A/N: Okay, so I'm updating so soon because I'm REALLY into developing this story. I want to know what happens, too. I've also decided this is going to be a really, really long fic, because it is my DREAM VM story. I believe there's lots of story left to tell and since we don't have to worry about wrapping it up in a 12 episode season, I'm going to take my time and give lots of details and let the story develop in its own time and own way. So, hopefully, you all will like it that way! Keep reading and reviewing and thanks for all the reviews so far. You guys are great!

Chapter Seven: You Wanna Come With?

"So, are you going to tell me what's going on with you and Logan?"

"Yeah, dad. Just as soon as I figure it out, you'll be the first to know."

Keith nodded and shoved another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, licking the spoon. "I see."

Veronica thought about telling him everything and then decided, 'What the hell?'.

"He told me he loved me, and that he is totally committed to me and will wait for me as long as he has to," she said, getting it all out in one breath so she wouldn't change her mind.

Keith nearly choked on his next spoonful of ice cream.

"Well, I guess I wasn't expecting that."

"Tell me about it," she said, allowing Backup to lick up some ice cream she had purposely let fall onto the kitchen floor.

"I didn't know Logan had matured so much," Keith commented.

"Yeah, me neither. Apparently the last break-up was a real shake-up for Logan. He said he realized how much he needs me and how he'll do whatever it takes to get us back."

"Wow."

"Yeah, wow," agreed Veronica.

"So?"

"So what?"

"So, what did you say?"

"Um...nothing," she said, her voice inflecting more of a question than an answer.

"Nothing? At all?"

"No, I mean literally nothing. He basically told me to take my time and he'll wait."

Keith was speechless. He literally had no words.

"So, we changed the subject, and then..."

"There's more?"

"He made an appointment for me to go meet this real estate agent in Virginia next week to find a place to stay this summer?"

Luckily, Keith didn't have ice cream in his mouth this time or he would have choked for sure.

"What?" he asked coughing.

Veronica got him a glass of water before continuing.

"You okay?"

"Yes, but I'm really starting to rethink this whole complete honesty thing with you."

Veronica laughed and shoved another spoonful of ice cream in.

"Well?"

"Well, what? You want me to comment on you going to Virginia apartment hunting with Logan?"

"I didn't say Logan was going?"

"Does he think he's going?"

"He didn't say anything about him going. Just me. I mean, he offered to buy me a plane ticket and everything."

"Uh huh, well I hope you don't think I'm letting you go up there by yourself."

"But I'm going to be up there all summer by myself."

Keith didn't respond.

"Unless you want Logan to go with me..."

"I didn't say that."

"Well, you were hinting..."

"Was not."

"Sounded like it."

"Hmm, I think maybe you want Logan to go with you."

This time, Veronica was silent.

"Hmmph," Keith commented. Luckily, Veronica's phone rang before she had to respond.

"Hello?" she asked, not recognizing the number on caller id.

"Veronica...this is Jake Kane."

This time, Veronica nearly choked. Keith noticed the stricken look on his daughter's face and got up, a questioning look on his face. Veronica waved him off.

"I wanted to thank you for bringing me the photo of my granddaughter. Celeste was very...Celeste was happy to have it."

"You're welcome?" was all Veronica could manage.

"There were other things in the package that I was able to find later, after I...well, apparently Duncan has made it his life's work to make sure my family makes some sort of amends for the damage we caused your family..."

"What damage?"

"Just let me finish, Veronica. This isn't exactly easy for me. Anyway, Duncan wishes to make sure that you and Logan are protected from any retribution Gory Sorokin may wish to enact upon either of you. Fortunately, we are able to curtail his activities, but I cannot promise his…uh…'family' will not someday come after you two. I will do all I can, but I wouldn't stop looking behind me if I were you. It is also Duncan's wish that you be compensated for all the...um...kindness...you have shown him. Apparently he feels indebted to you for some sort of help you have given him. You will receive an envelope tomorrow, delivered to you by a Kane employee, containing a check, a valid check, I might add, for three hundred thousand dollars. You may use this money however you see fit, Veronica. It's all yours."

Veronica almost dropped her phone. She fumbled around, trying to hold onto it and managed to squeak out, "I...I...don't know what to say...um...thank you."

"Don't thank me, Veronica. You must be aware that I had nothing whatsoever to do with this. I'd sooner have you locked up than do anything to help you, but unfortunately I'm not...I'm not in a position to do you any harm."

Veronica thought that whatever was in that envelope must have been some heavy duty shit to keep Jake Kane off her back for good.

"Can I just ask you one thing, Veronica?"

"Sure, I guess."

"How is he? Is he okay? Is my granddaughter okay?"

Veronica hesitated. She wasn't sure if there was any point in denying she had seen Duncan. Jake was sure to know, but if he didn't, was this a ploy to get her to confess? Was his phone wire tapped? Would the FBI come storming in if she answered truthfully.

"Please, Veronica."

The pleading in Jake's voice was pure. It was desperate. As much as he must hate her, he was allowing himself to be extremely vulnerable in this moment and Veronica's better angels won out.

"Yes. He's good. Great even. And Lilly, that's what he named her, is fantastic. She's beautiful, and smart, and amazing."

"Thank you for that. Goodbye, Veronica."

The line disconnected and she set her phone down on the counter. By now, Keith was beyond curious. He was downright worried.

"What was that, Veronica," he said, all traces of 'father' disappeared, giving way to Sherriff Mars.

"That was Jake Kane, Dad."

"What?"

"Oh, no. We've had enough honesty for one night, right? There's not enough ice cream in Neptune to make me go into that one tonight. I'll tell you all about it in the morning." '...right after the check comes,' she added, but in thought only.

"Oh, no you don't, Veronica. You don't tell me that those expressions I just saw on your face were a result of a phone call with Jake Kane and then just walk away."

"Please, dad. Let me sleep on all this tonight. I promise. I swear. I'll tell you first thing in the morning."

"Okay, but if I have to come wake you up..."

"Got it, Chief."

Veronica saluted him and headed off to bed. She was still trying to wrap her mind around three hundred thousand dollars. Maybe she'd get a decent apartment for the summer, after all. And...maybe her and her dad could get out of this crap hole apartment and back into a real house. She crawled under the covers and closed her eyes. Slept came quickly.

...

"Cooking me breakfast will not get you off the hook, Veronica."

"Good morning to you, too, Sherriff. I'm not trying to get out of anything. It's a thank you for letting me sleep and waiting until this morning to hear about our new house."

"What?" Keith asked, confusion washing over his face as he drank his first sip of morning coffee. He put down the paper he had just picked up and petted Backup's head.

"Well, we're getting a little surprise today courtesy of Jake Kane, well, actually Duncan, but...semantics."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, it seems that Duncan wanted to say thanks for all my...um...help with his situation, so he had his father send us a check."

"A check?"

"For three hundred thousand," Veronica said quietly.

"Dollars?" asked Keith, nearly spilling hot coffee in his lap.

"Yes!" Veronica yelled. "Can you believe it? We can finally get a real house again?"

"Are you sure this is legit, Veronica?"

"I understand your skepticism, Dad, but trust me. This is the real deal."

"That little trip you took before finals..."

"Yeah," said Veronica, knowing that she is going to tell him the truth.

"Where did you go?"

"Umm...that I can't really tell you, but what I will tell you is...Logan and I went to see Duncan."

"You did what?"

"Calm down, Dad. I know that was a little risky..."

"A little risky?" Keith yelled, cutting her off. "It was downright dangerous. And stupid!"

"He was leaving right after we did. He's on the run for good now. He had us transf..." Veronica paused, wondering if she really should tell her dad, the Sherriff, the WHOLE truth.

"Yes?" Keith asked, prodding her to continue.

"We transferred some money through offshore accounts for him and this was like a last goodbye to us before he went underground for good. Come on, Dad, I know you're mad, but he was Logan's best friend and my boyfriend once upon a time. I know a lot of shit happened between all of us, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to say goodbye. And to see Lilly..." Veronica's voice trailed off, and Keith could tell there was pain behind her words.

"I'm not mad, Veronica. I stopped being mad a long time ago. I've learned to accept you for who you are and what you do, but..."

"I know."

"So...let's talk about you and Logan going to Virginia."

"Dad, I told you..."

"I heard what you said, Veronica. And what you didn't say."

Veronica looked down, pretending to be absorbed in her pancakes.

"Look, Veronica, I'm not saying I want you two to run away and get married or anything. Hell, I don't even know if I like the guy, but what I do know is that he would move Heaven and Earth to protect you, so...so that counts for something in my book."

Veronica smiled.

"Who said he even wanted to go?"

"Hello? I love you, I'll wait for you? Sounds to me like he'd want to go."

Veronica threw a towel at him.

"There will just be no living with you now. I really should have rethought the complete truth thing."

They talked and joked through breakfast and Keith went to take a shower. He was going in to the station for a little while today to finish some paperwork. Veronica cleaned the kitchen mess left over from breakfast and then thought she might as well call Logan...or maybe just go surprise him at the Grand...

The doorbell rang.

She opened the door to find a familiar face in front of her.

"Clarence Wiedman. To what do I owe the pleasure."

"A delivery for you, Miss Mars."

"So Jake sent his top man to bring me this? What did you do to deserve the demotion?"

"Mr Kane trusts me to handle all his affairs. Including the dirty little ones."

"Nice comeback," Veronica snorted. There was definitely no love lost between them, but for some reason she couldn't put her finger on, there was something about him that was off. Keith came walking down the hall during the exchange.

"Hmm. Not a bad day's work for you, either, huh? It's amazing what a little illegal harboring of a fugitive will buy you."

"Whatever are you talking about, Mr Wiedman?"

"You think you are so smart…and you are. But there is always someone smarter, Miss Mars. Remember that. And there is always someone watching. You'd do good to remember that, too."

Veronica stared, trying to decipher what he meant by that comment.

"Veronica? What's going on?"

"Mr Wiedman here was just bringing me a delivery from the Kanes."

"You have a good day now, Miss Mars. Sherriff," he said, nodding to Keith. He turned and walked away. Veronica stood there, holding the envelope, reminding herself to breathe. Keith closed the door. She snapped back to reality and tore open the envelope. It was there, just as he had promised. A check made out to Veronica Mars for the sum of three hundred thousand dollars.

"College fund looking better again, huh, kid? Maybe you could transfer to Stanford in the fall."

"After I get back from Virginia next week, we are SO going house hunting."

"What's wrong with the apartment? It's not so bad. Plus, when you go to Stanford I'll be all alone..."

"Face it, Dad. Stanford's over. That's done. I'm at Hearst and it is just fine for me. My friends are there. I'm happy. We're happy. Why can't you just enjoy this? We earned it."

"You're right. WE did, kid. Mostly you, though," he said, giving Veronica noogies.

"I'm going to take a shower," she said.

"I'll take the check to the station with me, if you want, and lock it in the safe."

"That's a good idea, Dad. I can't do anything with it until Monday, anyway."

"Okay, well, I'll see you...when I see you?"

"Yeah," Veronica agreed.

"Tell Logan hi for me," Keith added as he walked out the door. Veronica turned to argue but he was already out the door.

'Well, he does know me,' she thought and shrugged her shoulders.

...

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ronnie, I was wondering what your plans for today were?"

"Hmmm...don't really have any. Why?"

"I was wondering if maybe...you wanted to hang out some..."

"Well, I don't know. I mean...I do have a lot I need to get done..."

"No, it's okay. No prob, I just thought we could, I mean I could help you...you know look for apartments online..."

Veronica was barely able to stifle a laugh. She wasn't sure who was on the other end of phone, but it definitely didn't sound the Logan Echolls she knew. Cocky, confident, and controlling Logan had checked out and some scared-to-death teenage boy asking a girl to the prom had taken his place. She wasn't sure if was cruel to lead him on like this on the phone, so she rang the bell.

"Oh, hang on a sec, there's someone at the door..."

Logan opened the door to find a smiling, petite blond standing before him. He smiled and hit end on his phone.

"You love stringing me on, don't you, Mars?"

Veronica knew he was teasing, but some amount of truth rang through his words.

"You know it," she said pushing past him through the door.

"So…no games, Logan. Why don't you show me where you've picked out for me to live."

He laughed, knowing that she could always see right through him.

"Well, it's a great little neighborhood just outside of Alexandria. It's called Belle Haven. It's near the river, so there are plenty of activities."

"First of all, Logan, that is one of luxury neighborhoods in the area, so NO WAY I could afford it, even with my newfound wealth. Second of all, I'm going to be schlepping coffee and background checks for the FBI all summer. Exactly when am I supposed to have time for water sport?"

Logan looked down, feeling a little defeated.

"Okay, we can work around the expensive part. What newfound wealth? And, sorry, I guess I was thinking about it from my perspective, not yours. But you can't be all work and no fun all summer."

"Okay, round two. We can NOT work around the expensive part, I've got a whole story to tell you about the newfound wealth, and yes I can."

"Okay, timeout. Let's hear the story."

Logan led her to the couch where they both plopped down. She began to tell Logan about the phone call from Jake last night. He admitted that he knew Duncan had something planned, but wasn't sure what. He also admitted that he figured Duncan must have been working with someone on the inside, but neither he nor Veronica could figure out who.

"So, you and your dad gonna buy a house?"

"Yep. We're going to look next week when we get back from Virginia."

"We? You mean your Dad's going with you? That's great he's able to get away..."

"Don't play coy with me."

"What?"

"My dad isn't coming with me."

"Well, who is? Mac? Wallace? I'll need to know what name to get the extra ticket in."

Veronica laughed.

"Okay, well that would be L-O-G-A-N-E-C-H-O-L-L-S."

"What?"

"Are you honestly going to pretend like you hadn't been planning to come along the whole time."

"Honestly, I hadn't."

"Oh," Veronica said, feeling surprisingly disappointed.

"But, if you want me to come..."

"No, I mean, I thought you wante..."

"Damn, Veronica, do you want me to come with you to Virginia?" Logan asked, finally frustrated at Veronica's complete inability to admit any feelings to him or show him any sign of hope.

'What the hell?' Veronica thought.

"Yes, Logan. I'd like you to come with."

Logan smiled. If she wasn't sitting there in front of him, he'd probably have danced around the room in excitement.

"Okay, good. I'd like to come."

"Good." Veronica said. "So what did you have planned today?"

"Umm...I really hadn't gotten that far."

"Hmm," Veronica said, frowning. "I could always go back home..."

"No, no. I can think of something," he said, only halfway understanding she was teasing him. Again.

"I could take you house hunting."

"Ooh, yeah. That sounds great."

"I'll get my keys."

They headed out to the parking lot to Logan's SUV. He opened Veronica's door and helped her in.

"Thank you. When did you get to be such a gentleman?"

"When I decided to fight for you," he stated plainly and truthfully. Veronica swallowed hard, glad he'd walked around the car to get in the driver's side.

"So where to?"

"I really don't know."

"Okay...we'll just cruise for a while." Logan said.

He navigated his way through the streets to a quiet little neighborhood full of quaint homes. It was definitely not the 09'er district Veronica expected Logan to gravitate to. It was actually the perfect neighborhood. It was just blocks away from the station and the houses looked nice, but modest. No four and five bedroom monstrosities, just two and three bedroom homes, plenty big enough for her, Keith, and Backup. She was impressed that Logan chose here.

"How did you know about this place?" she asked Logan.

He shrugged. After a few minutes, he answered quietly," I used to drive around a lot, pretending I lived somewhere like this. A quieter, simpler place. Less fame, less fortune, more parent..." he said, his voice drifting off.

Veronica reached up and touched his arm knowingly. She noticed a house just up on the right with a for sale sign in the yard. Luckily, there was a flyer tube on the sign. She pointed.

"There!" she said.

Logan pulled up to the curb and Veronica jumped out to grab a flyer. The owners had just stepped outside when she reached in the tube for the flyer.

"Wanna look inside?"

"Oh, I didn't want to bother you, we were just riding by..."

"Come on in. I'd love to give you a look."

"Oh...okay," Veronica consented. She motioned for Logan to follow her. She made her way up the driveway and across the pebbled stepping stones to the front porch. The house was a combo of brick and siding, a rarity in stucco-clad California. The siding was white, along with the trim. The shutters were black and the front door was also black. The porch was small, merely a fronting for the entrance, but it was inviting. The house was really nice on the inside. The entry opened to open floor plan. The living room led into the spacious kitchen, which had an island. There was a small sun/breakfast room off the back that led out to the modest back yard. It was fenced in, so Backup could run and play without worry of straying. There was a small dining room to the right of the kitchen and a pantry/laundry room situated itself behind the dining room, just off the kitchen's rightmost edge. There was a half bath downstairs and a small study just to the right of the front door. Upstairs led to the bedrooms. Each bedroom had its own bath. The rooms were modest, but more than adequate. Veronica was more than hopeful that this house was a great candidate.

"So what did you think?"

"I really like it."

"It's the perfect house for a young couple just starting out."

Veronica and Logan stared at each other for a second before they both laughed nervously.

"No, No," Veronica said. "We're not...it's not...It's my dad and I that would be living here."

"Oh. Sorry, I just thought..."

"It's okay," Veronica said. "I'd like to come back with my dad next week. I'm going out of town the first of the week, but I should be back by Wednesday."

"Okay, Wednesday's good. My number's on the flyer. Why don't I get yours...just in case I have any other lookers. That way I can give you a head's up."

"Oh, yeah, that would be great."

She gave the owner her number and left her dad's number at the station.

"Sherriff Mars is your father?"

'Uh oh,' Veronica thought. 'Maybe this isn't one of Dad's fans.' She worried if she had made a mistake giving the station number.

"Uh, yeah. That's right."

"Oh, that's fantastic. I'd love to see you two in my house. I always did like him. Good man."

"Well, thank you."

"Thank you for your interest, Miss Mars. You just give me a call when you get back in town, okay?"

"Sure thing," Veronica said, feeling very relieved.

She and Logan got back in the car and drove around some more. They saw a couple more houses for sale, but none Veronica liked as much as the one they looked at.

"You look bored."

"No, it's just I really liked that one house. I just don't see anything I like as much. And the price was good. I really hope Dad will like it."

"He probably doesn't care as long as you're happy."

Veronica smiled.

"You know, I bet you're right. Funny. You and my Dad seem to know each other pretty well."

"Huh?" Logan asked, wondering what in the world would prompt Veronica to think he and her dad knew the first thing about the other.

"Nothing. You hungry? I'm kind of hungry?"

"Of course. Where do you put it all?"

"I work it off. I have a good metabolism."

"I'll say."

Veronica let his comment slide, knowing there was a bit more to it than on the surface.

"Let's just go eat, Echolls."

They went to one of their favorite beachside haunts.

"So, you're appointment is Tuesday morning, but you really should get the full effect of the neighborhoods. Scout the area out a little. Make the drives, you know."

"Yeah, I have to get a feel of a good central location. I'll be in Quantico some and in DC some. I need to find a middle ground. Plus, they said I'd get to go the Clarksburg office a couple of times, too."

"Come on, Veronica. It's only an hour drive from Quantico to DC. Anything in between will be close enough. But you know, " Logan said, his inflection going up a notch. "Belle Haven is pretty central."

"And pretty out of my price range. Maybe we'll find something else in Alexandria."

"So, I was thinking…."

"Yes?"

"Maybe we could leave soon and soak up the sights for a while before Tuesday."

"What are you getting at, Logan? When did you want to go?"

"What are you doing now?"

"Now? I haven't even packed."

"So, I take you home, you grab a few things, and we head out."

"What about plane tickets? You think you can just grab them out of thin air? And getting a flight…do you even know when the next flight to Dulles is?"

"Seven pm local time. Non-stop. But to Regan, actually."

"How do you know that?"

"I have people."

"How long have you been planning this?"

"Since you asked me to go with you."

"Hmm," Veronica said. "I have to say I'm a little disappointed that you didn't already have two tickets ready to go a week ago."

"I thought about it," Logan admitted.

"So you did think you were going with me all along."

"No, I didn't think I was…just hoped I might. And I didn't want to push you."

"Since when?"

"I told you…since I decided this was worth fighting for. For the long haul."

"You keep saying that, Logan. You keep pouring your heart out, which is not something I'm used to from you, you know, and I just keep sitting here unresponsive. How much longer you gonna put up with that?"

"Until you're ready, Ronnie. I know you. I know how you work. Honestly—I'm not worried."

"Really?" said Veronica, smiling at the, at least momentarily, return of Cocky Logan.

"Really," he smiled.

"Fine, Logan. Let's go."

"Let's go…to Virginia?"

"Yes, Logan. Let's go to Virginia."

Veronica dialed her dad.

"Let me guess, Logan has convinced you to run away to Vegas?"

"Ooh, so close. Virginia."

"Hmm, both V's. My spidey sense must be a little off."

"So, he wants to go check things out before my appointment on Tuesday."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"So, I'm heading home now to grab some things and we're hopping a flight at seven."

"Be careful, Veronica."

"Of course."

"And remind Logan that I have friends all over. Even in Virginia."

"Ha, ha, Dad."

"Not joking."

"I know. I love you, Dad."

"You, too, kid."

Logan took Veronica back to her apartment and waited patiently for her to pack. He played with Backup and watched a little tv while he waited.

"Ok, ready."

"Hmmm, I expected more. I like the minimalist approach, however."

"Oh, the other bags are in the hall. There all yours, dude."

He rolled his eyes and got up to get the other luggage. She had been pulling his chain, though. She only had one rolling suitcase.

"So, ready to go get your stuff?"

"What stuff?"

"Your clothes, dummy."

"Can't I just buy stuff there?"

"No, Logan, you can't. That's not what we normal folks do."

"Oh, that's right. Okay, let's go back to suite d'Echolls."

They headed back to the Grand so Logan could pack.

"Ok, I'm done," Logan said, bringing out a small bag.

"Logan, really. I will not go shopping with you there."

"What do I need, really? Toothpaste and clean underwear. I'm good."

Veronica rolled her eyes. Logan went back for his larger duffle and brought it out.

"Ok, that better?"

"Sure. What about the tickets?"

"Taken care of. We're good to go when we get there."

"Hmmm. Impressive."

"Aren't I?"

"Let's go."

They arrived at the airport with an hour and a half to spare. Meaning they were right on time. By the time they got through all the security checks and check-ins, they only had twenty minutes before takeoff. Of course, Logan had bought first class tickets, so they were served a meal on the way. The flight was long – nearly five hours. But it was actually kind of nice. Her and Logan talked about a lot. Stupid things, real estate, life…just stuff. Nothing too serious, but good conversation for the two of them. Logan showed her the brochures he'd collected about the area, and then, the real estate magazines. It became clear to Veronica that Logan had done a lot of research about the area. Instead of being creeped out or freaked out, she was touched. He obviously cared a lot about her and where she would be for the summer, but she couldn't help but wonder…what was his particular interest unless he was planning on staying with….no, that couldn't be it.

When they finally landed at Regan, they retrieved their luggage and headed to the car rental, where Logan, of course, already had something reserved. It was a large, black SUV. Of course.

"So, you hungry?"

"We ate on the plane?"

"If that's what you call it. Come on, I know you can eat."

"Oh, you know me so well. Let's go."

They stopped at a local restaurant that specialized in seafood and had a wonderful meal. When they were finished, they drove into Alexandria to the hotel Logan had already made a reservation at. Veronica wondered when he had time to do that. He mumbled something about his calling after he booked the plane tickets.

"Reservation for Echolls."

"Ah, yes sir. Here were are. Room 309, our deluxe suite…"

"There should be two rooms," he quickly spoke up before Veronica could protest.

"I'm sorry, I just have the reservation for one."

"Fine, could we get another?"

"Sorry, we're all full. We just had an unexpected run in the last couple of hours."

"Look, I specifically requested TWO room…"

"It's okay, Logan. We'll make do," Veronica interjected, hoping to diffuse the tension that was quickly building in the situation.

"Are you sure, Ronnie?"

"Yeah. It's okay."

They took the key and headed up.

"Wow, when they say deluxe they mean deluxe."

"I guess this will do…for Virginia."

"Oh, you rich people. It may not be the Grand, but, Logan, it's huge."

"At least there's a sofa bed. Maybe it's not too uncomfortable."

"No, Logan, you are not sleeping on the sofa. I'll take it. After all, you paid for the plane and the room. The least I can do is sleep on the couch."

"No, Ronnie, I…"

"Oh, for goodness sake, Logan. Let's just share the bed. I mean, it's not like we haven't been there before."

"Um, I think it would be best if we didn't. I mean, things are different….it's not…"

"Logan, are you growing morals?"

"Who, me? No. It would just be very, um, difficult for me to share a bed with you."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think…well, whatever, but I'm taking the couch."

Logan threw his hands up, refusing to argue with her.

It was late and they were both tired. He pulled out the sofa bed and got it fixed for her.

She brushed her teeth and changed into a t-shirt and pajama shorts. Logan put on a pair of pajama pants and removed his shirt.

"Goodnight, Veronica."

"Goodnight, Logan. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For everything," she answered.

They turned off the lights and she tossed and turned. She laid there, completely exhausted, but completely unable to close her eyes. The bed was hard and uncomfortable, and she felt discomfort for many other reasons.

Logan was also unable to sleep. He noticed Veronica's tossing. Finally, he decided to suck up his issues and invite Veronica into the bed.

"Just come over here."

"No, I'm fine. I don't want to…make things hard for you."

"It's not like I'm comfortable, either. Just get over here."

She crawled into the bed, and soon they were both sound asleep. The woke to the sun streaming in the window. Veronica was turned on her side and Logan's arms were wrapped around her. Her initial instinct was to pull away, but it felt so good that she couldn't move. As Logan roused, he had the same idea. But he was afraid to scare her away, so he turned loose and rolled over.

"Sorry," he offered.

"It's okay. I guess I didn't mind so much. I slept like a baby."

"Me, too."

"Well, you ready to get started on our day?"

"Does that mean breakfast?"

"Honestly, short stuff, I don't know where it all goes."

Veronica laughed and headed to the shower. She didn't know where these few days would end up, but so far, things were looking good.