"Morning sweetheart." Matthew said as Jennifer entered the lounge. "Sleep well?"

"Yes thanks. Where's Ronon?"

"Outside, chopping wood." Dawn said,

"Why?"

"Your father was too much of a cheapskate to buy chopped wood and we ran out this morning. We can't get a delivery until next week so Ronon kindly offered to chop the wood in the shed so we don't freeze before then." Dawn explained.

"How long has he been out there for?"

"An hour maybe."

"I never even heard him go."

"Technically he didn't. He spent the night on the couch. Apparently Max took up the spare space in the bed." Dawn explained causing Jennifer to look down at the dog who feigned innocence as Matthew patted the dog's head and said.

"That's my boy."

-00-

"Hey." Jennifer said walking up to Ronon as he sliced through another chunk of wood.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" He asked lowering the axe.

"Better. Sorry you got chased out of the bed."

"Your dog has issues." Ronon said.

"He's just territorial." Jennifer shrugged before noticing how much chopped wood was around. "You cut enough wood?"

"Your dad won't be able to for awhile. The rest is in the shed ready to go on the fire." Ronon said before adding. "Besides it was kinda awkward in there."

"You could have come and woken me." Jennifer pointed out.

"You need to rest." Ronon stated.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Coming all this way. Being here. Looking after me. Being you." She listed.

Ronon lowered his head and started to kiss Jennifer only for Max to start barking. Breaking the kiss Ronon turned to Max and growled before kissing Jennifer again. Undeterred Max kept barking.

-00-

"Wood is all chopped." Jennifer said entering the kitchen.

"All?" Matthew asked.

"Yeah, it is stacked in the shed. Ronon's brought in enough to last a few days and is starting a fire now. I'm going to go for a shower." She said walking out before her father could respond.

"Well she certainly seems more cheerful today." Dawn commented. "You should go and talk to Ronon."

"About what?"

"Get to know him."

"How? He barely speaks."

"Find common ground."

"Such as?"

"Jennifer." Dawn said shaking head and leaving.

"That's Sarah. Jennifer's mother." Matthew said limping into the room and noticing Ronon stare at a photograph.

"I know. Jennifer has a picture of the three of you. Round a tree."

"Christmas 06. Sarah's last Christmas." Matthew said sadly.

"You should sit. Jennifer will get upset if she sees you on your feet."

"You follow her medical advice." Matthew said carefully lowering himself into a chair.

"Sometimes." Ronon said before adding. "When she is watching."

"Tell me Ronon, what makes you think you are good enough for her?"

"I don't." Ronon said. "No one can be."

"Well we agree on that point." Matthew Keller said before asking. "You going to hurt her?"

"No."

"You love her?"

"Yes."

"Have you told her?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Didn't want to scare her." He explained, unaware that Jennifer was outside the room listening to the conversation.

-TBC...

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Final chapter up tomorrow.