Both Sheppard men were glad this talk between them was finally done and both were relieved that the outcome was good. John figured they could spend days or weeks dredging up all their differences, but they had touched on the basic reasons for the demise of their relationship and he knew they both wanted to mend the damage done.
"Well, Dad...I think we both have alot to be thankful for, no more regrets. We can't change the past, but we can both try hard not to repeat what we did wrong. I want to be a part of this family, Dad...I need to be. John fought the emotion that swelled within him. Pacil had showed him that it was okay to show emotion, but John still found it hard.
"I'll never let you go again John. You're stuck with all of us..." Patrick assured him.
"Now, tell me where you stand with this lovely lady you brought with you."
John was saved from answering when his neice and nephew came barreling through the patio doors. "Hi Grandpa! Hi Uncle John!" Jacob pulled up short before his uncle. "Will you go swimming with us?" Kelsey stood beside her brother, joining her brother in sporting the famous Sheppard puppy dog eyes.
"I will...if you ask your mom first to make sure its okay." John watched in amusement at the disappointed look on both adorable faces. Lindsay and Teyla had been unable to stop the kids from bolting outside before it was too late. "Sorry Dad, John...and you two, where are your manners?"
Jacob looked innocently at her "But Mom, I asked Uncle John nice."
Lindsay knew the kids were clueless that there was any tension at all between their grandfather and uncle. "It was rude of you to barrel out here and interrupt Grandpa and Uncle John's conversation."
"It's okay, Lindsay...I think we were about done." John assured her as he smiled over at his father.
Patrick confirmed with a smile back. "So, how about it? Can the kids go swimming with John now?"
Lindsay couldnt help but melt when she was faced with four sets of those puppy dog eyes. "How could anyone say no to you Sheppard men and now you're teaching my children how to disarm me...not fair!"
John jumped up from his seat and gave Lindsay a hug. Teyla had been watching the whole scene with a smile on her face. John was like a big kid and she loved him for it. She noted that he was much more relaxed and figured the talk with his father had ultimately gone well.
John released Lindsay from his hug and smiled. He made his way to Teyla and gave her a more intimate embrace. "Wanna join us for a swim before dinner?" Without waiting for her answer, he grabbed her hand and tugged her along. "Come on!"
Inside, John led Teyla to her room where she assumed he was going to leave her to go change. Instead, he pulled her into another intimate embrace. "I need to apologize Teyla...I know I havent been the best company since we got here. I've been so preoccupied about this thing with my dad..."
Teyla stopped his apology by capturing his lips with her own. Surprised, he recovered quickly and returned her kisses with swelling passion. John knew he wanted to take this further, but the time wasn't right.
Sensing his hesitation, Teyla smiled into one of his kisses. He groaned as he slowly eased his embrace, not wanting to let go.
"Ewwww!" They both turned toward the door where Jacob stood with his nose crinkled up. "Are you guys coming swimming? Mom won't let us go in until you guys come out..and she said we only have a half hour til dinner!"
They both laughed and John gave Teyla a final kiss. Leaving her to change, John grabbed his young nephew. "You know buddy, your timing sucks!" He threw his nephew over his shoulder and made his way upstairs to change.
While John, Teyla and the kids enjoyed frolicking in the pool, David had come home and had joined his father watching all four in the pool enjoying themselves. His kids were so comfortable with John and Teyla. Right now, they were having a race. The boys against the girls. John had Jacob on his back and Teyla had Kelsey on hers. John and Teyla were racing across the pool. David smiled when he saw that John was giving Teyla an advantage so that the girls would win this time.
Dinner was almost ready and they would be eating outside so wet bathing suits would dry. John hoisted both kids out of the pool and then swam over to Teyla, who was still catching her breath from the race. John's eyes grew dark with desire as he watched her ample breasts rise and fall with each breath. He brought her into his arms and kissed her neck. "Wow Teyla, did I tell you how amazing you look in that bikini?"
Teyla grinned "I believe you have, but I do enjoy you telling me again. And, you John look very...attractive in only your bathing shorts."
"I'm glad you like what you see" John flirted back.
"I have rarely seen you without your uniform shirt or Tshirt, unless it was to bandage a wound or worse. I like this much better and I may leisurely appreciate your form. Teyla wanted to make sure John knew just how much his form pleased her.
Again, John kissed Teyla, aware that others were around, but he was a bit distracted.
"Ewwww!" There they go again! Jacob whined, his nose crinkled up once again. Teyla and John grinned up at their audience and both blushed slightly at being the center of attention.
Exiting the pool and donning a bath towel each, they sat in the sun to dry off a bit. Lindsay had set the table while they were in the pool. David was helping her bring the food out to the table, refusing the help John and Teyla offered.
Dinner talk was lively with Patrick and David relaying more stories about John to Teyla's delight. She was glad to hear of the happier times of John's childhood. He was a mischievous, but not a malicious boy. Definitely curious, adventurous and kind. Teyla surmised that John had not deviated much from his youthful personality.
After cleaning up after dinner, they all moved to the chairs that surrounded the fire pit once David and John had a decent fire burning. Teyla and Lindsay brought out the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows to make S'mores. More stories were told and Teyla offered stories from her childhood also. She was pleased to find they all- Patrick, in particular, seemed to hang on every word, finding her stories about her people and culture fascinating.
The night grew darker and soon, both children were sound asleep. David scooped up Jacob and John scooped up Kelsey and headed inside. Teyla and Lindsay cleaned up while Patrick doused the fire. The evening had been relaxing and pleasant for everyone. Patrick sat and realized how much he had to be thankful for. Having his family, his entire family home in one place meant everything to him. He was glad John and him had talked things out. He was confidant that John was as happy as he. If only things could stay this way.
TBC some more family bonding time. Hope you liked it! let me know your thoughts! I always love feedback!