Chapter 13

Proving LoVe

Bright and early Logan is out with his friends surfing. After a fun few hours the gang is eating brunch in the restaurant by the beach. Dick and John are talking about a trip they are thinking of taking to Hawaii to surf. There is some good-natured teasing to the guys who have girl friends, wives or even jobs who can't go. Logan ignores the teasing that his girlfriend won't let him go. She would be happy for him to go and have fun. The truth is, he doesn't want to go now. He is busy with the latest screenplay he is writing and he has a lot going on with the Foundation. Casey joins in the teasing commenting that Veronica's father is staying with them. The guys who don't have girlfriends or wives are shocked that Mr. Mars is staying in Logan's mansion. Laughing Logan agrees, "It's weird. I have known him since I was twelve. He was always intimidating but now he's pretty easy to talk to." Shrugging he adds, "I guess that's a part of growing up."

John digs, "Well you bought his daughter a huge mansion."

Unimpressed, Logan looks over at John and tells him, "John, I know when someone is around me for my name or my money. I'm not an idiot!" Pausing he adds purposefully, "I have known Veronica longer than I have known any of you. I am sure about her."

There is an awkward silence as the guys take in that Logan is actually quite upset at John's comment. Logan lets his gaze go around the table. His voice is firm as he tells them, "I get that some of you don't like Veronica and don't trust her but she is my girlfriend and it pisses me off when you talk trash about her."

Before any of them can comment, Logan abruptly stands as he reaches for his wallet. Opening it, he throws down his money for the bill. As he puts his wallet away he says, "We are friends. I respect your decisions and I am there for you guys if you need me." He looks clearly at John and then Dick and says, "You are going to need to respect my decision to be with Veronica." He turns and leaves.

The guys watch Logan leave and they look over at John who looks upset at Logan's chastisement. John bursts out, "I really don't get the deal with Veronica. Logan has dated lots of hotter women who aren't total bitches."

Casey interrupts John's rant and emphasizes, "The thing with Veronica that you don't get is Logan loves her. They are living together and he is happy with her." Looking carefully at John he adds, "You had better heed his warning. He is getting fed up with your snide comments every time he sees you."

Mike is living with his girlfriend and he knows that he would be upset if any of them talked about her like they talk about Veronica. He feels badly that Logan is upset and tries to help the situation, "Come on John, we just won't talk about her."

Upset Logan left, Dick spits out, "She'll mess him up. She gets off on that."

Casey warns, "You are going to have to keep your comments to yourself. Logan is not going to put up with you talking shit about Veronica in front of him."

Pissed Dick tells Casey, "We are the closest thing he has to family. We have to protect him. She doesn't care about him."

"They've been together a while now. It doesn't look like she is going anywhere. We'd better get used to her," Derek points out, "Logan was mad enough to leave."

The waitress arrives with more coffee and interrupts the discussion. The guys settle back and let the discussion change to the next time they are meeting. Casey sat there worried that Logan left angry.

His friend had called him upset after a conversation he had with Veronica's father. Logan confided his feelings of being caught in the middle between his friends and Veronica. When Logan asked him what comments were made about Veronica after he left the restaurant before the concert, Casey reluctantly admitted what was said in front of Veronica's friends. There had been a short silence while Logan took in the breadth of his friends' stupidity. Finally Logan told Casey that Wallace had confided in his step father the things that were said. He outlined the conversation he had with Veronica's father including Mr. Mar's belief that he wasn't protecting Veronica and how her family and friends had reservations about their relationship but out of respect for Veronica, they were giving him a chance.

Casey could not imagine having a heart to heart talk with Veronica's, ex-Sheriff, father. He thinks about how uncomfortable Logan must have been during that conversation. Logan though, could see Mr. Mars' point. He had confided, "I should have put a stop to it months ago. No wonder her family and friends are upset with me."

Truthfully Casey feels like he is in the middle as well. He can see Logan's point; none of the guys would like it if their girlfriends were treated rudely but on the other hand, he knows that there is a negative history between Veronica and many of Logan's friends from Neptune. He has heard many stories of how Veronica was a total bitch to them in college; he saw Veronica in action in high school. The fact is: Logan is very popular. His friends have been protecting him from the press and people who want to use him for years. The guys have seen Veronica rip Logan's heart out and they don't trust her. Now Logan has drawn the line with the guys. He has told them he expects them to treat Veronica with respect. He looks over at the guys left at breakfast and hopes that they all listened to Logan today.

Logan arrives home, his anger mostly dissipated. When he gets downstairs from his shower, he finds Veronica and her father sitting out in the small entertainment area outside the dining room. Veronica is curled up beside her father and they are looking at a photo album.

He pauses in the doorway to the house and watches them for a few minutes. He picks up easily that they are reminiscing about when Veronica was younger. It is really good to see them talking and joking about the past. When he finally walks closer, Keith sees him first and smiles in welcome. Veronica looks up and gives Logan her special smile. She immediately pats the cushion beside her and excitedly explains, "Dad brought me the old photo albums. He wants me to have them."

Logan returns their smiles and walks over to sit with them. He listens as they tell him about where they were when the pictures were taken and he is entranced at how very cute Veronica was as a young child. As he listens to the stories and enjoys their laughter, he wishes he had these types of memories with his family. He looks closely at a picture of Veronica riding in a tiny car at what is probably a fair. She is waving to her father while he took her picture. Logan realizes that if he and Veronica were to ever have children, it might be him taking the picture. It might be his beautiful, loving child waving at him with that huge smile on her face. He teases, "Wow Ronnie, you liked convertibles even then."

The two Mars look back at the picture and laugh. Veronica bumps her shoulder into Logan's and turns the page. She shows him a picture of her at the station visiting Keith. Keith watching their interaction sees the closeness.

The young man is particularly taken with a picture of Veronica when she is three. She is wearing a one piece bathing suit in a pink color. Her blond hair is tied up in a pony tail. She is wearing water wings on her arms. She has a huge smile on her face and is clapping her hands together just about to laugh. Keith, holding her in the pool, is already laughing. Logan can see her trust in her father. He will keep her safe and she is sure of his attention and love.

Watching closely, Keith sees the fleeting sadness on Logan's face and guesses that Logan didn't have many family memories to enjoy. He also sees Logan looking longingly at the happy little girl in the picture. He sees in that one moment that Logan would like to have children. Keith smiles. Logan has convinced Veronica to move in with him and he is not ruling out that Logan will be able to persuade Veronica to have children. Right now she is focused on her career. She is anti marriage and does not want to think about having children but he believes she would make a wonderful wife and mother. Perhaps Logan can persuade her to try; if he were a betting man, he might put some money down on Logan.

Veronica notices her boyfriend's preoccupation with the photo and asks curiously, "What is it Logan?"

He looks up at her meeting her gaze and then looks over at Keith. He shakes his head a little and shares, "When I heard that Veronica might be Jake Kane's biological daughter, I could see the resemblance between Lilly and Veronica." He looks back at Veronica and finishes, "I wish I had seen this picture though. I would not have had any doubts; you two look so much alike in this picture."

Veronica and Keith look at the picture and they both smile. They can see it now. When they are both smiling, they really do look-alike. Surprising both of them Logan tells them, "I would really like a copy of this picture for my office."

Veronica is truly touched. She reaches up and gently caresses his cheek agreeing, "I'll get you a copy."

A few pages in the book later Logan comments, "You really were daddy's little girl, weren't' you?"

The Mars duo look at him in question and he points out how most of the pictures show her and Keith together. Veronica looks at her father as he tells them that when he was off work, he wanted to do things with Veronica. Pleased at her father's admission that he missed her and wanted to spend time with her, she smiles and says, "You are the best father. I am so lucky."

Keith wraps his arm around her and admits, "Seeing you has always been the best part of my day."

Logan smiles watching their relationship. He understands totally what Keith is saying; seeing Veronica is the best part of his day as well. He looks down at the picture of a young Veronica and has to admit that there could be a lot worse things than having a daughter to spoil, spend time with and love.

A few minutes later the trio heads their separate directions. Logan heads into his office to work on his latest screenplay. He originally thought that after his confrontation with his friends he would be too unfocused to write but spending time with Keith and Veronica had settled his mind. Keith had headed off to do some business in town and Veronica has arranged to visit with Mac at her condo.

At supper that night Keith makes his hosts his famous chili and Veronica helps him in the kitchen. When it is ready Logan comes out from his office and enjoys the meal with them. It is fun to hear the way they tease each other and how Veronica is able to talk to her father about some of her cases. Although she confides what she can to him he knows that her father truly understands what she is going through. She doesn't give either of them details but Logan knows that Keith has good suggestions for her and is a good sounding board for her feelings about what happens with her cases.

During supper Keith asks Logan about his foundation and listens as Logan is excited about buying the land for the second site and getting a few prominent architects to submit their designs for the building. Veronica is touched that her father is able to develop his relationship with Logan. Logan responds well to family and is happy to share his excitement and his concerns about the Foundation that means so much to him.

Before they head off to bed, Keith tells Veronica that his contact at the border told him that they picked up the guy whose picture she sent him. Logan immediately understands that Veronica had the border looking for the guys she chased down there. "He was detained on suspicion of human trafficking. My contact pulled all the pictures of when he crossed the border and they are looking into the women he took across the border with him. If any are missing, he will be in a world of trouble."

Veronica thanks her father stating, "I couldn't use my federal contacts as our trip down there to get her was off the record."

He goes over and kisses her forehead stating, "You did good kid. I imagine that they will find that he took some underage missing girls across the border." He looks her in the eyes and says, "They may not ever get any of the missing girls back but he will be in jail and won't be able to harm anymore girls."

She takes a deep breath in and lets it out slowly agreeing, "I appreciate that Dad. Thanks for helping."

Her loving father briefly hugs her goodnight and tells her that he will likely be headed home in the morning after his meeting. He thanks them both for letting him stay and they both reassure him he is always welcome. He nods at Logan and heads off to bed.

Logan walks over and hugs Veronica and says, "You amaze me how you try to protect the public." He adds pulling back and looking at her, "I am glad that guy is in jail."

She nods and points out, "He is probably not the head of the organization. They will just get someone else to get the girls."

Logan agrees, "Yes but he won't harm anyone else." He bends down to meet her gaze and adds, "I am guessing that this guy will have a rough time in prison."

Veronica nods, "I would imagine." It is kind of fitting that he may end up living the life he gave so many young girls.

Seeing her discouragement Logan points out, "Your dad is right; it is a win Ronnie. I know it would be better to get the whole gang but it is a win."

She leans into him and admits, "I guess I still hope for a real win. I want everyone who was involved to pay." She nuzzles her face in his chest and adds, "It hardly ever happens."

He holds her to him. He knows she gets discouraged at times. After a few minutes he suggests, "Let's go up to bed my love. It's been a long day."

She nods into his chest and points out, "It has been good to have Dad here."

He walks with her towards the stairs listening as she updates him on what is going on in Mac's life.

A few days later Logan parks his car in the garage and walks through into the kitchen. He stops and leans on the door as he sees his girlfriend wearing a sexy halter necked blue dress with an apron over. Her hair is pulled up into a loose up do and she is wearing the diamond necklace and earrings he bought her for her birthday. He sees that she is stirring soup. Sniffing he sighs as he smells pot roast; his favorite. She is busy and doesn't often cook it. Looking out onto the patio he sees that she has set up the table with candles and flowers.

"Good evening," he quietly intones.

Immediately she looks up from stirring the soup and a genuinely happy smiles lights up her face. She gives the soup a last stir and then walks over to say hello. Logan looks down at her as he wraps his arms around her and returns her hug and kiss. He compliments her, "You look beautiful." Waving his arm to the dinner she is cooking and the decorated table on the deck, he asks, "Did I forget an anniversary or something?"

Smiling up at him she says, "No, tonight I wanted to spoil you for a change. You are always taking care of me."

The frustrated young man feels his mood lift. He has been in meetings all day and was looking at the clock longingly for the last few hours. A small headache had formed behind his eyes from all the reading he did today. He feels it dissipate as he looks down at his loving girlfriend.

She suggests, "Why don't you sit in the kitchen and tell me about your day while I finish cooking dinner?"

Obligingly he tells her it sounds good and follows her into the kitchen and sits at the island. She stirs the soup again and then asks, "Can I fix you a drink?"

Thinking, he leans on the counter and tells her, "A beer would be great." He looks around and asks, "Have you heard from your dad?"

She goes over the fridge and pulls out a beer and brings it over setting it on the counter. Looking at him she tells him, "Dad caught the guy he was looking for at the border. He is headed back to Neptune today." Logan is not surprised that Keith caught the guy he was chasing, since they have been back together Veronica has talked frequently to her father and Weevil. They both seem to be excellent at tracking and catching bail jumpers. Logan reaches over, picks up the beer and opens it watching Veronica go back and check on the items in the oven. She prods, "So tell me about your day."

Relaxing as he sips his beer, he talks about the long meetings he had and his frustration with how slow the work was going. Veronica fusses over the soup and the salad she is putting the finishing touches on while he talks. She listens carefully concerned about how much time he has been putting in at work lately. After a few minutes she says, "Why don't you go out and sit on the deck and I will bring out the first course?"

Looking at her in her apron he offers, "Can I help?"

Smiling her appreciation of his offer, she says, "No thanks. I got it. Go out and enjoy the beautiful evening."

Picking up his beer, he walks out onto the deck and sits at the beautifully decorated table. Veronica really outdid herself using china, cloth napkins and lighted candles to create a romantic mood. The sun is almost set and the sky is very colorful and beautiful. Logan takes a few deep breaths and relaxes enjoying the calm atmosphere.

A few minutes later, Veronica walks out carrying a tray with two bowls of soup. She walks over and easily puts a bowl in front of Logan and the other in front of her. She takes the tray over to a table top by the door and sets it down and then takes off her apron. He watches as she pushes a remote and soft music plays out on the deck. She walks back over and sits down across from him. He reaches for his napkin and looks at his soup. It is homemade vegetable; his favorite.

He looks up and sees Veronica opening her napkin. She nods at his soup and encourages, "Eat up while it is warm."

He smiles at her and picks up his spoon. He takes and sip and savors the wonderful flavor. "It's delicious, " he compliments.

"Thank you," she tells him as she takes another bite of her own serving. Looking out at the end of the sunset she comments, "I love this view."

He looks at her and agrees, "I do too."

She looks up and sees that he is not looking at the sunset but at her. Her lips curve up in a smile and a small blush graces her cheeks. His smile grows as he continues to enjoy the evening with the woman he loves.

The couple makes small talk though the salad course and then Veronica serves the main course. Logan takes a bite of the pot roast and moans in delight. Veronica is pleased at how well the meal is going. He is so good to her. He deserves a little spoiling. She knows she is not as openly affectionate and is definitely not as good with her words as him. She is making a real effort this time; she is more open with her words and she is putting their relationship first. This time she is all in. Part way through the main course Veronica broaches the topic of her job. "So I meet tomorrow with Agent Kettle."

Logan immediately looks up at her in obvious question. They had talked a couple of times about which transfer she should take and Veronica was completely satisfied that the choice was up to her and Logan was truly good with whatever choice she made, even if they moved to Virginia. She tells him, "I am going to accept a position on the task force in LA"

Logan is immediately concerned that she passed up the Virginia opportunity for him. Veronica reaches across and puts her hand over his on the table. She shares, "We have family and friends here. When I moved from the east coast back here, I was so happy to be near my dad and my friends. I missed So Cal weather and the ocean." The tall young man turns his hand under hers cradling her smaller hand in his. She continues, "If we ever have children, I want to raise them near our family and friends."

Logan feels his heart skip in his chest. This is the first time she has ever mentioned the possibly of them having children. With her background of her mother leaving and of course his murdering, abusive father, they both have real reservations about bringing a child into their lives. The fact that she would keep the possibility open for discussion is really important. It shows Logan that she is really serious about their relationship and future.

He comes back to her voice, "You have your work contacts here and your agent is here. It is better for your career to work out of LA." She waves off his attempt to tell her that he will be able to work with his agent from Virginia and she says, "I know for me you would move and make it work with emails and conference calls but honestly Logan, writing is more artistic than catching criminals. Here you can look out of your office at the ocean and you can surf when you need to clear your head. It is better for you here." She takes his hand and interlaces their fingers slowly. She half teases, "Besides I would miss seeing you in your wet suit and I love how surfing gives you your rocking body." Her eyes twinkling at him she adds, "The job here is in interrogations which is a pretty good fit for me." She smiles, "I am actually pretty good at asking question."

Logan has to agree, "You are." He lifts her hand in his and turns it kissing the back of her hand as he adds, "Thank you for thinking of me but if the job in Virginia is better for you career wise, then you should take it."

"We are together," she tells him, "I have to take your needs into consideration as well."

His heart skips at the earnest expression on her face. "I am fine with moving to Virginia. I actually think we may end up there one day as you rise in the Bureau."

She smiles pleased that he envisions her getting promoted, "I really think staying here is better for both of us right now. I am good with it."

Reassured he says, "OK" They go back to eating their meal but Logan is so incredibly touched at how she took his best interests into consideration in her work decision. Tonight she is just showing him how committed to their relationship she is. It is a wonderful feeling to be so important to someone.

After they finish their pot roast, Veronica gets up from the table and goes over to the house. She depresses a switch and hundreds of miniature lights turn on around the deck creating a twinkling oasis for them. Logan smiles at how much work she has put into spoiling him this evening. She walks back over and puts out her hand asking, "May I have this dance?" She reaches for a remote and pushes the button and Sway comes on the music player.

Logan stands and says, "Of course." He takes her hand and leads her over to the other side of the deck where the loungers have been removed leaving room for them to dance. Happily Logan gently pulls his beautiful, caring girlfriend into his arms and they move to the music. Veronica leans into her man and puts her head on his chest as she wraps her arms around his neck enjoying the feel and warmth of him. Logan puts his chin on her head and sways to the music relishing the feel of the woman he loves in his arms. This has been a very special evening for him. Veronica has gone to a lot of effort to cook and set up the relaxing evening. She has proven to him that she is committed to making their relationship work and she is looking to a future with him. Right now he is so very happy. He knows he is loved and it is really everything he dreamed that feeling would be.

After the song is over, Logan lifts her chin and leans down to kiss her putting all his feelings into their kiss. Veronica tightens her arms around his neck and responds completely. This night, this man; it's more than she ever hoped for.

When the kiss is over, Logan asks hopefully, "Are you dessert?"

Laughing she answers, "I actually made apple pie." She reaches up and rubs his cheek and tells him, "I have set up our bedroom for after dinner activities though."

Another song starts and Logan moves to the music. He comments happily, "Even better." Logan is touched. Apple pie is his favorite dessert because his mother used to make it as a special treat for him. It is so nice to be with someone who knows you. Reaching up to caress a tendril of hair that has come loose in the gentle breeze back from her face, he says, "Thank you."

Smiling up at him she tells him, "I love you so much."

Pulling her closer he answers, "I love you too Veronica."

They drift together in the moonlight under the twinkling lights just enjoying the feelings between them. After a few songs, Veronica pulls away a little and asks, "Why don't you sit and relax and I will bring the pie out?"

Obligingly he goes over and sits in his chair, enjoys the fresh air and quiet music. He sees Veronica cleaning the kitchen while she is waiting for the pie to finish heating. The meal was delicious. He loves when she cooks and takes care of him. He had servants take care of him but of course they were paid to look after. him. He really hasn't had family who worries about him and his well being. Even after he took control of his finances, finished college and started his career, he has been alone. He is not alone now and it is the best feeling ever. Although he has dreamed of a real relationship with Veronica, he also knows that finding someone who knows you and loves you is really rare. He is so grateful for her.

She comes back out carrying their pies and he notices that she has put ice cream on it. Logan smiles and tells her, "It smells awesome!" He watches as she puts it in front of him and then politely waits for her to sit before he picks up his spoon and cuts a piece of the warm pie. A little tentatively he tastes it and finds it to be delicious. He has never seen her bake anything but cookies before. After he swallows his first bite he tells her that is wonderful and just how he remembers it. He can tell she is pleased by his praise.

Part way through dessert Veronica says, "Logan?"

He looks up at her and lifts an eyebrow in question. She hesitates and then plows forward, "I've been thinking about what you said about not caring about being off the market."

Unsure where she is going with this conversation he encourages, "OK?"

She bites her lip and tentatively shares, "I know that you want to get married, that the paper is important to you."

Quietly he confirms, "It is. I want the public statement that we are legally married." He meets her gaze and shares, "I understand the commitment doesn't always come with the paper but for us, it would." He takes a bite of his pie a little worried where this conversation is going to go.

"I get that the problem with marriage is my issue and I wanted to let you know that although I don't really need the paper or the ceremony, I could say the words if I didn't have to promise forever or some other superlative. I could promise to be faithful and to love you though..." she trails off uncertainly.

Logan looks at his girlfriend in shock. She is compromising with him on marriage. He means enough to her to find some common ground. Each time he marvels on how lucky he is and how happy he is being with Veronica, she takes his breath away with some new way to show him their love is going to continue to grow. He thought he loved her at thirteen and then when they were dating in high school and then college. Now they are back together he thinks of how much deeper he loves her now. His definition of love just keeps expanding like mankind's definition of the galaxy.

Before he can even think, he is out of his chair and kneeling beside her chair. He wraps his arms around her pulling her close to him and leans in to kiss her. Relieved that he is not upset or offended by her offer of nontraditional vows, Veronica allows herself to be pulled into his strong arms. She wraps her arms around his neck and returns his kiss reverently.

When their kiss is over, he looks at her and sees her eyes fluttering under her closed lids as she tries to open them to look at him. He says, "I can work with that Veronica." He leans down and kisses her again. When he drags his lips to her ear and then neck, he whispers against her skin, "Let's go upstairs. I need to be inside you."

Veronica opens her eyes and looks at Logan. His eyes have darkened and she has to admit, she loves that look he gets when he is aroused. The thing is she wants to spoil him tonight. Her voice a little huskier than usual she tells her man, "You should go upstairs and get naked."

He smirks at her and answers suggestively, "It is more fun if you come with me."

"I have plans for you tonight. Please go upstairs, undress and relax on the bed. I will be there shortly." she orders him trying to hide her smile.

He stands and stretches and then reaches down to help her to stand. He can see that she has the whole night planned and he has no complaints with that, "I put myself in your hands tonight." Leaning down her gives her a soft, loving kiss and then heads into the house to do as she asks. Veronica watches him leave and then picks up their dishes and heads into the house.

It only takes her a few minutes to clean up and lock up. She heads upstairs towards their room. When she enters their bedroom she sees he is indeed naked and laying on the bed. When he looks over, she pulls a bottle of massage oil from behind her back and says quietly, 'Roll over." with the accompanying finger rotation.

Logan's eyes darken and he salutes, "yes madam." He already likes her plan for him. He rolls over.