Waking up with a jerk Jessica glanced around wide eyed still half asleep. 

Her alarm clock sat on the table next to her bed, just minutes before the alarm was supposed to go off. Switching it off before it could she glanced around the dark room wondering what could have woke her.

"It has been pretty crazy I suppose its just stress," she murmured pushing her long bangs back and sighing as her hair cascaded back past her shoulders, the thought she was due for a haircut in the back of her mind. Taking another moment to gather her bearings she sat and thought for a moment about Brad, and all that had happened over what, she was shocked to realize, had been several months already. 

"Sure has been crazy, eventful to say the least," she got up and grabbed the hair tie on her nightstand and threw her hair up into a loose bun as she grabbed some clothes and a towel before going and showering off and dressing.

Exiting the bathroom, she was surprised to smell something delicious and made her way to the kitchen.

There stood May in white yoga pants and a pink tank top humming off tune while cracking the oven open to check something.

She turned to see Jessica and grinned shutting the oven," Well good morning' sweetie. How did you sleep? Is mr. man still here?" she craned her neck to look past Jessica as if she were hiding Brad behind her back.

Snorting she shook her head," No he wasn't here he was just on patrol in this area because of what happened to Jackie's house." 

Ever since the fire, the new chief had no way of ignoring the complaints from the worried farmers, and so the rural area had more patrol units than normal. It was unusual, the upped traffic, but a relief to finally be heard by the chief. She had been in for another questioning, and had supplemented her previous statements with all that she knew. 

The only question being- what could legally be done? Nothing seemed to tie the group of buyers to the crimes in the area, but she was at least appreciative for the investigation to their company. It seemed to have hindered their contact with her, as for there had been no calls or random visitors at her door. 

It was an ongoing that May would tease her about letting Brad stay the night. She would firmly stress that both of them wished the relationship to be a slow one, and they were not about to be that close until they got to reacquaint and date a little longer.

"Yeah that was scary," May crossed her arms," to think something' like that could happen in such a quite place is frightening."

"There are bad people everywhere. And I am sure that those who caused this one are not from around here," Jessica frowned going to the counter to grab an apple.

Glancing around she turned to May," where is Alex?"

It was as if she gave a child candy because May suddenly brightened up and was all smiles.

"Oh he said he better go start chores early, he's the one who insisted on waking up so early to get here. He let your pup's out and then said he was off to work," she grinned while practically dancing around the stove, starting some eggs in a pan.

Jessica rose an eyebrow but decided to keep quite on the matter," Well he is a good worker that is for sure. I better go see what he's-"

The door opened and she smiled shrugging," Suppose I don't need to."

"That smells amazin' ," Alex came in grinning," good morning' Jess. Got the cows out in the field and moved the sheep."

"Thank you, you have done a lot to help out, both of you," she said turning to May.

May shook her head, and Alex joined her," Jess, you have been so stressed out the past few days, we have been worried about you. We are your friends and will do what we can to support you." 

"Love ya' like the sister I never had," May stated grinning," and I am gonnna do what I can."

Jessica was sure she was grinning like a fool, but couldn't help at the swell in her heart and the wholesome feeling the wonderful friendship she had with the two, "I'm goin' to go get the girls some treats and grab the eggs."

"Don't be too long, just finished the biscuits, were havin' breakfast sandwiches," May said pulling out a tray of fresh golden biscuits. 

Jessica decided then that she was going to be very sad the day May found a place to live and work in town, as for she hadn't ate so well in a long time.

Grabbing her bucket, she made her way to the chickens, grabbing a bag of treats. Unlatching their coop she laughed watching them run out clucking happily as she threw some treats down, and they pecked and scratched their run. Jessica noticed it was starting to become bare and noted she was going to have to move it later. Looking up she took in a deep breath, seeing the sky quickly turn from the red and orange of the morning sunrise to a light baby blue.

While gathering the eggs she thought of Brad. 

It had been so long since those days in high school, and it was so hard to believe that he had missed so much and a large part of her regretted not have harbored the same feelings for him at the time, and they resumed their friendship that quickly bounced to a relationship. But now Brett wasn't here, and she was over 18 so Brad could pursue her without guilt.

Thinking of high school made her think of Junior year. 

Of how she felt as if she where lost in ever catching up in math since no one could quiet explain things like Brad had, and then Bret leaving her without so much as a word of goodbye to apparently leave his fathers house to follow his mother and brother to Wisconsin.

She shook her head, refusing to think such negative thoughts.

Walking back with a variety of eggs in the bucket, she met Spock at the back door, and he waited for her as she opened it before totting in rather than going through the dog door. Shaking her head with a smile she set the bucket down she took off her boots and made her way to the kitchen.

"Was about to go file a missing person's report, "May said jokingly as she sat sipping at a cup of Starbucks coffee that she must have bought on her way back from town.

"Sorry, "she said plopping onto her chair next to Alex who was downing the last of his orange juice before refilling his glass, "I was just thinking and lost track of time."

"Thinking about Brad," May grinned sliding in across from her on the other side of Alex. He began loading his plate while glancing between the girls.

Forgetting about the food Jessica leaned her chin on her hand looking out to the clear morning sky, "Its just amazing. We stopped talking so suddenly back in high school, he up and left with his brother. And we may have been close, but never like this. Now he's here again and were acting like not a day went by. And were. . . "

A blush blossomed over her cheeks as she trailed off and caught mays smirk.

"You waited for Bret for years. I think at the same time, you were waiting for Brad even more. . . considering you had wondered why he never wrote for so long," May too had not touched her food," You always said you forgave him without even needing an answer. But that's not right. Now I do remember Brett- the player. He would leave you high and dry on more than one occasion, and I am pretty sure I remember you telling me how Brad was always there for you. I may not remember him too well, but I remember those times he supported you. And that says a lot right there about what kind of man he is."

Shaking her head, she frowned," No it's not that. I'm not sure what. I guess I'm just worried about it happening again. Brad may have left, and Bret just followed. . .but he could have contacted me as well. Why wait 10 years?"

May reached across the table," Oh hun. I was worried when he first came along, but after seeing how protective he is of you, I can't imagine he would do that again. He must have a very good explanation. Did you ask him?"

"No," Jessica shook her head," well not really. He did say there was a lot he wished to tell me. We were going to sit down and talk about it."

They had spoken about a lot of things on all their lunch dates, and every time they met up. But it was as if the sensitive topic of him leaving, of his brother leaving her without a word, was strategically skirted around.

"Oh? Well that's good," May was grabbing her bagel and spreading butter on it before loading it with sausage and egg and lettuce, "Though personally that would have been the first thing I would have spoken to him about."

Alex chugged some more orange juice down and set his cup down loudly," ya know ladies, if a guy comes runnin' back after so long I would say it is because he loves you and either he left because he couldn' help it or he realized he did an idiotic move and wants to make up for it. Now I am not sayin' I know this Brad fellow, but the few times I have spoken to him, and the times I have seen him with you, he seemed to be a good guy. And you seem happy."

"Oh?" there was a smile that wouldn't go away from Jessica's face," I am glad I got expert advice."

"I'm just saying don't go pushing too hard. This guy has guts to make such a bold move after so long, and I think his intentions are pure," Alex grabbed his place and cup and shrugged, "though I will say one thing. If he is just trying to use you, I am not afraid to slug a cop."

May giggled for some reason and Jessica shook her head," No I think your right. No need for that."

The girls ate their food and Alex and Jessica moved on to do work on the farm, from watering, fertilizing, feeding, cleaning, and a sort of things they did on none CSA or market days.

By the time noon rolled around the two had gotten a lot done, and even May had helped with some things and had been delighted when she got to spend time with baby animals.

May made a quiche and potato salad for lunch, and Jessica got them glasses of sweet tea she had made the day before. They sat on the porch munching and talking about Jackie's farm, May stating briefly that she had spoken to Jackie before she had hurried home confirming they had family to stay with. Jessica hadn't doubted that-her family had been in this town for a few generations and were well known and loved-there was no way anyone would allow that family to hurt long.

"I just want to know what the police say about this," Alex said.

"Brad said that the new chief has his arms full," Jessica said," A bit odd. He said that almost everyone has been replaced by transfers. Or there have been a lot of retirements. Just a lot of new people, and its a disorganized mess."

Alex frowned, "That is strange."

"Yeah, he said that he is starting to become suspicious of the chief being bought out, so that they replaced him with this new one" Jessica continued thinking of their last conversation together," he told me that this new chief is new the position even! Got the promotion and was moved from Montana. Montana! Said that even with all the transfers, it has been long enough since he arrived, and there has been enough suspicious activity that it should be raising alarms. He has gone to several other people higher up, and apparently been turned away with various excuses."

Alex hummed and scratched his scruffy chin," that right there is money talkin'," squinting his eyes at his glass of melting ice his frown deepened," and the guys buyin' up land and trying to buy your land-they have money."

They all stopped and looked up at the rumble of an engine. Waiting for it to clear the tree line, they saw it was a shiny new silver Ford F150. They stood and waited for the driver to exit and were all surprised to see George hopping out. He was dressed pretty nice too, and Jessica wanted to bet that the clothes were as new as the truck.

"Wow George," she said looking him up and down before back on the truck," What is this?"

Despite the nice clothes and truck, he looked even more tired than he had the day before if that were possible, and he was looking at the ground scuffing his new boots looking upset.

"Yeah I know nice huh," he chuckled half heartedly looking at them before returning his gaze to the ground," I uh, Jessica. I wanted to tell you that, I got a new job. Its nice, and has a lot of room to grow, and it pays well. But...um they need all my time so. . ."

He looked down again, voice faltering. Jessica was surprised, as for two years George had worked for her happily, though not for much so she could understand why he would switch jobs.

Swallowing her hurt she smiled," I'm glad for you. When do you start?"

He shifted crossing his arms," I um recently have already. I just am having to move to uh full time now. So. I have to quit."

"Well its a bummer to loose you man, but I'm glad you have a new job," Alex was slinging an arm around the taller man and grinning," You get done what you need to do."

"Does this mean you are out of the farming industry? "Jessica couldn't help but feeling slightly betrayed. When she had took George under her wing two years prior, she had seen herself in him, working hard to learn everything there was about farming so as to start a new one on her own.

George shook his head," No. Not really. But I think I am taking a different approach to it."

Jessica smiled not feeling so bad, and nodded hoping he would relax," Well I am truly happy for you. You want some lunch? May made it, it's amazing."

He nodded a bit but still seemed tense. Hearing her phone ring she ran in while May gave the young man her best Texan hospitality.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jess, "Her face broke into a smile hearing Brads voice on the other end," How are you doin?"

She played with the end of her hair, watching the others on the porch eat and chat, Alex was jumping down and whistling over Georges truck," Doing good. Almost caught up on all the work here, how are you?"

Glancing at the clock she noticed it was nearing two.

"Good- I'm doing good, woke up a little while ago. Wanted to know if you wanted to come over and have that wine and cheese we spoke about, maybe watch a movie?"

"Yes, of course. I would love to," she was having trouble keeping the excitement from her voice and she heard him chuckle on the other end.

"Okay. Well I could pick you up at your place-say. . .6:30?"

Biting her lip she thought for a moment," Could you give me just a minute to run that by the others? "

After agreeing to wait she held the phone against her breast and leaned out the door," Hey Alex!" at getting his attention next where he stood next to George who was sitting half in his truck pointing things out she continued well I was wondering' if you wouldn't mind takin' care of the cows tonight. Brad was wanting to pick me up around 6:30 and-"

"Of course! You been teaching' me well. I know what I am doing! "He waved her off, "go have your date."

Off to her side May was silently cheering her on grinning like a fool.

"Okay, "she ducked back in, "See you then."

"See you then."

After hanging up the phone she held her heart and smiled.

"Quit being' stupid girl," she sighed, "you're not in high school any longer. Quit getting so flustered!"

"Sugar, after seeing who you're going to meet I would say be a flustered freshman and be thinking what you are going to wear," May was leaning in the door and pushed off with a grin," and hun I have seen your drawers. You need to be thinking' of do you want tattered jeans and grungy t's or do you want grungy jeans and tattered t's?"

Jessica went to make a snark retort, but stopped, and stood with her mouth hanging open like a fish out of water. When had been the last time she wore anything extremely nice?

May nodded walking over, sympathetically patting her shoulder," Now don't worry you have me here.

When is the last you dressed up before goin' out?"

"Uh there was that first date with Jason," she said and with May's coaxing she bit her lip," not sure what I did with that though. Storage maybe?"

"Well lets take a look, or your goin to be borrowing my cloths," May looked the slightly taller girl up and down," And I am not sure you would be fittin' into anything I have to offer."

Jessica shook her head, going to the hallway closet with what little she put in to for storage. She was not only sure she wouldn't fit into Mays clothes, the girl beautiful and perfect as she was but also quite shapely while Jessica most certainly was thin, but she wasn't sure if she would want to wear anything May had to offer, with her bright colors and sometimes skimpier choice of wear compared to Jessica's conservative ways.

Grabbing a box on the top shelf with the scrawl of 'cloths' on it she sneezed when some stray dust fell into her face.

Seeing the box May squealed and tore it open like a kid on Christmas while Jessica waved her hand to try and disperse the rest of the dust cloud. The boys came through the door a minute later with the dogs.

"What have you girls been doing this whole time?" Alex was looking at May pulling cloths from the battered box and scrunching her nose throwing them aside.

Jessica shrugged," May finds it necessary to find me something to wear for tonight."

"Are you goin' on a date with that cop guy?" It was probably the most interested George had been in anything since arriving in his new cloths and shiny truck. Despite it being a touchy subject Jessica was relieved to see the man look at her strait for once, so she didn't shy away from the question.

She nodded," Yes. Well not really. It's just us catching up and hanging."

"hunny, when you are catching up and hanging while kissing a man, that is a date" May said bluntly from the floor never one to beat around the bush.

Jessica laughed and George frowned," You don't even know him! What if he is dangerous."

"Jessica went to school with this fellow," Alex pointed out," not to mention I haven't seen a bad thing about him yet. You guys have been 'sort of' dating for- how long now?"

Jessica felt her face burn as she shrugged, a smile refusing to leave her lips, "about two weeks now. We haven't made it 'official' though," she said raising her hands to make quotation marks," but yes. I would say about two weeks. I think if tonight goes well, we most likely will be pretty open about it all-not that we are hiding anything that is!"

George silenced and Jessica worried that he was insulted somehow, but he shrugged it off with a small smile," Well I hope your date goes good. I will come visit another time. See ya guys!" And he was out the door barely acknowledging their farewells.

"Well that was a job well done Alex," May said sarcastically as she staired intently at two shirts in her hand, eventually putting down the red to go with the green," Here it's the best I can do with what you have but I think it's nice and doesn't make it look like you just rolled out of a barn."

"Job well done me? "Alex raised a brow while Jessica inspected the simple green short sleeve shirt with criss cross lace going up from the middle of her back to shoulders. It was a nice shirt she got for some concert years before she recalled.

May nodded while Jessica halfheartedly watched the two while looking at the black yoga pants, which were nice enough to pass as dress pants, and folded the cloths to change into later," Yeah nice job. I think George had a thing for ya."

Jessica sputtered when May turned her gaze to her, "what? No way, George is just a kid! I'm 26 for goodness sake! He just turned 21!"

"She's got a point," Alex said a look of realization dawning on his face," would make sense why he's been actin' kinda funny lately. You go and get a man in your life, and he sees that he should have tried to make a move earlier. Makes sense why he went and got the other job, and why he stuck around here so long. No-no I can so see this. He had a crush on you!"

Shaking her head Jessica looked amazed between her two friends," Seriously? Guys he is a kid still! He has been actin' funny because he got a job and didn't know how to tell me, and he got the job because you can see how well it pays!"

"You did always say that the kid worked for almost nothing all the time," Alex stated," and that he could get better pay most elsewhere. Nah I think he liked you."

"Whatever think what you want. Does not matter, he is a kid and wouldn't have a chance. What-23? No he has girls his age to pursue."

May murmured something that sounded suspiciously along the lines of," Men don't care." but Jessica glared at her effectively quieting the other.

"All right, now that you guys are done gossiping," she looked to her watch to see it was almost four," I am going to go move the chicken tractor and then get ready to go."

She walked away as the two continued to talk about her love life amongst themselves and she rolled her eyes. Nosey they both were, perhaps a reason why they were getting along rather well.

She tossed the cloths on her bed and then made her way out the back door to coax her girls in their coop so she could move it.

Up heaving the fence, taking the breaks off, and pulling it carefully away from the well pecked and scratched ground, she set the fence up again before letting them out. They all clucked happily as they found the new grassy area with plenty of bugs to get at available to them.

Standing there Jessica let her mind wonder to Brad again, and she wondered how far this would go. 

Children and marriage were two things she had thought she would have gotten not long after high school, and the feeling of age begun to creep up on her after seeing a majority of her friends and people her age secured with husbands and children.

"Well, a dinner date is a good enough start," she murmured turning to the house, though she mentally chimed she felt as though they had not fully established stable enough grounds to even consider children one day. 

What if he did not what children? She was sure he wished for marriage, it had been something important to him in high school, when he had seemed so far out of her reach and such an unlikely suitor.

The rest of the evening crawled by painfully slow as Jessica attempted not to stare at the clock the whole time. May teased her lightly and by the time six was coming up she was helping Jessica do her hair and makeup.

"All right I think that'll do," May announced, stepping back hair curler in one hand and a comb in the other.

Jessica was finally allowed to turn to the mirror and smiled," Well I never doubted your talent to somehow clean me up May."

"Anything for you Jess. You know you clean up real nice," she was grinning always having had fun poking at Jessica for not taking care to look nice more often, "He's not going to know what to think."

Jessica could not help but agree. She wore the dark green blouse and black pants which both hugged her in just the right spots allowing others to see that she had quite a nice figure without being revealing. Her hair was curled and pulled up into a bun, while some stray curls fell around her face framing it nicely. May had chosen to give her a slightly dusty darker makeup, saying it would make her look sexy and it worked.

Looking down to her watch she bit her lip," Now just to not screw up this date." it was 20 after and she wasn't expecting him to be late.

"Girl. Don't you worry. You will be fine," she got cut off by the bouncy country song that chimed from her phone and she left the small bathroom to Jessica's bed where she had tossed it earlier in excitement.

Jessica cleaned up the makeup and some other odds and ends around the bathroom while she heard May chatter in the other room, and was looking at herself when May came back in.

"Looks like I have an interview! "she squealed, "Tonight!"

"Already?" Jessica blinked

May nodded," I guess he really liked my resume! But I couldn't have had him take it or even get a shot at this without Belladonna's help! Oh-I'll have to thank her! Oh! I gatta go tell Alex I need a ride."

"Well I wish you the best," Jessica said smiling.

"Thanks," May gave a little skip before hugging Jessica," you have been really great to me Jess. Thank you. I only hope for the best for your farm."

She nodded and tried her best to give an optimistic smile," Thanks. You kick ass at that interview alright?"

May nodded and not a moment later there was a knock at the door. Jessica and May smiled to each other before Jess shook her head grinning and May went to go change for her interview.

Walking to the front door, she noticed both Spock and Bones passed out in their beds which was rather odd for them at this hour. But she figured that she shouldn't expect too much from them, after all they were on constant guard duty so she figured they deserved a night off as well.

Pulling open the door she felt her heart skip a beat.

There, standing tall and strong as always was Bret. He wore a tight white T-shirt that showed off every muscle he had and stretched thinly across his broad chest and shoulders as if it were thinking of ripping-probably would if he were to flex. He had some agreeable brown slacks on that matched nicely with his skin tone.

The smile that had been on his face slipped away at the sight of her and his expression melded into what Jessica was sure to be a bit of awe. It was very rare she dressed up she knew-even in high school.

Blushing she cleared her throat.

"Well,uh, hi," she smiled weakly not knowing what else to say.

He gulped and seemed to remember himself suddenly.

"Hello," he said his eyes bright once again, but Jess could not help but notice the slightly deeper rumble to his voice.

"You look good out of your uniform," she commented trying not to run a nervous hand through her hair.

Brad smiled softly to her and stepped forward making her take in a breath.

"Jessica," he rumbled," you look absolutely beautiful tonight. Not that you do not look beautiful normally, of course, but I do not believe I have seen you out of your normal t-shirt and jeans. "Another once over and his eyes hooded before he looked back into her own," you are stunning Jess."

His hands had made their way to her cheek and side and she couldn't stop her head from feeling like it was going to float away or her heart to stop being for fear of it exploding. He touched her with just his fingertips, oh so lightly, but it felt as if he set a burning fire upon contact.

She wanted to say something, anything, or find a way to respond appropriately somehow but she couldn't seem to make her mind work. So instead of trying to use words, as for that was for some reason so hard with Brad being this close, she felt her hands slowly go up his chest to his broad shoulders, before one tangled into the back of his hair pulling him down.

When their lips met it was as if she had been struck by lightening and she melted into him her legs threatening to give way under her. It wasn't as if she had never kissed a man before, and it was not as if she had never kissed Brad, it wasn't as if she was innocent in any way. But the way Brad made her feel, her heart sped up, her palms sweat, and it was as if energy thrummed in her that was hoping to be released.

"Shall we go," she felt the words vibrate in his chest as he said them and she nodded ears burning when May whistled behind her.

"Don't worry gurlie I'll lock up everything behind you! I'll see you tomorrow!"

Rolling her eyes she gave May an exasperated look," Were just having dinner May," she hissed waving at her in a shooing manner," good luck with the interview and don't get too wild with Alex."

May unfortunately did not have the sense to be properly embarrassed by this statement and just grinned wolfishly," oh I will be."

Jess turned back to Adam after the girl bounced off," what 'am' I going to do with her?"

Adam seemed entirely too amused by this and opened the door for her," I could call my partner and have him monitor her for the night for some good revenge if you want."

"No," she laughed as they made their way to his car, it was the police cruiser still which was just fine for her," She 'would' kill me. May is a big girl. I worry about guys she normally gets together with, but I know Alex a bit and he seems to be a good man. Perhaps a bit of a flirt, but I don't think he would do anything to hurt her-if he values his job much less his life." she tried to make a threatening pose when they reached the doors of the vehicle but at his snicker figured she didn't look too intimidating.

They backed out her drive and as they began to drive down her road, she saw him become suddenly tense and was biting his lip.

"Jessica," he finally said and she patiently waited for him to continue.

After a moment she leaned forward a bit, "yes?" she coaxed

"I don't want to ruin this night," he said after a moment frowning to the road, and she noticed his knuckles were white on the steering wheel," And I certainly do not wish to upset you."

She felt a nervous flop of her stomach and she gripped her hands together in her lap.

"Ah haha," she tried to laugh but it came out a thin, shaky warble," um. A-are you upset by how fast this is going? I know it is-I normally don't get together with guys much less kiss them before the second date, and well I know this all must make me seem terribly forward-"

"no," he said glancing to her fiercely then back to the road," no. Not at all. I am . . .this between us. I like it. Its great. I normally don't date either. So . . you are a bit of an exception with me as well. . .its just I have some news that may upset you. And I don't want to."

"Then. . . what is it?"

Putting a hand through his hair he looked to her briefly before continuing his way down the highway," My brother is in town."

Jessica's eyes widened and her fists clenched bloodlessly in her lap. Looking quickly down to them she tried to get control of her beating heart.

She had waited years for Brett. Had taken many lonely nights, had watched her friends grow, fall in love and start families while she immersed herself in her work. And now, after finally feeling as if she were moving on, he was in town. He was here. Why now?

"Thats nice,"vshe spoke though her voice was hollow," I... Brad I really don't care. I don't want to know about Bret."

He was silent so after a moment she looked up to watch his struggle to say something to her.

"What is it?"

"There is something you need to know," he said finally but sighed, "but perhaps now is not the time? I'm no good at this. I hadn't known he was in town until I was already on my way to get you and he called. I am not pleased with the way he leads his life."

Jessica tried to laugh a little though it sounded strained even to her ears," You never really did. Even when we were kids."

That brought a smile to his face and his shoulders relaxed from their tense position, "If I remember correctly you were the only kids back then. But at least you have grown up."

She grinned happy for the light mood," oh hush you. 19 and 'so grown up'," a roll of her eyes," you were stumbling almost as blindly as we were."

"Hey,"he quipped as he turned off into a neighborhood of the highway, "I was only half as blind. You guys were completely in the dark."

Jessica's laugh wasn't forced this time and she relaxed as they drove down the streets of a nice neighborhood, slowly as kids ahead rushed out of the way to stop their street hocky to make way for the cop car. As they passed a few waved to Adam and he responded in kind. All too quickly she was realizing the reality of what was happening.

She was going to Brads house. They technically were having their second date. Was this too fast? Too soon? It normally took a long time for her to be this comfortable with someone, but for some reason it came naturally with Brad-though that could in part be to their history.

Her mouth seemed dry as she swallowed watching ahead heart suddenly not enjoying being caged in her chest as it attempted to beat its way out.

Though she couldn't stop the smile pulling the edges of her lips.

If it were Brad, it would be fine.

They arrived at the house soon after. It was modest, a light blue in color with a small yard and emerald grass cut neatly.

"huh that's odd," murmured Brad and she saw him looking to the windows upstairs and downstairs. Both were on," I turned them off." 

His eyes became steeled and his expression stern as he begun to tense.

But the minute he was about to say something the door opened and out ran a little boy with blond hair and blue eyes.

Brad quickly opened the door while all Jessica could do was blink dumbly and stair trying to understand what was going on.

"Uncle Brad!!"the boy was perhaps 5 or 6 years old and dressed in a simple red shirt with jeans. His feet were bare and he had a bit of chocolate on the side of his mouth," I missed you!"

"Jimmy," Brad took the boy into his arms looking to the house, "Where is your father? Why are you here?"

"Dad dropped me and Freddie off," the boy said suddenly very absorbed with Brads shirt collar,"Freddies upstairs. He's mad."

"He should be," Jessica barely heard Brad murmur before he turned to her as she exited the car. He let out a woosh of air pushing his hair back," hey Jimmy-go inside and wait for me up with your brother -okay buddy? "

The boy nodded and ran back inside while the two adults stood in silence.

"If you want to go home, I understand."

Jessica blinked-that had not been what she was expecting.

"W-what? "she shook her head," go home?!? Why would I want to go home?"

He frowned," Well I'm not sure how much you like kids. . .I mean if you don't mind the boys-"

"No, "she stepped forward to him and touched his arm," I don't. I would like to know who they are. . ." Despite saying this deep down she felt she already knew. Her heart winced though she refused to take notice.

He looked to her before nodding," Come on let's get you inside."

They made their way into the hall where they discarded their shoes and Brad grumbled about the boys when he spotted muddy shoes, and open backpacks with belongings strewn about. She couldn't help but giggle a little at that.

He scowled a bit though with no real heat, "You really don't mind the boys do you? "he said after a moment.

"No, "she laughed, "I-ah- actually haha I've always wanted kids. It's just. . .you know. . ."

Her heart gave a particular squeeze at the thought of Brett. If the boy, Jessie, was calling Brad uncle that could only mean one thing. Brett had forgotten about her and moved on years before she had even begun trying to. Swallowing she looked away trying to will the thoughts of how stupid she had been to stop.

"Hey," he said turning her to face him gently, "It's okay. I get it."

"Yeah," she laughed a bit shaky," It is okay. I'm over it and moved on a long time ago."

His eyes became cold as he frowned, "you just waited years for him," he murmured," It's understandable that you still get emotional about him just know. . . right now. Here. You have me."

Her heart hammered in her chest and he rubbed her arms before stepping back putting some distance between them when there was thumping and shouts from upstairs, "Go make yourself comfortable on the couch. I need to calm these boys down. I'll let you meet Freddie later. . .he is angry right now. "

She nodded and made her way to the living room while she listened to Brad run up the stairs to break out what scuffle had started out.

His living room was sterile, very modern. 

The walls were a light blue, and the coffee table was black with glass middle, black side tables sitting next to a black couch and 2 red chairs. There was an area rug on the grey floors and there were a few pictures around the walls, and a t.v hung up above an electric fireplace.

Walking over to the shelf with the photos hung above it and sitting on its top she looked to the pictures. 2 little boys were in most of them, in various stages of their life. In many there was Bret, doing various activities with them. There were also a few pictures of Brad with his mother, of his parents before their divorce, of him and friends in high school and police academy.

Jessica smiled lightly half listening to Brads deep baritone speaking to the rowdy boys upstairs while she looked at all the photos and through the years. BBQs with his parents, ones she remembered he loved attending, of graduation, his mother with her degree, and many of the boys through various stages of their life. She made it to the end of the line of frames on the bookshelf and paused at a family photo-it looked like it was older. The far corner was folded.

But the body of a man, hands on the shoulders of a young boy, gave Jessica all the information she needed to know. It was Brett. It had to be.

"Jess."

She gasped tipping the frame and it fell off the shelf.

It landed face down and she stood still looking at the small frame before looking up to Brad who quirked an eyebrow.

"I think I have delt with teenage thieves who manage to be less awkward being caught, "he chuckled walking over.

She rolled her eyes," I wasn't goin' to steal it dummy."

"I know that," he picked it up and stood straight to meet her gaze before setting it back," this is probably one of the last times we got together for a family photo. Brett was trying to be a better man," Brads mouth became a tight line," but I think growing up and goin' on an honest hard-working path has always been too hard for him. Annie," he pointed to the woman who was smiling with rosy red cheeks and bright blue eyes, "tried for years to help keep him going and being a good man. She is an amazing woman."

"She is the boy's mother?"

Brad nodded," She is Jimmy's. She took in Freddie when his mother hadn't wanted him. Freddie's is Brets son, though. A fling. Annie was the best thing that ever happened to him."

"She. . .sounds amazing," The hurt in her voice was obvious and Brad put a calming hand on her shoulder.

"She was just what Bret needed. . . but I fear he was too dependent on her. He. . after they had Jimmy, Bret changed- for the better. But, well. . . now."

Jessica didn't say anything for a while and they walked in silence over to the couch, "Where is she right now? It sounds as if they need someone other than their father there for them. . . "

"Hospital," Brad sighed," has been for two years now. Coma. A pretty bad accident. There is hope, were all hoping she wakes up. The boys miss her."

"And Bret?"

Brad grabbed the remote to a nearby CD player glancing to her for a moment, lips pursed," More than he would like to admit or probably even knows. He lived for her, and when they had Jimmy I honestly thought he was a different man. He had stopped partying, he had kept a steady decent job-even moved on to management! Him and Frankie had become closer, and when I looked I finally saw this happy family. But then, one day, Annie was driving home from a friends house one night. A drunk driver hit her. The only hope we have is, that the doctors say she has brain activity. She isn't even on life support, she can breath on her own and everything. She just won't wake up."

"Does he ever even see her?" Jessica was trying not to show her anger but knew she failed horribly.

"It used to be every day. He would read to her, talk for hours, bring the kids in. He could not focus on work anymore, and he started looking like shit," Brad shook his head," I understand he is hurting. We all loved Annie. But for him to. . give up everything. To just check out like that and abandon the boys the past couple years. . . doing things like this and dropping them off here for another 'get rich easy' scheme I am sure he is doing. It's just. . "

"So, like him?" She questioned.

He shrugged," or just pain selfish. Which I suppose he is at heart."

He turned on some music to play and set the remote down and gently laid a hand on her shoulder, "It obviously isn't going the way I wanted it to, but I still want to have dinner with you."

"Its fine Brad," she laughed lightly walking with him to the dining area, not being able to fight the grin that spread across her face at the sight of a table set up for a dinner for 2 with candles in the middle and a bottle of wine waiting in ice.

"I am not the best cook," he said as he guided her to the table and she realized there was a very delicious aroma surrounding her that she hadn't noticed when distracted by the picture and talk of Bret.

It was set for the two of them and had simple bowls and spoons with a crock pot off on the side table. He seated her and grabbed her bowl before filling it with chili along with his own.

"The corn bread is from May, "he grinned almost sheepishly, "I asked her to make it since I can never seem to bake anything. And so, to save you from a charred disaster, she agreed to help. It's also how I found out you still love chili."

"Of course, May was in on this! "She laughed lightly and hummed as he set her bowl down along with a basket covered with wrapped corn bread. When had May given that to him? The sly girl.

Before he could sit or she could eat there was a soft voice, "I don't wanna go to bed Uncle Brad."

Jimmy looked rather put out, holding a tonka truck against his chest dressed in a Spider-Man P.J top and bottom. His hair was tousled and there was a pout on his face.

"I thought I put Scooby on for you to watch."

"Frankie turned it off. Said it was stupid and I should just go to bed."

Brad stood sighing a hand going through his hair a murmured, "Frankie," under his breath.

Before Brad could say anything more Jessica pushed her chair back, catching his questioning gaze she gave a small smile before standing and turning to the boy," Well there is a t.v down here. And I like Scoobie-doo. Spider-Man too. I used to read the comics back when I was little."

It didn't take any more than that for Jimmy to perk up, scurry over to her, grasp her hand and begin pulling her to the couch chattering away as Brad chuckled and walked over to the television to pull up the DVD player.

"I'm JImmy by the way, and I really like your hair. My mommy likes to watch Scooby with me too! She said she watched it when she was little. When she wakes up maybe we can all watch it together!"

Jessica felt sorry for the kid and also was unsure of what to say, "That sounds like fun," she finally responded in a strained voice glancing to Brad whose face was pinched as he obviously struggled to figure out if he should ground the boys expectations. Her response felt lame and hollow, but the boy took it without altering from his newly renewed good mood.

"Oh oh oh," Jimmy was already moving on though, as children often do in conversation, "Lets watch the one on the cat island! I like that one! The monsters are real!"

Brad turned, shoulders relaxing as his internal struggle was put aside for the moment," That sounds good to me bud."

They started up the movie Brad moving some t.v dinner trays into the living room and serving her there. The chili was spectacular, not too spicey but kicking with flavor and nice big steak chunks just how she liked it, and despite them sitting on either side of Jimmy, who had quickly become comfortable and had shifted from sitting to laying withing the first 15 minutes of the movie before falling asleep, they found plenty of entertainment in each other's company while critiquing the movie.

"In what right mind would any TSA ever hire Shaggy and Scooby? That seems like 'high' expectations to me. If you catch my drift."

"Though this has to be the first week on the job look at how fast they broke like a billion rules and didn't work."

"Seriously Daffeny needs a larger wardrobe for how rich she is."

"Why in the name of all things good is Velma not on Mars by now? "

"Have you seen that new Scooby Doo show? Velma is straight on dating Shaggy. That's why."

"Whaaat? No! I like the Jonny B fan theory."

It went on like this for the entirety of the film before they were making jokes and laughing at each other's poor humor. As the credits began to roll, they both calmed staring at each other before looking down to Jimmy who had dropped his truck to the floor and was snoring lightly.

"Thank you," Brad finally said, "It's hard for him. With everything. He needs stability right now and probably a good female figure while his mother is. . unwell You gave him that tonight."

She felt a warmth in her chest, and she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face," I hope he is doing alright without his mom. Any time you guys want that 'good female figure' just let me know. I would love to have more movie nights. . . and maybe to meet Frankie too."

"Oh Frankie," Brad laughed rubbing his neck, glancing up the stairs," maybe we could work up to that. He. . is dealing with a lot of frustration between his father and Annie's condition."

"That is understandable. Children have it hard, not in control of their own lives and being abandoned one way or another by those who rule them."

Looking out the window her brows raised, and she glanced down at her wristwatch.

"Oh man," she lightly laughed, "I didn't realize how late it was. I should be getting home."

They both slipped from either side of Jimmy to stand and stretch. Brad scratched his head thinking hard.

"I can't leave the kids here, and I don't want to wake them up. . . "

"Oh no!" she shushed him," I don't expect you to! I will call a taxi!"

"What," he seemed a bit insulted," no way. I can't let you leave this date in a taxi, it already is as unethical and strange as it is getting. I would really like a redo on this date by the way, I feel jipped for you."

"I loved it," she giggled a bit shaking her head. It was amazing how young he made her feel," I am fine. I promise."

"Or. . .."he struggled and bit his lip before looking to her with a question in his eye," you could sleep here. . ."

At her shocked look he rushed," no no not like that! I mean I have a guest bedroom and ugh that was strange sounding I know. I meant not like that. . ."

They both were blushing now, and Jessica was having an extremely difficult time not thinking about what exactly could happen if she ever did sleep over. She did plan to- in the future.

"It's okay," she let out a breathy laugh," I need to go home. Farm duties and all. But really. A cab is fine." "Well then I am paying your fee, "he said firmly, and she gave him that which seemed to please him.

He called a cab for her and they both cleaned up and chatted lightly while waiting for its arrival, which was far too fast in Jessica's opinion when the glaring headlights of a popular taxi company pulled into the drive.

Brad walked her to the door and opened the back cab door before she turned around.

"I had an amazing night. No take backs. This is our official first dinner date, "she murmured looking up to him before standing on her tiptoes to kiss his lips lightly.

She would have pulled back but he deepened it by setting a modest hand on her side and another on her cheek.

Pulling away, she was breathless as she looked up to his intense gaze, "I would hope for more time with you exclusively next time."

There was a muttered "oh jeeze" from the obviously fed-up taxi driver and Jessica rolled her eyes and slipped in. Brad rounded off to the driver and handed him enough money to get her home and a tip thanking him.

They backed out of the drive, and she waved and watched as Brads figure disappeared behind her and became smaller. Once they rounded the corner she turned to the front and let out a happy sigh realizing that there was a smile stretched across her face.

He had been as easy to talk to and hang out with as he had been in their younger years. She had often ran to him when Bret was being terrible or reckless and Brad would do everything in his power to comfort her and reel Bret in.

And now she wasn't running off in tears anymore. Wasn't chasing after someone who only wanted her when it suited him, wasn't running away when he hurt her feelings.

In fact, Jessica realized smiling at the dusky skies as the taxi cab merged onto the highway, she wasn't running at all anymore.

She was finally happy staying right where she was.