Rachel looked up at the clock. How time flies. And it had flown. The last couple of months had been a whirlwind; teaching was harder than she had remembered from her time as a TA in college, though it was also rewarding. Most of the eastern seaboard was clear of the virus; low population densities in the Midwest made it harder for the contagious cure to spread in that direction, but they were working on it. A big part of their western efforts required the military going to population centers on the west coast and working the cure inland. Unfortunately for Rachel, this had required the deployment of the USS Nathan James.

She had quickly come to miss the presence of Danny, Wolf, Burke, Bivas and Miller on her protection detail, but at least they had been sent off in style. She smiled in memory. That going away party had also been their wedding. It hadn't been the original plan, but how else were all their friends going to be able to attend? She also knew that it had lessened the sting for Tom, who had to send his ship off while he stayed behind. Every so often, she'd catch him looking at the naval paintings in his office and sighing that he was stuck on dry land. But it never lasted long, because he had found there were certain perks to staying home, herself primary among them. She blushed darkly, glad nobody else was present. She wasn't sure how much of his enthusiasm was for the prospect of a baby and how much was simply enjoyment of the process, but Tom had taken every opportunity he could find to get her alone. At least twice they had come dangerously close to being caught by the children, and it was with noticeable relief that Jed had moved to Rachel's old apartment.

A knock on the door broke her train of thought.

"Special delivery."

Rachel smiled. It was Mark. Since his new job was gopher at the courthouse, and his dorm was on the same campus as her lab, it was common for Tom to send her a message via courier. Sure, he could have just called her, but she had to admit there was a drawer in her desk that held nothing but his notes.

"Hey Mark, come on in."

He came in carrying a small bag, causing her to sigh slightly. It was from a bakery she'd grown quite fond of, but that usually meant that he'd be working late that night.

"Another long night?" she asked unnecessarily, reaching for the package.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'm going back after dinner myself." He said as she read the note.

Sorry, Rachel. Talking with the Chinese and they aren't too keen on splitting the time difference.

"Well, tell him thanks for me. Wait, are these cranberries?"

"Yes, he said they were your favorite."

"They are. I didn't realize they were in season yet."

"Well, enjoy." Mark said.

"Thank you, Mark. Don't let them work you too hard, okay?"

"I'll tell them you said so." He said, smiling as he left.