Author's Note: Continues directly on from chapter 17.
Jack glanced ahead and happy that Sam's family were out of listening range, he cleared his throat.
"I, ah, have something for you," he said softly.
Sam looked at him in surprise.
"I've been trying to find the best time to give you this," he said as he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small velvet pouch. "Your dad gave it to me – just before he died," he added. "He wanted you to have it."
Jack had refused to stop for anyone or anything as he made his way through the corridors of the SGC. After Sam's abrupt departure from his house, he'd quickly made a call to the base and one of the nurses had informed him of Jacob's condition. Within minutes of ending the call, he had made his excuses to Kerry and grabbed the keys to his truck.
He'd almost reached the Isolation Room when he saw Carter disappear around the corner at the opposite end of the corridor. He knew he wouldn't have a lot of time before she returned. He entered the room, only to stop immediately when he caught sight of the former Air Force General lying on the infirmary bed.
"I wondered how long it'd take you to visit," Jacob croaked as Jack made his way to his bedside and watched as the older man closed his eyes and let his head fall back onto the pillow.
"Here," Jack said quietly. He lifted a cup of water from the side table and guided the straw towards Jacob's mouth. After a few sips, he took it away. "Better?"
He nodded his thanks and Jack sat down heavily on the empty chair.
"You look like hell, Jacob."
"And there I thought your bedside manner had improved," Jacob snorted. The action made him cough and he grimaced. "If it's any consolation," he mumbled, "I feel like hell too."
"Is there anything we can do?"
He shook his head. "No. It's too late."
"I'm sorry."
A beat of silence passed as Jack let Jacob's admission sink in.
"I need you to do something for me, Jack."
"Anything."
"Look after Sam for me."
"Jacob." Jack's voice was low, warning.
"I don't have long here Jack, so humor me. I'm not stupid; I know how you feel about Sam – and how she feels about you – even if she won't admit it," he added ruefully. "Just... look after her. Please."
Jack leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. "She's got Pete to –"
"No," Jacob interrupted hotly as he shook his head, "she doesn't. I met the guy – he's nowhere near good enough for her."
"And you think I am?" Jack asked perplexed.
Jacob stared hard at him for a few moments before he closed his eyes.
"No. Sam's too good for anyone."
"You don't need to tell me that."
"She's my little girl, Jack," he sighed as he turned his head slightly so he could see him. "I just want her to be happy. You make her happy."
"Okay," Jack exhaled, "clearly, you're losing your mind because –"
"I know I'm right about this."
"For crying out loud, Jake. First of all, I think you're forgetting a certain thing we call fraternisation."
Jacob huffed out a laugh. "Don't sit there and tell me about the rules, when you of all people have broken your fair share over the years."
Jack opened his mouth to retort, only to snap it closed again. He couldn't really argue with that point – but he could try.
"This is different," he murmured.
"How?"
"It's Carter," he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Yes," Jacob stressed, "it is."
The older man watched intently as Jack looked away and dragged a hand through his hair. His next words were barely a whisper.
"She deserves better."
"Maybe," Jacob acquiesced, "but you are the best man for her – and after everything that's happened, you both deserve happiness. For some reason, you find it with each other. I know you can find a way to make this work. Hell, it's been eight years, Jack, don't you think it's been long enough?"
Jack straightened. "Eight– uh, I don't –"
"I knew there was something going on between the two of you the first time we met – and I was angry at you."
Jack's eyes shot up to meet Jacob's and he was surprised by the smirk which greeted him.
"You were angry at me? What did I do?" Jack demanded.
His sudden defensiveness caused Jacob to chuckle, and then cough. He closed his eyes as he tried to get his breathing under control and then his lips curled upwards.
"You made her smile."
"I – what?"
"I hadn't seen Sam smile like that since before her mom died. It was genuine – she was happy and content. So, I was mad because I thought you were taking advantage of my little girl as her older, experienced Commanding Officer." He opened his eyes just in time to see Jack about to interrupt when he continued, "but when I saw you both together –"
The color suddenly drained from Jacob's face and Jack was on his feet and standing by the side of the bed. "Jacob?"
"I saw love in your eyes, Jack," he whispered.
Jack closed his eyes and hung his head so his chin rested on his chest. "This isn't –" When he felt Jacob try to move, he risked a glance up and followed the older man's gaze to the bedside unit. "Do you want another drink?"
Jacob shook his head. "No, but there should be a pouch lying around somewhere? Do you see it?"
"Uh," Jack scanned the surface before his gaze rested on something that was partially hidden underneath a cold compress. He held the item up for Jacob to see. "Is this it?"
"Yeah," Jacob nodded, then winced. He closed his eyes and Jack noticed the beads of sweat on his forehead. "I – I want you to keep it safe," he said, "and give it to Sam when the time is right."
Jack frowned in confusion.
"It's been with me every day since I joined the Tok'ra," he continued weakly. "I want Sam to have it when I'm gone."
"Jacob –"
"Think of it as my blessing, Jack," he whispered.
Jack's eyes flew to his. Suddenly, Jacob gasped and Jack gestured for one of the SF's guarding the door. They'd only taken a step into the room when Jacob grabbed onto the General's arm and shook his head. He studied Jacob for a moment before he dismissed the officer.
"Look after her for me."
Jack pressed his lips together and nodded. "Always. I promise."
Seemingly satisfied with the answer, Jacob closed his eyes and eased himself back onto the bed.
"You should get out of here before she gets back."
"Yeah," Jack said. He reached out and placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll be back soon, Dad," he added with a sad smile.
They both knew the next time he'd be back would be the last.
Jack was pulled from his thoughts as Sam reached for the bag. It was azure blue in color and was tied closed with a thin piece of black ribbon. As she studied the pouch, she noticed gold lettering had been carefully embroidered onto the material. She reverently traced the text with her fingers.
"Jacob didn't tell me what was inside," he offered, "just that I was to make sure it made its way to you."
"Leaa lo Kalaach," she whispered as she read the inscription.
"What does it mean?"
Sam looked up at him, her eyes glistening.
"Listen to your soul."
He held her gaze for a second longer than normal before he let his attention fall to the pouch in her hand.
"Can I?"
His fingers brushed over Sam's as he reached for the bag and she let him take it. He carefully untied the ribbon before he tipped the bag on its side and watched as the contents fell onto the palm of his hand. He unravelled the item to reveal a thin silver-chain necklace. A silver pendant was hanging from the chain; it was Celtic in design and set with a small rosaline pearl. As Jack studied it, even he had to admit it was a beautiful necklace and when he looked at Sam, he caught her quickly wipe away a tear.
"Carter?"
"It's my mom's necklace."
Jack looked at the necklace he held between his fingers and as he took a step closer, he heard Sam's breathing hitch. Holding an end of the chain in either hand, he faced Sam and reached around her neck. His lips were near her ear as he peered over her shoulder and fastened the necklace. He felt her tremble at his touch and then he felt her hands on either side of his waist, while one of his hands cradled the side of her face as she moved closer.
"Jack, I –"
He heard Sam mutter a curse under her breath as her cell phone suddenly rang and she took a step away from him as she pulled the offending object from her purse.
"Carter." She sighed, then added, "Yeah, we'll be right there."
Jack frowned. "The SGC?"
"Mark," she replied sheepishly. "He wants to know when we'll be joining them at the car."
"Ah." They stared at each other for a moment when Jack gestured between them. "Are we – are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine," she smiled.
With a nod, Jack gestured towards the parking lot. "In that case, let's get you home," he murmured.