Chapter 12

Love's Together

A week later Veronica arrives home and is surprised when she enters the front door to find Logan standing there waiting for her. He grabs her as she shuts the door and pulls her into his arms spinning them around over and over until her back is against the closet door. The tiny and slightly dizzy agent looks up at her boyfriend and has to smile. "What are you doing home? I thought you had a meeting?" she questions.

Before he even answers, she knows her caring boyfriend cancelled his meeting to be home tonight when she got home. She hadn't thought about it but she should have anticipated he would be there. He is concerned that she might be upset after her meeting and he wants to be there for her. Her heart feels heavy in her chest. Since they got back together, Logan has shown her over and over what it is to be loved by him. He is so thoughtful and so open with his feelings.

He explains, "I cancelled it," as he looks at her carefully trying to get cues from her demeanor at how the meeting went. Reaching up he gently moves her bangs from her forehead and tells her, "Tonight I am at your service. If you need a soak in the tub, I will run it for you. If you need a back massage," he wiggles his fingers, "I am ready to give you the full body treatment." He leans down and nuzzles her neck and whispers suggestively, "If you need to be fucked into a pile of goo, I am your man."

Impossibly touched at how he takes care of her she leans back against the door of the closet and says, "I want all that plus some of that wonderful lasagna I smell."

Pleased at her acceptance of the night he has planned for them, he approves, "Excellent choice Bobcat! What do you want to do first?"

Tilting her head as she thinks she looks up at his handsome face and meets his soft brown eyes, "I think I will go for the bath, dinner, massage and then pile of goo."

Nodding he reaches for her and pulls her from the closet door and opens it. He suggests, "How about a nice glass of wine while you soak?"

Veronica pulls off her gun and holster as well as her ID and locks it in the safe in the closet while Logan goes over and resets the alarms for the house. She hangs her jacket up and agrees, "That sounds perfect actually."

He walks back over and shares, "I have the bathroom set up. I'll start the tub while you get undressed." He puts his arm around her shoulder as he walks with her up the staircase to the second floor.

Wrapping her arm around his waist, she leans into him and tells him genuinely, "Thank you."

He kisses her forehead and assures her, "It is my pleasure."

As they walk towards the stairs she notices a large bouquet of flowers sitting on a table in the living room. Curious she asks, "Who sent the flowers?"

Logan smirks and answers, "Connor sent them."

Tilting her head at him she questions, "Why would he send us flowers?"

"The card said 'Congratulations on your engagement. I am happy for you both'," he answers his brown eyes soft with humor.

Veronica sighs. They have both been receiving a lot of congratulations since one of the tabloids 'leaked the story' from one of their close unnamed friends that they were secretly engaged. Although it is annoying that the tabloid would publish something without checking the facts, they are both resigned to the fact that some of the tabloids with make up any story to sell papers.

Logan is used to false rumors being spread about him from unnamed friends as the source. The only negative moment of the article for him was listening to Veronica try and talk down her upset father on the phone.

He tells her in a faux excited fan girl voice, "It was so sweet of him!"

Laughing she says, "It really was." She adds teasingly, "So how does it feel to be off the market?"

He sobers and meets her gaze. "Honestly, it makes no difference to me. The day we decided to date again, I focused on us." Leaning closer to her he says quietly, "The day we decided to move in together, I was off the market" He sees her surprise and explains, "We made a commitment."

She meets his gaze and gives him a smile, "We did." He smiles back at her. They both know that moving in together was a big step.

Looking back at the flowers he adds, "I don't care who knows it."

Veronica looks at her handsome boyfriend and files the conversation in her head to think about another time. "Logan," she pulls him to a stop and takes a step up turning to look at him. He looks at her in question. She meets his gaze and tells him, "Perhaps we could talk during supper?"

Nodding he agrees, "Whenever you want."

Touched at how much he cares about her and how good he is to her, she leans down and gently kisses him before she turns to go back up the stairs. Logan puts his hands on her hips and walks behind her.

A few minutes later the tired blonde is soaking in the fragrant tub enjoying the scent of the water and the candles as she relaxes. There is soft music playing and Logan has brought her a glass of her favorite red wine. As she soaks she thinks about her meeting with her boss. She suspected he would transfer her out of the department but it still hurt that he did. He was polite but he all but said, "Don't let the door hit you on your way out." And just like that, that dream is dead and gone; that door is closed.

In her head she knows that her evaluations have all been very positive and that she has been progressing at a good pace in her division. However her heart is hurting that her boss was so anxious to be rid of her. He saw her as more of a liability than an asset and it stings. She has so much respect for him; he taught her so much in the short time she has been in the LA office. She really likes the work, she is learning a lot and she is closer to her family and friends.

The sad truth is, she also misses Derek. He was a great partner who she grew to trust and respect. Her notoriety became a personal and, let's face it, a professional liability for him. He was wise to cut her loose. He shouldn't risk his career and his marriage for her. Agents already give up enough; she didn't blame him for his choices. Derek is her friend and she could tell he was relieved when she wished him luck as he packed up his desk. It was humiliating to see the looks of the other agents. She is the hot topic of gossip at work as well now; most everyone thought she was going to be transferred and some suspect she will be discharged from the force. The last thing she saw today before she went into her meeting with her boss was Derek and his new partner leaving together to follow a lead on their latest case.

She is so grateful that Logan is letting her wallow for a little while. She needs a little time to grieve the fact she is leaving White Collar. Although she is upset about the changes in her career, she is thrilled at how amazing her relationship with Logan is. He is a man who is not threatened that she is an FBI agent. He wants her to succeed and is genuinely pleased for her successes and disappointed at her setbacks. The honest truth is: he is the man for her. He loves her and treat her like a queen. She wouldn't trade the relationship she has now with Logan for anything. If the choice was between Logan and the FBI, she would leave the FBI in a heartbeat. He means everything to her and she wants to spend the rest of her life with him. For the first time in a long time, she is happy at home. She looks forward to something besides work.

Although she has been wallowing, deep inside she knows she is very lucky. How many people find their soul mate; really find the one person who accepts you flaws and all and loves you anyways? Actually she is beyond lucky and when she is done wallowing, she will go down stairs, eat a delicious supper and tell her man she loves him. In the meantime, she will let Logan take care of her tonight. What girl can complain when their man is ready to turn her into a pile of goo?

Logan peeks into the bathroom and is relieved to see her relaxing with her eyes closed. He is even more happy when he notices the tiny smile around his girlfriend's mouth. He was really hoping she wasn't crying; a smile no matter how tiny is much better. He heads back downstairs to wait for her.

Sitting in her bathrobe at the kitchen table, Veronica takes another bite of the delicious lasagna. Although Logan is a pretty good cook, Mrs. H. makes the best lasagna. Her tomato sauce is spicy and a perfect mix with the noodles and cheese. She makes homemade garlic bread to go with it and she always spoils Veronica with a sweet dessert. Tonight she made a chocolate cheesecake and it looks scrumptious.

Unconsciously sighing a little, Veronica looks at Logan and says, "So I met with Agent Kettle and he has transferred me out of White Collar effective immediately. I just have to finish up my current paperwork."

Frowning Logan looks at Veronica and questions, "Did he give you the option of staying in White Collar but transferring out of LA?"

She bites her lip and shakes her head. When he watches her face fall at his question, he knows that her boss, despite her good work, is forcing her out of the division she has been in since she graduated. His heart sinks at the news. He doesn't understand much about the workings of the FBI but he imagines this is a real blow to her career path.

She looks at Logan and tells him, "I have been transferred to the Violent Crime Division." Logan looks a little pained at the news. He worries about her safety and catching violent killers seems more dangerous than chasing down the money schemes prevalent in White Collar. Reaching across the table to take his hand, Veronica explains, "I have been offered two teams. I will only be processing information on both teams. I won't be the one going after the actual criminal." She goes on to explain the two offers. Logan listens carefully reassured by her touch.

After she is done outlining her two choices, Logan summarizes, "So the team out of Virginia has the top FBI profiler for you to learn from. The team is very experienced and may be the top team in the nation. You will be starting at the bottom but learning everyone's roles on the team."

Veronica nods as she eats. Logan carries on, "The other team is here in LA. You will be an interrogation specialist. The team is newer and less experienced but the leader was trained by the head guy in Virginia. You will be the only woman on the team but you won't be starting over again at the bottom."

Again the tiny blonde nods. Logan takes a bite of his garlic bread and thinks for a few seconds. He looks at her and says, "Both jobs have their pros and cons. You should pick the one you think will make you the happiest. You know I can work from anywhere. I don't mind moving to Virginia."

Touched Veronica smiles at him. She know he loves her but each time he puts her first in his life, it just takes her breath away. Tears pool in her eyes and she tells him, "You are so good to me. I am so lucky we found each other again. I love you so much."

"I'm the lucky one," he tells her. "I love you too."

She reaches across the table and puts her hand out for his. He immediately takes her hand in his larger one. She looks at the tempting dessert that is sitting on the counter and then she then looks back at Logan, "I have been given a week to make my decision so..." Logan looks at her waiting for her to tell him her thoughts. She slowly adds, "We could put our discussion on hold and perhaps get to the puddle of goo part of the evening."

He smiles and questions his girlfriend, "What about the back massage?"

"Rain check?" she pouts cutely.

He laughs and lifts her hand turning it and kissing the back of it. He answers happily, "Absolutely."

Veronica jumps up and eagerly asks, "What are we waiting for?" She starts towards the stairs pulling him behind her. Logan follows happily. In honor of Dr. Seuss; Puddle of goo, that he can do.

The following day the front door opens and Logan wanders out to see who is there. He knows it isn't Veronica because she is at work until after five and it is only one in the afternoon. Besides her security detail hasn't called that she is on her way home. When Logan enters the front hallway he sees Veronica's father reprogramming the alarm system after he has shut the front door.

Logan quietly greets the older man, "Mr. Mars."

Keith turns from the alarm station and smiles at his daughter's boyfriend. "Logan, how are you?"

Logan smiles back and answers, "I'm good."

A little worried Keith says, "I didn't mean to disturb you if you were working."

Shaking his head Logan reassures Veronica's father, "It's fine. I heard you come in so thought I would check and see who was arriving."

Keith explains, "I had an appointment this morning and I thought I would just head back home after but now I need to stay a few days." He looks down at his overnight bag and adds, "If it is OK."

Immediately happy that Keith his staying over , Logan enthuses, "It's great. You are welcome whenever you need to be here. Did you want my driver to pick up Alicia?"

The older man shakes his head and explains, "No she is working this week."

Logan nods and questions, "That's too bad. Did you have lunch?"

Shaking his head Keith answers, "No I can just make myself a sandwich."

Pleased that Keith has agreed to stay Logan says, "Let's see what Mrs. H. has going in the kitchen. I haven't had lunch yet. I guess I lost track of time."

As they walk towards the kitchen, Logan tells him conversationally, "I think Veronica decorated the bedroom at the top of the front stairs for you." Keith looks surprised and Logan meets his gaze adding, "She had so much fun working with the decorator. Don't let her tell you she hated it."

Smiling Keith tells the younger man, "She used to paint and decorate her room. I would come home from a trip and find things moved or the walls a different color." He muses, "Although she has never had a decorator to help her before."

Logan grimaces and stage whispers, "She tired out the decorator with her enthusiasm and energy for decorating each room."

Keith laughs at Logan's statement and agrees, "I'll bet."

As the two men walk up the front staircase to the upper level, Keith checks with Logan that it is really OK he stays there when he is in LA. Smiling Logan assures him that he is happy to have visitors. He admits, "I always wanted a home where family comes and visits."

Keith gently teases, "Well you may regret that. Just let me know if it becomes a problem for you"

Logan laughs and reassures the man he has known since he was twelve years old, "Mr. Mars, there are eight bedrooms here. There is plenty of room for you." As he walks up the stairs ahead of Keith he adds, "Besides we have a pool, hot tub, workout room, theater room, library and games room that you guys can use when you are here. Mrs. H. will make you meals and do your laundry. She always keeps snacks in the pantry for Veronica so I am sure you can find something in the fridge or pantry if you get hungry at whatever hour you come back here."

Keith just shakes his head. He can recognize that Logan is actually pretty excited to have family come over. When Keith goes into the room after Logan he sees that Veronica did decorate it for him and Alicia. It has a huge bed and wonderful dark furniture. The quilt is soft and he is sure that the sheets are expensive. The view out the floor to ceiling windows has an amazing view of the front lawn with its large trees and flowers. It is decorated in navy and grey with a touch of orange and red for contrast. He is not surprised that Veronica knows his favorite colors. There is a balcony with two loungers as well as a small table and two chairs for him to sit on. It has its own bathroom with a huge shower, tub and double sink. He looks over at Logan and happily admits, "I love it!"

Pleased, Logan smiles and asks, "Did you want a tour or are you hungry for lunch first?"

Keith decides, "A tour would be nice." He puts his bag on foot of the bed for now and follows Logan out of the room.

A while later they are sitting in the kitchen and Mrs. H. is happily spoiling the two men by cooking them omelets for brunch. She has made them a fruit bowl and is doing her magic at the stove while she talks to Mr. Mars about how much she likes the new kitchen and how Veronica had her help the designer pick out new appliances.

Logan just smiles as he listens. He loves having a real home and knowing that Keith feels comfortable enough to come is wonderful.

Keith is immediately reassured that Logan does want him to stay there and to visit. He sees how happy Logan is with the house and how much he likes how Veronica decorated it. He sees it is a home and he knows Logan well enough to know that he has never had a real home.

Logan asks Keith what he has to do that day and offers him the use of the car easily telling him that he can get some phone calls or paperwork done while his driver takes him into town.

Keith frowns and says, "I don't want to keep him busy when Veronica or you might need him."

Waving away his concern Logan says, "We have three or four cars and any of Veronica's security team is cleared to drive her."

Shocked Keith realizes that Logan has hired a whole team to protect his daughter. He checks, "You have a team protecting her?"

Logan looks up from his coffee and admits, "I do. Did you want to talk to the leader on her team?"

The overprotective father thinks for a few seconds and then slowly says, "I would."

Smiling Logan tells him, "I will get him to go with you into town. He can update you on the security protocols he set up and he can answer all your questions."

Curious Keith asks, "Veronica knows about this?"

Nodding as he swallows and puts his cup back down, Logan answers, "Yes and before you can ask she has agreed to follow all the protocols." Meeting his gaze he adds, "Her leader is Gary and he tells me that Veronica doesn't give him any problems with her security."

Amazed Keith tells the young man, "I am pleased; a little shocked but very pleased."

Laughing Logan agrees, "I know what you mean." Meeting Keith's gaze he tells him honestly, "I am wealthy and in the news a lot. Veronica is obviously important to me. The stories have us knowing each other since we were twelve and now we are living together. To my way of thinking, Veronica is the most vulnerable even though she is FBI."

Keith sees the honesty in the young man's gaze and he points out, "I doubt she agrees with you. How did you get her to agree to the security measures?"

"We are both committed to making our relationship work this time. She agreed to the security measures because I worry about her," he explains.

He sees that his daughter has compromised to ease Logan's worry. Each time he sees them together, he is more hopeful that they have learned to be a couple. Smiling at the young man he has known for years and has come to really admire, he says, "Well I for one am very happy that she has protection. "

Agreeing Logan says, "She means everything to me." He adds openly, "I am happier than I ever imagined I could be."

Smiling Keith says, "I can see that." Keith is very reassured by this visit. Logan is open with the fact he loves Veronica. The private eye believes that Logan has been in love with his daughter since they were in high school. He knows from talking to his daughter that Logan bought this huge mansion and put it in both their names and that they pooled the money from the sale of both their homes in a joint account. It is clear that Logan is not going to let Veronica want for anything. Veronica has admitted that Logan wants to get married and that she is the one who doesn't believe in the institution. He is a little saddened that his relationship with her mother and his profession as a PI contributed to her current distain for marriage. Logan is committed to his daughter and has opened his home up to her friends and family. They are both clearly happy together. What more could he ask for?

Keith meets Logan's gaze and asks, "Did Veronica really throw Dick Cassablancas down on the patio?"

Logan immediately nods and then adds in wonder, "If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't have believed it." He goes on to describe what he saw.

The older PI can't help it, he smirks at the thought of his tiny daughter throwing down the much larger man. When she telephoned him to talk about the changes happening at work, she had a little shamefully admitted her loss of control. Although he could not condone her using physical force, he understood it. Throughout his career, he has been very tempted at times to show someone the error of their ways through physical persuasion. Those rare times he has succumbed, have brought him shame; just like they did his daughter. He let her talk and then asked her to forgive herself. It is the best you can do; learn from your mistakes and move on.

Logan notices the smirk and he has to smile a little himself. If he didn't know Dick or Veronica, he would have been highly amused by the sight. In truth, he is a little proud of Veronica and a little relieved. She has reassured him many times that she can look after herself but she is just so tiny and it is hard to imagine that she can protect herself like she so effortlessly did.

Meeting Keith's gaze Logan explains, "I removed Dick's name from the front gate security list and he isn't going to stay here anymore when he is in town."

Keith already heard this from Veronica and he had been reassured that Logan was going to put his daughter's needs first. He tells the young man, "I heard." After a short pause he ventures, "I know it is hard when your girlfriend and your friends don't get along."

Seeing the understanding helps Logan open a little. He sighs and admits, "It can be difficult at times but I mostly see them when Ronnie is working."

Keith checks, "I know Veronica has known the ones that went to Neptune High a long time."

Nodding Logan admits, "Yes and of course she busted the fraternity that most of them went to at Hearst."

Unsure what to say to that, Keith waits to see what Logan is going to say. After a few seconds pause, the young man admits, "Part of the animosity is from their confrontations in the past and part is the fact I am wealthy."

Keith looks at Logan with his penetrating blue eyes partly surprised that Logan would bring up the money issue so readily and partly pleased he brought it out in the open with him. Logan adds, "We have all had negative experiences with women and people in general over money so that influences their thoughts about my relationship with Ronnie." He adds, "They don't know her like I do so they don't believe that my wealth is not a real factor in our relationship." He looks out at the view of the ocean for a few seconds and then gathering his courage, carries on, "They see I bought this huge place and that she spent money decorating it." Worried at how his girlfriend's father is going to react, he reassures him, "I know she does not care about my money. I trust her."

"I understand," Keith quickly tells the young man. He gently teases, "Of course I have to attract women with my good looks and charm so I wouldn't understand the pitfalls of being rich."

Logan smiles appreciating that Veronica's father has lightened the mood. It is a potentially difficult discussion but Logan knows that he needs to talk openly to Keith. He hopes to be in his life for a long time and he wants them to be OK.

Deciding to get another issue out in the open while they are talking so openly, Keith points out, "I think some of Veronica's animosity is rooted in the past and some is more recent." He adds, "I know she was upset at Richard Cassablancas' involvement in the investment scandal."

Logan nods and takes a deep breath letting it out slowly. Keith sees his stress and immediately understands that this issue has not been resolved between Veronica and his friends and more importantly between Logan and his daughter. He queries, "You can see both sides of the issue? You feel like you are in the middle?"

Relieved at the older man's understanding, Logan tells him about how they all grew up and they learned that the law is not as cut and dried as most people think. He shares with Keith how there are different rules when you are wealthy and his friends see things differently than Veronica does.

Of all people, Keith does understand how the wealthy can exert influence in the justice system. He has seen it first hand for the last twenty years.

Logan is really unsure how Keith his going to react to this discussion. After all Keith has spent most of his career in law enforcement and has seen firsthand how wealth and influence can bring power. They have never talked about how Keith felt about Jake Kane getting him fired from the Sheriff position so he could protect his son.

Keith looks out at the view and says, "I get it Logan. I guess Veronica and I have seen how the system does favor the wealthy and at times it can be hard to see."

Logan nods. He doesn't say anything. He can't really say he understands. In his head he knows that Dick's actions hurt a lot of people but he doesn't know any of them. He didn't see their pain and their struggles.

Keith looks back over at Logan and says, "Veronica has to accept that justice was done but I know she found it hard to listen to the victims' stories." The older man sees that Logan does have sympathy for what Veronica feels but he can also see that he is happy that Dick is free.

There is a silence where neither man knows what to say. Finally Keith says, "Logan, can I give you some advice?"

Logan nods.

Keith pauses and then says, "No matter how much you tell Veronica and show her you love her, all that good gets undone when you let your friends put her down."

Logan immediately gets defensive and Keith cuts in, "Wallace was upset about how your friends talked about Veronica the night of the concert where she had to leave to help rescue the young girl who was taken to Mexico."

The young man immediately admits, "It was my fault. I should have handled the situation differently."

Keith holds up his hand and tells him, "It wasn't what you said, although Wallace wasn't happy about it." He explains, "You left the table to catch Veronica when she left so you didn't hear what Dick and the guys said about Veronica. She is like a sister to Wallace; he was very angry."

Logan's upset deflates. He knows Mac and Wallace are upset with him. He just doesn't know what to do. He has talked to Dick and John a few times. They believe Veronica is using him and her true colors will show eventually. Of course a lot of the gang from Neptune see her as a real bitch.

Keith continues, "Veronica has assured Wallace that she doesn't care what they think but he is protective of her." There is a pause and Keith adds, "So am I."

Logan immediately hears the note of censure in his voice and he responds, "I don't let them talk badly about her in front of me."

Shaking his head Keith says, "Logan, I know." He looks at him with sympathy and outlines his thoughts clearly, "Here is the issue Logan. Veronica's friends and family have seen you hurt her in the past but for her sake they are treating you with respect and giving you a chance." He adds, "Even Weevil is willing to back off and treat you well for Veronica's sake." He finishes, "Your real friends will have to back off and give Veronica respect for your sake."

Although Logan is upset at the discussion, he is experienced enough to see that Keith has given him some good advice. Veronica says that it doesn't bother her what his friends say and think but he believes it does on some level. He also has to agree that Veronica's friends and family have treated him with respect when they have some concerns about their relationship in the past. Keith is right. He is going to have to make it clear to his friends that they have to be respectful of Veronica even if it is for his sake.

Logan nods and says, "I get it. I'll handle it."

Keith nods. He says, "I know you will." He looks around and says, "This is really a spectacular view. It must be wonderful to see it every day."

Accepting the change of topic, Logan agrees stating, "Ronnie and I love to sit out here in the evenings and watch the sunset."

"That would be nice, " Keith agrees.

When Keith was riding back from his meetings and errands, Gary got a telephone call. As he hung up, he asked Keith if he minded if they picked Veronica up on the way home. Smiling Keith tells him, "I would like nothing better."

Gary smiled and directed the driver to pick Veronica up from FBI Headquarters. Curious, Keith asks, "What is Veronica's call name?"

Blushing a little, Gary admits, "Tsunami."

Laughing Keith tells Veronica's head of security, "That sound about right." He looks out the window of the car and sees Veronica walking out of the building towards the car. Gary gets out and opens the door for her. Once she is in the car, he closes the door and gets in the front giving her privacy with her father.

Keith, sitting in the car with Veronica, listens as she tells him about work and how she her partner's wife was upset about the tabloid articles. She tells him sadly, "I don't blame Derek for requesting a new partner."

Wrapping his arm around his daughter Keith shares, "I'm sorry kiddo. I know having to change partners is hard."

Nodding Veronica tells her father how she is being transferred out of White Collar to Violent Crimes. She sees his grimace and has to hold in a smile at how similar it was to Logan's reaction. She tells him about the two teams and he is reassured that she will be safe. It is good for Veronica to talk about her choices with her father. He understands what each offers and is able to give her good advice.

Keith has to admit how happy he is that Veronica is taking Logan's needs into consideration. She has reassured him that Logan will move if she is transferred. As her father he is pleased to hear that Logan is looking after her emotionally and physically. He puts his thought out there, "I was surprised to hear that you agreed to have a security team assigned to you."

She meets her father's gaze openly and tells him, "I don't like it but it makes Logan feel better so I figure it is the least I could do for him." She adds, "He is good to me."

Keith smiles at her and teases her a little, "I like the idea as well."

She leans into him and admits, "I know you do."

Quietly she admits, "I don't mind not driving in LA traffic. I use the time to catch up on my personal emails and phone calls."

Keith nods and agrees, "I can see where that would save time." Surprised, he listens as she talks about Logan's latest writing project and the foundation. It is clear she is very proud of him. He leans back and enjoys his time with his beloved daughter.