So…even though I don't reply to reviews, I do read them and cherish each one. Sorry I left you hanging, there, but here's another chapter so you don't have to hang on as long this time ;) Remember, this story is called "Roller Coaster" for a reason. Lots of ups and downs, so don't get too excited or too depressed about anything too quickly. Thanks for your reviews and your patience!

Chapter 20

Back to Reality

"Marr…wha? Log…"

Veronica felt her head spinning and the air wouldn't come. She held her hand to her head to try to stop the spinning.

Logan could tell she was fading. He quickly jumped up and grabbed her waist to support her. The electricity in his touch shocked her back to reality once again.

"It's okay, Veronica. You don't have to answer right now. I know it's sudden and it's not something we've even discussed seriously. I'm not asking you to run away with me to Vegas tonight or anything. Just think about it for a while. All I want you to know is that I love you. Forever. Epic….remember?"

Veronica grinned. Her head was still buzzing like she'd drank a bottle of Crown all in one gulp or something, but she was alert enough to know that Logan meant what he said. Her first instinct was to apologize for not being able to throw her arms around him and scream yes at the top of her lungs, but she was still a little shell-shocked from all this evening had been. First a B and B, then a house, now a proposal. She knew that she loved Logan, and that she always would. She just hadn't expected Logan to propose—ever, really. She really never thought it would be something Logan would entertain. She knew that he loved her and had said on more than one occasion that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but to see him get down on one knee in front of her…was just all too much.

"Logan, I…"

"shh," Logan said putting a finger to her lips. "You know how I feel. I wanted to make it clear. I honestly didn't expect an answer tonight. I just didn't want to waste any more time not telling you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I will wait for you to be ready, Veronica. I will wait forever if I have to."

"I love you, Logan."

"I know. Now, let's eat, I'm starved. You pour the wine. I'll go in and get the food."

As the sun sat low in the sky, they ate a wonderful meal of Chesapeake seafood and a decadent dessert of fresh strawberries and cream.

"So, this house, Logan…"

"Is mine….ours. I've hired some people to take care of it while we're back in Neptune, but in a few years, I figure, it will make for a nice more permanent residence."

"In a few years?"

"Yeah. When you're a full-fledged fed."

"You just assume that I will work for the FBI."

"It's kind of a given, don't you think?"

"What if they don't want me?"

"How could they not? I mean, anyone that's met you wants you."

"In a professional manner, Logan."

"That's what I meant."

"Sure it is."

"Well, right now, I want you. Let's just focus on that," he said, grabbing her and pulling her close.

Before Veronica could respond, Logan seized her mouth with his. He swooped her up in his arms and carried her inside and up the stairs to a bedroom—their bedroom.

…..

The next morning Veronica awoke feeling like she was in a dream. She felt that she was in a world that couldn't possibly be her own. In Logan's arms she felt safe…loved…home. But in the back of her mind was the incessant banging of reality trying to break through.

She slid out of Logan's embrace, trying not to wake him. She threw on a robe she found hanging on the bathroom door and shielded her eyes from the brilliant light pouring in through the sheer coverings over the huge windows in their room. She slid out the glass sliding door onto the balcony and checked her phone. There were a couple of messages.

'You're live again. Sorry, ran out of time. – CF'

This message was from Cecille at 2:30 am. Fortunately Veronica had fallen asleep in Logan's arms just thirty minutes before that. They had a rather long night.

'No Russians on the island, but someone has been following. Rich boy's bodyguards never left the mainland, so it's not them. Definitely not mob—they look like, well, feds. Your boy have any friends at the CIA by any chance? By the way—nice B and B. I might recommend this to my friends."

This message had arrived only forty-five minutes ago.

Oh, yay. Back to reality.

Veronica quickly responded:

'You have friends, Nacombe? There's a shocker. And no, I'm pretty sure Logan doesn't know anyone in the CIA.'

The response was quick.

'You sure about that? These guys are professional. And discreet. No one would know they were even watching you. They blend in like they're trained.'

'So how'd you make 'em?'

'Because I'm that damn good, Miss Smart Ass.'

'Well, then. I'm glad you're on my team.'

'Damn right, you are.'

Veronica grinned and looked out at the water. She could see the boats out in the bay, fishing. She tried hard, but couldn't imagine a more peaceful place. She never pictured herself as anything but a California girl, but she was fast coming to believe that she really could be a Virginia girl. Her and Logan….

Memories of last night's events came flooding back to her. She felt bad about not accepting Logan's proposal on the spot, but she knew that he sincerely meant what he said, and she knew that he would wait. But she was starting to wonder if that was fair to him. Why wouldn't she say yes to Logan? Why wouldn't she want to marry him? She did, didn't she? Didn't she really want to spend the rest of her life with Logan Echolls?

"Good morning, Beautiful," Logan smiled, wrapping his arms around her.

"Morning. It's so beautiful here."

"I thought so, too. I knew you'd like it. It's a great place to unwind after a long day at the bureau."

"You seem so sure of my future…what about your own?"

"I plan to lay around and be a bum like I always have been and live off the sweat of your brow, my dear," Logan joked.

"Seriously, Logan."

"In case you haven't noticed, I've gotten pretty good at the real estate thing. In fact, I've already talked to my advisor back at Neptune, and with a little hard work—I can finish my business degree and be a Virginia real-estate mogul by the time your Queen of the FBI."

"Queen of the FBI?"

"FBI, England, world…whatever."

Veronica laughed.

"What about the other house?"

"Well, I thought we'd keep both. I mean, you probably don't want a lengthy commute every day—first by sea then by land. This can be our 'second home.' For weekends and stuff."

"Logan, you must be close to running out of money by now."

"That's why I'm learning how to make more, darling. Besides, I figure I can cut down back in Neptune. I'm going to get out of the Grand and find something a little more reasonable. Plus, I've made some pretty good investments along the way. I'm not stupid—I just used to be lazy."

"Used to be? So those days are over?"

"Well, until your Queen, anyway."

"Okay," Veronica smiled, leaning into steal a kiss, which Logan returned gladly.

"Come on, let's get dressed. We can head to the B and B. They make a great breakfast."

…

The fairytale lasted another couple of days until they had to return to Alexandria. Then it was back to the grind…and back to reality. They returned to pack their things before heading back to Neptune. School started back in two weeks, and Veronica was sure that by the time that happened, she would have completed her first FBI operation. At least, she hoped so, because the alternative wasn't pretty.

On the flight back home, she fulfilled Logan's wish to join the mile-high club.

They arrived back in Neptune just before sunset. Keith was there to greet them at the airport.

He hugged his daughter and shook Logan's hand. He was glad to have them – yes, both of them – back home safe and sound.

"Let's go, you two. Dinner is waiting."

As they pulled into the driveway she noticed the house wasn't dark.

"Dad, what's going on?"

"Just some friends ready to say hello," he smiled.

The front door opened and she saw Mac. She immediately ran to hug her friend.

"So glad you're home, V. We obviously have a lot to talk about," she said, nodding towards Logan.

"You have no idea," Veronica whispered.

Next was Wallace.

"Oh my gosh, you're back!" she squealed.

"Damn, it's good to see you, Supafly," Wallace said, giving her a big hug.

He shook Logan's hand.

"Welcome back to Cali, man."

"Thanks, Wallace. So we good?"

"Yeah, we're good," Wallace said.

As they made their way inside, Dick approached.

"Dude, you missed some epic parties this summer. And some guys came and moved all your stuff out. They said you knew and all, but…I tried to call…"

"Logan, what's going on?" Veronica asked, suddenly in a panic that maybe Logan had lost all his money.

"I went ahead and checked out of the Grand. I had what little stuff I had sent to storage. I'll find a place this week. Don't worry. So…Dick…what are you doing here?"

"I don't know. I was invited. Duh."

"Hey, I was in a festive mood. My daughter is home. Life is grand. Let's eat," said Keith spryly.

They talked about their summer adventures, well, most of them did. Veronica tried to stay as tight-lipped as possible about what she had done over the summer. She also didn't feel like sharing a lot of personal stuff with the entire group, so she downplayed her and Logan's escapades as much as possible. She didn't say anything about their last weekend at the island. Logan took the cue and only spoke of doing some "awesome" work with a local real estate agent. Soon it was late and they were tired. Wallace drove Mac home.

"So, man…you need a place to crash until you find somewhere else to live?"

"Nah, that's okay. I'll check in somewhere for the night. I've got a few calls to make in the morning, but I'll have a place lined up."

"Ok, man. But you know that mi casa is your casa."

"Thanks, Bro," Logan said as he closed the door behind Dick. Keith walked up just as Dick left.

"Well, that's my cue to leave, too, I guess. Thanks, Keith, for the party. It was nice to feel welcome back to Neptune."

"Where are you headed off to? I know you don't have any place to stay."

"I will. It's not a problem."

"It is a problem. You'll stay here…with us," Keith grinned, putting his arm around Veronica who remained unusually quiet during this odd exchange between the two most important men in her life.

"Thanks for the offer, Keith. I'll crash on the couch tonight and find something tomorrow."

"Logan, I meant you can stay here with us…permanently. Well, maybe not permanently," Keith laughed, "but for a while, anyway. Until you decide to settle down on your own." The last part was added with an eyebrow raised towards Veronica, to which she had to struggle to keep her jaw from hitting the floor.

"Look, Keith, I appreciate it, but…there's not really room. I mean, you've got your office, and I really don't think you want me camped out in the living room for any length of time…"

"I'm not planning on giving up my office, and I don't expect you to camp out in the living room."

"Well, where am I…"

"Look, I'm not stupid. I'd rather not have it flaunted in my face, but I'm a hip cat, cool daddy-o, right baby girl?"

"Oh no, I'm so not involved in this…"

"Of course you are, darling. This is your house, too. Actually, it's mostly your house."

"Dad, you aren't suggesting Logan and I move in together?"

"Not so much…but you lived together this summer, right?"

"Well, yes, I mean, sort of…"

"I'm a private investigator, Veronica. I am not stupid. Like I said – I don't won't to be privy to all the details of your relationship, but at least with you both under my roof I can keep an eye on him," Keith said gesturing jokingly at Logan, "Plus, I'll be at work, you'll be at school, and Logan will be doing whatever it is Logan does…"

"He's in school, too, Dad."

"…and we'll have dinner at night like regular families…and you'll be doubly protected…"

"…and we'll all live happily ever after? Dad, what happened to you while I was away? Logan, will you excuse us for a moment," Veronica said, not really asking, as she led her father into another room away from Logan.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Me? I thought you'd be happy. Did something happen between you and Logan that I don't know about? Do you NOT want him to live here?"

"Dad, six months ago, you hated Logan Echolls. You would've strangled him with your own bare hands if you could have. Now you want him to move in?"

"I have never hated Logan. I never particularly liked him, true, but he's grown up, Veronica. I've seen him change. I see the way he wants to protect you. How can that be a bad thing? It would be nice to have an extra set of eyes on you. Do you have a problem with him being here?"

"Dad, I didn't say that."

"Well, what do you want, Veronica?"

Well, isn't that the ten million dollar question.

"You sure you're okay with this? Just move Logan into my room like one big happy family?"

"I didn't say I liked it, but, yeah…I guess I'm okay with it. Plus, it might be good for Logan to have some sort of family for a change."

Veronica enveloped her dad in a hug.

"You're an amazing man, Keith Mars."

"Oh, I know," he grinned. They walked back to where Logan was standing near the doorway.

"So—apparently aliens have taken over my Dad's body and you're moving in. Hell has most definitely gotten chilly."

"Veronica, I…"

"I'm tired, kids. I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow."

Keith turned and walked to his room, leaving a very stunned Logan confused as to what to do next.

"I'm tired, too, Logan. Let's go to bed."

"Veronica…."

"It's settled, Logan. You heard Dad. One big happy family."

Logan smiled and shook his head. For the first time in his life it did feel like a family. He knew they would be one day, anyway. It was only a matter of time. He could see Veronica was coming around already. As they fell asleep that night, both imagined themselves back in Virginia – away from Neptune and its drama. Just the two of them, together, conquering the world. Soon enough sunlight would break through and reality would close in. But those few hours of night were precious, and they both held on as long as they could.