27?
A month later
Jack sat on his deck looking up at the night sky. Rooster's whining and licking of Jack's elbow had waked him up. The dog had quickly learned to leave Sam alone, as Jack didn't want her disturbed while she was sleeping. She needed her rest now more then ever. She was due any moment and Jack felt excitement and apprehension at the thought of being a father, even if it was to another man's child. He knew they'd let the kid know that Pete was his biological father, and they would tell him stories about Pete and everything, but Jack also knew that he'd be known as that kid's father.
Jack's thoughts went back to Charlie. God, he missed him. He wondered what Charlie would think of Sam. He'd fall in love with her of course. She'd probably teach him how to build a motorcycle, then she'd give him the one they worked on when he got old enough.
But then, if Charlie were still alive, Jack knew his life would be completely different. He'd probably still be with Sarah, and by now they would be planning trips for just the two of them once Charlie went to college. Jack was hit with guilt, like he was every time his thoughts roamed to Charlie and Sarah. He now knew Charlie's death wasn't his fault, though it seemed easier to take the blame then to have no blame at all. What was his fault was pushing Sarah away. He should have tried to work it out. He took his family for granted, and for that, Jack held a large amount of remorse.
With a determined sigh he promised The Powers That Be that if they let him have a family again, Sam and the baby, he wouldn't take them for granted. He would cherish each moment with them. Tell them he loved them; spend almost too much time with them, if that was possible.
Rooster barked lightly, getting Jack's attention. Jack looked over, blinking back tears. Sam had waddled to him, a sleepy smile on her face. "How long have you been out here?"
Jack smiled up at her, then stood to go back inside. "I was just about to come back in."
Sam kissed him gently and started to lead the way in when she stopped suddenly. One hand went to her belly while the other searched for Jack. He was immediately next to her, concerned. "Sam?"
Her breathing was heavy, but she was able to say, "I think its time."
Jack paled briefly, then clicked into gear. "I'll call Janet, you come in and sit down." He led her to the recliner as he reached for his cell phone. He glanced at the clock on his way to the bedroom. One in the morning.
A sleepy Daniel answered the phone. "If this isn't an emergency, I will hunt you down."
Jack laughed lightly. "Daniel, Sam's going into labor."
"OH!" Daniel shouted, waking Janet up. "We'll meet you at the SGC!" He hung up the phone before Jack could say anything else.
Jack grabbed Sam's bag, the one she'd packed a million times since her seventh month, and went back to the living room. She was practicing her breathing lessons when Jack walked, but stopped to give him an uncertain smile. "Are we ready for this?" She asked through clenched teeth.
He kissed the top of her already sweaty head. "We have to be." He dropped the bag and helped her up, holding onto her while she gained her balance. "Janet's going to meet us." He helped her walk to her car and slide into the passenger seat. He buckled her in, ignoring her protests against it. He wasn't about to take any chances. He walked back to the door to lock it and found Rooster still outside. He accidentally closed the back door without letting the poor dog in. He rushed to the door, slid it open, then rushed to the front door. Rooster whined and wagged his tail excitedly. "Alright, you can go, but you have to sit in the back!" Rooster barked and went to the car to wait for Jack to open the door for him. Jack shook his head as he locked the front door, then rushed to open the back door for Roo and get in the car himself.
"Can't say no, can you?" Sam asked quietly.
Jack grinned. "Have you heard him whine?" He asked as he pulled out of the drive. Neither of them realized Jack had left Sam's overnight bag in the middle of the living room.
