Promises

"You have to stop pushing yourself so hard."

"I can't. When the Wraith return-."

"You'll be dead on your feet and of no use to anyone." He approached her. "Look, no ones asking you to stop working hard. We all put in long hours when necessary, but we also know when to take it easy. You don't."

"Rodney-."

"I understand that you have a huge responsibility running this place, but I don't intend to standby and watch you kill yourself in the process. How do you think I feel when I ask you to slow down and you brush my concerns aside? What about the difficult situation you're putting Carson in? And John? We need to know that you're at your best. How else can we trust in the decisions that you make?"

"Okay, I get it."

Elizabeth sighed.

"I'll try to take better care of myself."

"I'll hold you to that promise."

Elizabeth lay in the infirmary bed. She still felt a little light headed, but at least now she was conscious. Leaning against her elbows, she pushed herself up and glanced around the room. Carson, Rodney, John, and Teyla were huddled in the corner quietly talking.

"Hello."

They turned and approached her bedside. Rodney gave her a sad smile. He kissed her on the forehead before reaching out and clasping her hand in comfort. She looked around the bed at the somber faces that greeted her.

"How are you felling?"

Elizabeth ignored Carson's question and asked one of her own.

"What's wrong?"

Rodney squeezed her hand.

"Beth calm down."

She gazed into his eyes and saw sadness, which made her even more alarmed.

"What's wrong?"

Carson sighed.

"Elizabeth, I've asked you repeatedly to take better care of yourself. I've been lenient because you've proven to be a strong woman and because I consider you a friend. I now see the error in my judgment and for that I am sorry. But things have changed; you're pregnant. Your body can't deal with these levels of stress and nurture a new life at the same time."

"Carson I'm fin-."

"Doctor, this is not a discussion. You are relieved of command. I don't want to see you for one week. As a matter of fact, I've asked Teyla to take you to the mainland. If you set one foot on Atlantis within that week the clock will reset to day one. After you complete one week you'll receive another exam. If I like what I see you'll resume command under a very strict work schedule. If not, you'll spend a few more days on the mainland."

Elizabeth frowned.

"That's not fai-."

Carson nodded.

"You're right. It's not fair to John and Teyla, but luckily you have friends that are more than willing to help a friend in need. You'll rest here for another hour. Rodney will pack you a bag and then you will go straight to the hanger bay. A ship will be waiting to take you to the mainland."

Elizabeth sat at the table eating a bowl of soup. They had arrived on the mainland a little over three hours ago. She glanced across the table at Teyla.

"I'm sorry about this. I still don't agree with Carson involving you and John in this situation."

Teyla arched a brow.

"We were already involved. We are your friends and we do not want to see anything happen to you or your baby. Besides, you needed a break and John will be able to fully concentrate on the needs of Atlantis if I'm not there to distract him. Also, I believe Carson wished for us to talk. Not very long ago I had a similar problem."

Elizabeth frowned.

"I don't remember you being ordered to the mainland."

"That is because it was the mainland that I was to avoid. A couple of months ago John forbad me to go to the mainland for one month."

Elizabeth's eyebrows rose.

"Forbad?"

Teyla smiled.

"That is exactly what I said. It was the worst fight that we have ever had."

"I don't think I've ever seen you two angry with each other."

Teyla smirked.

"Yes you have, but you didn't realize it. John says we are like wildcats, we roar, snap, hiss, and claw, but only in private."

"But you two are always so affectionate."

"Even more so when we argue; it is as if we need reassurance that even though we don't agree, it does not mean we have stopped loving or wanting each other. John becomes very aggres-."

Teyla paused and then cleared her throat.

"As I was saying, we fought and in the heat of our argument John asked me one simple question that nearly broke my heart. 'Why would you want to hurt our baby?' It gave me pause; made me think about what was important and what I could and couldn't live without. So I made a choice. It was not easy, but anything worth having never is."

Elizabeth sighed.

"I guess I have a lot of thinking to do while I'm here."

Teyla smiled.

"Yes and work."

"Work?"

"Doctor's orders. We can not have you moping around with nothing to do."

Elizabeth's brow knotted.

"Exactly what will I be doing?"

Teyla and Elizabeth rose early the next morning. They began the day with a hearty breakfast followed by morning stretches and a brisk walk on the beach. Later they returned to the village and visited Ishta, one of Teyla's mentors. They worked in the garden, picking vegetables, weeds and watering the plants. Next, Elizabeth cleaned and chopped the vegetables while Teyla skinned, chopped, and seasoned something that looked like a rabbit and put it to boil with the vegetables. Together, they mix dough and fried bread over the pit. By midday Teyla and Elizabeth returned to the beach for a lunch of cold meat, cheese, fruit and juice. Once the meal was done Teyla lay down on the blanket and closed her eyes.

"Are you going to sleep?"

"Possibly. I usually meditate for a while. Sometimes sleep comes, sometimes it does not."

Elizabeth decided to try it. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Her first thoughts were of Rodney and what he would be doing right about now. Those thoughts lead to thoughts of Atlantis, the new supply shipment that was due in a few weeks, her duty reports, the science reports she was supposed to finish reading yesterday, the-.

"Elizabeth, you are not supposed to think about work. You are supposed to think happy thoughts."

"How could you tell?"

"You were frowning and starting to tense up. Try this. Look out at the ocean. Breathe deeply as the tide comes in and slowly exhale as it goes out. See its beauty. Now, close your eyes and see the ocean in your mind. Enjoy the warmth of the sun against your skin. Maintain your breathing and relax."

Teyla smiled as she watched Elizabeth drift off to sleep. Closing her eyes, she did the same.

"I'm so happy for John and Teyla. They must be overjoyed at the thought of having a baby."

Rodney smirked.

"Yeah right, I'm sure John is 'overjoyed' at the thought of midnight feedings, poopy diapers, and vomit all over his favorite shirts. Not to mention Teyla blowing up like a beach ball."

Elizabeth sighed.

"Don't worry Rodney, you'll get used to it."

His brow knotted in confusion.

"Why would I have to get used to it?"

"Because I'm pregnant. Rodney? Rodney. Rodney!"

Elizabeth activated her ear communicator.

"Dr. Beckett, this is Weir, come in?"

"This is Beckett."

"Carson, could you send someone to my quarters?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine, but Rodney's fainted."

Elizabeth rose from her afternoon nap to the sound of laughter. She sat up and watched as Teyla held up her skirt and danced in the afternoon tide. Even at six months pregnant her movements were still flowing and graceful.

"What is that called?"

Teyla turned around and smiled.

"It is an old mating dance called Vola. A woman performs it for her intended in private or in a large group at a celebration."

"Ah, I remember, you danced this at your wedding reception."

"Yes."

"You still perform this dance after marriage?"

"It is done to show love and admiration for your mate and to remind him of your charms."

Elizabeth laughed.

"Let me guess, John likes this dance?"

Teyla smiled.

"It is his favorite. Would you like me to teach you?"

Teyla and Elizabeth spent the rest of the afternoon visiting villagers, resolving conflicts and providing assistance where they could. By the end of the day Elizabeth was tired, but not exhausted. She felt good about the things she'd accomplished that day. After a meal of 'not quite rabbit' stew and fried bread, she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

"How is she doing?"

Rodney adjusted his ear piece as Teyla's voice came over the transmitter.

"She's fine Rodney, better than fine. She's glowing."

He turned to Carson.

"Maybe I should pay her a visit?"

"No, she's doing well, but seeing you could throw off the routine she's established. It'll be hard enough when she returns. Leave her be for now. Besides, it's only three more days. You can make it."

John patiently waited until Rodney asked his fill of questions about Elizabeth's status and Carson concluded that both of his patients were in good health before having a private word with his wife. He stood facing the window of the office, his head bowed.

"Sida, eh muss ta a eh vol ta."

Teyla sighed.

"Eh vol ta Sidi. Eh muss ta."

"Until Sunday."

"Sunday."

John waited until he heard a soft click ending the transmission and sighed.

"John?"

He glanced over his shoulder at Carson.

"Yeah?"

"Is she really okay?"

"Yes she's fine and so is Elizabeth. I have a feeling that they're enjoying themselves more then we are."

Rodney frowned.

"What is 'muss ta'?"

John smirked.

"None of your damned business."

"I know I didn't take the news of your pregnancy very well, but…….hell, you've seen me with kids. It's not pretty, but I'm willing to try and be a good father. I love you and I want us to be a family."

Rodney sighed.

"I keep thinking about last month. What if I had really died? What if I could never see you again? What if I had never known about our child? I would have had many regrets. Elizabeth, I've thought long and hard about this and I've come to realize you are the most important thing in my life; baby or no baby. I want us to be together."

Rodney brushed away the tear that escaped from her eye.

"Will you marry me?"

Elizabeth smiled down at the precious bundle sleeping in her arms. She turned to his mother.

"He is so beautiful."

Sonia smiled and stood.

"Thank you. Logan it is time for bed. Your Oda will come looking for us soon."

She gathered Hutton from Elizabeth and waited as Teyla walked her two year old to her side. Sonia bowed her head before wishing them a good evening and exited the cabin.

Elizabeth watched as Teyla closed the cabin door. In the short time she'd been on the mainland, she'd thought about the way she'd pushed herself over the last few years. First, just trying to adjust to being disconnected from home, then dealing with the threat of a Wraith attack, going home only to realize she'd lost Simon, the months of confusion where she struggled to understand her feelings for Rodney, and finally the stress of an unplanned pregnancy. She'd pushed her body to the limit and it had started to breakdown. Luckily, Carson recognized the signs and forced her to accept the reality of her situation. Unfortunately, it had taken a few extreme measures for her to accept it. Elizabeth wanted this baby. It was a symbol of the love she and Rodney felt for each other. It was a part of her and if slowing down ensured her a happy, healthy child then she would try. But it wouldn't be easy.

Teyla sat at the table and handed Elizabeth a cup of water.

"Tomorrow we go home."

Elizabeth sighed.

Teyla frowned.

"Do you not wish to return to Atlantis?"

Elizabeth smiled.

"Yes, of course I want to go home, but I will miss this. And the hard part will be just beginning. Here it was easy to relax. Atlantis will be another story."

"True, but your duties will be restricted and you will have friends there to help you along the way. Besides, if you ever feel the need, you are always welcome here."

Elizabeth reached across the table and clasp Teyla's hand.

"Thank you."

She smiled.

"You are welcome."

Elizabeth sat on the bed in the infirmary, awaiting her verdict. Carson stood before her reviewing the results of the tests that he'd run earlier that morning. He looked at her and sighed.

"Finally, results that I can live with."

Elizabeth smiled.

"I have your work schedule made up and I've sent a copy of it to Rodney. If you deviate from it, you could find your self back on the mainland. Your new hours of operation are Monday through Friday, seven thirty to four thirty. If you need to work on the weekend, let me know and we'll schedule your day off during the week. You get two twenty minute breaks and will take one full hour for lunch. Any questions?"

She shook her head.

"Comments?"

She nodded.

"I just wanted to thank you. You are a very good friend and I apologize for forcing you to do this."

Carson smiled.

"Apology accepted."

He assisted her down from the bed.

"Now, get to work lazy bones."

Elizabeth pulled back from the kiss and smiled at Rodney.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Mrs. McKay."

She smirked.

"That's Dr. McKay to you."

They turned at the top of the stairwell, which led to a large balcony in the common area and smiled down at their friends and colleagues. Dr. Rollins held up his hands for silence.

"I present to you Drs. Rodney and Elizabeth McKay."

The room erupted in applause as the couple walked down the stairs into the crowd of guests. After an hour of mingling, the McKays made their way out onto the balcony for some fresh air. They weren't surprised to see John, Teyla, Carson, Ronon and Aiden already there. Carson raised his wine glass.

"Ah, the newlyweds."

Everyone turned to Aiden and Ronon when they snickered. Rodney frowned.

"What, may I ask, is so funny?"

Aiden shook his head.

"I should have had more faith in you McKay."

This statement caused Ronon to laugh. Rodney stared at the two of them as if they'd lost their minds.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

When Aiden only blushed, Ronon responded to Rodney's question.

"We both placed items on a bet that you two would get married, but only I betted on Weir being pregnant."

Carson smiled into his wine glass, while Teyla struggled to keep a straight face. John frowned.

"I didn't know they had a pool on Elizabeth being pregnant. Man, I could hav-."

His words trailed off when saw Elizabeth's glare. Rodney's brow knotted in confusion.

"And why, exactly, would you believe that Elizabeth was pregnant?"

Ronon grinned.

"You remember the night of John and Teyla's wedding, we all came back in the same Jumper."

"Yes."

"I was being escorted to another room by two young ladies, but when I looked down the corridor you'd never guess who I saw making out on the floor."

Elizabeth sat at her desk and gently rubbed her stomach. She'd been back in command of Atlantis for one month and was adjusting very well to her new schedule. Initially things hadn't gone so smoothly, but with support from her husband and friends everything eventually fell into place. She was lucky, blessed to have such friends and she would be forever grateful.

"Dr. Wei-McKay, this is Control, come in."

"This is Dr. McKay, go ahead."

"Ma'am, the Daedalus is in orbit and is requesting permission to land."

"Permission granted."

"Ma'am, Colonel Caldwell is also requesting to beam two crates directly into the gateroom."

Elizabeth frowned.

"The gateroom? All supplies are beamed directly into the storage area. Did he say why?"

"Yes ma'am. It appears that Col. Sheppard and Dr. McKay have done a little shopping."

"Shopping? For what?"

"Baby supplies ma'am."

Author's Note: First off, thank you to eveyone who takes the time to read my stories; whether you review them or not. And thank you, thank you to those who do take the time to write reviews. As you can see, the direction of my stories has changed a little.Teyla and Elizabeth's pregnancies play significant parts in each chapter,but they are not the main foucs of the storylines.As for this story, it wasa bit thrown together, but I wanted to show some progression in Beth and Rodney's relationship. I considered writing another wedding sceen, but after three in 'A New Athosian Leader', the thought nearly made me puke. I hope you enjoyed it anyway.

Devine

FYI: By the end of this story Teyla is 7 months pregnant and Elizabeth is 5 & 1/2.