"It's strange, not needing to ask to be connected to the President to call you," Bill said into the phone.

"You'll have to settle for calling your wife," she said, a teasing lilt to her voice. "And everything is strange. I had to drive for the first time in years! I nearly had a heart attack! And I have so much energy compared to..." she trailed off. Her cancer battle was still a hard subject to talk about. They'd both suffered so much as the cancer slowly took her life. "I went jogging along the river by my house just to burn some of it off," she continued. At the mention of her house, she became thoughtful.

"I noticed the energy," he teased.

"Where do you live Bill?" Laura suddenly asked.

"I detect another 'logistics of marriage' conversation we skipped. I don't have a place. Haven't had time to find one since the divorce," he said, leaning against a cold metal wall. The room had several phones for those trapped in space to make calls home.

"I told you Galactica was the first place I'd ever felt truly at home," Laura said and paused at the unexpected heartache. So much of their time together was bittersweet. "You know, I have a house, and, maybe, I can give you a home on Caprica," she offered.

"I'd like that," he said, enjoying the idea of making a home with her. Suddenly they both heard shouting from outside their own phone call. Bill sighed. "Saul is…talking…to Ellen," he explained.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same." It was true; despite how different things seemed for Laura and Bill, at the same time events were still the same. Movies. Books. Elections. They were reliving memories; arguments, combat patrols, and even weather. They were both struggling. Bill had to take orders again, Laura had to sit through familiar political issues and found they were even more tiring on the second round. It was like walking on a high wire and hoping no misstep sent them falling to the ground.

….

Caprica City's buildings gleamed as the day light reflected off them. Fall leaves bathed Caprica City's capitol plaza in gold, bronze, and ruby tones.

Major Adama waited in his wife's office while she finished attending a required governing session. To her dismay, she hadn't been able to pick Bill up from the spaceport. When he thought of her office, he still pictured Colonial One. This was much different. Windows let sunlight pour into the room, and the view of the plaza was spectacular, colorful. Here her warm personality was reflected in the decor, and Bill walked around fascinated by what she'd filled her space with. There were books on education, artwork, and classical statues. Her office told visitors that someone with class, sophistication, and education worked within its four walls.

Her voice joking with her aide broke through the silence, and his heart raced. Excitement pulsed through him at the knowledge that he'd see her soon, but he stood unnaturally still. This controlled excitement had been perfected over their years together on Galactica.

Then the office door opened, and Laura slipped into the room, closing the door behind her. She turned, and a breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. The joy which fed her smile seemed to race up from her toes, shattering the nervous tightness in her body along the way.

Frak controlled excitement; in the blink of an eye, Bill crossed the distance between them and had her pressed against the door. He'd missed her. His arms wrapped around Laura's, his wife's, body. His mouth descended on hers, kissing her tenderly at first but with an increasing intensity until it seemed like their souls were meeting together on their lips. She clung to him. Her hands knotting into fists in the fabric of his uniform, pulling him hard against her. She'd missed him too. The warmth radiating from his body rushed through her, making every fiber of her being feel fiercely alive. When they pulled back to breathe, a sigh escaped her now swollen lips.

"Hi," he rasped, bending to trail kisses down her neck. He needed to reconnect with her, to feel the warmth of her skin and the life in her body. While he was away, too many nightmares plagued him; of shaking hands, IV tubes, and death. But she was still here. He nipped her neck, and she let out a small hum.

"Missed you," she murmured. Her voice hitched, and her eyes warmed with tears at the intensity of their reunion. She yanked him back into her arms.

"Me too," he said, nuzzling her hair and smelling the faint scent of Caprican roses. "Let's go home," he suggested, taking her hand. She nodded and smiled at the lingering contact.

A few people raised their eyebrows at the normally quiet and demure Laura Roslin they believed they'd known; she was now smiling and giggling while making her way through the building with a Colonial Warrior. The rumor mill had gone into overdrive after she'd married, gossip spreading through the offices like wildfire. Hushed voices speculated among themselves that the marriage was a knee jerk reaction to the loss of her family. Others whispered that this new husband was helping to cover up her rumored affair with the Mayor.

The whispers didn't matter to them. Bill and Laura were reveling in being physically side by side again. It felt like they could take on the world. Then Laura noticed a group of people rounding the next corner.

The Mayor and his aides slowed in the hallway as they approached Laura and Bill, both of whom had become aware of their approach. Several people examined the soldier at their Director of Education's side with thinly veiled interest. The Mayor himself looked as though nothing could bother him, and he approached the couple with ease. Politicians, the world's supreme actors. Internally, he seethed at the sight of the man Laura had chosen over him. What could she possibly see in the scarred Tauron at her side? He wondered.

"Laura," Richard greeted in a light tone and a friendly smile.

"Mr. Mayor," she nodded. She watched Richard's eyes move down her body, to her hand clasped in Bill's. His gaze finally traced their way up to Bill's face. He quirked a judging eyebrow at them, but the smile stayed on his face. She stood a little closer to her husband, who gave her hand a squeeze. Laura took a deep breath and began making introductions.

"Bill, this is my boss, Mayor Richard Adar. Richard, this..." Laura looked over into Bill's eyes and for a moment they only saw each other. Laura smiled as a warm feeling rushed through her. "This is my husband, Major William Adama," she said, her heart beating wildly. It was the first time she'd introduced him as her husband to anyone, and it sounded good. The two men eyed each other warily but politely shook each other's hands. The tension between them was obvious, and for a moment the onlookers were reminded of wolves circling each other before a fight.

"Nice to meet you," Richard stepped back and smirked at Bill. "Your wife here is a…passionate woman. She had the entire governing body utterly captivated earlier."

"Richard…"

"Don't be modest! No one could stop listening or take their eyes off you!" Richard exclaimed, turning his attention back to Laura.

"She's pretty amazing," Bill said, and met Richards gaze when the other man's attention flipped back to him.

"I'm glad I claimed her…for my government," Richard said without flinching under Bill's narrowing stare. He turned to Laura and winked. "We're lucky to have her." Laura felt her skin heat and blush while Bill thought of the various ways he could put the man in a hospital before the security guard would even reach them. It helped him keep calm despite Richard's less than subtle attempt at provocation.

"Umm, thank you," Laura replied, noticing how Bill was trying not to glower. She leaned into his side before saying, "I know what it's like to feel lucky to have someone."

"It's good to meet you. Laura hasn't spoken much about you to be honest," Richard replied, oblivious to Laura's subtle body language.

"She hasn't spoken much about you at home either," Bill responded, his face taking on his usual stony passivity. He stood tall with his shoulders back and chin high.

"Have you been home much?" Richard retorted, and Laura shot a look at Richard for his insensitive comment.

"Not as much as I'd like," Bill admitted, his jaw tensing.

"Shame…"

"Richard, we shouldn't keep you. I'm sure you're busy," Laura cut in before the Mayor could add anything else.

"I can always make time for the Director of Education, but I understand you're busy." He took a step toward Laura and touched her arm. "Remember our meeting later this week," he said before moving off. Laura nodded and pulled Bill along in the opposite direction. She felt how tense he was as they left the building. Laura lead them to her car, but they walked in silence. Bill reached out his hand for the keys, and Laura decided that was one battle she didn't want to have. She dropped the keys in his palm and they climbed into car with Bill in the driver's seat.

"Bill?" Laura asked in a soft voice, noticing the tension in his jaw – what she knew to be the tell-tale sign that he was irritated.

"What is Richard Adar to you?" he pushed, shoving the keys into the ignitions. He heard her sharp intake of breath. "Laura?"

"None of your business," she said, trying not to blush. Looking out the window, she tried to quell the rising unease she felt at this conversation.

"Maybe I misunderstood what kind of marriage we wanted. I thought my wife might like to explain what that dance Adar was doing around me was about," Bill growled, pulling out of the parking lot. Another man making him feel, he wasn't really sure how he was feeling but he didn't like it, wasn't how Bill wanted to come home.

"Turn left. Do you really need me to say it?" Laura's cheeks blushed, betraying her embarrassment. Bill refused to answer her, keeping his eyes on the road. He gripped the wheel so tightly in his hands the knuckles were turning white. "Left again here. You heard the rumors, right?"

"Which ones. Election fraud, kidnapping, religious fanaticism…" he retorted, knowing that later he would regret bringing these particularly difficult moments up. He left the other whispers out, still not wanting to believe them. "You collected your fair share of rumors, Madame President."

"Like being a whore who frakked powerful men. First President Adar and then, you, the Admiral of the Fleet," she snapped, the harsh words hanging in the air between them. She had no doubt he'd heard the rumors, and in his idealism, had chosen not to believe them. It, no doubt, left him reeling, but she wasn't perfect and wouldn't pretend otherwise.

"Why Laura? He was married!" Bill asked in a harsh voice. Whatever mistakes she'd made as president, her motivations always seemed pure. He felt sick at the thought of her being the other woman; she was better than that. She pointed to the next road he needed to turn on, and he watched her open and close her mouth several times.

"He was a hard man to say no to. Well, he really didn't take no for an answer, and I wasn't in a position to make good choices. I'd just lost my family. They've been dead less than a year in this timeline, I didn't remember in time to save them. Losing my family, I felt dead. He made me feel…not dead. It continued up until the attacks; it was safe and convenient," she explained in a low voice, a tear slipping down her cheek.

They traveled in silence for a while as Bill thought about what she'd said. He knew how intoxicating it could be to use whatever was available to numb the feeling of loss and pain. Besides, Laura was loyal and kind; she'd never cheat on him like Carolanne had. He followed her directions for a few more turns, thinking of his ex-wife.

"It's over?" he asked, cringing as the atmosphere of the car seemed to turn to ice. Bill clenched his jaw again; he knew whatever there was between them was over, but, dammit, he wanted to hear her say it.

"What the?" Laura snapped, glaring at him and pulling away. "Bill, it never began in this timeline, and it never will! He just…doesn't take no for an answer very well," Laura hissed. Richard hadn't taken rejection well; he was clearly confused. He and Laura had been flirting shamelessly before she'd left for Picon, and she had came back distant and married. Married. She sighed. "If you're asking me if I have feelings for him... I've only ever loved one man," she said, giving him a pointed look.

"Well, his intentions toward you are plain," Bill replied, stunned for a moment.

"I don't care what his intentions are. You'd better not be like this the whole time we're married," Laura warned.

"I just don't know why you didn't tell me," he asked, and hid voice was sad. It tore at Laura to hear her fierce and strong Admiral sounding...down. This wasn't supposed to be how their reunion happened. She took a resolved breath. Her pride wasn't worth hurting him, so the words came tumbling out of her. It was hard, she wasn't proud of the affair and told him as much. But she revealed how overwhelmed and afraid she felt at suddenly being a wife for the first time; being open with someone was still new to her.

Bill listened, noticing the almost innocent way she spoke about trying to be a good wife, and part of his anger melted away to be replaced with pride. She'd chosen him. He was surprised when she told him that her affair with Richard Adar was the only other major relationship of her life, but it made sense. Neither of them were used to being open in relationships; they were too busy trying not to get hurt. By the end of their conversation, he had reached over and was holding her hand in her lap while the other stayed on the wheel. Laura's face was wet with tears, and she hoped crying wasn't a new trend she was starting. It did feel good to release the emotion.

"I'm sorry. For overreacting. I trust you. Completely," Bill assured. "I don't like him. I don't trust him. I'll leave it at that. Wouldn't want to be an overprotective husband to a wife who I know is strong willed and independent," he said, injecting some levity into the conversation. "We'll find our balance," he promised, kissing her wrist. Laura smiled, and then pointed to a house; they'd arrived.

….

Laura slept in their bed; she liked dozing after they made love, and he'd exhausted her with their make-up sex. Bill gazed over at her; it was nice to know that she was napping because she wanted to and not because the cancer was exhausting her. Sadness twisted Bill's heart as he realized they'd never slept together before she'd become ill. Russet tresses now covered the pillows and tickled his nose. Smiling, he slipped from the bed, careful not to wake her.

She had showed him her, now their, house after they'd first arrived and promised him they could make the changes needed until it was a home for both of them. He walked around making observations. The Roslin girls had loved art, and their pieces were scattered around the house. He approached a photo and picked it up; three sisters were laughing into the camera. They had never spoken too much about their lives before the attacks, but he knew the loss of her family was a source of deep pain for his wife. The picture showed a Laura he'd never seen - completely carefree. He wished he could have known this Laura who was surrounded by her sisters. Her warm, spirited, and teasing side was resurfacing now that they had a chance to be normal people, and she was seeing a less worn, rigid, and guarded Bill Adama. But there would always be ghosts of the past haunting them.

Replacing the picture, he moved on. Most of his belongings sat in a storage unit he'd gotten after the divorce, and they'd planned to retrieve his things later that day after Laura awoke. Warmth spread through his body at the thought of them combining their things and making a home together. It wasn't their cabin, but it would still be good.

He hoped that a normal life would suit them. Would Laura and Bill be happy away from Galactica and away from the personas of Admiral Adama and President Roslin? Would they be suited to be together as just man and wife? Even if they'd already been together, they'd jumped into marriage under a completely new set of circumstances. And yet he knew with absolute certainty that they'd made the right choice.

His and Laura's lives would always be dominated by the balancing act they were now forced to live with; preparing for the future and living their own lives. His younger body might not remember the future, but his heart and soul still did. He was still exhausted and worn from all the ordeals they'd suffered, but he was driven to do what he could to protect the Colonies - that was the oath he'd taken. But he was also determined to be a better man for his family and enjoy the new time he'd been granted. He might not show even Laura just how desperate he felt, but this was an opportunity he'd dreamed of and it would kill him to waste it. He wouldn't lose Zak again. Lee wouldn't spend a chunk of his life hating him again. He'd build a home with Laura. Building that home was his mission for the next few days until he had to go back to space. In fact, tomorrow he'd be going into battle against his ex so he could get his sons.

…

That very next day, he stood in front of Carolanne's home, his ex-wife of just over a month. There was a weight on his chest and a bad taste in his mouth. He had phoned after marrying Laura to tell Carolanne that they needed to talk. He also informed her that he'd be taking the boys when he was home during his next leave. That was his right according to the custody agreement; he got the boys while he was on planet.

He groaned knowing this was going to be a miserable experience. Carolanne's icy tones on the phone left little doubt at how unwelcome a sight he would be. She had grumbled at him, snapping that she already had plans with the boys. Bill hadn't backed down this time. He couldn't be intimidated. All he had to do was summon the image of Lee revealing Carolanne's abusive parenting, and he was ready to take on the whole Cylon empire.

He squared his shoulders before marching up to the front door and knocking. After a moment it swung open, and he was face to face with his ex. Her lips were pursed, and her eyes narrowed at him. Bill simply clasped his hands in front of him and kept calm. He had years of military discipline now to fall back on.

"What's going on Bill?" She snapped.

"I told you we need to talk," he began in a level tone. She did deserve to know that the boys would be meeting their new stepmother. He would extend that respect, although from her perspective he had very quickly remarried. She opened the door enough for him to enter, but folded her arms and squared off with him right after he crossed the threshold.

"If you are here to spin a tale of how much you love me and can't live without me, save your breath. It's too little too late," she barked and pressed on when Bill was too shocked to reply. "If you'd realized you couldn't live without me sooner…

"I remarried," he cut her off. He'd meant to use more tact, but the direct approach could work too. A crack of laughter sliced through the air followed by another. Then she realized how serous he was.

"Excuse me?" she asked in a low voice.

"I married someone else Carolanne."

"Is this some sick joke?"

"No. I just thought you should know. The boys are meeting her today."

He saw the anger twisting on her face. She slowly walked up to him.

"So…the high and mighty Bill Adama jumped into bed with the first woman he could after getting divorced. Didn't know you were desperate," She mocked, and Bill tensed. She was insulted and lashed out with as many cutting remarks as she could think of. He knew she was trying to push him to erupt back at her. It was routine. "Your heart is still mine," his ex hissed. Bill let his thumb move along the wedding band on his finger and thought of Laura.

"No," a firm one-word answer was all he needed. Before she could continue, Bill shook his head and moved toward Zak and Lee's bedroom. He entered their room, and his heart almost burst from the joy at seeing the two boys quietly reading and trying to ignore their parent's conversation.

"Ready to go boys?" He asked. Their excitement was clearly visible. His heart felt full when he saw the love and happiness his boys still had at his presence.

"Grab your bags and go wait by the door," he ordered kindly, and they quickly obeyed. As Bill followed them down the hallway to the front door, he spotted Carolanne waiting. He felt his face harden at her, when he thought of what Lee had told him. The abuse. These boys were their children and deserved better. He'd had his own part to play in their failure at parenthood, but she was in a league all on her own. He saw her narrowing her eyes at him, and the boys strafed out of the line of fire.

"Go out to the car," he told them, and they quickly escaped the house.

"We're not finished Bill," Carolanne snarled at him. "I don't want my sons getting attached to a woman who'll be gone by the end of the year."

"Excuse me?" Bill's stomach churned at the implication that Laura would leave him. His lingering insecurities over his ability to be a husband were dragged out from where he'd banished them.

"What do you think you can give this new wife of yours? You're never around. You don't know how to enjoy life. You never knew how to love. You'll frak up like you always do, and she'll be gone..." He breathed heavily, listening to her words and wondering how much truth was in her words. Bill was glad he'd had the boys leave. He was having trouble staying calm.

"I'm sorry for my part in why it didn't work out between us. But it's over. I'm going to do my best by both the boys and by Laura," he growled calmly. "Don't worry about us."

"I don't want someone who's practically a stranger around our kids!" She glared at him. "Unless you were seeing her while still married to me?" A series of emotions surged through him. How dare she. He thought. He'd never been the one with fidelity issues.

"If you are worried about Laura and the boys, you are welcome to meet her sometime," Bill snapped, but knew she didn't care enough to take him up on the offer. "I'll have the boys back on Friday at 4:00." Without waiting for a reply, he left.

As they drove a dark part of him thought of Carolanne's cutting remarks. His ex was angry and vindictive, but was there truth under the vitriol? At the end of the world he'd had something to offer Laura. He'd had the protection of his Battlestar. He'd had his position as co-leader of their fleet. He could even give her some books. Right now, he was a simple viper jock whose job meant he was away a lot. He enjoyed simple things like reading, boxing, and drinking with Saul Tigh. His wife, she practically radiated class and sophistication and was a rising politician.

"How does ice cream sound boys?" He asked pushing his dark thoughts to the side. They cheered at the idea, and he was feeling particularly indulgent. A bit of sugar always helped put the boys in a good mood, and he wanted them in an agreeable disposition for the talk they needed to have.

...

The Adama boys sat down in a booth at the ice cream shop. It was another surreal moment for Bill; his boys were so young. The last time he'd seen them, they'd been men. Now they were happily devouring waffle cones dipped in chocolate with sprinkles. Lee was no longer the man who'd help Laura lead humanity, now he was a kid with chocolate ice cream on his nose.

Bill's couldn't stop looking over Zak. His youngest boy was only ten years old and grinning at his family. He badgered his father with questions about where he'd been, and what he'd been doing. Bill responded by asking about how they'd been doing in school, and they talked about the latest pyramid games. Lee was going through his phase where he was obsessed with the C-Bucks like some of the other teenagers his age.

"I have something important to tell you boys," Bill began when the conversation lulled. In an ideal world, he'd have introduced this idea slowly and made sure they were comfortable. They looked at him curiously. "Can you promise to try and listen to me?"

"Is this about your new wife?" Lee asked, and Zak looked at him wide eyed.

"Yes actually."

"I heard you and mom," Lee shrugged looking down at his ice cream.

"I know it's a surprise, and it's OK if it takes time to get used to the idea," he said cautiously thinking of the childhood development tips Laura had given him. "I love her very much, and I think you boys will like her too."

"So, like you and mom were married?" Zak asked.

"Yes," Bill remembered that the boys hadn't minded the divorce as much as he thought they would.

"Will she yell at us?" Zak asked. Bill frowned.

"No."

"Is she pretty?" Zak fired off another question, and Bill chuckled. The priorities of a ten-year old's mind were interesting.

"Very."

"Is she trying to be our new mom? Or stepmom?" Lee challenged; his refused to look at his father. Bill heard the slight edge to his son's voice.

"I think she'd like trying to be friends first," he assured. Lee nodded slowly. Bill could see the wheels turning in his son's mind. He looked at both of his boys who were unusually quiet. They probably had no idea what to say. "Would you like to meet her?"

"Sure," Lee said hesitantly.

"When?" Zak asked.

"Today if you'd like. She thought it would be fun to go to the arcade," he had no idea what he'd do if the boys said they didn't want to meet her. But he knew there was only a very small chance they'd pass up the opportunity to go to play games. Zak immediately looked eager, and Lee wasn't opposed either. They nodded.

"I'm going to call her then," Bill said pulling out his phone. Mobile phones weren't allowed on Battlestars, or in critical areas of military compounds. He only carried one when planet-side. He quickly called up Laura's number and dialed it.

"Hi, how's it going?"

"Good, I hope. The boys and I were are hoping you'll join us."

"You at the ice cream shop still?" she asked. He hummed an affirmative. "Be there soon," she promised. While holding the phone to his ear, Bill noticed Lee had turned his body slightly so that his ear was turned closer to the phone. He was such an eavesdropper. He caught Lee's eye, and the boy knew he was caught. Lee shuffled back and bit, and Bill rolled his eyes. He hung up the call.

"Will she like us?" Lee finally asked nervously. Adama regarded his oldest son who still refused to meet his father's eyes.

"Leeland, look at me." The boy slowly met his eyes. "She'll love you. She'll love you both. I've told her all about you both, and she couldn't wait to meet you," he assured and spoke as soothingly as possible but noticed how they fidgeted. "It's OK to be nervous about meeting her. She's a little nervous about meeting you. But we're all going to go have fun tonight, but if you feel uncomfortable at all or aren't having fun just tell me," he reassured them. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of red hair come into the shop, and he waved her over.

Laura took in the sight of the two boys with her husband and smiled. She'd never seen Bill Adama in a mood she'd describe as giddy, but the thought of seeing his boys had him ecstatic all day.

Bill watched her bit her lip and raised an eyebrow. He'd watched her throw Cylons out airlocks with ease. She'd faced down Tom Zarek without flinching. She'd endured cancer treatments without killing Cottle. But, he had never seen her in a mood he'd describe as nervous.

"Hello," she greeted the boys warmly as she joined them at the table. "I'm Laura." She looked between the two boys. "You must be Lee," she said looking toward the older boy. Bill had to repress a sarcastic snort. Of course, she knew which one Lee was. "And you must be Zak," she smiled at the younger boy. Both boys grinned back and said hello.

...

Later that night Laura listened as Bill came into their bedroom and felt him slip beneath the covers. She immediately rolled over and moved into his waiting arms. They were so natural together. He tilted her chin up and kissed her.

"You were amazing today Laura, thank you," he in a voice thick with emotion. He was truly grateful for the clear effort she'd put forward with his sons and for how willing she was to have Zak and Lee around.

She smiled and thought of the evening they'd had. Bill's sons had tons of energy. They'd happily run about the arcade, with Bill and Laura trailing behind them arm in arm. Lee had insisted that his father play several shooter games with him, while Zak had tentatively asked Laura to race him. She'd laughed and agreed to play whatever game the boys wanted. What she'd missed was the wicked gleam in her husband's eye, and how he'd bent down to whisper into Zak's ear.

The next thing Laura knew she was being dragged over to some arcade vipers. She glanced at Bill who looked incredibly entertained. She narrowed her eyes at him, before turning and suggesting that Lee show his father who the real viper pilot in the family was. Lee proceeded to drag his dad along too.

"Think you can fly these Husker?" she asked him while eyeing the game. Surreal. This whole night was just one continuous surreal moment.

"Try to keep up Airlock," he taunted. She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Airlock?"

"Madame Airlock actually according to my pilots," he assured. She rolled her eyes before moving over to the arcade vipers. Are we really doing this? She thought, but then Zak and Lee ordered them to join in the fun and soon the boys were happily shooting down Cylons. After a few rounds, Laura asked the boys to take a turn by themselves and stood to watch them a few steps away. She hadn't stopped smiling, but her eyes had dulled. Bill frowned and came to stand next to her.

"Memories," she muttered to him. Laura was grateful for the freedom to stand closer and rest her head on his shoulder while his arm wrapped around her waist. The Cylons in the game were from the first war, and they looked different enough from the Cylons of the second war, but they looked similar enough. The same chrome metal had glinted in the sun as Centurions came over the hill prepared to execute her by firing squad. She pushed the sudden panic down, but Bill noticed the faraway look in his wife's eyes and how her jaw tensed. He understood. The game hit too close to home.

Soon enough the boys tired out, and they were brought to Laura's house. Their house. Bill had already unpacked many of his things, and Lee and Zak noticed familiar items of their father around the space. A familiar blanket was tossed across the back of the couch. One of his model ships rested on the mantle of the fireplace. A favorite painting hung on the wall. There were even some pictures of the boys already around the house.

They'd shown the boys to what would be their rooms in this home. Laura kissed each boy on the forehead goodnight, and left Bill to spend a few extra minutes with them.

Bill's voice brought her back from reflecting on the day.

"I'm so happy at this second chance with them," he said as he laid in their bed, resting his head against Laura's.

"Can I ask you something Bill?" she asked. He hummed an affirmative. "I know we really didn't talk about Lee and Zak before we married. And…well…." She took a deep breath, pulling her thoughts together so she could articulate what she wanted to say. "What guess I mean to ask is this; I know Zak and Lee have their mother, and I'm not asking to replace her. But I'd like to genuinely try and be at least a real stepmother to them. If you're OK with that," she offered. Bill felt his heart skip a beat, and he wondered what he did to deserve the woman in his arms. Briefly, Carolanne's words flashed in his mind, but now was not the time to think about that.

"Of course. The boys are lucky to have you," he caressed her arm gently, "and so am I. We've come a long way from the end of the world in such a short time, haven't we?"

"So, you're still happy you married me?" she asked, lowering her eyes and fidgeting nervously. She couldn't stop thinking about the near fight they'd gotten into in the car.

"Never."

"And you're not going to get bored with our life now?"

"You're concerned I might, aren't you?" Bill asked not fooled by the forced lightness of her tone. He felt her body tense.

"Yes," she answered, trusting him with the truth. There was no unending barrage of chaos and crises to keep them distracted, or the end of the world forcing him together. She wondered what it would mean for them.

"You know I've had the same concern once or twice about you," he admitted. "But, to be honest, I need a break from excitement." Laura hummed her agreement at that sentiment. "We both need to communicate better," he pointed out and felt Laura nod her head. There were a lot of conversations they needed to have, moments of their journey they'd never had the time to deal with which still carried emotional wounds; New Caprica, Hera, Earth, and even her role in the prophesy. But they'd survived their first married fight, ex-partners, and arcade vipers.

They both thought of the future their lives now held. He hoped this time he could be the father his boys needed, and the husband she deserved. Meanwhile she hoped that she had the ability to be the mother she never thought she could be, and the wife she never thought she would be.

The moment would have been perfect, but in the back of both of their minds it was there; the nagging knowledge that they knew this wouldn't last. Maybe the Cylons come back, maybe they don't. But, for now we have a break.

…

Author's note: please review! It's helping to keep me motivated!