By 14:00 hours Jennifer was back to being exhausted, both mentally and physically. She was actually looking forward to the start of her shift – things couldn't be any more frenetic there, than where she was now. And where she was now were the quarters that Ronon had shown her after breakfast. They were, in her opinion, perfect – close to the Infirmary for emergencies and large enough for a family, with a side room which Jennifer was sure would make a great nursery. Best of all, it had a balcony overlooking the ocean.
Flashback to that morning.
As soon as she saw it, she had checked with Rodney about safety and was assured that he would be able to set up a force field to stop a toddler falling overboard. Of course word quickly spread and the gang were soon all there inspecting the place and offering their own opinions. It didn't take long for Jennifer to give the okay as long as nobody objected to her and Ronon moving in together. One look at Ronon's face convinced everyone that objections would be a really bad idea, though the couple did have to put up with a certain amount of teasing from John Sheppard, who only stopped when Teyla whispered something to him.
The problem was that as soon as Jennifer had said "Yes", Ronon was single minded in his determination to have them installed before he left for his mission at 15:00 hours. Jennifer spluttered that it just wasn't possible – the two of them couldn't do it in the time they had.
"Who said it'll be just the two of us?" Ronon chuckled as he looked pointedly at John.
"A city wide address is probably the best bet for acquiring the necessary help, I think". The smirk on Sheppard's face told all those present that he was going to thoroughly enjoy making that announcement. Turning to Samantha Carter, he asked "May I Colonel, or do you want the honour?"
Sam was feeling in a generous mood. "Be my guest, John".
"Attention all personnel, this is Col. Sheppard. Anybody who would like to be in Ronon and/or Doctor Keller's debt for the foreseeable future, please report to the gym at 10:00 hours for removal duties".
Ronon grinned as Jennifer glared at Sheppard. "You want to announce my pregnancy over the PA as well, Col?"
"Good idea. It'll save a lot of time in the long run". Sheppard was already planning what to say.
"I was joking Col. Jeez, sometimes...". Jennifer shook her head.
"Damn, I was looking forward to that". Sheppard shrugged, as Ronon draped his arm around Jennifer's shoulders.
"How about we go and see how many 'helpers' turn up" Ronon whispered "and let Sheppard have his fun".
"Seriously? You don't mind everyone finding out like that?" Jennifer turned to him, surprised at Ronon's reaction.
"Seriously. I WANT everyone to know. You said no more hiding things, remember?"
"Well yeah, but announcing it like that seems a little... childish, don't you think?"
"This is Sheppard we're talking about".
"There is that, I suppose. You're really sure...?"
Ronon tried to explain. "Too many bad things happen around here, Doc. People need some good news occasionally to give them hope for a better future".
"I believe Ronon is correct Jennifer" Teyla added, overhearing their quiet conversation. "With the constant threat of a Wraith culling, new life is always a cause for celebration and we all know how your people enjoy celebrating".
"Okay then, tell him to do it". Jennifer shook her head, still not entirely convinced about the wisdom of the idea but willing to go ahead because Ronon wanted it.
"Sheppard". Ronon grinned as he gave his team leader the okay, before pulling Jennifer close. "We'll see you in the gym in 15".
Together he and Jennifer left what would be their new quarters, his arm around her waist keeping her tight to his side, watching people's reactions to their news as they walked. Jennifer was shocked to discover how many seemed to be really happy for them. Consequently the trip to the gym took longer than expected as they were stopped and congratulated by several Marines and scientists.
"Told you people need good news" he murmured, just before they entered the gym.
The sight that greeted them however, had even Ronon shocked into silence – the place was crowded.
"Guess you won't be beating anybody up for quite a while, so I shouldn't be as busy". Jennifer grinned.
"'S okay, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages". He grinned back at her.
"Thought you two had got lost somewhere" smirked Sheppard as he broke off from talking to Teyla and Lorne, coming over to them. "Well it certainly looks as though you've got enough help and time's marching on, so let's get to it".
And for the next three and a bit hours Jennifer and Teyla directed roughly 30 Atlantis personnel as they moved furniture and belongings to the new quarters, having been told in no uncertain terms, that they were not to lift anything heavier than a coffee mug.
"Filled with tea, mind. No coffee for the mums-to-be" Rodney had pompously informed them, to Jennifer's dismay and Teyla's agreement.
"We have to go to my quarters soon" Jennifer whispered to her friend. "There are things in there that I don't want any of this lot to see... you know, underwear and... well other things".
"Not even Ronon?" Teyla asked with a smile.
Jennifer blushed, thinking about some of the fancy new undies she'd bought the last time she'd been home. "Well yeah he can see them... I'd just rather we were alone at the time".
The two quickly snuck out of the room and hurried to Jennifer's quarters, fortunately finding it empty of helpers. It took only minutes to fill her huge backpack with various items and Jennifer was just putting it on when her room was invaded.
"And just what do you think you're doing, Doctor?" came the recognisable voice of Laura Cadman. "You were told..."
"Oh pack it in Laura, don't you start on me as well. Look, please will you just take this – I'd rather not have to show the men what's in it?" Jennifer kept her voice low as she persuaded Laura to do as she asked.
The three women wandered back to join the others with Laura adding her own congratulations – as well as a certain amount of surprise at the news – and unobtrusively stowed the pack in Jennifer's new closet, before leaving with Sheppard and Lorne. Jennifer snagged Ronon just after he and three burly Marines - one of them being Corporal Broad who gave Jennifer a sly wink as he passed her – had brought in a huge bed.
"Where on earth did you find that?" she gasped.
"Vancouver actually, when we went to rescue McKay's sister". Ronon chuckled at the look on her face. "I've had it stored out of the way".
"But that was months ago, way before you and I got together... oh..." Jennifer stopped suddenly, looking slightly embarrassed.
"It wasn't for anyone else, so don't start thinking like that". He grinned as Jennifer coloured because, of course, she had been thinking exactly that.
"How long have you been planning this?" Jennifer wanted to know.
"When did you arrive on Atlantis?" He answered her question with one of his own.
"Okay, now you're teasing me. Really, how...?"
Ronon stopped her with a finger on her lips and a shake of his head. "Since I first saw you. I knew that day in the Control Room that we were meant to be together, it was just a matter of time".
"Wow. I wish I'd known sooner – maybe you wouldn't have terrified me so much in the beginning".
"Hey you two, stop slacking. We've got a mission in a couple of hours remember" Sheppard shouted from the opposite side of the room.
"I'd better go before he gets cranky". Ronon dropped a light kiss on her forehead and then made his way over to where Sheppard and Lorne were busy wrestling with a large sofa.
Eventually everything was more or less in place and Ronon and Jennifer were left on their own, having just thanked the last of their helpers. Sheppard, Lorne and Rodney had already gone to get ready for the recon mission to MX 401, Teyla being excluded because of her pregnancy, with Sheppard pointedly reminding Ronon not to get sidetracked, because he really didn't want to have to come and drag him out if he was late.
"Told you we could do it". Ronon chuckled as Jennifer flopped down onto the sofa beside him.
"So you did". She smiled as she snuggled closer to him, letting her eyes drift shut.
"I have to go. Sleep now and I will see you when I get back, okay" he murmured, laying her down.
"Okay" she answered sleepily.
A/N Would have updated sooner but I've been depressed since hearing the bad news. Don't you wish sometimes that the PTB would read the fics that we want them to?
