The conversation that night was light and happy for the most part, but Mark noticed how protective her sister's teammates were. One was always at her side, continuously shooting anyone, who even slightly upset her, looks that would cause most people to drop dead. Luckily most of them caught on after it happened a few times, except Pete.

Mark was shocked at how his friend seemed to hover around his sister to the point that he smothered her. He was surprised that his Sam didn't just kick the man out, but to he supposed that she was just trying to appease her soon to be husband.

Overall, though, Mark thought the evening went well. The four friends offered up what he judged to be the 'non-classified' version of events that they had experienced with Jacob. His kids even enjoyed the stories of their grandpa. Although he wasn't sure if Izzy liked it because she understood the stories or because she enjoyed the interaction she had with the man whose lap she refused to leave.

The fact that the sliver-haired General didn't seemed bothered by the presence of a rambunctious three year old, but in fact was enjoying it, surprised him. His initial impression of military men as being uncaring was blown away by the way this man treated his family.

The biggest surprise for Mark, though, came when Maggie announced that it was bed time for her children and Izzy had almost danced around the room giving every adult in the room a kiss and hug goodnight except Pete, who she refused to go near.

Before she could leave the room and be ushered upstairs, she turned to the older man and asked, "Uwcle Jack will you be here tomorrow?"

The brief surprise that crossed his face was quickly hidden by his military façade and then he smiled, "I'll be here, I promise".

The little girl quickly dashed up the stairs before he could change his mind.

Daniel took the opportunity to turn to his best friend and tease, "So Uncle Jack, can I have some ice cream now?"

The Jack shot him a glare and said sternly, "No Danny, you may not and you're not getting a dog either so quit asking."

The whole group burst out laughing.

General Hammond took the friendly teasing as a cue for him to leave and bid everyone good night, along with Daniel and Teal'c who were also riding with him. They all took the time to give Sam warm hugs and whisper something in her ear. They also exchanged quiet words with Jack and then left with a "see you tomorrow".

Pete followed close behind, shaking hands with Mark, and then giving his fiancé a hug and a peck on the cheek before closing the front door behind him.

Jack took this opportunity to talk with Mark and Sam as he helped them clean up the mess left by the impromptu party. "Mark, I don't know if Carter told you, but your dad had me make the arrangements for the funeral tomorrow. And the wake afterwards will be held at my house. I know that Jacob didn't request anyone to speak, but General Hammond, myself, and Carter will all being saying something tomorrow. I didn't know if you also wanted to say anything, because it can be arranged for you to do so, if you want."

"I don't think that will be necessary. I'm sure whatever you three have to say will be more than enough," Mark said.

"I also wanted you to know that tomorrow's service will be military at Jacob's request. I hope that you can respect his request," further explained Jack.

With a nod of his head, Mark said, "I can live with his dedication to his country. For a long time my relationship with my father was horrible, practically non-existent but ever since he started working with you, Sam, and the rest of your team, something about him changed - for the better. The military may have kept me from my father for many years, but at the same time it also gave me my father back. I made my peace with the military several years ago. Besides, I can't stay mad forever, I'm afraid that my sister might kick my butt if I do," the man eventually admitted.

"Too true, Carter can even give me a run for my money," admitted Jack. "Seriously though, your farther was a good man, one of the best I've ever had the opportunity to serve with and someone that I will always respect and hold in high regard."

"Thank you," Mark replied again shaking hands with the man who obviously respected his father a great deal.

"Yes, thank you, sir," added Sam and she permitted herself to be enfolded in a Jack O'Neill hug that surprised Mark. That one hug seemed to convey more emotion than the hug and kiss from Pete.

When they parted, Jack stuffed his hands in his pockets rocked on his feet and then walked to the door. With one hand on the door to open it, he turned back and looked at Sam and said, "If you need anything, call me, okay?"

"Yes, sir," she replied with a smile on her face that let him know that her response was all in jest.

And with that, Jack O'Neill opened the door and stepped out into the night, closing the door behind him.

----

The next day's funeral service was one filled with kind words and stories about a Jacob Carter that Mark had never known. The room was filled with men and women in dress uniforms, and he was introduced to several generals. Even his sister had on her dress blues with a shocking number of medals. And the two generals that he had shared a meal with the previous evening also had quite a bit of hardware pinned to their chests. Mark couldn't figure out how Jack managed to stand up straight with the number of medals that he wore.

He was surprised when a man, who Sam obviously knew, a major she warmly addressed as "Paul", walked over and offered his hand to Mark. He nodded his head to Sam and informed them both that "the President sends his condolences", which shocked him to no end, but seemed no come as no surprise to Sam. Paul then offered his arm to Sam and led them to the waiting limo.

The graveside service seemed to draw an even larger crowd. The typical military protocol was followed, from the 21 gun salute to the folding of the flag which Jack accepted and approached Sam, saluted and handed her the carefully folded flag. She accepted the flag and with her military façade firmly in place, returned the salute.

Jack then walked over to join the line of other military personnel and took his spot between Daniel and General Hammond as taps were played. Mark noticed that not a single tear fell from his sister's face.

At the completion of the service, more men and women filed past him, offering the Carter family their condolences on the death of a fine man. He never even noticed that his children gravitated away from him and to his sister's three teammates. His son had found some sort of camaraderie with the tall African-American while his middle child found Ancient Egypt to be fascinating.

But his youngest had the general with silver hair wrapper around her finger, because she was already in his arms giggling like there was no tomorrow as he carried her over. When he reached the group Izzy reached out for her aunt, to plant a kiss on her cheek before again wrapping her arms around Jack's neck.

Once the last of the non-family had left, Jack led the way to the waiting limos with the young girl still in his arms.

----

Thanks for all the great reviews for last chapter. As always, props to by great beta KrisK.