Elizabeth sat behind the desk, watching the near toddler sitting up on her knees on the chair as she colored with one of the crayons. The girl was irresistibly cute; her hair was in two small pigtails, the honey blonde nearly reaching her shoulders, curling up just at the ends. She seemed so young, yet Carson had told them that she was progressing faster than most children her age. At fifteen months she was already at the mental level of most three year olds. She was just starting to get down talking in sentences and was progressing quite well. Elizabeth also knew that Rodney was spending nights with her, reading aloud, pointing and teaching her grammar. He had also taken to teaching her some Russian, and he'd even got Carson involved in teaching her some Gaelic. She was smart, and learned very quickly.

She was hanging out with Mommy Elizabeth today because Rodney was busy in the labs as well as getting ready for a mission in a few hours. So Elizabeth had gladly offered to take her little angel for the day. Lauryn was anything but hard to look after, she usually put all her attention on something until it was finished, very much like her daddy.

Elizabeth smiled again as her eyes returned to her paperwork; she still couldn't believe it had been a little less than two years since this angel had come to their world. Although sometimes Elizabeth worried, it was no secret that this girl was well beyond humans in advancement. However, Rodney had told her there was little to worry about; she would be a little girl for as long as he could allow her to be.

"Eliza," Rodney stepped into the room, instantly Lauryn's head shot up at the sound of her Daddy's voice and she was off the chair into his arms within seconds. Elizabeth had to grin; it was not something she'd ever considered, having a daughter. She had always just assumed one day she would get married and have children. That's how most women did it, but she'd never actually considered having this small being in her life, filling her every moment with absolutely joy.

But to this little girl, Elizabeth was mommy, and Rodney was daddy. It was a whole new experience for Elizabeth, some days seemed more overwhelming than others, finding her self half in charge of such a young life, but other days she just couldn't get enough. Elizabeth realized this was parenthood, that's what made it so fascinating.

Rodney had changed greatly, he wasn't the same man he had been nearly three years ago, and he certainly wasn't the same man he'd been even two months ago. He'd changed so largely in the past months just because of Lauryn; he was a father now, and not just another scientist. He mattered to someone every moment of every day. He'd found his place among Atlantis, and his life.

"Hey, I thought you guys weren't leaving until later…"

"We aren't but, I was getting hungry and I thought I'd come see if my two favorite girls would like to join me for some lunch?" he grinned at her, a wide smile that made Elizabeth's heart lurch a little. Three years ago he never would have admitted to the fact that he was hungry and take time from the labs.

"We'd love to, wouldn't we Lauryn," Elizabeth returned as she moved around her desk and joined Rodney at his side.

Rodney held Lauryn in his arms, as he and Elizabeth spoke of missions, memories and the future. It was nearing two in the afternoon and the commissary was nearly empty with the exception of a few people lingering around as they spoke. Rodney handed Lauryn to Elizabeth and went about gathering food for all three of them, then joined them at the table.

"You're in an awfully good mood," chuckled Elizabeth as she removed her food from his tray. "Any particular reason?" she smiled.

"Maybe…yes…" he paused and pulled out a long velvet black box and handed it to her, "This is the "anniversary" if you will of the day I first met you back in Russia. I know it seems small and dumb…but you made a huge impact on me that day…just by helping me, and I wanted to thank you," he replied.

"Rodney," Elizabeth grinned as she reached out and opened the box, she gasped, the necklace was gold, and had three small hearts connected side by side, one was bronze, silver and gold, a small diamond lay in each one. It was absolutely beautiful. "It's…" she couldn't find the words.

"I'm glad you like it…The gold heart is for Lauryn, because she's our first child," Rodney explained then he pointed to the next heart and smiled, "The silver is for our second child…and yes we're going to have more kids, boy or girl, it'll be the middle kid and should always know how much he or she is loved. The bronze one of for our last little one, for her beauty and grace…" he looked up at her.

Elizabeth smiled, tears reaching her eyes as she nodded softly, "It's beautiful Rodney thank you…but how can you be so sure we're having two more?" she asked as she moved it so Lauryn could gawk over it for a moment.

"Every dream…or…whatever you want to call it…I've been happily married to you with three children, Lauryn, a boy and a girl. Truth is I don't know what's in store for us Elizabeth, but I know I want two more beautiful children with you, and only you."

"Thank you Rodney," she whispered a reply.

"It's also a promise," Rodney continued as he moved around to link the necklace on her, "That although not today and not tomorrow…that one day I will ask you to marry me," he finished.

She placed a hand to his cheek, "I never doubted it, thank you Rodney," she smiled as she allowed her other hand to wander to the necklace. "I love it," she whispered again.

"I love you," he told he pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Rodney couldn't help but notice the familiarity that surrounded them as they trudged through torrential rain. He was far too busy noticing the desert stretching out in front of them for miles, to realize the rain was beginning to chill his bones.

"Rodney…" John spoke up before the younger sibling could voice the obvious thoughts on his mind, "Isn't this the world we found Lauryn on?"

Well…yes and no," Rodney returned over the roar of the rain, pushing the rain plastered hair from his forehead he looked back down at his wet life signs detector. "It's almost identical."

"But…" John could sense the 'but' coming by Rodney's confused tone.

"But…there are life signs here…and I mean a lot of life signs, probably 100 yards or so in front of us. There were no detectable life signs on Lauryn's planet, and Lauryn was so weak, it was a miracle we even happened upon her."

"Is there any possibility these could be the same people from Lauryn's planet?" Teyla questioned from the scientist's side, her expression worry-filled.

"I hope not," John and Rodney both murmured.

Ronan shot them both a curious look, "Why, she could be united with her family again…" Ronan couldn't understand what would be so wrong about that.

"Anyone who is willing to leave a defenseless infant alone to die of starvation or thirst…doesn't deserve to be reunited with her," Rodney answered with contempt.

"Rod, we're not here to judge…lets just check this place out first before jumping to any conclusions," John suggested as he noticed the hints of a town less than a football field in front of them.

"John…" Rodney began to defend his position.

John rapidly cut his brother off, by whirling around and looking at the scientist, "Rodney, try to be on your best behavior, I agree, we all know where Lauryn belongs, but these may not be the same people, we can't have you losing your cool. Not here."

Rodney heard the clear warning, but John's eyes held nothing but sympathy for his younger brother. He quickly nodded, and with that they continued their trudge towards the city. John could feel his brother's obvious vibes when they finally reached the city to find it identical to the one where they had found Lauryn; the biggest difference was it was indeed populated. A few people were out on the streets with umbrellas, but for the most part many seemed to be hiding from what had become a heavy drizzle.

"You there," came a voice to the left of them, a strong looking woman, with dishwater blond hair and bright blue eyes waved them over, "You should not be out here, you could become ill. My name is Fraha, please come in out of the rain…it will be night soon, it can be dangerous at night with the rain," she spoke gently as she stood under the overhang of a house that was an exact replica of the house they had found Lauryn in.

Rodney felt his heart drop like it was on a rollercoaster, the woman was no more than nineteen or twenty, she had a sweet smile…and her eyes were mirror images of Lauryn's.

"Uh thanks," John replied as he cautiously led the team into the warm inviting house, "I'm John, this is Teyla, Ronan and Rodney," he explained as he gave her the most charming smile he could.

"The young alien woman smiled as she closed the door behind them, "Welcome to Marlianian, you should truly be more cautious about the times you travel through the ring, the nights here are cold and with the rain it is deathly cold." She smiled kindly again, "Please have a seat in front of the warm fire, I shall bring you some warm food," with that she bustled out of the room and headed into what they could only assume was the kitchen.

John chanced a glance over at his rapidly paling brother, "You okay buddy?"

"It's her John…mother or sister, I don't know, but that's what Lauryn looks like as a grown up…"

"Listen to me Rod, we won't tell her anything, besides she may not even be related to Lauryn, and she may not want her."

"What if she does? I can't lose her John," Rodney hissed through a whisper.

"Here you are," she moved back into the living room and handed them each a coup of what John guessed was their version of chicken noodle soup.

"Thanks," John murmured his eyes still on Rodney's pasty figure, "So your people…"

"We are friendly people John, I offer whatever you would need or like. We only arrived on this planet a cycle ago. But we welcome all visitors through the gate who deem themselves peaceful and are not Wraith," she replied.

"What happened?" John probed.

"A mighty scourge, the Wraith came, fed upon many of my people, they took my mother and father as well…"

"Wow, I'm sorry, how many of your people survived?" John inquired.

"A hundred of us were able to survive," the woman answered.

"We would like to speak to the leader if we could. We're people of peace as well Farha, We would like to be able to help you next time you require assistance," John spoke calmly.

"Certainly, I am sure Sir Denin would be pleased to meet you. For now, however rest, much of the city is asleep. I shall bring you blankets and perhaps something to place your head on."

"Thank you again," John spoke as she left them in the living room.

A few hours later hey were spread out on the floor, sleeping soundly, with the exception of Rodney. All he could see was the past fifteen months he'd spend with Lauryn in his life. She was his everything, he couldn't imagine being without her anymore, like he couldn't imagine not living on Atlantis and not having Elizabeth to be with.

He jumped when he felt a hand land softly on his shoulder, he looked up to meet the hazel eyes of his brother, "Go to sleep Rod," he whispered, he'd felt his brother's uneasiness. "It's going to be fine."

Rodney nodded slowly and closed his eyes, dreaming of his two girls, Elizabeth his future wife someday, and his little baby girl. He took a deep breath, and allowed his mind to be taken.

"Rodney relax," came the harsh whisper from beside him. Rodney glanced over at his best friend.

"I'm sorry…it's just," he paused, Carson understood, he'd been waiting for this moment for nearly nine years, he was finally marrying her, "Here they come," whispered Carson.

Rodney's eyes moved towards the isle, his six year old daughter dropped the petals on the carpet as she made her way towards daddy. She made a move to stand beside her father, when Rodney pointed to where Aunt Jeannie. The girl instantly ran over to her Aunt, who lifted her into her arms.

Teyla came down the isle, gracefully, a kind smile on her face as she walked beside her husband. The split and Teyla moved over to the bride's side, while John joined Carson and Rodney. Finally Laura came down the isle, with a grin on her face, as she tried to keep her two year old son from running to daddy immediately. They reached the altar, and instantly the boy went to his father. Carson grinned and lifted Sean into his arms, pressing a kiss to the child's cheek as Laura stepped to Teyla's side.

The music began, and there at the end of the isle stood Elizabeth and Steven Caldwell. Her smile could have lit the room as she made her way towards him. Steven gave her a quick hug before sitting down to one side, taking Lauryn from Jennie. Carson quickly placed his son down and pointed to Grandpa Caldwell. The toddler hurried over to his surrogate grandpa.

"I love you," whispered Elizabeth as she and Rodney stepped onto the dance floor for the very first time.

"Oh, trust me the feel is one hundred percent mutual," he replied as he kissed her again. So in love with this woman; they shared they're first song together, then as promised, Rodney swooped his little girl up into his arms, and Elizabeth pulled Sean into her arms, and the two danced with daughter and nephew.

They were the perfect couple, finishing off the group of couples on Atlantis.

Rodney was pulled from his dream as his brother continued to shove his shoulder, jerking Rodney from the heaven his mind had created. He looked around and grunted something before sitting up. "We've got business little brother, Farha is taking us to breakfast with Sir Denin, she will be joining us. "

"Oh…uh okay," he replied softly.

They got ready then joined Farha in the now beautiful weather to the short walk towards another house not far away, it was slightly bigger than Farha's but just as pleasant.

Sir Denin answered the door; he was a tall man, a few years older than Farha, with dark black hair and bright green eyes. The politician instantly invited the newcomers into his house. He had them seated at the table, and soon they were discussing trades, "We welcome any and all help you could give us Sheppard, as you can see we are not the most advanced race," stated Denin half way through his breakfast.

"We'd love to help you, is there anything you could trade us?" John asked.

"We have an over abundance of food most cycles, we'd be all too happy to share that with you."

"You grow food here?" Rodney asked.

"Of course we do," smiled Farha.

"How, the planet is complete desert?" Ronan spoke up.

"Only on the side of the gate, we have done that so we cannot be robbed from, but I promise you, from here to the next several villages we have crops as far as the eye can see. We are private people, but we do not mind working with others. As long as you are not Wraith," he said smiling, "Which you obviously are not."

"Yeah…um about the Wraith, how did you all get away?" John inquired, curious to know why or how Lauryn had been left.

"We have evacuation codes, the children and elders go first, then the remaining men and women. My family, as well as Farha's family got out…"

"With the exception of my parents and little sister," Farha finished.

"Your sister?" John asked quietly, afraid to know.

"My mother was to leave on the next cycle of people to leave, with my sister, she was only four months old…my mother did not make it, the Wraith took over our house…I returned days later to find my sister's crib empty and my parents dead. I can only assume my sister was taken and killed by the Wraith," Farha said sadly.

John looked over at his brother quickly, Rodney shot a concerned look back at his brother, taking a breath he shook his head, "That's not true," he whispered.

"I'm sorry?" Sir Denin replied.

"We traveled to your planet…apparently only a day or two after the attack…we found your sister…she's been living in my care for the past fifteen months," Rodney murmured, praying she wouldn't demand for her sister back.

"Truly?" Farha asked.

"Yeah, she's healthy…and beautiful…and she's very smart," replied Rodney.

"I would love to see her…has she developed her talents yet?"

"Uh…she's developed a couple…a form of telekinesis, and she can change things with her mind."

"Excellent, she is right on schedule…may I please see her?"

"Uh…" John began.

"I do not wish to take her from you if that is what you are thinking," Farha defended herself, surprising both John and Rodney.

"Really?" Rodney said in surprise.

"Of course not…as long as she is happy in your care, I simply wish to know my sister."

"We…we could come back tomorrow morning…and I could bring her…and Elizabeth for the trade negotiations."

"That would be wonderful," Sir Denin stated smiling.

"Doctor McKay, perhaps you would also like to know a little more about my sister…"

"We call her Lauryn," Rodney explained.

"That is a beautiful and fitting name, she was Aniea in our world, but I was never fond of it. Perhaps you were care to know more about Lauryn and what will become of her abilities?" offered Farha.

"Really? Well…yes that would be amazing, I must admit I wasn't sure what to do with myself the first time we discovered them."

"Come, I'm sure you would like to see the first four months as well," smiled Farha.

Rodney smiled sheepishly for ever fearing these people, as he was led away by Farha. John just watched the two leave and shook his head, "I think Rodney's found a new friend."

Rodney smiled as he gently soaked the small girls hair as she tried to help him was her golden curls, "Yes, thank you, you're such a big help," he grinned as he blew some of the suds from the top her head. He then rinsed the soap and stood up. Smiling when she also stood in the tub; she instantly reached her arms out towards her father, Rodney scooped her up into his arms, wrapping a towel around her and carried her into the main part of their room.

"You said Farha doesn't want to take Lauryn away?" Elizabeth questioned as she took the girl from Rodney's arms, allowing him to get dressed and ready for another day.

"Apparently not, she just wants to know her…I hope they aren't planning something…" he replied as he pulled a shirt over his head.

"I wouldn't worry," Elizabeth calmed him as she continued to dry their adopted daughter off. She then reached for a pair of pants and helped the almost toddler step into them, followed by a shirt which she pulled over her head, "There you are, pretty in pink," grinned Elizabeth as she pressed a kiss to Lauryn's forehead.

Rodney came over and scooped her up into his arms again, and plopped down on the bed with her held tightly in his arms. By his side lay her shoes and socks, which he proceeded to get on her feet while she did her usual kicking game.

"Your daughter doesn't seem to like shoes Rodney," Elizabeth chuckled as she pulled her jacket on over her short sleeve shirt. She pulled her ear comm. on and smiled, "This didn't used to take two of us," she stated suddenly.

"Come on Lauryn," mumbled Rodney as he finally got the second sock on her resistant foot and reached for her shoes. "I think…" his words were interrupted by a groan from a well placed kick by his daughter, "Lauryn, you and I need to discuss this little habit of yours," he said quickly capturing one ankle.

"Are all of our children going to be this wild?" she asked softly.

"I sure as hell hope not, please help me," he said handing her the shoes. "I think the only reason it takes two of us now is because she's bigger and more of a handful, lets face it, she doesn't exactly sit still anymore like a little potato," reasoned Rodney as they swiftly applied the second shoe to her other foot.

"That's true, there, she's ready," Elizabeth said grinning as Rodney stood, his daughter still captured in his arms as she fought diligently to get free from his grasp.

"Someone's PMSing today," muttered Rodney as Lauryn got in another well placed kick to his groin.

"Be careful Rodney, or you won't be having any children let alone two," Elizabeth chuckled as they made their way to the jumper bay.

John had decided after two walks in the rain that it was time to smarten up and take the jumper. They would land a few feet out side of the city and then walk from there. Not to mention it was a tactical advantage should they want to take Lauryn for any reason.

"Oh good you're finally here," joked John as the trio entered the back of the puddle jumper. Rodney sent a fierce scowl in his brother's direction before depositing Lauryn in the co-pilot's seat for a moment.

Elizabeth chuckled as she picked Lauryn up and held her in her lap. "Now Lauryn, you remember the rules about flying in jumpers' right? No running, no loud noises and no touching?" Elizabeth asked.

Blond curls bobbed, and soon everyone was seated. Ronan was in the back, Rodney sat just behind John who was piloting, and Teyla sat behind Elizabeth, playing peek-a-boo with Lauryn, a game which she had caught Rodney playing on occasion when Lauryn had been younger.

They arrived by puddle jumper, on the outskirts of town nearly ten minutes later, John hadn't realized it was such a short fly by jumper, but he gently set it down, pleased that there wasn't a cloud in the sky. He let down the rear hatch and looked over at Lauryn, "Thank you ladies and gentleman for the ride and your participation, we hope you've enjoyed your flight with us, you are good to go," he grinned as he lifted the toddler out of her surrogate mother's job and pressed a kiss to the child's cheek.

They had a short walk into the town, where Farha and Sir Denin met them with wide smiles. Lauryn's eyes landed on her sister and she let out a squeal of joy, she instantly wriggled until John placed her on the ground. Lauryn clumsily ran towards her sister, who lifted her into her arms and hugged her for all she was worth.

"It has been ages small one," whispered Farha as she squeezed the girl. "I have missed you, you are well?" she asked.

The toddler surprised everyone when she nodded and pointed to Rodney, "Daddy!" she cried, then began to clap excitedly.

"Farha, this is Elizabeth, she's our leader," Rodney introduced smiling softly at his daughter.

"Welcome to our world, we are pleased to meet you, perhaps you and your team would like to come with us and speak of trade, while Dr. McKay and his daughter get to know Farha a little bit better?" Sir Denin questioned.

"Uh, sure, Rodney," Elizabeth said as she eyed her friend, he nodded to her, understanding what she wanted to say. John, Teyla, Ronan and Elizabeth headed off towards Sir Denin's house, while Farha smiled as she looked at Lauryn in her arms again.

"She looks very good Dr. McKay, it is obvious you love my young sister very deeply," Farha said gently.

"She's my daughter…"

"Relax doctor, I do not wish to take her from you."

"Yeah…um, I'm sorry that's the part I don't get…why?" he managed looking at her with confusion.

"You do not wish to keep her?" Farha said suddenly.

"No…no it's not that; believe me, I dread anyone ever taking this little life away from me. No, I…I guess what I don't understand is why you don't want her?"

"Do you have any siblings?" Farha asked as they began to walk around the city.

"I have an older sister."

"How much older?"

"About nine years…"

"Were you very close?"

"No…not really we're not close to this day."

"Among our people doctor McKay, we consider siblings to be more than just blood bonds, but friendships as well. We allow siblings to go, when the time has come," she reasoned as she set her sister down to walk on her feet.

"How do you know when the time has come? Do you get to know each other? I mean I still regret to this day that I'm not closer to my sister."

"We are close by heart and mind, but we do not need to be close by proximity. True love, whether that of a significant other or a sibling does not always need closeness to be everlasting. As for how we can tell when it's the right time, we just know. It is not unusual for most children here to be on their own by the time they are seven or eight. They never wander far, they still have mothers and fathers, and they are watched closely by all those around them. Let me ask you something Doctor McKay…when Lauryn cries do you hold her to comfort her?"

Rodney nodded quickly, thinking of all the tears she had shed that had fallen to his shoulders, he looked down to see Lauryn nodding as well, causing him to smile.

"When she has a nightmare, are you the one she seeks for comfort and to feel safe?"

"Yes."

"Do you feed, clothe and bathe her?"

"Yes," Rodney replied again, unsure where this was going.

"Do you pull the blankets up over her shoulders at night, give her kisses in the morning and tell her you love her everyday?"

"Of course."

"Do you love my little sister Doctor McKay?"

"She's my heart and soul, she's changed me more than I could have ever changed by myself…Lauryn gives me a reason to wake up every morning and go to sleep every night," Rodney replied with conviction.

"Then why separate a child from someone who obviously cares for her so deeply that there could be no other. Even if I took my sister in, she could not see me as anything but a care taker, she sees you…and perhaps your leader as parents. I can tell you what she thinks about at this very moment Dr. McKay, and I promise you, her thoughts are upon you and Elizabeth, they are fond thoughts," answered Farha.

"So you're saying she belongs with me?"

"I'm saying that possibly, you two were destined to be father and daughter, that you were destined to meet this little soul and care for it. My mother and father loved and adored her, much like you, but they are no longer here. They would wish for her to be happy, if that is with you, then that is where my sister belongs."

Rodney smiled later that night as he scooped Lauryn off the floor where she was playing and plopped her onto her bed. Reaching down she pushed the hair away from her beautiful cherub face, "You'll see your sister again, I promise. We made a fairly good trade with them, we get good crops, and they get technology to protect themselves from the Wraith…not to mention a visit from you every now and then…I meant what I said Lauryn, I love you more than anything."

Two blue eyes looked back into his and she smiled, "I love you too daddy," she whispered as she placed both hands on his cheeks.

He grinned, laughing softly, "Goodnight princess," he leaned down and dropped a kiss to her soft pale forehead, before heading out of the room and turning off the light. Elizabeth sat on the couch in sweat pants and a t-shirt, she sighed as he dropped onto the couch by his side.

"I'd say that went very well today," Elizabeth said as she gently rubbed Rodney's neck.

"Score one for Team Atlantis," chuckled Rodney.

"I'm proud of you," Elizabeth whispered.

"Why? What did I do?"

"You kept your cool…the Rodney McKay I know, wouldn't have done that two years ago…you've come a long way in a short time."

"Such a good and wonderful guy," mumbled Rodney as he kissed her lightly on the lips.

"I should get back to my room," she whispered.

"Please don't," he replied softly as he looked into her beautiful green eyes.

"Not now Rodney, not tonight, I can wait, I will wait," she gently rubbed his rough cheek, pressing a kiss to it. "I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered as he watched her get up from the couch. With another quick kiss she left him alone in his room. He sighed and looked back at the door, "The sooner you propose to her McKay, the less often this is going to happen," he mumbled to himself before clicking on the laptop that sat on his couch side table.