A/N: Huge thank yous to metube for her help! Lol also thank yous to Malcolm Wallace.. hehe nice choice! as to who may review next I'll just let it be a surprise!. Also big thanks to those who have favourited moi, the story and story alerted etc! Now onward to the the chapter.. Enjoy!
"Kate" Elisabeth said in surprise as she looked between Alicia and Kate. She hadn't expected to see the redhead darken the infirmary for at least another 24 hours.
"I'm here for that scan" Kate told her with a smile. The smile dropped quickly when Kate saw Lucas sitting up in bed with Taylor in a seat by his bed. The curtains around his bed were open, he stopped talking with Taylor and locked eyes with her.
"He looks well" Kate stated in a vague tone as cold wave of fear wash over her. Her heart pounded in panic as her mind decided to take a trip down memory lane. She remembered the last time they had seen one another and their 'quality' time. Alicia and Elisabeth noticed Kate's change in demeanour immediately and acted quickly.
"Why don't we all go this way" Elisabeth said as she and Alicia pulled Kate to the bio-bed furthest from Lucas's and closed the curtains around the bed. Kate bent over at the hips and started sucking in her breath in quick short bursts as tears stung her eyes.
"Kate just take slow and easy breaths" Elisabeth told her.
"Sorry, I'm ok" Kate told them as she straightened up, trying to regain her composure. Alicia rubbed her arm in comfort knowing how Kate felt as she too felt the same panic and fear just not as profoundly as Kate did. The woman was visibly shaking. "So you want me to go first?" Kate asked in a low voice.
"I think we should do Alicia first that way when I open the curtain you can be on the bed getting up" Elisabeth replied. Alicia laid down on the bed and Elisabeth activated the Bio-bed. "Now I won't have the heads up display on for you but I will make a copy of the results and we will discuss the results in more detail in my office afterwards" Elisabeth told Alicia.
Alicia nodded gratefully as she did not want anyone well Lucas mainly finding out she was pregnant. She hated the cloak and dagger feel to just having a check up. She just wanted people to know now so they could get over the shock and then get over it and get on with their lives while she enjoyed herself. But it wasn't going to happen until she showing and then she would have to avoid Lucas like the plague which made her realise she and Taylor would have to talk.
Elisabeth smiled as she watched the results appear on her plex that was connected the Bio-bed. "Everything thing is looking good, your blood pressure is a little high but nothing to be concerned about. We'll monitor it and you know you and Taylor are welcome to come back in to hear the heartbeats together for the first time. I'll just sedate Lucas" Elisabeth said, Alicia couldn't stop the tears falling down the sides of her face as Taylor was sitting in the same room and missing this. It also made her hate Lucas as his presence was becoming a dark cloud in her life. She could have been lying back looking a 3D representation of her babies and possibly hearing their heartbeats right now.
"You ok there?" Kate asked as she squeezed Alicia's hand and gave her a warm and supportive smile. Alicia nodded and cleared her throat.
"Just stupid hormones" Alicia lied she loved Kate like a sister but wanted Taylor to be here instead of her. Kate knelt down beside the bed with her face near Alicia's.
"I read that morning sickness was indicative of what the sex of the baby is. Considering how much you've been chundering I'd put my money down for you having boys but I'm notoriously bad at this game so it's probably girls. Kate is a really good name for a girl" Kate said in a low and excited voice. Alicia laughed and felt better for it.
"So you keep telling me" Alicia told her with a smile.
"Well I'm hoping 2149 drugs make you loopy and when Elisabeth asks what you want as the name for the ankle biters. You'll just say 'Kate' automatically.. Oh imagine if you have redheaded twins then I'd have a little mini me's that you'd have to chase around the colony. I was a mischievous child" Kate said in a low and contemplative tone before giving Alicia a wide smile.
"So what's changed?" Alicia quipped rolling her eyes.
5 minutes ago from Taylor and Lucas's view...
"What is wrong with Kate?" Lucas asked Taylor as he had seen Kate come in looking pale and worn out. She had stared at him for just a moment before Alicia and Elisabeth pulled her in the opposite direction to a Bio-bed and closed the curtains blocking his view of her. He wished she was closer so he could read her eyes more clearly and gage her facial expressions.
"She was injured over a week ago, she probably in for a check up" Taylor said dismissively as he remembered that he and Alicia were supposed to go together for their appointment. He read that at 6 weeks a heartbeat could be detected. He had completely forgotten about their appointment and now he couldn't excuse himself from Lucas's presence and go over there without raising eyebrows and tongues wagging in gossip as he knew Alicia was using Kate as her smokescreen for the appointment.
"She'll be ok right?" Lucas asked with concern.
"Of course, why the concern son?" Taylor asked.
"That's between me and her" Lucas told him firmly. Taylor narrowed his eyes at Lucas.
"Explain it to me, I have time" Taylor told him. He also made a mental note to be home for dinner so he could beg forgiveness at Alicia's feet for missing the appointment and talk with Kate.
"I don't like him being alive and healthy. I know that makes me a horrible person and quite possibly the biggest hypocrite but I don't care" Kate said as she and Alicia were walking back to Taylor's house carrying bags of shopping.
"I know how you feel but this one is out of our hands" Alicia told her.
"Taylor should not be making any decisions in regards to Lucas. He can't be objective-"
"And you can be?" Alicia asked Kate cutting her off as she had the same thoughts as Kate did. Taylor was crippled with his emotions and failure with Lucas.
"No, which is why I'm going to remain a neutral party in this. If I could remove myself from the equation entirely I would" Kate said as they reached the front porch of Taylor's place.
"Hey looks like someone got an answer" Alicia commented as there was a bottle of red wine at the front door. Kate put down the two bags she was carrying and picked up the bottle of wine to read the tag that had been tied to its neck. It was a bottle of Zephyr's Kiss 2134. Kate smiled as Alicia gave out a low whistle beside her.
"He must really love you" Alicia commented as Kate turned over the tag and read it. Malcolm had written a polite invitation to dine with him the next evening, she liked that he wasn't a love letter, poem writing guy.
"Nah it is just puppy love" Kate quipped as Alicia opened the front door. Kate kicked off her shoes at the door and went to her to put the bottle away for safe keeping before she returned to the kitchen to help Alicia unpack the shopping and start with dinner.
"Hey you think Taylor will be joining us for dinner?" Kate asked half an hour later as Alicia was grilling fish and getting together the last bits and pieces for dinner.
"I don't know, why?"
"Wondering how many places I should set" Kate answered as she was placing condiments on the table.
"I'd set for three just in case" Alicia said, she knew he wouldn't be home but she didn't give up the hope. Kate nodded and within minutes the table was set and Kate helped her cut up the vegetables for dinner.
"Are you excited for next week?" Kate asked referring to the news that Alicia would be able to hear the babies' heartbeat. Alicia smiled.
"Yes, I just hope-" She was cut off when the front door opened and the two women looked to see Taylor at the door.
"You know if you're good here. I think I should go wash my hands and face before dinner" Kate commented as she felt like the two needed some privacy to talk. She made a quick exit from the room. Alicia put down her knife and looked to Taylor.
"I didn't expect you home tonight" Alicia said, Taylor looked to the dining table that said differently.
"I'm sorry I missed our appointment" Taylor said keeping his distance as Alicia had the air of an angry woman. He knew she would shake off any advances he made and he didn't want to be rejected.
"It's fine I mean it wasn't very exciting and I have the results on the Plex" Alicia told him, it was not fine. He was right she was angry and he didn't blame her. "It's the next one you should be at" she told him.
"So we can hear their heartbeats?" He asked, Alicia pursed her lips and nodded.
"Yes, Elisabeth wanted to try today but I didn't want to not without you there by my side" Alicia told him.
"I will be there next time I pro-"
"Don't make a promise you can't keep" Alicia warned him. She gave a sigh and plated up the side dishes and with Taylor's help placed them on the table. "I understand you want to be by Lucas's side. I do, I really do! But don't forget you're the leader to the Colony. You have responsibilities that can't be put on hold" Alicia told him.
"I know" he said and Alicia gave him look that said 'no you don't' "talk to me Wash" he prompted.
"I wanted you to be there with me" She gestured to herself and Taylor "This is us and our future. I hate that I will now have to hide my excitement and pretend that I'm nothing more than an XO to you and possibly disappear for 8 months because Lucas might find out and come after me to get to you" Alicia told him in a frustrated tone.
"He won't-"
"Please your son has been hell bent on vengeance for the past 11 years. Did you think that maybe the reason he wants to die is that he knows he know he can still make you feel the pain of his loss?" Alicia asked cutting him off.
"I think he realises the pain he has caused. He's hasn't entirely come to terms with what he's done but he knows it was wrong. He's coming around. I think once he has something live for. Maybe if we-"
"No, don't you dare use our children as fodder for his 'recovery'. I don't want him to know Nathaniel. It will just give him ammunition and I refuse to let him destroy our happiness. Promise me you won't tell him" Alicia demanded of him.
"Alicia-" he started reluctantly but Alicia moved to him and placed her hands on his chest and looked at him with such vulnerability and fear.
"Please I watched him nearly destroy Kate just to get to you. I don't want to put myself or our children to be in the line of fire. Promise me" Alicia pleaded him.
"I promise" he told her.
Dinner was a quiet affair as Alicia and Taylor were tense. Kate knew why as she had heard every word from the bathroom. The walls were thin and even with the water running and ok Kate had been eavesdropping but she tried to be as noisy as possible.
Kate probably didn't help the atmosphere either as she didn't want Taylor to bring up Lucas as a dinner topic. She kept her head down and ate her food remaining quiet for most parts except for answering a few questions from Taylor about her health and her day at work.
It wasn't until they were sharing a pot of tea that Taylor brought up the conversation that Kate didn't want to have.
"Have you given some thought to speaking with Lucas?" Taylor asked, Kate choked on her tea for a moment before placing her cup on the table.
"Why would I?" Kate asked between coughs as she cleared her throat.
"He wants to talk with you" Taylor remarked as he recalled Lucas talking about Kate. The man didn't go into details he just said he wanted to talk with Kate as she 'understood' him and something about Escher. Taylor had pushed for answers but Lucas had been tight lipped. He knew it was a waste of time asking Kate as she still hadn't written a report or talked about what happened during the occupation with anyone. When Taylor asked she gave a brief overview of what happened but he could have asked anyone and they would've said the same thing she just changed the 'she' to 'I' in the speech.
"Well we don't always get what we want." Kate told him dryly before she took a sip of her tea.
"It might do you some good-" Taylor started only to be cut off.
"I have nothing to say to him and nor do I want to hear what he wants to tell me. So can we please change the topic?" Kate asked him. He saw the pain and anger flash in her eyes, her hands that were shaking before she placed them under the table. He realised he had made a misstep with her. He seemed to be making a lot of missteps lately.
"Ok I will but just think about it. It doesn't have to be something that happens this week or this month" Taylor told her. Kate held her tongue as she felt like saying she'd rather not think about anything in regards to Lucas. She pursed her lips for a moment while looking down at her hands that were shaking. She felt so defective.
"Or ever, it's your decision on what's best for you. Confrontations can be empowering but if you aren't ready then you're not helping yourself in the long run" Alicia told Kate, Taylor shot Alicia a look as she was undermining him but let the feeling slip away from him as Alicia was just protecting Kate.
"I can't believe you would make such a suggestion to Kate. Talk with Lucas? she had a panic attack in the infirmary from just looking at him" Alicia said angrily to Taylor as they prepared for bed. Kate had already gone to bed after taking a couple of pain pills. The redhead would be dead to the world so Alicia made a note to wake the woman when she got up in the morning.
"I didn't know that but if that's true then she needs to work through it. Confronting Lucas may help her" Taylor said, he had a selfish need to make the two confront one another as he wanted know what his son wanted to say to Kate.
"Or it will send her over the edge. She isn't ready and I doubt she ever will be" Alicia told him, she knew from experience that confronting your enemy after they tortured you for days did not end well if you weren't prepared. She was angry that he hadn't even talked to her about the possibility of Lucas and Kate sitting down for a conversation. It was not a topic to be broached lightly.
"If she told-"
"If she told you what happened during the occupation between her and Lucas then you would not be so suspicious of her. What did Lucas tell you?" Alicia asked him folding her arms as that's how it felt to Alicia sitting at the table watching the two of them.
"I'm not suspicious of her. I'm just trying to understand…wait she told you about what happened?" Taylor asked. Alicia felt her anger sapped away as she knew Taylor didn't like secrets and it irked him Kate would talk to him no matter how hard he pushed.
"Not everything, no but it kills you that she won't talk to you about this one thing doesn't it?" Alicia asked as she folded up her BDU pants and t shirt.
"Alicia it's not like that" Taylor said as it was getting harder concentrate with her standing there clad in only her underwear.
"She won't tell you because she thinks it's insensitive and she doesn't want to be the one who painted your son in a bad light. She also doesn't want to pitied or shut out if you don't like what you hear. She lost her father because he believed her to be a cold and merciless monster-"
"She thinks I will abandon Lucas or I'll shut her out because I won't want to believe her" Taylor said drawing his own conclusions. Alicia walked over to him and stood in front of him and proceeded to help him pull off his t-shirt.
"She loves you like a father and she doesn't want to cause you unnecessary pain. So whatever Lucas told you or tells you in future treat it like it is a double edged sword and keep in mind that Kate has not lied to you or betrayed you where as Lucas has a history of betraying you" Alicia told him as she traced the minor scar he had on his abdomen where Lucas had stabbed him with her fingers to make her point clear.
"Copy that" he said as he grabbed her hand and pressed a gentle kiss on her palm.
"I'm still angry" She told him.
"I know but you shouldn't go to bed angry" he informed her, Alicia gave him a smile and shook her head as she knew exactly what he had in mind to change her mood.
In the Infirmary,
"I saw Wre-Kate earlier, what happened to her?" Lucas asked to Dr Shannon, the woman bristled at the mention of Kate's name while she continued her check of his vitals and whatever Doctor's did.
"I cannot speak on her health or the events surrounding the cause as it is covered by doctor patient confidentiality. Why do you care?" Elisabeth asked him as she locked eyes with him. Lucas broke contact needed to muster sincerity.
"I know this will be hard for you to swallow Doctor but I am not a bad person. I'm just been angry and in so much pain for years. I don't know any difference until I was on the receiving end of a psychopath. To understand how I've lived my life has been wrong, all of it was wrong. I made her suffer all because it was like she couldn't be hurt and I punished her for being unreachable and completely numb. It made me angry that no matter how much pain I put her through she just took it, she never begged for mercy. Not once. I did such horrific things to her" Lucas stopped and gave a shaky exhale pretending as if he was overcome with grief. He even managed to make his eyes tear up to see if he could garner sympathy. He knew the doctor would tell his father and he would believe he wanted redemption.
His father would visit him, then Lucas would have to draw real deep within him and give the performance of his life literally. Once he was alone with Kate he could push her buttons and she would snap, finally snap and kill him. It would break the trust and make Taylor question Kate's loyalty and blame her for Lucas's demise. Lt Washington would back her best friend and Taylor would be alone. He wouldn't be saved the way His father wanted him to be saved. But at least Lucas would be able to do some damage before he left this world. It was the only path he had left as he had no allies or resources in the Colony to do differently.
"I will be put in the brig for the rest of my natural life. I want to at least ask her forgiveness, explain myself. I saw the way she froze maybe if I just talk with her I can help her. She's just the first of many I have to seek forgiveness from" Lucas told Dr Shannon in a remorseful tone.
He watched her expression as she listened to every word, he tried not to smile as her sympathetic side, the woman was incredibly soft hearted. Even after everything that happened during the occupation she could feel sympathy for him.
"Do you think she'll talk with me? Could you ask her for me?" Lucas asked her with desperate tone, turning his green tear filled eyes at her.
Elisabeth squeezed his shoulder in a gentle comforting motion that made her feel sick to her stomach and angry that he thought his little remorseful act would work on her. She worked in the public system for over 10 years she could see through any deception and lie given to her by a patient. But she kept her disgust and annoyance hidden behind her mask and gave an apprehensive look before nodding.
"Of course, I'll talk with her but I can't make any promises." Elisabeth assured him.
"Thank you" Lucas said with a sigh.
"You're welcome. Now you should get some rest." Elisabeth told him. Lucas nodded looking relieved that she had agreed. He closed his eyes and laid his head back. Elisabeth continued on with her duties remaining as calm as she could. She would tell Jim and Kate before she told Taylor as the Commander had no objectivity when it came to Lucas. She couldn't say she would act differently if their roles were reversed.
The next morning, Taylor watched Alicia from his position, raised on one elbow, from his torso half leaning over her while his eyes ran over her sleep softened features. She smiled a little, enjoying the gentle stroke of his hand against her belly above the cotton sheet draped over her naked form. He bent down to brush his lips against her cheek and she murmured something unintelligible turning a little in dreamy search for more.
He gave it kissing the tip of her delicate nose, her eyebrow, eye lid and then cheek as she slowly stirred awake.
"Alicia.." he murmured softly.
"Nathaniel" she sighed as she turned fully into him, her arms snaked up his torso and around his neck holding him to her. She arched her body and flexed in growing desire. Taylor smiled a gently smile before he lowered his mouth again, finding her lips slightly parted and softened ready for him. Slowly and sensually, he began drawing her closer to the surface of consciousness while his hands moved on her body arousing her and moving under the top sheet so he could feel her soft skin under his calloused hands.
She came awake just as his hand slid gently between her thighs. She gasped in pleasure. "Good Morning" he said in a teasing tone before she could give him a smart arse response his mouth covered hers again while he began to stroke her, surely and knowingly. Her breathing stalled as the white hot flame of desire began to lick pleasurably through her. She whimpered under his ministrations as she felt a familiar build up only for the screeching sounds of a power saw going through wood to break the magic of the moment.
"Oh my god what's the time?" Alicia moaned as the noise was painful and continued loudly.
"8am" Taylor said as he looked to the clock on the bedside table as he remember that Baz and his construction crew had started for the day as the same screeching noise started again. Alicia shot out of the bed with a panicked look. "Where you going?" Taylor asked her.
"I'm late and I have to wake up Kate" Alicia told him as she quickly pulled on her clothes and brushed her hair back into a pony tail. It was like the past moments of sensuality and pleasure were completely forgotten.
"Call in sick, let Kate sleep I wan-"
"I know what you want but I have a meeting and Kate needs to get to work" Alicia said over the noise she clamoured over the bed to him. "We can pick this up later tonight" she told she quickly kissed him before she left him.
Alicia winced at the construction noise and wondered how Kate put up with the racket. She slid open the door to find Kate fast asleep. She rolled her eyes and remembered the woman would be sleep through anything while she was still taking pain killers.
"Kate" Alicia said shaking the woman awake.
"Mmm half hour more" Kate said rolling over in her sleep. Alicia snorted as she shook Kate again a little more roughly to wake her. This time she was successful as Kate started making more noise and opened her eyes. "Ok I'm up. Do you have to be so violent?" Kate asked her.
"You're late" Alicia told her.
"Late?" Kate asked confused and sleep dazed completely oblivious to the construction sounds.
"For work" Alicia prompted.
"Work?" Kate asked still not computing what Alicia was saying.
"Kate!" Alicia said frustrated. Kate scratched her head with one hand and picked up her comm. unit and saw the messages and the time.
"Oh! I'm late! Crap!" Kate said as she pulled the blankets off her legs and scrambled out of bed if somewhat more sluggishly than Alicia did earlier.
"You're good? You don't need?" Alicia asked.
"I'm good thanks for waking me!" Kate said as she changed into some new clothes. "Umm I'm not going to be home for dinner tonight. Don't forget" Kate told Alicia.
"Are you reminding me or yourself?" Alicia asked as she and Kate went to the front door. Kate slipped her feet into her ballet flats while Alicia pulled on her boots.
"Elisabeth, I was hoping to catch you. I need these supplies would you mind greatly if I just helped myself" Dr Haynes asked as she handed a plex with the list of supplies she needed.
Lucas who had just woken up watched Dr Haynes the attractive brunette in her mid 30's with 5ft 6 curvy body smiled at Dr Shannon. He couldn't remember what she was good for. He did however remember her being a person who appreciated a high quality of life as her father had donated a large chunk of his fortune to the Phoenix group to get his daughter to Terra Nova. Not that the woman knew that. She believed she had been specifically hand picked because she was 'brilliant' in whatever feild she studied.
"I'm afraid I can't allow that Commander Taylor and Lt Washington have been strict about no one being allowed OTG-" Elisabeth started to explain only to be cut off by a wave of Dr Haynes's hand.
"I heard that drivel from Lt Washington. Just because she keeps his bed warm at night does not mean she can just dictate the colony. I bet you she is already knocked up-" Haynes said proud of herself to connect the dots only for Elisabeth to cut her off, clearly unimpressed.
"Dr Haynes…" Elisabeth said calmly, Lucas had retreated into his thoughts that he didn't hear the rest of the conversation. So Alicia couldn't keep her legs crossed and thought she could replace his Mother, give his father another family. A better family, his father deserved misery, he deserved to suffer. How dare he preach that Lucas should live as his mother wanted him to when his Father couldn't even remain devoted to the memory of his first love, his first wife, the mother of his only son?.
After everything his mother did for his father, dying for him wasn't enough. It made his insides twist with bitter anger. Lucas took a cleansing breath and silenced his thoughts as his previous plan would have to be adapted. The Taylor line would die with him, it was clear the only way to honour his mother and her 'sacrifice' as his father put it. He had to kill the unborn child Alicia carried followed by his father. How he was going to get that to happen. He had no idea but it was the only solution left and if not he'd settle with the original goal of crushing every slice of happiness his father had.
He closed his eyes and took a slow steady breath clearing his mind hoping that he could think of a way of making his goal achievable.
*The conversation Lucas missed*
"Dr Haynes…" Elisabeth said trying to remain calm. "I can assure you that you are mistaken in your assumptions-"
"What? We all know the Commander is a virile man and Lt Washington is such an industrious-"
"Get out of my infirmary" Elisabeth snapped as she stopped Haynes from finishing her sentence. She didn't want to hear Haynes's thoughts or unfounded accusations that would spread like wildfire. "I will not have you slander Lt Washington's character in my presence. She is a highly respected member of the Military and the Colony whom I consider a close and personal friend. Now you will not be getting your supplies until they are signed off by Lt Washington herself or Commander Taylor. Until then kindly remove yourself from my Infirmary before I have you removed" Elisabeth told Haynes in the most professional and courteous manner she could muster.
Haynes's jaw dropped as she could not believe Elisabeth's gall to speak to her in such a fashion. But she knew better than to wrong the only female doctor in the Colony. She closed her mouth and squared her shoulders pretending that it never happened as she pulled the plex from Elisabeth's hand and left the infirmary. She would just have to come back later when Elisabeth calmed down and realised how rude she had been.
Elisabeth turned to look at Lucas who was still asleep and glad the man hadn't been awake to hear the conversation.
"You should wear grey it'll bring out the colour of your eyes" Jim said from behind Kate. She turned around and looked at him with amused expression. The market was in full swing as it was lunch time.
"Who knew the Sheriff knew had an eye for colours" Kate quipped as she looked back at the long cotton cardigan in her hands and then decided to get anyway she handed it to the stall owner who bundled up the other clothes she decided on.
"Actually I'm colour blind" he told her as he moved to stand beside her.
"Really?" Kate asked surprised.
"Can't see red or green" Jim told her.
"Christmas must be fun for you" Kate quipped as she handed over the terras for the clothing she was buying. She needed a change from the wide legged pants and men's shirts at least for tonight. The stall owner passed over the small bundle of clothing and walking with Jim.
"Ask Elisabeth about the snazzy lilac suit I wore to my T.O.'s fifth wedding" he told her as they walked away from the markets.
"Lilac?" Kate asked trying not to laugh but smiled in amusement none the less. Jim smiled and nodded proudly.
"Yeah I got a really good price for it. Though I thought it was a blue suit. I wish I had taken a photo of Liz's face when I picked her up. It was classic, in hind sight I wish I kept it. It was a really good suit" he told her with a chuckle.
"So is there a reason you're here other than to entertain me with your fashion faux pas stories?" Kate asked in a teasing fashion.
"Yes, you mind if we go to my house. We need to talk where no one will overhear us" Jim told her.
"Ok, but just for the record I still have a few days before I give you my answer about the deputy position" Kate told him in a low voice. She didn't need that rumour starting when she still had time to decide.
"This is about something else" Jim told her.
"You look beautiful" Malcolm told her, he opened the door to see Kate on his doorstep that evening. She had her hair out loose around her shoulders as she wore loose off the shoulder grey top with her navy skinny jeans sans primate as he luckily had fallen asleep so she left him on a small tree she had in her room before she came.
"You don't look so bad yourself" Kate said as she let her eyes rove over Malcolm who wore a navy cotton button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and tan cargo pants.
"Come in" he said stepping to the side to allow her entry.
"I would have brought the wine but I'm not supposed to be drinking and Elisabeth really chewed my ass about the one and half ciders I imbibed yesterday. So I come bearing Juice" Kate said with a smile as she held up a bottle of tart cherry juice. It was Malcolm's favourite.
"We can save the wine for when you have fully recovered. It was just a gesture" he told her as he took the bottle of juice and placed it on the dining table. Kate looked to the dinner table and saw the set up of candles, the smell of garlic bread and Malcolm's signature pasta dish. She smiled as he liked to recreate their first date every month it was a tradition which Kate didn't mind indulging in.
"It was a very good one" Kate told him, she bit her bottom lip unsure of what she should be doing. The last 6 months they'd usually greet one another with passionate kiss if they were in his or her house of course if they were in the labs it would be a quick and polite kiss as they weren't overly fond of huge public display of affection.
"So is there anything I can help with?" Kate asked Malcolm had moved into the kitchen and served up the dinner. She was amazed at how weird it felt being in his house when over two weeks ago it had felt like a second home to her.
"No, just take a seat. I have everything in hand" he assured her with a smile. Kate picked up the juice bottle and poured out two glasses for them before she took a seat at the table.
"So how was your day?" Kate asked making conversation. Malcolm pulled a face as he placed dinner down on the table.
"Shocking. Dr Haynes wishes to have the infant primate back. Speaking of where is he?" Malcolm asked as he looked her over trying figure out where the little primate was hiding.
"I left him at Taylor's, fast asleep on a plant in the lounge room" Kate informed him before taking a bite of her dinner. Malcolm shot her look to which she quickly swallowed her food. "Don't look at me like that! Alicia is babysitting him. If he wakes up and misses me he'll just sniff me out but I doubt it as I left a small dish of live beetle grubs and grapes. He'll probably eat that and pass out full and happy" Kate told him with a smile.
"So how was your day?" Malcolm asked changing the topic.
"Still angry with me?" Taylor asked as he and Alicia were walking through the new extensions to the house that had been connected to the house. All that was left to be completed was some electrical, plumbing work and some paint of their choice on the walls. It was nice to have the house to themselves as Kate was over at Malcolm's.
"No, it's too exhausting to be angry" Alicia told him with a tired smile. It had been a long day but Taylor had started back into doing his duties only stopping by for a couple of visits with Lucas. It made Alicia feel better as she really had no desire to do Taylor's job.
"You don't look happy" Taylor said as she rubbed her forehead with one hand looking around.
"I'm tired. Anyway I'm amazed at how fast these extensions have gone up and the work is exceptional" Alicia commented changing the topic as they looked into the second bathroom that had a bath, vanity and a commode. It was definitely going to come in handy when they became a family of four. Actually Alicia couldn't wait to sink into a hot bath and relax for a few hours.
"Construction crew don't mess around. Tomorrow power and water will be put in and the backyard will be fixed." Taylor said.
"Then you won't have any problems painting the nursery this weekend" Alicia told him with a smile.
"I can do that. You have a colour in mind?" he asked with raised eyebrows as he felt like he was walking into a trap.
"I already have the paint for it in the spare room. Deep Ocean Blue. We just have to pick which room we want to put the nursery in and you can be put to work. Also Kate and I have a nice teal green paint for the bathroom and yellow paint for the hallway" Alicia informed him.
"You and Kate have been busy" he said amused and bothered that Kate was stepping into his shoes and doing what he was supposed to do with Alicia. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate her support because he did but he wanted to help pick out the colours for their house and hold Alicia's hand at the ultrasounds.
"We just had a couple of free hours and it helps we are industrious multi-taskers. Elisabeth said when we want to we can go to the infirmary and she'll do another ultrasound so we can hear their heartbeats. Any time next week" Alicia said with a shrug as she turned around and wrapped her arms around his waist and looking up at him.
"I'll make the time" he told her.
"Can you make dinner as well? Because I'm starving" Alicia said. Taylor chuckled as he nodded before he dipped his head for a quick kiss.
TBC!~ See you all next week if not sooner :-) As always I welcome advice and suggestions!