A/N: Thank you so much to bailey1ak for all your help and encouragement.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Stargate Atlantis or it's wonderful characters.
Spoilers: Reunion season 4
I appreciate your reviews. Any type of criticism is helpful. Enjoy!
Chapter 9
Ronon and Major Lorne arrived at the gym early to meet Colonel Sheppard for some warm up sparring before the demonstration. With the Daedalus's early morning docking on the east pier, new recruits had been arriving on base all morning. Colonel Sheppard had just greeted the last batch to beam in and was making his way to the gym. A training demonstration was scheduled for 1300 hours so the men had an hour to kill.
Major Lorne was just starting through some warm up exercises when his radio came to life.
"Major Lorne this is Colonel Caldwell."
"This is Major Lorne," Evan answered wondering why the Colonel would be hailing him and not Sheppard.
"Major, you're needed on the east pier as soon as possible," Caldwell instructed.
"Colonel, are you requesting my team as well?" Lorne was a bit curious about the odd request.
"No, Major, just yourself. Caldwell out." The connection went dead leaving Lorne a bit baffled.
"Sorry, Ronon, I'm needed on the east pier. Gotta go." Lorne hurriedly put his boots back on and straightened his uniform as he quickly left the gym.
Colonel Sheppard arrived just as Major Lorne was stepping into the transporter. He wondered what was up that had the Major moving double time.
"Hey Big Guy, what's with Lorne? I thought he was going to warm up with us?" Sheppard asked Ronon as he entered the gym.
"Got a call from Caldwell. Isn't your radio on?" Ronon asked knowing he should've heard the call.
Sheppard fiddled with his earpiece for a few seconds frowning, "It is now. So, what's up?"
"Caldwell wants him out on the east pier," Ronon relayed the message.
"That's odd. Come on … let's go spy on him," Sheppard said wanting to know why he wasn't contacted first.
Sheppard and Ronon took the transporter to the closest corridor and stepped out on the balcony overlooking the east pier. They could just make out a woman and child out at the end of the pier walking toward the city with Major Lorne just starting out toward them.
"There's something you don't see too often," Sheppard noted as he nodded toward the visitors.
"Maybe it's someone Lorne knows," Ronon grunted.
Lorne stepped outside wondering why Caldwell needed him out here. He could see someone out at the end of the pier and assumed this might have been why he was summoned. Walking toward the woman and child he started to feel a familiarity about them and increased his stride.
As Evan drew near, the little girl broke free of her mother's hand and began running toward the Major.
"Uncle Evan, Uncle Evan," Lilly cried as she ran. As Evan reached the little girl he bent down and scooped her up into his arms. "Hey pumpkin, I've missed you!" he kissed her on the cheek and tussled her hair. "How'd you get here?"
"Mommy brought me on the big ship," Lilly said pointing to the Daedalus.
Evan carried Lilly on his hip as he quickly moved to meet Jennifer. As they drew closer, Evan set Lilly down and turned to pull Jennifer into a huge bear hug. He held her tight and finally kissed her cheek as he released his hold.
"I can't believe you're here!" Evan exclaimed as he took her hand and looked her up and down. She looked good, but different with a shorter, more styled haircut and a healthier look about her. Being a mother was definitely agreeing with her. "Both of you are such a sight for sore eyes."
Evan couldn't stop beaming and reached for her again. He put his arms around her and swung her around as Jennifer laughed and cried at the same time. She held on to Evan for dear life letting him soothe away the nervousness. All the while Lilly clung to his leg.
"Wonder who she is … do you think that's his kid?" Sheppard wondered out loud.
"Who cares? We need to warm up," Ronon grumbled as he turned heading toward the transporter.
"Huh, I didn't even know Lorne was seeing anyone." Sheppard said to himself as he slowly turned to follow Ronon, "although it does explain why he spends every moment of leave on Earth."
"Okay now, seriously, what are you and Lilly doing here?" Evan asked as he released Jennifer.
"You're going to have to put up with us on a daily basis," Jen said smiling. "I'm your new CMO." Jennifer watched Evan, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Excellent!" Evan said beaming. "This is the best news I've heard in years."
"I hope others will be as excited," Jennifer replied frowning. "I don't want to make things hard on Ronon."
"He hasn't smiled since you left, maybe this will be a good thing for him too," Evan said hopefully.
"Please don't say anything to the others. I'd like to tell them myself," Jennifer asked sighing.
"Not a problem. But don't wait too long, you know how fast gossip travels on base." Lorne reminded her smiling. " Come on, I'll show you ladies to your room. That is if you know which room you've been assigned," Evan added smiling.
"Actually, I'm in my old room," Jennifer said laughing.
"That'll be easy to find. Follow me." Evan grinned picking up Jennifer's small bags she carried with her from the Daedalus. Lorne picked up Lilly in his free arm and the three of them continued down the pier toward the doors to the city.
Jennifer sat on her bed watching her daughter explore every nook and cranny in their quarters. Lilly was so excited she couldn't stop talking. It was good to see her so happy. Jennifer worried she wouldn't adjust to all the changes but the little girl was adapting very well.
As Lilly started unloading all the things in her daypack, Jen sat questioning herself about the choices she'd made the past few weeks. She worried coming back to Atlantis was a huge mistake. But this had always been her home from the moment she first stepped foot in the city and the past 3 ½ years on Earth hadn't changed how she felt. She was finally home.
Jennifer needed to find Ronon and talk to him as soon as she checked in with Mr. Woolsey. In a perfect world he'd be happy to see her. But this was the Pegasus Galaxy and things never seemed to work out like you imagined they would.
"Hey, why the sad face?" Evan asked concerned as he entered Jennifer's room.
"What if Ronon doesn't want us living on base near him? The last thing I want to do is make him unhappy," Jennifer explained her worries as the tears began to fall.
"Come here," Evan said as he pulled her into his arms. "It's going to be okay, you'll see. I really believe he'll be happy to see you."
"I wish I felt as confident as you sound!" Jennifer laughed through the tears. "I don't want Lilly to get hurt. If he doesn't want her I think it'll break my heart all over again," Jennifer confessed.
"He will love her completely … just like he loves you," Evan assured her. "You know, in all this time he's never even talked to another woman except Teyla. I'm not saying the women here on base haven't tried to console his troubled heart – there have been plenty who've tried – he still loves you Jennifer."
"Yet that's not always enough. He gave me up once, I'm not so sure he won't do it again," Jennifer replied expressing her fears.
"One day at a time, sweetheart, one day at a time," Evan encouraged. "Now, what do you say we go get something to eat? If I'm not mistaken, you girls missed lunch altogether." Evan knew they'd been snacking while they settled in but wanted to be sure they got a decent meal before the night was over.
"Sounds good. Would you mind taking Lilly to the mess hall and I'll join you as soon as I check in with Mr. Woolsey?"
"Sure thing, always like to show off my girls," Evan agreed grinning.
"Lilly, it's time to go get some dinner." Jennifer called her daughter away from playing with her toys they'd unpacked. "I'm going to have you go with Uncle Evan and I'll meet you there."
"Can I bring my picture book? Will there be blue Jell-o like Colonel Sam's?" Lilly asked as she twirled around in circles.
"Yes, you can take your picture book and Uncle Evan will see if there's any Jell-o," Jennifer said as she put Lilly's shoes on.
The threesome walked down the corridor together getting more than a few odd looks. Jennifer didn't recognize any of the people they passed. She was grateful she didn't have to answer any questions but poor Evan was sure to have a lot of explaining to do especially with Lilly in his arms. As they neared the mess hall Jennifer left heading toward Mr. Woolsey's office.
Lilly and Evan entered the mess hall and quickly loaded up a couple of trays. Evan scanned the room, finding Sheppard's team they headed over to the table.
"Hey Evan, who's your friend?" Sheppard asked.
"This is Lilly," Evan said grinning at everyone.
"Well, it's good to meet you, Lilly," Sheppard greeted smiling.
"I know you, you're Mr. John," Lilly said. "You're in my picture book.
Evan couldn't help but smile at the child. She was really advanced for her age socially probably because she spent most of her time with adults.
"I see you found the Jell-o." Sheppard continued their conversation enjoying the little girl. He was also trying to figure out if this was Lorne's kid.
"It's Colonel Sam's favorite. She always gives me her Jell-o." Lilly continued to talk as she worked on her dinner.
Teyla entered the mess hall and spotted the team sitting around their usual table. She loaded up a tray and joined them.
"Good evening," Teyla greeted everyone as she sat next to Lorne.
"Teyla, this is Lilly."
"Hello Lilly," Teyla said smiling at the child.
"You're in my picture book too," Lilly beamed.
"So what's your picture book?" Ronon asked frowning as he leaned back in his chair balancing on the back two legs.
"Mommy says I have to eat my food first," Lilly replied looking at Ronon for a long time. "You look like my daddy," Lilly said concentrating on Ronon's face.
Ronon raised his eyebrows looking at Evan and shrugged. He couldn't see the resemblance to Evan's looks at all. But then she was just a little girl and who knew what was going on in her mind. But one thing was for certain … he didn't think he looked like Lorne!
John was starting to get a bit curious about this picture book, "Now that you're done eating why don't you show me your picture book?"
"Okay," Lilly answered as she moved over to stand next to Sheppard.
Lilly handed her little picture album to John and proceeded to crawl onto his lap. As Sheppard turned the pages Lilly began identifying all the pictures.
"That's my grandpa, he's in heaven," Lilly sighed pointing to the picture.
Sheppard turned the page and pointed to a picture of Lorne holding a baby grinning from ear to ear. "Who's that?" John asked as he pointed to the baby.
"That's me!" Lilly smiled clapping her hands. Sheppard looked across the table at Lorne and smirked raising an eyebrow in approval.
Turning the page she continued, "This is my Auntie Sam and that's Uncle Daniel."
Sheppard turned he next page pointing to himself he asked, "Who's this?"
"That's you silly!" Lilly giggled. "And that's Teya," Lilly added pointing to Teyla. "Auntie Laura … Auntie Marie." Lilly continued to label the pictures as she turned the pages.
John was a bit confused seeing Marie's picture. It seemed odd for Evan's kid to have a picture of her. Sheppard didn't think Lorne was that good of friends with the nurse.
Turning the page, Lilly continued to label the pictures. "Auntie Katie … I don't 'member his name," Lilly said scrunching her face as she pointed to Rodney's picture. "Auntie Carolyn, she's my favorite," Lilly said with a big grin pointing to the next picture.
Jennifer arrived at the dining room having finished her talk with Mr. Woolsey. She paused just inside the doors and scanned the room looking for Evan and Lilly. She quickly found the team seated around their corner table with Lilly sitting in John's lap. Then she locked eyes with Ronon. The world stopped for just a few moments as her breath caught and her eyes started to fill with tears. "This is going to be harder than I thought," she said to herself. Fear began to take over and she had to fight the urge to run.
Jennifer was paralyzed to do anything but stand in the entrance to the mess hall staring at Ronon. She never noticed the people who had to move around her as they entered or left the dining room. Ronon had her full attention.
Ronon abruptly sat up, the front legs of his chair hitting hard on the tile floor looking toward the mess hall doors. He instantly stood up walking the short distance to Jennifer hoping she wasn't a mirage.
"There's my Mommy," Lilly pointed as she climbed down from Sheppard's lap.
"Lilly wait," Evan commanded gently. "Show Colonel Sheppard the rest of your pictures while Mommy gets some food," Evan told her giving Jennifer some time with Ronon.
John glanced over to the door looking confused as he saw Jennifer standing there starring toward Ronon's advancing body. Everyone at the table was totally shocked to see her standing in the mess hall back on Atlantis.
"Well, I didn't see that coming," he chuckled to himself as he looked from Evan to Jennifer and back to Lilly. Wow, this is Jennifer and Lorne's daughter, he thought to himself shocked.
Lilly started to squirm in John's lap so he turned the page asking her to finish showing him her pictures.
"Is this handsome gent your daddy?" John teased as he pointed to Evan's picture.
"No, you're funny," Lilly laughed at John as he tickled her. "This is Uncle Evan," she said giggling. Pointing to the picture on the facing page she said, "This is my daddy. He looks like him," Lilly whispered to John as she pointed toward Ronon's back. John made eye contact with his 2IC frowning in confusion.
"Major?" Sheppard asked raising his eyebrows.
"Yes sir, I'm sure Jennifer will be happy to explain." Evan was thankful to dodge that bullet.
Rodney set his tray on the table having just arrived before Jennifer's entrance.
"Hello," Rodney said as he looked at Lilly.
"Where'd the kid come from?" McKay asked looking at Sheppard.
"Rodney, do not be rude," Teyla chastened.
"You're in my picture book," Lilly said as she turned to look at Rodney.
"I am? So what's your name?" Rodney asked barely paying any attention to the little girl.
"Lilly Grace," Lilly proudly replied. Before they left for Atlantis Jennifer had worked with her daughter until she could recite her full name in case they ever got separated.
"That's a nice name. Is that your full name?" Rodney asked trying to be polite so Teyla would stop scowling at him.
"No silly," Lilly giggled. Slowly Lilly recited her full name trying to say it just the way Mommy taught her. "Its Lilly Grace Keller Dex." Lilly beamed but quickly noticed that everyone got real quiet. The little girl feared she'd said it wrong and Evan could see the tears beginning to form.
"Come here, Lilly," Evan said softly.
The little girl climbed up in his lap as the first tear fell. "Did I say it wrong?" she asked.
"No sweetheart, you did a real good job. It was perfect." Evan wrapped his arms around her knowing this precious little girl would be accepted once the shock wore off.
Jennifer watched Ronon cross the room and stop just a couple of feet from her. She couldn't tell what he was thinking and that scared her. "What if he doesn't want us?" she silently asked over and over. Jennifer closed the gap between them. She couldn't help herself as she slowly raised her hand gently touching his face. Just to touch him again was more than she'd ever hoped for. Jennifer couldn't take her hand away but kept stroking the side of his face as her tears began to fall … again!
Every eye in the mess hall was focused on the intimate scene playing out in front of them. No one spoke. It was such a private moment yet no one could look away. Ronon always received looks no matter where he went on Atlantis but this was different. Most witnesses had no idea who the mystery woman was, yet she had Ronon's full attention.
Ronon reached down and pulled Jennifer into his arms burying his face in her hair as he held her tightly. He felt so much emotion in his body; he didn't trust himself to speak. He could feel Jennifer's sobs as her tears drenched his shirt. They held each other for a long time while the dining room collectively held their breath.
Finally, Ronon pulled back wiping her tears with his hands then leaned down to kiss her properly. The mess hall erupted in cheers as the two lost themselves in the kiss.
Lilly looked up at Evan's face waiting for permission. Finally, he looked down at Lilly and nodded as he released his hold. Lilly slid off his lap and flew across the room to Jennifer.
Jennifer squatted down and took her daughter into her arms.
"Why all the tears, Pumpkin?" Jennifer asked as she rubbed her back.
"They don't like my name." Lilly said quietly.
Squatting down on Lilly's level Ronon tried to comfort her. " I like your name little one," Ronon said stroking her hair. "My name is Ronon," he added hoping to distract her.
"No its not. Your name is Daddy … you're in my picture book," Lilly declared.
Ronon whipped his head around looking at Jennifer for confirmation.
"This isn't how I envisioned telling you," she smirked rolling her eyes.
Ronon reached out taking Lilly into his arms and swung her around laughing for the first time since Jennifer left. He reached out and pulled Jennifer in next to him feeling pure joy fill his heart.
"Why don't they like your name?" Ronon asked Lilly as he nestled her into his side.
"It's too long?" she softly whispered as the tears threatened to return.
"Tell me," Ronon said giving her his full attention.
Lilly looked to her mother for reassurance. Jennifer smiled urging her to answer. "Lilly Grace Keller Dex. Did I say it right, Mommy?"
"Yes, Pumpkin, it was perfect," Jennifer smiled feeling the tears threatening again.
"That's a perfect name," Ronon answered with a voice filled with emotion.
"Let's tell Uncle Evan we found Daddy?" Lilly asked smiling at her parents.
They walked over to the table where everyone took turns hugging Jennifer and watching the transformation in Ronon as he held his daughter protectively. The friends spent a long time in the mess hall visiting and sharing stories while Lilly slept on her Daddy's lap.
It was getting late by the time the reunion broke up. Ronon leaned over and asked Lorne if he could watch Lilly for a bit while he took Jennifer for a walk.
Ronon had just tucked Lilly in bed when Evan showed up at the door.
"Ronon, Evan is here to watch Lilly?" Jennifer asked unaware of his plan.
"I wanted to take you for a walk," Ronon explained hoping she wouldn't refuse.
"Okay, let me get my sweater."
"Thanks Lorne, we shouldn't be long and Lilly is already asleep," Ronon instructed.
"No problem. It's been too long since I've had Uncle duty so take your time." Evan smiled seeing his friends together again.
Ronon walked Jennifer to the transporter and then out to the balcony off the east pier. Jennifer spent a lot of time out here when she was here before. He thought of it as a fitting place to finish what he started over four years ago.
They walked to the railing to look at the moon reflecting off the water but Ronon couldn't wait any longer. He turned and pulled Jennifer into his arms running his hands through her hair. He leaned down finding her lips in the moonlight wanting to make up for lost time. Ronon tried to go slow but his body wouldn't cooperate and the two exchanged passionate kisses for several minutes before coming up for air. Jennifer wrapped her arms around his waist; laying her head on his chest, she listened to Ronon's heartbeat feeling content and at peace.
Jennifer felt Ronon reach behind his back pulling his knife from its sheath inside his waistband. She tensed slightly at his actions. "Why would he pull his knife," she worried. She pulled her head up slightly scanning the balcony for any sign of danger.
"Hold still," Ronon softly whispered. He reached under her hair finding the cord that held her ring. With one quick movement, he severed the cord with his knife and reaching beneath the top edge of her shirt he pulled the necklace into his hand.
"I am so sorry." Ronon was full of emotion as he looked into Jennifer's eyes. "I should've done this a long time ago."
Jennifer froze at his words. Her eyes started to well with tears fearing the worse. The last time they spoke, so long ago, he'd wanted to break their bond but Jennifer refused. She reached to her chest, to the empty place where her necklace had laid for four years.
"Ronon, please don't … ," Jennifer softly cried but Ronon placed his finger across her lips to stop her from talking.
"I'm so sorry I pushed you away. I promise I'll never leave you or Lilly again," Ronon declared as he pulled the ring off the braided cord. Reaching for Jennifer's hand, Ronon slipped the ring on her finger sealing the pledge, claiming Jennifer as his own.
Jennifer was so overwhelmed she couldn't find words to express her love. She buried her head in Ronon's chest sobbing with relief and joy. Ronon held her close until the tears stopped.
She finally pulled away enough to look up into Ronon's face. "You are the love of my life and I will never leave you again," Jennifer promised as she rose on tiptoes to kiss her husband.
"Let's go home. We have a lot to catch up on," Ronon said with a mischievous grin.
The End
Hope you all enjoyed the story. Thank you to everyone who reviewed -- I appreciate all your comments and encouragement -- it's all very helpful.