Sam's week got incredibly busy after a relaxing Sunday with her dad and Rebecca outside in the snow. She was on call all week, and got called in to surgery every night. Her office hours were constant. Her regular surgical day on Thursday was, thankfully, cut short by cancellations. She had arranged to swap on-call duty for the weekend, so the day at Jack's was the one thing she looked forward to.
Jack did try to call her every night. But she just wasn't available due to being in surgery all week. He'd leave messages with Jacob, and with her office staff. Jacob would chat with him on the phone sometimes. Jack knew that Jacob was feeling him out, but Jack found he was really starting to like Sam's dad.
Jack sent more flowers to her office on Friday. Jacqui had put the flowers up on the main receptionist counter so everyone could see them. Her staff was full of smiles again.
Sam smiled as she walked in her office and saw the flowers. This time they were a mix of lilies. She knew she'd never told him, but Stargazer Lilies were her favorites. The smell in the office was intoxicating. Sam walked into the smiles of her staff. She took the card and read it.
' iWe are all looking forward to seeing you guys tomorrow - J '/i
Sam smiled and took the card into her office and got ready for the day. Jacqui came into her office as usual to ask about her week and her date. Sam gave her the short version, and said she and her family were invited to a group day at Jack's tomorrow. Jacqui raised her eyebrows at Sam.
"How serious is this, Sam?"
"It's not. At least not yet, I don't think. But it has potential," she replied.
"I'm happy for you. But be careful. Becks doesn't need a love-em-and-leave-em person, and neither do you."
"Jacqui, there's been no loving. Yet," Sam said, blushing as she smiled.
"Alright. I'll be watching out for you."
"I know you will, Jac. Huh. Jac. Jack. Now I have two of you in my life," Sam giggled. Jacqui laughed back.
"OK, the first patient is in room 3. Ready to start our day?"
Sam's Friday went well. No major issues, and no calls to surgery. She really would talk to Janet tomorrow about a new job. Maybe she could still serve the Air Force as a civilian.
…
Sam woke up after Jacob and Rebecca on Saturday. She had an exhausting week, and was glad that Dr. Craig swapped weekends with her. She needed sleep and a break. Instead of rushing out to say good morning to her family, Sam drew herself a bath. She added lemongrass and sage bath oil, and stripped down and slowly sank into the hot water.
She realized she was a little nervous about today. Her dad and Becks would be meeting Jack's friends today. She would be with his friends again. She really liked his friends. She imagined what his house really looked like. He tried to explain it on their date, but it's never the same when you see something in person.
She was very curious about the astronomy platform on his roof. She hoped one day to go up there with him. Just maybe not so much in the winter. Although, it would give her an excuse to cuddle up next to him. She tingled at that thought, and knew she was in trouble. She was really attracted to Jack. But her child came first.
She got dressed and put jeans and a sweater on. She put some fluffy house socks on and padded her way to find her dad and Becks. They were in her living room quietly watching TV.
"Hey dad. Good morning. Thanks for letting me sleep. I really needed it."
"Not a problem, kiddo. What time do you want to leave?"
"Jack said anytime after 11. It's 10:30 now. So take your time. I'll get Becks ready."
They were all ready about an hour later. Sam got Becks all bundled up in winter clothes, and they went to the car. It was a gorgeous day out. No clouds were in the sky, and the sun made the snow sparkle. Sam started to drive while her dad read the directions written on a piece of paper.
They drove past a few neighborhoods, and turned into a long street that seemed to end at the address Jack gave her. Sam saw a few cars parked in the spaces outside of a house at the end of the road. She saw a brand new, black Ford F-150 and smiled when she figured out they were at the correct location. She pulled her car into an empty spot and put it in park. She got out and began to unbuckle Becks from her car seat.
Jack must have seen them pull up because he came out to greet them. He was smiling and looking very handsome in jeans and a black turtleneck. Sort of reminded her of Steve Jobs.
"Sam, Jacob, and Rebecca! Welcome. Thank you for coming. Can I help with anything?" he asked.
"Hi Jack," Sam said with a smile. "I, uh, didn't bring anything but us. Was I supposed to bring something?" she asked nervously.
"Absolutely not. We've got it all covered. Come on in," Jack motioned for them to go to the front door.
Rebecca wanted to walk, so Sam held her hand as they walked inside his home. The front door opened into a long, rectangular hallway. To the left, the hallway led to a few stairs that lowered to a living room space, with sliding glass doors that emptied onto a large deck. To the right of the hallway led to the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom.
Everyone was in the living room. Jack helped Sam take her coat off, and offered to take Jacob and Rebecca's coats. He put them in his guest room on the bed with everyone else's. Jack had them join everyone in the living room.
When they stepped down into the living room, Jacob heard his name called.
"Jacob?" a large, bald man exclaimed. Jacob looked to where the sound came from.
"George? What the hell? Small world! How are you?"
"I'm doing well. Still active duty in charge of this rowdy bunch here," raising his arms and extending his hands across the room to everyone seated in the small space.
"Looks like your dad knows the General," Jack whispered in Sam's ear. She smiled.
"Ya, seems like it," she said sarcastically.
"And who do we have here?" George asked, looking down to Rebecca.
"Sir, you already know Doctor Carter. This is her daughter, Rebecca," Jack said.
"Nice to see you all again," Sam said. "This is my father, Jacob Carter, US Air Force, Retired," she said with a little laugh.
Everyone said hi, and started talking again. Jacob and General Hammond started catching up. Daniel and Janet cornered Sam and asked her all sorts of questions about her date with Jack. They said he wasn't spilling the beans. Jack seemed to have all the attention of Rebecca right now. She was talking to him in her toddler language, which was actually pretty good. She could carry on a conversation pretty well. Becks was mesmerized by Jack's cast again. Teal'c sat and observed everyone as usual.
Sam had chances to talk with Janet throughout the day. She asked about jobs in the Air Force for doctors where she wouldn't' have to be on call.
"I know the Academy hospital is always looking for doctors. What is your undergrad in again?"Janet asked.
"Double major Biology and Chemistry," Sam replied.
"Really? Well, if you can get a security clearance, you might even apply for a job at Peterson. There's some very interesting research going on there in both modalities. Let me write down the name and number of someone to call. Drop my name and Jack's name," Janet smiled at Sam as she said that. What Janet couldn't say was that the Stargate program was looking for biologists to help with alien physiology.
"Right now I'll apply to anything as long as I don't have to be on call any more. One thing I can say even just after these past two or three weeks is that I can't have a love life with my schedule," she said quietly to Janet. Janet smiled big when she heard that from Sam.
"So, what's the deal with you guys? Jack is not saying a single word to us. Come on, spill the beans!"
Sam smiled and looked over at Jack. He was fully engaged in conversation with Becks. She couldn't help the swell in her heart over the sight.
"Janet, there's not much to say. We went on one date, and now here I am. My week was shit, and I'm exhausted. I swapped on-call weekends with another doctor just so I could be here today. I told Jack that Rebecca is my priority. If this ends up going anywhere, she and I come as a package deal. But I'm glad to see she is warming up to him. He seems so wonderful with children."
"He used to be married, and had a son," Janet said, averting her eyes.
"Ya, we spoke of that on our date. I also opened up to him about how my husband died. It's like we are two broken souls who found each other," she said that out loud not even realizing it until Janet put her hand on her shoulder.
"Jack is a good man, Sam. He won't rush you or hurt you. I've known him long enough to know he doesn't take relationships lightly. In fact, none of us can say if he has ever been on a date since his divorce. Daniel has known him the longest. He's not seen it either," Janet said.
Over on the other side of the living room, Jacob and Hammond continued to talk and catch up. After Jacob explained how he moved here with Sam, Hammond offered an observation.
"Jake, I've known Jack for about 5 years now. I can tell you that I've never seen him this happy before," Hammond said.
"It's been hard for Sam, George. She didn't have the happy ending she deserved. Tell me. Is this Jack guy trustworthy?"
George looked over to Jacob. He thought about his words carefully before speaking.
"Jake, I have not seen a more honorable man under my command in years. Jack is a loose cannon, and rather irreverent to the command structure at times, but I consider that boy like a son to me. And you know I don't claim family lightly. His word is everything to him."
"Alright. Thanks, George. So. You still can't tell me what you do under that silo, can you?" Jacob asked jokingly.
"Sorry, Jake. You know better," he said laughing. "It's good to see you again." Then the two old friends went back to talking and catching up.
Teal'c got up to go outside to start the grill. Jack had outdoor propane heaters set up along the deck so it would be comfortable if people moved outside. Sam went over and sat next to Jack as he was still the focus of Rebecca's attention.
"She seems to really have taken to you. I've never seen her do that before," Sam said.
"I think she knows how much I like kids."
"Or maybe she thinks you are just a big, tall, handsome kid yourself," Sam joked.
"Handsome? Your mommy said I'm handsome, what do you think, Becks?" he asked with a smile from ear to ear.
"Jacqui!" Rebecca said, pointing to Jack.
"Well, yes, sort of Becks. Very similar name. Good girl," Sam said, then turned to Jack. "My head nurse's name is Jacqui. So she hears me call her Jac, and she hears me call you Jack. She's getting to be so darn smart," Sam said smiling.
Rebecca just laughed and leaned into his shoulder while looking at her mother. Jack, Sam, and Becks spent time together on the floor laughing and playing. They didn't notice that every eye in the room was taking turns looking at them. The three of them were truly focused on each other. Teal'c came back in from the grill.
"O'Neill, it is time to char the meat," Teal'c said.
"Coming, T," he said.
Jack got up and kissed the top of Sam's head without thinking. Then he patted Becks on her head. He moved to the kitchen to help Teal'c.
Sam looked to Daniel, who was a few feet away from her, with Janet sitting on the floor between Daniel's legs.
"Why does he call Murray 'T'?" Sam asked.
"Oh, uh, Murray's tribal name is Teal'c. His family is from a small tribe in Africa. He came here as a boy and adopted an American name so people wouldn't be confused by his tribal name," Daniel said, using Teal'c cover story.
"Ah. I see. Makes sense," Sam replied.
Jack and Teal'c got the food ready on the grill. Daniel and Janet prepared the food inside and spread it all out on the dining room table. They'd eat buffet style. It really was a family event today. Sam felt at ease here with Jack and his friends. Her daughter was obviously comfortable, and really took a liking to Jack.
Teal'c and Jack brought in the steaks, burgers, and dogs off the grill. Sam handed Becks to Jacob, and went to prepare the food for them both. She got Jacob a steak and salad, and she got Becks a hot dog. She cut the hot dog into toddler-sized bites, and put a small scoop of macaroni and cheese on the plate. She brought the food to Jacob, then took Becks and sat on the floor next to Jacob.
Sam put Becks between her legs and then watched her eat. Jack noticed that Sam didn't get herself any food yet. After about 15 minutes, Jack dropped down in front of Sam and Becks and asked if he wanted him to watch her while Sam went to get some food. She looked up at Jacob, who was still talking to Hammond.
"Ya, OK. Thank you, Jack. That would be great. Do you need anything while I'm up?" she asked.
"Maybe another beer?" he asked. It was only his second of the day, and the first one was about two hours ago.
"Sure. I'll be right back," she smiled as she used his shoulder to help her up from her sitting position.
Sam took about ten minutes before she came back with her food and Jack's beer. She had been sidelined talking to Daniel and Janet at the food. She was enjoying getting to know these friends.
Sam sat back down next to Jack, and facing Becks. Jacob and Becks were done eating, and Jacob offered to take empty plates to the kitchen. This left the three of them alone on the floor again. They just talked and watched Becks interact with people in the room. She walked to Teal'c and was impressed with his biceps.
Around 3 PM, Becks was getting tired and cranky. Sam decided it was time to go home. Jacob said his goodbyes to Hammond, and offered to get Becks ready to go and start the car. This allowed Sam to make her rounds and say goodbye to people who she hoped she could now call friends.
Jack brought her coat to her, and helped her put it on. Then she turned to him in the hallway by the front door.
"Thank you for this. Rebecca really likes you, and is really taking to your friends, too," she told Jack.
"I'm glad you came over. I think they all like you and your family," He said, smiling as he went in to hug her. A peaceful warmth came over Sam as she fell into his arms.
"Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?" he asked her.
"Sundays are our family days. We normally take Becks across the street to the park there, and pull her in a small plastic sled as me and dad just walk around in the snow. Then we either cook or order in," she paused in thought for a moment.
"Um, I think it would be OK if you wanted to come with us tomorrow. I'm on call next weekend, so I won't be able to do anything with you. So why don't we just include you in our family day tomorrow?" she said with a huge smile.
Janet overheard Sam and let out an "Oh my god," on the other side of the wall in the dining room. They both heard Daniel smack her, and say, "Sshhh!" Sam and Jack both laughed.
"I'd like that very much. What time?" he asked.
"I'd say anytime after noon will be OK," she said.
"Alright, Doc. Sounds like a date," he said using his smoldering eyes. He moved his head down a bit and kissed her gently. Sam closed her eyes and let the sensation fill her from her head to her toes. She smiled into the kiss as Jack pressed his lips tighter for one second before pulling back.
"Good night, Jack. I had a good time today. Thank you."
"Good night, Sam. I will see you tomorrow."
Then Sam turned and opened the door and went to meet her dad and daughter in the car.
Jack closed the door and went back to the living room. Everyone was smiling and whistling at him.
"Very funny. And eavesdropping? Really?" he said, smiling to them all.
"Wow, Jack. She is something else," Hammond said. Everyone shook their heads in agreement.
"Ya. She really is, they both are," he said smiling.
"And Rebecca is so sweet and so smart," Hammond continued.
"Jack, I know she's already talked to you. She's been through a lot. Just be patient and gentle with her, OK?" Janet said.
"Doc, you have no reason to fear. This one I'm definitely going to let slowly burn and let her decide where we go. I'm not sure if I really believe in all that hokey love at first sight crap. But if I did, ithat/i would be it," he said, motioning to the door.
Everyone in the room smiled and looked at Jack at the same time. He smiled back and quickly changed the subject. But he knew they all supported him, and he was pretty sure they saw the same thing that he felt. Doctor Samantha Carter was probably perfect for Jack.