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

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

A/N: A collaboration with Mijo54. A/N2 story takes place after Detour.

10.3 Primroses and Castles

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Abby beamed at Jess. It was early on a Saturday morning, and the two friends were in the kitchen.

"I'm really glad you two decided to get this place," said the petite blonde. "Having you both closer is really wonderful."

The herpetologist handed the small container of sunshine yellow paint to the younger woman. The field coordinator stood on a short ladder facing snow white cabinet doors. Jess began to fill portions of the stencil pattern traced on the door with bright yellow color.

"We spent two months checking out different homes," confided Jess, "but we always kept coming back to this one… the first one Hil found."

Friends living in the neighborhood had been one of the deciding factors in choosing this home. With the leaves dropping from the trees now, Jess could stand on the front steps and just make out the dark green door of Abby and Connor's home on the far side of the long wooded park.

"The primrose design will look beautiful on the white cabinets when you're done," complimented Abby. "And I think primroses in your bouquet sounds great too."

"I've always loved primroses," responded Jess as she started dabbing paint on the second cabinet door. "After the paint dries on the centers, I'll add the paler yellow for the petals to match the walls."

Abby looked from the stencil design with its bright yellow centers to the other containers on the kitchen counter. Small containers of blue, two different shades of green, pink, purple and a larger container of pale yellow paint remained.

"Are you just using yellow on the flowers?" asked Abby. "What are the other colors for?"

"Right now, just yellow and white in the kitchen, although if I add leaves around the primroses, I might use the greens too," answered Jess. "The other colors are for the trim work in the bedrooms upstairs."

"I wish you would let me help," said Abby.

Jess stopped painting and turned to stare at her friend.

"You are helping," insisted Jess. "And I certainly don't want you climbing ladders or lifting anything heavy in your condition."

Abby rested her hand lightly on her growing abdomen.

"When will you be moving in?" asked Abby, changing the subject.

"Hil started moving in last night," replied Jess with a chuckle, "and he promised to bring some of my things from the high rise, but I won't really be moving in until after I get back from Hank's wedding."

Abby took the container of yellow paint and the brush from Jess and set it on the counter.

"Becker sounds like he's in a bit of a hurry," chuckled Abby.

"He's only got until the end of the month left at his old flat," explained Jess. "At least with me renting out the high rise, I don't have to rush to clear out the place."

The petite brunette climbed down from the ladder and moved it in front of the next pair of cabinets. Jess then climbed up the ladder and held out her hand expectantly.

"Good timing of your sister Evie to be coming back to England," said Abby with a smile. Abby handed Jess the yellow paint and brush again. "And I know Connor's sister is glad to have new roomies instead of having to look for a new flat."

Although the dig at the Celtic ruins in Brittany would continue for years, the young archeologist had returned to London. The director of the British Museum had recommended Evie specifically to lead the new excavation off Cannon Street tube station. Jess's sister and her friend would be joining Connor's sister renting out the high rise.

"Evie and Sharon coming back to London almost makes up for Alexandra and her family moving off to Bermuda," said Jess with a sigh.

"You'll see them in April," reminded Abby "when they come back for your wedding."

"I know," agreed Jess, "but it's going to be funny to be at Hank's wedding without them. Both Alexandra and Marjorie's families won't be there."

"It's hard to travel with children, especially during the school year," said Abby. "Connor's mum has already promised to watch Sarah and the newest baby for us in April. We won't miss your wedding."

"Sarah and the baby are welcome to come to the wedding!" exclaimed Jess. "There will be lots of children there."

"I know they're welcome," replied Abby with a smirk, "but Connor and I are taking a couple of days holiday then."

"What?"

"We're planning a little one on one time for us, a belated Valentine's Day present," explained Abby, "and this way Connor's Mum gets some one on one time with the grandchildren.

Jess remembered, Abby and Connor's second child was due on February fourteenth.

"Besides, I've already told Connor we need to check out the Durdle Door," added Abby.

That remark brought a chuckle from the dark haired field coordinator.

"I always thought that the rock formation looked like a dragon drinking water," responded Jess.

"Or a plesiosaur," replied Abby as she nodded in agreement.

"Have you never been to the Jurassic Coast before?" asked Jess. "We used to spend summers there when I was a child… and I was born in Weymouth."

"Oh, is that why you and Becker are having the ceremony at Sandsfoot castle?" asked Abby.

"Partly," answered Jess. "The castle was an army artillery fort built by Henry VIII, it protects the whole harbor. The gardens are beautiful and just perfect for an outdoor wedding."

"Just partly?"

"Mainly so Granny Parker can be at the wedding," explained Jess. "She doesn't travel much these days."

The mention of travel reminded Abby of something she wanted to ask her friend.

"You and Evie are leaving for Australia on Monday morning, right?" asked Abby. "Do you need a ride to the airport."

"Sunday night actually," replied Jess. "Hil's taking me to Heathrow, I'll meet Evie there."

"Shame Becker can't travel with you both," the blonde replied. "I hope poor Lieutenant Ackles wife is holding up alright."

An anomaly incursion last week had resulted in several members of the ARCs security team being injured and one poor man was still hospitalized. Jess didn't say anything in response to Abby's comment at first.

"Hil should be there in time for the wedding," said Jess. "Lester promised as soon as a back up for Lieutenant Ackles arrives, Hil can leave."

The sound of the front door opening announced the return of Becker, Connor and little Sarah. Becker was carrying most of the grocery bags. Connor held Sarah on one arm, and carried a bag in the other arm. They entered the kitchen in time to hear Abby's reply.

"Becker will be in Sydney in time for the wedding," said Abby, "I'm sure of it."

"Jess, I will be there," promised Becker as he set the bags down on the counter next to the paint containers.

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Sunday night at Heathrow, Jess kissed Becker goodbye in front of the security entrance to the departure terminal. She was gasping by the time they parted. The tall soldier traced a finger along the side of her face and pushed a tendril of hair back behind her ear.

"Go on now," urged Jess. "I'll see you in Sydney soon."

Becker smiled, but stayed with her in the long line of people having their identification papers and tickets checked.

"You don't have to wait for me," said Jess.

"Oh but I do," replied Becker with a gentle grin. "Lester arranged security clearance for me to accompany you all the way to the plane."

"What?"

"The ARCs senior field coordinator is a very important person," reminded Becker. "I'm your bodyguard."

The departure gate was crowded and the lounge chairs were hard and uncomfortable. When Evie finally joined them, Jess gave up her seat for her sister and sat on Becker's lap. When the flight departure was finally called, Jess gave Becker another kiss goodbye. She was the last person boarded on the flight.

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