Epilogue

They were back where they had started. John was again sitting in a hard chair at the side of Teyla's bed in the infirmary. But instead of talking to the baby through her belly as he had done a little over 2 months ago, John was now gazing directly into the sleepy soft brown eyes of the infant who had kicked his hand from within her womb.

John knew in his head that this child was not his, but he felt in his heart like this was his own son. He sighed sadly, as he realized that it might not matter how he felt. This was Teyla's son and he was not sure if he had a place in their lives. He loved her but he had never told her. He knew that she cared for him, but did she love him as well?

"John." Teyla called his name softly from the bed above him. John smiled up at her but the sadness did not leave his eyes. "John, what is it? What is wrong?" John just looked at her, surprised that she could read him so well. "Oh, no. Teyla, it's nothing. I was just…..just thinking, that's all." Teyla beckoned him closer and he stood, carrying the baby, and sat down on the side of her bed. Teyla reached out to stroke Rylan's downy soft head.

"What were you thinking about?" Teyla asked him softly. Their eyes met and John stammered, "I was just thinking….well, to be honest, I was thinking about you…..about us. I mean, I don't even know if there is an 'us', you know? I just know that I would sure like for there to be." It was the closest thing to love that John had ever professed to her and he nervously waited for her reaction.

Teyla's eyes filled with tears and John thought his heart would stop. "She doesn't love me" he thought to himself, stricken. But then Teyla smiled a watery smile and said the words he had hoped to hear. "I love you, John Sheppard. I have loved you for so long..." Her voice broke and John quickly leaned in to kiss her before she could see his own tears threatening to fall. They ended the kiss but remained with their foreheads touching and John whispered softly "I love you, Teyla. I will always love you. I want us to be a family – me, you and Rylan."

Glancing down at the sleeping infant, then back up at Teyla, John leaned in again for another kiss only to hear Dr. Jennifer Keller's giggle and exaggerated "Whoa!" as she came around the curtain surrounding the bed.

A/N: Well, that's it! I told you it was full of fluff and emotion! There may be more to their story if the mood hits me. Thank you so much to everyone who has left a review!