Veronica was thrilled Logan was home and smirked in delight to herself thinking about all the ways she was able to welcome him home in their bed this afternoon.
"You really shouldn't be digging through the bag of a naval intelligence officer," Logan said from the bathroom.
"That's what you SAY you are. I'm still thinking you're an international playboy breaking hearts in exotic lands," Veronica quipped back.
"Sounds like you should lock me down."
"Be careful! Some girls might think you're proposing marriage…Or in words you can understand, an Echolls Ultimatum."
"No, you had it the first time. Marriage. I just…I forgot what it was called," Logan said, briefly pausing. "Let's get married."
"Yep, ok weirdo, let's get married," Veronica scoffed.
"I'm serious," Logan said.
"If you were serious, you'd be in the same room as your intended. And there'd be a ring involved, or so I'm told," she said jokingly as she continued to search throughout Logan's bag.
"How many pockets have you searched?" He asked seriously.
She turned to look at him, shocked, as his meaning became clear. Her hands stilled.
"The pocket on the right," he said.
Her hands immediately went to the correct pocket, and she found it. A solitaire diamond on a deceptively simple platinum band, no mistaking its purpose.
If Veronica were any other girl, a girl that dreamed about engagements and weddings, happily ever afters, she knew the ring would be THE ring. Perfect. Simple. Her. Her breath caught in her throat.
She hadn't thought about weddings since she was 16 years old, when her best friend was murdered, and life was never the same. She had only thought about marriage disparagingly since her mom had deserted their family. Life experience had dimmed that idyllic innocence that kept her dreaming and dropped her straight into harsh reality where dreams evaporated.
In the time it took Veronica to find the ring, Logan had crossed the room and crouched down behind her. He was nervous. They had been living in bliss for five years, but he knew Veronica was skittish. Given all she had gone through in her life, it was no wonder. But with all his heart, he wanted to marry her. If he were being completely honest with himself, he'd wanted to marry her most of his life. Logan had been dreaming about marrying Veronica forever, maybe even since she'd put the thought in his head with that ridiculous wedding planner she'd thrown together when she was helping him search for his mom. He wanted Veronica forever, and he hoped that Veronica wanted him forever, too.
He kissed her shoulder gently and took the ring from her hand.
"I think it goes something like this," Logan said softly. She looked terrified, sitting there in stunned disbelief. Logan also felt terrified, as he lowered himself down to one knee in front of her. He tried not to catastrophize in his head what would happen to their relationship if she said no.
"Veronica, love of my life. I've always thought our love story would be epic," he began, and watched her laugh slightly at the familiar words. "Spanning years. Continents. Lives ruined. Bloodshed." He reached for her hand, and felt the terror start to recede when she placed her hand in his. "I've loved you for most of my life, and I will love you for the rest of my life," he watched a tear slip down her cheek. "Will you marry me?"
"Oh, God, Logan," she whispered. "I'm so scared."
"I know, bobcat," Logan whispered back.
"Look at my parents. Look at your parents! I go to work, and I watch married people destroy each other," she looked at him, agonized. "But I love you so much," she said softly, almost to herself.
He could feel her hand tremble in his. It didn't surprise him that her immediate answer was not a yes. He could almost see the war she was having with herself play out on her face, and he understood it. But he was encouraged that instead of letting him go, Veronica clutched his hand tighter and grabbed his wrist with her other hand to hold him in place. He wasn't even sure if she realized she sought MORE contact with him, not less. It gave him hope.
The physical connection between them also gave Veronica a sense of relief; it kept her grounded in the moment when she would have otherwise spiraled. Veronica had trouble finding the words, letting the silence between them stretch, and Logan patiently waited for her to come to terms with whatever decision she made. All Logan could do in that moment was hold her hand, let her process, and try to convey with his eyes how much he truly adored her.
She didn't know how much time had passed since she'd spoken. All she could do was think about their lives together. Every break-up, every make-up, every welcome-home kiss. This man that had been protecting her since before he was legally a man; he had come running any time she needed him. After everything they had been through; everything they had done to each other, he still loved her. And she still loved him; more than anything. What Veronica saw on his face and in his eyes looking at her, the blatant love, devotion, and hope, finally gave her all the answers she needed.
Veronica let out a harsh sob, and launched her tiny body at his, nearly tackling him to the ground. His arms wrapped around her, the ring still in his hand. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.
"I love you," she said, pulling away only to place her forehead on his. "I'm scared, terrified even. But I love you," she paused. "Yes, Logan. Yes, I'll marry you," she said with conviction.
Logan almost couldn't believe it. He'd come home only hours ago to his girl who met him on the beach in typical Veronica fashion and led him home to cuss his brains out. His girl, whose inquisitive nature had given him the perfect opportunity to present her with the symbolic token of pending nuptials. She was going to marry him. The soccer-playing, pep-squad-ing, girl next door of their youth turned badass private detective, defender of the innocent was agreeing to be his forever.
She kissed every inch of his face she could reach and every spot on his neck, while he laughed with relief. Her hands made their way to his shoulders; into his hair, as her lips found his and she kissed him for all she's worth.
"I love you so much, Veronica. Always have," he whispered against her lips before hoisting them up off the floor and taking them toward their bedroom.
"Wait!" She exclaimed, and Logan paused in question. "Damnit! I promised I would meet dad at the city council meeting tonight, there's a lot of stuff going on that could affect the business!" She kissed him deeply one more time as he let her body slide down his body, her feet landing gently on the floor.
Logan sighed deeply. "Ok," he said, understanding exactly who she is and loving her completely for it. "Raincheck on the newly engaged celebration sex. You did cuss my brains out earlier, so I suppose I can wait."
Veronica giggled. "I'll be back soon, unless you want to come with?"
Logan clutched her close to him again. "I'll let you handle this one and see you in a while. I love you. Don't forget your new accessory," he said, reaching for the correct hand that was currently buried in his short hair.
Finally, he slid the ring on her finger. Veronica's eyes lit up at the sight and she couldn't stop herself from throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him all over again. They were going to get married.
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Despite the crowd, she quickly found her dad and made her way over to him.
"How the hell did we let a crooked real estate tycoon come in and seduce us into longing for a bygone era?" she said in disgust.
"An era that never existed," Keith replied. "Twenty years ago, they were dumping wastewater from the nuclear plant 100 yards from the public beach. That's why you never got any taller," he joked. "I thought you weren't coming."
"Logan's back," she whispered to Keith so as not to disturb those around them.
"Logan's back?" Keith replied, happily.
"And he asked me to marry him," she said, the soft tone doing nothing to disguise the elation she felt and held her hand out for her father to see the ring.
Keith grabbed her hand and closely inspected the ring, as was expected of him. He was maintaining his outward emotions, but he was both shocked and thrilled. He'd known since they were teenagers how much Logan and Veronica loved each other. As a dad to a teenage daughter, it had been terrifying. Even more so when Logan seemed to have a death wish. Who could blame the kid for his impulsivity? His life was in shambles at the time. Logan sure had grown up and proved it every day.
Despite the obvious love between the two, Keith honestly didn't expect that Veronica would ever make it to the point that she would willingly marry. His own marriage hadn't helped any, with a wife that constantly cheated to the point that there was speculation Veronica wasn't Keith's, and ultimately deserted them. And Logan's parents certainly weren't a better example.
Plus, to be in the private detective business? Who could come out of that with a shiny perspective on relationships when nearly every client was paying you to catch their spouse cheating? And 99% of the time the client's suspicions were correct?
"Are you happy?" Keith asked, "That's really all that matters."
"I never expected to be the girl that wants to get married. Not with everything we've gone through, and DEFINITELY not with all those happy, healthy relationships we see every day at work. Oof," she said sarcastically and shrugged.
"Just because we see a lot of crap, and have lived through some as well, doesn't mean you and Logan can't have that elusive happy ending."
"I love him," she said. "I've always loved him. Even when we were apart, the love was there."
"I couldn't be prouder, Veronica. Logan is a good man."
Veronica smiled at him, and with hope in her heart she started very uncharacteristically, and even embarrassingly daydreaming about the rest of her life with Logan.
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He watched Veronica leave and immediately grabbed his phone.
"Go for Dick," his best friend said.
"She said yes," Logan said, almost disbelieving and a little bit giddy.
"No! Dude! Congrats, man," Dick replied, genuinely thrilled for his best friend that Logan's long-time love would become his wife.
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She got back home to find Logan lounging on the couch watching Harlots. "Hey! I thought we were watching this together!" Veronica exclaimed, while she gave Pony a pat on the head.
"And the marital arguments begin," Logan joked, but turned off the show as Veronica made her way to the couch and climbed onto him, straddling his lap.
"I told my dad we're getting married. He's proud of us and made sure to tell me what a good man you are," she said, eyes sparkling.
Logan looked into those sparkling eyes and almost couldn't believe how much happiness he saw there. He had hoped, of course. But to see it there, shining at him as brightly as her radiant smile, filled him with what could only be described as joy.
He'd almost expected her to come home and tell him she'd made a mistake and couldn't go through with marrying him. It really made a difference; it made the engagement feel real that she had told Keith immediately. It only added to the moment that Keith had approved.
"So," she began, "have you had the opportunity to tell anyone about our imminent wedded bliss?"
"I couldn't wait. I called Dick, and my aunt Naomi. I'll tell my captain tomorrow," he grinned.
"It's good to know you're showing the enthusiasm the milestone demands," she grinned back.
"Couldn't be more enthusiastic," he said, his hand making its way to her neck and pulling her down to him for a kiss.
Veronica got a sudden burst of inspiration. "Let's do it tomorrow."
Logan smirked, "Are you serious?"
"County Clerk's office. At 4. Do you want to?"
He hoped with all his heart she was serious. He didn't need a big wedding. All he needed was Veronica as his wife. "I do," he said sincerely.
"Well look at that…you already know your lines," she replied, tears in her eyes.
He got closer to her, staring into her eyes to search for her sincerity. "Are we doing this?"
She shrugged, her hands on either side of his neck, "It's basically already done."
"We have Dick's premiere tomorrow night, and the volleyball game this weekend. Raincheck on the honeymoon?" Logan asked, hopefully, but was honestly willing to ditch his best friend for whatever Veronica was willing to do.
"Why not?" She replied. "You can make it up to me! Oh! I know! You can change your last name to Mars!"
They laughed together, the happiness nearly overwhelming them both, as he flipped their positions and kissed her.
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"Veronica Mars, I never thought I would see the day!" Wallace told her as they waited for the rest of their party.
"Tell me about it, Fennel. No one is more shocked about this than me!" Wallace pulled her in for a giant hug.
"I might be," Keith said. "I was pretty sure this daughter of mine was going to end up a dusty old spinster."
The three laughed. "You must be shocked, you busted out the full Windsor for the occasion!"
"I'm happy for you, Veronica. And happy for Logan," Keith said, pulling her into the second giant hug of the day.
The doors opened and in walked Dick, suitably decked out to perform his best man duties.
"Congrats, Ronnie. I suppose I can admit that I'm glad Logan wasn't ever able to quit you," Dick said. Even Dick went in for a big hug and Veronica returned the hug without a cringe, she was truly so happy to be marrying Logan Echolls.
The group laughed. Before she could think of a clever comeback, her phone dinged. "Hold that thought," she said, pulling back from checking to see if there was an update from Logan.
What she saw on the screen made her breath catch.
"Sorry."
Sorry?
Sorry, what?
Sorry, he can't marry her?
Sorry, he's not coming?
"Ronnie, what's wrong?" Dick said, drawing everyone's attention back to her, while she seemed to have trouble taking a deep breath.
Instead of trying to speak past the knot suddenly occupying her throat, she turned her phone to face him.
"No way," Dick said. "He's been waiting to marry you since we were 16. No way," he repeated. He couldn't believe Logan would just bail like this.
Wallace and Keith had the opportunity to see the text.
"Oh, honey," Keith said, rubbing her shoulder.
"Where does he get off?" Wallace said, angrily. "Seriously! Where does he get off!"
The Justice of the Peace took that moment to arrive, while each member of the group stewed in their own private thoughts, but all agreed that the "sorry" text was confirmation Logan wasn't coming. Dick was in disbelief, Keith in sadness for his little girl, Wallace in anger, and Veronica in devastation.
Well, the devastation of Logan not showing up certainly proved Veronica truly wanted to marry him.
"Hold up! I'm coming!" They turned in unison toward that very familiar voice. "Let's do this thing!" Logan said as he got closer. They all gaped at him.
"What?" He said, looking at the various faces looking his way.
"Duuuuuude," Dick said lowly, drawing the word out.
"We thought you weren't coming," Veronica said.
"I'm four minutes late! And I pre-apologized," he explained.
"With a text saying sorry?" Veronica exclaimed.
"I said "Sorry, I'm running a few minutes late.'"
"Well, this is what I got!" Veronica turned her phone to face him, and Logan took it in his hand. The text was there, plain as day, and it only said the word sorry.
"Duuuuuuuuuude," Dick drew the word out even more.
"I can see how that would be confusing," he could see Wallace nod out of the corner of his eye. "I dictated the text," Logan said. "I blame Siri. But I'm here now, and there's nowhere else I'd rather be," he stepped closer to her and looked into her eyes.
"Hell yeah!" Dick said. "Let's get these two hitched!" Dick said, grabbing Logan's shoulders and shaking him.
They followed the officiant out into the courtyard.
"Do you, Logan, take Veronica as your lawfully wedded wife?"
Logan smiled, "I do."
"And do you, Veronica, take Logan as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Veronica contemplated all the different ways in which she could respond to that question. She could be sarcastic; it would be totally fitting with her personality. But these words were her promise to love Logan forever. And she couldn't take the vow anything but seriously.
"I do," she said, smiling as radiantly at him as he was smiling at her. "Literally nothing else I want more," she added.
The group chuckled.
"If you so choose," the officiant continued, "this is the moment couples usually kiss."
"Let's go for it," Veronica said, already reaching for Logan.
"I'm nothing if not traditional," Logan responded, and stepped forward to give them their first kiss as a married couple. Dick whooped, Keith and Wallace clapped enthusiastically. When the kiss had gone on for longer than several attendees were comfortable with, Dick and Keith simultaneously exclaimed, "Oh, get a room!" They all laughed, but it didn't prevent the couple from sneaking another very thorough kiss.
The joy Veronica felt was indescribable.
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Only hours later, they gathered to attend Dick's movie premiere. The movie was a gory mess Veronica wasn't quite prepared for.
"That was my first take," Dick whispered to her, as they watched his character bleed out on screen.
She stopped herself from rolling her eyes but did glance at Logan. He smirked and took her hand in his.
She couldn't believe they got married just hours ago. He was her husband. She had to admit, she was pretty darn pleased with herself that she'd locked him down and put a ring on it.
After the movie, Logan and Veronica stood with Dick as he described filming various scenes. His dad came up behind him for an enthusiastic hug, and their form of congratulations.
"Veronica, Logan...when are you two crazy kids going to make this legal, huh?" Big Dick asked after congratulating his son.
"Funny you should ask!" Dick responded, as Logan brought Veronica's newly ringed hand to his mouth for a kiss. "They got married this afternoon. I was best man!" Dick crowed, throwing his arms up in the air.
Logan and Veronica laughed. Veronica took the opportunity to wrap her arms around Logan's waist, and he kissed her head. It was rare for Veronica to encourage this much affection in public, but what the hell? They were newlyweds.
