Ten Months

by Orrymain

It's that time! Jack and Daniel start their family! Witness it all, from the insemination through those first crazy weeks when they come home from the hospital!

7. Chapter Seven

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-- Chapter Seven: Expect the Unexpected!

"Good morning, Angel," Jack grinned as Daniel's head began to move slowly along Jack's chest.

"Mmmm...morn...ing," Daniel sighed and then yawned.

"Anything special on the agenda for today?" Jack asked, as he stroked his lover's back.

"Lunch with Kayla, and we promised the General we'd drop by and try to help with that ... whatever it is that SG-2 brought back from P-whatever it is."

"P-whatever it is?" Jack asked with surprise in his voice.

Daniel chuckled at his failure to remember the planet's designation. He lightheartedly explained, "They don't pay me to remember anymore."

Jack placed a kiss on Daniel's head, and then clarified, "Yes, they do. Consultant type stuff."

"Peanuts. Jack, we need to make some decisions about J-O today, too."

"Okay, we'd better hop to it then. What would you like for breakfast?"

"You're cooking?"

Daniel raised his head and smiled.

"Yeah. You have a choice of Froot Loops or Cheerios."

"Oh," Daniel said despondently, "Cheerios, I guess. I'm going to take a shower. No sugar, Jack."

Daniel rose from their bed and headed for the bathroom. Jack joined him briefly, and then got dressed and went downstairs. Several minutes later, Daniel walked into the kitchen expecting to see bowls of cereal on the table, but instead, he smelled the aroma of hot food being prepared.

"Jack, I love you," the young man cooed as he placed his arms around his husband who was turning the bacon over.

"It was nothing, Love. You had your heart set on something decent, so ..."

"You spoil me, Jack."

"Geez, I hope so," Jack replied, as he put the fork down on the counter and turned to kiss his love. "Do you have any idea, Danny? Any at all?"

Daniel nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah, I do. Love you so much."

Daniel leaned in for a kiss, and then sighed contentedly in Jack's embrace. Life was good and getting better every day!

"Sorry we're late, Kayla," Daniel smiled as he took a seat at their table in the restaurant.

"Traffic bad?"

Jack grinned devilishly.

"Not exactly."

"The girls demand a walk? Phone call?"

"Not exactly." Jack's grin broadened. "It was more like ... an urgent call to ... nature."

"Jack stop it," Daniel said softly.

"Oh," Kayla blushed, "in the morning?"

"Morning, noon, and night," Jack chirped with pride.

"Jack!"

"Geez, isn't he cute?"

"Jaaaaack!"

Kayla burst into laughter. She was growing to truly love these two men, which was a good thing since she was having their babies. She saw a rare and wonderful love between them. It wasn't perfect; nothing was, but it was real and vibrant and almost always made the young woman smile.

"I'm sorry," Jack tried to say sincerely.

Kayla laughed, pointing her finger at Jack as she responded, "No, you're not, Jack O'Neill, er, Jackson-O'Neill."

Jack beamed, as did Daniel, and the two ended up gazing into each other's eyes. Kayla watched with a warm smile, and shook her head in amazement.

"You two are doing it again, aren't you?"

"Huh?" Jack asked.

"What?" Daniel asked at the same time.

"That ... communication thing you mentioned once, Daniel. You told me that sometimes you and Jack can communicate without words, almost telepathically. That's what you were doing just now, wasn't it?"

"Maybe we were just staring," Jack answered.

"No, I don't think so. Your eyes were talking."

"You're very observant, Kayla," Daniel admitted. "Yes, we were doing it ... talking, I mean."

"Geez, Danny."

Jack laughed, seeing Daniel blush.

"Well, if she knew what we were ... oh gawd. Can we order?"

Kayla laughed again, something she did a lot as the trio enjoyed a pleasant lunch together.

"This is like the device we brought back from PC2-337 a few years ago. Remember, Jack, that unit that operated like a remote. It kept opening the doors and turning things on and off, and it took us forever to realize it was the device we had brought back and not some gremlin in the system?"

"Yeah, if it had been Halloween, it would have been really spooky."

"Well, that's what this reminds me of. The symbols, the way it's put together. Anything strange happening around here, General?"

"Not so far," the General answered.

"You mean not that you know of, Sir," Jack warned with a smile.

"Don't give it any ideas, Jack."

"Daniel," Megan Williams interjected, "I remember reading some old mission reports about that orb that SG-1 brought back."

"Don't remind me," Jack shuddered.

"That's right. It spoke through you, didn't it, General O'Neill?"

"Literally."

Jack shuddered and rubbed the shoulder that the spike had gone through as he remembered the nightmare.

"It was a bit more complicated than that, Megan," Daniel added. "What's your point?"

"Well, I remember the reports mentioned EM spikes. This device has acted in a similar fashion, although ..."

"Whoa!" Jack stood up, took the device out of Daniel's hands, placed it quickly on a table, and, pulling Daniel close in behind him, began backing over on the other side of the room. "If that thing moves, you duck."

"Jack, calm down."

"Hey, I remember what that orb did very clearly. You're my husband, and I am NOT taking chances with something unknown like this."

Daniel rolled his eyes and sighed as he addressed the others in the room, "He gets like this sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Megan asked.

"Okay, all the time."

"Understandable, Doctor Jackson," the General smiled at Jack, who still had one hand on Daniel and one eye on the object.

"Jack, at ease," Daniel teased.

Jack sighed his response, "It's just ... you know."

"Yes, I do, but calm down," turning back to Megan, "so, what were you saying Megan?"

"Well, the device gave off similar readings, but to a smaller extent. My point was that maybe it is some kind of communication device, and we just need to figure out how to tap into it."

"Could be. We should ..." Daniel started to walk over towards the table, but Jack pulled him back.

Daniel glared, but Jack shook his head, and his eyes spoke loudly. Daniel sighed as he turned back towards Hammond and Megan.

"Read Sam's report about the EM stuff. That's not really my area of expertise, but there might be something there that could help, and whatever you do, if it starts to do anything, stand back."

Daniel smiled, as he looked at Jack.

"He's going to yell at me when we get home, but it's okay, because we'll be home, alive, and in one piece," Jack smiled as he finished his sentence.

"Thanks for coming by, Daniel. I was really stuck, but now, I think I know where to look."

"My pleasure, Megan."

Jack, Daniel, and Hammond exited Megan's office. The three chatted for a while until the General had a briefing to attend. As the couple headed for the elevators, the klaxons sounded, and the SGC became a bevy of quickly moving personnel. Jack and Daniel exchanged a look as they watched the Marines hurrying into position.

"Why not?" Jack laughed, so the two went to the control room just in time to see the kawoosh of the Stargate.

Seconds later, SG-8 returned from a mission. Jack and Daniel watched the usual return greetings, and the team members adjusting to being back on Earth, taking off their helmets and the like. Almost too soon, the gate room was quiet again.

"Let's go home, Jack."

Jack nodded, and the two left the facility, a bit sad they were no longer traveling through the Stargate. As they got into Daniel's Silver Fox, they looked at each other and exchanged smiles.

"I wouldn't go back for anything, Danny. I love our life. We did our time, and it was great, but this," Jack kissed Daniel tenderly, "this is everything to me now."

"Me, too."

"Home, Angel. We need to take care of that business stuff."

"Yeah, we have a lot of decisions to finalize."

The couple spent several hours reviewing the paperwork and coming to agreements about their new franchise. They decided to go ahead and set up an internship with the University that would allow two archaeology or anthropology majors to work for them in various capacities, including going on occasional digs. They also finalized an offer they wanted to make to Megan, hoping to "steal" her away from the SGC.

"She's good, Jack. We'd be lucky to have her, and she'd be worth the extra money."

"I agree. I trust her, and she's got a good level head on her shoulders. The extra investment in securing her as part of J-O would pay off in the long run. Do you think she'll do it?"

"She might. She's indicated an interest. Let's make her the offer."

"Agreed."

The two sealed their agreement with a kiss.

"Geez, I love it when we finalize a decision." Daniel laughed. "Let's decide to finalize all our decisions with a kiss."

"Okay."

"Deal." They kissed again. "All kisses to last a duration of no less than sixty seconds."

"Okay."

"Deal," Jack said, and then they kissed again.

"And ..."

"Jack, we really need to get this done."

"Agreed." Jack grinned, and Daniel kissed him again.

"You are incorrigible, and I love you, but we need to get this done, and no we aren't kissing again ... yet."

"Okay, back to J-O business, and then ... monkey business," Jack said, winking at his lover.

Daniel laughed yet again.

"We need to decide on a logo so we can start printing a letterhead and brochures."

"I like this one."

"Yes, I know, and no we're not using that one."

"But, Danny, it's ... cute!"

"This is a business, Jack, not a ... children's club."

"Angel, this will get people to remember us."

"Yes, to remember to steer clear."

"Let's try it out."

"No way, Jack."

"Danny!"

"Jack, I should never have let you keep that boonie bear in the first place."

"Look at him, Angel ... he's wearing the boonie, has a little pack of equipment, a little video recorder, and a shovel. He's an ... Archaeology Bear if I ever saw one!"

Daniel shook his head, pulling out a different design. He spoke firmly, "Look at this one ... very classy and ..."

"... boring! Anyone can do initials. Trust me ... the bear will work like wildfire."

"Jack ... no ... N - O ... Nooooooooo."

Daniel stood up from the table, walked over towards the fish, and stared at them, folding his arms.

Jack walked up behind him, and pulled the younger man into him. Kissing Daniel's nape first, Jack worked his way up to Daniel's right earlobe.

"Jack, no fair."

"I haven't said a word."

"Exactly." Daniel turned around and kissed his spouse enthusiastically. "You drive me crazy sometimes."

"Isn't it great?"

"Have I mentioned that you're incorrigible, Jack? Gawd, a boonie bear?"

"He's cute, an eye-catcher. Customers will remember us because of the bear."

Daniel ran his hand along Jack's chest.

"You just want to look at it all the time."

"I have you, the one and only original Boonie Bear!"

"Jack," Daniel sighed the name of his lover. "You really want the bear, don't you?"

"Danny, I know it seems silly to you, but I'm not just fighting for the bear to be ... silly. People love gimmicks, and we're just starting out. We need something to grab people's attention."

"But it's not like we're advertising on TV, Jack. This isn't that Snuggle product or rabbit in a tuxedo. This is a serious operation ... with scholars."

"You're a scholar, Daniel. Are you going to tell me you wouldn't remember that bear if you saw it?"

"I'd remember, but the question is would I take it seriously?"

Daniel sighed, opting to lean into Jack, who held him in his arms. It was a strange way to do business, but it was working for them.

"Okay, we'll do the initial thing if that's what you want," Jack conceded.

"No, we'll do the bear."

"You don't want the bear."

"Jack, it's not what I want ... or you ... it's what we want."

"And that would be?"

"For J-O to become a presence, to gain a reputation that is honorable and respectable ... and for that to happen, we have to get the word out. You're right ... they'll remember the bear."

"But like you said, will it be the right kind of remembering?"

"It'll get them to look at the brochure, to read the bios, and maybe make a call; and then, it's up to us to prove ourselves, that we deserve their business."

"You sure, Danny?"

"I love you."

"Forever and always, My Love," Jack whispered as he kissed Daniel again.

"The initials won't make them open the letter; that dang bear will," Daniel laughed, "if only to see who the crazy people are who would use a ... boonie bear as a symbol. The brochure and letter has to reel them in, Jack ... they have to be totally professional, and show why they should call J-O and not one of our competitors."

"And that would be your department, Love. You're the best negotiator I know."

"This isn't a negotiation."

"Isn't it? Think about it. The bear gets them to open the paperwork, and now we're negotiating for their time. You have to convince them that it's worth their while to keep reading, and then to pick up the phone and make that call. It's one of the most important negotiations you'll ever conduct."

"My genius," Daniel laughed, causing Jack to laugh as well.

"What else do we have to decide today?"

"Whether or not to make love right here or go upstairs?"

Jack grinned as he placed an O'Neill Special on his husband, making Daniel moan as he forgot that anything other than his husband existed in the universe. The two sank to the floor, and that answered that question.

Two days later, Jack and Daniel each had busy days planned. Daniel had an AM meeting with a friend who was particularly good at publishing, someone he felt could help him prepare a high quality brochure for J-O Enterprises. After that, it was his turn to go grocery shopping, and then he needed to take his blue suit to the cleaners. He also had an afternoon appointment in Denver with the heads of the Archaeology and Anthropology Departments at the University to finalize their agreement over the internships.

Jack's morning meeting was with a contractor about the remodeling project that was scheduled to begin soon. He wanted to make sure they understood the time frame for getting the work done, and the quality of materials Jack and Daniel wanted. Both men were all too aware that today's industry standards were often yesterday's sub-standards.

After that appointment, he needed to go by the pet store to get a new supply of dog treats for Bijou and Katie as well as a new supply of food for the fish since they had run out recently. Jack also had to go by the bank to check out alternatives for the J-O bank account. If he had time to play with, he had promised Lou Ferretti that he'd drop by and visit for a while since Lou was on downtime for a few days and had made some new improvements on the Monstermobile, his large, modified truck.

"Have a good day, Love."

"You, too!"

Jack and Daniel kissed at the door and then left to take care of business. By the time they arrived home that night, they were tired, though their business meetings had all been fruitful and productive. After dinner, the couple took their dogs for a walk and spent some time with the beagles, mindful that they'd been preoccupied a lot with business over the last few days, so it was important for them to give their girls some quality time.

Then, they reviewed the results of the day, comparing notes, going over new ideas, and working through various obstacles they'd encountered. They relaxed on the sofa, secure in each other's arms for a bit as they listened to some soothing music, romantic instrumentals that carried their spirits away to peaceful, exotic locales. After that, they had planned to do some light cleaning around the house ... but both had fallen asleep, not waking until Bijou pawed at them to go outside.

"Oh geez," Jack yawned, realizing they had fallen asleep.

"Bed," Daniel said.

"Oh yeah, without a doubt."

"Sleep," Daniel said, almost as a warning.

"Who's arguing?"

Jack laughed as he let the girls outside and locked up the house. Daniel had sat down on the bottom of the stairs and was beginning to slump over to his side.

"Just wait until the baby comes. You haven't seen anything until a baby changes your world ... and your definition of sleep."

"Baby ... baby," Daniel smiled, a big wide contemplative smile, "Our baby."

"Ours," Jack pulled his lover up. "Let's go to bed."

"Bed," Daniel sighed as Jack chuckled and led his husband upstairs to their bed.

"Okay. So ..." Jack swallowed a spoonful of oatmeal as he stared down at the diagram that lay on the table between he and Daniel, "we put the nursery right next to the master bedroom and we add another room on to it, so that as they get older, we can convert the nursery into a regular room and each of the kids has their own place."

Daniel chewed a bite of waffle as he studied the plan.

"What about the roof deck? Do we still have space to put something beyond the second room?"

"Oh yeah, that's a must. It'll be smaller, but we don't need much space ... just a place for us to snuggle and a corner for the telescope."

"Good, then we're ready to go. Can they start soon?"

Jack nodded and then sipped some apple juice, starting to talk almost before he had it all swallowed.

"In two weeks, and they know the timeline. Weather predictions are good, so they should be able to get it done."

"Good. We're cutting it a little short. We always think we have forever," Daniel commented.

"That's because we do, Angel." Jack met his husband's smile, their eyes shining, their nonverbal communication speaking loudly. "Oh, and Danny, cost-wise, it makes more sense to have them go ahead and do the rest of the work now. It's not like our plans will change."

"What other work?"

"For the older kids. They all need their own place; it's important to older children."

"The garage, and I think we should add the second bathroom attached to it."

Daniel nodded his consent, lifting his fork to take a bite of scrambled egg.

"And the study," Jack added before finishing off his oatmeal.

"Study?" Daniel asked, putting down his fork. "What about the study?"

"Each kid needs their own space, so one can have the room over the garage, and we can convert the study for the other, maybe extend it a little."

"No, Jack. The study is your place, just like I have the den."

"Our kids need space. I can just hang out with you," Jack winked, "it's what I normally do anyway!"

"No. Jack, you need to have your own ... space," Daniel sighed, "for the Neo-Ritual and your Flight Nights and ... and just for your crappy fish stuff!"

"Crappy fish stuff?"

"You know what I mean!"

Jack laughed at his linguist's choice of words.

"The kids are more important."

"Jack!"

"Daniel, it's a done deal. We don't want to move so we don't have a choice without giving up the garage, and I don't think we can do that. Hey, what did Megan say?"

Daniel was frustrated. He just hated it when Jack didn't hear him, and this was one of those times. He wanted to scream, but he knew it wouldn't do any good. Agitated, Daniel tossed his napkin onto the table, crossed his arms, and walked over to the fish tank. He sighed, only half listening to Jack who had ignored the fact that Daniel hadn't answered his question about Megan and was now rambling on about how he had loved having his own room as a child.

Daniel opened the drawer, remembering that the feeder was empty, but instead of the new box of fish food he was expecting to find, he found nothing but ... space!

"Jack, where's the fish food?"

"In the drawer where it always is."

"The new box ... that you got yesterday?" Daniel turned to face his lover.

"New box?" Jack sighed. "I thought all we needed was dog food."

"Jack, I specifically told you to get the food for the fish. I told you three times, AND it was on the list."

"I didn't look at the list," Jack responded as he stood and carried their dishes into the kitchen, rinsing them off and placing them in the dishwasher.

Daniel was hot, hotter than the breakfast they had just eaten. Jack was always talking about "our" fish, but he never wanted to take care of them.

"How could you be so absentminded, Jack? They're ... OUR fish! They rely on us, and now ... now, they're going to starve!"

"They aren't going to starve. We'll just go get some now."

"We? No ... WE won't, Jack, but YOU will!"

"Daniel, I can't do it. I have meetings. You know that."

"And so do I!"

"They're your fish!" Jack saw the hurt and anger that flashed across Daniel's face as that barb hit home. Crap!

"They're supposed to be OUR fish! Is this what you're going to do with our children, Jack? Sorry, that one is yours so, oops, out of baby food. Guess it'll be okay."

"Danny, don't be ridiculous."

"I'm NOT, Jack. They are living creatures, and they need nourishment just like we do, and if you can't take that seriously, what assurance do I have that you'll take the responsibilities of being a parent seriously?"

"What assurance do you have?" Jack asked incredulously. "Oh, for ... Daniel, in case you've forgotten, I've already been a father, so I guess I know a bit more about being a parent than you do."

"Are you saying that you're worried about my ability to be a father?"

"Oh for Heaven's sake, Danny. Stop twisting what I say."

"I haven't twisted anything. Just because you've been a father doesn't mean you know everything."

"Well, I sure don't seem to know as much as you do, but then, of course, according to Saint Daniel, I never have."

"Stop acting like a child. You made a mistake. How about owning up to it for once so that we can move on."

"Own up to it and move on? I forgot to buy fish food. It's hardly a major crime now, is it?"

"No, but it shows that you pick your priorities, and the rest can all go hang. Admit it! You don't like fish."

"I love fish ... especially when they're hanging from the end of my rod."

"Oh. YOU'RE really sharp today, Jack. Make sure you don't cut yourself. And correct me if I'm wrong, but when have you ever had a fish hanging from the end of your rod? Pity you didn't use some of that sharp wit to REMEMBER TO BUY THE FISH FOOD!"

"That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"No, I don't! You say over and over they are our fish, but whenever it comes to being responsible, you aren't!"

"Hey, I got the feeder AND the new bigger tank," Jack said defensively, as if buying the gifts should be enough.

"So ... you buy the Pampers, but you don't have to change the babies? Or you pay for the books, but don't need to help them learn?"

"Daniel, you are blowing this way out of proportion!"

"YOU SAID YOU'D GET THE FISH FOOD!"

"WELL, I FORGOT. So SUE me!"

"If I thought you'd learn from it, I would!"

"Oh great, sued by my own husband!"

"And I'd win!"

"And don't you just love to do that? You have to win every argument. Heaven forbid the great Daniel Jackson should EVER be wrong!"

"O'Neill!"

"What?"

"Jackson-O'Neill ... at least that's supposed to be my name."

"It is ... geez, Danny, you're taking this way over the edge!"

"I am NOT! I asked you to do something, and you put us through all of this, and for what? NOTHING!"

"Daniel, I am NOT the one who is turning the little, teeny tiny mound of dirt into the frigginest highest mountain ever created! Geez, the genius Doctor Jackson," Jack paused and grunted, "Doctor Jackson-O'Neill versus the ever dumb Colonel Jackson-O'Neill ..."

"General."

"What? Oh, yeah. I forgot. Old habits." Jack paused, wondering if the argument would end, but he could tell from Daniel's posture it was far from over. "As I was saying, the genius versus the General."

"Excuse me, but you're a genius, too."

"Don't start, Daniel."

"Truth hurt, Jack? Or maybe the lie?"

"Okay, do you really want to bring all that up again? I thought you understood?"

"I ... do. Okay, back track."

"Fine. Rewinding. As I was saying, the genius versus the General. No contest is there? I couldn't possibly know more about something than you ... even if my IQ is in the genius range."

"I thought you didn't want to bring that up?"

"I didn't, but you brought it up first."

"Fine. For a genius, you certainly don't know how to read a shopping list, and I still think it was mighty convenient the way you managed to keep that genius of yours hidden for years."

"Grrrrrrr!," Jack grunted loudly, "Oh, for crying out loud, it's FISH FOOD!"

"For OUR fish, so you keep telling me."

"Stubborn," Jack said, turning his back to make sure the girls were still safely out of hearing range of the unexpected fight.

"Selfish!"

"IRRATIONAL!" Jack retaliated.

"IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNTRUSTWORTHY ... and I'm going now," Daniel stated sharply as he took out his keys and headed for the door, stopping in the hallway closet to get his jacket and put it on.

"That's right, run away again. Geez, that's SO true to form. The minute things get bumpy, you run. Very mature ... Doctor."

"Oh, shut up, Jack, and give your brain a rest before it collapses from exhaustion. I'm not running out, I'm walking out before you say something that pushes me out."

"Where are you going?"

"OUT. I have things to do, and now I have to stop and get fish food, too, something you PROMISED to do, so that they don't die. Have a good day, Jack," Daniel said, hurrying out the door and slamming it behind him.

"Oh, for crying out loud." Jack ran his fingers through his hair and growled loudly. "Sometimes, Daniel Jackson-O'Neill, you can be IMPOSSIBLE to live with."

Jack plopped down in his favorite chair and continued to mumble about the stubbornness of his lover.

Several hours later, Daniel stood at the counter at PetSmart paying for a box of their favorite fish food. He sighed as he carried it out to his car, and then gently slid onto the seat, locking the door and turning on the radio. He closed his eyes.

The young man felt awful. Their fight had been ridiculous, just as Jack had said it was. He wondered why he and Jack fought so much, considering how much they loved each other. Then, he smiled. Love always won out.

Daniel started the Silver Fox, intending to head home, anxious to see his husband and resolve their latest disagreement, but he found himself heading to their private paradise instead, the little place beyond Cheyenne Mountain that was part of Pike's Peak.

Daniel locked his car and went for a walk, replaying the latest in a long line of arguments with Jack that he'd had over the years. Just as he got to his favorite spot, the open meadow where they usually sat and made love whenever they visited the place, he heard noises.

Daniel smiled, seeing Sara and Mark with their little daughter, Angela. He watched for quite a while, and considered saying "hello" but finally, he turned around and quietly walked back the way he came.

Two minutes later, Daniel heard a voice.

"So you're just going to watch and not say 'hi'? I don't think so, Daniel Jackson-O'Neill."

Daniel turned and smiled.

"Hi, Sara. I just ... didn't want to interrupt."

Sara moved towards Daniel and hugged him.

"You could never interrupt, Daniel. You know that. You're family now."

"I'm not sure anyone would believe that, even on one of those irrational reality TV shows."

Sara put her arm through Daniel's as they continued to walk towards his car. She told him all the latest family news and proudly ranted about Angela's accomplishments, before suddenly changing gears.

"What did he do, Daniel?" Sara asked.

"Who? What?"

"Daniel, I was married to him, remember. What did Jack do ... or not do, as the case may be?"

"Oh," Daniel took a deep breath as they continued to walk. "He forgot to buy fish food."

"Daniel?"

"Yes?"

Sara stopped, still holding the young man's arm.

"What did Jack do?"

Daniel couldn't help but smile. Somehow, they truly had become some strange extended family, and it never ceased to amaze him how easily Sara had accepted him.

"You know about our remodeling plans?"

"Yes."

"Jack ... he ... Sara he wouldn't, absolutely refused to let us do anything to the den to give us more space, and now he wants to redo the study as a room for one of the older kids."

"And you don't want that?"

"No, I don't."

"Why?"

"Because everyone needs a sanctuary. It's why he wouldn't let us touch the den. Sara, that study has always been Jack's spot to do ... whatever Jack does. I mean, it's his. It always has been. He won't have anyplace just for him if we do this."

Sara pulled Daniel along with a tug of his arm so that they continued to walk again.

"And I take it Jack doesn't understand your point of view?"

"Not at all. He's so darn stubborn."

"And you're not?" Sara chuckled, her eyes getting at yet another truth.

"Gawd, when did you get to know me so well?"

"I'm not sure. Daniel, there's a bit more to this, though, isn't there? I can't tell you why, but I sense there's something else."

Daniel let out a whiff of air and looked anxiously around the forested area.

"Sara, even before Jack and I were lovers, he was doing things for me. He's always doing things for me. I never know what I'll find when I walk in the door. Sometimes, it's just ... breakfast. You know, my favorites, but things he hates, and sometimes ... gawd, sometimes it's a sports car."

"Wow! Jack gave you the Silver Fox?"

Daniel nodded shyly.

"But I paid him back. It's kind of a long story."

"I'd love to hear that one sometime. I had to beg to get a rundown VW from him once."

"I'm ... sorry," Daniel said hesitantly, suddenly afraid that maybe he shouldn't be talking so freely to Jack's ex-wife.

"Goodness, no, Daniel, I didn't mean it like that. It was a different time and a very different situation. Besides, you and I are two very different realities for Jack. Now, you were about to tell me more about what really has you upset."

"It's just that sometimes it feels like it's all about me, and it shouldn't be. Gawd, Sara, Jack deserves as much spoiling if not more than I do, but it's always him doing this or that, giving something, doing something, taking us somewhere ... and a lot of the time, it's what I want, not what he wants. I mean, I try to make sure we do things for him, but he makes it so freakin' hard sometimes, and then, just when I think maybe we're on some kind of even ground, he ..."

"Even ground?"

"We just bought a plane."

"Oh, my! I'll bet he's happy about that."

"You should see him flying Jo. Um, that's what we call her -- Jo. He's so at peace up there, so ... serene. It's ... Sara, I swear, it's not about he does something for me, so I have to equal it. I swear that's not it. It's just ... you have no idea what he's done for me, how he's ... how ... he's changed my life. I want Jack to have the same peace and serenity I have now. I don't want him to keep sacrificing himself. He's always giving up things for me."

"And giving up the study is just the latest and ..."

"And it's too much, and I won't let him do it."

Daniel pulled away from Sara, needing space.

"Daniel, remember when we met?"

"Um, yes. The ... hospital."

"You know, I still don't understand that. I know you do, and Jack, of course, and I'm not asking you to tell me what that was really all about, but when Jack came by the next day to try and explain it away, he talked a lot about you. Most of it went in one ear and out the other. Frankly, I thought Jack and I still had a chance at that point, but ... what I remember is that he mentioned your background, just briefly, and that it had been a bit ... tough, sad."

Sara closed the gap of several feet that Daniel had put between them.

"And then," Sara laughed, "Jack told me this story about something that had happened a few nights before. He said he had conned you into watching a hockey game at the house, but that you then tried to get him to watch something on A&E. He said you two started to argue, and he threw a pillow at you, and then one thing led to another, and you ended up in a tickling match, on the floor, along with your beers, the pizza, and the remote control, which ended up ..."

"... in the beer," Daniel said at the same time as Sara.

"He loves to make you laugh, Daniel. When he told me that story, he said it was the first time he had heard you really laugh. What I've learned since, after the wedding and all, is that he lives for your smile and that sound of laughter. In fact, the day I found out about you two ... here," Sara looked around the forestry area, her hands motioning all around, "he told me that his mission was to make you laugh and smile, words he repeated when he spoke his wedding vows."

Daniel couldn't help but smile at the mention of their wedding. It had been perfect, an intimate affair with only a scattered few of their friends in attendance, and thinking about that day actually made him shiver in delight for just a moment.

"Daniel, he can't help wanting you to have all the things he can give you that, in his mind, make up a little bit for all those years of sadness. Jack wants you to have it all, and what you need to understand, is that by giving you everything he can, it makes him happy. I've seen it."

"Are you saying I should let him give up the study?"

"No, I think you're right about that, but what I'm saying is that you need to be aware that you truly are Jack's happiness, and you shouldn't feel guilty about the things he does for you. Daniel, that husband of yours, is happy now. He's at peace, and that's all because of you. How can anything the two of you do in your lives be bad with a result like that?"

Daniel found himself hugging Sara, a simple act that for years had seemed so difficult for him to do without tensing.

"Gawd, I normally don't do this," he said aloud, surprising himself.

"I know, and I feel honored to be included in your life."

"You're just like Jack. You bulldozed your way in."

Sara laughed gaily as she responded, "And that's why Jack and I got along so well."

The two smiled, and Sara spoke again, "I should get back to Mark and Angela. When are you two coming over for dinner again?"

"The next time Jack's supposed to cook?"

Sara laughed again.

"Mark and I will look at the calendar and give you a call, but tell Jack that next time, he cannot tell Angela stories about monsters with glowing eyes and mechanical sounding voices. Honestly, I don't know where he comes up with these strange ideas!"

Nodding, the young man gave Sara another hug, and said, "I'll tell him, and thanks, Sara."

"I'll call!" Sara called out as she began to jog back towards the area where her family was.

Daniel walked to his car and got in, remembering again about all the love that he and Jack shared. He'd find a way to get through to his husband about the study, and it wouldn't be through another argument.

Meanwhile, at the house, Jack had been following through with his own plans. He smiled at the arrangement. Everything was in place. All he needed was Daniel.

Jack sat in his chair again and looked over at the fish.

"Stop staring at me. I said I was sorry, didn't I?"

"Woof!" Bijou seemed to chastise him.

"Okay, I was ... wrong. Satisfied?"

"Woof! Woof!"

Bijou walked proudly over to her beanbag and lay down next to her puppy.

"Can't get anything over on you, can I?" Jack chided gently, smiling a second later.

Then, Jack heard the key in the lock. He grinned as he stood and headed for the door.

"Hey," Jack said as he grabbed Daniel quickly, scooping him up for a kiss.

Daniel had been unprepared for the welcome, the bag holding the food for the fish dropping to the ground. He moaned softly as the passion of the kiss enveloped him, his arms soon reaching up around Jack's neck as his tongue tried to reach the furthermost parts of Jack's mouth.

"Gawd, I love you," Daniel gasped at the earliest opportunity.

"Now that's what I like to hear," Jack quipped.

Daniel raised his eyebrows.

"That's it? That's all you have to say?"

"I love you, too," Jack laughed, placing a quick kiss on his lover's lips and then motioning towards the patio, "Come on."

"Jack, I need to feed the fish," Daniel spoke as he picked up the bag, beginning to get frustrated all over again.

The young man walked to the tank and took out the box, and then he stopped and sighed.

"Got it first thing this morning, right after you left," Jack said proudly.

"Thank you," Daniel responded softly, putting the box he had purchased inside the drawer, next to the box Jack had purchased earlier in the day.

"Take off your coat. In fact, go change if you want. We have ... plans."

"Jack, I don't want to go out."

"We aren't."

Daniel sighed as he stared at the fish for a few moments. He loved this husband of his, but sometimes, he wondered why, especially when Jack could act like nothing had happened, even making "plans" for them before they had made up ... that is, he wondered why he loved Jack so much until he remembered all the love and goodness inside the man who could make him scream within ten seconds, and then make him smile, full of happiness.

Shaking his head at his own internal conflict, Daniel headed upstairs to change out of his business attire into something more comfortable.

"Jack? Jack, where are you?" Daniel called out when he came back downstairs after taking a quick shower and changing clothes.

"Hey, Beautiful! Up here!" Jack responded, peering over the roof deck towards the house.

Daniel climbed the ladder slowly and started to stretch for a second when he arrived at the top, but he stopped mid-stretch when the sight he beheld sank in.

Standing on the other side of the deck was Jack, wearing a silver shirt made of silk, black pants, and the most gorgeous grin Daniel had ever seen. The roof deck was beautifully decorated with Chinese lanterns hung artfully overhead, which Daniel knew had to have taken some work. Jack had apparently used some poles and accessories to string the lanterns.

Candlelight illuminated a small table, with food, Daniel assumed, under several silver trays.

The sound of ocean waves filled the air. Daniel looked around and saw the sound device that was normally kept in his den. It could be set to a variety of nature's sounds and noises, including the ocean. Adding to the atmosphere, a Celine Dion CD was playing softly in the background.

"Oh, Jack," Daniel said softly, prompting his husband to approach him.

"I love you, Danny," Jack said before kissing the man who not only owned his heart, but was his heart.

Daniel relaxed against Jack's strong hold, feeling truly calm for the first time in two days.

"Daniel, I'm sorry. I should have gotten the food for the fish, but I forgot, and the truth is, I felt stupid for forgetting. I love our fish, and they ARE our fish and ... I'll even clean out the tank next time."

Daniel chuckled his response -- "I'm going to hold you to that!"

"You do that. And I'm sorry for whatever else I said in the heat of battle this morning. Geez, Danny, you're my world. Sometimes, I just get my hackles in an uproar over nothing."

"I'm sorry, too, Jack. I was miserable all day knowing we fought like that. Besides, you were right. I did blow it out of proportion."

Jack kissed Daniel on the forehead and then moved back a bit.

"But Danny, you weren't angry about the fish, were you? I've thought about this all day, and I swear I don't know what else it was, but I have a hard time believing you got that angry with me that quickly about the feed."

Daniel leaned in again, his head tucked down against Jack's left shoulder. His hands moved from their current position of clinging to the silk fabric that caressed Jack's chest to around the older man's neck. Daniel pulled Jack to him, as he moved his head to look beyond his husband's shoulder at the Chinese lanterns. He held Jack tight, and then he sighed deeply. Backing up a tad to look at Jack, Daniel admitted the truth.

"You're right, and Jack, I mean this. It's important. Listen to me, okay? When I was a boy, I was lucky if I had a cot to sleep on. A bed? I was doing good, and if that bed was bigger than a twin and had a warm bedspread on it, I was really doing well; and the real prize was if that bed was someplace clean, warm and safe."

Daniel turned and looked around the roof deck, walking a couple of feet away as he did so, and then he turned back to look at Jack.

"Jack, our kids are going to have love. It's what you told me a long time ago that they needed most, and you're right. We're not exactly destitute here, and they ... they'll have things, and a roof over their heads and ... and lots of love. Jack, they don't each need to have their own room. If we had the space, that would be one thing, but we don't, and I ... I ..." Daniel stopped, his eyes filling with moisture, something Jack saw.

Not able to stand back, Jack moved to Daniel, his hands reaching out to hold his husband's as he listened. Daniel smiled at the contact and continued.

"Jack, I love my den, and I remember when we first started talking about remodeling I said maybe we should give it up, but you wouldn't. You insisted that I needed a space for 'me' time. You're right. I do. Everyone does, including you."

"The study," Jack said softly, finally understanding.

"I want you to keep the study .... just like it is. It's your place, for when you need to get away from me, and ..."

"I never need to get away from you, Angel!"

"Yes, you do. Jack ... gawd, I love you, but as close as we are, sometimes we both drive each other up the wall. We both need a place to retreat, to relax, and to remind us why we're so good together. I have my den with my ... rocks," Daniel smiled at his choice of words, "and history records, and you have your study with your Air Force things and fishing stuff and ... whatever you want. It's important, Jack. I just ... gawd, I just can't deal with you acting like you aren't as important as me or the children ... because you are. You are so important!"

Jack smiled and nodded, and leaned in for a kiss, his hands still gently holding Daniel's.

"Okay, so they share a room. I guess it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world."

"They might whine, but we can handle it."

"Thank you, Angel, for loving me so much."

After another kiss, Jack pointed to their meal, one of Daniel's favorite Chinese dishes. They ate slowly as they enjoyed each other's company and contemplated their future together with their growing family.

Knowing what the next song was, Jack stood and reached out his hand. With a smile on his face, Jack asked softly, "May I have this dance?"

Daniel glowed as he took his husband's hand and stood up. They moved together as one body, holding on to each other.

"Our song," Daniel said softly as Celine's "Because You Loved Me" circulated around them.

"It was the best day, Danny."

"The best," Daniel agreed as the two danced smoothly together until the music subsided.

Jack took his hand and put it up to Daniel's left cheek and caressed, "My Angel. Whatever I did to deserve you, I'll never know."

"I'm not so much."

"You're everything and more." Jack engulfed his husband's mouth in a warm kiss, one filled with the promise of more to come. "Want some more wine?" he asked.

Daniel nodded and sat down on one of the chairs. Jack pulled the small table to the side, and then poured his lover a glass of St. Julien's, which Daniel sipped with pleasure.

"You're so good to me, Jack. Gawd, one day we were at a wine tasting and all I said was ..."

"Gawd, this is the best stuff I've ever had. I wish I could have it every day," Jack quoted the line, word for word.

Daniel gaped in astonishment. That's exactly what he had said, years ago. The young man smiled, blocking a near blush from being cared about so much.

"From that day, we've always had this in the house. I never asked you for it, never expected it, but ... it's always here. Always," Daniel said softly.

"And it always will be ... because you love it."

"I love you," Daniel said, his voice filled with assurance and gratitude. "You spoil me, Jack ... way too much."

Jack was standing a couple feet away, sipping his own glass of the wine. Hearing Daniel's words, he put down his glass and nodded.

"And that's something that I will never stop doing."

"You shouldn't, Jack. I mean ... I only need you, not all the ..." Daniel looked away, not sure how to continue, but then Jack made a move that surprised him, sending his thoughts running.

Jack knelt down on one knee in front of Daniel and took his hand. When he spoke, his voice was soft, but sure.

"Don't you understand, Daniel? Seeing you smile or hearing you laugh ... knowing I've done something to ... make you feel special or loved, geez, Angel, that fills me up, gives me life, makes me ... makes me feel like I'm alive. Spoiling you ... that's my mission in life, and no matter how many kids we have, or what we do in the future, I will never stop trying to give you everything I can, even if it does seem like I go overboard sometimes."

"I love you, Jack," Daniel leaned down to kiss his spouse.

It was a kiss filled with love and promises for the future, a kiss so intense that their toes curled in response.

"Danny," Jack looked into his love's sparkling blue eyes, eyes that told Jack just how loved he himself was, "I ... I told you once that while you are busy protecting the rest of the world, I would go on protecting you, making you smile and laugh because you have the most incredible, wonderful laugh. It makes my heart sing to hear you. I promised you that I'd keep you laughing, and that I'd protect you, and ... that no matter what, we're forever because, well, like I always say, together we're unbeatable."

"Jack ..."

"Shh, your crazy husband who hates words has a few to say, so ... shh, Angel," Jack smiled, as did Daniel. "Forever and always, Danny; the circle of our love never ends. I don't know what you see in me, but I thank the heavens you see whatever it is, because I couldn't live without you, not for a day. You're my heart, my soul, my life."

Jack saw the recognition of his words in Daniel's eyes. The words were familiar.

"Yeah, I said those exact words during our wedding. It was the best day of my life. I said that no matter what happened in our future, it would be a paradise, and geez, Danny, it is. Every day, it just gets better and better. I love you so friggin' much."

Jack took a breath and kissed his lover's hands, and then he looked up and smiled.

"Daniel Jackson-O'Neill, you are my universe, and I want the world to know it. I love you. Will you marry me ... again?"

Daniel blinked in surprise. He should have known it was coming, but somehow, he had missed it. He'd thought Jack was just being ... romantic, as he so often was.

"Again?" was all he managed to get out.

"Remember? We promised Teal'c and Hammond a big wedding they could be a part of, so that all our friends we couldn't tell or let share in our day, could come and ... see how much and how well we belong together. Marry me, Danny?"

"Gawd, yes," Daniel said, a tear falling from his left eye just as Jack leaned up to kiss him.

"Here, I got us something," Jack said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his gift.

"I don't want to ruin anything, Love, but gawd, I hope those aren't rings. I just couldn't take this off, Jack," Daniel looked down at his golden wedding band.

"Oh, Angel, you think I could? I admit I gave it a moment's thought ... and that's about it ... a moment, because I remembered that you gave this to me. You put in on my finger, and the last time we did that, it really was forever, and it's not coming off."

Daniel exhaled a relaxing breath, relieved he and his heart were on the same page, and then he focused on the box, curious what was inside.

"So, what did you come up with?"

"Ah, now you're curious!"

"Well, yeah!"

"Geez, how I do love you! Here," Jack said after a pause, handing his husband the black velvet box.

Daniel took it and opened it slowly. Jack focused on the young man's eyes to see his reaction, and he wasn't disappointed. Daniel lit up.

"Perfect. It's beautiful, Jack."

"Not real original, but ... it's something we can wear with anything and ... well, it says ..."

"...that we belong to each other. I love you so much," Daniel said, lifting out the small lapel pins.

The pins were twenty-four karat gold, a simple elegant joining of their initials, "J" and "D" linked together by a decorative line. Each was only three-quarters of an inch high and about a half-inch wide, so it would be appropriate for virtually any type of attire without standing out too much.

"I figured we could wear them on our lapels or shirt pockets or even inside our jackets, just depending on where we are and ... you know."

"Yeah, sometimes we still have to be careful. Gawd, I hate that. Jack, I just don't understand why people ... don't understand us. Why do they think it's wrong to ... love whomever it is you fall in love with? I'll never understand why society tries to make us feel ... out of place."

"I don't know, Danny. Laws are changing ... slowly, and yet for every step forward, there seems to be a step backwards. I don't know that we'll ever see the human race really comes to term with ... us," Jack shrugged, "But we have our love, and we're going to have our family soon. We'll do the best we can."

"It's not going to be easy on them, Jack," Daniel said sadly, his hands fidgeting with the box.

"No, it won't, and we can't lie to ourselves about that. We've talked about it before, but ... sometimes we ..."

"...don't want to think about it," Daniel said, sharing a smile with Jack. "We get so wrapped up in how happy we are that we forget we're ... gawd ..."

"... different," Jack finished, "but it's okay, Danny. No life is easy. Look at you. Look at Carter. Neither one of you had the beautiful childhood that the fairy tales make us all want. Our children are going to have to face some tough times, and we're going to have to watch them, be a bit more vigilant in some ways than others, but they'll have an advantage, Daniel."

"Us!" Daniel said with a grin, "and all the love we have to give them."

"You got it!"

"These are beautiful, Jack. No matter where we are, we can wear them ... somewhere. I can't wait to marry you again."

Jack leaned forward and kissed Daniel again. As he moved, he gently took the box from his lover's hands and put it safely aside. He would have put them on, but where the two were headed, clothes and accessories were a hindrance.

Jack was on both knees now as he arched up to devour his lover's mouth, and then moved to kiss his neck, planting a small line of kisses from just below the ear to under Daniel's chin at his Adam's apple. Daniel's hands were roaming all over, going from Jack's hair, fingers walking through the thin strands to behind Jack's neck and then onto the older man's shoulders.

"Love you, Angel," Jack said as Daniel leaned back to give Jack more room.

"Love you, Jack ... gawd, wish I had the words," Daniel sighed at the same moment that Jack began to unbutton the younger man's brown shirt, placing kisses on Daniel's chest with each button opening.

Daniel was already quivering at Jack's kisses and the touches from the hands that had always held him so securely. For a moment, Daniel thought about the hands that were caressing his abdomen and slowly moving downwards. They were hands of courage and strength. They'd both loved and protected him. Jack's touch, Jack's hands, were warm and inviting.

For just a second, Daniel remembered the touch that had started them on their adventure together ... the sensation of Jack's hand on Daniel's right cheek aboard the Goa'uld Mother ship. Daniel shivered as he remembered.

"You cold? Wanna go inside?"

"No," Daniel leaned over and cupped Jack's face and kissed him. "I was just remembering."

"And that made you shiver?"

Daniel's hands moved down and took Jack's in his. Jack was a little surprised. They had been en route to a whopper of a love session and now they seemed strangely ... in need of just ... warmth. But that was okay ... more than okay. He loved Daniel so completely that all he ever needed was what they had right now -- togetherness, presence, love.

Daniel raised Jack's hands to his mouth and kissed them and then seemed to be studying them. Jack recognized that look of "artifact" and chuckled.

"Okay, what's so fascinating? ... and connect the dots for me while you tell me."

Daniel chuckled as his hands held Jack's, moving them around slightly to study the palms, knuckles, nails ... every part of the hands he loved so much.

"Danny?"

"I was thinking about your hands. Sounds silly, I guess."

"Tell me."

"It's just ... these hands ... over the years, they've loved me, made me feel like I'm ... gawd, some amazing artifact, or something. They've protected me as if I were a precious gem. They've held me as if I were the most beloved being that ever existed. Yet, they're not perfect hands.

"Here," Daniel traced a path, "the scar of some Special Ops assignment that is from another lifetime. And here," Daniel rubbed against the third finger on Jack's left hand, "a break from the encounter with the Rigolytes. And here," Daniel kissed a spot on the right hand, "the callous of someone who works hard and has done so much.

"Not perfect," Daniel reiterated, "but when this hand touched me on that Mothership, my whole life changed. These hands, they've made me feel things I could never have imagined, and I'm not just talking about sex," Daniel laughed.

"That's good to know," Jack laughed, too, "but you know, these old hands of mine, they were kind of on a mission there for a minute or two."

"Oh yeah -- sorry," Daniel said, but still relishing the feeling of holding his soulmate's hands. "I love them, Jack. The happiness they've brought me. I love your hands," Daniel said, bringing them up to his face and rubbing them gently against his cheek.

Jack knew what Daniel wanted, and he moved his palm to caress his lover's cheek, just as he had done years ago for the first time. Daniel closed his eyes at the touch and sighed. For a moment, just a flash in time, both were transported back in time, to that first connection that truly began their love affair that would span an eternity.

"It was just an instant, but gawd, my world ... it just ... exploded, Jack. I had to live. I had to see you again."

"Come here, you," Jack pulled Daniel down to the deck to lean into him.

"I'm sorry. I've turned all ... sentimental and mushy," Daniel sniffed, trying to keep the tears back.

"That's okay. I have those moments, too, you know."

"I thought you were a grizzly bear."

"Me? I'm your marshmallow!"

"Soft and gooey?"

"Not at the moment," Jack snickered, causing Daniel to laugh again. "Geez, I love your laugh," Jack said leaning his head against Daniel's.

As they sat, Jack realized again how much he loved just being with Daniel like they were now, holding on to each other. He moved to place a kiss on Daniel's growing hair. He chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"Thinking about your hair, beautiful silky soft locks, and how ironic it is that you're growing it again. My Space Monkey," Jack voiced with an abundance of sentimentality.

"I suppose for professional reasons I should keep it short."

"Don't you dare!"

"What?" Daniel looked over at Jack, astonished at the vehemence he had heard in his lover's voice.

"Danny, we don't need to please anyone anymore except for ourselves, and what I said years ago still holds. You want it long, then you wear it that way. If you want it short, or somewhere in between, then do it, but don't you dare do something for people we don't even know ... not now. We've been through way too much for that."

"What about J-O?"

"It'll survive your hair, long or short."

"Jack, if you could pick, what would you choose?"

"Oh, no you don't. You are so not doing that to me."

Daniel scooted around, actually twisting to sit on his knees to face Jack squarely, "No, Jack, tell me. If you could decide, long or short."

Jack smiled as his fingers walked through the brown hair, hair that was getting lighter somehow as it grew in length.

"Space Monkey," Jack answered.

"All that crap you gave me about military haircuts, and now you want it long?"

"I just want you, but geez, Danny, I fell for you with long hair and ... it suits you. It's not like you wore it that long. It was just long enough to ... play with," Jack said with a lilt in his voice. "I know we've talked about this but ... what do you want?"

"You," Daniel leaned in for yet another kiss. "Weren't your hands on a mission?"

"I'm not the one who yanked them from their assigned task."

"So sorry. Please ... continue," Daniel smirked with a gleam in his eye.

"Are you sure? I mean, maybe you'd like to study my feet next?"

"Hmm," Daniel looked down at Jack's shoes, "Let me think."

Then, Daniel moved and took off Jack's shoes and socks and, still on his knees, focused in on the ten toes, the arches, and the heels as if they were also some new artifact to be evaluated.

"Danny, stop staring at my feet!"

"I love your feet!"

Jack looked up at the stars and spoke aloud, "Just my luck to fall head over heels with an archaeologist who thinks I'm an artifact."

Daniel laughed as he stood up and brushed off his knees slightly. He reached down and took Jack's hands.

"Come on, Babe, let's go to bed and ..."

"...you know?" Jack smiled, finishing the sentence for his shy lover.

"Actually, I was going to say let's go to bed and have mind-blowing sex. I want to ..."

Jack's eyes bulged as he listened to his husband speak as they went down the ladder and into the house.

"And then," Daniel nibbled for a second on Jack's ear, "I want to take my ..."

Jack was about to explode on the spot. He barely got the patio door locked, making sure the beagles were safe and secure in their doghouse, before his mind began to reel at Daniel's words.

Shutting off the last light in the living room, Daniel moved to the stairs, meeting up with Jack again. He pulled the older man to him and ravished his mouth, his hands reaching around Jack to squeeze his buttocks gently, "And then, my Silver Fox, you'll be so gone that you won't even know when I ..."

Jack's mouth was open, gaping at the stranger who was his husband. Like a cow going to the slaughter house, he let Daniel guide him up the stairs to their bedroom. He just couldn't believe the words and phrases coming out of Daniel. In all their years together, he had never ever been so bold.

Finally, as they got to the bed, Daniel said, "And that's what I was going to say. Any comments? Questions?"

"Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my husband?"

Daniel laughed and shrugged, his arms wrapping around Jack's neck as they kissed again.

"Didn't know you had it in you," Jack whispered.

"I keep remembering what Sara said that day."

Jack laughed as he commented, "I never would have believed that either."

"What?"

"How much Sara has become a part of our lives, and I do mean OUR lives."

"Yeah, I guess it is ... different, but then, so are we. We create our own 'normal' so why shouldn't we do what's right for us?"

"I love our norm, and which golden pearl of wisdom that Sara used are you thinking about?"

"The one that said there should always be a little mystery and some surprise in every relationship."

"Yeah, that's a good one. So ... are you going to talk dirty to me all the time now?"

Jack grinned like the Cheshire Cat, full of hope for an affirmative response. Daniel laughed.

"Um, well, probably not. It's not really ... you know," he laughed louder.

"Oh geez, what you do to me."

"Actually, I haven't done it yet."

"Better get to it then," Jack said.

"Yes, Sir, General, Sir," Daniel teased as he began his attack.

"Geez, now he remembers my rank."

Both men laughed before beginning a glorious night of lovemaking ... well, almost.

Lying in bed, preparing to enter his lover, Daniel suddenly stopped.

"Jack?"

"What?"

Jack looked at Daniel, concerned something was wrong from the alarmed tone in his voice.

"We left them on the roof deck."

"Left what?"

"The pins!"

"They'll be there later. Get on with it, will ya! I'm ... dying here!"

"But something might happen."

"Like what? It's a calm night! The Weather Channel said so!"

"But what if they're wrong? What if the wind blows too hard or ..."

"Hard? DANIEL, HARD IS THE WORD HERE!"

"Or what if a cat gets them? Or a burglar? Or maybe ..."

Jack pushed Daniel backwards, completely off of him, and got out of bed.

"Jack? Where are you going? JACK!" Jack didn't respond, just kept walking out the door. "Jack, you're naked! JACK!" Daniel shouted, still sitting on the bed, a small smile on his face. "Gawd, I love him. He's so easy," Daniel said softly as he waited.

Two minutes later, Jack returned, rubbing his arms for a second. He got back into bed, making it into a big production number, dramatically shoving the box with the pins in front of Daniel's nose.

"See!" Jack opened the box, "Safe and sound, and now they are going right here." Jack carefully put the box down on the nightstand by Daniel's side of the bed. "AND NOW DOCTOR JACKSON-O'NEILL, IF ... you don't mind." Jack pointed to his lower body, his eyes wide, an expression of "well, come on" on his face.

"I love you, Jack," Daniel said with a huge grin on his face as he straddled his husband, but then he backed off ... again.

"Oh, for crying out loud. WHAT NOW?"

"You're cold."

Daniel broke out into laughter, a laugh that grew into a hysterical fit. It was so bad that after a few moments even Jack began to laugh.

"Oh geez, Danny."

Daniel plopped down next to Jack, their heads touching, their hands each finding the other's. They laughed for a few more minutes, and then as they settled, they looked into each other's eyes.

"We never do anything normal, do we, Danny?"

"Think how boring it would be if we did."

"You going to stay over there all night?"

"Na-uh." Daniel moved, once again straddling Jack. "Thought I'd come over here."

"Coming is good."

Daniel started to laugh, and Jack did, too.

"Gawd, Jack."

Daniel's laughter erupted again, so much so that he collapsed onto Jack's chest. Jack was laughing heartily again, too, his arms holding onto his lover as they tried to stop the frantic convulsions of their bodies from their hysterics.

"Jack?"

"I know. I love you, Danny. Wouldn't change a thing, not a thing."

"Me, too. Night, Babe."

"Sleep well, my Love." Jack put a kiss on Daniel's hair and smiled. "Life is good," he said aloud, not really intending to.

"The best," Daniel agreed.

Not five minutes later, the two were sound asleep. The night hadn't quite ended like they thought it would, but as they said, neither would have changed a thing. Besides, they made up for it the next morning, in more ways than one.

"How are you doing today, Kayla?"

"I'm big as a semi-truck, that's how I'm doing!"

Sylvia laughed with understanding.

"It'll be over soon."

"Not soon enough! Who knew I'd gain so much weight."

"Well, you're carrying two little ones, remember."

"Sylvia, are you sure we shouldn't tell Jack and Daniel? You should hear the plans they have for the nursery, but it's only for one baby. I feel like I'm ... lying or something."

"Kayla, do you have any idea how many times I've tried to get them to listen? Those two are so stubborn. All they want to know is whether or not you and the baby are healthy. Any time I try and say more Jack starts singing the Air Force flight song, and Daniel starts talking in some language I've never heard in my life."

Kayla chuckled as she thought about the archaeologist.

"He's so funny. Sometimes, he'll stub his foot against something or get frustrated, and he comes out with some word I can't understand. I've asked him what the language is, but he gets this look like 'oops' and says he doesn't remember what he said."

"Do you know how many languages he speaks?"

"No, not really. Jack told me that when they met Daniel spoke twenty-three languages, but that he's actually learned a bunch more since then. Can you imagine that? I wonder what his IQ is."

"He's a genius, and that's about all I know, too. He gets so shy whenever I bring it up, but I'm guessing it's got to be near two-hundred."

"I'll bet it's off the scale!"

"I wouldn't doubt it! Now, how about we discuss you and those babies?"

Sylvia opened her chart and began to review. She was about to ask Kayla a question when she saw the young woman looking as if she were far away, a sweet smile accenting her face.

"Oh Kayla! Earth to Kayla!"

"Sorry, Sylvia, I was just thinking. They're going to be surprised, but they're going to be so happy."

"Yes, they will. I have to admit that I can't wait to see that second little head pop out ... just to see the look on their faces!"

"Sylvia, you'd better be concentrating on me and not them!" Kayla said in laughter.

Finally, they proceeded with the examination. When they were done, and Sylvia walked Kayla out, she asked, "So, what do you think about the big wedding?"

"I love it! I'm so proud of them. It takes a lot of courage to be so bold."

"From what I've heard, it's going to be a big event. I would have loved to have been to their first wedding, though. The little they've shared with me makes me wish I could have seen them."

"Do you know Sam? Samantha Carter?"

"No, I've heard about her, but we've never met."

"She was there, and she can't talk about it without crying."

"Oh, there's my next patient. Watch that cholesterol, and I'll see you soon."

"Thanks, Sylvia. Bye."

"Jack, we're crazy. You realize that, don't you?"

"Well, I admit we're trying to do a lot at once, but Danny we have to get married now. Trust me on this. Once the baby comes, we won't have time, not to mention we won't get a honeymoon."

"Honeymoon," Daniel sighed seductively, reflecting back on their wonderful time in Australia. "Okay, but we need to decide where in a hurry! So ... where?"

"I know! The Air Force Academy Chapel!"

"Jack, you're sick, out of your mind."

"Couldn't resist. Indoors or outdoors?"

Daniel petted Bijou as he thought, ruffling her ears.

"Yeah, you like that, don't ya, Girl?"

"Woof!"

"Jack, get Katie."

Jack chuckled and put his pen down on the table where he had been making notes. He walked over to the sofa and picked up the youngest dog.

"Such a con artist, Miss. You've got him wrapped around your little paw, don'tcha?"

"Woof! Woof!" and a lot of tail wagging came from the puppy as Jack held her, sitting down next to his husband.

"Jack, I know we did outdoors the first time, and ... we can't try and match that, but at the same time, I can't imagine saying our vows surrounded by closed walls. Can you?"

Jack leaned over and stuck his nose under Katie's head, making a funny gurgling sound as he shook his head rapidly against her chest. The puppy woofed happily, her paws going all over the place as Jack tickled her with his face.

"Gawd, Jack," Daniel laughed.

"She loves it," Jack paused a moment and added, "So do you!" He thought a minute and continued their conversation. "I agree, Angel. There's something about being outdoors in front of ... whatever it is ... whoever ... I ... I want to marry you under the heavenly skies or maybe even at night under the stars where that greater power can see we're still here, and still grateful. Geez, where'd that come from?"

"You've always been a poet, Jack."

"For you," the older man said, smiling.

"So ... where?" Daniel asked again.

"Monument Valley ... or maybe our spot up at Pike's Peak?"

"No, that's for us. Gawd, that sounds horrible."

"No, it doesn't. It's a fairly private place, and we just want to keep it that way."

Daniel laughed as he rubbed Bijou's stomach.

"Okay, that was a mischievous laugh."

"Sara."

Jack shook his head.

"Danny, so help me ... you tell me you want us to get married in Sara's backyard and I'll ..."

"No," the young man chuckled, "I laughed because she's the one who recommended Canada, but ... Jack, Mark is a member of Garden of the Gods, and I thought maybe we could have him check it out, see if we can arrange something outdoors there. Think about it. It's beautiful, close by, which considering our time frame is important, and we have an 'in' with him being a club member."

"I don't believe this," Jack said, standing and walking over to get the phone.

"Woof!"

"Hey, did I put you down? All I did was move to get the phone, okay?"

"Grrrr ... oof"

"You are as bad as Danny," Jack chided the puppy.

"Jack!"

"Grrrrrr!" Jack growled lovingly at his husband, returning to sit by his side as he pressed the speed dial, Katie settling in for more of a rubdown.

"Speed dial! She's in the blasted speed dial!," Jack mumbled, "Oh ... Sara? It's Jack ... yeah, sorry, I didn't mean anything, and yes, I was talking about you. You'll understand in a minute. ... No, we haven't had a fight. ... You did?"

Jack stared at Daniel in surprise.

"No, he didn't tell me that."

Daniel looked around the room, his brain desperately trying to remember what Sara could have said, and then he said softly, "Oh!"

"Oh what? ... No, not you, Sara," Jack laughed, "I think Danny just realized he forgot to tell me something!"

Daniel shrugged his shoulders, mouthing a "Sorry" as Jack listened to Sara talk.

"Did she? Angela's a winner, Sara! ... Yeah, I think he'd be proud of her, too."

Daniel recognized the tone. Sara had mentioned Charlie. Jack's voice always had that special gentle quality to it when he talked about their son.

"Danny, Sara says Angela looked at a photo of our son today and said his name."

Daniel smiled and spoke quietly, "He'll always be a part of all of us."

"Sara, Danny says ... good ... she heard," Jack whispered to Daniel, "What? Oh, yeah, I did call. Sara, guess what? ... Twins? No, I don't think so. Don't even think it! ... Yeah, right, you say that now, but just wait until you and Mark have another! ... Really? ... Keep us posted! ... Yeah, the reason I called is that Danny and I are getting married again! ... Yes, I'm serious. ... Sara ... Sar ... Sar ... Sara ... Okay, hold on ..." Jack handed the phone to Daniel. "She wants to talk to you."

"Hi, Sara! ... Oh, geez, I totally forgot to tell him I saw you with the fight and all, and when I got home well ... he distracted me ... um, well, I don't think you really want to know ..."

"HE'S BLUSHING, SARA!" Jack shouted.

"Gawd, Jack! He's so incorrigible. ... laughs ... Good point. I don't know."

"Okay, what is she saying to you?"

"She wants to know if I'm sure I'm making the right choice. Wants to make sure I've considered the alternatives, like running for my life."

"SARA, YOU'LL PAY!"

"She wants to know how."

"Tell her LOTS of babysitting ... LOTS, SARA!" Jack said teasingly.

"Kayla's fine, Sara. We're really excited. ... Yeah, leave it to us to plan a wedding and the remodeling right before we become parents. I told Jack earlier that we were crazy."

"CRAZY IN LOVE!"

"Jack ... oh gawd, he's horrible ... sighs ... that's exactly it. I love him to pieces ... No, we weren't just calling to tell you. Actually, we wanted to ask a favor. We were thinking about places, and I remembered Mark said he was a member of Garden of the Gods, and I, I mean we, were hoping that he might be able to get us in ... Okay ... She's checking with Mark, Jack."

"I figured as much. I can't believe you didn't tell me you saw her that day."

"I forgot. I was going to tell you, but you were standing there all beautiful and sexy, and then you tried to seduce me. Oops, hi again, Sara. Gawd," Daniel sank lower into the sofa, Bijou jumping off his lap at the movement and running over to her beanbag.

"HE'S BLUSHING AGAIN. GEEZ, SARA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY HUSBAND?"

"Sometimes, I could just kill him ... Gawd, Sara, I'm not going to ask him that." Daniel sank down lower in his chair. "Oh gawd."

Jack grabbed the phone, surprising Daniel.

"What are you saying to my husband? He looks like a tomato! ... uh huh ... yeah ... Sara, you are so bad, but if you really want to know, what he does is ..."

"JACK JACKSON-O'NEILL, NOT ONE MORE WORD! STOP NOW!" Daniel sat up straight, still bright red, but speaking forcefully.

"Hmmm, Sara, I think maybe ... laughs ... yeah, lunch."

"I don't think so, Jack."

"Oh, he'll be worrying for weeks now, wondering if I'll tell you on the sly."

"Jack, just ask her what Mark said."

"Sara, Daniel wants to know ... right ... okay ... sounds about right ... no, we haven't. We figured we should get the place first, but it has to be soon, three to four weeks maximum with the remodeling and then the baby ... perfect. Tell him thanks ... Take care ... Good night."

Jack clicked off the phone and put it on the coffee table.

"Okay, Girl, you go over with Bij."

Jack gently put Katie on the floor, and reluctantly, she ambled over to the beanbag and sacked out next to the mama beagle.

Jack smiled and then turned his attention to his lover, reaching out with his left hand to caress Daniel's cheek as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Geez, I love it when you get so embarrassed."

"Gawd, Jack, she's as bad as you."

"Why do you think I married her? By the way, she said to tell you good night, she loves you, and if you ever want to reconsider, she and Mark will always have a room for you."

Daniel laughed, then asked, "But what about the wedding?"

"He's going to make some calls tomorrow and check on dates, and in the meantime, we need to firm up exactly what we want. He said there is some basic information online."

"Yeah? Let's go!"

The couple got up and headed for the study where Daniel powered up Jack's computer, and they went in search of the Club's website.

"There we go. Oh, here, special events."

Daniel clicked on the link, and the two proceeded to discuss ideas and options for their wedding.

"T, old buddy, how's it going?"

"O'Neill? It is good to see you well. Where is DanielJackson?"

"O'Neill." Teal'c stared blankly. "It's ... Jackson-O'Neill, Teal'c."

"Indeed. Where is DanielJackson ... O'Neill, O'Neill?"

Jack shook his head, wishing he hadn't brought up the name thing.

"You know, Teal'c, you really need some more things in here," Jack looked around the Jaffa's quarters.

"I have all I need here, O'Neill."

"Jackson-O... never mind," Jack paused. "Teal'c, Daniel and I are getting married."

"You are already married, are you not?"

"Uh, yes, but we're getting married again." Teal'c looked at Jack intently, waiting for more. "Look, Teal'c, we ... Daniel and I, felt guilty about the first time. I mean, it was perfect, but we always regretted that you and General Hammond weren't there. We promised ourselves that after I retired we'd have another ceremony that both of you could attend, and all of our other friends, so we're finally doing it. Will you come?"

"I would be honored O'Neill."

Jack meandered around the room some more. Teal'c's quarters at the SGC were larger than they used to be. He also had a home on Chulak for his visits there as well as regular quarters on the Alpha Site where training was held. Since Jack's retirement, Teal'c had become one of the SGC's main training instructors, and he frequently worked with the recruits on the Alpha Site.

"Is there something more?"

Jack coughed, and finally spoke, "Actually, T, I was thinking. We have this custom on Earth. When Daniel and I got married last time, we had to forego some of the traditions, but this time, no shortcuts." Jack took a breath, "Teal'c, I'd like you to be my best man."

Teal'c looked blankly, trying to decipher the term.

"What it means is," Jack explained, "that you are like a brother to me, and I'd like you there, by my side, when Danny and I do the vows thing again."

"I would be honored," Teal'c repeated, bowing his head. "Does DanielJackson also require a ... best man?"

"Actually, he has that covered. How about some lunch?"

Teal'c nodded, and the two headed for the SGC Commissary.

"I'm going to miss this."

"We'll still have a deck."

"I know, but it won't be this one," Daniel said, leaning against Jack.

The two were seated on the roof deck in their favorite spot, both sitting against the wall, Jack's arm around his husband, and Daniel resting against Jack's left shoulder.

"Space Monkey," Jack said a bit sadly.

"Our first anniversary ... I mean ... you know."

"It was like Christmas. I think we gave each other everything but the kitchen sink."

Daniel laughed, but then became somber.

"Sha're's death," he spoke softly.

Jack placed a kiss on Daniel's head, and added, "So much of us is here. We're giving it up for a good cause, but a part of us will be gone."

"I love you, Jack."

"Ditto, Love."

"Guys, will you cooperate, please?" Kayla begged for the sixth time in as many minutes.

"Sorry," Jack said, putting Daniel's shirt back down.

Kayla was taking the first ever Jackson-O'Neill family portrait, but her subjects were misbehaving.

First, Daniel had teasingly insisted on wearing a bandana until Kayla had silenced him with "Daniel, you are not covering up that beautiful hair with anything. I love that you're growing it out. It suits you well."

Then, Jack had kept making faces, prompting Kayla to remind him, "Jack, you aren't in Kindergarten, so stop acting like you're five years old!"

Next, the two dogs, Bijou and Katie, began a tug-of-war with one of their toys.

"Come on, Girls," Kayla had begged. "I was counting on you two to keep the boys in line."

Bijou whined, dropping the toy, and nudging her puppy back into place by Daniel's feet.

Kayla thought she'd finally get her photo taken. The backdrop was very sculptured and old-fashioned, and Jack and Daniel were wearing compatible clothing; that is, until Jack pulled out a bra and put it on.

"Gawd, Jack, I don't even want to know where you got that."

Daniel laughed while Kayla simply groaned! She had set the shot up again, but then it was Daniel's turn to make faces.

"It must be contagious," Kayla had said. "I'm warning you guys. I'm going to go home if you don't settle down and help me out here!"

Both men had apologized sincerely, so as Kayla had prepared her sixth shot, she had been confident which she soon realized had been a mistake. Right before snapping the picture, Jack had reached down and lifted up Daniel's shirt, revealing the young's man's well-built torso. Even Daniel had objected to that one.

"Okay, guys, last chance ... and I mean it!"

"Okay! Okay! Don't get your panties in a wad," Jack teased.

Daniel scrunched his nose as he turned around and looked at his husband.

"Don't get her what in a what?"

Jack shrugged nonchalantly.

"Panties ... in a wad. It's an expression."

"It is?"

"Yes, it is," Jack said defensively.

Daniel stared for a few seconds, and then looked at Kayla, still in a bit of shock ... and that's when Kayla got her photo.

Jack and Daniel were both facing the camera as were the two beagles and all four expressions seemed to say, "Are we through yet?"

"Perfect! That's it!"

"Yes!" Jack jumped up. "Free at last! I'm free at last!"

Daniel, still sitting, stared up at his husband, another scrunched look on his face.

"Daniel?"

"Jack?"

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Jack, I think we need to get your head examined."

"Oh, but Love, you can do that la..." Jack saw the shocked expressions on both Daniel's and Kayla's faces, "...ter ... I think I'll go change."

Jack turned and walked upstairs.

"It must be the sun. He's ... he's getting too much sun," Daniel said, breaking out into a laugh.

"Must be," Kayla chuckled, putting her camera equipment away.

"Kayla, I'm sorry we weren't very cooperative. To be honest, I don't think we knew how to handle it. It sounds silly. A family portrait -- should be a snap."

Daniel saw Bijou standing over by the patio door, so he opened it and let her out. Katie ran over to follow her mama out as well.

"Daniel, this is the first one, isn't it? I mean ... for you, personally."

A bit hesitantly, Daniel nodded.

"My first family. I mean ... you know, since my parent's died. Jack, this house, those two," Daniel looked outside for a moment, "my family and ... no, I've never had a portrait taken as part of ... anything, except ... at work. You know, they took team pictures every year, but that's not like this, of course."

"This is going to be great. You should take a portrait once a year, to show your family growing. It's a great way to document the changes."

"I'll talk to Jack about it. He just hates to sit for more than five minutes at a time, unless we're ... gawd," Daniel blushed.

Kayla laughed at Daniel's shyness.

"It's okay."

"No, I'm getting bad. For so long, years actually, we had to lie, hide, cover up everything, and now we don't have to anymore and sometimes, without thinking, I say things I never would have said in front of anyone but Jack. I'm not sure why that is. It's kinda rude, I think."

"No, it's not. It's life, Daniel, and it's a sign of trust. Friends and family talk about their love lives all the time. We all joke and tease about whatever is or isn't happening. You shouldn't be any different than the rest of us."

Daniel walked over and gave Kayla a peck on the cheek.

"That's, uh, something else I've never done a lot of ... until Jack. Thank you, Kayla, for everything."

"You're welcome."

"Here, I'll carry this to your car for you."

"Thanks, Daniel."

"Jack, I wish I hadn't agreed to this."

"They were desperate."

"Tell me something, Love."

"What?" Jack asked.

"How come you gave in?"

Daniel had been surprised that his husband hadn't argued more vehemently when the request for Daniel's assistance had been made. Jack kissed his lover. He considered answering with a snappy retort, but changed his mind, choosing to be serious since they were about out of time.

"How often do the Nox approach us for anything?"

"Never."

"That's why."

"And ..." Daniel prodded.

"And you may notice when you get there that Ferretti's team is going with you, and SG-3."

"Both?"

"Both," Jack said emphatically.

"We only need SG-9, Jack."

"Maybe ... but if you're going, you're getting SG-2 and SG-3. No discussion and no negotiation, and Daniel, so help me if you argue about this I'll revoke your travelling permit, but Lou is gonna hang by you like a fly to paper. You got that?"

"You're so tough."

"No, I'm ... in love, and I need to be able to sleep at night. Danny, don't touch anything. Please?"

"This isn't that kind of a mission."

"Danny?"

"I promise," Daniel agreed, then kissed his husband soundly.

"No chances, Danny. We're having a baby," Jack said softly, suddenly thinking he should grab his lover and do anything and everything he could to keep him from walking out the door.

"Jack, I have another question."

"No? You? More questions? I can't imagine!"

"Stop that." Daniel lovingly slapped Jack on the arm, but then put his arms around Jack's neck. "Why aren't you coming to the SGC to see me off?"

"Honest truth?" Daniel nodded. "Because I couldn't do it. Danny, I couldn't let you go. It's taking everything I have to let you go now, and I guess, somehow, the illusion of you walking out of our house like you were going to the supermarket is just enough to keep me from going crazy."

"I love you, Jack, and remember something while you're going crazy."

"What?"

"I can't change who I am or what I do, but I have the most precious gift in the world waiting for me now. I have you, and there's nothing in the world I want more, than to come back home to you. I love you so much."

"Danny ... My Angel."

The two kissed again.

"We'll be starting here," Andy Majentic said.

"Okay," Jack sighed, looking up at the roof deck.

Andy walked away to talk with his crew. Jack stood in the middle of his backyard looking up at the roof. He watched as the crew got into position. He saw Andy nodding to his assistant who headed over towards some other men, but just as they were to knock out the first railing, Jack yelled.

"STOP! ... "Wait!" Jack ran over to Andy. "There has to be another way."

"Another way to do what?"

Jack looked up at the roof deck.

"To save some place ... some place important." Looking back at the construction chief, Jack asked, "Where are those plans, and where's John?"

John Quinn was the owner of the construction company Jack and Daniel had hired to do the work. Andy pointed Jack to the front of the house where John was making a phone call.

"John, we need to make some changes," Jack said, almost as an order.

"Okay, General. What did you have in mind?" Jack explained his idea. "That's a bit unusual."

"But can it be done?"

"Yes, at a huge price tag."

"I don't care. Can you do it ... now?"

"It's your dough, General O'Neill. I'll get on it right away."

Jack nodded, breathing easy for the first time since the crew had arrived to begin their work.

Some things are just way more important than money.

Daniel had expected to see the bunch of workers laboring at the remodeling when he arrived home, and he wasn't disappointed. He was also looking forward to surprising his lover, since his temporary return to the SGC had been concluded fourteen hours ahead of schedule. As he walked inside, he had to move carefully to avoid stumbling over remnants of the remodeling. They were paying a hefty price to get their job done quickly, and that meant hiring three times the normal work crew.

Daniel nodded to several of the men as they scurried about. He finally walked into the backyard, but still didn't find his husband.

"Daniel?" Daniel turned around and grinned. "Danny! You're home!"

Jack rushed to his husband and physically picked him up as he spun them both around in a circle.

"Jack, put me down. There are people here!" Daniel said nervously, though quite pleased with the reception he had just received.

"Ah, Danny," Jack gushed as he put his lover down to face him. "I missed you so much."

Jack kissed Daniel soundly, and though the younger man had intended to put off such a welcome until they were alone, he found himself drawn into his spouse, his arms wrapping around Jack's neck lovingly.

"Gawd, I love you," the archaeologist sighed, happily resting in Jack's embrace until he saw the stare of a worker. "Jack, stop."

Daniel's tone was clear, and Jack understood, turning around and staring down the worker with one of his best General-type glares. The worker finally went back to his labors.

Still facing the worker, Jack said assuredly, "I really don't give a fig, Danny. This is our home, and we're married, and you've been gone for four long days, and I'm glad to see you." Jack looked back at Daniel. "All in one piece?"

"All in one piece. I ... didn't touch anything," Daniel said laughingly, his joviality being interrupted by another kiss, and again, Daniel couldn't stop himself from responding.

"I love you, Danny. Missed you ... crap, it was hard."

"I know. Me, too."

The two chatted for a while, and true to his statement, Jack didn't care what anyone thought. He held Daniel close. He had a right to be touching his husband, and they'd been separated. He'd be darned if he was going to wait hours for nightfall before letting Daniel know just how much he was missed.

After a little while, Daniel said, "Jack, I want to go see the girls."

"They've missed you, too."

"Have they been all right with Mrs. Valissi?"

"Yeah," Jack said hesitantly.

"Jaaaack?"

The older man smiled, admitting "I'm weak. So sue me."

"Which means?"

"Which means at night I've brought them home and just ... kept them with me all the time."

"You must be exhausted."

"What makes you think that?"

"Because you'd worry about them stepping on something so you wouldn't get any rest with them here."

"They needed to know we were still here."

"My marshmallow."

"Go on. They'll be thrilled!" Daniel started to walk away, but Jack grabbed him and again pulled him close. "My heart. My soul. My life. Always," he said, kissing his husband with great passion.

"Mmmm," Daniel moaned, "Forever."

Another smile, and then Daniel left to visit Bijou and Katie. He was grateful they had such a wonderful neighbor as Mrs. Valissi to take care of the two beagles while the remodeling was done.

When Jack looked around, he saw the construction worker staring again. He walked over to the man and asked sternly, "Do you have a problem?"

The worker glared, "No, but you do."

"You have a choice. Keep your eyes and your attitude to yourself, and do your job, or get out ... now."

"You can't fire me, Mac. I'm the bosses' brother," the worker laughed, turning around and ignoring Jack.

Jack walked away, taking out his cell phone as he did so.

"John Quinn. It's Jack O'Neill."

Five minutes later, after discussing the situation with John, Jack put it bluntly.

"Look, I put up with a lot of crap in this upside down world, but I'm not going to do it in my own home ... Don't give me that crap, Quinn. I have resources that you can't even imagine. I want him gone ... now! ... Fine. You're fired. I want your men off my premises within the hour."

Jack hung up the cell, whistling. This project was paying John Quinn way too much money for a bit of nepotism to win out. He returned to the backyard and sat in a chair, smiling and whistling at the worker in question. The worker glared back, but Jack just smiled, whistled and occasionally waved.

Twenty-five minutes later, John Quinn arrived. Jack didn't move; he just ... smiled at John Quinn, watching as the man took a deep breath and moved to his brother. One minute later, the worker threw down a tool and stormed out, sputtering a few obscenities, and right before leaving, he yelled back, "You two are queer, and there are ways to deal with that!"

Jack saw the owner of the business try to usher his brother out quickly, and while he did that, Jack made another phone call.

"Thanks, Carter. ... Yeah, the sooner the better. I can handle threats and idiots, but I want to make sure I know who I'm dealing with."

Daniel laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Think about it, Babe. All those years in sleeping bags on other planets, and here we are in a sleeping bag in our backyard."

Jack chuckled at the realization, but it was just like their trip to Oshkosh. This time, camping out was by choice, and that made it all different somehow.

"Yeah, I guess it is pretty funny, but then, on most of those missions, I couldn't do this."

Jack rolled over and kissed Daniel, his right hand tracing the side of Daniel's body.

"Most, but not all," Daniel said, his face smiling from the memories, "P0R-112," he whispered and then leaned in for another kiss.

"Was that the one with the waterfalls and the beaches?"

"Hmm-mmm. Loved that planet."

"Oh, yeah. Great place," Jack said before nibbling on Daniel's ear.

It was a beautiful night out, the sky full of stars. The lovers were nestled together in a sleeping bag made for one, and loving every minute of it. The only sad part, Daniel had thought silently, was the absence of their beloved roof deck. As he looked upward at the construction area, instead of the wooden railing, all he saw now were walls. He knew there would be a new deck, albeit smaller, at the end of the house when they were done, but still, he silently yearned but that precious place where he had first given Jack his heart.

After a minute, Jack whispered, "Daniel, shh. Don't move."

At first, Daniel thought Jack was being playful, but he quickly recognized the tone. Jack brought his finger up to his mouth in a shushing motion as he quietly climbed out of the sleeping bag and moved to the side of the house.

Daniel got up and followed him, as Jack had known he would. Now in Special Ops mode, Jack pointed towards the front of the house, and signaled for Daniel to go around the other side. With all the construction work, the yard wasn't fenced in like it normally was.

It only took a minute before a man chose to try and enter the back of the yard, carrying a can of gas. Jack grabbed him, tossing him to the ground. Hearing the commotion, Daniel quickly returned.

"Who is it, Jack?"

"If I'm right, it's that moron," Jack said, as he moved to turn over the man, and sure enough, it was the fired worker, John Quinn's brother.

"You just sealed your fate, Mister Quinn."

"You're sick, Mac, slobbering all over pretty boy there."

"Want some advice? Don't bother answering; I'm going to give it to you anyway. Shut up."

The man laughed, a cold, evil sound.

"What do you think is going to happen? So I go to jail for a few hours. Then I'll be out, and I'll be coming after you."

The man's eyes were dark. He wasn't making an empty threat, and Jack knew it.

"Oh, I don't think so, but you're welcome to your delusions. Get out."

"What?"

"Go. Get out," Jack ordered as he got off the man and motioned for him to leave.

The worker was momentarily confused, and then he laughed again, this one even colder and more chilling than the last. With a glance at Daniel, he left.

"Jack?"

"He's right. He'd be out in twenty-four. We can't prove anything." Daniel turned and walked quietly away. Jack followed, sitting down on the sleeping bag next to the younger man. "Danny, he's just a loud mouth."

"The girls, Jack ... and soon, our baby. We have to protect them."

"We are, and we will."

"From a lunatic carrying gasoline?"

"From anyone who tries to hurt them."

"How?"

Jack smiled reassuringly. The lovers weren't alone. Their extended family was very close, and each would never hesitate to fight for the other.

"We have ... resources."

"Jack, Teal'c isn't going to become our private bodyguard, nor are we going to have him terrorize our enemies. He'd never get to meditate."

"Who says we need Teal'c?"

Jack kissed Daniel and got up, walking inside the house.

"Jack? Jack, what are you going to do?" Daniel called after his husband and then gave chase.

"You're brilliant, Jack. Definitely a genius," Daniel cooed in Jack's ear.

"It was nothing, Love. I think that ... man, and I use the term lightly, will learn his lesson."

"Love my fix-it man," Daniel said, kissing Jack's bare chest as they once again lay under the stars in their backyard.

Jack flipped them over and began his own exploration of Daniel's bare chest, until suddenly, a dark spot caught his eye.

"What's this, Danny?"

Jack kissed the bruise on Daniel's upper left arm that he'd just discovered.

"Oh, I fell," Daniel explained. He saw his marshmallow about to overreact so he quickly cupped Jack's face and kissed him. "It was a simple fall, Jack. No Goa'uld. No aliens. No bad guys. I tripped ... kinda like the old days. I was ... thinking about you and ... not paying attention."

"I'm sorry." Jack brushed his lips on Daniel's. "Does it hurt?"

"A teeny tiny bit," Daniel admitted. Jack kissed the bruise again, tenderly pressing his lips on purplish skin. "Any better?"

"Mmmm ... lots."

Daniel sighed happily.

"Good." Jack grinned as he leaned his head against Daniel's shoulder. "I worried, you know."

"I know. You always do."

"It was really okay?"

"Safe. Peaceful. Just the bruise from my own carelessness because I missed you so dang much. By the way, you can reward Lou. He was on my six so much that for a minute I thought we might be joined at the hip. Jack?"

"Mmm?"

"I ... I probably shouldn't admit this."

"Tell me."

"I let him. I mean. Normally, I argue. You know how I am, but ... I have a lot to live for now. I ... I let Lou be just as ... as ..."

"Glued to you?"

Daniel smiled, nodding, and then said, "Yeah. I let him stick to me like glue. Thank you, Love."

Jack sighed as he ran his hand along Daniel's body, thankful his lover was still in one piece.

"I love you, Angel."

"Love you, too!"

The next morning, at dawn, Jack and Daniel had a visitor as they enjoyed their breakfast -- Froot Loops for two.

"Hey there, good buddy!"

"O'Neill. Doctor Jackson."

"Good morning, Thor," Daniel said with a smile. "How'd it go?"

"Loki enjoyed the opportunity to do another experiment on humans. I would say it went ... very well."

"And that idiot Quinn?" Jack asked.

"I would anticipate he will not be bothering you again."

"How do you know, Thor? I mean, are you sure?" Daniel asked, a tone of concern in his voice.

"Loki made the subject aware that certain humans had a vital link, necessary to the Asgard. He pointed out that O'Neill had such a link, and that anyone around him who possessed malevolent feelings towards or those close to him would be brought up for further studies. You can rest well, Doctor Jackson. The subject was ... not intrigued by the prospect of another ... examination. You might say that Loki went a little ... overboard."

"Thank you, Thor," Jack and Daniel said in unison.

"If I can be of further assistance ..."

"We'll call."

"I must go."

"Sure ... and there he goes," Jack said, smiling at his spouse.

"Resources," Daniel said softly.

"Yeah, and I didn't even have to kill him."

The two kissed and shared another spoon of Froot Loops.

Jack took a final walk-through of the job. He was pleased with the results, and couldn't wait for Daniel to get home to show him. The younger man had had several business meetings over a two-day period in Denver setting up J-O Enterprises, and Jack had suggested he stay overnight. Daniel hadn't wanted to, but it had made sense, so he had reluctantly booked a room at one of their favorite hotels.

As Jack wrote out his final check to John Quinn, the man commented, "I want to apologize again for my brother. He's opinionated, to say the least."

"Just as long as he stays away from my family."

"Not a problem, General. He moved to Brazil earlier this week."

"Brazil? What's in Brazil?"

"I don't know, but he's been acting strangely, talking about aliens and mumbo jumbo like that. He said he needed to get far away from here. I always knew he was a bit off, but he's really gone over the edge now."

Jack didn't say anything, just finished his business with John Quinn and waited for Daniel to come home.

"We really need to stop this being apart business. It's bad for my health," Jack whined after greeting Daniel with a huge kiss.

"Mine, too. I never sleep. I need my comfy pillow."

"And I need my warm blanket."

"Gawd, we're sappy."

"We have more sap than trees and maple syrup."

"That's bad, Jack."

"Sue me."

"I'd rather do this," Daniel said, connecting their mouths together for yet another kiss. "Mmm," Daniel responded after, his hand running the length of Jack's chest. "I really missed you."

"Ditto, Babe, big time. I want to show you the house, but first, I really need to do this." Jack's tongue worked its way inside his lover's mouth, the kiss lasting until both gasped for air. Their kisses fueled the passion that had been launched minutes earlier, and Jack didn't think he could wait any longer. "I want you, Danny."

"You'd better!"

Daniel almost leaped into his husband's arms as he pressed his body into Jack. The two never made it to the bedroom. In fact, they fell to the floor of the entranceway, their need and hunger for each other so strong they had only moved two feet away from the door.

"Gawd, I missed you, Jack."

Jack would have responded in kind but he was too busy ravishing his lover, and words simply weren't possible. They made love in the entranceway, their need overwhelming. Then, they lay together, as they so often did, just holding and caressing the other with tender touches that reaffirmed their love and need for each other.

A few minutes later, the two finally got up. They cleaned up and took a quick shower, a shower that could have been quicker if they hadn't kissed and fondled each other so much during it.

"Hey, let me show you the new rooms," Jack said after they dressed.

"The nursery. I'm so excited, Jack."

"Uh, I ... I have a little surprise, too."

"I should have known. You're always full of surprises."

Jack showed Daniel the garage first, which now featured a loft atop it, accessible only from the inside of the house. Then they went upstairs.

Jack had led Daniel by the hand, but he stopped suddenly, and said, "I hope you like this because I have to admit, it raised the cost quite a bit."

"What did you do?"

"It's more what I couldn't do, Angel. I ... I couldn't let it go."

"Jack?"

"Come on."

The two stood at the edge of the hallway at the top of the stairs.

"So," Jack said a bit nervously, "We have your den and our bedroom, and the plan was to tack on the nursery and a second smaller room for the babies with a little roof deck on the end, right?"

"What did you do, Jack?" Daniel asked suspiciously.

Jack took Daniel's hand and instead of going down the hallway, he took him inside their bedroom and over to the wall nearest the outside of the house.

"A door? Here?"

Jack smiled as he opened the door and led Daniel ... outside. The younger man was wide-eyed with surprise.

"Gawd, Jack, it's ... our deck."

Daniel turned around in a circle, trying to study the configuration.

"I couldn't do it, Danny. They were going to chop it down. Geez, I know that was our plan, but ... I saw them with the equipment ..." Jack gazed into Daniel's eyes and shook his head, whispering, "La Mio Bello Stella Cadente. I couldn't let this spot disappear. Don't be angry, Danny." Jack looked down and away to his right. Begrudgingly, he added, "It cost us a fortune."

In silence, Daniel took it all in once again. Their roof deck was virtually intact except for the access that they'd had from the backyard. The ladder they had used to climb to their stargazing haven was also gone, and they no longer had a view of their backyard, the hallway now in its place.

Opposite the master bedroom was the nursery wall. The roof was open and the outside wall to their room untouched. As they had done for years, Jack and Daniel would still be able to go outside and sit in their favorite spot and look up at the stars. Jack even had the roof to the nursery sloped. Their nighttime view would be unobstructed.

"Danny, look ..." Jack pressed a button, and Daniel almost fell backward watching as a roof closed over them, "... a sunroof."

"Oh, Jack. Wow!"

Daniel gazed up. He didn't have words to express his feelings. All he could do was walk the deck area, continuing to breathe in the joy from something he thought he had lost forever.

"We can have picnics, even if it rains," Jack smiled, "and I thought about a door on the baby's side, but ... I figured it was safer just leaving us with one access. I took out the other ladder, too. Easy enough to put them back, maybe add a door when the kids are old enough to be responsible ... if we want."

Jack pushed the button that opened the roof again. Daniel walked over to the railing which was still intact as decoration against the new walls. He delicately traced it along the hallway and the nursery, and then to the one totally open side, the one that technically faced the neighbors, but all he could see were trees. The view was still very nice from that angle.

"Angel, I know it put the nursery a few feet further away, but we're going to have all those monitoring devices ..." Jack said with anxiety in his voice, his concern about Daniel's reaction beginning to consume him. "Danny? So sue me, I'm a romantic sap."

Daniel finally turned and walked slowly over to his husband, saying nothing as he moved.

"Danny, say something."

Daniel reached up with his right hand and touched Jack's cheek, caressing briefly, and then he lifted his left hand and did the same. Cupping Jack's face, ever so slowly, Daniel leaned in and barely brushed Jack's lips. Looking briefly into the chocolate brown eyes he cherished, Daniel began to devour Jack's mouth.

Jack went willingly, happily, as Daniel lowered them to the ground. He was answering Jack with a communication of their bodies, as they made love on their roof deck haven.

"How'd you think of it?" Daniel asked as he lay prone on the deck next to his husband looking up at the stars.

"Desperation," Jack answered as he brought Daniel's left hand to his mouth and kissed it. "You really like it, Danny?"

"Gawd, Jack, I dreaded coming back and having our deck gone. I'm glad you thought of it."

Jack took a hesitating breath, turning his head to look at Daniel.

"Even though it pushed the nursery further away?"

"It's only a few feet, and like you said, with what Sam is doing for us, we'll be able to hear everything. It's ... Jack, it's like the study. That room is for you, and the den is for me. This deck ... it's us, and I don't think we should lose sight of us when we have our children."

Daniel frowned causing Jack to frown.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Jack, why is it when I talk to you, I feel like I'm in the second grade? I'm a linguist, and I can never say what I really want to, and it drives me crazy. It's so important. Oh, for crying out loud!"

Jack laughed at being channeled by his lover. Daniel said so many things now that were Jack-like phrases, and every time, it made the older man smile.

"You're thinking too hard. I know what you mean."

"Jack," Daniel turned over onto his right side and kissed Jack's chest before speaking again.

"Hmm?" Jack sighed softly as he took his hand to rub Daniel's bare back.

"We have to finalize the wedding. Did you make up your mind about what we talked about?"

"It's crazy, Babe. I'm not sure we have the right to ask."

"I know. It's one thing to go to the wedding, but this ... it's probably too much," Daniel spoke with a hint a sadness in his voice.

"I'm sure it would surprise everyone if he'd do it."

"It kinda seems right, though, but I'm just concerned he'll go along with it because he knows it's what we want."

"I don't think he'll do it if he doesn't want to."

"What do we do, Jack? We're not hiding anymore, but that doesn't mean it's easy for our friends who are still military."

"You know what, Angel? I'm tired of making choices for everyone, worrying about what's right or wrong. We're right. I mean, together. Let's go with we want. They all know we'll understand if they say no, but at least they'll know we wanted them there."

Daniel rested his head on Jack's chest.

"Okay. Then we go with the first list we made."

"Plan A it is!"

====On to Chapter Eight...