Lauryn peeked around the corner that led from her room to her daddy's room. The rest of the room was dark, and one figure lie in the bed, the rising sun beginning to cast a light upon his body.
Grinning, she quietly ran over to the side of the bed, it was easily at chin level for her, but it had never stopped her before. Reaching up, she gripped the side of the bed, levering herself carefully until she could swing on leg over the edge.
If her daddy knew she was on his bed, he was showing no signs of it, with a sly grin she slowly crawled towards him. Taking the figure in, he slept on his stomach, one arm thrown above his head, the other was slipped between the bed and the pillow.
She chose that moment to scare him, jumping up, she landed directly on his stomach, gaining a satisfying 'oof' from her father. Rodney's eyes shot open as he grunted in obvious pain that his kidneys had just been used for a bean bag chair.
Lauryn squealed in delight as his hands suddenly shot out and lifted her high above his head. She loved waking Rodney up, and as much as Rodney tried to keep a serious face, he couldn't deny for a moment how much he loved and adored this part of their morning. He slowly brought her back down, pressing a soft and gentle kiss to her cheek.
"Thanks for the wake up call kiddo. Now, what say we get you ready to go see mommy?"
Lauryn looked up at him with those big blue innocent child eyes and he felt his heart melt a little, "play wif me daddy," she said holding out her arms to him.
Rolling his eyes Rodney swooped her off the bed, tossing her a little in the air and catching her with both hands, he brought her to rest against his hip and sighed, "daddy has to pack Lauryn…remember, we're going home today?" Rodney offered as he carried the little girl back into her bedroom to get her dressed and ready for the day.
Carson, Laura, John, JJ, Teyla, Rodney, Elizabeth and Lauryn were headed back to Earth for a week. They would be gathering new members to the expedition to replace some they had lost, as well as just to add some more expertise to the mission, they had a lot also to fill the SGC in on; Daniel was coming back with them, and there was an Air Force Ball at the end of the week that the President had personally invited them to.
Elizabeth had obliged, while she knew most of her people wouldn't be thrilled with the prospect of going to a ball, she found it an honor for helping protect the world. Then she purposefully pulled her friends along for the ride.
Elizabeth already sat in her office, enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee when she glanced up to see Lauryn come flying into her room, seconds later Elizabeth was catching the girl in her lap, grunting slightly as she landed hard. Pressing a kiss to the top of Lauryn's head she smiled. "You're getting fast, where's daddy?" Elizabeth questioned.
Seconds later Rodney came in, answering her questions, looking like he's just run a marathon, "good morning," Rodney muttered before sitting down in a chair.
Elizabeth chuckled slightly, "you slept in today," Elizabeth smiled, it was his last official day off, the cast was to be removed as soon as they got back from Earth.
"I probably would have kept sleeping if Lauryn hadn't decided to use my stomach as a trampoline this morning," he grunted eyeing his beautiful little girl.
"I love you daddy!" the girl said with a gleeful grin.
"I love you too Lauryn," Rodney smiled softly.
"Rod!" John's figure came bounding up the stairs to the gate room, seconds later skidding into the room a wide grin on his face. His eyes landed on his niece and the smile grew wider, "hey there sprout!"
The two year old dashed out of her mother's arms and hurried towards Uncle John, who easily scooped her up off the ground. "Rod, I've got big news!"
Rodney rolled his eyes as he watched his brother smile; Rodney was already fairly sure he knew the big news, but didn't comment, not wanting to disappoint his brother in telling the story. "I'm sure you do…why don't we leave Lauryn here, and get ready to leave," Rodney suggested.
Carson had made it quite clear; last night during their nightly chess game, that no one else was to know about the secret. Rodney also figured if John knew about it, then that meant Carson had told him since Rodney was the only other one who knew.
"Wait…you know?" John grinned.
"Ah…yeah, not here John," Rodney looked at his daughter who was playing with John's Atlantis patch, "Lauryn say bye to Uncle John," Rodney said gently.
She turned her blue eyes up to her Uncle John, who gave her the big puppy dog look. She grinned and threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek, "Love you Unca John!" she said with exuberance.
"Okay Sprout, come here," Elizabeth said standing and taking her daughter back into her arms, "Rodney…" Elizabeth began.
"I'll tell you as soon as I can, love ya," he pecked her on the cheek, pressed a kiss to his daughter's cheek as well then dashed out the door with John hot on his heels.
Elizabeth watched them as though they were two teenage boys running from their house getting ready for a game of some sort. She looked down at the little girl in her lap and shook her head, "your daddy and Uncle John…are just big kids you realize that?"
"Daddy's big kid!" she grinned.
It was around noon when they prepared to step through the stargate. Elizabeth looked up a Major Lorne and Ronan, "try to keep the place in one piece while we're gone," she grinned.
"Dial it up Lieutenant," Rodney called as he gripped his daughter's hand.
"Daddy," Lauryn whispered as she pulled at her daddy's shirt, Rodney knelt down beside her and smiled.
"Yes honey?"
"Does it huwt?"
"No Lauryn, it…its cold," he replied.
"Kay…daddy..."
"Yes Lauryn," Rodney said standing back up, but keeping his eyes on his daughter.
"We's goin' home?"
"To my planet—yes honey."
"Daddy?"
"Lauryn," Rodney felt like a parent with an anxious child in the back.
"What if I haveta go potty?" she asked just loudly enjoy for Teyla and John to hear.
John glanced down at JJ, chuckling softly as he looked back at Teyla, "you sure you still want one of those?" he asked grinning.
"Yes…just not now," Teyla replied rolling her eyes.
"Lauryn, sweetie it'll take half a second to get from here to earth. You won't have to worry about pottying, okay?"
"Kay…daddy…"
"Everyone ready?" Elizabeth asked as she made her way towards her daughter and Rodney. She looked down at the soon to be toddler and chuckled, "are you ready Lauryn?"
"Mommy…what a second?"
"Ah…ask your father, come here," She lifted the toddler into her arms, clutching her close as the gate exploded with life, the wormhole open, "Stargate Command, this is Atlantis…we're ready to come home," she said grinning.
"Come on through Atlantis," Daniel's voice came in return.
"Mommy…"
"I swear if she say's are we there yet," Rodney mumbled from behind Elizabeth.
"Lauryn, close your eyes," Elizabeth said, with a large step, she was through the other side of the wormhole.
Rodney followed closely behind with their bags, behind him came Laura, Carson, JJ, Teyla and John headed up the end with the final bags. "Welcome Home Atlantis," General Landry greeted from the bottom of the ramp.
"Thank you General," Elizabeth smiled in return.
"Mommy!" Lauryn's eyes flew open as she suddenly began to take in the world around her.
Elizabeth chuckled as she lessened her old on the girl in her arms, "What do you think Lauryn?"
"I fink it was cold," whispered the girl as she wiggled out of her mother's arms, "Unca DANNY!" the girl cried.
Daniel Jackson chuckled as he walked through the door and swooped the girl up into his arms, "you're younger than me and you've been in more galaxies," he joked as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "How are you?"
Everyone on the SGC had heard about Lauryn, many had met her and found their hearts rapidly wrapped around the child's finger. Daniel was only one of many.
"I good," she replied hugging him.
"Well that's great, so I have a big surprise for you, wanna see it?"
"YAY!" the girl cheered, suddenly she paused and looked back at her daddy, as though waiting for permission.
"Don't look at me, you're in his hands now…if you think that'll be fun, go ahead," joked Rodney as he nodded to Daniel.
"Come on Squirt," Daniel placed her on the ground, taking her hand in his and walked her out of the gate room.
"It's nice to see you again Dr. Weir, Dr. McKay, Dr. Beckett, Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Cadman, and you must be Teyla," Landry replied as reached out to shake Teyla's hand.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you General Landry, I have heard so much about you," the Athosian offered.
"So have I, why don't we get you guys settled into the rooms you'll be staying in for the duration of your stay, we'll brief in an hour and then you can all get something to eat. Dr. Carter is looking forward to see you all again…and we've got some other people we'd like you to meet as well."
"Thank you General," Elizabeth nodded, with that her and her top people made their way to their respectful rooms.
"I hope they're feeding us well at this Ball of theirs," mumbled Rodney as he walked beside Elizabeth.
"Yes well, they usually do, come on Rodney, perk up, this is going to be fun," a hint of sarcasm evident in her voice. The airmen that was escorting them pointed to the various rooms they were in, "If you need anything just let us know," he offered.
"Thank you Sergeant," John replied as he opened the door to his room, it was like every other room on the base, filled with the bare necessities and not much else.
He dropped his stuff just as Rodney came in, dragging Carson behind him. Rodney quickly shut the door and grinned, "so?" Rodney goaded his best friend.
"Ye two are acting like spoiled teenagers," Carson growled.
"It's exciting Carson…this is big…" John suddenly joined grinning from ear to ear.
"Aye, it is and if ye two mess this up for me…Look, don't mention it, don't tell anyone else…she can't know…not until it's perfect."
"Any idea when you're going to do it?" Rodney asked.
"Aye, I might have a few in mind, not tha' I plan on telling ye. The more I tell ye two, the more likely ye'll slip up and say somethin'. You'll have to be in suspense just like the rest of 'em."
"Can we see the…" the door bursting open interrupted John before he could finish his sentence.
"Sorry to interrupt, Rodney Elizabeth wanted to talk to you, and Colonel…Colonel Mitchell is outside, he'd like to meet you…" Laura said grinning.
"Right, thanks Lieutenant," John replied with a nod, glad he hadn't said another word. The brother's slipped out of the room, leaving Cadman and Beckett alone.
"This is the first time I've been home since I came to Atlantis," she whispered softly looking at him.
"Aye, I know…how are ye?"
"It's weird," she consented as she sat down on the bed by his side, "I thought I'd really miss home, mom and dad…my little brother, but…" she shrugged letting her sentence trail off.
"Aye, I find myself missing Atlantis far more when I'm home than I find myself missing earth when I'm in Atlantis. I think it's because it became like a home to us."
"And a family," smiled Laura, "I haven't had so many friends ever."
"Me either love," he put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer, "I love ye…don't know if I told ye that lately or not."
"Oh…you might have mentioned it in passion," she replied, pressing a kiss to his lips.
Samantha Carter sat behind the wheel of the SUV, by her side sat her friend Elizabeth, behind them was Vala, Teyla, Carolyn, Laura and of course Lauryn in a child's seat.
"I can't believe they're actually letting me out of the base," Vala interrupted the small talk that had been going on for quiet some time.
"Yes well…I believe Daniel's exact words were 'Best behavior and to shoot you if you weren't'." Joked Sam.
"He's such a polite man," laughed Carolyn as she shook her head.
"So come on…give us all the juicy tid-bits Liz, anyone married yet?" Sam asked looking over at her best friend.
Elizabeth smiled, she missed being around other women. She didn't mind the guys, but there was just something about spending a girl's day out with your friends. Shopping for their dresses was an added perk. She couldn't wait to blow Rodney away with whatever dress she and the girl's chose.
"No…no one's married yet. I think we're all a little worried that someone will be against the idea of having couple's on Atlantis," Elizabeth replied softly.
"I wouldn't worry about it, if they say something, just remind them that you're protecting two galaxies," Sam returned.
"It would be exciting," Laura suddenly spoke up, "to be the first married couple on Atlantis, the first to have children…."
"Biologically speaking of course," came Elizabeth's reply.
"So let me get this straight…you tamed Rodney McKay?" Carolyn asked from the back leaning towards Elizabeth.
"I didn't tame him…he willingly tamed himself. He's still not the most romantic man in two galaxies, but he's certainly loyal. He's a good man, I think you'd be surprised Sam."
"I was surprised when I came to Atlantis and found how worried everyone was about him. It's good to know he's finally got people who really care about him. What about you Teyla? Are you and John looking at a union in the future?" Sam glanced in the review mirror at the woman.
Teyla's doe brown eyes lit up just at the mention of John's name, it was the first thing people noticed about their relationship, "John and I…have a different type of relation…perhaps one day we will go as far as marriage…but for now I believe he is content with being a father."
"That sounds about like Jack," muttered Sam, "he's completely content with just spending time with me…"
"He's been in love with you for a long time Sam, I wouldn't give up on him just yet," chuckled Elizabeth.
"Do you have anyone special Dr. Lam?" Teyla questioned.
"Please call me Carol, and yes…actually I do," a grin forming across her face slyly.
"Oh no…you didn't," Elizabeth said looking back at the doctor.
"Oh yeah…" Carolyn replied, "Colonel Cameron Mitchell, the one and only."
"You lucky little fiend," chuckled Elizabeth.
"I thought you were happy with Rodney," Sam said suddenly.
"I am…but come on, Cameron…is just…wow," Elizabeth replied like a teenage girl.
"He is a fine specimen isn't he," Carolyn said grinning.
"Nice ass too," Vala spoke up, causing all the girls to laugh.
"Oh and you're one to talk, you've got Daniel wrapped tighter than I've seen him in years," Sam returned.
"He wants me…I know it," Vala smirked.
"Wants you…or wants to kill you, because you tread a very fine line," Carolyn responded.
"We're here!" Sam called as she parked the car in the nearest spot, "Remember guys, no shop talk, this is strictly about men…and dresses," grinned Sam.
Vala took care of getting Lauryn out of the car seat, after a few choice words, the child was released, and they all headed into the dress shop, Lauryn perched against Vala's hip.
"Are we getting Lauryn a dress?" Sam asked as they began to look around.
"Ah…no Rodney and John are dropping JJ and Lauryn off at his ex-wife's house. He talked to her a day ago, she seems to be fine with it.
"I don't know why you're so nervous about this," Rodney commented as he tried yet again to straighten his tie. "It doesn't matter…twenty some years later and I still can't tie a damned tie!" growled Rodney.
"Oh good grief lad," mumbled Carson as he pulled his best friend closer and began to work the tie, "As for why I'm so nervous…think about it Rodney…I mean this is huge…"
"Well I'm sure if you stopped thinking of it as huge it wouldn't be nearly as…daunting. Try not to think about it Carson, it's not like you don't already know what she's going to say."
"Aye, I have a million things that come to mind of what she could say…nary a one is what I'm hoping for."
"Okay, first off Carson, you need to think positive," John chimed in from his position in front of the bathroom mirror. "If you go in there and say "hey…you wanna…you know…" That would kill it Carson. Go in there being calm, no stuttering, just…" he shrugged as he finished his tie and grinned.
"Shut up," hissed Rodney as he looked at his brother.
"What?" John replied in offense.
A knock jolted them from their discussion as Daniel opened the door, dressed in a nice suit with a smile on his face, "ready to go?" he asked.
"Yeah," John answered quickly as he grabbed his two friend's by the arms.
"Wait!" Carson yelled suddenly, he rushed over to the side table and opened the drawer, staring down at the only thing that sat in the drawer.
"You know, you can't fear the ring…it'll never work," John said peering over his best friend's shoulder.
"Okay, just for that, you're not in the party!" grouched Carson.
"You can't mean that," John's hurt came through.
"Aye I do," muttered Carson as he snatched the tiny velvet box from it's spot in the drawer and led them all out of the room.
"Ohh…does that mean I'm the best man?" Rodney asked grinning.
"I don't know what's with me," Laura said as she finished zipping up the back of her beautiful pearl colored dress, she looked in the mirror and smiled.
"You're going to knock him off his feet," Elizabeth grinned as she squeezed her friend's hand.
"You don't look too bad yourself Elizabeth, I have butterflies in my stomach…" she said smiling.
"Well, this is a pretty big deal, I mean you only get to go to the Air Force Balls…every few years."
"We have them for the Marines…usually I found a way to get out of them."
"No guys?" Sam asked as she looked at her newly acquired friends.
"No…I'm just not a fan of dressing up, I mean appropriate times obviously, but I was never one of those kids who willingly dressed up if I didn't have to," she explained.
"We're hot!" Vala's voice broke their thoughts as she stepped into the room with a wide grin on her face.
The six women looked at each other and grinned, "she's right, all of our guys are going to be drooling," Sam chuckled.
"This is actually the first time…dad's going to see me with Cameron," Carolyn whispered.
"Good, you show him that you're not his little girl anymore," Sam said wrapping an arm around the doctor.
"Well…let's not keep the men waiting," grinned Elizabeth.
The ball room was remarkable, they had decorations, US flags, and tables everywhere, there was a stage where a band was setting up to play. The seven men walked into the ball room like they owned the entire place, deciding to make the entrance that would give them credit, they all wore sun glasses, Jack headed up their little posse, with the rest behind him. As if practiced, they all ripped the sunglasses at the same time.
General Hank Landry stood beside General Hammond, shaking his head, "they're all fly boys," muttered Landry.
"They always will be General…even Teal'c," chuckled Hammond as the men moved over to them.
"George!" greeted Jack.
"Hello Jack," Hammond shook his friend's hand and smiled, "Teal'c, Daniel it's good to see you both again."
"You are well General Hammond?" Teal'c questioned.
"I'm wonderful, you all look very good," he said grinning at his friends.
"Thank you General," Daniel chimed in.
"General, I'd like you to meet the finest in Atlantis, this is Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, Doctors Rodney McKay and Carson Beckett. Gentlemen, this is General Hammond."
"It's nice to meet all of you finally, Jack has told me a great deal about all of you. Colonel Sheppard…not the same Colonel Sheppard who disobeyed orders and flew into Iraq…"
"Yes sir," John replied firmly, he wasn't ashamed of what he had done, just because someone thought it was wrong didn't mean it was.
"Yes well…I knew one of the men you saved that day…While you disobeyed a direct order…thank you, we need more of your kind who are willing to risk their lives for others…"
John grinned, "thank you sir!"
"So are the girl's here yet?" Cameron asked grinning from ear to ear, he hated these penguin suits, but part of him was ecstatic to see Carolyn.
"No…although the president is if you'd like to speak to him," grinned Landry.
"I can wait sir," replied Cameron.
They didn't have to wait long, the doors suddenly burst open, all heads swiveled to the sound, Sam led the pack a wide grin on her face in her beautiful apple red satin dress, behind her were Carolyn and Vala in navy blue and black dresses similar to Sam's. Behind them were Teyla in a lilac purple radiating with her hair up from her neck, wearing a necklace John had gotten her, Elizabeth in an emerald green that brought out the glitter in her eye and finally Laura in a beautiful pearl white.
Carson felt his breath taken away from him as he got glimpse of Laura, although he knew the other men were just as affected as they saw the grin on every woman's face.
"Nice entrance," Jack greeted as he pressed a kiss to Sam's cheek.
"Teyla…wow," John shook his head not sure what else to say, she was stunning.
"You look very nice yourself John," Teyla replied softly with a smile.
"Rodney?" Elizabeth asked as she moved over to her boyfriend.
Rodney just stood there, unable to speak or even move, his mouth open. He felt Elizabeth close his mouth gently with one finger and grinned, "there are no words," he whispered.
"Thank you," she replied.
"Carson, you look great!" Laura said exuberantly.
"Nye…ye…wow Laura…ye out do everyone else here," he whispered.
"Thank you Doctor," she said smiling.
"Colonel," Carolyn greeted Cameron with a sly grin.
"Doctor," he replied carefully.
Vala walked up to Daniel with a grin all over her face, if it hadn't been for the fact that he'd pleaded with her to behave, she would have grabbed him in a kiss right there and then, but these people didn't seem like the right kind to do that in front of, she chose to save it, "you look good."
"You're being very polite…no knock me on my ass kiss?" he returned.
"I could if you'd like," she grinned.
"Maybe later," he smiled softly at her.
The night began with a burst of energy as the ball room filled with people. There were cameras everywhere, friendly chatter going on. It was just plain exciting. The SG teams all sat together, chatting about missions safely, memories and friendships.
Dinner was either roasted chicken or some vegetarian meal, followed by dessert after several courses. The options were a lemon type pie, chocolate devil's cake, or apple pie. As a favor to Rodney, Carson and Elizabeth who sat on either side him also chose against the lemon dessert, deciding not to freak the scientist out this evening.
Finally around nine the dancing had commenced, within seconds of the beginning song Jack led Sam onto the dance floor; "you know they're not splitting up," commented Daniel as he smiled at Teal'c.
"Oh I don't know…I hear she saved a dance for McKay," Cameron commented.
"Really?" Rodney asked hopefully.
"Down boy," John bantered.
"Colonel…would you like to dance?" Carolyn spoke up suddenly looking at her friend, colleague and the man she'd been seeing quietly for the past three months.
"I'd love to Carolyn," he replied as he stood and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor.
"Hey Vala…wanna dance?" Daniel grinned at her, he had to admit she'd come to mean a lot to him.
"Aww Daniel, I thought you'd never ask," she grinned as she grabbed his hand and whisked him away to the dance floor.
"Teyla, may I have this dance?" John asked offering his hand to her, she chuckled softly and took his hand, allowing John to elegantly lead her onto the dance floor where he pulled her close and began to sway to the soft music with her.
"Carson?" Laura asked softly.
"I'd love to," he replied.
"So Eliza…care to spend the night dancing away with me?" he smiled mischievously at her.
"You better finish what you start mister," she chuckled.
"I feel like a proud father," Hammond said smiling as he watched his people dance with one another.
"Apparently am the proud father," Landry replied as he watched his beautiful daughter laugh at something Cameron had just whispered in her ear.
"Let them enjoy it General…I think you'll be surprised," Hammond replied clapping his friend on the back as he got up to talk to some old friends.
Landry sighed, "just don't hurt her Mitchell," he whispered softly.
"You look amazing," Rodney whispered on the dance floor as he swayed, Elizabeth held tightly in his arms.
"Thank you…you look quite dashing yourself Doctor McKay."
"Yeah...about that Doctor McKay thing…any fancy in making two McKay's on Atlantis?"
"Aren't there already two McKays?" she grinned, mocking him slightly.
"Okay…I mean two Doctor McKay's."
"Hmm…Elizabeth McKay…doesn't sound bad, I could get used to it," she grinned as she dipped in for a soft kiss. "Yeah, definitely could get used to it, but you're going to surprise me with that whole proposal thing right?" she asked softly.
"Elizabeth, you'll never see it coming," he replied, "I'm going to marry you, that's a promise."
"Oh…some might take that more as a threat," she laughed.
"If you'd like to take that as a threat," he grinned, "you can…"
"I love you Rodney," she whispered.
"Elizabeth…there are no words for how deeply I adore you," he replied as he gently caressed her cheek.
Carson was all to aware of the small box that sat preciously in the inside of his jacket pocket. He'd already spoken to the band, they had everything arranged, now all he had to do was get through the entire evening without blowing something totally and he would be set.
"Are you okay?" Laura asked, why was he so nervous. She didn't understand. He was acting like she felt.
"I…I'm fine," he lied as he held her closer, he was going to lose it, he suddenly wasn't sure he could propose, "actually…ah, I'm gonna go get some air."
He hurried towards the balcony on the other side of the room. The cool night air hit him and he closed his eyes, feeling the nerves begin to slow down a little. Apparently not enough however, he nearly jumped a mile high when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
He whirled around to see Teyla standing there smiling at him, looking stunning in her dress, "John is dancing with Laura…she is concerned about you…as am I."
"I'm…" he shook his head, "I'm asking her to marry me tonight…and I just keep thinking of all the millions of things she could say or do and every one is worse than the other…."
"Carson," she caught his wild hands and smiled, "do you not love Laura?"
"Of course I do…I wouldn't be askin…"
"Does she not love you?"
"I…I guess so…" he replied softly.
"You two have been dating for nearly two years…breathe deeply my friend, and relax…you were meant to be," she offered softly.
"Maybe…I just keep thinkin' bout everything we've been through…so much can happen…"
"Carson, stop," Teyla said pressing her hand to his lips, "just stop…believe me any woman would be lucky to have you…I believe I have heard John say that once or twice to people…if Laura loves you then I have no doubt she will respond well. Now come, do not keep her waiting."
"Very well…Thank you Teyla," he whispered.
"You're very welcome Carson…what are friend's for…if not support?"
"Aye, ye couldn't be more right."
It was nearing midnight, and Carson was getting far antsier with each second that went by. With less than five minutes to midnight, he heard the band speak up, "this song is going out to a very special couple this evening, the last one of the night. Thanks for coming out tonight!"
Carson looked at Laura and smiled, "Laura, can I have this dance?" he asked softly
"Of course," she grinned in return.
When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you - all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you - all the way
Carson pulled her close and sighed, a million words went through his mind, everything he ever wanted to say, taking a deep breath he paused, "Laura…" he began.
"Carson, sweetheart?"
"No talking…not yet…let me finish," he whispered as the words continued.
"I didn't come to Atlantis to find love…I came to heal people…instead you've helped me heal…ye gave me something to look forward to every morning…Laura yer the last person I think of before I go to sleep, an' yer the first person I think of every mornin'. I love Atlantis, and everything about it…the moment ye arrived…it became so much better…"
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes - if its real
Laura held a look in her eyes of nervousness and passion, she loved and adored this man and what he had just said to her meant the world. She was stunned when Carson let go of her hands and took a step back, with a hesitant smile he slowly knelt to one knee.
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you - all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years - come what way
All the eyes were on them as Carson reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the tiny box, he opened it agonizingly slow and looked up at her, knowing that people were watching. Laura's hand immediately flew to her mouth at the sight of the stunning ring held within the confines of the box.
A beautiful platinum 3/4 ct princess cut diamond was staring her in the face. Carson's hands shook ever so slightly as he held it up in front of her. He took another gulp of air before looking up at her wide blue eyes. Tears had formed in his eyes as he quickly reached up and wiped the tears dripping down his face, "Laura Marie Cadman…will ye marry me?" he finally managed to wrench the words from his dry mouth.
Who know where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you - all the way, all the way
No one spoke, no one moved, all eyes on the couple in the middle of the dance floor, waiting for the woman to make her reply.
Laura felt the tears pouring down her face as she looked from the beautiful ring to the beautiful man offering it to her. Her stomach hit rock bottom, the butterflies grounded, a lump formed in her throat as she opened her mouth to reply. She was aware the song had ended, the night was over…for everyone except them.
Reaching down she paced her hands on either side of his cheeks, slowly lifting him back up to his feet, she suddenly drew him into a kiss, aware of the cat calls all around them as she put all her passion into the kiss. Finally they parted and she looked into his beautiful blue eyes, "yes Carson, yes I will marry you," she finally managed between sobs of happiness.
Applause erupted in the ball room, as Carson drew her into a big hug, whirling her around and kissing her again. He was vaguely aware of the pats on his back coming from his best friends, but nothing matter now…nothing except the beautiful woman standing directly in front of him.
"To the happy future Dr. and Mrs. Beckett," Cameron called as he raised his wine glass in the air.
The group of fifteen were the last ones in the ball room, they had remained behind to share one last conversation and a bottle of wine. Everyone grinned as they held their glasses in the air, "may your lives be filled with joy, trials, tribulations, arguments, lots of making up, and beautiful children," John finished for the pilot.
"Cheers!" everyone chorused.
Carson grinned, his arm had been tightly around Laura's shoulders since she had said yes, she was leaning against his chest now, grinning, every few moments looking down at the rock on her finger.
"So are you more in love with the ring or the man," chuckled Carolyn from her position nestled in Cameron's arms.
"Oh…I think right now I'm somewhere in between," Laura chuckled as she leaned her head against Carson.
"Well…I'd say this was a good night," John said smiling softly at is friends.
"So you're not mad that I forced all of you to come here?" Elizabeth chuckled.
"I didn't have a problem with it," lied Rodney.
"Rodney, you suck at lying," John said throwing his napkin at his brother.
"Wow…just think you guys, you're going to be the first married couple on Atlantis," Sam said from the other end of the table.
"I always had my bet on Rod and Liz," Laura said grinning, unable to believe it was true.
"Wait a minute…there was a bet?" John asked. "why wasn't I in on this?"
"Because you were one of the ones we bet upon," Teyla answered smiling.
"Wait…you're in on this?" Rodney yelped.
Suddenly the three Atlantien women raised their hands grinning sheepishly, "we all had bets, it began as a poker game, Elizabeth bet that Carson would be the first to pop the question…I bet it would be Rodney, and Teyla…didn't you bet Zelenka?"
"I did," grinned Teyla giggling.
"Hey!" John replied offensively.
"Don't worry John, you're still in the race, now it's down to you, Lorne, Rodney, Ronan and Zelenka," chuckled Elizabeth.
"There aren't even that many couples…and who the hell does Zelenka like?"
"Heightmeyer," everyone from Atlantis replied grinning.
"Wow…never saw that…" mumbled John, causing the others to laugh.
"So any idea when the wedding will be? Or Where?" Daniel inquired.
"Ahh…actually haven't thought about it yet…Laura?"
"I'd like to get married on Atlantis…and on Earth, I think our parents should be there…why don't we have two, we'll do one for the Athosian ceremony…and we'll do one for Earth. Just small, close friends and family," Laura said smiling.
"That sounds good to me," Carson replied.
"You guys could stay here a few more days and have the wedding…" suggested Cameron.
"I'd like to wait a little while…maybe a few months?" Laura said gently, "get acclimated to living with him…being engaged…"
"Tell you what, come back for a small vacation in July, and we'll throw you a shower fit for a queen," Sam offered.
"I'd like that, July it is," she replied.
"We'll get married…July 31st…I've always liked that date," Carson said smiling.
"It's perfect," Laura whispered.
"Wow…I can't believe it's finally happened," Elizabeth beamed.
"Believe it…I'm gonna be a married woman."
"Well…we should be off, we'll see you guys tomorrow morning," Jack said as he scooted away from the table, offering Sam her coat.
"Night everyone," Sam gave Laura a big hug, "congratulations Laura, Carson."
"Yeah…I should probably get going too," Carolyn admitted.
"Here, let me walk you to the car," Cameron quickly stood up to follow her like a lost puppy.
"I probably shouldn't and try to spy should I?" muttered Landry.
"Uh…no," Daniel replied smiling, "Vala…are you ready to go? Teal'c need a ride?"
"Yes," Teal'c replied as the three friends made their way out of the ball room.
"Goodnight gang," Hammond whispered.
"Well…I'm off, goodnight…and congratulations you too, I have no doubt you'll have a wonderful life together."
"Thank you General," Laura replied, Carson only words behind her.
The six friends sat in silence for a few moments, just taking the time to soak up everything that had occurred. "We should let them clean up…we'll head back together…" John finally spoke.
The six friends stood, making their way out of the ball room, each slinging their arms around their significant other, each content with the way the night had gone and with their live around them.