A/N: Time to begin to wrap this one up. Hang on.

Chapter 21: Letters from Home

One week after Sam's arrival at the Keller farm, things were looking up for everyone. Though life had closed off some possibilities, by the time August arrived, both families had begun to see and value the options that remained in their lives.

Teal'c had suggested Kel'pram'teen over a month ago. When Jack embarked on the traditional Jaffa sojourn, he was willing, but hardly optimistic. He didn't expect to achieve the promised results. Wholeness, becoming comfortable in his own skin, he hadn't expected any of that to happen. But it had. An amazing convergence of simple events and the right people had allowed him to find his best self and rediscover his connection to the love of his life.

Meanwhile, Tony was attending physical therapy a daily basis. Both he and Jessica were pleased with the physical and emotional changes already occurring as a result. Admittedly much of it was due to the more positive attitude they'd adopted toward each other. Like the O'Neills, they'd remembered why they were together in the first place.

In Tony and Jessica, the O'Neills had found like-hearted souls struggling with the realities of everyday life. As such the two couples were helpful foils for each other during their weeks together. The similarities and differences in their struggles helped to clarify what was truly needed and wanted in their respective relationships.

Both couples had hope. And their hope was infectious.

In the midst of the healing, the ordinary work of the farm continued. To a large extent, it was that work that fueled everyone's recovery.

Sam was spending much of her time repairing the tractor. Actually, she was rebuilding the engine in record time, much as Jack knew she could. Though delayed by the need to order more parts and equipment, she was making good progress. While waiting for parts she'd managed to tune up most every other piece of machinery around the farm. She planned to finish the tractor project today. It would be ready in more than enough time for the harvest.

Though he spent much of his time with Sam, generally annoying her and interfering with her work as he used to do at the SGC, Jack was also keeping busy. With Tony's help, he baled hay, finished limitless fix-it projects in the house, ran errands and patched fences. When he and Sam weren't working, they spent time with their new friends.

Surprisingly, despite their recent loss, playing with the Keller children had been an added bonus for Sam and Jack. Aaron and Cindy quickly adopted their family's guests as honorary relatives and clamored for their undivided attention every chance they got. On the farm, far from their high stress military jobs, the relaxed officers enjoyed every minute with these two live wires. And their desire for children of their own was solidified.

The physical labor and social interaction were therapeutic for Jack and Sam. Exhausted by the end of the day, barriers were down by the time they settled in for the evening. As tired as they were, they found themselves talking with each other. Lying in each others arms, they poured out their hearts. They grieved the loss of the child that would never be and they developed Plan B.

Married seven months now, the O'Neills decided they'd seek a second opinion from a fertility specialist. If that doctor wasn't encouraging, they'd seriously consider adoption.

One way or another, they intended to walk together toward their shared goal of parenthood.

OoOoOo

It was the first of August and the sun was rising on a glorious mid-summer's day. As always there was work to be done on the farm.

"Whatch'ya lookin'at?" Jack asked.

He'd managed to roll out of bed a few short minutes ago. Sam on the other hand was already showered and dressed in work clothes, sitting on the sofa with her laptop. Something on the screen had clearly captured her attention.

"Morning," he said, coming up behind her to kiss her cheek. "I missed you when I woke up."

"Couldn't sleep with the sun coming in the window," Sam replied. "Old habits and all."

"Hmm…," he murmured. He was standing over her shoulder, straining to see the computer screen.

"So … whatch'ya looking at?" Jack repeated.

Sam chuckled and turned to look at him for a moment. One glance at his rumpled appearance brought a smile to her face.

"Come on," she said, "you have to read this e-mail from Teal'c."

"Teal'c sends e-mail? Since when?"

"Since Daniel showed him all those silly animated card sites," she replied. "It's scary; he's getting creative."

Jack circled round the sofa and sat down next to her. Within moments he was caught up in a fit of laughter.

"Simpson e-cards … Teal'c finally appreciates my humor!"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Sam said. "I think it was for your benefit."

"You have to admit," Jack insisted, "Homer and Marge down on the farm, it's priceless."

"I suppose," she said. Sam handed him the laptop and walked into the kitchen.

"Ready for coffee?"

Jack stretched and yawned broadly.

"Yep," he said. "Then I'm making you a huge breakfast. You've got your work cut out for you today with that tractor. And I plan on winning my bet with Tony."

"You and that bet!" she exclaimed. "You've got some nerve. I should make you fix it!"

"Hey, I was just trying to have a little fun."

Jack suspected Sam wasn't genuinely angry with him. His suspicions were confirmed when she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.

"You're forgiven," she said.

OoOoOo

After a hurried breakfast, Sam got back to the business of fixing the Kellers' tractor. It had been more of a challenge than she anticipated. Then again, as Jack was quick to remind her, anyone who could build a naquadah reactor could certainly rebuild a piece of farm equipment. Easier said than done, she thought.

As on most of the preceding days, she had an audience.

"What do you think, Colonel?" Tony asked, hoping she'd be able to complete the task.

"Not a problem, Tony," she said. "If all goes well, we should be able to finish up this afternoon and take it out for a test drive."

"Told you she was good," Jack said.

"Must be," he said.

"You have no idea," Sam's proud husband added.

"Enough," Sam said. "If you have to keep me company, you can help. Tony, I need the wrench from the tool box over there. Jack, I need a diet Coke."

Jack made a face at Tony. The younger man laughed.

"Okay, we'll get your supplies and then leave you to it," Jack said. He knew when he wasn't wanted. But before he could make his excuses, a familiar ring tone sounded.

"Colonel, your phone," Tony called from the shed. Before she could respond, he came running with the ringing device.

"Thanks," Sam said, wiping the grease from her hands and taking the phone.

"Carter," she answered.

"Daniel!" Sam announced happily.

"I'll leave you two," Tony said excusing himself. "I'm due in Mankato for my daily torture session."

"Good luck," Jack called.

OoOoOo

Sam completed the tractor repairs on schedule and the test drive was a bona fide success.

Later that afternoon, before supper, Jack and Sam took a stroll around the fields. It had become their late afternoon habit, walking around the cornfields, hand in hand, talking about the future.

"What did Daniel have to say?" Jack asked.

"Oh, the same old, 'when are you two coming home?'" she said.

"How come Daniel hasn't been calling me lately?"

"He said something about you not answering your phone for awhile," Sam said. "I seem to remember that behavior too. Ring any bells?"

"Yeah," he answered. "I was an ass. I admit it."

"Jack, you're my husband and I love you," Sam said. "As long as you remember that, you'll be okay."

He chuckled, a deep sonorous, sincere sound indicative of the change in mood and outlook he'd experienced in the past few weeks.

'We need to get home soon," she said. "Landry's not going to keep me on leave forever."

"I know," Jack admitted. "But I'll hate to leave here."

"Me too," Sam said. "It's been good for us."

Jack nodded.

"I was thinking," Jack said, "Tony and Jessica are going to struggle with this place for awhile. They'll need to hire help to get that harvest in, especially till Tony is back to full strength."

"You're right," she agreed.

"I was thinking of a loan."

Sam smiled.

TBC

A/N: Maybe 3-5 more chapters for this one. Not sure when they'll be up as my home internet will be down till next week and I have to post at work when possible.

Hope you keep reading and reviewing.