Author's Note: 496 words, minus the note here. Hope you enjoy! ~lg

oOo

Jennifer's return to Atlantis passed quietly as Chuck told Evan that they would wait until morning to debrief. Grateful for the break, Jennifer waved as Evan and his team headed for the armory. After stopping into the infirmary, she went to her quarters and climbed into bed.

The next day, she slipped into a chair around the conference table, feeling more human than she had in twenty-four hours. She'd pulled all-nighters before, and she always felt drained. Now, however, everyone looked a little road weary, and Jennifer wondered exactly what had kept Evan awake. With the exception of his little kiss, it had been a mundane mission.

Carter asked about the delivery, and Jennifer smiled. "The mother and baby are both fine and healthy. I had to perform a cesarean, and I need to return this afternoon to check on them both. Some of our medications are new to the planet, and I want to make sure there's no adverse effects."

Carter nodded. "Major?"

"We'll leave at 1400," Evan said after getting a nod from Jennifer.

As she prepared for the trip, Jennifer agonized over whether she should just ask Evan out or let things go. After all, it was New Year's Day back on Earth. She'd missed the base party, and he seemed to have enjoyed taking the place of her big brother. Why couldn't she see him that way? It would make life much easier.

At 1400, she returned to the gateroom, ready for the sight of Evan in his TAC vest and holding a P90. She didn't quite know why it impacted her as much as it did, but the sheer deadliness of his appearance sent a thrill up her spine. You're twisted, she told herself.

Back on the planet, Jennifer confirmed that the mother and baby would be okay. She collected her things and headed down the short hallway in the home. Voices from the other room caught her attention.

"Oh, she's not my wife," Evan said. Jennifer froze. What was he talking about?

"I apologize." The father of the baby sounded genuinely embarrassed. "You both have a way with one another. I just assumed."

"Don't worry about it." Evan seemed amused by assumption. "It's not the first time it's happened."

It wasn't? Jennifer blinked at that revelation. Evan had never told her anyone else assumed they were married. They weren't even dating! Of course, if she could ever work up the courage, that just might happen.

The father spoke again. "Do you have a wife elsewhere?"

"No," Evan answered. "Almost did, a few years ago. But things didn't work out so well."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Jennifer chose that moment to rejoin the men, effectively ending the conversation. So, now she knew Evan had a bad experience back on Earth. Did that mean she even had a chance? Or would she ever gather enough courage to find out?

~TBC