AN: Here's another long chapter. Hope you enjoy it.
The day passed by in a blur. Sam and Jules were exhausted – neither one got much sleep in the hospital with the nurses and doctors coming in and out all night long. Jules was finally released. After waiting around for antibiotic and painkiller prescriptions, Jules spoke with Gabby on the phone while they drove to the barn. After the debrief, Jules and Sam made arrangements with Ed and Sarge to watch over Gabby while they were out of town. It was decided that Gabby wasn't going to go with them to Sam's parents. While she is capable of staying alone, it was three days and it may get pretty lonely. Both Ed and Sarge opened their homes to Gabby if she needed and wanted. Finally, Jules and Sam were on their way home to pack bags from themselves and Jake and drive the almost three hour drive to the base in Kingston.
They were finally on the road in Sam's truck. He was surprised how much stuff they needed to bring for Jake, Jules just laughed at his amazement as she is used to making the drive between Toronto and Medicine Hat. As they were driving, Jake fell asleep and Sam and Jules were driving in silence. Jules was thinking about how much has changed in the last 24 hours. She almost died, her and Sam are engaged, and they are driving to his parents' house to introduce them to Jake AND tell them they are engaged. She has always wanted to meet his parents. She knows that this visit is going to be tough and she is prepared for it – if she was on her A-game. She is far from being on her A-game. She is praying that she can keep her temper in check.
Just at that moment, Sam breaks the silence, by grabbing and squeezing her hand, "Jules, are you ok? You look a little tired. Why don't you try and take a nap, we have another hour before we get there." Jules smiles and squeezes his hand back. "Sam, you didn't get much more sleep than I did, it's not fair for me to take a nap and you HAVE to remain awake, seeing that you are driving and all." "It's ok, I may not have gotten a good night sleep, but I feel ok and I'm not the one who had to have all her blood replaced and I'm not on heavy-duty drugs." Jules lightly punches his arm, "They did not replace all of my blood. The antibiotics don't make me sleepy or woozy, that's the painkillers, which I am saving for tonight before I go to bed. I want to be cleared headed when I meet your parents."
She pauses for a moment before continuing quietly. "Sam, I'm really nervous about meeting your parents. I was nervous before, but after yesterday, I am really, really nervous. Not only are they going to meet their 1½ year old grandson for the first time, who is basically the spitting image of his daddy, we are going to drop another bomb on them that we are engaged. Sam, they are going to hate me. I mean I broke your heart when I broke up with you. I lied to you and kept lying to you and only told you the truth when I got caught. I almost die and you propose to me in a hospital room, in front of the team." Sam starts to interrupt, but Jules doesn't let him. "No Sam, let me finish. I don't think we should tell them we are engaged or that I was hurt while on a call yesterday. I don't want any pity or sympathy. The need to adjust to Jake and me being back in your life."
Sam was quiet while Jules finished and didn't say anything for a few minutes. He kept driving and saw one of those roadside rest stops and decided at the last minute to pull into the rest stop. He parked the truck, got out and went over to Jules' side of the car. He opened the door and pulled her out of the truck and walked around to the front so that they could talk and keep an eye on Jake at the same time.
"Jules, I love you. I don't want to be apart from you. I want you, me, and Jake to be a family. I would be lying to you if I wasn't nervous about this trip home. I am nervous. My parents aren't going to be very welcoming in the beginning. But given time they are going to like and love you. They are going to fall in love with Jake. I know if might be easier not to tell them about the engagement right off, but that is like peeling the band-aid off. I'm a proponent of ripping the bandage off quickly. It hurts like a bitch all at once, but then it doesn't. Let's get everything out when we first get there. That way they can used to everything at once. I also think they should know that you are hurt, not for pity or sympathy, but so they know why you may be sleeping a lot."
Jules smiles and rests her forehead against Sam's chest. "How did I get so lucky? Are you sure that you love me?" Sam rubs his hands up and down Jules' arms and kisses the top of her head. "Actually, Jules, I don't love you." Jules gasps and looks up at Sam, who is smiling that cocky smile that she loves and hates at the same time. "Jules, I'm in love with you. I don't see just me or you anymore, I see us and I have for a very long time. I just forgot about that and was reminded of that yesterday. I'm the lucky one. Just remember, I'm in love with you."
Jules is crying, "Sam, I'm in love with you too. If you walked away, you would have taken my heart. It may beat in my chest, but it belongs to you. I know that I will survive this trip, because you are by side. I can do or get through anything because I know that you are there. I thought that made me weak and why I was so scared before. But now I know that it just makes me stronger. I am no longer walking alone in this world."
Sam kisses lightly on the lips. "Jules, you know I'm not good with words, but I completely agree with you and I know exactly how you feel. Now lets back on the road. The sooner we get there, the sooner we face the firing squad, and the sooner you can go to bed and get a good night sleep." Jules kisses Sam, "Sounds like a plan." Right at that moment Jake start crying from the car. While at the rest stop, both Sam and Jules use the facilities and change Jake. Back in the car for the last leg of the trip Jake watches a movie on a portable DVD player and Jules sings along with the songs.
They finally arrive at the base. They get through the gate and head to the house. Once they pull into the driveway, Sam and Jules get out of the truck. Knowing that Jules needs the connection, he allows Jules to gather Jake from the truck. He grabs the diaper bag and her hand and heads to the front door. Just as they reach the landing the door opens and standing in the doorway are Sam's mom and dad.
Sam walks forward into the house, practically dragging Jules behind him. He hugs his mom and shakes hands with the General. Jake is a little shy at the moment and has his buried in Jules' neck. Once he is done his greeting and turns to introduce Jules to his parents. "Mom, Dad, I would like to introduce you to Jules. Jules, this is my mom and dad." "General, Mrs. Braddock, nice to meet you." Jules takes a deep breath, "I would like to you to meet Jacob Samuel Callaghan. Jake, I would like to introduce you to your Grandma and Grandpa. These are daddy's mummy and daddy." Jake takes a quick peek from Jules' shoulder. He gets a little braver and picks his head up. Sam steps in and whispers loudly to Jake, "Jake, I bet if ask Grandma nicely, she may have some cookies in the kitchen." Sam's parent gasp when Jake smiles and they get a good look at his eyes.
"Gammy, may have cookie?" Though the tears, she reaches out to take Jake into her arms, "Of course you may. Maybe you would like some milk as well." Jake nods. Jules reaches into the diaper bag and pulls out his Sippy cup. "Mrs. Braddock, here is Jake's cup. It will keep the mess down." She turns to Jake, "Jake, you go with grandma, mummy and daddy are going to go out to the car and get our bags. Ok?" Jake nods. "Be a good boy." Sam's mom and Jake head to the kitchen. "Sam, let's go quickly, he could start crying at any minute."
Jules heads back out of the house, with Sam on her heals. "Jules let me get the heavy stuff even if it takes a couple of trips." "Sam, I can manage and I can carry bags." The General also follows them out to the truck. By the time, he gets there, they have the back open and Jules and Sam are arguing what she can or cannot carry.
The General asks, "What's all the fuss about you carrying things?" Jules sighs, glares at Sam. "Sir, we were on duty yesterday and the call didn't go the way we wanted. There was a small explosion and I was hit with a small piece of shrapnel in my arm that hit an artery. I was locked in a lab while anthrax spores were released into the air. Treatment was delayed and I spent the night in the hospital. I am fine, have a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers. It wouldn't have been as serious as it was if treatment wasn't delayed. Like I said, I'm fine and I can carry a couple of bags."
The General looks back and forth between Jules and Sam. "Hmm. In this matter, I tend to agree with my son. How about Sam and I bring in the heavier items and you can grab a couple of the lighter bags. Between the three of us, I believe we can manage in one trip." Sam looks at his father dumbfounded; Jules steals a look at Sam then back at the General. "Seeing that it is two against one, I guess I don't have a chance. Fine I will carry the light items." Sam whips his head back towards Jules. "Jules, you never give up that easy. Are you sure your ok?" "Shut-up Sam. I'm tired and I'm not going to argue with both of you. Let's get this show on the road and get this stuff inside already."
With that they all grab their items and head inside and upstairs. They deposit their items in Sam's old bedroom and head back downstairs. Jules grabs her antibiotics and some of Jake's toys. On the way downstairs, they hear Jake getting a little cranky.
The three of them walk into the kitchen and Jakes settles down once he sees Sam and Jules. He reaches out for Sam and Sam responds by settling Jake in his arms. Sam's mom suggests that they head into the living room and get to know each other. Sam, with Jake, and Jules head into the living. Sam's parents follow with coffee and cookies. Jake is settled on the floor with his toys, but he focused on his blocks.
There was an awkward silence as they all sat there. Jules decided to break the silence, "So, I know that you have had a pretty big shock the last couple of days. I'm sorry that you didn't know about Jake before yesterday. I know that Sam was pretty shocked when he found out about Jake and we have been working things out. When I first found out that I was pregnant, I was in the hospital after being shot by a sniper. I was scared, felt alone, and didn't know which way was up. I knew I loved Sam, but I was scared of being that connected with one person and losing my job that I worked so hard for and meant everything to me. So I needed to get away and figure things out and went to my father's to recuperate and have Jake. When I returned things were strained between us, and then we became friends again, started dating again. I was still scared and didn't know how to tell Sam. I'm glad that he knows. Jake always knew that he was loved and who Sam was."
Jules stopped talking, reached into the diaper bag and pulled out copies of the DVDs that she made for Sam. Sam looked at the DVDs, "Jules, I didn't know that you brought those with you." Jules smiled, "I wanted to show your parents that you were always a part of his life even when you didn't know about him. I also wanted them to see him grow up." Sam looks at Jules in awe. "Thanks."
Jules looks back at Sam's parents, "Mrs. Braddock, General Braddock, I hope that you don't hate me and will be able to forgive me like Sam has. I am also glad that Jake is going to get to know you both. You are his only Grandmother, my mom died when I was a teenager." Sam's mom looks at Jules. "I have heard so much about you throughout the years, I've loved you, hated you, was angry with you. But seeing how you look at my son, I know that you love him and whatever obstacles you have faced over the last few years brought you here today, with this beautiful boy. I wish that I could have been part of Jacob's life from the beginning. But I'm happy that I get to experience him from now on. There is nothing to forgive."
Jules smiled. "Thank you Mrs. Braddock. I really appreciate your understanding and I promise that you will soon be so sick and tired of all the videos, emails, and updates about Jake." "I don't think that will be possible and please call me Addie."
Sam squeezes Jules' hand after looks at his parents. "Mom, Sir, we have more news. After the scare we had yesterday, I proposed to Jules and she accepted. We are engaged." Sam's mom smiled, "Son, if you are truly happy, I am happy for you." She turns back to Jules, "My dear Julianna, you have a choice, you can call me Addie or mum. Whatever you are comfortable with is fine with me."
Jules was touched, got up walked over to Sam's mom and gave her a hug. It felt good to be hugging a mom again. It had been so long since she had. She wiped her eyes, "Thanks Addie, I appreciate the offer and your understanding. I'll let you know about the mum thing though." Jules went and sat down by Sam again.
The General was silent throughout this whole exchange. "Samuel, how can you so stupid. To so easily forgive and trust this girl again. She lied to you for 2 years. I knew that this police thing was a waste a time and not good for you. You need to come back to the military. Forget about the SRU, this girl. If you want to have something to do with your son, then file for custody and your mother and I can raise Jacob while you are overseas. You can't possibly believe that she loves you and won't lie to you every chance she gets. It is a good thing that he looks so much like you so you don't have to worry about a paternity test. This isn't your life; you are so much better than this. She is not the right girl for you. You need someone who is stays at home, not out risking her life every day. Haven't I taught you better? She is just a small little thing. She probably slept her way onto the team and is there to meet their affirmative action quota."
Jules and Sam just stared at him and didn't know what to say. Sam was about to speak, but Jules stopped him. "Sir with all due respect – You are full of shit. I have been hearing about 'General Badass' for years now. That is when he actually talks about you. When Sam does talk about you, it generally isn't very nice. I really thought his was exaggerating. Out by the car, I was sure that he was. But right this minute, I have to say that Sam has been kind. Do you really think so little of your son that he hasn't grown into a responsible man? That because he doesn't snap to and follow all your orders that his life is a mistake? That he can't make his own choices? You can't raise your son to be independent, then turn around and be mad at him when he wants to be independent. Your son is a wonderful, caring man, who is loyal to fault and goes to the wall for anyone he loves. The team knows that Sam has our back. It is a privilege and honor to know him and work with him. I would go through any door with him. The experience his brings to the team makes us a better team." Jules stops and takes a breath before continuing.
"Do you really think so little of your son, that he would attract that kind of person? That he would love someone who thought so little of herself. That he would not be able to tell if someone wasn't being completely honest with him. That might sound silly coming from me considering that I kept Jake a secret from him. Do me a favor, watch those tapes and tell me what you think afterwards. I admit that I made a mistake. But I was scared of everything at that time and after Sam found out my worst fear almost came true – that I would lose him forever."
Jules picked Jake up from the floor and headed towards the stairs and turned around. "I am going upstairs to take a nap and Jake is due for one also. I was really hoping that I wouldn't lose my temper while I was here. I will blame part of that on you sir for your insensitive and callous remarks. The other part is on me; I have a short fuse when someone I love is being attacked. Jake and I will both be down later for dinner." Jules started up the stairs, but stopped and looked at the stunned faces in the living room. "Sir, one last thing. I really hope that you can be part of Jake's life. It is what I have wanted for so long. But life is hard enough without family making it more difficult. But I will not allow my son to be around the negativity that you surround yourself with. The choice is your sir." Jules turns and goes up the stairs not looking back.
The adults in the room are still speechless. Sam can't help but smile. That's his Jules, always trying to right a wrong. Also, it is not very often the General gets his ass handed to him. He looks down and realizes that Jules left her medicine on the table and she hasn't taken the next dose. He stands up grabs the prescription and the diaper bag and looks at his parents, "Mom, Dad, I am going upstairs to rest as well. We didn't get much sleep in the hospital last night and the last two days have been really crazy. I love Jules and my son and I am going to be with them. I hope that both of you will be part of his life and our family. Watch those DVDs and tell me if you really think those things about Jules. Dad, I not going back into the military. I know what it is like to be a kid growing up and not have your father around; I won't subject my own child to that. Can't you see that we are doing the same kind of work? You're protecting us from threats outside our borders. I protecting us from threats within our borders. One is not more important than the other – they are both needed. I am good at what I do and I'm happy. More happy than I have ever been. I hope you can be part of that happiness."
With that he turns and heads up the stairs after Jules and Jake.
AN: Ok - so a little of a cliff hanger. Hope you are enjoying this adventure and want to continue following it. The only way I will know is if you tell me so - please, please, please review.