.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
.
"You were correct, John," Teyla told her husband as they stood on the rocks on the top of Cadillac Mountain overlooking the west side of the island. "This is indeed more beautiful than the sunrise. The colors are quite stunning in their intensity and vibrance."
John gazed at the reds, oranges and purples that swirled across the sky and gave a deep sigh. There was no denying its beauty. But he knew the true beauty of the moment was the people he was sharing it with. Teyla stood beside him, her hand resting on his arm while TJ was sitting on his shoulders, his body leaning heavily against John's head.
John knew the boy was tired. It had been a long, busy day filled with a huge dose of fresh air, sunshine and ocean water. After a late morning snack they had donned swim suits instead of their shorts and Teyla had thrown a silky scarf-like cover up around her hips. They had taken a walk along the shore and waded in the water as they went.
TJ had wanted to go in further so John had carried him in until the waves crashed around them and pushed them back to shore. John had showed Torren how to body surf and told him they'd buy him a little boogie board so he could ride the waves back in without hurting himself on the rocks. Unfortunately the waves here weren't quite big enough to actually surf. They'd have to go to the cottage in Hawaii for that.
After playing in the water for a while and the long walk, Torren had been dragging by the time they ate a late lunch. John pulled him into the shower with him to rinse off the salt water then tucked him into his bed with his blanket and stuffed giraffe. Then he'd grabbed Teyla and they had tucked themselves into the cushioned wicker love seat on the balcony off the master bedroom.
John flushed a bit and looked at Teyla standing so tranquil and gorgeous beside him. He still didn't know what he had ever done to deserve her. But he so enjoyed that he had her. And he had definitely enjoyed her quite a bit out on that balcony.
She had put her sundress back on but when John's hands had started roaming over her ever increasing curves, he had discovered she had neglected to put her panties on. His hands hadn't been able to control themselves once they realized and then his mouth got in the act. Soon she had been sitting astride him and his shorts had been down around his ankles. They were just lucky that TJ had taken a nice long nap.
But it was now many hours later and he was tired again. God bless the invigorating ocean air and all the running around they had done after his nap. He figured the child might even fall asleep on the drive back to the cottage.
They really weren't that far but just driving down the mountain itself took about fifteen minutes and then it was another seven or eight to the cottage. That amount of car movement alone could possibly do it.
He took one last look at the deeply colored sky growing darker and knew they needed to get moving. The road up here closed an hour after sunset and it had gone down almost ten minutes ago.
He lifted TJ off his shoulders and started walking back to the rental car. "Time to head back, Pal, it's gonna be dark soon."
"What we do now, Daddy?" Torren asked trying to put a little energy into his voice though John could tell there was very little left. Sometimes TJ just liked to see how long he could last until he simply passed out.
John tucked him into his car seat as Teyla climbed in the passenger seat. "We'll head back to the cottage and just relax for a bit. It's almost time for bed."
"But it vatation, Daddy. We tan stay up late, wight?"
John slid into the driver's seat and responded, "Sure, Pal, we can stay up as late as you want."
John started the car and began the journey down the winding mountain road. Torren seemed excited and informed his mother, "Mama, we tan stay up late, Daddy said."
Teyla chuckled and John risked a glance in her direction and saw that her eyes were sparkling with amusement. She twisted slightly in her seat and replied, "Yes, perhaps you and Daddy can stay up late. But I am afraid myself and the baby will need to go to sleep at some point. It has been a very long and busy day."
John slipped his hand into Teyla's but kept his eyes on the road. "I'm sorry, Teyla, I didn't realize I was tiring you out with what we did."
Teyla squeezed his hand. "No, John, I enjoyed today's activities very much and they were quite refreshing. I believe I am still adapting to the new time and attempting to recover from all the traveling we did yesterday. I would like to do more physical activity as I think it will revitalize me with energy. Tonight though, I think I will not stay up late with you men."
John heard the teasing in her voice and kept his chuckle inside. Let TJ think he could stay up all night. They both knew that even if he managed to make it back to the cottage still awake, he wouldn't last much past a few of John's stories. He could already hear the sound of TJ sucking away on his thumb and he knew that was a sure sign the boy was tired.
Torren did make it back to the cottage awake but barely. John hoisted him in his arms and sank onto the comfortable sofa in the middle of the big living room that comprised most of the bottom floor. He grabbed a few picture books and asked, "Which ones tonight?"
TJ didn't even take his thumb out, he just pointed. Teyla used the bathroom, something she was doing a lot more these days John noticed, then joined them. She loved watching them in their nightly bedtime routine and he loved the family atmosphere it created having her there.
John read one story then had TJ use the bathroom and brush his teeth knowing he could go out at any time. And sure enough John had barely started the third book when he felt the weight against his chest that indicated the boy had finally crashed.
John finished the story allowing him time to truly get into a deep sleep then remained sitting with Torren in his lap and Teyla leaning against his arm. Mrs. Brewer had talked about John and his adventurous lifestyle and he knew he did crave action and adventure. But there were times like this when he wondered if there wasn't something to be said about being a family man.
He mentioned that to Teyla and she looked at him strangely. "You are a family man, John. You are married and have a wonderful son and a daughter on the way and you provide so much love and warmth for us. One is not exclusive of the other. You have found a way to blend these two together and it has worked quite nicely for the last year."
John blinked when he realized it had been just about a year since he had returned to Atlantis after his injury and time away. And that was when he and Teyla had begun living together and he had been available to both she and Torren on a much more permanent basis. Sometimes it seemed like yesterday and sometimes it seemed like he had been with them forever.
"I guess I'm just really liking this time when I don't have to worry about anything big. Even when we have a day off, there's always someone who needs me for something or something I need to be thinking about and worrying about in the city. Here I have no worries at all. Rodney's too far away to bother me. Ronon can't just drop in unexpected. Woolsey can't get me on the radio. The Wraith are in another galaxy and I'm much too far away to have the city humming in my brain that some system is slightly out of alignment. I can completely relax and I'm finding I like it."
Teyla looked curiously at her husband. "Can you truly feel when there is a system out of alignment in the city?"
John rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Not always. But sometimes I can tell if something is off. I'm not so tuned in that I can figure out what it is though."
Teyla leaned against John's arm again and offered, "I know you are very relaxed right now and I am pleased for that. You have been working very hard for some time now. It seems that since you returned from your injury you have felt the need to prove yourself to everyone. Without that pressure that you imposed on yourself, you are feeling less stress. But I know you, John Sheppard. You may enjoy this for a few weeks or even a month but I do believe you would need some further stimulation at some point to truly be content."
John smiled and admitted, "I guess you're right, Teyla but then I should know by now that you are always right."
"And do not forget that," Teyla warned though he knew she was kidding.
"Actually, John," Teyla sat up a bit straighter and continued, "perhaps now is a good time to explore if you could perhaps begin to sense my feelings as well. I have the ability to tap into yours and Torren's and Torren has begun to sense my feelings and the baby's."
"But I don't have any Wraith DNA in me and that's what connects you guys, right?"
"But I can connect to the DNA protein marker left in you by the Iratus bug retrovirus and if you learn how, perhaps to could do this as well." Teyla gazed at him and wondered if he would be willing to try.
John looked at her skeptically. "How do you think I could do that?"
"You would need to start with concentration and meditation," Teyla recommended.
John looked down at the child still asleep in his lap and suggested, "Why don't I put him up in his bed and then we can try to do this with a little less distraction."
John took only a few minutes to settle Torren in bed and then sat next to Teyla who had crossed her legs up on the couch. "Do I have to sit like that too?"
"Sit so you are comfortable, John," Teyla said. "Then close your eyes and simply breathe in and out until you feel very relaxed."
John did as asked and knew he did feel a lot more relaxed than usual but it probably had more to do with the location and Teyla by his side than his breathing method.
Teyla sat beside him and he could hear her breaths going in and out in rhythm and he tried to follow along. He had done a ton of this when he had been stuck behind the time dilation field but he had never really enjoyed it or seen any reason for it. But if he could really feel what Teyla was feeling and especially sense even a tiny bit of his child that was growing inside her, that would be a good reason to do it.
When Teyla sensed that he was very relaxed and willing to try, she began speaking softly. "Now try to focus on me. Think about me and how you feel about me."
Teyla did the same and immediately felt desire course through her with John's thoughts. She gave a tiny chuckle and a reproof. "No, John, try to think of your emotions not your passion. Concentrate on the love you feel for me. Picture me in your mind and stay focused on that."
John did as asked and felt the warmth and intense love he had for Teyla fill him up. He kept his focus on thinking about Teyla and how he felt for her. This wasn't something he went around saying all that often; and then only ever to Teyla. But as he kept his breathing even and pictured Teyla in his mind he felt something else. He wasn't sure what it was but it was almost like what he felt when the city was humming in his veins; but it wasn't a hum, it was a whisper.
He was really intrigued by it and concentrated harder on getting closer to it and being able to hear it. And after a while he could. It was still a whisper but it was the whisper of an emotion and he could tell it wasn't his. This emotion was a bit doubtful that he could connect but it was also determined to help him. The sensation was still weak but the more he thought about Teyla, the stronger it settled inside him.
"You don't think I can do this," John accused softly keeping his eyes closed and focused on the woman at his side.
"I am willing to explore the possibility, John and assist you in any way I can."
John grinned. He could now feel that Teyla was a bit upset with herself for showing any doubt. She thought he had just guessed that feeling. "No, I can sense that you have doubts. But I can also sense that you hate seeing me so upset when both you and Torren connect with the baby and that's why you want to help. You don't like seeing me upset. That's sweet, Teyla."
John continued to focus on Teyla and now felt extreme surprise and pleasure and he noticed her breathing had stopped its rhythm. He opened his eyes and saw her staring at him in amazement. But when he opened his eyes, the connection he had with her was lost. He guessed he wasn't as good as Teyla with the whole sensing thing. Yet.
"You sensed my emotions and feelings? Truly?" Teyla asked awed.
John gave a crooked smile and answered, "Yeah, briefly. They're gone now that I've opened my eyes but I did feel them. It was like a tiny breeze in the back of my mind whispering to me. Is that how it feels to you?"
Teyla nodded slowly. "That is how it was when you were first infected and I began to sense your feelings. But once I realized what was happening I attempted to keep my mind closed to you as I did not think it proper to invade your thoughts and feelings without your permission. Since we have been together it has grown much stronger."
John reached for Teyla's hand and said, "Can we try it again? Is that okay or do you not want me inside your head?"
The smile Teyla gave him let him know that answer very plainly. "I am pleased you were able to find the connection between us. And perhaps in time you will also be able to sense me with very little effort. Let us try again."
They both closed their eyes and John concentrated deeply on his wife sitting next to him. It took a few minutes but again he felt the whisper and moved toward it, slowly but steadily. When he got there, he sucked in a deep breath. He could feel exactly what Teyla was feeling and he had no problems whatsoever with letting her know that he felt the same.
He opened his eyes and stood up, holding out his hand for her. He pulled her in close and pressed his lips to hers in a gentle caress. "Why don't we shut off these lights and lock up and then maybe we can go upstairs and I can try and read your mind as to exactly what you want me to do."
Teyla stood up and assisted in closing up for the night. As they walked upstairs, she shivered a bit wondering just how special this would be with John in her mind as much as she was in his.
.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
.
The familiar sensation of Teyla's bottom tucked snuggly into his lap and her legs intertwined with his was present as John opened his eyes on the new day. The sun's rays were just barely lighting up the sky and John remembered he was on vacation and there was no need for him to actually get up yet.
He did think about getting up and going for a run along the beach but when he remembered last night he decided he wanted to do something else this morning. And it wasn't what he normally wanted when he woke up early with Teyla snuggled against him.
He and Teyla had gotten in bed a little earlier than usual last night and he sucked in a deep breath when he thought about the passion they had shared. It had been nice to be able to hold her and not be interrupted in the middle of things and then actually fall asleep without having to get up and do his nightly check of the city. He hadn't been kidding when he said the city hummed to him. And he knew when he did his nightly check, she hummed even stronger and if all was well it was a very pleasant feeling.
But last night he had connected to Teyla in a similar way. After some deep meditation he had been able to sense Teyla's emotions. It hadn't lasted much after he had opened his eyes and the concentration was disrupted but he had been able to do it again a few times. Unfortunately he had been too distracted during sex to sense her but he didn't usually need to at that point as Teyla was hardly shy about voicing her desire and fulfillment. But he had thought he felt something as Teyla had shuddered her climax and it had helped to bring him to completion as well.
He lay here now wondering if he had just dreamed it or if he could truly sense her again and without Teyla being awake this time.
John closed his eyes and nuzzled his nose into Teyla's hair, inhaling her sweet scent. His hand rested on her hip and his fingers brushed back and forth lightly not wanting to wake her, yet needing the contact. He inhaled and exhaled in rhythm as Teyla had taught him and memories of Teer drifted through his mind and his time with her people. Amusement also floated past as he remembered Teyla's words yesterday that he would soon grow tired of being on vacation for too long. He knew it was true. His time behind the time dilation field had proved too much rest and relaxation wasn't his thing.
As he thought of Teyla and how much he loved her and how important she was in his life, the tiny whispers came back, wafting through the recesses of his mind. As he kept his concentration flowing in one direction the sensation of another's thoughts made itself clear. He could discern that Teyla was asleep, though he knew her dreams were peaceful ones.
The sensation of Teyla's mind was so pleasant that John wished to stay there for a while, hopefully strengthening the connection. He would love to be able to feel what she felt without going into the deep meditation that was involved now.
His hand moved of its own accord and caressed her swollen tummy that housed his baby girl. His own emotions swelled and grew at the thought of this child and it amazed him how much he loved this child who had not even been born yet. He was almost scared that these feelings would get so strong and be out of control when she finally came.
Another soft whisper pushed itself into his mind with waves of love and warmth and he opened one eye but saw that Teyla was still asleep. So where had it come from? When he felt a tiny kick from the skin under his hand, he froze.
It couldn't be the baby, could it? Connecting to Teyla was one thing but was this tickle inside him really his daughter? The movement occurred again and John closed his eyes and concentrated on both Teyla and the child she carried. After a few minutes of rhythmic breathing and thought, he felt the presence in his mind again. He sent waves of love and comfort back and again felt the movement under his hand.
The sweet emotion that returned washed over him like a surge from the ocean. It was love and contentment and appreciation and thanks. It was his daughter. He wasn't sure how he knew but he did. He felt it.
And it hit him like a ton of bricks, worse than Ronon sparring in a bad mood or a fleet of Hive ships. Intense couldn't even begin to describe it.
His breathing picked up and he continued to send waves of love to her and he could tell she was happy. Not only was she kicking up a storm and practically doing cartwheels inside Teyla, he could sense her joy.
Teyla began to stir and soon she was staring at John's face, concern etched on her precious features. It took a moment but she finally realized what had happened. She could sense it herself.
"John," she smiled softly and lifted her thumb to wipe the moisture that had slipped from the corner of his eye. "You have managed to make a connection."
John blinked a few times and nodded. He swallowed hard and gave a crooked smile. "Yeah."
He couldn't manage much more than that. Luckily Teyla could read his thoughts and knew what he was going through.
"She is pleased you have made the effort and feels your warmth and love quite strongly," Teyla told him.
But John's smile just grew in size and he replied, "I know. I can feel it, too. I knew it would be mind-blowing. It's almost a little overwhelming. Do you ever feel that way?"
"Occasionally," Teyla answered. "But I have learned how to control it and keep the extreme emotions from overtaking me. You will learn too."
John pulled Teyla right up against him and held her tight. "I'm not quite up to par with you yet, sweetie, I still need to concentrate a lot and once I'm distracted I lose the connection. But I can't even describe how it felt to feel my own child's thoughts and feelings."
John laughed at the absurdity of what he'd just said. "But you do this all the time so I don't really need to describe it to you."
Teyla pressed her lips to his and smiled. "But now you are able to do it also. And the more you connect the stronger it will eventually become."
"And you're sure you don't mind me just feeling what you feel," John checked even though she had said she didn't last night.
"As our time together grows longer and we become more familiar, I believe my feelings will come to you as easily as yours do to me. I have no secrets from you, John, so I have no reason to fear you sensing my emotions."
"And maybe," John smirked, "it'll help me to know when you're annoyed with me about something and give me a little heads up when you're in a bad mood."
Teyla chuckled. "Yes I suppose that would be helpful … or you could simply never do anything to annoy me."
John kissed her lips this time. "Didn't you know you married a complete screw-up, sweetie. Sometimes I just can't help the stupid things I do. I think it's part of being a guy."
Teyla placed her hand on the side of John's face and chastised, "You are far too hard on yourself, John. There is no other I would rather be with than you. You hold my heart and I know you will always do everything you can to protect it from intentional harm."
John sighed at the incredible woman he had married. "But it's the unintentional things I worry about, Teyla. Luckily I know you'll usually forgive me for those, right?"
Teyla just answered him with another kiss and John was more than happy to help her in this endeavor. As their lips moved over the others, they could feel the baby twisting inside happily. John still wasn't sure how he would deal with this new skill he had acquired but he was glad he had it.
When Teyla's hands began wandering over John's chest and heading south and John's hands had slipped inside her panties to knead her curvaceous rear, they heard another sound that stopped them cold.
"Mama, Daddy, why you always gotta tiss so much?"
John rolled away from Teyla and turned to see the big, brown eyes of Torren staring at them from the side of the bed. He was rubbing those eyes and stifling a yawn.
"Because we love each other and that's how we show it," John explained.
John then reached for him and hauled him onto the bed beside him then plunked him in between him and Teyla. He stuck his nose into TJ's neck and planted a few noisy wet kisses there.
"And I need to show you that I love you, too."
TJ giggled and squirmed at his Daddy's playfulness then Teyla managed to sneak a few kisses onto the boy's cheek as well. The gentle tussle was filled with laughter, teasing and plenty of love.
Once they had settled, TJ leaned over and gave his mother's belly a gentle rub. "Hey, baby," he attempted a whisper, "Just lettin' you know when you tum out, Mama and Daddy are gonna give you lots of tisses but it otay betause they just doin' it so you know they love you."
Torren then leaned closer and placed a soft kiss where his hand had been. Then he looked up at his parents and smiled.
"What we doin' today, Daddy?"
John laughed at the quick change in subject but pulled the boy in for a brief hug and said, "What, you don't want to just stay in bed and hug and kiss all day?"
At Torren's horrified look, John laughed even louder. He threw back the covers that hadn't already been pushed aside by the earlier scuffle and put his feet on the floor.
"Guess that's a no. Don't worry, TJ, we'll think of something."
.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
.
And they certainly did think of something to do. John actually had a whole list of things he wanted to do while here. Today wasn't quite as hot as yesterday and so he thought it would be a perfect time to go to Jordon Pond. After hanging out at the house for a few hours and relaxing in the yard they headed out.
They started by driving into Acadia National Park and getting a week long park pass to hang on the rearview mirror. As they drove along the one way road and enjoyed the sights ranging from ocean view to woods and mountains, John regaled Teyla and TJ with stories from when he and his family used to come here as kids.
John pointed out a few sights that he wanted to come back to later in the week and they finally passed the Jordan Pond House. He pulled down the tree lined street right after it and searched for a place to park. It was crowded as usual and it took more than a few minutes but John had rented a compact car for a reason.
They strolled down to the pond making sure TJ held his hand on the road until they got to the path around it.
"This was my Mom's favorite place in the world," John told Teyla as they gazed at the blue lake sparkling in the sunlight. "There's a walking path that goes all the way around the pond and it takes about an hour or so to do the walk. But the path is level and very easy. I figured both you and TJ won't have any problems."
Teyla narrowed her eyes at John's words but then saw his gaze lower to her middle. She looked down and acknowledged that perhaps she was not in top form for extreme hiking. She still did not like to admit that though, even to John, maybe especially to John. It was a good thing he could not read her thoughts except through deep meditation and concentration at this time.
John reached out a hand and took hers and they began walking.
"TJ," John called out as the boy scampered ahead of them. "Don't get too far in front of us. I need to be able to see you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Daddy," the boy said respectfully. "I don't go far." Then he turned around and galloped along the narrow but well worn path, looking in all directions at the scenery.
"How'd we get such a great kid?" John wondered out loud as he and Teyla strolled side by side near the shore.
Teyla squeezed his hand and answered, "We have taught him to be respectful and sensible. And we have shown him what our expectations are for him and we hold him accountable for those actions."
John smirked and gazed at his beautiful wife. "And here I thought it was just because he takes after you."
"But as a child I was not always obedient as he is," Teyla confided and her eyes twinkled at the memory.
"So this next one," John said as he patted her expanding belly, "may pick up a few of those traits, huh? I guess we'll have to be extra vigilant."
"Oh, most definitely," Teyla replied. "Especially as this child also carries your genes as well. And you still have not learned how to be obedient yet."
John dropped her hand and slid it over her shoulder to pull her closer. He moved his lips to her ear and whispered, "Oh, I don't know about that. I think I did everything you told me to do last night."
Teyla flushed a deep shade of red and leaned her head on John's arm. "Yes, you did, for which I was very grateful and completely satisfied."
John noticed there were a few other people coming up behind them and cleared his throat and dropped his hand from her shoulder to hold her hand again. He looked ahead where the little brown curls were bouncing on TJ's head as he jumped along the path. The boy was oblivious to anyone else around.
"TJ," John called out, "hold up there, Pal."
They allowed the other couple to pass them and John nodded at TJ to continue walking, or hopping as the case may be.
"You know when my family came here, Dave and I used to almost race around the pond so we could get to the end faster than our parents. We never ran because Mom would have had a fit and we knew we weren't supposed to annoy the other people walking around but we certainly didn't take the time to really appreciate the beauty of this place. Mom loved it so much and it was one of the only places that she could actually get my Dad to slow down. They used to hold hands and walk along the path; for the first part anyway. The second half has a board walk made from split logs and you can only go one person at a time on those. We'll have to make sure TJ doesn't move too fast when we get to that section."
"I can see why your mother would love this place. It is indeed beautiful and extremely peaceful and serene. And I also like that I have my husband holding my hand and walking along with me. We do not get a chance to walk around holding hands too often when we are on Atlantis."
"True," John acknowledged with a wry smile. "I guess I just always get nervous that it'll be seen as unprofessional. After what Armstrong did and the whole Court Martial fiasco, I really don't want to take any chances even though everyone in the city knows we're married."
John paused along the way and allowed another group of faster walkers to pass them. He leaned down and gave Teyla a chaste kiss. "I hope I show you enough when we're in our quarters that I care about you even if I don't do it in public."
Teyla reached her free hand up to caress the side of his face and responded, "Yes, John, you are very demonstrative and I am quite aware of your feelings. And don't forget that I can sense your emotions very easily now. There are times that we are in a meeting or just in the control room and you gaze at me and I know how much you love me without your saying a word. I do not need you to show me in public."
"It would be nice to do it occasionally though, wouldn't it?" John asked and stopped again this time to press his lips to hers. "Just like this. And see, no one around here even cares."
John actually noticed an older couple, perhaps in their sixties, smile warmly at them as they passed then say hello to TJ who was a few yards ahead of them. He was waiting at one of the culverts that ran along the path allowing the rain water to drain from the mountains on one side to the pond. Many of them were narrow and could be easily stepped across with an adult stride but TJ was being cautious and looked anxiously at his parents.
"Daddy," he yelled as the older couple approached him. "How I get over?"
They caught up to him in seconds and John leaned down. "Well, Pal, there are a bunch of these all along the first part of the trail. They allow the water from the mountains," and John pointed to the right up the hill, "to get to the pond without making the trail all muddy. So I guess we need to figure out a way to get across. What do you think we could do?"
Torren looked way up at his very tall Dad and said, "I thint you and Mama tan just step over but I too small, Daddy."
"Probably for just stepping over you are but I think you have a few options. First, you can take a little jump over. Let's see if that will work. But you have to be very careful and make sure you jump onto a solid spot and not on some rock or stick."
John took TJ's hand and stepped so he had one leg on each side of the culvert. "Ready?"
TJ nodded a bit uneasy but then he bent at the knees and jumped. John kept hold of his hand but allowed the boy to do the jump all on his own, his hand only there in case he needed it. TJ landed on the other side and looked up proudly at John.
"I did it, Daddy! I jump over."
"Yes, you did, Pal," John grinned at him. "Nice job. But just so you know if one of these is a little bigger, you could always ask your old man for help."
A puzzled expression crossed Torren's face as he asked, "Who my old man?"
Teyla chuckled at the question and John replied. "I'm your old man."
Torren got the 'you're so silly' look on his face whenever John said ridiculous things. "You not old, Daddy. You wun every day. Unta Wodney don't wun. Maybe he my old man."
John burst out laughing and plucked TJ off the ground and swung him around in the air then planted a bunch of kisses on his cheek.
Torren squirmed to get down and John lowered him to the ground. "You make me laugh, you know that, TJ."
TJ's eyes sparkled with humor and he parroted back, "No, you mate me laugh." Then he started his typical jump/skip down the trail again.
Teyla strolled up close to John and they clasped hands again and followed after their son. John couldn't get over how relaxed he felt and how much fun he was having just taking a walk. He was glad he had decided to bring his family here before the wedding. He thought about that word 'family' and gave a happy sigh. Yeah, they were a real family and he couldn't think of anything nicer.
About half way around they came upon a little wooden bridge made from small logs. John thought it would be a nice place to rest for a few minutes. He knew Teyla was probably fine and TJ didn't seem to be running out of energy yet but it was one of the only places where there was a little sandy shore instead of large granite boulders.
He directed Teyla to a fallen log and instructed Torren to stay with them. He pulled the little camera he had brought out of his pocket, pushed back his sunglasses and snapped a few pictures of Teyla leaning back, her eyes closed to the sun. Then he took a few of TJ writing in the sand with a little stick.
Teyla opened her eyes and saw what John was doing and frowned. "John, why must you take pictures of me when I am as large as this?"
A mischievous gleam came into his eyes and he teased, "You're gonna get larger than this, sweetie, I hope you know that."
The glare she sent him merely made him grin. She knew he was kidding. He constantly told her how sexy he thought she was pregnant. She would usually laugh but since she could sense his feelings, she knew that he really did think that.
They stayed there for about ten minutes and Teyla managed to ask another couple to take a few pictures of all three of them. TJ complied for about fifteen seconds then wanted to play in the sand again. They allowed it but only for a short while.
The second half of the path got a bit rockier and Teyla and TJ stayed close to John. John knew they would have claimed they were fine and could do it themselves and he knew they probably could but TJ was still only three and a half and Teyla's center of gravity had shifted a bit and he worried about both of them getting hurt.
Luckily it was for only a short way on the path then they came to the boardwalk. It was a series of split logs nailed to a base in a somewhat zigzag design to move them through the trees along the shoreline while keeping them from trampling the vegetation underneath. This part of the path wasn't as level as the other side and so the planners of this trail had arranged for this boardwalk for visitors.
John had Teyla go in front and they kept TJ in between them as only one person could fit at a time. John was happy to see TJ had stopped galloping along and held his arms out to the side as he attempted to balance on the boards that were plenty wide for his little feet. But he seemed happy enough and John heard him singing a little song as they proceeded.
When they finished and came to where they had started, TJ looked disappointed but John could also tell he was starting to lose energy. "We go awound again?" he pleaded as John came up to Teyla who was standing next to TJ.
"I think once is enough for today. Look at how big that lake is, Pal." John pointed to the shimmering water. "We walked all the way around it. But I think your Mom and Dad need to sit and rest for a while. We're not young like you."
Torren gazed concerned eyes at his mother and questioned, "Mama, you needa west?"
John knew Teyla could walk around the lake ten times and never admit she was tired but when it came to Torren she knew sometimes she needed to make it seem like she was.
"Yes, sweetheart, it would be nice to sit for a while. My feet and legs are carrying not just me but your sister as well."
TJ looked from his Mom to his Dad and his eyes turned thoughtful. "Daddy, maybe you needa tarry a baby for a while so Mama not tired."
John and Teyla both softly laughed and Teyla smiled impishly at John. "I think that is an excellent idea, Torren. Unfortunately it is not possible."
John swung Torren up and onto his shoulders saying, "But we can get your Mom off her feet. See that big building up the hill, that's a restaurant and I thought maybe we could go up there and have some lunch. Are you hungry?"
"Yup," Torren shouted and bounced on John's shoulders. John held tight to the wiggly boy and began the trek up the hill, Teyla holding his elbow.
The wait was long but they accepted a table inside which was quicker than waiting for an outside one and settled into their seats to look at the menu. John explained what some of the meals were and they soon made their selection.
The waitress brought over the popovers that the tea house was famous for and John wasted no time in enjoying one, slathering the creamy honey butter in the middle once he'd ripped it open. He did the same for TJ and the boy happily chewed on it while Teyla made noises of pleasure as she bit into her own.
"These are wonderful, John. This was a perfect selection for lunch, especially after our long walk around the lake. Thank you for suggesting it."
John's cup of Lobster Stew came next along with the Seafood Chowder Teyla had ordered. Torren was still very pleased with his popover and homemade raspberry lemonade. John wasn't sure how much of his ham and cheese Panini he would actually eat after the large popover and drink but figured they could wrap up anything he didn't finish.
John was just scraping the last of his stew from the bottom of the cup when his Maine crab cakes arrived along with Torren's plate and Teyla's Cranberry Island Salad. John spent a few minutes cutting TJ's Panini and then started on his own meal. Teyla hadn't waited and was already digging into hers.
Conversation was typical with TJ asking a million questions and John and Teyla taking turns answering him. They knew they had to or one of them would never actually get a chance to eat. The boy was definitely inquisitive there was no doubt. John often liked to sic him on his Uncle Rodney.
John paid the bill and Teyla used the ladies room again then they walked back to the car. The drive back was much shorter as Jordon Pond was near the end of the one way Park Loop Road but TJ had already started to nod off by the time they got back to the cottage.
"It is too beautiful a day to be inside," Teyla mused. "Could we perhaps put him on the cushioned seat on the porch? We can then enjoy some quiet time ourselves and still hear him when he awakens."
John nodded his ascent and Teyla trotted upstairs for Torren's comfort quilt which he still insisted on sleeping with. She placed it over the dozing child and kissed his head.
She straightened up and saw that John was standing behind her, hands on his hips, just staring. She knew that look and it always made her heart sing. He was incredibly happy. She moved to his side, wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder.
John's arms lifted to encircle her as well. With her little obstruction in the way it wasn't as easy as it used to be but with Teyla turning sideways a bit they were able to hold each other fairly close.
"You must be a little tired too, maybe," John suggested cautiously not wanting to insult Teyla's stamina. She was a little touchy about that lately.
She closed her eyes and nodded. "Perhaps just a bit."
John started moving and she followed him down the stairs and he led her to the hammock that was tied between two trees a short distance from the house.
"Come on, we'll both take a little snooze."
Teyla's eyes widened. "I am not sure about this, John. I attempted to sit in it this morning and very nearly fell out."
"That's because it's not for sitting. It's for lying in. And with two of us we'll balance each other out."
John got in first and then instructed Teyla how to get in next to him. He adjusted so they both had room and Teyla let out a breath of relief when she finally snuggled her head against his chest and his arm surrounded her shoulder.
John felt when Teyla nodded off and gave his own sigh of relief. He had no duties right now, no one to order around or take orders from. There were no emergencies, no Wraith, no technical difficulties from volatile scientists, just pure, blue sky, sweet ocean breezes and his wife pressed warm and cozy against him. Nope, life couldn't get much better than this.
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xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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