Christmas rolled around a week later. Jack told Sam that General Hammond had reached out to the Tok'ra to see if they were in need of new hosts. They had no way of knowing how much time would pass before they got an answer. So life just carried on as if there were nothing more to be done for Jacob.

Sam went home every night after work to be with her dad. Jack came over most nights, and stayed overnight for a few. Rebecca understood that Pop Pop was sick, but didn't understand about dying yet. They tried to explain to her that it was a forever sleep, but she was just a bit too young to fully understand. Jack watched Rebecca on those nights as Sam and Jacob got his affairs in order.

Jacob did not want treatment for his cancer. He wanted to be at home with his family. Mark and his family came out for Christmas. Sam introduced him to Jack, and the two of them seemed to be OK with each other. Mark was grateful that Sam now had Jack in her life, especially if dad was going to die.

Friday night came, and the Carter family was sitting at Sam's table going over the remaining things Jacob wanted done before he died. Mark and Sam would split his assets, not that he had much left now after moving in with Sam. It was primarily monetary. Sam quietly sobbed at the table as they signed papers.

"Hey, what's the matter, kiddo?" Jacob asked.

"Dad, this is all so final. You never even got to come to my wedding to Jonas because it was so fast because of the baby. I'll never have you give me away to anyone now," she cried.

Jack was in the back with Rebecca and Mark's kids and Mark's wife. He overheard that last bit. Marriage to Sam was not on his radar, although marriage to Sam was absolutely on the table. He has been more focused on Sam and Becks and making sure they had everything they needed since the revelation of Jacob's illness. Neither one of them had talked about it. They haven't been together long enough to bring up the subject.

"I'm sorry. That was very selfish of me. I should be focused on you and what you need," she said, wiping her eyes.

"Well, how about this. I like him, Sam. I think he is good for you. I think he is good for Becks. I don't know what your future will be like with him. If he makes you happy, he has my permission."

Mark touched her shoulder as Jacob spoke.

"I just want you to be happy, Sam," Mark said.

"I am. I really am. He's a good man," she said to them both. "Thank you. Both of you. Now, how about we go out to dinner? I really don't feel like cooking," she almost laughed as she spoke.

She walked to the back to find the kids and other adults playing in Becks' room. She smiled as she got to the door to see Jack fully engaged playing with Becks, David, and Lisa on the floor. Julia was sitting on Becks' bed supervising.

"Hey guys, we're going to go out to dinner because I don't feel like cooking," Sam told the two adults.

"You OK?" Julia asked her.

"Ya, Jules, as good as I can be, I suppose. We can take the two cars, then you guys can go back to your hotel. I'm sorry I don't have enough room for all of you anymore," Sam said, still a little teary eyed.

"It's OK. We're fine. We're just glad we could come to help," Julia said.

Jack stood and picked up Becks and started to get her ready to leave. He took David and Lisa with him, and walked out to the living room to talk to the guys. That left the two ladies and the two kids in the room.

"You doing OK, Sam?"

"Um, ya, except for dad, I'm really going to be OK. New job. New man. It feels good, Jules."

"He seems great, Sam. And hot! Jesus," Julia said with a huge smile.

"Ya, he really is. And I feel good. He feels good," Sam said, blushing.

"He is really good with Becks. And she really likes him," Julia added.

"After I sold the house and moved here, I felt that I'd never be whole again. I was empty inside except for Becks. God, Jules, I loved him. I think I always will. He only knew her for about seven months. But he was such a good dad to her."

"I still can't even imagine what you went through. Are you still in therapy?"

"No, that stopped after a year. I have flashbacks every now and then. But I never thought I could feel like this again. I love him, Jules," she said quietly.

"You two ready? There's three hungry grown men and three kids out here," Jack said smiling at them both. Sam hugged Julia and they all made their way to dinner.

David and Lisa were picky eaters. They decided on Olive Garden because both kids devoured the breadsticks, and both liked spaghetti. The evening was short, but nice. Jack ended up paying the entire bill.

Mark and Julia took the kids to their hotel. Jack drove the other Carters back to Sam's.

"How would all of you like to come over tomorrow for my work Christmas party?"

Sam glanced to the backseat to look at her dad.

"Why don't I see how I feel tomorrow. I'm very tired," Jacob said.

"It's OK, dad. We can always do something at my house," Sam said.

"Do you think maybe we could have them over to my house?" she asked Jack.

"I didn't want to impose," he said.

"Well, now I'm asking," she said with a smile.

Jack looked in the rear view mirror and saw Jacob smiling. Jack smiled as he drove.

"It's really nice to see you happy again, Sam. Jack, you'd better not hurt my girl or I will haunt you from the grave."

"You have nothing to fear, Jacob," Jack said, looking in the mirror again.

They got to Sam's and Jack helped everyone inside. He talked with Jacob in the kitchen as he waited until Sam put Rebecca down for the night.

"Would you ever consider a radical treatment for your cancer?" Jack asked.

"Oh I don't know. That depends. Will it make me sicker than I am now? Because if it will, then no. Just pain management as I go to the wild blue yonder."

Jack took that all in. He'd call Hammond tomorrow to see if anyone has heard back from the Tok'ra. And to let him know the venue has changed tomorrow. He was glad he was included in the Carter family. He really liked them all.

Sam came out and joined them still standing in the kitchen.

"I'm going to go home. But I will see you tomorrow. I'll call everyone and tell them of the change of plans."

He hugged her in front of her dad, then gave her a small kiss. He touched her cheek as he started to turn for the door.

"See you tomorrow," he said softly on his way out.

"Good night, Jack," Jacob said.

"See you tomorrow," Sam replied.

He left and Sam started to cry. Jacob caressed her shoulder.

"I wish there was something we could do for you. It doesn't seem fair."

"Sam, I have had a great life. I had a short time with your mother. You had a short time with Jonas. I chose not to ever get involved again. You are young. You can have a wonderful rest of your life. Sam, he is a good man. Go with it and see where it takes you."

She smiled at her dad through her tears. She hugged him.

"Thanks, dad. I love you."

"I love you too, kiddo. Now, I am tired. I'm going to go to bed."

"Good night, dad."

…

Sam got up with Rebecca the next day and let her dad sleep in. She knocked out two birds with one stone and showered with Rebecca. She remembered earlier in her life this was the only time she would have to spend with her daughter, as her new job on a surgical rotation in a large hospital did not afford her much family time. She'd be forever grateful for the years that Jonas' family took to help her with Rebecca.

They got out and she dried them both off. Sam put on a robe, and wrapped her daughter in a towel. She took her to Rebecca's bedroom to figure out what to dress her in. As she was going through the winter dresses, she found a pretty green dress with ruffles on the end. She could not remember where it came from, but it would be perfect for a Christmas party.

She put on Becks' pull up pants, and dressed her in white tights under the dress. She put on pint-sized black Mary Janes on her feet, and clipped a green barrette clip in her hair to keep it out of her eyes. My gods she looked like her dad, except her eyes. She got her mom's eyes.

"I love you, baby girl," Sam said, slinking her hands through the curls on her daughter's head.

"Love you, mommy," she smiled at her mom.

Sam heard the shower turn on in the guest bathroom and knew her dad was up and getting ready.

"Want to come help mommy get ready?" she asked, picking Becks up and walking back to Sam's room.

Becks played on the floor as Sam tried to figure out what to wear. She had no idea what people normally wore to these things. She found a slim-fitting dark green dress in her closet. Why not match her daughter today? She smiled.

"OK, Becks, this is what mommy is going to wear. What do you think?"

Becks looked up and smiled, then went back to playing. Sam wore black lace bra and panties under the dress. She put on black tights and knee-high black boots with a two inch heel. She wrapped a dark red and green infinity scarf around her neck. She put a little makeup on, and pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail, with bangs down and a few strands down along her face. She smiled at her reflection and realized she was a little nervous.

Jacob was already tired after he got dressed. He was in a pair of jeans and a sweater. He came out to the kitchen and said good morning to his two favorite girls.

"I called Mark when you guys were in the shower. They are going to be here a little after noon, maybe closer to one. I'm sorry I get so tired, kiddo."

"Dad, stop. Don't be sorry. Let's just enjoy these moments while we can, OK?"

"Pop Pop, Mer Kismas," Becks said, wanting him to pick her up.

"Come here, munchkin. I love you," he said, hugging her close to him. "You both look beautiful."

"Jack said we don't have to make anything ourselves. The team will bring everything over. Next year may be different, but for now, let's just enjoy this day without worrying."

"Next year? You already are thinking about next year?" Jacob said with a huge smile.

Sam laughed at his comment and rolled her eyes at her dad.

"Yes, dad. You never know. Let's go."

…

Dinner was potluck. Jack said it would be different than most holiday meals. Now Sam knew why. Christmas with Jack's coworkers was a combination of all the foods they eat during the year during Team Nights, when they are hungry, or when they have to work late. They each brought in a large portion of Chinese, Thai, pizza, and beer. Cassie made mac and cheese. Teal'c brought Sprite and a Star Wars movie. Janet and Daniel made meatloaf just like the dining facility makes at The Mountain. Jack brought a cake. Somethings just don't change.

After dinner, they all sat around the living room and dining room spaces at Sam's, anywhere they could find and just talked and got to know each other. The normal protocol was no presents, but Jack couldn't resist this year. He got up and went to his coat. He brought back a small box that had Rebecca's name on it.

Sam called her daughter over to sit on her lap. Jack sat down next to them on Sam's couch. He handed her the box and said it was from Uncle Jack. Everyone in the room smiled when she said that. Jacob looked at Jack. He gave Jack an approving smile.

Sam opened the box. Inside was an ornament with a snowman playing with a reindeer and an elf in the snow. It was inscribed with "First Christmas at Uncle Jack's." Rebecca touched it and laughed and smiled at the two characters. The thoughtfulness of the whole thing made Sam tear up.

"I know it was supposed to be at my house. I figured it would be OK," Jack said, caressing Sam's back.

"Thank you," she almost whispered.

"Tank you, dad," Rebecca said. Her words stunned Sam. Everyone in the room got quiet.

"Oh my gods. Um, Becks, say thank you to Uncle Jack," she said.

Rebecca looked to Jacob.

"Pop Pop," then looked at Jack, "dad."

"Yes, Pop Pop is my dad. But Jack is not your dad. He is Uncle Jack," Sam said in a playful voice to try to lighten the room up a bit.

"It's OK. It may just take her time to figure me out. If you'll have me stick around long enough," Jack said. "And you are very welcome. I saw it and couldn't resist."

Mark and Julia asked to see it. They loved it and loved that Jack would take time to think of Rebecca. Jack stood to go to the kitchen. He kissed both Sam and Beck's heads as he stood.

"Does anyone need anything to drink?" he asked the room.

Sam put Becks down and said she'd come with him to help. She put the ornament on her mantle for now. They stepped through the people in the living room and into the kitchen. Jack grabbed her hand briefly as they went to get drinks for those who wanted one.

"Jack, thank you. You really didn't have to do that for her. And sorry she called you 'dad'," Sam said.

"C'mere. It's OK. And you are welcome. I saw that ornament and thought of the three of us," he said, hugging her close to him.

"Why, Colonel, that is quite sentimental of you," Sam said with a joking voice.

"Don't let my secret out. I have to keep up my macho image and all of that," he said smiling at her.

"Your secret is safe with me, Colonel," she said smiling. She kissed him and then helped him gather drinks for everyone.

After they all helped clean up, folks started to leave. Mark and Julia were leaving the day after tomorrow. They all agreed to have lunch tomorrow at Sam's. She'd have enough leftovers for sure. Jack decided to stay the night with Sam. Around 8 PM there was a knock on her door.

"I'll get it," Jack said.

He walked to her door and opened it to find General Hammond standing in the doorway.

"Sir. Merry Christmas, come on in," Jack said.

Hammond smiled at Jack, and his voice was laced with sarcasm and admiration for his Colonel.

"I see you are quite comfortable here, Jack," Hammond said.

Jack just smirked at his boss, and invited him in.

"Yes, sir. I believe that I am."

He brought Hammond into the living room where everyone else was sitting and talking, or more watching Becks play and talk.

"George, nice to see you again. How's the family?" Jacob asked. Sam gave the General a greeting, and Jack motioned for Hammond to sit in the chair next to the couch.

"Can I get you anything, sir?" Jack asked.

"No, I have some news, though. We heard back from our friends in Air Force medicine. There is one experimental treatment available, if that's what you want, Jacob," Hammond said cryptically, waiting to hear Jacob's answer.

"Why do I feel like there's something much more to this, George?"

"Because there is. It's classified. And if you agree, you just got read on."

"Alright. Tell me more about this experimental treatment."

"Jacob, have you ever heard of the Stargate program?" Jack asked.

"No, is that one of your satellites, or your Santa Tracker at NORAD?" Jacob replied.

"Well, obviously that's just a cover story," Jack added.

"No kidding. I never would have guessed. So tell me, what do you do that's so great you guys have to keep it classified?"

"Well, this is going to be a lot for you to take in at once," Hammond said.

"Stop beating around the bush. What do you guys do?"

"We travel to other planets. Much farther away than anyone ever could have imagined," Jack said.

"So you're not going to tell me the truth."

"He is telling you the truth, dad."

"She goes to other planets now? What, like in simulations?"

"No. In reality, Jake," Hammond said..

"We discovered a piece of alien technology. It can send us to thousands of planets all over the galaxy," Jack said.

"You're not kidding, are you."

"No. We are not, Jacob," Jack said.

"Holy Hannah!" Jacob exclaimed

"So what do you want me to do?" Jacob asked.

"Well, sir, we'd like you to travel to one of these planets with us," Jack said.

"Why? So I can die there?"

"No, dad. Actually, I'm hoping what we want you to do will cure your cancer," Sam said, looking at her dad with serious eyes.

"They have a cure there? What's the catch?"

"It's a doozy, Jacob, I won't lie to you on that," Hammond said.

They spent the next few hours talking to Jacob about the Tok'ra and the differences between them and the Goa'uld. Sam had taken Becks to bed, but came right back out to continue the conversation. They explained Jacob would end up having to stay with the Tok'ra. They would have to come up with a cover story, and maybe, if it's approved, let Mark know the truth and have him sign disclosure paperwork.

They explained to Jacob that the sybiant the Tok'ra are in need of a host is about 2,000 years old. It is one of the top leaders of the Tok'ra. The symbiant normally takes a female host, but since Jacob was available, she would have to take a he. Jacob did not have a problem with that.

"And you've been to other planets, Sammie?" Jacob asked.

"No, not yet. I haven't had the need to know, or the need to go. But I'm hoping that the General will let me come with you on this one. Janet has agreed to watch Rebecca. So I've already thought things through."

"Wow, Sam. I guess this was perfect timing for this to happen in your life. First Jack, now aliens and other planets. Alright. Yes. I'll do it. Especially if this will help Earth form a friendly alliance. Do these Tok'ra have names, like we do?" Jacob asked.

"Yes, in fact they do. The one they need a host for, her name is Selmak. She is old and wise," Hammond said.

"Alright. When do we leave?" Jacob asked.

"I'll reach back out to the Tok'ra and see about Tuesday or Wednesday. This way you can spend the last day with your family before going on to a secret Air Force facility for your experimental treatment," Hammond said, using the cover story they had created for Jacob.

"Thanks, George. This is exciting but a bit scary. I'll see you all later. I'm going to bed. I have a lot to think about now."

Everyone gave Jacob nightly good wishes, and he went to bed. Jack and Sam let the General go home. After the door shut, Sam immediately took Jack into her arms and held him.

"I thought they'd never leave," she said with seductive eyes.

"MMmm, Doctor, so frisky tonight," Jack said, kissing her by her door.

"You have no idea. First the gift for Rebecca, now my dad. Jack, my life has all changed because I met you. For the better. Now, will you let me take you to bed, or do you want to stand here looking at me all night?"

"I could look at you all night no matter what, Sam," he said, his eyes turning darker as he looked at her. He ran his hands down the sides of her body. "But, if I can take you to bed, and look at you shatter under me, I'd rather do that," he said, kissing her chin, to her jawline, and down her neck.

"Come on, fly boy, let me teach you some advanced anatomy," she said, taking his hand and leading him to her bedroom.