Disclaimer: MGM owns SGA; KOI does NOT.

Beta: DaniWilder reviewed an early partial draft. Misteaks are mine.

Note 1: "Tag to Second Choices" by DestinyBrighthope (Rated M) takes place between chapters 4 and 5.

Note 2: Bonus chapter has become bonus chapters. I should be able to wrap this up in two or three just in time for DW's birthday once more. See, I planned it this way.

Stargate: Atlantis

Second Choices

by koinekid

PART II

Chapter 5

Jeannie Miller refused to budge, her compact frame blocking her brother's access to the changing room. "No, it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony."

Rodney frowned at her. "You know, that joke never gets old."

"That joke is what you get for not inviting me last time." She crossed her arms over her chest, daring him to challenge the point.

Naturally, he did. "It was short notice, and you're here now. As matron of honor no less."

"That's not the point, Mer."

A heavy sigh from the aforementioned bride drew their attention. "Guys, it's sort of my wedding day. Could you try to behave?"

The siblings looked contrite, or as contrite as possible for a current and former McKay.

"Sorry, Jennifer," Rodney said. His sister grudgingly echoed the sentiment.

"That's better." Jennifer managed a shaky smile. "Now, Jeannie, will you give us a minute?"

Jeannie shot her brother an irritated glare but left without a fuss. As the door clicked shut behind her, Rodney grumbled, "I never should have told her about you-know-what."

"If you hadn't, I would have," Jennifer replied. "Don't forget she's my sister too."

"Yeah?" He snorted. "What's next, are we going to tell your dad?"

Jennifer was appalled. "Absolutely not. He'd be heartbroken if he knew."

Rodney raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, hey, hey, don't worry. I'm only teasing. I wouldn't do anything to ruin today."

He walked over and gently gripped her waist, careful not to wrinkle her dress. "I've never seen you in white, Jennifer. The color suits you."

She blushed, murmuring, "I thought you preferred me in black."

He chuckled. "Only sometimes."

He leaned down to kiss her, and Jennifer parted her lips automatically before coming to her senses and turning away. "You'll smudge my lipstick," she warned.

The gleam in his eye told her he didn't care.

"Your sister would kill you, Rodney. She takes her matron of honor duties very seriously."

"No kidding. I'd have had an easier time getting past a battalion of marines."

"Be nice to Jeannie. I'd be pulling out my hair if it weren't for her."

"Is it that bad?" Rodney said. "Last time seemed like a walk in the park."

"We didn't have to deal with caterers and florists then. Teyla's people took care of everything."

"And today Jeannie is taking care of it. Right?" Rodney looked at Jennifer expectantly.

She nodded. "Yeah, but I feel bad for her."

"Don't. She's a mom. She lives for this sort of thing. Heck, she'll probably write us a thank-you note when this is all over."

"Rodney, that's terrible."

He grinned. "Jennifer, all you have to do today is walk down the aisle and say I do. That is, if you still want to."

"Wipe that smirk off your face, McKay." She reached out and felt for the pendant she knew to be hidden beneath his shirt and tie. An identical pendant was plainly visible above the neckline of her gown. "You and I both know it's too late for cold feet."

"Only by a year." Tempting the wrath of his sister, he pressed a feather-light kiss to Jennifer's painted lips. "Happy Anniversary, Mrs. McKay. Now, let's go get married."

One Year Earlier

Jennifer Keller felt deliciously naughty. Imagine, wearing blue jeans in a puddle jumper.

Off-world gear would have been more practical, but the shapeless uniform pants weren't sexy enough to match her mood. Jennifer was no vamp, but Rodney's proposal had sparked an almost irrational need to prove to the man how hot a lady he'd landed. Denim stretched taut against her curves just might do the trick.

Her choice in clothing wasn't the only reason to feel naughty. A flush crept into Jennifer's cheeks as her eyes drifted across the cockpit to her fiancé. The air filtration system was already removing the evidence of their misbehavior from the cabin, even sanitizing the blanket they used if Rodney were to be believed. By the time they landed, it would be as if it never happened.

A smile curved her lips. As long as they weren't caught, she could get used to being bad.

Speaking of not getting caught, "I wish you'd brought along a mirror. I must look a mess."

Rodney spared her a glance. "There's one in the gym bag. Side pocket."

That he failed to allay her concern as much as confirmed it. What did she expect from an afternoon of frantic lovemaking in the Pegasus equivalent of the backseat of a car—perfect hair and makeup? Maybe on a movie set.

In real life, sex was sweaty business, and you seldom looked (or smelled) your best afterward. A shower would have been nice, a warm soak better. But Rodney insisted on taking the jumper off world without delay.

He'd planned the trip from the start, not only securing prior clearance from the base commander, but also arranging to have Jennifer's shifts covered for the next few days. And he'd stowed several outfits for both of them in the cockpit, plus a gym bag full of toiletries, undergarments, and—it turned out—a mirror that she'd previously overlooked.

She took one glance and…wow. Good thing he'd brought along her makeup kit.

Uncapping her mascara, she asked, "Where are we going?"

She didn't expect an answer. Apart from asking her opinion on long engagements, he'd been infuriatingly tight-lipped.

"You'll find out soon," he said, true to form.

Grumbling, she went back to fixing her face. By the time she judged herself presentable, Rodney was bringing the jumper in for a smooth landing.

"Well?" she said.

"You look good."

"Not that. Where are we?" Through the windshield Jennifer could see an autumnal forest but nothing to definitively tell her which planet they were on.

"I told you, soon." He gathered up their luggage and exited the cockpit.

Jennifer scrambled to catch up. "Is the whole marriage going to be like this?"

"Like what?"

"You walking out of the room when we're talking?"

"When you try to ruin your surprises, yes."

"I'm a scientist, Rodney, a challenger of the unknown. It's my job to ask questions."

He looked thoughtful. "Is that a DC Comics reference?"

"What?"

"Challengers of the—never mind. Not important." He tapped his radio. "McKay to You-know-who. Is everything ready? How long? Perfect, we'll be right there."

Setting down the luggage, he retrieved a sidearm and holster from the cargo. He chambered a round, then secured the safety.

"Expecting trouble?" Jennifer wondered if she should arm herself as well.

"Nah. It's standard precaution when protecting so rare a jewel."

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Jennifer grimaced. "You're right. We wouldn't want to lose Grammy's diamond twice in one day."

Rodney chuckled warmly. "Jennifer, I wasn't referring to the ring." He slung the duffel across his shoulder and gathered up their garment bags. "Shall we?"

Beaming from ear to ear, she joined him at the hatch.

To be continued

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