"Good idea," Christina agreed. "Let's eat. How are you at feeding four-month-olds? Maybe you could teach me a thing or two while you're here."

CHAPTER 13: SOMEONE SPECIAL

What followed was a pleasant afternoon spent over a leisurely lunch and stories of feeding babies and changing diapers, the kind of stories parents share when they get together. Hardly mother of the year, Christina recalled some of her more hysterical missteps in the care of her daughter, Jessica, in those years before she could afford a nanny. She seemed genuinely discouraged that she hadn't gotten much better over the years and grateful that Jessica had actually survived her infancy.

Jack remembered some of the times he was at home between missions long enough to get good at taking care of his own "baby Charlie". He was pleasantly surprised to find himself talking about Charlie O'Neill happily for the first time in a long time.

It was obvious Christina was out of her element with Charlie. Jack winced on more than one occasion, watching her awkward attempts to feed the baby. The strained food was the worst, with at least two unattractive plops of peaches finding their way to the well meaning grandmother's silk shirt.

Though not cut out for motherhood, Christina was clearly concerned for little Charlie's welfare. One way or another, she was determined to provide for him. Jack supposed having a nanny wasn't the worst thing that could happen to a child. Still, he figured his new friend needed at least some basic skills to care for the baby when live-in help wasn't available. With that in mind, Jack volunteered to demonstrate more effective feeding techniques, including strategies to avoid fashion disasters. Christina watched with rapt attention as he fed Charlie with near military precision, nary spilling a drop and ending up with a smiling, cooing baby.

The afternoon was the perfect illustration of "time flies when you're having fun". Before he knew where the time had gone, Jack realized he was running late for a much less pleasant date. He was expected at an early evening meeting at the Pentagon. As it was, he'd have barely enough time to get home, change clothes and arrive fashionably late. Derrick would have to step on it.

"Christina, I'm afraid I have to be going," Jack said, truly regretting bringing an enjoyable afternoon to an end. Despite his initial misgivings, Jack found Christina to be a fascinating woman and Charlie, well Charlie was quickly worming his way into the old soldier's heart. He hoped to remain a friend to both of them. What's more, he found himself more determined than ever to see the case against Raymond Francis through to its conclusion.

"If you must leave, Jack, I understand," Christina said, clearly disappointed. "And thank you for the child care lesson. I suppose it's about time I learned some of that, especially for Charlie's sake."

"I'd say that's a very good idea," Jack said, "and you're welcome."

"You think it's a good thing I've got Maria, don't you?" Christina asked. "I'm a bad excuse for a grandma, aren't I?"

"Well … let's just say without Maria, your wardrobe would be in serious jeopardy," he quipped, trying to make light of her insecurities.

Christina laughed. It was a pleasant, carefree laugh; she was able to laugh at herself. In spite of her admitted maternal shortcomings, she was trying. That made Jack smile and want to be of more help wherever he was needed. But for now, he needed to be on his way.

"I'll be in contact with you as Jessica's case develops," Jack said with an air of finality, pulling himself up on his crutches and starting to head towards the door. "The JAG investigation will be ongoing for awhile before the court martial is officially convened," Jack said. "Much of the case will hinge on your testimony, Christina."

"I know, I'll be ready," she replied. She stood up and placed Charlie back in his play pen, then walked towards the door where Jack was picking up his jacket, preparing to leave.

"And they'll need a DNA sample from Charlie for paternity testing fairly soon now," Jack added, struggling to balance crutches and get into his jacket at the same time.

"Fine, I'll do what I need to do," Christina said simply. "But Jack, I hope we can meet again without talking about Francis or his dreadful behavior toward Jessica. I'd like very much to get to know you better."

By now Christina was standing very close, her hand on Jack's arm. "Here, let me help you with that," she said softly, taking the jacket from his hands and holding it while he eased his arms in one at a time.

"Thanks," he said, finally dressed for the outdoors. "Mission accomplished." As Jack moved towards the door, he found Christina had yet to let go of the jacket she'd helped him slip on.

Slowly he turned around, effectively removing her hands from his arms and coming to face her. "Christina?" he said, her name more a statement than a question. He wasn't expecting this. His bewilderment must have shown on his face. And Christina, well, she was a bright lady; she knew she wasn't getting the reaction she expected to her fairly subtle invitation.

"You're uncomfortable. I'm sorry, Jack," she said. "I know you're not married and I thought … well. Are you seeing someone, is that it?"

Jack closed his eyes slowly and breathed deeply before answering, visions of Sam's face in his mind. "Not exactly, Christina," he said, "but there is someone special."

"Ah, that explains a great deal," she said, clearly disappointed. "I'd say she's a pretty lucky lady, whoever she is."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Christina replied, a sad look on her face. "She's got you."

"And you think that's a good thing?"

"Yes, I do," Christina supplied, "for her anyway. Not so good for me."

"I'm flattered, Christina," Jack said kindly, intent on avoiding any further conversation at this point. "Now, I really must say goodbye to you and this little fellow." Jack smiled at Christina and then carefully bent over the playpen to tickle the baby and pat his head. "I'll be in touch."

"I'll hold you to it," she said. "Bye, Jack." Christina stood by the door, wistfully watching him get into the car and pull away.

I suppose I'll have to try a little harder, she thought.

OoOoOo

Jack was relieved to make it to his car and start the trip home. He liked Christina, admired her independence and her spunk, even her willingness to care for Charlie to the best of her ability. Still, her interest in him was disconcerting to say the least. And Charlie, well the little guy was great and in spite of Jack's determination to avoid an emotional connection, the baby brought back memories of another child with the same name.

After the thirty minute drive to his home, Jack wanted nothing more than a hot shower, a Guinness and a Simpsons' marathon. Changing into his uniform for the after hours Pentagon meeting was so not his idea of a good time.

On his way to the shower, Jack noticed a melodic hum coming from the laptop General Hammond had given him just one week ago today. He could hope. Sam.

Sure enough, when the coded, recorded message was played, he was treated to a long look at his "Someone Special". Christina had no idea; Jack O'Neill was taken alright. There was no doubt about it. The only question was what he'd choose to do about it. Right now, he decided he'd simply listen to the message.

"Jack, I'm sorry you weren't here when this came through," Sam's sturdy, yet melodic voice began. "By the time you pick this up, I'll probably be on Earth. Anyway, I'll be seeing you tonight at the Home Ops staff meeting. I'm on the agenda. Status report, projections for Atlantis station, all of that you know. See you soon."

With that the brief message ended. I'm really not getting my memos, he thought. This is one meeting I actually want to attend! Go figure!

TBC

A/N: I appreciate all of the thoughts, suggestions, reviews… Believe me, I'm taking it all into account. Please continue to share your opinions on direction and pace of the story and I'll do my best!

Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Sam is on her way!