of course. Being here in the same place, before Katy's too far along, might not be as difficult on Evie as it would be if she doesn't see her again until after the baby's born."
"Yeah, possibly," Logan replied, still a little apprehensive given Evie's reaction the day before, but also knowing that in the past she could be quite resilient. "Katy leaves Sunday morning, so there's still a little time to see how Evie's handling all of this and if I think she'll be okay with it, maybe I'll setup some time on Saturday."
Veronica nodded her head in agreement. "That sounds like a good plan to me."
Logan was a little surprised when they reached the villa how tired he felt already. Given that he'd been stuck in bed for the past twenty-four hours, the whole ordeal of getting released from the hospital combined with some very light walking had taken more out of him than he'd expected. His body was definitely still feeling the effects of the procedure, and even though it wasn't a very intrusive operation, his hips still ached considerably. He was extremely grateful that he had both Kathleen and Veronica there to help him out with Evie given the condition he was in. Even though the literature had warned him to expect this sort of post-op fatigue and pain, he'd hoped his history with healing from injuries would have made it easier for him.
As soon as they opened the door to the villa, the smell of bacon and coffee filled his senses.
"Daddy!" Evie yelled happily, jumping off the couch to run over to him.
He'd expected her to barrel into him, like she usually did, but instead she stopped a few feet in front of him looking at him cautiously.
"Nana said I need to be careful not to hurt you," Evie shared, giving him a slightly worried look. "She said I need to be really gentle while you heal up from helping Nick."
Logan let out a soft chuckle and walked close enough so he could scoop her up. "Well I appreciate that, but I'm doing well enough to get a big hug from you," he told her as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her cheek. "I missed you, sweetie."
"I missed you too," Evie replied, her arms tightening around his neck as she hugged him in return. "Nana made you a special breakfast. I helped mix the eggs," she told him proudly.
"Well, it smells delicious," Logan told her, placing another kiss on her cheek before setting her back down. She took his hand and lead him over to the table that was already set for five.
"Is your dad joining us?" Logan asked Veronica as he gingerly took a seat in one of the chairs, relieved to get off his feet again.
"Yeah, I hope that's okay. He's headed back to Neptune in a little while, but I thought he could join us for breakfast before he goes."
"Of course that's fine," Logan reassured her. While Keith's visit hadn't gone as smoothly as he'd hoped, he was still grateful that Keith had been willing to help as much as he had. And after they'd had a chance to talk, he'd hoped that had helped quell some of Keith's initial concerns at least.
Kathleen gave Logan a warm smile as she carried a plate of bacon over to the table. "Since you'll probably still want to rest most of the day, I suggested to Evie that we go check out the New Children's Museum. They have hands-on artwork exhibits which I thought she'd enjoy. And there's a park right next door that she can play at for a little while too."
While he'd missed Evie terribly, Logan also knew he probably wouldn't be able to keep her very entertained today while he was recuperating. "Would you like to go do that with Nana, Evie?"
Evie smiled and nodded in reply, intensely eyeing the plate of bacon that Kathleen had just put down next to a breakfast casserole already sitting in the middle of the table.
"I was thinking it might give me some ideas for setting up some art stations for kids in the gallery too. I've seen too many parents stress out when they come in, worrying that their kids might damage something, so I was thinking of setting up an area that would be completely kid friendly to keep them entertained while their parents browse around," Kathleen added as she turned to retrieve a large carafe of coffee from the kitchen.
"Are you sure the two of you will be okay on your own though?" Logan asked, suddenly feeling a bit apprehensive. Of course the look Kathleen immediately shot him in response made him regret asking. At least, likely due to his current physical state, she restrained from scolding him about it.
"We'll be fine," Kathleen responded, giving him a pointed look, even if her words weren't as strong as they would have been under normal circumstances. "It's only a few miles from here— back over the bridge. Close enough that it won't take long to come back if Evie needs a break from all the fun we'll be having, right Evie?"
Evie nodded again. "Can I have bacon now?"
Kathleen let out a chuckle and shook her head. "You can wait a couple more minutes. Veronica's father should be here soon and then we can eat, okay?"
Evie's mouth turned down in a pout and she let out a loud sigh, but she nodded anyway. Luckily for Evie, a second later there was a knock on the door.
"Now?" Evie called out eagerly as Veronica headed over to open the door.
"Evelyn Charlotte Beatrice Montgomery, where's your manners," Kathleen scolded, earning another sigh from Evie.
Logan heard a soft snicker come from Veronica as she opened the door for Keith.
"Good morning, pops," Veronica said cheerfully as she leaned in and kissed Keith's cheek. "Did you get all checked out already?"
"Yep. Hauled all my stuff to the car on my way over here," Keith answered, giving a quick wave to the others in the room. "Thanks again for inviting me to join you," Keith directed at Logan.
Logan nodded in reply. "Yeah, no problem. I'm glad you were able to come down. And thanks for going with Kathleen and Evie to the animal park yesterday."
Kathleen had already taken a seat at the table on the other side of Evie, so Veronica and Keith walked over to join them.
"It was my pleasure," Keith continued. "I can't remember the last time Veronica and I went there. I guess we generally ended up at the zoo instead."
"Can I have bacon now," Evie asked again, exasperation evident in her tone.
Kathleen let out an audible sigh and quirked an eyebrow at Logan. It was her 'you get to answer your daughter' look. "Thanks for waiting for Veronica's dad to get here," Logan told Evie patiently. "I think it's fine, but only two pieces to start with, okay?"
Evie eagerly nodded as Kathleen reached over to help her put two pieces on her plate.
"So, the other night you mentioned coming up to Neptune to help Veronica pack. Any idea when that might be?" Keith asked glancing first at Logan and then at Veronica. "You only have a little over a week before school starts," he added, pointedly directing that at Veronica.
Logan noticed Veronica's brows furrowed slightly. He wasn't sure if she wasn't thrilled about the reminder that time was running out for when she had to be at Stanford or if it was Keith reminding her that she hadn't talked to him yet about her plans.
"I guess there are a few things I need to make some decisions on that could impact that," Logan replied, glancing at Evie before he looked back at Keith. He was sure his uncertainty over what to do about Katy would impact what Veronica was planning to do. "The reservation on the villa is through Friday, but there's a chance we may stay in San Diego a day or two longer than that."
"Well, I'm sure Wallace and Mac would like to see you as well before you migrate north," Keith continued, directing his comment at Veronica.
"I'm sure we'll be up there by Monday," Veronica answered, her tone sounding a bit agitated by her dad's comments. "I'll text you as soon as we finalize our plans. It's not like I have a ton of possessions to pack up to take along either. You weren't planning on renting my room out or something while I was gone, were you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes in a challenging gaze.
Keith chuckled and shook his head. "I was just looking forward to a little more daddy-daughter time before you leave."
Veronica sighed and her posture which had become a bit rigid, relaxed somewhat. "You'll probably be busy with cases too since you were down here for a couple days, but I'm sure we'll get some time together next week before I leave. As soon as Logan and I figure out our plans, I'll be sure to let you know."
"Thank you, dear daughter," Keith replied with a satisfied smile. "That casserole smells absolutely delicious," he added, shooting an approving smile in Kathleen's direction as Veronica passed the dish to him.
After they'd finished eating, Evie and Logan retreated to the couch to watch some cartoons while Kathleen cleaned up and Veronica walked her dad out to his car. Logan was hesitant to bring Katy up yet, even though the decision of whether to let her see Evie was weighing heavily on his mind. He decided it was probably best to wait until later in the day to talk with Evie about it. He was also hoping Kathleen would get Evie back to the villa for a nap so he could update her first on their discussion that morning. He really wanted to have a chance to discuss everything with Kathleen before he talked to Evie, and there weren't many options for speaking privately in the villa.
"Ready to go to the museum?" Kathleen asked Evie once she was finished cleaning up all the breakfast dishes.
"You'll be sure to be back later for her nap, right?" Logan asked, trying not to sound too controlling, but hoping Kathleen might pick up on why he was even bringing it up. She'd known Katy was stopping by to see him and had yet to ask him how it went.
"Yep, I'm sure she'll be tuckered out after having fun with me at the museum. Why don't we plan to bring lunch back for you and Veronica too and then Evie can take a nap after she eats," Kathleen suggested.
"Have fun with Nana, sweetie," Logan told Evie as she leaned in to give him a hug goodbye. "And be sure you listen to her and hold her hand so you don't get lost."
"I know," Evie replied irritatedly. At least the fact that she was back to being annoyed by his over protective daddy behavior was a good sign that she wasn't too traumatized over the run in with Katy the day before. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too," Logan replied, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
As Evie jumped up from the couch to go with Kathleen, Veronica walked back into the villa.
"Bye, Ver-ronica," Evie said as she ran over to give Veronica a hug too.
"Bye, kiddo," Veronica replied, leaning down to place a quick kiss on top of Evie's head. "Have fun with your Grandma at the museum. Maybe in a few days, Daddy will be feeling better and we can all go do something together."
"I hope so," Evie answered, glancing back to smile lovingly at Logan.
Logan nodded in reply, trying to tap down the feelings that popped up again when Veronica spoke about him like that. He'd nearly forgotten how that had impacted him so significantly the first time she'd said it that way. And watching the two of them interact, he was once again struck by how comfortable Evie had become with Veronica.
Kathleen said a quick goodbye as well before her and Evie headed out the door.
"Hey, you," Veronica said with a soft smile as she made her way over to the couch. "How's the pain? Aren't you due for a pill about now?"
Logan shook his head at her. "Do I at least get the pleasure of seeing you in a nurse's outfit if you're going to dole out medical advice?" he inquired languidly with a sly grin.
Veronica snapped her fingers and made a clicking sound between her teeth. "Darn, I forgot to pack that. You'll just have to use your imagination, which if memory serves is pretty creative," she teased in reply.
"You say creative, but we both know you mean salacious," Logan countered while he bobbed his eyebrows at her.
Veronica laughed and nodded in agreement. "Seriously though," she continued, sitting down next to him and gently running her fingers through his hair. "How are you feeling? I thought I saw you grimace a few times when you were at the table and then again moving over here. You know it's better to keep on top of your medication schedule, rather than waiting too long and having the pain sneak up on you."
"You're right, Nurse Mars," Logan replied, letting out a deep exhale. "I probably should take another pill. I'm afraid I may not be great company if it makes me drowsy again though."
"Pshaw," Veronica told him, a sly grin slowly appearing. "Who said you're great company when you're not drowsy."
Logan chuckled and shook his head again at her. "You're bedside manner is extraordinary, Mars. Maybe I should think of other voluntary procedures to have, just so you can take care of me."
The playful grin that was on her face suddenly became more serious. "Well I'm glad the timing worked out so I could be here to take care of you for this one."
"Me too," Logan replied reaching out to lace his fingers with hers. He pulled her hand up so he could place a tender kiss on the back of it. "Thank you. Not just for now, but for everything the last few days." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Actually for every minute since you showed up on my doorstep last week. I don't think I realized—or was willing to admit—that a part of me was actually missing. Even with Evie and Kathleen in my life, there was still a Veronica shaped hole in my heart—that only you could fill."
"I know that feeling," Veronica murmured quietly, biting slightly on her lower lip; an almost shy expression forming on her face. "We should get you that medicine though," she added, reaching up to stroke her fingers through his hair again. "I've never liked seeing you in pain."
Logan nodded and pulled her other hand up to kiss her knuckles again. "This wasn't exactly the alone time scenario I was hoping for with you. Even if imagining you playing a nurse is hot, I don't think the real medical professional wouldn't have approved the activity I have in mind. I'm pretty sure there was something said about no extreme physical activity for a couple of days."
"We'll just have to slowly ease back into it," Veronica countered with a coy grin, causing a deep chuckle to emanate from Logan.
"Speaking of alone time," Logan broached thoughtfully as Veronica stood up to retrieve Logan's medication. "Kathleen tossed out the idea of flying up to the Bay Area with Evie to spend some time with her parents while I help you pack and then we would meet back up when we drive up to Stanford."
"Yeah, she mentioned something about that to me too," Veronica shared as she grabbed the bottle of pills from Logan's bag and headed back to the couch.
"With the whole Katy ordeal, I wasn't sure if that would be a good idea or not, but the more I was thinking about it—Evie can be challenging on really long car rides. We'd all decided to drive up to Seattle a couple months ago, and realized the drive from our place to the Portland Zoo really is about the extent of what she can tolerate at this point. We ended up taking a flight from Portland instead of driving the rest of the way like we had originally planned. So I'm thinking, if Evie's acting like her usual self, maybe Kathleen's idea might be a good one." Logan paused to see what Veronica's reaction was. As a reassuring smile spread across her face, he continued again. "We could even plan one stop overnight if you wanted. Say a romantic night in Carmel or something?"
Logan loved that this current version of Veronica was so much more open and willing to actually share her feelings than how she'd been three years ago. He could easily guess her response based on the way her eyes lit up and her lips curved up into a whimsical smile.
"I'd love that," Veronica confirmed, sitting down next to him again. "I think that sounds like a perfect way to make the most of the limited time we have left together right now."
"How about we go snuggle on one of the giant lounge chairs on the deck and watch the waves roll against the beach while I wait for the pain killer to start working, and then maybe we can discuss that easing back into things, you mentioned a few minutes ago," Logan suggested with a lecherous smirk. "It's not like I had open heart surgery or something."
"As your nurse, I wholeheartedly approve of that idea," Veronica replied coyly, giving him a small wink before reaching out to help pull up up off the couch.
