Although they hadn’t done a ton of work on the actual barn - a fresh coat of paint outside, some repair work to make it somewhat habitable inside - the bulk of construction to turn it into an actual living space, a home in its own right, hadn’t begun yet. Now that the weather had warmed, construction would be easier, but that meant finding everyone that could make their hopes a reality - contractors, carpenters, electricians, construction crews, and all the rest - and getting quotes before making a final decision. As much as Waverly would love to fancy herself a house flipper, she had next to no experience, and would need a league of professionals to get it done.
Doc, however, was at least equipped to show her how to put together some of the furniture pieces she wanted. It was a little cheaper to build it themselves, and it had actually made for some good bonding experiences with the two of them. Waverly had always adored Doc, one-and-one and among the rest of them, and she was always for some time together.
Right now, their project was a rustic dining table and chairs. It was slow-going, since this was done in whatever spare time they could both find between their various jobs and family obligations. It was early on a Saturday right now; Nicole was at work, and Wynonna… Well, Waverly loved her sister more than anyone in the whole world, but she barely knew what the hell she was doing these days. Apparently tasering pirates was among those mysterious things, so…yay?
The chair before her was starting to actually resemble a chair as she sanded it down and she was quite proud of it. She still had a long way to go, but that was okay. This entire project had taken months and would take months more, so there was plenty of time ahead of her.
“What do you think?” she asked Doc, raising her goggles (yes, safety goggles, as if she was doing strenuous construction work) and straightening up, hands settling on her hips. “I feel like it’s getting there!”
Doc had greatly enjoyed the idea of fixing up the barn. With the baby coming and Alice here, it would be easier to add some space, which he’d already started on the Homestead itself. He wanted to be certain that the new baby had a place to sleep before anything else. But he allowed himself this time with Waverly because it was nice to teach someone the art of woodworking like his uncle had taught him. Additionally, it afforded him more time with one of his favorite people and they were able to make the furniture exactly the way they wanted to. He was still disappointed about Seth’s leaving. He had hoped they might get into becoming the furniture people like the guy from Fixer Upper.
They had a general idea of the way things should look and an idea of what they wanted for the barn, but Doc knew someone with architectural experience might be able to make that come to life and also be within code, since that was something that he understood to be a big deal. He did suppose that it would be in poor taste to let a place you worked on catch fire because you didn’t do something right, though. He did not wish for that to be the case.
He looked over at Waverly’s work when she asked him what he thought. “It is certainly comin’ along, darlin’. I think you should be done before too long. At least we can store the furniture and have everything come together at the end.” He paused for a moment. “I can start asking around for whoever is the best for the job, get feelers out at least and then we can talk to them together.”
Waverly puffed up proudly. It wasn’t much, but she was a quick learner and always happy to pick up another skillset. Would she go into woodworking for the rest of her life? Probably not. But there was something satisfying about making something with your own hands, she couldn’t deny that. She’d always been more of a research geek, so this was a fun experience.
“That’s a good idea,” she agreed, grabbing her water bottle off the ground and taking a swig. “Maybe you could poke around for some estimates and we can see who we think would be the best fit? Preferably someone who’s good with a payment plan of some sort.”
They were doing okay here, and they didn’t have bills to pay. The magic of Vallo had brought them the Homestead (before Waverly’s time here, even) and the same magic seemed to just let them keep the electricity going and everything. But that didn’t mean they were rolling in cash - at least not that she was aware of.
Doc’s smile grew as he watched her puff up. Half of woodwork was practice and the know how. He would check it over as they went along and give suggestions if necessary. He did his best to be as helpful as he could through this, but even he still made a mistake here and there.
“I can certainly. If nothin’ else, I can ask Brigitte if she knows anyone. It is possible she could put on a menacing enough face to make sure no one would put the prices too high up.” He had faith in her even if she was generally a sweet woman. If Erik had still been there, he would have asked him to come, but that was not in the cards. Unfortunately for him.
He had some knowledge of which groups liked which offerings when approached and which groups took certain things as insults from when he was looking for the lumber, both in stores and some of the previously used or cheaper stashes in regards to finding a good slab of wood for the table top and some other pieces. He was sure, by the end of it, he would be able to make a few deals. He was not above a little bribery. “I am sure we will find what we need either way.” He paused. “I do not know much about decor, so I hope you have ideas for when we get to that stage. Outside of the furniture, I still do not understand the small pillows.”
“Brigitte’s always a good resource,” Waverly agreed. She liked the younger woman a lot. She was intense but a sweetheart, and the big genius brain on her was unbelievable. Waverly herself was a pretty intelligent woman, but she would never match Brigitte’s science brain and would never dream of trying.
“I’ve totally got the decor handled, and to be honest, the little pillows are just for show,” she revealed with a laugh. “Mostly just because they’re cute.” She wouldn’t go excessive with the small pillows, but they were always a nice touch. There was something about them that just made a room seem a little prettier. She knew they’d probably end up scattered on the floor or tossed around, but that was just how these things went.
Doc nodded. Brigitte was always pretty good as a resource. He could usually find the people he wanted and needed for situations. He was resourceful. However, with so many things going on at the same time, he hadn’t gotten to know everyone. Especially since he hadn’t really needed to outside of a few people. He’d have to correct that now. Be more like he had back home. But without the constant fighting. “I am beginning to think I will have to start making more connections all over again. I feel, in that way, I have been slacking a little. Not certain if Alice will help or hurt my reputation.” The last part was said with a hint of amusement to his eyes.
“That is…what I assumed. I was uncertain if there was a real point to them other than that, but I’m glad they are mostly for show.” He sanded a little more of his chair and paused again. “How have you been doing, Waverly?” He knew they’d spent a good portion of their time together and talked more than their fair share, but he always liked to check in.
Waverly chuckled, settling down into the grass before she started working on the legs of her chair with the sandpaper. they could use an automatic sander, but that took some of the old-fashioned joy out of it, in her humble opinion. And this made it easier to carry on a conversation with Doc, too, which was part of the appeal of these sessions.
She felt him on the connections part, too. Coming here,, she’d immediately absorbed herself right back into the comfort of her family. She’d made some friends, but in a lot of way, not much had changed despite the universe-hopping she’d done. Right now, though, it seemed like they were in this for the long haul, so she still had time to reach out and make those connections. So did Doc.
“I’m okay,” she replied. “Nicole and I talked about starting to do some research and some planning so we can start a family. So…big things, but we haven’t taken any huge stride in that direction just yet. There’s enough goin’ on right now with Wynonna being pregnant. which, by the way, you’re handling super well since she’s…tasering pirates, apparently??”
There was a nod. “I do not believe there is a way to control Wynonna in that regard. At least it was just tasering them and not outright shooting them.” A pause. “However, I might have done the latter if I had been there.” He knew the story, knew Wynonna would have shot the man herself. However, he’d given her use of one of the guns Brigitte had made him and it was probably for the best. For the man involved. “But at least he did not seem terribly upset after time had passed.”
He hoped that as time went on, Wynonna would consider working a little less or at least playing a less active part of the patrols. He was certain her boss would eventually call it. Then again, telling Wynonna to do anything was a complicated situation. “I do not think you should hold yourselves back on our account, however. If you are desiring to start a family, I think you shouldn’t be afraid of too much happening. I would be more than happy to be Uncle Doc.” There was a broad smile at that. “Has a nice ring to it. Haven’t been an uncle since the time where children arrived from the past. Might be nice.”
“Obviously you’ll be Uncle Doc,” Waverly assured him earnestly. “And it’s not just on your guys’ behalf, don’t worry. That’s part of it, yeah, but it’s also just…more of an involved process for it? It takes time and finding the right way to do it and place to do it and making sure we have enough cash saved up.”
Already, she knew Vallo ran on the more affordable end of things than healthcare back home ever had. And there was more than artificial insemination available as options; magic could play a big-part in same-sex couples having children. They wanted to do it right, though, make sure the timing worked for everyone. Jameson had been about four, and he wasn’t really forthcoming on timelines, so they didn’t know exactly when he’d come. That was good, though. Hopefully, that meant he would come at the right time no matter what.
“I really think I’m gonna have to have a talk with Sara about Nonna,” she remarked seriously, meeting Doc’s eyes. “She can’t really be okay letting Wynonna out there when she’s so pregnant.” Her sister didn’t have long to go before the baby came, and yes, she’d dealt with even worse even farther along back home. Those, however, had been some extremely extenuating circumstances, and here, Waverly had practically begged her to take time off and be careful.
If she refused to listen much longer - well, Doc might want to give her the choice herself, but Waverly wasn’t afraid to stick her nose into the Defense Department and give Sara Lance a piece of her mind, no matter how hot she was.
It made sense. He and Wynonna had not been expecting to have a child either time that they had one. Perhaps planning something would make it make more sense. “Well, whatever assistance you need when the time comes, I will be here. I’m certain I can speak for Wynonna and say the same is true for her.”
But she was likely to get someone to listen more than him. He would suggest she start cutting back, but he wasn’t against Waverly stepping in and making demands. He had seen quite a few fearful lectures.
“You know your sister is more stubborn than most.” Revenants notwithstanding, but he might say they had nothing on Wynonna when she didn’t want to give up on something. “I will try to appeal to her better senses and if she does not listen, then I will allow you to put your nose in it.”
Allow? Waverly very nearly scoffed right in front of Doc, but she suppressed the urge and shot him a smile instead. He was Wynonna’s boyfriend, husband, significant other - whatever they wanted to call it. This was his child, and if he wanted to take a shot at her stubborn sister first, then she would keep her nose to herself until she was given the all-clear. She would be surprised if her efforts weren’t needed, but that was a worry for another time.
“Alright, sounds like a plan!” she agreed chipperly. “Let’s get back to it, huh? I’m gonna need a breakfast break soon.”