Jennifer tired of all the decisions that needed to be made … it made her brain hurt. She'd made stacks on the table as she worked through all the information but there was still a large pile of things she'd yet to look through. Her uncle had assured her he would take care of anything she left or had questions about but she wanted to do as much as she could. Maybe a break would help.

Pouring herself a glass of wine she went out to the back patio and started a fire in the pit. It was a bit chilly but she needed some fresh air.

Ronon returned from his run going straight upstairs to shower. Afterwards he walked to the kitchen grabbing a beer before heading outside to find Jennifer.

"Hey … did you get it all done?"

"I wish," she answered sarcastically. "I'm horrible at decision making unless someone is bleeding or gasping for breath."

"Come here," he invited holding his hand out.

Curling up on the wicker love seat she leaned her head on his chest sighing deeply, "You feel warm."

"Just showered … you okay?"

"Having trouble concentrating," she sighed.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"Mostly the house … it's such a big responsibility, I don't know if I'm up for it."

"I like this house … good place to raise a family," Ronon thought out loud. It was a spontaneous observation but true nonetheless. Small town, beautiful tree lined street, huge yard and Jennifer loved it. He could almost see himself on the front porch swing rocking a little one to sleep. Of course it'd have to be after the Wraith were wiped from the face of the universe.

"It is a great house but right now I doubt if I ever get married and have children… it may be too much for me by myself," she worried, tired of all the heavy thinking.

"Have I thanked you yet for coming?" she asked, chuckling.

"Maybe once or twice," he assured her smiling.

"I hope Amelia didn't mind," she sighed, feeling a little bit like a home wrecker.

"Why should she care?" he asked confused.

"Because you two are dating," she answered, puzzled by his insensitive manner.

"What gave you that idea … Amelia is with Rivers."

"You brought her to the last social," she started, turning to see his face while she continued. "I came by your room when I got home and she answered the door … said you were down getting something for the two of you to eat. Where I come from that's dating."

"I lost a bet and had to cook her dinner," he explained.

Jennifer stood and paced angrily… fuming at herself for jumping to conclusions. "I'm sorry. I feel so stupid!" she mumbled. Frustration overwhelmed her as she shuffled her feet, disappointed with herself. "You have a way of reducing me to a blubbering idiot when I'm around you," she stammered.

"You're not an idiot," he growled, reaching for her as she backed up.

"No … I need to get this out. Every time I try to stay out of your life something always happens to draw me back into your arms. It's a vicious cycle… I can't do this anymore. I should just stay here on Earth and start a new life … give you the freedom to start over too."

"Jennifer …," he said, trying to get a word in edgewise before she cut him off.

"I'm awful at relationships … I just never learned the basics growing up. I don't think we can be friends," she choked, trying to hold it all together. "I want you to be happy … I want you to start a new life with someone you can love."

"Jennifer," he said a little louder but once again she cut him off.

"Ronon … I know this all started out as an awful joke and I know you didn't mean to hurt me but when you told me you didn't have any real intentions it tore me apart … I can't get over it if you stay in my life," she finished, letting the tears flow.

"Jennifer … I do!" he stated boldly.

"Do what?" she asked confused, thinking he was agreeing with her. Feeling hurt at his bluntness she turned away to hide her emotions.

Ronon gently took her face in his hands turning her back to look at him, "I do have intentions."

"Oh … well …that's … ah, good," she stammered. "You deserve to be happy," she mumbled, feeling self-conscious with him so close. Once again she felt stupid after ranting on and on. Here all the time he'd already found someone… now she just wanted to disappear.

"I have lots of intentions," he started, pulling her closer.

"I intend to protect you," he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"I intend to always be friends," he continued, kissing her forehead

"I intend to take you home," he said kissing one tear-streaked eye.

"I intend to make you my mate," he announced kissing her other eye.

"I intend to have children with you," he added kissing her cheek.

"And I intend to grow old with you," he finished kissing her other cheek. "… in this house," he murmured on her lips as he drew her in.

Jennifer felt swept along on a raging river … it was dangerous … exhilarating … a risk she thought she'd never be asked to take. As Ronon continued to attack her senses she could feel her ability to think slowly slipping away … was this really happening?

"Ronon … ah … do you … are we …," she whispered as he continued to kiss her into silence, "Ronon please," she persisted, hoping to get his attention while she could still remember what she wanted to ask … what she needed to know.

"What," he growled, continuing a path down her neck.

Jennifer worked at loosening the vise-like grip he had on her, hoping to be heard, "Are your intentions for just this moment or for when we get home too?" Again, she felt stupid but she needed to know. She'd loved him for so long and she had a hard time believing what he'd just confessed to her.

Ronon pulled back just enough to look in her eyes, "For always, little one, for always."

Looking at the sincerity in his eyes was all she needed to know nothing could separate them again. "You can resume," she sighed contentedly with a smile that lit up the room.

They continued exploring this new relationship until long after dark but eventually Ronon's stomach growled loud enough to get their attention.

"Hey … you hungry?" she snorted, realizing it'd been a while since they'd eaten breakfast with Evan and Laura.

Ronon looked down with a sarcastic smirk while arching his eyebrow, "Maybe a little."

Jennifer held his gaze for what seemed like a long time before she broke out in uncontrolled laughter.

"You wanna order Pizza?" Ronon asked feeling his mouth salivate just thinking about food.

"I'll order the pizza while you start a fire … if you're not kissing me senseless it seems a bit cold out here… we should probably move inside," she suggested, removing herself from his lap.

"Think we'll both fit in that chair by the hearth?" he suggested grinning.

"Hold that thought … I'll be right back." Jennifer all but floated into the kitchen grabbing the phone book for the number to the local pizza joint. Looking around for the portable phone she found it on the kitchen table … off the hook.

After ordering the pizza she placed it back in the cradle before returning to the living room. "They're really swamped tonight so it may take an hour to deliver. What should we do while we wait?"

Ronon looked at her with an evil grin as he pulled her down into his lap, "Get to know each other better." As his prey snuggled into his chest he heard the front door open.

"Hello … we're home," Lorne called from the front entryway.

"You'd both better be decent," Laura called jokingly as she walked into the room. "Wow! Can't leave you kids alone for a minute. I know you've been her protector, Ronon, but seriously, do her lips really need that much protecting?" The Lieutenant asked smirking.

Jennifer shrieked jumping out of Ronon's lap nearly tripping over her own feet. She felt the heat travel from her collarbone to the top of her head turning her face a perfect shade of red. "You scared me," Jen stammered, frowning at her best friend.

"You both look like you just got caught with your hands in the cookie jar," Laura laughed.

"Radios?…cell phones? Either of those ring a bell?" Evan asked sarcastically.

"Sorry … I didn't think to bring my radio and my cell phone needs charging," Jennifer explained.

"Radio's upstairs… I don't like cell phones," the Satedan declared.

"I even tried the land line but it was busy for like an hour before we decided to just crash your little party," Laura said grinning.

"Someone left it off the hook," Jen explained never taking her eyes off Ronon.

"What's up?" Ronon asked.

"We've been recalled. The Daedalus will beam us back to the SGC as soon as we arrive at the air base."

Seeing the hurt in Jennifer's eyes, Ronon stood and went to comfort her, "I'm sorry."

"You too Jennifer … Sheppard wants you back ASAP if you feel up to it. Seems the Geni and Larrin's people have come to a major disagreement … they've drawn a line in the sand and the Colonel's afraid this may get out of hand. He and Teyla are trying to be the voice of reason but the talks aren't going as well as they could so we're all on stand-by as of 22:00 hours," Evan quickly explained.

"After you pack come back to the table and give me instructions on what to do with everything and I'll coordinate it all with your uncle," Laura instructed. "Unless … you've decided not to go back," she added worriedly.

"She's coming home," Ronon said firmly, dismissing any further discussion.

"Aren't you coming with us?" Jen asked.

"No Sweetie … the Daedalus will be leaving early too but not until tomorrow. I'll get everything done here then they'll beam me right to the ship in the morning.

"Where are the keys to the car? I'll go get it gassed up," Lorne offered.

"On the counter," Jen nodded toward the kitchen.

"Come on … you need to pack," Ronon instructed taking her hand.

Jennifer quickly packed her few clothes then slipped over to her father's room while Ronon was in the bathroom grabbing his toiletries. It was hard to say goodbye … fingering the quilt on the foot of the bed she felt a lone tear make its way down to her chin.

Ronon sat down beside her and pulled her in close, "You okay?"

"Just saying goodbye … it's hard not to feel guilty when I'm so happy."

"He'd want you to be happy."

"I know … I wish you could have met him."

"We have a lifetime for you to teach me all about him," he offered earnestly. "I'll meet him through your eyes."

"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" she smiled through the tears.

Ronon leaned down giving her a kiss of approval. Time to go," he said, pulling her up for a quick hug.

Jennifer spent a few minutes instructing Laura on each pile of paperwork she'd made on the kitchen table. She watched the explosives expert take notes on what to leave for Uncle Jared and what to tell the neighbors. Before long Evan had the bags loaded and they were once again saying their goodbyes.

"See you in a couple of weeks," Laura said hugging her tightly. "I'm really happy for you sweetie … he's a keeper," she chuckled.

"Go through my DVDs and pack some chick flicks … I'll have the popcorn ready when you dock," she promised.

Jennifer hurried down the walkway catching up with Ronon as he eagerly paid the pizza delivery guy. "Perfect timing," she giggled as he tucked her under his arm.

Laura waved goodbye then turned back to the kitchen and the chore she'd volunteered for. Before she made it all the way into the room she ran back to the door flinging it open, "Hey … what about the house?" she yelled just as they arrived at the waiting car.

Jennifer and Ronon both turned and yelled at the same time, "We're keeping the house."

The End

Thanks again to everyone who read the story … I appreciate the kind words and encouraging input from each of you.

Thanks to bailey1ak for your wonderful editing skills. I'm off to work on a new chapter for The Rough Thorns!