Cameron's heart ached for her. As they made their way out of the ballroom, he steered her to a private area and listened to her side of the conversation. At one point, Jennifer reached over and grabbed for his hand. He looked at their intertwined fingers, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand to comfort her.
He felt helpless as he overheard the conversation through the phone. It sounded like Joe Keller's time was drawing to a close. He knew they'd anticipated it, but it sounded like he was fading faster than they'd hoped.
"I'll be there in the morning," Jennifer said to her stepmother. "Are you sure you don't need me tonight?"
Her body began to sag into his and he momentarily let go of her hand so that he could wrap an arm around her. Fumbling a bit for his valet key, he prepared to leave as soon as she was through with her conversation. When she hit the end button, he took the phone from her and set it into her purse. Gathering her close, he sighed.
"I'm sorry, Jen," he said. "Are you sure you don't want to head out there tonight?"
She shook her head. "No. Maggie said they're letting him rest up tonight with a big dose of pain killers so that we can say our goodbyes tomorrow and however longer he lasts."
He nodded. "Let's get out of here."
Valet was quick to bring their car. They rode home in mostly silence. Cameron didn't let go of her hand once.
"Can I come with you in the morning?" Cameron asked. "I'd really like to be there."
She blinked out of her dazed state. "I'd love that. Wait, don't you have that important trade mission tomorrow? Cam, they specifically requested you and Sam. You can't miss it."
"I know," Cam replied. "But they can beam me back before my check in time. I'll be able to stay with you until then."
"Are you sure? I'd hate to make you do that. You've been there so much for me already."
Cameron pulled into his parking space and turned to her. "Jennifer, I meant everything I said on the balcony. And maybe this isn't the best time or most romantic place to say this, but I love you. I love you so much and I feel helpless that I can't do more for you. If I could scrap this mission, I would in a heartbeat."
Not hearing the last sentence, she felt her eyes filling up. No one, besides her father, had ever expressed their love for her. Jennifer placed her hand on the side of his face and leaned over to gently kiss his mouth.
"You're everything I could possibly need to get through this, Cam," Jennifer sighed.
He kissed her back, gentling holding on to her arms in comfort.
"Can I stay with you tonight?" she asked. "I'll go shower and change and bring my bag to your place. I just don't want to be alone."
"Would've suggested it myself if you didn't," he said, getting out of the car. "I'll wait for you and make some calls."
She nodded as they made their way into her condo. Sending a quick text of congratulations and short message of her father's condition to Julia, she began packing her bags.
Cam had finished his calls to Landry and Samantha. Both had expressed their condolences and well wishes for Jennifer. Landry hated to remind him that the mission had to go on tomorrow, but gave approval for Cameron to travel in the morning to Wisconsin.
When Jennifer was packed and ready, they left her condo and made their way to his. He quickly warmed up water in the tea kettle, knowing she'd want something warm to drink. He reached into the cabinet where he'd place the tea he'd purchased for her and placed the mug into her hands. Promising to take only a few minutes to shower himself and change, he momentarily left Jennifer to wander over to the couch.
So much had changed in two years. Since high school, she was never around to place many roots until Atlantis. But now, being here for two years, Jennifer found herself wishing she could stay longer.
Her time with her father was nearing, signifying the end of her leave from Atlantis. The one person who'd seen her through every emotion of her time spent back on Earth continued to support her. As much as her mind dreaded the upcoming days, she felt a strong feeling of hope. She knew that when her father was gone, someone here truly loved her. Although her thoughts and emotions were mostly about her father right now, Jennifer couldn't resist feeling happiness that even though one thing was coming to an end, another beautiful chapter in her life was about to begin.
Cameron chose that moment to walk back down the stairs, arms full of pillows and a throw blanket, to where she was sitting on the couch. She set the mug down on the table and watched as he set the pillow on the couch and pulled her down into his arms.
"I thought it'd be better if we stayed out here," he thoughtfully said. "Besides, we've already proven that this couch had enough room for us the last time you slept over."
Earning a grin from her, she wiggled closer into his arms. "Ah. How could I forget that time. And if I'm not mistaken, I think Sheppard and Ronon were a little irked with you on that visit."
Surprised, he propped up on his elbow. "You noticed all that?"
"Of course. You and Sheppard looked like you were ready to come to blows in the kitchen. That's why I came in, pretending to want the drinks."
"Nothing gets past you," he murmured. Cameron trailed his fingers over her jaw, gazing intently into her eyes. "How are you doing? Really?"
Jennifer smiled. "Oddly enough, I'm okay. I feel grateful that I had almost a full two years to spend with him. And now, I have you."
"You always had me," he immediately admitted. "I swear I began to fall in love with you two years ago in the gazebo."
Blown away and humbled by his honesty, Jennifer felt the tears overflowing from her eyes. "Cameron, how do I deserve this?" She pulled him down and kissed him deeply. "I love you so much."
He held her tight in his arms until she finally succumbed to sleep.
Cameron and Jennifer emerged from the elevator at the SGC, nearly bumping into General Landry.
"General," Cameron said, loosening the hold his one arm had around Jennifer. "Good morning."
"Colonel," Landry acknowledged, then turned his attention to Jennifer. "Dr. Keller, we had a slight problem arise around 0300 last night. The ship in orbit had an emergency come up and they had to leave."
Jennifer looked a little panicked to Cameron and then back to Landry. "Sir, do I need to arrange a flight?"
Landry shook his head. "We had a few people on hand that quickly thought things through. Luckily, the operator on night shift knew you were depending to be transported to Wisconsin tomorrow. He gave me a call and we came up with another solution."
General Landry cocked his head down the hallway. "Your father and stepmother were beamed here instead. Dr. Collins was called in to oversee the transfer. Mr. Keller is resting comfortably down the hall. We figured it was the only way to get you to him in a hurry before the ship left orbit."
Cameron and Jennifer both blinked in disbelief.
"I know, it's highly irregular," Landry admitted. "But after a call to your stepmother, she assured us that your father had already spoken to family back in Wisconsin and only wanted to be with you when he woke up."
Jennifer took a relieved breath. "General, I can't thank you enough. You've gone above and beyond."
Landry nodded, giving a rare gesture by cupping her shoulder. "We wish we could do more."
Jennifer's father woke shortly after Jennifer arrived in the room. He was alert as he could be and coherently answered most of Jennifer's questions. She could tell the end was near by his appearance and studying his vital signs.
Dr. Collins had left the room immediately after she arrived, giving the pair their privacy. Within the hour, Jennifer watched her dad fall asleep again. She hoped he'd rest and revive again to speak with her a few more times, but it was out of her hands.
Cameron knocked softly at the door. "Mind if I come in for a few?"
Jennifer nodded, indicating for him to sit in the chair she'd neglected to use. Instead, Jennifer had perched onto a corner of her father's bed, eager to remain as close as possible to him. Cameron approached quietly, placing an arm around her shoulders and tucking her into his side.
"How's he holding up?" Cameron asked.
Jennifer nodded. "Good. He's not in much pain, thanks to what Collins is getting to him in the IV."
"And you?" Cameron asked, looking at her. "How are you doing?"
"Better," she said, leaning up to kiss him. Feeling a wave of comfort wash over her, she couldn't resist lengthening the kiss. "I love you, Cameron."
Cameron tightened his hold as he murmured the same sentiments back to her.
Jennifer felt movement beside her.
"You kissing my girl, Colonel?" her father managed to get out. His eyes struggled to remain open. Jennifer saw the corner of his mouth go up in pleasure. "It's about time, boy."
Jennifer gasped and couldn't resist a smile as well. "I thought you were sleeping."
Her father cleared his throat, clearly trying to stay up. "Obviously."
Jennifer just shook her head as Cameron gave her father a smile. "Sir, I finally convinced her that she can't live without me."
Joe Keller coughed a bit, waving off Jennifer as she tried to get down to help him. "Glad to hear." He opened his eyes once more. "Give me a minute with him."
Uncertain, Jennifer looked back at Cameron. If Cameron had been surprised, he recovered quickly. Shrugging, she walked out of the door.
"Sir, I hope you're okay with-" Cameron began, only to be interrupted.
"Of course I am. To be honest with you, son, it was a dying wish of mine to see the two of you together," Joe admitted. "You're a fine, young man. I couldn't wish better for my daughter."
Overwhelmed by his approval, Cameron swallowed and nodded.
"Then I better take the next step," Cameron sat down, scooting closer to the bed. "I promise you that I'll take care of her. And even though we've only been together for less than 12 hours, sir, I'd like to ask your permission… for when the time comes… I have ever intention on marrying Jennifer. I don't have a ring. And I don't know when I'll ask her. But it's going to happen."
This time, Joe Keller gave him a wide, approving smile.
"I'd like nothing better," he replied. "And thank you…for giving me a final reassurance that she'll be taken care of."
Cameron saw Jennifer peak her head in the door. Not wanting her to miss talking to her father for a minute more, Cameron stood and reached his hand down. Despite the fact that cancer had overtaken his body, Cameron received an impressive handshake from the man.
"It was an honor, Colonel," her father said, then turned his attention to his daughter.
Colonel Sheppard and Ronon stepped through the gate. They'd received a transmission regarding Keller's father during the night. Giving the reins of the city over to Major Lorne, Sheppard enlisted Ronon's help and a few others to come back to support Jennifer.
They headed into the infirmary while General Landry's assistant informed them that Mr. Keller had been transferred to the mountain during the night. Sheppard was surprised, but glad they'd taken care of Jennifer's father and helped her in saying her final good-byes.
Before they could seek her out, the SGC doctors had to give them another check. Used to the drill, they sat on opposite beds. Ronon looked bored and anxious, kicking legs impatiently under the gurney. Sheppard glanced around to a group of men who'd wandered in. The others that had come with them were taken to another part of the infirmary.
They heard the voices of a few men from nearby. None of them had noticed the Atlantian's since a curtain hid most of their view. Sheppard couldn't help but overhear their casual conversation.
"I heard Mitchell almost missed receiving his award last night," one of them said. "Something about General O'Neil having to track him down. I guess he was on the balcony with a woman."
Another man chuckled. "Oh, it gets better, my man. Rumor has it that he was caught making out with this woman."
"No way," said another man. "Man, it must've been embarrassing. I heard Colonel Carter was there as well."
"I wonder who it was?" someone else asked.
A nurse chimed in. "I heard he went with a local high school teacher. Someone came through today and said they looked happy together last night."
Ronon raised his eyebrow in amusement while Sheppard couldn't help but laugh.
"Sheppard," the man in question breezed in, nodding at Ronon as well. "General Landry just informed me of your arrival. Thanks for coming."
Cameron drew the curtain aside, revealing the men on the other side. All looked surprised and embarrassed to see two legends of Atlantis sitting on the other side. Luckily, a nurse came by and ushered them to the lab station.
Sheppard shook his hand, still wondering about the conversation they'd overheard. "Mitchell. Thanks for asking Landry to send a transmission. How's Keller doing?"
"Well enough," Cameron said, sitting next to Ronon.
"Is her father still alive?" Ronon bluntly asked.
"I just came from talking with him," Cameron said. "He's still coherent and speaking at this point. But from what Collins told me, he may not last much longer. Jennifer's in there now with him. Maggie slept for a few hours after they arrived and is on her way in there, too."
The two men nodded.
"Heard you had quite a night last night," Sheppard said, filling in the silence.
Cameron couldn't resist grinning. "It was a good night. One I won't forget, that's for sure."
"Colonel, General Landry moved up the pre-mission meeting. He's waiting for you and your team in the conference room. He said it'd give you more time staying with Dr. Keller later on today," a sergeant approached them and said.
"Good," Cameron said, quickly walking out of the room. "Do you guys mind keeping close for a bit while I go? Radio me if she needs anything."
John nodded. "We'll head down there as soon as we're released."
Much later, Maggie squeezed Jennifer's hand. An hour ago, her father had fallen into a deep sleep and hadn't come out since.
"He's leaving in a few minutes, isn't he?" Maggie asked, talking about Cameron's mission. "Why don't you go say good-bye? I'll stay here."
Jennifer nodded. "I'll only be a minute."
She hurried through the halls, stopping only a few seconds for two people who expressed their sadness for her. Receiving a few hugs along the way, she made it to the arsenal room. Spotting him in the corner and not seeing anyone in the room, Jennifer quickly walked in.
"Hey," she began. "You're not leaving without saying goodbye, are you?"
As Cameron looked up and smiled, she flew into his arms and kissed him. Surprised, he gave a momentary laugh, grabbing and lifting her, and took over the kiss.
"Stay safe," she murmured against his lips. "I love you, Cameron Mitchell."
Nothing could stop Cameron from grinning, but his eyes darted to the corner of the room against the doorway. "Sweetheart, not that I don't appreciate the send off, but we're not alone."
A shocked John Sheppard and Ronon stood in the corner. They'd accompanied Mitchell to the arsenal room and had been sitting in the corner while Cameron had packed up his pack.
"Oops," Jennifer said, flushing. "I thought you guys were grabbing lunch."
Both were still starring at the sight of their former CMO still wrapped in the arms of Mitchell.
"Yeah," Sheppard coughed. "We finished."
"Well, I better get back. Be careful, Cam." She unwound her arms, squeezing his hand before leaving.
Cameron turned to the men after she left. When they starred at him accusingly, he sighed. "I thought you knew. When we were back in the infirmary-"
"We'd heard a rumor about you and a woman last night, but not who it was," Sheppard admitted.
No longer caring what they thought, he shrugged. "Problem, Sheppard?"
Ronon still looked slightly menacing but Sheppard seemed to have recovered. "No. But how are you going to work this, Mitchell? Have you thought that far?"
"Orders change, Sheppard," Mitchell said. "You never know when Atlantis may need more military. Or Jen could get called back." He paused for a minute. "I'm not saying it'll be easy, but it sure beats nothing."
Daniel poked his head in. "Ready, Cam?"
Cameron nodded. Turning to the men, he took on a serious expression. "Take care of her while I'm gone. I'll try to be back as soon as possible."
Before he could leave, Ronon called out. "Mitchell- do you love her?"
Cameron stopped and turned. "More than anything."
Satisfied, Ronon nodded. "Good."
"Honey, I've said my goodbyes," Maggie kissed Jennifer's check. Joe Keller's vitals had significantly turned for the worse in the last hour. "I'm going to duck out now and go to the room they provided. This should be your time to say good-bye."
Jennifer shook her head. "You're his wife. You should stay."
"Yes, but honey, you were his daughter longer," Maggie assured her. "I'm going to go. A nurse will come get me later."
Nodding, Jennifer turned back to her father. Eyeing the vitals, she knew it wouldn't be much longer.
She had no regrets. Everything she could've possibly told her father had been said. And the fact he knew that she was in a relationship now with Cameron made her grateful that he'd made it to see them together.
Nurses had been told to remain out of the room. Despite that, Jennifer drew the curtain around the bed in the private room they'd set up for her father. She then climbed up into bed next to him, set her head onto his shoulder, and treasured the last moments with him.
Thirty minutes later, Joe Keller left this world. Jennifer squeezed her eyes when she heard the monitors send of the alerts. Not caring that Dr. Collins himself came into the room, he felt him place a comforting arm on her shoulder as he turned off the monitor. She remained where she was until both Ronon and Sheppard finally came in and led her from the room together.
There are three more chapters left, plus an epilogue I still need to write. Just as a side note- I do not hold a medical degree, so most of the information I researched about her father's cancer came from searching online.