Thank you for so many lovely reviews after the last chapter. I'm glad most of you seemed to like it – and hate Jennifer. Since the last was angsty, this is a little more fluffy. Love the feedback again!
Stunned was putting it mildly. Her mind and body went into complete and absolute shock! This was it, the last straw, the coup de grace, the drop that overflowed the cup. She couldn't take anymore. It was all too much!
It started slowly, only a small sign, a small twitch. It soon escalated into torrents. Jack didn't know what to do. He had never seen her quite like this. He had been worried about her reaction, how she would take this latest piece of news. Frankly, he had never expected this!
Soon, she was rocking back and forth, her hands covering her face. Oh dear God! What should he do?
He reached out and grabbed her shoulders, trying to still her, calm her.
"Carter, Carter, it's okay. Calm down, everything is fine." He tried to pull her closer but she resisted. Finally, he was able to pull her hands down from her eyes. Tears streamed down her face.
"Carter?"
"What Ssssssir?" she hiccupped.
"Carter – are you laughing?"
"Yeeeees. Oh God, I can't believe it." And off she went, again, with gales of laughter.
Okay, so not what he had expected! He simply sat and watched as she continued to laugh hysterically. Every once in a while she would attempt to calm down but then the laughs would start again.
Eventually he began to worry. Shirley this wasn't normal? Could this much laughter be harmful? And why was she laughing anyway? What was so funny about twins? He'd been kind of freaked out by it – by the thought of not one but two children all at once.
"Sam – are you okay?"
"Yeeees. I'm fine!" Finally, she started to calm down, with only a few hiccups in evidence.
"Uh, can I ask what was so funny? I didn't think the thought of havin' twins would send you into hysterics."
"Oh, it's not the idea of twins. It's just that it's been one thing after another. I can't believe all that's happened in a short while", (she hiccupped, loudly!) "Sorry! This was just the last straw. Of course we're having twins. I'm surprised it's not octuplets" (another hiccup) "or something! Jack, do you ever stop and think what a strange life we lead? I mean, when you were a kid out playing with your friends, did you ever think that one day you would be Chosen by an Ancient race to actually be the father of a new bunch of humans who were to save the universe?"
"Sure, all the time! No, of course not. I know – it's weird and unbelievable. That's kinda why I didn't tell you right away about the twins. I thought you might freak out or something."
"You were right! I did. But not in a bad way. I'm actually kind of excited. Here I was, thinking I'd never have kids, and in the space of a month I'm expecting two! I'm also kind of scared. I've never really been around babies that much – what if I drop them or something?"
"You won't drop them! And don't worry. I know it's been a long time for me, but I do remember some things about babies. Sara always said I was a fantastic diaper changer!"
"Good to know because you are so going to be responsible for that! I'm sorry for going off on you like that – it was just the shock. But I really am okay with it. How about you?"
"Me too I guess. It's all so unbelievable I think I've stopped being surprised about anything anymore. I guess it will all work out in the end. Anyway, the aliens should be happy – we're more than fulfilling their damn prophecy."
"Yeah, we are, aren't we", she grinned. "We're a good team General!"
"Yup – team O'Neill! Or a I mean O'Neill/Carter! Hey, whadya think Danny and Teal'c will say?"
"Well, Daniel will have lots to say. He'll probably start suggesting dozens of names for the children and their meanings and their history. He'll also tease the heck out of you for getting me pregnant so fast."
Jack gave a big, and very proud, grin!
"Teal'c will look serious, but will have a big twinkle in his eye. He'll nod his head once, very regally, raise his eyebrow and say "Indeed O'Neill, Colonel Carter. You have my congratulations. Your children will be great warriors!"
Jack burst into laughter of his own. She had their two friends pegged perfectly. He could hardly wait to tell them and see their reactions. He would bet his whole Simpson's collection that she got it just right!
So, relieved at how she had taken the news, Jack was able to relax. Laying back in bed they both rested, thinking of all that had transpired.
Yes, he thought, he had been right to realize that Sam needed to know the truth. He had underestimated her strength – no, their strength together. He couldn't hide things from her any longer. That just made things worse. There really was truth in the old adage (okay, okay – a cliché!) that 'trouble shared is trouble halved'.
With the realization that truth was the best, he decided it was time to broach the other topic (da da da dum!) Marriage. He opened his mouth to ask her, but before the words tumbled out he stopped himself.
Oops! Now was so not the time. He'd better do this right! A marriage proposal was serious business. He wanted her to know he was sincere, that he really wanted to marry her – that it wasn't out of necessity or fear. So okay, he had some serious thinking to do. First off, he thought, he needed a PLAN!
He laid in bed working out in his mind his plan of action, his strategy. Mentally making a list he started:
Name: Operation Marriage Proposal
Team: Tactical Team M
Members: Daniel of course (Mr. Protocol – he can help with the formal details); Millie (definitely need a woman on the team – can't ask Sara - Millie will help with the woman's point of view); Lieutenant Ferris, David – a true romantic and he showed a lot of courage. He was also instrumental in bringing them back together (he'd have to do something to show his appreciation); Teal'c – okay Teal'c was purely for him – for moral support! Finally, Vala! Oh, he so didn't want to include her, but she was necessary to his plans. He had to have someone with connections 'off-planet' and she was it. The issue was how to keep her from leaking the info to Sam? He'd probably have to bribe her. Hey, maybe he could arrange a date for her with Daniel. He'd bet she'd do anything for that. Hmmm, mental note to self - get Daniel to ask Vala on date.
Operation plan – he'd work on that – tomorrow!
Enough thinking tonight! Hey, what was he doing? Here he was, laying in bed with the sexiest woman alive, the mother of his unborn children, his soul-mate, his Joinee? and he was just lying there. He turned to Sam and gave her the look.
"I know what you want Jack O'Neill!"
"You do?"
"Yes, it's written all over your face. You are absolutely incorrigible and insatiable! What am I going to do with you?"
"Well, if you come here I'll show you what you can do."
She giggled, but moved closer. Believe me – there was no more thinking that night!
Unfortunately, the next morning came much too early. The intrepid pair knew they had to get up and get to work, as much as they wanted to stay in bed. Their physical relationship was still so new they wanted time to explore it and savor it. Sadly, real life, duty and people like students and Presidents just didn't understand!
They both sat down to breakfast together. Alas, morning sickness had again reared its ugly head. After a dual bout of emptying their respective stomachs, neither was able to do more than face a cup of weak tea.
"Okay, I'm real tired of this. Hey up there! I did not sign on for this. I was not created to experience morning sickness. I have the wrong equipment for it!" he shouted.
"Hey, I don't want it either but you don't see me complaining."
"Yes I do. You've complained non-stop since we woke up! You complained the entire time we were in the bathroom. You even complained over the fact that my being sick was making you sicker!"
"All right – so I complained. But I feel awful! I wonder if you feel worse when you're carrying two?"
"I'm not carrying anything and I feel disgusting. And my nipples still hurt!"
"I'm sure it will pass. Isn't it only supposed to last two or three months?"
"Oh God – I can't take this for two or three months. I think I'm gonna blow myself up!"
"I think that might happen anyway. Isn't bloating a sign of pregnancy?"
"I said 'blow up', not bloat up!"
"Oh, sorry."
"I gotta get going. I'm meeting with Colonel Sharpe today – he's the CO of those jerks that attacked us in the bar. I'm so not looking forward to this. Now all I gotta do is make it to work without barfing in the car!"
"Oooh that's a pleasant thought. Now I feel sick again. What are you going to do about Ms Barracuda?"
"Barracuda?"
"You know – the vicious bitch who tried to screw with us – that 'Barracuda'".
"Ah – okay! Obviously never wise to mess with you. Don't worry – I'm gonna play it real cool today – pretend like everything is hunky dory and lead her on a bit. When we're feeling better we can plan something specific."
"What happens if I want to call you? I bet she won't put me through."
"Why don't you try – see what happens. If she won't let you through use my cell. I'll keep it on all day. By the way, I was thinkin' of something else last night."
"You were – something else? I didn't think there was much 'thinkin' going on. I thought it was mostly action."
"Yeah, well", he grinned. "I'm an action kinda guy you know. Well, after the action I got to thinking about our families. We haven't actually told themand I think we should. You haven't called Mark yet, have you?"
"No, not yet. I didn't really want to do it over the phone. I did let him know I was coming to Washington to teach. I explained that it was only a leave but he seemed thrilled that I was quitting the Air Force – even if only temporarily. I wish he'd get over that."
"Maybe it's just that he worries about you Sam."
"I guess. But– you said we haven't told our families. Uh, I didn't know you had any family. You never speak about them."
"Well mostly I just have some cousins and aunts and uncles. I haven't seen too much of them since Sara and I divorced. It was hard since there were a bunch of kids around that used to be friends with Charlie. It was just too painful." Sam reached up and kissed him softly, hoping to take away some of the sadness.
"Actually, I was mostly talking about Sara and Mike, her father. I guess I consider them my closest family." He said this gently, looking at Sam carefully to determine her reaction. When she looked only curious he continued.
"I don't see her too often, but we still keep in touch. After the crystal entity thingy we kinda talked things over. We became friends again. Mostly we just see each other on Charlie's birthday and on the anniversary of his death. It's something we'll always share, Sam. I hope you don't mind?"
"Do you still love her?"
"Yeah – but I'm not in love with her. We realized a long time ago that those feelings had died with Charlie. There's no passion, no desire to be a couple, but there is too much history between us to let go of each other completely. She's important to me. I mean, she was the person I spent a lot of years with. She was the mother of my son and the one who saved my sanity when I returned from Iraq. I wanna be totally truthful with you Sam. I don't want you to ever feel jealous because you have my whole heart. But I did want you to know about Sara. She's a part of my life."
"Thank you for being honest Jack. I admit to feeling a little jealous – more because she has that history with you than anything else. But I know that you love me completely and in reality, I'm glad you feel the way you do about her. I'd much rather that than anger or bitterness. I honor you for your loyalty to her. But what about Sara? How do you think she'll feel about me?"
"I expect she'll find it hard at first, but she'll be happy for me. She's told me for a lot of years I should find someone. She met a man a few years ago, a widower with three young kids. She married him and she's real happy. It was hard for me at first, even though I didn't love her like that any more, but after awhile I realized that I wanted good things for her and I got over it. I'm sure she'll feel the same."
"Well then, I look forward to meeting her again."
"Uh oh – now that's something I don't think I want."
"Why not?"
"That sounds really scary – my ex-wife and girlfriend getting together. I can just imagine what you'll talk about."
"Hmmmm – what a good idea. I'm sure she'll have some useful tips!"
"Great, I think I'm in trouble. Oh, and you know we'll have to figure out what to tell them about our looks. That's gonna take some hard thinking." Looking out the window he saw that David had arrived to take him to the Pentagon.
"Take it easy today Sam. Look after yourself okay? I love you and I'll see you later."
"You take care too. I love you." She kissed him and watched as he grabbed his cap and headed to the door.
"Come over after work. I'll have supper ready."
"Okay, thanks. Hopefully by then I'll have my appetite back. Oh, and Sam," he said opening the door, "I think we should discuss living arrangements", and with that he left, quickly closing the door behind him.
Leave it to O'Neill, she thought, to lay that on her and then just leave! She laughed and headed to her bedroom to finish getting ready for work.
"Morning Ferris. Beautiful morning isn't it?"
"Yes Sir, very beautiful. I hope you had a good night Sir."
"Fishin' David?"
"Uh, no Sir. I just was hoping everything is okay. You're still looking a bit pale."
"Well, everything went just fine, great even – thanks largely to you! I'm just not feeling too well this morning, something I ate I think. It's nothing to do with how things went last night. David, I have a favor to ask." And he proceeded to fill David in on Plan Marriage Proposal.
On arriving at the Pentagon he walked slowly to his office, dreading the day ahead. First, he had to face the Barracuda (he laughed to himself), next it was Colonel Sharpe. He knew he was about to effectively finish the careers of at least two of the men who had attached Sam and him but it didn't bring any pleasure. This sort of thing was the hardest part of his job, but something that came with command.
As far as the evil Jennifer was concerned, he'd might as well try and enjoy it as much as possible. For Sam's sake, as much as his own, he owed that young lady her comeuppance!
He walked into her office and there she sat looking the picture of innocence and sweet efficiency.
"Good morning Ms. Campbell. How are you getting along this morning?"
"Fine General, but please, call me Jennifer. Ms. Campbell sounds like my mother."
He raised his eyebrows, thinking inside he was probably much closer in age to her mother! What a strange thought. He realized he was starting to grow into his new body.
"Okay, Jennifer it is. Colonel Sharpe will be here shortly, can you send him right in when he comes."
"Certainly Sir. Here – I made you a cup of coffee General. Mrs. Millefort wrote that you like it with a little cream and sugar." She held it up to him and he blanched.
"Uh sorry, Jennifer. I'm not feeling so well this morning. I'm afraid I'll pass, but thanks for the thought. Buzz me if you need anything", he said, heading towards his office.
He does look rather pale this morning, she realized. Good! That probably means he had a bad night and things went wrong with Ms 'nose in the air' Carter. He probably went and got drunk and now has a hangover. Yup, her plan was working!
Jack settled into his chair and laid his head on his desk. Oy, this morning sickness was hell. He wondered if there was anything he could take for it. He'd have to look it up on the Internet. In the meantime he sat, pondering what to do about the airmen sitting in the brig and about evil Jennifer.
Aliens, Ancient Rites, strange powers, predatory secretaries, assault, weddings, babies – okay Jack – you do have a strange life!
Let the day begin.
