Disclaimer: I'm only going to say this once: I don't own any of the characters and I'm not making money off of doing this. This is simply for fun.

Present Day (Thursday, December 25th, Keller Residence):

Gathered around the Christmas tree after opening their presents, Jennifer watches her half-sister, Abby, play with all her new toys among crumpled wrapping paper and ribbons. Getting off the couch, she crawls towards the tree and picks up one of nine unopened presents.

Jonathan Keller then moves towards her and asks "Will you open one this year?" Jennifer shrugs. "Hand me the little one." Jennifer takes the smallest present and hands it to her dad. He takes one look at the card and smiles, then pulls on the ribbon to untie it, then takes off the lid. Inside are a hand-carved Turkish Meerschaum pipe and a letter. The letter explains where the pipe was acquired. "Eight years now, and he's never missed a day." He says under his breath as he gets up, giving his daughter a sad look from above the rims of his glasses. "Sweetheart, let's get some hot cocoa." Holding out his hand for her. Jennifer grabs a hold of her father's hand and gets up, leaving the unopened presents under the tree. She follows her father to the kitchen and pulls herself up on the counter as he prepares four mugs of hot chocolate.

"So… the wedding?"

"I know what you're going to say, dad." Jennifer cuts in. "I've thought about it a lot."

"And?"

"And I still don't know." Jennifer says with a sigh. "I saw him 3 weeks ago at the game."

Jonathan's ears perk up at this little bit of news. "Did he see you?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"And nothing. He just asked how Joe was doing and then he left." She said matter-of factly.

"And that's it?" Jennifer just nodded. "I dunno what to say sweetheart."

"There's nothing to say, dad." Jennifer says. "He's moved on. I've moved on…"

"When a man sends you presents on your birthday and Christmas for eight years it doesn't quite say that he's moved on."

Flashback to Jennifer's 17th birthday (March 2001):

"Happy birthday sweetheart!" Jonathan says to her as a piece of cake is placed in the center of the tiny table by the waiter. "This is a lovely restaurant, Jennifer."

"Isn't it? A girlfriend of mine suggested it." Jennifer says as she looks around the quaint Italian restaurant. Jonathan slides his present across the table. Jennifer sees the movement and smiles at him. She picks it up and unwraps it. It's a leather bound journal. "Thanks dad." She says to him.

"I figured that this would be the best time to start writing about your adventures." He tells her, and then bends down to pick up another bag. Reaching inside he pulls out another present.

"A second present?" Jennifer exclaims. "Wow!" Reaching for it, she sees the card and reads it. Her expression changes immediately from cheerful to sad.

"Still don't want to talk about it?"

"Nope."

"Can I tell you something then?"

"Not really. But you'll tell me anyway, right?" Jennifer retorts.

"Ronon is heartbroken. Since you left, he's visited me so many times. Not including the times he's asked about you after you left, he's been at the house to see me before my birthday, before Christmas, and before your birthday. He respects your decision not to see him. But he's been very religious about coming to see me and asking about how you're doing." He says to her. Jennifer just nods as a single tear rolls down her cheek, pushing away the present.

Back to the Present:

"Think about it, Jennifer. All I want for you is to be happy." He says to her.

"I am happy, dad." She replies.

"No your not. You're content." He tells her. "And that's not enough. I see it in both your eyes." Walking around the counter to face her. He holds both her hands in his and looks at her. "I love you, Jennifer. And Ronon… well he's been very good to me. He's like a son to me. I just want to see the both of you happy." Raking his hand through his grey hair, he takes of his glasses and pinches his nose. "Look, I know that you have your reasons. And I respect that you don't want to tell me. And I'm sorry if I'm coming across as pushy. Just think about it Jennifer. Don't throw away your chance at happiness. This wedding may be your last chance. If not to live happily ever after, but at least for closure." He tells her as he walks away with a tray of hot cocoa.

Jennifer sighs in frustration. She knows he's right. They do need closure. She just doesn't know how to go about it. 'Hey Ronon, sorry about walking out on you with no explanation at all' just doesn't seem quite right. The wedding. That's less than two months away. How's she going to manage that. And not only that. A whole week in Palm Springs. Sink or swim. That's all there is to it.

Eight years, and Ronon still sends presents. And she hasn't opened a single one. Her father gets presents too. Only difference is that he opens his. Every Christmas present she receives from Ronon, her dad puts under the tree. This year, there are eight unopened presents under the tree.

Ronon has visited her father every chance he gets. And every time she comes home to see her dad, he tells her about it, in hopes of her coming to her senses. But for a couple of years now, Ronon has stopped asking about her. He still visits Jonathan, though.

It just irks her that she can't even dislike him after what he did.

X

Two days later Jennifer is in town to go to the grocery store. She pulls up next to an Audi SUV. The same one she saw pass by her house the other day. Paying no mind to the car, she pushes her way into the tiny shop. Grabbing a basket, Jennifer walks down the produce section. Picking up a bunch of carrots, She bumps her hand against another. Smiling she looks at the person to apologize. Her smile disappears quickly.

"Jennifer. How are you?" Teyla asks her, a tiny smile on her lips and surprise in her eyes.

"Teyla. I, um…" Jennifer stutters. "Good. F-fine. Y-you?"

"Very good." Teyla answers. "It's been a long time. So, Marie and Evan's wedding, huh?"

"Yeah." Jennifer says, tapping her foot in nervousness. "It's gonna be… interesting."

"I'll say." Teyla agrees. "It will really be something… you know, seeing everyone again."

Jennifer nods at this. "I – uh. Have to go. It was nice s… I'll see you at the wedding." She says hurriedly, then quickly turning around, leaving her basket on the floor. Teyla is left dumbfounded as she stares after her.

TBC.

Note: I know, it's short. I'll try better next time. I'm in a funky mood this week. Probably will be for a few more weeks. So bear with me please. Thanks!