Author's Note: Well, folks, here it is: the revelation of the Secret Santa. :) I hope you've enjoyed this story, as well as this wonderful Christmas holiday. There are more stories in the works, and I hope to have the first one up within the next couple of weeks. To Linda: the website removed the address you sent, so I apologize for not responding personally. I am glad you've enjoyed both stories, though. :) Now, on with this final chapter...~lg

oOo

"Ouch!"

"Move it!"

"I'm trying! This thing is heavy!"

"Yeah? Well, try thinking of how heavy it's gonna be when I drop this end 'cause I can't reach around the corner like that!"

"Oh, ha, ha."

"Seriously, McKay! Move!"

"I already told you I'm trying! The stupid tree is stuck!"

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

"Okay, boys, settle down." Elizabeth frowned at their dilemma. It was just past five in the morning, and all of them were sleep-deprived from staying up too late. Sheppard and McKay looked ready to throttle one another while Ronon and Lorne appeared utterly amused. They had just over two hours to get the tree, its decorations, and all of their plans into the infirmary before Carson showed up for his duty shift. Since they'd planned a Christmas morning in the infirmary, Cole had emailed Carson to let him know that he'd be allowed to return to active duty that day. Now, Lorne stood with his hands on his hips as he surveyed their dilemma.

Just as John had said, the Christmas tree was stuck. They'd managed to find a way to move it with most of its decorations still attached though somewhat jostled about. Elizabeth shook her head and ran a hand through her hair. She'd wanted to sleep late today, but the thrill of playing Secret Santa for the Secret Santa was something she couldn't pass up. Carson had put a lot of thought into his gifts, and she hoped he'd be thrilled with the simple yet child-like way they'd decided to thank him.

Ronon solved their problem. He stepped up to the middle of the tree and crouched so that his shoulder was underneath the heavy end. Lorne saw what he was doing and pointed at McKay. "Grab that end."

Then, with John's help, heavy end of the tree was lifted. McKay squealed while Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. How embarrassing would it have been to have Carson come around the corner to see their surprise spread out in the middle of the corridor. A random image of all the gifts they'd collected for one another scattered about on either side of the barricade floated through her head. The addition of the team sprawled out, enjoying coffee, tea, and whatever else they managed to rustle up made her want to giggle. Instead, she rushed to help Rodney catch his end of the Christmas tree as it came loose and rounded the corner.

Cole waited for them in the infirmary, already having cleared an area for the tree. Thankful that the Ancients had favored soaring ceilings, Elizabeth straightened ornaments after the men got the tree positioned in place. Now, it was time for all the gifts and the music.

She grinned. For once, she felt like a child and absolutely couldn't wait for this day to begin.

oOo

Someone had stolen the Christmas tree. Teyla blinked at the large empty spot in the mess hall. Last night, during their conversation, Carson had told her that the tree would not be removed until after today. Where could it have gone, especially since she'd wanted to reclaim the necklace that she'd used as a decoration?

Others were also staring at the empty spot, telling her that someone higher up must have swiped the tree and its accoutrements. She sincerely hoped to find it soon, because she needed that necklace. Last night, after Carson left her quarters, she'd decided that she would wear it that day. It was Christmas, after all, and called for something special. And Carson would understand the significance. He had given her something happier to think about in recent days, and she hoped he continued to do so as the weeks and months passed by.

Teyla gathered her breakfast and settled into the same chair she'd occupied when she first invited him to dinner. Last night had been a success in her eyes. Carson's ability to make any story funny, as well as the way his eyes sparkled when they turned to her, had only completed the night. For her, the highlight was how pleased he was to admit that they shared something incredibly special.

She sensed more than heard him approach. Turning in her chair, she smiled when Carson slid a hand along her shoulder. "Good morning."

"Hello, love." He played with the ends of her hair for a moment before looking around. "Where are the others?"

"I do not know." She shifted in her chair. "Until you arrived, I thought I had missed an important meeting."

"Not that I know of." Carson frowned. "I got an email late last night that I can return to duty today. But, other than that. . . ."

His frown only solidified that something wasn't quite right. Teyla reached for her radio. "Colonel Sheppard, this is Teyla. Come in."

After a moment, John's voice came over the radio, sounding slightly breathless. "This is Sheppard."

"John, have we missed a mission briefing?"

"No." After a moment's pause, Sheppard came back on the line. "Oh! You're talking about breakfast! Uh. . .something came up, and we'll have to meet up later."

"Is everything okay?" Teyla asked.

"Yeah, everything's fine." John's voice was a bit too nonchalant for her liking. She signed off of the radio and frowned at Carson, who looked just as confused as she did.

"He says something came up." Teyla shrugged. "It appears that breakfast will simply be you and I."

A smile that always thrilled Teyla crossed his face, and he reached for her hand. "In that case. . . ."

She laughed as she laced their fingers together. Life was good, and she loved the idea of having this man at her side from now on.

oOo

After sharing breakfast, Carson regretfully pushed to his feet. Teyla followed him, and he smiled at her. "I'll be in the infirmary if you need me."

She nodded. "Would it be okay if I walked with you?"

"Och, aye!" He emptied his tray and headed for the door. "You don't ever have to ask."

"Good." She slipped her hand back into his, and Carson tried to follow her light chatter as they walked. A few security personnel gave them a surprised glance, and he grinned at the congratulatory yet downcast expressions he received.

The infirmary door appeared far too soon, and Carson was tempted to invite Teyla to his office for coffee. But she had her own duties for the day, and he would need to read over reports. She mentioned needing to speak with Amanda and Marie about the women's self-defense class, and he stood back to let her precede him through the door.

"Merry Christmas!" The shout echoed through the infirmary, and Carson blinked in shock. The Christmas tree from the mess hall stood where three beds had once been, gifts in a variety of wrapping paper spilling out from beneath it. Sheppard, McKay, Ronon, Lorne, Cole, Marie, Radek, and Elizabeth all looked smug as they watched his jaw drop. A glance at Teyla told him she was just as flabbergasted as he was, only she responded much more gracefully.

Finally finding his voice, Carson stepped forward. "What's this, then?"

Elizabeth moved toward him with a smile. "We just wanted to say thank you and thought that this," she paused to motion around her, "would be the best way to do that."

Carson frowned. "Elizabeth, while I'm flattered, what would you be thankin' me for?"

She smiled as if she knew a secret he should have known. "For Christmas. For bringing Christmas to the base."

Carson glanced at Teyla, seeing that she was just as confused as he was. Rather than commenting, however, he allowed himself to get pulled into the chattering group. They absorbed the shocked pair and overruled them when they resisted sitting down. Teyla got her way, however, when she headed for the tree and found the necklace Halling had given to her. Carson straightened, knowing the significance of the jewelry. She carried it back to her chair, her face serene as she settled down next to him.

When the conversation focused on Rodney for a moment, Teyla turned to Carson. "Would you mind helping me?" she asked softly as she held up the necklace.

Carson met her eyes, understanding what she offered. She had once told him that she needed something to smile about after Charin's death. He had wondered if she would ever wear the necklace or keep it as a very special memento. Now, he picked it up and gently draped it around her neck. If anyone noticed how he fumbled with the clasp and how inherently romantic and intimate the action seemed, no one said anything.

As the necklace settled firmly in place, Teyla smiled. "Something happy to remember, Carson. And I want to always remember these moments."

"Aye, they're good ones," he agreed. Seeing Rodney empty the travel mug he'd received from the Secret Santa, Carson pushed to his feet. "Give me a few moments, and I'll make some coffee."

The offer was met with cheers, so Carson headed for his office. He smiled as he listened to the chatter around the Christmas tree. He should tell them that he wasn't the Secret Santa, but he didn't want to ruin the happiness. Ronon was already bugging everyone about the presents, and McKay grouched that the least they could do was wait for Carson.

In his office, Carson headed for the sideboard where he kept his coffee pot, but something on his desk caught his eye. Or, rather, leaning against his desk. He frowned at the bright red package with white Santas on it. Picking it up, he immediately identified it as a fishing pole and knew it would be the very one he was eying the last time he'd taken a few moments to consider his hobby. After all, the Secret Santa had known just what to get for everyone else. Why not for him?

oOo

Rodney frowned as Ronon asked, yet again, if they could open the presents. Figuring that he'd light a fire under Carson, he pushed to his feet and headed for the doctor's office. Carson stood inside, staring at something on his desk, and McKay stepped forward. Then, he blinked.

Carson was holding the last of the Secret Santa gifts, something obviously meant for the Scot. Rodney's eyes widened, and he realized they'd gotten everything all wrong.

oOo

He grinned as he watched a very shocked McKay and Beckett return to the Christmas tree. It didn't matter to him that no one had figured out who he was. After all, that was his goal. By "framing" Beckett, he'd effectively thrown the suspicion off of himself. He slipped away from the group and headed for the door.

In the corridor, Radek Zelenka smiled. He had set out to make Christmas for a lot of people. In doing so, he'd been given something in return. Oh, it wasn't tangible like the fishing pole he'd bought for Carson or the coffee pot he snuck into McKay's quarters to deliver. But it was well worth the money spent, extra trips to both the gate room and infirmary, and the worry of being discovered. His friends were smiling, laughing, and enjoying themselves. The Christmas tree in the infirmary likely wouldn't happen again, but simply seeing the way Beckett's eyes sparkled at Teyla and how Sheppard grinned like a little kid had made every bit of this entire mission a success.

With his Secret Santa work done, Radek headed for his lab and buried himself in his simulations.

~The End~