Chapter 3

23 December

As the white light dissipated, Jack took a cursory glance around. They'd been dropped into a small room of an equally small airport in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas. A group of marines stood waiting for them.

"This way, Sir." a tall, bulky one said to Jack, motioning them to follow him. When they reached the hangar, Jack took in the layout. Outside lay two runways that had seen better days with a forest just beyond.

"Well, it's not Minnesota." he remarked sarcastically.

"Thank god." Daniel muttered.

"Your cars are ready, Sir." the tall marine interrupted.

Jack had requested three vehicles for them. No way was he going to be stuck in a car with the space monkey and his space pirate for goodness only knew how long.

"Okay, kids. Let's move out. Sam, you're with me."

As the couples got into their cars, Mitchell with Carolyn and Daniel with Vala, Jack couldn't help but notice the faces of the latter two. Danny was grinning like the Cheshire cat while Vala looked increasingly uncomfortable. Well, that was different, he thought. Something weird was going on with those two and he didn't want to know about it so he simply got into the driver's seat, letting Mitchell lead the way to the farm.

()()()()

"You're awfully quiet over there." Cam stated as he shot a quick glance toward Carolyn. "You okay?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I'm fine." She said it too quickly to be believed so he eyed her once more with a questioning brow. "It's nothing, really. I'm just nervous, I guess."

"What's there to be nervous about? They're my parents, not some blood-sucking aliens. And, believe me, I think I know the difference by now."

"Thanks for the visual, Cameron. But seriously, what if they don't like me?"

"What's not to like?" He said it with a mock leer, hoping to make her laugh. When all he got out of her was a heated glare, he sighed and turned serious, holding onto one of her hands. "Really Caro, they're gonna love you. Just like I do."

She looked up at him, shock evident on her exotic features. He didn't blame her. He was more than a little shocked himself. He hadn't planned on telling her that. At least, not in a car on their way to his parent's home. But now that he'd said it, he didn't regret it at all. In fact, he wondered why it had taken so long for him to admit it. He just hoped she felt the same way.

It seemed like a lifetime before a smile broke out on her face and she leant her head on his shoulder, sighing. "I love you, too."

Cam let out the breath he hadn't been aware of holding and quickly kissed her head. He turned back to the road and smiled. He had no idea why he'd been feeling so nervous about this trip. This was turning out to be the best Christmas ever.

()()()()

As Vala stepped out of the vehicle, she took a deep breath and smiled. It was strange, but she felt like she was coming home. Last time she'd been here Frank and Wendy had treated her like a daughter. She hadn't felt that way since her mother died. So caught up in her thoughts, she hadn't heard Daniel come up behind her. She jumped when she felt his hand rest on her lower back, surprised more by the gesture than the actual contact.

"Penny for your thoughts?" he asked and it almost sounded as if he were laughing at her. What was he up to?

"Oh, it's nothing. I'd just forgotten how beautiful this place is."

"Gorgeous." she heard him whisper but when she looked up, he was staring straight at her with that penetrating gaze of his. She squirmed under his regard and moved away from his touch. Did he realise the effect he had on her?

Just then, she noticed two figures stepping out of the house and her earlier smile returned.

"Frank, Wendy." She hugged them each in turn. "It is so good to see you."

"It's great to see you, too, Vala." Wendy said sincerely. "I'm glad Cameron talked you into coming."

"He didn't have to do much convincing. I wouldn't have missed this for anything. It's my first Christmas, you know."

"Really?" Wendy looked so shocked at the admission that Vala was afraid she'd said too much.

"Yes, you see, um-"

"They didn't celebrate the holiday where she came from." Cam jumped in and she sent him a grateful smile. He smiled back and continued. "So, Mom, Dad, let me introduce you to the rest of the team...plus. Colonel Samantha Carter, General Jack O'Neill, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and Dr. Carolyn Lam. Guys, these are my folks, Frank and Wendy Mitchell."

Handshakes and hugs were exchanged throughout the group before Wendy finally ushered them into the house.

"I'm sure you're all tired after such a long trip." she commented. "How you ever got a flight at such short notice, I don't know, but I'm glad you did."

The team all shared a surreptitious look behind their hosts' backs but no one said a word.

"Anyway, Frank, if you'll show the boys to the den, I'll set the girls up in Cameron's old bedroom. That okay with everyone?"

Jack looked like he was about to argue but one look from Sam quelled whatever he was about to say. "Yeah, sure. Ya betcha." he said instead.

"Great." Wendy smiled and started to lead the girls away.

"Oh, goody. A slumber party." Vala exclaimed.

All four women smothered chuckles when they heard a chorus of disgruntled groans coming from the men.


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