9/?

The funeral was on the day that Sam's baby shower was planned for. Jack was glad he couldn't see, because he knew that if he saw Sam crying he'd take her in his arms and never let her go. But she was grieving, and right now she needed a friend.

While the priest was saying a prayer, Jack's mind wandered back to the night Sam had called him. No matter that their relationship had been strained for months, she knew she could always count on him. Jack was thankful for that at least.

She had been crying, and when she saw Jack she'd leapt off the couch and ran into his arms, crying on his shoulder. Jack just held her, gently running his hands on her back to soothe her. Rooster, somehow sensing that Sam needed the comfort, leaned against Sam's legs, just being there for her.

After she'd calmed down and the other officers left, Sam told Jack what had happened. "He was checking out the house, and was caught off guard by the burglar. The guy shot him twice before Pete's partner realized what was happening and shot the burglar." Sam sobbed. "He died Jack. Pete died trying to help some old lady."

"He died doing what he loved Sam. Isn't that how we all want to go? Doing the one thing that we are proud of? Protecting others. Helping them. Pete was a cop for that reason. He loved that more then anything Sam."

Sam nodded again, putting her head on Jack's shoulder. Jack wrapped his arm around her and she nestled herself against him as he settled back on the couch. Rooster sat next to Sam, enjoying her hand lazily rubbing his ears. "How am I going to raise this baby without him Jack?"

"You'll have plenty of help." Jack said quietly. When Sam didn't respond he listened for her breathing and realized it'd gotten quieter. She'd fallen asleep. Knowing that he probably shouldn't, Jack closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He could smell Sam's shampoo. With a deep longing, Jack resigned himself to being her friend. Maybe her best friend. Probably her best friend. The one she went to in times like this. The one she'd call in the middle of the night when she looked at some picture and it made her think of Pete. But he would never be anything more.

When the dirt hit the coffin, Jack's mind came back to the present. He felt a hand tap his shoulder and knew it was Daniel, offering to help him back inside. Jack had left Rooster at home for the first time since he'd gotten the dog. A funeral was not the place for a dog, even a Seeing Eye dog.

After the funeral and the wake, Jack was once again left alone with Sam. He promised her he'd stay with her that night. Daniel had driven them to Jack's house to get Rooster and some clothes, and then to Sam's. Daniel, anxious to get home and be with his family, hadn't stayed long at Sam's. Sam understood. He was in constant danger, and Pete's death hit everyone hard.

She sat on the couch, took her shoes off, and buried her head on her hands as she cried. Rooster immediately sat next to her and Jack had to push him off the couch when he finally reached it. Jack pulled Sam to him and she cried on his shoulder again.

Sam fell asleep in his arms again, and tempted as he was, Jack knew he couldn't take another night of holding her while she slept. It was torture. Pure hell. In his younger days he'd have just carried her to bed. But he'd gotten a bit out of shape that year, and he couldn't see anyway. She didn't need to be banged against the walls being five months pregnant. Jack gently shook her awake. "Sam...you should go to bed."

She shook her head against his shoulder. "I can't. Its too lonely in there."

Jack understood that. His whole house was lonely. "Where have you been sleeping?"

"Here." She said. "I have a pillow and blanket on the other end of the couch."

"Then lie down." He stood up and she stretched out on the couch. Jack felt around for the blanket, then put it over her body. "I know where the guest room is." He said quietly.

"Thank you." Sam said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jack didn't answer her, he knew she was asleep. "Roo." Jack said quietly. He grabbed the dog's harness and they went to the guestroom where Jack got no sleep.