A/N –Hope y'all didn't mind the little trip to NYC last chapter. I have an idea for a sequel that I wanted to set up, and thought I would give you a teaser. No worries, we are still on the home stretch with this one…I think…I mean, really this was supposed to be pwp while I was on Thanksgiving vacation. So hey…enjoy the next chapter! The characters you know and love aren't mine – but you knew that.
Chapter 36
"Welcome to the family, Logan Mars!"
The tableau of Sheriff Mars hugging his only daughter and his newest son was broken by a dog barking. Chet pushed her massive head between the three, demanding attention from her favorite humans. Her stubby tail wagged happily as Veronica knelt to scratch behind her ears and Keith rubbed her shoulder affectionately. M.B. was at the other end of her leash, red in the face and looking embarrassed. "Sorry, once we got off the elevator, she saw you and would not be dissuaded. I couldn't remember the command for heel."
"Päta," Veronica said absently as she continued the scratching. The large dog now sat, content that she was back with her mistress. She flicked her eyes up to M.B. taking in his flushed countenance. "So, Mr. Berle, what are you willing to do, so no one knows that you were getting dragged around by a little puppy dog?" Veronica's grin was full of mischief and M.B.'s blush deepened.
Trina walked forward at that, her hand outstretched. She had left Connor with the other guests on the deck, as she came to join in the family photos. "Mr. Berle?" she inquired archly, "shouldn't it be Commander Berle?" her perfect smile slightly lecherous.
M.B. stammered as he took her hand, "Actually, ma'am, it's First Lieutenant Jeff Pepper. It is very nice to meet you," he continued blushing, "you are even more beautiful in person."
Trina grinned up at him, not letting go of his hand. "Aren't you just charming," her tone implied she was talking about more than just his words, but she let her brow knit in artful confusion, "but I could have sworn that I heard my dear sister-in-law call you Mr. Berle. And if you know Veronica, well then, I am sure you know, she is never mistaken on such particulars."
M.B.'s embarrassment and consternation increased and he shot an imploring look at Logan, who merely smirked in return. He turned his entreating gaze to Veronica, who merely laughed at him. "Uhm, well, she is sorta correct." His voice has dropped to a nearly choked whisper, and Trina took the opportunity to step even closer to him, increasing his nerves exponentially. "My flight call sign is M.B."
Trina's eyes glittered wickedly, and her red curls shook with mirth as she laughed, understanding immediately, "Short for Milton Berle?" M.B. nodded his head downcast. Trina pressed against him and whispered something in his ear. Much to the astonishment on the watching trio, he turned even redder, but gave a quick nod. Trina backed away and turned her attention to Logan. "Brother! I am so delighted for you!" Her manor was gushing and over enthusiastic, as if she expected to be caught on camera at any moment. She embraced him briefly and turned her attention to Veronica.
She made no move to lower herself to Veronica's level, in fact, she took a slightly apprehensive step back at the sight of Chet's large head, and equally long tongue lolling out. "Veronica, I am so happy to finally be able to call you sister. We simply must catch up before the weekend is over. But I see La-La over there, and I am going to ask her to refresh my makeup before the photography starts. Isn't La-La simply the best? I keep trying to steal her away from Sissy to become my personal assistant, and she keeps refusing." Trina's sigh at that was so heartfelt and genuine, that the assembled group, could do nothing but smile at her retreating form as she bustled off.
M.B. quickly excused himself, taking Chet outside for a brief refresher before the photos. Alicia joined Keith, her arms around his waist. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Logan and Veronica. "I am so happy for you both." Before she could go on, the group was interrupted by a low throat clearing. Logan and Veronica turned to the sound, and Logan gasped in delighted surprise. "Charlie!"
He hugged the slightly older man, before stepping back to look at him. "How? Why? How?" He stammered, in an unintentional mimicry of Veronica's reaction when she saw her father.
Charlie smiled affectionately at his half-brother. Their relationship had improved greatly over the years, as Logan had matured into a more private adult, and Charlie forgave the earlier outing of his heritage. "Dick called, he refused to say why, but insisted that I had to be here and if I wasn't that he would set Mac on me. Then he told me a first class ticket was waiting at the airport. So what's a guy to do, but go to Vegas, baby?"
Logan cast a warm smile at his best friend, who was busy tickling his wife by the fireplace. "Dude, that is terrific. I am so glad you are here." The pair chatted amicably for a few minutes until the photographer interrupted them.
The photographer clapped her hands, "Alright people, it's time for your close-ups. Can I get the bride and groom over by the fireplace?" An exhausting 45-minutes later, the extended family, including the Casablancas and Chet had been posed, reposed, and reorganized repeatedly, photos snapped from all angles, and the photographer pronounced them done.
La-La took pity on the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Mars, and walked over to them. "I think it is time for me to go peruse the open bar, and see if any of those fly-boys and feds you invited are worth my time. Which means," she smiled broadly, "Veronica you are free to cry, and Logan you are free to kiss away."
Her face returned to its cold mask and she started to turn away. Logan surprised her by spinning her around, lifting her into a bear hug and planting two wet sloppy kisses on her cheeks. She turned faintly pink as he set her down. "La-La, I don't know how I would have pulled this off without you, thank you from the bottom of my heart." Logan's face shone with his genuine appreciation, and even stony La-La was not immune to his charm; her blush deepening.
She coughed as she cleared her throat, "I would say anytime Logan, but I suspect this one might last, and it was no big, I am sure Chucky Cheese would have been accommodating on short notice too." With that she stalked off to the ballroom, her Jimmy Choo's beating out a staccato pace on the hardwoods. Veronica and Logan turned to each other and burst out laughing.
Logan quickly checked his watch, and a smirk came to his handsome face. "Family," he smiled as the assembled group turned to him, "It is so nice to say that, family! Thank you for putting up with all the photographs, it is almost time to get our party on. So I invite you to join the rest of the guests on the back deck for champagne, and the Lodge staff should be announcing dinner shortly. I need a few minutes alone with my lovely wife, and we will be with you soon." The look he gave Veronica left no doubt in the room as to why he wanted her alone.
Keith glared, "She's still my daughter Logan!" The crowd erupted in laughter and Alicia led the Mars patriarch off, whispering something in his ear that not only mollified him, but put a spring in his step. Logan grabbed Veronica's hand and pulled her towards the Billiard's room, where just a few short hours ago he had asked for the Sheriff's blessing.
He closed the door behind them and firmly turned the lock. Releasing her hand, he strode around the room, peeking behind curtains and high backed chairs. Veronica watched in bemusement that turned to excitement as he circled the pool table and returned to her. "Alone at last," Logan growled, as he pulled her forcefully into his arms. His kiss was sudden and forceful, his lips pushing her open. Veronica willingly surrendered to the assault, her arms wrapping around him, fingers raking through his hair.
Breaking apart, she panted, "You know they all know…"
Logan smirked, "They are just jealous. But you have a point, I did promise them a party." He looked at Veronica his eyes smoldering, "I am not sure I can wait though, you are just too beautiful, and this moment, I want to inside you more than anything, and complete are union in the historically appropriate sense."
Veronica chuckled at that, and reached over and grabbed his wrist. Looking at his watch, she smiled, "Skip the foreplay."
Logan groaned, and pushed Veronica back to the pool table. She laid across the green felt, and he bent over her for a fresh assault on her lips, when he noticed a shadow cross his eyes. His breath caught, and he was transported back in time, Veronica in a tight tee shirt, roughly held down on a dirty and torn felt surface, the buzz of a tattoo needle. She reached up and grabbed him, hands working his belt. "You saved me that day." Her soft hand was now wrapped around his throbbing cock, "You always save me."
She began pumping him in agonizing slowness, and his groaning grew louder. "Veronica!" He pulled her off the pool table and spun her around. Pushing gently on her back he bent her forward, her face now down against the felt. He dropped down and knelt, hands momentarily lingering at her waist. Logan let himself take in the perfect vision Veronica made in the dress, as she offered her back to him. He smiled and flipped the layers of silk, chiffon and tulle up across her back. Standing, Logan licked his lips. The vision in front of him now more tantalizing: silk stockings with seams perfectly down her shapely calves; a lacy blue garter circling one milky thigh; and the graceful orbs of Veronica's posterior, divided in twain by a thin scrap of material, a crystal sparkling at its apex. "Perfection…" Logan dropped again to his knees and placed soft kisses on both orbs, causing Veronica to tremble. He smiled to himself and used his fingers to flick aside the scrap of material separating him from complete sight of her excitement. He could smell her and knew she was ready, as she said with no foreplay. Logan couldn't resist though, and let his mouth take a quick tour. His tongue teasing and flicking until her trembling reached its peak. He felt her knees start to buckle, and he stood up, wrapping a supportive arm around her waist.
As he felt the last of her orgasm subside, he slid home, encasing his cock in her warmth. She moaned, "Loooogan!" He swiftly increased to a fast pace, bringing her to another body shuttering high. He let himself release inside her, and then collapsed forward onto her, as they rode out the sensations coursing through them.
Luckily, the Billiard Room had a private bathroom, and the pair made quick work on cleaning up. Veronica dampened her fingers and tried to repair the damage to her hair, and then sighed. "They are going to know anyway…" She plucked out the pins, and shook the braid loose, letting her golden locks fall in soft waves around her face. Her face was also a lost cause, the make-up smeared on the felt of the pool table, she washed it cleaned. Her skin was glowing with the quick work out she and Logan just had, and her lips were puffy and red from their kissing. She determined that she could go back out in public with minimal embarrassment.
Logan took her hand and led the way back to the ballroom. Pausing at the threshold, he lifted that same hand to his lips, the diamond caught the light and twinkled. He kissed it softly. "Ready for dinner, Mrs. Mars?"