78) Ben knocked on Jack's front door. He could hear the sound of three little boys giggling and… crying? Oh, it was probably a hectic day in the O'Neill household as most were these days, and he couldn't remember seeing his friend this happy in years. At least not since Charlie had been alive.

And that was why he'd decided early this morning to drop in on Jack, bearing gifts in the form of breakfast foods.

Jack opened the door holding a screaming baby in his arms, rocking back and forth as he stood, processing who it was that would be knocking on his door at this hour of the morning.

"Ben? Hey, um, c'mon in." His eyes were still half shrouded in sleep and he scrubbed his hand over his head, motioning for Ben to follow him into the house. "Sorry 'bout the noise. Liam's a little grumpy today, Jake kept him, and us, up most of the night."

Ben peeked into the living room where Jake was sound asleep in the mechanized swing and shook his head. Of course the perpetrator would be out of it, wasn't that how it always worked? Neal was in the Pack-n-Play across the room, his toys spread all around him.

He followed Jack into the kitchen and set the food bag on the counter. "Where's Sam?"

"Shower. We were taking turns getting up with the boys, but the last couple of weeks she wanted to act like I wasn't here until after she started her day in order to get used to me going to work. Since it's Saturday and I'm on Earth, she's taking advantage of it."

Ben laughed. "How's she handling it?"

"Pretty good actually." Jack smiled as Liam finally started to settle down. "She has her days. We haven't had any Mommy/Daddy alone time yet and I think it's wearing her thin. I know it is me."

Liam fell asleep against his father's shoulder and Jack excused himself to put him down in the other swing next to his brother. When he returned, Ben had pulled a couple of breakfast burritos out of the bag and set them up on plates a long with two toasted bagels and cream cheese. Jack pulled two glasses down out of the cupboard and poured them both some orange juice, setting them on the table to help Ben with the food.

When they were settled and had started eating their meal, Jack broke the silence. "So, what brings you by?"

Ben swirled the orange juice around in his glass, his chest constricting tightly. He took a deep stuttering breath and leaned back in his chair. "Chantal's getting remarried."

Jack winced. "Ouch. Does he know about Ethan?"

"He should," Ben snorted. "It's Dr. Michaels."

Jack's eyebrows would have jumped off his face if they hadn't been attached. "His Pediatric Oncologist?"

Ben nodded sadly.

"You don't think it started back then?"

"No. Maybe he liked her, but I know it didn't start until after we divorced. It's just… I don't know. It feels like we just lost Ethan. I know she couldn't stand being around me after, but I always felt that as long as she didn't find anybody new… that maybe…"

Jack nodded, understanding completely. He'd felt the same way after Sara had left, but, unlike Ben and Chantal, he'd known, deep down, that Sara would never be coming back to him. Ethan's death so soon after Charlie's was really something that cemented the two men's friendship, even though their wives had been friends long before that.

"It's ironic, y'know? I spend every day trying to help people, some I've never even met before, but I just can't help myself. The worst part is, I really like Jason. I mean, who better to understand what she went through, to be there for Channy when Ethan's birthday comes around, or the day he died?"

"The Shrink needs a Shrink," Jack laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

Ben smiled at that, Jack's sense of humor amusing even in these circumstances. "There are days I wish he could've died quickly, like Charlie."

"Don't say that, Ben," Jack choked on his words. "I would give anything to have that extra time with my son, even if everything turned out the same."

"You didn't see his eyes. Two years he went through that torture. You have one day of Hell to remember, ten years of Charlie's smiles. I've only got seven years of smiles and two years of seeing Ethan cry because it hurts too much, and questions of when it's going to end."

Tears slipped down the man's cheeks. "He could've used Charlie's visits back then."

Neither man noticed Sam's entrance to the kitchen, but she didn't bother them with a good morning. She spied the food in the bag and, after grabbing some and a glass of juice, headed into the living room to check on the boys, leaving the two men alone. She could tell whatever they were talking about was serious, and didn't want to disturb them.

"Maybe it's time I started trying to move on," Ben said softly.

Jack reached over and laid his hand over his friend's forearm. "Don't tell yourself you're not ready just because you don't feel like being ready. You'll know when the time is right."

Ben chuckled. "Boy, that sounds familiar."

"Yeah, well, a very good friend once said that to me not long after I met this tall, leggy, blonde Air Force Captain."

Ben glanced at his watch and stood. "I should probably get going, I still have to go over the tapes and gather my notes together on my sessions with Dr. Gardner so I can give my report to General Hammond."

Jack walked him out, leaning against the garage as Ben got into his car. "Thanks for the talk, Jack. I guess I just needed to vent to someone."

Jack just smiled and watched his friend drive away, heading back into the house. He was shocked at the sight of Sam sitting right there in the living room, waiting for him. "How long have you been out here?"

"Not long," she answered, smiling up at him. Neal was standing between her legs, bouncing as he clung to her knees. He grinned back and forth at his parents and decided he'd had enough of staring at Mommy, toddling wobbily over to Jack.

"Hey there, Big Guy. You're getting pretty good at that." He lifted the little boy into his arms and tickled his stomach, eliciting a wonderfully sounding giggle out him. He loved that so much.

He sat down next to Sam on the couch, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. "So, you're sure you're ready to leave the boys in someone else's care for a while?" he asked softly. It was something they'd been talking about seriously for the past couple of weeks and he still didn't feel she was totally certain or ready. They'd left the children with Cassie for his father's funeral, but that was only for a couple of hours. What they were planning for their alone time would probably last all night.

Sam nodded her head gently, not quite ready to look into her husband's eyes. He squeezed her shoulder, forcing her to raise her eyes to his. "If you're not ready, we don't have to do this tonight. We can wait."

"I know. But you don't know how crazy it's been driving me, not having any time alone with you. I think we need this. And if we really have to, we can call." She patted his knee and took Neal from his arms. "How 'bout we go outside while the other two are sleeping so you can take your shower?"

Jack kissed her gently on the lips and placed another on the top of Neal's head. "That sounds great." He watched her grab the baby monitor and walk out the back door, talking to Neal as she walked, telling him about all the interesting critters he could find and things he could do once they were out in the sun. Before he turned to head to their bedroom, he saw her snag the sunscreen out of their "outdoors" bin. He smiled and headed off to his shower, a smile on his face.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Nate showed up not long after Cassie had finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes. Daniel had spent all morning making a wonderful breakfast for her and her mother. It had been huge, pancakes, eggs, bacon… really not a lot the good doctor would normally eat, the doctor in her hated eating such "unhealthy foods" but Daniel had a habit of forcing her to relax on the Saturdays that both he was home and she was not on duty.

"Smells good in here," Nate said as he followed Cassie into the house. Looking around, he didn't see Janet or Daniel and snuck in a quick kiss on her lips, hoping to tide her over for their date. He knew it wasn't enough for him. He was quickly falling in love with the girl and it was the best feeling he could ever remember.

"Daniel made us breakfast. There's some leftovers if you want any." She brushed her hand over his cheek and smiled up at him. He was so much taller than her, and so handsome. She was attracted to everything about him and was so excited that they were going to spend the day together.

Nate snuck in another kiss while he could. "No thanks, I had some cereal at Jack and… at home." That was something he was still having a hard time with, Jack and Sam's home being his. He was only going to be there another two months before he left for school, but Colorado Springs would be home as long as Cassie was there.

"So what are we doing today?" Cassie asked as she pulled him down on the couch next to her.

He smiled and gave her a tiny peck on the nose. "That's for me to know, and you to find out. Your mom knows exactly where we're going and what we're doing while we're there. So, you need to make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes and junky sneakers. Bring a sweatshirt just in case," he said, noticing she was still wearing her pajama bottoms and a t-shirt.

He waited downstairs while she ran up to her room to get ready to leave. He hoped she liked what he had planned. Janet assured him it would be okay, that she would love it, but he was still uncertain.

Daniel walked in, drying his hair with a towel and grabbed a file that had been sitting by the door, plopping himself down in his favorite chair. He'd just about moved all his stuff into Janet's and the two were planning on using the time while Cassie was out with Nate to finish up the moving.

"How's it going?" he asked the young man without looking up from the file. After they'd gotten past that little misunderstanding in the beginning of Nate and Cassie's relationship, he'd found he really liked him. "Do you have everything set up?"

"Yeah. I called Ray, told him to make sure everything was ready. Hopefully, she likes this." He sat nervously on the edge of the couch cushion and rubbed Colonel's ears when he entered the living room, rubbing his nose under Nate's hands.

Daniel flopped the folder down onto the coffee table and stared and Nate. "Don't worry. We promise you, she'll love it. This is something she's wanted to do since she came to Earth. You can't screw this up."

Cassie came bounding into the room, a sweatshirt hanging over her arm and a smile on her face. "So, we ready?"

Nate stood up and placed one arm around her waist, slapping his leg in a signal for Colonel to follow them out to the car, his car. Jack had co-signed for him to buy the perfectly shaded blue, four door sedan. Most kids his age wanted sports cars or big trucks like Jack's, but he was already thinking about his future and wanted something he could keep for at least a few years and would be safe for once he finally had children.

He loaded Colonel into the back seat of the car next to the cooler full of their picnic lunch he'd packed. Cassie got into the passenger seat, eager to find out where they were going. Nobody would tell her anything and it was making her anxious and excited to find out what they were doing all day.

Nate spent the half hour drive grinning at Cassie, warding off her questions and trying to keep Colonel calm in the backseat. They were out in the middle of nowhere when Nate pulled off the main road onto a long, winding dirt road. He obviously knew where he was going so Cassie sat back and enjoyed the view through the hills. It was beautiful country.

"Hey," Nate said, leaning over to gently shake her shoulder. "We're here."

Cassie looked around her surroundings, taking it all in. Her eyes widened as she realized exactly what they were going to be doing today. She turned to him, tears of joy in her eyes, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She planted a kiss on his lips and giggled. "I can't believe this."

"So you like it?" he asked nervously as Colonel hopped out of the car behind them. He nudged Nate in the butt with his nose and the couple laughed, reaching around to pet the dog.

As they were talking, a man on a beautiful Leopard Appaloosa rode up to their car and hopped down, approaching them.

"Hey, Nate," the man said, reaching down to pat Colonel. "So, this must be the beautiful lady you can't stop talking about."

Nate smiled. "Ray, this is Cassie. Cass this is our ranch foreman, Ray."

"Our?"

Ray smiled, sticking out his hand for Cassie. "Nathan's family has owned Circle K Ranch for generations."

"The Circle K? Isn't that like a chain of gas stations?" Cassie asked as she timidly took the older man's hand.

Nate laughed. "The ranch has been around since before cars were invented. It's just a coincidence. My dad inherited the ranch a few years ago after my grandmother died. It's uh… it's mine now, but since I don't turn eighteen for another few months, Ray and his wife have been taking care of it."

She just stared at her boyfriend, her eyes wide. "You own a horse ranch?"

"Yep." He rocked on his heels, a move reminiscent of Jack, and she shook her head. He was definitely spending too much time around that man.

He took her hand and led her between the two large buildings standing in front of her, Ray following them and leading his horse back to the stables.

"We have multiple stable buildings," he started, proud his idea had been accepted so gratefully. "These two up here are boarding houses. The one on your right is rented out for horses needing periodic care, like when a family goes on vacation. The other is leased at a yearly rate for people who own or buy horses but live within city limits. We have over two hundred acres of unoccupied land, another ten leased to a small cattle farmer who's kids are in 4H and he doesn't want their calves to interact with his herd, and another forty acres are being used by some distant relative by marriage or something for orchards."

Cassie stared around her in a daze, amazed at all the information Nate was throwing at her. She didn't really believe in coincidences, not any more and she knew it couldn't be a coincidence that Nate happened to own something that would allow her to do the one thing she'd wanted to do since the first time she'd watched TV after coming to Earth. She would finally learn to ride a horse.

She could see workers cleaning some of the stalls and feeding the horses housed in the boarding stables, and off in the distance, a few exercise rings where trainers were running the horses in circles.

Nate led her farther onto the property, his fingers entwined with hers. It was amazing scenery, really, and she enjoyed the quiet walk with her boyfriend. They passed a beautiful, three story ranch house as they traveled across the property and over a hill, Colonel taking off to explore his new surroundings.

"Should I be worried?" Cassie asked, watching the dog run around sniffing the ground and wagging his tail.

"Nah," Nate shrugged off her worry. "He'll be fine. Ray knows what Colonel looks like. There're plenty of other dogs he can run around with. Nobody'll let him get lost."

He laid an arm over her shoulders and pulled her into his side. "That's where Ray and his family live. He grew up here with my Dad. I've known them my whole life," he said softly as they kept walking.

"Why didn't they take Neal?" Cassie leaned into Nate, knowing how much family meant to him.

"Apparently, my parents' wills weren't up to date, at least the one's they had on file. I was the only child listed to be taken in by Ray and Teri, and Jack and Sam took control over that situation. I talked to the lawyer. He said the wills were dated just after I was born."

As they crested the hill, Cassie looked out over the view, taking in the sight before her. Another ranch house, larger than the first, sat at the base of the hill, surrounded by huge fields and two more stables.

"Wow."

Nate smiled. "That's our house, and our personal stables." The two walked down to the stables hand in hand, Nate pointing out the tree he used to climb when he was younger, or the fencepost he'd carved the wild stallion into, and the hill he used to lay on and watch the clouds.

He brought her into the farthest barn. Six horses immediately stuck their heads out at the sound of Nate's voice, whinnying for attention. He patted each on the head until he got to the last two stalls. A beautiful black stallion gently pawed at the ground and nuzzled the top of Nate's head, snorting into his dark black hair.

"This is Peggy," he said, patting the beautiful horses neck.

Cassie grinned. "Peggy?"

Nate shrugged. "I wanted a mare, a beautiful Palomino I could breed, and I'd already decided I was going to name my horse Peggy Sue. When he was born, I didn't want to change his name and he's been Peggy ever since. I broke him when I was eight years old, he'll do anything I want him to."

He turned to the stall behind him, reaching over to pat the Appaloosa mare patiently waiting for Nate's attention. "This is my mom's horse, Buck. She's the nicest horse we've ever raised and surprisingly, though we're not quite sure how this worked out, she's Peggy's mother."

"She's beautiful," Cassie awed, reaching up to pet her nose. This was the closest she'd ever come to a real horse, and she was actually just the slightest bit frightened.

Nate smiled back at her, delighted at the light in her eyes. While she was petting Buck, he got Peggy's bridle and saddle ready, then moved on to getting Buck ready for their ride. Ray had brought the lunch bags he'd packed for them and put them in the tack room where he had easy access to pack them in the saddle bags.

Cassie was nervous, uncertain as to what to do. Nate helped her climb up into the saddle and patted her leg as he got her settled. "Now, don't be nervous. Buck is the best horse we have, but they all can sense when you don't feel in control and it makes them uncertain and jittery, too. Just follow along with me and you'll do just fine."

He hopped up onto Peggy and smiled confidently at Cassie. He watched as she studied how he sat upon the horse and positioned himself, ready to ride off, noticing how quick a study she was.

He led them off through the fields and up over the hill, discreetly keeping an eye on Cassie to make sure she was doing okay. He hadn't seen any signs of uncertainty in her eyes or posture for almost twenty minutes. It was adorable, really, how easily she picked up on what she had to do and so far he was impressed.

They stopped after another hour, on a hill overlooking the property. Cassie gasped at the sight. She could see everything from where they'd halted the horses; the fields, the calves, the vineyard. It was absolutely beautiful.

"Oh, Nate. This is amazing." She patted Buck's neck and leaned forward in the saddle.

Nate positioned Peggy closer and reached over to grab Cassie's hand. "It is. This is where I used to come to think."

"It's wonderful. Thank you for bringing me up here." She turned to him and smiled, a bright smile that lit up her eyes.

"Actually, I was wondering if you could to me a favor," he started, looking down nervously.

"Of course. You know I'd do anything to help you."

"Do you think you could take Buck out a little for me? I mean, once you're comfortable on her and after I leave for school?"

Cassie thought for a moment. "I don't know, Nate. Isn't that what Ray and his family are here for?"

"Yes. But there's so much more that they have to do, and I'd love for Buck and Peggy to get to know you and get used to having you around," he shrugged. He felt a little embarrassed about the whole thing, but Cassie was really special to him.

"You help me get used to it everyday until you leave, and I'll take care of her for you." She'd noticed he didn't relax and knew immediately something else was bothering him. "What's wrong, Nate?" she asked gently.

"Today, it's been a year since they died," he replied, a single tear slipping down his cheek.

"Oh, Nate." Cassie's eyes filled with tears and she reached for his hand, him willingly giving it. They sat atop the horses, holding onto each other as best they could. They knew what each other was going through, thinking, and they would be there for each other through everything.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Sea knocked on his son's doorframe, the door itself having been put back on months ago and now stood open. "Hey, Tommy," he said, walking in and sitting down on the bed.

Tommy was at his desk, working on one of the many detailed drawings he loved to do any chance he could. He looked up quickly and flashed a smile at his father before turning back to the paper in front of him.

Their relationship had transformed immensely since their breakthrough conversation in the back yard three months ago. It had been slow going at first, but they had finally gotten to back to where they'd been long before the move. Their house finally had laughter again, and in just a few weeks, Jerod and Sean were going to be making a trip out while the boys were still on summer vacation.

"We need to talk," Sea said, breaking into the comfortable silence.

Tommy swiveled in his chair and faced his father. "Sure, Dad. What's up?"

"You like Sarah, right?"

"Of course. I would have told you. That was part of the agreement," Tommy gladly pointed out.

"True, but this is a little more serious."

Tommy's eyebrow cocked as he stared suspiciously at his father. "You guys aren't getting married, are you?"

"No," Sea smiled and thought to himself, at least not yet. "But would that be a bad thing?"

Tommy just shrugged. "I dunno."

"Okay," Sea said adjusting himself on the bed. "You know how Sarah lives on the base?"

"Uh, yeah."

"She's looking to move off base soon."

"Yeah… Dad, where are you going with this?"

Sea shifted uncomfortably. "What if she moved in with us?"

"Like lived here? With you and me and Gramma?"

"Yes."

"Did you already ask her?"

"No."

"Then… maybe… we should give it a try?"

Sea cocked an eyebrow. "Is that an answer or a question?"

"I do like her, Dad. Actually, I like her a lot. I just… I dunno."

"It's a big step." He took a deep breath. "I fell in love with her, Tommy, but I want you to feel comfortable with the situation. I'd really like her to be in our lives forever."

The doorbell rang and a soft smile spread across Sea's face. "That's her now."

As he stood up from the bed, Tommy bounded out of the bedroom to answer the front door before his father or grandmother could make it to the entryway.

"Hey, Sarah," he said after he opened the door and waved her into the house.

She walked in and greeted Sea with a slight kiss behind the boy's back. "How are you today, Thomas?"

Tommy rolled his eye's good-naturedly at her formal address and grinned back. "Pretty good. Sean and Jerod are coming to visit in a few weeks."

"What of Rhiana and Stacey?" Sarah asked as she sat next to Sea on the couch.

He answered for Tommy, since he knew his son didn't have a clue why the two weren't coming with the boys. "Rhiana decided having the men out of the house would be a good opportunity to redecorate a few things, as a surprise for Sean, and Stacey decided she wanted to stay with her mom."

"Sarah?" Tommy asked, sitting in the chair across from his dad.

"Yes?"

"Do you love my dad?"

Sea nearly choked at the question, and had he been drinking anything, he was sure it would have come out his nose. As it was, he snorted and started coughing.

Sarah thought for a moment. They'd been dating for three months and Sea was the most wonderful man she'd ever known. He'd stuck with her through everything since she'd been back and he'd never complained. Her relationship with Daniel had gone faster than this, even though she couldn't get past his workoholism back then.

She nodded and smiled at the young boy. "Yes, I love your father very much."

Tommy smiled, the twinkle in his eye just barely noticeable. Sea wondered what he was up to, and by the look on his face he knew it was definitely something. "You know, you don't have to find an apartment when you finally move off base."

Sea's eyes widened, but he hid it quickly before Sarah could see his reaction.

"Where would you suggest I live?" she asked kindly.

"Here. We have plenty of room, and we… really love you, too."

Tears came to Sarah's eyes. She'd only dreamed Tommy would at least like her. This was so much more than she'd ever hoped for. She crossed the space between them quickly and pulled Tommy into a fierce hug. "You are a wonderful boy, Thomas. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't."

Tommy hugged her back, just as tightly and nodded against her shoulder. When she let him go, he smiled at his father and went to go find Eleanor, leaving the two of them alone.

Sea pulled Sarah into his side and kissed her soundly, his other hand brushing the hair out of her face. "So is that a yes?" he whispered.

Sarah nodded, breaking out into a grin, and wiped the tears off her cheeks. She was home now and things were finally settling down.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Jack waited in the living room, playing with Neal while Sam got ready for their night out. He'd been ready for over an hour, just as long as she'd been attempting to find something to wear. When it came time for them to get ready for a mission, she had usually been done long before the rest of them, but when it came to any activity off base, she was definitely the typical woman.

He was dressed in one of his best suits, and he actually didn't mind. He liked dressing up, just as long as he could avoid his dress blues. The Navy pinstripe suit had been a gift from Sara their first year of marriage and had always been his favorite. It was comfortable and Sam loved the way he looked in it.

Neal reached up and pulled on his tie, jerking the wrong side and pulling it tighter around his throat.

"ACH!" he choked, gasping. "Okay, Big Guy. How 'bout we let go of Daddy's tie now?"

Neal giggled and clapped his hands, grinning up at Jack. Eleanor walked into the room, smiling at her son. Jake was wide awake and wiggling around in his grandmother's arms.

"You sure you can handle them, Mom?" Jack asked, tickling Neal's little stomach.

"I raised three rascals, I think I'll be fine with these three until tomorrow morning," she replied, smiling as she sat down in the Glider-rocker.

Jack looked over at her, confused. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes. You two should have the entire night to yourselves."

"Mom," Jack sighed. "I'm not sure Sam's ready for that. A whole night?"

"Maybe you're not ready for it?" She smirked at him, playing with Jake.

He smiled back as Neal settled onto his lap, cuddling into his arms. "I'm not sure I am. This is my last weekend at home. I go back to work on Monday and there will be too many nights away from them in the future."

Sam came walking into the room while Jack was facing his mother, her heart breaking at what she heard. It wasn't so much the words as the pain lacing Jack's voice as he spoke.

Her eyes connected with Eleanor's over Jack's head as he continued. "I missed so much with Charlie, and now he's gone. I don't want to make the same mistake again."

Sam entered the room and wrapped her arms around her husband. "Oh, Jack. Even when you're away, the boys will know who you are and how much you love them."

Jack let her hold him, his arms full of Neal, and leaned into her. The little boy's eyes were steadily closing and Jack turned to Sam finally noticing the beautiful red dress she wore. Normally, red wasn't one of his favorite colors, but his wife looked absolutely stunning. The top of the dress was halter style, hugging her curves perfectly, and flowed down below her knees.

"You look amazing, Sam," he whispered huskily. His lips hungrily sought hers, both momentarily forgetting they had an audience.

A distant coughing, broke them apart, gasping for air. Both turned a bright shade of red at being caught in the moment.

"Sorry, Mom," Jack smiled sheepishly. He looked down and noticed Neal was almost asleep. "We should probably put him to bed before we leave."

"You're probably right," Sam grinned back. The two stood up, Neal cradled in Jack's arms. He shifted, tucking himself tighter into Jack's chest.

"What time is Nate supposed to be home?" Eleanor asked.

"He's supposed to have Cassie home by midnight, so hopefully soon after that. His number's on the fridge, but it's also number four on speed dial," Sam replied as her husband took Neal downstairs to his room.

Eleanor nodded and smiled. "Go tuck your son in to bed."

Sam kissed Jake on the top of his head and followed Jack downstairs. When they'd set up the second crib in the room across from theirs, they'd moved Neal downstairs into the room across from Nate. The little boy had consistently slept through the night, but if he hadn't, Nate would have taken care of him.

Jack was standing over the crib, looking down on Neal when Sam walked in. He pulled her into his side and the couple watched their adopted son sleep.

"C'mon," Jack whispered. "We have reservations in half an hour."

Sam kissed her fingers and ran them over his hair, allowing Jack to pull her out of the room. They said goodbye to Eleanor before heading out to Jack's truck. It might not have been the fanciest mode of transportation they could have taken, but it was them, and Sam just absolutely loved it. She wouldn't have felt like she was really going out on a date with Jack O'Neill if they'd been in something like a limo.

Their first stop of the night was at a beautiful, romantic Italian restaurant Jack had found years ago, but had never been to. The atmosphere was lovely; private even though there were so many people were dining that night. Their dinner was delicious and after Jack had finished his chicken parmesan and Sam her three cheese tortellini, they sat together, chatting over their tiramisu.

"Sam?" Jack asked with the most nervousness she'd ever heard in his voice.

"Yes, Jack?"

"What was going through your mind when you realized you were pregnant?"

Her time in Tennessee was something they really didn't talk about much. He'd been curious since she'd shown up at his house Christmas Eve, and he wondered about her time alone in a strange city.

"I wanted to call you immediately, but I wasn't sure if it would be safe or how you'd react. The first time I felt them move inside me was a miracle, and I knew right then how much I needed to get home to you as soon as possible."

"I really do wish you would have told me, but I am so glad you came home to me. Those were some of the loneliest months I've ever lived through."

Sam reached over and grabbed his hand. "Me too. I cried myself to sleep so many nights wishing you were there to hold me. I always knew you'd make a wonderful father."

They sat in silence, staring into each other's eyes. This was their first chance really alone together and as much as they loved their children, they were enjoying the private time together.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay when I go back?" Jack asked suddenly.

Sam cocked her head to the side with a slight smile. "Don't you trust me?"

"Of course," he grinned. "I just know how crazy you get when you don't have a doohickey to play with."

"I've been away for a year, Jack. I think I can handle it, especially since I'm going to be called in on a fairly regular basis," she reassured him.

"You can handle the three of them? All by yourself?"

"Jack! For cryin' out loud!" she laughed. "Yes. I can. Besides, Cassie's going to come over every day after school once she starts again."

Jack smiled back at his wife, knowing for sure she could handle anything the boys threw her way. He shifted nervously in his seat.

"What's wrong, Jack?"

"How would you feel about keeping our options open for more children in the future?" he blurted.

"A little girl?" Sam asked hopefully.

Jack smiled softly and gazed into her eyes. "A little girl."

The live band started up a new song and Jack grinned, grabbing Sam's arm to pull her to the dance floor. He twirled her around, loving the way she felt in his arms. They swayed gently to the music, and though it wasn't quite the slowest song they could have chosen, it was perfect for them.

Fly me to the moon
Let me sing among those stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars

In other words, hold my hand
In other words, baby kiss me

Fill my heart with song
Let me sing for ever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore

In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

"I love you, Sam, forever," Jack whispered softly in her ear.

Shudders rang down her spine as his lips brushed over her ear, his breath ruffling through her hair. This was a side of Jack she loved and until recently hadn't gotten to ever see. She loved him so much and the best thing she'd ever done was marry the man.

"I love you, too, Jack."

They danced closely together for the next half hour, enjoying the time together. Jack checked his watch as the sixth song they'd danced to finished.

"Oh, we gotta get going." He pulled her off the dance floor, paid their bill and headed to the truck.

"Where? It's getting awfully late. Shouldn't we be getting home soon?"

He smiled, kissing her softly and held the door open for her. As she climbed into the truck, he pulled the seatbelt around her, making sure she was secure.

"I'm not telling you, and Mom can handle the kids just fine. She actually told us to stay out tonight, but I think we'll be heading home."

"Thank you, Jack. I'm not sure I'm ready to be away from them for so long."

They drove in silence as Jack headed downtown. Sam still didn't have a clue where they were going, but he wouldn't give her any clues, going as far as to park a block down from their destination.

The theatre loomed tall over head and at first she thought they were going to walk right by until Jack pulled her in and held the door open for her. He handed their tickets over and headed up to the balcony, sitting down in the front row.

"Jack, what's going on?"

"Just wait," he smirked.

The lights dimmed and eerie, sweet soft music flowed through the theatre and a gavel banged, the echo ringing through the seats. "Lot 665, Ladies and Gentlemen…"

Sam's eyes widened as she watched the scene on stage unfold.

"Lot 666 then, a Chandelier in pieces…"

Jack smiled at the look on Sam's face. The pure delight in her eyes was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He'd hoped she'd like his surprise, and he'd obviously chosen well.

As the scene changed so did the music, the dark strains ringing through the audience. Sam jumped, but giggled slightly in embarrassment.

"The Phantom of the Opera, Jack? This is wonderful!" she whispered excitedly.

He sat back, his arm around her and watched, half his attention on the people on stage, the other half on Sam. She laughed in the beginning, cried for Christine, Raoul and the Phantom's heartaches, and snuggled into Jack, mouthing the words to all the songs. Of course, he knew the words as well. It was, after all, his favorite musical.

When the last curtain fell, he gathered her in his arms. "So, what'd you think?"

"That was amazing, Jack. How'd you get tickets?"

He looked down at his feet as they walked out of the theatre, sheepishly. "I bought them two years ago, when it was first announced they were coming."

"But, two years ago…" She stared up at him confused.

"I know," he said, squeezing her closer into his side. "I guess I just always hoped, deep down that maybe you would go with me, even if we couldn't be any more than coworkers."

He could feel her shudder in the cold air and wrapped his jacket around her shoulders, pulling her into his arms again. "Why don't we go home?"

Once in the truck, Sam turned to her husband. "I know in the beginning, I was nervous, but, Jack, you've been a wonderful husband and father. You've taught me so much, and I know we'll do fine."

Jack picked up her hand, their fingers entwined, and kissed it gently. "I told you you'd make a wonderful mother," he said softly.

He pulled into the drive and led her quietly into the house. Nate's car was parked in front of the garage, and they both visibly relaxed, knowing he was safe at home. They checked on Liam and Jake, and, seeing they were both fine, headed to their bedroom, noticing the baby monitor had been removed.

"Mom must have taken it," Jack commented as he watched Sam remove her dress to change into something comfortable for bed. He loved her fluid movements, everything she did was always so graceful.

He stood, removing his shirt and tie, and turned on the CD player softly, so as not to disturb anyone else in the house. He watched her reach for one of his old T-shirts, and quickly stepped up to stop her. "Don't," he whispered huskily.

He held her from behind, his rough, calloused hands running up and down her bare arms. "You're so beautiful, Sam." He nuzzled her neck, kissing her gently as he held her to his bare chest.

He slowly spun her around, his lips connecting with hers in a gentle, loving caress. His hands were immediately drawn to her beautiful, golden locks, their softness like that of the softest mink.

"Sam," he huskily choked out. "It's been a year, today, since you showed up at my door at four thirty in the morning. A lot has happened in that time. We've gotten married, had two of the most wonderful children on the face of the Earth, adopted another, and defeated the Goa'uld. And during all this, I've found my love for you has grown more than I could have ever imagined. I love you so much."

He led her to the bed, the rest of their clothes disappearing as they went. The soft melody of the song on the CD flowed over them and Sam smiled into his lips, recognizing it immediately.

Night-time sharpens,
heightens each sensation . . .
Darkness stirs and
wakes imagination . . .
Silently the senses
abandon their defences . . .
Slowly, gently
night unfurls its splendour . . .
Grasp it, sense it -
tremulous and tender . . .
Turn your face away
from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away
from cold, unfeeling light -
and listen to
the music of the night . . .
Close your eyes
and surrender to your
darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts
of the life
you knew before!
Close your eyes,
let your spirit
start to soar!
And you'll live
as you've never
lived before . . .
Softly, deftly,
music shall surround you . . .
Feel it, hear it,
closing in around you . . .
Open up your mind,
let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness which
you know you cannot fight -
the darkness of
the music of the night . . .
Let your mind
start a journey through a
strange new world!
Leave all thoughts
of the world
you knew before!
Let your soul
Take you where you
long to be !
Only then
can you belong
to me . . .
Floating, falling,
sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me
savour each sensation!
Let the dream begin,
let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write -
the power of the music of the night . . .
You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night . .

They held onto each other drowsily under the covers, Jack raining tiny kisses down upon Sam's closed eyelids, and over her entire face. Sweat still glistened on their brows, a year of pent up frustration, desire and love having made it's way through their bodies.

Jack reached down, wrapping his arm around her waist, his other hand having found hers. He twisted her wedding band around her finger and whispered into her ear as they both drifted off to sleep to the sounds of the music. "Always and Forever, Sam."

No more talk of darkness,
forget these wide-eyed fears;
I'm here, nothing can harm you,
my words will warm

and calm you.
Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry

your tears;
I'm here, with you, beside you,
to

guard you and to guide you.

Say

you'll love me ev'ry waking moment;
turn my head

with talk of summertime.
Say you need me with you now and

always;
promise me that all you say is true,
that's all I ask of you.

Let me be

your shelter,
let me be your light;
you're safe,

no one will find you,
your fears are far behind you.

All I want is freedom,
a world with

no more night;
and you, always beside me,
to hold me

and to hide me.

Then say you'll share

with me one love, one lifetime;
let me lead you from you

solitude.
Say you need me with you, here beside you,
anywhere you go, let me go too,
that's all I ask of

you.

Say you'll share with me one

love, one lifetime.
Say the word and I will follow you.

Share each day with me, each night, each

morning.

Say you love me...

You know I do.

Love me,

that's all I ask of you.

Anywhere you go let me

go too

Love me...
that's all I ask of

you.