4 – Waiting On The Shore

“Here you go…” Carefully, Laura bent so Kara could take a mug off of the tray she held. “And for you…”

“What is it?” Zak eyed the steaming mug dubiously as he took it.

“You’ll like it.” Kara took a sip before wiping cream off her upper lip and smiling at him. “Trust me.”

“Yeah. Like that’s gonna happen.” He teased as Laura settled back down on his other side, her back against the same log he and Kara were leaning against. “No harm, no foul.” Taking a small sip, his eyes widened. “Hey, this is good.”

“Told you.” Kara grinned. “It’s a Roslin thing.”

”I can live with that.” He nudged Laura with his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.” She smiled slightly, gazing at the fire in front of her. “I like this fire pit thing.”

“It’s a Zak thing.” Kara laughed. “We used to have them when we went to the beach. And, you have enough room between the house and the pond.”

”That I do.” Laura glanced over her shoulder at the cabin behind her. “Thanks again for all your help…”

“Still can’t believe you don’t want to do much to the inside.” Kara’s smile disappeared. “It’s pretty much just empty, except that couch…You didn’t even put many books inside, and you have almost as many bookshelves in there as you do drawers and closet space in your other place. Not to mention, how are you going to get…”

“Kara,” giggling, Laura shook her head. “It will work itself out. Bill and I will find books together, as well as other things to fill the house. I told him I’d have it done. I didn’t tell him I’d have it finished.”

“She has a point.” Zak chuckled then groaned as Kara hit him. “Hey, watch the drink.”

“So finish it.” Kara leaned forward and poked at the fire with a stick. “I like the cabin, even if it is more like a house.”

“Six of one.” Taking another sip, Laura smiled. “It’s enough room. And originally it was for the two of us, but I wanted enough room for everyone to be comfortable. When we needed it to be.”

“Well, it will be that.” Zak grinned. “And your sure dad won’t mind? I mean, he was…is, I don’t know, but, he isn’t the most sociable person around.”

“He won’t mind.” Kara grinned. “Not if Laura wants it.”

“Don’t listen to her.” Laura glanced around Zak in Kara’s direction and frowned. “We both value our privacy, but between you all, my sisters, and the Galactica family, we’ll eventually need the space. And when it’s just us, we won’t use what we don’t need.”

“It does fit.” Zak twisted to look at the house.

“It’s what we wanted.” Laura followed his gaze, smiling. “We talked about it enough.”

“How much more are you going to do?” Kara stifled a yawn.

“I’m done.” Laura looked at her. “Until he gets here. And it will be soon.”

“But now, it’s late.” Zak slowly stood up and held out a hand to Laura. “We need to get back.”

“You’re right.” Accepting the help, she pulled herself to her feet and waited as he pulled Kara up. “If you two will take care of the fire, I’ll clean up then we can head back to town.”

“Yes ma’am.” He handed her his mug and watched as she took Kara’s before turning and crossing the lawn to the house, her figure silhouetted by the lamp on the porch. “You got the pail?”

“Right here.” She lifted a pail of water and handed it to him, watching as he carefully poured it over the flames. As steam rose from the wood, she gingerly kicked sand over the last few embers and watched as they went out.

“You staying with her again?” setting the pail off to the side, Zak caught Kara’s hand.

“Yeah.” Kara nodded slowly. “For tonight. She’s a bit…I don’t know, today.”

“Thoughtful?” He suggested softly as they followed Laura to the house, waiting on the porch as she finished inside.

“Yeah.” Kara sighed. “Thanks for coming out here with us tonight.”

“You just liked not having to carry that box of stuff for the kitchen.” He grinned.

“Hey, we fed you.” She protested, giving him a shove. “No complaining.”

“She fed us.” Zak caught her hand before she could hit him again. “Didn’t see you cooking.”

“Did the salad.” Kara laughed as the door opened behind them.

“Yes she did.” Laura pulled the door shut behind her, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders. “So leave her alone, Zak.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He sighed as the three of them moved down the steps together.

“And Kara, stop pestering him.” At the frown Laura threw toward Kara, Zak laughed. “But once again, thanks for coming out here with me, both of you.”

“It’s nice getting to know you.” Zak caught her hand, his other lacing with Kara’s. “And hearing about what’s happened…”

“We left quite a bit of it for your father.” Laura smiled softly and glanced at him. “Are you sure your mother didn’t mind your helping me?”

“You’ve been listening to Lee too much.” Zak shook his head. “She remarried right before…and she’s been happy. And, she was happy to know that dad had someone. Although she did wish you a lot of luck.”

“Well,” Laura sighed. “I’m sure we both changed somewhat from the memories people had of us from…before the attack.”

“You certainly weren’t what I expected for dad.” He squeezed her hand. “You sure it’s the same William Adama?”

“Positive.” She giggled. “He’s not what I expected for me either.”

Kara winced. “Well, it took you two long enough to figure it out.” She glanced up at Zak. “You couldn’t even be in the room with them when they started arguing. We kinda figured they’d either end up killing each other in a nearby airlock, or start frakking. Whichever was more convenient sometimes.”

“Kara.” Laura groaned. “We did not. Do either that is. As the civilian and military leaders, we had certain…differences of opinion or priorities, but always worked them out. Eventually.”

”Does the word coup mean anything to you?” Kara grinned. “Political or military? Works either way…”

“I’m sure I can find an airlock around here somewhere.” She retorted sweetly, smiling around Zak as they continued down the path.

“Already dead.” Kara shrieked as Laura twisted and tugged at a strand of her hair. “Ow!”

“Behave.” With another tug, she laughed and retreated back to the other side of Zak again. “And I can legitimately say that we never airlocked each other. Or used an airlock for anything besides its intended purpose, well except for that one time we were arguing…”

”Too much knowledge.” Zak winced. “Don’t even want to think about it.”

”As well you shouldn’t.” Laura squeezed his hand as the path widened. “We’ll be fine from here. You head on home, and we’ll see you in the morning, right?”

“You…” he blinked at her, a smile crossing his face. “You know, you’re right. I will.”

“Good.” Raising up on her toes, she kissed his cheek. “Night, Zak. Thanks for the firepit.”

“Welcome.” Impulsively, he hugged her then turned to Kara as Laura moved a few steps ahead, bending to slip her shoes back on as they approached the pavement. A few minutes later, he continued in the opposite direction after giving them a final wave.

“Tired?” Laura glanced at Kara as they strolled along the sidewalk leading to her apartment.

“A bit.” She admitted softly. “Still confusing with him, you know? Since he remembers me…not me.”

“I know what you mean.” Laura fell silent as they walked. “I know exactly what you mean.” Her arm slid around Kara’s waist as they walked in silence. When they finally broke apart so they could enter the apartment, she turned to Kara. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” Kara managed a smile as they entered.

“Good.” Laura smiled, her hand raising to touch Kara’s cheek.

The next morning, Laura stood staring at the clothes strewn across her bed. “Frak…” Biting her lip, she frowned.

“Laura, aren’t you…” Kara entered the bedroom and froze, eyes wide. “Oh. My. Gods. You have this many clothes?”

“I can’t figure out what to wear.” She turned to stare at the younger woman. “At all. I swear I’ve pulled every frakking thing out of the closet and drawers, and still can’t decide…”

Kara burst out laughing. “You can’t…it won’t matter, you know that.”

“But, it’s…I haven’t met…” Hands on her hips, Laura sighed. “Kara, stop laughing at me.”

“You’ll figure it out.” Kara grinned. “Just stop thinking so hard. And stop being me, not you.”

“Whatever.” Laura returned her attention to the clothes piled on her bed, absently pulling things out and holding them up as she gazed into the mirror. “Go on, I’ll meet you there.”

“Laura, it won’t matter. Really.” She waved toward the bed. “Just put something on.”

”Go on.” Laura repeated, glancing back up at Kara. “I’ll be there in time.”

“Fine.” With a quick hug, Kara returned to the doorway, glancing over her shoulder one last time. “Laura…”

“I’ll be there.” She smiled slightly, a thought striking her as she waved Kara out of the room, hearing the outside door shut a moment later. “Frak…” Crossing to the nearly empty closet, she reached back and found something she’d almost forgotten about. Pulling the skirt off the hanger, she tossed it to the bed before reaching for the matching top. Eying the neckline, she pulled out a drawer and rummaged through the contents, finally finding the bra she needed. Minutes later, she was staring at herself in the mirror, the deep burgundy of the fitted blouse highlighted by the dark green skirt swirling around her legs, the loose material falling just above her knees. Stroking a brush through her hair, she gazed at her reflection for a moment longer before grabbing a pair of heeled sandals and sliding them on, her fingers automatically closing the fasteners before she left the room.

Fifteen minutes later, she found herself at the top of a small hill, gazing down at several groups of people gathered on the shore. Resting her hand against the tree she stood underneath, she watched Kara and Zak greet another couple, about her age, recognizing Carolanne from the pictures she’d seen in Bill’s quarters, an older couple just beyond them. As the three couples stood talking, she remained where she was, watching as she caught her breath until something in the water distracted her. Her hand flying to her mouth, she watched as a boat glided in, a familiar stocky figure in the bow, barely waiting until it had approached land before jumping over and landing on the shore.

Pausing only a moment, he moved toward the waiting group, their cries of welcome apparent from where she stood, staring. He’d embraced them all, even his ex-wife, and stood with his arms around his parents for a long moment, staring at Zak until she saw Kara shrug and shake her head at an unheard question. Watching as he stepped apart, still greeting those who approached him now that he’d greeted his family, Laura took a shuddering breath as he looked around, searching even as he spoke to people. Finally willing her legs to move, she stepped forward out of the shadows of the tree, the slight movement catching his attention as he froze, staring up the hill at her.

Laura remained where she was, unable to move any further as she stared back at him, his face free of stress and worry even from the distance she was watching from. He was in his dress uniform, and his hair a bit longer than she remembered. As a hand touched her arm, she flinched, the movement breaking her trance. “What?”

“Laura.” Elosha smiled up at her. “He’s waiting for you. It’s all right now.”

“He’s here.” She breathed out, looking back at him and realizing her frakking shoes were stuck in the grass. So much for a graceful elegant entrance…Kneeling quickly, she undid the shoes and grabbed them before moving forward barefoot as he watched her, ignoring the people speaking to him. As she approached, he glanced at the people surrounding him and nodded in apology before pushing through, meeting her as she reached the foot of the hill, neither one hesitating as she launched herself into his arms, burying her face against his neck as she sobbed, holding onto him as they crumpled to the ground.

“Shh…” When she finally regained enough control to hear him, Laura realized he was crooning softly into her ear, stroking her hair. “Laura, love…Shh, it’s all right.”

”You’re here.” Lifting her head, she kissed him, her hands on either side of his head until they broke apart, his lips moving down her neck as she dropped her head back for a moment before bending over him again. “You’re here…” She murmured into his ear.

“I’m here now.” He turned his head, teeth catching her earlobe for a split second before moving back to capture her mouth again. When they finally broke apart again, breathing heavily, they realized they were surrounded by a group of people, most of whom were applauding and whistling. “Oh, frak…”

”Not yet.” She whispered in his ear, giggling as she blushed, still wrapped around him.

“I’m guessing you’re Laura?” At the stern voice, she took a deep breath and managed to look up at an older couple she hadn’t met yet. “Zak mentioned you.”

“Um. Yes.” Her blush deepening, she managed to untangle herself from Bill, both of them struggling to their feet as Kara bent to pick up Laura’s shoes. “Sorry, I owed him one public display.”

“Mom. Dad.” Bill cleared his throat, his arm around her waist. “This is my wife. Laura.” He ignored the sharp glance she threw at him.

“Zak has told us about you.” The older woman stepped forward, arms wide. “He had however, omitted that part. I’m Shannon, his mother.”

“Well, we didn’t exactly…” Laura found herself folded into the woman’s arms as Bill chuckled. “Oh…”

“It is good to finally meet you.” His stern expression relaxing and eyes twinkling, Joseph Adama smiled and touched Laura’s back. “We have plenty of time to get to know you.”

“Thank you.” Laura blinked as another young woman stepped forward. “Hello?”

“Tam?” Bill stared at her in wonder.

“Hey baby brother.” She smiled softly. “I remember you…” She turned to Laura. “I’m Bill’s sister, Tamara.”

“Your sister?” Laura glanced at Bill before smiling. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Laura has sisters too.” Kara grinned. “Tamara, I’ll introduce you.”

“I’d like that.” She smiled as another couple stepped forward.

“Carolanne.” Bill caught Laura’s hand. “This is Laura.”

“And this is Alex.” Carolanne introduced the man at her side.

“Zak told me how happy you are.” Laura stepped towards them. “I’m sorry we hadn’t had the chance to meet before this…”

“He told us you’d been busy.” Carolanne smiled gently. “We’ll talk later, I’m sure.”

“I’d like that.” Laura inspected the other woman’s face for a moment and smiled, confident in Bill’s embrace. “Alex, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Bill.” Joseph Adama stepped forward again. “This way.” He indicated the path Laura had just run down and waited until they’d moved forward to follow them.

“You’re all right?” Bill murmured into Laura’s ear as they followed the path up the hill. “Gods I missed you. It felt like forever.”

“Likewise.” She glanced at him. “You lived well?”

“For the time I had left.” He smiled sadly. “I was lonely, despite the occasional visitor. It was a long year.”

“That’s how long it was for you?” She shook her head, forestalling his questions, “I’ll explain it best I can, later. For now…”

“For now, we have dinner planned.” Shannon stepped up next to Laura as they entered a meadow. “We’ll catch up, and then…”

“Then, we’ll catch up.” Laura turned her face toward his, lifting up on her toes slightly to kiss him. “I’ve so much to tell you.”

”So many people.” Bill glanced around at the group following them.

“It won’t seem like so many soon.” She giggled. “But, then you’ll meet my family.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He bent toward her ear again. “You look amazing.”

She blushed lightly. “Thank you. So do you.” As he caught her hand and traced the ring, she glanced at him. “Your wife?”

“Indeed.” He smiled. “Do you really need the public ceremony? We were closer than Carolanne and I ever were. You are my eternal love, my wife.”

Her smile widened. “I don’t need it. You are my husband to me. But my father might have something to say about it.”

Bill chuckled, sliding the ring off her finger and moving it to the appropriate finger on her left hand. “We’ll take care of it.”

“Good.” She leaned forward and kissed him again as Joseph led them into a pavilion, the tables covered with food.

Several hours later, they were once again walking along, hand in hand, the farewells of his family still being called out behind them as they strolled along the path. “Your family’s wonderful.” Laura rested her head on his shoulder as they walked.

“I’m glad you and Zak had met.” He dropped her hand and slid his arm around her waist. “And to have my mother and sister back…I was eleven when they were killed…”

“Hmm.” Laura smiled softly. “Zak’s been helping me with the cabin, well, it’s actually more of a house. Kara too.”

“I’m glad they’re friends, and that you had each other.” Pressing a kiss to her hair, Bill glanced around. “Where are we going?”

“My apartment.” Laura stated softly. “The house is built, but I wanted to wait for you to furnish it. So, if it’s all right…”

“Your apartment is fine.” His grip on her waist tightened. “As long as it’s private.”

“Definitely that. Tonight.” Stopping, Laura turned and slid her hands up his chest as she leaned in to kiss him. When they broke apart, she tilted her head as he pressed a chain of kisses along her cheek. “Kara’s…been staying with me…some, in my spare room. But, not tonight.”

“Good.” Pulling back, he smiled lazily. “So, how far is it?”

”Not far.” Managing to regain some semblance of control, she stepped back and caught his hand.

“Good.” Bill repeated as they started walking again. Minutes later, he was waiting as she entered a code and opened the door.

“My…” was all that she had time to get out before Laura found herself pinned against the inside of the door, his body pressed against hers. When he finally released her mouth again, she managed to point. “Bed…back there.”

“Where?” His arms around her waist, Bill turned, walking her backwards as she began to work on the buttons of his uniform tunic.

“Frak…this way.” Spinning, Laura caught his hand and pulled him with her, remembering only as she burst through the doorway that almost the entire contents of her closet…weren’t on her bed? “Wait…someone’s been here.”

“Where.” Pulling her hair to the side, Bill kissed her neck, his hand moving around her to pull her top out of her skirt.

“Wait…” Laura blinked at the sight of her bed, the covers turned back and a rose…”My sisters.”

“Where?” Freezing, Bill stopped, his hands resting on her bare stomach under the blouse.

Laura took another moment to stare at the iced bucket on the bedstand, two glasses next to it. “Been and gone. Or else.” Spinning, she pushed his tunic off, ignoring it as it fell to the floor.

“Promise?” Pulling her blouse over her head, he dropped it on top of his tunic and froze. “Frak…”

“You said you liked me in red.” Stepping back, she pushed her skirt to the ground and stepped out of it.

“Gods, Laura.” Bill stared at her, clad only in a burgundy set of lingerie.

”Hmm?” Perching on the edge of the bed, she bent to unfasten her shoes, tossing them to the side just before he caught her around the waist and eased her back onto the bed, his mouth finding hers as she arched up underneath him, her fingers digging into his arms.

When she was finally able to think coherently again, Laura found herself staring at the ceiling over her bed, Bill cradling her gently, their legs intertwined and her hair strewn across the pillows, his fingers stroking through it gently. “Bill?”

“Welcome back.” He pressed a kiss against her cheek. “All right?”

“Hmm.” Stretching, Laura smiled lazily. If she’d been a cat, she would have been curled up, purring under his gentle strokes. As it was, she felt thoroughly and completely loved and sated, her body limp against his. “Gods…that was…amazing.” His chuckle rumbled under her back. “So I guess we can consider our marriage consummated?”

He chuckled again. “Several times. And thoroughly.” Lifting her limp hand, he kissed it. “I think I tore your bra and panties…”

“S’ okay.” She smiled, letting her hand caress his cheek blindly. “Have a whole drawer full. And I can get more here. Not like on Galactica.”

“True. And a drawer full…something else to look forward to.” He closed his eyes as she rolled, cuddling closer to him, draping her body over his. “You are amazing Laura Adama.”

Laura sighed softly. “As are you William Adama.” Her hand ran along his chest. “By the way, welcome to my apartment.”

“I’m sure it’s lovely.” His fingers dancing along her bare back, he smiled. “The bed’s nice. And the front door.”

”Hmm.” She lifted her head. “Thirsty?”

“Huh?” At the change of subject, he opened his eyes and followed her gaze to the bucket on the bedstand.

”Let me up.” Gingerly moving out of his embrace, she slid to the edge of the bed and sat up as he pushed himself up, moving the pillows behind him as he sat against the headboard. Opening the bottle, she poured two glasses of the contents and handed one to him before moving back to his arms, pulling the sheet up over them. Settling against him, she took a sip and sighed happily as his arm slid around her waist. “A year, you said?”

“Just about.” He took a swallow and shook his head. “I found a place for us…I buried you where you could see out over the plains, and down on a river. You could see the sun come up…it would have been beautiful in your hair.”

“Sounds perfect.” She sighed softly. “Lee? Saul? Helo, Sharon, and Hera?”

”Lee found me, he was exploring, taking off. Saul and Ellen, they visited occasionally. Saul promised that he’d bury me next to you.” He smiled vaguely. “Last I heard, everyone was doing well. There were some problems with adjustment, but…we weren’t being chased…it was a clean, fresh start for everyone.”

“Good.” Laura lifted her head to look over her shoulder at him. “Did you ever finish…”

He smiled slightly. “Of course not. I tore the pages out of the book and burned them. Figured we’d finish it here together.” His smile faded. “You didn’t, did you?”

“No!” She kissed him lightly. “The house, I put in lots of bookshelves, but the only book I got was ‘Searider Falcon’. The rest I wanted to find together, but I wanted us to have that one. So we could read it together.”

“Good.” Bill tightened his grip on her. “How long has it been for you?”

”It’s all very ambiguous.” Laura murmured. “There are days and nights, but the sense of time is…different. It feels like forever, but not really longer than about a month, maybe? It’s quite curious. I’ve had time to speak to people…you’ll have people you’ll need to speak to, who want to speak with you, sort of unfinished business…”

“Who have you spoken to?” His thumb caressing her side, he watched her face.

“Hmm?” She shifted slightly and sighed softly. “Elosha of course, she’s helped explain things. But…several people. Dee, she’s studying with Elosha, you’ll want to see her eventually, she’s so at peace now, and Richard…” when she felt him tense behind her, Laura turned slightly to smile up at him. “I needed to tell him some things. It was closure. And…” her smile faded. “Bill, Felix.”

“Gaeta?” His face hardened. “Laura…”

“I know.” Reaching up, she traced his cheek until he relaxed. “Eventually, I’d like you to talk to him. When you’re ready.”

“Eventually.” Bill nodded slowly. “I think I need to.”

“Yes.” She kissed him gently and relaxed back onto him. “And you need to meet my family. I should probably warn you now that Kara and my sisters have bonded.”

“You and Kara were trouble enough.” He teased gently, chuckling.

“Hmm.” Laura smiled. “And you love us for it.”

“Indeed I do.” Pressing a kiss against the top of her head, Bill set his glass to the side then took hers. “Rested?”

“You?” Twisting, she straddled him deftly, bracing herself against the headboard as his hands moved to her hips, his mouth moving to her neck as he answered her.

The next morning, Laura was curled on Bill’s lap as they sat on her balcony, sharing a cup of coffee. “Gods this is good,” he murmured in her ear. “Coffee, you…”

Laura giggled softly, taking the mug from him and sipping at it. “We need to get you clothes that aren’t a uniform. And we need to finish the cabin.”

“And I need to meet your family.” Pulling her hair to the side, he nuzzled her neck. “I guess we have to come up for air at some point.”

“We do have all the time we want now.” Handing the mug back to him, Laura slid off his lap. “Stay here, I’ll start breakfast.” As he started to move, she leaned down and kissed him, her hand on his chest holding him down. “No, I’m not breakfast. And despite it all, we do need food for energy.”

“Very well.” Bill watched her tighten the belt of her brief robe, a blush running up her cheeks at his open perusal. “You sure?” It was amazing to see her healthy, both of them able to relax and not worry about…well, anything but each other for the time being.

“Positive.” She tucked the blanket that had been over them back around him. “I’ll call you in a bit.” Brushing another kiss across his lips, she straightened and returned inside. She was staring in the cooling unit, trying to decide what to fix for breakfast when she heard a soft tapping at the front door. Padding over to the door, she opened it slightly, peering through.

“It’s me.” Sandra held up a bag. “Bearing gifts.”

“What is it?” Laura opened the door and moved aside so Sandra could come in. “Food?”

“Hey, I left you champagne last night, figured you could handle breakfast on your own. However, Cheryl left you something in the cooler. Some sort of morning after casserole thing, bottom shelf.” She laughed. “I brought you some of Joey’s clothes. Figured he wouldn’t have had time to get anything, and I hear he arrived in uniform.”

“Mmm.” Laura smiled, her eyes filling with a distant look. “Dress uniform.”

“Laura.” Sandra snapped her fingers in her sister’s face. “Focus. Here and now.”

“Sorry.” Laura’s smile turned into a smirk. “Clothes?”

“Yeah. Not sure if they’ll fit or not, but thought they might help.” She glanced around the room. “Um…”

“He’s on the balcony.” Laura took the bag, opening it to look inside.

“Really?” Sandra pushed past her.

“Sandy…Frak…Stop!” Laura tossed the bag into a chair and followed her sister as she opened the balcony door.

“Hi there!” Sandra strode out onto the balcony as Bill turned toward her. “I’m Sandra, Laura’s favorite sister.”

“Hello there.” He nodded at her, a smile crossing his face. “Laura’s mentioned you.”

“I’d hope so.” Dropping into a chair, Sandra smiled at him. “I brought some of my husband’s clothes, I thought they might fit.”

“Thank you.” Bill glanced past her at Laura, who was standing in the doorway, her hands on her hips. “We were talking about getting some clothes earlier.”

“Glad to help.” Sandra nodded. “We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Laura’s told us a lot about you. Although, we need a new picture. You don’t look at all like the one she has.”

“You have a picture of me?” He glanced at Laura, who was once again blushing.

“Galactica press package.” She replied with a sigh. “We found it a few weeks ago. It…well, you’re a bit stern in it.”

“A bit stern?” Sandra sighed. “It’s not at all a good likeness. But she was right about your eyes.”

”Sandra.” Laura groaned and moved to pull her sister out of the chair. “You’ve seen him. Now go, report to everyone that we’re both alive and well, and will see you all later.”

”Oh yes.” Standing, Sandra laughed. “That was the other reason…Daddy wants to meet him. So, dinner tonight. At their house.”

“With everyone?” Laura sighed, “can’t we have a few days…I mean, he just got here, and we’ve…”

“Daddy has a question about something he heard.” Sandra raised an eyebrow, reaching out to catch Laura’s left hand. “And not from you. Just warning you both.”

“Frak.” Laura bit her lip, paling slightly. “I’m…oh frak. Get out of here, tell them we’ll be there tonight. And make sure everyone’s there so we can get it out of the way at once?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Sandra grinned. “Nice to meet you Bill.”

“Likewise.” He nodded, “thanks for the clothes.”

“I’ll let myself out.” Brushing past Laura, she waved. “Bye…”

Laura groaned and glanced back at Bill, who was chuckling. “What.”

“Laura, you’ve been the President, you’ve faced down…well, you know what. And you’re nervous about seeing your father tonight?” He raised an eyebrow. “It’s adorable.”

“Really.” Crossing her arms, she narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, Admiral. Seems to me, you’re going to have to explain to my father, who still sees me as his little girl, that you’re now my husband.”

“Ah.” He opened his mouth then stopped. A moment later, he shook his head as she shut the balcony door behind her.

An hour later, they were strolling hand in hand along the path next to the river. “I’m glad Joey’s clothes fit.” Laura glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

”The uniform actually felt…different.” He chuckled softly.

“I know what you mean.” She smiled slightly. “I think I have one suit in my closet, everything else is different from what I wore those last few years.”

“You do look different.” Bill pulled her to a stop facing him and lifted a hand to brush her hair back.

“I’m so happy to have my hair back.” Laura tilted her head back as his fingers ran through her hair. “I missed it.”

His smile widened. “I told you…”

“I know. And I know you truly meant it.” Leaning forward she brushed a kiss across his lips. “Just chalk it up to my vanity. My sisters nearly killed me again when they found out it had been short.”

“When I met you.” He nodded. “I do remember more than you lecturing me about networked computers.”

“A lecture I was eternally grateful for you giving me, all things considered.” Laura giggled. “Come on. I want to show you the house then you need to spend the day with your family…before you meet mine tonight.”

“Very well.” They fell in step together again, moving along the path.

“All right.” Turning, she rested her hand on his chest. “Close your eyes and let me lead you.” He sighed as she took his arm and led him around a curve and into a grassy area. “Watch your step, its soft ground, but fairly level.”

“Trusting you.” Bill followed her as she led him a short distance.

“Ready?” Positioning him, Laura smiled. “Open them.”

Bill blinked before focusing on the wooden house in front of him, the wide porch across the front holding several rocking chairs as well as a porch swing. His eyes moving upwards, he noticed the balcony railing along the roof over the porch and chimneys on either side of the house. Turning, he looked at the view, of the meadow with a glint of water just past some sort of grouping of fallen tree trunks. Looking back at Laura, he smiled. “Love the view.”

“Wait until mornings.” She looked back at the meadow. “The sun comes up over the hills, washes everything with the rays. It’s incredible. Oh, and that’s the fire pit Kara and Zak put in.”

“Of course they would.” He slid his arm around her waist. “It’s amazing.”

“Come inside.” Her head on his shoulder they moved toward the house. “And I want to do something else out here, flowers or something.” She gestured toward the area around the porch as they went up the steps together. “Ready?”

Bill took a breath as she reached for the door. “Ready. No. Wait.”

“Wait?” She glanced at him curiously then let out a shriek as he swung her into his arms. “Bill…”

“We’re doing this properly.” He nudged the door with his shoulder, carrying her into the house.

“Bill.” Laura giggled as he kissed her cheek, their lips finding each others blindly as he slowly lowered her to stand in front of him. When they separated, she smiled up at him. “Welcome home, love.”

“Good to be here.” Turning her so her back was against him, he wrapped his arms around her as they gazed at the large room, the walls covered with empty shelves, a familiar brown leather couch in the center of the room. “Oh, Laura…”

“I told you that I left most of it for after you got here.” She pointed to the mantle over the fireplace. “I thought you could put a model ship on there, eventually.” Her arm moved to encompass the room. “I wanted a large open space, we’ll need some tables and more seating areas of course, the kitchen is back here…” catching his hand, she led him through the room. “I did go ahead and finish this. Sort of.”

“I like it.” He moved around the sunny room, windows on two of the walls and a large wooden block island in the center. Running a hand along the stone counters, he gazed at the stove and ovens, as well as the large cooling unit. Opening it, he glanced at her.

“I haven’t really stocked it. Just a few things for when we were working out here.” Laura explained, leaning against the center island.

“Just the necessities.” He chuckled and moved to face her. “I like it. Just need to check on something.”

“What?” She let out a surprised giggle as he lifted her to sit on the island, moving between her legs as her hands gripped his shoulders. “Bill.”

“Nice height.” Leaning forward, he kissed her, his mouth moving down her neck, “what’s upstairs?”

“Hmm?” Losing herself in the sensations, Laura felt one hand moving up her leg, the other opening the buttons of her blouse and sliding in to trace the line of her bra.

“Upstairs. What’s upstairs?” With his lips giving a final caress of her neck, he stepped back, grasping her waist and easing her back down onto her feet.

”Didn’t finish down here yet…” Blinking, she shook her head, clearing it. “Frak, Bill. Don’t start something you know we won’t have time to finish.”

“We’d finish.” Chuckling, he caught her hand.

“William Adama.” Jerking his hand, she glared up at him. “Just for the record. Next time you put me up on that table, we better have a lot of time to not only finish, but to enjoy it. Not both of us having places to go and people to see.”

“Agreed.” They returned to the large room, where Laura pointed toward a door.

“That’s an extra bedroom suite.” She smiled. “For visitors…or whatever.” Pulling him behind her, she ran up the stairs. “You liked the kitchen, you’ll love this.”

“Laura…slow down.” Laughing, he almost fell into her as she stopped to open a door.

“We each have an office up here…for whatever we might need. Just figured we might want them, for old times sake.” She giggled. “I mean, we’ll still need to…well, we’re not perfect.”

“For old times sake.” He grinned. “And what’s this?”

“Oh.” Laura spun around to face him. “This is ours.” Reaching behind her, she opened the door and backed into the room, watching his face as he gazed around the large room. “And it opens onto the balcony over the porch. We’ll need to find a bed that suits…and I wasn’t sure how much closet room you’d want…but I wanted us to have a reading alcove, and room for whatever,” she turned in a circle gesturing around the room. “I left the walls wood, I liked the warmth.”

“It’s perfect.” Catching her waist, he stopped her movement. “I love the view. I love the room. I love you.”

“About time.” She teased softly, leaning up to kiss him again.

“It’s amazing.” He shook his head. “Laura, the downstairs is the exact floorplan I used for the cabin I built, but mine was smaller. Much smaller, and more primitive.”

”Really?” Her eyes lit up. “Zak and Kara helped me with the things that I have here. If you don’t mind, I thought we’d stay at my place until we finish here. I don’t want to rush it, but I want it to be perfectly us.”

“Yes ma’am, Madame President ma’am.” Bill kissed her nose.

“Yes sir, Admiral, sir.” Laura responded with another giggle as a knock sounded from downstairs, followed by the door opening.

“Dad? Laura?” Zak’s voice called.

“Be right down.” Bill called back, raising an eyebrow at Laura. “Reality, or what passes for it, intrudes.”

“Indeed. Believe me, times like that I see the family resemblance between Lee and Zak.” Together, they returned to the staircase. “I’ve got some things to take care of, we can talk more about the house tonight.”

“What time do you want me to pick you up?” He nodded at Zak as he came into view.

“Between six thirty and seven. Hey, Zak.” She smiled at him as they crossed the living room to join him.

“Sorry to interrupt.” He grinned at them. “If I did.”

“You know very well there’s no furniture up there…” Laura’s eyes narrowed. “And don’t even go there. You and Kara together are dangerous.”

“Did I hear my name?” Kara poked her head through the door. “Hey Laura, ready?”

“Six thirty.” Bill brushed a kiss across her cheek and squeezed her hand. “Let’s go Zak.”

“See you.” Laura followed them to the door and leaned against the frame, watching them cross the meadow.

“Um, Laura?” Kara grinned at the older woman when she glanced at her. “I know you want to go by the school, so you might want to…” she indicated Laura’s top.

“Hmm?” Laura glanced down at herself and blushed, “oh…” quickly, she buttoned the two buttons Bill had managed to undo while they were in the kitchen.

“So, he likes the house?” Kara waited as Laura secured the door.

“Yes.” She smiled softly. “It’s our new place to start. This time for us.”