Chapter 2: A Little Mistake

The next morning found Daniel enjoying a leisurely breakfast. "I hadn't realized how bad English food was until now," said Daniel, relishing his scrambled eggs and sausages. "Your homemade cooking wins, hands-down, Babe."

Daniel always commented favorably when a meal came out well, which it didn't always. Then he simply didn't say a word about it – just bravely ate on. It was one of many things Sam loved him for.

Sam stopped her kitchen tidying and stood in back of his chair, hands on Daniel's shirtless shoulders. "Glad you like it, Dan." Strangely enough, no one had ever before called him that. At first he didn't like it – almost said something to her – but then decided it was okay, coming from Sam like it did. Much better than "Danny boy," which Jack had occasionally thrown his way. Not recently, though. Now he was General Jack O'Neill, and he was just a tad more dignified whenever they saw him, which wasn't much, now that he was in D.C. "Sit down and eat, Samantha."

"I had some toast earlier," she replied, starting to massage his shoulders. "When you were showering."

"Then get a cup of coffee or something and come join me."

"Okay," she replied, her hands reluctantly leaving Daniel's muscled flesh. "But I've got to take my pill first."

"You know what the English call sausages, Sam?" He took a bite, then continued. "Bangers. Strange, huh? Wonder how that evolved." But Sam didn't reply. She hadn't even heard him. "Sam, you okay?"

Sam slowly walked over and sat down next to him. She was holding her birth control case, and looking very unhappy. "Daniel, I've got three pills more than I'm supposed to have."

"Oh? Meaning?" he prompted. He would've caught on more quickly, but he hadn't – and she hadn't, either -- gotten much sleep the night before. A couple of times when one of them awoke, the other one did, too, and then one thing led to another, and...

"It means, Daniel... it means I could possibly be pregnant. I know I missed yesterday's pill, but the two others... I don't remember when I missed them. I was so busy while you were gone, with my work, and then a couple of off-world missions, and..."

"It's okay, it's okay," Daniel soothed, taking her into his arms. "Whatever happens, it's okay."

Sam thought of the twinges she had felt a few days ago, down low on one side, like... she hated to admit it... she was ovulating. "Damn it, Daniel, here I am a sharp astrophysicist, supposedly, and I can't even remember to take a stupid pill every day!" She wanted to pound something to take away her anger and frustration, and the nearest thing was Daniel's chest, but as her fists flew up he caught and held them. Held them, and gently uncurled the tight fingers.

"So... what are the chances?" His voice faltered just a bit, belying his previous assurances.

"Oh, not all that much," she replied a little untruthfully, pulling away and furtively wiping the corner of one eye. "I'll probably just get my 'friend' early. With my luck, off-world."

Daniel drew Sam into his arms once more, gave her a gentle and meaningful kiss, and hugged her tightly. Although they both wanted children sometime in the not-too-distant future, now was not the time.

"Daniel, you do love me?"

The question surprised, even irritated, him. "Don't ever question that, Sam. I'm yours forever and always."

Sam nodded, relieved. "Because I sure as hell love you."

"That was... romantic," Daniel joked. They both managed a smile for each other. Things would be okay. They would have to be.