Chapter 7: The Story Continues

In the morning, Daniel got two pieces of information from Dr. Lam, one good and one not-so-good. The good news was that, tentatively, pending the favorable outcome of some tests and a change of bandage for his arm, he would be discharged from the infirmary that afternoon. He would be cleared for part-time, on-base research.

The bad news was that Sam's lower left lower leg was fractured, and her left thigh had a nasty compound fracture. That was the horrible sight that had stayed in his mind and dominated his nightmares these last two nights. It would take some time -- and a lot of work on her part – to recover full strength in that leg, once the rigid dressing on her thigh and the cast on her calf were removed. But she would be all right, thankfully.

"Good morning, Sunshine," Daniel greeted her. He was feeling a little perkier himself this morning, having insisted on just a half-dose of pain medication.

"You're kidding, right?" Sam replied, indicating that she wanted a sip of water. Daniel pushed the hospital bed button so that Sam was a little more upright, and guided a straw to her still-swollen lips.

"You sound like your father, now," said Daniel.

"Yeah, when he was told about Selmac." They both smiled at this. "He really, really believed we were pulling his leg." Sam got a little wistful. "I wish... I wish he was alive now."

Daniel took her hand in his, kissed it, and brought it up to his heart. "And why would that be?" He could sense her train of thought now, like he did so often, but he wanted to hear her say it.

"So he could see me happy." She smiled her little lop-sided smile again.

"So what's to be happy about? Being injured? In pain? In a hospital bed at Stargate Command?" He was fishing; they both knew it. They looked into each other's eyes.

"Because I'm loved by... and I love... the best guy in the whole world. Hell, probably in this entire galaxy." They both laughed at this. "And I'm married to him, and I'm going to have his child."

"Couldn't get any better than that?"

"Nope." Daniel reached down and carefully, tenderly, kissed her.

"In sickness and in health, Babe."

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Word of anything important always spread like wildfire in the family-like atmosphere of Stargate Command, and the momentous news of Sam's injuries, Daniel's and her "secret" marriage, and the fact that she was pregnant became a topic of daily, even hourly, conversation.

Except, of course, with General Landry. That one of his premier team's members was in serious but stable condition was a safe topic, although the man rankled at the circumstances that took her expertise "off-line" for now. Following Major Carter's suggestion, Lt. Hailey was pressed into service; surprisingly to him, she worked out just fine. He was anxious that Daniel get back to work full-time and available for off-world missions as soon as possible, believing that the young archeologist/linguist filling in for now was a poor substitute.

Daniel was relieved that the General didn't bring up Sam's serious breach of regulations, and Daniel's breach of employment contract with the Air Force, during his several brief but pleasant visits to Sam, or in his frequent conversations with Daniel. Perhaps the man thought that they had enough to deal with at a moment.

Get-well cards poured in from both on-base and off-base. There was even one each from Pete Shanahan and Agent Barrett. Extra bouquets and flower arrangements were routed to the mess hall – "Looks like a damned florist shop," was General Landry's terse comment.

Vala, somewhat of a friend to Sam before, became even closer. She took it upon herself to string up the cards on little pink and blue clothespins on the wall behind the bed. It wasn't long before there were three loops of them. Sam said they talked about babies and "girl talk" together.

Several weeks after Sam's injury, Daniel literally bumped into the woman as he pulled the curtain open, his visit with Sam over.

"Whoopsie!" Vala exclaimed, ponytails bouncing.

After recovering his composure, Daniel said, "Look, Vala, Sam's just had a whole string of visitors, so I don't really think..."

"But I've got something really, really important to show her!" exclaimed Vala, holding a large bag with one hand and twisting her black tresses around one finger of the other hand. Daniel stepped back to read the name on the bag.

"Victoria's Secret?" All he could think of was that she had bought something for Sam.

It must've shown on his face, because she replied, "Not for her, silly... for me! You..." here she poked Daniel in the chest, "and you..." now she turned and pointed to Sam, who was grinning... "have already done the deed!" She winked at them both, then added, "And have a muffin in the oven to prove it!" Daniel started to redden at this, in spite of himself. She always could get under his skin. Sam was laughing. "Now, I, on the other hand..."

Daniel had to resist the urge to say something to that, but decided against it. "That's it! I'm outta here!" he exclaimed, trying to make a quick exit, but to no avail.

"Don't you want to see what I've got for you?" She reached far into the bag and pulled out the latest copies of "Archeology Today," "Parenting," and "Astrophysics." The first two she gave Daniel, the third she handed over to Sam. "Enjoy!"

Daniel sighed with resignation. "Thanks, Vala."

"You're welcome..." Daniel turned to leave... "Daddy!"