Author's Note: So, everyone has been asking for longer chapters. This still isn't my normal length, but it's quite a bit longer than the 500 word limit. On my last check, I was up to 687 words, and I hadn't even finished the final conversation. So, as a thank you for reading these stories, I've taken the word limit off of this final chapter. This chapter contains spoilers for ShaViva's "Red Flag." As always, hope you enjoy! And thanks for reading! ~lg

oOo

Jennifer and Evan didn't exactly hide their relationship, but they didn't flaunt it, either. Most of the infirmary staff knew that she dated the base second-in-command. Only Jennifer knew that Amanda and Sheppard had started secretly dating. She was happy for her friend and even happier when Evan showed up to escort her to dinner or painting. They found their way back to his mountain vista, this time with a picnic lunch and blanket, and spent the afternoon making shapes out of clouds and talking about nothing in particular. On that day, Jennifer started learning to paint.

Tanya Reid remained a sore spot for Evan, but he eventually told Jennifer the story of his affair with her. During two weeks of intense air combat training in Nevada, Evan fell in love, but Tanya just had fun. When things got too serious for her, she pulled an extremely dangerous stunt in mid-air, almost resulting in a collision in spite of Evan's control on his plane. Then, later that evening, Tanya made out with another man in the back of a bar while still supposedly in an "exclusive" relationship with Evan. And Evan walked in on them.

Jennifer's time with Evan taught her several things. First, he couldn't have a casual relationship. With Evan, it was all or nothing. She accepted that as she'd grown to love him a long time ago, but she didn't quite know how to tell him. Second, he'd only thought he loved Tanya. He said as much when he told Jennifer the story of what happened all those years ago. He freely admitted that what he'd felt for Tanya paled in comparison to his feelings for Jennifer, though he never actually said those three little words. And, third, being loved by Evan Lorne meant something so special Jennifer couldn't describe it.

Three months after she fulfilled her New Year's resolution, Jennifer and Evan sat side by side in the mess hall, sharing lunch with Sheppard's team and Evan's team. Laughter flowed freely as they teased Coughlin about Mitzi, his feline girlfriend. Evan and his team had revisited that planet, and the same cat once again followed them to the gate, howling the entire time. Coughlin took the ribbing well and used it to poke fun at others.

Movement behind Jennifer interrupted Sheppard's story of Rodney's latest blunder. Tanya sauntered over and pushed herself between Evan and Jennifer, who had been sitting far enough apart to be appropriate. She plunked her tray down on the table and smiled at Evan, her snug pants accenting her curves. "How 'bout you introduce me, Ace?" she purred.

Something in Jennifer snapped. Before Evan could say anything, she stood and grabbed Tanya's tray. "How 'bout you take your games elsewhere, Major?" she said.

"Excuse me?" Tanya took the tray from Jennifer's hands and dropped it back on the table. "I suggest you go back to the infirmary and let the big dogs talk."

Recognizing the challenge, Jennifer picked the tray back up and shoved it into Tanya's hands. "You're not a big dog. You're a yapping Chihuahua who doesn't know when to take a hint. You've been stepped on so many times that you don't know a good man when you see one. I'm sorry to tell you, honey, but you lost whatever chance you had with Evan a long, long time ago." She gave the tray another shove and noticed with glee that the pasta sauce had splattered onto Tanya's perfect uniform. She almost gave in to the urge to see if she could do more damage. Almost. "As CMO of this base, I have a say in who stays and who goes. If you want your time in the SGC to go smoothly, I suggest you leave the big dogs to our conversation and go join your friends where you can lick your wounds in private. But, hear me clearly. Evan. Is. Mine."

Tanya stared in amazement as Jennifer calmly sat back down. Most of the mess hall still buzzed, but their table remained curiously quiet until someone started clapping. Jennifer blinked as she realized that Sheppard applauded her, now joined by Ronon, Rodney, Reed, Coughlin, and Teyla.

Tanya, realizing she'd been outnumbered, sputtered and walked away. As she did so, Evan turned to Jennifer. "Great job. Couldn't have said it better myself."

She flushed and decided to just forget the incident, but Evan wasn't done. He scooted his chair next to hers and slid his arm along the back of it. Later that night, as he walked her home, he kissed her soundly. Pulling back only when both of them required air, he smiled into her eyes. "I love you."

Jennifer draped her arms around his neck. "It's about time you said so."

He laughed at her and drew her close, holding her for just a while longer that night. When he left, he made sure to repeat the three most amazing words Jennifer had ever heard. "I love you."

~The End~