I don't have anything to really ramble about because I have no excuses to dish out this week. Just the usual stuff about enjoying and reviewing. They make my day!

Individual responses are at the bottom.

One month passed. A whole month of argumentation, negotiation and finally renovations. That also meant a whole month of me not getting any sleep. I lied actually. It was only a little over two weeks before I couldn't take it anymore.

There wasn't much to do with the building really, since the previous owners had gotten through the whole process before their money ran out. There were walls and windows, doors and carpets but none it reflected "our" style.

Logan wanted everything to be hip, modern and welcoming. And that required construction personnel working around the clock to get the hotel up and running before the baby came. And that resulted in many sleepless nights.

That is until Logan couldn't take my constant moodiness and nearly threw himself at Duncan to give me a nice quiet place to sleep. It was quieter at Duncan's but it wasn't the same without Logan. Sure, I was sleeping but it was far from the deep, easy sleeping I was used to with Logan's arms around me, if his arms could still fit around me.

I couldn't let my mind stray to the fact that I was a whale. There were so many other things that I still needed to do in preparation for the newest addition. Cribs needed to be bought and assembled, clothes washed and folded, toys disinfected and prepared and yet I couldn't find the energy to stay up on my feet for extended periods of time.

And although I was constantly tired and moody, the doctor gave me a clear bill of health, thankfully. Logan and I had worried about all the traveling and stress that went along changing our identities. That had been one less thing to worry about with our laundry list of 'to do's'.

From the comfort of Duncan's living room, I was racking up our bill with local baby and furniture stores as more and more necessities started popping up, especially with Duncan's suggestions. He admitted he had been unprepared and thankfully, we were not going to be. Well at least gadget-wise. From changing tables to diaper genies my daughter was going to have it all. It was all Logan's encouragement because I didn't want her to turn out like the spoiled 09er princesses from back in Neptune. A compromise was made regarding baby supplies because, being first time parents, we wanted to make sure we had everything to test out. If anything, it would be fun for us.

I, Veronica Mars, was going from tasers and listening devices to diaper genies and baby monitors. And surprisingly, I was 100% okay with that.

I think it was the fact that I had been spending a lot of time with Lilly. No, she wasn't my own daughter but it was nice to have someone to practice on. Like a baby starter kit. Even Logan was great with her. Watching the two of them play and giggle brought tears to my hormonal eyes.

"Looks like Logan finally found someone on his level to play with," Duncan had commented when Logan was crawling around on all fours, acting as Lilly's pony.

I crossed my arms across my chest and pouted, "I've always wanted a pony."

But instead of seeing immaturity I saw the makings of a great uncle and even better father. I bet no one saw that one coming. He had everything working against him with his own upbringing and genetics and yet here he was being a great, mature role model.

I wasn't doing so bad myself, seeing as my only motherly figure was a cowardly, alcoholic.

I had never big on babysitting, besides the time I filled in for Meg after finding the emails about the abuse. Kids just hadn't been my thing. Give me a cheating bastard holed up in the Camelot over a little bundle of joy any day. But in my current situation, I had to be opened to poopy diapers and spit up. I just hoped the old wise ones were right when they said things are different when they were your own flesh and blood.

Little Lilly wasn't bad at all. There was some crying every now and then and she pouted in true Lilly Kane fashion. She was living up to her namesake everyday. If we weren't completely focused on her she would do something funny or cute and when all else failed she would scream until she was satisfied.

It was a fairly funny scene. Obviously the little girl had the attention seeking Kane gene and Meg Manning's brain.

"It's the twice blessed child," Logan admitted after one of Lilly's ploys.

I rubbed my chin curiously, "I wonder what qualities this little one will have?" I stroked my ever growing stomach, affectionately, "Hopefully only the best…"

"So pretty much this kid is royally screwed," Duncan put his two cents in.

Logan shook his head, "We can joke about the mental stability of our child, DK. That was just low."

A nervous laugh escaped from Duncan's lips, "You know I'm just messing with you guys. I couldn't see two people more ready to be parents."

"Is this what ready looks like?" I motioned between mine and Logan's faces, "Because it looks like scared shitless to me."

"Oh, stop," Duncan waved me off, "I've seen you both with Lilly. You're ready. You're prepared. Look at me. Lilly got thrown into my life in a crazy spiral of a time…and I've kept my head above water."

Logan clapped a hand on Duncan's shoulder, "But you're DK, man. You're going to be president."

"Fugitive turned president," Duncan pondered, "I like the sound of that."

It was also comforting to see that Duncan and Logan were getting along again, just like the old days. The Fab Four had been reunited. Even though one member wasn't even two, Lilly was still the glue that held us together. And soon the Fab Four would turn into the Fab Five. The group was surely different, having all seen more of what life has to offer but one thing would never change; we would all be there for each other.

My being there started with babysitting Lilly while Duncan and Logan enjoyed a day surfing. Between Duncan's real estate business and Logan's renovating of the hotel, they both needed this well deserved break. Quite frankly I didn't mind girls' days filled with dolls, princesses and junk food. Even Lilly looked forward to waking up to the whole house to ourselves because she knew that meant smiley face pancakes with extra whipped cream, pajamas all day and movies galore.

This morning was different though. The smiley face pancakes didn't look appealing at all. Lilly didn't notice the failed attempt but I couldn't bring myself to eat them. Nothing at all in the kitchen appealed to my hunger and my hunger pained grumbled on. All through the dolls and other 'girl's only' toys I couldn't get comfortable. This girl's day was totally sucking.

I couldn't have been happier when Lilly started rubbing her eyes, a clue that it was naptime. I only hoped that catching a few z's myself would put me in a better mood. Tucked securely in her crib with her blankie and stuffed monkey, Lilly yawned and stretched before settling into a suitable sleeping position, she mumbled a distinct, "Night, momma."

My heart stopped and my stomach was stuck in my throat. It was the first time I had ever been called 'momma' and it wasn't even by my own child. I thought I had months before I was labeled forever as a mother but here I was still pregnant yet the title had been spoken.

I clutched the baby monitor to my chest as I wobbled my way to my room down the hall, fearful that I'd hear Lilly calling me here 'momma' all over again. In that moment, my heart went out to Meg Manning who would never hear her baby say those words to her.

Maybe it was the fact that I had been around so much lately. Maybe she remembered me from her early infant years, though I highly doubt that one. Maybe…

I for once didn't have the answers. There was no reason for the maternal attachment other than sheer love and enjoyment of each other's company. It wasn't wrong, maybe just a slip up on Lilly's part or maybe a fulfilled dream to have a mother in her life. Hell, the girl was smart for nearly two years old and I could tell a woman hadn't lived in this house. It lacked the warmth of a home.

And sure, I could be a dominant figure in her life but not mother. Cool Aunt Veronica was more my style. It just didn't feel right any other way.

Now, with my mind racing despite my head meeting the soft pillow in my room, sleep was not coming easy. My churning stomach did not help either. Neither did the soothing circles I rub on my stomach. But finally, my eyes grew heavy, my breathing slowed and I was asleep.

"Ronica," The familiar voice jarred me from my peaceful slumber, "Wake up!"

"Five more minutes," I squeezed my eyes shut hoping she'd go away.

I heard her laugh, "Technically you'd still be sleeping…"

"Alright, alright," I threw the covers off, "What bad news do you bring this time?"

Lilly Kane, the original, sat at the foot of my bed, bouncing and as enthusiastic as ever, "Who says I have bad news?"

"Because bad things follow Veronica like the plague," Another familiar voice chimed in, though I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Oh, you're just jealous that your baby called her mom."

"Meg?" I called out but couldn't see her. The lights from the baby monitor lit up at a rustling in little Lilly's room and I was sure the origin of the voice was down the hall.

"Anyway," Lilly moved closer to me, "How's playing house with Logan going?"

I looked at her skeptically trying to find the real reason she was here, especially with Meg Manning in tow, "I just don't get what else the universe can throw at me!"

"God, Ronica, why are you always so negative?"

"I already told you –" The baby monitor lit up again.

"Shut up Mary and get in here!" Lilly yelled. I almost shushed her, fearing she would wake baby Lilly but quickly remembered this was all in my mind, "You have all of eternity to breathe down you daughter's neck."

"Will I also have to remind you my name is Meg for all eternity?" Meg was suddenly standing in the corner of my room, arms crossed over her chest.

Lilly waved her off, "I know your name is Meg but you remind me more of the Virgin Mary."

"I did have a baby before I died…"

"So did she."

"Enough!" I chimed in, "And as…uh, happy as I am to see you both, I know you're not just visiting for fun. So spill."

Lilly glanced at Meg who nodded at her as if to coax her to jump in a tank of sharks with a gushing wound, "We came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?"

"As crazy as this is going to sound," Meg stepped closer, "Your bad luck streak ends today."

I took a minute to digest what they were trying to tell me, "So, we can go back to Neptune?"

"She said your bad luck streak ended," Lilly scoffed, "Not that all of your messes have been cleaned up."

My brows furrowed, "Then I don't get it."

"Just be happy," Meg said with only a smidge of jealousy.

"For once," Lilly placed a hand on my knee.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I was not ready to let Lilly go again. My mind floated back to the last time she said goodbye and left me floating in her pool. She had said it was goodbye that time too and that I wouldn't need her anymore but that didn't stick obviously.

I shook my head determinately, "I'm not ready."

Earning an eye roll from Lilly and an exasperated sigh from Meg was sign enough that I would not win this one.

"You don't need us anymore."

"But I do. I've always needed you. Who else would have told me I'm a red satin kind of girl? Who else would I have gotten drunk and stayed out all night with? And you Meg, whose uniform would I have worn had you not looked past all the drama that surrounded me in high school?"

"Maybe you needed us then, Veronica," Meg softened as I bordered on hysterics, "But you're the woman you are today because of your past. And it's pretty cool to be a part of that."

"Will you two stop getting all sentimental?" Lilly huffed, "My mascara isn't waterproof."

"They have mascara in Heaven?" I changed the subject.

"Who says I'm in Heaven?" Lilly smiled devilishly. The girl had a point.

"Had you been alone that would be a different story," I shrugged, "But there's no way Meg's burning in Hell. She's pretty much a saint."

Meg smiled, "Not if you consult my purity test score."

Lilly suddenly jerked her head up and glanced at the ceiling, "As fun as this has been, it's time…"

Meg and Lilly shared and glance and smirks spread across their faces. I hated being on the outside of things.

Something inside me told me that this was it, "So I'm not going to see you again?"

"I can't make any promises, but it looks like it's clear sailing for here out," Lilly smiled sadly.

"I'm going to miss you."

"Can't say the same for you," Lilly laughed at my shocked expression, "Just because you won't see me doesn't mean I won't see you."

"That's…comforting."

"It's time to wake up, Veronica," Meg's soothing voice began to grow distant.

I stood up, trying to follow them, frantically.

"Wake up, Ronica," Lilly's voice faded.

Suddenly, I was awake, still tucked into the sheets of the bed. But something was not right. The sheets were wet.

Frak.

kh2009: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I too hope that I can make this as long as possible without overkilling. I'm trying to outline it out so that time is passing without it getting too choppy because there are some major events I still need to work in. But have no fear, there will be other stories in my future because I have a short attention span in the summer waiting for all my shows to come back (even though sadly VM will never return) and I need some way to fill that hole in my life.

Bethelove: There are a few bumps left to come in the story. Some have been predicted by other reviewers but I still have tricks up my sleeves. Hope you keep enjoying it until the end!

superficialcynic: Civil, you say? But he's only just been integrated back in their lives. When has Duncan been around and drama doesn't happen?...

Isilady: Thank you as always for your encouraging words. I'm trying to throw a bit of VM humor back into the story because it seems to have gotten away from me. If you knew me for real, you'd know I'm the girl telling jokes at funerals so hopefully I'll get a few more laughs out of you before the story's over. But watch out for Duncan. He's always been a little crazy...

Kou Shun'u: You've given me a lot to respond to! So your first point about the baby's heartbeat: You're totally right. I will state that I informed everyone about my lack of knowledge of pregnancies and all things medical but I do know that. I probably messed up for dramatic purpose. I'm really glad that you like Dick as well. He's a really cool, underappreciated character so I wanted to give him more depth. And what better way to make him more important then to make Veronica actually like him. And you brought up the fact that V and Dick can relate on the whole Madison/Logan betrayal which was a point I was going to work in there but never really did but glad you made the connection as well. Onto my choice in names: to defend LoVe's new name, everyone that would be looking for them is going to think they are dead with no reason to believe they took on new identities. I just thought it would be cute to let them put some thought and heart into their new identities. Mr. Kuncan was definitely a cop out on my part but I wanted everyone to get that they were going to be running into Duncan soon without actually saying "you will meet up with Duncan". And as for Lynne, no she wasn't stopping his father's abuse but Logan loved and relied on her a lot. There are two reasons I wanted Weevil to do the papers. One, because Veronica has other things to worry about. The second you will have to wait and see. The house price was more about taking a large sum of money out of their account without it seeming weird. I know as much about real estate as I do with medical stuff, so just pretend that everything I say is true. And lastly, Duncan. Now that he's back in there lives, you will see more of him...and that could be good and bad.