Jessica sighed as she finished putting the milk away after the milking for the night ended and all the cows were locked up. 

She felt horrible, locking them away every night knowing they would much rather not have a curfew and have free range over the summer fields while they were still available. 

But the fear of loosing her cattle was too great, and she couldn't bring herself to think of loosing any of them.

She rubbed her shoulders walking back up to the house, mind a thousand miles away. It had been nearly a week since their first kiss after the fire and they saw each other almost every day. Lunch dates, small conversations while she was at the market, or he would occasionally drop by the farm at night while on patrol, assuring everything was well. 

It made her feel so loved that her chest ached when he would kiss her goodbye and she wished he didn't have to leave.

Those kisses were becoming frequent quickly, she thought, but were not unwelcomed. She thought back to all those years ago, when Brad had left, and how empty she had been. How in the recent years her attempts at relationships didnt bring her to life and make her smile randomly throughout the day like the one with Bret did.

Opening the door she stepped in, toeing off her boots in the dark and sliding off the jean jacket she had worn to keep the cool night air form her arms. Spock and Bones were sleeping on their dog bed in the entry and both perked up at her arrival and she gave them each a tired scratch behind the ears.

Alex and May were currently in town and it was highly likely they would be in town the rest of the night. 

It had become more frequent , she mused, that she had been home alone and she sort of missed the company. 

The thought of Brad patrolling down the farm roads, having came at least once every couple hours now, was quite comforting. Squinting she looked down to the watch on her wrist that read 10:45 on the green lit digital screen and she groaned. It had taken much too long to get all the choirs done as for she had cleaned the stalls and showered before going out to milk.

Pausing she thought about grabbing a bite to eat, but the lack of sleep from the night before, and her muscles that still burned from the crash convinced her she needed to go to bed.

Sighing she walked to her room, slipping in the door. She pushed down her jeans and left them on the floor and took of her t-shirt leaving herself only in a pair of white panties and a black tank top.

Padding over to her personal bathroom, she didn't even turn the light on to grab her toothbrush and quickly brush her teeth before padding back to lay on the bed, thoughts of Brad making her heart pound and a smile pull at her lips.

Just as she was about to doze off a knock jerked her awake. 

Heart pounding she sat up and listened. A second knock sounded off from her front door. She heard both the dogs barking and growling so she stood on shaky feet trying to calm herself from her start.

"That's got to be Brad," she murmured slipping on a large white shirt and quickly running down the hall quickly quieting the two dogs with some stern words and they went back to their bedding though were watching the door intently incase there were an unwelcomed guest. Cracking the door open, and keeping mind how underdressed she was she hid behind it while pushing the shirt down in front of her. 

There stood Brad, and the look on his face made her forget about her lack of cloths all together causing her to step out in concern.

"Is something the matter?" She asked.

Politely adverting his gaze from her bare legs, the shirt only coming down mid thigh, he nodded his head down the road, "I had several complaints of strange noises, and a few people said they saw people on their property. I was worried and came to check on you."

"I haven't heard or seen anything," she stated while stepping behind the door again," Um. But thank you."

They stood for a moment, before Brad chuckled," Well I am sorry I woke you up. Go ahead and go to sleep. I'll keep watch,"

"Thank you. You must be exhausted, a double shift and all, "She said," if you want I can get you some more coffee."

Shaking his head he shot her another winning smile," No thank you. I only have four more hours until my replacement comes. Also I do believe Alex will be here early. He texted me several times to check up on you, and said that he and May would be back early."

"Oh great," she grinned," sounds like them. And no need to worry til then, Bones and Spock have been amazing guard dogs. They are very loyal and well trained."

"I can see that. It does make me feel better. I better get back to my cruiser though," he said glancing behind him," I would like to try and see if there is anyone near the pond down the rode. I can imagine that would be an optimal place for mischief. Sleep well Jessica."

"Goodnight," she murmured and watched him turn. Fear clutched at her, as if she suddenly realized his profession and she added without thinking "be careful!"

Turning he smiled at her and she blushed," I will. There is no way I am going to let anything happen to me now that I finally found you."

And he was off leaving her a blushing fool. 

Closing and making sure the door was locked she murmured words of comfort to the two Dobermans before padding back down the hallway, heart in rhythm with her footsteps as she played with the end of her hair a ridiculous smile breaking out over her face.

Laying in bed, she sighed and hugged her pillow, wishing more than ever it was Brads strong figure there to hug her back.