Sam lay on her front, listening to her father drone on about the recent Tok'ra operations as he worked on her injuries. It still caught her by surprise sometimes. It was because of her and her work that he was alive. Years of feeling inadequate in his eyes, had left a small feeling of resentment. But recently they had managed to find time to talk on the last few missions they had shared. He'd apologized for his previous comments and had told her he was proud of the work she was doing. He'd voiced his disappointed regarding the effect it was having on her personal life, although he understood how hard it was for her.

"Sammy? Are you listening to me?"

"Huh?" She was snapped out of her thoughts by his voice.

He chuckled as she turned and sat up in the bed. "I said I'm done. Your injuries are almost fully healed."

She smiled. "Thanks dad."

"You're welcome." He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Now...I want to know all about this mystery man I've been hearing all about from other people."

"He's hardly a 'Mystery Man'. And I'm sure you know who it is."

"I have a hunch. Sam. I know you find it difficult to...let yourself be you. You spend so long in this mountain, being the scientist, being the soldier. When we thought you were dead that time, you should have seen him. The pain on his face....that's when I knew. I knew in that moment that he loved you. I also knew that you didn't know. And I wasn't completely sure how you felt about him. For a long time I thought you were after Jack and I gotta tell you that I wasn't happy about it."

Sam laughed softly. "He flirts dad, but I really don't think it would go any further than that. He's too scared of you." Jacob laughed. "But seriously....although me and Jack do have feelings for each other, it's never going to go anywhere. Even if the rules didn't stand in our way...we have nothing in common. We have no common interests, no shared hobbies. It wouldn't work. And after Jonas...I don't think I could go through that."

"I'm not surprised."

"But this....this kind of snuck up on me. He was a good friend and we work well together. But over the years, as I've learnt more about him. Somewhere everything changed. And you know me...I hid it, denied it, buried it. I thought it would complicate things. Daniel tried to convince me that it was worth the risk, that I should allow myself a life outside of work, that I could be a Major and a woman at the same time." She sighed softly. "And then we all went out one night, had too much to drink..."

"...ok I don't need the details Sam." Jacob shook his head. "All I want to know is are you happy? Does he make you happy?"

Sam smiled. "I think he could. We haven't really spent that much time together yet. But I like him...a lot. And I'm hoping things will develop."

"It's what he wants too Sam. I spoke to him this morning. He's a great guy. He respects you, he understands your job and he loves you. I couldn't ask for more."

"You approve?"

"Oh yes. I'm happy for you...for both of you."

"Did you tell him that?"

"Yes I did...and of course Selmak added his thoughts too."

Sam held up her hand. "I don't want to know do I?" Jacob shook his head. "Thanks dad. For everything. I know we haven't always...communicated very well but...I'm glad you're a part of this. I'm glad I don't have to lie to you anymore."

"I'm just glad I'm still around to watch over you guys. And I hope things work out for you."