PART 6: Baby Blue.
"Love is natures second sun."
It's hard to believe that I'm now Mrs. Samantha O'Neill. The wedding was beautiful, and Jack and Teal'c (who was the best man) looked very handsome, Jack in his dress blues and Teal'c in a grey suit and hat.
As I stood at the 'alter' in front of a large window, I got lost in Jack's eyes.
"Samantha, I, Jack, promise to love, honour and cherish you until the end of time. There will be no other, in my heart or my soul who could ever take your place. I am yours, body, mind and soul until the day I die."
I don't think I'll ever forget those words, or the way they made me feel as he looked me square in the eye, into my very being, and spoke them to me. My heart sang, and my body quivered as I felt the full power of what he was saying. I'm still shaking, even now, as we escape the party that feels like it is going to go on forever.
As Jack says, once Teal'c starts singing, it's time to go! And oh boy, is he singing. He's really going for it, giving a rendition of Robbie Williams, Angels.
Jack takes my hand and leads me anyway, before Jonas joins in!
**
I feel guilty as we drive away without even saying goodbye, but its not like I had a choice in the matter. When Jack is that determined, there's no stopping him. Actually, I'm glad to be out of there. I just want to be with my husband, alone!
I get changed from my wedding dress into something a little more low key, in the back seat, which I can assure you, is a very difficult opperation without losing your dignity! And don't think I didn't notice Jack's occasional glances in the mirror, which he'd angled just right so that he could see exactly what I was doing.
We finally arrive at our destination, 1 hour and a packet of polo's later! Ok, so it's not the cabin. It's a hotel, on the outskirts of town, near the ocean. It's a pretty place, not to big and not to small. There are vines hung around the sign, but I think it's called, 'Ocean spray inn'. (I'm hoping it wasn't named that because the ocean actually does spray in!?)
We make our way in, and Jack sorts out the details with the receptionist, before we finally head for our room.
At the door, Jack thanks the porter, giving him a tip, and then waiting for him to get our of view before swing the door open and taking me into his arms.
"Ah! Jack" I laugh, before adding with a devilish grin, "are you sure your back can take this?"
"Hey, I'll have you know, Mrs. O'Neill, I am in great shape. My back can take a lot my than this, and I'll prove that if I have to."
"Is that a promise?" I laugh as he carries me across the fresh hold, and places me on the bed. The King size bed!
From here on in the night becomes a haze of champagne, genuinely tiny and uncomfortable undies! (Good job I didn't have to ware them for too long!) And incredible passion.
To soon the sun comes up, and I'm lying in his arms, still dizzy from my recent high.
I turn over gently, to see if he is awake, but find that he is still snoozing. I can't help but be filled with a sort of warn glow when I see him sleeping. He looks almost childlike, so innocent and beautiful. I smile as I remember that he belongs to me, and I to him.
I place my hand on his cheek and run it down towards his jaw, closely following every twist and turn of his face, until I meet the rough unshaven area close to his lips. I repeat the same motion again, this time turning my hand over and just using my index finger. When I again reach his lips, I place a small kiss on his forehead and settle back down into his arms. There, I watch him sleep as the sunlight dances across his face.
Eventually he does stir, and I seize the moment, not wanting to lose him to sleep again.
"Hi! How are you this morning?" I ask.
"How are you?" He frowns. I love it when he does that!
"Yeah, I couldn't think of anything else to say. So.how are ya?" I ask, trying to look all innocent, like I'm not trying to get him up. A tinge of sadness darkens my heart for a moment as I remember playing this game with my parents, particularly dad, on Christmas day. He would always keep us waiting for him to get up before we could open our presents!
"I'm good. Actually, I'm very good! And yourself?" He plays along.
"Oh, I'm peachy!" I reply, genuinely. He smiles, and all thoughts leave my head! My dad wanted me to be happy. Jack makes me happy. I have to think about that now.
"So, what'cha wonna do today?" I ask.
"Well, we could stay here all day, lay in bed and order up room service."
"Sounds good."
"OR. we could go to phase two of honeymoon ala Jack!"
I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I have to admit; I had thought this was it! A hotel outside of town for a week. Ok, so maybe a part of me had thought, well, hoped really, that this wasn't it, but come on, I let Jack organise it, what did you expect me to think?
"Ok, part two, what does that involve?"
"Mostly, an airplane, an Italian dictionary, and us." A huge smile spreads across both of our faces.
"I am taking you to Venice, my gorgeous wife, and there we are going have fun, chill out, and do other.things! But most importantly we are gonna be away from the SGC, so no talking or thinking about work. Is that clear?"
"Hey, who wares the pants in this marriage!" He narrows his eyes, and I yield. "Ok, fine! No talking or thinking about work." He looks at me with more determination, so I add, (raising my hands in a 'I surrender' fashion) "I promise."
"There's a good 'lil girl!" He pats me on the head! HE PATS ME ON THE HEAD!!!
"Ok, that's taking it too far, mister! Its about time I taught you some manners!"
And I think its pretty safe to bet he learnt his lesson!
**
A YEAR LATER
"Sam, honey, you ok in there?"
His voice follows a soft knock on the bathroom door. Every morning for the last week I have been throwing up. I know what's going on; at least, I'm pretty sure I know. I'm surprised Jack hasn't caught on yet.
"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." I reply.
I have to figure this thing out. I've been to scared to take the test as yet, for two reasons. One; I don't know how Jack will react to being a father again. After he lost Charlie, he was a mess, and it's taken him a long time to come to terms with what happened. I don't want this to be something that will come between us. I couldn't face that. And two; I don't know if I'll be able to keep working. I have to deal with so many dangers everyday; I could risk the baby's life. That wouldn't be fair, on either of us.
I guess the first thing I need to do is take the test, then go see Janet. I want to take a home test first, just to prepare myself. If its negative, I need to go see her to find out why I'm throwing up, and why I'm late! And if its positive, I still need to go see her.
Feeling slightly better, I wash my face and leave the bathroom, only to find Jack waiting right outside the door.
"Jeez, Jack. You scared me!"
"Sorry. How ya feeling?"
"Better. I think." I side step him, and head for the bedroom. After we got married, I sold my dads house (it was hard to let go, but I decided that I had to move on and make a new life for myself, and selling the house was a big part of that.) and moved in with Jack.
"You know, I think maybe you should tell someone about this. I mean, you've been ill for a week now." He says, following me into the bedroom and sitting on the bed whilst I change from the nightshirt to civvies.
"I will. I just. I think I'll see how it goes over the weekend. If I still need to, I'll go see Janet first thing Monday. In the meantime, I gotta go to work, and so do you." I grab his hand and pull him up. Its always difficult to get Jack motivated to go to work, but once his there, he loves it, and no matter how hard he tries to deny that, I know the truth!
"Ohh! Do I have too? It only seems like five minutes since I left damn place!"
"Yes, you do have to! Oh, come on, Jack, its not like we have any missions scheduled. Just a nice ordinary 9 to 5 day, full of paperwork and meetings! Bliss."
"Ahh! See, you shouldn't have said that. I bet'cha you've just jinxed us. Well, ya know, tok'ra, forget it! Thor, maybe, but the tok'ra no way!"
"What have you got against those guys, anyway?" I ask, leading him to the front door and picking up my keys and jacket on the way out.
"Oh come on, Carter, every time they drop by, something happens. And 9 times out of 10, I wont like it. Also, have noticed how they always hold back info 'till the last minute. That counts as a surprise in my book, and you know I don't like surprises!"
"Yes, honey, I know." I smile sweetly and toss him the keys. "You're driving. Can we stop by the chemist though, coz I need a few painkillers for this. whatever it is."
"Yeah, sure, youbet'cha!" He buys my act, and we take a detour en rout to the SGC
**
Why is it, whenever your buying things.girl things, that you always feel like people are looking at you. I resolve to get outer there as quickly as possible, and so pick up the nearest test, 'clear blue' and take it to the counter, keeping my head down and praying I don't see anyone I know.
"That'll be $14.95 please." I hand over the money, snatch the bag and make a hasty exit.
Back in the car, I quickly shove the offending object into my kit bag, before Jack can see that the package is way to big to be painkillers.
"Get what you need?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"Ok. To work!"
I hate lying to him, but I want to be sure before I potentially turn his world upside down.
**
The day passes, and I'm pleased to say that Jack was wrong. The tok'ra didn't call, and neither did anyone else for matter. The most exciting thing to take place was a briefing about soil samples, which ordinarily would have been great, but I was to busy feeling nauseous to take much in.
In the locker room at the end of the day I meet up with Jonas.
"Hey Sam"
"Hey." I reply, slightly peeved at being interrupted whilst lost in thought.
"Jack says your not feeling great?"
"Does he. Yeah, I think I've got a bug or something. I'll be ok." He gives me that look at screams 'I don't believe you, but I'll drop it'. And I'm glad he does, I've done enough lying for one day.
"Well, take care." He places a reassuring hand on my arm before heading for the door.
"I will. Thanks."
"Sure. Goodnight, Sam."
"Night Jonas."
**
Ok, it's now or never. I've sent Jack out for pizza and a video; I don't want him here while I do this. I dig into my bag and pull it out.
'Ok. I can do this.' I say quietly to myself, as I head for the bathroom.
**
FIVE MINUTES LATER
It's sitting on the table. I haven't looked at it yet. I was considering having a quick drink to steady my nerves, but if I am.what I think I am, that's probably not such a good idea.
I look at the time, 8:30pm. Jack will be home any minute, I have to do this, and I have to do it now. I take a deep breath. 'Ok, I can do this, I can, its just a little stick, and these things are only, what, 99% accurate anyway! Ok, here goes.'
I hesitate for a moment. 'And I'm going, here I go.oh this is ridiculous'. I finally walk over and pick it up. And just as I thought, I jump aboard the emotional rollercoster for a ride. I have to sit down as I double check.
'One blue line, no baby. Two blue lines, baby. Two blue lines. I'm gonna be a mum.'
Now I really need a drink!!
"Sam, I'm home."
I quickly realise that I still have the test in my hand. Do I tell him now, or wait, hide this from him. I can't. I have to tell him; I can't deal with this by myself.
"I'm in here." I yell from the front room.
"Hey, I got Armageddon and Notting Hill. The clerk said they are pretty good. Personally, I'm thinking 'chick flick', but I guess we can judge that for ourselves."
"Great. Umm, Jack, can I talk to you for a minute."
"Sure, something wrong?" He asks, not really paying attention, as he takes the pizza to the kitchen and starts getting some plates out.
"Umm, well.yes and no, I'm not really.Jack could you just stop for a moment and listen, this is important." I snap as he continues to preoccupy himself with other things. He looks up at me, putting the plate in his hand down, and moving towards me, taking my hand. That's when he notices what I've been holding for all this time.
"What's this?"
"It's a pregnancy test. It's a positive pregnancy test."
"It's.your pregnant"
"Yes, I am. Look Jack, I know this is going to be hard for you, coz of. well Charlie. But, it's gonna be hard for me to. I mean, I've never done this before, and well. I'm a little scared, to tell you the truth."
He just stands there. Looking at the test.
"Jack, please. Say something."
He looks up at me, and he looks sad. I think.
"I'm gonna be a dad?" I nod, and he smiles. Relief floods my veins as he steps closer and holds me, rubbing his hand over my back. "I'm gonna be a dad." He laughs. "Thank you." He whispers in my ear.
"Hey, you know, you had some part in this too. It's me who should be thanking you. But Jack, I want you to know that this isn't gonna be easy. I mean, like I said, I've never done this before, so I'm gonna need a lot of help, and neither of us are getting any younger."
"I know. I'll be there for you every step of the way. But you know, your gonna be great."
"Oh, really?" I playfully ask, sitting back in his arms, and smiling.
"Absolutely!"
Content. that's a good word for how I feel as we curl up on the sofa and watch Notting hill with a slice of pizza and a cup of coffee.
**
Part 7 on its way. Kleenex needed part 8 onwards
Can I just say: THANK YOU to all of you guys who have read this story, I really appreciate it and also, cheers for the reviews! Have a happy Easter, filled with lots of chocolate and bunnies! Or maybe even chocolate bunnies!
"Love is natures second sun."
It's hard to believe that I'm now Mrs. Samantha O'Neill. The wedding was beautiful, and Jack and Teal'c (who was the best man) looked very handsome, Jack in his dress blues and Teal'c in a grey suit and hat.
As I stood at the 'alter' in front of a large window, I got lost in Jack's eyes.
"Samantha, I, Jack, promise to love, honour and cherish you until the end of time. There will be no other, in my heart or my soul who could ever take your place. I am yours, body, mind and soul until the day I die."
I don't think I'll ever forget those words, or the way they made me feel as he looked me square in the eye, into my very being, and spoke them to me. My heart sang, and my body quivered as I felt the full power of what he was saying. I'm still shaking, even now, as we escape the party that feels like it is going to go on forever.
As Jack says, once Teal'c starts singing, it's time to go! And oh boy, is he singing. He's really going for it, giving a rendition of Robbie Williams, Angels.
Jack takes my hand and leads me anyway, before Jonas joins in!
**
I feel guilty as we drive away without even saying goodbye, but its not like I had a choice in the matter. When Jack is that determined, there's no stopping him. Actually, I'm glad to be out of there. I just want to be with my husband, alone!
I get changed from my wedding dress into something a little more low key, in the back seat, which I can assure you, is a very difficult opperation without losing your dignity! And don't think I didn't notice Jack's occasional glances in the mirror, which he'd angled just right so that he could see exactly what I was doing.
We finally arrive at our destination, 1 hour and a packet of polo's later! Ok, so it's not the cabin. It's a hotel, on the outskirts of town, near the ocean. It's a pretty place, not to big and not to small. There are vines hung around the sign, but I think it's called, 'Ocean spray inn'. (I'm hoping it wasn't named that because the ocean actually does spray in!?)
We make our way in, and Jack sorts out the details with the receptionist, before we finally head for our room.
At the door, Jack thanks the porter, giving him a tip, and then waiting for him to get our of view before swing the door open and taking me into his arms.
"Ah! Jack" I laugh, before adding with a devilish grin, "are you sure your back can take this?"
"Hey, I'll have you know, Mrs. O'Neill, I am in great shape. My back can take a lot my than this, and I'll prove that if I have to."
"Is that a promise?" I laugh as he carries me across the fresh hold, and places me on the bed. The King size bed!
From here on in the night becomes a haze of champagne, genuinely tiny and uncomfortable undies! (Good job I didn't have to ware them for too long!) And incredible passion.
To soon the sun comes up, and I'm lying in his arms, still dizzy from my recent high.
I turn over gently, to see if he is awake, but find that he is still snoozing. I can't help but be filled with a sort of warn glow when I see him sleeping. He looks almost childlike, so innocent and beautiful. I smile as I remember that he belongs to me, and I to him.
I place my hand on his cheek and run it down towards his jaw, closely following every twist and turn of his face, until I meet the rough unshaven area close to his lips. I repeat the same motion again, this time turning my hand over and just using my index finger. When I again reach his lips, I place a small kiss on his forehead and settle back down into his arms. There, I watch him sleep as the sunlight dances across his face.
Eventually he does stir, and I seize the moment, not wanting to lose him to sleep again.
"Hi! How are you this morning?" I ask.
"How are you?" He frowns. I love it when he does that!
"Yeah, I couldn't think of anything else to say. So.how are ya?" I ask, trying to look all innocent, like I'm not trying to get him up. A tinge of sadness darkens my heart for a moment as I remember playing this game with my parents, particularly dad, on Christmas day. He would always keep us waiting for him to get up before we could open our presents!
"I'm good. Actually, I'm very good! And yourself?" He plays along.
"Oh, I'm peachy!" I reply, genuinely. He smiles, and all thoughts leave my head! My dad wanted me to be happy. Jack makes me happy. I have to think about that now.
"So, what'cha wonna do today?" I ask.
"Well, we could stay here all day, lay in bed and order up room service."
"Sounds good."
"OR. we could go to phase two of honeymoon ala Jack!"
I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I have to admit; I had thought this was it! A hotel outside of town for a week. Ok, so maybe a part of me had thought, well, hoped really, that this wasn't it, but come on, I let Jack organise it, what did you expect me to think?
"Ok, part two, what does that involve?"
"Mostly, an airplane, an Italian dictionary, and us." A huge smile spreads across both of our faces.
"I am taking you to Venice, my gorgeous wife, and there we are going have fun, chill out, and do other.things! But most importantly we are gonna be away from the SGC, so no talking or thinking about work. Is that clear?"
"Hey, who wares the pants in this marriage!" He narrows his eyes, and I yield. "Ok, fine! No talking or thinking about work." He looks at me with more determination, so I add, (raising my hands in a 'I surrender' fashion) "I promise."
"There's a good 'lil girl!" He pats me on the head! HE PATS ME ON THE HEAD!!!
"Ok, that's taking it too far, mister! Its about time I taught you some manners!"
And I think its pretty safe to bet he learnt his lesson!
**
A YEAR LATER
"Sam, honey, you ok in there?"
His voice follows a soft knock on the bathroom door. Every morning for the last week I have been throwing up. I know what's going on; at least, I'm pretty sure I know. I'm surprised Jack hasn't caught on yet.
"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." I reply.
I have to figure this thing out. I've been to scared to take the test as yet, for two reasons. One; I don't know how Jack will react to being a father again. After he lost Charlie, he was a mess, and it's taken him a long time to come to terms with what happened. I don't want this to be something that will come between us. I couldn't face that. And two; I don't know if I'll be able to keep working. I have to deal with so many dangers everyday; I could risk the baby's life. That wouldn't be fair, on either of us.
I guess the first thing I need to do is take the test, then go see Janet. I want to take a home test first, just to prepare myself. If its negative, I need to go see her to find out why I'm throwing up, and why I'm late! And if its positive, I still need to go see her.
Feeling slightly better, I wash my face and leave the bathroom, only to find Jack waiting right outside the door.
"Jeez, Jack. You scared me!"
"Sorry. How ya feeling?"
"Better. I think." I side step him, and head for the bedroom. After we got married, I sold my dads house (it was hard to let go, but I decided that I had to move on and make a new life for myself, and selling the house was a big part of that.) and moved in with Jack.
"You know, I think maybe you should tell someone about this. I mean, you've been ill for a week now." He says, following me into the bedroom and sitting on the bed whilst I change from the nightshirt to civvies.
"I will. I just. I think I'll see how it goes over the weekend. If I still need to, I'll go see Janet first thing Monday. In the meantime, I gotta go to work, and so do you." I grab his hand and pull him up. Its always difficult to get Jack motivated to go to work, but once his there, he loves it, and no matter how hard he tries to deny that, I know the truth!
"Ohh! Do I have too? It only seems like five minutes since I left damn place!"
"Yes, you do have to! Oh, come on, Jack, its not like we have any missions scheduled. Just a nice ordinary 9 to 5 day, full of paperwork and meetings! Bliss."
"Ahh! See, you shouldn't have said that. I bet'cha you've just jinxed us. Well, ya know, tok'ra, forget it! Thor, maybe, but the tok'ra no way!"
"What have you got against those guys, anyway?" I ask, leading him to the front door and picking up my keys and jacket on the way out.
"Oh come on, Carter, every time they drop by, something happens. And 9 times out of 10, I wont like it. Also, have noticed how they always hold back info 'till the last minute. That counts as a surprise in my book, and you know I don't like surprises!"
"Yes, honey, I know." I smile sweetly and toss him the keys. "You're driving. Can we stop by the chemist though, coz I need a few painkillers for this. whatever it is."
"Yeah, sure, youbet'cha!" He buys my act, and we take a detour en rout to the SGC
**
Why is it, whenever your buying things.girl things, that you always feel like people are looking at you. I resolve to get outer there as quickly as possible, and so pick up the nearest test, 'clear blue' and take it to the counter, keeping my head down and praying I don't see anyone I know.
"That'll be $14.95 please." I hand over the money, snatch the bag and make a hasty exit.
Back in the car, I quickly shove the offending object into my kit bag, before Jack can see that the package is way to big to be painkillers.
"Get what you need?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"Ok. To work!"
I hate lying to him, but I want to be sure before I potentially turn his world upside down.
**
The day passes, and I'm pleased to say that Jack was wrong. The tok'ra didn't call, and neither did anyone else for matter. The most exciting thing to take place was a briefing about soil samples, which ordinarily would have been great, but I was to busy feeling nauseous to take much in.
In the locker room at the end of the day I meet up with Jonas.
"Hey Sam"
"Hey." I reply, slightly peeved at being interrupted whilst lost in thought.
"Jack says your not feeling great?"
"Does he. Yeah, I think I've got a bug or something. I'll be ok." He gives me that look at screams 'I don't believe you, but I'll drop it'. And I'm glad he does, I've done enough lying for one day.
"Well, take care." He places a reassuring hand on my arm before heading for the door.
"I will. Thanks."
"Sure. Goodnight, Sam."
"Night Jonas."
**
Ok, it's now or never. I've sent Jack out for pizza and a video; I don't want him here while I do this. I dig into my bag and pull it out.
'Ok. I can do this.' I say quietly to myself, as I head for the bathroom.
**
FIVE MINUTES LATER
It's sitting on the table. I haven't looked at it yet. I was considering having a quick drink to steady my nerves, but if I am.what I think I am, that's probably not such a good idea.
I look at the time, 8:30pm. Jack will be home any minute, I have to do this, and I have to do it now. I take a deep breath. 'Ok, I can do this, I can, its just a little stick, and these things are only, what, 99% accurate anyway! Ok, here goes.'
I hesitate for a moment. 'And I'm going, here I go.oh this is ridiculous'. I finally walk over and pick it up. And just as I thought, I jump aboard the emotional rollercoster for a ride. I have to sit down as I double check.
'One blue line, no baby. Two blue lines, baby. Two blue lines. I'm gonna be a mum.'
Now I really need a drink!!
"Sam, I'm home."
I quickly realise that I still have the test in my hand. Do I tell him now, or wait, hide this from him. I can't. I have to tell him; I can't deal with this by myself.
"I'm in here." I yell from the front room.
"Hey, I got Armageddon and Notting Hill. The clerk said they are pretty good. Personally, I'm thinking 'chick flick', but I guess we can judge that for ourselves."
"Great. Umm, Jack, can I talk to you for a minute."
"Sure, something wrong?" He asks, not really paying attention, as he takes the pizza to the kitchen and starts getting some plates out.
"Umm, well.yes and no, I'm not really.Jack could you just stop for a moment and listen, this is important." I snap as he continues to preoccupy himself with other things. He looks up at me, putting the plate in his hand down, and moving towards me, taking my hand. That's when he notices what I've been holding for all this time.
"What's this?"
"It's a pregnancy test. It's a positive pregnancy test."
"It's.your pregnant"
"Yes, I am. Look Jack, I know this is going to be hard for you, coz of. well Charlie. But, it's gonna be hard for me to. I mean, I've never done this before, and well. I'm a little scared, to tell you the truth."
He just stands there. Looking at the test.
"Jack, please. Say something."
He looks up at me, and he looks sad. I think.
"I'm gonna be a dad?" I nod, and he smiles. Relief floods my veins as he steps closer and holds me, rubbing his hand over my back. "I'm gonna be a dad." He laughs. "Thank you." He whispers in my ear.
"Hey, you know, you had some part in this too. It's me who should be thanking you. But Jack, I want you to know that this isn't gonna be easy. I mean, like I said, I've never done this before, so I'm gonna need a lot of help, and neither of us are getting any younger."
"I know. I'll be there for you every step of the way. But you know, your gonna be great."
"Oh, really?" I playfully ask, sitting back in his arms, and smiling.
"Absolutely!"
Content. that's a good word for how I feel as we curl up on the sofa and watch Notting hill with a slice of pizza and a cup of coffee.
**
Part 7 on its way. Kleenex needed part 8 onwards
Can I just say: THANK YOU to all of you guys who have read this story, I really appreciate it and also, cheers for the reviews! Have a happy Easter, filled with lots of chocolate and bunnies! Or maybe even chocolate bunnies!