A/N: As usual HUGE thanks to the following:- metube for helping out and your review! Elvis for your review! I feel honoured that my story distracts you means I'm doing something right! Also Smurf5 for your review :-D I want a monkey too! I'm not entirely sure of this chapter...I've been having bad brain fog but nonetheless ENJOY!
"I got you something" Taylor said, he tossed the duffel bag he had brought home onto the dining table. He had talked with Malcolm and then Lucas about the calculations. It was one less thing on his to do list, he had asked Malcolm to inform Kate that he wanted her in the Command Centre at 10am the next morning assuming the woman would be sleeping at Malcolm's place tonight. He would have spoken with Kate at the time but she had been sleeping and he didn't want to disturb her. He figured it could wait until morning.
Alicia who had been preparing dinner in the kitchen washed her hands ad wiped them on a towel before she kissed him in greeting and moved to the bag he gestured to.
"Oh?" Alicia asked in surprise, she unzipped it and pulled out the BDU's he had pulled from storage."Maternity BDU's" Alicia stated but Taylor missinterpreted her tone.
"Yes, we have a good stash as it was an eventuality that some of the female personnel-"
"Would what? get knocked up?" Alicia asked with a little hostility.
"I was going to say pregnant" Taylor said diplomatically as he realised that her mood had changed and she now 'Dark Alicia' as he mentally called her when she became hostile and angry.
"Right, thanks" Alicia said dryly, it was definitely said with no gratitude. She was annoyed but couldn't figure out why as the gift was thoughtful. He had been perfect the last few days, the nursery and the extensions were painted. The backyard was ready and the outdoor furniture Taylor had before was placed back into its original placing. She gave an aggravated sigh. "Sorry, I do appreciate you getting these for me. I don't know why but I'm just angry" she said with another sigh.
"It's ok" he said not offended in the least.
"No it's not, I feel so angry that I want to pull my hair out and scream all for no reason" Alicia said aggravated, Taylor moved to stand in front of her and placed his hands on her arms and caught her eyes with his.
"Close your eyes" he told her, it took a moment for her to comply but she did. "Take a slow and deep breath" he said in a soothing manner, Alicia did as he said and took a slow and deep breath letting go of the irrational anger.
Before she could open her eyes and tell him the breathing exercise was a waste of time, she felt his lips on hers in a hard and fierce kiss and continued to kiss her senselessly. She hadn't expected the kiss, let alone the overpowering effect they had on her as the anger she felt before disappeared and he set her on fire with desire and hunger.
Her arms roped around his neck as she returned the kiss as she melted against him. His hands travelled hot path down her back and under her shirt. He found the softness of her skin and moaned at the smooth sensation beneath his fingertips. He broke the kiss and pulled the t-shirt off Alicia as she quickly unbuckled his shoulder holster and tossed it on the dining table.
"lounge or bedroom?" Alicia asked in a breathless voice as she stripped him out of his shirt. Then her hands were everywhere, skimming across the muscles in his shoulders, chest and back touching him, caressing his skin just lightly enough to drive him insane.
"Bedroom" Taylor answered before kissed her. He covered Alicia's mouth with his and drank her in. She tasted sweet and hot before she ramped the tempo to where she wanted it to be. She slipped her tongue into his mouth pulling him against her, he welcomed her fiercely, he had decided he'd rather channel her irrational anger into more pleasurable pursuits as he kissed her harder and deeper drawing her into him.
She kissed him back trying desperately to get even closer, she could feel him pressed against her, fully aroused. She had to admit she was impressed at his stamina, it wasn't the first time today they had retired to the bedroom for some hot sex and definitely not the last as she was dizzy from need and so incredibly, unbearably aroused she'd kill him if he stopped or if anyone interrupted them.
"Stay tonight" Malcolm told Kate as they were fully clothed and lying in his bed. He brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She was lying on her back due to her broken ribs while he laid on his side with his head propped up so he could look down at her. They had a late dinner and tea before they move to the bedroom so they could lie down together comfortably. Or at least that was how he explained it to Kate as he wanted her to stay the night and felt he had a better chance of her saying yes if she couldn't see the front door and was already comfortable in bed.
"Malcolm" She started only for him to cut her off.
"I'm not pushing for a shag. I just want to wake up with you in my arms. I miss you being here in the mornings" he told her, it was the truth. He liked waking up to her curled up warm against his side. There was something to be said waking up next to someone you love even if your other half woke up at the ungodly hour of 6 am, 6 days a week. "We will only sleep Promise. But I won't be adverse to you shagging me" he said with a casual shrug and less than innocent grin as Kate laughed.
"Ok" Kate said as she interlaced her fingers with the fingers of his free hand.
"Ok to the staying over part or the shagging me part?" Malcolm asked Kate smiled and was about the answer when a soft snore stopped her. Malcolm frowned and looked over at the primate that was asleep on bedside table on Kate's side. The primate had rolled in his sleep and was lying at an awkward angle and was snoring while Kate was giggling.
"I don't think I like him being in my bedroom" Malcolm said, Kate looked at him and calmed herself yet the smile remained on her face.
"He's adorable and who knew you were so possessive. First Carter, now my monkey" Kate said in a teasing tone to him as she freed her hand from his and tugged on his shirt wanting him to kiss her.
"He's a noisy little bugger who crawls all over the woman I love 24/7. Of course I'm jealous" he replied in good humour leaning over her with his lips mere millimetres from her. She lifted her head to kiss him but he pulled away playfully before giving her a quick peck. He would have kissed her more deeply but the primate's tiny snores were really killing the mood.
"He is attached to me maybe 15 hours a day, could you pick up and lay him back onto his stomach? I don't want him to get a crick in his neck. Please?" Kate asked him sweetly.
"I feel like this is just the start of 'love me, love my monkey' demands" Malcolm grumbled in good humour as he adjusted his weight to reach over her without squishing her. He picked the primate and did as Kate asked. The snoring ceased and Malcolm smiled. He moved his hand to her thigh and slowly stroked up her hip, teasing the fabric of her knickers at her hip as looked down at Kate who was watching him with her grey eyes that were darken with heated desire.
He moved his hand to the buttons of the shirt slowly undoing them from the bottom up. He stopped at her bust and brushed the shirt from her abdomen leaving the top half still covered.
"Malcolm" Kate sighed as he settled between her legs and kissed down her abdomen and his hands slowly massaged her flanks and arching her back. She ran her hands through his soft hair.
"Yes?" he answered innocently looking up at her.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked in a breathless voice as Malcolm's hands didn't stop moving as he slid up her body and looked down at her with a sexy as hell grin. He knew exactly what he was doing to her.
"Just helping you relax" he said as he placed a kiss on her collar bone.
Taylor woke up early the next morning and disentangled himself from Alicia's. He really wanted to stay in bed with her but he had things do. One in particular was currently hiding under his bed. He reached under and pulled out the small velvet ring box.
He opened the box and looked at his paternal grandmother's rings. It was a classic design, a 2.00 ct 5 stone engagement ring with a plain 18k white gold band and a plain white gold wedding band. The rings was supposed to be his brother's but when their father bequeathed the rings in his death Mitchell had tossed the ring at Taylor saying he had no desire for sentimentality or carrying around rings he'd never use. Taylor of course kept it but only because he hoped Mitchell would change his mind only he never did.
He mused about how different the rings were. Ayani's ring was a vintage style butterfly design bridal set. The heart shaped diamond engagement ring setting had fourteen round diamonds. Pavé set as butterflies on the 14k Rose gold band. The matching wedding band featured twenty-one round brilliant cut diamonds. Taylor had kept the rings after her death hoping to pass them onto Lucas, knowing Ayani would have wanted Lucas to have them. As much as he hated to admit it he knew the rings would stay in the safe under his house.
The ring he looked at now was more suited to Alicia even if it was a bit flashy with the diamonds. For now it would be perfect and if she wanted the local jeweller to melt it down into something different then she could. The engagement ring was matched with a plain white gold band. He could see her wearing just the plain white gold band as it was more practical. The engagement ring was a symbol. She didn't have to wear it as long as she wore the wedding band he would be happy.
He pulled the engagement ring out of the box and carefully lifted Alicia's left hand slipped the ring onto her ring finger. He made yet another mental note that the wedding band would have to be resized as the engagement ring was loose on Alicia's slender finger. Funny how he didn't remember Grandma Taylor having large fingers.
He pulled on a pair of cotton pyjama pants and a t-shirt in case Kate was home before he quietly left Alicia to sleep while he started making breakfast.
"Marry me" Taylor murmured into Alicia's ear as she was still asleep, he placed the breakfast tray with food on side dresser in the room before climbing back into bed and spooning Alicia from behind. He placed a kiss in sweet spot below her ear on her neck.
"Alright" she said but the way she said it was like she hadn't been listening and was still asleep that was until she jerked out of his arms and turned to face him with an incredulous look. "Wait, what?" she demanded confused and still half asleep state.
"Marry me" he repeated but of course it had been missed as Alicia saw the ring on her left hand and was caught up in looking at the ring in stunned shock. Taylor stifled a laugh as he had never though he could put her into such a state with a couple of words and a few diamonds.
Alicia looked at the ring it was beautiful, classic in design. She wasn't one for jewellery but this ring could definitely persuade her to make an exception. It just needed to be resized, she looked up at Taylor. She had said he hadn't proposed to her, not that she really cared but this was something else. Here she was with a diamond ring, the man she loved. She liked how things were coming together.
"Sorry you were saying?" Alicia asked him as she swallowed her nervousness. She had no idea why she was nervous. They were getting married in three days. It wasn't like anything was going to change the evitable but she had never been proposed to, so she had to admit it was a first. She needed clothing if she was going to retell this story a million times over she needed to dressed.
"I said 'Marry me'" Taylor told her as he watched her pull on a pair of knickers and one of his button down shirts. She looked slightly relieved to be clothed, she normally had no problem being in the buff.
"Trust you to turn a question into an order" She said with a playful smile. She was going to get him to ask her even if breakfast grew cold. On second thoughts she might just eat breakfast and wait as it all looked delicious, she was starving and why let the food go to waste.
"Wash?" Taylor said sitting up in bed with a bemused expression.
"Mmm?" Alicia asked feigning ignorance as she moved to the breakfast tray leaving her back to him. Taylor shook his head in amusement before he got out of bed and moved to her side. He turned her to face him and wrapped his arms around her waist. He realised she was waiting for him to propose to her properly. She ate a blueberry looking at him patiently waiting for him to speak.
"Alicia Washington, I love you with every fibre of my being. Would you do me the honour of marrying me and becoming my wife?" He asked her sincerely. He watched as tears filled her eyes and he slightly panicked that he said the wrong thing but much to his relief she gave a wide smile and nodded.
"Yes" She answered he smiled and then kissed her with toe curling passion. When he broke the kiss they were both panting for air. Pressing his forehead to hers.
"You like the ring?" he asked.
"I love the ring, though it will need resizing" She said. He exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding and smiled. He was glad she loved the ring. Glad she said yes even though it was already decided before he went through all the preparation.
"Yes we will have to see the jeweller for wedding bands as well… I will make an appointment after lunch around 3pm" he told her.
"And you're speaking with the Chaplin when?" She asked as she wiped her eyes making a face as she hated crying over all the little things.
"Today at 10:30am, I will have lunch in the mess today as I don't know when I'll be finished with the Chaplin" he informed her, he didn't want her waiting for him in case he ran late with everything he needed to do.
"Got a lot of sins to confess?" Alicia asked in a teasing manner she could definitely name a few of his sins not that she cared to as she preferred to eat breakfast.
"Ha ha, get back in bed and I'll bring breakfast to you" he told her as he spun her out of his arms and smacked her lightly on the ass.
Kate woke up and looked at the clock on Malcolm's side of the bed reading '7am'. She rose up from the bed just as her stomach growled for food, she winced at the noise but it didn't disturb Malcolm from his slumber as he rolled onto his stomach and continued to sleep.
She smiled at the sight of him and the primate who was imitating the same position on the pillow on the bedside table before she picked up the shirt she wore last night and pulled it on along with her knickers. She quietly left the bedroom moving to the Kitchen. She searched the kitchen and smiled as she pulled out fresh fruit, the ingredients to make pancakes and utensils necessary for breakfast.
Malcolm appeared in the kitchen 20 minutes later where Kate had the table set up and ready with a fruit salad of mangoes and mixed berries. She flipped the last pancake she had in the pan and smiled at his dishevelled appearance as he had haphazardly pulled on a pair of cotton pyjama pants and a shirt with the buttons half done up but all in the wrong corresponding button holes.
"Mmm Pancakes" he said as he moved behind her and kissed her neck as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I was hungry for more than scrambled eggs" Kate told him as she watched the pancake not wanting it to burn after she had managed to cook a whole stack without burning a pancake yet.
"You know, I was hoping to wake up with you in my arms this morning" he said her as he continued to trail kisses up the side of her neck. Kate tilted her head to the side to giving him easier access to her neck.
"Maybe tomorrow" Kate said a pleasurable sigh as his hands roved her body, the memories of last night's pleasures resurfacing making it harder for her to concentrate on not letting the pancake burn.
"So I'll see you back here for dinner? I'll might make stew" he said knowing it was her favourite comfort food.
"Mmm I like the sound of that" Kate murmured closing her eyes for a moment.
"I have to say I'm really enjoying this 'taking things slowly'. But I'm not sure how I will concentrate on my work when all I'm thinking of is you in my shirt" he whispered hotly in her ear, Kate lifted the pancake out of the pan and placed it on the stack before placing the fry pan and spatula to the side before turning in his arms to face him. She wore an evil grin as she let her hands drift down to ass.
"With great difficulty I'm sure" Kate told him as she squeezed her hands on his ass. "Breakfast time!" she said cheerfully as she realised him and ducked out of his arms.
"You're such a tease" he groaned. Kate laughed as she picked up the plate with a stack of pancakes and moved to the table.
An hour later, after they had finished a leisurely breakfast which the primate interrupted by crawling up Malcolm's leg to get Kate. Malcolm cleaned up the dishes while Kate took the primate out to the backyard for apparently their 'morning ritual' where Kate helped the primate dig up beetle grubs and worms with the primate for his breafast. She mostly dug around and pointed out the bugs wile the primate jumped around eating them and digging himself. Malcolm watched for a few moments enjoying the frivolity of her Kate's enthusiam to play and teach the primate before he had to take a shower and get ready for work which was what he was doing right now.
"I forgot to mention that Taylor dropped by yesterday when you were asleep he wants to see you in the Command Centre at 10" Malcolm said to Kate as he changed into a white linen shirt and cargo pants. She too had also finished a quick shower separate from his, much to his disappointment.
"Plenty of time for me to go home and change" Kate said as she lazily reclined on the bed she had changed back into the clothes she had worn yesterday as they were freshly clean from yeaterday's coffee spill. He wished he could take the day off and laze about in bed with her but he knew she would make herself busy and Taylor needed her.
"You know you could keep some spare clothes here, I have the space in the closet and a draw that isn't being used." He told her, she was nothing like the previous women he dated. Not that he dated many women but they all at some point left something behind in his place like an indicator that they wanted him to take the relationship to the next step.
Of course Malcolm never asked them and with Kate it he who was actually dropping hints hoping she would pick up on the offers. He couldn't figure out if she was oblivious to the hints or a traditionalist like Taylor where she would move in when they got married. The 'when' part was yet to be decided as Malcolm was sure now was not the time to be proposing. He carried the engagement ring with him everywhere all he was waiting for was the right time. Right time would be when he was 90% sure she'd say yes.
"Are you sure?" Kate asked.
"Yes, I've been saying it for months" he reminded her.
"I know but for months I live just across the road" Kate reminded him.
"Now you live on the other side of the colony" Malcolm told her as she got up from the bed and walked over to him.
"You make a 10 minute walk sound like a 3 hour hike" Kate said chuckling, she straightened his collar for him.
"Why aren't you rebuilding across the road?" Malcolm asked out of curiosity.
"Two times the house has been destroyed I really doubt third time's a charm" Kate said tongue in cheek. "I think it might be turned into a community garden or small park... it hasn't been decided yet" Kate added, she was pretty sure Baz had no intention of putting another house there unless Taylor told him too as what remained of the house where torn down and the site cleared of all materials.
Malcolm moved to the open wardrobe and pulled his jacket off the hangar. He heard the soft thud as the velvet ring box he carried with him everywhere dropped out of the pocket and fell onto the floor. They both stopped and before he could reach for it Kate picked it up off the floor.
There was no ignoring what it was or what it meant. Kate looked at the box but didn't open it. She then at him, too scared to open it as she saw his less than eager expression to explain. she felt like someone had punched her in the stomach, he had planned to propose to her but hadn't. She mentally shook the thought before it went in a direction she didn't want to think about.
"You dropped this" She said awkwardly as she hastily shoved the box back into his hands. She hadn't opened it she could easily pretend it was something else. Lots of things came in small velvet boxes she reminded herself.
"It's-" he started but Kate cut him off.
"I have a pretty good idea" Kate said not looking at him. He was slightly disappointed by her reaction but understanding her completely. He wanted to propose and for it to be special not some half assed event because he accidently dropped the box in front of her. He slipped the velvet box back into his pocket. He caught her chin with a hand tilted her face to look at him.
"Nothing has changed except for timing, I had planned to ask you on our 6 month anniversary but well you know what happened" He said softly, Kate nodded tears in her eyes. she swallowed the lump in her throat and fixed his coat as a distraction.
"You should get to work. I'll lock up" Kate told him, he nodded and turned to leave but barely left the bedroom before she added "I would have said 'yes' to you proposal. Just for the record." she said.
He turned around and cupped her face crashing his lips on hers in hard, possessive kiss. When he pulled back he looked at her with cerulean eyes smouldering with desire and raw emotions. She licked her slightly bruised lips and gave a shaky exhale as her head swooned from the intensity of the kiss.
"I'll have to make sure that answer doesn't change between now and when I do propose" he told her in a gruff voice. She gave a nod as she couldn't trust her own voice or think straight, he smiled brightly as he kissed her briefly again and left the house. Kate moved to the bed and sat down before her legs gave out, a smile graced her lips.
An hour later,
Taylor looked up from his plex when a knock sounded at the door, he smiled as Kate stood at the door way.
"How are you?" he asked as he waved her in and gestured for her to take a seat. Her disposition was definitely sunny today he mused as she was all bright smiles and full of energy even if she was a little out of breath with a lovely pink tinge to her cheeks.
"Very well thank you, yourself?" Kate said slightly out of breath as she took her seat happy to sit down. Happy in general, even if her ribs were giving her a bit of grief she had forgotten to take her pain meds but she was just happy. The kind of happiness that was derived from knowing things were going to work out.
"I'm well, in fact there is something I need your help with" he said.
"Malcolm said you stopped by while I was unconscious yesterday" Kate said.
"Resting as you should be. Wash and I want to get married in 4 days. I of course said I'd take care of everything but we need to keep it under wraps. I was hoping you'd help me" he said.
"Sure, what do you need me to do?" Kate asked, with the sixers OTG with half of the construction crews collecting supplies she was currently on holidays as she had no one to supervise.
"Come to the chapel with me…" Taylor rattled off a list of things he wanted to achieve "but I want to done in three days time to surprise her" he added.
"We are going to need more man power if you want that to happen" Kate commented.
"We want to keep it small and private. So the Shannons, Malcolm and Guzman are all that I'm allowing. I trust them to keep their traps shut and Wash won't murder me for not following her orders if it's only a few people" Taylor said begrudgingly, Kate chuckled at the Commander being worried about crossing Alicia.
"Ok, shall we go to the Chapel?" Kate asked, she didn't even know the place had a chapel since all the funerals she attended were up in the cemetery. Taylor nodded in agreement as he got up from his seat.
"So I take it from your blindingly sunny disposition the first sleepover with Malcolm went very well" Alicia commented as she and Kate sat down at a table in Boylan's bar for lunch. Kate was wearing a really goofy smile like the whole world was rainbows and happiness. It was nice to see things were working out for her friend.
"Yeah it was great" Kate said with a soft smile. She was had an odd but productive morning to say the least. First with Malcolm and then going to the Chapel with Taylor and then talking in secrecy with Elisabeth at her house about flowers and the reception. Elisabeth was very helpful and super keen, as she proclaimed to love weddings. To the point Kate was dragged back to the Chapel to discuss decorations, music and general logistics. Kate who had only attended a couple of weddings appreciated the help as she was completely lost.
They had even gone to the markets bought the wedding dress and other dresses among other clothing Kate needed under the guise that Elisabeth believed Kate's wardrobe was heavily lacking a 'feminine' feel. They ordered the flowers and talked about how of Kate was making a 'special dinner' at her new place for her and Malcolm and needed everything had to be perfect. The local stall owners ate it up along with the terras, by the end of the next hour rumours would be flying about how Kate was making a big dinner to 'celebrate good news'. Kate knew speculation would be high as to what the 'good news' would be. They also ran into Jim who asked Kate about whether she had made her decision to which she finally gave him an answer to if she would take the position of Deputy only a few days over due.
"So you two are back doing the-"
"No not yet. He doesn't make it easy" Kate said cutting Alicia off. Alicia laughed at Kate who blushed as her thoughts went in salacious directions. "Maybe, tonight I'll keep you posted" Kate said tongue in cheek. Alicia laughed at Kate's cheekiness.
"You can keep the dirty details to yourself" Alicia told her.
"Well I wouldn't want you to give you any ideas to use with Taylor. So did you guys miss me last night?" Kate asked.
"No, we were busy" Alicia answered. Kate sniggered as she leaned forward, she gave a wink and touched her nose in a 'I know' gesture.
"Uhuh, I get it. You two have got to get in all the 'special' time before your lives are taken over by the ankle biters" Kate said in a low voice so not to be overheard. A mischievous grin on her face. Alicia leaned forward looking just as mischievous.
"If they get to be too much for Taylor and I. Will just send them to Aunty Kate's house for a visit" Alicia told her. She had expected a witty reply but she noticed Kate's eyes had drifted to her cleavage.
"Is that an engagement ring?" Kate asked hushed tone, Alicia looked down and noticed her chain with her tags and engagement ring were hanging out of her top.
"Yes" Alicia said holding her tongue on a sarcastic remark.
"Seriously?! I've been sitting here for more than 15 minutes and you've been holding out me very important news. May I have a closer look? How did he pop the question? I assume he asked you properly and didn't just order you. 'Put on that ring soldier, your marital status has been officially changed to engaged' or however he would put it" Kate said . Alicia chuckled as pulled the neck chain off and took the ring off the loop handing it to Kate.
"It was not like that and anyway I'll tell you when we aren't in a crowded bar" Alicia said.
"It's a beautiful ring" Kate said as she held with the tips of her fingers.
"Thank you, it's a little big but that will be rectified as there is a married couple who are jewellers, they works out of their home" Alicia told her, she made a mental note to watch the time as she had only a couple of hours or so before she had to meet up with Taylor. She watched as Kate eyed the jewellery with an appraising eye for a few moments before holding it out to Alicia.
"Hello, there's a shiny ring. Did Malcolm finally get down on one knee?" Boylan asked Kate as he appeared at the table looking at the ring still in Kate's hand like she was showing Alicia not giving it back to her. Alicia was glad his assumption was that it was Kate's as she didn't want the colony to know until after the wedding. If Boylan found out then the whole Colony would be looking for their invitations. It reminded her that she would need to talk to Kate and ask her to be a witness and her maid of honour at the wedding.
"No-" Kate started only for Alicia to cut her off.
"It's her grandmother's ring. I've been going through the inventory returned by the Sixers. I thought it was best to return it to Kate" Alicia lied as she handed the ring back to Kate. She shot Kate a pleading look to back her up.
"Really, I'm amazed they didn't try and flog it off to me. Nice ring, may I?" Boylan asked Kate reluctantly handed the ring to him and he held it up to light. "What's the history?" he asked. Kate looked at Alicia for who Kate was currently up to her neck in lies for. What was a few more white lies... Kate mused.
"My grandfather gave it to me as a graduation gift after I finished my Masters" Kate lied to him. Boylan pulled out handheld jeweller's microscope and held it to the light inspecting it. Kate looked to Alicia in amusement while Alicia felt nervous at Boylan holding the ring.
"18k white gold setting, the diamonds are slightly cloudy, got a few flaws though. I'll give you 5000 terras if and when you are ready to sell it." Boylan said. Kate laughed and shook her head at him as she sat back in her chair looking up at him.
"Either your scope needs cleaning or you need reminding that you can't pull one over me. Those Diamonds are colourless with flawless clarity. I could fence this ring for 15 thousand easy. No way would I ever part with it for such a poor price" Kate told him in good humour taking the ring from him.
"My apologies can't blame a man for trying. Anyway how do you know so much about diamonds?" Boylan asked unashamed for being caught trying to fool Kate. Alicia felt better for having Kate tear Boylan down for insulting the quality of her ring.
"Diamonds are a girl's best friend" Kate quipped it was better than saying 'Oh you know, I was taught how to assess and use gemstones as currency in my previous profession and I'm fluent in bullshit' She liked Boylan but he was a shifty character. The man laughed at her joke and clapped his hands together to signal he was ready to take food orders.
"Ok what can I get you two ladies?" he asked, Alicia and Kate gave him their orders and after a few more seconds of conversation he left them to themselves.
"So I guess I should keep this for appearances sake?" Kate asked holding the ring.
"Yeah" Alicia said wistfully.
"I promise not to let the monkey swallow it and if he does I'll give him the Heimlich maneuver" Kate joked, Alicia's eyes went wide at the thought before shaking her head there was no way the monkey could swallow it, could he?.
"I appreciate it but on second thoughts just slide it to me under the table" Alicia said not wanting to tempt fate either way. Kate laughed as she did as Alicia asked.
Later that afternoon, Lucas looked up as the door to his cell opened and his father walked into the room it marked the time as it was the afternoon. He watched as the old man came in holding a pile of his papers and a plex. He wished he had the time as he was pretty sure his father visited like clockwork at the same time everyday. Taylor was a man of routine.
"Father" Lucas said as he sat up from his bed.
"How are you Lucas?" Taylor asked as he came into the brig the door closing behind him.
"Well, I've haven't been up to much except thinking" he admitted with a wry smile. It wasn't like there was anything else he could do in the brig. He ate, slept, indulge in some exercise. He was only taken out of the brig once a day for a shower and that was late at night when no one could see him. It was the only time he could think of a time to escape but being cuffed at the wrists and ankles surrounded by at least four guards and Guzman made escaping impossible unless he got outside help.
"I brought you some work, the calculations" Taylor stated as he placed the papers and the plex on the table with two chairs he had provided for Lucas before taking his usual seat at the table.
"I don't understand why you want me to finish this. If you manage to open the portal Terra Nova you're just opening a door to your enemies in 2149" Lucas told him as he took the seat opposite Taylor at the table. He would have thought he father would relish being king of the 'New World' without worrying about 2149 butting their heads in.
"It's a risk I'm willing to take, we won last time" Taylor said with a hint of smugness in his tone.
"You only won because I underestimated you and you had Kate. Without her and that sniper rifle it could have been a different story" Lucas said just to be a little spiteful he couldn't be perfect all the time.
"It could've been" Taylor conceded as he felt that his son was being honest for once as there was no power play in the current conversation. There was no hostility either which was surprising.
"It could take me months or I might not be able to finish the calculations at all" Lucas warned him.
"I ask you just give it a shot. If you can't do it, it won't be any skin off my nose but Mira won't be happy" Taylor said.
"I know she misses her daughter" Lucas said in empathy though inwardly he was relishing over the sentimentality that held power over Mira. It would help him use her, sentimentality was for fools.
"We all miss someone we have left behind" Taylor said pensively.
"Not you" Lucas said. Taylor narrowed his eyes at him. "I heard you and Wash are having a kid" Lucas added he watched for Taylor to betray any reaction except the old man laughed.
"That's news to me" Taylor said in amusement while inside he was calming down from a slight panic. When he heard 'kid' instead of 'kids' he knew it was just a rumour, though that begged the question of where Lucas heard that locked up in a cell. He knew his soldiers weren't talking about it otherwise Guzman would have told him.
"So it's just a rumour" Lucas prompted.
"It would be unprofessional of me to fraternise with my XO let alone impregnate her. I'd lose my command and be slapped with an Dishonourable discharge. Where did you hear that anyway?" Taylor asked casually still chuckling hoping Lucas believed he thought the idea was absurd and dispel it. Alicia made him promise not to tell Lucas and he was not going to break the promise. Even if he felt guilty for cutting Lucas out of a circle he should've belonged in. If only Lucas could be trusted Taylor wishfully thought.
"When I was in the infirmary. Don't treat me like an idiot, I know about you and her, your 'secret' relationship this past 5 years or so. It's not a secret the whole colony knows" Lucas informed him.
"I've found the Colony likes to romanticise my friendship with Wash" Taylor commented, he knew Elisabeth wouldn't have accidently said anything and the fact Lucas assumed Alicia was having one child not twins meant the source incorrect but still needed to be silenced.
"Right" Lucas said signalling he was dropping subject. He knew his father was lying to him, he was good at lying but his eyes gave him away. He saw the panic. Lucas felt the anger seethe inside him that Taylor would blatantly lie to him but he refused to show it instead he changed the topic.
"How long will you give me to show progress?" Lucas asked indicating to the papers and the plex.
"That's up to you" Taylor said.
"I may need more paper, pencils or pens and access to the Eye" Lucas told him.
"I won't allow you access to the Eye until necessary" Taylor said calmly.
"Why would restrict me from using the eye? It will make things go faster unless you really don't want me to finish the calculations" Lucas speculated.
"We'll address that in a few months time if you haven't made any progress" Taylor told him, he was not letting Lucas leave the brig or giving him free access to Eye and it's unlimited information.
"What about my visitation rights?" Lucas asked.
"Mira is OTG gathering supplies for the construction with several other members from the colony she won't be back for another 7 days. I will talk with her. If she wishes to visit you then I will arrange a time" Taylor told him. Lucas nodded while inside he felt one small victory was won.
TBC~ See you all in a week :-)
* I made mention to a engagement ring but if you want an idea of what it looks like then google '2.00 ct 5-Stone Lucita Style G SI2 Diamond Engagement Ring'* I like to pretend Taylor comes from old money. Ayani's ring just search 'The heart shaped diamond engagement ring setting had fourteen round diamonds. Pavé set as butterflies on the 14k Rose gold band'