The four dogs race around the yard barking and tumbling over each other. Bella, Merlin, and Jester of course, but also Cassie's dog. Cass insisted bringing her dog to the party. Along with more dog biscuits. Janet made both human and dog cookies. Jack grins at the thought of the Napoleonic power monger baking dog cookies.
Over in the yard, Daniel and Teal'c are tossing balls for the dogs. Janet wanders over to eye the kebobs and steak. She gives them a narrow-eyed look then him.
The faint thunk of a car door slamming comes to his ears. He smiles. "Hey Siler!" The man turns. Jack points with his tongs to the corner of the house. They both grin and focus on the yard.
Carter comes around the corner of the house with a bowl in her hands. "Hi sir. Sorry I'm late." She calls.
Jester stops in mid chase and flings his body toward Sam.
Jack winces. "Aw crap. There goes the pasta salad." They watch as the black and white dog races toward his favorite person.
Sam's eyes have gone wide. She is looking for someone to take her bowl, but no one is close enough.
Suddenly Jester skids to a halt, plops down in front of her and barks happily. His tail is a blur and he's wriggling in place.
There is a collective sigh and one restrained whoop.
Cassie dashes up to Sam only moments after Jester sits down. She takes the bowl away from Sam and giggles at Jester. Sam, relieved of her burden, squats down and gives Jester a full body pet.
"Oh, such a good boy!" Jester crowds close to lick her face.
"Ok, pup. Let's go." He trots happily to the deck. Sam sees Siler and O'Neill putting away their wallets. "What was the bet this time?"
After some hemming and hawing and an awkward feet shuffle by the Colonel they fess up. Jester made O'Neill $20 by not jumping.
Sam glares at him. They know how she feels about betting on her and reactions.
Jack rushes into speech. "We were betting on Jester! And how well he was trained."
Sam narrows her eyes. Jack continues to talk. "I knew if he jumped on you, Siler have to send him back to kindergarten. But I had confidence in Jester." He tries a charming smile.
Sam doesn't believe him and swipes the grilling tongs out of his hands. "Just for that, I'm cooking the steaks."
"HEY!" he protests. He catches Teal'c shaking his head at him and Siler has snuck off the deck. "Fine." Jack shoves his hands into his pockets and wanders off the deck. Jester lays down on the deck watching Sam cook.
She turns down the heat on the grill, turns the steaks and closes the hood. Janet steps over the dog and takes a seat on the wall. "You know he's sulking about the grill."
Sam laughs. "Wait till the steaks are done."
Janet giggles. "Oh, that's perfect. You really are a genius."
Sam clicks the tongs and shoots a grin to her friend. She digs out a cookie for Jester. He crunches down on his biscuit and wags his tail.
A few minutes later she's piling food onto plates and Janet herds the people to the table.
Daniel cuts into his steak and his eyes widen at the first taste. "Wow, Sam this is great."
Jack glares at him.
"Thanks, Daniel. I like to grill." Sam cuts into her own steak and shoots a grin at her CO.
Jack cuts into his steak and shoves a bite into his mouth. His eyes widen as he chews. "Damn she can grill."
He sees her blue eyes dance and sparkle as he chews. "Thanks Carter." His heart beats a little faster at the smile she gives him.
"You're welcome, sir."
