I know everyone was confused about a chapter appearing and then disappearing. That was my fault – I reposted a chapter after making some changes to it and forgot to let everyone know. So no, you didn't miss a chapter.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! Only one more chapter to go and I hope to finish on Christmas Eve.

He kept his eyes closed, pretending to sleep. He didn't want to face the quizzical looks of Teal'c or Daniel, Jacob's snake eyes trying to send laser beams through his heart or Sam's possible look of regret.

In fact, it was that, more than anything that made him take the coward's way out. For as much as he wanted to kick himself for his momentary weakness in agreeing to stay with her, there was no way in hell he was going to back out of it now. He needed to be with her. He was feeling shaky as hell and he didn't want to be alone.

But he suspected that Sam was wishing she'd kept her mouth shut. She was probably trying to figure a way out of this, but as long as he kept his eyes closed, and pretended to sleep, she couldn't do anything.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for him to start feeling guilty. She shouldn't have to suffer because of him. He sighed and slowly opened his eyes – and looked straight into the angry eyes of one Jacob Carter/Selmak - former Air Force General and two thousand year old Tokra.

Jacob and/or Selmak didn't need to say a word. He could tell by his – or was it "their" expression that he was in deep doodoo. If ever there was a "hurt my daughter and there won't be enough left of you to shovel," look, it was the one he was getting now.

He was about to open his mouth – to say what he didn't know – but then he glanced at Sam. Instantly he had to bite his lips to keep from saying something totally inappropriate or from laughing. If he'd thought Jacob's look was scary, it was nothing to that of Sam's.

Thank God she wasn't looking at him like that. Instead she was glaring at her father and her look clearly said "interfere and you'll regret ever having had a daughter!"

The two Carters battled it out in total silence for what felt like forever, but was probably only a few seconds. In the end – and to no one's surprise – the female half of the family won and Jacob lowered his eyes.

Which then immediately swung over to him. This time his look was one of defeat –mixed with a warning. Jacob wasn't going to say anything, his look said, but Jack knew that he was on notice. If he ever did anything to hurt Sam, his life wouldn't be worth much.

He nodded, gravely, to the older man, who then swung around on his seat and started fiddling with the ship's controls.

Jack let his eyes move back to Sam – one hell of a strong woman, he was proud to know her. His breath caught as he waited for her to make some excuse and back out of her offer.

Instead he was startled by the look on her face. She was grinning at him – with a very pleased expression.

"How are you doing Jack?" she asked.

Jack, not Colonel? Hmm, he wondered. "Uh – fine Ca – r – Sam. Just a bit tired."

"Well, hopefully the General and Janet won't keep us too long. I'd like to take you home and get you to bed."

The silence was – intense. He stopped breathing – and froze - because he had absolutely no idea what to say or do.

He knew, from the equally frozen postures of everyone but Kal'trek (who had to be wondering what the hell was going on), that they'd all heard.

At Jacob's slow but very telling turn, Jack grimaced. This could get very – ugly.

"Oh for heaven's sake," Sam said, breaking the sudden tension and sounding thoroughly exasperated, "you're all a bunch of children! Of course I didn't mean anything by that. Cheesh – grow up, all of you!"

This time Jack couldn't stop the bark of laughter that escaped. God, she was amazing. The others all turned away – Teal'c and Daniel began to speak to one another about a recent Goa'uld artifact that Daniel had discovered. Jacob swung back around started murmuring to his fellow Tokra, planning their arrival into Earth's atmosphere.

Jack looked up at Carter with a big grin. She regarded him seriously and then – she winked at him.

He blinked, surprised and unsure, for a moment, if he'd seen correctly. But at her grin he knew that he had. Suddenly he was glad he'd said he would go with her. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and closed his eyes. This time, however, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment.

They arrived a few minutes later into Earth's atmosphere and Jacob was given permission to land and then the circus began. George welcomed them back, obviously pleased and relieved that his lambs had returned safely. Jacob and Kal'trek had said quick goodbye's and left almost immediately. Jacob had murmured something about needing to the Tokra base. He had said little before he left, but Jack knew, from the older man's glare, that he wasn't pleased with him or with his interaction with Sam.

But right now, here, at this moment – he didn't give a damn!

They spent an hour with Janet, who wanted him to stay overnight for observation. "You appear to be mostly bruised Colonel," she had told him, "but I want to make sure. It's not that long ago that you were severely wounded and we don't want any relapses."

"Janet, I'm fine. Jacob used the healing device and all that's left are the bruises. I just need a couple of nights of good sleep which I can't get in the Infirmary."

Janet finally agreed to let him go, but only when she knew that he was staying with someone. He rather suspected it was because he was staying with Sam, although she was careful not to say anything, although she did give him a few strange looks.

Fortunately, after their medicals the briefing was short. Hammond realized that they were all exhausted and, after hearing the essentials he gave everyone a 48 hour leave. They would return after that and finish their more lengthy reports.

"You're sure you're okay Colonel?" the General asked as Jack stood at the end of the briefing

"Just tired Sir."

"You know – what you went through – it's not something you can just sleep off in a couple of days, jack," Hammond told him gently.

His first reaction was to say something sarcastic, but then thought better of it. George didn't deserve that and he knew the General was just concerned for him.

"I know Sir," he answered. "I'm not going to let this derail me, I promise. Any anyway, I have my team – they'll kick my butt if I try and go off and brood."

Hammond continued to regard him seriously for a few moments but finally allowed his face to relax into a smile. "Okay Colonel, but you make sure to take care of yourself. And when you're feeling better, come and see me. I think we have some things to discuss."

Jack gave a crooked grin but then nodded in return. "Thanks General, I will." He knew that Hammond wanted him to return to active duty – permanently. Whether or not that was something he wanted, he wasn't sure. He had a lot to consider and right now he was just too tired. It could wait for another day.

"Colonel?" He looked up, to see that Hammond had gone and Sam was standing there, looking at him expectantly. "You ready to leave?" she asked.

"Any time you are Major," he told her. With a deep breath he limped after her, suddenly so exhausted all he could think about was getting off his feet.

"You're sure this is okay?" he asked, as they drove to her house. They'd both been quiet for much of the drive but he knew it was something he needed to ask.

"Of course," she glanced quickly at him and then back at the road in front of them. "My guest room is all made up, ready and waiting."

He was silent for another few minutes and then got his courage up enough to speak. "Sam I'm -"

"You're what?" she asked when he paused.

"I'm sorry if this embarrassed you. I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable. I just – I needed -"

"Of course it didn't embarrass me," she told him. She turned her head and gave him a small grin. "I actually enjoyed bugging my father. I don't often get the chance."

He laughed at that but only for a second and then grew serious. "You're sure this is okay?"

"Jack, Of course it's okay. I wouldn't have invited you if I didn't want you to stay. Look, you know how I feel, but right now - this is about one friend helping another after a difficult mission. You went through hell on that planet and you need a safe place to rest and relax. I'm not expecting anything other than that you don't worry about anything other than recuperating."

He chuckled softly then. "It's a deal. Will you cook me meals?"

"Don't push your luck Sir," she growled.

He laughed out loud and then was quiet for the remaining few minutes until they arrived at her house. He almost was embarrassed when he could barely make it out of the car. Granted, her car was tiny and he always felt like he had to fold himself in half anytime he drove with her, but that wasn't the main problem. He was stiff and – damn it sore after his little adventure.

He groaned as he pushed himself upright and stood for a moment, trying to stretch out his muscles. "Damned Goa'uld," he muttered. "And damned Tokra."

"Why Tokra?" she asked with a lift of her eyebrow. "I mean, my Dad and Selmak did help you." She walked slowly beside him as they made their way to her front door.

"I know," he sighed. "I like your father – and Selmak too, although don't tell her that. It's just, if they were going to heal me you'd think they could do it all the way." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. "I think your Dad left my like this on purpose."

She looked pensive for a moment and then unlocked the door and ushered him inside. She didn't say anything until after she'd turned on the lights and got him situated on the couch. She then sat across from him and finally answered. "Selmak wouldn't let him do that, although I'm sure he thought about it. He's really into playing the heavy father right now."

"I don't really blame him," he sighed again, leaning his head back against the couch. "If you were my daughter -"

"You're not," she interrupted firmly.

"No, but if I were," he turned his head, but didn't lift it from the couch and glared at her to prevent her from speaking again. "If you were, I'd guard you from me."

"That makes no sense Jack," she told him.

"You know what I mean Carter," he grumbled. "He wants the best for you -"

"Then he should stay out of my life, because I know what's best for me. Look," she held up her hand to stop him from interrupting, "you're tired – and so am I. We're not going to talk about this right now – but don't you start thinking of my father's feelings – or start thinking you know what's best for me yourself. Just relax and forget about everything."

"Everything?"

"Mmm hmm – except for the delicious pizza I am about to order."

"Pizza?" he grinned.

"Yup – and beer?"

"Oh yeah – gotta have beer."

"And Janet said it's okay."

"She didn't say it's not okay."

"In that case, one pizza -"

"Two."

"Two pizzas and beer, coming right up!"

He continued to grin as Sam stood up and made her way to her telephone. Damn but he was glad he'd agreed to stay here. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was going to do exactly what she said. He wasn't going to worry about anything. Instead he was going to rest, relax and enjoy spending time with a friend.

"Hey Carter," he called.

"Yes?" She stuck her head back into the living room. "What is it?"

He twisted around to look at her, and grinned. "Wanna watch a movie?"

Later that evening the two of them were curled up on the couch, shoulders touching, feet up on the coffee table. There was a bowl of popcorn on Jack's lap and both of them were sharing it as they watched an old Hitchcock movie.

As Jack grabbed a handful of buttery popcorn he couldn't help but look at Sam – and smile. He felt like he'd come home.