Chapter 21 - Another Life
The evening party was excellent and despite her efforts not to steal Dr. Carter's life, Sam entered into it more easily. The other Sam had forged strong ties with her family and friends and was loved by them . Sam had the same relation at home and she felt like she had found her place. Be accepted by everyone could take time, but she had adopted all of them.
Leaving the house , Janet had to acknowledge that she had almost regained her friend, as after a long absence. If General O'Neill accepted her in his life, why not her? Cassie was conquered , as Hammond , it was no doubt . Janet didn't even think of Daniel or Teal'c - who were , from the beginning, designed to love Carter - all Carters. They had accepted her as if it was the most natural thing in the world. This also applied to Kawalsky.
CJ fell asleep on the sofa, as Jack had hoped. Teal'c helped to put the little girl in her bed before leaving. Sam greeted everyone before using the bathroom . She looked at herself in the mirror and frowned when she saw the bruises on her body. Certainly the explosion had caused damage but fortunately no child was injured and Sam felt happy with her lot. The house was quiet when she left the bathroom to sleep on the couch. She didn't hear Jack's door closing just after her passing. He had waited for her to go to bed in order to do the same. He thought of her, when he was trying to sleep. He had more and more difficulties to maintain his feelings separate between the two Sams.
During the night , Jack heard CJ coughing in her sleep. He got up as quietly as possible, but found her bed empty. He checked the guest room but Jacob slept soundly, alone. Jack walked into the living room. He found CJ lying on Sam, her thumb in mouth, her elbow on Sam's breasts, her head in the crook of her neck. Sam had passed one arm behind her back to keep CJ from falling. They both slept, the white rabbit enthroned near Carter's head. He looked at them adoringly, so calm, so peaceful, so beautiful both of them sleeping.
Jack leaned over to take his daughter and relieve Sam's ribs. When he put his hands on CJ , Sam opened her eyes wide , firming her grip on the child instinctively.
"It's me, Carter" Jack said softly , seeing that Sam was looking where she was.
"Sorry Sir" she said, releasing her grip on the girl.
Jack smiled at CJ's intuition, seeking solace with Sam - and Sam's instinct to protect the child, even in her sleep.
"She's hot " Sam warned, sitting.
Jack put his hand on his daughter's forehead and found temperature. He reached out to take her again to Sam , he ran to the bathroom to take the ear thermometer. Sam had installed CJ under the covers and stroked her forehead. Jack returned with medicines for children and checked the temperature in her ear.
"103.10F " exclaimed Jack.
He gave her something to reduce fever . Sam went to get a washcloth soaked with cool water and placed it on her forehead.
" What do we do ? " Sam asked , crouching beside the sofa, Jack at her side.
"We must wait to see if the fever will reduce, we'll decide what to do at that moment. Coffee ? " Jack proposed.
Sam accepted the offer. Jack lit up the room with the kitchen low light - thanks to the opening in the living room.
"Can we know what you're doing up at this time ?" Jacob asked, tying the belt of his robe.
Sam looked at her watch, it showed four in the morning.
" CJ's sick," Jack said , holding out a cup to Jacob.
"Damn !" the man said , taking the coffee.
When Jack returned to the living room, Sam dozed . She was sitting on the floor near CJ . He gently shook a finger on her shoulder.
"Carter, go to sleep in my bed, I take care of her."
Sam could not argue he was CJ's father and it was his duty as father to watch over her . She was a guest and didn't really want to interfere in Jack's life .
Sam climbed into the General's bed and thought she shouldn't be able to sleep there. The sheets wore Jack's male scent, she loved that smell . However, sleep won. For the first time in weeks or months , she slept a deep and restful sleep.