Here it is - the final...and yes, I do mean final this time! - chapter of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. It was hard to write - maybe because I too didn't want to see it come to an end, I'm not sure. But I hope you enjoy it...all 14 pages of it! Sit back, relax, have a cup of tea and a tissue handy, and enjoy the final installment.
And thanks so much to those of you who took the time to review and let me know that my efforts to bring you some enjoyment were not in vain!
Happy Birthday to You
Near the end of April, Jack and Sam threw a birthday party for Leorah. Although they weren't certain of her true birthday, Janet had been able to give them a fairly good estimate based on the little girl's x-rays and the development of her teeth. So they had chosen April 28th – a few weeks before their new baby was due to arrive.
Leorah was a bundle of excitement, for not only was she going to have her very first birthday party, it was going to be a 'cowpoke party'! Three little girls and two boys from her class arrived at their house that Saturday afternoon, all wearing cowboy hats and boots. One of the boys had a small six-shooter strapped to his waist, which Jack firmly but politely had him remove, stating, "Cowpokes don't wear sidearms at this party, little man." Geoffrey, the cowpoke in question, just shrugged his shoulders and turned the gun over to Jack.
Teal'c and Daniel had shown up just after the children arrived to help out with the party. Since Sam was only a few weeks away from her due date, Jack didn't want her doing anything more strenuous than taking pictures. When Jack opened the door to greet his birthday party helpers, he couldn't help but smile. Teal'c was resplendent and in his element, wearing a black ten gallon hat, black jeans and a black shirt. He looked more like an outlaw than a cowpoke. When Leorah spotted him, she threw herself at him with glee. The other children quickly gathered around the large man and gazed up at him in awe, his large frame not intimidating them in the least. "Looks like we found our entertainment for the afternoon," Jack smirked. Teal'c passed him with one eyebrow raised warningly. Jack quickly turned his attention to the other man at his doorstep.
Daniel too had dressed up for Leorah's sake. He grinned sheepishly when Jack raised an eyebrow at the chaps adorning the younger man's thighs. "Hey. You said dress like a cowboy," Daniel defended.
"Uh huh," Jack stated as he looked him up and down. "If we get a call from Chippendale's, I'll let 'em know where they can find you."
Daniel frowned. "Funny, Jack."
Jack grinned. "I though so. Marjie see you in that get-up?" he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. Daniel ignored the comment, but as he pushed past Jack and entered the house, Jack could detect a faint blush marring the other man's face. His grin widened as he closed the door and followed them in.
As soon as Daniel spotted Sam, he walked up to her and gave her a warm hug. "How are you feeling, mommy?" he teased as he looked down at her large stomach.
Sam grimaced. "Like I could play the part of the horse, but I'd be too big," she complained. Sam wore a loose, flowing skirt made of a light gauzy material and a long white blouse over it. Daniel thought she looked beautiful, and told her so. She wrinkled her nose at him. "What did Jack threaten you with to tell me that?"
Daniel gave her a frown. "Nothing. It's the truth. You know I would never lie to you Sam," he told her truthfully.
Sam felt a bit guilty. "Thank you, Daniel," she replied softly. Then she cocked her head slightly. "Where's Marjie? I thought she was coming too?"
"She got called out at the last minute. SG-11 needed her because Melcher came down with some bug. She'll be back later today, though," he explained, but he looked a little down just the same.
Sam placed her hand on his arm. "Thanks for coming, Daniel. This is a pretty big day for Leorah." She turned when she heard happy squealing as several children began to climb on Teal'c. Laughing, she stated, "And I think we're going to need all the help we can get!"
The party was a huge success. The children loved playing the various games that Jack had organized, but their favorite was an impromptu game of "Outlaw", whereby they chased Teal'c around the backyard and tied him to a tree once he was caught. Leorah wouldn't let her friends leave him there for long, however. She didn't want her uncle to be sad and miss out on anything.
The highlight of the party, however, was when Jack's friend, Ted Masterson, pulled into their driveway hauling a horse trailer behind his truck. When Leorah spotted him, she squealed with excitement and ran over to greet him, her little friends following close behind. "Mr. Ted! Mr. Ted! Did you bringed Shep over for my birthday party?" she asked, bouncing up and down with excitement as she tried to peer into the horse trailer.
Ted met Jack's gaze and chuckled warmly. Putting on his best cowboy act, he replied, "Well, I sure did little lady. Your pa here told me it was someone's birthday, and she was celebrating like a real honest to goodness cowpoke. So I thought…well, can't be much of a cowpoke party without a horse. So me and Shep here, we just drove on over to visit for a spell."
Jack rolled his eyes at his friend's antics and exaggerated drawl, but was extremely pleased, just the same. He'd arranged this all before hand, as a special surprise, and been truly grateful when Ted had offered to come with no hesitation. Sam came down from the deck and stood by Jack's side, tucking her arm loosely through his and smiling down at Leorah. The little girl was absolutely beaming with excitement.
"Can we all have turns riding Shep, Mr. Ted? We is all cowpokes today. We chasded and catched Teaw'c and tied him to a tree, cause he was a bad guy, but we was just bretending." She smiled back at Teal'c, who bowed slightly in acknowledgement. "And daddy showded us how to lasso stuffs. We tried to lasso Belle, but she didn't like that game, so we had to lasso other things. But now we is really, really ready to ride a horse!" she exclaimed as she clapped her hands together.
Jack placed his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down just a bit. "Whoa there, little lady. You will all get a chance to ride Shep, but we need to settle down. Don't want to scare your new friend, do you?" He nodded to Shep, who was whinnying softly from the trailer.
"Oh," Leorah lowered her voice to a whisper. "No daddy. I doesn't want to scare Shep." She turned to her friends. "We has to be really quiet and not jump around lots. Shep doesn't like that." The other five and six year olds nodded solemnly, each of them eager to take a peek at the horse.
The adults shared smiles, then Ted moved to the back of the trailer. "OK. I'm going to take Shep out. Maybe you could give me a hand Mr. Teal'c?" he nodded at the large black man.
Teal'c nodded and stepped forward. "I would be most happy to assist you, Ted Masterson. I do not believe I have ever seen an equine of such small stature before. It is most interesting." Ted cocked an eyebrow at Jack, wondering if this guy was for real. Jack just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
Daniel and Sam held the children back while the horse was unloaded. Then Ted led the horse into the backyard and they all followed behind him, the children whispering words of excitement as they walked….all except for little Geoffrey, the boy who had brought the gun along. He seemed a bit leery of the animal until Sam gently took his hand and assured him the Shep was a very calm horse and wouldn't hurt him.
The children watched, eyes alight with excitement, as Leorah was the first one lifted onto Shep's back. The small pony shook his head proudly, for he was in his element, surrounded by adoring children. Once Leorah was securely on the pony's back, Ted held out the reins to Jack. "You want the driver's seat, Jack? Or you want to ride shot-gun?" he indicated the pony's side.
Jack glanced at Teal'c, noting how he was looking over the animal with great interest. "Uh. How about giving my friend T here a chance to steer? He's…not from around these parts."
Ted looked at Teal'c and saw a light of interest in the man's eyes. He shrugged his shoulders. "Sure thing." He passed over the reins. "Here's the keys," he grinned.
Leorah giggled at the momentary look of confusion on Teal'c's face. "Mr. Ted is being silly, Teaw'c. Those is called reins, not keys."
"I am aware of that, Leorah Michelle," Teal'c replied as he took the reins in hand and slowly began to lead pony and rider around the back yard. Jack hurried over and took his spot at Leorah's side. None of the children were going to get hurt on his watch!
Sam, Daniel and Ted stood by and watched as each child had a turn riding Shep around the large backyard. When it was time for a second go round, Daniel and Jack traded places. Jack stood with Sam, his arm around her waist - well, what was left of it - and smiled at Leorah's shriek of pure pleasure as she took her second turn. Sam too was watching their daughter, a smile of delight on her own face. She turned to Ted. "Thank you so much for doing this, Ted. I don't think Leorah will ever forget her first real birthday party."
Ted returned the smile. "Actually, I don't think I will either. You've quite a girl there, you know."
Sam and Jack smiled at each other. "We know," they replied together. The three adults watched as Geoffrey was lifted onto Shep for his second turn. No longer afraid, he held the pommel of the saddle loosely and cried, "Giddy up, Shep!"
Sam laughed, then drew in sharp breath at the pain that stabbed her lower back. Jack turned to her quickly, eyes filled with concern. "Sam? What's wrong?"
It was gone as quickly as it had come, but since she had been experiencing a slight back ache for most of the day, Sam decided maybe it was time to sit down for a bit. "I'm fine, Jack. Just a little pain in my back. But it's gone now," she hastily assured him when he frowned. "I think I've just been on my feet too long, that's all," she added, throwing Ted and apologetic look. "I'd better go sit down for a bit, while I can. Lord knows it's going to get crazy as soon as I bring out the cake!"
Jack's frown deepened. He had noticed her rubbing her back occasionally throughout the afternoon. He was more determined than ever to make sure she took it easy for the rest of the day. "When I bring out the cake. You are going enjoy the rest of the party from the comfort of a chair." His tone of voice was just shy of an order.
Sam took in the determined set to her husband's face and smiled softly. "Yes dear," she replied. Then, giving her husband a placating kiss on the cheek, she winked at Ted and slowly walked back to the deck where there were several comfortable chairs set up.
Jack and Ted both watched until she was safely seated, then Ted turned smiling eyes on his friend. "You've met your match in that one, my friend."
Chuckling, Jack replied, "Don't I know it."
Ted eyed his friend for a moment before adding seriously, "You're a lucky man, Jack O'Neill. Not too people get a second chance."
Jack met the other man's gaze and read sincerity behind his words. Ted was one of the very few people who had stuck by him throughout the death of Charlie and his subsequent divorce. He had never cast judgment, but had always been there as a friend should Jack need him. Slowly, Jack nodded his head, then looked across the yard as Leorah giggled happily with her playmates. "I know, Ted. I know." And his words too, were heartfelt.
The remainder of the party passed quickly. The children enjoyed chocolate cake and ice cream, then gathered around Leorah in the living room as she opened her presents. True to his word, Sam had not been allowed to lift a finger and now sat in a corner of the couch, snapping pictures as Leorah opened each gift. The little girl oohed and aahed over every brightly wrapped package and exclaimed over the games, books, and toys her friends gave her. Daniel, Teal'c and Marjie had gone in together and purchased a large PlayMobile Ranch Set – complete with ranch house, corral, some small figurines, and several plastic horses of various colors. Leorah was enchanted, and would spend many happy hours with her gift in the coming weeks and months.
All too soon for Leorah, the party came to an end. Parents came to pick up their children, wrapping paper was thrown away and dishes were cleaned up. Sam half-heartedly tried to rise and help with some of the work, but was quickly reminded by three adamant men that she was to sit and rest. She rolled her eyes at their overprotectiveness, but was glad just the same to remain where she was. The backache that had been plaguing her most of the day had increased in the last hour. Sam idly wondered if she should call Janet and see if she should take anything for the pain.
When the men got back from cleaning up the kitchen, they found Sam and Leorah cuddled up on the couch. Sam was reading on of the little girl's new books to her. Daniel watched the scene with a smile on his face, wondering if he too would be blessed some day with such a happy scene.
Teal'c spoke from Daniel's side. "Perhaps we should make our leave, Daniel Jackson. The party is over and I believe that Samantha needs to rest."
Both Sam and Leorah looked up at him. "Please stay for a while," Sam said, laying the book on her lap. "We don't get to see as much of you two lately as we'd like, do we Leorah?"
Leorah nodded her head and sat up. "Can you help me set up my Ranch? I wants to play with the horsies," she stated.
Both Daniel and Teal'c looked to Jack. He shrugged his shoulders. "Might as well stay awhile. You can help the rugrat put together that contraption," he indicated the large gift lying on the table, "While I rest. Man, who'd ever beleive six little kids could exhaust you in two hours?" he complained wearily as he sank onto the couch. He turned Sam slightly and drew her feet up onto his lap. While Teal'c and Daniel began to help Leorah unpack the multitude of pieces in the box, Jack turned and studied his wife closely, noting an edge of strain around her mouth every once in a while. "Everything OK?" he asked quietly as he rubbed her feet.
Sam squirmed just a bit as she felt a sense of pressure on her lower back that seemed to radiate around to her front. "Back's still a bit sore. Too much weight up front," she tried to tease.
Jack didn't smile. "Maybe we should call Janet."
"Jack, I'm almost nine months pregnant. I'm going to be sore." She grimaced then as she felt the familiar pressure on her bladder. "And have to go to the bathroom every thirty minutes," she grumbled as she slowly swung her legs over his and to the floor. Jack quickly got to his feet and helped Sam to hers. She gave everyone a smile. "Nature calls. Be right back." Then she turned and waddled out of the room.
Jack's eyes followed her, a nagging feeling not allowing him to sit back down and rest. "Something wrong, Jack?" Daniel asked as he quietly stood next to his friend.
Frowning slightly, Jack turned to Daniel. He glanced down at Leorah. Seeing that she was occupied with Teal'c, he replied quietly, "I don't know, Daniel. Sam just seems…off. Says her back hurts, which is normal at this stage, but…there's something in her eyes that tells me its more than just a back ache."
Daniel considered his words for a moment before replying. "Some women start labor with back pains, Jack."
Jack's eyes shot to Daniel, his eyes now wide and panicked. "Labor pains? She's not due for another three weeks! Shit!" he cursed as he walked around the couch and quickly made his way to the bathroom. He didn't notice that his abrupt departure and curse had caught Leorah's attention.
Large green eyes filled with worry looked up at Daniel. "Why is daddy mad?" she asked with a tremble in her voice.
Daniel shot a quick look at Teal'c, then bent and picked the child up in his arms. "He's not mad, sweetheart. He just…forgot something. He'll be right back," he assured the little girl.
She looked at him for a long moment, assessing his words, before slowly nodding her head. "OK." Daniel pressed a quick kiss to her forehead and placed her back on the ground, where Teal'c immediately set to distracting her with talk of how to set up the corral for the horses.
Sam had just righted her skirt after using the bathroom when she felt an immense sense of pressure in her groin, quickly followed by a warm rush of fluids. Her quick gasp of surprise was followed by Jack knocking on the door. "Sam?" His voice was filled with concern, for he had heard her gasp of breath. "You OK?" When he didn't immediately get an answer, he pushed open the door, his heart racing in his chest.
He froze as soon as he saw her. Sam was looking down at the floor at the growing puddle of liquid surrounding her. When she heard him enter, she looked up, her face a mixture of shock and surprise. "My…my water just broke," she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.
Jack let his gaze wander from her face to the floor and back again. "I see that," he stated, just as stunned.
"What do we do?" Sam asked as panic began to set in.
Quickly, Jack shook himself from his stupor. "We call Janet and get you to the infirmary, that's what we do." He walked across the bathroom and grabbed her hands gently in his. "I think we're going to have a baby today, Mrs. O'Neill."
Sam was still in a state of shock. She hadn't been expecting this for several weeks yet. She looked into her husband's face, the shock still apparent in her gaze. "But…I can't have the baby today. This is Leorah's birthday."
Jack smiled as he gently led her from the bathroom. "I don't think the baby knows that, sweetheart. Or that Leah will mind sharing with her brother."
Slowly, Sam nodded her head. "I guess not."
From the tone of her voice, Jack knew she wasn't really focused on the conversation. He led her to their room and helped her change into dry clothes, picked up the small overnight bag that had been packed for a month, then sat her on the edge of the bed as he placed a quick call to Janet. The first hard pain hit her just as he hung up the phone. Sam groaned softly and put her hands over her abdomen. Jack dropped the bag he had been holding and fell to his knees in front of her, ignoring the pain as they hit the floor.
"Sam? Is it a contraction?" he asked, all calm leaving him for the moment. Sam just nodded as she rode out the short wave of pain.
When it was over, she looked at him and gave him a tremulous smile. "I guess we'd better get moving. Your son seems to have your patience. Or lack thereof."
Jack slowly returned her grin, glad to see the glazed look of shock gone from her eyes. He pressed a kiss to her lips, then helped her up and led her out to the living room.
Daniel took one look at Jack's face, and the bag in his hand, and rushed over. "It's time?"
Sam nodded. "It's time."
Leorah too noticed the bag in her father's hand and raced over to them. "Is my brudder coming today?" Her face was a mixture of excitement and worry for her mother.
Sam placed her hand gently on Leorah's head. "I think so, sweetie. Daddy has to take me to Janet now." She looked up at Teal'c who had followed Leorah. "Uncle Teal'c will stay with you until it's time to come to the SGC, OK?"
"But I wants to come now! I doesn't want you to leave, mommy!" The little girl's eyes filled with tears at the thought of her mother leaving.
Jack handed the bag to Daniel and scooped Leorah into his arms. "Hey. Remember what I said? Mommy is going to be just fine. But it's a big job bringing a new baby into the world. And sometimes it takes a long time. We need to know that you are safe with Uncle Teal'c. When the baby gets here, Teal'c will bring you to see mommy, I promise sweetheart." He pressed a kiss to her head. "Can you be our big brave girl, Leah?"
Leorah brushed at the tear that trickled down her cheek, then nodded her head. "I will try." She leaned over and gave Sam a kiss. "I love you, mommy. I will see you after my brudder gets borned," she whispered bravely.
Sam smiled, blinking back tears of her own as she reached out and hugged the little girl tightly. Jack then passed her back to Teal'c. "I'll call as soon as I can."
Teal'c nodded. "I shall endeavor to do my best to keep Leorah's mind at ease." Then he leaned forward and kissed Sam's cheek. "My thoughts and best wishes go with you, Samantha." Sam nodded, too overwhelmed to speak.
Daniel opened the door. "I'll drive. You take care of Sam," Daniel directed. Jack nodded, for once ignoring the fact that Daniel was giving him orders. He gave Leorah one more quick kiss, then ushered his wife out the door and into the waiting car.
------
As it turned out, Jacob Ryan O'Neill did not quite make it in time to share his big sister's birthday. After nine hours of labor, Sam gave birth to her son at 0130 the next morning. Jack said it was fitting. After all, Sam was known to be quite the night owl; now her son could join the ranks!
It had been a text-book labor and delivery. Sam's pains had exponentially increased with the rupture of the amniotic sac. She had refused any pain medication, knowing that it would take much more of the pain reliving drugs than she was willing to take in order to feel relief. Jack had been wary, for he hated seeing her hurt in any way. He tried to talk her into taking something, but when she pointed out she'd be taking it more for him than for herself, he had shut up and accepted her decision. But the pressure on his hand through some of the final contractions told him that she had been on the brink near the end.
Even though he had been present for the birth of Charlie so long ago, Jack felt as if he were experiencing it for the first time. Maybe it was because he was older and wiser now. Maybe it was because he had experienced how precious life truly was. For whatever reason, when his son emerged and took his first breath, Jack could scarcely take his own, he was so overwhelmed with emotions. Tears ran unabashedly down his cheeks and mingled with Sam's when he bent to kiss her. "He's amazing. You're amazing, Sam. Thank you so much. You've made me a father again…first with Leorah, now with Jake," he grinned down into her shining blue eyes.
When Janet laid the 7lb, 8 oz, boy on her stomach, Sam had reached out and tenderly spread his fingers, counting each one, before she rubbed the sparse, brown hair. She smiled through her tears as Jake squalled at the harsh change in his environment. "He's got your hair," she whispered, "And your ears." The whisper turned into a chuckle as she traced the tiny ears.
Jack laughed as he wiped at his eyes. "And my disposition. Boy is he pissed right now!"
Janet clicked her tongue at his choice of words, but smiled just the same. Then she handed Jack a small surgical scissors. "You ready to cut the cord, General?"
Jack straightened slightly, proudly, then took the scissors from Janet and carefully cut the umbilical cord. Janet then took the baby and carried him over to a small tub where she quickly washed him, wrapped him in a blanket, and brought him back to his parents. After cleaning Sam up, she left the new parents alone as they quietly welcomed their son to the world.
An hour later, Jack sat next to Sam on the bed and cradled his son in his arms. Jake lay quietly now, the excitement of the birth having worn him out. Jack looked down at Sam and noticed that she too was sleeping. Leaning over, he brushed a soft kiss against her forehead. "I love you, Sam. Always and forever." Then he looked down at the baby and added on a whisper, "And you too, little man. You and your mom and your big sister are my life. I promise I will do everything within my power to always keep you safe and happy." Then he lifted the small bundle slightly and pressed a gentle kiss to the tiny, wrinkled brow.
At precisely 0700, Teal'c walked quietly into the infirmary, carrying a wide-eyed, newly turned six year old child, in one arm and a brightly wrapped package in the other. "You must remember to remain quiet, Leorah," he reminded her softly. "You brother will not be used to loud noises at this time, and your mother will be weary after having given birth."
Leorah gazed at Teal'c with a mature look that belied her tender years. "I knows that, Teaw'c. I will be very, very quiet. I just wants to see my mommy and my new brudder."
Teal'c smiled slightly and gave her a small nod. "Then you shall." He carried her across the infirmary and to the closed doors of the private room that Janet had set aside for the new parents. Knocking softly, he waited until Jack pulled open the door.
He greeted them both with a wide, if tired, smile and held out his hands for Leorah. "Hey Princess! How are you this morning?" he asked quietly.
She willing went into his arms and wrapped her own tightly around his neck. "I misted you and mommy, daddy." She peered around him to try and catch sight of her mother and the new baby. A curtain was blocking the way. "Is mommy OK? Can I see my new brudder now?" She knew for certain that the baby was a boy, for Teal'c had told her as soon as she had awakened. Of course, she had not been the least bit surprised by that particular bit of news.
Tealc' had brought Leorah to the SGC last evening, when it was apparent the baby would not be born until the wee hours of the morning. They had eaten dinner in the commissary with Daniel and Marjie, then he had returned with Leorah to his quarters, where they spent an hour playing board games and reading books before he was finally able to get her to sleep. Teal'c himself had not slept much: he was waiting for the call that would tell him that Samantha and her newborn child were well.
Jack's words interrupted his thoughts. "Mommy is fine, sweetheart. She's a bit tired, but really anxious to see you." Jack grinned. "And to show you your little brother."
Leorah smiled back. "Baby Jake," she informed him importantly.
Tweaking her nose, Jack laughed. "That's right. Baby Jake." Jack cocked his head to the side. "How did you know, anyway?" he asked curiously.
Leorah shrugged her shoulders. "He tolded me," she replied simply. "When he was still in mommy's tummy."
Jack raised his eyebrows in surprise at this statement, then looked at Teal'c. He merely cocked an eyebrow in return. Neither man said anything, for there really wasn't anything to say. Time would tell what type of connection the two children would have, but Jack wouldn't be surprised at some type of Ancient gene binding the two children on some deep level that he could never hope to understand.
"Jack?" Sam's quiet voice called from behind the curtain.
"Right here," he quickly replied. "I have some special visitors for you." Jack gave Leorah a quick wink.
He could hear the smile in Sam's voice as she replied. "I sure hope it's a certain six year old. I have a little boy here who really wants to meet his big sister."
Leorah wiggled out of Jack's arms and went running toward the bed, all thoughts of being quiet gone. "I is here mommy! Does Jake really want to see me?" The little girl peeked around the curtain, her green eyes eager with anticipation.
Sam smiled at her from the bed, one arm holding Jake gently, and patted the bed with the other. "Come here, sweetheart."
Jack and Teal'c followed her in. As she reached the bed, Jack lifted the little girl and carefully placed her next to her mother. Sam put an arm around Leorah and hugged her close. "I missed you sweetie. Did you have fun with Teal'c?"
"Yes mommy. We played Candy Land after dinner. Teaw'c losted," she stated, throwing the large man a sympathetic look.
"It is a most frustrating game, Samantha. I do not enjoy the mud pits that force a player to lose a turn. I am certain I could remove myself from such a place at an expedient rate, should they truly exist."
Sam bit back a grin as Jack clapped his friend on the back. "At least you didn't get lost in the Lollipop Forest," he commiserated.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Indeed."
Jake chose that moment to begin to squirm and mewl. Leorah leaned over Sam to take a close look at her new brother. Sam aided the curious child by pulling back the blanket to reveal the tiny, crinkled face within. Gently, Leorah put out a finger and touched the tiny hand flailing in the air. Immediately and instinctively, he latched on. Leorah gasped in delight. "Oh mommy, look! He's holding my hand! Baby Jake loves me already!"
Jack and Sam shared a special smile. Somehow, they knew that these two children would have a very close relationship throughout their lives. It had started to form while Jake was still in the womb, and it would grow ever stronger through the years.
Teal'c leaned forward and looked closely at the small bundle in Sam's arms, then smiled. "I would like to offer my congratulations, Samantha. You have produced a fine, healthy son."
"Thank you, Teal'c," Sam replied with a warm smile.
Teal'c leaned a bit closer, then frowned slightly. "He appears to bear a striking resemblance to you, O'Neill. Perhaps he will be fortunate and not acquire your rather acerbic demeanor."
Jack looked at Teal'c, his mouth open in shock. "Was that a direct strike against my character, T? You wound me!" He placed his hand over his heart and gave his friend a mocking look of pain.
"I do not believe that you can be wounded quite so easily, O'Neill," Teal'c stated with his usual aplomb, but the smile on his face gave him away. Sam's smile deepened. Daniel had been in an hour ago and his comments had been very similar, much to Jack's delight. They truly were family, Sam thought to herself, and she knew they would always be there for both of their children. It was a comforting thought for the new mother.
Leorah leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss against Jake's forehead. "Hi Jake," she quietly greeted him. "I is your big sister, Leorah. Daddy calls me Leah sometimes. You can too, when you gets bigger." She sighed happily. "You is my very own little brudder, Jake. I has waited a long time for you to come, and now you is finally here." Sam's eyes teared up as she listened to her daughter's open and welcoming conversation with her new brother. She looked up at Jack and gave him a watery smile, trying to get a grip on her rolling emotions.
Jack smiled gently and reached out a hand to wipe an errant tear off her cheek. Then he turned to Teal'c. "So, that a present for me?" he indicated the package with a wave of his hand.
Frowning, Teal'c replied, "It is not. This is a gift Leorah has prepared for her new sibling." He reached out and placed the package in Leorah's lap.
The little girl smiled up at him, then turned to her mother. "Mrs. Nelson helped me make this. We worked on it for a long, long time!" She looked up at Teal'c. "And Teaw'c and Daniel helped me find some 'pecial things to put in it, too." She beamed up at her Uncle, then looked down at the tiny bundle in her mother's arms and frowned. "I doesn't think Jake can open it though, can he mommy?"
Sam chuckled. "Not yet, honey. Would it be OK if I opened it?"
Leorah nodded eagerly. Sam handed the baby to Jack, then took the package from Leorah. Slowly, she tore away the ribbon and paper, then turned over what appeared to be a photo album. "Oh honey," Sam whispered with emotion as she saw the title – Welcome to Our Family – embossed on the front cover.
"Look inside, mommy! It gots pictures of everyone! I putted their names by the pictures, too, so that Jake will know who everyone is. Mrs. Nelson called it a…scrapped book I think."
"Scrapbook," Jack automatically corrected as he sat next to Sam. He rested the baby in the crook of his arm, as he looked at the book with them. Teal'c slowly backed out of the room as they paged through the scrapbook that Leorah and Mrs. Nelson had lovingly put together. The smile of joy for his friends' happiness remained on Teal'c's face for a very long time that day.
The scrapbook included pictures of Daniel, Marjie, Teal'c, Janet, Cassie, General Hammond, and a few other select members of the SGC. There were also several pictures of Jack, Sam and Leorah. As Sam turned the pages, Leorah kept up a running commentary. "That one is of the cabin. Me and Jake can go swimming when he gets bigger, and I wants to show him how to catch fishes." She looked at Jack. "We needs to make sure we gets more fishes in the lake, daddy, cause Jake will want to catch one." Jack grinned and nodded his head. "And this one I got from Daniel at Thanksgiving." She pointed to a picture of Mrs. Nelson and Mr. Quimby sitting together and smiling. "I think Mr. Quimby will like baby Jake, don't you, mommy?"
Sam smiled and pulled the little girl close. "I'm sure he will, sweetheart."
When they got to the end of the book, Leorah put her hand out to stop Sam just before she turned the final page. "This one is really, really 'pecial. Teal'c and Daniel helped me with it last week. I hope you isn't mad, mommy, but I taked a picture out of your 'pecial book, and Daniel maked a copy for me." Leorah's eyes held a hint of apprehension, for she had never done anything remotely sneaky before.
Sam rested a reassuring hand on Leorah's arm. "I'm sure it's fine, honey." Then, very gently, she turned to the last two pages. Sam sucked in a deep breath as she stared at the two pictures displayed prominently on the pages before her. Tears formed in her eyes and ran unchecked down her cheeks when she saw her own father smiling back at her from one side, and a drawing labeled "Bubbe" on the other. Across the top of both pictures, Leorah had painstakingly written, Our Grandpa and Grandma. "Oh sweetheart." Sam, whispered, "This is so beautiful." She couldn't say anymore, as the tears lodged in her throat.
Leorah glanced at her father with concern. "Did I maked mommy sad? I didn't mean to." Her voice was filled with trepidation.
"No baby. You didn't make mommy sad." Jack's own voice was rough as he tried to control his emotions. He pulled Leorah close with one arm and hugged her tightly. "That is a very, very extraordinary gift you have given your brother, Leah. It makes me and mommy so proud that you would think of such a special way to welcome Jake to our family."
Leorah looked at her father's face and her eyes shined happily. "I'm glad you like it, daddy. Daniel tolded me that today is Jake's birthday…just one day after mine. That's really 'pecial, isn't it daddy?"
"It sure is pumpkin. Just like you are really special," Jack agreed.
"I think we needs to get a cake, don't you daddy? You tolded me that everyone should have a cake on their birthday."
Sam looked up from the scrapbook and smiled across Leorah's head at Jack. "You did tell her that, you know," she reminded him needlessly.
Jack grinned. "Well, I guess I'll just have to go and get some cake. But not for a while yet. It's still a bit early in the day for cake…even for me," he grinned.
"But I sawed you eat cake for brefkiss one time, don't you 'member daddy?"
Sam laughed out loud at her comment and Jack couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his own mouth. The slight jostling and sudden increase in noise caused the baby to startle slightly, then slowly blink his eyes open.
Leorah turned to her little brother and smiled. "You is awake!" she greeted with a happy little cry. Then she leaned forward and softly kissed the downy head of her brother. Whispering softly, she stated with feeling, "Happy Birthday, baby Jake. You is going to like it here."
Later, Janet and her nurses would try to convince the O'Neill family that the newborn baby's facial expression was most likely the result of a reflexive muscle reaction…or possibly even gas. But they knew better. For when the dark blue eyes of the newborn finally focused on the shining green eyes looming above him, baby Jake smiled. And from somewhere beyond space and time, two very proud grandparents smiled back.