Disclaimer: Primeval does not belong to me, this is fan fiction, not for profit.

Any references to people, places, businesses etc is entirely fictitious.

-x-x-x-x-x-x

It was a good thing Becker had been carrying the platter of food, thought Jess as she watched Abby wrapping an ace bandage around Connor's ankle. How did he manage to trip going up the stairs?

Becker came up behind her as she stood in the doorway. He placed his hands at her waist and pulled her back, hugging her close. She leaned back against him with a happy little sigh.

"Connor, mate," asked Becker "how's the ankle?"

"I'm fine…"

"No Connor," interrupted Abby, "you're not fine, you've sprained your ankle again and you won't be able to walk on it for at least a week."

Becker glanced down at Jess. She could tell from his expression, that secretly he was relieved. She knew that he'd been worried, that with them both away Connor might get into trouble out in the field. A sprained ankle might be the best thing all around, at least it would keep him in the lab, for awhile… maybe.

Abby stood up. "That's done now," she said "maybe we should have dinner before it gets cold?"

Becker stepped forward, "Connor," he said "let me help you to the table."

-x-x-x-x-x-x

Dinner was surprisingly good.

Fresh salad had complimented the grilled fish and vegetables, and while perhaps a bit on the more done side than originally intended, the meal was tasty. A Winehouse CD played softly in the background, conversation was light. It soon turned to the topic of Jess and Becker's impending trip.

"Do you need one of us to take you to the train tomorrow," asked Connor.

"No, your sister already offered," replied Jess.

He frowned a little, "Where's she at anyway? I thought she was gonna be here for dinner too."

Jess started to answer, but the track on the CD changed. As a familiar melody started, Jess watched as Connor and Abby shared a glance… shared a smile. Connor reached his hand across the table and gave Abby's hand a gentle squeeze. Happiness radiated off the pair.

Becker mumbled something, Jess turned to look at him. "What did you say?"

"I said," he replied "my mother used to play that song a lot when I was growing up… but not that version of course."

He continued, "I like this version better. I got to see the artist perform once in Glastonbury you know."

"Really mate," responded Connor "I saw her once too… years ago. Such a shame, she was just wonderful…"

Looking at Becker, Jess thought with surprise… who knew? She watched as he shoved a big bite of food into his mouth and started chewing. He realized that she was continuing to look at him, and attempted a smile, but had too much food in his mouth… he started choking. Next thing, Jess was on her feet, standing beside him, pounding him on his back and urging him to take a sip of water.

Connor and Abby were gazing at the two of them in astonishment.

Finally, Becker was able to get a word out, "Jess."

She stopped pounding his back, and looked at him. He continued in a teasing voice, "I'm alright now, or at least I will be if you quit beating me."

Hmmmph! Jess looked at Abby, "I'll help you clear," she said shortly. Grabbing Becker's plate and her own, she marched into the kitchen without another word.

Becker watched the departure, "I wasn't finished…"

Abby and Connor shared a look of amusement, then Abby rose and gathered the remaining dishes, and went to join Jess leaving the two men on their own.

-x-x-x-x-x-x

Connor looked at his friend. "Becker," he asked "are you all right?"

His friend shook his head from side to side.

"What's wrong," Conner asked.

"I told you," Becker responded dejectedly, "She wants me to meet her family, all of them… including her Grandmother."

"Don't you want to meet them?"

"Well, sure, but…"

"What's the problem," probed Conner.

"Jess calls her Grandmother… Grand-mère," Becker explained. "It's the only French word I know."

Connor snorted as he finally twigged as to what had the brave Captain so frightened.

"There will be people that speak English there," he reassured his friend.

"And take your smart phone, it should let you connect to one of the translation programs on the internet… and if all else fails, just ask for Jess," Connor advised Becker. He practiced with Becker repeating the phrase. When the soldier repeated it to his satisfaction, Connor grinned and said, "You've got it mate."

"Où est Jessica"

-x-x-x-x-x-x

Jess and Abby were washing dishes and chatting.

"Abby," Jess asked suddenly serious, "how did you know you wanted to marry Connor?"

Abby looked at her friend with a smile. "I didn't at first," she replied, remembering. "First, we were friends and co-workers. He had a problem with his flat and needed a place to stay for a few days… the days turned into weeks… months… years."

Jess looked at Abby, gazing off into the distance, lost in memories. "Tell me," she encouraged.

-x-x-x-x-x-x

"Connor," began Becker "how did you know you wanted to marry Abby?"

Connor looked at Becker in surprise. "Just knew," he replied.

Becker glowered at his friend. Connor could be down right maddening at times he thought, but then Connor continued his words.

"Just wanted to be around her… want to make her happy… can't imagine a life without her in it," he said simply.

-x-x-x-x-x-x

Jess listened dreamily as Abby continued talking. It took a moment for her to realize that the words had stopped. She looked at her friend closely; Abby still seemed lost in her memories. There was one thing more that Jess wanted to ask her friend.

"How did you know you wanted children," she asked Abby.