-- Chapter Six: Blessings

"It's been a blessing," Molly said as she spoke with Jack and Daniel.

Molly was at the Jackson-O'Neill home for dinner. The couple had decided to make a point of inviting their friend over once or twice a month if they could. She loved the triplets and relaxing with her friends, especially when the weather allowed them to sit outside on the back porch as it was now, even if it was a bit nippy out.

They still hadn't told the Irish woman about their relationship. They were a little nervous about telling her the truth. In the back of their minds, they wondered if maybe she'd be worried about what the children at the shelter might think if they found out that Jack and Daniel were lovers. Neither man wanted to risk being told that they couldn't continue volunteering, so they remained silent.

As for Molly, even after Jack and Daniel had started inviting her to dinner and she had witnessed their home life, she had never asked. She just went along with the 'best friends' story and smiled a lot, as she was now as she watched the lovers.

If they have something to tell me, the sweet lads, they will. Tis none of me nevermind anyway, even if that Jackie Boy can't take his eyes off his Daniel. Aw, what a tender look of devotion, and look at that adorable Daniel. What a sweet smile, especially when he looks at his Jack.

So the tone was set for this current evening. Another pleasant meal between friends, a silent not-so-secret secret in the atmosphere as they chatted on the porch.

"Carolyn Ferretti has done wonders with crafts, and Cassandra, bless her heart, comes by often to teach art. She's even brought young Dominic along and cajoled him into teaching the children soccer. They love him. Dale and Nancy have been wonders, too. 'Tis the truth that all your friends have been such a source of strength for me. Ah, and it makes me heart smile to see that big, strong Murray with the children. They just adore him. My, but he has such a dry wit."

"Yeah, that's Murray all right," Jack said, laughter in his voice and expression.

"And you two have been such gifts to me and the shelter. I ... I just don't know how to thank you."

Molly pulled out her handkerchief to dry her eyes.

"Oh, Molly," Daniel said as he leaned forward in his chair and took hold of her hand. "We've loved every minute. I just wish we could do more."

"You've kept the shelter open. We're barely afloat, but if it hadn't been for you two and your friends, we'd have sunk already."

"We've gained far more than we've given," Daniel assured.

"And that blessed General Hammond! Can you imagine? The kids love having a grandpa to dote over them."

Jack smiled, sharing a remembering look with his husband, before turning to Molly.

"He's a super grandpa. I happen to have first-hand knowledge of that, and, in fact, it was all his idea to set up the foster grandparent program. We've got Christa and Jacob and Mrs. Valissi helping out now."

"And don't forget Mrs. Harper, Jack."

"They are all participating as much as they can."

"Blessings. Blessings one and all," Molly spoke humbly, a brilliant smile on her face.

Janet was babysitting the triplets so Jack and Daniel could put in some time at the shelter. They knew the group of friends and colleagues they had brought in to help had made a difference. The volunteers now included Megan; Bijou and Katie's original owner, Margaret Cornell, and Jack and Daniel's dear friend and doctor, Sylvia Preston. Still, while the volunteers picked up the staff shortage, they knew it wasn't paying the bills -- insurance, utilities, food, school supplies, and the like.

It was Thursday, and Jack was giving tips on baseball bunting while Daniel was teaching geography. The archaeologist was taking a break at the moment while the kids took a fifteen-minute recess. As he walked down one of the building's hallways, a young brown-haired boy wearing glasses suddenly darted into Daniel's path. Unable to get out of the way in time, the small boy crashed into Daniel.

"Whoa! Hey, what's going on?"

Then Daniel saw the group of four older boys breathing heavily. He knew they had been chasing the smaller boy that he was now gripping by the shoulders.

Suddenly, the small child shouted out words to the older boys. The words were angry and harsh, but Daniel recognized the fear in their boldness. It hadn't escaped his notice, either, that the child had spoken in a foreign language, something Daniel found fascinating since the boy looked to be only five-years-old in Daniel's estimation.

He has to be older, though; must just be short for his age. No way could he have spoken that dialect so well and be just five. He's definitely older. "Okay, someone tell me what is going on here."

"It's nothing," the small boy said, managing to scoot away from Daniel and run towards the dorm rooms.

"He called us names, some really weird words," one of the other boys said.

Daniel flinched when the boys repeated the words. They hadn't said them well, but he still recognized them.

"And that gives you the right to beat him up?"

Daniel glared at the older boys, but before he could say anything more, the group turned and ran out of the building. He couldn't recall seeing those particular boys before or the small child who had run into him, so he headed for Molly's office to inquire about them.

There was a steady turnover at the shelter as children were placed in foster homes or adopted, and Daniel had only ever met about half of the children there; the same for Jack. He hoped his descriptions would be good enough for Molly to recognize them. They were, and she did.

Molly spoke at length about the little boy that had bumped into Daniel.

"His name is David Morgan. Poor little Sweet Pea. He's just six, Daniel, but he's oh-so-smart and shyer than you."

Molly laughed, her eyes connecting with Daniel's. Daniel wanted to laugh, knowing exactly what Molly meant, but there was something about the boy that prevented that, and it bothered him. He simply smiled and continued to listen to what Molly was saying.

Only six? He looks five, but I was sure he had to be seven or eight. Six? He spoke very well ... very well.

Another thing Daniel thought was interesting as he talked with Molly was that she seemed to be unaware David spoke a foreign language. That seemed very unusual for a child so young to speak a second language and his main caregiver not to know about it.

How could he keep that a secret? Why would he, and then use it as a weapon against the other boys?

"He's very insecure, frightened of being separated from his sisters."

"Sisters?" Daniel asked.

"Yes, beautiful flowers they are. Jennifer is twelve and a whole other battle to be won, and the wee one is but a babe, just twenty-months-old."

"What about their parents?"

"Killed in an automobile accident just two months ago. These poor children have no living relatives, no one to love them. They'd make a wonderful addition to any family," Molly sighed, "but trying to place three children in one home ... I fear it will be next to impossible."

"I'd ... better get back. The recess is almost over."

Daniel headed back to the room he was using to teach the children, but he couldn't stop thinking about the little boy and the sad fate that awaited him and his sisters. The boy was clearly intelligent, and Daniel knew from bitter experience that smart children rarely flourished in an environment of foster homes and orphanages, especially those that looked like David.

"I can do that," a teenage girl said boisterously as she watched Jack explain the suicide squeeze for the second time to a group of boys.

Jack turned around to see the teenager, standing defiantly off to the side. He smirked, "Oh, you can?"

"Better than that jerk," the girl nodded towards the thirteen-year-old boy who had just failed miserably at following Jack's instructions. He looked like a clown falling down.

Jack told the boys to keep practicing and walked the few feet to where the girl stood. Still holding a bat in his hands as he beat it against the ground, Jack stared at the dirt, then up at the girl. He lifted his head slightly upwards as he said quietly, "Jerk, huh? Are you sure about that?"

"He can't follow instructions."

"A bit quick to judge, don'tcha think?"

"Any moron should be able to listen and learn. You already showed them twice. What's so hard about doing what you're told?"

Jack nodded, banged the bat on the ground again, then looked the teenager straight in the eye as he asked, "Have you stopped a second to wonder if there is a reason why?"

"He's a boy, and he's not listening," she answered smugly.

"Have you considered that maybe he might have a learning disorder and requires extra instruction?" Jack saw the girl soften though she still held her ground. He looked over at the boys as he added, "And have you thought that maybe he's still having a hard dealing with the emotional pain he suffered over the last two years when he was physically abused, then abandoned out on the streets? Maybe, just maybe, his emotional scars are going to require some time to heal."

The girl flinched, her face contorting as she processed the information. Jack could see she felt compassion for the boy now, then saw her resolve tighten. She couldn't lose this battle, and she wouldn't.

"Well, is that his story, too? Because that ... boy didn't listen any better, either," she said about the eleven-year-old who had just missed the ball entirely.

"Okay, let's see what you can do," Jack challenged as he handed the girl the bat. He called out to the pitcher, "Hold it a second, Brian. She's going to show you guys how to properly execute the suicide squeeze play."

"But she's a girl!" the boys whined, one after another, their voices and facial expressions clearly showing their displeasure.

"I noticed," Jack smirked. "Pitch," Jack ordered Brian, the frustrated fourteen-year-old grunting as he went to his position on the mound.

Reluctantly, the boy threw the baseball, and the teenage girl surprised the skeptical boys by laying down the perfect suicide squeeze bunt.

Jack tilted his head slightly, feeling both surprised and pleased, and announced, "And that, gentlemen, is how you do the perfect squeeze bunt!"

The girl began to walk off the grassy area that was used as a make-shift sporting area, but Jack called after her.

"Hey, where are you going? I thought you wanted to play?"

"No, I just said I could do it better than him. I made my point."

"One thing," Jack approached the girl. "What I said about ... the jerk?"

"Yes?"

"That's not his story, but it could have been. It is the story of one of the other boys I work with."

"Then why tell me?"

"Because it's easy to make assumptions and use names to cover up our own pain and frustration. I just wanted you to think about that for a minute."

The girl stared at Jack, then shrugged and said, "Okay. I've thought about it."

Jack watched as the long-haired brunette turned and walked away, and then he returned to the boys. He spoke a few words of parting encouragement and dismissed them, after which he picked up the equipment and headed for the main building.

As he approached, a figure caught his eye. Sitting with her head bowed on a bench just outside the back door was the same teenage girl who had successfully hit the suicide squeeze. Jack paused for a brief moment and, putting the equipment down, went and sat down next to her.

There was nothing but silence for at least a minute. Jack nodded and rubbed his hands together as he leaned forward on the bench.

"My name is Jack O'Neill, General, United States Air Force, Retired actually."

"Long name."

"It's actually longer but ... that's another story," Jack said, a warm smile on his face, but the girl just stared at him.

The teenager had blue eyes and was dressed in tattered blue jeans and a long-sleeve yellow shirt that seemed to Jack to be about two sizes too small, especially since her navel showed.

"What's your name?"

"What does it matter to you?"

"Just asking, that's all." When the girl said nothing, Jack decided to let go of the name issue. "So where'd you learn to play baseball?"

"My dad used to play Double-A, but he had a knee injury so he had to quit."

"Double-A. That's cool."

"No, he wasn't very good. He admitted it himself, but he had some lucky breaks to get as far as he did. He didn't have any regrets when he had to quit."

"So you're the tomboy type. Play hockey?"

The girl stared, her eyes rolling back into her head.

"Oh please. Get real. Who wants to skate around on some cold ice rink, chasing some tiny puck around? It's just an excuse to get into a fight."

"Hey, hockey's a great sport!"

"Right. Besides, I'm not a tomboy."

"You're not?"

"Sounds to me like you made an assumption," she smirked.
Jack grinned and nodded.

She's good. "Touche." She sighed, then explained, "Look, just because I know about sports and how to execute a simple play doesn't mean I'm not a girl. My mom was a beauty queen."

"She was?"

The girl nodded, explaining, "She was Miss Cabbage, and if you laugh, I'll punch you."

The tone was aggressive. Jack knew she meant business.

"Not ... laughing."

Jack worked hard to suppress the hysteria swelling within him.

"She won a lot of titles like that in Montana. She was beautiful. She ... never mind." The girl stood up, folding her arms as she walked to the other side of the path. After a few moments, she leaned forward, attempting to move a heavy cement flower pot. "This would look better over there," she said as she grunted in her efforts.

"Here, let me help you,"

Jack rose and went to help, but the girl backed off and began to shout.

"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP. I DON'T NEED ANYONE'S HELP. LEAVE ME ALONE."

In a flash, the teenager ran off. Jack watched her run, noticing how fast and agile she seemed to be.

"HEY, COME BACK," he called out, but she kept going.

Jack took a breath, then went to pick up the sports gear. He mumbled, "Miss Cabbage" and laughed. Yet, as he stored the equipment, he couldn't get his mind off the rough and tumble brunette. Something about her fascinated him.

She's feisty. That 'I'm so tough' business is an act, though, but she has spirit, and that will help her survive in this crazy world.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder how long she'd stay that way without a loving home and family. Silently, he hoped the girl would always retain her spirit, and yet would lose the chip that was currently on her shoulder.

Kids can be so cruel to each other.

Later that same day, while Daniel was waiting for Jack to finish with the kids he was working with, he saw David running in his direction. The same four boys were giving chase, but this time, Daniel grabbed David and held on tightly. Seeing this, the four boys scrambled in different directions.

Daniel knelt down and saw that David's glasses had been broken. It was obvious, too, that David had been roughed up a bit. Daniel smiled in an attempt to calm the boy and show his concern, but David lashed out, speaking sharply in a foreign tongue.

"I get it. You think you can hide your hurt by burying yourself in a foreign world? Well, guess what?"

The boy swore more, calling Daniel a myriad of names and speaking with venom, telling Daniel that he had no right to hold him, that he was a big boy and could take care of himself, and what would Daniel know about being an orphan anyway!"

Daniel kept a firm hold on David, and then he stunned the youngster as he answered his questions.

"In the first place, I am not a donkey."

The boy's expression turned from anger to shock. Could Daniel have understood his ranting?

No way, Jose. He's faking it.

"In the second place, my mother was a beautiful lady, and I won't let anyone say things like that about her."

David visibly tensed, his face scrunching and panic setting in.

Oh, no! If this man understood what I said, he'll kill me.

He began to breathe hard, fearing the worst, especially when Daniel continued to speak -- in Arabic, the language David had been using.

As he stood wide-eyed and realizing for sure Daniel had understood every word, David was positive he was in big trouble, but then, he relaxed, the surprise of Daniel's words relieving his tension.

Daniel told him that once upon a time, he was just like David, hiding from the world. That if David looked, he'd see Daniel was wearing glasses, too, and Daniel knew all about being an orphan because his parents had died when he was eight-years-old.

"So you see," Daniel returned to English, "I know quite a bit more than you think."

Wow. He knows Arabic? Cool.

David started to succumb to Daniel's kindness, but then he pulled back, saying more words of anger, this time in Russian.

"Nyet, that won't work either. I'll have you know I'm way over the four-eyes thing."

David audibly gasped at the realization that Daniel had truly understood all his words, in both languages.

And Russian? I've never met anyone who knew Russian before.

"You can keep trying if you want, but I should warn you that I'm a linguist, and I speak something like forty-eight languages ... the last time I counted anyway," Daniel said a bit hesitantly, "but that's neither here nor there."

"Wow ... forty-eight?" David's mouth was open, eyes bright and shiny, and his face lengthened as he marveled at the thought of knowing that many different languages. He was totally awed by Daniel who nodded that he did indeed know forty-eight languages. "I'm ... I'm sorry," the small said, bowing his head, now ashamed of the cruel words he had spoken earlier. "Did your parents really die when you were a boy?"

"Yes. I, uh, took it hard. I ... didn't talk much for a long time."

"Sometimes there's nothing to say," the boy said softly, bowing his head.

Daniel brushed the bangs out of the child's face and couldn't help but smile, recognizing the same shaggy-like hair that he had worn at about the same age.

"Sometimes you're right, but sometimes, silence is just a wall or a defense to hide behind. It took me a long time to feel like I could be happy, that I had a right to be. You have a right to be happy, too."

"I'm sorry," the boy repeated.

"It's okay."

Molly approached at that point, concern showing on her face, her wrinkles showing with her frown.

"Oh, David, they've done it again," she sighed. "It's the third time," she spoke to Daniel as she held the broken glasses in her hand. Then she looked back at the child. "Are you okay, David?"

"Yes, Ma'am. May I be excused?"

"Yes, go ahead."

Molly looked at Daniel, shaking her head at the reality of the world. She spoke sadly, "Children can be so cruel."

"I know what you mean."

Molly looked at Daniel and couldn't help but be pleased David had run into him. She had heard a little about Daniel's history from Jack and knew that he and David had a lot in common. If anyone could relate to David, it would be Daniel.

"I'm sure it was the same four boys, the ones you saw earlier."

"Yes, it was. Molly, can't something be done?"

"I do my best, Daniel, but boys will be boys, and I'm afraid young David pushes them. It's not always their fault. He, the Sweet Pea, is hurting, scared of being separated from his sisters. He's lashing out to try and cover up his feelings. His older sister does the same, desperate, she is, to keep her family together. So much anger caused by hurt and tragedy. It saddens me soul."

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Daniel replied, taking a huge breath afterwards.

"The General will be out shortly. He got trapped into being a horse for a play."

"A horse? Now, that I have to hear about."

The two chatted for a few minutes, and then Molly walked away. She didn't know what she was going to do. The volunteers had been a blessing, but funds were tighter than ever. She didn't have money for new glasses ... again.

Still smiling from his pleasant chat with Molly, Daniel turned and saw David under a tree at the edge of the yard with an older girl and a toddler. He wondered if they were his sisters. He watched them for several minutes, noting how they remained physically close to each other, and also the noise they were creating. All three were smiling and laughing. They made a lovely picture to view. Eventually, he walked over to the area and smiled at David.

"Hi again."

"Hi," David replied softly, and then looking up at the girl, he explained, "He's the one who helped me with those bullies."

"Thank you," the girl said, smiling, although Daniel noticed the protective way that she held the boy and toddler close to her.

Looking at the older girl, Daniel spoke, "You're welcome. Uh, I don't think we've met. I'm, uh, Daniel. I've been helping Mrs. O'Hanlon with ..."

"Geography and Ancient History," she gushed, silently thinking Daniel was a pretty cute dude, for an old man.

"Um, sort of, yes."

"I'm Jennifer, and this is my brother, David, and this is Chenoa."

"Chenoa," Daniel repeated as he reached down and caressed the toddler's face, making her giggle.

"It's a symbol of peace and means white dove," Jennifer said with pride.

"Yes, it's Native American." Daniel saw the surprise on Jennifer's face that he knew the meaning of the name. "Is she your sister?"

"Yes."

"Here we go, David," Molly called out as she approached.

Daniel was surprised when Molly put the taped and apparently glued glasses back on David's face.

"Thanks, Mrs. O'Hanlon."

Molly saw the shocked look in Daniel's expression and explained, "I just don't have the money this week, Daniel. Heaven knows I wish I did."

Daniel sighed. He knew this boy's pain, and he just couldn't stand back and not try to help.

"Listen, um, let me take him to my optometrist on Saturday. I'll get him new glasses and have his eyes examined, too."

"Daniel, I couldn't let you do that."

"Hey all!" Jack smiled as he walked to join the group. He had actually been watching Daniel for a couple of minutes. There was something about his husband's demeanor that worried him, although he couldn't quite put a finger on what it was. "David, missed you at baseball."

"I'm not good at sports," David whispered as he again bowed his head.

Daniel looked at Jack and again, Jack saw something in his lover's eyes that he wasn't sure he could define at the moment.

"Well, it takes practice. I'll help you the next time I come."

"He doesn't need your help, Mister. I can teach him if he wants to learn."

"Now, Jennifer, General O'Neill just wants to help."

"Jennifer? Is that your name?" Jack asked with a grin, but Jennifer just scowled at him. He ignored her ferocious expression and looked at the youngest child present. "And who's this?"

"Oh, General O'Neill, this is Chenoa, and you've just met Jennifer. They are David's sisters."

"Nice to meet you, Ladies," Jack charmed them with a bright smile.

In response, Chenoa brought her hands together in a clap, making Jack and Daniel laugh.

"Jack, I thought we'd take David to get an eye exam and new glasses on Saturday. You don't mind, do you?"

Jack recognized that look. He didn't mind, and even if he did, he knew better than to say 'no' so he didn't miss a beat with his response of, "No problem, Daniel."

"Thank you, but as I already said, we don't need your help," Jennifer spoke up defensively.

"It would just be for a little while so that ..."

"NO! I WON'T LET YOU TAKE MY BROTHER!"

Jennifer pulled both David and Chenoa back a few steps with her.

Daniel looked at Jack, and then bent down on his knees, smiling at David and Chenoa.

"Well, how about if we all go?"

"All of us?" Jennifer asked suspiciously, her guard still up.

Daniel looked at Jack again, needing to see his approval. A slight nod gave Daniel what he needed, but Jack did more than that, picking up the conversation himself.

"Sure," Jack answered. "I have a nice big truck over there. Maybe we could stop for an ice cream after."

"Iceream?" Chenoa mumbled, a big smile on her face.

Daniel reached out with his right hand to touch the little girl's hands.

"Do you like ice cream, Chenoa?"

The toddler smiled brightly.

"We'll make a day of it. The eye doctor, maybe a movie, and ice cream," Jack said enthusiastically.

Jack and Daniel saw the huge smiles break out on the faces of all the kids, even though Jennifer was working hard to suppress hers.

"How about it, Molly? A field trip for these three would be okay, wouldn't it?" Jack asked.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. Thank you so much, boys," Molly smiled as she walked away. "Call me and let me know what time you want to pick them up."

"Okay, we'll see you three on Saturday. Okay, Jennifer?"

"Well, okay, but ... no one takes my brother or sister away from me. No one."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Daniel said, noticing the sharpness in her tone. "We'll see you in a couple of days."

Jack and Daniel walked to the truck and began the drive home.

"You like those kids, don't ya, Danny?"

"David is a lot like I was. I guess I see myself in him."

Jack had suspected this. He'd seen that look on Daniel several times in the past, always when running across frightened, abandoned children.

"Chenoa's a cutie pie," Jack commented.

"She sure is ... and Jennifer, too."

"Yeah, Jennifer," Jack said, glancing at Daniel who was gazing back at him, but neither spoke another word about the kids that night, and the girl bearing the name of their unborn child.

The next day, as Daniel fed Aislinn, he planned out their Saturday itinerary. When Aislinn was done, he phoned his optometrist to schedule the special Saturday session.

"For you, Doctor Jackson, anything. You are, after all, my best customer."

"Thanks ... I think."

"You've kept me in business," the doctor laughed. "I order glasses by the caseload just for you."

"Thanks again ... I think ... again."

Saturday arrived, and Jack and Daniel gave their triplets kisses goodbye and left Sam a copy of their itinerary. After a check to make sure the cell phones were working, the couple left.

"You know, I'm glad now that we decided to take that trip to Utah a couple of months ago."

"I'm glad you're glad, Angel, but why now?"

"Because otherwise, today would be the longest we've been away from the Munchkins, and it would probably make me even more crazy than I'll end up being if we hadn't started taking a couple of overnight trips, beginning with that one."

At the next stop light, Jack leaned over to share a quick kiss with his soulmate. They were pretty much living a normal life now, running errands, going out on their date nights, taking a few scattered one or two-day trips, luncheon dates with friends, all thanks to the realization they needed to let go, both for themselves and for their children. It wasn't that it was easy, but it was the nature of life.

Still, as the hours passed with the Morgan children, both Jack and Daniel had each called home a few times, frustrating Sam. The blonde finally brought their attention to their over-attentiveness when she answered the phone with "Jackson-O'Neill residence. Yes, they're breathing; yes, they've eaten; yes, they've been changed; yes, the girls are fine, too. Now leave me alone so I can go make out with Pete."

She was confident it would be one of the fathers on the phone, and she was right. Pete wasn't really there, but she just wanted to ruffle the overanxious father's feathers.

After the last call, Jack turned to Daniel.

"Do you think we're calling home too much?"

"No, of course not."

"And Pete's not really at the house?"

"No, of course not," Daniel said with mock certainty.
"Of course not," Jack agreed as both refocused on the three children they were with, both aware they were being a tad paranoid.

After the movie ended, the group walked through the mall, the three kids a bit ahead of Jack and Daniel.

"Isn't she cute, Jack?" Daniel said softly about the little toddler.

"Adorable. Why didn't we bring a stroller for her?"

Daniel shrugged.

"Maybe because we didn't think of it until just now?"

Jack laughed for a moment and then grew serious.

"Have you noticed the way Jen has held Chenoa close all day? She's practically kept her in her hip pocket."

"She's very protective of them."

"She's scared, Danny."

"I know. David is, too. I ... they're all scared."

Jack put his arm around Daniel's waist, pulling him even closer as they walked.

"Do you know how much I love being able to do this?"

"I have a clue, Love, but we agreed that with the kids at the shelter we'd hold back a little. It's not our place to make decisions for their parents ... whomever they might end up being."

Jack placed a kiss on Daniel's temple and then resumed their "best friends" stance, returning to his observations of the children they were with.

Jennifer still had a firm hold on both of her siblings when she stopped in front of one of the shops. The teenager eyed the latest fashion trend for teens.

"Daddy would have never let me wear this, but I bet I could have convinced Mom."

"Na-uh," David said. "She'd have said you were her daughter, not Britney Spears."

"Britney looks cool! Mom would have let me ... eventually."

"Look, Jen!" David tugged his sister to a science store, surprising Jack and Daniel who were just following, letting the kids lead them. "I've never seen such a big telescope. I bet you could really see the moon!"

Jack looked at Daniel with a smile.

"I knew I liked that kid," he whispered.

Jennifer turned to Jack and Daniel and asked, "Can we go inside for a few minutes? David loves all this junk."

"Sure, we have time," Daniel said, seeing Jack's nod.

After fifteen minutes of watching David explore and check out several telescopes, microscopes, and a myriad of scientific equipment, Jennifer again turned to Jack and Daniel.

"There's a toy store a few stores down. Noa's been so good. Can we let her go play in the store for a little bit? You don't have to buy her anything. She just loves the stuffed animals and things so much."

"Sure, we have time," Jack echoed Daniel's earlier words.

Twenty minutes later, after Chenoa had enjoyed a lot of play time with the various toys at the store, Jennifer took her sister in tow and said, "We should go back now."

"I have a better idea," Jack said. "How about we go back to the crazy clothes store and let you look around for a bit?"

"Really? But I need to watch the kids."

"Hey, what are we? Chopped liver? You shop. Daniel and I will guard the little ones."

"I am NOT little," David argued, making both Jack and Daniel smile.

Jack couldn't resist teasing the young boy, so he argued, "Are, too."

"I am not!"

The words were spoken authoritatively, David stomping his foot as he spoke.

"Yes, you are!"

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Oh, gawd." Daniel laughed. "Jack, stop it! I can't take it."

"Jealous?" Jack teased, a smug smile on his face.

"You're so dead, O'Neill!" Daniel quickly looked at the Morgan children, "I'm just kidding. Jack and I play around like that all the time."

"You're good friends?" Jennifer asked.

"Best friends," Daniel answered truthfully. "Come on, back to the fashion palace."

"Thank you, General O'Neill, and you, too, Daniel, for taking us out today, and especially for David's glasses," Jennifer said graciously.

"Hey, we're pals. Call me Jack."

"Um, well, how about General Jack? That's what the other kids call you."

All the children at Molly's shelter called the retired Air Force officer 'General Jack'. It was actually a tradition that had begun years earlier when Jack had first begun to volunteer at orphanages and shelters. He had been a Colonel then. Even the children at Cassandra's old school referred to him by rank and first name.

"I can live with that," Jack agreed.

"Maybe we can do this again some time," Daniel offered.

"More 'cream?" Chenoa asked.

Jack laughed as he answered, "Yeah, more 'cream!"

"YEAHHHHHHH!" the toddler cheered.

"Thank you for letting me play in the science store. They had the neatest stuff," David said, a happy expression on his face.

"You're welcome, Son," Jack said, putting his hand on David's head and ruffling his shaggy hair.

"We'd better go," Daniel said, "but we'll see you next week."

They all said their good-byes, and the three Morgan children headed inside. Molly was waiting at the door, and she smiled and waved at Jack and Daniel. Suddenly, the curly-haired blonde turned around and ran to Daniel, jumping into his arms. He could hear her sniffling.

"Miss Daddy."

"I know you do, Chenoa. It's okay to cry."

Before Daniel had finished his words, Jennifer and David had returned to Jack and Daniel, and Molly was walking swiftly to them. Daniel continued to comfort the little girl, rubbing her back gently and whispering reassurances.

"Love Daddy."

"And he loved you, too, so much. So did your mommy."

Jennifer explained softly, "She was a bit of daddy's girl." The teenager folded her arms, trying not to cry. "I guess ... I ..."

"You were, too, Jennifer. You had Daddy wrapped around your pinky."

"Well, you did the same with Mommy." Jennifer let out a sigh of exasperation. "Mommy. I haven't called her that in years."

"That's normal, Jennifer," Jack said. "You miss her. It's okay to miss her and maybe remember a time when you weren't quite so grown up."

Jennifer's chip was back on her shoulder. As David had done before, she lashed out sharply, "And what would you know about it? We lost our parents. THEY'RE DEAD!"

Jack nodded, taking a big breath. He swallowed hard, then looked back at the teenager. With a voice that reeked of vulnerability, he answered, "I lost my son. He's dead now, too. Daniel, let's go."

Daniel sighed and placed a quick kiss on Chenoa's cheek. He knelt down to put her back on the ground.

"Are you okay, Chenoa?" She nodded, and Daniel smiled. "We'll do this again. I promise, okay? We'll have lots more ice cream."

The little girl smiled and ran to Molly who picked her up.

"Daniel," Jennifer said softly, "what did General Jack mean about losing a son. He wasn't serious, was he? I mean, he was just trying to make a point ... right?"

Daniel looked over at Jack who had just started the truck. He answered softly, "No. He did have a son, and he died. I have to go. We'll see you guys next week."

"I feel like a heel," Jennifer said to her siblings and Molly as they watched Daniel hurry to the truck and get in.

"Never assume, my dear. General Jack is a wonderful man, but he's gone through much. Never assume your own pain is greater than another's."

"He tried to tell me that once."

"Well, Dear One, maybe this time, you'll listen ... and learn," Molly advised.

"WAH! WAHHHHHH!"

"I'll get it, Angel. Go back to sleep."

"Sl'p. Mmmm."

Jack smiled at his husband, placing a quick kiss on his forehead, and then getting out of bed. He put on his burgundy robe and hurried for the nursery.

"Hush, Little Danny. Shhh!" Jack bounced the youngster in his arms slightly. "Wet? No, that's not it. Hungry?" Little Danny began to quiet in his dad's arms. "Oh, just a bad dream, huh? You haven't had one of those in a while. Hey, how would you like to go look at the stars for a few minutes?"

The baby cooed softly, so Jack retraced his steps to the master bedroom, making sure not to wake his husband. Opening the door, he took their middle child outside and sat down on one of the two chairs they kept on the deck.

"Look at all those stars. See that one, Little Danny? It's all twinkle and no substance."

Jack continued to talk about the stars to his son for a few minutes. Then he smiled and with his right hand caressed Little Danny's ultra soft skin.

"Daddy and I have met these three kids. Their parents died not long ago. It's so hard, Danny, to see beautiful kids like them alone. That Jennifer. She's a wild one, but it's all for show. David. Aw, David. He's like you and your daddy. He's a bright kid who wants nothing more than to be loved. And then there's Chenoa. She is cute as a button. They deserve a home, a loving home where they can stay together. Maybe Dale and Nancy. Oh for crying out loud, what am I worried about? They're great kids. Someone will snatch them up, and they'll have great lives, just like you, my Munchkin. Love you so much. Your daddy and I ... we wanted you for so long, and now you're here. Miracles."

Jack kissed the now-sleeping infant. He didn't see his husband had gotten up and was watching as he leaned against the doorframe. Daniel's arms were crossed, and he yawned every few seconds.

"Bore you to sleep?" He chuckled at his infant son. "Someone will adopt them. Molly works hard to find homes for all her charges, and Molly is a woman of her word, but you, Munchkin, you are home. Nothing to worry about, Little Danny. No monsters in your closet, just your daddy and I here to protect and love you forever and ever."

Daniel smiled and returned to bed, getting comfortable under the covers. He heard Jack walk through the room and knew that meant he was putting their son back into the crib.

Two minutes later, Jack climbed back into the king-size bed, and instantly, Daniel moved to reclaim his Jack-pillow.

"Jack?"

"I thought you were asleep?"

"I was, but I was thinking."

"Always dangerous."

"Old joke, Babe."

"You just don't appreciate good humor."

"Right. So, I was thinking ..."

Jack laughed as he caressed Daniel's back.

"Okay, you were thinking."

"Let's go see Danny."

"But I just put him back in the nursery."

"No, Danny Jenkins. It's been a while, and he's always asking when we're going to come for another visit. He misses you, Jack."

"Yeah, I miss him, too. He's grown up so much."

"But you're still his best friend in the whole wide world," Daniel chuckled repeating the child's comments. "By the way, you're my best friend, too."

"I love you, Angel."

Jack cut off further conversation by initiating some late night romance, one that left both completely satiated.

The next weekend, the lovers left their triplets in the care of Sam and Janet, both of whom had agreed to spend the night so Jack and Daniel could venture to Maryland where Jack's old friends, Dave and Julie Jenkins now lived.

A few years ago, Jack had befriended a little boy, Danny Hopkins, at a skating rink. Daniel had actually spotted the lonely child, recognizing the look of abandonment on his face. At the time, young Danny was in a less-than-desirable foster home where he was treated more like an errand boy than a child.

It had been the holiday season and the boy's situation had hit Jack and Daniel hard. Eventually though, Jack was able to find some friends interested in adopting a boy. The Jenkins came to Colorado Springs and instantly fell in love with Danny, adopting him as soon as they could.

Jack and Daniel had never lost touch with the boy, talking with him often on the phone, and making visits when they could. The Jenkins had even brought their son to Colorado a couple of times just so he could visit with his best friend, Jack.

Daniel wondered if Jack knew that the young boy saw Jack as his savior, the person who had rescued him from a life of misery and given him a home.

My Jack, rescuer and savior of lost Dannys.

Sam and Janet had agreed to babysit the triplets, and had endured three phone calls, one pre-weekend visit, and finally, fifteen minutes worth of lectures on the proper care and handling of the triplets and two beagles. For a few minutes, the two women were afraid the couple would never leave.

Flashback/
"Don't worry, guys. We've got everything covered," Janet said. She added, "It's not like we haven't done this before."

"We know it's an imposition, but we're so thankful that we have you two," Daniel commented.

"Any excuse for a girls' night," Janet laughed, a twinkle in her eye.

"Definitely," Sam had agreed as she laughed a bit mischievously.

"Hey, this isn't a party night. You're babysitting MY children," Jack said in his best 'no-nonsense' command voice, reminding both of just why Jack had seemed so intimidating to new recruits.

"Don't forget," Daniel instructed, "Little Danny still gets scared of the dark sometimes, not much, but sometimes. He really hates being alone. Katie sleeps next to him a lot now, and he likes that, so if he acts up, and having Jonny close doesn't work, get Katie."

Jack jumped in, "And don't try and figure out how she gets in the crib. We've never figured it out for sure, but we've stopped questioning just exactly how she does it. Just put her in there if you want to ensure a peaceful night for Little Danny."

"And Jonny is always getting into trouble. He's way ahead of where he's supposed to be with his motor skills, so don't make assumptions, or you might be sorry."

"Yeah, lately, he's been trying to figure out escape routes," Jack said with a smirk that reeked of pride of his oldest son's talents.

"Escape routes?" Sam inquired.

Daniel answered, "Out of the crib. I think he thinks he's in Alcatraz or something. Kayla took this picture of him looking out between the railings that is so funny. I'll have to show it to you, but the point is, he's really sitting there plotting his escape. Trust me. Don't trust him."

The archaeologist looked over at Jack, his eyes almost accusing his lover of training Jonny in covert operations.

"Hey! What are you looking at me for?"

"Nothing ... that I have proof of ... yet," Daniel responded.

Jack decided it was best to ignore his husband's silent accusations, so he moved on to give the two women advice about their youngest family member, saying, "And about Ash, she's starting this new thing lately."

Daniel laughed and shook his head, drawing the two female's attention.

"Okay, we'll bite. What?" Janet asked.

Jack answered, "She likes to get her brothers in trouble. She thinks we haven't noticed that she's the one who started the mess in the first place."

Daniel continued laughing as he added, "It's so cute. I think Jonny and Little Danny are in for years of this."

"Yeah," Jack said in mock sarcasm, "Yet, again, women get the best of the innocent men."

"Innocent?" both Sam and Janet retorted at the same time.

"Anyway, watch her," Daniel continued. "She follows Little Danny a lot, but she's really just testing the waters."

"Uh," Jack almost hesitated to add, "Little Danny likes to be sung to, and if Jonny can't sleep, try taking him for a ride in the car."

"And don't forget that Ash doesn't like her formula very hot, just slightly warm, and she eats ..."

"Daniel," Sam interrupted, "like Janet said, we've been here before. This isn't the first time we've taken care of the triplets overnight, and ..."

"But ..." both Jack and Daniel interrupted.

"No buts, gentlemen," Janet insisted, opening the front door and literally tossing out the two duffel bags they were using for luggage. "Out!"

"We'll have the cell phone on," Daniel said, "and oh, I forgot to tell you that Jonny ..."

"OUT!" both women exclaimed again.

Jack turned one last time, raising his hand to say something, but the door slammed shut in his face.

"Danny, you think they're trying to tell us something?"

"Yeah, to get the heck out of Dodge, Jack," Daniel quipped.

"I love you, Angel," Jack said and then followed it up with a kiss.

The two started to walk away when Daniel suddenly darted back to the door. Jack turned and watched, clueless.

"Sam! Janet! Please, this is important."

"Okay, one minute, Daniel," Sam said after opening the door.

"Look, I'm sorry, but ..."

"We know," Sam admitted, a smile on her face. "Now, what's the urgent thing you forgot?"

"The girls. It's important, Sam. You need to spend some time, just with them, okay? Five minutes will do it, but they have to have it, and at night, let them decide whether they want to stay in or out. I know what we said about Katie, but sometimes she still likes to be out; so does Bij, and sometimes, they sleep with us, so ... I mean, I know not everyone likes that kind of thing, but ..."

"Daniel, Bijou and Katie have slept on the bed with me every single time I've babysat. I'm not sure they trust me with their siblings. Now, OUT!"

"Oh. Sorry. They're ... very protective, but they need ..."

"Yes, Daniel. Goodbye, Daniel," Janet ordered, using her 'Little Napoleon' voice.

Once again, the two women closed the door, locking it.

Jack laughed and nodded towards the vehicles in the driveway.

"Come on, Love. Time to go."

"Gawd, Jack. We're so bad."

"No, Love. We're just ... parents."

"Parents. What a beautiful word." End of Flashback

So, finally, the couple left their home for a weekend trip. They flew to Baltimore, Maryland in their airplane, Jo, and were met at the airport by Julie Jenkins.

"He's going to be so surprised!" Julie ranted.

"You didn't tell him?" Jack asked.

"No. Jack, he's at baseball practice. He's been working so hard to make you proud of him, says he's going to prove to you that he can hit the ball. We thought you might want to come watch. Dave is with him."

"That's great," Jack replied, asking, "Hey, where are Billy and Kev?"

Jack was referring to the latest members of the Jenkins household. As often happened, once the pressure had been off Dave and Julie to have a baby, thanks to Danny's adoption, she had gotten pregnant. The first baby was a boy they named William, now three-years-old and then she had gotten pregnant again, resulting in Kevin, now two-years-old.

"With my sister for the afternoon. You'll see them tonight."

As they drove, Daniel asked, "How's Danny doing, Julie?"

"Oh, he's doing wonderfully. He excels in school. Oh, Daniel, we have to thank you for all that information you sent Danny about Egypt. He got an 'A' on his report, and he was so thrilled that he could actually take a genuine artifact to class as an exhibit. He was the hit of the day."

"I'm glad I could help."

"Listen, uh, I know Jack is his best friend, but don't think he isn't just as crazy about you. He talks as much about making you proud of his scholastic efforts as he does about pleasing Jack at sports. Dave and I owe you both. We don't have to pressure him about anything."

"Just sitting back and enjoying the ride," Jack teased.

"Something like that, but you know what we're most proud of? He never gives up. You two taught him that if he fell down, to just get right back up and try again, and keep trying until he found what worked for him, and he does."

"He sounds happy," Daniel said softly.

"I think he really is. I know we are. What a joy he's been, and we never would have gotten Danny if it weren't for the two of you; and he loves his brothers. It's really helped him to be their mentor. The babies adore him, and it's helped with Danny's self-confidence. And you'll never guess what Dave and I have been talking about."

"What?" the couple asked at the same time.

"We love having a big family, and being able to see how Danny has grown with the security of a home, well, we're thinking about adopting a couple more children sometime soon, older children, like Danny."

"Julie, that's wonderful," Daniel said. "There are so many children out there who need good homes like yours."

"That's what we've been discussing. Ah, here we are."

Julie parked the car and then escorted Jack and Daniel to the dugout area. Danny was just coming to bat. He didn't see his special visitors, being so focused on his task. Dave clapped his hands together.

"Remember, Son, just concentrate. Don't try to overdo it."

The boy nodded and went to the plate. He swung and missed the first ball, and the second was in the dirt. The third was a called strike, and the fourth almost hit him, causing him to fall to the dirt on his rear end.

Jack and Daniel could hear the boy muttering.

"Just get up. Keep trying. Don't pay attention to laughter. I can do it. I have to just be me, and I can hit the ball. I can hit it. I can hit it."

Jack and Daniel exchanged a look, and then each watched, both mouthing words of silent encouragement.

The next ball headed for the plate. Danny swung and hit it along the third base line.

"Run, Son. Run hard," Dave urged.

Like a full-steam locomotive, Danny ran down the baseline, beating the throw.

"SAFE!" the practice umpire called.

Danny jumped up and down in pleasure as Dave ran to him and slapped him joyfully on the back.

"Way to go, Son."

"Okay, that's enough for today, kids. Good practice," the coach called out.

"Now that's what I call running out a single," Jack said with pride.

"JACK! DANIEL!" Danny exclaimed, running to his friends. "Did you see it, Jack?"

"Yeah, you did great!"

The trip was a rousing success. Jack and Daniel spent the rest of the night with the Jenkins family. When the three boys were asleep, the adults talked in their recreation room for a while, all playing a friendly game of pool.

Jack and Daniel exchanged a few looks during the night, and when the game was over, Julie served the men a bottle of beer to enjoy. She sat down and opened her own bottle. She took a drink and leaned forward in her chair.

"By the way, I couldn't help but notice that the two of you seem ... well, you've been looking at each other a lot."

"Looking?" Daniel asked, a little alarmed.

"Guys, uh, you're wearing wedding bands."

Jack and Daniel looked at each other. They had discussed the issue of telling the Jenkins the truth about their relationship, but they hadn't come to any conclusions, neither sure what Dave and Julie would think.

"Jack," Dave interjected, "it's hard to hide love. Danny, um, our Danny, told us a long time ago."

"Danny?" Daniel spoke, his eyes wide, and mouth open in surprise.

"Yeah," Julie answered. "He said that the two of you took care of each other. The last time you were here, after you left, he just smiled all day. I asked him why, and he told me it was because Big Danny was happy now and that made you happy, Jack."

"It's not hard to put two and two together," Dave commented.

"So, are you okay with it?"

Dave and Julie looked at each other. Both smiled and nodded. It was Dave who spoke.

"Jack, you gave us our son, and that's led us to a family we had only been able to dream about for years and years. So, if he's okay with it, why shouldn't we be?"

"There's, uh, something we'd like to share, but ... I guess that's why Jack and I have been exchanging those looks you mentioned. Every time we've talked about children, it's ... well, it's reminded us of ... of ours."

"You have children?" Julie asked.

"The Munchkins!" Jack exclaimed, pulling out a thick wallet of photos, causing his husband to laugh.

"Oh my gosh. Dave, triplets!" Julie exclaimed.

"Jonny, Little Danny, and Aislinn."

"Oh, Jack, they are beautiful. Daniel, you must be ecstatic," Julie chirped happily.

"Very. They're our little miracles. We'd like Danny to come for a visit and meet them, if you're okay with it."

"Hey, what about us?" Dave asked. "Trips! Wow."

"Listen, the Jenkins are always welcome at our home."

"Did you adopt?" Julie asked.

"No. Surrogate," Daniel answered.

"I'm so happy for you both," Julie said, hugging both men.

The next morning, Jack and Daniel returned for breakfast. Dave and Julie had agreed that it was okay for them to talk openly about their relationship, so the lovers took the youngster aside just before they were to leave.

"Danny, Big Danny and I would like to share something very special with you."

"What?"

"Well," Jack said, "Danny and I ... we have children now."

"Babies?" the boy asked enthusiastically.

"Yes. Would you like to see their pictures?"

The child nodded, so Daniel pulled out his wallet full of photos, and showed off the triplets.

"I bet they're funny."

"Sometimes," Jack answered. "Would you like to meet them?"

"Can I?"

"Yes, and hopefully soon. Your parents said they'd arrange a trip to the Springs in the near future."

"Oh, boy!"

"Um, Danny, you understand about Jack and I?" The boy nodded. "I mean, that we're ... more than just best friends."

The child grinned, then said, "Jack made you happy, and that made Jack happy, and now you have babies, and I'll bet they're happy, too."

"We hope so," Daniel said with a smile.

"Hey, we've got to go, but we'll talk on the phone next weekend. I want to hear all about your game, okay?"

"Okay, Jack," the boy said, throwing his arms around the retired General. "You're my best friend, Jack." They said their good-byes, and soon, Jack and Daniel were headed home in their Meyers 200A aircraft.

"It was so simple for him, Jack. All he knew was that we made each other happy."

"In the end, I guess that's it. Love. Happiness. They go together when it's right."

"It'll be fun to show off the Munchkins to Dave and Julie. They love children so much. I'm so glad their family has grown, too."

"Danny is happy. It shows what finding a good home can do for a kid. It scares me, Love, to think what could have happened to him if he had stayed with that cretin of a foster care parent ... and I use that term lightly."

"I wish all orphans could find a good home."

"Me, too. Hey, I wonder how Carter and the Doc are doing with the Munchkins?"

"I miss them."

"We'll be home soon."

"Jack?"

"Yes, Love?"

"How many times did you call home?" Jack shrugged. "Come on, Jack. I know you did."

"Five. Six. Okay, eight times."

Daniel laughed.

"You have me beat. I actually stopped at the fourth one."

"Only four?"

"Sam was getting a bit snippy. She said if we didn't stop calling every hour she was going to change our phone number."

"She couldn't."

"Jack, we're talking Sam here."

"Good point. Next time, we'll have to coordinate our calls."

"Next time," Daniel said, laughing.

Soon, the lovers would be reunited with their babies, and when they were, they thanked the stars that they were a family, all healthy and safe, and together.

"Mrs. O'Hanlon?"

"Yes, Jennifer?"

"When is General Jack coming back?"

"Soon, Dear. He and Daniel had some obligations to take care of, and they had to go out of town, too, but they'll be back later this week."

Jennifer fidgeted, crossing her arms. Finally, she asked, "When?"

"Well, let me see," Molly said, opening her day planner to check the schedules. "Friday, I believe."

"That's too long. Please, Mrs. O'Hanlon. Can I call him?"

"Call?"

"I said a horrible thing. Please, I feel just terrible about it."

Aw, he's making headway through that armor of hers. Can't let this go unnoticed. "All right. Hold on a second." Molly dialed the house and was pleased when Jack answered. "Jack, me love."

"Molly, you old flirt!"

"If I were younger, you'd see what flirting was really about."

Jack laughed. He adored Molly.

"What's up, Gorgeous?"

"You're full of such blarney, but don't change. I have someone here who'd like to speak with you." Molly handed the phone to Jennifer. "Here you go, Jennifer. I'll be right outside; let you have a minute's privacy."

"Thank you, Mrs. O'Hanlon." She watched Molly exit her office, and then shyly put the receiver to her head. "General Jack? This is Jennifer Morgan."

"Jennifer! Hit any suicide squeeze bunts lately?"

The teenager laughed, then answered, "No. It's no fun unless you're around to give me a hard time. General Jack? I ... I wanted to apologize for what I said the last time I saw you. I mean ... you tried to tell me not to judge people, but ... well, I mean I'm ... I ..."

"Jennifer, it's okay."

"No, it's not. I'm really sorry about your son. I don't know what happened, but I know it made it you sad, and I imagine losing a son is like losing a parent. It's horrible."

"Yes, it is, but don't worry about it, Jennifer. Look, Daniel and I will be at the shelter on Friday, and we can talk some more about it then. Okay?"

"General Jack, we don't have to. I just wanted you to know that I was sorry for mouthing off. I was upset, but I shouldn't have said what I did. It's just ... Chenoa was crying, and ... well ..."

"I understand. I'll see you on Friday."

"Okay. Bye."

Jack hung up the phone and sighed as he put the phone in its cradle.

Someone will adopt those kids. Jennifer isn't so tough. She's just trying to protect her family. Maybe Dave and Julie if Dale and Nancy can't. Maybe.

"Jack, come here. Hurry!"

Hearing Daniel's call, Jack raced upstairs to the nursery and found Daniel on the bed with Aislinn.

"What's wrong?"

"Listen. Just ... listen." Daniel focused on their daughter. "Come on, Ash. Do it for dad. He'll smile. Come on."

"Dada," the youngest Jackson-O'Neill said.

"Dada?" Jack said in awe, moving to the bed where he knelt down to the floor on his knees. "Ash, say it again. Say ... dada."

"Dada!" she repeated.

Jack and Daniel were bursting with pride. Their youngest daughter had uttered her first word. Daniel always kept close tabs on the progress charts for babies and realized instantly that Aislinn was on the advanced side of things, but all he really cared about was the flip-flop his heart had taken when Aislinn had spoken that first precious word a few minutes earlier.

"Danny, I can't breathe. Ash, say 'dada' again. Say it for Dad and Daddy."

"Dada," she repeated, pushing up against Jack who took her from Daniel, with his permission, of course.

"Our blessing, Jack. My gawd. I've never heard anything so beautiful in my life ... except maybe when you said you loved me."

"Blessings. Our blessings," Jack echoed and then leaned over to kiss his husband. "You're my blessing, too, Angel, forever and always."

"Forever and always," Daniel echoed.

"Dada! Dada!" Aislinn said again.

Both men laughed as they fussed over their daughter, thrilled with the many blessings they'd been given, especially their tiniest miracle, their inspirational blessing named Aislinn.

On to Chapter Seven ...