It was early when he arrived at hers two days later. The sun was shining, the air warm and filled with a light morning breeze. Jack bounced up to her front door, heading round the back a few minutes later when he got no response.
"Hey," He called softly, appearing on her back porch. He found her sitting on a wooden bench, wearing nothing but jeans and a t-shirt, her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee.
"Hey," Sam called back, taking in his relaxed stance and non-work clothes. Though part of her was surprised to see him, the other part totally wasn't. He seemed to be keeping his word – seeking her out and being there for her when she needed it. In the past she had found it somewhat oppressive, he and Daniel and Teal'c constantly hovering around her when she was sick or injured. This time though, it was different. Jack seemed to come and go, holding her and giving her space in equal measures, as though he could somehow read her mind.
She smiled up at him, motioning to the empty spot beside her on the bench with her head. Jack responded with a smile of his own and settled down beside her. He looked down at her bare feet, her painted toe nails twinkling up at him and reflecting from the sun. Their blue shimmers reminded him of the stargate's event horizon and he glanced up at the woman beside him, somewhat surprised by the femininity of it all.
Sam simply smiled at him, and shrugged, taking the last gulp of her coffee.
"It's a beautiful morning," Jack stated, suddenly at a loss of what to say. He'd come here to make sure that she was alright. He was worried that she hadn't been sleeping, that she wouldn't have eaten and that the events of the past few days would be taking their toll. In truth, he was quite surprised to find her appearing somewhat serene, soaking up the morning's sun and relaxing in a way that he'd never seen before.
"It is," Sam replied, nodding her head in agreement. She turned her head to look at him, her lips parting, poised to speak.
But Jack beat her to it, his mind racing before he had the chance to think. "How did it go with Pete? I didn't get the chance to ask before," He waved his hand in the air, "What with everything going on..."
Sam smiled grimly. "Better than expected." She saw Jack's eyebrow rise. "He didn't react quite how I thought he would..." Jack simply nodded and Sam grimaced when the remaining words left her lips "I kind of told him that too..."
"Ah..." Jack looked into her eyes, his expression soft and full of compassion. "The whole, 'we didn't really know each other after all' type of realisation..." Sam nodded but remained silent. "Well," Jack sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Better than the alternative, I guess."
Sam snorted, watching as Jack's eyes changed to that of curiosity. A true smile appeared on her lips and for the first time in days she felt a warm sensation fill her chest. "Better late than never, you mean?"
"I didn't say that."
"No, but you were thinking it."
Jack's face snapped back to hers, the calm and easiness beginning to wear off a little. Sam could see the sparks of concern threatening to take over and she reached over to squeeze his hand. "It's okay," She said, "It was a mistake - the whole thing with Pete..." Sam hesitated slightly, "I can't say that it wasn't fun, but... I didn't love him."
After a beat, she expelled a shaky breath, her hand still on top of his, not daring to move it. A comfortable silence settled over them both and they gazed out into the back yard, watching as the light breeze made the trees sway and birds jumped about in song.
"What happened with Kerry?"
If her words hit him out of the blue, Jack didn't show it, merely turning to look at her with sincerity in his eyes. He shrugged, releasing a sigh before shaking his head. He looked like he was having an internal argument with himself and Sam pursed her lips, wondering if now was the right time to bring it up.
Jack cleared his throat. "Apparently being in love with someone while you're in a relationship with someone else is a big no-no." He shrugged again, attempted a light smile and threw it her way. The truth of his words took a while to register, and it wasn't until he saw the look on Sam's face that his own eyes widened in shock.
They sat staring at each other, time feeling like it was slowing to a stop, neither daring to move or say anything. Then, as if by some miracle, they heard the doorbell go. Both jumped, their eyes quickly darting away from each other and Sam's hand flew back into her lap.
"I'll get it," Jack said, jumping up to his feet before Sam could even respond.
Jack raced to the door, half expecting it to be Daniel and Teal'c. Then realising that Daniel was still in the infirmary, and that it was only 0700 hours, he frowned peering at the shadows through the glass door in curiosity. He unlocked the latch, and pulled the door open, somewhat surprised.
"Hi," he said, taking in the couple standing before him and the two young children by their sides. The four pairs of eyes stared back, just as confused and Jack raised his eyebrows, his survival instincts kicking in.
"I'm Mark," The man said, sticking his hand out to greet Jack, "Sam's brother?"
"Oh!" Jack stuck his own hand out and shook the one that was offered to him. "Jack O'Neill – I work with Sam." He watched as the other man nodded, both dropping their hands while Jack rocked backwards and forwards on his heels. "Come on in!" Jack stood aside and waved the family in, suddenly feeling awkward about the fact that this wasn't his house, and technically he had no right being here. The strange vibes he was getting from Sam's brother didn't help, but then he couldn't really blame him. If some strange guy was at his sister's house at seven in the morning, and wasn't her fiancé, then he would be confused too.
"Carter?!" Jack called, motioning for the family to follow. He stepped outside, everybody in tow and turned to face the blonde still sitting on the back porch. He didn't need to say anything, for in seconds she was on her feet, crying out at her brother in surprise and pulling him into a hug. Jack watched silently as the family briefly caught up, followed by a round of hugs, happy at the relief that swept over his second in command's face.
"Why didn't you call?" Sam asked, looking scornfully at her brother. "I would've collected you from the airport."
Mark simply shrugged. "Well we rented a car – thought it might be easier to get around, especially if we're staying awhile. Besides... we half didn't expect you to be up just yet..." His expression changed and Jack could see the question residing in it.
"Are you kidding?!" Jack cried, going for the humour tactic. "Carter never sleeps! In fact," He looked at his watch, tapping it dramatically, "This is actually late for her..."
Sam threw him a 'Sir, what are you doing?' look and Jack simply smiled and shrugged. "After eight years and you don't think I know what time you sneak in and out of that lab of yours?"
"I think I need to brush up on my stealth technique," Sam muttered, loud enough for all to hear. She shook her head, hiding a smile and peering over at her brother fearing his reaction.
To his credit, Mark ignored their interchange. "We, er, left the luggage in the car," He said motioning towards the front of the house and heading inside.
"I'll give you a hand." Jack said, sparing Sam a quick glance before disappearing after her brother.
-0-
"I know things haven't always been easy," Jack said, taking a suitcase from Mark and placing it on the ground beside the car, "But I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry about your Dad. He was a good officer."
Mark paused, giving the man before him a good once over. It was obvious from his words that Sam or maybe even his father had said something. But Jack's actions didn't give anything away. He carried himself in true military fashion, complete with blank unreadable expression.
"You've worked with Sam a long time..."
It was more of a statement than a question, but Jack nodded all the same. "Worked beside your father a few times too..." Jack shrugged, not knowing what point they were both trying to make. "He was proud of her... proud of you too."
Mark's brown eyes burned into his and Jack simply stared back. After a beat, the younger man turned and looked away. A few seconds passed before he picked up another suitcase from the trunk and passed it to Jack.
"Were you there?" Mark's voice was small land quiet.
Jack swallowed and silently cleared his throat. He knew what he was asking. "Yeah..."
"Is Sam okay?"
"She's... doing better than I thought she'd be," Jack replied honestly.
Her brother gave him another glance, watching as Jack rocked back on his heels. "We'd better take these inside." Mark simply stated. He slammed the door of the trunk and headed back on up the path. Within seconds both men were back inside.
-0-
"Sam?"
He'd just stepped back inside the door and Sam looked up at the mention of her first name on Jack's lips. He smiled, apologetically almost, and she saw his shoulders rise and fall in a half shrug.
"I'd better go ... I need to check up on Daniel."
Sam hugged her arms to her waist. "Will you say hi from me?"
Jack merely nodded, saying goodbye to her family, before turning to leave.
"Jack?" Sam's voice made him pause and he turned to find her standing close. He watched as she bit her lip, then reached up and put her arms around him. "Thank you," She whispered, giving him a quick squeeze before letting go. They shared a smile, before he turned and slipped out of the door. The sun washed down over his face and he tilted his head up to the sky, savouring the heat. He only moved when a gust of wind whipped his face and forced him to open his eyes.