Ronon and Cameron headed up several trainings his third and fourth month on Atlantis. Between that, and going off world, Cameron was quickly becoming a valuable member of the team.
Most of the city knew about Jennifer and Cameron's relationship. However, when the occasional new recruit talked about the sweet doctor in the infirmary they couldn't wait to see again, Ronon got a kick out of Cameron setting the men straight.
"Used to be my job," Ronon said, standing back to observe another new Marine getting escorted to the infirmary. "You know, she's going to wise up to you soon. And be ticked."
"You saying that from personal experience?" He laughed, shrugged. "I figure I can blame some of it on you... but you're right. I'll have Sheppard somehow slip it into his 'welcome to Atlantis' speech that the CMO is off limits."
Ronon grunted. "Yeah, she'll just love that. Like Jen really enjoys the attention."
"Then I guess I'm stuck with giving them a welcome beating." Cameron sailed off, whistling. "You'd do the same, big guy."
Watching Cameron leave, Ronon chuckled.
Jen was working late again. Cameron strolled through the infirmary, nodding at a couple of nurses. It was becoming a familiar place to him since he came in to visit her at least a few times a day.
The maintained physical distance from her when he visited, at least. He respected that she wanted to maintain some sort of professionalism in front of her people. But sometimes Cameron had to restrain himself from kissing her frown off her face as she sat in front of her desk, half buried in paperwork. Or the time she looked absolutely sexy in her white lab coat, hair piled on top of her head in every direction.
Today, he could tell she had yet to eat dinner. Her shoulders sagged, obvious signs of a long hard day. She worked so hard, yet he knew she did it because she loved her job. It was what made her tick. Day in and day out, he was amazed at the pace she ran at in this corner of Atlantis. Cam saw a glimpse of it at the SGC and now realized why Dr. Lam ordered her off base on the weekends.
"Alright, Jen. It's time to call it a night," Cameron said, coming up from behind her. "Shut down the lap top and let's see if the kitchen staff will sneak us some dinner."
She looked at the clock. "Wow, how did that happen? Sorry. I know I promised to eat with you today."
Giving her a hand up, Cameron looked down at her, squeezing her hand. "All's forgiven if you go on a walk with me tonight."
"Hmmm... " she said, unable to resist resting her head onto his chest. There were only two nurses left in the infirmary, and both looked like they were oblivious to anything going on in her office. "Sounds like a plan."
"Come on," he said, guiding her out of the office. "Let's get some food into you."
The two nurses waved at her when she left.
"Take care of her, Colonel," one called out after her. "She's working too hard again."
"I promise you, ladies," he smiled, grabbing her hand. "Have a good evening."
The night wind blew off the south observatory balcony. It had gradually become their favorite spot on Atlantis. Tucked away from most of the population, it was seldom that they saw anyone remotely near the area.
Jen looked over at the sky. The sun had just disappeared. Most of the frenzied activity in the city was hauled for the day. Lights began to dim in each area of the city. She shivered when a gust of wind picked up over the balcony. Instantly, Cameron came at her from behind and wrapped his arms loosely around her. Jennifer smiled, leaning back into his embrace.
"What are you thinking about?" he whispered into her ear. "You're lost in thought tonight, Dr. Keller."
She placed her hands on his arms, sighing. "Just wishing I could freeze this moment." She stood there, silently taking in the magnificent city. "After a long day, it's just nice to come up here with you and be still."
"Couldn't agree more with you," Cameron murmured. "Which is why I think this is the perfect moment for me to give you something I've had on me for the past four months." He turned her slowly. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled the small box out of his vest. Looking at her face, he sobered.
"Jen, I know some people take years to realize they want forever with someone," he began. "But I don't think we fall into that category. I've never felt anything like this for someone. You've made me realize what love is... and without a doubt in my mind, I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
He got down on one knee. Opening the box, Jennifer saw the most gorgeous ring she had ever seen. The diamond looked warm, cut in a circle, with two side diamonds on either side of it. It was stunning. It took her a moment after the shock wore off of the significance of the ring.
Looking up at her, he saw her eyes widening. "Jennifer Keller, I'm asking you if you would do me the honor and the privilege of becoming my wife. I can promise you that I'll spend every second of the rest of my life loving you." He held on to her hands, kissing them. "I don't want to wait another day to ask you."
She stood there, still speechless. Gripping on to his shoulders, she knelt down next to him. "Cam, I can't believe..."
He interrupted her. "I spoke with your dad before I left. He told me he gave me his blessing. And the guys here. Lorne, Sheppard, Ronon. Even Rodney all said they gave their approval."
Smiling for a second, she looked at him. "You even asked Rodney?"
Embarrassed, he looked down at her. "I thought I would cover all the bases."
The two of them made a picture, each rocking back on their heals as they keeled in front of each other... just starring at one another. Finally, Jennifer spoke.
"A year ago, if someone would have said this would happen to me, I would have laughed," she said. "The man that has helped save Earth countless times somehow decided to be interested in me. But here we are. And then there's this gorgeous ring."
Cameron smiled. "My dad helped pick it out while we were visiting them."
Running her hand over the ring, she looked up at him. "Did you think I would even hesitate to say yes?"
"I was hoping you wouldn't," he grinned. "So is that your answer?"
Laughing, she tumbled into his arms, sending them both backwards onto the ground. "Yes," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him with everything in her.
Much later, they walked back towards the living quarters. Their hands were tightly clasped together. Jennifer couldn't help staring at the ring on her left finger.
"You know, that ring is going to become a hazard," Cam teased her. "If you don't stop looking down at it, you're going to walk into a wall. Or worse, mess up in the middle of stitching up some poor guy."
She elbowed him. "I will not," she said, grinning as she looked down again. "It's just so unreal."
Since Cam was still laughing at her, neither one of them saw Sheppard and Lorne walking down the hall. Sheppard spotted the ring immediately, as well as Jennifer's wide smile.
"Well, if it isn't the love birds," John called over to them. Eyebrow raised, he looked at Jennifer. "Anything you want to tell us, Dr. Keller?"
Practically dancing, she skipped over to him and held her hand up. John grinned at her excitement, even though he had already seen the ring. "Nice, doc," he said, kissing her cheek. "I'm happy for you. And that goes to both of you."
Lorne wasn't as restrained. Picking her up off her feet, he spun her in a circle. Jennifer laughed as he set her down and gave her a kiss as well. "Figure I won't be getting away with that as much anymore. Seeing that you're an engaged woman."
"Yeah, even though these guys gave their permission, you should have heard them afterward. Ronon issued a death threat should I ever make you unhappy," Cameron said, leaning back on the wall. "I guess I should count my blessings that she doesn't have any real brothers."
Lorne snorted. "Don't worry... we'll make up for that."
The two men watched them walk away. Sheppard got an idea. Radioing the kitchen, he opened a private channel to his favorite cook. "Hey, Ken. I have a favor to ask."
The news of their engagement spread like wildfire in the infirmary. Jennifer came in, unable to take off the smile from her face. Throughout the day, each person who walked through the infirmary had to check out her engagement ring.
Cameron came to get her for dinner. He was surprised to see her ready when he arrived. It didn't get past him that something was up when he passed by a few people, all shushing each other as they left.
When they walked into the mess hall, they walked and were greeted by practically every person on Atlantis.
"Surprise!" They all shouted. 'Congratulations" was yelled out from every table. Sheppard was in the middle of the chaos, with Lorne and Ronon at his side. They wheeled out a large sized cake, complete with the message 'Congratulations, Cam and Jen.'
The crowd settled as they made their way through. Although Cameron was a newcomer, Atlantis had embraced him since he was a part of Jen's life now. Men patted him on the back while the women hugged Jennifer, gushing over the ring.
At one point, Jennifer looked at him. "Remember saying how quiet it would be here compared to Cheyenne Mountain?" She laughed.
He shook his head. "What was I thinking?"
All of a sudden, a chant began growing in the crowd. Cameron made it out first. Everyone began banging their fists on the table, yelling "kiss, kiss, kiss."
Whistles and cheering sounded as Cameron grabbed hold of her, grinning like crazy as his mouth descended on her lips. Deepening the kiss, he dipped her low like the TV greats did in the movies. Finally, bringing her back on her feet, he wrapped his arms around her.
"Yeah, life seems like it will be pretty dull here," he joked, kissing her again. Pulling her closer, he whispered. "I love you, Jennifer."
Staring back into his eyes, not caring how many people were staring at them, Jennifer touched her lips with hers. "And I love you even more, Cameron Mitchell."
All done! Thanks for sticking around for the end! It was hard to finish and maybe one day I'll write a SUPER short sequel, but after a break. My next plans are for an Evan/Jen story again, hopefully by Easter. Can't get enough of shipping her, I guess!
Glad many of you enjoyed the story as much as I have. Hope it inspires a few more to write a Cam/Jen story! Thanks for all of the kind reviews, encouragement, and story alert requests. It was humbling!