Veronica's New Career

Logan sits in Casey's office and he has to smile. Of course Veronica knew he was writing a novel. He doesn't even know why he ever thought she would be surprised. After laughing at his when he told Casey that he couldn't wait to tell Veronica that his synopsis and first chapter had been accepted, Casey had shared what Veronica told him at the party he had to celebrate the opening of his on line publishing division. Shaking his head, Logan repeats, "She said I write differently when I am working on my novel?"

With a huge smile on his face, Casey teases, "She is a Federal Agent."

Happy that he is so understood, Logan smiles and clarifies, "She is a Federal Agent for 2 more weeks."

Sobering a little Casey checks, "You think she is really OK leaving the bureau?"

"I think so," Logan confirms. He meets his friend's gaze and tells him, 'I won't lie and tell you I am not relieved she is taking a safer job but I honestly think she has accepted that it is inevitable that she will have to leave so she is leaving on her terms."

His forehead creased, Casey admits, "I just can't see her as anything but FBI."

"I know what you mean," Logan murmurs.

Looking closely at his friend, Casey points out, "This time you guys have made it. Veronica married you, went ahead and found out if she can ever have children and now she has accepted that she is an Echolls and may never be out of the public spotlight."

A wondrous expression crosses Logan's face as he tells his friend, "She is all in." He smiles the happy Echolls' smile and adds, "It's the best feeling ever." After a short pause he looks over at his busy friend and asks, "Why are you and Vanessa settling?"

Looking shocked at the change in topic, Casey questions, "What do you mean?"

"You know exactly what I am asking," Logan returns as he meets his friend's gaze. "You two aren't in love." Defensive Casey tells his friend that he does love Vanessa. Logan shakes his head and repeats, "You might love her but you are not in love with her and while you are in a relationship with her, neither of you is going to meet someone who is right for you."

Sighing Casey admits a little sadly, "Not all of us can find our soul mate. You are one of the few lucky ones."

Shaking his head Logan fixes his friend with a stare and comments, "Well you won't meet yours in your social circle." He waves off Casey's look of offence and talks to him about how he thinks that he likes Vanessa because she is real. "I get it because Veronica is the real that I need."

Casey's upset dies instantly. He understands what Logan is telling him. Most of the wealthy guys he knows date wealthy women. They stay in their social circle; they are comfortable and the people they meet, understand them. Logan met Veronica when they were young and he saw her relationship with her family and friends. He wanted that for himself. Although the road was long and rough, Logan has the life he wants and needs.

The CEO leans back in his comfortable leather chair and thinks about how happy he was when he belonged to the what his parents thought was a cult. In reality, they were a group of people who became each other's family. They cared about each other and they worked together for a common cause. He guesses that since that time, he has dreamed of but never thought he could have someone who sees him and cares about him. Vanessa is the closest he has come but Logan is right, she is not the real he needs. Looking over at Logan he asks, "How do I meet my soul mate?"

Smiling he answers, "Well I met mine on a soccer field when I was twelve."

Casey smiles and quips, "Are you suggesting I starting watching sporting events?"

Laughing Logan returns, "No I am suggesting that you open up your horizons to groups outside your current social circle." Sitting up and leaning forward, Logan tells his friend, "I wouldn't have met Mac, Wallace or Eli if I hadn't been dating Veronica."

Agreeing Casey thinks about what Logan is telling him. He talks aloud, "I am not sure how to meet people that aren't in the publishing business in some way."

"I was thinking that you should look around and find some cause that interests you and volunteer instead of just throwing money at the problem." Logan offers. He sees Casey is surprised so he explains further, "You have filled your life with work, socializing for your business and seeing your friends from time to time. I did that and I was pretty lonely even though I had people around me most of the time."

Casey points out, "My role as CEO keeps me pretty tied up."

Logan looks in admiration at his friend. As he suspected, Casey does understand his concerns. The tall dark haired young man says, "You need to get something in your life that is not work or friend related. Hire an executive assistant and give over some of the workload to him or her. Then use your free time for you." Pausing he adds, "You change your life by changing your heart. (Max Lucado)."

Casey looks at his friend and thinks about how he thought Logan was self-absorbed and arrogant as a teenager. Now he can see that Logan was just trying to survive. Today Logan does more than survive though, he lives his life joyfully. He wants his friends and family to be happy and Casey knows he is lucky to be considered a friend of Logan Echolls. "Thanks Logan," Casey simply tells him.

Logan, pleased his friend will think about what he is telling him, changes the subject. "Douglas wants me to put a good word in with Mac and Veronica when they select a lawyer for Mac's company."

Amused Casey just laughs. Doug has done nothing but look down on Veronica since he met her in college. "It appears you do reap what you sow."

Laughing out loud Logan agrees. When Mac makes it big, maybe Douglas will see that you can't dismiss people because they were not born with a silver spoon.

He comes back to Casey asking him where he is going this weekend. A small smile graces his face as he thinks about spending the whole weekend away alone with Veronica. It is her turn to plan it and although he is unsure about staying in a small cabin, he is stoked about the seven mile hike to the top of Yosemite Falls. He can see that they will not be bothered by the press or most other people and he is definitely excited to be alone with his heart.

Logan's meeting with Casey today served two purposes. Casey wanted to offer him a contract for his first novel and they had to formally sign Logan's voting proxy for his shares in Gant Publishing. Besides loaning him the money to start the on-line department of his publishing company, Logan has been buying up any available Gant Publishing stock. To Casey's mind, it is crucial that his company keep up with the latest trends in the publishing business; however, it is risky to branch out in this economy. Some of the shareholders are nervous and have bailed out, selling their shares. Casey has liquidated some of his assets so he can put some of his own money into the business but he just doesn't have enough assets to completely protect the company from takeover. It is possible that someone could purchase enough shares to take the company from Casey. Logan has his security check all his friends and family, including their finances, to see if there are any problems. Once he was made aware of Casey's money issues, he began buying up the stock and offered the loan interest free. Casey is so grateful that his new on line division is already paying dividends His company is now attracting the most prominent agents and writers. Of course it doesn't hurt that Logan has signed with Gant Publishing as well. His beloved grandmother ran the company for years and it would deeply hurt Casey if he lost control of it. Logan is a true friend. He will sign a proxy formally giving the voting power his shares give him over to Casey and he will not mention the loan. He will be content for /Casey to pay back the loan when he is able. That is just how Logan is.

Two weeks later Veronica walks in the mansion after her last day of work at the FBI. Part of her is sad and a little depressed. She loves her job in the FBI. She loves working as part of a team that takes dangerous killers off the street. She will really miss the guys and she will miss the satisfaction of putting the puzzle pieces together to solve the mystery. Deep inside she knows this is the right decision for her and for the people she loves. In truth, she is excited about the new challenge in her life. She is going to take some time off and take a holiday with Logan and then she is going to focus on working with Mac. She is shocked when she walks into the living room to hear a chorus of "surprise" and she puts her hand to her chest. He husband laughing at her reaction sprints up to her to greet her and give her a brief welcome home kiss. She looks around at her family and smiles. They are having a party for her. She steps over and hugs her father and step mother. Happy and touched she goes around and greets each member of her family and friends that are at the party.

She is surprised to see Derek, Connie and their children there. She looks at her friend and says, "You look beautiful! You have lost all your baby weight." Connie flushes and hugs her friend. She can't believe that she was jealous and even entertained the idea of Veronica and Derek. Connie met the agent that Veronica was paired with this time in the tabloids and his boyfriend. Poor Veronica was made out to be a slut who married Logan for his money and was already having an affair on Logan. Logan was just like his mother; married to someone who had affairs. Connie admires how Logan and Veronica just ignore the press and don't defend themselves. In the meanwhile she hugs her friend happy they have become so close.

Derek was most upset that Veronica left the FBI. After talking to her he understood her reasons and after meeting her friend Mac, he could see that she would be hard to say no to. Thankfully Veronica seemed relatively OK with leaving her career.

Lester was really disappointed that Veronica was leaving. However after he met with Mac, he was completely smitten. He had trouble talking to women; well, except Veronica. However he could easily talk to Mac. She was smart, beautiful and exceptionally knowledgeable about computers.

Keith has to smile watching his beautiful, talented daughter talk to her friends and family. He was worried about her state of mind leaving her career in the FBI. However she seemed to accept that she would not be able to maintain her dream career and that it was part of the price she had to pay for being with Logan. She had looked at her father and smiled as she said, "I know he puts up with a lot to be with me as well. It's fine." Leaning her head on his shoulder she said, "It's not a real choice between Logan and my job."

Phil sits talking to Logan for a few minutes. He can see that Logan is supporting Veronica through her career change. Logan quietly reassured Phil that Dick and John are not part of their lives anymore. He adds, "I know they can't be trusted with information about Veronica or me. We still occasionally see them with the group from high school but I make sure that Veronica is protected from them."

Nodding his understanding, Phil quietly tells him, "I am glad that she doesn't have to deal with them anymore." The then changes the subject to Logan's latest screenplay and whether they can go boating again soon. Logan enjoys going out on the yacht with Phil and he loves when they get a chance to race with Steve. Phil and Phyllis love the water and Logan understands the freedom and relaxation they feel on the open water.

Mitch sitting near Keith talks with him about how good Veronica was at interrogations. He says, "She ferrets out the smallest detail."

Laughing Keith teases, "That doesn't sound like her at all."

Mitch looks around the obviously expensive living room and out the window at the fabulous view. He says, "I can't imagine living somewhere so opulent."

Nodding his agreement Keith tells him, "Logan grew up like this. Yet he never makes money an issue with Veronica. He wants to give her everything."

Smirking a little Mitch comments, "She brings that out in men."

Amused Keith shares, "You should have been her father trying to keep undesirables away from her."

Teasing Mitch points out, "Well you weren't very successful."

Keith laughs out loud and agrees, "Logan was very determined and persuasive. I couldn't convince her to stay away."

Pondering Mitch says, "Veronica was really upset when she resigned from the bureau. " She had sat with him and Phil and honestly told them that it was only a matter of time until the press ended her career in the FBI; her relationship with Logan is more important than her career. He adds, "I will miss her but I can see her reasoning."

Nodding Keith shares, "I was surprised but pleased that she actually got married. Now accepting the changes in her career and not being deeply upset makes me sure they will make it together."

Mitch smiles a little and says, "Well if anyone can tame the wild son of two actors, it is Veronica."

Leaning closer Keith whispers truthfully, "Actually I think Logan is the one with his hands full. Veronica attracts trouble."

Mitch smiles and raises his glass to Keith's for a toast. "What a way to go though," he comments.

Keith laughs and says, "I don't know. I am happy with my contented, quiet life."

Nodding Mitch agrees, "Yeah, me too."

Later Zack looks up from his perusal of the beautiful beach view when Logan sits down in a chair beside him. Zack comments, "No matter how many times I come here, I am amazed that you get to see this view everyday from your home."

Nodding Logan says carelessly, "Well money does have its perks at times."

Zack has seen the made for television movies and has even read a couple of books about the life of Aaron Echolls. Some have Logan as the spoiled, ungrateful, lying, greedy young man who had had father killed and is spending his money. Others have Logan as the unfortunate young man who was beaten by his abusive father while his mother just took more pills. Veronica fares well in some versions but in others she is a sex crazed, manipulative bitch. Zack, getting to know both of them this past year, has come to see that they are just like anyone else. They are both trying to deal with their pasts and make a good present and are hopeful for the future.

He was so unhappy when Bryan would not speak out about their relationship when the tabloids targeted Veronica. He was shocked with neither Veronica nor Logan cared if Bryan spoke up or not. They both felt it was up to him even though Veronica took a beating in the press. The thing is, Zack does understand Bryan's concerns that his FBI career would be affected if he comes out now. Look what has happened to Veronica when she got negative press coverage in her personal life. He feels he can talk to Logan and Logan will understand his concerns.

Logan looks over and tells him, "My relationship with Ronnie negatively affected her career. It was her dream to be a Fed. I remember how excited she was when she got her first internship." Zack looks at Logan and sees his penetrating gaze. Logan says sadly, "It's not fair but then we both know that life isn't often fair." Meeting Zack's gaze meaningfully, Logan adds, "I really love writing. There are many producers who do not want to risk their projects by taking a chance on a writer with my reputation for unstable behavior." Shrugging he adds, "I can't do anything about that so I just do my best with the projects I can get."

Nodding his agreement Zack says, "I just get frustrated that he feels we have to be so secretive."

Logan shares, "I guess I have come to believe that the really important thing is that Veronica believes in us. It is nice if our families and friends are supportive and it would be great if the press was more positive but in the end, every night when I hold Veronica as we sleep, we are together."

The red head looks at Logan in surprise. He had not thought of his life that way. It would be nice if society and their families approved but Logan is right; the important thing is that Bryan loves him. Slowly he tells him, "You are right of course."

Smirking Logan teases, "Was there a doubt?" Zack laughs. Logan reaches his beer over to tap Zack's and toasts, "To our better halves not coming to their senses and dumping our sorry asses."

Amused Zack taps his beer neck to Logan's and cheers, "Here, here."

Bryan looks out the window and sees Logan and Zack talking in one of the small sitting areas outside. He is worried about his relationship with Zack. There is a chasm between them since he refused to come out with their relationship a few months ago. Veronica walks up behind Bryan and sees what he is looking at. She comments, "Oh dear, you better go rescue Zack from a private conversation with Logan. Who knows what bad ideas he is filling his head with?"

Bryan laughs and teases, "I know, they are probably talking wedding or romantic date ideas. " He turns to Veronica and says, "We both know they are the girls in our respective relationships."

He easily absorbs her attempted body check and puts his arm around her. She deepens her voice and challenges, "Let's go to the games room and I will kick your ass at pool."

Laughing, he accepts her challenge, "You are on, short stuff."

Tom, in the kitchen filling his plate from the table of tempting possibilities, just laughs at their banter. His latest girlfriend is with him and he can see she is completely blown away meeting Logan and Veronica Echolls and visiting their luxurious mansion as a guest. Mrs. H. looks over and asks, "Is there anything I can get you?"

Teasing Tom questions, "Did you bake your amazing red velvet cake?"

Retorting back she asks, "Did I know you were coming?" She opens the massive fridge and pulls out a beautiful looking cake putting it on the island. Tom immediately rushes over and exclaims joyfully, "Oh my God! I love you Mrs. H."

Tom's girlfriend watches in amusement as the energetic middle aged woman cuts her practically salivating boyfriend a piece of cake. He takes a bite and moans out in pleasure. He waves her over and when she arrives gives her a taste of his cake. Telicshia looks surprised at how good it is and is given a piece of her own as Tom is not keen on sharing no matter how much he likes his new girlfriend.

Casey and Alicia walk into the kitchen and Casey loudly complains that Tom is eating all the cake. He rushes over begging Mrs. H. for a piece of her heavenly cake. Alicia laughing follows.

An hour later Veronica heads out and steps down into the sitting area where Logan and Zack are still sitting; only now Derek, Keith and Daryl are out there with them. She stands in the middle and takes a bite of her cake. All five men look at her and when she swallows she says, "Tom found Mrs. H.'s red velvet cake. I hope it is not all gone by the time you get in the kitchen." All the men but Logan stand and run into the house playfully pushing and shoving each other to be first.

Smiling Logan teases, "You sure know how to clear a room."

Veronica sits right next to Logan and offers him a bite of her cake. Logan takes a bite and savors it. Mrs. H. is a fantastic cook and even a better baker. She whispers, "I'll let you in on a secret. Mrs. H. baked two red velvet cakes." Logan smiles and pulls her closer to his side. The couple sits together sharing the cake and enjoying the evening.

Veronica as it is Logan's turn for a bite says, "Thank you so much for the party." Leaning closer she says, "I love our family and friends but I was kind of thinking that you might have greeted me at the door and offered the bath, dinner, back rub and pile of goo option."

He smiles at her remembering how he spoiled her the last time she came home facing a job change. "Of course the back rub and pile of goo options are still open," he offers. He adds playfully, "You don't have to work tomorrow." Keeping his gaze she puts her hand behind his head and pulls his face to hers for a kiss.

Mac from her vantage in the living room sees Veronica and Logan cuddling and then kissing outside in one of the small entertaining areas. She teases Wallace, "Don't look out the patio window. I know how upset your stomach gets when the LoVe happens."

Immediately standing, he says, "Thanks for the warning." He walks over and puts his hand out to help her up stating, "Let's see what dessert Mrs. H. made you."

Giving her friend her hand, she quips, "Don't hate me because she loves me best."

Lester watches as the friends good naturedly argue over who Logan and Veronica's housekeeper loves more. Wallace is telling Mac that since he eats a normal diet, he is just easier to feed. It in no way reflects Mrs. H.'s feelings when she doesn't bake him anything special. They leave the room together. The smitten young man gets up and follows Mac like a puppy.

Weevil and Carmen come in from the pool area into the kitchen with their two children. They both recognize that Mrs. H. has gotten dessert out. Carmen happily exclaims, "Oh Mrs. H., you made red velvet cake!"

Mrs. H. smiles at her and says, "Of course I saved you a piece. You are a busy working mom."

When the kids sit on the stools in front of the island they are each given a small plate of cookies and some fruit. Mrs. H. looks at them firmly and orders, "You must also eat the fruit." They both dutifully promise to eat the healthy snack as well.

Weevil smiles as he reaches over and steals a strawberry off the center plate on the island. He says, "Thank you for looking after us." He had initially been a little unsure around Mrs. H.. She is an older white woman who does the same job as his grandmother did. He was unsure how to treat her. It turns out she is just as caring and loving as his grandmother. In fact a few months ago, he brought his grandmother for a visit. They had gotten along like old friends and now they talked on the phone almost every day.

Eli doesn't always understand his grandmother's and Logan's relationship. She worked for his family for years but they are more than employee/employer. Before Logan left Neptune, he had his grandmother's house fixed up. The house was sided, a new roof put on and a new air conditioner put in. Additionally he had the inside painted and the floors redone. One afternoon a truck arrived with a new fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, four new beds, a new couch, chair, table and six kitchen chairs. The men had taken the old furniture away and left it at the church for the flea market. His grandmother had been excited and had happily spent the rest of the day making the beds and cleaning the fridge. She loved her new appliances. A few days after the work on the house was finished and the new furniture and appliances had arrived, a security company came by to put in a security system in. Eli had balked at the gifts but surprisingly, Logan had firmly told him that he owned the house and wanted to make a few repairs. His grandmother had happily accepted the new security system telling Eli that Logan was worried about her safety when the children left. Each month she had gone to the post office and mailed Logan a tin of cookies.

Their relationship now is more like family. Logan calls her every few days and his head of security monitors the security system on her home and checks on her frequently. Surprising Eli, Veronica decorated a room on the main floor of their mansion for his grandmother. Letty absolutely loved the very feminine room and the idea that Logan and Veronica had a room for her in their mansion. This past Mother's Day a registered letter arrived and when Letty opened it, it was the title to the house, in her name. When she turned sixty a few months later, a large amount of money had appeared in her savings account and a birthday card arrived with a note from Logan and Veronica, "Happy Retirement." The family had been shocked when the next day Letty had put her notice in at her job and embraced retirement. Eli had been alarmed that his proud grandmother accepted such generous gifts from Logan and Veronica. He had wanted to send the money back but surprisingly Keith had asked him not to. Keith had explained, "Logan only had a few people who looked out for him during the hell time his father was home. He has so much gratitude to your grandmother for taking care of him when his parents weren't home and after one of his father's angry outbursts. You really should let him thank her. She risked her job every time she snuck in and took care of Logan."

Now knowing that the closeness between his grandmother and Logan was because of their past together, Eli had backed off. He had not really understood how bad it was for Logan and how alone he had been. He was so proud of his grandmother for helping the young, hurt boy. He understands Logan's loyalty to his grandmother and his desire to make her life easier.

Keith had teased, "Besides he is loaded. Let him do some good with his money."

Eli had laughed as he knows it took his boss a while to get used to Logan's way with money. He invested in Mars Investigations and Keith had used the monies to expand the business. He bought Keith season tickets to the Padres even though Keith can only go a few times a year. He bought Keith and Alicia new cars last year for their birthdays. He has paid off Daryl's student loans and put money in an account for the next two years of college for his younger brother -in- law. He paid off Wallace's student loans and fronted him the money to start his business interest free. Logan had his head of security meet with his family and new state of the art security systems were installed in all their places.

Eli can see that slowly and surely, Logan is looking after his family. His admiration for the wild, arrogant young man he used to hate has grown. Now when Carmen and the kids or his grandmother want to visit Logan and Veronica, they just call the head of his security and he sends a car to pick them up and bring them to LA. Logan is always happy to see them and stops whatever he is doing to visit. He has no problems with them borrowing a car or getting one of the security team to drive them where ever they want to go. The last time Carmen and Letty visited, Logan sent them to a clothing store and had a private attendant take them around . He picked up the tab. In the meantime he watched the children at his house. They swam in the ocean, pool and played games in the games room. Veronica arriving home, had joined in the pool party and later had really enjoyed looking at the outfits that Letty and Carmen chose. Another visit he sent them to a spa and took the kids to a pizza and games place. They had a blast.

Mrs. H. smiles truly happy in her kitchen looking after everyone. She loves Logan and Veronica and they don't often ask her to work in the evening. She has grown to love their family and friends as well. Their house is built for entertaining and most of their friends and family feel comfortable coming over and spending time there. Now that her children are grown and moved away, she loves to have family to spoil. She thinks of them all as part of her family.

Logan and Veronica pay her well. They have a company that cleans the house and does the yard work every day. She is only expected to cook and do laundry. A few times a week she goes home early leaving a meal in the warmer. She comes after Veronica has gone to work so she makes Logan a lunch. If Veronica is out of town, she makes him supper as well. He really enjoys when she stays and eats with him. He is a young man who did not have a real family when he was younger and loves to have her spoil him. He treats her like a grandmother.

Veronica was a harder nut to crack. She did not grow up with hired help and was very uncomfortable around her. It took her a while to get Veronica to learn to ask for what she wanted. Now Veronica is much easier with her and she also treats her like family.

The evening winds down and finally Logan and Veronica are alone up in their master suite. Their bedroom overlooks the ocean and the back yard. They can see the pool house lights on where Weevil and his family are settling for the night. At the other end of the house Keith and Alicia are in their room. Daryl went over to Wallace's apartment and Wallace will take him to the airport in the morning. Logan looks at his wife and says, "Now about that vacation time you are taking before you start your new job..." She looks at him in question as they both undress before they go to bed. He says, "I got the apartment in Paris ready for us to visit."

Smiling she exclaims, "That is a great idea!"

As they cuddle in bed, Logan looks at the love of his life and says, "I love our friends and family. I love that they stay over with us. I love our life."

"I know you do," she replies as she squishes closer to his warmth and relaxes. "They love you as well."

Logan smiles as he closes his eyes to sleep. He knows that his family and friends care about him; not his name or his money. They care about him. It is a good feeling. He tightens his arms around his wife and sails into sleep not worried about being roused out of it by an angry father with a belt, no longer worried that he is going to wake up alone. Now he has a family and he has a wife. He has a secure home. He is happy.