LoVe as Parents

Logan wakes up and is a little disoriented. He lays quietly in his bed as the last few days come back to him. He is a father to a healthy, strong, wonderful son. He thinks about how great Veronica was in the birthing room. She was exhausted and in pain at the end but did everything they asked of her. Her hair was matted to her head, she had no makeup on and she had dark circles under her eyes but she was a beautiful mess to him. His respect for her grew in those hours. Watching Veronica go through labor was the most emotion wrenching experience of his lifetime. He is a writer and there is no way he can adequately express the emotions he felt. All he knows is that when he heard his son cry for the first time, his heart jumped in his chest and he had tears in his eyes. At that moment he saw himself as Veronica saw him; a strong man who is there for her and is going to help her raise their child. In that special few seconds Logan stopped seeing the cracks and saw the whole picture. He has slowly been healing from his past and he finally let it go. He no longer hears his father's voice that he is a disappointment and has to be punished. He no longer hears his mother tell him to try harder not to antagonize his father. He doesn't hear the judgments of the public that he is ungrateful and spoiled. At that moment all he hears was the strong healthy cry of his son and the happy cry of the woman he loves more than life.

Logan listens to the sounds downstairs as he lays in the comfortable bed. Veronica and their family are down there. Keith and Alicia come over early in the morning and stay all day to help with the new baby. They have been great! They take turns looking after little Evan Keith and, of course, they spoil Veronica. Alicia and Mrs. H. are working together to make sure that there is plenty of food for all the visitors and the exhausted new parents. Logan, who doesn't know anything about caring for a baby besides what he has read in Veronica's multitude of books, is happy and relieved to have Keith and Alicia there to help guide him. Logan has slowly gotten used to holding his son, changing his diaper and burping him. At first he was afraid, but having Keith there encouraging him and sharing stories of how small Veronica was and how afraid he was really helped. Alicia was especially helpful, encouraging Veronica with breast feeding and teaching Logan what he needed to know to take care of a newborn.

Wallace is excited about becoming an uncle and Daryl used the jet to fly in for a couple of days. It was good for everyone to see him. Mac and Casey have both been by to visit. They are the official god parents. A little nervous at first, they both looked to Keith and Alicia for help and guidance in how to hold their god child. Now in just a few short visits, they are both a lot more comfortable. Weevil, Carmen and the kids came today. Weevil expertly held Evan and teased Logan that he was pretty small. Carmen happily helped her children sit and pose for pictures holding Evan. They excitedly held the baby and then quickly bored, they asked to go out to the pool making all the adults laugh. They are staying overnight in the pool house.

Derek, Connie and the children dropped over to visit and they were excited to see and hold the new baby. Mitch and Phil both dropped by to see Veronica and her new son. They were both happy she was healthy and talked a little with her about how work was going without her. Phil and Logan talked about boating and Logan told Phil that he should feel free to use the boats as he and Veronica wouldn't be using them any time soon. Brad and Jeanne came over straight from the doctors with the news that Jeanne was still in remission which resulted in a spontaneous family celebration which included a lot of food and of course, a chocolate cake made by Mrs. H.

Logan looks over at the clock and sees that he has had a nice, long nap. He stretches and heads for the shower. It is good to be able to get caught up on his sleep. Once everyone goes home, he is sure that he and Veronica will be more tired. When he is dressed, he heads downstairs and sees that Mrs. H. is cooking supper. He says hello to her and peeks out the window to see Weevil, Carmen and the kids playing in the pool. Smiling he turns and goes into the living room where he sees Veronica is feeding Evan on a coach by the fireplace. Keith has turned on a baseball game and Alicia is sitting next to him watching the game with him and reading a book on her tablet. His smile grows as he sees that Mac has dropped over after work to see them. After a hello smile to his parents, he heads over to sit beside Veronica. Easing himself in beside her, he wraps his arm around her letting her lean against him while he kisses her temple and whispers a quick, "Hello Sugarpuss." For a brief moment, Logan enjoys Veronica's warmth and the scent he associates with her of promises and marshmallows. Then he bends down, moves aside the blanket, leans in and kisses his son's forehead quietly saying, "Evan, you sure are hungry today."

Veronica smiles at him and he leans back up looking at her. He questions, "How are you doing? Did you get some rest this afternoon?"

Touched at his concern, she reassures him that she was able to sleep a little over two hours on the couch before Evan woke up. Looking at him with her big blue eyes, she tells him, "I am glad you got a little more sleep. Evan was a little fussy last night."

Nodding he agrees, "He was but I am glad I can help you a little." Turning a little she relaxes her back into his chest and lets him hold her and their son. Logan looks at Mac and asks, "How did your meeting with Miller & Hodges go?" Mac updates Logan on the meeting. Logan smiles and comments honestly, "Well Mac, it looks like you might have another big success on your hands."

Pleased at how well the new project is going and basking in her friendship with the Echolls, she begs, "Don't jinx it."

He just smiles and tells her, "You are amazing!" She blushes a little and Veronica has to smile at how proud Logan is of their friend. She is absolutely a genus at knowing what the public will want and need next. She has a strong team to help her with the development of each piece of software. The company continues to grow and take more of the market share with each year that passes.

Veronica teases when there is a pause in the conversation, "I see that you are able to visit without Lester by your side."

Logan has to stifle a laugh at Mac's look of annoyance when she admits, "They left for Nevada this morning."

"I see," the new mother intones as she lifts her son up to burp him. The young infant is not impressed that his mother is removing him from her breast and begins to complain. Logan takes him and the burp pad. He puts the pad on his shoulder and sets his son up there rubbing his back as he watches his son's face screw up in anger. He smiles as he rubs quietly reassuring the upset infant, "I know you are still hungry but you don't want to have a sore tummy now do you?'

Keith and Alicia look over and smile at the touching sight. Logan is so loving. so excited and so open with his new son. It is wonderful to see. Keith notices his beloved daughter's happy smile as she watches her husband hold their new son. Since she got back with Logan a few years ago, the genuine smile she had as a child but had been missing after her best friend was killed, has been back. This is the life he wanted for her and it is clear she is truly happy. After a minute or so of a gentle back rub, Evan does burp and is handed back to his mother to feed off the other breast. Logan as he hands the upset infant over reassures him, "Mommy is right here son. There is no need to disturb Grandpa's ball game." Keith laughs. Logan is definitely getting the hang of this parenting thing. They all watch Logan's laugh as his son's angry cries cease when he latches on to his mother's breast again.

Logan misses their looks of love as he is looking at his son who is contented now he is back on the breast. His face softens into love as he sees his beautiful wife now gently talking to their son as he feeds. That might be the most beautiful sight in the world to him. He leans in and listens as she tells him how loved he is and how happy they are to have him. Mac sitting across snaps a picture on her cell phone. This is a definite keeper.

A few busy but blissful weeks pass. Logan, Veronica and Evan have settled into a routine. One morning, Dick and John arrive with Casey in his new Jeep. A little tentatively Logan walks out the door to greet them. He was unsure when Casey called and told him that he wanted to come over to visit and he wanted to bring Dick and John. Before Logan could protest that they weren't welcome in his home, Casey gently interrupted and said, "It's time to give them another chance."

Trusting his best friend, Logan agreed to have them over. Logan walks out the door when he drives up and whistles appreciatively when he sees his best friend's new toy. He says hello to the three guys as they get out. He fist bumps John and Dick before heading around the vehicle to the driver's side. He slides into the driver's seat and listens as Casey describes some of the options he decided to get. Logan runs his hand over the steering wheel and comments, "This is big enough for the three children and it's perfect for the beach."

Excited about his new purchase, Casey nods and adds, "We need to take it out and christen it. How about Saturday morning?" He tells his best friend, "I probably won't have a lot of free time once I am a full time father."

Logan looks out the door at this friend and smiles openly, "You know that sounds great! I miss going surfing. Ronnie will be home with Evan and I can sneak out for the morning."

The four make some plans as they walk towards the front door. Opening the front door for the others, Casey asks where Evan is. Logan points to the portable monitor on his belt and answers, "I just put him down about an hour ago. Your timing is perfect. We might get to eat lunch without being disturbed."

Smiling Casey walks towards the kitchen and rubs his hands together. When he sees the Echolls' housekeeper he exclaims, "Mrs. H., I am starved! I didn't eat breakfast knowing I was coming here. What did you make us for lunch?"

She smiles at the young men entering the kitchen and answers, "Logan said you were coming today so I made King Ranch Chicken."

The young man moans and asks, "Are you sure you can't come and work for me?" He meets her gaze and adds, "I need you more than Logan does. I am going to have three children running around."

Logan playfully punches Casey who puts him in a headlock. Getting out of the headlock, Logan pushes his friend away telling him, "You have a great housekeeper and a nanny. Leave my home alone." The guys laugh and sit around the kitchen table. Mrs. H. comes over and brings them soup while Logan heads to the fridge to get them a beer. Casey comes to the fridge to help and teases, "I'm willing to fight Logan to win your heart." The four men laugh as Casey's fondness for Mrs. H's cooking has been a friendly bone of contention for a few years. Mrs. H. of course, would never think of leaving Logan and Veronica but she admires Casey and likes to spoil him when he comes over.

Dick and John show Mrs. H. the outfit they had made for Evan. She laughs and coos about how cute it is. Dick says, "Well we had to buy Logan's son his first wetsuit."

Appreciating the thought that went into the gift, Logan gently touches the suit and tells them, "Next time we take him outside, I will put it on him. We can take some pictures of him in the pool with it on."

Mrs. H. shakes her head at how different clothes for babies are now a days. She tells them about how fashion wasn't as involved with baby clothes when she had her children. She picks up the baby wet suit and points out, "This is really detailed."

After the delicious lunch the men move out onto the deck to enjoy their beer and the great view when they hear a few grunts and noises coming from the monitor that is sitting on the table. Logan stretches and tells the group, "Evan is waking. Let me go get him before he graces us with the scream I think he inherited from the Mars side of the family." They guys laugh at his comment and watch as he gets up and enters the house heading upstairs. He tells Mrs. H. on his way that Evan is awake and she gets a bottle of breast milk out of the fridge to warm while Logan changes him.

John looks at Casey and asks, "Can't the nanny change the baby?"

"They don't have a nanny," Casey tells them. "Mr. and Mrs. Mars came over every day for a week to help after Evan was born but since then it has been Logan and Veronica looking after him." Explaining since they both still looked puzzled, he adds, "Veronica grew up without a nanny. Her parents looked after her. She wants that for her children."

Dick does remember meeting Veronica's mother. She did stay at home, making Veronica's lunches and was there when she came home from school. He always thought it was kind of nice. His mother didn't work but she was always out with her friends and at charity events. The three guys on deck hear Logan greeting his son and then to their surprise he keeps up a running conversation with him. After asking him if he slept well and if he is hungry, Logan tells him they have visitors. He says, "Uncle Casey is here and two of my oldest friends Dick and John." He tells him he is going to change him and then he can drink the bottle that Mrs. H. is warming. Logan teases him that of course he doesn't like it as much as mommy's breast but it will have to do. He adds how Mommy doesn't like to leave him and it took a lot of persuasion to make her go so it would really help if he didn't complain when Mommy had to go and help Aunty Mac. The three men hear some answering coos from the baby; they smile at Logan's way of talking to his son and they wonder if he remembers that he left the monitor on. They doubt it.

When Logan arrives on deck holding Evan, the three men watch interestedly as he expertly puts his complaining son in position and holds the bottle for him to drink from. The dark haired baby is not keen on drinking from the bottle and turns his head away. Logan cuddles his son and tells him, "Mommy is not here so this bottle will have to do Evan. It's the bottle or nothing." When Evan starts to drink and his complaints die down, Logan smiles at him encouraging, "See it is the same stuff you get from Mommy."

Casey smiles watching his friend with his son. Casey comments, "You know I think he is even bigger than last week when I saw him."

Logan looks up at this friend and agrees, "He is growing fast." He turns his chair a little so that the slight breeze is not hitting his son. The three men notice how Logan has ensured his son's comfort and how gently he is cradling him.

Dick watching sees Logan's happiness. He feels a little choked. Little Evan already looks a lot like Logan. Seeing how comfortable Logan is with his son is actually touching. Dick says wondrously, "Fuck he is tiny!"

Agreeing John adds, "He looks like he would fit in one hand."

Logan smiles at the two men and explains, "He is actually taller than average."

Casey chimes in telling the guys that they were all worried about if Veronica would be able to deliver Evan since she is so tiny. Logan looks at his son as he feeds and adds quietly, "Ronnie was a trooper. She worked so hard." He shares a little tentatively, "I know the doctor told us that she wouldn't have any problem delivering Evan but I was still a little worried. Her hips are so tiny."

The two men listen to Logan talk about that time and feel a little badly that they weren't there to support him. John looking at how much little Evan likes to eat comments, "Well he seems to have Veronica's appetite."

Logan laughs aloud and the guys feel the mood relax. He agrees, "He is an eating machine."

"Dude," Dick shares quietly, "He has your hair and eyes."

Teasing Logan brags, "He is really going to be a lady killer." The guys predictably start to tease Logan about what they think Evan might look like or grow up to be. The mood between the young men is more relaxed and all of them are grateful that they might be able to get back to being closer friends. When Logan lifts Evan to burp him he looks over at Casey and asks, "Do you want to feed him the rest of the bottle?"

Dick interrupts and says, "I would." Logan looks at him in surprise and meets his gaze. He sees that Dick does want to hold Evan. With only a short hesitation, Logan stands and goes over to the other side of the table where Dick is sitting. He gently lowers Evan into Dick's waiting arms and watches as Dick settles him. He hands his long time friend the bottle and watches carefully as Dick turns the bottle to a proper angle and tentatively puts the nipple near baby Evan's mouth. Logan smiles as Evan greedily feeling the nipple touch his cheek turns towards the nipple, grasps it in his mouth and sucks hard. Evan's feet wiggle in his excitement to eat. Dick's whole face lights up in a smile. He shares, "This is so cool!"

The three men watching all smile. It is a bonding moment for them. Casey standing says, "I'll get us all another beer."

John stands and tells his friend, "I'll come help you." When they are settled again, the men talk and get up to date on what has been happening in each of their lives. Casey is excited that his temporary adoption of the three children went through. In two short weeks, the children will be moving in with him; hopefully permanently.

When it is time to burp Evan, Dick is uncertain but Logan helps him. When Evan gives a surprisingly large burp, Dick and the others laugh. John teases, "Now I know he is an Echolls." Logan playfully punches his shoulder and John pretends to fall out of the chair. They all enjoy the happy atmosphere.

Casey reaches over and complains, "You have hogged Evan enough. It's my turn." Dick leans over towards Casey and he gently takes the contented young man from his friend's shoulder and eases him down into a comfortable resting position cradled in his arms.

Dick looks at the bottle and says, "He drank the whole thing."

Logan happy to see that his son took the bottle comments, "It's a good thing too. Ronnie wouldn't be able to leave if he didn't learn to take the bottle." He adds, "He seems to know when Ronnie is home and he won't take the bottle."

Teasing Casey says, "Who can blame him?"

Genuinely laughing Logan agrees, "I know I wouldn't."

John is really surprised and pleased at how really excited and happy Logan is. Logan loves to have fun but right now he is really relaxed and content. John has never really seen Logan content before. It's nice! An hour later, John is holding young Evan as he sleeps and the guys are now playing cards as they visit on the patio. Logan's phone beeps and he sees that security is letting him know that Veronica is on her way home. Casey looks inquiringly at Logan and when he looks up, he sees them looking at him. He says, "Security says Veronica is on her way home."

Dick as he decides what card to play asks, "So you really have a security team on Veronica?"

Nodding Logan looks at the card Dick played and takes his own turn. He answers, "Yeah, besides the fact that Veronica attracts trouble, she is my wife and would be the easiest to kidnap or attack."

Laughing Casey teases, "I think Dick can attest to the fact that Veronica can protect herself." The guys all laugh at the look of upset on Dick's face.

John plays his card and Casey easily drops his card taking the trick. Logan points out, "She has been good about following all of security's rules. She knows I worry." He takes a sip of his beer and adds, "Dad likes that Veronica has a security detail too."

Dick teases, "Oh it's Dad now."

Laughing Logan answers, "Now I am not the teenager wanting to fuck his daughter. Now I am the overprotective man who married his daughter and gave him a grandson. I am golden."

Casey joins in the laughter agreeing, "You are. Anyone who can protect Veronica, make her happy and give Keith a future shortstop for the Padres is OK by him." He teases Logan, "I might be more popular than you. I am giving him three grandchildren and I am not sleeping with his daughter."

Amused Logan agrees, "Plus you are giving him two granddaughters to spoil." Dick and John amazed at how well accepted into the Mars/Fennell Family Casey is. Talking about the Padres reminds Casey that Luke is doing well as a reliever for Seattle. They discuss how it is really odd to see him on television pitching.

A few minutes later Veronica walks out onto the deck and comments, "So you are already teaching Evan how to gamble." She adds obviously teasing, "I knew I shouldn't have left him for so long today."

They all look over at Veronica and they are surprised at how much weight she has lost already. She is wearing a skirt suit. Instead of FBI navy, it is rose colored with a white blouse. Her long blonde hair is braided back and she is wearing low heels. She looks very professional. Logan immediately stands and goes over to kiss her hello. He asks, "How was work?"

Shrugging she says, "Today seemed long but I wanted to get all my work done so I don't have to go back for a while."

Logan waves towards the guys and explains, "John won't give Evan up because he is bringing him luck."

She has to smile at the picture of little Evan sleeping peacefully and the four men watching over him. She quietly tells Dick and John, "Mrs. H. showed me the wet suit you guys had made for Evan. It's really beautiful. He's getting old enough to be outside more so it's perfect timing." Logan can see that Dick and John are both surprised at how polite Veronica is. It is easy to see she is genuine in her thanks. Veronica looks at Logan and asks a little concerned, "Did he take his bottle OK?"

Nodding Logan tells her he drank it but he was reluctant at first. He adds, "He would rather have the real thing."

The four men laugh at Veronica's embarrassment. Casey teases, "Well he is Logan's son." When Veronica's color deepens, the men laugh harder.

Being a gentlemen, Logan decides to rescue his wife. He looks at his watch and says, "He will probably want to eat again soon. Why don't you go and shower. I will bring him up to you if he needs you in the meantime." He gives her a reassuring hug.

Thinking about his offer she decides, "That actually sounds good." She adds, "Mrs. H. is making salmon and dill for supper. She made enough for us all if you guys are hungry."

The men are all look surprised at her offer. Dick looks at the others and answers quietly, "That sounds great! Thanks."

She nods in all their directions and tells them, "I'll let Mrs. H. know." With a final smile and hug with Logan she heads into the house. Logan walks back to the table.

There is a moment of silence outside and then Casey says, "It's my turn to deal." The men all nod.

Logan asks John, "Are you OK holding Evan?"

His answering smile is warm and open. He nods, "I am doing a lot better with him helping me."

"My good luck charm just went upstairs, " Logan chimes in after he looks at the doorway where Veronica just left. He sits in his chair and takes a sip of his beer before he looks at his cards.

Upstairs Veronica thinks about how happy Logan looked having his long time friends over and the look of gratitude he shot her when she invited them to stay for supper. When she arrived home she wasn't thrilled that Dick and John were over but as she looked out the window at the men sitting on the deck, she saw Dick lean over and make sure that Evan's blanket was tucked around him. It appears that her son can tame the jackasses. John looked very happy to be holding him and Mrs. H. tells her that Dick actually fed him some of his bottle. She turns on the shower and picks out a pair of cargo pants and a t shirt. Supper should be interesting.

They eat at the table in the kitchen. It is a relaxed time between the once close and good friends. Veronica sitting in between Casey and Logan is quiet but listens carefully to all their news and Casey updates her on the negotiations to turn Logan's book into a movie. She asks some really pertinent questions and he smiles at her stating, "Perhaps you would like to negotiate for Logan. I think you will probably get a better deal."

Laughing Veronica teases, "There is no probably about it." Logan hearing leans over and says, "I think my agent is afraid of her."

Casey laughs out loud. Dick and John see that Veronica is content to stay in the background. When Evan cries, Veronica gets up and says, "That is my cue."

Logan offers to go and get him changed but Veronica puts her hand on his arm and encourages, "I missed him today. I will feed him and bathe him and then bring him down." She adds, "Besides you should visit with your friends."

Smiling Logan leans up and kisses her. He is very touched that she is so willing to make room in her life for his friends even if they don't deserve it. Inside he is worried about trusting them again but he decides that maybe he can give them another chance. They both really seemed to enjoy holding Evan and he has not seen them take any pictures of him or anything.

The men decide to play some pool. After an hour or so, Veronica comes in to the games room holding Evan. He looks like he has just had his bath. He is wearing a royal blue one piece sleeper and has his head wrapped in a blue and grey striped cap.

Dick comes over to see Evan who is awake. He gives him a finger and predictably smiles when Evan instinctively grabs it. He tells the young baby, "You are rocking that hat Evan."

John asks why he is wearing a cap and Logan explains how babies' heads are bigger compared to their bodies and they can lose a lot of heat that way so after his bath, they get him to wear a cap for a while.

Casey steps up and puts his arms out to take Evan stating, "Veronica, they hogged him earlier. I hardly got to hold my god son."

She smiles at him and allows him to take her son. Casey obviously experienced holding him cuddles him closely and talks to him telling him that they are all going to teach him to surf and he will teach him how to pick up chicks.

Immediately a discussion starts on who is best qualified to teach him to surf and to get girls. Logan leaves the men to their discussion and he goes over to hug his wife. Wrapping his arms around her he leans down to whisper in her ear, "Why don't you go have some time to yourself? I can watch Evan until the next feeding."

Shaking her head she automatically puts her head on his chest and says quickly, "No, I don't need time to myself." Realizing that her tone may sound like she didn't appreciate his offer, she adds softly, "I mean I missed Evan terribly today. I'd rather stay up with him until the next feeding."

Sensing there is more bothering her than the fact she missed Evan, Logan pulls back and looks at her. He tells her quietly, "We did OK without you but it would have been better if you were here."

Dick was standing close enough to hear their conversation. It is clear that Logan and Veronica are close mentally and physically.

The tiny blonde leans back into her husband and tightens her arms around him. He hugs her back and says, his face soft, "I may have left the next few chapters of my book on the bedside table for you to read."

A huge smile lights up her face and she quickly tells him, "I can't wait to read them."

Leaning in to gently kiss her, Logan tells her, "Why don't you head upstairs and I will bring Evan up when it is time to feed him again."

Dick sees how soft and loving her face is. It reminds him a little of when she was in middle school. She immediately replies, "OK." Pausing she adds, "Thank you."

Logan leans down and kisses her lips and then her forehead. She pulls away and goes over to Casey leaning down and gently kissing her son's forehead saying quietly, "Night Evan. Be good for daddy and the guys."

Evan looks at her and kicks his legs in response to his mother's voice and touch. Veronica stands and looks at the guys saying, "Good night. Thanks again for the wetsuit. Evan will look cute in it."

John teases, "Oh not cute. He needs to look handsome. You girls always emasculate us men."

She smiles back at him easily agreeing, "My bad. He will look handsome." She gives a little wave and leaves the room. The men all watch her leave with smiles on their faces.

In the car on the way home, Dick comments aloud, "I think today was a good start. Logan trusted us with Evan and he let us back into his life a little."

John nods. He is quiet for a second and then admits, "Veronica was good about it. She invited us to supper and was actually nice."

Casey smiles. He can see both his friends are genuinely happy to be working their way back into Logan's life. It was a fun afternoon and evening. Dick points out, "It is really great that she suggested we all fly up to Seattle and see Luke play next weekend. It will be fun to see him play again and good to have a guys' weekend."

John nods and agrees, "Yeah, I was actually a little surprised when she agreed to stay home with Evan and encouraged Logan to go and have some fun."

Laughing Casey points out, "He will have to be convinced. He was reluctant to leave his son even for a weekend."

"I thought he was pathetic when he was just pussy whipped; now he is tied to his son as well." Dick laughs.

"He is pathetic,' John agrees and after a short pause he notes, "Evan sure looks like Logan doesn't he?"

Casey teases, "Now you are going to have to admit that he is the father?"

John shoves his shoulder and lightly says, "That doesn't mean he is the only guy though."

Casey recognizes that John's opinion of Veronica is changing and he doesn't take offense. This is the first time in years that they have talked at all positively about her. It is a real first step. "Logan has a family. He has a real home. He is in a good place personally and professionally." He pauses and says, "He is a long way away from how he was brought up."

Dick admits, "He looks really happy."

"I know Dad and Mom want me to find a girl and settle down like Logan has," John adds, "I guess it wouldn't be as horrible as I thought."

Casey inwardly smiles that slowly Dick and John are growing up. He is excited about the guys' weekend trip away. This may be his last trip as a single guy. Although he is excited about the changes in his life, he is scared that he will not be a good father. He has been spending time with the children individually and together. It has been really amazing so far. He is deeply grateful that he has Keith, Alicia and his new family to help him. It doesn't seem an impossible task when they believe in him and have accepted the children as part of the family

Logan is so excited about his day. Evan took the bottle and that will give Veronica some freedom to be where she needs to be. His book is going well and when he arrived upstairs after their company left, Veronica jumped in his arms, excited about the new chapters he left her to read. It filled his heart to see her pride in his work and honestly, her opinion matters the most to him. Also today a small step in repairing his relationship with Dick and John was taken. He is still leery of having them in his home and he will watch to make sure they don't try and hurt Veronica but he has to admit, it felt good to have them over. They are a part of his heart and he has missed them.

He comes out of the shower and sees Veronica sitting against the headboard of their bed, feeding Evan. Hearing him, she looks up at him and smiles. He wanders over and lays on the bed next to her watching his son eat. Watching her loving way with their son, seeing him satisfied at her breast and knowing this is his family; Logan doubts he will ever grow tired of seeing them together. He comes out of his thoughts to her voice, "Logan, I hated being at work today." Pausing, she then clarifies, "I mean I like working with Juan and Mac but today I just wanted to come home. I kept wondering what Evan and what you were doing."

He looks carefully at her and comments, "It will get easier to leave him."

She immediately shakes her head and says sadly, "Maybe it shouldn't get easier."

A smile blooms on his handsome face as he thinks about what his driven wife is really saying. When he first met Veronica, he could imagine her staying at home with her and Duncan's children. Then during her high school and college years, he just got so used to her working hard that he never thought about her slowing down when they had children. He knew he was important to her when she took time off work to be with him and makes time for their relationship. Now he can see that she isn't trying to change anymore, she has truly changed. Reaching up, he brushes the hair off her forehead and quietly comments, "Financially, you don't need to work ever again." Meeting her surprised expression he adds teasingly, "I think you and I can both retire and just live off the money Mac is making us."

"That's true," she agrees.

Logan tips her chin so she is looking at him directly, "Ronnie, you know Juan is more than willing and capable of doing your job. Maybe it is time to let him."

Biting her lip as she does when she is unsure, she tentatively explains, "I don't want to let Mac down."

Smiling as if he expected her to say that, Logan reassures his wife, "You aren't. Mac wanted someone she can trust as her head of security. Juan definitely fits that bill." Leaning forward to kiss her forehead, he continues, "Just go for stockholder meetings and to help Juan with monthly inspections. Plus you can still help Derek when he needs you and you can do inspections for him. The rest of the time you can stay home with Evan." Kissing her nose he adds, "It will be good for you to get out once in a while. I will be here with Evan while you are gone." She scrunches her forehead as she does when she is thinking. Logan finishes, "You have been working since you were sixteen. Take some time to be home with Evan. Learn to enjoy a little slower pace. It's clear you want to be here, so be here."

His heart skips in his chest at the look of relief on her face. She wraps one hand behind his head and pulls him in for a sweet kiss, "That sounds perfect." She puts her forehead to his and tells him, "Thank you so much for understanding. I want to see everything he does. I just..." Pausing a few seconds to put her thoughts together, she tells him, "I just want to be with Evan."

"I get it," her husband reassures her. He leans in and kisses her before he adds, "I love the idea of having you home more." This woman never ceases to amaze him. He couldn't love her more.