[Book Four] Chapter 4: Eden Prime the third

Chapter 4: Eden Prime the third

The week spent waking everyone up had been tiring for everyone, especially the security. Thankfully a good number of the inhabitants of the bunker volunteered to help other groups get situated. Everything didn’t go smoothly as there were a few incidents here and there but in general everything was fine. The most asked questions, however, were about the members of one's family that weren’t in the bunker and when they would leave. The first was a bit difficult to answer as there wasn’t a proper list of deceased people and if they were alive who knows where they were and what they were doing. For the second, people were already evacuated at the start of the fourth day. The fact that there were many different recreational areas had been a genius idea from Rick as people tended to just go there to get their mind out of their situation.

Miranda had been more and more impatient the closer Orianna was to be released, which prompted Jennifer and Rick to deal with her properly by tying her up against a bed and having their way with her. The ex-convict had been worried about meeting Orianna and her adoptive family but Rick was there to support her by simply babbling to Miranda who reassured her that everything would be fine. Rick got his ass kicked by an angry and very embarrassed psychotic biotic but didn’t make a fuss as he knew she would do that and because he deserved it.

Since the anniversary of the end of the war was in less than three months, Tevos decided to go to every bunker, stay a few days and leave for another one, to make sure everyone would be released in time. It was fine with everyone involved and so after eight days, the Normandy left for the closest bunker. In the end the mission lasted less than a month.

“I’m keeping her.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No. Go find your own little sister.”
“Don’t I have a say in this?”
““No.””

Hilary, sitting down in the co-pilot seat, was watching her brother and Rick arguing about who got to keep her around. She still couldn’t believe what had happened to her and what had happened to the rest of the Galaxy. When she saw the images and read the articles about what happened to her colony, she felt lucky to have been one of the chosen. She was also proud to know that her big brother was now a hero and one of the most respected pilots around. Happy to have a free ride on the Normandy with her father, something that she could never thank Jane enough for, she spent her time looking at the ship specs and watching Joker’s work. She did wonder why Rick wanted to keep her though.

“Enough you two. Hilary is not an object you can fight for.” EDI said as she entered the cockpit.
“Thank you, EDI.”
“You’re welcome.”
“If I don’t get her now, I’ll never have the best pilot to test my new ships.”
“I’m the best pilot.” countered Joker.
“For now and you’re in the military.”
“What new ships?” Hilary asked.
“I own a company that works on everything. Mostly tech and that includes ships. The objective is to provide state of the art ships both civilian and military but I need a pilot who knows what they are doing to not wreck millions of credits because they are incompetent. Furthermore I’m working only with the best and from your aptitude test it’s obvious that you are.”
“Well, duh, I’m a Moreau.”
“I know. That’s why I want you, duh.” Rick replied in the same manner. “ I will pay for your tuition, make sure you get the best education and hire you first before any other pilot.”
“Really?”
“Don’t listen to him, Gunny. The flying academy is the best and you don’t need him to get in or pay tuition.”
“I would teach you everything you need to know, myself and not some idiots that got his credentials and diploma because they have a good memory. You won’t have to spend years studying subjects that you won’t need later in life that do not concern flying or paying taxes.”
“And what credentials do you have?” the young teen asked.
“I’m the smartest man in the Galaxy.”
“Yeah… right.” she replied not convinced, making Joker snort.
“Rick had proven multiple times that he was indeed one of the smartest people in the galaxy if not the smartest. At the very least he is the smartest person I have ever met and I am an AI.”
“Thank you, EDI.”
“Oh, yeah? What did you do?”
“I’m the only one in history who ever outsmarted not one, not two, but the whole Reaper army. All the latest tech developed during the war and the two years before? That’s me. The entirety of the R&D division of the Alliance is under antidepressant because of me and all governments think twice before annoying me.”
“Suuuuure.” the small teen said not believing a single word.
“Actually, that’s true.” Joker said.
“What? You’re kidding!”
“Nope.”
“Then why don’t you want me to take the deal then?”
“Because my life hasn’t been the most stable for the past four years, so your brother is worried about you getting mixed up in my business.”
“Pretty much.” admitted Joker.
“Just so you know, I’m settling on Earth for the next two years. Hilary would be eighteen by the time. Perfect time for her to be one of the first students of my university.”
““What university?”” the siblings asked in sync.
“As soon as we get back to Earth, I’m beginning the construction of a school for the best talents in the galaxy for every field. I intend for that school to be a ship so big it would be almost a station because I want to offer the possibility of traveling to the students. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the one who gets to pilot it?”
“You’re mad! Jeff, he’s mad!”
“Don’t I know it. But… yeah if he says he’s going to do it, then it’s going to happen.”
“I promise, the best education, lodging and you’d be safe.”
“Jeff?” Hilary asked unsure.
“We need to know more than just that but if you keep your word then… I don’t see any problem, it’s a good opportunity. You’ll have to convince our dad though.”
“Deal, give me one hour and you have everything you want to know.” Rick replied as he left the cockpit for the lab.
“Jeff, are you sure that…”
“With him? Not really, but he gave his word so he’s going to keep it. The reason I opposed it is because I worry about you but it’s really that good of a deal and he didn’t offer it to anyone else. Just you. If he didn’t think you had the potential he wouldn’t have said anything. So my advice? Take your time to think about it because that’s one hell of an opportunity.”

____________________________________________________________

Once every bunker had been visited the Normandy went back to Earth for a few days. Rick was over the moon to see his daughter and stayed with her most of the time. Ashley was surprised at how expressive he was with her, a far cry of the cold and mute man she had met years ago. She loved it though and seeing him so carefree made her want one of her own even more. For Jane it was different, he reminded her of herself after her own resurrection, more outgoing and less reserved in private. She liked that too and felt that they were closer than ever. It was as if she had back the eccentric and full of life baby brother she had left behind when she enlisted.

Liara had found some free time to visit and cried when she saw Rick awake, taking him in a loving hug. Her eyes never left him as he played with Arianna on the side with Dorothea while she talked with her friends. Ashley and Jane didn’t miss the look of longing on the asari’s face.

“Not yet ready for babies, huh?” Jane started.
“Of course not. Our Liara is way too young for that, despite the look on her face that says otherwise.”
“I don’t know what the two of you are talking about.” she replied with her best poker face.
“Me thinks, the simple thought of regretting not making a kid when he died changed your mind.” Jane teased.
“Not in the least.”
“It’s fine, I’m next anyway.” confessed Ashley.
““What?!””
“In six months at the very least.”
“I wasn’t aware of that, he didn’t tell me anything about it.” Jane said with a frown, looking at her brother.
“That’s because he wanted to talk about the three of us first. Or is it four?” the brunette inquired looking at Liara.
“What do you mean?” the asari asked.
“Jane is not leaving him…”
“Not for anything in the world.”
“I’m not either because I just can’t. It means that Jane and I, we’re going to work on this unusual relationship the three of us share. What would we be to each other’s children? How would homelife play out? How would our sex life play out? But the real question here, Liara, is…. What about you? Did you move on? Do you want to continue your relationship? Do you want to be part of what we are possibly building together?”
“I… I don’t know.” admitted the asari. “I know that I love him and want to stay with him but…”
“But you’re not sure about us.” Jane finished her sentence.
“Oh, no! I’ve no problem with you, the two of you. I just… Jane, you’re a mom and Ash, you’ll be one soon apparently... I guess… I’m unsure about myself, about my own place. Do I want children with him? Yes. I admit that’s what I want but part of me feels like it’s too soon.”
“And another part thinks it’s not, because you’re afraid that with the difference in lifespan if you wait too long, you’d miss your chance.” Ashley stated.
“Yes.” Liara answered, dropping her head.
“Well, we can’t really tell you what to do but I know that I would consider any daughters of yours like my own in this relationship. I’m saying that though I’d be away a lot since I’m staying on active duty.”
“In any case, he’s not disappearing anytime soon, so you have time, Liara. Finish your book first before making any decision?”
“What decision?” Rick asked, appearing out of the blue with a sleeping Arianna in his arms.
“Making blue children.” Ashley replied a bit crassly.
“Ash!”
“Is there a baby fever around making women want to have babies? Who’s next? Thea?”
“I haven’t yet thought about it but I’m still young so I’ll abstain from making a decision for a while.”
““HEY!”” Jane and Ashley protested in a scandalized manner.
“She wasn’t meaning you were old.” Rick clarified while rolling his eyes.
“Oh! Indeed I wasn’t. I was referring to the fact that this body is only fifteen months old. I do not have enough experience with it to make such an important decision yet.”
“And as for blue children…” he began to say as he sat by Liara’s side. “I wouldn’t mind, if that’s what you want. Provided of course that you want me to be their father.”
“Of course I want you to be their father! What are you saying?!”
“Well, I’ve been dead for nine months, a lot of things can happen during that time, like Tali finding herself a boyfriend…”
“I didn’t endure your stupid ass for the last four years to just drop you at the first occasion! You’re stuck with me at least for a few more decades, you moron!” Liara said incensed at what he had implied.
““““...””””
“Liara… did you just…” Jane tried to ask in shock at her friend's outburst.

“That's the second time I’ve witnessed your krogan side showing itself.”
“Only you and father can make me mad enough for that to happen! And that’s not how it works!” the asari replied, clearly embarrassed.
“Damn!” Ashley simply said, impressed.
“Honestly, I find it hot and cute.”
“R-Really?”
“Yeah. In case you didn’t notice, I rather like aggressive women.”
“Now that you’re saying it… That’s true.” Ashley said pensively.
“Except you and me, I don’t see it.” commented Jane.
“You clearly didn’t sleep with my baby blue alone. In fact, Miranda aside, the two of you are the least aggressive during love making.”
““What?!””
“Jennifer and Liara are third, Thea here is second and Tali is the most aggressive out there.”
“You’re kidding! Tali?!” exclaimed a dumbfounded Jane.
“Little quarian, shy to the bone and a bit insecure, Tali’Zorah?” Ashley asked to be sure.
“So far, she’s the only one that actually dominated me the one time we got together. Even Aethyta failed.”
““No way!””
“How?!” Liara inquired.
“Two years later and I still don’t know. It’s like she was another person.”

____________________________________________________________

The few days of rest went by quickly and thanks to their mother, Ashley was given some time off to go with them to visit Eden Prime. During those few days. Rick decided to give some of the flats of the building in the lower floors to some people. Kahlee and Anderson were the first as he wanted his sister around even if it was unnecessary since they already have a place. Joker’s family got one too as he wanted to have Hilary close and to show her the advantage of sticking with him. He also gave one to Jennifer and Miranda and one to Orianna and her family. It was all temporary of course but that was fine. Liara and Dorothea didn’t need one as Rick simply let them stay in his own penthouse.

Aboard the Normandy, Rick was lying naked beside Jane in her bed, simply cuddling.

“Jane?”
“Yes?” she replied with her head on his chest. Her eyes were clo and she was simply enjoying his warmth.
“I’m surprised you haven’t jumped my bones, yet. In fact no one tried.”
“... It’s not like we don’t want to, it’s just that… we don’t want to think that that’s all we want from you. We’re kinda waiting for you to be ready.”
“That’s silly. I’m always ready. Jennifer and Miranda can attest to that.”
“There wasn’t much love involved. Liara is busy and Ash, Dorothea and I want more than just sex. We wanted something more so we’re waiting for you.”
“Thea?”
“EDI took your death rather well in comparison. She was unhappy but that was it. Dorothea on the other hand was… She did not. She has been on Ilos all this time alone and didn’t have much in emotional support. From what she said, she had to have her emotional dampeners up at full capacity for the first couple of months. Thankfully Ash asked her family to watch over her quickly so everything went fine but it hadn’t been easy for her.”
“I still don’t get it.”
“She loves you.”
“Oh! So that’s the answer she came to.”
“Yes, she shared with us your conversation about how she was feeling towards you while you were stuck on the Citadel. After a lot of soul searching and some help to find a date from Abby, she realized that she was only attracted to you. Apparently all her dates were not smart or knowledgeable enough to her taste and one of them even had a Phd in… Well he was a rocket scientist or something.”
“So Thea is sapiosexual, I should have figured.”
“That became pretty obvious when she confessed that every time you explained one of your ideas she just wanted to rip out your pants and fuck you on the spot.”
“Thea would not say that.”
“Not with those words but the intent was there.”
“So three women in total… Are you sure you’re fine with it?”
“I will always want you all to myself. That will never change but they’re my friends, they’re family and I can’t bring myself to take you away from them. Not like I could anyway and I wouldn’t want one of them doing that to me if the situation was reversed.”
“...”
“...”
“We’re really going to need that big house.”
“Yep.”
“...”
“...”
“Are you… Are you sure you don’t want to get married?” he said as he brought her her head to look at him.
“Yes. I don’t care, as long as I’m with you. That’s really all that matters to me.”
“You don’t want to wear a wedding dress?”
“Hmmm… I never really thought about it but… not really?”
“Too bad, I would have liked to see you in one.”
“We can always buy one.”
“We can but that would be such a waste.”
“Look, if you want us to be married, we’ll get married though I’m surprised you’re even considering it.”
“Analysse kinda asked me to move on and I promised I would, so…”
“Whatever the reason, it’s fine. However, I’m telling you, I’m keeping the Shepard name.”
“I’m not taking it. Not after discarding it in the first place.” he replied with a frown.
“And it’s alright. I’m not asking you to. As I said, I’m fine the way we are.”
“You wouldn’t mind if I propose to Ashley, then?”

“No, why?”
“I don’t want you to feel like I love you less.”
“You’ve been in love with me before you even knew what love was, more than twenty years ago. I’m pretty sure I’m the one person you love the most besides maybe Arianna.”
“You got that right.” he replied as Jane grinned.
“Are you sure that it’s what you want though?”
“Besides Analysse asking me to, yes. Ashley has always supported me, she’s even choosing me over her mother. Not marrying her and letting her be on bad terms with her mom is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. And I truly do love her. I can easily see us growing old together.”
“Then go ahead, you have my blessing. Not like you need it in the first place since you’ll do whatever you want anyway.”
“I will not if you don’t want me to.”
“I want you to. Seriously, Ash deserved it after sticking with you for so long.”
“Then so be it.”
“Good.”
“I wonder if she’d go along with no sex until marriage to strengthen our love.”
“She will kill you.” laughed Jane.
“Yeah, probably.”

____________________________________________________________

They were only five on the shuttle, flying towards the ruins of Rick’s former house. Jennifer had opened the side door and was taking in the view in silence with Miranda standing behind by her side holding her hand. Ashley did the same with Rick but with a lot more strength.

“You’re going to break my hand if you squeeze harder.”
“It’s to make sure you’re not going around alone to do some stupid shit.”
“I won’t.”
“The last time we were there you burned your house down with you inside, so excuse me if I don’t take your word for it.”
“What?” Miranda asked as she turned her head around to look at both Rick and Ashley.
“The idiot tried to off himself.” Jennifer said, turning around too.
“I never thought you were the kind of person to do that.”
“Proof that you never quite know anyone at 100%, Miranda.”
“We’re here.” Jane said from the driving seat.

She turned the Kodiak sideways to give a view of the charmed ruins to everyone, descending slowly.

“I can tell it was a rather big house for two people. You made it all yourself?” inquired Miranda.
“Yeah. I used the mechs of the colony during the night for the foundations. The house itself I used my biotics so it was easy and quick. What really took time was the inside and the details. I was done in… four months, approximately.”
“That must have been a nice place. Remote, peaceful with a nice view.” said Jennifer.
“It was.”

Not replaying anything to Ashley’s whisper, Rick stood up and brought her with him. He picked up the two bunches of flowers lying on the seat beside his and went outside. Looking at the consequences of what he had done he only felt regret. Not at his actions but at the fact that he didn’t have enough memories of this place. He let go of Ashley's hand and removed his helmet to take a big breath of fresh air. Despite the smell of Ash un burnt wood he still could catch the very familiar scent of nature. That triggered his memory, flashes of events going through his mind of a better time.

‘No, not better. Different.’ he thought to himself.

Throwing his helmet back into the Kodiak, he took Ashley’s hands and began to walk around the ruins, followed by everyone else. In less than five minutes they were behind the house in a neglected garden where vegetables had grown wild.

“You were making your own food?” asked Jane. She hasn’t really paid much attention the last time she had been here; too focused on the place burning down and getting her brother out of it.
“The less I met the colonists, the better. Of course Analysse didn’t like that, she was the chief after all and a people person but in the end she let me do it because heck, my vegetables were that good.” Rick answered while walking through the plants that had taken over the small path.

The small way was not that obstructed and they quickly came to the end of the garden where two tombstones were standing. Letting go of Ashley’s hand he went towards Jennifer and led her in front of them. He gave her one of the two bunches of flowers and put the other down on his daughter’s grave before dusting it off. Jennifer took a moment to look at the hard gray stones. The names, the dates and their epitaphs. It was so unreal for her. They were strangers to her, she shouldn’t care and yet she felt something. Part of her family was there, a family that she could have known had things been different. If she had not been that young to remember properly or if she had a better memory, if Cerberus hadn’t taken her away. So many ifs.  Rick’s hand suddenly resting on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts.

“I know what you’re thinking. Ifs never did anyone any good when they’re about the past. I only found pain and suffering in them.”

She nodded and crouched down to put the flower in front of her big sister’s grave.

“I wish I could remember. At least her, in more detail. So far I only have flashes of deep blue eyes and very long black hair.” she said standing up.

Rick put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her very close.

“I think you remember her more than you think.”
“What do you mean?”
“Analysse and Miranda kinda look alike. Though Analysse was taller and had bigger tits and a bigger ass. They are both very loving people in private and very serious on the job. The similarities end there but…”
“Are you saying I’m with Miranda because she reminds me of my sister?!” she said in shock turning her head to look at him, her nose almost touching his.
“No. You’re with Miranda because she completes you, don’t be silly. Though I wonder if you didn’t give yourselves a chance because subconsciously, you remember a time when you were happy with Analysse.”
“...”
“...”
“What do you think she would think of me, right now?”
“Oh, she’s super proud of you. Becoming a badass biotic teacher after everything you went through? She couldn’t stop talking about it.”
“Talk? The fuck are you talking about?” she asked with a frown.
“I was dead, Jen. Who did you think I met in the afterlife?”
“... You’re fucking kidding me, right?” she asked unamused.
“No. I never joke about her. How do you think I knew about you and Miranda being serious? Because she told me. She has been watching, all this time. You, me, Ash.”
“That’s not possible.”
“Yeah? She told me about that time you stole the expensive heels of an uppity bitch and…”
“Nobody knows about that!” she interjected, remembering the experience of her trying high heels. She had been all alone at the time.
“She thought you were cute.” Rick replied with a chuckle and got hit for that.
“Did… Did she say anything more?”
“Plenty of things. She was mad for some things you did and proud and sad about others. She prayed a lot for something good happening to you. And she was glad she did since we met. She tore me a new one for the way I treated you that time though.” he said with a grin. “She loved seeing us work together teaching Carrot Top but it was so frustrating at the same time for her since we didn’t know how we were connected through her.”

“What else?” the woman asked with tears running down her cheeks.
“She gave me a message for a bunch of people. Most of them are here, you included.” Turning around he looked at Ashley. “Yes, she knows she was a lucky bitch. Every time you curse her she’s just laughing her ass off.”
“I… I didn’t…” replied an ashamed brunette who didn’t know what to say.
“She’s not mad at you. If anything, she’s thankful for sticking with me, no matter what. She can’t wait for the time she could finally put her paws on you though soooo… Good luck I guess?”

Leaving a bewildered Ashley thinking about that he turned to Miranda.

“There is no way, it’s true.” Miranda denied, understanding that there was a message for her too.
“Believe it or not, it’s not really my concern. She’s thankful to you for being there for me and I quote ‘my awesome little troublemaker of a baby sister’ . There, do what you want with that. Now, Jane…”
“I have one too? I thought that you already told me everything back then?” she asked in surprise.
“It wasn’t the time nor the place. The gist of the message is, she is disappointed you don’t remember her or Samara.”
“I met them?!”
“Yeah, spent a bit of time with them too. Apparently you threw up a gasket when she revealed that I was your brother. You didn’t believe it at first then she showed you a moment where my mask was off. You were good friends and you were an exceptional aunt.”
“How come you remember but not Jane?” inquired Miranda.
“Valid question to which I don’t know the answer. Either because I'm me or because I wasn’t dead as long? Perhaps the condition of our brain was different. I went through much less trauma and you took charge of me quicker than Jane. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter.”
“What’s my message?” Jennifer asked from the side.
“MessageS.”

Rick leaned down and whispered in her ear.

“Put a ring on it.” he said first and put something in her hands. Jennifer took a look and saw a big engagement ring. “It’s mine, you already have hers. She approves of her and we hope that they will bring you better luck than they did for us. For the actual alliances though, it’s up to you.”

She looked at the simple silver ring in her palm and with her other hand pushed it around, pensively. Looking up at her girlfriend for a moment, she turned to Rick and whispered a small thank you.

“She also said that once you reunited, you were all hers for at least a year because, I’m quoting here : ‘She has a delicious ass and I want to tap that.’ ‘
“Fuck off! She didn’t say that!” Jennifer said, hitting him again without any strength behind it and with an amused smile.
“I swear it’s true!”
“Damn, she’s fucked up.”
“That she is.” he replied with a smile. “Finally she said and I’m quoting again, I swear. She said ‘Let Rick breed you; that way our family would be complete’.”
“Now I know you’re lying, ass!”
“I’m not. Not like I’m going through with it anyway, unless you want to.”
“Nope. Not happening.”
“Then no breeding. I already have enough of my plate as it is though I’m sure we would have made really cute babies together.”
“Keep dreaming.”
“Always.” he replied with a smile and walked back towards Ashley, taking her hands in hers.

Rick proposed the girls to have a look around while keeping Ashley close saying they needed to have a private conversation. The ladies obliged and backtrack through the garden leaving him with a very nervous Ash.

“Hey.”
“Hey.” she answered with a small smile looking at their joint hands.
“One of the many things she asked me to do was to move on.” he said, lifting her head up so they could look into each other’s eyes. “And you know me, I can’t say no to her, especially when she’s right.”
“Is that why… Is that why you’ve been very accepting of all of us?”
“Yes. Now that I know that she doesn’t blame me, that she’s waiting out there and that I have her blessing… I’m moving on because I want to be happy and that includes you being happy too.” he said and for the first time since he put it on, removed his wedding ring from his finger.
“Rick…” she exclaimed seeing what he had done.

He pulled a chain out of the inside pocket of his coat, made it go through the ring and put it around his neck. Then suddenly, he put a knee down and brought out a small box from his pants pocket. Ashley gasped and instinctively her hand went up to cover her mouth, tears beginning to form at the corner of her eyes not believing what was happening.

“Ashley Madeline Williams, will you marry me?” he asked, lifting the lid of the box and revealing a ring with a big red garnet on the top.

She didn’t know what to say or what to do. She could only cry as her mind had shut down, leaving a kneeling Rick hanging.

“Did I… Did I do that wrong? He asked suddenly, unsure.

He got his answer when Ashley grabbed his face and kissed him with everything she had. Just her lips against his wasn’t enough for her however and her tongue invaded his mouth, reaching for his own. She was the most frantic she has ever been and Rick was surprised by it but answered in kind. When she pulled back and separated, her makeup was completely ruined but he found her beautiful nonetheless.

“Yes! I’ll marry you, you stupid idiot.” she announced with a smile going from ear to ear.
“Stupid idiot is a tautolo…”
“Shut up!” she shouted and forcefully kissed him to keep him quiet.
“I want your baby. Not in six months. Now.”
“Ash, that’s…”
“I’ve been ready ever since that dinner with my family. When you stood your ground against my mom and praised me… I just wanted to climb on your dick right here right there and let you knock me up. I don’t want to wait anymore. Please.” she implored.

He couldn’t say no to her when her eyes were pleading him so much.

“Alright.” he said standing up. “As soon as we get back on the ship, but first…” 

He took her left hand, raising it to put the ring on her finger. She opened her hand wide for him to do so and she looked with rapt attention as he slowly pushed the ring along her finger until he couldn’t anymore.

“I hope you like it.”
“I do.” she replied, looking at her hand.
“No, that comes later in front of the priest.” he joked and got a kiss for it. A surprise, usually he got hit lightly.
“I’m just rehearsing.” she joked back with a smile.

Hand in hand they left the garden after saying their goodbye, to both Analysse and Samara. When they reached what was left of the house, they grouped up with the other and began to work. Ashley led the ladies, trying to find things that may have survived the fire, time and the weather, while Rick unobstructed the stairs leading down to the basement. There he found the servers, still working on geothermal energy and downloaded every single byte of data before wiping clean everything.
The process took a long time and when he went back to the first floor, the girls were just about done with their tasks.

“You got everything?” Jane asked.
“Yeah. We can go.”
“We didn’t find much but we got some trinkets and a chest full of Analysse’s clothes survived the fire.” said Ashley, holding the mentioned chest.

Rick nodded and took it from her hands. As everyone walked out, he talked with Jennifer about the place.

“It’s yours if you want it. After some remodeling of course.”
“Why are you giving it to me?”
“You’re family and they are here. It’s a very nice place to live, permanently or for a small retreat for some vacation days. It could be a holiday home for you and Miranda.”
“Why don’t you use it that way?”
“Too many memories.” he replied with a shake of his head. “I can’t live here anymore. I may visit once or twice a year to pay my respects but I just can’t live here and I can’t think of anyone better suited and deserving than you taking care of the place or inhabiting it.”
“I don’t know. I admit it’s kinda nice and…It’s home. Kinda. I’ll talk about it with Miranda.”
“I’ll hire people to clean everything. Since the foundation and the basement are still intact, it wouldn’t take much time to build a new house.”

Jennifer nodded and climbed up the Kodiak. Jane went back to the pilot seat, while the two couples were sitting in their own corner, enjoying the closeness with their respective partner.