Ten minutes later, John was seated at an assistant's desk in an empty office area, helping Ashley with the math problem she'd been having difficulty with, when the office door opened and Kate looked out. "John, Elizabeth would like a word with you."
Standing, John smiled at Ashley, "I'll be back shortly to see if you've found the answer." As she nodded, he moved across the room, entering the office as Kate and Lucas exited. Pulling the door shut behind him, he crossed to the desk and slid into the chair there, picking up the phone. "Hello there."
"Lucas made a friend?" Elizabeth stated. "Sam mentioned Ashley yesterday and Jack did this morning."
"You would approve." John smiled slowly. "You should have heard them at lunch. They didn't stop talking. I have a feeling our son is going to be quite the ladies man when he gets older."
"Just like his father." Elizabeth teased, then paused as something John couldn't quite make out was said in the background. "Sam said to ask you if you'd like Ashley to spend the weekend out here with us, with Lucas."
"That's generous of her," John hesitated as he heard a muffled sound over the phone.
"It'll be fine John, she's stayed here before." Sam's voice came over the phone. "Her dad just went off world for a few days and her mom's been talking about wanting to go to a conference in Denver this weekend. She can use the other bed in Lucas' room. And you and Elizabeth could go on to DC this weekend without worrying that Lucas would be lonely with just us old timers around. I'll check with her mom to get permission. Just tell her that after she's done with her classes today, to pack her overnight case and she can return with you."
"Alright." John sighed and ran a hand over his head. "I'll ask her before she has to go to class."
"Good. I'll let Andrea know she's coming."
"You do that, but first give the phone back to my wife so I can tell her goodbye."
"Sir, yes, sir." Sam grinned as she handed the phone back to Elizabeth.
"Smart ass." John mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?" Elizabeth came back on the phone sounding amused.
"Nothing." John sat up a little.
"That's what I thought." Elizabeth teased. "I'll talk to you later, I'm sure the generals are eager to get started again."
"Talk to you later." As John hung up the phone he sighed and remained where he was for a long moment before standing and returning to the outer office.
"I should get going." Ashley stood. "Thanks for the help Colonel. I think I get it now."
"Good. Oh and before you go, Sam wanted me to ask if you wanted to stay with us tonight and remain for the weekend." John smiled at her as her eyes lit up and Lucas let out a delighted laugh.
"Really?" Ashley looked at Lucas, then back at John. "I'd like it very much!"
"Very well." John chuckled at their excitement. "You'll have the other bed in the room Lucas is staying in, we'll be here until about sixteen hundred, which I believe should give you plenty of time to pack some things and meet us back here."
"Right, here sixteen hundred, got it." Ashley nodded then left.
That evening, the adults were all talking in the living room when Lucas and Ashley came running in to join them.Sam glanced toward them, a wry smile on her face. "I was wondering if you two were ever going to let those puppies get some sleep. You've been outside since dinner."
"We were playing with them, then Ashley was showing me the path to the lake." Lucas announced, moving to his mother's side. "We didn't go near the water though."
"Very good." Elizabeth lifted a hand and tried to smooth down Lucas' hair - an impossible task, but comforting to do none the less. As Ashley dropped to the floor next to Jack's chair, Lucas climbed up on the couch between Elizabeth and John.
"I'll get drinks for everyone," Andrea announced, then shook her head as Kate moved to stand up. "I'm fine, be right back."
Rodney sighed as Kate settled back against him. "I may never leave. Real food, good conversation, a fireplace…"
"Lots of fresh air, open space, privacy, clean living. No science labs. No fascinating new technology..." Kate grinned, "My mother would love it here..."
"You know on second thought this is a nice place to visit, but..."
"Not somewhere you could live full time." John smirked.
"And here we go," Andrea returned, carrying a tray. Conversation paused for a moment as everyone took their drinks.
"Are you sure you'll be alright this weekend?" Elizabeth spoke up, directing her question to the other adults in the room.
"We'll be fine. There will be plenty for us to do." Andrea settled back down in her chair with her cup. "The lake should be warm enough for swimming, and there's always the puppies, and picnics…"
"And hiking and exploring." Sam smiled. "We'll be fine."
"Yeah listen to the ladies mom." Lucas smiled up at his mother sleepily. "And I can call you whenever I want. None of the Generals will have any questions for me this weekend, so I can play."
"I know." Elizabeth managed a slight smile.
"I think it's time for some one to go to bed." John stated an hour later, smiling down at Lucas who had fallen asleep curled up next to Elizabeth, his empty mug dangling from his hand. "His cup…" he warned, then smiled as Elizabeth rescued it.
"I'll go up with you." Ashley stood, "Night everyone."
"We'll see you in the morning." Elizabeth smiled and set her cup, John's, and Lucas' back on the tray before following Ashley and John up the stairs. As Ashley pulled the door open, John moved past and set a sleepily protesting Lucas down on the bed.
"Not tired." Lucas mumbled as John tucked him into bed.
"Sure you're not." John chuckled as Lucas let out a big yawn.
"Remember," Elizabeth glanced at Ashley. "He may have a nightmare, just call us if you need help with anything."
"We'll be fine." Ashley crawled into her own bed. "Right Lucas?"
"Be fine." Lucas mumbled into his pillow as he rolled over.
"Night then." Elizabeth bent over and kissed Lucas' forehead.
"Night." John echoed as he caught Elizabeth's hand and kissed Lucas as well. "Ashley, be sure to let us know if you need anything."
"I will, good night." Ashley watched them leave the room.
"I like Ashley." Elizabeth said as they closed the bedroom door. "And it's nice for Lucas to have someone his age around."
"They do seem to have bonded." John agreed, pulling Elizabeth around and into his arms. "Feel better?"
"Mmm." Elizabeth smiled at John, running her hands up his chest and around his neck. "Feel you."
"I made the reservations this afternoon." John lifted an eyebrow. "I hope you'll agree with what I've planned."
"I'm sure I will." Elizabeth let a finger run along the top of his collar. "Should I bring a turtle neck?" She remembered what had happened the last time they were alone and John's mouth had gotten near her neck.
"Never hurts to be prepared, I hear it can be a little chilly in DC this time of year." John smirked leaning forward to kiss Elizabeth gently.
"Two days to ourselves." Elizabeth sighed softly and rested her head against John's chest.
"Remember on the deck the other day?" John nuzzled Elizabeth's hair. "Everything I promised to do to you?" When she shuddered in his arms and let out a low moan, he chuckled. "I see you do. The offer still stands."
"It better." Elizabeth lifted her head. "We leave in the morning?"
"Mmm...bed?" John groaned and kissed Elizabeth.
"Bed." Elizabeth agreed, stepping back with a smile.