The smell of lighter fluid filled the air as Daniel walked up the steps onto Jack's deck. Sure enough, Jack was just tossing a match onto the coals.
"They only had Porterhouse on sale," Daniel said as he set the bag on the table. "I also bought some boneless chicken breast and vegetables for kebobs."
"Sounds good. I think I have skewers in one of the kitchen drawers," Jack replied. "Teal'c's in there trying to put the salad together…hey Carter!"
Daniel turned to see Sam, alone, walking up the steps.
"Where's Dad?" Jack immediately asked.
"He's not coming, Sir," she replied. "He…he had a date."
"What?" Daniel and Jack asked at the same time.
"He's going out to dinner with some woman," she answered.
"Way to go, Dad!" Jack cheered.
Daniel could tell that Sam wasn't ok with the idea.
"Sam, he's not trying to replace your mother or anything," Daniel said quietly to her as they headed into the house. "Sometimes…sometimes we widowers just get lonely. Although it's something we don't like to admit and would deny it if someone asked us."
"I know. He just surprised me, that's all," she said. "I had no idea he was even interested in…dating. I don't know if I can handle him bringing home one woman this week or another next week."
"When's the last time your father went on a date?" he asked.
"He said it was with Mom."
"Oh…" Daniel gasped. He had no idea it had been that long. However, it told Daniel all he needed to know about Jacob's character. "Sam, I wouldn't worry about your Dad going out and dating all kinds of women. From what I know, he doesn't give his love lightly to any woman. It's obvious, this woman, whoever she is, must be special to him. Otherwise he wouldn't have asked her out."
"I guess so. I just wish I knew who she was."
"Well, whenever he decides to introduce you to her, just remember she makes him happy."
"It has been a long time since I've seen him really happy," she admitted.
"So! Who's the lucky lady?" Jack asked, moving past them into the kitchen. "Or maybe it's Jake who's the lucky one!"
"Sir, that's my father you're talking about!"
"Relax Carter. I'm just playing around. Besides, your Dad's too old fashioned for that on the first date!"
Daniel gave Jack a long look while Sam did the right thing and ignored Jack. He shrugged his shoulders. And all Daniel could do was just shake his head and follow her lead.