Author's Note: Another short chapter btw. Most J/S centered ones will be.

Chapter 7

Sam stood in the 'gate room with her hands resting on Grace's shoulders and watched the 'gate shut off with a 'snap.' Her dad had just left with his Tok'ra friend. They had only been able to stay for a few hours, though Jacob did promise to try and come back soon to spend more time with his new grandchildren.

"Carter?" Jack's voice cut into her thoughts. He was standing by her side with Ian and she moved her body to face him. "Wanna go have that talk with Hammond?" he asked quietly.

Sam motioned to the kids. "What about them?"

Jack shrugged. "Maybe see if Fraiser could take them for a few?" he suggested.

Sam agreed to his plan and they took off to the infirmary. Grace ran straight to Vala when they got there. When Vala asked, they explained their intention to have Janet watched the kids so they could see the General, and Vala quickly offered her assistance, stating that she was bored out of her mind and missed her godchildren.

When both officers cocked their eyebrows, Vala quickly corrected herself with an eye roll. "Fine, I'm only Ian's godmother. Janet is Grace's."

It was good enough for them. They left the children in the alien's capable hands and set off to have a conversation that would drastically change their lives.

"And you're certain this is what you want to do?" General Hammond asked his two finest officers in front of him after they had explained what they had discussed and decided on last night in regards to the children.

"I wanted to retire, Sir, but Carter here thinks it wouldn't be accepted," Jack replied.

"She'd be right," Hammond affirmed. "I have to admit, after it was confirmed that the children were indeed biologically related to the two of you, I suspected something like this would happen. I've already discussed it with the President and he's agreed with my decision. Consider it done. The changes will take effect immediately."

Jack and Sam looked at each other, both relieved. Though they really shouldn't have been, they both were surprised at Hammond's declaration. Of course he would have already apprised the President on the situation. Plus, Hammond was no fool: he knew what course his officers would most likely choose.

"What about legal documents for them, sir?" asked the Major.

"I've already started the process. It may take a few weeks, if not more, before everything will be settled, but you're free to take them off base. Unfortunately, you won't be able to enroll them in school or childcare until all the legalities are finalized. SG-1 will be taken off the mission roaster until everything is finalized so they can come to the base and remain with one of you throughout the day."

That would be helpful, Sam thought. Jack would have to be the main caregiver until further notice since his workload wasn't as big as hers. She was sure they'd have to rely on a few others to help out as well; maybe some Janet's nurses…

Wait. "What about Vala, sir? Will she be allowed to stay?" Not just in the SGC, but on Earth as well. Sam knew it would tear Grace apart if Vala weren't allowed to stay. The alien had been the one stable factor in the girl's life over the last few months. Plus, she was really good with the kids and probably could help out with watching them. Who better than their former temporary guardian?

Hammond sighed. "A final decision hasn't been made yet, but I assume she'll be allowed to stay. Considering her relationship with the children and the connection she has to Dr. Jackson, though a different one, the program, and the information she brought us, I can't see her being denied the opportunity to stay."

"That's good to hear," Jack said, relieved. He, too, knew how important the alien was to his new children.

"Major, you will now have a different CO you'll report to. He's expecting your call first thing in the morning. You are also off SG-1 and Colonel O'Neill and yourself are no longer in the same chain of command," Hammond subtly hinted. "Now if that's all, you're both dismissed."

Both officers jumped from their perspective chairs and left the room, smiling. When they got to Sam's lab, Jack shut the door and faced Sam. "So, my house or yours? I vote mine, since I have 3 bedrooms."

"That'd probably be for the best," Sam agreed, knowing that he did have a bigger house and an actual backyard. She was hesitant to bring up what was on her mind currently. Yes, she had feelings for him, and yes, she wanted to pursue a relationship with him, but she didn't just want to dive in. They had Grace and Ian to consider. "Sir, I...I think it would be best if we took things slowly," she suggested, trying not to wince.

Jack stared at her, processing. "So," he said slowly, "no moving in?"

"No, I mean yes, I mean..." she stammered out, "what I mean is, yes we should all move into your house with the kids. It would be easier if we were all there. Plus, it would give Grace some normalcy. I just meant, I think you should take one room, the kids one, and I take the other. Just until we know what we're doing and where we're going."

Jack smiled at her. She was adorable when she was flustered. "Carter, relax," he said to put her at ease, "I agree."

She gave him a surprised look. "You do?"

"Yeah," he assured her and moved on. "Well, we need to get them stuff. Furniture, clothes, diapers, the works."

Sam grimaced. "I have no idea how to shop for children, sir."

"Luckily, I have a little experience. Though I have no idea what to do for a girl. We can figure it out together," he assured her. "We should do it soon. Maybe after work? Maybe Janet and Cassie can come along to help. We can see if Vala can watch the kids again. I think it would be easier if we went without them," he suggested.

Sam nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan, sir."

"I'll go ask Fraiser and Vala." After her acknowledgement, he left with a wave and a promise to see her later.

When Jack got to the infirmary to relieve Vala of the kids, he didn't see any sign of her or the kids. The bed she had previously occupied was empty and stripped of its sheets. He quickly found the doctor and inquired where they went. Janet had informed him that she had released her patient and Vala had taken the kids to her temporary quarters.

Jack told the doc the plan that he and Carter had come up with and asked her and Cassie to join them. She probably would have more insight on what to get for the baby. Sure, he knew the basics, but it had been years since he was a father and even then, he had been gone when Charlie was born and Sarah had done most of the prepping and buying. Thankfully, Janet agreed and stated that Cassie would be thrilled to help out.

Jack found which quarters Vala was assigned and set off to grab his kids. Outside her door, he could hear laughter from both females inside. Jack smiled to himself. He hadn't had a chance to hear Grace laugh. Granted, she hadn't really had the opportunity since coming here. Everything had been so different for her and adapting had to be hard for her. He was thankful to the woman his daughter called 'aunt.'

Vala opened the door after his knock, gave him a grin, and invited him in. She grabbed Ian, who was sleeping on her bed, and handed him off to his father. "He's been sleeping for roughly twenty minutes. He should wake up in another ten to twenty minutes or so."

Jack cradled the infant in his arms. The boy didn't even flinch from being passed around. "Man, this kid can sleep," he commented and looked over at Grace, who seemed more interested in coloring.

Vala chuckled. "Up until yesterday, he had only ever been on the Delta Site, which was always noisy. He has learned to adapt since birth. He even slept through the Ori invasion of the Delta Site." She got quiet at the end.

"I'm sorry," Jack felt it was appropriate to say.

"It is what it is," was all she said. She was about to motion for Grace to come when Jack stopped her.

"Carter and I were thinking of going shopping for the kids to get them the essentials so we can take them back to my house. That probably won't happen until at least tomorrow since we have to either wait for furniture to be delivered or build it ourselves, " Jack watched as she turned and made her way to the bag sitting on the end of her bed. She pulled out some papers that had been folded. He continued, "Anyways, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind watching them again? Just until we get back? You're good with them."

"Of course," was her reply as she handed him the folded papers. "This is a list of things Grace likes and doesn't like. What her room was like before everything. Don't worry, she knows the house won't be the same. Whatever you do, don't buy her anything pick or orange. She absolutely hates those colors."

"Really?" didn't all girls like pink? "Okay, thanks. I'll bring them here at quitting time?"

She smiled and nodded. "I'll be here," she said, "Oh and bring Muscles and Daniel with you. They can help with the furniture building. Teal'c is quite good."

Really? Jack caught Grace's attention and motioned for her to come to him. "What do you say to Aunt Vala?" he asked the girl.

Grace grinned at her aunt and gave her a hug. "Thank you!"

Vala returned the hug and pressed a kiss into the girl's hair. "You're welcome, my love. I'll see you later." With one last wave, the trio disappeared around the corner.