James looked carefully at the two women across the street, considering how he was going to deal with this latest development. He'd been standing and watching for Samantha when he saw her come out of Rebecca's, followed by a tiny, dark haired woman. At first he'd given the second woman little attention, concentrating solely on his ex-fiancee'. He'd glanced at the other woman briefly, but a few seconds later he took a longer look. There was something about her that seemed familiar.

It took him a few moments to figure it out, and then it came back to him. Janet! Janet Henderson – the young woman he'd bedded a number of years ago. He barely remembered the incident; it had meant so little to him. He recalled her telling him she was pregnant, but when a child hadn't materialized he'd shrugged and decided she'd told him that to force him to the altar. It hadn't worked, of course. There was no way he wanted to marry some innocent little virgin. He laughed softly to himself. Actually, he'd taken care of that, but once he'd had her he wasn't interested in her any more.

But now! His eyes narrowed. She must have been the one to turn Samantha against him. There couldn't have been anything else since he'd been extra careful to be nothing but kind and supportive of the woman who'd inherited Henry's property. He'd been so sure it was in the bag that he was still confused and furious over what had happened.

He knew he'd blown it. He'd let his temper get the better of him and had allowed his true self to show. He shrugged. In the long run it wouldn't really matter. He'd get her property – and as a bonus he'd take her and use her until he was tired of her. In fact, this was better. He wouldn't have to marry her to get what he wanted. He'd decided long ago he wasn't a marrying man. He enjoyed his freedom too much – and he could get what he wanted without being tied to any one woman.

He waited until he saw Charlie approach the two women. The three of them stood speaking for a minute and then Samantha's right hand man headed off towards the stables. A few minutes later he saw Janet's foreman – what was his name - approach. The man didn't look at all happy and stood arguing with her, leaving after a few moments.

He watched until he saw the two women get into a wagon together and head out. He quickly realized they were headed in the direction of the Stone Circle Ranch. He watched as Bart came up with the second wagon and Charlie hopped in and wondered what the heck was going on. He'd have to send one of his men to follow them.

James knew he had to spend some time figuring out his next steps. His – partners – wouldn't be happy to hear that Samantha had broken off with him. They'd been counting on getting the land soon. Now, he wasn't quite sure when he'd be able to take possession. He was a little nervous – hell no – he was a lot nervous. He knew that he couldn't mess with these guys. He'd have to do something – and soon.

Sam was quiet for the first little bit of the journey. Janet had told her it would take a few hours to get to her ranch so she had some time to think about all that had happened.

Her emotions were all over the place. One moment she was filled with joy that Jack was alive. The next she was so angry it was a good thing she didn't have a weapon handy. The more she thought about the fact that he'd disappeared and hadn't bothered to tell her he was okay the angrier she became – the angrier and more hurt.

She didn't deserve to be treated this way. She'd done everything for him – literally everything – for months. She bathed him, fed him, changed him for god's sake. Her life had become nothing more than looking after him – and he'd repaid her by simply running off. How could he have been so selfish, so cruel, so thoughtless? Did she mean so little to him that he could just write her off like that? She suddenly felt, that as glad as she was that he hadn't died, she didn't think she could ever forgive him for what he had done.

"He loves you, you know", Janet said softly beside her.

"You said that before", Sam replied with a soft snort. "I'm afraid I'm having a hard time believing that. Oh, I'm sure he cares for me", she said, sarcasm dripping from her tongue. "But if you love someone you don't do what he did."

"No? Well, I don't blame you for being angry, although I'm positive he didn't mean to hurt you. Remember that when we first found him he was hurt and confused. He still has problems with his concentration and memory. I think he's struggling to come back, to be who he was. I expect that everything was pretty muddled in his mind."

Great – now she was feeling guilty for feeling angry. She sighed and glanced at the woman beside her. "I think you're a better person than me", Sam said.

"No" Janet answered. "I can just see things a bit more clearly", she explained. "and I don't have the added complication of being in love with the man."

"No?" Sam asked softly, although she immediately could have bitten her tongue.

Janet was silent. A part of her wanted to scream at Sam, to tell her that if she didn't want Jack she'd take him. She wanted to fan the anger of the other woman, to have her walk away from the man she'd grown to love. She knew she couldn't do that however. She wanted to cry and to laugh at the same time. These two were so in love and so screwed up! She sighed and pulled on the reins, stopping the horses. She then turned and faced the woman beside her.

"Yes, I fell in love with him", she confessed. "It's hard not to. He's handsome, intelligent, kind – and the type of man who makes you feel cared for and protected. No", she held up her hand when Sam started to say something. "He never treated me as anything other than a friend, or maybe a sister. I told you before, he's in love with you and didn't for a moment think of me that way. But I want to be honest with you. I won't do anything to try and get in between the two of you. It wouldn't be right and I couldn't live with myself if I did. But – and I mean this seriously – if you walk away, I will be right there, waiting for him. I – thought you should know." With that she picked up the reins and clicked her tongue and the wagon began to move.

Sam sat stunned, not sure what to say. She'd suspected – okay, more than suspected – that Janet had feelings for Jack. She'd never thought of the fact that she could lose him if she wasn't careful. Damn! She was still hurt and angry – but was she angry enough to let him go? To tell him she didn't want him. She put her hand on her stomach. Was that fair to the child she carried? If she couldn't forgive him, and she turned away from him, she had no doubt that Janet would be there and she'd soon hear that they were together. If they remained on the planet, could she survive knowing that he was with another woman?

"It'll be okay", Janet said gently. "Just give yourself some time."

"Will you give me time?" Sam asked. She needed to know how much she had to worry about the other woman.

"Of course!" Janet smiled. "I really am a nice person, you know. I told you – I'm not going to do anything to hurt either of you. I just wanted you to know that if you give him up – and only then – I'll be there."

Sam nodded and gave a slight smile. "Duly warned", she said. "I – don't know what I'm going to do, but for now -"

"Keep my hands off?"

"Oh yeah!"

The two women laughed, understanding and respecting each other. Sam wondered briefly if she and Janet could ever become close friends. If it wasn't for the man between them she thought they could. As it was – probably not. Still, she did trust her – for now.

Jack stood staring at the stargate for the longest time – pictures and brief glimpses of people and places popping into his mind. None of it made any sense and he grew more and more frustrated. He knew the gate was important – vital – to their return to – earth – wherever that was. The problem was, he had no idea how it was important, or why.

He finally gathered the courage to move towards it and eventually, although his heart was practically thudding out of his chest, he made his way up the steps. With a deep breath he reached out and touched it. He jerked his hand away, although nothing had happened. He reached out again and this time let his hand rest on the ring. He'd believed it to be stone, but it felt more like some kind of strange metal. It was warm to the touch and he thought he felt some kind of vibration, or 'buzz' when he laid his hand on it.

He looked at the strange symbols that were carved into it and again, they looked familiar, although he had no idea what they meant. He walked through the center of the ring – which gave him the feeling that he should know what to do, what this meant. He shook his head in frustration. "What's wrong with you Jack?" he said. God – he was useless.

Sam would know! He had to see her, to talk to her, to tell her. She hadn't lost her memory – at least he didn't think she had. His memories of the time at Henry's were fuzzy at best, although he remembered more from the time right before he'd left. Yes – he had to get back to Janet's and tell her he was leaving. He had to find Sam and tell her.

He made his way back out through the tunnel in the rocks and found Girl standing placidly, waiting for him. "It's a good thing you're so patient", he told the horse, giving her a pat. He mounted her and turned the horse towards Janet's.

Yes, he had to tell Sam. He had to tell her about the stargate. He'd ask her what it meant and maybe she could get them home.

Home. He didn't know quite what it was and certainly not where it was. He felt it should be something he wanted, that he longed for, but instead it frightened him. He felt like he was about to take a step into the unknown. What if he didn't like it there? What if he'd left because of something bad? Would it be better to stay here, to build a life here? He didn't know but he hoped Sam would tell him.

Sam. He allowed his thoughts to dwell on the woman who had cared for him for so long. He grimaced as he remembered some of the things she'd had to do for him. He felt sick when he thought about those things. He didn't just feel sick – he felt ashamed. With a burst of honesty he admitted to himself that that was one of the reasons he hadn't gone back before now. Oh, it had partly been because he didn't want to be a burden – but equally because he didn't know how to face her. He somehow knew he'd been a strong, independent man – before. But, for the past – he didn't know how long – he'd had to rely on her totally. He'd been weak; more than weak he'd been like an infant. The shame grew and he could feel his face burn. How could she ever look at him as anything other than a helpless idiot?

As his horse walked slowly towards the ranch he sank more and more into a black depression. She was better off without him. What had he been thinking to go to her now? She most likely thought he was dead and it would be better to leave it that way.

What about the stargate Jack, a little voice asked? Can you keep that from her? Is that fair to her?

"Damn it!" he practically yelled. "When did everything get so – f—ked up!" He could feel a headache come on and he knew his mind was becoming foggy. NO! He shook his head. Hold on Jack – just hold on. He tried to calm himself down and finally allowed Girl to take him home. Thankfully she knew the way, as it was dark and he was too tired and confused to know the right way home.

"He's not here" Janet frowned. She lit the lamps in the front room but it was obvious no one was in. "Where could the dratted man be?"

"Maybe he's taken off again", Sam said quietly. "He probably knew I was coming", she laughed harshly.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Janet said sharply. "You're tired and upset. Sit down and I'll fix us some tea. He could be over with the hired hands. I'll ask Bart to check on him as soon as he gets here.

Sam sat quietly, enjoying the peace and the warmth of the fire which Janet had lit. Soon her hostess returned with a tray and two cups. There were also some small sandwiches and cookies.

"We're both hungry", she smiled. "Have something to eat. You'll feel better."

Sam smiled and reached for a sandwich. "You remind me of a good friend of mine", she said, taking a bite.

"Really?" Janet raised her eyebrow and picked up a sandwich. "Is she bossy?"

Sam laughed. "Oh yeah, although she says it's because she cares about us all. She's a doctor."

"A woman?"

"Yes. In my – where I'm from women can be and do anything they want. They're equal to men and so we have women doctors and lawyers and engineers and – oh everything."

"Really?" Janet looked intrigued. Then she asked. "And what about men? Can they do everything women do?"

"Yes. I mean, we have male nurses and teachers and hairdressers and – lots of things."

"Can they have babies?" Janet grinned.

Sam laughed, although it was a bit forced. She unconsciously placed her hand on her stomach. "No, not yet I'm afraid."

"Good. I mean – can you really picture a man dealing being pregnant?"

"Uh – no!"

"Can you imagine what Jack would be like? I mean morning sickness, big stomach, everything!"

Sam snorted with laughter. "No – he definitely would hate it. He'd complain the whole time."

The two women laughed, needing the release after a day filled with tension. Still, in the back of Sam's mind was the thought of her child – hers and Jack's. She wondered again where he was.

A few minutes later they heard the front door slam. Sam looked up quickly at Janet, who just shrugged. "It could be Bart."

"Janet?" a voice called.

Sam closed her eyes. Oh god. It was him.

"In here Jack", Janet reached out and laid her hand on Sam's knee. "It'll be okay."

"Sor- ry Janet", he said, practically stumbling into the front parlor. "I - " He cleared his throat, dry from thirst but also because he was finding it difficult to speak. He got this way when he was over-tired or under stress. "I – was – out – riding."

"We have company Jack", Janet said gently. He hadn't noticed the other woman sitting quietly beside her.

"Wha -?" He looked and – "Sam?" Suddenly it all became too much. He stumbled, and would have fallen over except she'd seen how he looked and had been ready.

She held him up, her arms around his waist. He pressed his head into his neck and she could feel him shaking. "It's okay Jack", she said softly.

"You're – here!" he murmured. "You're here."

He continued to shake and after a while she thought she felt wetness on her neck. She was shocked at his condition. On the one hand he was so much better – he was speaking, and standing on his own. On the other – he looked like hell. What had happened?

"Jack", she finally said. "Let's sit down. Are you okay?"

She felt, rather than saw, the small nod. She then heard him sniff – she was sure he'd be mortified at that – and then he began to stand up straight. She immediately led him to the settee and sat down beside him.

He wouldn't look at her – he simply wiped his eyes with his forearm and then looked down.

"Jack", she said again, more firmly. "What's wrong? What happened?" At that he finally looked up – and she gasped. He was looking at her with – eyes that were clear. He was her Jack – oh, a little worn and still fragile – but he was back.

"Nothing", he grimaced. "I just – got over-tired", he said. "I – was – am sur – surprised", he grimaced again as he had trouble getting the words out, "sur-prised to see you."

"You didn't think I'd find you?" she asked, her brows raised. She could begin to feel her anger return.

He looked at her – sheepishly. For a moment she was tempted to laugh. He looked like a little kid caught doing something wrong and who expected to get in trouble with his parents. "I – didn't think – you'd want to", he said.

"What?" she hissed. "You didn't think I'd want to? What the hell did you think I'd do?"

"I'm – sorry Sam", he said, reaching out a hand. "I – didn't mean to – hurt you. I thought it – would be – better 'f you – did – did – did not have to – look –after me. I know it was – awful!"

She began to feel herself grow calm, but it was not the calm of forgiveness. She felt cold – rejected. She noticed then that Janet had gone. When the woman had left she didn't know – but she wished she had stayed. She didn't know if she was up to this right now. It had all been too much.

"You know what was awful Jack? Thinking you had died. That was awful. Thinking you had gotten lost and died of thirst or hunger – or from being attacked by a wild animal. That was awful. Looking after you wasn't awful – it was something I did for a friend, for someone I cared about, who I thought cared for me. How could you just throw that away?"

Jack didn't know what to say. He was just so tired – so lost. He knew he'd made a mistake, had known for a long time. But he hadn't had the strength to deal with it. He still felt only half a man – and was having trouble coping with everything. He was better, he knew that, but still not totally okay. Right now he wanted nothing so much as to lie down and sleep. No – what he wanted even more was to feel Sam's arms around him while he slept. He could feel his eyes begin to tear up and impatiently wiped them with his arm. "I'm – sorry", he repeated. He knew she wanted more, she wanted an explanation but right now – he just couldn't. "I'm – so – sorry."

He anger hadn't abated, but she suddenly looked at Jack carefully and could see he was in a bad way. Damn it! What was she thinking? "Are you okay?" she asked again, gently this time.

"Just – tired. Long – day."

"You did too much", she said, not asking the question. "I'd better get you to bed." She stood up with a sigh and went to help him.

That was just too much for Jack. Everything he'd been through – his head injury, making love to Sam and being rejected, being shot and rescued by a woman who was in love with him, finding the stargate and now seeing Sam again – it was too much.

"NO!" he shouted, pulling away from her. "I – can -" Damn, he couldn't speak. "Go – not – baby!" She wasn't going to come back and suddenly start to treat him like that infant again. He'd been looking after himself for weeks. He didn't need her. He struggled to his feet. "Don't – need –" He stopped, realizing how that would sound. "I – can", he repeated.

He moved slowly to the door, holding on the furniture so he wouldn't fall over. Just as he got to the doorway he turned. "I'm – sorry", he said, one last time. With that he limped out of the room.

Sam stood frozen. What had she just done? The man was beyond exhausted. He was obviously still dealing with his head injury and she'd treated him like crap. She closed her eyes, wanting to run after him and tell him she was sorry. She let out a small whimper. You really screwed that up Sam!

"You gonna stay there and feel sorry for yourself or are you going to go to him. He needs you, you know." Janet was standing in the door, looking at her with an expression – almost – of disgust.

"You heard?" she said.

"I couldn't help it", Janet answered. "I understand that you're angry, but I didn't think you'd take it out on him like that. The poor man is sick and exhausted."

"I know – I know", she cried, rubbing her hand through her hair. "I didn't mean to. I – was just tired too, and scared, and it all came out – wrong."

"Well, now's your chance to make it right."

"What can I do?" Sam cried.

"I thought you were a bright woman, Samantha. I guess I was wrong." Janet turned towards the stairs. "I'll show you to your room", she said.

"Wait", Sam called softly. "Where's – Jack's room?"

Janet turned back and studied the other woman. "I can't let you hurt him again", she said. "He needs -"

"I know", Sam interrupted. "Please?"

Janet took a deep breath and after a moment expelled it. "Top of the stairs, second door on your left. If you hurt him -" she left the sentence hanging.

"Don't worry", Sam said. "I think both of us have been hurt enough. It's time for some healing."

Janet watched as Sam walked up the stairs and turned left. She hoped she would do the right thing. With a sigh she put out the lights. It was time for her to go to bed and to get on with her own life.

Sam knocked softly on the door, but there was no answer. With a short prayer she turned the knob and walked into the room. She could see Jack's silhouette in front of the open window. The moonlight shone in, illuminating the room with a soft golden glow. She bit her lip – knowing that this was it.

"I'm sorry", she whispered. "I – you didn't deserve that."

"Yes", he answered, after a few moments. "Yes – I did."

"No – it's been hard – for both of us. I was worried, and tired too – not the best time to deal with things."

He laughed softly. "No – not the – best."

"Jack?" She took a step closer. "I missed you so much."

"Really?" he asked, sounding tired. "Did you – miss – changing my – diapers?" This time he sounded bitter.

She suddenly realized that this was part of the problem. He was a proud man – one used to being in a a position of power and leadership. He was strong and independent and relying on her must have been galling. "Do you hate me for that?" she asked. She had to know if he would resent her for helping him.

There was a pause, during which time she could feel her heart beat faster. She was very worried that he did – and that he couldn't ever forgive her.

"No", he finally said. He laughed again, and this time he didn't sound so bitter. "I – feel – embarrassed. I don't – hate you. Never – that."

Oh thank god! She breathed a sigh of real relief. "There's no need to feel embarrassed. I know you probably won't believe me – but I felt – honored, that I was able to care for you. I felt terrible for you – for what you had been through and how you had been hurt. I never felt bad for me."

She could see him move slightly, although he didn't speak for the longest time. She wanted to ask what he was thinking, feeling, but knew she had to wait for him to tell her.

"I – felt – ashamed", he admitted. "I didn't want – to be a burden. Then, after – the next morning you left. I thought you were – disgusted."

"Oh God!" she exclaimed, taking a step forward. "Never that! I thought I'd hurt you. That's why I left. I came back later, to talk to you, but you were gone."

"I know. I'm an – idiot."

"Well -" she said, and almost laughed when he flinched in surprise. "But I was an idiot too. We both were idiots. I hope we can – do better now?"

He shrugged, not knowing what to say or do. This whole situation was – confusing.

"Jack?" she called.

"What?" his head dropped forward, as if he was waiting for bad news.

"I missed you so much", she cried. "Please?"

"I missed you - too Sam", he answered.

She finally had the strength to move forward. She came up behind him – she knew he was aware of her presence. She reached out her hand and laid it gently on the back of his arm. "Then please", she whispered, "hold me? I – need you so much."

With a sob he turned and pulled her to him. He again buried his head in her neck. She rested hers on his chest and they stood this way for a long time. "Lie down with me Jack?" she finally said.

They curled up on the bed together. His arms where around her and her head and hand rested against his chest – the soft beating of his heart making her feel relaxed and sleepy. It wasn't long before she was asleep, feeling safe and happy – for the first time in a long, long time.

He continued to watch her long after she had fallen asleep. Finally, his eyes grew heavy and his thoughts began to fade. He leaned forward and gently kissed her on the forehead. For the first time – in a long, long time – he felt safe - and happy.

I was going to stop this after the angsty part – but then figured all my amazing and wonderful readers needed something sweet and nice. So – this is dedicated to all of you who have been so kind and faithful. We all need a good dose of 'happy' every once in a while.