Summary: AU Season 2. Over the summer it comes out that Veronica is in fact Jake Kanes' biological daughter. She files for emancipation, transfers to Pan High School and is living with Keith Mars. She is reluctantly tested and agrees to give Jake the bone marrow transplant he needs. After the surgery she has difficulty breathing and before she passes out calls to Lilly. Veronica after getting out of the hospital is quiet and depressed. She moves in with Jake Kane and keeps busy with a lot of activities. Duncan asks her to talk to him about whatever is bothering her. Veronica meets with Logan and Duncan and tells them about seeing Lilly when she was unconscious in the hospital. She tells Logan she wants to be his friend but can't right now because she still loves him..... Now on with the story....

Meg Manning looks across the lunch table at Diana. She questions, "Did you get your dress yet?"

Diana smiles widely. She crows, "I had it specially made. It's gorgeous! I had shoes dyed to match. Daddy and Mother bought me a diamond tiara to wear for the occasion."

Smiling Meg says sweetly, "I can't wait to see it. Who else is sitting at your table?"

Diana says superiorly, "The Sinclairs, the Casablancas, my parents and of course, Logan." She pats Logan's arm as she mentions him. He looks down at her and smiles briefly.

Logan looks over at Meg and asks, 'Who is sitting at your table?"

Duncan looks over at his girlfriend as she says, "The Kanes, my parents and Veronica's date."

Looking surprised, Logan asks, "Who did Veronica ask to escort her?"

Meg pouts, "She won't tell me. I think it must be someone from Pan."

Diana looking put out says, "I hope he knows how to act and doesn't embarrass your family Duncan."

A frown comes over Duncan's face at her words. He says in an off putting tone, "I am sure Veronica has everything under control."

Diana oblivious to Duncan's irritation says to the rest of the table, "Well hopefully Mrs. Kane will make sure Veronica knows how to act."

Meg shocked exclaims, "Diana!"

Diana looks over and sees that Meg and Duncan are not pleased. She looks over at Logan who also looks angry. She says a little placatingly, "I only meant that she hasn't been to very many balls herself so how is she going to show her escort how to act properly."

Duncan ever the peacemaker says firmly, "I wouldn't worry about it Diana."

Duncan stands putting his hand out for Meg says, "I need to go to my locker. Let's go Meg."

Meg stands and says quietly, "Bye everyone."

Duncan and Meg walk off.

Diana to Madison and Dick, "Poor Duncan and Meg having to sit with Veronica and her date."

Madison says in agreement, "It is embarrassing enough to have her for a sister but being stuck with her trailer trash date too."

Logan stands abruptly and says, "I think I leave you two to your bitchfest." Logan walks off leaving the Quad obviously pissed off.

***

Duncan looking splendid in his tuxedo looks up the stairs as his girlfriend walks down. He says sincerely, "You look beautiful Meg!" She smiles gently at him and then says, "You look very handsome."

He takes her hand, kisses it gently and tucks it in his arm. Meg blushes a little at his chivalry. He escorts her towards the door.

Meg smiling says, "I'm looking forward to showing you off tonight."

Duncan squeezes her arm as it rests on his. He says, "Mom and Dad are already in the limo." He looks over to see Meg's parents giving last minute instructions to the babysitter. He adds louder, "Mr. and Mrs. Manning, if you are ready, our limo is waiting."

Meg getting into the limo looks around and says, "Where is Veronica?"

Jake greets Meg and says, "She was still home when we left. She said her date was coming to pick her up. And no, I don't know who it is. She has been very secretive."

Meg says hello to Celeste Kane and pouts at Jake saying, "I think she is doing it to bug me."

Duncan and Jake laugh knowing that Veronica is probably partly not admitting who her date is to bug Meg. Celeste smiles thinking that not knowing is also bugging the two male Kanes. Meg looking over at Celeste sees her smile and says, "You know, don't you?"

Celeste looks at the other occupants of the limo and says, "How would I know?" Duncan looking at his mother realizes that Veronica has told her who is escorting her and Celeste must approve or she would be more upset. Duncan smiles at his mother and she smiles a small smile back before she starts talking to Mrs. Manning.

****

Jake seated at the table takes a sip of his scotch. He looks at his watch and says worriedly, "Where is Veronica? She is going to be late."

Duncan leans over and pats his father's arm and says, "Don't worry Dad. She will be here." He knows his father has been anxiously waiting for the father/daughter banquet this year. He had initially been reluctant to approach Veronica to attend but she had been surprisingly agreeable when the subject was brought up. She had looked over at Celeste and said tentatively, "Maybe we could go and get our outfits together?"

Celeste had looked surprised and then a little pleased. She had answered quietly, "That would be nice!"

Jake and Duncan had exchanged a look. They have watched the relationship between Veronica and Celeste go from barely civil to almost friendly. Veronica has treated Celeste with respect and has obeyed all the house rules. Celeste seeing that Veronica was not going to cause her any more embarassment other than being her husband's illegitimate daughter, has relaxed a little around the young girl. Veronica has good grades and has joined a few clubs. She is very busy and is not around the house often except for dinner, and to go to her room to do her homework and go to bed. She is invariably polite to everyone at home.

Veronica and Celeste had come home from shopping and Celeste had told Duncan that Veronica had selected a perfectly 'suitable' gown. Duncan had smiled at Veronica and she had murmured to him when she passed, "She means I did not choose a gown like the one Lilly wore at Homecoming." Duncan had bit back a smile as Veronica took her packages to her room.

Meg's exclamation brings Duncan out of his thoughts, "Oh my god! She's here. She looks amazing!" Everyone at the table looks towards the entranceway.

At the top of the stairs, Veronica is waiting to be announced. She is wearing a navy dress that sparkles in the light. It has a tight bodice and the skirt flares around her ankles. She looks poised and beautiful. The navy of the dress complements her blonde hair. Her hair is curly and piled gently on her head showing off her neck and shoulders. She is wearing diamond earrings and a necklace. Duncan recognizes them as the ones that Logan gave her.

The room went quiet when Veronica's name was announced. Jake stood proudly as Veronica walked steadily down the steps to the bottom seemingly oblivious to all the attention she was getting. It was a lot of people's first look at Jake Kane's daughter.

Logan lifted his head upon hearing Veronica's name and his breath caught in his chest. She looked stunning. He noticed her earrings and necklace and he swallowed at the emotions that rose in him. He had given them to her on their three month anniversary. They had a romantic dinner. She had been reluctant to accept them when he gave them to her. He had kissed her and then teasingly kissed underneath her ear where he knew she was very sensitive. She had laughingly pushed him away and accepted the gift. She had looked so beautiful that night. He had seen the love in her eyes and he had begun to really hope they could be together. He had loved her so much. It had all fallen apart and she had not been able to trust him. Logan is brought back by the orchestra pausing when Veronica got to the bottom of the stairs so her escort could be announced.

Veronica paused on the final step patiently waiting for the name of her escort to be announced. "Escorting Miss Veronica Kane tonight is Mr. Connor Larkin." There is a collective gasp from the crowd and the photographers crowded around Veronica again. Connor appears looking handsome in his tuxedo. He smiles his million dollar smile at the crowd and holds out his arm for Veronica. The flash bulbs are blinding. Veronica smiles at Connor and puts her hand on his arm. He escorts her to Jake Kane's table and shakes Jake's hand. He then holds out Veronica's chair for her to sit. Duncan looks at Meg and she is gazing at Connor with her mouth hanging open. He gently nudges her and she looks sheepishly at him. He smiles at her in understanding and then introduces Connor to everyone at the table. The waiter arrives to take Connor's and Veronica's drink order.

Connor is sitting next to Mrs. Manning. He smiles his trademark smile and proceeds to charm her, making her smile. Veronica smiles at Duncan who shakes his head at the impishness of her smile. He sees that although she is dressed more conservatively than Lilly would have dressed, she picked her date partially to stun everyone. Duncan looks at her and thinks how much she looks like her mother. He looks at the twinkle in her eyes and smiles a little thinking that Veronica might be more like Lilly than she knows.

After dinner they announce the Father/Daughter dance. Jake stands and pulls out Veronica's chair. They are receiving much attention. Veronica takes Jake's arm and they walk to the middle of the dance floor.

Jake as the music starts up says, "Shall we?"

Veronica smiles up at Jake, answers, "Of course. I must warn you that I may be small but I stomp toes with the best of them."

Jake puts one arm behind his daughter's back and holds out his hand for her other hand. He says, "I will take my chances."

They dance quietly for a minute. Jake muses, "I never thought last year that I would be dancing at this dance and now after my illness, I am doubly grateful to be here".

Nodding Veronica agrees, "I wish Lilly were here too."

Jake looks down at his daughter. He says meaningfully, "Although I want Lilly to be here, it doesn't mean that I don't want you here too. I think of you as my daughter."

Veronica smiles at Jake and says a little shyly, "I'm beginning to think of myself as your daughter too."

Jake looks down at Veronica seeing how much she looks like her mother and feels a catch in his chest. He has been so impressed with her. She is smart, articulate and beautiful. He is very proud of her. He says, "I know it has been hard for you. I am so grateful you moved in and we have the chance to know each other better."

Veronica's smile widens. She says quietly, "I am glad too."

Jake looks around at the other dancers and then looks back at Veronica. He says, "I am proud of you, you know?"

Meeting his gaze,Veronica says "Thank you." She pauses and then adds, "I want you to know that my initial reaction to finding out the truth was not directed solely at you. It's just Dad was my whole world for so long and I felt like that was being taken away. I reacted to that."

Jake answers quickly, "I understand. I have a lot to apologize for. I hope you will let me make it up to you."

Squeezing his hand, Veronica sincerely says, "The past is in the past. I learned this year that I have to let the past go and live in the present."

Jake approvingly says, "Good for you."

Veronica smiles up at Jake and tilts her head.

***

Logan who has moved over to sit beside Duncan says, "Oh, Oh. Duncan! Veronica is using the head tilt on Jake."

Duncan laughs and says, "I bet she is asking for that pony."

Logan laughs.

***

Veronica muses, "I have been thinking about what to call you."

Jake a little nervously questions, "Oh?"

Continuing Veronica adds, "Mr. Kane and Jake don't feel right. Dad doesn't feel quite right either".

Veronica pauses, looks around the dance floor and then back up at Jake saying tentatively, "How do you feel about Father?"

Jake gets a huge smile. He pulls Veronica in for a quick hug. He beams, "I can definitely live with that."

They smile at each other and the photographer takes their picture. It's the picture that is going to grace the front page of the society page in tomorrow's paper.

They dance for a few minutes and Veronica teases, "Just to warn you, I'm stubborn and I can be a handful."

Smiling Jake says, "Remember that I have a lot of experience with that. Lilly prepared me well."

Veronica laughs, her eyes sparkling, "That's true. She was one of a kind."

Looking down at his daughter Jake murmurs, "That's a trait all my daughters have."

The music ends and Jake escorts Veronica back to the table. Connor stands up and looks at Veronica. He puts his hand out towards the dance floor saying gallantly, "Shall we?"

Veronica smiles at Connor and says, "Absolutely."

They walk to the middle of the dance floor. The music starts and they dance. Veronica fits perfectly into his arms and he looks happy to have her there. They look good together; he with his dark rugged good looks and she a petite, blonde beauty. A murmur goes through the crowd as they dance.

Connor leans his head down to talk quietly in her ear. He whispers, "That looked like quite an intense conversation with Jake."

Veronica tilts her head back to look up at him. She smiles genuinely at him and answers, "Yeah. We are getting to know each other."

Connor's dark eyes are soft as he says quietly, "I'm glad for you."

Veronica's blue eyes sparkle with emotion. She says sincerely, "Thank you."

Those watching see the emotions between the movie star and billionaire's daughter. There is much speculation on their relationship. It is obvious this is not their first date; they are so comfortable with each other.

Connor is a good dancer and Veronica has no trouble following his lead. He looks down at her with almost adoration. Veronica looks up at Connor and says, "I am glad that you could make it."

Connor pulls Veronica closer and answers, "I wouldn't have missed it Veronica."

Tilting her head a little Veronica says, "Well I hope that I can do as well at your premiere next month. Are you sure you don't want to take someone else?"

Connor lifts his hand and gently touches her soft cheek. He says softly, "I'm sure. I really enjoy being with you."

Keeping his gaze, Veronica says, "The feeling is mutual." She adds, "What's next for you?"

Smiling happily Connor tells Veronica that he is going to take some time off after his next movie to relax. He says, "Shooting starts at the end of next month."

Veronica is focused on what Connor is telling her. She questions, "Where are you off to this time?"

Sighing a little, Connor says, "New Zealand. I will be there about 8 months."

He pauses looking down at her as they dance. He says, "I would like you to come once school is out."

Veronica stops dancing and looks up at Connor in surprise. They get some funny looks from the couples dancing near them. Logan and Diana are behind Veronica when Veronica says obviously surprised, "You want me to go to New Zealand with you?"

Logan looks sharply at Connor. Connor continues to hold Veronica in his arms and he nods, "Yes I really do Veronica."

Veronica searches Connor's face. She sees he is sincere. The music ends and a slow, romantic ballad begins. Connor pulls Veronica closer and they begin to dance.

They move together to the music and after a few minutes, Veronica looks up into Connor's eyes and he leans down to kiss her temple.

When the song ends, Duncan and Meg are next to them. Duncan says, "May I Veronica?" He motions to the dance floor.

Veronica says cutely, "Can I stand on your feet?" Duncan mock frowns at her.

Connor holds his hand out to Meg and says courtly, "May I have the pleasure of this dance Meg?"

Meg blushes and puts her hand in Connor's and they begin to dance. Duncan holds out his hand for Veronica and they dance.

Duncan looks at his sister questioningly, "Connor Larkin Veronica?"

Veronica smirking answers, "He called me when I turned 18 last summer. We went out a few times."

Frowning a little in puzzlement Duncan asks, "Why wasn't that in the news?"

Veronica says, "He came up to Portland."

Duncan nods in understanding. He looks at her and says, "You look beautiful tonight."

Veronica smiles genuinely, "You look very handsome yourself. Meg looks stunning."

Nodding Duncan adds, "She always does."

Veronica in a southern belle voice, "Why Duncan, am I going to have to have the sister talk with her?"

Duncan smiles at Veronica and says, "She makes me happy."

Veronica's smile fades a little. She advises, "Then you should hang on to that Duncan. It can disappear if you are not careful."

Duncan hugs Veronica slightly and says, "I get it."

Veronica looks at Duncan and says sincerely, "She would be lucky to have you brother."

The music ends and Duncan escorts Veronica back to their table. Connor is there and he is asking Celeste to dance. Veronica feels a tap on her shoulder and turns around to see Wallace. A huge smile lights her face. He holds out his arms and she steps into them. They move to the music.

Wallace smiles, "Hey V. You look amazing!"

Veronica says happily, "You look very handsome yourself."

Wallace whispers into her ear, "You sure know how to make an entrance."

Veronica smiles at him. Wallace continues, "Are you still dating him?"

Veronica nods, "Yes. He has just been away with final reshoots and promotions."

Wallace clarifies, "Now he is back?"

Veronica laughs as Wallace twirls her. She answers a little breathlessly, "For a couple of months and then he is off to New Zealand."

Wallace frowns a litle and says, "Wow, New Zealand! For how long?"

Veronica says quietly, "Eight months or so."

Wallace correctly reads her expression and knows that something is up. He says, "That is a long time to be apart V".

Veronica sees Wallace's questioning gaze. She admits, "He wants me to go with him."

Wallace looks shocked. He asks, "Are you thinking of going?"

Meeting his gaze, Veronica says noncomitantly, "You know me Wallace……. Always thinking….".

The song ends and Wallace escorts Veronica back to her table. Connor takes Veronica's hand and says, "Let's go check out the gardens."

He tucks Veronica's hand into the crook of his arm and they walk outside together.

Logan and Diana are at the table visiting with Duncan and Meg. Diana is telling everyone what she and Logan overheard, "We heard him ask her to go to New Zealand with him on his next shoot."

Jake surprised asks, "Really?" He pauses and then says thoughtfully, "I thought I would have her longer before she got serious about a guy."

***

Veronica and Connor are talking in the garden. The flowers are beautiful and the night air is fragrant. Connor takes her hand and gently caresses it as he looks at her. He says, "I like dating you. It is nice to date someone not in the business."

Veronica says pondering, "I would have thought that only another person in the business would understand the pressures you are under."

Connor raises her hand and kisses the back of it. He says intently, "There is a lot of pressure but really everyone has pressure in their lives. It's important to find someone who knows you and helps you grow."

Veronica nods and says, "I agree. It's important that when you find that, you don't let it go." She looks out over the garden in thought.

Connor pulls Veronica closer to him and they walk together down the path. He is looking at her as he says, "I totally agree."

***

When Connor and Veronica arrive back in the ballroom, a slow romantic dance is playing. Connor takes Veronica's hand and leads her on to the dance floor. He looks down at her and she raises her head to look into his eyes. He kisses her hand and pulls her close to him. They dance gazing at each other.

When the dance ends, Veronica looks over and smiles at Duncan and Meg who are standing together beside her. She turns her head and her eyes meet Logan's. His darken and their eyes hold for a moment. Veronica turns her head and looks up at Connor and smiles. The cameras flash, yet another picture for the society page.

************************

I am always open for advice and I love to hear your thoughts. You know what to do.........