Chapter 2
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"There are many people here," Teyla commented as they drove up the long, tree lined driveway that was also filled with a variety of cars. She looked around the interior of the rental car they were in and enjoyed the luxurious feel of the seats and head rest. It had been a fairly long drive from the airport and she had actually fallen asleep for part of it.
She still hated to admit that she was not her complete self but at thirty-six weeks pregnant she knew the baby had started to take its toll on her. The weight of her stomach and the constant nightly trips to the bathroom had made her extremely tired of late. She never told John that she was tired but she knew he was aware. And his actions had spoken louder than words when he often insisted she go to bed before he finished his midnight rounds of the city and he refused to wake her up when he arose for his morning run. He never mentioned her mid-day naps even though she knew he'd caught her taking them on more than one occasion. Sometimes he would just lie down next to her and talk to her belly while she slept.
It always amused her when she woke up and saw him with his nose pressed against her abdomen in the middle of a one-sided conversation with their son. When he noticed she was awake, he would just give her that mischievous grin, sit back up and clear his throat, stating he was just filling the kid in on the news of the day.
John now looked over at her and responded, "Yeah, my old man was pretty well connected."
Teyla rubbed her hand over her protruding stomach and asked, "Do you know if he ever received the letter you sent several months back?"
John placed one hand over hers and the other next to it right on her bump. "I never got anything back from him," he shrugged. "But I know the Apollo was kept busy with a few things so he may have only gotten it a few weeks ago."
John was hoping his father had indeed gotten the letter he had written. It hadn't really been an apology, which is what he knew his father would have wanted but it was a bit of an olive branch. He had told his Dad that he had gotten married, although he didn't mention it was an Athosian wedding and therefore not really legal in the States; or on the planet. And he had told him about the baby, figuring he would want to know he was having a grandchild. He'd even sent a picture of when he and Teyla had said their vows to each other. It was just them in the tent with the candles facing each other. He had made sure no one else was in the frame. Although it was obvious by the background that it was a very rustic ceremony.
He parked the car and moved around to help Teyla out the other side. She was still unfamiliar with the vehicle and he couldn't help but smile when she tried to find the handle to open the door. But she accepted his hand graciously and pulled her beautiful, swollen body out and onto the grass. He lowered his head and gave her a tiny, quick kiss.
"Thanks for coming with me."
Teyla reached for his hand and held it tight. "I believe our vows said I would always remain by your side."
John returned the pressure and looked down at the ring he had insisted he buy her while they'd been shopping for some new clothes. It wasn't a traditional wedding or engagement ring but it was a thin, gold band with a half dozen tiny diamonds lined up across the top. He'd thought it was pretty and fit Teyla better than a diamond solitaire or plain gold band. She had loved it and enthusiastically let him slip it on the third finger of her left hand. He had wanted people to know he was absolutely dedicated to loving her and their child.
He lifted the hand now and pressed his lips to the ring as he perused the rest of her. They had gotten a few things that she could wear and the simple black, sleeveless dress that molded her top and fell looser over her rounded form was what she had wanted to wear for today. She had insisted on a slight heel but had made sure it was a wedge so as not to make her too wobbly. He thought she looked amazing but then he always thought she looked amazing whatever she was wearing, or wasn't wearing.
He knew she was very self conscious about him seeing her without clothes on now that she had gotten so large but he kept telling her that he found it incredibly sexy that her roundness was his child growing inside her. Even though she was very far along, he continued to show her that, as often as she felt capable of being that close to him.
He pulled his mind away from his gorgeous wife and thoughts of what he'd like to do with her and headed across the grass to the house. He caught sight of his brother right away and his breath stopped for a second. He hadn't seen him in five years, also and wasn't sure what kind of reception he was likely to get.
David looked up; scouting the new arrivals for people he really needed to make it a point to greet. Even though this was his father's wake, protocol still dictated that he be the perfect host. He saw a couple slowly make their way across the expanse of lawn and at once noticed the spiky hair of the man as they approached. It was John.
He took in a deep breath as he excused himself from the person he was chatting with and went forward to greet his long absent brother. Butterflies warred inside him at the thought of dealing with the family rebel.
As he got closer and saw the woman beside John and her obviously pregnant state, his thoughts raced back to the will and how far John would go to get his hands on the family fortune. But for now he would play the game and be the gracious host and greet his wayward brother and the possible gold-digger he'd brought home with him.
"John," he called out as they came within hearing range.
"Dave," John returned the greeting and they shook hands like decent, respectable people should.
"I wasn't sure you were gonna make it. It's good to see you," David fabricated. He wasn't so sure it was good to see John again. His little brother had a habit of causing problems and he really wasn't in the mood for dealing with something like that right now. Their father's death had been a surprise and Dave had all sorts of business issues that had to be dealt with in taking command of the large enterprise their father had built. The fact that his father's death had hit him hard and he missed the man just added misery to his already complicated life.
He released John's hand and continued, "I contacted your unit commander at Peterson but um, sometimes those messages don't seem to reach you." His tone was almost accusatory.
"Well, I came soon as I heard." John's tone was defensive.
David wondered why he had come. Was it because he truly wanted to say goodbye to the father he hadn't gotten along with for so many years or because he knew it would look bad if he didn't show. Although David had to admit John never did anything because he cared what people would think. His bet was still on the money. There was quite a bit of it and let's face it, John had been a government servant for quite a few years. He certainly couldn't be making any decent kind of salary. Who wouldn't want a freebie if they could get it without actually doing any work?
David looked blatantly at the woman beside John. He could see that she was beautiful; he would have expected nothing less from his brother. Even as far along as she was, David could see that her weight was all in her stomach as if she vainly worked out, refusing to gain any extra pounds.
John turned to the woman and made introductions. "Dave, this is Teyla. Teyla, this is Dave, my brother."
Teyla reached over and grasped the man's hand firmly in hers and bowed her head slightly as she greeted, "It is an honor to meet you."
"Pleasure," David responded wondering about this woman. John hadn't introduced her as his wife yet she was wearing a ring on her left hand. It wasn't large or covered in enormous jewels but maybe she was hoping coming here would help her replace it with something bigger and more expensive. Her handshake was firm and confident and the way she spoke was different than he would have expected from some money grubbing bimbo. It wasn't quite an accent but her exotic name, the bowed head and too proper wording made David wonder if she came from another country. But he knew there were gold-diggers in other countries, too.
His gaze moved back to John and he said, "Anyway, John, I think we should probably talk."
"Yeah," John replied and gave a small nod.
"I'll catch up with you later," David promised and moved to another few people who it was imperative he be nice to. His eyes strayed back to his brother as he and the woman, Teyla, walked toward the house. They were holding hands and David wondered if that was really sweet or if they were just trying to be extremely convincing.
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John and Teyla moved through the crowd of people and Teyla's eyes opened wide in wonder at the abundance of food and extravagance of the dwelling.
"Is this the house you were raised in?" Teyla asked in awe, thinking about the many things she and John had obviously not shared about their lives before they'd met.
"One of them," John answered but his tone was not filled with the pride she would have expected at residing in such a home.
"It is lovely," Teyla complimented wondering why John did not seem pleased when he spoke of this place. But she did know he had not been on good terms with his father and perhaps those negative memories ruined the feeling.
"Yeah, I couldn't wait to get out of here."
Teyla just looked at him quietly and allowed him time to gather his thoughts. She'd found when she pushed him for information, he was less likely to give it. However, if she remained quiet and gave him her full attention, he would eventually confide in her some other little fact from his past.
As she expected, he gave a sigh, shoved his hands into his pant pockets and spoke again. "My Dad had everything planned out for me since I was about fourteen. And his plans usually didn't take into account what I liked or wanted out of life."
"That is unfortunate," Teyla empathized and slipped her hand through John's bent elbow. "Is that why you fought and were not on good terms?"
John squeezed his elbow closer to his body, pulling her in nearer and letting her know he appreciated the contact. "It's one of the reasons; pretty much the biggest reason. Dad hated that I joined the Air Force and wanted to be a pilot. Serving my country was beneath me, according to him. He thought I should use my brain and not my muscle and that I should use it to help him grow the business."
"I know you would have been very successful in anything you tried to accomplish. You are very intelligent. Even Rodney has said so although I know he does not like to say it out loud. He fears it will make your head swell."
John actually gave a little chuckle. "And Rodney sure would know about swelled heads."
His laughter died down as they approached the house and John could see the coffin sitting inside the large sunroom. Teyla pressed herself closer to John's arm and whispered, "Would you like some time alone to pay your respects?"
John shook his head quickly. "No, I need you to be by my side when I do this. Remember it was part of our vows," he gently reminded her.
She ran her hand down his back and assured him, "I will always remember that, John."
He took her hand and walked into the bright, sunshine filled room and stepped up close to the coffin. He looked down at his coat and remembered something his father had always taught him about dressing the part. He reluctantly let go of Teyla's hand and buttoned the front of his suit coat then slipped his hands into his pockets.
Time seemed to fly backwards as memories rushed through his mind. Mostly he and his father yelling and screaming at each other or his father telling him he couldn't do anything right and what a disappointment he was as a son. He swallowed hard and let out a big breath. He knew it hadn't always been that way. There had been an earlier time when they had actually enjoyed each other's presence; back when his mother was still alive and he had been too young for his father to care about exerting much control over his life.
More memories floated by: Running on the beach in Maui, his Dad picking him up and jumping in the surf with him. John laughing as he showed his Dad the huge lobster he'd found on the beach in Maine. Riding the horses down to the river and beating his Dad by almost a minute. His Dad holding him tight and letting him cry when his Mom had died.
John felt moisture start forming behind his eyes and quickly blinked it back. His Dad would send a bolt of lightning down and zap him if he saw the adult John shedding tears in a somewhat public place. He felt Teyla standing close behind him but still giving him space if he needed it. He knew what he needed was her.
He reached for her hand and pulled her next to him. He looked around the room and out the door then said quietly, "Dad, this is Teyla. I really wish you could have met her. She's the one I told you about in the letter. She's the most amazing woman I've ever known. And surprisingly, she loves me."
Teyla's arms wrapped around John's waist at this statement and John placed a hand on Teyla's belly. "This is your grandson. I really wanted you to meet him, too. Unfortunately I haven't even met him yet, so I can't tell you too much about him. But I'm hoping you would have loved him unconditionally; like you did with me before Mom died."
John took another deep breath and found he couldn't say any more. He let the breath out and was surprised and disgusted to hear it come out shaky. Teyla's right arm moved up and down his back in comfort as she gripped his hand with her left. He looked down at Teyla and felt her strength enter him and help him regain the control he was so famous for. The control that had been instilled in him by his father from the time he was small.
He nodded his head and noticed a few people moving in the direction of the sunroom, waiting to pay their respects to the well known businessman. John tilted his head at them as they left, having no idea who they were. Most of the people here he didn't recognize and the few that he did, seemed to want to stay away from the outcast son of such a great man.
He moved past the buffet table and offered Teyla something to eat. She picked up a slice of fruit and a piece of cheese and nibbled as they crossed the grass to the large fence that held back the animals that John called horses. As she finished she asked concerned, "Are you not hungry? You have not had any nourishment in quite a while, John."
He gave her a crooked grin and replied, "I'm good." At her raised eyebrow he added, "I'll get something later, I promise."
His gaze floated back over the crowd of people and he noticed a woman with long, dark hair striding their way with a purposeful gait. He sighed again and turned swiftly to Teyla who was watching the horses. "I told you I was married before, right?"
At Teyla's quizzical nod he informed her, "Well, here she comes."
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Nancy had paid her respects to her former father-in-law and had spent a few minutes giving David her condolences. She hadn't asked but David had told her during their exchange that John was here somewhere. She knew she should at least offer her sympathy since he was the reason she was at this wake to begin with. And she had to admit to a certain amount of curiosity at what had been happening in his life since they had last seen each other; although she wasn't sure if he would volunteer that information. He had always been pretty closemouthed about what he did. It was one of the big reasons they weren't married anymore.
They'd been married so young and divorced a few years later but Nancy always had a spot in her heart for John. She truly had cared about him; she just couldn't live with the secrets and loneliness. She had seen him a few times in between his stints in Afghanistan and Antarctica but it had been over four years since the last time. According to what she knew, he hadn't been home since before that time, either.
She spotted him over by the horses. She wasn't surprised; he had loved riding the animals and claimed they understood him better than most people did. He had someone by his side, a woman obviously as she was wearing a dress but she couldn't tell who she was as she was also looking at the horses. Was it someone he brought with him or just another guest paying their respects and giving him condolences?
John turned as she got closer and she gave him a greeting. "Hi, John."
"Nancy, I didn't expect to see you here." He didn't sound thrilled but he didn't act like he was upset seeing her, either. But then John did neutral very well. Neutral and awkward.
And awkward was how she felt as she gave John a stilted embrace and said, "I'm very sorry." There was no return embrace but then Nancy hadn't really expected one. John was not the demonstrative type.
She now saw the woman as she turned around to face them. Her skin was bronze in color and her russet hair was pulled halfway up with a few strands falling to frame her face and emphasize her exotic eyes. But what Nancy noticed most was the large, protruding stomach that obviously boasted that a child would soon be here. Nancy wondered immediately who she was; something deep within her hoping she was not connected to John. She shouldn't think that; he had every right to continue his life since she was no longer a part of it. But she had always pictured that he would never settle down enough to get married again and start a family. If he had, it would mean he had given more of a commitment to someone else than he had ever given to her.
John followed Nancy's eyes and gave the required introduction. "Nancy, Teyla. Teyla, Nancy."
Nancy was more than a little frustrated at the introduction as it gave absolutely no information about the very pregnant beauty in front of her except that she also had a very unique name. Nancy held her hand out and the woman slid her hand in gently to squeeze it. She then bowed her head and said, "It is an honor to meet you."
Nancy thought that an odd thing to say but pulled herself together enough to respond, "It's nice to meet you, too."
She saw Teyla lift her left hand up to rest on her stomach and noticed the small diamonds sparkling on her third finger. Okay, so she's definitely married, but is it to John or someone else who just isn't here right now? She noticed John wasn't wearing a wedding ring but that didn't really mean anything. He'd never worn one when they'd been married either unless they were going out and she had asked him to put it on.
Teyla's hand rubbed her stomach and she let out a tiny, "oh!" and then sucked in a big breath. But it was John's response that gave her all the answers she needed, although they weren't necessarily the ones she wanted to hear.
His hand immediately went to Teyla's stomach and gave a soothing caress as he grinned and gently ordered, "Hey, we already had this little talk, remember? No getting rough with your Mom, okay."
Teyla's eyes mirrored John's fierce devotion and Nancy knew at once that the baby was John's and these two had found something she and John had never achieved.
Teyla let out another small breath and said, "I hope your son listens to you as much when he comes out as he does when he is inside."
"He'll be a good little soldier, I guarantee it," John quipped but moved his hand away self-consciously as he noticed Nancy watching them.
Teyla just glared at him but her gaze held humor and caring and Nancy felt a stab of jealousy at what John had finally attained.
John gave his attention back to Nancy and asked, "How long you here?"
"Just for today. I have to be in Washington tomorrow, so …"
"Still with Homeland Security?" John questioned and she knew it was his feeble attempt at small talk. But he'd never been any good at it and she was having a hard time with it herself today. Too many memories, good and bad, of her time with John. And she was having a hard time adjusting to the fact that John was having a baby with someone else when he'd never been able to guarantee that he would even be home, regardless of how important something was to her, for an event he had promised he'd attend.
She attempted the small talk again. "Yup, I just got promoted. I'm a director now." See, I didn't sit around and fall apart without you. I accomplished some great things.
John gave an attempt at a smile and replied, "Congratulations."
Nancy nodded and wondered what she should say next but John spoke up instead.
"How's …how's Greg?"
"Grant," Nancy supplied surprised John had remembered that much. They'd never actually met but she'd made sure John knew she was seeing someone else and that they were getting married shortly. That was over four years ago.
"Grant," John nodded and the conversation lagged again.
"Um, he would have come," Nancy tried to defend her new husband and throw in some impressive stuff as well. John wasn't the only one who could move on once they'd split up. "He's uh, trying a case in Phoenix."
"Huh, sounds like he's doing well."
"Yeah, he is," Nancy repeated wondering where her social skills had disappeared to and finished off lamely, "He's, uh, doing well."
Nancy remembered the real reason she was stumbling through a conversation with her ex-husband and told him, "You know your Dad was always very good to me."
"Well," John's face twisted almost into a grimace as he cleared his throat and continued, "In his mind … marrying you ... was probably the best thing I ever did."
Nancy got very uncomfortable with John's statement and glanced over at Teyla to see her reaction but apparently she had taken lessons from John and had a neutral but pleasant expression on her face.
She mumbled, "Okay," then added, "Well, it's good to see you again, John. Take care of yourself."
She gazed at Teyla and offered, "Good luck with the baby. Congratulations, John."
A smile grew on Teyla's face and she said, "It was lovely meeting you."
Nancy took one last look at the couple in front of her and walked away. Her emotions were all over the place. She couldn't even begin to evaluate what she was feeling right now. She had hoped to see John, if only to convince herself that he was still the same old carefree adventurer that he'd always been and that she had been right in leaving him. But now she saw that he was married and expecting a baby. He had apparently grown up and given up his nomadic ways.
But as she remembered Teyla's skin tone and exotic looks and her very proper head bow, she wondered if John was still roaming the world and had just snagged himself one of the locals. But if that was the case, Nancy could tell that he was still very happy and committed to the woman. And that was what was unexpected.
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