Beneath the Desert Stars

by MadamAirlock

Summary:

Sheriff Laura Roslin took over after Sheriff Adar's death, doing her best to protect the good folk of Caprica against the ruthless Cylon outlaws, but there's a new sheriff in town.

Chapter 1: Deep Down in that Darkness

Notes:

Why, hello there! LaLaLauraRoslin and I triggered Mad Horse Disease with our horse girl chart which inspired CaityLove which then circled back and inspired this. Saddle up and enjoy the ride! ;)

Title comes from "Should've Been a Cowboy" by Toby Keith and all chapter titles are from "If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)" by Rodney Atkins.

The sun was low in the sky, a palette of reds and purples creeping toward the deep indigo of twilight and even darker blue of night. Laura watched it from underneath the brim of her hat, leaning back in her chair with the heels of her boots propped up on the railing surrounding the front porch of the small jail. Between her boots, she could see a singular approaching man and horse. She didn’t recognize him, but she knew his name.

Sheriff William Adama, from Tauron, a few towns to the west.

He was here to take her job and she was prepared to fight. She only wished he had waited until morning.

Her boots hit the ground and she stood up in the same motion, pausing to flick ashes from her cigarette into the dirt. A quick glance at the butt itself in the fading light told her there wasn’t much left and she let it fall into the can by her chair, then slowly returned her gaze toward the setting sun and the Sheriff’s growing silhouette. From the corner of her eye, she could see her horse shifting nervously and she reached a hand out to calm her, fingers gently stroking down her nose.

Within minutes, he reached the jail and his horse slid to a stop. He jumped down before the dust had settled, tossing the reins over the railing and then giving Laura a quick once over.

“Deputy Roslin, I presume.” His voice was deep, gravelly, and it caught her off guard.

“Sheriff,” she corrected immediately. “Have been since Adar passed.” Dusk had fully settled and there was barely enough light to see each other by. Without looking away, she grabbed her lantern off the ground and her lighter from her pocket, easily igniting the wick so they could see each other. “Come inside.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” He grunted and shot his horse one more look before he followed her through the doors into the slightly more illuminated jail. “But you’re only acting Sheriff.”

“I didn’t realize we were going to debate semantics tonight.” She barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes and hung the lantern from a hook on the far wall. Adar’s desk still sat empty across the room and nothing had been disturbed in the three months he had been gone. “Perhaps we can save this argument for tomorrow? It’s been a long day and I’d like to sleep.”

“You didn’t have to wait up.”

“Sure, I’ll let a stranger into my town in the middle of the night.” Sarcasm laced her voice and she turned her gaze to him as she dropped into her chair and immediately kicked her heels up onto her desk. “Besides,” she added with a cocky smirk, “then who would be around to tell you that there’s a room at–”

“Tigh’s Saloon and Boarding House,” he interrupted her.

Her smirk fell immediately and hardened into a glare that would’ve stopped most people in their tracks. It didn’t even make him blink.

“Saul’s an old friend,” he explained.

She hummed. Saul was a drunk, one she had wanted to arrest many times before, but the man always managed to stay on the right side of the law and never gave her the opportunity. Compared to Tom who always gave her an excuse. Sometimes, she went looking for one.

“A sheriff, a saloon owner, and his brothel-running wife. Sounds like the setup to a bad joke,” she commented, trying to recover from the unwelcome news. If Adama had roots in Caprica, it would be harder to get him to leave. “Do you have a wife back home?”

He chuckled and planted both hands on her desk so he could lean toward her. “Do you have a husband back home?” he countered.

She thought briefly of Adar, but her expression didn’t waver. “No.”

He raised an eyebrow. “An unmarried, female sheriff’s deputy. It’s a wonder folks haven’t eaten you alive out here.”

“Maybe I proved myself. Showed them I can be a damn good sheriff, even better than some of you.” She slid her legs down and leaned forward, mere inches between their faces. “Best to get some sleep, Adama. We’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

Neither moved, watching the other in the flickering light of the lanterns and silence of the sleeping town. A coyote howled in the distance and made her smile.

“I trust you can find your way to the boarding house?” she drawled quietly.

“I’ll manage.”

“You’ll pass the stable first. Should be an open pen for your horse.”

“Thank you.” His voice held no warmth and they resumed their staring.

She knew he had ridden straight through from Tauron. If he had stopped, he would’ve arrived later in the night, more likely in the morning when she had expected him. Sheriff Gray in Canceron had sent a telegram that Sheriff Adama hadn’t stopped and she had decided to wait for him. He had to be exhausted now, but he didn’t waver.

“You gonna leave so I can lock up?” She gestured around the room and the three lit lanterns. The jail was empty for the night and she was ready for her bed.

“Believe that’s my job now.” He didn’t break their eye contact, but slowly straightened up.

“Good luck doing that without the keys.” Her hand brushed the ring where it sat hooked to her hip, the keys jangling loudly in the quiet room.

“Are you going to be a problem for me, Roslin?” He narrowed his eyes.

She tried a different approach and offered her most charismatic smile. “If doing my job is a problem for you, I can’t help it.”

“My deputies will be here in the morning,” he said and she maintained her smile.

“Wonderful. I’ll see you all then.” She pushed herself up and extinguished the lantern near her desk, not looking at Adama as she headed for the other ones.

He didn't speak but he didn’t get in her way, and soon they stood in a pitch black room with only the light of the stars and the rising moon coming through the doors. With the ease of years of experience, she checked the two cells and headed for the door, unsurprised to hear his footsteps fall into line behind her. The temperature had dropped as the sun took the last of her warmth and it sent a brief shiver through Laura’s body. He grunted and she knew he saw, but she shrugged it off and approached her horse, easily pulling herself up into the saddle. Pythia adjusted beneath her but didn’t move back from the railing and Laura turned to see him settled in his own saddle. They started for the saloon and her small house on the other side, both horses walking at an unhurried pace.

While the rest of the town was quiet, the saloon was livelier than ever, light, music, and laughter streaming through the door. Not a word was said between them as they rode and she expected him to head for the stable or the saloon as they passed, but instead he continued on with her. Normally, she would stop and have a drink while she checked in, but she had no desire to spend any extra time with Adama; he seemed to have foiled her plans as they moved further from his destination.

“What are you doing?” she finally asked.

“Making sure you get home safely.”

A harsh laugh broke free and she looked at him in the light coming off the quarter moon. “While I appreciate the chivalry, I neither need nor want it. I have an escort already, anyway.”

“Oh?” He looked around them and chuckled. “Seems he got lost.”

She rolled her eyes and slipped her revolver from its holster, deftly swinging it around her fingers before she held it up so the moonlight glinted off it. “He’s right here. Pythia too.” The hand holding the reins reached down to stroke Pythia’s mane.

“I hear you’re a good shot.”

“I sure hope so. I’d be a pretty poor sheriff if I couldn’t shoot.” She smiled despite her irritation and holstered her gun as they continued on.

“Is this where you tell me you live on the outskirts of town and we’ll be riding ‘til morning?” He grunted as his horse missed the narrowing of the road and leaned sideways until he guided her back. She had easily stayed on the packed dirt road and couldn't help but laugh.

“We’re nearly there,” she reassured him. “Though you’re more than welcome to head back now. I know the way.” She paused and laughed again. “Besides, if the Cylons take me, just makes your job easier.”

He chuckled and she fell quiet, unsure what to make of his laughter. They passed the crossroads that led to the church and cemetery, the other fork leading toward the rest of town. She guided Pythia to the left, Adama and his horse following suit. As they crested the small hill, she pointed to her small house in the valley.

“Goodnight, Adama, she said, pulling back on the reins until Pythia slowed to a stop.

“Goodnight.”

Letting Pythia pick up speed as they went downhill, she reached her front door within moments, slowing to a stop just before the even smaller barn. She jumped down and let her horse wander in by herself, pausing to glance back to make sure Adama left. She could just barely make out his receding form and sighed as she turned back to unsaddle Pythia, hands gentle but hurried. When she was done, her gaze wandered up to the stars and moon, but the chill quickly became too much and she retreated inside, focused on winding down for the night.

Pounding on her door woke her just after dawn and she dragged herself from bed, quietly grumbling to herself as Billy continued banging and calling for her.

“I’m coming!” she finally shouted, not bothering with her robe and only grabbing her shawl as she passed it. She draped it around her shoulders just before she kicked the door open, nearly hitting Billy with it. Her bare feet were cold on the wood and opening the door open hit her with a breeze of freezing air. “What is it?”

He recovered quickly and pushed his hair back from his face. “Deputy Adama rode in an hour ago, said he passed a group of Cylons and they’re headed this way,” he hurriedly explained.

Her brow furrowed, adrenaline starting to wake her mind but not quickly enough. “Deputy… No, Sheriff Adama arrived last night.”

“No, Deputy Adama.” He glanced behind him and shook his head. “Sheriff Adama’s son.”

“Oh, lovely.” She huffed and scrubbed her hands over her face. “I’ll meet you by the jail in ten minutes.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He turned and jogged away, his head swiveling back and forth to take in his surroundings as he moved.

Wondering why he knew what was happening before she did, she quickly changed, her hat and boots finishing off her outfit. She didn’t bother with Pythia’s saddle this time, instead pushing off the barn wall to jump on the horse’s back and setting off through the dim morning light. The wind was cold against her cheeks and she ducked her head, allowing her hat to protect her as much as it could while her hair flew out behind her.

She rode faster than the previous night and she made it to the jail in minutes, face raw and ears burning from the cold. There were three other horses tied out front, two new ones plus the grey one she recognized as Adama’s. Brow furrowed, she jumped down and tied off Pythia, barely pausing to check on the other horses. Billy met her just as her boots hit the deck, his eyes wide and his hair messier than when she had seen him before.

“Will you tell me what the frak is going on?” she hissed, her voice low so they didn’t draw the attention of the people inside.

“No, but they will.” He smiled apologetically and she sighed, her frustration with him fading.

She gave him a firm look and then pushed the doors open, purposefully loud to make sure everyone looked at her as she walked in. Her eyebrow shot up and she surveyed the room with a carefully blank expression. Adama leaned against the jail cells, directly opposite the door, and calmly met her gaze. A man she could tell was his son sat at her desk, and a young woman sat at Adar’s, boots disrespectfully planted on his desk. Laura’s eyes moved over them one at a time and then back before finally landing on the younger Adama.

“Are you sure the Cylons are heading this way?” she asked.

There were two other towns the road could lead to and it was entirely possible they would bypass the town altogether. It had been months since they had first hit Caprica, but other outlaw gangs had done their fair share of damage over the years.

“I’m sure,” he said, straightening up in his seat. Her seat.

“How far away?”

“Roslin, it’s being handled. I don’t know why you were summoned.” The elder Adama spoke over her question and she immediately heard Billy shuffle uncomfortably behind her.

“Because this is still my town,” she shot back, her eyes shifting to the main source of her ire. “If you think I’m just going to sit back while the Cylons are on their way here, you’re insane.”

“It’s not your job anymore. Lee, Kara, and I are taking over. Your job is done, Roslin. Go home.” His voice was firm and it pressed a button inside her that made her tremble with anger.

“You’d have to lock me up to stop me from protecting Caprica.” Her eyes flashed with anger and everyone in the room save Sheriff Adama went stiff. The younger woman’s boots hit the floor with a solid thud and she flinched.

“Then I will.” He pushed off from the cell and leaned over to pull it open.

“Dad…” Lee quickly stood up, head swiveling as he looked between each person in the room. “We’ll need all the help we can get.”

Laura’s lips pursed and she let out a quiet, appreciative hum. “At least someone has a head on his shoulders.”

“Either go home, or get in this cell, Roslin.”

They stared at each other, significantly more tension between them than there had been last night. Neither moved and she considered leaving, wondering how far she could get before he came after her. She quickly realized she was outnumbered and the last thing she wanted to do was cause a scene in the town.

Wordlessly, she kept her head high and walked straight into the cell he held open, pausing to toss her keys and badge to Lee without looking. She heard them jingle and the sound of her chair scraping the ground as he tried to catch him, but focused on holding Adama’s steely gaze as she turned in the cell to face him. It was easy to watch him as she pulled her revolver free and offered it, butt first, unable to hold back her sigh when he took it and stepped back.

He slammed the cell shut and when Lee held onto the keys, stalked over and took them so he could lock her in. Turning to look at Billy, his expression only hardened. “Do I need to lock you up too, son?”

“No, sir,” he answered quickly, his eyes darting to Laura.

If Billy was free, her chances of getting out were higher. If he was locked up next to her, it would only cause more problems.

“Good.” Adama grunted and looked at Kara and Lee who both sat with straight backs and wide eyes. “Kara, get out there and find out what we’re up against. Lee, I want every able-bodied man and horse ready in case they come through.”

“Yes, sir.” Lee stood up and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ll send Saul over here.”

“Get going.” He gestured to the door and Billy hurried out of the way. “You, go with Lee,” Adama added.

Laura shifted in her cell, boots planted shoulder width apart, and watched the exchange in silence. There was a small bed and a chair she could sit on, but she chose to stubbornly remain standing to have a better eye on what was happening.

When the room was empty aside from the two of them, she took a step forward and leaned against the door, arms dangling between the bars. "This is ridiculous. I can see my own frakking desk from here!"

“Not your desk anymore, Roslin.” He sounded almost bored as he leaned against her desk where Lee had set her badge, dropping her keys next to it and still not looking at her.

“Shut it, Adama,” she muttered, her eyes narrowing. “You’re really going to keep me locked up while we’re attacked?”

“I gave you the option to leave. You’re the one who walked into that cell.”

“You were going to take my gun and badge if I walked out that door. It wasn’t a choice, so don’t act like it was.” She paused and forced herself to take a deep breath. “I can be useful and you know it. And if they find me in here…” There was no need to finish the thought.

“You could be useful,” he admitted, and she started to call him on it, but he continued on over her, “but folks will listen to you. We can’t split the town, so you’re staying right there until it’s over.”

She considered it for a moment as she pulled her arms back and curled her fingers around the bars. Her face was small enough that she could press it up against her enclosure and see him clearly. If she agreed with what he said, she had a feeling he might let her out, but she couldn’t give in to him.

“You’ll need my advice.”

“Then it’s a good thing I know where to find you.” He slowly approached her cell and leaned his shoulder against it, just out of her reach. She wouldn’t have tried anything, but she understood his caution.

“You really think I’d help you now?” She laughed and pulled back, crossing her arms as she pressed her back against the opposite wall to put some distance between them.

“You won’t do anything to risk Caprica.” He tipped his head back and met her eyes.

He was right and it made her glare back at him. Deciding she had nothing more to say to him, she settled on the wooden bench that passed as a bed and leaned against the corner of the cell, tipping her hat down to cover her face. After a moment, she heard Adama walk away and settle at her desk.

She allowed her attention to wander, the silence in the room making it easy. When Saul arrived, hesitating at the sight of her in the brig but not questioning it, she listened to the conversation and defense plans. She had no intention of sitting still while the town was attacked and knowing Adama’s plan would prove helpful when she managed to get out. Within the hour, they began to wrap up their plans and she sat up straighter, moving her hat back onto her head.

“You think it’s going to work?” she asked, eyeing both men through the bars.

“I have faith in Bill,” Saul said immediately, fixing her with a glare.

It was disappointing to realize he was siding with Adama, but she wasn’t entirely surprised. “It’s not the worst idea I’ve heard. Would work better if you’d let me out.” Adama barely glanced at her and she scuffed her boot against the dusty ground with a soft groan. “You’re being ridiculous! Let me out of this frakking cell, Adama!”

Adama checked his hat and gun, then gestured for Saul to lead the way out. Saul glanced back and offered a small shrug before he left. Laura let out a louder groan and rattled the bars, knowing they wouldn’t budge but needing to try anyway.

She began to pace, trying to keep track of the time but with no real way to do so. Anxiety and dread built up in her stomach and she paced more, only stopping when she finally heard the sound of approaching hoofbeats. Her stomach dropped and her breath caught in her chest. Slowly, she sank to her knees, fingers tightly clutching the bars as she prayed for the safety of Caprica, even Adama and his deputies.

Billy would be out there with Helo, Gaeta, and the other men while the women and children hid inside. Several would be in the temple with Elosha, she knew, and she could only pray that the Cylons burned through quickly and didn’t find what they were looking for.

Hoofbeats grew louder and were soon joined by gunfire. She could hear closer whinnying and worried about Pythia tied up outside, but she could only stare at the door and pray for the best.

The door burst open and Laura quickly pulled herself to her feet, taking a few steps back as two outlaws pushed their way in. Her eyes widened slightly and she clenched her hands by her side. She recognized one and based on his expression, he knew her too.

“Sheriff Roslin. Wondered where you were.” He stalked closer and she held her ground, willing her fear not to show on her face.

The other man shuffled around Adar’s desk and then her own; she wondered what he could be looking for.

“Simon.” She crossed her arms over her chest, eyes glancing to the man lingering by the door.

“Get her out, Leoben.” Simon waved his hand toward the keys Adama had left on the desk. “You’re coming with us.”

“I think not.” She crossed her arms tighter, but held her breath when the other man grabbed the keys and approached her cell. The sounds of the fight continued outside and the worry had risen to unavoidable levels in the pit of her stomach. “We have nothing here for you. Get your people and get out.”

“You’re not really in the position to make demands,” Simon said as Leoben unlocked the door and yanked it open.

She considered making a run for it, but Leoben easily grabbed her arm the moment the cell opened and pulled her out, his grip bruising. She winced despite herself and tried to pull back anyway, but he only held on tighter and dragged her toward the door.

It swung open again before they reached it, Lee stumbling through with blood coating his hands. Fear swept through Laura and she fought against her captor, eyes landing on her gun still out of reach.

“Dad’s been shot!” Lee shouted before he registered the other two people in the room. “What the—”

Simon leaned over and hit Lee on the head with the butt of his gun, sending him crumpled to the ground like he was nothing. Laura bit back a cry and struggled more until Leoben picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. His arm pinned her legs and though she beat against his back, he was too strong and carried her out into the bright sunlight.

“Let me go!” She raised her voice, but it was overwhelmed by the stampeding horses and continued gunfire.

“Can I shut her up? For frak’s sake,” Leoben grumbled as they carried her around to the backside of the jail.

Once they were out of sight, he dropped her to the ground and she winced when she landed on her shoulder, but he knelt beside her quickly, already grabbing her hands and tying them together with a bandana. Another one tied her ankles together and a third dusty one gagged her mouth. When she was fully restrained, he grabbed her shoulders and hauled her upright. She tugged at her bindings, pushed her joined hands against Leoben, but nothing worked. Biting at the bandana only ended with her inhaling gritty dust that made her cough and her eyes sting while he set her up on his horse. With her limbs restrained, she could barely keep her balance until Leoben jumped up beside her and wrapped his arms around her. She shuddered and tried to keep as much space between them, her eyes closing briefly when the horse set off.

They rode long enough that the ache in her shoulder began to fade, replaced instead by a pain in her back and legs from her awkward side-saddle position on the horse. She had given up on avoiding Leoben and her shoulder rested against his chest, enough that she could feel his breathing.

The sun was high in the sky by the time the encampment came into sight. Nestled between two small hills, it was completely hidden from the road and she only saw it when Leoben guided his horse off the path by a large tree and they circled the closer hill. A few other outlaws had joined them but neither paid attention to her and they scattered once they reached the outer ring of tents. Simon and Leoben continued further in and finally stopped outside a tent with another familiar face that made Laura’s stomach turn.

“Spoils of war,” Cavil commented with an unpleasant smirk.

“Thought she might be able to help us find Sharon,” Simon replied before she slid down from his horse. Leoben passed her down and she tried to fight, but Simon held her easily. “If not, she’s a mighty fine hostage.”

“That she is. Bring her inside.” Cavil’s eyes lingered on her and Laura glared back, attempting one last fight as she was carried inside.

Simon was gentler about setting her down, upright with her tied legs stretched out in front of herself. Her hands rested in her lap and she struggled with the bandana until a boot nudged her knee and she looked up. Cavil untied her gag and she was surprised when Simon offered her a cup of water, holding it so she could take a few small sips. It soothed her dry throat and she cleared it before turning back to Cavil.

“Welcome back,” he said.

She scowled. “Whatever you want, I can’t help you.”

“Oh, but you can. We know Sharon Valerii is hiding in your town and we want her back.” He sat down in a wobbly chair beside her and leaned forward with his hands clasped between his knees.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I would’ve thought you learned your lesson the last time we met and I couldn’t help you.” Her eyes wandered to the thin scar down his cheek, but she didn’t feel any pride at causing it.

“You did help us, Roslin. More than you know. And you’ll help us now too.” He watched her for a moment and then stood up with a groan. “I’ll be back. If you try anything, you’ll regret it.”

“Have you considered,” she started before he left the tent, “that if one of your people left, she doesn’t want to come back?”

Cavil ignored her and walked out with Simon. Alone, Laura looked around the tent. It contained the bare essentials and nothing within reach. She knew she could scoot her way out, possibly crawl on her hands and knees, but it would still leave her in the middle of the Cylon encampment with her hands tied and no weapon. Beyond that, Lee’s words still echoed in her head. Whatever aggravation she had with Adama, she didn’t wish death or injury on him. A gunshot could mean almost anything from just fine to already dead. For all she knew, she would never see him again, even if she got home.

Shaking those thoughts from her head, she forced herself to consider the tent again while listening for any sounds outside. From the amount of activity, it seemed like the rest of the outlaws were returning and she hoped she had some time. It was easy enough to untie her legs and toss the bandana aside, but her hands required something more.

She took a deep breath, the aches in her body dissipated but not gone entirely, and pushed herself toward the chair. One leg was barely attached, contributing to its ricketiness. She held the chair with her boots and grasped the leg with her tied hands, grunting as she twisted and yanked trying to free it. The wood cracked and groaned, splintering until she finally broke it off. The force sent her backwards, her back hitting the ground and momentarily knocking the breath from her. She kept hold of the leg and groaned, blinking up at the brighter top of the ceiling until she could sit up again.

“Frakking hell.”

She rubbed at her chest and then nestled the good end of the leg between her neck and shoulder. It took some maneuvering to get the broken edge pressed against the bandana between her hands. Carefully, she pulled her hands up. The bandana tightened around her wrists, but she could feel the wood digging into the fabric. She pushed harder and the sound of tearing fabric greeted her ears, quickly followed by success.

The jagged wood grazed her wrist as it broke through and she clenched her hand, letting the leg fall from her grasp to push the remains of the fabric away. She held her hand up and reached for the other bandana, tying it tightly around the cut to stop it from drenching everything in blood. The sting shot up her arm but she shoved it aside and stayed on her hands and knees as she moved toward the closest edge of the tent. After listening for a moment, she cautiously lifted it up and looked outside, gasping when she saw a pair of boots aimed toward her.

Footsteps hurried toward her through the tent and then she was hauled to her feet by hands under her arms. “That wasn’t smart, Roslin,” Simon murmured in her ear. He spun her around and her hands landed on his chest to stabilize herself, but she quickly dropped them and tilted her head to meet his eyes. “If you make trouble, Cavil isn’t going to care what you might tell us.”

“Go ahead and kill me then,” she said calmly, “because I’m not telling you anything.”

Simon chuckled quietly and the sound chilled her to the bone. “You say that now.”

He tightly held on to her and grabbed a circle of rope she hadn’t noticed at first, not saying another word as he bound her wrists. A soft cry tumbled from her lips as it pressed against the fresh cut, but Simon only pulled the rope tighter. She tried to push him away and pull her hands apart, but he looped the rope around her wrists too quickly, rough against her skin where her sleeves had ridden up. She tried to speak, but he kicked her feet out from under her and tied her ankles again when she hit the ground, the move leaving her winded and dazed. When he was done, he stepped back and pushed the chair further away before he grabbed the broken leg and glanced at her.

“Don’t do anything stupid. For your own sake.” With that he was gone.

Laura pulled at the rope until her wrists were raw. The bandana did little to protect her and she finally curled up on her side, absently staring at the opposite side of the tent.

The time passed slowly, almost agonizingly so, and when she realized dusk was starting to settle, she pushed herself up again. Her stomach rumbled and her throat was dry again, quickly becoming difficult to ignore. Every part of her body ached now and she distracted herself by listening to the sound of the crickets growing louder outside as the sun set. She wondered if Cavil would return or if she’d be left alone for the night, but the occasional shuffle of footsteps on the other side of the tent warned her that she wasn’t truly alone.

Darkness fully settled over the camp and with no light, there was little she could see. Even when her eyes adjusted, the starlight and moonlight was filtered by the canvas of the tent. It was only then that the worry became overwhelming. She knew there wasn’t much she had left behind in Caprica, but she had Pythia and Billy, even Elosha. The thought made her chest ache and she started to lay back down, but a sound outside made her stop where she was, one elbow pressed into the hard ground.

There was a thud, close by but muffled, and not a sound she had expected. She twisted around, brow furrowed as she tried to see through the darkness and the tent, but nothing more was visible or audible until the tent flap fluttered. If she hadn’t been so focused, she would’ve missed it. Nearly silent footsteps crept toward her and she held her breath, back straight and stiff.

“Roslin?” Adama’s voice, soft and barely audible, broke the tension.

“You’re alive,” she breathed in response, surprised by the relief coursing through her.

“Let’s get you out of here before they notice their guard is down.” He pulled her to her feet, his hands firm but careful. “Can you ride?” He started to let go but she wobbled, the long day and her restrained body limiting her balance. He grabbed her again with one arm and glanced around. “I’m sorry but this is faster.”

The noises of someone approaching from a distance reached their ears and both froze. When the sounds didn’t come any closer, he picked her up and held her close. She started to protest, but he shushed her and carried her out of the tent. Worried about alerting anyone nearby, she tried to make herself as easy to carry as possible, her head bouncing off Adama’s chest as he hurried through the darkness and away from the Cylons. She hoped he knew where he was going and she soon found her answer when the moonlight revealed his dapple grey horse tied to a small tree. He set her down and pulled a knife from his pocket, quickly cutting through her bindings and stuffing the rope into the bag hanging from the saddle. His fingers moved over the marks on her wrists, barely visible in the dim lighting, and then over the bandana that had dried to her hand with the blood.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice still soft.

“I’m fine.” She pushed his hands away. “We need to get out of here.”

Glancing around for another horse yet suspecting there wasn’t one, she let out a resigned breath and reached for the saddle. Adama’s horse was taller than hers and she struggled to climb up on her, but succeeded just before he leaned over to help.

“I’m no damsel in distress,” she muttered as she settled in, leaving room for him in front of her.

He reached up and easily pushed her forward, then climbed up before she could move back. “I know,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her and adjusted their positions in the saddle.

He didn’t hesitate and set off immediately, urging his horse into a gallop beneath the stars. Laura didn’t relax until they reached the road and the hill once again hid the Cylons, but she still held herself high, occasionally nudging his arms when they brushed her sides.

"I have to hold the reins, Roslin,” he commented when she pushed his arms away more forcefully; he pulled his hands back to ease their speed, creating more space between his arms and her body but leaving his hands close to her stomach.

As much as she wanted to gallop the entire way to Caprica, she knew it was too much on both them and the horse. “Give them here, then.” She twisted enough to look back at him, but it was hard to see anything. “Gods, it's bad enough that the town will see us riding in on the same horse.”

“I didn't think you cared what they thought.” He tilted his head down and she frowned.

“I don't.” A groan followed her words and she turned back around. “Oh, shut it, why don't you?”

“You offering to walk? Because Gala would appreciate it.” He chuckled and she rolled her eyes, leaning forward and lightly tangling her fingers in the horse’s dark mane.

“Oh, frak you,” she muttered.

“That’s not very ladylike.”

“Haven’t you noticed? I’m not a lady.”

He chuckled again and she could only shake her head, lacking the energy to continue fighting with him. Or whatever they were doing.

They rode in silence for a while until she was fighting to stay awake. Her head lolled back and when it came to rest on his shoulder, she jerked upright and cleared her throat. His arm was suddenly wrapped around her waist and she wondered if she had actually drifted off.

“What happened?” she asked softly, hoping a conversation would keep her awake.

“Everyone survived,” he answered and she nodded, relief chasing back some of her exhaustion. “Few injuries, but everyone is okay.”

“Lee said you were shot. He was covered in blood.” When she closed her eyes, she could picture it and though only hours old, it felt like it had been forever.

“Grazed, looked worse than it was. He went hand to hand with someone and it was their blood,” he explained softly. “When he came to, he said they had kidnapped you and we knew where their camp was. Just needed to wait until dark to find you.”

“You came for me?” She turned around again, wishing for enough light so she could better study his expression.

He cleared his throat and didn’t reply. She started to wonder if he didn’t hear or was ignoring her when he cleared his throat again and sighed, but didn’t look at her.

“It was my fault.” He didn’t elaborate and she found that she didn’t want to push him. He continued after a few breaths, “I locked you up and because of that, they were able to kidnap you.”

It wasn’t the response she was expecting and she wasn’t sure how to reply. Her brow furrowed and she faced forward again, her tongue darting out to wet her dry lips. The wind only made it worse and her head began to ache. Silence stretched between them until it grew to be too much and she reached for the reins, gently pulling them and Adama letting her until they came to a stop.

She carefully slid down but stayed leaning against Gala, her eyes slowly moving to Adama. He eased down beside her, leaving space between them, and she let out a long breath.

“There’s something you should know,” she said, close enough that she could finally see him the way she needed to. “There’s a woman in Caprica, her name is Sharon Agathon. She just married Helo who owns the shop in town. Until recently,” she paused and took a deep breath, “she was a leader within Cylons, but she left them because she’s in love. Some sort of love story, I guess.” She laughed softly, almost nervously. “Cavil is determined to get her back and I don’t know why. They’ve kidnapped me before.” She waved her hand, hoping he wouldn’t ask any questions.

“They were searching for her…” He shook his head slowly and then leaned closer. “What took them so long to attack?”

“They didn’t know what town she was in. Someone must have seen something or snitched… They won’t stop now that they know where she is.” Her breath was a little shakier when she inhaled again, her forehead coming to rest against Gala’s neck.

Adama was quiet beside her and then she felt his hand on her shoulder, warm and heavy and grounding. “Let’s get you back home,” he eventually murmured.

She nodded and accepted his help back onto his horse, a small smile forming when he draped his jacket over her shoulders. This time, she didn’t protest when he joined her and wrapped his arm around her waist; he was warm against her back and she found herself relaxing against him, unable to fight her closing eyes.

The lights of Caprica greeted Laura when her eyes opened again. At night, it was difficult to tell how much damage had been done and she felt the need to do a ride-through of the city to see for herself, but exhaustion tugged at her and she had a feeling Adama would arrest her again if she tried. He stopped outside her house and she heard Pythia shuffling around in the barn. She covered a yawn with her hand and accepted his help sliding off Gala.

“You brought her home?” she asked softly, her hand waving toward her horse.

“Couldn’t leave her outside the jail.” He shrugged, Gala’s reins held loosely in his hand. “You should get your hand checked out.”

“I will in the morning.” She held it close and glanced around. “Thank you,” she sighed, the words quiet but sincere. “You didn’t have to come after me. Last thing this town needs is to lose two more sheriffs.”

He hesitated, visibly, and she frowned. “Last thing this town needs is to lose you. I underestimated how much you care for this town and what they would do for you.”

“I tried to warn you, but you barrelled in all stubborn and hard-headed.” She smiled and shrugged his jacket off, offering it back.

“Seems like you’re feeling better, then.” He draped the jacket over his saddle. “I expect to see you back at the jail tomorrow, Roslin, after you see the doctor. We don’t know how much time we have until the Cylons come back. And I’d like to meet this Mrs. Agathon, see if she has any insight she can offer.”

“Goodnight.” Her smile started to fade as she turned around and headed inside, the stress of the day slamming into her shoulders and making her stumble under the weight.

Notes:

Yes, I am aware that Helo's name is Karl and therefore his horse should be Helo and not him. But I typed Karl once and couldn't go through with it lol.

Chapter 2: Down to My Last Match

Notes:

Finished writing Chapter Four and realized it's gonna need a sixth chapter too. #oops. But here's Chapter Two in the meantime!

The lassitude persisted through to the next morning and she muddled through breakfast and some coffee, the bright morning sunlight worsening her continued headache when she dragged herself outside. Deciding not to bother with Pythia, she hugged her jacket close and started for the jail, her pace brisk enough to stay warm but not hurried.

Billy met her halfway there, his eyes looking over her until he came to a stop in front of her. She tried to sidestep him and warned him with a tired glare, but he moved with her and stayed in her way.

“Billy,” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What is it?”

“I’m glad you’re okay. We were worried.” The words were sincere, but she also knew they were a distraction. “Did they hurt you?”

“I’m fine.” She forced a smile and resisted the urge to rub her wrists. Bruises had formed while she slept and everything ached worse than it had the previous night. “Billy, what is it? I’m supposed to meet Sheriff Adama.”

“That’s why I’m here, ma’am.” He nervously glanced around and then looked at her again. “Sheriff Adama told me—asked me—to escort you to Doc Cottle first.”

Laura’s eyebrow shot up and she laughed in surprise. “He did, did he?”

“He’s… I don’t know. He’s different after yesterday. Barely sat still while Doc Cottle stitched him up and it took both Deputy Adama, Deputy Thrace, and Mr. Tigh to convince him to wait until sundown.” He shrugged and gestured to the clinic. “Please let the doctor look at you.”

His words made her suddenly unwilling to face Adama and a distraction by visiting the doctor seemed like a good idea. “Fine,” she agreed, her head shaking. “Please let Adama know I’ll be there soon.” Billy looked at her and didn’t budge. “I promise I’m going.”

“Thank you…” With that, he turned and started off down the road.

She briefly considered breaking her promise, but he glanced back and she steeled herself before turning toward the clinic and stepping inside.

“Wondered if I’d see you today,” Cottle grumbled before the door swung shut.

“Seems people are conspiring behind my back to get me here,” she countered as she followed him to the examination table across the room. She didn’t sit down, but leaned her hip against it.

“As well they should.” He huffed and put out his cigarette, smoke lingering in the air and the scent stuck to his clothes. “Typically, a visit with the doctor is a good idea after getting abducted by outlaws.” He gave her a knowing look that she ignored, focusing instead on rolling up her sleeves to reveal her raw wrists and the cut.

“There’re more important things to do, Doctor.” She pursed her lips and shifted where she stood, watching as he grabbed his supplies and set them next to her. “Anything else can wait until after Sharon is safe.”

“You’re damned stubborn, you know that?” He grumbled incoherently as he took her hand to inspect it.

“So I’ve been told.” A small smirk formed as she watched.

Fifteen minutes later, she walked out of the clinic with her wrists bandaged after a thorough scolding by Cottle. Her annoyance was tempered by her relief at being free and she hurried through the town to her original destination, relieved when no one stopped her. The jail was a flurry of activity when she finally arrived, something she wasn’t used to, and she pushed the door open. It fell silent immediately and she raised an eyebrow.

“Talking about me?” she inquired with a wry smile.

Kara sat up immediately. “Yeah,” she admitted.

Laura’s eyes widened at the honesty and her hands landed on her hips, but dropped as soon as Adama approached her with her gun and badge extended.

“I believe these are yours,” he said softly.

She took them gently and nodded, her eyes meeting his but not moving to put anything away. “Thank you,” she replied, just as softly.

Their eyes locked and neither moved until Kara cleared her throat and stood up. “You two need a moment?”

“I’d like a damage report,” Laura said without looking away.

“Come on, Lee.” Kara nearly dragged him past Laura and out the door, and still neither Laura nor Adama moved.

“You okay?” he asked when the door stopped swaying and the footsteps had receded.

“Cottle said everything will heal just fine, nothing to worry about.” She slowly moved to holster her gun but kept her badge clutched in her hand. “This isn’t going to be easy,” she sighed. “People are going to get hurt defending Caprica, defending Sharon, and I need to know that neither you nor your deputies are going to stab me in the back.”

“If I planned on doing that, I would’ve let the Cylons keep you. Seems easier, doesn’t it?” He raised an eyebrow at her and she huffed in response, her hands moving back to her hips.

“Forgive me for needing to make sure.” She felt her expression harden, but it faded when his eyes only softened. She couldn’t explain it, but something had changed between them.

“Sheriff Roslin.” He moved closer until there was the bare minimum of respectable distance between them, his head tilted down so it was easier for her to meet his eyes and the sea of emotions they held. “I took an oath to protect Tauron and that oath extends to Caprica too. The same oath you took.”

“Just like that?” It was a struggle to hold his gaze now, but she did. “A town you just arrived in, people you just met, and you’ll put your life on the line?”

“Like I did for you last night?” He pushed back, gently. “Like you’re doing for Mrs. Agathon?”

“That’s different. It’s–”

He cut her off. “It’s not different. You only think it is because you’re used to making the sacrifice.”

“I…” At a loss for words, she only stared at him while her heart pounded in her chest.

“I sent your deputy to retrieve Mrs. Agathon. We need to come up with a plan.”

“We do,” she agreed when her mind and mouth cooperated again. “I worry our only option is to stand, fight, and pray we win.”

“Maybe it is.” He took her badge from her and pinned it to the front of her shirt, her jacket falling to cover it when he pulled his hand back. “I also sent a telegram to Sheriff Cain in Picon; she’s dealt with the Cylons several times and she’ll be here tomorrow morning.”

“You don’t think they’ll come back tonight?”

“No, they’ll need time to recuperate and plan as we do.”

“A blessing, then.”

She sighed and brushed her hand over her badge. It had been Adar’s, taken when the town had agreed for her to become the new sheriff and pass her deputy badge on to Billy. It still felt odd despite being nearly identical, but looking at Adama’s made her feel a little more confident. With another sigh, she moved past him and settled at her desk that Lee had abandoned, her hands resting on the worn wood. Adama moved to sit at Adar’s and swept a pile of letters out of his way.

“What’re these?” he asked, their eyes meeting from across the room.

“Letters from a friend of Adar; I haven’t responded yet.” She waved her hand absently and leaned back in her chair.

“I’m assuming he doesn’t know Adar is dead, then?” There was a hint of judgment to his voice.

“I sent notice to his wife, everything else got lost in the mayhem.” Sometimes, it felt like it had been more than three months ago, and other times it felt like it had been just yesterday. Her recent brush with Cavil and the Cylons only unburied those feelings and kept them fresh in her mind.

He stood up and carried his chair to the other side of her desk. “What happened?”

“I sent his ring and a letter.” She tilted her head, well aware that she was avoiding his real question. He leaned against her desk and looked at her, his gaze unwavering until she continued. “It was the last time the Cylons came through, right after Sharon arrived.”

“About three months ago.” His eyes narrowed a little, but she focused on picking at the loose end of the bandage on her wrist.

“They didn’t know she was here, they were just doing a blind search of every town in the area. I know they hit Tauron a few days before us.” Her lips formed a frown until she smoothed them out. She hadn’t told a soul the full details of what she had seen. No one needed to know and she hadn’t wanted to share. “There wasn’t much of a fight, truth be told. A few tried to burn down the saloon and Adar went after them. A few shots and he went down, took one with him.” She shrugged it off like she couldn’t still see it when she closed her eyes.

“That’s when they took you too.”

“Mhmm. Came up behind me and grabbed me. It’s…” She bit her lip and wiped at her eyes with her sleeves, ashamed at the tears that were threatening to fall. “They let me go after a few days. Dropped me a few miles outside town and I still don’t know why.”

“Did they say anything yesterday?”

She still refused to look at him and moved to inspect the bandages on her other wrist. “Nothing helpful.”

He started to say something, but stopped when the door opened and Billy walked in, Sharon a step behind him. Laura pushed herself up and met Sharon halfway, hugging her tightly and fighting even harder against her tears. Sharon pulled back and touched the bandages, her eyes hard when she looked up.

“Frakkers,” she hissed quietly. “I’ll get them.”

“Sharon…” Laura took a deep breath and gestured back to Adama. “Sheriff Adama just arrived from Tauron. We’d like your advice on fighting the Cylons when they come back.”

Adama stood up and nodded his head in greeting, receiving a stiff nod from her in return. It made Laura briefly smile, aware of how abnormal the population of Caprica was. She assumed he was used to more ladylike women, but that wasn’t either of them—or Kara, from what Laura had seen.

“I should leave,” Sharon said as soon as Laura pulled back and Billy made himself at home leaning against the wall by the door. “I’m endangering everyone here. Helo and I, we’ll head East, away from here.”

“It won’t work,” Adama said immediately. “They’ve already hit Caprica twice. They’ll assume you’re still hiding and they won’t stop.”

“Then we’ll leave a trail, something for them to follow just far enough.” Sharon crossed her arms, defiance written in every muscle.

“It won’t work,” Laura agreed. “They’ll come back anyway. No, we need a way to stop them once and for all. The only way to stop a bully is to turn around and hit them harder when they aren’t expecting it.” She felt Adama’s eyes on her but she didn’t turn around.

“You think we should attack them, ma’am?” Billy asked, his eyes wide with his concern and amazement.

“It’s not a bad idea. Exactly what Sheriff Cain can help with.” Adama moved closer and shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Are you saying we should just sit and wait until then?” Laura quickly turned around, but Adama was already holding a hand up in surrender.

“We can fortify the town. Send any women and children the opposite direction to Picon. Water down the houses, throw out anything that could be used as kindling,” he reassured her.

“Billy, find Kara and Lee and get them back here now,” Laura ordered, barely glancing back at her deputy.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said quickly before he hurried out the door.

“I’m going to stay and help,” Sharon said before anyone else had a chance to speak.

“I’m grateful. We’ll need you.” Laura offered a small smile.

“Do you think we stand a chance?” Sharon looked between the two sheriffs.

“We should be asking you that question,” Adama said.

“If we attack them, with the element of surprise, we might be able to pull it off.” She shrugged. “I’ve seen worse odds.”

“Sometimes you have to roll the hard six.” Adama let out a long breath and stepped back. “Thank you, Mrs. Agathon.”

“I got us into this mess, I’d like to help clean it up too.” She nodded, as if convincing herself of her decision. “I need to go talk to Helo, but I’ll be back.”

“Thank you, Sharon.” Laura sank into her chair as Sharon left, propping her elbow on the armrest and her head in her hand.

The jail fell silent as it emptied out and Adama shifted his chair a little closer. “Roslin,” he said firmly, enough that it caught her attention and made her look at him, shifting so it was her cheek and not her forehead in her hand. “Can you do this?”

“Of course I can,” she replied fiercely, but then she registered the concern in his expression, not contempt. “I’m not a damsel in distress. I wasn’t when they took me the first time and I wasn’t yesterday. I’m sure as hell not now.”

The beginnings of a small smile formed on his face. “No, you aren’t,” he agreed softly. “How are you feeling?”

She took a moment to consider his question and her body. The aches were there, the sting in her wrists, but everything had faded under the growing adrenaline.

“I’ll feel better when this is over, but I’m fine,” she decided, matching his small smile. “You’re staying then?”

“Always planned on it.”

“We’ll discuss that when it’s over too.” Her smile grew a little stronger, a little teasing, and he laughed quietly.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“We’re doing this, then?”

“Yes.” There was a definitiveness to his voice that she appreciated.

The day was lost to a flurry of planning and plotting, Kara disappearing to nap so she could lead a patrol through the night. Still, it was late when they finally gave up, resolving that anything else would require Sheriff Cain’s knowledge when she arrived later.

Despite not going to bed until late, it was early when they reconvened, Laura and Adama settling on the porch, this time looking east, as they watched for any sign of Cain. Their coffees were both on the ground by their chairs, half-full but cooling in the chilly air.

“You’re not married,” she commented absently, “but two children?”

“Divorced.” He shrugged and reached for his coffee, groaning at how cold it had gotten but drinking it anyway. “She committed adultery after our younger son, Zak, died.”

“Kara isn’t your daughter?” She turned to face him and he laughed softly.

“Adopted, for the most part. Took her in after her parents died.” He focused on his coffee and didn’t say anything else until he returned his mug to the porch. “Surprised you haven’t found a husband.”

“Not many are interested in a female sheriff. They want a quiet housewife and that’s not who I am.” She shrugged and settled more into her chair. “You ever get tired of it?”

“Tired of what?”

“This.” She gestured around them, toward the jail, and then looked back at him.

“No.”

“No? You don’t think about retiring?” She had considered it more since Adar’s death, but it gave her something to do and a purpose. Something other than being alone.

“Nope.”

“I do.” She hummed at the thought; she had a spot picked out, just downstream from the lake. It was close enough to town for supplies, but it was quiet and beautiful. When she could manage a day away during the summer, she spent it out there, enjoying the refreshing water and endless skies surrounded by mountains. “One day, I think I’ll build a little cabin by the stream, watch the stars. Live out the rest of my life.”

“Not happy being a sheriff?” He looked at her and she stretched her legs out.

“Can’t do it forever. I don’t want to die in this badge,” she answered easily. “Not like Adar.”

“I’ll die in these boots. Upright, if I can manage it.”

“How does your son feel about that?”

“None of his business.” He grumbled for a moment and then suddenly sat upright, nodding down the road. “Kara’s coming back.”

Laura sat up too and watched as Kara came into view, another horse and rider beside her. “Sheriff Cain?”

“That’s her. Let’s go.”

Their coffee truly abandoned this time, both stood up and started down the road. Kara and Cain made faster progress on their horses and they met just outside the clinic, neither getting down.

“Sheriff Cain,” Kara introduced, then pointed to the two people in front of her. “Sheriffs Adama and Roslin.”

“Can’t handle it yourself, Roslin?” Cain asked, and Laura didn't like her tone. “Calling in all the local sheriffs?”

“Sheriff Adama just moved here,” Laura retorted calmly, “but taking out the Cylons benefits all of us, not just Caprica.”

Cain grunted and nodded her head toward the direction Adama and Laura had come from. “Stable and jail that way?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Adama said, and his tone was even more guarded than Laura had heard before.

“I’ll meet you there. I’d like to check out the town first, see what I have to work with.” She didn’t wait for an answer and kicked her horse into a gallop, leaving the other three in her dust.

Laura coughed and the moment it cleared, looked around. “Is she worth it?”

“She is.” Adama stared after Cain, arms crossed. “She isn’t here to make friends, she’s here to do a job.”

“I’m going to need more coffee, something stronger. Think Saul is up yet?” She glanced toward the saloon, but nothing within its vicinity was stirring.

“No, but I’ve got a bottle in my room. I’ll grab it,” he offered.

“Oh, frak yeah.” Kara swung her legs and yawned widely. “Lee took over patrol, I’m gonna sleep for a couple hours.”

Laura nodded and shooed both of them toward the boarding house before she headed back to the jail alone. With little to do while she waited, she grabbed her cold coffee and stretched out at her desk.

She had just started to doze off when she heard boots on the porch and moved her hat to watch Cain walk in. She hung her hat up on the rack by the door and surveyed the room, her lip curled in distaste.

“I’m sorry it’s not up to your standards,” Laura murmured, her eyebrow arching up. “Not all of us out here are as big as Picon.”

“Good thing you’re not planning to lock any of them up. Doubt those cells could hold a mouse,” she scoffed and sat on the edge of what Laura had already started to think of as Adama’s desk.

“They hold enough,” she responded, fighting not to be offended. Cain’s opinion didn’t matter, just her experience. “We’re planning to take the fight to the Cylons, regardless.

“Good luck finding them.” Cain laughed and kicked at a cracked board in the floor.

Laura smirked, surprised but pleased to have the upper hand. “Sheriff Adama and I were there last night.”

“And if they move?”

“We’re confident they won’t.”

“Your confidence doesn’t mean much.”

“Then we send out a scouting party and find them again.”

“You’re incredibly naive.”

Laura abruptly stood up, her chair knocked over and the sound echoing in the room. “Sheriff Cain, I appreciate you riding out here to assist us, but I have seen what the Cylons are capable of. I’m not naive, I’m determined.”

They stared at each other, bodies tense and rigid, until Cain gave a stiff nod and looked toward the door. “Maybe you stand a chance, then.”

“I appreciate your confidence,” she retorted sarcastically.

Adama walked in and saved their conversation from going any further. If he caught on to the tension, he didn’t say anything. A bottle dangled from his fingers and Laura held her coffee cup out to him, smiling gratefully when he poured a dash in and immediately taking a drink. It was cold, strong, but she felt more alert and hummed softly.

“Lee, Billy, and Mrs. Agathon are on their way, but let’s begin,” he said, offering the bottle to Cain.

She grabbed it and took a long drink, slamming it to the desk while Adama leaned against Laura’s desk. “Roslin tells me you want to attack the Cylons. How’d you find them?”

“My deputy passed their encampment; he took a back road from Tauron to save time. Roslin and I confirmed its location day before yesterday,” he explained, and Laura appreciated that he didn’t go into detail.

“Why did you feel the need to confirm what your deputy said? Didn’t trust him?” Cain eyed them both and Laura worked to keep her expression neutral, briefly hiding behind her mug.

It was hard to resist the urge to pull her sleeves down, but she knew she couldn’t do anything about the one on her hand. “He only got a glimpse at their numbers. We needed more information after they attacked.”

“We got it,” Adama added on to Laura’s statement, and it seemed to placate Cain for the moment.

“Then what’s the plan?” Cain arched an eyebrow.

“Decoys,” Sharon said as she walked in.

Lee and Billy followed behind her and based on the look on their faces, Laura hoped they had an idea.

“What?” Cain asked, shifting to look at the newcomers.

“Decoys. We send a group by the Cylons on the fastest horses we have. Let them think they have an easy target and then the decoys bolt, drawing some of their numbers further away. Then, the rest swoop in and attack,” Sharon continued, her arms crossing as she spoke.

“How do we know they’ll go for the decoys?” Laura asked, already visualizing the plan and wondering if it could work.

“We give them something they really want.” Sharon looked uncertain and Laura questioned what she had in mind.

“A few women, children. Nice clothes in a wagon,” Cain suggested.

“No,” Laura said immediately, not caring that the other sheriff had been about to say more. “We will not endanger anyone more than we have to, and definitely no women and children.”

“I could do it, ma’am. Deputy Thrace,” Sharon said. “You too.”

“And children?”

“Dolls,” Billy spoke up, confident at first and then nervous. “Or bundles of blankets? Make it seem like more.”

“Or just children. They’ll be fine.” Cain rolled her eyes, physically and with the disdain in her voice.

“I said no.” Laura’s voice was firm.

Adama cleared his throat. “No children.”

“I don’t like it.” Laura slowly shook her head and stood up, finger pressed against her lips as she started to pace between the desk.

“Do you have a better idea?” Sharon asked, all attention on Laura and, by proximity, Adama and Cain.

“You’re sure they’ll take the bait? If we get out there and they don’t fall for it... Worse, if they capture it, what do we do?” Laura’s hands moved to her hips and she bit down on her lower lip.

“That’s the risk.” Sharon shrugged.

“This entire idea is a risk.” Adama stood up and glanced around the room. “But it’s less of a risk than waiting for them to come to us. How soon can we be ready?”

The room was quiet except for the sounds of Laura’s boots as she resumed pacing.

“Tomorrow. We need supplies, horses. People.” Sharon joined Laura’s pacing.

“I sent a telegram to Tauron and Canceron, both are sending as many people as they can spare. They’ll start arriving tonight.” Lee moved forward as he spoke and Laura found herself smiling at the news.

“Good job, son,” Adama said, offering a small smile of his own.

“Alright.” Laura took a deep breath. “Sharon, whatever you need, it’s yours. Make it work.”

“Yes, ma’am, thank you.” Sharon turned to leave, but Cain stood up with an unreadable expression on her face.

“You look familiar,” she said.

“Do I?” Sharon looked back, her hands sliding into her pockets. “I must have one of those faces.” She shot Laura a look but Laura didn’t react.

“I’ve seen you somewhere. Have you been to Picon recently?” Cain stalked closer, her eyes narrowing like a mountain lion preying on a deer.

“No, ma’am. Haven’t left Caprica.” Sharon took a small step back as Cain continued forward.

Laura looked at Adama behind Cain’s back and they both flanked the other sheriff, leaving enough space that she didn’t look back at either of them.

“Sharon, we don’t have time to waste. Get going,” Laura ordered.

The younger woman made to leave, but Cain’s arm shot out. She just barely missed and Sharon darted out the door, Billy and Lee moving to block it after. Cain whipped around, hair sweeping across her back and over the opposite shoulder.

“What the frak was that?” she demanded.

“Are you accusing her of something?” Laura shot back.

They squared off, staring at each other with tension visibly stretched taut between them. No one in the room breathed until Cain slowly backed down and smoothed out her shirt.

“No, I must be mistaken.” Cain’s voice was clipped, but she had backed off and that was enough for Laura to stand down too.

“You are,” she said firmly. “Billy, go talk to Tyrol. I want to know who has the fastest horses, aside from Pythia, and we’re going to need Adar’s wagon. Lee, get Kara up; she can sleep later. Then, I want you both with Sharon.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Billy and Lee’s voices overlapped before they left.

Laura turned her attention to Cain, but Adama spoke up before she could speak again. “Roslin, I’d like a word with you.”

She huffed, but nodded and led the way after their deputies. She circled the jail, warily eyeing the hoof prints left by Leoben and Simon, and leaned her shoulder against the wall as she looked expectantly at him. He leaned his opposite shoulder next to her and stared out across the expanse of desert surrounding them.

“I don’t like it,” he said after a while.

“I don’t either,” she sighed, “but at least we’re not endangering anyone who wouldn’t already be out there.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know that I trust her.” His voice was lower and she leaned closer to still hear him. “I don’t want her out there with the decoy.”

“Wouldn’t it be best to keep her away from the fight?”

“With Mrs. Agathon? Gods, no.”

She groaned softly and joined him looking out at the desert. Brown dirt and sand stretched out toward the horizon, broken only by the greens of cacti and bushes. Dark specks in the distance were either wild horses or buffalo, slowly meandering toward water and away from people. Above it, the brilliant blue sky and bright sun were unrelenting, warm enough against the chilly air and light breeze.

“Something tells me she won’t complain about it,” she murmured after a moment.

“No. It’ll make it easier,” he agreed.

“Mhmm.”

They moved together, both pushing off the wall and turning to head back inside, an unspoken agreement between them. Whatever quarrels they had, it would be set aside until this was over. Laura trusted that he had her back. More than she trusted Cain.

By nightfall, half a dozen men had arrived from Canceron. The boarding house was filled, possibly for the first time in Caprica’s history, and horses lined the road outside both the stable and the saloon. Adar’s wagon had been pulled out and in front of the jail, a few fine pieces of fabric draped over it to draw more attention. While most of the townsfolk gathered at the saloon and the temple, Laura found herself with Adama at their desks, unloading and reloading her gun for at least the fourth time.

“Nervous?” he asked.

They hadn’t spoken in the time since the sun set and she hadn’t felt the urge to break that silence.

“Doesn’t matter,” she replied absently, “we’re doing this.”

“You’re gonna break that if you keep fiddling with it.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

The sound of his boots crossing the distance between their desks made her look up and she raised an eyebrow when he rounded her desk and leaned against the same side as her.

“You wanna do something productive with that gun?”

“Like what?”

“Curious if the rumors about you being a good shot are true.” He shrugged.

“They are,” she replied as she dropped the last bullet onto her desk and sat up. He grunted and she shot him a look as she gathered the bullets into her hand. "I think you'll find," she drawled, loading the first bullet into the chamber, "that I'm quite," she loaded the second one, "a good shot.” The third bullet went in, still without her breaking his gaze. The fourth bullet was loaded as she continued, “Would you like to find out?" She slid the final bullet in and clicked the chamber closed, a confident smirk growing.

Adama cleared his throat and straightened up. “We’ll find out tomorrow, Roslin,” he said, his voice thick.

“Indeed.” She flicked the firing pin out of the way before she holstered her gun and stood up. “I think I’ll try to get some sleep.”

“Not interested in the last supper at the saloon?” He stepped back to give her space.

“I’d like to think it’s not a last supper.” She furrowed her brow and pushed her chair in. “Join me for a nightcap?”

He watched her for a moment and then nodded. “Alright.”

Both ignored the rowdy saloon as they rode past it, drunkards spilling through the doors and into the road. Laura rolled her eyes and leaned lower against Pythia, stifling a yawn. Adama followed beside her, then let her take the lead as they approached her house. She unsaddled her horse and secured her in the barn, but he left Gala tied up outside before he followed her inside. He settled at the table while she got a fire going and poured two glasses of whiskey, then sat across from him.

“How bad was it?” he asked after they had their first few sips.

“What?” Her voice was soft, distant as she watched the flames quickly engulf the fresh log and spread warmth through the small living area and kitchen.

“The Cylons. When they attacked before.”

“I’m not nearly drunk enough to have this conversation.” A frown briefly formed but she covered it with another slow drink, enjoying the pleasant burn as it coursed down her throat and warmed her chest.

“That bad?” He rested his hands on the table and she could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look.

“I’m not any drunker than I was five seconds ago.” He chuckled softly and she finally looked at him. “Why are you prying?”

“I’m sorry.” His eyes didn’t hold the pity she expected, instead something she thought might’ve been admiration. It was hard to tell in the firelight and with her tired eyes. “Did you grow up in Caprica?”

“No.” She let out a soft laugh and tried to get herself to relax with the subject change. “Grew up in Delphi. Moved here after my parents died.” She cringed inwardly; one difficult topic to another. “You from Tauron?”

“Born and raised. Lee spent time in Delphi with his mother, but he moved back recently,” he answered, his eyebrow arching up and then relaxing. “Big city girl, though, that explains a lot.”

“It doesn’t,” she said frankly. “I’ve been out here for nearly a decade now.” Something made her pause and she leaned closer, wanting to see his reaction. “I used to be a schoolteacher.”

He laughed, not cruelly, and leaned forward too. Their whiskey glasses ended up pressed against each other with their arms corralling them in. “A teacher? You gave up teaching in the city to be a sheriff out here?”

“I needed a change.” She shrugged, her eyes moving up his arm, over his broad shoulders, and finally to his face. “I haven’t regretted it yet.”

“Even after everything?” He nodded to her bandages peeking out from her sleeves.

She frowned again and began to unravel them, leaving the dirtied fabric in a pile on the table. The skin looked worse, the bruises already dark and mottled, but the scrapes had already begun to heal. The deeper one had scabbed and was stiff to move, but there was no fresh blood around it.

“I’m still here, aren’t I?”

“You are.” When she looked up, she saw a sincere smile on his lips that almost reached his eyes. “To another day,” he said as he held up the remains of his drink.

She hummed in agreement and tapped her glass against his. They both tossed the last of their whiskey back and then he stood. She joined him, a slight haze from the alcohol settling over her mind.

“I’ll see you before you head out tomorrow?”

“Have a few things to wrap up. I’ll have coffee waiting.” She smiled and followed him to the door. “Goodnight, Roslin.”

She watched him, the moon low enough on the right side of the sky to shine on them. The new moon was near, but there was still some light left. It was enough to watch him by, studying his expression and his knowing eyes. He saw through her, saw things she was able to hide from everyone else including Billy, but he respected her. She didn’t have to fight to prove her worth to him and she hadn’t felt that in too long. Regardless of what happened with the Cylons, with Caprica, she had confided in him.

“Laura.”

“Goodnight, Laura.”

“Goodnight, Bill,” she whispered, but he had already walked away and she wasn’t sure if he heard.

Chapter 3: Right into the Trap

Notes:

Woooooah-OH! We're halfway the-ere! I think. Maybe. Working on Chapter Five currently, but in the meantime, here is Chapter Three for your continued enjoyment!

Thank you for all the support for this Wild (West) adventure and to LaLaLauraRoslin for being the best supportive cheerleader and idea-sounder and partner! <3

The drunken revelry faded as the night wore on and gave way to a still, eerie silence. Laura listened from her bed, eyes closed but awake, unable to even hear the sounds of insects or wildlife. It chilled her more than the late fall air did and chased away her sleep. As the sun and morning crept closer, she swore she could feel the tension growing, stretching across Caprica, and she wondered what would break it first.

When she heard movement outside, the first stirrings of life, and there was enough light to see by, she gave up on sleep and dressed slowly. Instead of her usual pants and a shirt, she laced herself into an old green dress. Its color was still vibrant despite spending most of the last few years shut in a chest and she had to shake out the dust as she pulled it on. It made her frown deeply and she worried it would compromise her ability to fight, but reminded herself that the fight was useless without the decoy. Still, her frown lingered as she tugged her boots on and managed to hook her holster under her skirts. It would be difficult to get to, but she felt better with her gun on her. Deciding it was good enough for their ruse, she hurried out to ready Pythia and head to the town center to meet with the other sheriffs and their deputies.

Bill was the only one waiting when she rode up and he didn’t hide his reaction quickly enough. His eyes widened and he stared until she dismounted and looked up at him, hand extended for the second mug of coffee he held. Steam curled away from it, hot liquid meeting cold air. It brought with it the welcome aroma of strong, dark coffee.

“Seems I’m going to distract more than just the Cylons,” she commented dryly.

He shook himself and cleared his throat. “Mornin’.”

She made a noise, more focused on drinking the coffee he had relinquished, and observed him over the mug. He continued watching her, his eyes on her face, but she still fiddled with the lace resting against her chest and neck.

“Sharon, Kara, and I will ride out in an hour,” she said when half the coffee was gone in only a few sips. “Billy and Helo are coming along as escorts; rest of the men will go with you and Cain.”

“Will that be enough?” He narrowed his eyes and she appreciated that his attention was shifting to the job at hand and not what she wore.

“With you or with the decoy?” Her fingers tugged at the sleeves of her dress, then the tightly laced waist, frowning uncomfortably. “Frakking dress,” she muttered under her breath.

“Both.”

“As soon as we’ve led them far enough away, we’ll meet up with Lee’s men and then join you at the encampment. We’ll be fine.” She forced herself to stop fiddling with her dress and straightened up. “Watch your back.”

“Watch yours.”

They stared out at the town for a moment, the wind blowing her dress around her ankles. Clouds in the distance warned of incoming rain, but it was far enough off that she hoped it wouldn’t interfere. Bill followed where she looked and said what was on her mind.

“There’s a storm coming.”

“We’ll be back in time.” She knocked her hat off her head, letting it hang from the stampede straps down her back. The wind quickly tossed her hair around and she pushed it back from her face. “Come on, Cain is here.” She gestured with her eyes and Bill turned around to look.

“Good morning, Sheriff,” he called.

She didn’t say anything as she approached, expression set in a firm frown. “I’d like to get started,” she finally said when she circled them and stopped with her back to the rising sun. “We have a lot of men to get into position.”

Laura hesitated. “I’ll check on the horses.”

“With me, Adama.” Cain threw around orders like it was her own town, but Laura didn’t have any desire to fight over it. Bill didn’t seem to either and he nodded to her before following after Cain.

After another attempt to fix her hair, Laura pulled her hat back on and started toward Adar’s wagon. Pythia was already hitched up next to Sharon’s horses, making three horses for the five people that would be in the wagon. Lee would have extra horses waiting for them, but it limited their options for escape if something went wrong. She didn’t like it, exactly how she felt about most of their plan, but she swallowed it down and focused on everything they had to do before they left town.

Tyrol walked around the wagon as she approached, testing the wheels and the horses’ saddles. He glanced up as she approached, pausing to tip his hat. “Mornin’ Sheriff Roslin. Just doing some final checks.” He moved closer and she made sure to stay out of his way. The horses were still as he checked each of their hooves, then moved to inspect the wagon and the reins.

“I appreciate it.” She stroked her fingers through Pythia’s mane which made her horse whinny softly. When she began to shift nervously, Laura glanced behind herself. “Sharon, Kara. Good morning.” Her eyes roamed over their dresses, both familiar, and she assumed Sharon had loaned it to the deputy.

“I’m done frakking around. Let’s get out here,” Kara grumbled, sleep heavy in her voice.

Laura chuckled softly. “Waiting on Billy and Helo, then Tyrol’s all clear.”

“Lee took his group out at sunrise,” Kara added, rubbing at her eyes. “They’ll be ready.”

Billy and Helo joined them shortly and then they all settled into the wagon after Tyrol cleared it, sitting up front with Laura in the back between Sharon and Kara. She had tried to order one of them to move, even tried to move Billy from the front, but had given in to the logic of how they sat now. Logic didn’t chase the frown from her face, arms loosely crossed in her lap as they rode. The wind was bitter against her face and even her hat couldn’t help, her dress doing even less to keep her warm. Kara seemed equally miserable beside her.

“We’re almost there.” Billy turned around, looking at each of them in turn but his eyes lingering on Laura.

She tried to smile reassuringly, but the sight of the two hills they rapidly approached made her shiver and her smile falter. They were relying on prayers now, more than she was comfortable with. As they neared the tree where Leoben and Simon had turned off the road, she leaned forward and curled her fingers around Helo’s arm, squeezing to make sure he felt it. The horses and wagon began to slow and, timed almost perfectly, Kara pulled an already broken wheel from their feet. She cracked a spoke off and passed the pieces up to Billy while Helo pulled on the reins until the horses made enough noise to hopefully reach the encampment. The wind was in their favor.

“Now we wait,” Laura sighed. She made sure both Billy and Helo were looking away before she pulled her skirt up enough to grab her gun, instead hiding it in her lap beneath a fold of fabric. “It shouldn’t take long.”

Helo climbed down and slowly circled the wagon, Billy joining after a moment. They left the broken wheel propped against the wagon, hoping it looked realistic enough from afar. Sharon and Laura shared a nervous look that only grew when she caught the sound of horses heading toward them.

“Here we go,” Sharon murmured.

At the first glimpse of someone headed toward them, Billy climbed back into the wagon and left Helo standing nearby. The horse and rider stopped, then turned back, and Laura swore her heart could be heard across the entire West.

“Oh, frak,” she hissed, firmly biting down on her lip.

“Just a scout. He’ll be back with more.”

“I hope to the gods you’re right.”

“She is.” The certainty in Kara’s voice made her look up again, this time to see a group of Cylons headed toward them.

It was larger than she had expected and she felt a seed of dread plant itself in her stomach. Helo counted under his breath, but loudly enough that Laura still heard. He slowly looked up and when their eyes met, she gave a barely visible nod.

“Hold on,” he said.

He grabbed the edge of the wagon and jumped in, Billy already pushing the horses into motion. Pythia, Athena, and Karl surged forward, the wagon shuddering under the sudden shift and weight but holding together. Laura glanced back, the Cylons gaining until their horses found their speed and pushed harder. It was a balance, she knew, to stay within reach but not close enough to get caught, and she hated how useless she felt sitting in the back of the wagon. They only needed a few minutes, enough time to get to the next set of hills where Lee waited.

When Laura glanced back again, a few horses had pulled back and turned around. She swore softly at the number that remained, wondering why so many were coming after what was supposed to be an easy target. She focused ahead and was surprised to see how quickly they approached their destination.

“Slow down,” Sharon called and Helo listened, allowing the Cylons to start gaining on them.

“No, we need time to unhitch the horses,” Laura protested, glancing back even as the wagon rolled to a sudden stop. “Billy, now!”

From the corner of her eye, she saw her deputy jump toward the horses but turned away before he did anything else. Sharon pushed her way out of the wagon, Kara and Laura just behind her.

“Frakking skirt,” Kara swore when the fabric caught on a rough piece of wood and she had to rip it free.

Neither Laura nor Sharon lingered, already hurrying toward their mounts. Hoofbeats sounded from both sides of them and she looked away from the Cylons, her back straightening when she saw Lee’s horse barreling toward them.

“Thank the gods,” she breathed. Billy tossed her Pythia’s reins and she kept hold of her revolver as he gave her a leg up into the saddle. “Come on,” she said, waving him toward the open space behind her.

“We’ll wait for Lee,” he replied. “Go.”

She only hesitated a moment, then checked her revolver and joined Sharon and Kara. Billy and Helo took off toward their oncoming people, but the women headed toward the Cylons, wind blowing harder as the clouds crept closer and grew darker. The surprise on their side was rapidly fading and then shattered when Sharon fired the first shot, then Kara. Laura focused on getting closer, then on the gunfire aimed their way. Pythia moved quickly, easily, almost like she could follow her rider’s thoughts and knew where to go instantly.

Lee and his men quickly caught up, merging Laura, Sharon, and Kara into their fold. Laura knew Helo and Billy would find their horses and join, but she didn’t risk looking back. A few bullets whizzed by and she felt how close they came, but she only ducked lower until her chest was pressed against Pythia’s neck and her skirt was caught by the wind.

Though she kept her gun close, she hated to use it; she was a good shot, but she preferred to incapacitate when she could. Instead, she scanned the approaching Cylons, trying to pinpoint the group leader before all hell broke loose. She didn’t see Simon, Leoben, or Cavil, but wasn’t surprised by their absence. It left her uncertain as to who may be in charge, and she risked a look around to find Lee.

He was slightly behind her and she immediately pushed Pythia toward him, easily falling in step with Apollo. “Do we have any means of securing them?” She was slightly out of breath from the adrenaline and push to get to him.

“Securing–” He looked at her, weaving away and then coming back closer after a series of gunshots. “You want to take prisoners?”

“Can we?” she insisted.

“Is this really the time?”

“Lee!”

“I…” He groaned loudly and glanced at her again. “Oh, for frak’s sake! I guess!”

He started to pull away, but she called him back. “Only when possible,” she added.

His glare did nothing to her, but she let him go and focused on where they were headed, heart thundering in her chest and adrenaline in her veins.

When the two groups threaded together, she lost sight of anyone that wasn’t directly beside her. Every part of her focused on who she could see as she ducked continued gunfire and fists. Screams and shouts filled the air, echoed by distant, rolling thunder. It was all background noise to her until a sharp cry of her name brought everything roaring back. She ducked something that was thrown in her direction, losing her hat in the process, and looked back up in time to see a riderless horse running straight for her. Pythia darted to the side, but a gun went off and she skirted the opposite direction. The sudden movement and Laura’s abundance of slippery skirts sent her sliding sideways. She clutched at her horse, but she couldn’t get a grip. Dropping the reins, she tucked her head close and let herself fall, eyes squeezed closed. Pythia darted away, but she knew she’d return, more worried about getting trampled before then.

She hit the ground hard, trying her best to roll with the movement and keeping her limbs pulled close. She couldn’t breathe, her lungs frozen and clogged with all the dust kicked up into the air. Knowing she needed to get up sooner rather than later, she fought past the ache and stumbled to her feet, her vision swimming.

A horse rode by and she didn’t question the hand extended, using what little breath she had to take it and allow herself to be pulled up behind the rider. She recognized Billy’s jacket as she wrapped her arms around him, fingers grasping at the fabric as she pressed her forehead against his back and willed herself to breathe.

“You okay, ma’am?” he called back to her. She only nodded. “You sure?”

“We winning?” she forced out, wondering if he even heard.

“Take a look.”

She managed a few small breaths and lifted her head again, surprised to see that most of the fighting had died down. A few Cylons tried to make their final stand, but most were either dead or unconscious on the ground, or being herded together by her people.

“Thank the gods,” she whispered. “Pythia. Get her, please.”

“Can you ride?”

“Just get her.”

Billy nodded and steered Jake toward the skittish Pythia while she tried to scan the ground for her hat. As they approached and he reached out, the horse stilled enough for him to grab the reins. He passed them to Laura and helped her settle back in her saddle; she leaned forward, both to sooth Pythia further and still trying to catch her breath.

“Ma’am?” Billy’s foot nudged hers as their horses shifted, Pythia whinnying quietly.

“I’m okay.” She pushed herself upright and rubbed at her chest. “We need to get to Bill and Cain.”

“I’ll get the others.” Jake took a few steps and then stopped. “There were more of them, right?”

“There were. I don’t know why.” Her brow furrowed but she shook her head. “I want you and Helo to take a few men and escort the prisoners back to Caprica.”

“You should come with us.” He eyed her warily but she waved him off.

“Go. This isn’t over yet.”

He sighed, his reluctance obvious. “Yes, ma’am. Be careful.”

“You too.” She reached out and rested her hand over his for a moment, then straightened up and looked around.

Billy galloped off and Laura caught Sharon and Kara’s attention, waving them toward Lee. She had regained some of her breath and the renewed pains in her body were ignorable. Her eyes roamed over each of them, relieved when no one seemed to have any serious injuries, and then took a shallow breath.

“They knew what we were doing,” Sharon said, wiping at a smudge of blood on her cheek.

“Then they would’ve ignored us.” Laura shifted in her saddle and considered ripping at her skirt to make riding easier, but she fell still and sighed. “Unless they knew you were with us.”

“So someone snitched.” Kara scoffed and started pacing around them, her horse as restless as she was.

“I’m afraid so.” Laura shook her head and looked around. “Regardless, we need to go.”

“We do,” Lee agreed, then he glanced up. “That storm looks bad.”

Laura looked up too, in time to see a long streak of lightning cross the sky. Still lacking the breath to yell, she gestured at Lee.

“Anyone not going with Deputy Keikaya or Helo, with us!” he shouted.

Their people fell into line and they set off without another word, pushing their horses for speed against the storm steadily blowing closer. Clouds already dimmed what should’ve been bright afternoon light and the wind picked up. Without her hat, her hair danced around her face and shoulders uncontrollably. Laura continually glanced between the hills and the storm as they rode; they had no chance of making it back to Caprica before it hit, but she hoped they had time to finish their attack.

The silence that greeted them as they approached the hills renewed Laura’s worry and she pushed Pythia faster, reaching the encampment just ahead of Lee and Kara. Sharon lagged behind, but Laura didn’t wait, pulling her horse to slow down as she surveyed the damage they passed. It was clear there had been a fight, blood-stained dirt remaining but the bodies missing. There was too much blood, too many separate stains, and her heart clenched in her chest. She pushed on, passing Gala who seemed unharmed. She felt Lee and Kara’s restlessness beside her and together, they reached the center and found everything they looked for.

A handful of the Cylons sat around the weak fire, hands and legs bound. She saw Cavil immediately, but then she saw Bill and Cain on the other side and dismounted quickly, barely pausing to toss Pythia’s reins over a post shoved in the ground.

“Good hunting?” she asked, her question directed at Bill as she skirted the bound outlaws.

“Not without losses, but there were fewer here than we thought.” He looked her over and she did the same. There was a cut on his forehead and his shoulder was bleeding; she wasn’t sure if it was a new wound or his grazing from the first attack.

“They all came after us.” Sharon rode up but didn’t dismount, and kept some distance between herself and the closest outlaw.

Cavil grunted and tried to free himself where he sat, but his ropes were tied too tightly and he only wiggled himself horizontal. Cain walked over and roughly pulled him back upright. She murmured something Laura didn’t catch, but she didn’t like the look on the other Sheriff’s face.

“We think there’s a mole,” Sharon continued. “Someone leaked our plan.”

“Like who?” Bill demanded.

Laura shot him a look but he was too focused on Sharon and his deputies.

“I don’t know.” Sharon’s lie was obvious to Laura, but no one else reacted.

“Listen, we need to get back to Caprica or that storm is going to wipe us all out.” Laura gestured to the sinister sky and felt a large raindrop hit her forehead. She wiped it away, but a second one fell. “Leave them here; we don’t have time to get them all back and nowhere to keep them with the people Billy and Helo are escorting back.”

“That’s the only one we need.” Sharon pointed to Cavil and Cain immediately hauled him to his feet.

“We need them all.” Cain’s eyes flashed when she looked up. “Leave any of them alive and they’ll just come back.”

“We don’t have time to debate this.” Laura’s voice was firm, grateful she had regained enough of her breath to be angry. “We’re going. Now.”

Cain looked murderous and it took a moment before Laura realized the look wasn’t only directed at her but Sharon just behind her too.

“Now.” Laura repeated. Cain muttered under her breath, but hauled Cavil toward her horse. “Everyone else, get out of here. Head back.”

Sharon didn’t hesitate, Kara and Lee lingering only a moment longer, before they all turned and headed back the way they came. Once Cain had Cavil on her horse, she went after them. Laura and Bill quickly untied the outlaws that remained and by the time they climbed onto their horses, it was raining hard enough to limit their vision. They set off, matching pace with each other, the rest of their people just ahead. They were the last ones, ensuring that none of the Cylons followed them.

The rain and thunder made conversation impossible, but they rode closely enough that she could still see him. She was drenched, her skirts heavy even sitting on Pythia, and her hair was plastered to her face. She gave up on pushing it back, trusting the road and her instincts, along with the people they followed, to lead them back to Caprica.

They were the last to arrive and they headed straight for the jail, unsurprised to find it filled with people. The two cells were crammed with the few outlaws they had captured and the rest of the room occupied by the deputies, Sharon, Helo, and Cain. Bill held the door open for Laura and she pushed her hair back from her face one last time, groaning at the amount of water that trailed from the ends of her hair and off her dress.

“What the frak happened out there?” Bill demanded, pausing to peel off his vest.

He didn’t bother hanging it up and just let it plop to the floor by the door. His white shirt was nearly see-through and held Laura’s attention for a moment after he crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’ll tell you what the frak happened,” Cain growled, her hand shooting out toward Sharon. “You let a frakking Cylon into your town and then wonder who betrayed you. Frakking idiots!”

“They were coming after her!” Laura’s voice overwhelmed the noise in the room and Sharon took a small step back. “Why would she endanger herself?”

“She’s a frakking Cylon!” She started toward Sharon but Kara got there first, standing between them. Both Laura and Bill moved closer, Sharon trembling with her hands clenched at her sides.

“Enough! Stand down, Cain, or get out!” Laura moved past Kara and stared up at Cain, hands pressed against her hips. Her wet dress irritated her skin and weighed her down, and she could feel water dripping along her legs and arms, all of which was worsened by the shiver that ran down her spine.

They stared at each other for several moments, nothing like her and Bill’s first few stares. There had been nothing hostile in his expression then, but that’s all she saw in Cain’s eyes now. Slowly, Cain held her hands up and took a step back.

“Everyone out,” she added, not looking away from the other sheriff. “Dry off, warm up, we’ll clean this up tomorrow.” No one moved for several moments, and then everyone made for the door. She knew Bill lingered without turning around. “Sharon didn’t betray us and if anything happens to her, I will hold you personally responsible,” she threatened, her voice low.

Cain didn’t look impressed. “I’ll watch the prisoners for the night.”

Laura didn’t trust her, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to stay awake through the night and knew Helo would keep an eye on Sharon. With nothing else to say, she turned and left, knowing she’d convince herself to stay if she waited. Bill followed her, but she paused at the edge of the porch while he grabbed his discarded vest. The wind still whipped rain around, blowing it under the covered porch. It was barely safe where they stood and she knew she’d have to brave it eventually, but she gave herself a moment to prepare herself.

“We’ll go to the boarding house, it’s closer,” he suggested, standing closer than she thought he was.

“I need out of this dress.” Her nose wrinkled and she took a deep breath. Thunder shook the very ground they stood on and bolts of lightning lit up the sky as bright as the full moon. “On second thought… No, I have a better fire.”

He gently grabbed her arm and she didn’t protest as he pulled her out into the rain, not letting go of her as they hurried toward the blurry lights of the saloon and the boarding house. Thunder and lightning continued to bang and flash around them and they quickened their pace until they burst through the door into her dark living area.

“We need the rain, but this is frakking ridiculous.” She shivered harder and tried her best to wring her hair out, but it didn’t help.

“You change, I’ll get a fire going.” His hand hovered over her back, never touching but enough to guide her toward the bedroom.

“Thank you, Bill.” She looked back at him, but he had already turned toward the fire.

With a soft sigh and even stronger shudder, she closed the door behind her and undressed. The air was cold against her bare, damp skin and she dried off as best she could, knowing she should brush her hair but not caring enough. There was likely to be an assortment of bruises from where she had fallen, but she knew she couldn’t see them in the dark so she didn’t bother looking. She redressed in her warmest pants and shirt, finishing it off with her mother’s shawl that she held tightly around herself as she left her bedroom.

Bill knelt in front of the fire with his vest spread out on the ground and he held his shirt up, just out of reach of the flames. It gave her a clear view of his back, beads of water on his tanned skin and muscles visible. She bit her lip and flushed, but couldn’t force herself to turn away or announce her presence. The wound on his shoulder had stopped bleeding, but it had left a pink trail down his back. He turned his shirt around and glanced back, immediately pushing himself to his feet.

“I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat and spun around to pull his shirt on, only turning back when it was buttoned up. “Thought I’d dry off while you change. I hope you don’t mind.”

Like the wound on his shoulder, the one on his forehead had stopped bleeding. The actual cut was barely visible and she felt relieved at how easily they had gotten off with casualties. “No, of course not.” She cleared her throat and grabbed the kettle. “Coffee?”

“Please.”

She filled the kettle and hung it in the fire, then left two mugs on the table. Not bothering with a chair, she sat on the floor in front of the fire with her legs pulled to her chest and her arms around them. Her back and shoulder ached, the shivering not helping, and held her shawl closer. After a moment, he joined her, both staring at the flames in silence.

“We have to do something about Cain,” she said as the kettle started to whistle. The sound could’ve covered her words, but the way he straightened up told her he still heard.

Reluctantly, she rolled onto her knees and grabbed a towel off the table, appreciating the warmth from being this close to the fire. Using the towel, she pulled the kettle out of the fire and stood up to make the coffee. He still hadn’t spoken by the time she returned, but accepted his mug and leaned a little closer to the fire.

“I know.”

“She’s going to go after Sharon. She might even go after the Cylons again.” The room was filled by the sound of the crackling flames and their quiet sipping. “We have to kill her.” There was a firmness to her voice that surprised her and she was grateful that he didn’t visibly react beside her, both still staring at the fire. “She is dangerous and the only thing we can do is hit her before she hits them.”

“We’re not assassins. We’re not outlaws.” He glanced at her and she didn’t move.

“No, we’re officers of the law. We took an oath to protect this town.” She swallowed and let her eyes close briefly. “Unless you really think she’ll go back to Picon and leave it be.”

“She won’t.” He turned to face her. “Cylons kidnapped her sister. Murdered her. She’s had a vendetta against them ever since.”

“Vengeance doesn’t excuse murder. Not like this.” She closed her eyes again and then set her coffee down to bury her face in her hands. “Gods, this is crazy.”

“You’re not crazy.” His voice was firm and she let out a harsh laugh that was muffled by her hands.

“I think I need to go to sleep.” She slowly lifted her head and looked at him. “After we finish our coffee.”

“No, I won’t keep you up.” He moved to stand, but she reached out and grabbed his arm. His shirt was slightly damp but warm beneath her hand.

“Stay, please.” Her voice softened and he settled back down on the floor.

“What happened out there? You look like you took them down by hand.” He reached up and took her hand; only then did she realize how cold it was beneath his warm one.

“I don’t want to talk about it tonight.” She sighed and felt herself drawn toward him, but tried to keep herself upright.

“But you’ll talk about murder?”

“Bill.”

“Laura.” He squeezed her hand and gently tugged on it. She gave in and let her head rest against his shoulder.

His warmth and the heat coming off the fire chased the last of the chill from her bones. By the time she sat up, her hair had mostly dried and she was so exhausted she questioned if she could make it to bed. He didn’t give her a chance to consider it, already sliding his arm under her legs and standing with her. She gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling back to look at him as he carried her toward the bedroom.

“Bill…”

“Hush, Laura.” He gently laid her in bed and threw the blankets over her. “Goodnight.”

“Bill, the fire…”

“I’ll put it out. Go to sleep.”

“The town’s gonna talk…”

“Laura.” His voice was a little more stern and she looked up at him through heavy lids. “It’ll be okay. Go to sleep.”

“Yes, sir.” She tried to smirk, but sleep claimed her too quickly.

Confusion greeted her the next morning along with bright sunlight. Laura groaned as she rolled over in her bed, shivering and pressing her face into the pillow. The sunlight told her the rain had stopped during the night and she sighed in relief. After a few minutes, the previous night caught up to her and she pushed herself back over to sit up, hands scrubbing over her face.

“Oh, frak me,” she groaned. “Oh, gods. Gods.”

She stood up and there was a firm knock at her door. It wasn’t Billy’s, and she had a feeling she knew who it was before he called out, “Laura, get out here.” There was an urgency in Bill’s voice that had her hurrying toward the door, grateful she was still dressed from the night before.

“What’s wrong?” she asked before the door was even fully open.

“Cain’s gone. Took one of the prisoners and left as soon as the rain stopped.”

“How long ago?”

“Less than an hour.”

“We need to go.” She didn’t worry about a shawl or a jacket, only that her horse was across town.

When she stepped outside, Gala stood there and Bill offered a hat to her. It took her a moment to realize it was hers, the rain and dirt making it almost unrecognizable. She didn’t know if she could clean it up, but she was happy just to have it back and secured it on her head. He extended his hand to her and she took it without question.

“It’s faster, come on,” he said, already helping her up into the saddle. He jumped up behind and kicked Gala into motion before they had even settled down. “Lee found it.” He tapped the edge of her hat. “No sign of your revolver.”

“Hat’s more important.” She reached up and touched it too. “It was my dad’s. Revolver is replaceable.” When they left town and no one else joined them, she turned her head so he could hear her. “Where is everyone?”

“Sleeping off yesterday. I went to check on Cain when the rain stopped and she wasn’t there. I searched the town, asked around, and woke you.”

“Frak it.” She tangled her fingers in Gala’s mane to hold on. “What is she doing?”

“Finishing them off. We’re lucky she didn’t kill every prisoner we have.”

“I wouldn't call that lucky if she’s about to butcher everyone else.” She settled back against him, hating how far away the Cylons were and how much of a head start Cain had.

The chaos she expected to find at the camp was nonexistent. Instead, it was still quiet and she feared they were too late. Bill tensed behind her and this time he left his horse outside the camp. They made their way through the tents, most of the previous day’s fight washed away by the storm.

“Where are all the bodies?” she asked softly.

“We gathered them up. Paid some respect,” Bill answered.

She nodded, touched by the gesture, and peered around a tent, then pulled back quickly enough that he grabbed her arm to steady her and looked at her.

“A few Cylons, no sign of Cain,” she explained quickly.

She took a deep breath and despite Bill tugging on her arm, pulled free and walked out into the open. Instantly, at least three guns were aimed at her, but she didn’t pay attention to them, instead staring at Cain facedown in the dirt where they had tied the Cylons up before.

“She’s dead,” Simon said, gently kicking her leg. “She brought Shelley back, but she got free and killed her. Ran off and we haven’t seen her.”

Hesitantly, Laura glanced back at Bill. “She came here alone with one prisoner and thought she could butcher everyone left?”

“Mad with revenge. Doesn’t always lead to the clearest thinking.” He shrugged and after gesturing to Simon, knelt down beside Cain.

“You came back.” Simon looked at her and she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. “Why?”

“If she really intended to finish you off, she had to be stopped. Whatever your gang has done, a trial is the right way to handle it. Not murder, not butchering.” She paused and narrowed her eyes. “The same goes for what you do to our town.”

“What do you want, Sheriff Roslin?”

Bill pushed himself back to his feet and glanced at the Cylons surrounding them. “She hasn’t been dead long. Body’s still warm.”

“I want a truce.” Laura ignored Bill and stared at Simon. “You’ll leave these towns alone, you’ll forget Sharon, and move on.”

“What about our people that you have locked up?” Leoben stepped forward and Laura didn’t flinch.

“Agree to leave and we’ll let them all go.”

“How do we know we can trust you?” Simon also moved closer and Bill’s hand crept toward his gun.

“How do we know we can trust you?” Laura countered. “If we keep at each other, more people are going to die. That’s the only outcome.”

No one spoke and Laura slowly crossed her arms over her chest. Her gun was gods-knew-where in the desert and she felt uncomfortably bare without it. Finally, Simon, then Leoben, held their hands up in surrender.

“Thank you,” she breathed. She didn’t trust any of them, but she trusted their desire to live. “As soon as we return, your people will be released.” She hesitated as a thought occurred to her that made her shiver. “Cavil?”

“He won’t be a problem,” Simon vowed. He leaned over to offer his hand and she took it, holding her breath until he let go and pulled back. “Thank you, Roslin, Adama.”

“It’s what’s best for everyone.” She looked at Bill and he nodded his head in agreement. “I need to know one more thing.”

“Anything.” He extended his hands in open surrender.

“How did you find Sharon?” Whoever he named, she was prepared to arrest the moment they returned to Caprica.

“We knew she was in a nearby town and it was easy enough to scout them out—knew we’d see her eventually.” He smiled, almost apologetically. “Miss Biers saw her last week walking out of the shop.”

“Thank the gods.” She let out a breath and took a step back.

“But you must know that Sheriff Cain betrayed part of your plan to attack us. She told us where Miss Valierii would be,” he added.

“I suspected as much.” She looked down to Cain’s body and gestured at Bill, watching as he carefully picked her up. “I promise we’ll release your people.”

“Thank you, Roslin.”

“Thank you.” It felt strange to thank the man who had abducted her twice, but she hoped that this meant they’d never see each other again.

Simon loaned them horses, one for Laura to ride back on and several more for the Cylons. Little was said on the way back, their focus on leading the extra horses and Cain’s body making conversation difficult. There was little to say and it gave Laura a chance to process all that had happened; she hadn’t made much progress when they made it back to town or by the time they released the Cylons. Bill and their deputies lined the road further into town, blocking it from the outlaws just in case. No one tried anything and bit by bit, her shoulders started to relax. She wasn’t sure she’d ever truly believe that they were gone, but Sharon looked pleased and she trusted her.

“You look satisfied,” Bill commented softly.

She turned toward him and Pythia shuffled a few steps closer. “It could’ve been better,” she sighed, “but it could’ve been a hell of a lot worse.” She bit down on her lip and then said, “I’m glad you were here. I don’t know what I’m going to do now, but you saved Caprica. You saved me.”

He cleared his throat and shook his head. “Don’t plan on going too far, Laura. You’re still needed here. Caprica doesn’t need a sheriff as long as you’re here.”

Her brow furrowed and she stared at him. “What are you saying?”

“Kara, Lee, and I may be heading back to Tauron.”

“Oh.” She hummed, conflicting emotions rushing through her. She looked away and watched the backs of the Cylons. “Thank you.”

“You’re a damn good sheriff. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

She was tempted to look at him again, but there was a disturbance in her stomach that made her feel like she was going to tear up. Blaming it on the long nights, early mornings, and overwhelming stress of the week, she bit down on her lip even harder and stayed silent.

Chapter 4: A Hundred Different Demons

Notes:

Another day, another chapter! I still cannot thank you enough for all of the support you've all shown! I'm so grateful you all enjoy Sheriff Laura and BSG: The Wild West as much as I do! And, if you haven't seen it yet, please check out LavenderKnivess' amazing edit of Sheriff Laura!

After nearly two weeks without a Cylon sighting, Laura finally allowed herself to relax, at least as much as a sheriff in the frontier could. She had found a less grudging partnership with Bill that allowed for them both to stay with their deputies. He didn’t mention returning to Tauron again and she didn’t bring it up either, so they settled into a new normal together. With winter settling over Caprica and the shorter days leaving a melancholy over the town, Laura reluctantly gave in to Saul and Ellen’s idea to throw a small dance to celebrate their victory. As long as she didn’t have to help plan, she didn’t care what the saloon owner and his wife did. More than likely, she would stop by long enough to be seen and then enjoy the rest of her night happily alone.

The town wouldn’t stop talking about the dance as it approached. Helo and Sharon contributed decorations and at some point, it turned into a potluck to provide food and drinks. Laura reluctantly agreed to bring a pecan pie, surprised when she found out Bill and Lee would go hunting for a deer to share.

As the night approached, there was an air of excitement around Caprica. Laura didn’t mind it, preferring it to the anxiety and tension that had plagued the town for months. Helo’s shop was constantly filled with women and girls in search of fabric for a new dress, and some people had already started hanging up decorations in the main square.

Laura eyed it all with a small frown, pleased by the effort everyone was putting forth and for them to have a chance to let their hair down, but not personally thrilled about the night. Someone fell into step beside her and she looked up, offering a brief smile for the man she found.

“You look ready to start tearing decorations down,” Bill observed. His voice wasn’t quiet but there was no one close enough to overhear them.

“I’m not,” she replied defensively, shoving her hands into her pockets as they continued walking. “I think it looks beautiful, especially with the stars and the lights tonight.”

“But?”

“But nothing.” She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and reluctantly removed one of her hands to pull her jacket closer.

“You’re not going, then?” He reached out and gently touched her elbow; when she stopped walking, he did too.

She turned to face him and shrugged. “I’ll drop off the pie, stay for a few minutes.”

“I’d like it if you stayed longer.” His hat kept the upper half of his face in shadow, but from her angle looking up, she could still see the eagerness in his eyes. “I’d like it if you joined me.”

“Join you?” She inhaled too deeply and coughed as the cold air hit her throat, but recovered quickly and stared at him.

“Are you going to drag it out of me?” He frowned and leaned closer, his hand taking hers but then immediately dropping it.

“Yes, I am,” she said bluntly, still unsure what exactly he was trying to get at. She tucked her hands back into her pockets to discourage him from trying again.

“Laura, will you go to the dance with me?”

“Bill…” She glanced around, wary of the people nearby, and then met his eyes again, made speechless by the candor and open emotion he looked at her with. “I’d like that,” she admitted.

“But?” He repeated his earlier question and she shook her head.

“No buts. I’ll go with you tonight.” She smiled and the one he gave her in return left an odd, light feeling in her stomach.

“I’ll meet you at six.”

“I’ll be ready.” She paused and then reached out to brush her fingers across the back of his hand. “I should go get the pie started so it’s ready for tonight. I’ll see you later.”

“You will.”

She turned around and stifled a giggle with her hand to her mouth, shaking her head as she walked away. She felt like a silly schoolgirl, a feeling she hadn’t known in years, and she couldn’t stop smiling as she quickly finished her patrol of the town on her way home.

Her distraction continued throughout the afternoon, nearly ruining her pie and ending with her shirt covered in flour. She needed to change anyway, but she frowned when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, her curls wild and free with flour streaks across her cheeks and shirt.

“Oh, for gods’ sakes,” she huffed when there was a knock on her door. She grabbed a towel and did her best to wipe the flour off her face as she walked over to answer it, her eyebrow arching up in curiosity when Kara stood there. “Yes, Deputy Thrace?”

“Just Kara, ma’am.” She shifted from foot to foot and wouldn’t meet Laura’s eyes.

“Then call me Laura. What can I do for you?” Aside from a handful of brief occasions, she didn’t think she had been alone with Kara or had many conversations that didn’t include Lee or Bill, and it made her pause now.

“I would ask Sharon, but she and Helo are busy preparing everything.” She hesitated and raised her head. “Can I borrow a dress for tonight?”

Laura smiled immediately and pulled the door open wider as she stood aside to let her in. “Of course!”

Kara slowly made her way inside and Laura tossed her towel onto the table. “It smells delicious.” She gestured to the cooking stove which made Laura smile more.

“We’ll see.” She waved to her flour-covered front. “I fought with it and nearly lost.”

She led Kara through to her bedroom and pulled open the chest at the foot of her bed. A few dresses were already set out on the bed and Laura gestured to them as well. “Take your pick.”

“Which one are you wearing?” Kara took a step closer and reached a hand out, but stopped herself and looked back.

“I haven’t decided, but don’t let that stop you.” She smiled encouragingly and loosely wrapped her arms around herself.

“Are you sure?”

She slowly picked up the closest dress, the green one that Laura had worn when they attacked the Cylons. After being drenched from the rain, it wasn’t quite the same. She hadn’t been able to get the stains out of the hem from the mud and there was a dark spot on the sleeve from something, but the dress itself was intact.

“I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.” Laura moved to the other side of the chest and pulled out a light blue dress. It was a little small for her and she had only worn it once, but held onto it for the memories. “This was my sister’s and you would look beautiful in it.”

“You have a sister?” Kara asked as she took the dress and held it up.

“I had two,” Laura admitted softly. “Sandra died in childbirth and Cheryl died in a stagecoach accident.” She frowned and smoothed out her shirt, focused more on the chest at her feet. It had been her mother’s, then hers, and now it held all that remained of her family. “She’d love to see it worn.”

“I’m sorry.” Kara coughed and looked down at the dress. “It is a beautiful dress. I don’t think it suits me, though.”

“It does.” Laura’s smile, though tinged with sadness, was sincere. “Sometimes we get too used to menswear out here, forget what it’s like to get dressed up. I do, at least.”

“Yeah, but you lived in a big town and did this all the time.”

“Not in a long time.” Laura shrugged and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Is it true the Old Man invited you to the dance?” she asked suddenly.

Laura laughed and looked up, her hands folded in her lap. “He did.”

“And you said yes?”

“I did.” She could feel her cheeks growing warm, but she held Kara’s gaze.

“Good.” Kara twirled with the dress and rolled her eyes. “I think you should wear that one.” She pointed to a navy dress buried near the bottom. Before Laura could move, she leaned down and carefully pulled it out. “Gods, this is a dress.”

The dark fabric was contrasted by delicate silver detailing that wound up the front of the dress, over the bodice, and down the sleeves. Laura knew it was heavy, warm.

“You should wear it,” Laura suggested softly.

“Frak no, I’m not lady enough to wear this. You should.” She held it out and Laura hesitantly stood up to take it, biting her lip as she held it up.

She hadn’t worn it since Adar’s death, since he had pushed for her to wear more dresses and she had stupidly listened.

“Okay,” she agreed. “Oh, the pie!”

The pie still needed more time to cook, but she needed out of the room, needed some air. She tossed the dress to the bed and hurried back toward the kitchen. In her frenzy, her hand brushed the hot stove before she remembered the towel, grabbing one and using it to yank the door open. She pulled her finger to her mouth to soothe the mild burn and stared at the pie, hoping that she wouldn’t ruin it by checking on it too soon.

“Thank you for the dress,” Kara said behind her.

“It’s no problem,” she murmured, waving her other hand toward her and refusing to turn around. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, thank you.” Her boots scuffed the floor and Laura sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep.”

“You didn’t.” Laura took a deep breath and closed the door, but still avoided Kara by looking at the faint red mark on her finger. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Yeah, tonight. Afternoon.”

Laura listened to her fading footsteps and then the door, then sank back into the closest chair. Too many feelings bubbled up in her chest and she couldn’t identify them individually. It made her bite her lip and squeeze her eyes closed, grateful for the privacy of her own home.

She pulled herself together after a while and after making sure the pie was finishing up, returned to her bedroom. The blue dress was absent and she felt herself smile as she piled the other dresses back into the chest, hiding the few pictures and other mementos secured at the bottom. Slowly, she pulled her flour-covered clothes off and the soft, dark blue gown on, turning to glance in the mirror as she ran her fingers through her hair. She considered pulling it up, but settled for smoothing the curls out as best she could and deciding it was good enough. She finished the outfit off with her mother’s shawl, draping it around her shoulders and arms, and pinning it with a small butterfly brooch.

Bill knocked just as she pulled the pie out and the sun was nearly beneath the horizon, bathing Caprica in a stunning winter sunset. With the pie covered in one hand, she opened the door and stepped outside, her eyes growing wide at the man in black she found. It made him blend in with the encroaching night, but her eyes roamed up his black pants, over his black vest, white shirt, and black jacket, and she smiled.

“You look beautiful,” he said softly as he offered his arm.

“Oh.” Her cheeks grew warm and she suspected they were red too, but she took his arm and followed him toward the road. “Thank you. I see you really clean up well.”

“I had some help.” He shrugged and glanced at her, his hand coming up to cover hers where it rested on the inside of his elbow.

“I did too.” She laughed softly, their arms brushing as they walked; she kept the pie secure in her free hand and the edge resting against her stomach.

The sunlight was replaced by starlight as they neared the town center. Candles, lanterns, and a large bonfire lit up the area, and the sound of music drifted on the light wind. Laura gasped and her fingers clutched at Bill’s jacket, a smile forming at the sight.

“Oh, lords, it’s beautiful,” she whispered. The only time she had seen the square more decorated was for the Christmas dance each year.

“Yeah.” Bill cleared his throat and guided her to the dessert table where she left her pie. “Dance with me?”

“We just got here...” She looked at him, embarrassed by the flush she could feel already spreading. She wasn’t sure what it was about him that made her react like this and she couldn’t control it.

The music picked up again and she turned toward the stage and dance floor. Saul sat on a stool with his banjo and his wife leaned against him with a tambourine. Gaeta stood in front singing with Billy finishing the band off with his fiddle. Laura smiled proudly and found herself leaning further into Bill.

“Alright,” she agreed as the song ended.

Bill took her hand and they joined the line of dancers between Lee and Kara, and Helo and Sharon. His touch was gentle, always respectful, as he swung her around and they followed the beat of the song. They wove in and out of the other couples until Laura was breathless from laughter, her blood warm in her veins. The next song started and they continued dancing until she finally had to pull Bill to the nearest table. He helped her sit and then sat beside her, smiling widely when she looked up.

“You can dance.” She smiled and nudged his boot with her own.

“So can you.” He stared at her and if the enthusiastic dancing and laughter didn’t already leave her face red, she knew she would’ve flushed. “I’ll grab you a plate.”

“Thank you.”

Her eyes followed him as he made his way toward the food, shamelessly watching him. He paused to talk with a few townsfolk and she raised an eyebrow. He had carved out a spot for himself in Caprica, accepted by people even faster than Laura had accepted him. After a moment, she settled back in her seat with her eyes on the dancers and band until he returned with food.

They laughed and talked through dinner and at her first shiver, he pulled his jacket off and draped it around her shoulders. She slid her arms through the sleeves and shot him a smile, caught in a conversation with Kara and Sharon. When the band picked back up, Bill’s hand found hers under the table and he pulled her to her feet. Already laughing, she moved willingly, her fingers closing around his.

She danced until she couldn’t anymore, Bill holding her up with his hand chastely on her back. His jacket was warm, pleasantly enveloping her in everything that was him.

He leaned close until his soft voice could be heard over the music. “Come with me.”

“Bill Adama!” She gave him an exaggerated scandalous look, but dissolved into laughter immediately.

He huffed and started to pull back, but she grabbed his hand to stop him. “I want to go for a ride with you. I won’t keep you out too late.”

She considered him for a moment and then nodded, barely lingering long enough to say their goodbyes. He escorted her back home and helped her quickly saddle Pythia, then kept hold of the reins and led both her and her horse toward the stable. Before he mounted his horse, she offered his jacket back and pulled her shawl more securely around herself. He gave her a look before he shrugged it on and she watched as he got Gala ready then joined her, pausing to smile before he gestured to the east end of town.

“Where do you go when you want to get away?” he asked as they started riding.

“Up by the stream, near the new mine. It’s too far for us to go now, we’d have to leave before noon.” She glanced at him and her curiosity made her smile.

“What about now?”

She considered his question and surveyed the dark desert beyond the town. “I have a place.” A wide smile formed. “Keep up. If you can.”

It wasn’t easy with her full skirts, but she kicked Pythia into a faster gait, aimed a little more north than they had been headed. She had the advantage, but he kept up easily, nearly overtaking her when she suddenly slowed and veered a little more to the west. He followed with Gala, finally stopping at the base of a large, twisted tree. She smiled proudly up at it and then looked back at Bill, barely able to see him in the darkness.

“A tree?” he asked.

She smiled wider. “Juniper. It has berries year-round, so I like to come out here for a snack and shade. I think I still have a book hidden up there.”

“It didn’t get destroyed by the rain?”

“We’ll find out.” Her fingers undid the brooch on her shawl and she draped it over Pythia’s neck, using the brooch to secure it to the reins and stop the wind from blowing it away. Then, she offered a shrug and guided Pythia closer to the tree until she could lean over and grab part of the twisted trunk.

Bill and Gala moved closer but she ignored them, focused on her balance and Pythia’s movements. “You’re going to get hurt,” he remarked.

With a laugh and a soft grunt, she swung her leg over her horse and held onto the tree. Her skirts were in her way, but she managed to make her way up the side of the tree to the point where the trunk branched off into two. She preferred a spot higher up, more hidden within the branches and leaves, but she settled for this spot where she could reach the small bag she had tied to a thin branch.

“Laura?” There was concern in his voice as he moved closer and she shifted to lean forward in an attempt to see him.

“I’m alright,” she called down. “There’s room for two.”

He grunted and she felt the tree shake as he started to climb, giving her time to shift a little higher with her fingers tightly curled around the strap of her bag. When he reached her, there was just enough room for them to sit together. Her skirts spilled over his legs but he didn’t seem to mind, more occupied with the book she pulled from the bag and handed to him.

“You expect me to be able to read this?” he asked.

“I do hope you can read, just not in the dark,” she laughed, stroking over the cover before she pulled her hands back. “Searider Falcon. One of my favorites.”

“I’ve never finished it.”

“But you’ve read it?” She smiled widely and let her shoulder bump his.

“I have.” He nudged her shoulder back. “Folks are gonna talk, you know.”

“About us going off alone. At night. Unchaperoned.” She grinned and shook her head. “I suppose it’s a good thing we’re sheriffs and noticed something suspicious out by this tree.”

“It doesn’t bother you?” He shifted to face her and she tried her best to move her skirts out of the way.

“Bill, I came to Caprica as an unmarried woman completely alone, then became a deputy. I’ve heard just about anything that can be thrown at me until the town accepted me. Heard worse rumors about my partnership with Sheriff Adar.” She scoffed and looked up at the glimpse of stars she could see through the branches. “So, no, I’m not worried about what people say. It says more about them than me.”

“You’re brave.”

“No.” The word came out firmer than she intended. “I did what I had to do, I always have.”

“At what cost?” His voice grew softer.

She shook her head and took her book, ignoring him as she slipped it back into the bag and reached up to return it to its hiding spot in the branches. He didn’t speak but she could feel his eyes on her in the darkness.

“Are you going back to Tauron?” she asked plainly when the silence stretched on.

“Eventually. I have things to take care of, both here and there.” He shifted and she wondered if he was getting ready to leave, but he settled back down.

“Then why invite me to the dance?” She hadn’t intended to press him on the topic, but now that she had spoken up, she needed answers.

He didn’t give her any at first and she sighed, her eyes closing and her back tense. “You deserved a night to celebrate and unless someone invited you, I had a feeling you wouldn’t stay.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I wanted to dance with you too.”

“Bill…” She shook her head slowly and squinted, wishing she could see more of him. “We should head back.”

“I did promise not to keep you up late.” He carefully turned around and she held her skirts close so he could climb down.

“Careful. It’s easier to jump once you reach the knot you used to climb up. And don’t scare the horses,” she instructed.

He paused and she leaned over again to watch him, surprised to find his face close by. “I know what I’m doing,” he grumbled.

“I’m sorry.” She blushed but smiled, pulling back to let him climb down.

When she heard his boots hit the ground, followed by his groan, she turned to follow him. It had been easier to climb up and her skirts got in her way with each step down. Her boot caught on the fabric and she lost her footing, but with nowhere to get a grip with her hands, she tumbled down. Bill caught her easily, stumbling backward but staying upright with his hands on her waist.

“Frak’s sake, Laura,” he huffed, panting softly as he set her on her feet and looked her over.

She brushed her hair back from her face and turned around, breathless and a little dizzy. “Easier in pants,” she laughed softly.

“You could’ve gotten hurt.” His hands didn’t move and she leaned into him for the extra stability.

“I have been abducted twice this year, suffered countless scrapes and bruises. I’m fine.” She pulled back and her hands flew to her hips as she lifted her chin in defiance.

“You’re stubborn as all hell, you know that?” He reached out and grabbed Pythia’s reins first, then Gala’s.

She took the worn leather when he offered it and gently pulled her closer, reaching for her shawl to bundle up with again. “Thank you.” Barely glancing at him, she pulled herself up into her saddle and arranged his skirts while he mounted Gala. “You know where you’re going?”

He looked at the pitch black desert, then up at the sky and nodded, pointing toward Caprica. “Straight shot that way.”

“Then I’ll race you home. Fair odds, this time.”

“Fair odds?”

“As fair as I can make them.”

“What do I get if I win?”

She thought about it for a moment. “Dinner at my place, tomorrow night. If I win?”

“I’ll buy you a drink tomorrow night.”

“Deal.” She leaned over and they shook hands.

It was difficult in the darkness, but they lined the horses up.

“First one to the stable?”

“To the stable. Go!” he shouted.

She let out a loud, carefree laugh and they both took off, riding faster together than they had before. Gala’s longer legs kept up with Pythia’s faster stride and Laura knew it would come down to endurance and a little luck. The cold air was bitter against her face but it left her invigorated, almost giddy, as she rode. Pythia was warm beneath her and Laura’s wide smile never faded, even as they reached the town and their pace slowed.

She reached the stable just ahead of Bill, panting as she jumped down and pressed her cold hands against her even colder face. He shook his head and joined her.

“You good at everything you do?” he teased her, but she smiled wider.

“Nearly.” She knew her hair was a mess, but she didn’t care, especially with her heart still beating wildly in her chest. “Had to be before anyone would respect me.”

“And now?”

“I do it because I enjoy it.” She reached up and stroked Pythia’s neck. “Thank you for tonight.”

“Thank you for joining me.” He glanced around and then gently took her hand, pulling her a few steps closer. The music had faded to just the fiddle and Gaeta’s singing, and Laura knew it would only be a few people lingering at the dance. “You are… A unique woman, Laura Roslin.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment, Bill Adama?” She bit her lip, his hand warm and making hers tingle.

“Yes,” he said firmly.

He leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers. It was quick, light and gentle, but the warmth lingered even after he pulled away and dropped her hand. She gasped quietly, her eyes fluttering and a gentle shiver moving through her body.

“Goodnight,” she whispered, biting at her lip. She didn’t bother mounting Pythia, needing the walk to calm her galloping heart and mind, and wanting to give her horse a break after the race. As tempted as she was, she didn’t turn around as she walked away, unable to ignore the return of the funny feeling in her stomach and the way her heart continued to pound.

Neither mentioned the kiss. Though her winnings were supposed to be a drink, he joined her for dinner at her house the next night anyway with a bottle of nice whiskey. The night was filled with laughter and smiles even as they kept a respectful distance, only touching when he said goodnight and grazed her hand. It made her feel like she had lost her equilibrium, unsure of where they stood. She trusted him, but it didn’t help her understand what he wanted. He said nothing of Tauron either, and it only added to the confusion she felt.

Days bled into weeks, the news of Sharon and Helo’s pregnancy helping to get them through the winter, and they passed into the new year, months beyond the Cylon attack. Spring was on the horizon and Caprica was looking forward to rain and warmer weather. When the first rainstorm hit, Laura watched from inside the jail, settled at Bill’s desk with the pile of letters that had only grown through the winter.

“About time you deal with those,” Bill grumbled as he walked inside and shook the rain from his hat before he hung it up with his jacket.

“I know.” She didn’t look up and sorted through the letters in search of the most recent one. She didn’t like the idea of opening any of them, but she needed something to say. “Still raining?”

“Looks like it’s gonna rain most of the day.” He nudged a stack of letters aside and sat in the spot it cleared.

“We need it. Not enough snow this winter and last summer was dry,” she replied absently, slowly scanning the letter she had finally opened. “What am I supposed to say to him?”

“Sorry your friend is dead?” he suggested.

She looked up with a displeased expression and dropped the hand holding the letter to the desk.

“You could word it nicer.”

“You’re no help.” She grabbed her pen and dipped it into the ink, frowning as she stared at the paper in front of her. So far, she had only managed to date and address it.

Bill’s eyes on her were distracting, but she scraped together a short reply and signed her name. Adar’s friend deserved more, but there was only so much she could offer from across the country. Waving the letter gently so the ink would dry, she returned her eyes to Bill who still hadn’t moved. He didn’t say anything and she hummed softly as she checked the ink. Deciding it was dry enough, she sealed up the letter, standing as Lee walked in from his patrol.

“Perfect timing.” She held out the letter. “I need you to get this to the post office for me, please.”

Lee took it and frowned. “I have to–”

“Walk right by the post office,” she interrupted, giving him a firm look.

“Yes, ma’am.” He glanced down at the letter. “Gaius Baltar?!” he shouted suddenly. Laura rolled her eyes and shooed him out the door, but he didn’t move. “Sorry, sorry. I’ll drop it off.”

“Thank you, Lee.” She turned back to Bill after he left and waved her hand at the letters. “What do we do, throw them away?”

“Please. I’d like my desk.”

“You use mine most of the time anyway.”

“Because mine is covered with letters!” He grabbed a handful and dumped them into the small can by the door, then went back for the rest. “Better. Thank you.”

“I should have done it a while ago.” She grabbed her pen and inkwell and moved them back to her desk, but before she could sit down, Lee hurried back inside.

“We have a problem,” he said, his tone serious and low. “Stagecoach isn’t coming today. It got stopped in Canceron—influenza.”

“Oh, frak.” Laura leaned against her desk and closed her eyes for a moment. “When was the last time we got anything from Canceron?”

Bill shuffled where he stood. “The Clarks and Tom came back yesterday,” he said quietly.

She felt her blood run cold. “I’ll go talk to them.” Huffing out a long breath, she forced herself upright. “Go check on the Agathons, please. Sharon, the baby.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Lee said quickly.

“I’ll send the word around.”

The men followed Laura out the door and then they went their separate ways to warn the town.

Within the week, six people were dead and another twenty were sick. The clinic was overflowing, Doc Cottle and Nurse Ishay’s hands full with patients. Everyone helped where they could, but there was an uneasiness that had settled over Caprica. The four fresh graves and two more yet to be dug haunted the town.

“Tom Zarek is dead.” Bill stood in Laura’s doorway, his hands shoved in his pockets. “I’m sorry, Laura.”

She stared at him. He had repeated the words, but they still weren’t processing in her head. While she had never been particularly fond of the man and trusted him even less, death wasn’t something she would have wished on him. The thought made her sick to her stomach.

“What are we going to do, Bill?” she asked softly as she leaned against the door.

“Wait it out, there’s nothing else we can do. Cottle’s doing all he can.” He sighed and rested his hand against the wall so he could lean closer. “Kara’s looking better, Elosha too. Some good news.”

“Some good news,” she repeated.

Bill leaned closer and narrowed his eyes. “You feeling okay?”

She waved him off and pushed away from the door. “I didn’t sleep last night,” she admitted. “Seven people…”

“Why don’t you sit down?” He rested his hands on her shoulders and gently eased his way past her, then pulled her inside with him so the door could shut.

She didn’t protest when his hand moved to her elbow and guided her to a chair, helping himself to water and the kettle.

“You don’t have to… I’m–”

“Fine. I know you are. I’d like some tea.”

“Oh. Help yourself, then.” She rested her head in her hands and listened to the sounds of him filling the kettle and grabbing mugs.

A light shake of her shoulder jerked her awake and she jumped upright with a loud gasp, her hand covering her mouth. She looked around and found Bill kneeling beside her, his hand still on her shoulder. He looked at her with such gentleness that her breath caught in her chest and her hand gripped the edge of the table when it fell from her mouth.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He nudged a mug closer to her and she grabbed it, appreciating the warmth but keeping hold of the table.

“I fell asleep,” she murmured, trying to blink the sleep from her eyes. The tea helped when she took a drink, managing a small and grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Lee and I can hold things down. You need to sleep.” His voice was firm. “After you drink that.”

“Did you check on the Agathons?” she asked quietly.

“They’re okay. Drink.”

She grumbled for a moment but took another drink. Sip by sip, each time at his urging, she finished off the tea and then pushed the mug away. He helped her to her feet but she pulled away with a light pat to his arm and he let her go. She shuffled to the bedroom and curled up on top of the blankets, falling back to sleep almost instantly.

The first thing she saw when she woke up was Doc Cottle’s face. He looked annoyed but concerned, exhaustion lining his face and dimming his eyes. It was so close to her, she couldn’t see anything else, and her vision was too blurry even if she could. He hovered over her and she frowned, closing her eyes and turning away.

“Feeling okay?” he asked, but his voice was kind.

“Been worse.” Her head ached and her throat was dry; it took effort for her to open her eyes again. “Not good?”

“Not ideal.” He sighed and she saw something flicker across his expression but not enough of it to know what it was. “I want to move you to the clinic.”

“No room.” She closed her eyes again and sighed.

“There’s room.” His voice was resigned and she heard him take a step back. “Sheriff Adama? Your assistance, please.”

She heard more footsteps come into the room and then she was lifted into Bill’s arms. She knew it was him, even without opening her eyes, even if Cottle hadn’t said anything. There was a familiarity about him as her head rested against his shoulder and he carried her out of the house. Through her closed eyes, the afternoon sun was still a knife to her head and she squeezed her eyes closed even tighter. A pained gasp slipped out and her fingers sought out his shirt, using it to pull herself closer and bury her face in his chest.

“Bill?” she asked quietly, and she felt more than heard his answering hum. “You take care of this town, you hear me?”

He stopped walking and his hold on her grew firmer. “Don’t you talk like that, Laura.”

“Promise me.” She forced her eyes open to look up and saw him watching her, his blue eyes turbulent.

“Only if you promise to stick around and make sure I follow through.” He slowly started walking again and she managed a nod.

“So say we all,” she sighed as her eyes closed again.

He carried her into the clinic and laid her on the bed Cottle pointed out, then sat on the edge by her feet. Feebleness kept her eyes closed, but when they were open, she watched him until Cottle and Ishay held her up to help her drink the medicine. They lowered her back down and she shuddered, gasping softly at the lingering taste on her lips and tongue.

“You’re gonna be okay,” Bill said firmly.

The sounds of coughing and wheezing breaths filled the room, but she found it oddly easy to focus on Bill. He leaned forward and pressed a cool cloth to her forehead which made her eyes close once more. Gently, meticulously, he brushed her hair back from her face and stroked her skin with the cloth. It was the last thing she was aware of before she fell asleep again.

Whenever she awoke, he was by her side, always reading to her or with another dose of medicine ready. She tried to stay awake to listen to him, watch him, but the medicine always dragged her back under and away from her aching chest and head, cramping muscles, and nausea. Over time, the room grew a little quieter, but she rarely looked around, using what little focus she had on Bill.

She had no idea of how many days had passed. The days and nights blurred together, the only constant Bill. It left her mind fuzzy and only confused her further when she awoke in a different bed and in her nightgown, a window letting radiant light and warmth into the room. After a moment, she recognized it as the second floor of the clinic and she groaned softly as she slowly rolled to her side away from the window, hands clenched to her chest. The room was quiet, hearing only the chirping of birds outside and the rattling of a distant wagon. She focused on the sounds and caught her breath, body slowly relaxing back into the bed. There was a sharp knock on the door and she looked up to watch Bill walk into the room with a tray in his hands.

“You’re awake.” He smiled and set the tray on the dresser, then offered his hands. She nodded her consent and he helped her upright, adjusting the pillows behind her so she could lean back against them for support. “How are you feeling?”

She licked her dry, cracked lips and let out a breath. “Like someone is sitting on my chest.” Her voice came out weak but audible and it made her grimace. She looked away to cough and when she turned back, he held a handkerchief out to her. Another cough surged through her chest and she held the handkerchief to her mouth, a soft sigh following when she recovered her breath. “What have I missed?”

“You need to rest.”

He picked up the tray and settled it over her legs, lingering to make sure it was stable before he sank into the chair beside her. While still watching her, he grabbed a book off the nightstand and it took her a moment to realize it was Searider Falcon.

“Is that what you’ve been reading?” Her original question wasn’t lost, but she couldn’t stop staring at the book he held.

“I thought we might finish it together.” He relaxed back in his chair and stretched his legs out alongside the bed, his upper body angled toward her.

“I’m afraid I don’t remember any of what you’ve read so far.” Her voice grew soft and she bit her lip, chewing on it worriedly as she balled up the handkerchief in the hand resting in her lap.

“If you feel up to eating, I’ll start over.” He gestured to the tray and smiled.

She glanced at the food and then searched his face, noting the dark bags under his eyes and the tiredness that lined his mouth, clouded his blue eyes, and nearly emanated off of him. “I’d like an update first.”

He reached out and carefully pushed the cup of water and bowl toward her. “Eat first.”

“Bill.” She brushed her hair back from her face and grimaced at the tangled mess she found.

“I promise.”

The sincerity and concern in his expression made her hesitate, fingers picking at the handkerchief for something to do. When he didn’t waver, she offered a nod and looked down at the bowl of broth.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

He picked the book up again and got comfortable, but didn’t start reading until she attempted the first spoonful of broth. Though she wasn’t hungry and her hand shook, she focused on his reading and let it distract her.

Before she knew it, the broth and water were gone, both settling okay in her stomach. She could feel sleep pulling at her again and she slowly reached her arm out, fingers just barely brushing the top of her book.

“Tell me,” she sighed when he looked up.

Her words were little more than a breath, but he closed the book and leaned forward. One hand kept the book in his lap and the other reached for hers as she pulled it back, only catching the tips of her fingers. He curled his fingers around hers and she let him, their joined hands coming to rest against the bed.

“We lost a few more. You were the last one Cottle was worried about; his supplies are dwindling, but the stage should be here soon.” He gently pulled her hand closer until he could hold it properly, their fingers laced together. Her hand was small and warm in his, and it made her hum quietly, sleepily.

“How many more?” She was fighting to keep her eyes open, vision blurred by exhaustion as she watched him.

“Three.”

“Ten people gone.” She shook her head and gave in, her eyes sliding closed as a tear leaked down her cheek.

“It was almost eleven.” He squeezed her hand firmly. “Rest, Laura.”

Not bothering to wipe her tear away or lay down, she slowly let go and relaxed against the pillows holding her up, her hand still protected in Bill’s.

The sun had set when she woke up again and the room was empty. Only the lamp beside her bed lit the room and she scanned it slowly, listening for sounds beyond her room. Nothing came from outside and there was distant shuffling from downstairs that stopped after a moment. Feeling determined, she pushed the blankets back and cautiously stood up, keeping a tight grip on the headboard as she wobbled. Her legs and muscles protested the movement, but she swallowed it down and slowly moved toward the closed door.

She had to stop and catch her breath when she reached the hallway, the floor cold beneath her bare feet. After a brief break, she continued on, only to stop again at the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. She narrowed her eyes and saw Bill come into view, Cottle right behind him.

“Sheriff Roslin, get back in bed!” Cottle hissed as soon as he saw her.

Bill hurried toward her, easing her arm around his shoulders and then wrapping his around her waist. He took her weight and, after a moment, she let him. “What are you doing up?”

“Going for a walk,” she quipped, briefly smiling.

“Right back to bed.” Cottle caught up to them and herded them back to her room, grumbling under his breath the entire time. “If you want air, open the window.” He stopped and narrowed his eyes when he looked at her. “Don’t do that, you’ll just make yourself sicker.”

Bill eased her down to the bed and she looked up at him, lips parted as she tried to catch her breath. He smiled encouragingly and held the blankets up for her, but she didn’t move. “Lay down,” he urged softly.

“I’ve slept for the past…” She trailed off and furrowed her brow as she realized she didn’t know how much time had passed.

“Four days,” Cottle said, frowning as he crossed his arms over his chest and continued watching her. “I want to observe you for another day, but you’re still taking it easy after that.”

She waved her hand toward the doctor but didn’t look away from Bill. He looked back almost pleadingly, but there was his usual firmness there too. It wasn’t a battle she wanted to fight, so she pulled her legs up and slid them under the blankets he still held up, letting him tuck them around her before he sat down.

“I’ll examine you and then you can rest for the night.” He pulled out his stethoscope and Bill averted his eyes, sitting quietly beside her bed. Cottle grumbled his way through the examination and finally pulled back after a few minutes, grunting. “Better,” was all he said at first. “I’ll find you another blanket; last thing we need is you getting worse.”

She frowned and tangled her fingers in the edge of the blanket already covering her. “What is it?”

“Nothing. I’ll be back with some strychnine and the blanket.” He left before she could question him further and her worried eyes shifted back to Bill.

He only shrugged and reached for the book, picking up where he had left off before she fell asleep. They made it through a few more pages before Cottle returned. Bill paused and draped the blanket around her shoulders while the doctor gave her the medicine, and she grabbed the sleeve of Cottle’s white coat, fixing him with a glare before he could pull away.

“What’s wrong?”

He sighed and gently loosened her fingers. “I would expect your lungs and heart to sound better than they do, but slow improvement isn’t a bad thing. Likely just means a longer recovery, which is why you’re staying here another day.” The look he gave her was one of the firmest ones she had ever seen from him and she found she had no desire to argue. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, her hand working its way under the blanket and the warmth trapped there.

“Get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, Sheriff Roslin. Sheriff Adama.” He nodded to them both and then walked out.

Bill leaned over to take her hand that remained in her lap, squeezing it reassuringly. “A few people would like to stop by in the morning, if you’re up to it. Billy is especially eager to see you.”

She sighed before she spoke. “Is he?”

“He has some news for you, but it’s his to share. Now, shall we?” He held up the book and when she nodded, resumed reading to her.

After breakfast the next morning and a more reassuring examination from Cottle, Laura moved to sit by the open window. The sunlight warmed her skin, aided by the robe she was bundled in and the blanket over her legs, and she could smell a hint of spring in the air. It lifted her spirits and she smiled widely when Bill knocked to announce his presence, Lee, Kara, and Billy following him inside. There weren’t enough chairs for them all, so Kara and Lee sat on the edge of her bed and Billy took the seat beside her, leaving Bill to watch from where he stood near the door.

“How are you feeling?” she asked Kara before anyone else could speak up.

“A little sore, but I’m okay. You had us worried there for a bit, ma’am.” Kara leaned forward and Laura offered a small smile.

“I’m okay. Doc Cottle says he’ll send me home as soon as the stage arrives.” She turned her smile toward Lee and then Billy, surprised to find her deputy shifting nervously. “I heard you have some good news to share?” she prompted gently.

“Uh…” He cleared his throat and nodded quickly, wringing his hands in his lap.

“You’re not acting like it’s good news.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am.” He glanced at her and she huffed, reaching out to rest her hand on his arm to soothe him. “I got into law school. In Delphi.”

“Billy!” She pulled her hand back to cover her mouth, shock giving way to a wide, proud smile. “Law school!” Her excitement was tempered by a brief coughing fit, but she recovered quickly. “I didn’t even know you had applied.”

“I wasn’t sure I would get in, so I never said anything.” He smiled sheepishly and she smiled even wider.

“Oh, how wonderful! You’re going to law school. You’ll be a lawyer!” Her eagerness bubbled into a laugh and she looked up to see a subtle but still proud expression on Bill’s face. “When do you leave?”

“Next month. I’d like some time to get settled in before classes start. You’re not upset I’m leaving?” He shifted in his seat so he faced her more and she saw the worry and hesitation in his eyes.

“Of course I’m upset. I’ll miss you,” she said, “but this is a good thing and I am very happy for you too. You’ll visit?”

“Yes, of course! I’ll be back in the summer, I promise.” Excitement pushed back his hesitancy and she smiled.

“This is wonderful news. I’m proud of you, Billy. I am.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, then stood up to offer his chair to Bill.

Their deputies lingered for a while, updating Laura on the town and the few things she had missed. Elosha would hold a service for those they had lost, delayed until Laura could attend. Eventually, the three left and Bill helped Laura back to bed. She let her head rest against the headboard and picked at a loose thread in the blanket, aware of something troubling Bill. He was tense in the chair beside her but gave no indication that he wanted to talk.

“What’s on your mind?” she finally asked.

“I’m going to Tauron.” He didn’t look at her and she sighed. “Have a few things to take care of. I leave today and I’ll be back next week.”

“Oh.” A heavy feeling knotted up in her stomach and chest. It made her hold the blanket tighter.

“I meant to go earlier, but the influenza delayed my plans. Needed to make sure you were okay too.” Slowly, he raised his gaze, but she couldn’t interpret the emotions swirling in his eyes. “Lee and Kara will take care of the town, Billy too. They’ll check in on you and you’re going to rest. Listen to Cottle.”

“Bill…” She tried to swallow the lump in her throat and let out a ragged breath.

“I should get going. Stage should be here soon.” He pressed his hands against his knees and stood up. “I’ll see you next week, Laura.”

“Bill,” she repeated, but he didn’t stop and she watched him leave.

Her heart was heavy, her body weak when she left the clinic that evening, after the stage and Bill had gone. She had declined Billy’s offer to walk her home, but had reluctantly agreed to his escort to the funeral the next morning.

Her head still ached as she pulled on her black funeral dress, and eased a brush through her hair. She had untangled the worst of the knots the night before and it made it easier now even as distracted as she was. Billy knocked on the door and she wrapped herself in her mother’s shawl on her way to opening it, unable to even manage a smile for him.

“Are you sure you feel up to going?” he asked quietly.

“I need to be there,” she said firmly as she took his offered arm and leaned against him. “Especially with Sheriff Adama gone now.”

“Deputies Thrace and Adama will be there. You can rest.” He fell silent when she glared at him.

A sigh slipped from her lips and she gave in to his assistance, letting him lead her toward the temple and the cemetery. There was a chair waiting for her but she ignored it, choosing instead to remain standing between Billy and Lee, both close enough to support her if she needed it. She was grateful the service required none of her input, allowing her to watch in silence as the last shovels of dirt were spilled on each of the six remaining graves. The four others were within sight, the dirt still fresh. Her fingers reached out and she grabbed Billy’s sleeve, leaning against him a little more. Lee shifted toward her, his hand briefly brushing her back.

“I’m okay,” she murmured before either could ask. “It’s heartbreaking.”

“I’m glad you’re still here, ma’am,” Billy whispered back.

“Me too.” She managed a sad smile and took a deep breath.

As the service wrapped up, most of the attendees headed toward the saloon and the town square for lunch. Laura shook her head and looked up at Lee and Kara.

“Send my condolences, please,” she told them.

“Of course, ma’am,” Kara said immediately. “I can bring you some lunch too.”

Laura waved the offer off and shook her head again. “No need, but I appreciate it. Thank you for looking after everything, keeping an eye on Mayor Lampkin.”

“That part is my pleasure.” Lee almost smiled. “If you need anything before my father gets back…”

“Is he coming back?” The question slipped out before she could stop it and she bit her lip to make sure nothing else joined it.

“Yes, ma’am.” Lee’s voice was certain and she nodded, but she couldn’t ignore the heavy feeling that still remained.

“Let’s get you back home,” Billy suggested.

She watched Lee for a moment longer and then followed Billy down the path leading from the cemetery. A hundred questions burned in her head, both for Billy and Lee, even for Bill, but she stayed quiet and instead let them bounce around her head. The headache had lessened, but hadn’t completely loosened its hold on her.

It felt like a betrayal knowing Bill had gone back to Tauron. Even Lee’s reassurance didn’t fully convince her that he would return and she couldn’t process why it bothered her so much. Thinking about it only made her chest hurt more and she reluctantly shoved thoughts of Bill away as they approached her house. There were other things to worry about and a week until he returned. If he returned.

Chapter 5: Sew Up My Broken Heart

Notes:

I swear this fic grows every other chapter I add and I love it so much! This may be my favorite chapter thus far and I hope you enjoy it as much as LaLaLauraRoslin and I do. We're still screaming.

Laura told herself she wasn’t waiting for him. She had things to do and that didn’t involve waiting around uselessly for the stagecoach. Her denial stayed comfortably wrapped around her shoulders, even when the sound of approaching horses drew her to her feet and out of the jail. She lingered in the doorway, watching as the stage rattled by and stopped in front of Helo’s store. The horses and coach came to a stop and were obscured by a cloud of dust; when it cleared, Laura looked away.

Even from where she stood, she could hear people disembarking the coach, and the sounds of the luggage and mail being unloaded. It was tempting to look, but she held her breath and continued staring the opposite direction, fingernails digging into the wooden frame. Footsteps grew closer and when they hit the porch, she haltingly turned her head, unsurprised to find Bill standing there. He didn’t move past the first step, one boot still planted on the ground and his hand on the railing. She could see the stagecoach behind him but it faded from her focus as she took him in. It had only been a week, but after months of seeing him every day, it felt longer.

“Laura.” He slowly shifted his other boot to the step and stopped again.

“Bill.” Her mouth suddenly felt dry and she licked her lips, a shaky breath slipping through.

“I told you I was coming back. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

She took the next step, far enough away from the door that her hand dropped to her side. “I know,” she managed. “You’re back.”

“I’m sorry I left so quickly. I had urgent business to attend to and it couldn’t wait any longer.” He leaned forward and offered his hand.

There was a part of her that wanted to turn him down and either walk back inside or walk away. She couldn’t think past her racing heart, the fluttering in her stomach, and she realized her hands were trembling. He wore the same outfit he had worn when he left, the same thing he had on when they first met. The white shirt and tan vest bore the evidence of his travels, a thin layer of dust covering them. The front of his vest also betrayed where he had tried to wipe himself clean and the gesture made her smile.

“Laura,” he repeated and the way he said her name, one of so few people to actually use her given name, melted the last of her resolve.

She crossed the porch, her hand stretched out so she could take his as soon as she was within reach. He pulled her close, hands gripping her waist as her arms wrapped around his neck. Everywhere he touched set her skin ablaze, even with a layer of clothing between them. She wanted nothing more than to tether herself to him, ensure that they couldn’t stray too far from each other.

Standing a stair above him made her slightly taller and she bent toward him, her hands settling on the sides of his head as she kissed him. His hair was soft beneath her touch and she threaded her fingers into the greying strands, anchoring him even further to her. He held her close and his hands moved around to her back, gently holding her even closer like he was mooring himself too.

Only when her lungs cried out for air did she pull back, wrapping her arms fully around him in a hug. Her hand cradled his neck and his hands supported her, his body taking her weight as she leaned into him. She let her head rest against his and closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of him and the intoxicating feeling of having him so near. For a moment, nothing mattered, propriety kissed entirely from her mind. He lowered his arms and she stepped back, her cheeks warm and her heart hammering in her chest, audible in her ears.

“That’s quite the welcome,” he murmured.

A loud laugh tumbled from her lips and he captured her hand again, firmly lacing their fingers together. “I should grab my things, but I needed to see you.”

“Don’t you climb back on that stagecoach,” she threatened breathlessly.

“No, ma’am. Will you join me for lunch?”

“I may not let you out of my sight.”

“You’re the one someone should keep an eye on,” he pointed out. “You tend to wander off, get kidnapped.”

“As I remember, I was kidnapped because I couldn’t wander off.” Her eyebrow shot up and she fixed him with a teasing glare.

He pulled her hand to his lips and pressed a firm kiss to her knuckles. “Then it’s a good thing you can handle yourself. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Without him to hold her, she leaned against the railing and wrapped her arm around the column, her head pressed against the wood as he walked away. She watched shamelessly, her eyes following him all the way to the stagecoach and then toward the saloon. When he disappeared inside, she reluctantly let go of her support and smoothed out her shirt with one hand. Her other ran through her own hair, the wild curls so different from Bill’s hair.

Her heart started to race again and she moved to press her hand to her chest, turning back toward the jail. She felt dizzy, but not unpleasantly so. It felt more like Bill had spun her around the dance floor one time too many and she couldn’t stop smiling; her lips and everywhere he touched continued to tingle.

“Get ahold of yourself,” she told herself firmly, punctuating her words with a solid stomp of her boot. “You’re acting like a schoolgirl with a crush.” She shook her head and grabbed her hat off the stand. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to focus on anything and that the jail was empty, she headed back outside and toward the saloon.

She paced the length of the saloon a few times, eyes scanning the town as she walked. The activity from the stagecoach hadn’t died down yet, a few people milling around in its absence and the rest headed about their business. Helo and Sharon stood outside their shop unloading the few boxes the stage had brought them. Sharon glanced up and their eyes met across the road; she smiled and waved, but went back to unloading. After another few lengths of pacing, a few greetings, and a few smirks shot her way, she turned on her heel and headed straight inside.

“We’re closed,” Saul said immediately. He stood behind the bar diluting his whiskey down and didn’t look up.

“Not here for you,” she shot back in the same tone.

He set the jug of water aside and capped the whiskey bottle with a glass, then raised his head to look at her. “Ellen’s closed too.” He smirked and Laura rolled her eyes.

“I don’t need your watered down whiskey or your wife’s girls, thank you.” She leaned against the bar and stretched her arms out so her hands dangled off the other side. “Waiting on Sheriff Adama.”

“Godsdamn, woman, you never rest. He just got off the coach.” He grabbed a new bottle of whiskey to dilute and Laura watched, but both turned at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Oh, Laura, welcome.” Ellen smiled widely as she rounded the corner, hips swaying more than Laura thought was natural. “Saul isn’t giving you a hard time, is he?”

“No more than usual, Ellen. I’ll be out of y'all's hair soon.” She waved her hand toward the other woman and straightened up. “Don’t let me interrupt your… business.”

“Oh, you know we don’t open until later.”

“I know.” Laura huffed. “That’s why I only visit during the day and just before closing.”

“Shouldn’t be visiting at all,” Saul grumbled, glancing up from his third bottle of whiskey. “Ladies in the saloon just ain’t right.”

“Neither is watered down whiskey.”

Ellen laughed and threw her head back, her head shaking.

“Saul, stop harassing the sheriff before she arrests you.” Bill came downstairs and shot his friend a look, then smiled at Laura.

“He hasn’t committed any crimes. Yet.” She eyed his whiskey bottle and then the man himself.

“Law-abiding citizens, we are,” he grumbled.

Bill ignored the comment and crossed the room to offer his arm. “I believe I promised you lunch; I’ve missed Mrs. Tyrol’s cooking.”

“And Cally’s missed your eating.” She threaded her arm through his, lightly leaning against him as he escorted her outside.

It was a strange sight, she figured, the two sheriffs leading each other from the saloon, but it made her smile and she was happy to follow his lead toward the quaint outdoor cafe next door to Helo’s shop.

“Sheriff Adama, welcome back!” Cally smiled brightly when she turned around and saw them, then quickly ushered them over to an empty table. “How was Tauron?”

“Not much different than here.” Bill tipped his hat and pulled the chair out for Laura, pushing it back in after she sat down.

“Glad to have you back. Thought Sheriff Roslin was gonna wear a hole in the jail the way she kept pacing.”

“Cally,” Laura scolded, but the younger woman didn’t stop.

“I took her lunch every day, tried to make sure she ate.” Cally smiled and looked between them when Bill sat down. “Anyway, it’s Wednesday. Today’s special is meatloaf, like always.”

He looked at Laura and she nodded her agreement. “Two plates then, Mrs. Tyrol, thank you.”

“A water too, please,” Laura added and then she smiled, “and applesauce, if you have any?”

“Coming right up.” Cally headed toward the covered cooking area and Laura leaned forward against the table.

“Tell me about Tauron,” she said, her smile turned toward him now.

“Not much to tell.” He shrugged and kicked his boot up to rest on the opposite knee as he leaned back in his seat. “You look better.”

“Clean bill of health from Doc Cottle yesterday.” Disappointed by his avoidance of her question, she settled back in her own chair but kept her eyes on him. “How was the ride down?”

“Fine. Quiet.”

She sighed and her brow furrowed, arms slowly crossing over her chest after she tilted her hat down to keep the sun out of her eyes. “Is this to be a quiet lunch, then?”

“Why do you ask?” He looked at her, but she studied him and realized he was looking over her shoulder and beyond her.

“Because you’ve said more words to Cally than you have to me since we sat down.” She crossed her arms tighter and huffed.

“Been a long day, long week.” His gaze shifted to her, then over her other shoulder.

“I know.” She dropped her hands to her lap and sat upright. “Bill… Maybe I should go.”

“Stay, please.” He settled his hand on the table but she didn’t move, instead twisting her hands together in her lap.

“Then talk to me.”

He didn’t say anything and she was left with conversations from other tables and the sounds of Cally talking to herself as she cooked. When the minutes stretched on, she finally looked away from him and instead surveyed what she could see of the town beginning to welcome spring. The leaves had lightened on the large tree providing shade and the rain had watered the ground enough for weeds and wildflowers to begin sprouting outside of town. It wouldn’t be too long before the air was filled with the faintly sweet smell of all the blooming flowers.

“It’s a little smaller than Caprica.” She nearly missed him speaking and her eyes snapped back to him. “Not as well-kept, little more run down.” He shrugged one shoulder and pulled his hand back to the edge of the table. “But it’s home.”

“Was it a successful trip?” She didn’t mean to pry, but she couldn’t help her curiosity over his trip and how little he shared.

“It was.” He smiled with his short answer and turned the questioning around before she could protest. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling better. I am,” she added at his disbelieving look. “Still get a little winded sometimes, but Doc Cottle said to stay active, get fresh air, and he’s not worried.”

“I’m glad.” His hand twitched across the table and she slowly moved hers to rest near it, close but not touching. “I apologize for leaving so suddenly, for not being here for the service.”

“You had important things to attend to, I understand.”

Cally returned with their food and Laura’s water, and ensured they were both okay before she hurried off to check on the other tables. They both relaxed as they ate, the conversation drifting away from Tauron and influenza and onto easier topics that flowed better between them.

They shared a piece of apple pie and after swallowing the last bite he had insisted she take, she leaned forward and raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Likely the same thing as you.” He tossed his napkin onto the table and cleared his throat.

“I’d like to show you something.”

“Does it involve climbing any trees?”

“It shouldn’t, but I make no promises. Might find a bear.” She smirked and he chuckled softly.

“When do we leave?”

“Little after dawn. It’s a ride out there and I’m still supposed to be taking it easy.” She bit her lip as she considered it and then smiled. “We should be able to spend the better part of the day out there.”

“I’ll be ready.” He tossed enough money onto the table to cover both their meals as he stood up.

“I can pay for my own meal, you know.” She pushed her chair back but accepted his hand to stand, pleased when he threaded their fingers together.

“Consider it part of my apology.” He squeezed her hand and nodded his head toward the jail. “I’ve got a few things to catch up on.”

“You missed a busy week here,” she replied sarcastically. “I need to find Mayor Lampkin and Sharon. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow, Laura.” He took a few steps away and stopped when he reached as far as their arms could go. “It’s good to see you on your feet.”

“It’s good to be back on my feet.” She squeezed his hand and then let go. “Good to have you back,” she admitted.

He smiled and tucked his hand in his pocket, turning back to continue toward the jail. As she nodded to Cally and walked the opposite direction, she swung her hands behind her back and clasped them together, swaying in a little dance.

By midmorning, Bill and Laura approached their destination in the mountains. They had followed the river for the last few miles, the sound of the babbling water and the wind in the trees joining them as they rode. They kept a steady pace, slowing as they got closer and she scanned the terrain both in awe and to navigate. It wasn’t necessary—she had visited this spot enough times that she knew exactly where it was, but she still checked for the markers.

“Are you ready?” she asked, nodding her head toward a break in the trees ahead of them.

Pythia and Gala walked forward and they reached the opening together, Laura’s breath immediately stolen by the view. They stood at the top of a hill that gently sloped down to a brilliantly blue lake, framed by mountains and large, thick trees. The sky was almost completely cloudless, but the few clouds were reflected in the water, gently rippling from the light breeze. The greens, blues, and every color in between were vibrant and breathtaking, so quiet and peaceful away from civilization.

“Laura…”

She laughed softly, her eyes following the river they had followed that spawned from the lake, a content sigh falling from her parted lips. Still unable to look away, she leaned forward against Pythia until she was looking between her ears, arms loosely wrapped around her neck.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It’s stunning.” There was so much awe in his voice that she finally looked at him, beaming proudly at the look on his face. “One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

“One day, when I retire, this is where I’ll build my cabin.” She looked around them and pictured looking out her bedroom window at the lake, watching the stars from the porch.

“I can see why.”

“Come on, let’s go down to the water.” She urged Pythia forward and they carefully started down the hill, Bill and Gala following behind.

She stopped at the treeline and jumped down, looping the reins around the nearest pine. Bill did the same, but she focused on sitting on a log to pull her boots and socks off, her hat joining them. He chuckled and joined her, both rolling up the legs of their pants and discarding their jackets and vests before they headed for the water. The first touch of the cold water on her feet made her gasp and she jumped back, surprised when Bill waded in further.

“You get used to it.” He smiled and sent a small splash her way.

She turned away and cried out when the cold water hit her, but it faded in a laugh as she sent a splash back and followed him in. He easily stepped out of the way and she attempted another splash, but put too much force into it and toppled forward, her knees hitting first. The water was still shallow enough that only her front hit the water, her hands catching herself on the stony riverbed. Her clothes were soaked through immediately and she felt them weigh her down, the wind blowing the water around her and making her shiver.

“Laura! Are you okay?” He moved back toward her but she waved him off and pushed herself to her knees, then her feet.

Another shiver ran through her body but she smiled, the chill feeling invigorating more than anything. He eyed her carefully and then smiled, offering his hand anyway. She took it without hesitation and kicked the water so a small wave hit his legs. He pulled back but kept hold of her hand, making her stumble forward into him. Her wet clothes dampened his even further as he held her upright, his other hand holding on to her waist. When they both found their balance and stopped splashing each other, they made their way back to the shore where they laid down and stared at the blue sky.

“There’s usually more wildlife,” she pointed out, rolling onto her side so she could face him. “They may have moved to the other side of the lake; I’ve considered building the homestead over there, but it would add an hour to the journey.”

“I could help look. If you’d like.” He met her eyes and smiled so sincerely that it stole her breath just like the view.

“So, you don’t think this side is good enough?” she teased.

“You’ll get the sunrise here, sunset from the other side.” He pushed himself up on his elbow. “I think it’s not so much where you build your cabin but who you build it with.”

“That’s true,” she agreed quietly.

They fell quiet to appreciate the tranquility of nature, but she pushed herself up after only a few minutes.

“Where are you going?” he grumbled, his eyes flicking to her and then back to the sky.

“If you promise not to look, I’d like to let my clothes dry. It’s going to be difficult if I have to ride back wet.” She pouted briefly and after ensuring he wasn’t looking, she unbuttoned her blouse and shrugged it off.

There was shuffling behind her and she assumed he was undressing too, but she kept her attention on what she was doing. When her wet clothes were bundled up, she carried them into the sunlight and draped them on the rocks. The warmth of the sun was enough to stop her from shivering, but she still wrapped her arms around herself and watched the surface of the lake. The stones were heated beneath her feet and they clattered together as Bill walked up beside her.

“You’re not supposed to be looking,” she said, her cheeks quickly growing warm.

“I’m not. Watching the view.” He grunted softly. “It’s beautiful.”

She stole a glance at him, unsurprised to see that he was staring out at the lake like he said. It made her smile and she bit her lip, flushing even hotter until she swore she could wade into the water and never cool down. After a moment, she looked again and her gaze lingered. He had removed his shirt and water dripped down his chest toward the pants he still wore. Her eyes traced a droplet, but she quickly looked away when it reached his stomach and bit her lip.

As the day grew warmer, they ended up back in the water, swimming out further until neither could touch. They dried off while they ate lunch in the sun, then slowly packed their things up and redressed. Some of Laura’s hair was still wet as she put her hat on, but she knew it would finish drying on the ride back to Caprica. When they sat back on their horses, still facing the valley she wanted to make her home, he reached out and took her hand.

“Thank you for sharing this with me, Laura.” He looked at her and she gave him a shy smile.

“You’re the only other person to see it, as far as I know. Most folks go to the closer lake—it’s shallower and warmer—but there’s just something about this place that I love.” She hummed and dropped his hand so she could grab hold of Pythia’s reins. “I probably won’t make it out here again until summer.”

“I’d like to join you next time. If you don’t mind.”

“I’d like that,” she said softly, hesitant to get moving and unwilling to leave the lake behind. It had been the most relaxed she’d felt in too long and even though parts of her clothes were still damp, she smiled. After a deep breath, she turned Pythia around and they headed back up the hill at a slow walk, picking up speed once they found even ground.

They ended up at the saloon when they returned to Caprica, sitting at the bar with a glass of whiskey each. She held hers up and took a slow drink, her attention on Bill but watching the room from the corner of her eye. Her lips quirked up and she set her glass down.

“Saul, do you have any alcohol left that isn’t watered down?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not today, ma’am.” He leaned against the back counter while he cleaned a glass and shook his head. “And I don’t appreciate you yellin’ that at the whole town.”

“That’s a shame.” She hummed and took another drink. “Everyone knows you dilute your alcohol, but I may be willing to pay more for something stronger.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so earlier?” He quickly set the glass down and grabbed a bottle hidden under the counter to refill her glass.

“Thank you.” She toasted him quickly and smiled at Bill before she took a sip of the pure whiskey. The difference burned her throat pleasantly and she settled back in her seat.

“Now, that wasn’t so hard,” Bill teased from beside her.

“No,” she murmured, slowly turning her head to look at the room that stared back with varying degrees of subtly, “but it seems we’re the main attraction.”

“Both sheriffs in the saloon, no wonder they’re staring,” he commented back, his voice low.

“Oh, no.” She shook her head and let out a short laugh. “I’m a woman in the saloon, Bill, they’ll never get used to that.”

“One day. But that’s not gonna stop you.”

“No, it won’t.” She smiled proudly and tossed back the last of her whiskey. “Thank you for today.”

“It’s not Tauron, that’s for sure.”

“And is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“It just is.”

She hummed, a little displeased, but pushed her glass across the bar toward Saul. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”

“Night’s just getting started, Sheriff,” Saul said as he grabbed her glass.

“For you, maybe.” She slid off her stool and straightened out her shirt. After another glance around the saloon, she headed out the door and into the last of dusk.

As the first day of spring crept closer and then passed, Laura found herself spending more time outside of the jail with Bill. Dinners were, more often than not, spent at her kitchen table and occasionally Cally’s cafe, and they went for rides and walks around town, sometimes even riding out to her large Juniper tree where they had yet to finish Searider Falcon. It gave them something to look forward to, a hope for Laura that maybe he would settle down and stay in Caprica. As long as he refused to put roots down in town, the thought stuck in the back of her mind that he could leave any day. She wasn’t sure when her mind had changed from wanting him gone, but she was firm in her desire for him to stay close now. He kept her thoughts whirling whether they sat across from each other in the jail or she lay alone in her bed, a mixture of emotions only confusing her further.

She let out a long sigh and leaned across her desk to get a better look at the telegram Bill held, her brow furrowed in concentration. He held it further away to keep it out of her sight and just barely succeeded. A part of her felt badly for snooping, but his attempts to keep the note secretive only fueled her curiosity.

“Can I help you?” he finally demanded, glancing at her over the paper.

They were so close that she would barely have to move to kiss him—the thought crossed her mind—and he tilted his head as if to kiss her neck. She bit her lip and held her breath, waiting to see what he would do, but he pulled back and then so did she.

“No,” she replied breathlessly, worrying at her lip before she sat back in her chair with a hum. “You know…”

“What?” He folded the telegram and tucked it into his pocket, patted it once, and looked at her, overwhelming affection unhindered in his eyes.

“I think it’s warm enough to visit the lake again. You said you’d like to go?”

“If you’ll have me.”

“If we leave early enough, we can decide which is better, the sunrise or the sunset.”

He leaned forward, their hands resting close to each other. “We could camp out there for the night. It’s warm enough.” He shrugged and shifted his hand enough so his pinky finger nudged her index finger. “Maybe do some huntin’.”

“I have been craving turkey.” She considered it for a moment and then nodded. “Alright, we’ll leave after sunrise, then.”

Afternoon the next day found them by the lake once more. They had jumped into the water as soon as they arrived and then dried off as Bill set up their tents and Laura made lunch, glancing at him occasionally while she waited for the water to boil on the fire. She sat back on her heels so her knees didn’t dig into the ground and watched him more closely, smiling as sweat and lakewater soaked his shirt and clung to his back and chest. He glanced back and caught her staring, but only laughed and tossed her bedroll into her tent.

“Dinner and a show?” he teased and she joined in his laughter.

“For me, maybe.” She smirked and glanced back at the sound of the water beginning to boil. “Few more minutes and we can eat.”

“Take your time.”

They fell silent again as he secured her tent, then joined her by the fire as she split the food onto two plates and the coffee into two mugs. Their backs rested against a downed log, shoulders occasionally brushing as they looked out at the water. The full heat of summer had yet to arrive, and the vibrant flowers and more grass lingered, joining the rich green of the forest. It was perfect and quiet, and Laura was content.

After lunch was finished and the dishes cleaned, they moved further back from the water to the softer ground in the grass. She stretched out in the meadow, the sun warm and pleasant on her front and the grass cool against her back. Bill sat beside her with Searider Falcon, reading quietly as the sounds of birds and the wind surrounded them. It didn’t take long for her to start drifting off, but he stopped reading and she opened her eyes to look at him.

“I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice suddenly serious. It reminded her too much of what he had been like when he had first arrived in Caprica.

She laughed apprehensively and pushed herself up on her elbows so she could look at him, but he was staring at his hands as he fiddled with them in his lap. “What have we been doing?” she asked, her voice soft. There was a tension that settled in her stomach any time she thought about Bill leaving and it returned in full force, making her bite her cheek with its strength.

“I’m—“

She knew what he was going to say and couldn’t bear to hear it. “Going back to Tauron, I know.”

“No, I’m retiring.” He said the words so simply, but she still didn’t process them and the way he wouldn’t look up.

“What?” she finally asked, her brow furrowing; the conversation wasn’t going the way she expected and it frazzled her.

“I’m tired. Think I’ll settle down. I found this nice spot of land by a stream.” He waved his hand toward the lake and still-audible stream, even if both were out of sight. “Beautiful easterly view. You should see the light it gets.” He slowly raised his eyes and looked at her; the expression on his face took her breath away and made her heart pound in her chest.

“I heard this land is spoken for,” she managed, fingers tangling in the grass as she pushed herself fully upright.

“Remember what we said about the person mattering more than the location?” His eyes were almost pleading and she felt the need to run—toward or away, she wasn’t sure—at how he continued to look at her. She only tugged at the grass and felt a few blades break free, but nodded. "I can imagine you and me here.”

“We are here.” She swallowed and forced herself to let go of the grass so she could lean forward, hands pressed against the ground between them.

“Laura…” He took a deep breath and reached out to rest one hand over hers, the other clenched in his lap still. “I could stay.”

"Is that a threat or an offer?" She let out another distressed laugh, barely stopping it from turning into a full, nervous giggle.

He eased his hand between hers and the grass and laced their fingers together, allowing her to use his hand for stability too as she remained leaning forward. "It's a proposal."

“A proposal?” Her brow furrowed and then everything connected in her mind. She gasped and leaned even closer, her hand pressing his into the ground. “You’re… You’ll stay, then?”

“I should court you, do this properly, but I already know I wanna marry you, Laura Roslin.”

“Bill…” She shook her head, not in rejection but in overwhelming confusion.

“But I’ll court you if that’s what you want.” He shifted his other hand closer and the sunlight glinted off something in his palms, but he curled his fingers closed before she could get a better look. She didn’t say anything, couldn’t say anything, and only stared at him. “Well?”

“Are you asking to marry me or court me?” she questioned, her voice soft with wonder and disbelief, but a hint of teasing too and she slowly regained her equilibrium.

"You can’t just let me ask the damn question, can you?” He shook his head and took another deep breath as he revealed the ring indented in his palm. “Before you ask it yourself, I want to marry you. Happy?"

“No.” She gave him a look. “You haven’t even asked me yet.”

“Gods, you’re stubborn.” He gently tugged on the hand he still held and she shifted closer, her lips parted. "Will you marry me, Laura Roslin?”

“There’s a proper proposal,” she breathed out.

"So it's a yes?”

“It’s exactly what it sounds like.”

He narrowed his eyes and held the ring out, moving to cradle her hand by her fingertips. “I can retire alone just as happily.”

“You’d be bored in five minutes,” she accused, a smirk beginning to form.

“You gonna do something about it?” He matched her smile and held the ring at the end of her finger.

“I might just marry you.” A true giggle burst out and she let it, watching as he slid the ring on her finger and then brought her hand to his lips to kiss her knuckles.

“Happy now?” he asked, bracing his hand beside hers on the ground so he could lean in too.

“Bill, shut up and kiss me.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He closed the distance and pressed his lips to hers, dropping her hand so he could cup her cheek.

It felt like everything paused. The wind, the stream, the birds. Everything stopped and held its breath as he kissed her, his hand warm against her face and fingers threaded into her hair. She sighed against his lips and reached her hand up to hold his face, then his neck, pushing him closer.

“Oh, gods,” she gasped when they parted for breath, their foreheads pressed together. “I love you.”

“About time.” He chuckled and kissed her again, his hand moving to cradle her head as he laid back and pulled her with. They fell to their sides, Laura tucked close to his chest as they kissed, still holding on to each other. He nipped at her lip and then pulled back just enough to look at her. “I love you.”

“Bill…”

She had no words to describe what she felt and could only smile, holding his eyes for a moment. Slowly, she settled against him with her head on his shoulder, her left hand resting on his chest where she could see the ring. It was beautiful—a single ruby was woven into intricate vines of gold—and fit perfectly on her finger.

“It’s why I went back to Tauron,” he said against her hair. “Needed to buy a ring from someone that wouldn’t go spreading rumors, and to put the house up for sale. Telegram today was to confirm the sale went through. Once the money is wired over, I can start work on the cabin here.”

“That’s it, then?” She propped her chin on his chest and looked at him, fingers lightly digging into his shirt.

“Simple as that. If it’s what you want.” He shrugged and lifted his head to kiss her softly.

“I thought you never wanted to retire.” She knew she looked concerned when his hand moved over her side and soothed up and down her back.

“I didn’t, but the last few months…” He trailed off and carefully shifted beneath her. “I didn’t want to retire because I had no reason to. I have a reason now.”

“I can’t ride into town every day from here…” Even as she said the words, she realized it didn’t bother her. “I think maybe it’s time I retire too. When the cabin is finished,” she decided, and it felt right.

“Lee is prepared to take over as sheriff, Kara as his deputy, if you don’t have any complaints.”

“I have none. Absolutely none.” She smiled brightly and stifled another giggle as she relaxed against him again, fingers drawing absent shapes on his chest.

The sun began to set before they moved, bathing them in reds and purples as the tree shadows lengthened and stretched toward them. He helped her up from the grass and swung her around with his hands on her waist, grabbing her hand as soon as he set her back down. He kept hold of it, hands swinging gently between them as they walked back to their tents. With the remaining light, he started a new fire and they sat on the ground beside it, her leaning against his side with his arm loosely draped over her shoulders. She knew they needed to start dinner before it got too late, but she had no desire to move from her position and neither, it seemed, did he.

Notes:

So, who's screaming with me? I'm off to get some ice cream to celebrate! <3

Chapter 6: Back Up on Your Feet

Notes:

Ahhhhh welcome back! It was a crazy week at work, but we've made it to chapter six. Thank you for your patience and I know this is worth the wait. Grateful to Dr. Quinn and For All Time for some inspiration here and to my always-wonderful partner for hearing out my ideas and talking me through when I get stuck! <3

The news of the engagement spread like wildfire through Caprica and Bill broke ground on their cabin almost as quickly, spending a few days each week working on it and the rest of his time protecting their small town. Laura joined him at the lake when she could, not yet as committed to retirement as he was. He didn’t mind and it left her in town to spend time with Lee, Kara, and Sharon. With Billy gone, she had worried she would be lonely, but she rubbed the ring on her finger and it served as a constant reminder of all that she had gained.

The thought kept her occupied as she sat on the porch outside the clinic, her boot resting on her knee and her lip caught between her teeth. Her other hand held a recently-lit cigarette, but she had ignored it soon after lighting it with her attention more focused on looking down the road. If Bill had left around sunup—and she was confident he had—it wouldn’t be much longer until he rode into town. Her assumption was proved correct and within minutes, Bill and Gala came into view, galloping through the outskirts of town and slowing as they got closer. She smiled and tossed her cigarette into the can by her feet as she stood up, lingering near the stairs as he approached.

“Everything okay?” he called as he jumped down from Gala and soothed her neck.

Her smile grew wider. “Sharon had her baby last night.”

“Gods…” He offered a cautious smile.

“Both ma and daughter are doing okay. Doc Cottle’s with them now, but they’d love you to stop by when you have a chance.” She watched as he circled Gala, dropping her reins so he could take Laura’s extended hand and pull her in. “Welcome back.”

He kissed her softly, his hand settling on her waist. “A daughter.” He smiled and kissed her again. “What wonderful news to return to.”

“Wonderful.” She returned each kiss and leaned into him, appreciating how he blocked her from the spring wind. “How’s the cabin?”

“Should be done by July, perfect time to swim in the lake.” He smiled proudly and pulled her even closer, his arm curving around her so his hand rested on her back.

“A July wedding, then?” She hummed at the thought and shrugged.

“Is that okay?” He leaned back to look at her and she smiled reassuringly.

“Aside from having to wait three months to marry you, it’s more than okay.” He gave her a disbelieving look and she kissed the corner of his mouth. “Billy should be back by then, it shouldn't be too hot.”

“I’ll make sure our homestead is done by then.” His hand stroked along her back and she let out a soft hum.

“I’d like to go with you next time, help out where I can.”

He let her go and took a step back. “Of course. I could use your help with a few things.”

The door behind her opened and she turned to find Cottle glaring at them. “I thought I heard you two yapping out here. Agathons want to see you.” He immediately disappeared back inside but left the door open.

Bill took her hand, but she tugged him toward the clinic, her fingers intertwined with his as they walked inside. Cottle was gone, but she led the way upstairs to Sharon’s room, knocking gently on the door before they entered.

Sharon sat upright in the bed, her newborn held close to her chest. Helo sat sideways beside them, his fingers stroking his wife’s arm. Laura smiled and promptly dropped Bill’s hand so she could sit on Sharon’s other side, hand reaching out so she could stroke the baby’s cheek.

“Hello there,” she whispered, gasping quietly when the baby’s eyes opened and she blinked a few times. “Oh, she is absolutely precious.”

“Do you have a name picked out?” Bill asked as he came up to stand behind Laura with his hand on her shoulder.

Sharon glanced over at Helo, then down to her daughter. “Hera,” she said softly.

“Hera,” Laura repeated, finally withdrawing her hand so she could reach up and take Bill’s again.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Agathon, Helo.” He squeezed her hand and she squeezed back, letting her head rest against his stomach. “She’s beautiful.”

Unable to resist, she reached out again and stroked Hera’s cheek one more time. Her eyes grew wide when the infant opened her mouth and then yawned, her little fist shaking. “We won’t interrupt nap time, but it was so good to see you again.”

“Again?” His hand on hers tightened and she looked up at him.

“I met her last night, shortly after she entered the world.” Laura smiled proudly.

“She needed to meet her godsmother,” Sharon added, “and now she can meet her godsfather too.”

“Godsfather?” Bill cleared his throat and Helo nodded.

“We wouldn’t want anyone else to look after our daughter if anything happened to us,” Helo said firmly.

“I already accepted,” Laura said, still looking up at him. She could feel excited tears forming and one slipped free when Bill leaned down to kiss her forehead. “And I knew you wouldn’t mind.”

“Wouldn’t mind? Laura…” He nudged her hand away and gently cupped her cheek to kiss her quickly but softly. “No, I don’t mind. Honored.” He cleared his throat again and they both looked at Sharon and Helo. “Thank you.”

“Thank you.” Sharon and Hera yawned and Bill helped Laura back to her feet. “Thank you for coming by.”

“Anytime.” Laura leaned into Bill as he wrapped his arm around her and smiled. “If there’s anything you need, you know where to find us.”

“Get some rest.” Bill paused to lean over and smile at Hera, his hand affectionately brushing Sharon’s shoulder as he pulled back.

He guided Laura out of the room, Hera’s sleepy coos following them. It made her smile, happily following him back out into the fresh air. She took a deep breath and looked around them, surprised when he twisted her hand until she did a small twirl. The movement made her giggle and she collapsed into him when he spun her back, her free hand resting against his chest.

“Godsparents,” she laughed, unable to help her wide smile. “I can’t believe it.”

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.”

“I think…” She paused and considered him for a moment, the remnants of her surprise and happy tears in her bright eyes. “I know that this is the happiest I’ve ever been.”

“Your eyes are the most stunning shade of green when you smile, so beautiful.” He caressed her cheek as he spoke and she felt her cheeks flush immediately. “Even more so,” he said with a featherlight kiss.

“Bill…” Her tongue darted out to wet her lips and then she kissed him again. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Laura.”

The rest of spring was lost to building the cabin, the adjustment of baby Hera, and preparation for a long, dry, and warm summer. As the foundation and frame of the cabin came together, Laura found herself drawn more toward the cabin and less to the jail, always focused on when she would next be able to get out to the lake. While in town, she happily sat with Hera in the shop or walked around Caprica with Sharon, her shoulders always light and a smile almost always on her lips. It was almost a disappointment when the cabin progressed far enough that he banned her from the lake until their wedding, insisting that he wanted it to be a surprise. She agreed, only because of the affectionate look in his eyes.

With the cabin’s completion in sight, they settled on a date for the wedding and she sent a telegram to Billy to ensure he could make it. Only when he agreed did she confirm the date, a bright spot in the summer drought. What had initially seemed like plenty of time disappeared quickly, excitement building up in Caprica as they burned through June and all too quickly reached July.

Laura paced back and forth in front of Helo’s shop with Hera in her arms, a thin blanket draped over the infant to protect her from the harsh sunlight. Each step she took kicked up a small cloud of dust and she sighed, briefly glancing up but only finding an endless, painfully-bright blue sky with its blazing sun. Hera laughed to herself and she looked down, nudging the blanket aside so she could grab her little hand and shake it.

“You’re feeling better,” she murmured with a smile. “Ready to go back in to your ma?”

Hera only blinked up at her and tried to shove a corner of the blanket in her mouth. Shaking her head, Laura turned and carried her into the shop, sighing in relief at the slightly cooler shade. Sharon looked up from the shelf she was cleaning and frowned at first, then smiled.

“She seems happier,” she observed, dusting her hands on her skirt and then reaching for her daughter.

Laura handed her over and smiled. “Calmed right down. I think she likes the heat.”

“Course she does.” Sharon rolled her eyes and uncovered Hera’s head as she babbled at her. “Thank you for calming her down.”

“I’m glad I could help.” She brushed Hera’s back and Sharon’s hand, and turned at the sound of the stagecoach approaching. “Finally. It’s over an hour late!”

“Important delivery?” Sharon smirked and it was Laura’s turn to roll her eyes.

“The rest of my wedding dress,” she confessed with a shy smile. “At least, I hope so.”

Sharon gasped and smiled widely. “Oh, Laura. I can’t wait to see it.”

“I may need your help.” She laughed softly and waved goodbye so she could greet the arriving stagecoach.

She barely made it through the door before someone ran into her; tall, lanky, and not paying any attention. With an irritated huff, she looked up, but her frown faded to an excited smile as soon as she recognized the man she had collided with.

“Billy!” She hugged him tightly and after a surprised moment, he hugged her back.

“Sheriff Roslin! Gods, it’s good to see you.” He pulled back and rubbed his neck, meeting her wide smile.

“Please, Billy, call me Laura. I think it’s time.” She hugged him again and when she pulled back, saw an unfamiliar woman standing off to the side and watching quietly. “Who is this?”

He blushed immediately, but offered his hand to her and they moved out of the way of the door. “This is Anastasia Duala, my fiance.”

“Fiance!” She gasped and held her hand to her open mouth; after her surprise faded, she took the woman’s hand and shook it gently. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Duala.”

“Dee, please. Billy has told me so much about you and being a deputy here.” She looked around and then smiled again.

“Will you join us for supper tonight? I insist.” She couldn’t stop smiling and finally dropped Dee’s hand to slide her own in her pocket.

The young couple shared a look and then Billy nodded. “We’d love to.”

“Good, be there at five.” A giggle slipped out and she covered her mouth again. “Gods, I’m so sorry. You just arrived; I’m sure you have things to do. If Saul gives you a hard time, you let me know.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded his head and looked her over. “You look happy, Sh–Laura.” His face started to go red again and she smiled reassuringly.

“I am, Billy. Especially now. I didn’t think you would be here for another week!”

“We were able to make it work to get out here earlier. Wanted to show Dee around and I didn’t know if you’d need any help with wedding preparations.” He shrugged and his words made her gasp softly.

“Oh, I’m so grateful you’re here. Both of you. Now,” she shooed them away, “go get settled in and I’ll see you later. Don’t forget to see the Agathons and baby Hera.” She gestured into the shop.

“Goodbye, Ms. Roslin,” Dee said before Billy led her away.

“Laura, please,” she called with a huff.

She shook her head and scanned the things that had been unloaded from the coach, smiling when she found the small box bearing her name. She grabbed it and tucked it under her arm as she headed for the jail, Lee joining her and holding the door open for her to walk in.

“There ain’t room for whatever that is,” Bill grumbled immediately. Laura rolled her eyes. “Kara took over my desk and Lee is well on his way to taking over yours.”

“You’re retired, sir, it ain’t your desk anymore,” Kara drawled. She had made herself at home at the desk that was once Adar’s, then briefly Bill’s, and now hers.

“Retiring,” he grunted, glancing up to glare at her. “You ain’t puttin’ me out to pasture yet.”

“Yes, sir.” Kara gave him a mock salute and Laura shook her head as she set her package on the corner of her desk that Bill occupied.

“If you’re both done, Billy and his fiance arrived in town just now.” Her smile began to creep back in and he raised his head, his expression reflecting that he knew how much it meant to her.

“Fiance?” he asked. She hummed and nodded. “Good for him.”

“They’re joining us for supper tonight. Kara, Lee, you’re welcome to join us as well.”

“All due respect,” Lee cleared his throat, “there’s barely enough room for the four of you, let alone Kara and me.”

“We’d have to squeeze in, but I’m sure we could make it work.” She frowned as she thought about it and considered the larger kitchen Bill was working on for their cabin.

“I have things to do tonight, but—”

Bill interrupted him with a quiet but firm voice. “They’ll be there.”

“Dad…” Lee crossed his arms.

“We’re a family, Lee.”

“Fine, yes, we’ll be there.”

“Thank you, Lee.” Laura smiled and slanted a look at him. “I appreciate it.”

She knew Kara was ambivalent about the marriage, but Lee had grown a little colder to her. While she respected his distance, it still made her frown and she knew Bill wasn’t happy about it either. It wasn’t entirely clear to her why he was hesitant about the marriage, but he hadn’t been willing to discuss it either and she hadn’t pushed him.

“You tell ‘em five tonight?” Bill asked.

“How’d you guess?”

“I know you.” He gave her a sideways smirk and she laughed softly.

“Thank you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek, then grabbed her package. As she passed Kara, she pushed her boots off the desk.

“What? Why are you two allowed to do it?” Kara complained.

Laura stopped when she reached the door and looked back. “Because I’m the sheriff,” she said simply, and then she walked outside.

By early evening, though the sun was still golden but low in the sky with no sign of dusk, Laura’s small house was overflowing with people. Bill had borrowed a few chairs from the saloon; Billy and Dee sat in them on one side of the table while Lee and Kara crowded in next to them. It left one chair for her, Bill’s arm resting on it while she finished up dinner and set the last plate on the table. He shifted over to make room for her, but she remained standing with her hands on her hips as she scanned the people who had quickly become her family. Bill looked up at her and then reached for her hand, his thumb reassuringly stroking across the back of it as he tugged it closer.

“Let’s eat,” he said softly.

After a moment, she squeezed his hand and smiled, only letting go so she could untie her apron and hang it up. The table was quiet when she returned and sat down, and she maintained it as she looked at everyone in turn.

“Thank you for joining us tonight,” she managed, surprised by the emotion suddenly clogging her throat. “For traveling so far.” She waved toward the food. “Let’s eat.”

Bill served her first, then Dee and Kara, leaving Billy, Lee, and then himself last. Billy and Dee immediately complimented the food and Laura blushed, unable to stop herself from leaning her shoulder against Bill’s while they ate.

“I’m curious,” she said after a few moments of silence. She lifted her gaze to Billy for a moment, then Dee. “How did you meet?”

Billy laughed and glanced at Dee. “Told you she would start asking questions before dinner was over.” Laura flushed again and shook her head. “Dee is finishing up her last year of teacher’s college and we met at the Delphi Library one early morning.”

“He got lost,” Dee added with an affectionate smile. “Kept wandering in circles and then threw a book at me!”

“I did not!” He turned in his chair to look at her, eyes wide in surprise. “I set a book on the shelf and it fell off.”

“Sure, it fell right at me,” she teased, joining in his laughter.

“I felt bad and asked her to dinner, and it went from there.” He shrugged and smiled, their eyes lingering on each other.

Laura watched and smiled, the love between them obvious and it made her heart beat a little faster as she thought about Bill beside her. “Congratulations,” she sighed happily. “I am so incredibly happy for the two of you. Have you planned the wedding yet? Do you have a date in mind?”

“We’re going to wait until I graduate at the end of the year,” Dee answered, her hand finding Billy’s. “Perhaps just after Christmas; I’d love a winter wedding.”

“Oh, how beautiful.” Laura smiled even wider. “Winter in Delphi is… incomparable.”

“You’re all invited, of course.” Billy adjusted in his seat and met Bill’s eyes, then Laura’s. “As soon as we’ve settled on a date.”

Lee cleared his throat and looked at Kara; she stifled a snort and Laura shot them both a stern look that made them quiet immediately.

“We’d love to be there,” she said, “and we’ll do our best to make it happen.”

“What I’d like to know,” Billy began after he finished off his last bite of food, “is how this happened.” He waved his hand at her and Bill.

“Wouldn’t we all,” Lee grumbled.

“It’s a great question and I don’t know the answer to it. It just… happened.” She shrugged and nudged Bill with her shoulder. “Who knew a grumpy old sheriff and a school teacher-turned-sheriff could have this much in common.”

“But you’re happy?” He looked at Lee and Kara for a moment, then attempted to fix Bill with an intimidating stare. It was a valiant effort but still fell short.

“Oh, Billy.” She smiled, soft and gentle, and leaned forward against the table. “I am happy.”

The rest of dinner passed with easy conversation, Kara opening up more and then Lee too. Dee offered to clear the dishes and though Laura protested, Bill kept her in her seat. She watched for a moment and then excused herself outside, the warmth of so many people in her house growing too much. With the sun finally setting, the worst of the heat was dissipating and leaving a comfortable coolness in the air. It wasn’t enough to need a shawl or a jacket, but she wrapped her arms around herself and moved closer to the barn, the sounds of crickets and Pythia’s shifting occupying her as she looked up at the sky. Only the brightest stars were visible, but there were still plenty of them to look at, her eyes tracing out the constellations until she heard the door creak open and then shut again. Expecting Bill, she was surprised to see her former deputy walking toward her.

“I’m not interruptin’, am I?” he asked, his head tilting back so he could look up at the stars too.

“Mhmm, no, just getting some fresh air and cooling down,” she murmured, her gaze moving upward again. “It’s good to see you, Billy. How are you adjusting to Delphi?”

“It’s big.” He shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. “Always so much going on, but law school is everything I thought it would be. I’m doing well, really.”

“You sound like you are. You look healthy.” She let her shoulder nudge his arm. “I’ve missed you.”

“You look better than I’ve ever seen you. Something about Sheriff Adama agrees with you.” He gently nudged her back and she smiled.

“I’d like to ask a favor, if you don’t mind.” Her fingers absently picked at the end of her sleeve, her eyes still focused on the sky and not him.

“Anything.”

“I’ve been thinking about it and if you agreed…” She let her sentence trail off and licked her lip, momentarily overwhelmed by nerves. “Billy, would you give me away?”

He inhaled sharply but didn’t say anything, silent long enough that she looked at him and bit down on her lip. He was already staring at her and she accidentally bit down too hard which made her wince.

“A-are you sure?” he asked after several more agonizingly long, quiet minutes. “Not Lee or Doc Cottle or…”

“You’ve known me longer, Billy, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to do it.” Her voice was firm and she reached her hand out to lightly rest it on his arm. “But only if you want to.”

“I do, I will. Yes.” He laughed awkwardly and fiddled with the collar of his shirt, but smiled.

“Thank you.” Her fingers curled around his arm and she squeezed it gently. “It would mean so much to me.”

“Do you feel ready? Nervous?”

“Gods, yes. To both.” It was her turn to laugh and she slowly shook her head. “We’re meeting with Elosha tomorrow. She wants us to attend a few counseling sessions before she’ll marry us.”

“I bet Sheriff Adama loves that idea.”

“He’s stubborn, but there’s this side of him you haven’t seen. Sides I’m still discovering.” She hummed at the thought and swayed gently. “I love him.”

“Then I’m glad.”

Bill interrupted them, only opening the door enough to call out, “Pie is ready, get back inside.”

“Yes, sir,” Billy replied immediately and it made Laura laugh again.

Late that night, long after everyone had left, Laura and Bill sat on the porch. The last drops of their whiskey had dried in their glasses and the butts of their cigarettes no longer glowed, but still they sat hand in hand, watching their quiet town beneath the desert stars. His thumb absently stroked over her hand and her head rested on his shoulder, only the starlight to see by. Neither had said a word most of the time they had been out there, content to enjoy each other’s presence, but his hand suddenly tightened around hers and she questioned him with a hum.

“Normally you’re falling asleep by now,” he rumbled.

“I’m enjoying this.” She hummed again and let her eyes close for a moment. She had felt sleep drawing at her for a while now, but had fought it for even a little longer with Bill. “I don’t want to keep you up.”

“You’re not keeping me anywhere.” He turned to kiss her head and pulled their hands onto his knee. “Go to sleep, Laura.”

“In a minute.” She stifled a yawn and nestled her head further into his neck, seeking out more of his warmth and comfort.

“Laura.”

“Bill.”

“Go to sleep.”

“I don’t wanna get up.” She pouted, the expression deepening when he disturbed her position by standing up.

He gently pulled her to her feet and kissed her softly. “Goodnight, Laura. I’ll make up for it with coffee in the mornin’.”

“You promise?” She leaned into him and yawned again.

“Course.”

“Mhmm, goodnight, then.” She stole one more kiss before she turned away and headed inside.

Most of Caprica focused on wedding preparations as they approached the final few days. Bill finished the final touches on their cabin just after Billy arrived, leaving him to help in town too. The meadow near the temple was decorated for both the wedding and the reception, and the eagerness was palpable, almost like a log waiting to spark.

By the day of the wedding, no one was motionless. There was still plenty to be done and the activity kept the town alive and busy until everyone headed to the temple, a still silence settling over Caprica for the first time in a while.

Laura stood in front of the mirror, hands smoothing over her shirt for the third time in the past few minutes. As long as she kept them busy, she didn’t notice how badly they trembled. They moved to her hair next, brushing back the stray, uncontrollable strands with a sigh.

“You look good,” Sharon said from the doorway, Hera held close in her arms. “Beautiful.”

“Oh, that’s not it.” She sighed again and turned around, the skirt of her wedding dress lightly swinging around her ankles.

“You’re nervous.” Sharon smiled gently and shifted Hera to one arm so she could reach her other out and take Laura’s hand. “Gods, I was so nervous marrying Helo.”

“I remember.” She squeezed the other woman’s hand and then dropped it, barely resisting the urge to look in the mirror again. “I feel so crazy.”

“I know you want this.” Hera began to fuss and Sharon passed her over when Laura held out her arms. “I happen to know Sheriff Adama wants to marry you. So, as soon as Kara and Billy get here, we’re going to get you to the temple so you can get married.”

Laura cuddled Hera close and murmured to her as she gently swayed, one finger stroking her cheek and tapping her nose. “You’re such a sweet girl, aren’t you?” she asked quietly. “The sweetest flower girl I’ve seen.”

“Does that mean you’re ready?” Sharon rested her hand on Laura’s shoulder and looked down at her daughter.

“I’m ready.” Reluctantly, she returned Hera to her mother’s arms and ran her hands over her wedding dress one more time.

Pastel flowers stuck out from the cream gown, soft beneath her fingers. Lace dusted the ground and swirled around her black boots; she had given up her sheriff’s badge, trousers, and hat for the day, but she wouldn’t part with her worn boots too. They were barely visible beneath the dress and she counted them as something old for her wedding day. The simple sapphire necklace she wore served as something blue and Sharon had loaned her a similar pair of earrings. With her new dress, she felt as ready as she possibly could, allowing herself one more spin in front of the mirror.

Kara walked in as they left the bedroom, her pale blue dress matching Sharon’s and Hera’s. It made Laura smile gratefully.

“You look beautiful,” she breathed, reaching for the flowers she had picked the previous night for her bouquet.

With a little spin and a bright blush, Kara said, “Last frakkin’ time I’m wearing a dress—the things I do for you—but you look right stunning, ma’am. Old Man’s going to be speechless when he sees you.”

“Oh…” Laura laughed apprehensively and bit at her lip, only looking away when Sharon passed her veil over. She settled it on her head and let the thin lace fall over her face, partially obscuring her vision.

“Billy’s waiting, so we gotta get goin’.” She gestured to the door.

“Did you see Bill this morning? Is he okay?” she asked without taking a step.

“He’s about as nervous as you are, now c’mon!” Kara waved to the door again.

After a few deep breaths, Laura loosely tangled her fingers in her dress to hold it just off the ground and followed Sharon and Kara outside. Billy waited off to the side, a circlet of flowers dangling from his fingers. He nearly dropped it when he looked up at her, swallowing hard and catching it at the last second.

“Gods…” He coughed and offered the flowers to her, but Kara cleared her throat and glared at him. “Oh, sorry. Um.” He moved closer and carefully settled the circlet on her head, helping to hold the veil down. “You look fine.”

“Fine?” Laura looked up at him, her smile caught between anxiety and teasing.

“Well, yeah…” He looked away and she laughed quietly.

“We’ll have to work on how you talk to women. But thank you.” She reached up, lightly brushing her fingers over the flowers and the veil.

Billy extended his elbow and she looped her arm through it, her small hand easily fitting in the bend of his arm. Kara and Sharon took the lead and they followed them through the nearly deserted town toward the temple, Laura focused on soft breaths and keeping her nerves under control.

The sounds of a small, gathered crowd and music reached them as they grew closer. Her steps faltered, but Billy gently kept her moving, his hand coming up to rest over hers. He looked at her in concern but she smiled reassuringly, small but genuine.

They reached the fence surrounding the temple and were joined by Lee and Helo. Both men smiled at the group, then at Laura, tipping their hats before they took Kara’s and Sharon’s arms to lead them up the aisle. Billy and Laura stayed at the end as the music changed, and he leaned closer.

“Ready?” he asked quietly.

“Yes,” she said softly, but she meant it with every fiber of her being.

Without another moment of hesitation, he led her down the aisle toward Bill and Elosha, the rest of their family spread out on both sides. Her eyes roamed over Elosha’s embroidered dress and the vibrant purple peeking out from under it, but she was quickly drawn to Bill. He stood in all black, his pants and jacket pressed and tailored perfectly to him. His usual black vest covered most of his white shirt and she wanted to look at nothing but him. He looked back, a small smile on his lips.

Billy patted her hand and let her go when they reached the altar, leaning down to kiss her cheek through her veil. A soft sound caught in her throat, but she took the last step to stand beside Bill, their eyes meeting and allowing her to see the tears brimming in his blue eyes.

“Dearly beloved,” Elosha began, smiling at both of them and then to the crowd settling back into their seats. “We have come together in the presence of the gods to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by the gods for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity.” She paused for a moment to glance down at the scroll in her hand. “Into this holy union, Laura Roslin and William Adama now come to be joined. If any among you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

Laura resisted the urge to glance behind them, but her hand moved toward Bill’s. Elosha smiled and gave a subtle nod; Bill’s right hand took hers, tightly clasping it between them.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the priestess asked, once again looking beyond Bill and Laura.

Billy cleared his throat and took a step forward. “I do,” he said, smiling proudly when Laura gave in and glanced behind her.

She watched him join Dee in the front row and slowly turned back to Elosha and Bill, aware of Hera’s quiet sounds nearby and Sharon’s attempts to hush her.

“Do you, Bill, take Laura to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?” Elosha asked, her head tilted toward Bill.

“I do,” Bill said firmly as he squeezed her hand.

“Do you, Laura, take Bill to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” she said immediately, her voice trembling but audible.

Still smiling, Elosha waved her hand toward Lee. He leaned over and passed the ring to Bill who held it out as she said, “Oh, Hera, we ask that you bless this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other.” With a nod of permission, Bill slid the ring on her finger, his thumb brushing over it before he returned to just holding her hand. Elosha’s covered both of theirs. “Now that Laura and Bill have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands, and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom the gods have joined together, let no man put asunder.”

“So say we all,” the crowd cheered.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Slowly, Bill reached out and lifted her veil, careful not to dislodge the flowers. He tossed it behind her and cupped her face with both hands as he leaned in, his lips meeting hers. It was gentle at first, light, and then he deepened it until her arms were wrapped around his neck and she clung to him with everything she had in her, their foreheads pressed together.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too.”

When they pulled back, she became aware of the cheering crowds and their family cheering even closer. It made her cheeks grow warm and she covered her mouth as Bill took her hand and they turned around. They faced their town and everyone smiled, lingering for a moment until he escorted her back down the aisle, Lee, Kara, Helo, and Sharon following.

It didn’t take long after lunch for the dancing to begin, the band lively on the stage and mixing with the sounds of laughter and boots on the wooden dance floor. Laura spun around, her hand lightly clasped in Bill’s as they danced, then switching partners so she met Billy and then Lee. He smiled, his hands careful as they danced, but his happiness genuine.

Laura felt light, carefree, and her glee only grew when she was finally passed back to her husband. His arm encircled her waist and he dipped her down, holding her securely as he followed her to kiss her deeply. She gasped and held on to him, a giggle falling from her mouth to his as her fingers tangled in his shirt.

“I love you, Laura Adama,” he said against her lips. “My wife.”

“Gods, I love the sounds of that.” She giggled again when he pulled her back onto her feet, but he didn’t let go. “I love you too, husband.”

He kissed her cheek and led her back to their table, his arm settling around her shoulders when they sat down. She leaned into him, a permanent smile on her face as she watched everyone else continue to dance, her foot tapping along to the music. If she had ever felt this amount of happiness in her life, it hadn’t been for many years. Not since her sisters, her parents, were still alive. But sitting with Bill, catching glimpses of Lee and Kara, Helo, Sharon, and Hera, and Billy and Dee, filled her heart until it was overflowing. She felt a tear leak out and she let it fall, her hand seeking Bill’s and finding it as quickly as she always did.

They had planned the wedding and reception early enough that as it began to wind down, they had enough sunlight to make it to the cabin by sunset. Bill, Helo, Lee, and Billy had spent the past few days moving the larger furniture in so they would have everything they needed for a few weeks. Instead of a honeymoon, they had decided to stay in their cabin together, enjoying each other and the lake.

As they approached their new home, the sun moving behind the mountains but still leaving enough light to see by, Bill glanced at her and smiled. She smiled back, but then the cabin came into view and she gasped, Pythia falling still when she dropped the reins and covered her mouth. She stared at it, Bill smiling proudly, and slowly urged her horse forward.

“Oh, my gods, Bill,” she whispered, tears forming.

It took all of her restraint to take care of their horses first, making sure they were comfortable in the new, large barn before she really inspected the cabin. It was exactly what she had pictured, what he had described, and she felt tears forming once more as she took it in.

“It’s beautiful…”

A long porch lined the front of the cabin, facing the lake with an unhindered view. The barn sat off to the side, enough space for a garden between them and in view of the house. It was a small homestead with only two rooms; with no plans for children, they only needed a guest room. Plenty of windows added to the view of both the forest and the lake and Laura could already imagine sitting on the porch beside her husband.

“Welcome home,” he said, taking advantage of her distraction to sweep her off her feet.

He carried her up the stairs and through the door, her arms thrown around his neck and her head resting against his chest. An odd sound caught her attention and she looked around as he returned her to her feet, surprised once more when she saw a small dog running around in circles. Her body was a dark brown, her large, clumsy paws a lighter shade, and her face mixed with grey. She jumped up Laura’s leg and she scooped her up immediately, holding her close as she looked at Bill.

“Thought we might need something to look after the chickens when we get them, a companion for you when I have to go into town.” He shrugged and smiled. “She’s young still, might take some training, but she’ll be good company.”

“She’s beautiful!” Laura hugged her gently and then put her down so she could hug Bill even tighter. “Thank you,” she sighed into his chest.

He kissed her head and then picked her up again. “Let me show you the rest of the house then,” he said with a small grin.

She giggled and kissed his cheek. “I can’t wait.”

He adjusted his hold on her, the dog eagerly running circles around their feet, and kissed her slowly. She melted against him, into him, and reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair. As twilight settled around their cabin, the crickets came to life, filling the silence with a low hum of activity that comforted Laura and made her pull Bill even closer as he carried her through their cabin.

Chapter 7: Walk Right Through It (Epilogue)

Notes:

Wow. Okay. Here we are. We made it! I want to thank everyone a million times over for their support through this adventure! This was such a wild ride and it was nice to get back in the saddle of actually finishing things! Now, it's back to my old hunting grounds and everything else I set on hold to visit the Wild West!

The snow outside fell silently, quieting the forest and leaving a thin layer of ice over the lake. Most of the animals had already moved to lower elevations—warmer weather—and the rest had dug into the earth for the winter. There had been a few late bear tracks along with plenty of deer and elk, showing some of the wildlife still present.

Laura sat by the window facing the lake, a thick blanket draped around her shoulders and a warm mug of cocoa in her hands. Her feet were tucked up under herself and a book abandoned in her lap but still open with her braided bookmark holding her place.

“They’ll be here,” Bill told her softly, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders as he came up behind her chair.

“I know.” She tilted her head to look up at him and gave a small smile.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, brushing her hair back from her face. She had let it grow out and the curls reached her waist, now streaked through with grey. Despite his attempt, a wayward strand still crossed her face and he finally moved it out of their way so he could kiss her slowly. She reached up, her fingers trailing down his neck as she kissed him back, allowing him to kiss away her worries. When he pulled back, his finger caressed her cheek and he gently smiled at her.

“Come on, let’s go for a walk. I think Nyx is getting cooped up in here.” He moved his hand to her shoulder and squeezed it gently.

“I think you’re the one getting cooped up,” she retorted, but when he walked around to the front of her chair, she allowed him to pull her to her feet.

“Just a little.”

She rolled her eyes and leaned against the door to pull her boots on, her blanket and book abandoned in her chair in favor of her thicker jacket. He helped her into it and did up the buttons while she grabbed her shawl, her fingers grazing his. Without looking away, he tugged his own jacket on and opened the door, clicking to Nyx so she took off into the snow. She took his arm and they followed after the eager dog, their boots crunching into the snow.

They walked arm in arm along their usual path, Nyx always running ahead and then doubling back to scout for them. It always made Laura laugh, smiling happily as Bill reached over and took her hand. He laced their fingers together and put them both in his pocket, the extra warmth making her hum on their way away from the lake. They made their way into the forest, the clucking of the chickens and Gala’s whinnying fading, but it was soon replaced by a distant argument that slowly grew louder.

“Face it, we’re lost.” Billy sounded resigned, tired, and it made Laura smile sympathetically.

“We’re not lost; I know the frakkin’ way,” Kara grumbled. “It’s gotta be right here.”

“No,” Lee argued, “we should’ve gone the other direction at that tree back there. I told you.”

Laura shared a look with Bill and they turned their steps toward the voices; Nyx wanted to run and Laura finally told her to go.

“Arguing isn’t gonna help,” Sharon interrupted them. “Kara’s right, we just haven’t gone far enough.”

“Go too far and you’ll hit the water,” Bill called out.

Laura bit back a snicker as their family crested the last small hill and came into view. Kara and Lee led the way, bundled up on their horses with the saddlebags stuffed full of wrapped presents. Billy and Dee were protected in the middle with a young girl sitting in front of Billy, leaving Helo, Sharon, and Hera to bring up the rear. Hera sat on her own filly, grinning widely and glancing at Sharon often who loosely held a lead to the horse.

“Looks like someone got a big Saturnalia gift,” Laura commented, smirking at Sharon and Helo.

Helo shrugged and Sharon rolled her eyes, telling Laura exactly whose idea it had been.

“You almost made it to the cabin, just a little further,” Bill said as he walked over to take the lead from Sharon. He guided Hera and her horse over to Laura and smiled at them both. “Mind if Grandma rides with you?”

“Oh, I can walk back,” Laura protested, but Hera was already nodding and giggling.

“Please, Grandma!”

“Oh, alright. Scoot forward.” She shook her head at Bill but accepted his help onto the horse’s back, one arm wrapping around Hera.

Bill passed the lead up to her and stayed by their side, allowing Lee and Kara to continue guiding them back to the cabin. The snow hadn’t picked up, but the wind blew harder and sent snow flurries around them that made it look worse than it was. They were all relieved to finally settle all the horses in the barn and hurry inside where Laura quickly put the kettle on and Bill went looking for more blankets. Nyx ran back and forth between everyone, excited by all the activity and eager for attention. Lee and Helo added the presents to the ones already under the tree and Billy hovered near Laura in the kitchen after she had ushered everyone else out of her way.

“I don’t need help,” she told him before he could speak up, glancing at him through her lashes as she gathered enough mugs for everyone.

“I was going to say that it’s good to see you,” he murmured.

She looked up again to see him smiling wryly. With a roll of her eyes, she gently snapped the towel at him and tossed it to the counter. “It’s good to see you too. Now, I refuse to believe that is little Rose over there.” She nodded her head toward the young girl who sat on the floor with Hera, a safe distance from the fire.

“I know, she’s getting so big.” He shook his head and leaned against the counter as he lowered his voice. “She’s gonna be a big sister next year too.”

“Oh!” Laura bounced on her feet and hurried around the counter to hug him tightly. Greetings had fallen to the wayside in everyone’s desire to get warm, but she held onto him now with her cheek pressed against his chest. “Congratulations,” she whispered, pulling back so she could look at him and silently cursing how tall he was.

The water was going to take time to boil, so she joined everyone in the living room, making sure to hug everyone in turn before she sat on the ground beside Rose and Hera, her blanket once again around her shoulders.

“I’m guessing you don’t remember me,” she told Rose, smiling gently with her hands on her knees. Hera immediately took the opportunity to sit in her lap, Laura groaning a little under the growing girl’s weight.

“No,” Rose admitted, fiddling with her hands and eyeing her nervously.

“That’s okay.” Laura reached out and offered her hand to Rose, her elbow resting on her knee beside Hera. “You were so little when I saw you last, but I’ve known your pa for a very long time.”

Rose stared at her hand and then looked back to her parents; Dee smiled encouragingly, but Billy was deep in conversation with Lee and Helo. “He said you used to be the sheriff and he was your deputy.” She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “That doesn’t sound like Pa at all and you don’t look like a sheriff.” Her eyes looked toward Bill and then back to Laura. “Are you a sheriff because you married a sheriff?”

Laura laughed and adjusted Hera in her lap with one arm, her other still patiently extended. “I was a sheriff before I met him,” she said, her head shaking in amusement, “but I haven’t been Sheriff in a while, sweetheart. It’s all true, though. A lot has changed since your Pa met your Ma.”

“And since you met Grandpa,” Hera added, her hand tapping Laura’s where it rested against her stomach.

“And since I met Grandpa,” Laura agreed.

“So, you’re Mr. Agathon’s Ma?” Rose asked, still cautiously eying Laura’s hand.

“No!” Hera giggled and laid her head on Laura’s shoulder to look up at her. “She’s my godsmother, but Ma and Pa said I can call her grandma and it always makes her happy when I do. Grandpa too.” She looked toward Bill and Laura held her a little tighter. “Maybe you could call them Grandma and Grandpa!”

“Oh.” Rose shifted around and picked at her skirt, briefly frowning.

“Only if you want to,” Laura said softly. “Your Pa is like a son to me.” She paused and smiled, still unable to believe it after all these years. “You’re named after me too.”

That caught Rose’s attention and she met Laura’s eyes, a little bolder this time. Her hand moved to rest on the ground beside her. “I am?”

Laura watched her, taking in Billy’s familiar eyes that looked out from a face so similar to Dee’s. “You are.”

“So… I could call you Grandma?” She shuffled a little closer on her knees.

“If you’d like.”

“I think so.”

“Okay.” Laura smiled when Rose finally took her hand, her smaller one secure in hers. “Do you two want to help me make tea and cocoa?”

“Yes, please!” Hera jumped up and tried to drag Laura to her feet, only stopping when she waved the young girl off before she pulled her arm out.

Once on her feet, she led the girls into the kitchen by their hands, instructing them to be slow and careful as they filled mugs and carried them toward the living room. It took longer, but the girls were happy and Laura watched proudly, carrying her own mug after them. She moved to sit on the floor but Bill vacated his chair and helped her into it, sitting on the arm beside her when she was comfortable.

“You’re all staying the night, aren’t you? Snow should clear up and make for a fine ride into town in the mornin’,” she said as she scanned her family.

“If you don’t mind,” Billy said quickly after glancing at his wife and daughter.

“It’ll be cramped,” Bill warned, “but we’ll make it work.”

“We’ve got plenty of blankets,” Laura added.

“We’ll stay,” Helo said. “Hera isn’t comfortable riding at night.”

“Neither is Rose. She’s not too fond of horses yet.” Dee shook her head and reached out to ruffle her daughter’s hair.

“Then by all means, stay and head out after breakfast tomorrow. It’ll be warmer too.” As if on cue, a shiver ran through Laura’s body and she hugged her tea closer as she leaned against Bill, drawn to the warmth radiating off him.

“I think the girls are eager to open their presents.” Helo looked at Rose and Hera who had slowly moved closer to the tree and immediately looked up at his voice.

“I see no reason why they shouldn’t.” Laura pulled her legs close and untangled her skirt. “Go ahead and pass the presents out.”

The girls jumped up and immediately dove into the presents, moving around to hand them out while avoiding Nyx who had fallen asleep in the middle of the rug. Rose and Hera ended up with the largest pile, but everyone had a few presents that they opened together, laughter and chatter quickly filling the room. Laura watched in contentment, her hands resting on the box in her lap and her empty mug abandoned on the floor. Bill draped his arm over her shoulders and kissed her head.

“You savin’ yours for next year?” he asked quietly.

She hummed and looked up at him. “I don’t want to miss anything,” she confessed.

“You won’t.” He gently pulled her closer and she felt his eyes on her as she ran over her fingers over the simple brown wrapping. “Open it.”

“You’re awfully eager.”

“I happen to know what the kids got you. They all threw some money in for it.”

“For you too.” She nodded to the small box he held and smiled.

“I’ll open mine if you open yours.”

After he agreed, she gently unwrapped the box, careful not to rip the paper. Bill set the intact wrapping aside and she pulled the top of the box off, her eyes growing wide when she saw a book resting on a bed of fabric. She lifted the book up and smiled as she touched the cover.

“Dark Day,” she read, looking up at Bill and then to everyone who was watching her quietly.

“Mr. Adama suggested it,” Billy offered.

“The rest was my idea,” Sharon said, waving her hand toward the box.

Curious, Laura tucked the book between her leg and the arm of the chair, freeing her hands to lift the fabric the book had rested on. As it unfurled, it turned out to be a thick, heavy blanket. She immediately hugged it close and smiled at the warmth that washed over her.

“Oh, gods,” she sighed happily, “this is perfect. Thank you!” Nearly elbowing Bill in the process, she wrapped the blanket around herself and pulled it close with a wide smile.

“Lee picked it out after Sharon suggested a blanket. Sent the money to Billy and he brought it from Delphi,” Kara explained.

“Thank you.” Laura made sure each of them saw her appreciation and burrowed deeper into the blanket, but then turned her attention to her husband.

Bill wasn’t nearly as careful as he opened his box, the paper falling to the ground to join hers. He held up a simple gold pocket watch, the firelight reflecting off its shiny surface. Laura caught a glimpse of something engraved on the cover, but couldn’t make it out.

“I know yours broke. Laura said you refused to replace it.” Lee shrugged and shifted around in his chair beside Kara. “Hopefully this one lasts a little longer.”

Bill cleared his throat and nodded. “Thank you,” he said after a moment.

Laura reached up and squeezed his arm as she noticed Hera blinking sleepily from across the room. Rose had already laid down beside Nyx, her fingers buried in her long fur.

“I think it may be bedtime,” she commented softly. “Long day for those poor things.” She reluctantly pushed herself to her feet and Bill joined her, his hand on her back over the blanket. “Billy, Dee, you two and Rose will take the upstairs guest room. Sharon, Helo, we have the downstairs room for you and Hera.”

Lee and Kara stood up, both grumbling quietly. “We get the couch and floor, we know,” she sighed, her head shaking as she headed for the door where they had left their bedrolls.

“I’ll grab a few more blankets.” Laura smiled as Billy scooped Rose up, and followed her to the stairs.

Dee and Bill joined them, Laura showing them their room as they passed and only Bill walking with her into their room. She glanced at him and left her gifted blanket on their bed before she leaned up on the toes of her boots so she could reach the blankets folded up on the shelf, tossing them over to Bill when she realized there were too many for her to carry.

“Think this is enough?” he groused, but she only rolled her eyes and ignored his comment.

“Take those downstairs, please,” she ordered nicely.

He leaned in to kiss her cheek before he obeyed, the sound of his footsteps receding as he headed back downstairs. She hummed and took a few more in to Billy and Dee, ensuring they were okay before she returned to her own bedroom.

“Bill?” she called, eyeing the remaining blankets on the shelf. He didn’t respond and she sighed, arms crossing over her chest. “Bill!”

“Laura,” he called back, playful annoyance in his voice. “You gonna talk to me from up there or you gonna come down here?”

She huffed and walked to the top of the stairs. “We’ve got more blankets.”

He looked up at her from the foot of the stairs and raised an eyebrow. “Laura, you sent down enough blankets to cover the army. They’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he said, his exasperation obvious.

“It’s cold.” A small pout formed and he sighed.

“You’re cold,” he corrected. “Everyone else, aside from Rose, is fine.”

She huffed and leaned her shoulder against the wall, shivering at the cold she could feel coming through it. After a moment of staring, she slowly descended the stairs and walked past him into the kitchen, peering toward the living room to check on Kara and Lee.

“We’re fine,” Lee said before she could ask. “Ain’t the first time we’ve slept out here.”

“Won’t be the last,” Kara added.

“So I should hush up and go to bed?” Laura narrowed her eyes at them.

“It’s what Dad would say.” Lee shrugged and shook a blanket out to cover his bedroll near the fireplace.

“I am saying it. C’mon, honey.” He held his hand out to her and she glanced around at the few dishes remaining. “The kids’ll take care of them in the morning.”

Her nose wrinkled but she took his hand, allowing him to lead her back to the stairs. Nyx finally woke from her slumber and walked between them, her large paws thudding on each slow step up to their room.

“Goodnight,” Laura called, knowing everyone downstairs would hear.

There was a quiet, sleepy chorus of responses and she waited for each one before she let Bill guide her upstairs, the door to the guest room shut. Having such a full house, especially close to Saturnalia, made her smile as she changed into her nightgown and climbed between the warm blankets while Bill lit a fire before joining her.

She immediately curled up against him, her head on his shoulder and her arm draped over his chest, eagerly seeking out his warmth beneath their large blanket. Even as her body relaxed and her mind was quiet, her eyes stayed open, staring at nothing in particular.

“You’re not gonna sleep are you?” he sighed.

“I will,” she murmured, listening to the sounds of other people in their cabin. “I love being up here with you, but there’s something about having the kids here too.”

“There is,” he agreed quietly, pressing a kiss to her head and then her cheek. “I love you.”

She hummed, sleep suddenly tugging at her as the fire began to warm the room. “I love you too, Bill.”

Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this ride as much as I did. Thank you all again and stay tuned for a couple surprises this week ;)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Singin' Those Campire Songs