"You sure you don't want to come with us?" Jack asked as he donned his coat.

Zipping up Maddy's coat, Sam shook her head. "No, you guys go get the fireworks you want. I'll stay here and try to install the beaming technology so that Daniel, Cassie and Teal'c can use it."

"When are they coming?" Milou asked, her voice slightly muffled due to her scarf.

"Tomorrow," Jack replied, checking his pockets to see if he had everything he needed. "Okay, let's go campers."

Nathan pulled open the door and ran down the snow-free path to their car, followed by his sisters.

"I'll see you later, have fun," Sam said, giving her fiancé a kiss.

He smirked and rubbed her stomach with his hand. "I will, you have fun with your doohickey."

She chuckled as he walked through the doorway. "Bye Jack."

When the children got strapped in the car and Jack stepped and drove off, Sam closed the door and went back inside.

They'd gotten home rather late last night, enjoying their care-free dinner while Thor was watching the kids. She couldn't think of anyone who could keep them safer and they really liked the alien too. Jack had asked her to dress up, which she had done with a simple little black dress that looked perfect on her – even if she said so herself. It was one of the dresses she had bought with Janet during one of their shopping sprees and she'd hardly ever had the chance to wear it. As a matter of fact, the label had still been attached to it when she placed it in her suitcase. The plan had already been for her to fly here from San Diego on her birthday and she had packed the dress just in case. Although her little brother had messed up her plans, Sam was actually happy to be with Jack and the children for the last few days.

Especially after what Thor had told them yesterday. She was pregnant already! God, she and Pete had tried for such a long time and she had never conceived – which was a good thing in retrospect – and it had made her doubt whether she could actually get pregnant. It certainly hadn't taken Jack very long to prove she could. At the time the divorce had come through and they'd decided to finally make love it hadn't occurred to her that she had been ovulating at the time. But of course, now that she thought about it it made sense. Still, if it had been anyone other than Thor she wouldn't have believed them!

Sam sat down on the couch and placed her hand on her tummy. It was hard to believe there was actually a baby growing inside of her. Well, right now it would look like anything but a baby – or even human – she knew that, but still it was such a strange realization. Last night, after dinner Jack had made sweet love to her and afterwards they lay in each other's embrace talking about the baby and what this meant. She remembered all too well the conversation they'd had only weeks ago, when they got together; she had asked him if he wanted more children, mostly because she was concerned she wouldn't be able to give him that. He had told her he wasn't sure, hadn't really thought about it but now that he did, he knew he didn't want to be an old cripple man when his kids graduated high school. She understood, even if she hadn't really thought about it like that; it was hard to remember he was actually sixteen years her senior while he looked so handsome and much younger than his years.

Jack had taken her acquiescence the wrong way, thinking she was disappointed that he didn't want more children. She had assured him that wasn't the case, while he had held her and told her that he would give her anything she wanted and that a baby was the most wonderful thing he could think of to give her. Those words, that explanation, coming from a man that didn't really talked feelings meant so much to her, it was touching. Then she had to explain what she meant, that she was afraid she was infertile, possibly thanks to Jolinar. He had been so understanding that it had been almost scary and yet it wasn't, because he was Jack O'Neill – the man that had always been there for her when she needed him. The man she loved more than anything and who loved her at least just as much, if not more. She knew that wasn't really possible and yet it felt like it was true. The things he'd done for her in the past, the things he'd let her get away with even though they – she – had hurt him, they almost broke her heart. And then there he was, her Jack, her perfection, ready to mend – love – it back together.

She had no idea what she had done to deserve his love, to deserve him but she knew she would never let him go now that she had him. Their wedding was coming up, they'd already been talking about the rings. It had to be something special, they had agreed upon. Something unique, that meant something to both of them, something that held a special meaning. But it was difficult to decide; she couldn't remember having the same trouble with Pete. As a matter of fact, she had hardly had any say in it. It had been a bland ring, nothing spectacular – not that she wanted that – and very common. The engagement ring had been – looking back – a bit too gaudy for her taste. Not Jack's, she thought, sliding her free hand under the collar of her sweater to pull out her tags with the ring. Looking at that piece of jewelry always made her happy, made her smile – very goofy she was sure – and reinforced the feelings she had for Jack. Soon, he would be completely hers; vowing his love, his life to her and wearing her ring. She had never been the jealous or possessive type, but Jack O'Neill was hers and hers alone.

It wouldn't be much longer until the paperwork for the adoption would come through and they would be a real family. Emma had told her it would take a couple of weeks, especially this time a year and she understood. It was too bad that it wouldn't be taken care of before they got married, but she could live with that. Hell, she could live with almost anything if it meant she'd end up with Jack O'Neill and those adorable children. They had already started calling her 'Mommy' and it warmed her heart, her soul, every time she heard it. She'd gotten a lump in her throat when Jack had pointed out the word at the drawing Maddy had given her yesterday and when she'd noticed it – not that it would escape anyone's attention – on the mug Milou had given her. But she had been completely speechless when Madison had called her that oh so casually in conversation. Jack and his daughter had both acted like it was nothing special and when her brain had finally processed it, she realized it felt completely natural too.

Last night, when she'd been lying in Jack's arms, she told him about that and he had smirked, before showing her that heart-throbbing lopsided O'Neill grin. It was only then that she realized he'd been just as awed by it. His kids had been the center of his world the last five years and he apparently loved the fact that they accepted her without question. He'd laughed softly when he said he knew that Milou was crazy about her since the first time they'd met; it had been 'Sammie this, Sammie that' for days and it had only served to make the twins even more curious about this 'Sammie'. Sam, of course, had no idea and she'd admitted that his daughter had wormed her way into her heart rather fast. Even confessed that she hadn't wanted to like the little girl because seeing him again had reawakened her feelings for him and she had been scared that she would like Milou too much. In the end, that was exactly what had happened, only Sam had been smart enough to realize it in time and finally made the right choice. She loved Jack, had for years and Pete just didn't cut it. She had started to like Jack's kid more than her husband's; surely that was not a good sign?

"And now we're going to have a baby together," Sam whispered aloud, her hand warm on her belly. Jack had asked her if she wanted a boy or a girl but all she wanted was for it to be healthy. She had briefly wondered what the child would look like, but had given up after recalling several pictures she'd seen around his house. Lily had been a blonde, frailer and female version of Jack and her children looked a lot like her and yet differed quite a bit as well. Jack had said he didn't know what their biological father looked like, apparently the man hadn't earned his respect and he'd never wanted to meet him unless he could kick his ass for what he had done to his little sister. The latter had probably been the reason why Lily had never introduced the two. Milou and Nathan looked a lot like Lily, even a lot like Jack but Madison shared some of their features too. The fact that Milou and Nate both had brown eyes and blondish hair was probably what made them look even more alike, while Maddy's auburn hair was entirely different.

Sam herself was a natural blonde, blue eyes, tall for a woman or so she'd been told. Her father always used to tell her she looked a lot like her mother, she didn't really see it herself although she did have her eyes and the same hair color. Her father himself had brown eyes and he used to have brown hair. Mark had sandy hair and light eyes too. So she really had no idea what her and Jack's baby would look like. They were each other's opposite when it came to looks, so the genetic diversity was probably big. Perhaps it was true that opposites attracted each other. She'd heard about all kinds of scientific studies researching human attraction and they usually all came down to the fact survival of the fittest favored someone who was your opposite. Then again, she'd also heard that a woman's preference for a mate changed if she went on birth control, something to do with the hormones making you choose someone who was more similar to you. And she had been on the pill for years.

Of course, there was also that little thing about girls falling for someone like their father; she didn't think Jack was anything like her Dad, but they were about the same height, same hair and eye color, same profession…. No, Jack was nothing like her father! Maybe the last few years they seemed to have more in common, but that was more due to Selmak than anything else. Their characters were completely different. Although Sam did suspect Mark was going to comment on it. That is, if her brother ever came to his senses, apologized for his behavior and would be positive towards her relationship with Jack. Otherwise he would never get to meet his niece or nephew… she was going to miss Amy and Ryan too, but this time she wouldn't be the one crawling back, asking for forgiveness. Besides, if he was going to be like this she didn't want him in her life, or in her child's life for that matter.

She sighed, again glancing at her flat stomach. She was going to need advice about pregnancies, childbirth and raising a child. As a teenager she had never had a job as babysitter or any contact with babies, really. She couldn't remember ever changing a diaper… Oh God, she was going to be a terrible mother! No, she wasn't! Jack would be there with her, he had done this before, he could help her. For a moment Sam wondered why she didn't have any female friends she could ask for advice. The few women she was friendly with didn't have kids or she hadn't spoken to them in years. Janet was gone and no one could ever replace her, but even she hadn't gone through a pregnancy; Cassie had been adopted at twelve. Maybe she could ask Ilse? Sam grimaced at the idea, not that she didn't like the woman, but still, it was weird. She was practically Jack's sister and she would feel awkward confiding in her about… other things. But the woman had been pregnant, twice actually. Sam recalled that she had liked taking care of Simone, Ilse's baby girl. Then again, weren't babies always nice when you could return them to their mother?

"No Milou, you can't have them yet," Jack repeated, rolling his eyes. She'd been asking him about the fireworks, the bang snaps in particular – not that they were really worthy of the name firework – for the last ten minutes.

Pouting, she stepped in front of him, walking backwards. "Why not, Daddy?"

"Because it's illegal right now," he explained. Narrowing his eyes, he slightly leaned forward. "You don't want to go to jail, do you?"

"No!"

"Because they don't have fireworks in jail, you know," he continued, switching the bags from one hand to the other as they'd started cutting his palm. "They would place you in a small cell and there are no fun things to do there, not even on New Year's Eve."

"I don't want to go to jail," she said in a small voice. "I'll wait, Daddy."

"That's my girl," he smirked, patting her head with his free hand. "Now, do any of you remember where I parked the car?"

Maddy giggled at her father; he always forgot where he parked the car, even when she asked him to write it down. He would simply say she would find it for him. "It's over there," she pointed across the space.

"I'll race you," Nathan challenged his twin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Ack!" Jack exclaimed, grabbing the boy by his coat's hood. "No running, it's too dangerous. There are a lot of other cars, you can't go running around a parking lot. Before you know it one is coming around the corner and they won't see you."

"Sorry," he mumbled, looking at the floor.

"C'mon," he replied, tugging on his coat. "Let's go this way," he jerked his head towards the sidewalk that went around the parking lot.

Maddy tugged on his jeans, trying to get his attention. "Daddy, can I carry one of the bags?"

"No sweetie, they're too heavy for you, I don't want you to trip."

Milou, already having forgotten about the fireworks when she noticed the stand at the end of the parking lot, squealed. "Ooh Daddy, can we get some of those?"

Jack squinted, already having a vague suspicion about what she was referring to. "Those donut thingies?"

"Not donuts," she gasped in horror.

"Croustillons then," he sighed, rolling his eyes.

Nathan grabbed his free hand and pulled him toward the stand. "Oliebollen," he corrected his father. "Can you smell that, Daddy?"

Jack almost laughed when all three kids closed their eyes and their little noses went up in the air, to sniff the luring scent of the delicacy. He had to admit it smelled good and he was getting a bit hungry; lunch had been almost three hours ago and dinner wasn't for another few. "Fine, we'll buy some," he relented, letting his son pull him forward. "After all, I'm sure Sam will want to try them too."

"Mommy will love them," Milou piped up, running over the sidewalk towards the woman in the stand.

Madison tried to skip after her sister but stopped when she almost slipped on a few remainders of the slippery snow, squashed on the pavement. "Auntie Ilse loves them too, we should get extra."

"Right," Jack nodded, already calculating how many he should get with everyone coming over tomorrow. He was sure he could get an entire bag for Teal'c alone, assuming that the Jaffa would like the food. Granted, he liked most Earth food but he didn't seem particularly interested in fast food and these… balls of dough were deep fried.

"Can I order, Daddy?" Milou asked impatiently when they finally joined her.

He chuckled at the sight of her pressing her nose against the glass, barely able to see any of the delicacies with her short frame. "Sure, go ahead," he relented, figuring she could do it better anyway in Dutch. He watched as Milou pointed with her fingers at the glass, indicating which ones they would 'need' – her words – while her siblings were eager to help with their little hands. The woman at the counter merely smiled at their enthusiasm and glanced at Jack to see how many he actually wanted and he would hold up his fingers. He smiled when he heard Maddy ask for extra powdered sugar, telling the woman her father never bought them any.

"Daddy, do you have money?" Milou held up her hand, waiting for him to give her the money so she could pay the woman.

He sighed, rolling his eyes as he reached for his wallet and pulled out some cash and placed it in her hand. "Keep the change," he told the woman as she handed him the bags. "Thanks!"

"This way," Maddy told him, intent on getting them to the car as fast as possible.

"Sam?" Jack called out as he opened the door.

"Mommy, we're home," Nathan yelled as he ran past his father into the living room. "We've got a snack!"

Waiting for the girls to follow their little brother, Jack held up the bags before they would run into them – or him. When everyone was inside he closed the door behind him and placed the bags on the side table in the hall to take off his coat. "I think she's working on her doohickey," he told the kids, who were looking for Sam. "Come on, take off your shoes and coats."

They relented, sighing and complaining as he tugged on their colored rain boots and placed them on the mat. "Here, take this in the kitchen," he told them, handing both girls a bag with food. "I'll put these somewhere safe," he indicated the bags with fireworks and waved them off.

"Jack? Kids?"

"In the living room, Sam," he yelled back, waiting for her to come downstairs. "I thought you'd be working on your doohickey."

"I already finished it," she smirked, walking up to him to kiss him. "It's a lot easier when you helped develop them."

"I'll bet it is," he mumbled, pulling her against him to kiss her again.

"Ew, Daddy, Mommy that's gross," Milou interrupted them, shielding her eyes with her hands.

Sam chuckled as she pulled away and took a step back. "So, did you get what you wanted?" She had never been big on celebrating New Year's Eve but apparently Jack was. Well, he hadn't been when they'd been working together, although there were those few times when she went to visit Mark and she assumed he went to the cabin, but he could have easily gone to visit his sisters. Especially considering the fact that he knew how to celebrate it here, where to get his things and other stuff.

"Yeah sure you betcha," he smirked, holding up the bags. "We've got some sky rockets, roman candles, sparklers and bang snaps for the kids. Ilse and Matt will probably have more stuff with them," he shrugged.

"You need more than that?" Sam asked, surprised as she pointed at the two large bags.

"Well, yeah," he replied slowly. "It's pretty, you know."

She snorted at the face he pulled, once again looking like a little boy instead of an adult man. "I'm sure it is."

"I didn't take any of the heavy fireworks with me, I figured we've seen and heard enough firefights, bombs, missiles and rockets."

"Good," she nodded, walking towards the couch. "So, are you going to show me any of the fireworks or do we have to wait?"

Jack chuckled at her innuendo, sure that she hadn't even realized it. He plopped down next to her on the sofa and leaned closer. "I thought I already showed you fireworks last night? But hey, if you want to go again…."

"Oh God," she snorted, "you did not just say that!"

"I did," he smirked, "and you laughed."

Sam shook her head, her hair flying around her face. "No, I snorted, that's something entirely different."

"Well-"

"Daddy, can we finally eat something?" Nathan asked, padding over to them, effectively interrupting their conversation.

"Eat?"

"Ah," Jack gave her a quick kiss before jumping up. "The kids insisted on getting this donut type of thing, it's tradition around the holidays," he explained.

Milou walked over to them, holding one of the smaller paper bags from the plastic bags. "Look Mommy!"

"No, you have to smell them," Nathan chimed in.

Sam cautiously leaned forward towards the bag but it wasn't necessary as Milou jiggled the bag in her hands and the scent almost assaulted her. It smelled rather good but she was glad she wasn't very far along in the pregnancy, otherwise the heavy scent would've made her sick, she was sure of it. "So what are these?"

"Oliebollen," Madison offered, climbing on the couch to sit next to her. "You have to eat them with powdered sugar."

Jack joined them again, plates and napkins in hand. "Milou?"

She wordlessly handed him the bag and sat down next to the coffee table, already throwing some powdered sugar on her empty plate. "I want one with raisins," she said, when her father got a few out of the bag.

Once everyone had one, they all ate it with gusto, the powdered sugar flying around in the air with every bite they took.

"This is good," Sam almost moaned. "Although a bit-"

"Oily?" Jack suggested, biting back a grin as he licked his fingers.

She nodded, wondering why the kids started giggling. "What?"

He handed her a napkin and she gladly took it to wipe her mouth. "Literally translated they're called oil balls," he shrugged, smirking only slightly.

"Oh," she smiled, "well, it's a good name."

"Do you think Teal'c will like them, Mommy?" Milou asked, remembering her friend. "And Daniel?"

"I'm sure they will try one," she offered, actually unsure if Teal'c would like them considering he usually only ate healthy fruit and vegetables. But if anyone could convince him it was probably Milou, she mused, recalling how he'd been walking around the SGC with her 'Hello Kitty'-backpack.

"So you installed the doohickey?"

Sam bobbed her head, pleased with herself that it hadn't taken her so long. In particular because she'd been daydreaming about the baby, the wedding and their lives together. "Yes, it's ready to be used."

"Shouldn't we, you know," Jack shrugged, "test it first?"

"Why, are you afraid they won't rematerialize?"

"Not that I don't trust you, Sam," he held out his hands in a defensive gesture, "but it is alien technology."

She shook her head, automatically pushing her long hair behind her ear. "No, it's reversed engineered, it's perfectly safe. But if it makes you feel any better, I'm sure we can test it with something," she glanced around the room. "Oh, we could use that."

Jack almost yelped. "You're not going to use my Simpson's DVD for that, Sam!"

"Fine," she rolled her eyes, secretly amused.

Milou chuckled at them, her mouth covered in powdered sugar. "You can use Poesje to test it if Teal'c takes care of it."

"You should take after your daughter, Jack O'Neill," Sam teased when Milou handed her the stuffed cat.

He narrowed his eyes at her as he grabbed all the empty plates. "It's The Simpson's, Carter, that's just… wrong!"