Chapter 20: That Important Question

"Like everything which is not the involuntary result of fleeting emotion but the creation of time and will, any marriage, happy or unhappy, is infinitely more interesting than any romance, however passionate. " W. H. Auden

Evan stood in front of the mirror in his quarters, rechecking his appearance for what felt like the fiftieth time. It was an important night, one he'd thought about, planned, and looked forward to more than anything. He shouldn't be nervous ... and yet he was.

He and Jennifer were three months into their relationship and he could honestly say that he'd never been happier. She'd always filled some of the spaces in his life, even during their years of friendship, but of course it was so much more once they'd admitted their love for each other. Evan smiled fondly as he thought back to their beginning.

Christmas day with her extended 'family' of close friends had been a delight – a little crazy and an eye opener that someone as quiet as Jennifer had grown up around so many 'larger than life' characters. The welcome he'd received, the way everyone had taken just one look at Jennifer beside him and drawn the right conclusions, the acceptance they had of him as a fixture in Jenn's life – all of it had warmed his heart, no mean feat since he'd already been full to overflowing with his feelings for Jennifer.

That special day had carried them both back to Atlantis and the inevitable return to duty.

"Major, Doctor, it's good to have you back," Colonel Sheppard greeted them personally, standing to one side of the Jumper they emerged from.

"Good to be back Sir," Evan returned automatically, exchanging a speaking glance with Jennifer that had her smiling. Yeah, she was thinking the same thing – they could easily have stayed away another week and not missed the city for one second. Grabbing both his bag and Jennifer's, he gestured with his head for her to get them moving. She rolled her eyes at his gentlemanly gesture but was clearly amused as she went along with their silent conversation.

Looking back to his CO, Lorne didn't miss the faint narrowing of John's eyes or the expression of sharpened interest on his face. "Good vacation?" the Colonel queried as he fell into step beside Evan.

"It had some high points," Evan returned evasively. "Anything happen in the city we should know about?"

"Let's see," John mused. "The I.O.A. met for the umpteenth time and decided to not decide anything – again. McKay fried one of the gate crystals so all the teams were on stand down for a few days until he could pilfer another one from somewhere else in the city. Grumpy doesn't even begin to describe his mood that day," Sheppard smirked. "So, pretty much business as usual."

"Then it won't take us long to catch up," Evan returned.

"I can't speak for the Doc's department," John smiled at Jennifer, "but your desk is looking a little on the buried side Major. You might want to get started on that catching up sooner rather than later."

"Did you do any paperwork while I was gone, Sir?" Lorne asked blandly, keeping to himself how amusing he always found John's paper dodging routine. He didn't want to give the man any hints that he didn't actually mind the administrative side of the job – after days spent running for your life, a little menial desk labour was relaxing. Sheppard wouldn't hesitate to heap him with all the paperwork if he knew, and Evan had decided early on that some forced 'relaxation' would be good for his CO.

"Some," John said evasively.

"Right," Evan glanced down to where Jennifer was walking beside him, her lips tilted upwards in amusement. "Then I guess I better get to it."

"After your medicals," Sheppard reminded them that even though they hadn't been off world, a visit to the infirmary was still mandatory.

"I want to check in with the staff anyway," Jennifer murmured.

Evan nodded, happy to escort her all the way back to her figurative door, as though they were returning home after a very long and eventful first date. For no obvious reason Colonel Sheppard accompanied them, telling them both more about the specifics of his I.O.A. meetings.

Jennifer frowned when he reiterated that Atlantis was stuck in the Bay for the foreseeable future. "It's been too long already," she muttered grimly, taking a seat on the examination bed next to Evan's and smiling when the doctor on duty approached. "The people in Pegasus need us ... and the city back were it belongs."

"You won't get any arguments from me on that one Doc," John agreed, moving aside to make room for Doctor Cole.

"Good to have you back," Cole said, smiling as she started Jennifer's exam first.

"Anything I should know about?" Jennifer asked, shifting to cooperate with the various actions that formed a return check-up.

Evan sat facing her, half listening to the conversation as he contemplated his girl in the role of patient. She seemed somewhat uncomfortable, even more so when she looked up and realised he was watching her.

Lorne couldn't help it ... his interest intensified when she blushed and all at once he realised she was thinking about the last time they'd been in a room with a bed ... when his hands and his mouth and his heat had been all over her. They'd been apart since that first night – neither wanting to push the boundaries of her father's hospitality – and it was all he could do not to leap up and drag her into his arms. The rose sheen of her skin intensified and she licked her lips, clearly fully up with what he was thinking, unable to break his gaze.

"Well, your heart rate is a little higher than I like, but other than that you're in perfect health as usual," Doctor Cole announced.

Evan didn't think it was possible but Jennifer's face went an even deeper red before she finally tore her gaze from his. He smiled, taking too much delight in the medical evidence of Jennifer's 'regard' for him.

"Thank you Doctor," Jennifer told Cole. "Now, if you'll all excuse me, I'd like to begin catching up on my own paperwork." Throwing Evan a look halfway between exasperation and longing she quickly made her exit, Evan's eyes following her all the way to her office.

"Major?"

His CO's voice brought Lorne back to the surroundings and it was his turn to flush. "Sir?" he returned, wondering how much he'd missed in his fascination with Jennifer.

"I was going to ask if anything interesting happened while you were away, but I can see I don't need to," John quipped, his eyes alight with something too close to teasing for Evan's liking.

"Ah ... actually, I'd appreciate a few minutes of your time to talk about that Sir," Lorne admitted.

John's brows rose in surprise and he nodded. "When you're done here then," he offered.

"Thank you Sir."

Evan submitted to his own check-up with Doctor Cole, happy to have it done quickly. He looked at Jennifer's closed office door before he left – he really should apologise for deliberately provoking her physical reaction to him – but decided to talk to Sheppard first. That way he'd have an olive branch of sorts to smooth his way with her.

"Sir," Evan stood formally in front of John's desk, waiting for an acknowledgement. He wasn't usually so by the book but the coming conversation was important and his behaviour announced that fact.

"For gods sakes Lorne, relax before you strain something," John returned, waving a hand to the one visitors chair in his office. Waiting until Evan sat, he continued. "So, what's on your mind?"

"Jennifer," Evan said bluntly. "I don't believe the non-frat regulations are an issue for us, particularly given that I'm making you aware of the change in our status immediately on returning to base."

"So, you and Doc Keller huh?" John arched a brow, his way of inviting a more detailed explanation.

Usually Evan wouldn't have provided it – there was no requirement that he spill his guts so to speak – but in this case he felt he owed John more of the story, because the other man had encouraged him to look on a trip to Venice as an opportunity, and because it served as a kind of object lesson for Sheppard. "Yeah, who'd have thought," Lorne said ruefully. "Certainly not me. But being away from Atlantis – away from our usual roles with the usual pressure made us both realise things we'd been suppressing. It didn't take long to admit we wanted to be together once there was nothing to distract us." Evan shook his head, chuckling. "I sound like a sappy fool telling you this ... not my usual style but ...," he shrugged, meeting John's eyes, "I feel like I own you a pretty big thank you Sir, for pushing me to take a risk with Jennifer."

"Plus you're not above reminding me what I said at the time," John added.

"No Sir," Evan said in all seriousness. "Maybe a change of scene would help you understand yourself and Teyla better too ... if that's an area you're still thinking about."

"I appreciate the advice Major," John dismissed casually, "but for the rest, no thanks required. You and Jennifer would have made it to the right conclusion on your own eventually."

"Yeah, but I'm happy not to have wasted that time," Evan pointed out. "It's not a limitless resource, is it?"

Sheppard met Evan's serious expression with one of his own. "I get it Major ... and I'll think about it."

Lorne nodded, happy that he'd at least planted the seeds in his CO's mind. That situation was even more complicated that his with Jennifer – because of Torren and the whole Kanaan thing – but it wasn't insurmountable, especially for a man like John Sheppard.

"Any Jenn and I?" Evan queried.

"Neither she nor any of her staff report directly to you, off world missions aside – we can manage that if and when the need arises. I can't see any grounds for fraternisation concerns," John decided. "You're in the clear Evan. Go – give the Doc the news."

"Thank you Sir," Evan jumped up, keen to be on his way.

"Hey, Lorne," John called him back. "Did you win that art thing?"

Evan grinned. "What do you think Sir?" he returned, lifting his hand in a casual half salute before he continued on his way.

Smiling now, Evan recalled that first night in the city he and Jennifer had spent reacquainting themselves with the newness of being together, in every sense of the world. He'd returned to his quarters in the early hours of the morning already plotting how to 'out' them with the city gossips with the minimal amount of personal pain. Placing a bet directly with Chuck had done the trick nicely – everyone talking more about how he shouldn't have been able to sweep a pool betting on himself than they were about the fact that the base 2IC and the CMO had hooked up.

And hooked he was, well and truly. Glancing at his watch he cursed under his breath – reminiscing had killed more time than he'd intended and if he didn't hurry he was going to be late.

He met Jennifer in the control room, nodding to Chuck as soon as he was beside her. It was a little surreal to be standing in the heart of Atlantis operations dressed in a suit with Jennifer in her own evening attire – thankfully no one on duty commented on the unexpected sight. The two of them really were old news ... although about to be renewed if the night went as he'd planned.

"Patching you through to the Daedalus Sir," Chuck reported.

"Major Lorne," Colonel Caldwell's voice came through loud and clear. "I assume you're ready to beam down?"

"Yes Sir," Lorne returned, meeting Jennifer's suddenly puzzled frown with an innocent look. "I really appreciate this Sir."

"General Landry mentioned that your slate is almost balanced now Major," Caldwell returned. "Radio when you're ready to return to Atlantis – don't stay out too late Major," he added, pointedly reminding Evan that they had to be back at the end of shift. "Stand by for beam out."

"Thank you Sir," Evan grinned, understanding the General's vague reference immediately. His year mining naquadah would buy him maybe one more free use of the Daedalus' resources but then he'd be on his own. That was fine – he didn't need more than the current trip.

"Where are we going?" Jennifer asked curiously.

"You'll see," Evan replied just as the white light of Asgard beaming technology swept over them. When he could see again his eyes immediately went to Jennifer. It was dark but she seemed to recognise the narrow canal street they were standing in instantly.

"Venice?" she looked at him incredulously.

"There's something I wanted to show you," Evan took her hand, walking them briskly towards a nearby water taxi point.

Jennifer was silent as the boat took them towards their destination, only speaking when they were coasting towards a dock half an hour later. "The Arsenale?" she looked even more puzzled by the familiar setting.

"What I want to show you is here," Evan explained. Guiding her from the boat he headed for the entrance, opening the door and waiting for her to precede him inside. Where the warehouse had been full of art works before, now it resembled a successful restaurant, busy with people dining amidst a collection of architectural models.

"Reservation?" the doorman asked.

"Lorne, for two," Evan stated.

"Ah yes, this way Signor," the doorman signalled one of the wait staff to guide them to their table at the far end of the large space.

Jennifer looked charmed by the atmosphere and the return to a location that held special meaning for both of them. She took the menu provided but didn't open it, her eyes darting all around, taking in their surroundings. "This is a nice surprise," she said, smiling at Evan.

"I hope you still think so in a minute," Evan muttered. Putting his hand in his coat pocket he pulled out the small box and placed it decisively on the table between them.

"Oh," Jennifer breathed out, her eyes locked on his.

"I know it hasn't been long, relatively speaking," Evan began, "but I didn't need the last three months to be sure. I knew before we left Venice that I'd never want to be with anyone but you." Opening the box carefully he placed it before Jennifer, his hands sure, his voice even more so. "You're my best friend ... my last love ... the part of the day I always look forward to. The only thing that could possibly make it better is for you to agree to marry me."

Jennifer's lips trembled as she lifted the ring from its nest. She gazed at it for a moment before looking up, her eyes misted with tears. "Nothing is more important to me than you," she told him feelingly. "Yes," she held out the ring, wanting him to do the honours.

Evan smiled, taking her hand and the ring. They were both grinning as he slid the ring on her finger – the noise of the room seemed to fade to the background once it was done, the two of them both caught in a moment of admiring what the ring representing.

Still smiling down at her newly adorned finger, Jennifer sighed. "Don't think I've forgotten, Mister," she told him sternly, giving him an expectant gaze as she reminded him of his promise for the day he asked that all important question.

"Behind you," Evan said simply.

Jennifer frowned and then slowly turned, looking at the wall behind her. There was a display there, one she hadn't noticed when they'd sat down. Casting him a curious glance she got up, walking forward until she was only a pace away.

Evan stayed in his chair, watching her. He knew the instance she spotted it, the downsized print with accompanying label.

4th International Art Prize Arte Laguna, 2011.
Category: Painting.
Winner: "Resolute" by Evan Lorne.
Painted for and owned by the artist's future wife, Jennifer Keller.

"You won," Jennifer sat back down, brimming with delight. "I knew you would!"

"Of course you did," Evan returned, amused. "All that concern about the painting losing something if I didn't was just an act then."

"It's impolite to remind a lady of things she said when under a great deal of stress," Jennifer intoned primly. She couldn't hold it though, jumping up and crossing excitedly to his side of the table. She'd intended to wrap her arms about him as he sat but Evan shifted, pushing his chair out and pulling her laughing into his lap.

"This is much better," he murmured, kissing her teasingly.

Jennifer giggled but she didn't try to get up, too content with the night and the fact that she'd been right to worry about anyone who might be watching them – Evan as an artist really was that good. "Future wife huh?" she teased. "That was presumptuous."

"No, hopeful," Evan returned, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. "Lucky for me you took pity on a poor soldier."

"I'm the lucky one," Jennifer countered seriously.

"Okay, we're both lucky," Evan smiled, kissing her hand again.

"Wait a minute, if you won, what happened with the prize?" Jennifer asked, remembering that the winner received some kind of placement with a renowned gallery.

"I forfeited the prize to the artist who came second," Evan admitted. "It's not like I was going to leave the air force to spend a year painting. The organisers were very understanding, although Ms Fiorelli seemed too eager to point out that perhaps I shouldn't have entered the competition if I didn't want the prize."

"Sorry," Jennifer said meekly.

"I'm not," Evan shot back. "Without you taking the initiative it might have taken us years to get to where we are right now. I'd rather have that time with you."

"Thank you," Jenn smiled, loving him even more. Deep down he'd known she still carried a small amount of guilt for taking something he'd meant as a personal message and using it to push him into being recognised for his art. They'd both achieved what they'd set out to do but it could just as easily have turned into a relationship killing disaster.

"You're welcome," he said simply. "Now, fiancé – let's order," he lifted her from his lap and settled her feet back on the floor. "Colonel Caldwell will have me cleaning the latrines on the Daedalus for a month if we don't get back to the check point on time."

Jennifer laughed, delighted as always by Evan's irreverence and ability to laugh at himself. Just one of the many things she loved about him. Retaking her seat she couldn't resist glancing down at the ring on her finger again. She couldn't help the emotion driven trembling breath either - hardly able to believe that it was hers, that they were really going to get married.

Never would she have dreamed that one small act of interference would have such long reaching and treasured consequences. Ones she couldn't wait to get on with enjoying.

The End!

Authors Note:

Yes, the fluff factory returns for one last instalment. Thank you to BrnEyesTX for prompting me to write this chapter – can you believe I'd actually forgotten I never revealed who won the Art prize thing until she reminded me? I hope this was the kind of ending you were hoping for in an epilogue!

Most of my quotes come from thinkexist, but this one I got from brainyquote and it was harder than usual to find. I never realised there were so many negative things said about marriage!