-- Chapter Four: The Return of Mr. Jealousy

"Welcome home, Kayla," Daniel said, reaching over to grab her bags.

"Thanks, Daniel. How is everyone?"

"Growing like weeds. You'll see them all at dinner later tonight, if you're up to it."

"Dinner?"

"Please say you'll come. The children have really missed you, and I think Jen could use some female counsel from someone who hasn't been around lately."

Kayla laughed as the two walked through the airport towards the exit.

"You mean Janet and Sam have already tried and failed?"

"And Sara, too," Daniel admitted. "We're hoping you'll be the one to have the golden words of wisdom."

The young woman laughed again, then asked, "What's his name?"

"Which one? Jack's about to blow a gasket. She's too young to date, and she knows we won't let her, but she's really popular."

"She's a beautiful girl; she has those blue eyes of yours."

"Well, not mine."

"Maybe not technically, but two of those three have blue eyes, Daniel, and David is a snarky little genius like you."

"Snarky? You've been talking to Jack again."

"Well, it certainly hasn't been through email. I think the last one he responded to was about two years ago."

Daniel chuckled as they walked the broad crosswalk to the temporary parking lot where his 1999 Shelby-American was parked. Seeing the small car, Kayla smiled.

"I love that little car. I'm glad you brought it."

"I love it, too," Daniel said with a blush highlighting his fair face.

"You love the person it reminds you of."

"Yeah, that's true."

"I'd love to come to dinner," Kayla said. "What time?"

"We thought around six ... so you can see all the brood before they start bailing on us for the night."

"Bailing? Aren't they a little young to bail, Daniel?"

"Uh, sorry. Hanging around Jack too much. Jen will want to get on the phone or the internet; David has two different documentaries he's been wanting to watch, even though it's past his bedtime, but he's been pestering us nonstop about it; Noa and the babies? They'll just fall asleep."

"Wow. Daniel, did you ever think you'd have eight children?"

"Not in a million years. The only time I thought I might have a child was with Sha're, but it didn't happen, and looking back on it, that was a good thing."

"Butting in here, but I'm curious. Would she approve, or would she be shocked by your life now?"

"No, I think she knew," Daniel spoke softly.

"Knew? How?"

"I talked about Jack a lot the year Sha're and I were married. It's funny to think back on it now. I hadn't known him that long, but I guess the seed was planted the day we met. So, when the mission was over, and Jack was gone, I felt this loss. Sha're knew. She always knew."

"Did you two ever talk about Jack? I mean, about how ... oh, I don't know what I mean," Kayla said, shaking her head at the vague question.

"Well, it's like I said. I talked a lot about home and what Jack was doing. He, uh, was at sort of a critical time in his life, and ..."

"Charlie," Kayla stated, adding, "I mean he told me once, very briefly, that losing Charlie almost killed him ... literally. He didn't expand on it, Daniel, but I had the impression that he meant it ... literally."

"Sha're knew I was thinking about him, about home. There was this place where she lived, uh, where we lived, that had this room full of mysteries waiting to be discovered. I didn't find it until after Jack had left, but once I did, I practically lived in there because ..."

"Because those mysteries reminded you of Jack?"

"Yeah, I think so. I didn't realize it at the time, of course. It wasn't until two years later that I realized the truth, and when I did, it hit me like a wildfire that couldn't be contained. We told you about that, didn't we? Short version, anyway."

"Yes, you did. It's very romantic, you being Jack's falling star."

"He told you about that?" Daniel glanced over at the birth mother of his babies, a look of surprise on his face. "I mean, we usually keep that kind of stuff ... private."

"I think you'd be surprised, Daniel. Jack Jackson-O'Neill is one very much in love man. I exaggerated about those emails. He's not a frequent writer, but he keeps up -- eventually, and when he starts talking about you, well, he's proud, Daniel. He's proud of you, your love, your family. He told me once that as much as he loved the military, it was harder than anyone knew to exist for years living a lie. You know, um, he said even you don't really realize."

"That's crazy. Of course, I know. We talked about it a lot."

"You talked a lot about when to retire. I know he stayed in for you. He never let on, did he, just how much he wanted out because of his desire to be with you?"

Daniel pulled off the road for a moment and looked at Kayla. He shook his head.

"It's true he stayed for me. We had ... things we needed to accomplish, but Jack wanted those things, too."

"Sure, he did, but more than anything else, he wanted you. Jack said you were a man on a journey, and that journey might never end. It was a quest to make a difference in the world."

"Oh, gawd, he's right. I always wanted to contribute, to do something wonderful. For a long time, I didn't believe I had, not ever."

"And now?"

"And now I know better, because of Jack. I guess ... gawd, I always knew he wanted out, but, maybe I never truly realized just how hard it was on him to stay in."

"It wasn't hard, Daniel. I mean it was, but it wasn't." She saw Daniel's face scrunching, trying to figure out her words. "What I mean is that it was hard, yes, to continue the lie, but every day you two went to work, every time there was a new ... quest," she smiled as she spoke, "he knew you were happy, following your journey. The one thing I don't think you really understand is that making you happy makes Jack happy."

Daniel let out a small snorting laugh, and replied, "Sara said something like that to me once."

"Accept it, Daniel. You're it for Jack, as he so happily and simply puts it. He lights up when he talks about you, even in an email. You're his falling star, and keeping you shining brightly is all he lives for."

"Gawd, I love him."

Kayla smiled and then took a deep breath, exhaling loudly. She let out a tiny laugh and said, "You know, Daniel, someday, I think I'd like to be someone's falling star."

"Kayla, that's the first time I've heard you say anything like that."

"You and Jack -- you two are inspiring me. Don't get me wrong. I'm still a free spirit, but lately, I've wondered if it wouldn't be cool to have a Mister Free Spirit to roam the world with."

"I hope you find him."

"Me, too. By the way, six is good for dinner."

"So how was your Christmas? We missed having you here."

"I'll be honest, Daniel. I almost got on a plane and flew home to be here, but ..."

"You should have."

"No, not yet; maybe next year, but I think it's really important for you and Jack to establish your holiday traditions with the babies without me."

"You're family."

"You know something, Daniel? I believe you, and for that, I am sincerely grateful. Now, let me tell you about this really neat little adventure I had. You know me, always looking for a story; well ..."

Daniel was happy Kayla was home. They'd missed her, but he was glad she had had such an enjoyable trip, and found new adventures to write about.

"This was a fun evening. Kayla looked great. Love that tan," Jack said as he undressed.

"Mmm-hmm," Daniel said from his spot on their bed, already in his pajama bottoms, but not wearing a top.

"Checked on the Munchkins and the twins ... all sound asleep; monitors are on," the older man noted as he put on his pajamas.

"Mmm-hmm," Daniel replied, his eyes focused on Jack.

"Did a Mouseketeer check, too; even Jen is asleep. I think it must have been all that boy-watching she did at that basketball game this afternoon," Jack said as he sat down on the bed.

"Mmm-hmm," Daniel responded.

Jack turned his body to look at his husband.

"Danny, you haven't said anything but 'mmm-hmm' in over thirty minutes. Don't you have anything else to say?"

"Mmm-hmm," Daniel said with a grin, suddenly pulling Jack down to him and engulfing him with his body.

Jack didn't know if Daniel ever said anything else because a minute later, he was totally lost in his lover as Daniel ravished him to satiation. He would have made a note to ask his husband about the sudden attack, but his brain cells weren't working enough for him to remember, so he stopped thinking about it, as if he had a choice anyway, which he didn't, and just went with the flow of their bodies as they made love.

"Abayomi wants to meet and discuss the project in more detail."

"When?"

Daniel put Jenny down for her nap, and answered softly, "This weekend."

"We'll have pizza," Jack joked.

"Jack," Daniel turned to face him, "He's going to be in New York City for the weekend. He wants us to meet him there."

"Danny, we can't do that on such short notice. I mean, I know Carter and Sara have been extremely understanding, but ..."

"Well, I think maybe just one of us ..."

"Just one ... and of course, that's not me," Jack said, practically sulking.

"I don't want to go without you, but it's the only way."

"Sure."

"Jack."

"No, Danny," Jack said, sighing and knowing this would be a reality he'd have to come to terms with and fast, "I may not like it, but I know this kind of thing is going to happen from time to time. I'm okay with it."

"Really?"

"Yeah," Jack responded.

It was the truth. He really didn't like it, but he did understand, and he wanted their company to be a success, because it was their company.

Daniel walked over to the bed Jack was sitting on while holding Ricky. He knelt down and gazed into Jack's eyes, but didn't say anything, so finally, the older man asked, "What?"

"I love you more than I can ever say."

"Love you, too, Angel."

The two shared a kiss and then continued to tend to their children.

"I am so excited! Mister Corning, the publisher, loves the manuscript I submitted. He wants me to do one more draft and have it edited, so I need to work on that, but he says it has great potential."

"We're so happy for you, Kayla," Daniel said as he poured some champagne in her glass.

"So when do we get to read this novel? You've been putting us off from the beginning."

Kayla grinned, took a sip of her drink, and then answered, "Very soon, Jack. You and Daniel will be the first two to read it once I have it edited. You know," Kayla paused to take another sip of her drink as she sat on the chair in the living room, "I realize I've said this before, but I have learned so much from this experience."

"Writing can be very spiritual," Daniel offered.

"Yes, but what I learned is so much more than that. I can't thank you guys enough for making my dream come true, and this book, it is absolutely everything I wanted it to be. I know it's an overused phrase, but this is my great American novel, and I could not have done it without the both of you."

"We didn't do anything," Daniel said shyly.

Kayla looked over at the twins who were in the downstairs crib and smiled.

"Yes, you did -- much more than you know. Now, where are the Munchkins?"

After a visit with the children, Kayla was saying her good-byes to Jack and Daniel. The three stood outside by Kayla's car.

"Kayla," Daniel began, "I was wondering. Um ... Jack? The project?"

Jack grinned and nodded his assent, which Kayla noticed.

"There's a chance; it's not definite. We have to see what happens with the watching brief, but if we do, we'll, I mean all of us, will be going to Egypt for a couple of months in the summer. Sam and Teal'c are coming to watch the children while Jack and I work. Would you like to join us? You wouldn't have to stay the whole time, but I think you'd really enjoy it."

"Wow! I've always been fascinated by that part of the world. This is work?"

"Well, it will be if the brief shows what we think it will," Jack said. "We won't know for a while."

"You wouldn't have to baby-sit or anything ..." Daniel stated.

"Oh, no you don't. I love those little ones of yours, all of them! I would love to go and help Sam and Teal'c take care of them while you guys do your thing. Thank you so much for asking me." Kayla hugged them both again. "I have to say this. I really do love you two, and your children, and I feel very blessed to be a part of your extended family."

"Kayla, we love you, too. Our dreams couldn't have come true without you," Daniel said sincerely.

"You have no idea, Kayla, what you've done for us. Daniel's the linguist, and I think he'd agree that the words don't exist to say what we feel in our hearts."

Jack and Daniel saw the mistiness in Kayla's eyes, so they pulled her in for another group hug.

"You're family, Kayla, and you always will be," Daniel stated firmly.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. You've made my dreams come true, too, made me feel something about life I never thought I would. Thank you." Kayla sighed and smiled. "I'd better go. Goodnight you two. Go on. You'd better get back to those little ones. Who knows what they're doing while you're out here."

"Could be scary," Jack laughed in agreement. "Goodnight."

"Take care, Kayla. I'll call you tomorrow."

Daniel took a step back and watched as Kayla got in her car and turned on the engine.

She waved the two on as she settled in. Then, the young woman turned on the radio and smiled when she heard Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" playing. She had heard the stories about Jack's and Daniel's first wedding, and of course, she had been at their second wedding when Celine sang it in person for them. Smiling and still misty-eyed, Kayla watched Jack and Daniel walk back to their house.

The two were arm in arm, laughing. She saw Jack turn just as they reached the steps and pull Daniel to him, and then kiss his husband. She saw Daniel's arms caressing his spouse's back and then cup his face for yet another kiss. She watched as they laughed some more and then walked into their house.

"You two are very special ... very special."

Kayla drove home, ready for a good night's sleep.

"When Daddy home?"

"In two days, Noa," Jack answered.

"Where Daddy go?"

"New York City."

"Where's Nu 'Ork Ity?"

"New York City ... and it's on the other side of the country; far away. Here, I'll show you." Jack went over and pulled out an Atlas from the bookshelf. He opened it to the appropriate page. "See, it's way over here." He saw a frown on Chenoa's face. "Hey," Jack pulled his daughter in for a hug. "It's not really that far, and he'll be back before you know it."

"No, now."

The little girl walked up the stairs to her room as if she were marching to her death. Jack sighed. He missed Daniel, too, and he'd only been gone twelve hours.

"Dad, why did Daddy leave us?"

"He didn't leave us, David. He went on a business trip. Daddy and I own our own business, and that means that sometimes we have to take short trips. It will never be more than a couple of days at a time though."

"But I wanted him to help me with my Arabic."

"I could give it a shot. I do know the language a little, though not as well as Daniel."

"No, that's okay."

The boy let out a huge sigh, walked to the sofa, and plopped down.

"Do you want to watch a game on TV? Bet I could find a good hockey game."

"No, thank you."

"Just like your father. How about a documentary on the Discovery Channel?"

For a moment, Jack thought that would work, but then David sank back down against the cushion.

"No, thank you. Daddy's not here to answer my questions, and I always have questions. I think I'll just go to my room."

Jack watched sadly as David also did the 'death march' up the stairs, then he went back to the kitchen to finish the cake he was baking.

"Dad? I really need to talk to Daddy."

Another country heard from. "Come on, Jen. He's only been gone for half a day, for crying out loud."

"I know, but I miss him. He's never been gone before ... I mean, by himself, and I really do need to talk to him. It's very important, Dad."

"Can't I help?" Jennifer's silence answered that question, and Jack sighed disappointedly in response. They always want the parent that's not around. "Life or death?"

"Kinda."

"He'll probably call tonight, and I'll make sure you get some phone time with him, okay?"

"But Dad ..."

"Jen, give me a break here. Why don't you clean up the nursery for me?"

"Sweet," the teenager said as she turned and walked away.

Jack didn't know if he should be flattered at her use of one of his trademark words or insulted.

Three hours later, the eldest children were still moping around the house. Jack had the triplets downstairs in their playpen, though it was more of a large squared off play area than an actual playpen. Bijou and Katie were inside with the babies, playing.

Jonny began to cry, and then Little Danny broke into sobs, and finally, the smallest of the triplets, Aislinn, broke into tears.

"Oh, come on, Munchkins. He'll be back!" Still, the babies cried ... and cried ... and cried. "I don't believe this." At least the twins are asleep upstairs. Finally, Jack walked over to the phone, mumbling as he went. "That man is never leaving this house again. I swear, if I have to ... Daniel Jackson-O'Neill's room, please."

The next thing Jack heard was laughter, lots of it, and from his lover. He heard words in Arabic, but the only thing he could pick out was "Very handsome, Yazid."

"Very handsome, my foot. DANIEL, PAY ATTENTION TO THE DANG PHONE, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!"

"Jack?"

"Well, who did you think it would be? Besides, don't you say hello anymore when you answer the phone?"

"Oh, sorry, actually I was just picking it up to order room service."

"Room service?"

"Yeah, it's been a long day so I thought Yazid and I ..."

"Yazid?"

"Yazid Awad. He's Abayomi's executive assistant. Jack, are those the Munchkins crying?"

"Yes, Daniel. They happen to miss you; they won't stop crying."

"Jack, maybe they're just ..."

"Daniel, they've eaten, bathed, eaten, slept, and all the things they normally do. They miss their daddy. Now TALK to them." Jack cursed as he walked over to the babies, not caring whether Daniel heard him or not. "Here's Jonny."

"Jonny, how's Daddy's big boy? I miss you." Jonny's sobs turned to sniffles as Daniel talked. "Now remember, you have to take good care of Little Danny and Ash. You know how Little Danny gets. He needs you to be strong for him. I'll be home soon. I love you, Jonny."

Jack moved the phone over to Daniel's namesake and said, "Here's Danny."

"Hi, Danny. Are you having a tough night? It's okay. I promise, it's okay. Jonny just got a little frightened. It happens sometimes, but he'll always take care of you, and you need to take care of your little sister. She looks up to you. Love you so much, Danny."

Jack moved towards Aislinn, saying, "Here's Ash."

"Hi, Sweetie. Are you feeling better tonight? I wish I could be there to hold you and make sure you're feeling better, but Dad will do that for me, okay? You keep your brothers in line. I miss you, Ash, and I love you loads and loads."

"Geez, look at the little things ... quiet as church mice all of sudden." Jack laughed.

"What?"

"They're sitting down playing contently as if nothing ever happened."

"Woof!" came a stern bark.

"Oops. Hold on for the girls."

Daniel chuckled until he heard the next bark.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

"Katie, did you find your pull toy? You make Jack go outside and find it for you. After all, he's the one who wasn't paying attention when he tossed it who knows where. Don't let him off the hook!"

"Not fair, Daniel!"

The young man heard the shout, and smiled.

"Love you Katie. Is Bij there?"

"Woooof!"

"Hi, Girl! I wish you could have come with me."

"Woof! Woooooof!"

"Okay, we'll talk about it. Maybe next time."

"Dad, is that Daddy?" Jennifer asked anxiously.

"Danny, the rest of the brood just bounded down...stairs."

"Daddy, I needed to talk to you," Jen said urgently, grabbing the phone from Jack.

Jack stared at her, and his empty hand where the phone had just been, or he thought it had. He wasn't sure anymore. Jennifer's quick action had taken him quite by surprise.

I was talking to my husband ... wasn't I?

"What's wrong, Jen?" Daniel asked over the phone.

"It's important, Daddy. I asked Dad to call, but he wouldn't."

"He couldn't have reached me until just now, Jen. What's wrong?"

"It's just ... when you left, I forgot to tell you something."

"Do you want to tell me now?"

"Yes."

"Okay." There was a long pause. "Jen?"

"I love you, Daddy. I wish you'd come home soon; that's all."

"Jen, I ..."

"Danny, it's me. She just ran upstairs. Didn't you say goodbye to her before you left?"

"Of course, I did, but she was ... Jack, remember it got a bit crazy."

"Next time we take precautions. I didn't realize that's why she was upset. She wouldn't tell me."

"I'll talk to her when I get home."

"Here's David."

David hastily took the phone and began rattling off Arabic words so fast that Jack had no way of keeping up, but a minute later, David was all smiles as he handed the phone to Chenoa.

Jack heard the one-sided conversation and knew Daniel's heart was both breaking and swelling.

"Miss you, Daddy ... Home now ... No, now, Daddy ... sniffles ... Don't want T, want you ... home, Daddy, please ... cry ... Love T, want you," Chenoa sniffled. "Pleeeeeease hoooommmme," she sobbed, dropping the cordless phone, unable to hold back a full-scale crying attack.

David hugged his sister and began to murmur reassurances to her.

Jack took the phone and ran upstairs, not saying anything as he hurried away from his very upset daughter.

"Jack?" Daniel called out, desperate to know what was happening.

"Sorry, wanted to get out of the room. Noa's been like that all day, but it'll be okay. Kids are like that. They miss you. So do I, by the way. And the twins do, too, but they're too busy eating, sleeping and ..."

"I know the routine, Jack."

"I love you, Danny."

"I love you, too. I'll call you later. Go check on Noa, okay?"

"She's probably happily playing with her dolls by now. You stay focused."

"Right."

"Bye, Angel."

"Bye."

Much to Jack's dismay, Chenoa wasn't happily playing with her dolls. She and David were curled up on the couch together just staring into space.

"Are you two okay?"

"We're fine, Dad."

Sure, you are, David. You're as fine as Danny used to be when he used that line. Jack picked up his daughter. "Come on, Pumpkin. Bedtime for you." And hopefully you'll feel better in the morning.

Jack tossed and turned in his large bed, unable to sleep alone comfortably. He missed his human blanket more than he could express.

"Oh for crying out loud. Danny! Geez, I'm a grown man. I should be able to sleep without you for a couple of nights." Jack snorted. "Yeah, right," he spoke softly. "You're part of me. I need you. Okay, O'Neill. Suck it up. If he can sleep tonight, then so can I."

An hour later, however, Jack was still restless. He groaned and again exclaimed, "Dannnny!"

He decided to give up on sleeping, so he sat up and pulled out a book to read. He had barely opened it when he heard a tiny knock on his door. He looked at the clock, prepared to read the riot act, if necessary, to the Mouseketeer who was still up in the middle of the night.

"Come in."

"Dad," the little girl sniffled, looking even smaller than she actually was against the door of the master bedroom.

The riot act was immediately forgotten.

"Come here, Sweetheart."

Jack motioned for Chenoa to climb up on the bed. She jumped in his lap, and he held her close.

"I miss ... sniffle ... Da...sniffledddddddddy."

"He'll be home soon."

"Want Daddy," she cried.

"Dad, can I ... oh, Noa?"

"She's fine. Come on in, Son, and pick out a spot."

"It's okay, Noa," David said calmly as he climbed onto the bed and settled close to Jack and Chenoa. "Daddy will be home real soon."

"Want ... sniffle ... Da...Da...ddyyyyy ... sniffle ... now."

Jack took a deep breath as he tried to soothe the young girl.

"Dad? Oh ... since they're here, can I ..."

"Sure, Jen. Find a spot."

"You probably think I'm being juvenile," she said as she, too, found a good spot. She leaned over to rub her sister's back and said softly, "It'll be okay, Noa." She looked at Jack again. "I don't mean to be a child, and I don't want you to think that ..."

"Not at all, Jen."

"It's just ... that's what happened ..."

Suddenly, Jack's internal alarms began to blare. If his arms weren't full of children, he would have thumped himself on the head for not realizing earlier that there had to be a connection between Daniel's trip and something in the Mouseketeer's past.

"Jen?"

"Did Mrs. O'Hanlon tell you what happened to our parents, I mean our first parents?"

"Just that they had died a couple of months before we met you guys."

"Mommy hadn't been feeling very well for a long time. I think she was sick, but they never told me anything for sure. Then she got better. Daddy surprised her with a trip to New York City. She had always wanted to go there. I told them goodbye, but I forgot to say that I ... I loved them."

Jack saw the tears falling, and he reached for some Kleenex to hand the teenager, managing to do so without disturbing Chenoa much. The toddler was still sniffling in Jack's ear as he held her close.

"There was a car accident on a freeway -- one of those chain reaction things like you see on the news. A semi-truck jack-knifed, and their rental car was stuck in the middle of several others. We never saw them again, except at the funeral. I think maybe Noa remembers the name ..." Jen mouthed 'New York City' then resumed a normal voice, "somehow. I know she knows where it is; Mommy showed her on the map."

Jack wanted to vanish into the woodwork. He felt horrible, even though he knew it was an innocent and unavoidable faux paux on his part.

New York City -- when I showed her the map in the Atlas. Jack sighed, remembering how Chenoa had seemed to deflate all of a sudden. I'm so stupid.

"Dad?" Jennifer asked, concerned at Jack's pained expression.

"Earlier, I took out the Atlas and showed Noa where NYC is." Jack shook his head. "I shouldn't have done that."

"You couldn't have known, Dad. Besides, who knew she'd remember. She wasn't even two-years-old then."

Jack smiled at his daughter and nodded as he said a soft, "Thank you." Then he placed a kiss on Chenoa's forehead. "Daddy's okay, Noa."

"Want Daddy hoooooome," the toddler wailed.

Jack went through an internal battle. He knew what he'd want Daniel to do if the situation were reversed and he had been the one out of town. He smiled softly, knowing Daniel would shoot him if he didn't follow through and tell him the situation. If they lost the deal for their company, they'd find another one. Their children came first.

"We weren't like this when you've been gone before. It's just ... NYC," the teenager said, continuing to use the city's acronym to try and keep Chenoa from getting more upset.

"Danny isn't very fond of ... NYC either." Jack picked up the phone. It rang five times. "I can't believe he's asleep." A couple more rings and Jack heard a gasp, as if the person was out of breath. Then, he heard laughter, "... that was great, Yazid. Never felt like that before."

"FELT LIKE WHAT BEFORE?" Jack saw the startled looks on his kids' faces. "Sorry ... ignore that," he whispered.

"Jack?"

"Will you PLEASE answer the phone next time? And what exactly are you doing that has you out of breath at ... at ... geez, Danny, 2 a.m. in the morning?"

"Jack, calm down."

"Daniel, just answer the question."

"Yazid is a chiropractor. He ..."

"EXCUSE ME? Daniel, don't say another word." Jack gently scooted Chenoa off of him, stood up, and looked at the children on his bed. "Everything's okay. Stay there. I'll be right back."

He walked into the hallway and talked in a quiet yet annoyed voice.

"Daniel, it's 2 a.m. in the friggin' morning, and you have some stranger in your hotel room doing what?"

"Jack, you're going to blow a fuse. Just ..."

"I don't want to JUST. I called because your children need you. I guess we're lucky you had time to answer the friggin' phone!"

"Jack, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong, Daniel, is that you have a strange man in your room at 2 A.M. IN THE FRIGGIN' MORNING. THAT'S what's wrong."

"Jack, will you stop? Count to ten."

"I DON'T WANT TO COUNT TO TEN. I WANT YOU TO COME HOME ... NOW! AND NO, NOT FOR ME, FOR THE," Jack closed his eyes for a moment, calming himself as he didn't want to be overheard, "... for our children. I'll explain when you get here ... just get here!"

"Why? What's the matter with them? Jack, I have meetings ..."

"Your children need you, Daniel, but if you don't care about that then forget it!"

"Jack ... Jack ..."

Daniel heard nothing but a dial tone.

Caught up in his anger, Jack began stomping back to the bedroom, then sighed, shaking his head.

Daniel was right; I should have counted to ten. I hate it when I overreact.

He dialed again, and this time he heard a very subdued, "Hello."

"Danny, I'm sorry. I ... I'm sorry, but I meant what I said about the kids."

"What's wrong?"

"Noa is crying her eyes out, but there's a reason, and it's something we should have been told. Maybe we were and we forgot, but I don't remember."

Jack explained to Daniel what Jennifer had told him minutes earlier.

"Gawd, Jack."

"Yeah. Are you ..."

"Oh, yeah. I'll call you soon."

"Okay. Danny?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Daniel smiled. Jack would never change, but he'd keep hoping.

"I love you, too, but we ARE going to have a discussion about this, Jack."

"That's okay."

"It is?"

"When we're discussing it, you'll be here where you belong."

Daniel smiled again, not really sure he wanted his spouse to change.

"You're so incorrigible, Jack. Let me make the calls."

"Call Davis. Commercial flights won't leave for hours. See if you can pull some strings."

Daniel didn't like calling in favors for personal use too often, but he decided this was an appropriate time to make an exception. After all, their children came first in everything.

"Okay, I'll do that. Love you."

"Yazid, I apologize, but we'll have to postpone the rest of the meetings. I have to go home."

"Is something wrong, Daniel? We have very important meetings scheduled. Abayomi does not like those who change their plans."

"I know. Look, tell Abayomi we can meet in a couple of weeks, but it can't be in New York. Um ... I'm sorry, I need to make this phone call."

"Do you want me to leave, my friend?"

Yazid saw that Daniel was visibly shaken, so he was sure whatever was happening was important. Still, while his employer was understanding, he did have a few pet peeves, one of which was unexpected schedule changes. He'd ceased doing business with numerous companies over the years because of CEOs or their subordinates who were constantly rearranging their plans.

"No, hold on a second." Daniel dialed Major Paul Davis' townhouse, just outside of Washington D.C. "Paul, it's Daniel Jackson-O'Neill."

"Daniel, what ... what time is it?"

"Um, a little after two in the morning."

"Where's the Goa'uld?"

Daniel smiled, even chuckled at the response. After all, why else would Daniel be phoning him?

"No, it's not that. Paul, did you know Jack and I adopted three more children recently?"

"I heard rumors. It's true?"

"Yeah, and the problem is, one of them is just a little girl. Paul, I'm in New York on business for J-O, but I came here not realizing that their birth parents were killed here, and our littlest, well, she's having a really hard time. Paul, I need a favor."

"Transport?"

"I know it's not exactly high priority for the Air Force, but ..."

"Little girl, eh?"

"Yeah, her name is Chenoa. She's been crying all day, afraid I won't come home. Paul, I'd consider it a personal favor if you could get me on something, anything, headed for the Springs."

"Let me check and see what's out there. Give me your number."

Daniel hung up a couple minutes later and returned to his conversation with Yazid.

"Did you hear what I told Paul?"

"I did, my friend."

"Yazid, this deal means a lot. It could make J-O Enterprises a success for years to come. I love what I do. I ... gawd, I miss being there, on the spot, on a dig, and that's another reason why I've worked so hard to make sure we had the very best bid we could. I, we, want this job."

"But?"

"But not at the expense of my daughter. I have to go. If Abayomi thinks that changing my plans because of my little girl isn't a good enough reason, then I'm sorry. He'll have to get another company, and, uh, like I said, I can't come back here. I know Abayomi likes to conduct business here, but I can't, I won't come back. I'm sorry. We'll, uh, even reimburse Passion for the time you've ... wasted on us. I think ..."

The phone rang, interrupting the archaeologist. He quickly reached for the phone.

"Hello."

"Daniel, it's Paul."

"Any luck?"

"Transport is leaving in one hour for the Springs. I've arranged for a car to pick you up in fifteen minutes. Is that too early?"

"Gawd, no. I'll be waiting." Daniel paused. What were the odds on a transport being scheduled to leave at 3:30 a.m.? With gratitude, he said, "Paul, whatever you did to arrange this, thank you."

"Can't disappoint a little girl. Good luck, Daniel."

"Thanks."

Daniel hung up and made a quick call to the front desk, explaining that he was checking out immediately. Then, he began to pack, only as he did, Yazid noticed he hadn't really unpacked much.

"You have a strange way of unpacking, Daniel."

"Yeah, well, I guess if I didn't unpack, it made it seem like I wasn't really gone."

As they talked, Daniel moved to pack up his computer and various papers, and the few clothes he had taken out of his suitcase. Yazid sat on a chair and continued to watch.

"You do not like being away from your family."

"No, I don't, but business doesn't always happen in Colorado Springs."

"I will speak with Abayomi. I think he will understand this."

"I hope so. We really want this dig, Yazid."

"You are a hard worker, Daniel. Since arriving here, you have done nothing but work on the project."

"I've always been a workaholic. At least, that's what Jack says."

"But I've sensed there was more to it."

Daniel hesitated, but then decided he might as well speak the truth.

"You're right. You see, in the past, my work was my life. Not sleeping, even not eating, was normal for me because I'd get so wrapped up in what I was doing that I would literally forget. I didn't care. What mattered was the research or the translation I had my hands on. Then, I met Jack, and life changed. It took a long time, but now, while I still have those workaholic tendencies, my life isn't my work. Work is one piece of it, but my family -- that's my life. Jack, our children, our home in Colorado Springs -- that's my life, Yazid."

Daniel locked his suitcase and moved around the hotel room, making a final check to make sure he wasn't leaving anything behind.

"I guess it sounds a little like being tied down, or maybe you or others think it's ... not masculine, but when I got here and knew that with the schedule as hectic as it was today that I wouldn't even have a minute to call and talk to them, well ... I threw myself into the work. It's what I'm here for, to get the job done, and the sooner I accomplished that, the sooner I could get home."

"And that is why you suggested we continue to work late."

"Yes. I knew I wouldn't sleep. I'd be listening to baby monitors that aren't here or for barking dogs that are on the other side of the country, or ... maybe mostly for that grizzly bear I'm married to." Daniel looked down for a moment, then sighed. "I don't care what anyone thinks or what term they use to describe it, but I have no desire to spend a single hour away from my home. Maybe it's because it took me so long to find it, but now that I have, gawd ... it just hurts to leave it."

For the next few minutes, Daniel chatted about his home and his family, telling Yazid more about the Mouseketeers, and especially Chenoa.

"Jack thinks she's a princess," he said with a smile as they headed for the elevator.

"And you, my friend?"

"I know she's a princess."

The two men laughed. In the lobby, Daniel finished checking out and moved to the lobby door in perfect time to see the blue Air Force vehicle pull up, an Airman quickly exiting the driver's side.

"Doctor Jackson-O'Neill?"

"Yes," Daniel said, happy to hear the hyphenated name.

"This way, Sir," the Airman said, taking his bags and putting them in the car.

Daniel turned to Yazid and extended his hand. He spoke firmly, "Thank you again for this opportunity. I'm sorry about this, but ..."

"You have already explained, my friend. Do not worry."

"Goodbye," Daniel said, and then he climbed into the car to begin his trip back home.

Jack did his best to calm the Mouseketeers as the night progressed. Chenoa cried herself to sleep while David clung to Jack's left leg. Jennifer lay with her head next to David's back trying to make him feel secure. Daniel had called from the car after leaving the hotel to let his husband know that he had secured a flight, but Jack decided not to tell the kids he was coming home just in case there were delays.

It was 7:20 a.m. when Daniel walked through the door. All the babies were downstairs in the crib and playpen, and David was sitting quietly reading a book with Jennifer sitting next to him. The teenager had her arm protectively around her brother. When they didn't notice him walk in, Daniel knew they were still caught up in the tragic memories of their past.

Then, just as he looked towards the kitchen, he saw his husband entering the living room while holding Chenoa firmly in his arms. Jack's and Daniel's eyes met, speaking of a love stronger than anything else in the universe. They both gave soft, closed smiles to the other, another acknowledgement of their love. Then Daniel focused on Chenoa and heard her sniffling, even though her face was buried in Jack's neck.

"Noa," Daniel called.

"Daddy?" the little girl cried into Jack's shoulder.

"Yeah, Daddy's home. Go get him," Jack said as he put their little Princess down.

He smiled as she ran to Daniel, her arms outstretched. In fact, he almost cried, feeling the relief in the little girl's essence.

"Daddy," Jennifer and David echoed as they leaped to their feet.

They ran to him, but both let their little sister have time with Daniel first.

He knelt down and scooped her up into his arms. Holding her as tightly as he could, Daniel reassured the toddler. He felt so many emotions, but he knew he needed to concentrate on helping Chenoa to feel safe, so he spoke as lovingly as he could when he said, "Hey, Noa. I missed you so much, and I love you so much."

"Noa scared, Daddy."

"I know, Sweetie, but I'm home now, and there's no reason to be afraid anymore."

"Daddy, no go Nu 'Ork Ity."

"I won't. No more. I'm here, Noa." Daniel looked up at the other two Mouseketeers. "Hey, you two."

He reached out with one hand to touch them, gently rubbing their arms and then briefly holding their hands.

"We were scared. I guess I should've told you."

"It's okay, Jen. We know now."

Daniel gathered all his children around him, and as Jack watched, he spent the next hour making sure each child knew their daddy was home, safe and sound.

With Jennifer watching over the clan, an exhausted Jack followed an equally exhausted Daniel upstairs.

"Danny?"

"I don't want to fight, Jack. Gawd, they were so scared."

"I know." Jack walked to his lover and embraced him. "And I was jealous."

"Why, Jack? I don't want anyone but you. You know that."

"I go crazy when we're apart."

"Jack, what am I going to do with you?"

"I have a few ideas on that," Jack smirked.

Daniel relaxed into Jack's hold, sighing as he spoke, "I fell."

"What?" Jack asked, surprise in his voice.

"I was loaded down with books and things, and I guess I wasn't paying attention. I thought I really broke something, but Yazid ..."

"... is a chiropractor ..."

"Yes, and he pressed something, and it didn't hurt anymore."

"Angel, I'm so sorry. Maybe we should have the Doc check you out."

"No, I just need this." Daniel closed his eyes and let his body lean into Jack's. Jack supported him totally, gently holding his husband close. "Only you, Jack. Just you, even when you're an idiot."

Jack chuckled lightly as he gave Daniel what he needed.

"I'm sorry I'm an idiot sometimes."

"Well, at least I know you still lust after me. Just don't go deporting people or anything crazy, okay?"

"Deal. You want to sleep?"

"Want you to hold me."

"I am."

"Happy."

"Me, too, Angel. Me, too."

"Daniel, there is definitely something there," Megan chimed energetically. "Look at the mapping. It's underground. This layer here, and the soil samples back it up."

"A tomb?"

"Maybe. We need to go there," Megan urged.

Daniel grinned, practically hopping up and down as he moved excitedly in the office.

"I knew it. I knew it before we even won the bid. I need to call Abayomi and Yazid."

Jack and Daniel had been pleased when Abayomi had phoned them a few days after the meetings in New York City. Yazid had explained the situation to his satisfaction.

"I am not inflexible. Family is important. We will go forward," Abayomi had assured them.

Daniel asked, "Abayomi, did Yazid mention that we can't meet in New York anymore?"

"Yes, he did. Daniel, my businesses take me to many places. I prefer New York because I have offices there, but there are others where we can meet and conduct our business. I do not see this as a problem."

"Thank you, Abayomi," Daniel had spoken gratefully.

Now, Megan waited anxiously in her office while Daniel made his call. She'd been waiting for a project like this one and was just as eager as her employers to check it out. Of course, they would still have tests to run, and they'd need clearance from the Egyptian government, but she knew once they got verification and the go-ahead, they'd be able to excavate.

"Megan, they have to check out a few things. Abayomi or Yazid will let me know the status in a couple of hours, so I'm going to go home, and I'll let you know when I know."

Megan waited impatiently at the office. She had left the SGC to work for J-O Enterprises, and had never regretted it. J-O was small, but it was the best. She had faith in her employers, and in their employees, and now, she knew this particular job could solidify the company and give it stature in the industry.

When the phone finally rang again, she lost no time in picking it up.

"This might take a while," Daniel informed her.

"How long?"

"A couple of months. Apparently, Abayomi has a few possible sites for the hotel, so he hasn't gotten all the clearances he needs for this particular area. He's going to have to negotiate with the government and come to an agreement about whatever we might find before he'll authorize the expenditure."

"So it might not happen."

Disappointment was evident in the woman's voice.

"It'll happen, Megan. He's thrilled, but he wasn't counting on us being this sure so soon about what might be there. In the meantime, we still have evaluations and studies to do. The more we find out ahead of time, the better prepared we'll be for what we do find there."

"Of course."

"Megan, I'd like you to contact the university for me. Tell them about the project. Have them verify our interns' international status. We want to make sure they'll be able to go."

"It would be horrible to miss an opportunity like this," Megan stated as she jotted down her notes.

"Definitely, so if we need to make changes, we want to do it now. It looks like it'll be summertime so our current interns may have other plans. Check that out as thoroughly as possible, okay?"

"Will do. Gee, Daniel, this is so exciting."

"It's the one we've been waiting for to make a name for ourselves. Thanks, Megan, for being patient with us."

"I'm where I want to be!"

"Me, too." Daniel smiled as he hung up the cordless phone in the living room and looked at his family playing happily together in the backyard. "Me, too."

On to Chapter Five...