A/N: just a quick chapter which picks up where the last one left off. A moment of calm...or maybe not so calm, but just a breath before life resumes its whirlwind of activity. I do have more chapters in the works, they're just very scattered about because, well, life's not just a whirlwind on Round Up Ranch! Anyways, dear reader(s), I hope you enjoy this!

For the second time that day, Jessie ran a comb through her freshly-washed hair. Buzz came up behind her, his skin beaded with water drops. He reached over and picked up the small gold necklace that lay on the counter, fastening it around her neck. He smiled at her reflection in the mirror and wrapped his arms around her waist, "That was some welcome home. Maybe I should put in for long missions every time."

"You could," she smiled sweetly, taking note of the wary surprise that filled his eyes. "But you better get a dog house built first, because you'll be livin' there when you're not in space."

Buzz laughed as the phone rang. He pressed his lips to her bare shoulder, "I'll get it." He hurried to the bedroom and picked up the received, "Hello? Oh, hello, Slink. Yup, back on terra firma and about time, too. Jessie? Yeah, she's here; hang on just a minute."

Jessie was securing the towel around her, tucking the loose end in under her arm. She took the phone and waved Buzz away as he kissed her other shoulder, "Slink? Hey, what's up?" Her eyes widened. "Already? Ummm…yeah, sure. No, no it's not an issue. Does he know how to get here? Oh, okay, that'll work. Yeah, see you in an hour or so." She hung up the phone, "Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap."

Buzz looked up as he fastened the button on his jeans, "What is it?"

"The exerciser thing I had on order is here…a week early! Slink's coming with the delivery guy to bring it over. Problem is, I don't have the pasture area ready yet!" She tossed the towel on the floor, hastily grabbing clothes from the dresser.

"Can we store it somewhere for now? Or was it supposed to be set up the same day?"

"No, it can just be set aside until I'm ready. But I don't know where exactly I'm gonna put it! I guess one of the stalls will do, but getting' one cleaned out is gonna be a chore and a half. Totoro's out of town and Woody's obviously unavailable. I just hope I can get it done in an hour."

He waved his hand, "Aren't you forgetting someone?"

She grimaced as her head popped out of the neck of the tshirt, "You just got home; I didn't wanna make you have to do anything today."

"Yes, well, it's certainly been restful so far," he grinned and kissed the tip of her nose as she made a face at him. He rested steadying hands on her shoulders, "Jessie, I want to help. It doesn't matter if I'm just home; you're more important than a chance to laze about. Besides, I'm pretty sure there's something about being a ranch hand in those vows I'm taking in a few months. This way you'll know I mean them," he smiled tenderly.

She returned the look and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek, "You're the best, you know that?"

"Yes, but you can always make sure," he laughed as she swatted his arm. "Ah, things are back to normal."

"You've missed this, admit it."

"With pleasure. Come on, Cowgirl; we've got some chores to do."