Don't let the fluff fool you. :) Apoligies for the funky scene breaks apparently ffnet is still having issues.

Title: Family and Home
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Sheppard/Keller, Lorne/Keller friendship
Timeline: John and Jen's one year wedding anniversary
Summary: Hitting the year mark John and Jen find their marriage tested.
Notes: I've been a country music fan for many years so any reference is made with love

"This was really nice, Jen, thanks."Evan Lorne stated with a wide smile as he stood next to the doctor on Atlantis's south pier. He looked out at the crowd gathered amongst barbeque grills sent from Earth.

Music played from a cd player set up on one of the nearby tables.

"Didn't think we'd forget your birthday, did you?"Jennifer replied with a smile as she bit into her bratwurst.

"Usually the only one that remembers is my sister."

Jennifer patted her friend's arm as she looked over at her husband who was in seventh heaven as chief grill cook.

"You have family here too, Evan."

Evan caught her hand briefly and squeezed it.

"Happy birthday, Evan."Teyla greeted as she approached them Torren in her arms.

"Thanks, Teyla."Evan acknowledged warmly as he stood and wiggled his fingers at Torren. "Hey there little guy…..he's gotten big…..can't believe how fast they grow."

Teyla smiled down at her son. "Some days neither can I. Kanaan passes his wishes along as well."

Evan nodded as Jennifer reached over to a nearby table that was loaded with brightly wrapped packages. She picked up a large one and two small ones and handed them to Evan.

"Jen….."

"Don't protest Evan, just enjoy."Jennifer replied with a laugh. "Teyla and I went in together on this one."

"You guys really shouldn't have."Lorne stated as he began to unwrap the gifts. "You have no idea how over the moon I am about the beer and brats…."

Teyla and Jennifer watched as Evan revealed the first present which contained two new canvases.

"How'd you know I needed those?"Evan asked then he looked from one woman's grin to the other and shook his head. "Never mind….thanks."

"You are welcome."Teyla replied as she shifted Torren to her other arm.

"This one goes with it."Jennifer stated as she handed Evan one of the smaller ones.

Evan smiled as he unveiled the new brushes and paints. "Thank you."

"One more."

Evan took the remaining package from Jennifer. From the shape he knew what it was. "This what I think it is?"

Jennifer grinned as he practically ripped the paper off. She knew he'd been wanting this cd but hadn't had time to order it.

Evan's eyes lit up as he flipped the cd case over to the front. He read the music info for a moment before bouncing to his feet.

He leaned in and kissed Jennifer quickly on the cheek. "Thanks Jen."

"You're welcome."Jennifer called after Lorne as he raced over to the cd player.

Teyla laughed as she sat down in one of the chairs. "They can be like children."

Jennifer sat down next to her as her gaze moved to John who was attempting to teach Ronon the art of grilling.

"Yes, they can."

*********

Well after midnight the party was still going strong. The grills had cooled, the presents opened and the cake eaten.

Music blasted from the overworked cd player and people spread out on the pier turning it into a makeshift dance floor.

Jennifer melted into John's arms as they danced at the farthest end of the pier. She didn't care at that moment that the song playing was not a slow number.

"We need more nights like this."John commented quietly as he rested his head on top of hers.

"Yes we do….we all do."Jennifer replied as she looked back at her friends.

John stepped back and pulled a long white envelope out of the inside pocket of his jacket. He handed it to his wife.

Jennifer looked from the envelope in her hands to John and back again.

"Happy anniversary, angel."

"That's not till tomorrow."

"Technically it's after midnight….."

Jennifer felt tears mist her eyes as she pulled out a travel brochure for Paris. Nestled inside were two airline tickets and a letter from Woosley and SGC guaranteeing the time off.

Overwhelmed Jennifer could only whisper. "John………"

John lightly cupped Jennifer's face in his hands. "You deserved more than that one night honeymoon we got."

Tears spilled as Jennifer kissed John's palm. "I loved our honeymoon…..but thank you this is wonderful."

John captured her in a kiss pulling Jennifer closer to him. As the kiss intensified Jennifer let everything else disappear. She rested her hands lightly on John's chest.

It was only then that familiar music began to register.

Jennifer broke the kiss and peered back the way they had come. There was no longer anyone else around them.

"What is it, angel?"John asked as he tucked a wind blown hair behind Jennifer's ear.

"Nobody knows how."Jennifer stated quietly as she stepped away from John concentrating on the music she was hearing. At least she was almost positive nobody knew how.

"Knows how to what?"John asked puzzled as Jennifer took his hand.

"Come on."Jennifer exclaimed as she tugged at John's hand. If she was right they definitely couldn't miss this.

"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Jennifer grinned. "You'll see."

By the time Jennifer and John reached the end of the pier where the others were the country two-step dance line was already quite long.

"I think I drank more than I thought."John muttered as he took in the mixed group of scientists and soldiers.

Jennifer laughed and hit John's right arm lightly. "Come on."

John gently disentangled himself. "You know I'd give you anything, angel, but you're not getting me in that line."

Jennifer's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You afraid of a little dance, Colonel Sheppard?"

John motioned to the badly moving line. "Look how drunk they are, Jen, somebody's going to end up in the water."

"You can swim."Jennifer replied as she pulled John toward her and they joined the line.

"What makes you think it'd be me?"John asked as he reluctantly followed. "My bets on Rodney."

*******

Ronon walked toward Evan who stood by one of the grills a beer in one hand.

"How'd you get out of that?"Dex asked motioning toward the dance line.

Evan laughed as he held up the bottle in his hand. "Beer run."

Ronon shook his head as they watched the line snake its way around the pier.

After a beat Ronon inquired. "Where did you put that video camera you got?"

Evan's grin widened as they dove for the pile of presents.