"Next time I'll take you to a real museum," Daniel told the three youngsters surrounding him, "one with cultural and historical value."

"Hey, I resent that," Jack objected, "the USS Midway Museum is a real museum."

He rolled his eyes, making the girls giggle. "It's a Navy aircraft carrier."

"Still, it's a museum!"

"Guys, please," Sam exclaimed, rubbing her forehead. She wasn't feeling too hot today, despite the warm temperatures here in San Diego. Her nausea had somewhat subsided but she was tired and cranky. The prospect of Jack and Mark meeting again wasn't helping her moodiness at all and her hormones were all over the place. She hadn't wanted to go, but Daniel and Jack had insisted. Three more days until the wedding and Ryan, her nephew, had been kind enough to tell her his father had the day off today so Jack had made the choice for her, booking a flight for the two of them, the kids and Daniel. Now, here they were in San Diego, ready to confront her brother. She had been a nervous wreck all day so Jack had suggested to take the kids out before their meeting with Mark and they had ended up at the museum. "Yes, it's a museum, but there are no archeological findings or anything."

"Exactly!" Both Daniel and Jack replied.

"With you as their father, I feel the responsibility to teach them about history is up to me," Daniel quipped, grinning. "So, next time I will show them a real museum instead of an extension of your job."

Slinging his right arm around Sam's shoulders, Jack pulled her against him, Milou still holding his left hand. "For crying out loud, Daniel, it's the Navy! We," he gestured between himself and his fiancée with his right hand hanging over her right shoulder, "are in the Air Force. It's completely different."

"It's military," he replied disapprovingly. "Our ancestors are important, our history is important; we all try to learn from past mistakes, try to understand stuff about ourselves by looking at those that came before us and-"

"Yeah, yeah," Jack made a dismissive gesture with a hand. "They're too young to check out those dead people and all that old crap. Let them be kids for a while before you suck the life out of them."

"Will there be mummies, Daniel?" Nathan asked, excited at the prospect as he grabbed his new USS Midway baseball cap and planted it backwards on his head.

"Mummies, yes!" Daniel grinned at the boy, glad that someone seemed eager to learn new things. He looked down at Maddy, wearing her new flight jacket as she tugged on his hand. "Yes, Maddy?"

"Do you live in a museum?"

He frowned in confusion, wondering what the hell Jack had been telling these kids. At the moment, he didn't even have an apartment. He was still living in Sam's house in Colorado Springs since she had hardly been there after coming back from commanding Atlantis for two years and immediately getting engaged to Jack. "No, of course not. Why are you asking?"

"Daddy always says you have lots of old crap in your apartment, like a museum," she shrugged, looking at him before casting a questioning glance at her father.

"Geez, thanks Jack," Daniel muttered, scowling at him.

"Don't mention it," he grinned at his friend.

"While I hate to ruin your fun," Sam spoke up, disentangling herself from Jack, "we have to get going if you guys still want to meet up with Mark."

Gesturing towards the parking lot behind them, where they had parked the car, Jack stepped aside. "Well then, let's go," he smirked, trying to ease her nerves. Casting one last glance at the museum across the water, he turned around and walked towards the hired car.

"Come on, kids," Daniel prompted the children, making his way over to Jack with each twin holding one of his hands.

"What's wrong, Mommy?" Milou asked, still standing in the same spot. "Don't you want to see Uncle Mark?"

"Ah, I'm just a bit nervous, I guess," Sam replied, ruffling the girl's blond locks.

She cocked her head and peered up at her new mother. "Why?"

"Do you remember when I came home early with Christmas?"

Milou bobbed her head enthusiastically, recalling how happy and surprised Daddy had been when she got home. He had told them it would be a few more days until she would be back but then she'd shown up anyway. "We watched Scrooge in our pajamas."

"Yeah, we did," Sam chuckled, reminded of Jack's 'tradition'. "Anyway, I was supposed to stay with my brother Mark for a few more days."

"I'm glad you didn't," she replied shyly, looking down at her shoes.

Sam smiled, feeling her heart swell with love for the little girl all over again. "Me too," she admitted, hugging the youngster. "But I left because Mark and I had a fight and we haven't talked since, so I'm a bit nervous about it."

"You didn't kiss and make up?" Milou asked, gasping in shock.

"Er, no we didn't," she frowned.

"But Daddy always says you shouldn't go to bed angry," she explained, remembering some of the times she and her siblings were fighting. "That you shouldn't stay mad at those you love. Family is the most important thing in the world."

"I know," Sam said softly, once again surprised with the girl's wise words. Which she had apparently learned from Jack, she thought to herself, never having expected him to say something like that. She knew he thought family was important and that he had a lot of love to give, even if he didn't show it nor talked feelings. But for him to say such a thing aloud, teach it to his kids…

Tugging on her Mommy's shirt, Milou tried to get her attention. "What did you fight over? Maybe it's not so bad… Nate never stays mad long when Maddy breaks his toys."

"It's complicated, sweetie," she sighed. "Grown up stuff."

"Like what?"

Chuckling, Sam shook her head. She sure was persistent. "Mark wasn't very happy that your Daddy and I are getting married so soon and thought he wasn't right for me," she tried to explain.

"But Daddy loves you, we love you," Milou replied, puzzled.

"I know that and I love you too, but Mark doesn't really know Daddy; they only met once a few years ago and didn't really talk."

"Is Uncle Mark coming to the wedding?"

"I don't know, sweetie. That's why we're going to see him today."

Milou nodded pensively, before reaching out her hand. "What about the baby?" She asked, splaying her fingers on Mommy's belly.

"What?" Sam gasped, looking down at her own belly. She could already feel the familiar heat forming in her stomach where her hand touched her shirt. How could Milou possibly know about the baby? She and Jack hadn't told anyone yet!

"The baby," she repeated innocently. "Does Uncle Mark know about the baby?"

"No!" She almost yelled, horrified at the idea of Mark knowing she was pregnant already. Then he would only be more convinced about her having an affair with Jack during her marriage with Pete. "Milou, sweetie, how do you know about the baby?"

She shrugged, letting her hand drop. "We just know; we can sense him."

"We?" Sam asked, clearing her throat awkwardly.

"Nathan, Maddy and me," Milou replied, blinking at her. "Why doesn't Uncle Mark know?"

"Ah, I-I, er… can't tell him yet, honey," she stammered slightly, still trying to process this turn of events.

"Why not? Doesn't he like kids?" Milou asked in a small voice. She liked spending time with family and had been looking forward to meeting her new Uncle Mark.

Sam sighed, again rubbing her forehead in frustration. Her head felt like it was going to burst soon and she really couldn't handle this right now. "No, he likes children. It's just that… we can't tell anyone yet, okay? Daddy and I will tell you when the time is right, for now just keep quiet, honey."

"Okay," she nodded seriously.

"Are you girls coming or what?" Jack yelled from the car.

Sam rolled her eyes at his impatience and placed her hand on Milou's back. "Better not keep him waiting."

"Coming Daddy," Milou cried as she spurted off in his direction.

Watching the five-year old run over the grass, the wind whipping her hair around her face, Sam smiled and followed her, jogging over to the car in which the others were already seated.

Mark glanced in his rearview mirror and, seeing that both his teenagers were still engrossed with their iPods, slightly leaned to his wife. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course, honey," Laura stated confidently, plastering a fake smile on her face. Her husband was suspicious, she knew it, but she was also aware of the fact that this was probably the only way he would ever talk to his sister again. At first, she had been appalled by Ryan's idea of luring Mark into a meeting with Samantha but when she had brought up the subject of her sister-in-law and her hasty retreat on Christmas her husband had huffed that he didn't want to talk about her. It had taken Mark, Sam and Jacob years to reconcile after their estrangement and there had been a slight change in her husband after that; he was happier. Having more contact with his sister had been good for both of them and hearing his father talk about how proud he was of him, made Mark grin like a little boy. Probably because when it came to his father, he was still that little boy who hardly ever saw his Dad and subconsciously yearned for his approval. "We haven't been to the park in ages."

"I know," he replied under his breath, "that's my point."

"What are you talking about?" She smiled sweetly and patted his knee. "Everything's going to be fine."

"Laura, I can't even remember the last time we all went out as a family," he jerked his head towards the back seat where both kids were bobbing their heads to a beat only audible to themselves. "Certainly not the park."

Grabbing her sunglasses, Laura placed them on the bridge of her nose under the guise of the low sun shining in her eyes. In truth, she was a horrible liar and she couldn't remember the last time she had lied to her husband and she had certainly never lied about something like this! "There is nothing wrong with the park, dear. It's lovely outside and the kids are starting to resemble that vampire from the movie that came out a few months ago. You know, the one about that Cullen boy from those books Amy loves."

Mark rolled his eyes before casting a glance at Amy and Ryan; they certainly looked a bit pale for people who lived in San Diego. "That's because they never leave their room except for school, shopping or a LAN party," he hissed. "They probably don't even know what to do with all that grass outside. Do they even own sunglasses?"

"Hush," she scolded him gently, afraid the kids might overhear or even just pretend to be listening to their music while secretly eavesdropping. "Oh look, we can park the car there," Laura pointed at an empty spot on the upcoming parking lot.

Sighing, he did as told and signaled as he changed lanes and headed for the parking lot. "And… we're here," Mark exclaimed, trying to be cheerful as his wife gave him one of her looks. He knew what that meant; he'd better behave like a loving father today because he was always working such long hours that he hardly got to spend time with his family – they'd had this argument for years now. "Ryan, Amy!" He yelled as he turned in his seat and made a gesture telling them to unplug the music.

"Geez Dad, chill," Ryan huffed as he pulled his headphones off, released the seatbelt and opened the car door. "I thought we were going to hang out, relax," he shrugged lazily. "If I'd known you were going to be like this," he muttered, rolling his eyes for effect. Of course he was lying, he had been planning this with his Aunt Sam – who rocked in his opinion. Good for her for telling his Dad off when he'd been yelling at her before seven in the morning! His father had his panties in a twist because Aunt Sam wasn't going to get back together with that loser cop friend of his. Thank God, Ryan thought to himself. He'd been horrified when he learned about Aunt Sam dating that Pete guy. Was his father totally out of it, hooking those two up? Then Aunt Sam must have had some mental breakdown because she was getting married to that… potato head. Luckily, they hadn't lasted very long because it was simply gross to see them together at holidays and birthday parties. Ryan had been psyched when Aunt Sam told them about the divorce.

However, after his aunt had gotten stationed abroad that lousy cop had come around the house a lot and even moved to San Diego, to a house a few blocks from where they were living! God, his Dad had been excited to see his old pal again and horrors of horrors, that dude had told them he and Aunt Sam had gotten back together! They were giving it another shot! Then, like two months ago Aunt Sam had finally gotten back to the USA and said that loser had been lying all along! So, she wasn't crazy, the cop was! Then they'd finally gotten a divorce, which of course had resulted in his Dad and Aunt Sam getting into another argument. Luckily, they made up and she came over for Christmas and they had an awesome family dinner, even Grandpa had joined them! The next thing he knew, he woke up – way too early – from his father shouting and screaming, before silence finally descended upon the house and the front door slammed – twice.

Apparently, his aunt had gotten engaged to some awesome Air Force general and of course his father didn't approve. The guy couldn't be that bad, considering Grandpa had left too, defending Aunt Sam. Why couldn't his Dad be more like them? The entire Carter clan was awesome, everyone except for his Dad. Too bad Aunt Sam didn't have any kids. Maybe she'd want to adopt him? At least then he'd have someone support him when he was going to join the Academy. Oh yeah, he'd decided to join up too since Christmas. Not that his Dad knew yet.

Ryan wanted to meet this 'old guy who was taking advantage of his favorite aunt' – according to his father – and knew that his life was positively over if Dad didn't make up with Aunt Sam and Grandpa. So, he had called up Aunt Sam recently and they'd started texting – yeah, she was cool like that, his own Dad wouldn't even know how to text – and had come up with this plan. Sneaking a glance at his watch, Ryan hoped everything was going as planned and that she would already be here somewhere. It was kind of awesome, really, because this was practically like his first mission. Oh yeah, his aunt was so cool.

"Ryan," Laura admonished him as she too got out of the car, trying to send a loving vibe to her husband. "Just behave kids, we're going to enjoy a sunny day in the park and there will be no computers, chatting on the phone with friends or iPads!"

"Yeah, if only," Ryan exclaimed. "It's an iPod, Mom. It will be like another year before an iPad is going to be on the market."

"Not that we'd get one," Amy mumbled, looking at her brother. "I'm sure you could really use one for work stuff, Dad," she piped up, smiling her sweetest smile as her mother grabbed the picnic basket she had brought from the car. "You know, you should get one once they're here. Or no, two actually. So that Ryan and I can show you how to use yours."

"Sure sweetie," Mark replied, patting her head. "In your dreams."

"It was worth a try," she grumbled, scowling at the floor. "So, where are we going?"

"This way," Laura said hastily, grabbing her husband's arm with her free hand. "Come on, everyone. This is fun, we haven't been out like this in ages."

"Yeah right, whatever," Ryan remarked, hanging back from his folks before following them in a sedate pace.

Sighing, Amy waited for her brother to catch up and slapped his arm. "What are you doing?" She hissed, glaring at him. "I thought you wanted this, to get Dad and Aunt Sam to talk!"

"I do," he said through gritted teeth, pushing her roughly out of his personal space. "But Dad is going to be suspicious if I'm just going to go along. You and I both know we wouldn't want to be caught dead in the park with our parents on a free afternoon! God, I'm just lucky that the guys have detention and have to spend the entire afternoon at school."

"I know," she rolled her eyes, realizing he was right. "I'm so glad you picked this park, because the other girls usually don't go to this part of town."

Ryan smirked, ruffling her hair before jumping out of her range. "Yeah, wouldn't want the big kids to see you here, huh?"

"Shut up," she snapped, stomping after their parents as she tried undo the damage his claw-like hands had done. "Why did I let you talk me into this again? Dad is going to be so freaking mad when he finds out!"

"Because," he exclaimed, waving his hands at her. "Remember, you like Aunt Sam."

"Yeah, but I like my spare time being mine too."

He huffed, rolling his eyes at her and grabbed the baseball cap he had stuffed in his back pocket before they left. Smoothing down his blond hair, Ryan put the cap on and grabbed her wrist. "Amy, just think of it like this; if Aunt Sam and Grandpa are going to be involved in our lives, I will have more chance of joining the Academy – so I'll be out of your hair in less than two years."

"Hmm, sounds good," she admitted. "Still, Dad could so ruin my life for this. If he does," she glared at her brother, "I'm going to tell him this was all your idea and that you forced me. And that you want to join the AF!"

"Whatever… remember what Aunt Sam said about this guy at dinner? He spends a couple of months a year in Europe; if he marries Aunt Sam then we're family too. Think of the opportunities!"

"Fine," Amy relented, already planning her next vacation abroad. When would her parents let her go spend the summer in Europe with Aunt Sam and her new husband? Maybe next year or the year after that she could bring some friends?

Mark glanced over his shoulder and stopped walking. "Amy, Ryan, hurry up, it's a beautiful day and if we keep up this pace all the good spots will be taken!" He turned to his wife and gave her a small smile. "For a minute there I thought they had run off somewhere with their cell phones and laptops."

"Don't be silly," Laura chuckled nervously, her eyes scanning the park for Samantha's face. "They're teenagers, they're supposed to be grumpy and moody. Honestly, they loved this idea," she said truthfully, wondering if God would think any less of her after today. She had always been a good person; had never cheated, hardly ever lied, married her high school sweetheart and had only ever had sex with her husband. She volunteered in the retirement home for goodness sake! Surely, He couldn't be angry with her for her scheming today? It was all for the greater good, after all. "Let's go over there."

"Okay," Mark replied, beckoning the kids over with his free hand. "Oh, just a minute," he mumbled as his cell phone started vibrating in his pocket.

"Dad, you said no phones!" Amy cried when he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket.

Looking at his wife, he shrugged helplessly. "It's work."

"No, it's your day off," Laura replied adamantly, snatching the phone and turning it off. "I can't believe you would answer a call from work on your day off, when we're all here for a day out and yet you refuse to pick up the phone when your sister calls. Or call her, since you were the one who scared her off in the first place!"

"Honey," he said in a placating manner, holding out his hand for the phone. "You know Sam and I aren't talking right now. This call could be important."

Stuffing the phone in her own pocket she shook her head. "I'll be keeping that one, the world won't end if you don't answer a work call you know. Especially not on your day off."

"Sam, relax, will ya?" Jack sighed, patting her knee. It was true that he wasn't looking forward to confronting Mark, knowing how upset the younger Carter still was about Sam divorcing his – controlling and suspicious – friend. But her behavior was actually getting to him, making him nervous too! That wouldn't do, not for General O'Neill director of Homeworld Security! He didn't get nervous for such things… Hell, he'd faced Jacob who was carrying around a two-thousand-year old symbiote in his head! One that knew all about various torturing methods. He'd been a bit nervous about Jacob's reaction, but that was understandable considering everything. But Mark Carter? It was just Sam's little brother, no need to get nervous.

"Sorry," she gave him a little embarrassed smile, trying to still her foot from tapping nervously on the grass floor. Wringing her hands in her lap, she looked around the park once more. Daniel was playing with the kids, something she hadn't expected to see. He was always friendly towards children but she couldn't remember him actually chasing after them or pushing them on the swings. "Ryan texted me saying he, Amy and Laura would be here with Mark," Sam said, once again peering around. "What if they're not coming?"

"They'll be here," he replied patiently. "If your nephew went through all his trouble to arrange this meeting, then they'll be here."

"He wants to join the Air Force, you know?" Sam asked, smiling. "Mark hates the military and yet his only son wants to join."

Jack raised his brows in surprise. "Oy, that's got to cause some trouble at home."

"I don't think he's told Mark yet."

"Smart kid," he grinned, squeezing her knee. "What time did you say they'd be here?"

"Fourteen hundred hours," she replied automatically. "Only two more minutes…"

Checking his watch, Jack was surprised she was right – and yet he wasn't, this was Carter after all. "They'll be here," he repeated, stretching his legs in front of him. The picnic bench was a bit uncomfortable, but he'd rather be sitting here than on the grass.

"Oh," Sam gasped, her hand gripping his wrist. "There they are!"

Jack almost yelped, afraid she was cutting off circulation to his hand before scanning the area. "I take it the woman who's nervously clinging to his arm is his wife?"

"Laura," she confirmed, making eye contact with her sister-in-law before rising from the bench. Feeling nervous herself, Sam only broke eye contact to glance at Jack next to her, realizing Mark hadn't noticed them – yet.

"Thank you," Jack muttered as he too stood, rubbing his wrist after she'd released it from her dead grip. "You know, my hand is pretty important. Even more so now that I'm an important general; how would I sign paperwork without it?"

Despite her nerves, Sam snorted at that. "You're such a big kid," she tried scolding him, but her smile wasn't really helping in that department. She knew his pain threshold wasn't really that low, how else would he have survived years in Black Ops? Or the last decade or so since being pulled from retirement. Still, she loved him for trying to break the tension and make her laugh.

"I thought you liked kids," he whined, reaching up to brush a stray lock behind her ear. Spotting movement from his left, Jack cleared his throat and straightened subconsciously. "Oy, here they come."

Taking a step forward, Sam took a deep breath. "Hello Laura, Mark."

"Hello Sam," Laura greeted warmly, keeping her husband's arm in a death grip to prevent him from stalking off.

"Well, this is a coincidence," Mark huffed, glaring at his wife and sister accusingly. He knew something had been off about this trip to the park. Laura had been fidgety all day and couldn't really hold his gaze, which had him suspicious but then he had blamed himself for being paranoid from working so hard all day every day. And the kids… Well, they were being kids, so he must have been imagining it, right?

"Don't be fooled," Jack quipped, "there's no such thing as coincidences. This was a well-thought out plan, executed with military precision!"

Sam heard an "Oh boy" behind her from Daniel at Jack's words and winced herself. It was so typical of him to say something like that to her brother who hated the Air Force – or anything military for that matter – with a passion! "Mark," she pleaded, taking another step, "we need to talk."

"Like hell we do," he muttered, turning on his heels as he wrangled out of his wife's grip.

"Dad, come on," Ryan exclaimed. "You and Aunt Sam need to work this out," he added, blocking his way.

Rolling his eyes, Mark threw up his hands. "Oh great, now you're ganging up on me? Come on, Sammie, you're supposed to be the smart one; there's a reason I've been ignoring your calls."

"Look," she said calmly, ignoring his little jab, "we were both upset and said some things in the heat of the moment. I understand that you-"

"You really think that's what it was?" He asked, stepping towards her. "I meant it, Sammie, every word. You're throwing your life away and for what, huh? He," Mark pointed at the older man standing behind her, "is taking advantage of you and you're only too happy to oblige! When he says jump, you don't ask how high; you jump as high as you can, the best that you can," Mark accused her, pointing his finger at her chest. "And apparently," he continued in a lower tone, "when he says take your clothes off and spread-"

"All right! We're going to have a little talk," Jack exclaimed, grabbing his future brother-in-law by his collar and almost dragging him over the grass to a strategic corner, effectively interrupting him.

"Oh boy," Daniel said again, as he watched his friend drag Sam's brother across the field. "Sam?" he asked, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

Still stunned that her brother would say something like that – to even think it – she gaped a few times, before looking at everyone around her. "Sorry, I'm just a little…"

"Yeah," he nodded in understanding, stunned too at Mark's accusation.

"Oh lord," Laura gasped, her hand on her heart in shock of the words that had just come out of her husband's mouth. "I'm so sorry, Samantha, I had no idea-"

"It's okay," she said wryly. This wasn't the first time she and Mark had a fight and she should have been used to his behavior by now. Then again, the last time their fights had been this huge was when they were still living at home.

"So, is he gonna kick his ass?" Ryan asked, stepping from behind his mother to greet his aunt. "Because, that's cool with me, Aunt Sam. Dad was way rude to you," he added, giving her a quick hug.

Shocked at the men in her family, Laura grabbed his arm. "Ryan, it's not all right. And he won't kick your father's ass," she said sternly, before looking at Sam and her friend. "Will he?"

"No, he won't," Sam sighed tiredly, her headache coming back in full force. "Daniel?"

"Oh, no he won't," he affirmed, smiling at Laura. "I'm Daniel Jackson by the way, a friend of Sam and Jack's."

"Laura Carter and these are my children, Ryan and Amy," she politely introduced them.

"Daniel," Sam said again, glaring at him.

Raising his hands, he looked at her. "What?" Seeing her gesture towards Jack and Mark, he shook his head. "No, no, I'm good here."

"Daniel, go!"

"All right, fine, I'll go," he mumbled, frowning as he padded over to the two men.

Giving the rest of her family an apologetic grin, Sam explained. "Damage control. Daniel's our diplomat, that's why we brought him along."

"Too bad," Ryan replied, huffing. "Congrats by the way, Aunt Sam. That guy looks pretty cool," he grinned, jerking his head towards the older man who was getting in his father's face.

"Thanks sweetie," Sam shook her head, smiling slightly.

He shrugged, kicking at the grass. "Yeah, well whatever. Mom, why don't you put that down."

"Oh right," Laura exclaimed, looking at the picnic basket still in her hand. "It's getting a bit heavy," she mumbled as she walked over to the bench nearby to set it down.

"What, you actually filled it?" Amy asked incredulous.

Seeing his mother nod her head, Ryan snorted. "Come on, Mom, we weren't actually going to picnic!"

"Well, I know that," she replied affronted, "but what if your father had looked inside?" Actually, she hadn't thought of that at all. She had simply told herself she wasn't doing anything wrong, merely putting together a picnic basket for their family's outing and just because her husband didn't know who they were meeting up with didn't mean she was lying or conniving an evil plan.

Glancing at her watch, Sam realized she should eat something; she had hardly ate lunch because she hadn't been feeling too hot all day. "What did you bring with you?"

"Are you hungry?" Laura eagerly opened the basket to show her sister-in-law all the goodies she had brought along.

"I guess I could eat something," she replied, grabbing a sandwich. Looking up, she saw her three kids standing in the same spot they'd been running around with Daniel, alternatively looking at her and Jack. "C'mon kids," she beckoned them over, trying to muster a smile. She had promised Jack that he could talk to Mark without her interrupting them and she was merely keeping her end of the deal. Then, when he was finished, she would have a good talk with her little brother and set him straight. Maybe, just maybe, she'd still invite him to the wedding if he apologized sincerely to her and Jack.

Laura turned around when she heard Sam call out and her eyes almost bulged when she saw three little rascals running in their direction. One with long blond hair flowing around her face, wearing a flowery dress. A boy with a baseball cap planted backwards on his head, dark blond hair peeping out of the front, wearing dark blue jeans and a white – covered in grass stains – shirt. And a girl wearing a flight jacket – with these temperatures! – similar dark blue jeans and tousled auburn curls on her head. "Kids?"

Sam took a deep breath and started the introductions…

"A little talk?" Mark echoed, slightly out of breath when he was finally feeling solid ground under his feet. "Look I don't care if you're some big shot general, but non-military people don't usually drag people aw-"

"You're lucky that's all I did," Jack spoke through gritted teeth, narrowing his eyes at the man in front of him. "I get that you're not happy with me, but that doesn't give you the right to insult Carter like that."

Quickly taking a step back, Mark indignantly straightened his clothes. "Carter? For God's sake, can't you even call the woman who's been warming your bed by her first name?"

"Samantha," he emphasized her name after taking a deep breath to calm himself, "deserves a hell of a lot more than you're giving her credit for. What the hell is wrong with you, accusing your sister of having an extramarital affair with her commanding officer on Christmas? Do you know what it took her to come over here back then, to tell you about our engagement? Sam knows how much you despise the Air Force, not to mention how you're still blaming her for divorcing Shannon."

"Pete Shanahan," Mark gruffly corrected him. "You really expect me to believe that nothing happened between the two of you? The ink on their divorce papers had barely dried and Sam was already discussing your relationship with Dad. Pete's a good guy, he doesn't deserve-"

Reminding himself that he wanted to do this right, Jack sighed and straightened. "As far as Sam was concerned, their divorce papers had gone through before she went… ah, abroad. Your buddy was the one who didn't follow through and kept up pretense with her family – telling everyone they had reconciled while in truth Shannon didn't even know how to contact her!"

"Pete wouldn't do that," he denied shaking his head.

"Yet, he did. For crying out loud, you were there when Sam saw him again after she got back. You really think a wife wouldn't keep in touch with her husband during a two-year assignment abroad? Not even to let him know when she would be back? She didn't even know he had moved to San Diego and certainly hadn't expected to see him again at your place!"

Mark had to admit – at least to himself – that he was still a bit puzzled about all that. But he really couldn't imagine his friend pulling a stunt like that. Sam had always been holding back in her relationships but he also couldn't imagine she would do something like that while being married. Then again, he wouldn't have expected her – his by-the-book sister – to have an affair, especially not with her commanding officer! Who happened to be at least a decade older. "That's beside the point," he huffed.

"Is it?" Jack questioned, raising a brow.

"Yes, I don't know what you've told my sister that makes her think you love her or that you're going to marry her, but I know all about your kind," Mark argued passionately. "You think that just because you're high up the ranks you can snap your fingers and people will do what you say; well, I'm not about to let my sis be your plaything. Sam isn't like most women, she's very private, doesn't open up easily and it will take time before she trusts someone. She's a military brat and looks up to senior officers, so while she may have some hero worshipping going on don't fool yourself with thinking that she loves you. And I won't let you use her for your own pleasures-"

"Whoa there," he interrupted him, holding up his hand. "I'm not using anyone, here. Look, I get that you don't like me, you don't even know me, but I can guarantee you that I would never do anything to hurt Sam. I asked her to marry me because I want to spend the rest of my life with her. As a matter of fact, that's the reason we came out here today; the wedding is on Saturday and I know Carter would like you to be there, even if you don't agree with her choice," Jack added matter-of-factly.

Mark let out a humorless chuckle. "Just like that? You can't be serious."

"Dead serious," Jack replied stonily, "the wedding is going to happen whether you'll be there or not. Just thought you would like to know."

"But you can't," he objected, throwing up his hands. "I don't like the military but I still remember there are regulations against a commanding officer fraternizing with someone under his command," Mark elaborated. To be honest, it was one of the most ridiculous rules he'd ever heard of, but in this case he was glad it existed.

Jack smirked, leaning slightly forward. "Oh, but we can."

"I could report you," he blurted out, shocking himself. This man in front of him was every inch the military officer and Mark was pretty sure he could snap him like a twig if that dangerous glint in his eyes was anything to go by.

"You wouldn't do that to Carter," he replied, swallowing hard. "She'd never forgive you."

Taking a deep breath, Mark steeled himself. "You don't know that; I'm her brother after all. If it would stop her from making such a huge mistake… I won't pretend to like the Air Force, but Dad's always saying Sam is going places that she's going to reach the top. No matter how much I dislike the military, I won't have you ruin her career."

"A court martial goes both ways," Jack told him. "Yes, I'm the senior officer here but I think we both know that the military is still very much this man's army… do you really think they would let a female junior officer go with a slap on the wrist when she's involved with a three-star general?"

He wanted to argue that, but Mark knew it would be futile. The older man was right, he would only hurt Sam even more if he were to do that. "Well, you don't know that. She isn't some captain but a full bird colonel."

"And under whose command do you think she's been promoted, huh?" He challenged him, crossing his arms. "She started as my 2IC over eleven years ago. Yeah, George backed me up on commendations but eventually I took over as base commander and was responsible for promotions. If you report this, you would be the one that ruins her career," Jack stated, tapping Mark's chest to emphasize his words.

Mark had always known that Sam was the smart one, Daddy's pride once she joined the AF. She'd been tested at a young age and her IQ was through the roof, so he knew that Sam deserved her promotions. And, despite what he'd said earlier, he couldn't accuse her of sleeping her way to the top. She was too darn smart for that. Which was exactly what was bothering him; she should know better than sleeping with her CO! At an impasse, he sighed and dragged a hand through his hair before glancing behind him. One of Sam's friends – Daniel something? They'd met once at Sam and Pete's engagement party – was standing a few feet away, looking very uncomfortable and awkward, while Sam and his own family were sitting at the picnic bench eating. A couple of kids had apparently joined them… "I won't report you," he confessed, shaking his head.

"Glad to hear that," Jack remarked, his eyes following Mark's line of sight. He smiled when he saw Sam and the kids enjoying a late meal.

"Sam mentioned you had kids," he spoke up hesitantly, recalling their Christmas dinner. "Are those yours?"

Grinning proudly, he nodded his head. "Yeah."

"I hadn't realized they were… so young," Mark continued lamely. He had expected that they were closer to Sam's age, what with their age difference. "Aren't you a bit old for that?"

"Excuse me?"

"Well, you're obviously a lot older than Sam," he elaborated irritably. "Doesn't help that she doesn't look forty yet."

Jack let out an exasperated sigh and scrubbed his face with his hand. "Yes, she's younger," he confirmed cautiously. Their age difference was still a sore spot for him, with him being sixteen years older, but he wouldn't admit that to Mark. He knew Sam loved him, the kids and the baby she was carrying and that was enough for him.

"So, you've got a thing for younger women?" Mark spat out venomously. Jack's cautious answer only fueled his suspicions, obviously the man was older than Mark had thought at first, otherwise he wouldn't have reacted the way he had. A couple of years between partners isn't that big of a deal but the man was obviously reluctant to admit just how many years there were between them. Besides, if he was a three-star general he was no spring chicken! Not to mention that he'd been Sam's CO for over a decade!

Narrowing his eyes, Jack eyed him suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"We were introduced at Sam and Pete's engagement party," he explained, recalling those events. "Dad said you'd been dating some CIA agent last time he'd seen you and I doubt the CIA has a lot of women your age. Your date that night was probably even younger than Sam. Pretty, but very young," Mark remembered the blonde-haired woman with the charming smile easily. Not just because of the obvious age difference between her and the general but also because he'd seen Pete and several other men eyeing her, but she hadn't seem to notice anyone but the old general. Not being an expert on women, Mark expected there was something about the older man in front of him that women found attractive, maybe it was the uniform, his physique – which he had to admit looked better than his own – or his status as a general. "The blonde, was she their mother?"

"I don't think that's any of your business," Jack replied in an intimidating manner. Did the guy expect him to give him his family tree or something?

"I'll take that as a no," he retorted smugly. "Let's see… blonde, blonde and dark-haired. So, a thing for young blondes?"

Realizing this wasn't helping matters either, Jack relented. "Their mother is dead."

"Ah, I see. The perfect opportunity to remarry and have Sam raise your kids, huh? So, what? I'm not blind or stupid, I know my sister is an attractive woman, a good catch. You decided that now that your wife is dead you could marry your mistress?"

"Sam and I didn't get involved until she told me about the divorce," Jack chose his words carefully. It was true; she had told him she was divorcing Shanahan before she left for Atlantis and they hadn't known her divorce hadn't gone through when they had slept together that first time. When she finally came back to Earth, they had waited until the divorce was finalized.

"Waited until you were both free? Yeah right," Mark huffed, not believing a word of it. He hadn't been able to contact Pete since Christmas because once he'd been transferred to San Diego he joined narcotics and was on an undercover assignment, but he knew that his friend had expressed worries about O'Neill's influence on Sam when they were together. At least his buddy hadn't badmouthed Sam since the divorce came through, while Sam obviously had been cheating on him with her CO.

"Both divorced," he replied, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Jerking his head towards the picnic table, he raised his brows. "They're what, five, six years old? Can't have been that long ago since their mother died or your divorce."

"Four and five," Jack informed him, ignoring the rest of his question.

"You're obviously taking advantage of the fact that Sam has always wanted kids," Mark accused, glaring at him. "She and Pete tried for a long time, but I guess this works out even better for you. In a couple of years, she'll be stuck with them when you're pushing up daisies."

"Excuse me?" Jack asked again, slightly affronted. He was in great physical health for crying out loud! Well, it wasn't like he could tell his future brother-in-law all about his trips in the sarcophagus, his time in stasis or all the revivals he'd gone through.

"Obviously Sam is going to outlive you," Mark explained in a placating manner. "You're stealing her life by getting married; she'll be stuck with a couple of young kids, will probably be frowned upon by her fellow airmen and an old man with lots of emotional baggage."

"You'd rather she'd have stayed with that stalking, controlling, good for nothing cop friend of yours? He had kids too, you know. Not that he'd let Carter have any influence on the parenting part, she was only allowed to babysit and take care of them. Then what? Maybe she would finally get pregnant, have his kid and then die before Shannon? Or maybe she'd outlive him, women do get older than men, ya know. He may have been a couple of years younger than Sam, but that doesn't mean he was right for her. He's an insecure child in a grownup man's body that expects to always get his own way. Would that make you feel better, if she'd spend the rest of her life with him?"

"You know nothing about Pete," Mark defended his friend adamantly.

Cocking his head, Jack quirked an eyebrow at him. "And you don't know anything about me, so don't pretend you do. And judging by everything you've been saying, you don't even know Carter."

"Don't tell me about my sister," he hissed, getting angrier. The general had hit a sore spot, because Mark always felt like he hardly knew anything about his sister, or her life. She and their Dad were close and although they came over for birthdays and holidays, they were always being secretive together over their work under the guise of everything being classified.

"I won't," he retorted, holding his palms up in a universal gesture. "You're her brother, I shouldn't have to tell you. I know Sam, I'm going to marry her in three days and I'll make her happy. If you care about her at all, you'll get over your petty feelings of being wronged here and you'll support her," Jack concluded, punctuating his words by tapping the man's chest.

Mark simply stood there, slightly dumbfounded as the general turned on his heels and walked back to the picnic bench.

"He's right you know," Daniel said softly, taking a few steps closer to Mark. "They love each other, have for over a decade but never acted upon it. Don't let your prejudices cloud your judgment; Jack would do anything for Sam, give his life for her in a heartbeat… or even let her go."

"What do you mean?" He asked, looking up at the bespectacled man.

Daniel chuckled softly and pushed up his glasses as he looked at Sam's brother. "Let's just say that I can't remember a time that Jack and Sam weren't in love, and I've worked with them since they were assigned to Colorado Springs. Jack has always wanted what was best for her so he stood on the sidelines when she started dating. Refused to convince her one way or another when she was contemplating Pete's proposal. He simply wanted her to be happy, even if it wasn't with him." Daniel shrugged, glancing at the table where Jack was now sitting next to Sam, his arm around her shoulders and Maddy on his lap. "I'm just glad that they've finally opened their eyes and realized what they were missing. Jack loves her and she loves him. She's going to adopt the kids, she's already visited a lawyer the day before yesterday and the kids love her too. They'll make each other happy, Mark."

Frowning, Mark followed the man's gaze and had to admit that Sam looked… happier, almost radiant. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her smile like that. Turning back, he nodded slowly. "So, you just came along to tell me this?"

"No," Daniel grinned, "I'm the diplomat." Seeing his confused facial expression, he elaborated. "Sam was afraid Jack might kill you if you said the wrong thing, so I said I would come along to make sure no bodily harm would be done."