Destination

Life’s Journey 6

By Shiaw Mei Mei

 

Jack was in a daze.  Everyone had come in with their congratulations over his impending fatherhood and then thankfully left him and Sam alone.  Dr. Carmichael wanted her to stay in the infirmary a little longer.  They needed something to counteract the effects of the naquadah in Sam’s system.  Until they found it, he thought it would be easier to control in the infirmary.  Of course, now that the true nature of her condition was known, sedatives couldn’t be used.  In fact, most drugs couldn’t be used.

 

Atotoztli and Xochiquetzal returned to Tenochtitlán.  Atotoztli would be back with some natural remedies that might help Sam.  It had been literally ages since there had been a similar pregnancy on Tenochtitlán but there was information on the treatment of it.  Jacob went with them but said he would return soon.

 

Jack smiled at the thought of Sam pregnant.  It had been a few short weeks ago that they had talked about starting a family.  Neither of them expected it so soon.  They didn’t realize that the Xochiquetzal had rid Sam’s body of the hormones that prevented conception.  The symbiote’s natural ability to heal took care of what it perceived as a hormonal imbalance.  Xochiquetzal had no idea that the hormones were there for a medical purpose.

 

He was lying on the hard infirmary bed with the head raised slightly.  Sam was dozing lightly; lying with her chest against his, her head nestled under his chin, one hand resting over his heart.  He had his arms wrapped around her gently.  She was tired again.  The fatigue that she had felt at first had returned.  He didn’t like the idea of this pregnancy taking so much out of her.  He hadn’t thought about how the naquadah left over from Jolinar would affect her system.  But she seemed so happy about being pregnant.  He shared her happiness initially.  Another chance at fatherhood was something he had never dared hope for.  Sam was the only woman he had loved enough to even consider a family with and he thought that they would never be together.

 

It was only a little more than two months ago that the dream had become a reality.  He was still in shock over his good fortune.  Sam had spent a month with the Aztecs because of her blending with Xochiquetzal.  When he could get there to see her, their time together seemed dreamlike since it was spent on Tenochtitlán.  Once they got back, it had been a flurry of moving, missions and work to catch up on.  They wanted to share a normal life together but it had been anything but normal so far!

 

And now, Sam was pregnant.  At Atotoztli’s urging, Dr. Carmichael had run some tests on her hormone levels and was able to determine that something was out of whack with her system it but had taken a Tok’ra healing device to finally get the diagnosis.  Jack had been so happy when Sam told him but he wasn’t sure he wanted this if it was dangerous to Sam.

 

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t hear her wake.

 

“Why the worried look?”

 

He jumped slightly at the sound of her voice.  He schooled his expression rapidly but it wasn’t quick enough.

 

“Don’t try to hide it from me, Jack,” her voice was soft.  “I can read you too well.”

 

He sighed and his mouth scrunched up in a slight grimace.  She was right.  To her, he was a completely open book.  He didn’t know how she did it.  He could fool anyone but her.

 

He kissed her forehead.  “I want a child with you, more than anything, anything except at the risk of your health.”

 

“It’s not risking my health, Jack,” she turned so she could see his face better.  “Maybe my sanity, but not my health.”  She smiled at the slight smirk that spread across his face.  “It will be okay.”

 

He sighed as he pulled her closer.  “What if it’s not?”

 

“We’ll cross that bridge if, or when, we come to it.”

 

She could feel his head nod against her hair.  “How do you feel now?” he whispered.

 

“Still tired but okay.”

 

“Well, I am going to talk to the doc about springing you.  You can stay in one of the VIP rooms if he won’t let you leave base.”

 

“Hmm, that’s a good idea.  The bed is bigger.”

 

He laughed into her hair.  “Yeah, not that I mind the closeness a small bed requires but this is one hard mattress!”

 

“Yeah, and no privacy!”  She craned her neck up to kiss him lightly on the lips.  “It would be nice to have a little privacy,” she whispered as her hand slid from his chest to parts lower.

 

Jack cleared his throat and captured her hand before things got out of control.  Just the thought was enough to arouse him.  “I think that should wait until we have that privacy!”

 

Sam just laughed and laced her fingers through his.  “Well, get me out of here soon or you may just have to deal with it!”

 

 

Jack sat at his desk trying to concentrate on work.  He was still worried about Sam.  The doctor said he wanted her to stay in the infirmary until Atotoztli returned.  Jack had to get some work done so he reluctantly left Sam’s side.  Not that he was actually getting any work done thinking about Sam and the baby.

 

He exhaled sharply.  The baby.  That thought kept coming back to him.  Thoughts of Charlie as a baby, Sarah pregnant also came back to taunt him.  He wanted a child with Sam.  At least he thought he did.  The pain over Charlie’s death hit him hard all over again.  Could he handle another child?  He realized that another child wouldn’t, couldn’t take the place of Charlie but could he handle the thought of screwing up again?  Of doing something wrong with this child?  Or of something happening to Sam?  He closed his eyes and tried to push down the lump in his throat.  An ice-cold pain shot through his heart at the thought of losing Sam.

 

But she wanted a child.  They were having a child.  There was no other option.  Sam wouldn’t consider terminating the pregnancy because it might be dangerous to her.  And, truthfully, Jack would never consider the option either.  It was a child.  A child of his and Sam’s.

 

With the issue finally settled in his mind, Jack tried to concentrate on his paperwork before Walter caught him daydreaming.  There was nothing to consider and thinking about it would only make him crazy.

 

 

The sound of the gate activating brought Jack back from the report he was reading.  He hurried to the control room hoping it was Atotoztli.  His hopes were partially answered as the technician on duty announced the Aztec IDC and Jacob emerged with a woman following.

 

Jack hurried down to the gate room to greet them.  “Jacob!  Glad you’re back!  Find anything helpful?”

 

“We think so!  Jack, this is Malinal.  She is a healer also.  She volunteered to come and take care of Sam.  She’s had experience with a similar case.”

 

Jack nodded at the woman.  She had long dark hair and skin that looked as if had been stained with walnuts.  She was dressed the long tunic and leggings that Jack knew was favored by the women of her planet.  She seemed rather young to have much experience.  “Thank you for coming.  Any assistance is appreciated.”

 

“We are grateful to be of assistance to the former First Servant,” the flanged voice made Jack flinch slightly.  Evidently, the woman had been informed of Jack’s prejudices.  She just smiled at his discomfort.  “I have assisted in a similar pregnancy which makes me uniquely qualified to be of service.”

 

Well, that at least explained why one so young would be so experienced.  “Well then, let’s go see Sam,” Jack said as he motioned Jacob to take the lead to the infirmary.  Jack followed beside Malinal.  “So, how long ago was this pregnancy?”

 

“Approximately, 90 years ago.  A previous host was a healer in a remote area of our world.  Not too many live away from the city but there are some.  A female host was seriously injured.  The symbiote died keeping her alive.  The host refused to take another symbiote out of respect for the sacrifice hers had made.  She later married and became pregnant.  There were similar difficulties.”

 

Jack snorted a laugh.  “Difficulties?  Sam goes from exhausted to angry to hysterical weeping in no time flat.  I can’t keep up!”

 

Malinal laughed softly.  “Yes, those were some of the difficulties.  There were others.  Complications in the birthing.  The child did not want to be born.  And he had a withdrawal period from the lack of the naquadah.”

 

“Didn’t want to be born?  Withdrawals?”

 

“Do not worry!  The child was weaned off the dependence through his mother’s milk.  And, yes, the child was reluctant to be born.  He was overdue by three weeks.  We had to force labor.  It was a difficult and painful birth but Jacob tells me that your people have a way to remove the child even if it is stubborn.”

 

“Yes, surgically.”  Jack was starting to feel better about all of this.  Malinal sounded like she knew what she was doing.

 

By the time they arrived at the infirmary, Jack felt better than he had when he left it earlier.  To think that he would ever be grateful to snakes!  He was amazed at the difference between the Aztecs and the Goa’uld, even the Tok’ra.

 

Jack led the way into Sam’s area.  She appeared to have been crying.  “Sam, what’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing,” she sniffled.  “I just…nothing.”

 

Jack leaned over to kiss her before he introduced Malinal.  The Aztec woman nodded to Sam as Jacob came around to hug Sam.

 

“Dad,” Sam whimpered.

 

“Oh, Sammie, it’s going to be okay.  Malinal has something that should help stabilize your mood swings.”

 

“Oh…good…” she sobbed as she burst into tears again.

 

Malinal smiled at the sobbing woman.  “I believe I am here none too soon!  Jacob, I will need some boiling water to mix with the dried powder.  Can someone accommodate me in this?”

 

“Sure, I will get a nurse,” Jacob replied before kissing Sam on the forehead and leaving the area.

 

Jack sat down next to Sam and put his arm around her shoulder.  He, too, kissed her forehead as his free hand intertwined his fingers through hers.  “Malinal was telling me that she can help with the pregnancy and with the birth.  She’s been through this with another woman that had a similar experience with a symbiote dying.”

 

Sam nodded and buried her face in Jack’s shirt.  “I’m sorry.  I know why I am this way but it doesn’t help!  I can’t stop crying!”

 

“You should have had someone call me.  I told them to if you needed me.”

 

“I told them not to bother you.  There’s nothing you can do and you have work to do.”

 

Jacob reappeared between the curtains.  “Someone will bring the water shortly.”

 

Malinal had been looking around at the accommodations.  “Is there another place she can stay?  This is neither the most comfortable nor appealing place for her.”

 

Jack nodded.  “We were going to move her but the doctor wanted to keep a closer eye on her until Atotoztli returned.  He didn’t want her alone if she had another spell.”

 

“A wise precaution when dealing with the unknown but it is not necessary in this case.  Is the other place close?”

 

“Yes, just a couple of floors up.”

 

“May we move her there before I administer the treatment?”

 

Jack nodded.  “Sam, you feel like going up to the VIP rooms?”

 

Sam had been listening to the conversation with her face buried in Jack’s shoulder.  “I would like that.  I don’t like everyone around here to see me like this.”  She sniffled again and her hand tightened on Jack’s.

 

“Okay, let me go get the doctor and tell him what’s going on.”

 

“No,” Sam said loudly.  Her voice softened as she whispered, “Don’t leave me.”

 

“I’ll go, Jack,” Jacob volunteered.

 

Jack nodded to the older man.  “It’s okay, Sam.  I’m not going anywhere.”  He hugged her a little tighter.

 

Malinal smiled at Sam as she moved near the bed.  Her hand reached out to pat Sam’s back.  “The powder that I have brought will help with the emotional highs and lows, child.  I will stay to regulate the amount that your body requires.”

 

Sam looked at the woman carefully.  “How long will that take?”

 

“As long as it takes,” she smiled softly.  “You are very dear to Xochiquetzal and to her people for what you did for her.  I will stay until the child is born if necessary.”

 

Sam burst into tears and buried her face in Jack’s chest.  She couldn’t believe this woman would give up the next eight months of her life for her.

 

 

They managed to get Sam calm enough to move to one of the VIP rooms.  Dr. Carmichael wasn’t sure he wanted her out of the infirmary but Malinal insisted.  She told him that she would remain with her until the drink took effect.  Carmichael insisted on samples of the powder to analyze but, considering the Colonel’s current state, didn’t object too strenuously to Malinal administering them before the test results came back.

 

Malinal showed Jack the amount of powder to water to use.  She asked if they had a sweetener of some kind to add since it was bitter.  Jack sent Jacob to the commissary for some sugar.

 

Malinal turned to Jack and Sam.  “I am glad that Jacob is gone for a moment.  I need to tell you of the other effects of this particular cure.”

 

“Side effects?”  Sam’s voice was tremulous.  She didn’t know if she could handle anything else at the moment.  Jack sat down on the bed next to where she was sitting and slipped an arm around her.

 

“What kind of ‘effects’?” he asked.

 

“The original use for this was as an aphrodisiac.”  Malinal almost laughed at the look on Jack’s face.  Sam looked at him to see what she found so amusing.  His jaw had dropped and there was almost a look of panic.  Sam burst into laughter regardless of her depression.

 

“Jack, you look like you are about to run!”

 

He quickly tried to school his expression but failed.  He had to laugh as well.  It had shocked him for a moment.  “I’m sorry, but my first thought was if things get much more, eh, intense between us, I might not make it through the pregnancy alive!”

 

Sam and Malinal both laughed at his words.

 

“Well, friend Jack, you seem to be rather healthy.  I think you will survive!”

 

“Survive what?” Jacob asked as he opened the door.  The three of them burst into laughter.  “Oh, you told them about the side effects.”

 

Jack was trying desperately to control the blush that he knew was rising on his face.  Jacob loved to make him blush ever since he found out he could!

 

Malinal tasted the sugar to test the sweetness.  She added a little to the steaming cup and stirred it.  Sam was watching her closely.  She wanted to be able to take care of herself.  She didn’t want to have to have a nursemaid.  She wanted to be the normal self-sufficient person she had always been.  She never expected pregnancy to disrupt her life this much.  She knew that it would change things but not this way!

 

Malinal handed the cup to Sam.  It was only about a third of the way full.  “We will start with a small amount and increase it as necessary until we have found the correct dosage.  Drink it all at once when it is cool enough for you to do so.”

 

Sam nodded as she blew on the fragrant brew.  It smelled familiar.  Malinal had said the sugar was to cut the bitterness.  “How did you discover this remedy?” she asked as she waited for it to cool.

 

“It has been used by our people for eons as an aphrodisiac but it was well known for its calming properties.  Some people used it more for that reason than to enhance their sexual activities.  When I had the problem with the woman I spoke of, I managed to enhance the calming qualities by refining the curing process.  Most of the properties that made it an aphrodisiac have been removed but not all.  It affects people differently.  There may be no side effects at all for you or you may find that your sex drive has increased significantly.”

 

Jacob was trying hard not to laugh.  He couldn’t help but be amused.  He shouldn’t be.  It was, after all, his daughter they were talking about but Jack’s expression was a cross between excitement and fear!  Jacob tried to keep his expression neutral but Jack caught on to his amusement.

 

“Go ahead, Jacob, laugh if you want!  It’s killing you not to.”

 

Sam giggled slightly at the looks the two men were giving each other.  She was so happy that her dad and Jack got along so well but she wasn’t sure she wanted her dad here when they were discussing her sex life.  “Get over it, guys.  I just want to get back to normal.  If this stuff helps, then you both will have to live with it.”  With that, she up ended the cup and drained it.  It tasted a little like bitter dark chocolate.  Not bad at all except a little more sugar would help.

 

“Okay, Malinal, how long does it take to know if it helps?”

 

“A few days at this dosage and we should see some changes.  We will start adjusting the dosage after that.”

 

Sam nodded.  “Thank you, Malinal.  I appreciate your help.”

 

“It is my pleasure to serve.”  She tilted her head in respect.  “Is there quarters nearby that I could make use of?  Carter needs to rest and we should leave her to it.”

 

Jack stood quickly.  “Sure, there are two other VIP suites on this floor.  You can use one of them.”  He leaned over and kissed Sam’s forehead.  “I’ll be right back.”

 

She nodded as Jack and Malinal left.  Her dad stood there smiling at her.

 

“What?”

 

“Are you happy, Sammie?”

 

“Yes, Dad, except for these weird mood swings, I am happier than I ever thought I could be.  Jack’s really concerned though.  He’s afraid of something happening to me.”

 

“Well, I think Malinal has managed to reassure him to some degree.  She explained a lot of it to him when we first got here.”

 

“I hope so.  He has enough to worry about without this.  Besides, I want him to be happy about this baby.  I don’t want him worrying about this through the whole pregnancy.”

 

“He’ll be okay.  He’s tough.”

 

Sam laughed lightly and shook her head.  “He’s not as tough as you think, Dad, not when it comes to kids.  I’ve seen the way he is around them.  I know the nightmares he still has over Charlie.  I know this baby can never replace Charlie but he loves children and he deserves another chance.”

 

Their conversation was cut short by Jack’s return.  “Okay, Malinal is in the room to the right.  Jacob, you can have the room on the other side of hers if you plan on staying.  Walter is looking for me.  Will you be okay, Sam?  I can tell him to wait.”

 

“No, I’m fine now.  Maybe you can get someone to bring me my computer.  It would give me something to do.”

 

“Okay and I’ll bring dinner back later.”  He leaned over to give her a quick kiss goodbye.  “See you later.”

 

 

Jack hoped Sam wasn’t too hungry.  He was running late.  Walter had been pleading for certain reports and he had been spending a lot of time in the infirmary the last few days.  He called to tell her that he would be a little while longer and he could get someone to bring her dinner if she wanted but she said she would wait for him.  He could hear Malinal’s voice in the background but Sam didn’t sound upset or anything.  He was almost done with this particular report and then he could leave.

 

Walter’s head appeared as if by magic.

 

“Two more minutes, Sergeant!  Two more minutes!”

 

“Yes, Sir, but that’s not what I wanted to tell you.”

 

“Oh,” Jack looked up at the man as he stepped through the door.  “What’s up?”

 

“Dr. Carmichael wants you to stop by the infirmary before you finish tonight.”

 

“Oh, okay, thank you, Walter.”

 

 

Jack headed quickly to the infirmary.  He wondered if Carmichael had found something in the powder that Malinal was giving Sam.  Surely if it had been dangerous, he wouldn’t have asked him to just stop by.  He hurried his step at the thought of something else wrong with Sam or the baby.  He saw the doctor as he walked into the infirmary.

 

“Doc, what’s up?”

 

“Thank you for coming by, General.  I wanted to let you know the test results on the Aztec powder.  You aren’t going to believe this.  I mean, I just couldn’t believe it!  I ran the tests three times just to make sure!  In all my years as a doctor and a researcher, I have never come across anything like it!  It’s just…”

 

“What is it?”  Jack’s impatience cut through the doctor’s rambling.

 

“It’s chocolate.”

 

“It’s what?”  Jack’s tone was disbelieving.

 

“The powder, it’s a derivative of chocolate!  The processing or refining method has taken the anti-depressant that is naturally occurring in chocolate and intensified the effect but the base element is the cacao bean, which is what cocoa or chocolate is made from!”

 

“So the past few days of hell could have been solved by feeding Sam a Hershey bar?”

 

The doctor laughed hard at the look on the General’s face.  “No, I’m afraid not.  Unless you think she could have handled a couple of hundred of them!  It’s been refined to a very potent state.  However, I have to warn you, sir.  There are other, um, side effects to the raw cacao bean.”

 

“Don’t go there!  Malinal has already mentioned it!  Thank you for your concern.”  Jack just shook his head as he turned to leave the infirmary.  He paused for a moment and then turned back to the doctor.  “Unless, well, I mean…”  Jack was trying hard to figure out a way to word this.  “Um, my last physical…everything was fine, right?”

 

Dr. Carmichael was biting the inside of his mouth trying not to laugh.  “Fine, sir.”  His voice was on the verge of cracking.  “Strong heart, good lungs… please leave before I do something that could be misconstrued as disrespectful.”  There were tears of laughter welling up in his eyes.

 

Jack turned quickly and left, trying to control his own laughter.  The sound of hysterical laughing

from the infirmary followed him down the hall.

 

 

Sam was feeling better now that she had something on besides hospital attire.  Her dad had run to the house and brought back some clothes.  She was dressed in her favorite sleepwear, a comfortable pair of pajama pants and a spaghetti strap top.  And she finally had her computer!  She had managed to actually get some work in between her crazy mood swings.  A noise at the door preceded the sound of someone kicking it.  Sam opened it to find Jack laden down with a tray full of food.

 

He managed to get it to the table without any mishaps and turned to hug Sam tightly.  “I’m sorry it took so long!  Dr. Carmichael wanted to see me after I finished the reports that Walter was hounding me for!  Maybe I should just really retire!  They’re all driving me crazy!”

 

Sam enjoyed the warmth of his embrace as she laughed into his chest.  “And then you’d just go crazy with nothing to do!”  She lifted her face to his to steal a light kiss.  It felt so nice, his lips tender against hers.

 

“Well, in about eight months, I’d have plenty to do!”  He whispered against her lips.  “How are you feeling?”

 

Sam sighed and snuggled her face into his neck.  “Okay.  I was a little depressed earlier but Malinal came over and we talked for a while.  She told me more of what to expect as the pregnancy proceeds.  She said it would take a little longer for the medicine she brought to really kick in so I would have to expect more mood swings until then.  Her host, Papantzin, took over for a while and we talked as well.  It is kind of nice finding two new friends in one body.  Papantzin has a daughter.  She had her before she blended with Malinal.  She has helped at other births too.”

 

“Well, just having her, them here makes me feel better!”

 

“Really?” she lifted her head to look at him.  “Even though they are blended?”

 

He laughed lightly at her incredulous tone.  “Of course, Sam!  Anything or anyone that can help you safely through this is fine by me!  Snake or not!  I am just grateful that they were willing and able to help!  Without them, you’d still be in sick bay with the doctors trying to figure out what was wrong with you!”

 

“You realize that they plan to stay for the entire pregnancy?” 

 

He could sense by the tone of her voice that she was up to something.  “Yes…” he grew slightly suspicious.  “And…”

 

“I want them to stay with us.”

 

“With us? As in at the SGC?”

 

“No, as in at the house.”

 

“Full time?  At night too?”

 

Sam laughed.  “Well there is the extra bedroom.  I think that she will be comfortable there!”

 

Jack paused for a moment to let it sink in.  His life was changing so rapidly.  First, him and Sam and then her moving in with him and now…a full time nurse?  His house was getting really crowded really fast!

 

“Do you think that you will need her full time?”  An idea had popped into his head but it depended on her answer.

 

“Well, no, not if the powder does its job but I don’t want her confined to the SGC.  That would be too hard on her.”

 

“How about your house?”

 

“My house?”

 

“It hasn’t sold yet.  We could take it off the market that way she would have some privacy.  I could assign a driver so that she wouldn’t be stranded.”

 

“I hadn’t thought of that!  And Dad said he was going to stick around for a while so he could stay there too.”  She frowned slightly.  “What about furniture?  We got rid of all our extra stuff.”

 

“Well, doesn’t your Dad have some stuff here in storage?  We could move his stuff into your house until the baby is born.”

 

She looked up at him with a huge grin on her face.  “I knew I wanted you for more than just your looks!”

 

He laughed at his brainy Sam.  “Well, that’s nice to know!  I thought it was just my charming personality!”  He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly.  “Now that that is settled, are you hungry?”

 

Sam’s grin turned to a mischievous smile.  “Well…” she nibbled on his neck before continuing.  “I am but not necessarily for food!”  Her tongue flicked out and sampled his skin.

 

Jack felt a shiver run down his back as her open-mouthed kisses teased their way up his throat to his chin before reaching his mouth.  Her lips caught his lower lip and sucked on it lightly. 

 

“Hmmm, I guess dinner can wait!”  He let his lips close on her top lip, nibbling lightly. 

 

His hands found their way up the back of her shirt.  Their mouths parted only to facilitate the removal of her top.  He began moving them slowly back toward the bed.  He stopped as the edge of the bed made contact with the back of his legs. 

 

His mouth began to wander away from the sweetness of her mouth to sample the softness of her throat.  He slowly sat down on the bed, pulling her to stand between his thighs, as his mouth moved lower through the valley between her breasts.  His hands slid around from her back to knead her breasts gently.  She gasped as the pad of his thumbs grazed her sensitive nipples.  Her hands covered his, urging him to massage more firmly.  He raised his eyes to see hers closed her mouth open in obvious pleasure as he complied with her unspoken request. 

 

Her hands slid down his arms, up his shoulders and finally, to the back of his head.  She pulled slightly, urging him forward.  He moved one thumb from her nipple and flicked at it with his tongue, eliciting a gasp from Sam.  As his mouth covered the hardening flesh to suckle gently, she moaned something that sounded like ‘yes’.  His hands continued to massage her breasts firmly as his mouth enjoyed her nipple.  He moved to the other nipple to give it similar treatment as Sam moaned with pleasure.

 

He moved one hand down her flat stomach to the elastic of her pajama pants.  His fingers slipped inside the elastic and traced a route around from her belly to her back.  His hand slid under the elastic band to cup her firm bottom, pulling her closer to him.  His other hand moved to join the first as his mouth kept her breasts occupied.

 

Her breath was coming in pants as he eased the pajama bottoms down her legs.   His hands quickly returned to cup her wonderfully firm cheeks, pulling her back to him.  His mouth started a wet trail from her breasts down her stomach.  His kisses suddenly turned from passionate to gentle.

 

“Hello in there,” he whispered.

 

Sam’s eyes welled up with tears when she heard the whispered words.  Her hands pulled his head close to her stomach.  She felt his arms wrap around her waist as he silently communed with the child forming in her.  A surge of love for this man overwhelmed her.  He was everything to her, friend, lover, and comrade and now he was to be the father of her child!

 

Jack felt rather than heard the soft sob.  He looked up to see tears streaming down her face.  Her eyes shone with love and tenderness.  He smiled as he recognized the emotions running through her.  He pulled her gently so that she sat down on his leg and his arms wrapped around her tightly. 

 

“I love you,” he whispered.  His hand caressed her stomach.  “You’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible.  You’ve given me another chance at life.”

 

Sam’s throat was tight with tears.  Unable to speak, her mouth reached for his.  Her tongue sought his with restless passion.  Her hands stroked his face, his hair.  She was lost in his taste, his feel as he eased her back on the bed.  She felt his hands caressing her body, moving with slow sure strokes.  His long fingers sought her aching core as his mouth continued to cover hers. 

 

Her tongue tangled with his as her hands sought to undo his shirt.  She wanted his skin against hers.  She wanted to feel his bare chest against her breasts.  Her hands faltered as his fingers dipped into her wet heat.  His kisses swallowed her moans.  His mouth absorbed her cries as the heat from her core spread and her body convulsed in pleasure.  Her hands tightened on his shirt as he continued to stroke her until her body calmed.

 

Jack was amazed at Sam’s sensitivity.  He had barely touched her before she flared into orgasm.  He wondered if it was the powder, the pregnancy or just the moment.  He didn’t really care.  He loved being able to bring her pleasure.  He felt the urgent tug at his shirt again.  She had managed to get a few buttons loose before she lost control.  He sat up and swiftly pulled his fatigue shirt and t-shirt off over his head in one movement.  Her hands pulled at his shoulders, bringing him back down to her. 

 

His upper body covered hers as their tongues resumed their erotic dance.  She moaned at the feel of him against her, the warmth and texture of his skin, the taste of his mouth.  His chest hair teased her sensitive nipples.  His leg moved between hers, his thigh pressing slightly against her highly aroused groin.  She moved slightly against him, moaning at the rough feel of his fatigues.  She could feel his erection pressing into her thigh.

 

Jack could feel her wetness through his fatigues as she pressed against his thigh.  He could feel her body tighten as she moved against him.  Her restless tongue faltered as he pressed harder.  She buried her face in his neck as she began to move urgently against him.  He moved with her, letting her movements guide him.  Her nails dug into his shoulders, her teeth, into his collarbone. 

 

Sam was delirious with the feel and taste of him.  He held on to her tightly as once again her body convulsed and writhed as exquisite pleasure flooded her body.  She felt his hands slide up under her back and held tightly to her shoulders as she growled against his shoulder.

 

“Jack…please…” Her words were gasps of pleasure and need.  His lips nuzzled her neck.

 

“What, Sam?  What do you want me to do?” he whispered in her ear.

 

“Please…I need you.  I need you…inside me.”  Her hands frantically tried to undo his fatigues.  She fumbled with her loss of control.

 

The tears that ran down the side of her face met his cheek.  His tongue tasted the tears as he kissed his way back to her mouth. 

 

“Whatever you want, Sam.”  He sat up to try to unlace his boots but her hands were unbuttoning him, pushing his fatigues away to free his erection.

 

“Now…” her voice begged.  “Please…”

 

He gave up on his boots and pushed his fatigues down further.  Her hands pulled desperately at his shoulders as he covered her with his half-naked body.  He slid easily into her depths as her strong legs wrapped around him.  He could feel her muscles seize his erection as she once more plunged into ecstasy.

 

It was his turn to moan as her hot depths tightened around him.  He had to control his urge to move or this would be over quickly and he wanted this to last.  Her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him into another deep kiss as her body trembled out of control.  He tried to concentrate on her hot mouth as she came down from the height of her orgasm.  If he didn’t think about her wet center, about being buried in her, maybe he could maintain some control.  But she began to move.  Her legs alternately clenched and released, moving him slightly in and out of her.

 

“Oh, Sam, wait…please…” He gasped against her mouth.  “Give me a minute.”

 

“No,” was her terse whispered reply as she continued to torment him.

 

“Oh, shit…” He couldn’t resist the pull of her body.  His control disappeared as he began to move within her.  Her legs relaxed as she got her way.  He plunged hard into her as she pulled her knees up close to his shoulders to allow him to slide deeper into her.  Her hands moved easily over his now sweat slick shoulders.  Her lips moved to taste the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead.  He began to  move fast and hard into her body.

 

He could feel her tense up as she started to come again.  Her neck strained as her mouth was a frenzy of activity on his face, his eyes, his forehead, his lips…  Her tongue slipped into his mouth as he gasped.  He felt her tighten around him as he continued to invade her body.  Her head fell back as a hoarse cry escaped her throat.  Her body shook hard beneath him, her fingers dug into his upper arms.  He could feel her warm wetness flowing around him.  He followed her willingly as he released his own warmth.

 

Sam deliriously pulled his face to hers as his arms gave out and he lowered himself to rest on her.  Her mouth devoured his as her body continued to tremble violently.

 

“I love you so much,” she whispered as she nuzzled his neck.  Her arms pulled him closer forcing him to relax his weight on her.  His hands slid under her shoulders.

 

He kissed her neck, tasting the salt of her sweat.  “I love you, too,” he murmured in her ear as his fingers ran through her damp hair.  “If this is what that powder does to you, I am going to demand a steady supply of it,” he laughed lightly.

 

She snorted a slight laugh.  “Malinal said the powder wouldn’t start working for several days!  This is what you do to me!”

 

He raised his head to look at her in mock fear.  “If this is just you, I might not survive if the powder has any affect!”

 

Sam laughed as she kissed him quickly.  “Don’t worry; I’ll be gentle with you!”

 

“Oh, speaking of the powder, Dr. Carmichael finished his analysis.”

 

“And?”

 

“It’s chocolate.”

 

“It’s what?”

 

“He said that it is derived from the cacao bean which is where chocolate comes from.  He said that the raw cacao bean not only has anti-depressant qualities but is known as an aphrodisiac as well.”

 

Sam started laughing so hard that tears started streaming down her face.  “Choco…late…” she sputtered through her amusement.  “It…tasted like chocolate, I just didn’t think about it!”

 

Jack joined in her laughter.  “I asked the doctor if we should have just fed you Hershey bars instead.”

 

Sam sputtered with laughter again.  “Or hot chocolate!  Or chocolate ice cream!”  She couldn’t stop laughing.

 

“Well, he said that the properties of it were enhanced by the refining process and that it would have taken a few hundred candy bars to equal the dose that Malinal gave you!”  Jack wiped the tears of laughter off her face with his fingers as she gained control of her fit of giggles.  He grinned at her amusement.  “I also asked him how my heart was on my last physical.  I thought he was going to choke trying to keep from laughing.”  That sent Sam off again.  “He actually asked me to leave before he did something that could be ‘construed as disrespectful’.”

 

Sam convulsed in a fit of laughter.  She couldn’t believe Jack asked the doctor that!  She kissed his silly grin as she tried to calm down.  “What did he say about your heart?” she giggled.

 

“He said it was strong.  Right before he asked me to leave.”

 

“That’s good to know.  Hate to be widow before I get to be a wife!  Not to mention the embarrassment of the circumstances surrounding your demise!”

 

Jack’s face changed from hilarity to serious.  “Hey, we need to do something about those wedding plans!  We can’t have our kid born without his parents married!  Are you doing anything next weekend?”

 

“Next weekend?  How can we plan a wedding in a week?”

 

“Well, you can’t go off world now so you have plenty of time to plan it.  Have you thought about it, I mean, what kind of wedding?”  Jack rolled over and sat up.  His current state of dress was uncomfortable.  He started unlacing his boots while Sam moved up on the bed to the pillows and slid under the covers.

 

“Well, some.”

 

“And?”

 

“Very small.  Friends and family only.”

 

“I like.  Keep going.”  He got one boot off and started on the other.

 

“The base chaplain to perform the ceremony.”

 

“Good, I like Father McCourt.”  Jack grinned over his shoulder at her.  “He’s Irish, you know.”

 

“I know,” she smirked at him.

 

“Go on…” he prompted as he stood up to shed the rest of his clothes.  He crawled under the covers with her.

 

“And as to where, I thought about the back yard.”

 

“At our house?” he asked as he snuggled up against her.

 

“Uh huh.  We could decorate the deck for the ceremony and put chairs in the yard for the guests.”

 

He nuzzled her neck.  “I like it all.  See you have it all planned and we still have a week to go.”  He kissed her throat.  “What are you going to wear?”

 

“That I haven’t thought about.  What about you?”

 

“Blue jeans?”

 

She smacked him in the back of the head.

 

“BDU’s.”  He was smacked again.  “I guess I could still wear blues although I am retired.  I’ll think of something.”

 

She glared at him slightly.

 

“Don’t worry.  It will be appropriate attire.  Who is going to be your bridesmaid or maids?”

 

“Cassie and I think I would like Xochiquetzal, if she can be there.  Though I wish Janet were here.”  Her eyes welled up with moisture at the thought of her best friend.

 

“Me, too,” he whispered.

 

“I suppose you will have Daniel and Teal’c stand up with you?”

 

“Who else?” he whispered as he nuzzled her ear.  “Besides, I think Teal’c would hurt me if I didn’t ask him.  I think he’s wanted us together as long as we have!”

 

“I think you are right about that.”

 

“So there, other than the dress, you have it all planned!”  He kissed her lightly on the lips.  “You hungry yet?  Dinner is cold but it’s chicken so it should still be edible.”

 

“Yeah, actually, I am hungry!”  She started to get up but Jack pushed her back down.

 

“Stay there,” he said as he climbed out of bed.  She admired his body as he fetched the tray.  He

set it on the bed with them and they had a picnic of cold chicken in the middle of the bed.

 

 

Sam woke to the sounds of the shower running.  The place in the bed beside her was still a little warm.  Jack hadn’t been up long.  Her mind drifted over last night’s activities.  The unbelievable sex they had still amazed her!  It just kept getting better as they learned each other’s bodies.  She had never responded to anyone’s touch the way she did to Jack’s.  Maybe there was something to be said for years of pent up sexual frustration!

 

The thought of last night warmed her all over.  The sound of the running shower and the thought of the water running down his body warmed particular parts of her body.  She got out of the bed quickly and slipped quietly into the bathroom.  She could see him silhouetted against the clear shower door.  He looked like he was washing his hair.

 

He felt a draft as the shower door opened.  Because of the suds covering his face, he couldn’t see Sam as she climbed into the shower with him.  He felt her fingers run lightly over his chest, following the water that ran down him.  He jumped at her touch and began to harden as her inquisitive fingers wrapped around him.

 

Sam watched fascinated as he began to harden quickly in her hand.  He was trying to rinse the soap off his face so he could see her.  Most of the water was running down his back so she knelt down in front of him and lowered her head to taste him.  He exhaled sharply at the surprising feel of her tongue.  She quickly devoured him, letting him harden fully in her mouth.  She savored the sensation of his arousal growing before she began moving her mouth on him.

 

Jack braced one hand on the wall as he felt her tongue on him.  He still couldn’t open his eyes without getting soap in them.  He gasped as he felt her mouth slide around him.  His passion flared as she moved slowly up and down his shaft.  He gave up on rinsing his hair and let the water run over his head of its own volition.  His eyes closed, his remaining senses went in to overdrive.  Touch being the only one really working at the moment, he marveled at the sensation of her mouth on him, the warm water flowing over him, her hands caressing him.

 

“Oh…Sam…” he murmured, tasting the warm water that flowed past his lips.  Her tongue circled him before she drew him in again.  She teased the underside of his erection with her tongue as she pulled back again.

 

She could feel his quickening arousal against her lips.  His free hand found its way to her wet hair.  She was torn between wanting to give him pleasure and wanting him to share it with her.  He made up her mind for her as his hands reached under her arms and pulled her up to him.

 

The soap now rinsed away, he opened his eyes to meet her blue ones.  He could see the passion in their depths.  He pulled her into the streaming water with him as he caressed her breasts and teased her nipples between his thumb and finger.  His mouth captured hers, his tongue demanding entrance.  She acquiesced to its demands and hers met his in a tangle of passion.

 

His hand followed the rivets of water to where her thighs met.  She spread her legs slightly to allow his inquisitive fingers to find her sensitive flesh.  Her hands tightened on his shoulders as she stood on her toes to maintain contact with his mouth.  Water ran into her mouth as she gasped at the pressure of his fingers.  She swallowed quickly as he continued to kiss her.

 

He knew he found what he was looking for when she gasped.  He increased pressure as he massaged her in a slow circular motion.  Her mouth pulled at his bottom lip as she steadied herself.  He felt her trembling as he slid his fingers into her, letting his palm continue the pressure that had left her gasping.  One of her hands moved off his shoulder and followed a stream of water down to his groin.  It was his turn to gasp as she began to stroke him.

 

He wanted to be in her now.  He moved her against the shower wall as her arms enveloped his neck.  Her long legs enclosed his waist as he used the wall for leverage to push into her hot depths.  Her mouth suckled on his lips as he tried to move in her.  He cursed his damaged knees as he felt them trying to buckle, his feet slipping on the wet floor.

 

Sam noticed the trouble he was having maintaining her weight and his footing in the wet shower.  She moved her legs back down his body allowing him to slip from her.  She already missed the feel of him in her.  He started to protest until she turned around, bent over into the spray of the shower and braced her hands against the wall.  She spread her legs slightly to give him access. 

 

He quickly reentered her hot depths from behind.  He began moving quickly in her, his hands holding her hips tightly.  The hot water ran freely between them adding a new sensation to their already aroused bodies.

 

Sam moaned loudly as he ravaged her body.  His groans sounded almost primal to her.  Their position felt primitive.  She wanted him to take her, to possess her, to mark her as his own.  She heard her voice urging him on without realizing it.  She was past caring about her own pleasure.  She wanted him in the most elemental way.  She wanted his seed, his children.  Never mind that she was already pregnant.  Her brain ceased to think logically.  Only the feelings he stirred in her body made any sense to her now.

 

Jack’s mind was in a fog as he plunged helplessly into her.  He could hear her, saying she wanted him, urging him on.  His hands gripped her hips harder as he felt the surge of passion in the pit of his stomach.  His cries came out guttural, rasping as he filled her.  He could feel her tighten around him, milking him with her own orgasm.  He felt her body tremble and begin to slip away from him as her knees gave out from passion.

 

Sam thought she would fall.  Her knees were weak and wobbly with the sensations that surged through her body.  She felt Jack’s arms wrap around her waist as he helped lower her to the floor of the shower.  The water still ran freely over their bodies as he pulled her close to him.  His mouth engulfed hers as his legs wrapped around her and his hands intertwined in her wet hair.

 

His voice was soft when they finally were able to speak.  “Did I hurt you?” he asked fearfully.

 

“Oh, no,” she whispered, shaking her head.  “No, I just…wow…?”

 

He just laughed and kissed her since he felt the same loss for words.  “We’d better make use of the hot water while there’s some left,” he finally said as their bodies calmed.

 

They spent the remaining time gently washing each other.  Their passion sated for the moment, they tenderly lathered each other, massaging sore muscles beneath the foam, soothed aching joints.  They took their time drying each other off, stopping to kiss and caress each other.  They took pleasure in the simple sharing after their tumultuous lovemaking.

 

 

Seated at her computer in the VIP suite, Sam was interrupted by a knock at the door.  “Come in,” she yelled a little irritably.

 

Malinal entered with a pot of steaming water.  “Time for your medicine,” she said in a pleasant voice.

 

Sam glared at her slightly.  She was way too cheerful.  Dr. Carmichael wanted her to cut down on her caffeine intake due to the pregnancy and she missed her morning coffee.  She realized that she was glaring at the woman and schooled her expression.

 

“Sorry, Malinal.  I am a little cranky this morning,” she said rising from her chair.  She watched as the woman measured out the dark brown powder and mixed it with water.  She handed it to Sam to add her own sugar.

 

It had been a full week since she began Malinal’s treatments.  Her moods had stabilized to some degree but Malinal insisted that they increase the dosage again.  They had a good laugh when Sam told her Dr. Carmichael’s findings.  It reassured Malinal to know that the cacao bean was readily available on this world.  It was difficult to find and harvest on her world.  She would speak with Xochiquetzal about trading the refining process for the raw beans.

 

Malinal was also pleased at the future living arrangements.  Jacob already has his furniture moved out of storage and into Sam’s house.  Malinal had been there a few times to help.  Jacob had also taken her shopping to find some appropriate clothing.  She was dressed now in a long flowing skirt with a simple blouse.  She found the clothing comfortable.  Jacob requisitioned a car from the motor pool to allow them the freedom to travel back and forth from the base as needed.  He was already staying there.  Malinal would move in once Sam was allowed to go home.

 

“I believe this dosage is going to be the one.  Your moods have noticeably stabilized and the child appears to be progressing nicely.  Have you had any other symptoms of pregnancy yet?”

 

“Some tenderness around my breasts and a little nauseous in the mornings but that’s about it.  I can still eat, though.”

 

Malinal smiled slightly before asking her next question.  “Have you noticed any side effects of the cacao powder yet?”

 

Sam blushed slightly.  “Well, maybe.  I mean, things have always been a little intense between us…so I’m not really sure if it’s the powder or…well, just us.”

 

Malinal laughed lightly.  “Well, it doesn’t hurt a couple to have intense times between them.”

 

“Yeah, I guess.”  She blushed as her thoughts drifted over her midnight attack last night.  “Anyway,” she said attempting to change the subject.  “When do you think I will be allowed to go home?  Jack’s getting insistent about the wedding and there are a lot of things I need to do.”

 

She had managed to talk him out of the wedding being tomorrow.  She wasn’t allowed off base yet and there were some things that she wanted to do herself.  If Malinal and Dr. Carmichael gave her the okay to leave today, then it would be next weekend.

 

“I think that you should be allowed today.  I will speak with the doctor.  I see no need for you to remain confined.”

 

“Thank you, Malinal, thank you so much for everything!”  Sam’s joy at the idea of getting out of here was obvious.

 

 

Jack’s morning was dragging.  He had very little sleep last night, at least uninterrupted sleep.  He would dearly love a nap at lunch but he promised Sam he would have lunch with her.  He should probably eat something before he went to her quarters.  If today were anything like lunch yesterday, he wouldn’t be getting any food.

 

Not that he was complaining!  Well, maybe a little.  He never worried about their age differences before but he was beginning to wonder if he could handle Sam’s increased libido.  Sarah had never been particularly interested in sex while she was pregnant.  Of course, she had a rough pregnancy, serious morning sickness and tired all the time.  He understood at the time because she didn’t feel well.

 

Sam, on the other hand, wasn’t having morning sickness at all.  She had a little dizziness and slight nauseous feeling but nothing that kept her down since Malinal appeared with her magic chocolate powder.  He was thankful that the VIP rooms were sound proof.  He was also thankful that Jacob and Malinal would be staying at Sam’s house, since their bedroom wasn’t.

 

His mind still reeled from last night.  They had made love before they fell asleep.  Sam seemed to be completely sated at the time.  But, a little after 0200 he woke to find her hands and mouth doing all kinds of things to him.  He felt himself react to the memory of her mouth, her tongue.  He exhaled sharply.  What a way to wake up!  As soon as he was hard, Sam had straddled him.  He wondered if she would have continued if he hadn’t awakened!  He almost felt like he wasn’t really needed, well, except for a certain part of him!  She certainly didn’t need his assistance!

 

The memory of her riding him hard, her strong thighs controlling her movements caused certain unwanted reactions that were thankfully hidden by his desk at the moment.  He had to stop thinking about it or he would be trapped there until things settled down!  But he couldn’t help but think about the sight of her blonde hair mussed from sleep, her eyes half closed in passion, as she rode his body.  Well, he wouldn’t soon forget that sight!  It was almost like a dream, granted, a very erotic dream.  He didn’t think he was ever fully awake.  His body reacted to her but his mind was cloudy with sleep.

 

It couldn’t have taken long…  He wasn’t exactly in the frame of mind to time it.  Soon she was panting as her body quaked with pleasure.  His body reacted and joined her.  She collapsed on him, kissing him for a moment before she slid off him and went back to sleep, snuggled up to his side.

 

Maybe it was a dream.  She didn’t say anything about it this morning.  He shook his head slightly.  It couldn’t have been a dream.  It felt too real.  He’d had erotic dreams before, especially about Sam, but none had ever felt that real.

 

The phone ringing interrupted his thoughts.  “O’Neill.”

 

“Jack, it’s Sam.”

 

“Hi, I was just thinking about you!  You want to meet in the commissary for lunch?”  That way he might actually get to eat.

 

“Sure, but I called to tell you that Malinal and Dr. Carmichael said that I could go home today!”

 

“Great!  That bed in the guest quarters is nice, but I like our bed.”

 

“Me, too.  What time you want to meet?”

 

Jack checked his watch then his lap.  “Half an hour?”

 

“Okay, see you then!  I love you.”

 

“I love you, too.”  The phone disconnected on the other end.  Okay, he had a half an hour to let his body calm down so he could appear in public.  Maybe he shouldn’t have suggested the commissary.

 

 

Sam was glad to be back in her lab.  Since she’d been released from her confinement in the VIP quarters, she decided to go to her lab after lunch.  She was engrossed in some new technology that SG7 had brought back recently when Jack had phoned to tell her that he was running late and he could find someone to take her home.  She decided to wait for him but now, SG12 had come in hot with injuries and it looked like it would be a while before Jack could get away.

 

She almost regretted not accepting the offer of someone to drive her home.  She was tired and her neck and back hurt from leaning over the microscope too long.  She checked the clock again to see that it was almost 2300.  She briefly thought about returning to the VIP quarters or one of the personnel quarters.  She needed to get some sleep.  Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.  Since it was the weekend, Cassie was coming in from college.

 

Sam smiled at the thought of seeing Cassie.  She hadn’t been back much since she moved to California to live with Janet’s dad.  She started Stanford last fall working on a degree in microbiology and immunology.  Considering her people were killed by a virulent bacterium, it seemed appropriate.  Add to that, her foster mother was a doctor that died saving lives it made sense.  The whole of the SGC was cheering her on.  There had even been a scholarship set up for her by members of the SGC.  General Hammond and Jack had both given generously to the fund to start it.

 

They were to spend Saturday shopping for the wedding.  They needed to look for flowers, dresses, food, everything!  And they had only this weekend because Cassie had to be back at school on Monday.  Fortunately, as the surviving dependent of a member of the Air Force, she was allowed to use military hops to get back and forth from California.  And since generals on this end were usually picking her up, the flight crews gave her very special treatment.  Sam smiled at the thought.  Cassie wasn’t above a little name-dropping to get priority flights.  She was coming back next Friday for the wedding.

 

Cassie insisted on staying with Jacob and Malinal so that Jack and Sam could have privacy on their first night home.  She’d called earlier to say that she had arrived and Jacob was there waiting to pick her up.  She would see Sam early in the morning.

 

Sam looked at the clock again and sighed.  Early in the morning would be too early but they had no time to waste if the wedding was going to happen next weekend.

 

“Ready to go home,” Jack’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

 

“Oh, yes, definitely,” she said as she turned to look at him.  He looked as tired as she felt.  “You look beat.”

 

“Not as bad as Cochran from SG12 but he’ll live.  He’ll be out of action for a while though.  I will have to think of a replacement.  But it can wait until I have had some sleep.”

 

Sam linked arms with him as they headed for the elevator.  “Well, at least he’ll live.”  She knew that was the worse part of his job.  He felt personally responsible for every member of the SGC now instead of just his team.

 

 

They didn’t speak much on the ride home.  Both were so tired and Jack was still thinking about SG12.  They didn’t bother with the lights or Sam’s bag.  They just went straight to their room.  Sam changed quickly while Jack was brushing his teeth.  She walked to the door and stood watching him.  The harsh light of the bathroom accented his tired face.  He didn’t see her lurking in the shadows and he had let his guard down.  She knew that a lot of his worry over the last couple of months had been over her but she tended to forget that he had the entire SGC to worry about now.

 

She started into the bathroom as he finished drying his face.  His expression schooled quickly to try to hide his exhaustion.  She just smiled and shook her head slightly at his attempt.  His face relaxed again.

 

“Can’t hide it, huh?”

 

She just shook her head and kissed him on the cheek.  “Not from me, love, not from me.  Go lay down.  I’ll be there in a minute.”

 

By the time Sam finished in the bathroom, Jack was fast asleep.  She slipped quietly into bed trying not to disturb him.  Somehow, she had expected a different way to spend their first night home in over a week.  With her head propped up on her elbow, she laid there watching him sleep by the moonlight that shone through the bedroom window.

 

His face was relaxed, the worry lines lessened.  He was at peace with the world at the moment.  Just for a moment, he left the cares of the world behind him.  And, it was literally the world!  The SGC was the first line of defense for their world.  It was a heavy weight and she could tell that it was difficult for him to carry.

 

She knew she should be sleeping as well.  Tomorrow would be a long day and she hadn’t gotten out much lately.  Malinal’s magic powder did wonders for her moods but it didn’t help with the fatigue that was natural to pregnancy. 

 

She wanted to run her fingers down his tired face, sooth him.  It wasn’t sexual.  She just wanted contact but she was afraid to wake him.  She thought about last night, about how she had attacked him during his sleep.  It had started much like tonight.  Watching him sleep.  She had started by just wanting to touch him but it escalated rather quickly into something else entirely. 

 

She smiled as she remembered his reactions in his sleep.  How his hands had reached for her without him waking up.  His soft moans as her hands moved over his body.  She knew in the end he was awake but she wasn’t sure if he thought it was a dream or not.  He didn’t mention it today but they really hadn’t had much time to talk privately.

 

She knew he thought that her increased appetite for him had something to do with Malinal’s powder but she didn’t think so.  He had always been attractive to her, from their first meeting in the briefing room.  She smiled at the way they had bantered back and forth from the beginning. 

 

Scenes from their missions together played through her mind.  The silly blue dress the Shavadi made her wear was almost worth it for the look on his face when he saw her.  The virus from the Land of Light made her bold enough to attack him but it was her real desire for him that made her seek him out in the first place.  So many times, over the years, she wanted to touch him, hold him, feel his body against hers and now that she could have all those things, she couldn’t seem to get enough of him.  When he saved her from Hathor, they held each other for so long.  She tried to tell herself then that it was just the shock of the ribbon device that made her hang on for so long but it wasn’t true.  It was the relief that he was alive.  That she wouldn’t have to go on without him.

 

At first, it was just that he was very attractive but it didn’t take long for desire to develop into something else.  She knew before the incident on Apophis’ ship that she cared more about him than she should, that it was more than just sexual attraction.  She also knew from the way he had reacted at the time that it was more for him as well but she was still shocked by his admissions under the Zatarc testing.

 

She smiled softly as his hand reached toward her in the darkness.  They normally went to sleep touching each other, whether it was limbs tangled from their latest encounter or just spooned together to sleep.  His hand was searching for her.  She lay down and let his hand find her.  She moved closer and let his arm wrap around her.  He mumbled something in his sleep as she nuzzled his neck.  His arm tightened briefly on her as she closed her eyes taking in the scent of him.  Soon she, too, was fast asleep.

 

 

Sam felt his hands on her, sliding under her shirt, warm, callused and tender.  They moved softly to her breasts.  She moaned quietly as he found her nipples, teasing them between finger and thumb.  Her eyes opened slowly to darkness.  The moon had set and the sun had yet to rise.  The only light in the room was the clock.

 

His lips shortly replaced his fingers on one breast, lightly tasting the hardening nipple.  She drew a quick breath as his tongue flicked it briefly.  His lips kissed and teased her before moving to the other side.  His hands continued to pull her shirt up until he slipped it off her.  They returned quickly to caress her neck; his fingers ran lightly down to join his mouth in his gentle exploration of her breasts.

 

Her hands moved to caress his hair.  She loved the feel of his short, unruly hair.  Her fingers toyed with the sleep tossed strands as she let him feast on her tender breasts.  One of his hands continued down to stroke the soft material of her pajama bottoms.  Lightly running his fingers across her mound, he teased her through the material.

 

Her hands moved from his head to stroke the back of his neck, reveling in the feel of the short hair at the nape of his neck.  She let her fingers trace the muscles that stood out in his neck as she journeyed to his shoulders. 

 

His fingers moved back to the waist of her pants and slid under the material to find her center.  He gently touched her sensitive nub, lightly brushing it as her sought her wetness.  His movements were slow and deliberate.  There was none of the frantic passion that had consumed them during the last week.  This was gentleness and touching…it was him making love to her. 

 

She gasped as his fingers found what they sought.  His lips moved slowly up her body until he found hers in the darkness.  His kisses were slow and gentle, searching.  Her mouth sought his with the same quiet ardor that he showed her.  He sat up slowly, releasing her lips almost reluctantly, as he reached to remove her pajama pants.

 

His fingers traced up her as his body slowly sheltered hers.  She sighed as she relished the slow pressure of his weight covering her.  His hands slid under her back to embrace her shoulders.  She could feel his hardness against her groin.  She ached to feel him inside her but she waited…waited for him.  His mouth suckled lightly at her neck.  He moved to plant soft kisses across her jaw, her cheek and then her eyes.  Finally, his lips pressed lightly against hers. He nibbled slowly, first her bottom lip and then her top.  She moaned softly into his mouth as his tongue finally sought hers.

 

Her body moved gently against him as they slowly explored each other’s mouth.  She could feel his body reacting, moving to meet hers, his erection pressed against her lower stomach.  He moved slightly to allow the head to press against her moist core.  Her legs moved to wrap loosely around his waist.  Her ragged breath told him how much she wanted him.  Her body pushed toward him gently, urging him to enter her.  His mouth continued to make love to hers.

 

With excruciating slowness, he pushed into her.  She was lightheaded from the feel and taste of him.  The darkness heightened her senses…his touch, his taste, his scent…they filled her with a longing that she had never thought possible.  Finally, she surrounded him, his length completely buried in her.  She tried desperately not to move.  She wanted him to continue with the exquisite torture that he had begun.

 

Her breath was ragged when he finally started to move.  She surrendered to the feeling.  His tongue continued to explore her mouth as she fought against pressing him to move faster.  He moved with long, slow strokes, each ending with gentle pressure against her sensitive flesh.  Each stroke brought her closer to the edge but just kept her from falling over.

 

She had never been so aware of him, of the feeling of him in her, the fullness, and the ache that he created and satisfied at the same time.  She was almost delirious with desire when he pushed slightly harder against her.  Her body shook with the intensity of her orgasm.  His mouth muffled her cries as he kissed her hard.  She felt his body shake with her as his warmth filled her.  His kisses hesitated as she willingly swallowed his growl of passion.

 

They lay quietly, amazed by the intense feelings that engulfed their bodies.  His head buried in her neck, his voice was muffled.

 

“Oh, Sam,” he breathed.  “That was…” There were no words to describe it.

 

“Incredible?” she supplied breathlessly.  “I didn’t know my body could feel like that,” she said after a brief pause.  As if to emphasize her words, her body trembled violently.

 

“Yeah, me too,” he whispered.  He knew his weight must be getting heavy on her but he didn’t want to move.  He wanted to lay wrapped in her arms and legs forever.  “Malinal’s magic powder must be rubbing off.”

 

Sam laughed lightly as she stroked his hair.  “I don’t think that Malinal’s magic powder is having any effect on me.”

 

He raised his head to peer at her in the darkness.  The sun had begun its ascent but it was still quite dark.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I don’t feel any different than I did before the powder.  I mean, my moods are under control but my desire for you isn’t any different.”

 

His head cocked over trying to see her face.  “But this week…”

 

She cut him off.  “This week would have been the same, with or without the powder.  I don’t need an aphrodisiac when I’m around you.”

 

She could feel his smile as he kissed her.  “What about…the other night?”

 

“You mean when I woke you up?”

 

“Ah ha!  So it wasn’t a dream!”

 

Sam nearly choked on her laughter.  “No, it wasn’t.  I woke up and was watching you sleep.  I just couldn’t resist.”

 

“And that wasn’t the powder?”

 

“No, if the powder was affecting me, I would have woke you up when I came to bed last night!  I am not out of control completely!”

 

“Last night?”

 

“You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t have the heart to wake you, no matter how much I wanted to!”

 

The room had brightened enough to see his smile this time as he kissed her.  “I love you,” he whispered as he nuzzled her neck.

 

“I love you, too.”  She whimpered a little as he moved off her but was content when he pulled her close and held her.  They both quickly drifted off to sleep.

 

 

Sam crawled across the bed and flopped down on her pillow.  She was exhausted.  Cassie and Malinal were in the kitchen getting things ready for everyone that was coming over tonight.  Her dad was going to pick up Chinese food.  Daniel and Teal’c would be here also.  Jack had gone to the mountain this morning to check on SG12 and stayed to catch up on some paperwork. 

 

Malinal had sent Sam to take a nap before everyone arrived.  If it hadn’t been for her, they would probably still be shopping.  Cassie was so happy about the wedding and the baby.  Sam hadn’t seen her this enthusiastic since Janet died.  But her enthusiasm had worn Sam out!

 

She lay quietly listening to the voices from the kitchen.  Cassie and Malinal had hit it off from the start.  Sam was glad since Malinal would be here for a while.  Cassie was immediately comfortable with her in spite of her symbiote.  Sam had been worried about that.  Cassie’s history with symbiotes wasn’t a good one.

 

She heard a male voice join the female ones.  Her ears strained to recognize the deeper tone.  She smiled softly.  Jack.  He was home.  She thought about getting up to go greet him but she was just too tired.  She didn’t have to.  She heard his steps in the hall before he quietly opened the door to their room.

 

“Come on in,” she said softly.

 

“They said you were resting.  I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said as he closed the door behind him.

 

“You didn’t.  I wasn’t asleep yet.  I think I am too tired to sleep.”

 

Jack laughed softly as he sat down on the bed next too her.  “Can’t keep up with a teenager, huh?”  He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

 

“Guess not,” she laughed as her fingers intertwined with his.  “Oy, how am I going to handle a baby?”

 

“Well, for one thing, you won’t be pregnant!”

 

“That’s true,” her smile disappeared.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

She shook her head and the smile returned.  “Nothing.”

 

“Sam, look who you are talking to.  Something’s wrong.”

 

“Well,” she hesitated.  Her eyes met his.  “When we first talked about kids, I said one or two…”

 

“Yes, I remember,” his eyes grew soft with dawning realization.  “Don’t think you could handle this again, huh?”

 

“I don’t know.  It’s been so difficult so far with the moods and the fatigue.  I…would you be disappointed.”  Her eyes were filled with worry.

 

“No, Sam,” he smiled as he leaned over to kiss her lips.  “I wouldn’t be disappointed.  I am glad we’re having this baby.  It’s more than I ever hoped for but I would never be disappointed as long as we are together.  I would be happy with just the two of us.  The baby just adds to it.”

 

Her eyes welled up with tears.  “I think I am overly tired.  I took my powder today!  I shouldn’t be so emotional.”

 

He slipped his arms under her and held her close.  “Don’t worry about it.  I kind of like seeing you emotional occasionally.”  He kissed her lightly as he held her.  “You should get some sleep though.  You only have a couple of hours until everyone gets here.”

 

“Stay with me,” she whispered.

 

Jack nodded as he kicked his shoes off.  Sam slid over to make room for him.  He lay down next to her and pulled her close.  “Sleep now, Sam.  Just sleep.”

 

 

It was dark out when Sam woke up.  Jack was missing and she could hear a mixture of voices from the front of the house.  Everyone must be here already.  She looked quickly at the clock.  It was almost 2000.  She sat up quickly.

 

“Whoa, too fast,” she mumbled as nausea hit her.  She started to lie back down but her stomach rolled with queasiness.  She moved quickly to the bathroom, almost not quick enough.  The light lunch she had eaten found its way back up.  Her head was spinning with dizziness as she tried to reach for the sink to get a wet cloth.

 

‘Okay, just sit in the floor for a minute,’ she thought as she slid down next to the toilet.  She leaned her head back against the cabinet and closed her eyes.  ‘Just sit here a minute…’

 

She didn’t hear the bedroom door, didn’t realize Jack was there until he knelt down next to her.

 

“Sam, what’s wrong?”

 

“Nauseous,” she whispered.  “Can you get me a wet cloth?”

 

Jack nodded and stood to fulfill her request.  “I was coming to see if you wanted something to eat but I guess that would be a no.”  He knelt back down and bathed her face and throat.

 

She sighed as the cold wetness encountered her skin.  She laughed mirthlessly.  “You’re right.  That would be a no.”

 

“Feel up to standing?”

 

Sam just shook her head.  The floor was just fine.  It wasn’t spinning.  But her stomach still was.  She crawled quickly to her knees, pushing him away from her as she reached for the toilet again.  Her lunch had left her the first time around.  Now there was nothing to throw up.  She felt Jack’s hand reach around and place the wet cloth against her throat.  It helped.  His other hand stroked her hair.  She leaned back slightly to find his body there to rest on. 

 

“Much better than the cabinet,” she whispered.

 

He gently kissed her head.  “Well, you do like to be different.  No morning sickness for you, you have night sickness.”

 

“Don’t make me laugh.  I think it will make me throw up again.”

 

“Yes, ma’am, no laughing.”  Jack heard the bedroom door opening.

 

“Jack, Sam, are you in here?”

 

“In here, Jacob.  Sam’s having a little bout of evening sickness.”

 

Jacob came in to find Sam propped up against Jack in front of the toilet.  “Figures, her mother had it too.”

 

Sam tried to look around at Jacob.  “Really?”

 

“Yeah, she did with you.  With Mark, she had full-blown morning sickness.  I always wondered if that didn’t have something to do with the way you two are almost opposites.”

 

Sam smiled as she closed her eyes.  Her head hurt from the dizziness.

 

“You feel like trying to get to the bed?” Jack whispered.

 

Sam just shook her head slightly.  Jacob smiled behind their backs at the sight of them.  Jack was kneeling behind her, gently holding her, as he used the damp cloth to bath her throat and face.  He thought they had forgotten he was there and he was about to leave when Jack spoke.

 

“Jacob, could you rewet this?” he asked, handing him the cloth. 

 

Jacob took it and did as he was asked.  “I’ll go tell everyone what the hold up is.”

 

“Thanks,” Jack said as Jacob handed him the cloth.  He never looked up from caring for Sam. 

 

Jacob was pleased at the way he took care of her.  It was a good match.  He was glad that they were finally together.  He knew Jack would take care of her no matter what.  Quietly, he left them.

 

 

Everyone looked up expectantly when Jacob returned.

 

“Sam’s having a bout of nausea.  I guess she takes after her mother more than I thought.  She had evening sickness with Sam.”

 

Malinal rose quickly from her spot on the couch.  “I should check on her.”

 

“Nah, leave her.  Jack’s taking care of her.  I don’t think that they would even notice you there.”

 

Malinal smiled and nodded.  “If you think that is best.”  She returned to her seat and Jacob settled in between her and Cassie on the couch.  Daniel had claimed the recliner and Teal’c was sitting in the floor.  Their voices lowered unconsciously as they continued talking.  Jacob looked around at Sam’s friends.  They were a good group.  He was proud to include them as his friends as well.

 

“So, Malinal, how do you like our world?” Daniel asked.

 

“I find it fascinating.  There are so many things to see and do.  Your people have progressed very far from where you were when my people left.  I would, one day, like to see the place my people came from though.  I would find it interesting to see the descendants of those that were left behind.”

 

Jacob listened with only half an ear as Daniel told Malinal of the unfortunate circumstances of the Aztec people, of their treatment and subsequent annihilation by the Spanish.  He was pleased that Malinal was here for Sam.  She was very capable and also very adaptable.  Many of the things that she had seen in the past week were very strange but she handled it with aplomb.

 

And Cassie, it was so good to see her again.  Jacob knew how much Sam loved her and it was obvious that Cassie loved Sam.  And she had grown into a beautiful young woman, albeit one scarred by the loss of so many close to her.  Jacob’s arm was resting on the couch behind Cassie’s shoulders.  He automatically let it drop to give her a slight hug.

 

Cassie looked up and smiled at him in response.  “What’s up, Jacob?” she asked quietly.

 

Jacob smiled at her.  “I am just happy that you are here.  I know how much Sam misses you and how glad she is that you can be here for the wedding.”

 

Cassie leaned into Jacob’s hug a little.  Because of his connection with Sam, Cassie thought of Jacob almost as a grandfather.  “I am just glad she finally saw the light!  She said that you had something to do with that!  Thanks for playing Cupid.  I don’t think she would have ever been happy with anyone other than Jack.  I knew that as an eleven-year-old!  Too bad it took her this long to figure it out!”

 

Jacob’s laugh at her comment called attention to their conversation.  Everyone was looking at them expectantly.  “Nothing, just the wisdom of a teenager!  She’s definitely wiser than a lot of adults I know.”  Jacob winked at Cassie as she laughed.

 

“Nice to hear laughter in here,” Sam’s voice said from the stairs to the living room.

 

“Sam,” Daniel said as he stood up.  “How are you feeling?”

 

Jack kept an arm around Sam as they walked down the stairs to join their friends.  “Okay, I guess.  I hope you have all eaten already.  I don’t think I could stand the sight of food at the moment!”

 

“We have, Colonel Carter,” Teal’c spoke up from his spot in the floor.  “But you should attempt to eat something.  When Drey’auc’s was carrying Ry’ac, she too was sick but sometimes eating helped.”

 

Jacob laughed.  “Sam’s mother was the same way.  She was sick almost every night, usually right before dinner.  I sometimes wonder if it was because I was trying to cook then to help her out since she was so tired all the time.  I thought maybe it was my cooking!”

 

Sam smiled as they crossed the room.  Daniel indicated that Sam should take the recliner as he dropped down to the floor next to Teal’c.  Sam whispered something to Jack and he sat down in the seat Daniel had vacated.  Sam sat down across his lap with her knees resting over the arm of the recliner.  Jack’s arm wrapped around her shoulders to support her back while Sam’s head rested on his chest.

 

All of their friends tried not to smile too much at the sight of Jack cradling Sam in his arms.  Malinal eyed her carefully.  She had some herbs that would help with the nausea.  She usually didn’t use them unless it was excessive because it made the patient very sleepy but since Sam was having nausea in the evening.

 

“Jacob,” she said quietly as she laid a hand on his arm. “I have something in my bag in the car that might help her.  Would you please get it for me?”

 

“Sure,” he said as he got up.

 

Malinal got up to go to the kitchen and start some water heating.  She would need to make a tisane with the herbs.

 

“What is it?” Jack asked as she headed out of the room.

 

Malinal stopped to answer his question.  “It is just some herbs that help with morning sickness.  It will make her sleepy but since she is ill in the evening, it should not matter.  It will not harm the child in anyway.”

 

Jack nodded and Malinal continued into the kitchen.  “Sound good, Sam?”

 

“Yeah, my stomach is still rolling and I know there’s nothing left to come up,” she whimpered slightly.  “The dry heaves have to be the worst.”

 

Daniel laughed slightly.  “Yeah, I should know as many times as Jack has managed to get me drunk.  He thinks it’s funny when he does it but he’s never around to see the result in the morning!”

 

“Don’t worry, Daniel,” Sam laughed.  “I’ve seen him in the same condition.  The day after that little dinner with you guys and Dad, he was in really sorry shape!”

 

Jack laughed lightly remembering the morning after that incident.  Sam had taken care of him the way he was taking care of her now.  It had been the beginning of their current relationship.  He hugged her a little tighter.  It was definitely worth the dry heaves!

 

Teal’c, ever quiet, laughed lightly.  Not many things made him laugh so everyone looked at him with curiosity.  He shook his head slightly at their unspoken questions.  “I was thinking about that day, Colonel Carter, when your father, Daniel Jackson and I came by here.  We assumed that our strategy had failed since you were not here.  Until Daniel Jackson noticed your sweater in the floor and we realized the situation had changed.”

 

Cassie’s eyes perked up.  “Do tell, Teal’c, how had the situation changed?”

 

“Ah, Teal’c, old buddy, that might be more information that Cassie needs to hear!” Jack protested.  Sam laughed into his chest.

 

“Oh, I think she’s old enough, Jack!” Daniel laughed as he watched his friend squirm with discomfort.  “Jack was a little, eh, flustered when he answered the door.  We assumed it was the hangover.  He disappeared for a minute while we went in the living room.”

 

Teal’c was grinning now.  “We were discussing what we assumed was the failure of our plan when Daniel Jackson noticed the sweater Colonel Carter had been wearing the night before was in the floor in the corner near the couch.”  He pointed in the general direction of where the incriminating evidence had been found.

 

Cassie had a full-blown case of the giggles now.  “Oh, my, Sam!” she managed to cackle.  Sam just grinned lecherously and wiggled her eyebrows at Cassie.  Jack was trying to control his expression but he was having trouble keeping a grin off his face.  Cassie fell over on the couch laughing.

 

Daniel continued.  “Well, it was like the Three Stooges trying to get out of here.  We could only assume that Sam was still there and we were sure she didn’t want company!  Especially her father!  We fell over each other trying to leave before Jack came back.  He showed up as we got to the door.  Jacob gave him some lame excuse about me forgetting something on base.  Jack looked so confused but at the same time, relieved!”  Daniel was having trouble finishing the story because he couldn’t stop laughing.

 

Teal’c was actually laughing as well and Sam and Jack finally joined in.  Sam had told Cassie about the disaster dinner but not much about what happened later other than Pete was history after that.  Cassie had been relieved to find out that Pete was gone and overjoyed to find out that Sam and Jack were finally together.

 

Jacob came in the front door with Malinal’s bag to find them all laughing hysterically.  “Damn, I leave the room and the party takes off!”


“That’s pretty much what we were laughing at,” Daniel managed to choke out.  They all laughed even harder as Malinal came out of the kitchen.

 

“Don’t worry, Jacob, they are not laughing at you.  They were discussing the day after the dinner you told me about and how the three of you evidently interrupted something by visiting here.”  Malinal’s hearing was very keen.  She had been amused at hearing other versions of the story that Jacob had already told her.

 

Jacob joined in the laughter as he carried the bag into the kitchen for Malinal.

 

 

Sam felt Jack’s soft kisses on her forehead.  “Wake up, Sam.  We should go to bed now.”

 

She opened her eyes groggily and looked around.  “Where is everybody?”

 

“They left a little while ago.”

 

“Why didn’t you wake me?” she said as she started to sit up.

 

“Well, I tried but whatever Malinal gave you is pretty potent.  Anyway, I liked sitting here holding you while you slept but you would probably sleep better in bed.”

 

Sam hugged him tightly.  “I don’t know about that.  You make a pretty comfortable bed.”

 

He kissed her head as she buried her face in the side of his neck.  “Well, we could stay here the rest of the night but I don’t know if I will be able to use my legs come morning.”

 

Sam laughed and looked at the clock.  They had been sitting this way for over three hours.  His poor legs must be asleep.  “Okay,” she sighed as she got up out of his lap.  “We can go to bed.” 

 

He wrapped his arm around her as they walked slowly to their room.

 

 

Sam woke up uneasily.  She tried to figure out what the problem was.  Jack was missing.  Her tired mind filtered the fact that she was back at her old house.  Jack wasn’t here because her father insisted that they spend the night before their wedding apart so she stayed with her Dad, Malinal and Cassie.  Sam glanced at the clock.  It was just past 0700.  Xochiquetzal should be arriving soon.  Major Davis had volunteered to bring her over since he was staying on base.

 

Malinal and Sam had traveled to Tenochtitlán early in the week to take Xochiquetzal the dress that she would be wearing.  Sam wanted to make sure that it fit.  Jack had a conniption over her traveling through the Stargate pregnant but Malinal insisted that it would not harm her or the baby.  They also took some other clothes for the Queen to wear to and from the base.  She would be too noticeable in the bridesmaid dress.

 

Since Sam’s brother, Mark, his wife and kids would be at the wedding, Malinal and Xochiquetzal would have to stay quiet and let their hosts take over.  Sam regretted this but it was necessary.  Mark still didn’t know any more than he had to about what his sister and father did.  Mark and his family would be the only non-SGC personnel.

 

General Hammond and Major Davis flew in yesterday.  They wanted to be there for the impromptu bachelor party that Daniel insisted on giving Jack.  Jacob had gotten in relatively early last night so it couldn’t have gotten too out of control.  Sam had already been in bed when she heard his quiet voice talking to Malinal. 

 

Sam smiled.  Her dad and Malinal seemed to get along really well.  She wondered if there was any matchmaking to be done there.  Her dad had played matchmaker to her and Jack.  It would only be fair to reciprocate.  A soft knock at the door drew her attention.

 

“Come in,” she called as she reached for her robe.

 

Malinal entered with a steaming cup.  “Your medicine.  We can’t have you losing control in the middle of the ceremony.”

 

“That’s true!” Sam laughed.  “I want today to be perfect!”

 

“The end result is that you two will be joined forever.  What happens along the way is inconsequential,” Malinal said as she sat on the bed next to Sam and handed her the cup.

 

“Well, that’s true.  The most memorable weddings are usually the ones where things get screwed up!”  Sam raised the cup in salute to Malinal and then downed it.

 

“How are you feeling this morning?”

 

“Fine, tired.  I didn’t sleep as sound as I usually do.  I guess I’ve gotten used to Jack being next to me.”

 

Malinal smiled.  “I don’t understand Jacob’s insistence that you stay here.  He was trying to tell me about the tradition but it still didn’t make much sense.”

 

“Most traditions don’t, that’s why they call them tradition!”  Sam laughed as she set the cup down and headed for the bathroom.  “I’ll just get a quick shower and I’ll be out.”

 

Malinal got up and took the cup with her as she left.

 

 

Jack woke feeling uneasy.  Sam was missing.  Damn Jacob’s tradition bound hide.  Jack hadn’t wanted Sam to stay over there last night but Jacob was adamant.  Jack listened to the noises from his guest bathroom.  He heard the distinct sound of someone being sick.  It would seem that Daniel was awake.  Why he insisted on drinking when he couldn’t handle it?  He heard the low rumble of Teal’c’s voice, probably saying the same thing to Daniel that he was thinking.  They had stayed over last night after the bachelor party.

 

Jack smiled at the thought of last evening.  Daniel was drunk after two beers but insisted on drinking more.  Hammond and Davis were there and, of course, Jacob.  There were a few people from the base, Walter, Siler and that guy that always hangs out with Siler.  Jack never could remember that guy’s name.  Carmichael was there also.  Jack didn’t have more than a couple of beers.  He wanted his memories of this day to be absolutely clear.

 

Sam was marrying him today.  And in a few months, they would have a baby to bring home.  Jack couldn’t believe it was all finally happening.  He thought back on the last eight years.  He didn’t know when he first fell in love with Sam.  It wasn’t like a bolt of lightening that hit him.  It was a gradual thing.  He guessed his first inkling should have been when she came back for him after Hathor had tried to make him a host. 

 

Sam had come back for him although her orders were to blow the generators.  He had vague memories of her opening the cryogenic chamber, of her hands touching his face, of her voice talking to him and then she was gone.  He could remember hearing Hathor taunting her, the sound of the ribbon device, then Hathor was gone, and there was only Sam.  His arms were around her tightly and her arms crushing him in return.

 

He had chalked it up to shock, to the cryogenic process, but looking back, it was the sign of something more.  By the time Sam had been trapped behind the force field on Apophis’ ship, he knew it was more.  He just had never fully admitted it to himself and certainly not to her.  Not until the Zatarc testing.  They should have never tried to leave it in that room.  He knew that now but at the time, it seemed like the only answer.

 

And now, today they were getting married.  There was a light knock on the door.

 

“Come in,” he answered as he got up from the bed.  He stretched hard as Teal’c entered.

 

“I wanted to be sure you were awake, O’Neill.”

 

“I am.  Did someone make coffee?  I could use a cup.”

 

“Daniel Jackson did.  Did you not sleep well?”

 

He shook his head noncommittally.  “So so…  I guess I’ve gotten used to Sam being here.  I’ll be out in a minute.”

 

Teal’c just smiled and inclined his head.

 

Jack quickly showered and shaved.  He was trying to be careful.  He didn’t want shaving nicks today of all days.  He remembered the morning that Sam had shaved him.  The thought sent blood rushing south.  He was going to have to keep things under control today.  The wedding was scheduled for 1400.  Sam wanted it early so they would have plenty of daylight left for the party afterwards.

 

The florist was supposed to arrive shortly.  Sam had explained everything she wanted to him so that he could supervise.  He wished Jacob hadn’t been so adamant about him not seeing Sam before the wedding.  He hoped he got it right.  Better yet, he hoped that the florist got it right so he wouldn’t have to.

 

He did like the idea of surprising her with his choice of clothing.  He’d chosen a black collarless tuxedo with a grey silk vest.  He had a black shirt with a mandarin collar to wear with it.  No tie though.  He had an aversion to ties and this tuxedo looked great without one!  Daniel and Teal’c had the same tuxedo but their shirts would be pale blue. 

 

The salesman had suggested the color difference so that it was obvious that Jack was the groom and Sam said that the bridesmaids would be in pale blue.  He had gotten Cassie to go with him to look at the tuxedos.  She approved the choice wholeheartedly and she was able to confirm the blue was the right shade.  He would wear a white rose on the lapel.  Sam had picked out white roses with a mix of blue… something.  Okay, he might be in trouble if the florist didn’t get it right.

 

He wandered out to the kitchen to find Daniel with his nose in a coffee cup.  He tried not to laugh but he couldn’t help it.

 

Daniel looked up blurry eyed sans glasses.  “It’s not funny,” he muttered and put his nose back in the coffee mug.

 

“I think the point is to drink the coffee not just breath it.”

 

“I don’t think I can drink anything right now so I will just smell it,” Daniel’s voice was muffled by the close proximity to the mug.

 

Jack laughed at his friend’s misery and poured his own coffee.

 

“Why do you drink when you know you can’t handle it?”

 

“I asked him the same question earlier, O’Neill,” Teal’c walked into the kitchen with a slight smile on his face.  “He said something about ‘practice makes perfect’ shortly before he was sick again.”

 

“Go ahead, laugh at me…It’s not like you have anything better to do today…” Daniel muttered into his coffee.

 

 

Jack surveyed the back yard.  It looked like the florist got everything right.  The deck railing was draped with pale blue and white ribbons with sprays of white roses and blue forget-me-nots at each major join on the railing.  There was an arbor at the back of the chairs. Sam and Jacob would walk through it before they started between the guests.  It was covered in the same flowers with a large spray at the top.  They also placed a carpet runner from the driveway on the side of the house around to the back of the chairs, through the arbor and then up to the deck.

 

He already had on most of his tuxedo, the neatly creased pants, the shirt and vest, although it was still unbuttoned.  His jacket was still hanging in the bedroom.  He didn’t want anything to wrinkle so he hadn’t sat down since he got dressed.  Not that he could relax at this point.  Daniel and Teal’c were getting dressed now.

 

Jack looked at his watch again.  It was 1310, five minutes after the last time he looked.  He wandered back into the living room to check the Weather Channel again.  The forecast for the day looked great but there was a chance of rain after dark.  Sam had told the caterers to set up the buffet in the dining room instead of outside just in case the weather went bad on them.  Then at least the food wouldn’t get wet.

 

Everything was ready.  Everyone was here.  The food was out, the florist was done the chairs and tables were set up.  All it needed now was Sam, Jacob, Cassie and Xochiquetzal.  Jack smiled at the phone call he received this morning.  Xochiquetzal arrived with the Royal Guard in tow.  She felt it was required at the ceremony since Sam was a member of the Royal Family.  Jack had them call Sam to find out what role she wanted her honor guard to play.  He didn’t know yet what that would be.  He hadn’t talked to Sam since the phone call.

 

Jack was glad that Sam wanted traditional vows.  He didn’t think he could remember his name today, much less anything else.  He didn’t think he’d ever been this nervous in his life.  He wasn’t nervous about marrying Sam, but about everything going right.  He wanted Sam’s day to be perfect.  He looked at his watch again.  It was 1315.

 

 

Sam looked at the clock on the nightstand.  It was 1315.  She looked one more time in the mirror.  The dress was the one she had always dreamed of.  It wasn’t fancy or full of chiffon.  It was a simple A-line cut satin dress with an antique lace over skirt.  It had a high waist and embroidery on the bodice.  It had train about a foot long, not too much, just enough.  The sleeves were just made of lace and came off the shoulder.  Sam couldn’t believe her good fortune at finding it in her size already at the bridal shop!

 

Sam decided to forgo a veil.  She didn’t much care for headgear and she thought with an outdoor wedding a veil was a little much.  She had a sprinkling of forget-me-nots and baby’s breath strategically placed through her hair.  She liked the effect.  She hoped that Jack would.

 

Cassie and Xochiquetzal’s dresses were the exact same style as her gown except that they didn’t have the slight train or the lace on the dress, only the lace sleeves, and were a very pale blue.  The color was perfect to go with the forget-me-nots that liberally sprinkled their bouquets and hair.

 

The slight knock on the door got her attention.  She exhaled not realizing she was holding her breath.  “Come in,” she said.

 

Jacob’s head appeared around the door.  “Are you…” His voice trailed off as he saw Sam.  Tears welled up in his eyes.  “You’re beautiful,” he said softly as he entered the room.  “So beautiful.”

 

“Oh, Dad,” Sam said exhaling short sharp breaths, trying to control her own tears.  “Don’t make me cry!”

 

Jacob nodded as he got his emotions mostly under control.  “Here…  I didn’t know if you had a necklace picked out.”  He pulled a black case out of his tuxedo pocket.  “This was your grandmother Carter’s and she gave it to your mother on our wedding day.  I thought maybe you’d like it…”

 

Sam opened the long velvet box to find an antique cameo locket except instead of the background being black it was light blue.  “Oh, Dad, it’s beautiful!  Of course, I’ll wear it!  She quickly removed the simple diamond pendant that she had on and handed the cameo back to him to put it on her.

 

She turned to let him see it on her.  “Dad, you’re looking pretty good yourself!” she admired as she finally noticed his tuxedo, simple cut, mandarin collar white shirt with a gray vest and no tie.  “Is that what Jack is wearing too?”

 

Jacob looked down pleased and straightened his jacket.  “I don’t know, Sammie.  I just picked this one out the other day.  He hasn’t said what he is wearing.”

 

Sam pouted slightly.  He wouldn’t tell her what he had picked out.  Technically, he could wear his blues although he was retired.  That’s probably what he did.  And that was fine with her.  She always thought he looked sexy in his blues.

 

“We should go, Sam,” he said checking his watch.  “The other ladies are outside already.  I was sent to fetch you.”

 

Sam looked at the clock again.  It was 1325.

 

 

Jack looked at his watch.  It was 1325.  Daniel and Teal’c appeared at his side on the deck.  Jack looked at them and smiled.  Daniel’s face had regained its color after the pallor from this morning.  Teal’s muscles practically bulged out of his tuxedo.  The tailor had nearly fainted when Teal’c showed up for his fitting.  That had been a rush job and a half.

 

“You look better, Daniel.  Feel any better?”

 

“Yeah, I feel human again anyway.”

 

Teal’c smiled discreetly at Jack.  They had agreed to stop teasing Daniel but it didn’t stop the smirking behind his back.

 

Jack’s attention was drawn to the front door as someone else arrived.  He went into the house to see General Hammond enter with six burly looking Aztec men.

 

“George, welcome!” he said as he shook hands with the older man.  “I take it these are the honor guard?”

 

“Yeah, it’s been interesting trying to find them something to wear.  Their armor looked slightly out of place.”

 

The six men were dressed in civilian clothes, suits and ties, but it was obvious to anyone that they were anything but civilians.  Their stance and demeanor indicated a military bearing, their build spoke strongly of bodyguards.  That wouldn’t be too out of place at a wedding involving military personnel.

 

“Sam convinced them that a Royal Guard escort would be out of place at an informal civilian wedding but they insisted on being here in case she needed them.  So we searched the base and had several people running all over Colorado Springs looking for something for them to wear.”

 

Jack was impressed.  They were all big men.  Finding clothes to fit them so well quickly couldn’t have been easy.  “Come on outside, guys.  I’ll show you where you will be.”  Jack was trying to think quickly.  He didn’t want to offend them and just sit them with the other guests.  He needed to make sure that they stayed away from Mark and his family. 

 

He decided to place three on each side of the house to ‘cover’ anyone’s entrance.  He told them just to act casual because he didn’t want anyone to realize that they were here to guard Sam and their Queen.  He didn’t expect to need them but he wanted them to feel like they were doing their duty towards a member of the Royal Family.  He told them to let everyone through unless Jack, Teal’c, Daniel or Sam indicated otherwise.

 

He looked at his watch.  It was 1335.  He took a deep breath and exhaled again.  Sam would be here soon.

 

 

Sam was getting impatient.  Mark and his family arrived as they were taking some pictures at Sam’s house before leaving for the ceremony.  They wanted to do all the hugging and kissing stuff but it was getting late.  Sam reached for Jacob’s wrist and looked at his watch.

 

“Dad, it’s 1335.  We need to move.”

 

“It’s okay, Sam,” Mark said laughingly.  “They won’t start without you!”

 

“I know that, Mark,” she said a little exasperated.  “I just don’t want to be late.”

 

“Okay, let’s go!  We’ll talk later,” Mark replied.  He ushered his family back to the rented car they had picked up at the airport.

 

Jacob helped the four ladies into the white limousine he had surprised Sam with.  Although Malinal did not have an active part in the wedding, she was accompanying them to Jack’s house.

 

They had just sat down when Sam leaned over and grabbed Jacob’s wrist again.  It was 1340.

 

 

Jack looked around the yard from the deck.  Everyone that was supposed to be here was here.  There was music playing softly through the speakers that Siler and his buddy from the SGC had hooked up to the CD player in the living room.  Sam didn’t want a band or a DJ.  She and Jack picked out a bunch of CD’s and put Siler in charge of cueing the wedding music.  The rest of the time they would just keep the CD changer filled with a variety of music and set on random play.

 

He looked at his watch.  It was 1340.  Jack went back in the house to get his jacket and see if his hair was standing up again.  It was.  He gave up.  It would just have to do.

 

It was a twenty-minute drive from Sam’s house to here.  She should be on the way now.  He had no idea what she was wearing.  She had been extremely excited about finding the dress but she refused to tell him anything about it.  Cassie and Malinal had been just as closed lip about it as Sam had.  Jack would have to wait to see it until she got here.  He looked at his watch.  It was 1345.

 

 

Sam impatiently watched the scenery go by as the limo traveled quickly toward Jack’s house.  No, their house.  Her house hadn’t been hers for a while.  Her dad told her that he wanted to buy it from her so that he would have a place here to stay when he was on world.

 

Since blending with Tizoc, he had less to do with the Tok’ra because it made Tizoc uncomfortable.  Jacob was still acting as a liaison between the Tok’ra and earth as well as between Tenochtitlán and earth.  He just didn’t go on any covert operations anymore.  He planned to spend more time here in the future and he felt her house was perfect for his needs.

 

Sam’s heart started racing as they neared the house.  They were only a few blocks away now.  Soon she and Jack would be married.  She still had trouble believing everything that had happened in a few short months.  Pete was history, Jack was retired but still head of the SGC, she had been blended with Xochiquetzal and unblended, and she was now pregnant and soon to be married.  All in the short span of a few months!  It was unbelievable.

 

“Nervous, Sammie,” Jacob smiled as he watched the emotions play across her face.

 

“Not really, not about marrying Jack.  More about what can go wrong since everything seems to be going too right!” she smiled at him as she spoke.

 

Jacob’s smile remained but his eyes turned serious.  He leaned over to take her hand.  “We can’t do anything about the things that go wrong except weather them and treat each day that goes right as if it is the last.”

 

Sam smiled as tears welled up again.  “You aren’t supposed to make me cry!”  She swallowed hard fighting back the tears.

 

Jacob’s smile returned to his eyes.  “Then I will try to behave myself!” he said as he patted her hand and then released it.

 

Sam’s eyes turned to the window as the car pulled up to the house, her and Jack’s house.  She looked at the watch on Jacob’s arm one more time.  It was 1355.

 

 

Jack saw Malinal nod to the Aztec guards as she walked around the side of the house.  She nodded to Jack on the deck.

 

“Sam’s here,” he said tersely to Daniel and Teal’c.  They moved closer to his side.  The base chaplain, Father McCourt was dressed simply in the black clerical garb.  Jack had been raised Catholic but didn’t practice it anymore.  Since Father McCourt was a military chaplain, he was allowed to perform civil ceremonies.  They had modified the vows to make it more secular but kept many of the things that Jack remembered as a child.

 

Malinal stationed herself where she could see Sam and the window on the deck.  Siler was watching from inside for her signal to cue the music.  The speakers faded into silence in anticipation of Sam’s entrance.  Jack’s heart leapt in his throat when he saw Malinal nod to Siler.  It was starting.

 

The soft sound of harps filled the air.  Jack had his back to the side of the house where they would be coming from.  Sam had warned him not to turn and look but it was killing him.  Soon, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Xochiquetzal walking with stately grace toward the arbor.  She turned to face the deck and paused for a moment.  Her regal bearing made the dress she was wearing look like a queen’s robes.  It was pale blue with off the shoulder sleeves.  Her long dark hair was done up with sprinkling of flowers in it.  She carried a small bouquet of with three white roses intertwined with and surrounded by the small blue forget-me-nots and tiny white baby’s breath.

 

As if cued, she began her regal walk down the aisle.  She climbed the stairs as if it were to take her throne and moved off to the left opposite Teal’c.  Movement caught Jack’s eye again, and with a smile to the Queen, he glanced up the aisle to see Cassie standing there. 

 

The same dress made Cassie appear older than she was but had an air of innocence to her that was very attractive.  Her light brown hair was also up, but in a fantastic twist of curls and ringlets.  The small flowers that peeked out of her curls looked like they were bashful and afraid to be seen.  It added to her innocent appeal.  Jack’s eyes filled with tears at the thought that Janet was missing this.  And that Janet would never see Cassie a bride.  He tried quickly to get his emotions under control as Cassie ascended the stairs.  She looked at him with her own eyes filled with tears and nodded with understanding.

 

 

Something black and white caught his eye.  He tried not to turn to see Sam and Jacob.  It was taking all of his control to do what Sam had asked.  Out of the corner of his eye, he could only really see Jacob as he escorted Sam to the arbor.

 

And then, they turned into the arbor.  And she took Jack’s breath away.  Her smile caused the sunlight to dim.  She was dressed in a long white lace covered gown with flowers in her hair.  The gown accented her bust with a high waist.  Her bouquet of white roses mixed with the tiny blue flowers trailed down the front of her gown.  He felt lightheaded as he heard Daniel whisper to him to breathe.

 

‘Okay,’ he thought, ‘breathing helps.’  He inhaled a long breath and exhaled again.  She was walking toward him.  The gown faded into the background as her smile caught his eye again.

 

 

Sam’s was walking carefully toward the arbor.  Her thoughts kept running to disaster, tripping on her gown, or her feet, or her shoes…  Her hand on Jacob’s arm clenched tightly as they turned into the arbor.  She raised her eyes to search for him.  And he took her breath away.  She could feel the grin explode on her face.  He was in a tuxedo.  Just like her father’s!  Except his had a black shirt!  He had remembered what she said about liking the way he looked in black!

 

She inhaled sharply at Jacob’s tersely whispered reminder.  She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath until Jacob told her to breathe.  The music cued to a slightly different strain of harps as she started forward.  She could feel her father’s arm holding her back.  She knew she was supposed to be dignified walking down that aisle but all she wanted to do was run to Jack.  She tried to maintain her pace and slow her beating heart at the same time.

 

All of her disastrous thoughts fled as she finished the walk unaware of anything except the man waiting for her at the end.  She didn’t see her friends and family rise to watch her walk toward him.  She must have floated up the stairs to the deck because she couldn’t remember climbing them.  Suddenly, he was beside her.  She vaguely remembered her father kissing her and placing her hand in Jack’s.  She didn’t remember handing her bouquet to Cassie.  Her attention was finally diverted when she heard Father McCourt saying something.

 

"It is out of affection for Samantha and Jack that we have gathered together to witness and bless their mutual vows which will unite them in Holy Matrimony.  To this moment, they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another. They bring the dreams, which bind them together.  They bring that particular personality and spirit which is uniquely their own, and out of which will grow the reality of their life together. We rejoice with them, as the outward symbol of an inward union of hearts, a union created by friendship, respect and most importantly...love.”

 

Father McCourt smiled at the couple in front of him as he spoke.  The words were so true for these two.  They had a long journey getting to this point.  They still had quite a journey to go but now they would have each other to hold on to on the way.

 

“In St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he speaks of love as this:

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

 

Father McCourt lowered his hands to indicate that the guests should sit.

 

“My dear friends, you have come together on this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. And so, in the presence of these witnesses, I ask you to state your intentions.

 

“Samantha and John have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage and will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?”

 

Jack looked at Sam with tears in his eyes as they answered together, “Yes.”

 

“Jack, please state your vows.”

 

“I, John take you, Samantha, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

 

Sam could hear the quiver in his voice.  She knew he could see the tears in her eyes as she could see the tears in his.

 

“Samantha, please state your vows.”

 

“I, Samantha take you, Ja...John, to be my husband.”  Her grin got bigger as she continued, blushing.  “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”

 

Jack smiled at her slip.  She had never referred to him as John.  He thought it was funny but was trying not to laugh.  It didn’t help that there was a slight snickering going on over his right shoulder.

 

Father McCourt picked up the ceremony giving Sam time to stop grinning.  “You have declared your consent before God and these witnesses. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings.  What God has joined, men must not divide.”

 

He looked at Daniel and Cassie.  “May I have the rings please?”

 

The two quickly handed off the rings not looking at each other.  Daniel was trying to control his laughter and Cassie knew if she looked at him, she would lose it too!

 

“May the Lord bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love and fidelity.”  Father McCourt made the sign of the cross over the rings.  “Amen.”  He handed Jack Sam’s wedding band and nodded slightly.

 

“Samantha, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.”  A memory from his childhood slipped into his mind.  He touched the ring to her thumb as he spoke, “In the name of the Father” and to her index finger, “and of the Son” then to her middle finger, “and of the Holy Spirit” and as he slipped it finally on her ring finger, he whispered, “Amen.”

 

His fingers clutched her hand briefly and then let go as Father McCourt handed his ring to Sam.

 

She didn’t know where that had come from, the touching of her fingers that way but it was beautiful.  She took the ring and did the same as she spoke the words.  This time she was more careful about his name.

 

“John, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

 

Sam’s hand stayed intertwined with Jack’s, her eyes never left his face.

 

“My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that He will bless with his grace Samantha now married in Christ to John and that He will unite in love the couple He has joined in this holy bond.

 

“Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing.  You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided.   

 

“May almighty God, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless you and remain with you forever.  Amen.”  He ended by making the sign of the cross over the newly married couple.

 

As he motioned to Jack and Sam to turn around, Father McCourt stated loudly.  “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jack O’Neill!”

 

The crowd began to applaud as Father McCourt leaned over to Jack.  “You can kiss her now, you know, ya daft Irishman.”

 

Jack proceeded to do just that and ended the kiss by dipping her as he had once long ago.  This time, however, he wanted to make sure she would remember it.

 

THE END

 

  

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All the characters in these stories are owned by their respective studios, production companies, etc. I don't own them, I just like to play with them! These stories are for entertainment purposes only and no money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. These stories may not be posted elsewhere without the consent of the author.