Chapter 30 – A Time to Dance
Jack had been deep in thought for the last twenty minutes, brooding about something that had his stomach in knots from the moment he first heard about it. Finally, he tore his gaze from the rapidly fading sunset he had been blankly staring at and turned to his wife. "Tell me again why we agreed to this?" His expression was truly perplexed as he waited for his wife to respond.
Sam gave him an indulgent smile, reached out and took his hand in hers. "Because, dear, our daughter is fifteen years old. And when you're a fifteen year old girl and invited to your first school dance, it would be an unimaginable tragedy, and then some, if your parents didn't allow you to go."
Jack snorted. "Tragedy. What does she know about tragedy? That girl's had everything she's ever wanted…and then some," he grumbled this last bit under his breath.
Sam raised an eyebrow. "And whose fault is that?" she asked in a falsely sweet voice. She smiled when Jack snorted again. They both knew that Jack overindulged his children on many things…especially his daughters. They weren't spoiled rotten by any stretch of the imagination, just cherished, as Jack liked to put it. "Jack," she sighed, bringing his attention back to her. "It's only a dance. A high school dance. Stop worrying."
"Stop worrying?" he cried, pulling his hand from her grasp and using both of them to help him express his thoughts. "How can I not worry, Sam? She's going to be wearing some off the shoulder, leg baring get-up, having God knows how many hormonally charged young men staring at her, not to mention being pawed by that reprobate next door during every damned slow dance! And you expect me not to worry?" He got to his feet and began to pace back and forth across the wooden deck, his hand weaving frantically through his hair as he thought about Billy Martin's hands on his eldest daughter's body. Just thinking about it made his hands clench into tight fists at his side and his stomach churn in anger.
"Jack, calm down!" Sam said firmly as she got to her feet and stood in front of him, effectively stopping him in his tracks. When he stopped long enough to look into her eyes, she smiled calmly, put her hands on his arms, and spoke slowly. "It is only a school dance, Jack. There will be plenty of adult chaperones there. Besides, JJ and Meredith are driving with Billy and Grace. You know as well as I do that JJ won't let anything happen to his little sister." She paused for the next part to sink in. "And you're doing your daughter a great disservice if you think she can't be trusted, much less handle herself," Sam added with a scowl.
Jack stared into his wife's eyes, finally registering the frustration she was beginning to feel with him. He knew he was overreacting, had in fact been in a state of panic every since Grace had gleefully skipped into the house one afternoon two weeks ago and informed them about Billy's invitation to the big spring dance. But Geez, this was his baby girl they were talking about! Trying once more to plead his case, but in a more sensible manner, he lowered his voice to a less strident and more conversational tone. "I know I can trust Grace, Sam. And I know that JJ will be there, although I think his mind will be on someone other than his sister." He scowled at those words. JJ was not immune to his father's worries and lectures about being in the company of the opposite sex. "I would just like to remind you, for the record," he added quickly when she threw him an exasperated look, "That young Martin doesn't have the best track record as far as girls are concerned. He has been know to…uhm…attempt to take a gander up…young ladies dresses...in the past." He crossed his arms and fixed her with a firm stare, daring her to argue that particularly damning point.
Sam frowned at him, her mouth slightly open as she tried to comprehend what in the hell he was talking about. She knew for a fact that if Billy had ever tried anything like that, his mother would knock him upside the head and keep him busy with household chores until he was well into his twenties. She closed her eyes, shook her head in confusion, then looked back up at him. "What!"
Jack smiled wryly, glad that he finally seemed to have the upper hand in this conversation. "Don't remember, do ya?" his smile widened as he believed he finally had one over on his brilliant wife.
Sam's brow furrowed in thought, then her eyes opened wide as she looked at him in disbelief. "You're referring to that?" When he nodded at her with a pleased look on his face, Sam threw up her hands in incredulity. "Good God, Jack, he was six years old at the time! And it was a mechanical puppet, if I recall."
Lifting his chin just a notch, Jack replied, "And? So? But? Therefore? Did he or did he not look up that puppet's dress, Samantha?"
She shook her head at him. "You can't possibly hold that against him, Jack. He was a child, and at our son's birthday party," she reminded him. Then she crossed her arms and glared at him. "Do you want to rehash each and every time Grace has asked us rather detailed questions about sex? Is that going to make you label her as well?"
Jack had the good grace to look chagrined. Taking a deep breath, he replied in a resigned voice, "Of course not." He gazed at her and gave her a somewhat sheepish smile. "Ok. You're right. Like always. I might have overreacted there, just a bit."
She cocked an eye at him. "Ya think?"
He narrowed his eyes when a half-grin followed her words. "I may have admitted I'm wrong, Carter, but," he held his finger up in warning, "I am going to have a little talk with Casanova before that dance this Friday. He's going to know what he can…and can not…do with my daughter before, during, and after that dance."
Sam's eyes sparkled up at him and she tipped her head to one side. "Casanova, huh? He was supposed to be a great lover, wasn't he?" she asked with an innocent air.
Jack's face flushed as he growled, "Good God woman, don't even joke about that!" Sam's face broke into a full smile. Knowing when he was beat, Jack pulled on her arm gently. "Come 'ere you." He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. "I just can't keep them little, can I?"
"None of us can," she replied quietly.
"But why do they have to grow up so fast?" he whispered into her hair.
Sam settled lightly into his embrace, smiling against his chest. "Probably so they can drive their poor father crazy." Sam giggled when she felt the light smack to her backside. Then she looked up and regarded him seriously. "She's going to be just fine, Jack. Trust me. And trust her."
Tucking her head back against his chest and setting his chin on top of her head, he breathed in deeply then let it back out. "I do trust you, Sam. And Grace. It's Martin I'm having trouble with." He felt her smile against his shirt. He huffed slightly. "I think I'd rather her stick to punching boys in the nose rather than dancing with them. Or to sparring with what's his name from Chulak." Sam chuckled as she recalled the particular incident from Grace's first days in kindergarten. Jack's reference to Si'mon, whom Grace made sure to visit every time they went to Chulak, made her smile as well. Though Jack had been worried about those two from the get go, Grace and Si'mon had developed a rather close friendship over the years, one that was sure to last a lifetime. "Where the hell did the time go?" he asked quietly.
Sam wrapped her arms tighter around Jack and snuggled more deeply into him. "I don't know honey. I just don't know." Her voice softened as she said the words. Though both were inordinately proud of all three children, they bemoaned the quick passage of time.
They stood quietly together as their thoughts turned inward and they reflected on the past few years. The children had all adapted quite well to the changes in their lives that news of the Stargate program generated. While they had to adjust to the increased demands on Jack and Sam's time, all three children understood and were extremely proud of their parents. They themselves enjoyed somewhat of a celebrity status at school for a few weeks after their return from Chulak before things slowly returned to normal.
JJ was now a senior in high school. He would graduate this spring with top honors and embark on the next phase of his life…college. Like his mother, his interests tended toward scientific pursuits. But whereas she had opted for a career as a scientist in the military, JJ was only interested in the pure quest of science. Though he greatly respected the many adults he knew who were a part of various military operations, he had no desire to join their ranks. He intended to be his own man; set his own rules and study what and where he wished.
JJ had been accepted to the highly regarded science department at MIT several months earlier, along with a sizable scholarship, and was looking forward to the adventure with great anticipation. Standing 6'4" tall, JJ was a striking young man. Though he didn't yet carry the muscular frame he would in later years, he was still considered to be quite the catch at Colorado Springs High School. His dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes were the object of many young ladies desires. The fact that he was dating Meredith Wilson didn't stop any of them from looking his way with dreamy expressions when he passed them by in the school hallway. Many a young girl wished with all their hearts to be Meredith Wilson…even if just for a day.
In addition to his good looks and academic abilities, JJ O'Neill was known as an athletic young man with a heart of gold. He would go out of his way to help anyone at anytime. And he was loyal to his friends and family to a fault. Though easy going on the outside, JJ could become fiercely protective if need be; especially to any callous young men who dared to offend or insult either his girlfriend or his sisters. Of course, that all three young ladies could more than take care of themselves was completely beside the point.
Meredith Wilson, or Meri as JJ liked to call her, had come to be a part of the O'Neill family when she and JJ started dating at the end of their junior year of high school. Though neither Jack nor Sam were too thrilled over the idea of JJ getting serious at such a young age, they both warmed to Meri right away. Her warm smile, easy laugh, and friendly nature were just what JJ needed to keep him from becoming too engrossed in his studies. But Jack made sure to warn his son about becoming too engrossed in the young lady either! There was a time and a place for everything and Jack for one felt high school was much too young to "settle down", so to speak.
Like her brother, Grace was a popular and well-liked student. She had made the transition from junior high to high school with ease, partly because her big brother paved the way for her and partly because of her own self-assured personality. The poise and confidence that she had developed while on Chulak stayed with her and grew stronger as she progressed through school. While both she and JJ were interested in scientific study, Grace was more inclined toward human biology. Although only fifteen, Grace had mapped out a plan that would take her to medical school. Observing her Aunt Janet in action for so many years had instilled in Grace a desire to become a medical doctor, something that made Jack proud even as he cringed at the thought of more needles in his family.
Grace was not immune to the trappings of the teenage years, however. She went to the mall, hung out with friends, and whispered over boys. Her friendly but somewhat distant relationship with Billy had slowly changed over the past few years. Ever since their return from Chulak in fact, Billy had been more attentive; watching out for Grace from a distance when her brother wasn't around. When she turned fifteen, the young man had begun to hang around more, just talking with Grace and occasionally taking her for a ride in his new sports car. That he was enamored of her was apparent to everyone…everyone but Grace, that is. Until the day a few weeks ago when he had finally asked her to a movie, she hadn't a clue as to his true feelings. The date had been somewhat of a revelation. Though her brother and Meri were with them (her father wouldn't let her go otherwise), for the first time, Grace saw Billy as something more than her brother's best friend. That revelation had started to blossom into a close relationship that had Jack on edge every time the two young people were in the same room together.
Maddie too, had changed since their return from Chulak, though the changes she had gone through were mostly physical in nature. No longer a chubby faced youngster, she had morphed into a tall, gangly child with a mane of light blond hair and bright blue eyes that sparkled with equal measures of curiosity and mischief. Maddie absolutely loved life: while the eleven year old girl still tended toward the reckless side, she had gained a bit more restraint as she matured. Sam had wisely corralled some of that energy and gotten the young girl involved in Junior Club Racing. With her mother's help, Maddie had designed and built her own small racer and spent several weekends each month racing with other youth at a local track. That she took home more trophies and ribbons than anyone else in her class was no surprise to her family. And although Jack shuddered every time he watched her speed around a track, bumping other racers out of her way, he was inordinately proud of her accomplishments. The fact that Maddie was more interested in competing against boys rather than seeing them on a social level was an added bonus in his mind.
As if conjured from their thoughts, Maddie bounded out onto the deck, her long hair bound into a ponytail behind her and covered by a baseball cap thrown haphazardly over her head. "Hey dad, mom. I need a favor."
Sighing, Jack released his wife and looked down at his youngest daughter. She had on a pair of faded overalls that were splotched with dirt and oil. A fair amount of each substance also resided on her pink cheeks. She held her hands behind her back and smiled sweetly up at him. Jack cast a quick glance at his wife and noted the sparkle that came into her eyes as she gazed at her daughter. Sighing, he said, "How much is it going to cost this time?"
Maddie's smile turned into a little pout. "I don't always need money, daddy," she stated earnestly.
Jack snorted. "Nine times out of ten, a request for a favor from you requires money to repair, or more likely soup up, some part of your racer."
Maddie let her glance slide to her mother, then back to her father. A sheepish grin crossed her face. "Well, now that you mention it…"
Sam laughed. "What do you need Mads?"
Turning full toward her mother, Maddie pulled her hand from behind her back. "The carburetor's shot mom. I've cleaned it and lubed it, but it just isn't running like it should. Joe Levinski got one of those new 480 Spirit Carburetors in his racer and it hums like a dream! Can we get me one, please?" She pleaded, putting a little extra something in the 'please' as directed her gaze toward her father.
Jack looked at her, then over at Sam. Two pair of bright blue eyes looked back at him expectantly. Knowing he could never say no to either pair, especially over something as simple as a carburetor, Jack shrugged his shoulders. "Why not? A carburetor's nothing compared to a strapless dress." He pulled Maddie's cap off and ruffled her hair. "Have fun kiddo." Then he handed her back her hat and walked quietly into the house, his mind already on other things.
Maddie fixed her hair before she placed the hat back on her head and frowned up at her mother. "Strapless dress?"
"Grace," Sam replied succinctly.
Understanding dawned on Maddie's face. "Ah. I get it." Then she shrugged her shoulders, as if it had nothing to do with her. "So, can we go and get my new carburetor now?"
Sam laughed and put her arm around her youngest's shoulders. "Yes, Maddie. Go get cleaned up, then we'll go."
Maddie threw her arms around her mother's neck. "Thanks mom!" She gave her a quick squeeze, then rushed back inside to clean up and change clothes. Sam smiled as she watched her go. Although their youngest child was totally engrossed in all things racing, Sam knew it was just a matter of time before she too began to show an interest in the opposite sex. She shook her head as she walked back inside. For Jack's sake, she hoped it didn't happen for a long time.
----
Grace was upstairs with her mother, putting the finishing touches on her hair before the four young people were to leave for the dance. JJ had gone to pick up Meri, looking resplendent in his dark suit. Before he left, he'd called to his sister to be ready in 30 minutes. After his son left, Jack was left to his own devices. Alternating between trying to focus on the Stanley Cup playoffs on television and pacing in the living room, he tried to calm himself. It was just a dance, he kept reminding himself.
Maddie came in and plopped herself on the couch, regarding her father thoughtfully. "You're really nervous, aren't you dad?" she asked as she reached into a bag of chips and pulled several out. "Were you this nervous when I was in my first race?"
Jack stopped his pacing and came to sit beside her. "I am always nervous when you race, peanut. It's just part of being a parent. But I am definitely not nervous about your sister going to this dance," he tried to sound convincing. He looked toward the front door, which would admit Billy Martin at any moment. "Just…concerned."
"Why?" Maddie asked around a mouthful of chips. "It's not like Billy's going to feel her up at the dance or anything."
Jack's head snapped around as his eyes widened at his youngest child's words. "Excuse me? Did you say what I think you just said?"
She shrugged. "I know all about kissing and making out, daddy. I'm not a baby anymore. Besides, I've seen JJ and Meri kissing plenty of times, not to mention you and mom," she wrinkled her nose as she said the last bit.
"There is a world of difference between me kissing your mother, and some teenager…doing what you just said," Jack told her sternly. "And I'd rather not hear those particular words from your mouth anytime soon again, understand?"
Maddie shrugged again. "Sorry. But Billy's OK, daddy. He likes Grace a lot."
The doorbell rang just then, causing Jack to get to his feet quickly. "Yeah," he muttered under his breath as he went to the door. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Taking a deep steadying breath, Jack slowly pulled the door open. Although he had promised both Sam and Grace that he wouldn't scare the kid aware, Jack couldn't help the stern expression that settled into his face as he looked down at Billy Martin. The annoying neighbor boy of long ago was transformed into a handsome young man. His dark hair was cut short, the front spiking up in a devil may care way that seemed to draw attention to the bright hazel eyes below. His broad shoulders filled out the dark suit perfectly and hinted at the strong muscles beneath. Jack knew well how strong this young man was, for he had seen him plow over other youth on the football field time and again. Though usually quite self-assured, Jack could tell that at this point in time, Billy was more than a little nervous and the thought made Jack feel better.
Billy gulped audibly and pulled at the necktie around his throat, trying to get some air. The other hand that was holding a corsage for Grace had to work hard at not crushing the delicate flower. Feeling as if an eternity had passed while he stood being scrutinized by Ambassador Jack O'Neill, Billy figured it was time to say something. Clearing his throat, he greeted Jack in a wavering voice, "Good evening, sir. I'm here to pick up Grace for the dance. Is she…ready yet?"
Jack stood a little taller and didn't answer for a moment, enjoying the particular talent he had for making young pups like Billy quake in their boots. It hadn't failed him in the past and he didn't plan on it starting now. Billy squirmed under the harsh gaze, unsure as to what he should do or say now, if anything. Although he was practically family, having grown up with JJ and Grace, Billy was smart enough to realize that this was an entirely different situation altogether.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jack stepped aside. "She'll be down in a minute. Come on in." Billy breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the house and waited in the foyer. He smiled slightly when he heard Maddie whistle from the living room.
"Wow, Billy. You don't look half bad!" The eleven year old hopped over the back of the couch and came toward him with a smile, brushing the crumbs from her hands down her jeans. She stopped in front of him and cocked her head to the side. "Gee, maybe dating isn't so lame after all," she considered thoughtfully as she looked him over.
"Maddie," Jack stated more firmly than he had intended. "Go upstairs and tell your sister her…" he glared down at Billy before saying with a hint of disdain, "Date is here." When Maddie stood, still staring up at Billy, he said a bit louder, "Now Maddie."
Startled out of her thoughts, Maddie gave both of them a quick smile before turning and bounding up the stairs. Jack sighed then waved his arm in the direction of the living room. "Well, you might as well come in," he said somewhat begrudgingly.
"Thank you, sir," Billy replied before preceding Jack into the living room. They both sat on the couch and turned their eyes toward the television, neither one really taking in the action on the set. An awkward silence ensued between the two males; one nervously awaiting the arrival of his date, the other wanting desperately to call an end to this whole affair. Jack winced to himself at the choice of words his mind thought of and the image it conveyed. Glancing toward the stairs and seeing no movement, he decided he'd better take advantage of the fact that they were alone for a few minutes.
Clearing his throat, Jack started without preamble. "I've known you since you were in diapers, Billy. You and JJ grew up together. You've been a pain in the ass at times," Billy cringed at the words, "But you've also been there for both of them when they needed a friend." Jack now turned to look into the face of the boy who would be taking his daughter to her first dance. Billy looked back, his face showing his uncertainty but still resolutely meeting the older man's gaze. "You know how important my family is to me, don't you?"
Billy nodded. "Yes, sir." He well recalled the anger of Jack O'Neill when those men had tried to kidnap JJ many years ago.
"And you probably know what I would do to anyone who ever hurt said family members, correct?" Jack narrowed his eyes at the boy, his brown eyes turning to slits of black.
Billy gulped. "Yes, sir." Jack continued to look at him as if waiting for him to say something else. Billy cleared his throat and gathered his courage. "I would never do anything to hurt Grace, Sir. Or be disrespectful to her in any way. I…I care about her…a lot."
Jack's eyes narrowed even more, if that were possible. As if realizing he might have said too much, Billy quickly added, "I promise you, Sir. I will conduct myself as a perfect gentleman at all times. You have nothing to worry about and neither does Grace. I have too much respect for your entire family to ever do anything that would cause you anger or disappointment."
His words seemed to mollify the retired air force officer, for his face relaxed considerably and he sat back a bit. "All right," he stated after a momentary pause. But then added with more firmness, "Just see that you keep your word, young man. Cause I'd really hate to have another discussion with you about my daughter's safety and well-being."
The innocuous words held a hint of a threat that Billy did not miss. "You won't, Sir. I promise."
"Good," Jack nodded briefly. Then his attention was diverted as Maddie came bounding back down the steps.
"She's ready and boy, does Grace look different!" Maddie announced to the two men. Both of them stood and came to stand at the foot of the stairs, waiting expectantly for the appearance of the fifteen year old girl.
From above, Sam gave her daughter a reassuring smile and brushed a kiss against her cheek. "You look so beautiful, Grace." She pulled back and blinked away the tears in her eyes as she gazed at her daughter, hardly believing that the beautiful young woman in front of her was the same child who had eschewed dresses in favor of jeans not so long ago .
Grace smiled back tentatively. "Really mom? Do I really look OK?" Sam shook her head at Grace.
"No sweetheart. You don't just look OK." Grace smile faltered for a moment. "You look absolutely stunning. Believe me."
Grace's smile returned as she leaned forward and gave her mother a careful hug. "Thanks mom," she whispered gently. "For everything."
Sam held her tightly for a moment or two, then released her. "OK, enough of that. We don't want to mess up your hair and make-up do we?" Grace laughed and shook her head. Giving her daughter one last loving glance, she said, "Go ahead, sweetheart. I think there's a young man downstairs who can't wait to see you, never mind get away from your father."
They shared a smile and then, taking a deep steadying breath, Grace began to make her way slowly down the stairs. As she made her descent, the butterflies in her stomach seemed to escalate more and more with each step she took. Finally, she turned on the landing and the bottom of the stairs came into view, along with two pairs of expectant male eyes.
Billy sucked in a breath as he watched Grace's slow descent. Ever since she was in the third grade, he'd thought her much prettier than other girls. But now…well right now, he didn't have a coherent thought in his head. Although on occasion Grace would wear dresses and skirts, Billy had been more likely than not to see her decked out in a pair of jeans. Now, as she continued to walk slowly toward him, he couldn't believe the change in her. The silky, forest green dress hugged her slim waist and flowed gently to mid-calf on her left side. The scalloped edges cut diagonally across her lower legs and ended low on her right leg. The top was halter style, leaving Grace's arms bare to the shoulder and showing off her long neck to perfection. Her hair, normally worn long and loose or in a quick French Braid, was now piled on top of her head in a loose Chignon, soft tendrils of hair curling around her face. As he gazed into her eyes, Billy was startled to find the glint of humor lurking in their brown depths. A bit embarrassed to be caught staring so blatantly at her, he cleared his throat.
"Wow. You look beautiful, Grace," he managed to squeak out, his eyes never leaving her face.
Grace finally came to a stop in front of him and smiled up at him. Her two inch heels brought her closer to eye level than usual, although she was still a good three inches shorter than him. "Thank you," she said quietly with a smile. "You look awfully handsome yourself." Her smile brightened when he flushed slightly at her words. Still smiling, Grace turned her gaze to her father.
Like Billy, Jack had been abnormally quiet as Grace had descended the stairs. And like the young man next to him, Jack was having a hard time relating this vision to the girl he saw every day. She was incredibly, stupendously beautiful and looked less like his little girl than he had ever expected. He felt a pang in his heart as he came to the realization that she was indeed growing up, and nothing he said or did would stop the process. As he continued to gaze at her, he vaguely heard Billy's words next to him but didn't bat an eye.
Grace's smile faded slowly from her face when her father remained standing quietly next to her. There was a flash of pain and something else in his eyes that she didn't understand. Maybe regret? Puzzled, she cast a quick look backwards at her mother, who had followed her down the steps. Sam, who was frowning at her husband, didn't notice the look from her daughter. She was wishing she could knock him upside the head at this moment. Didn't he see that Grace was waiting for him to say something?
Grace returned her gaze back to her father, a look of uncertainty crossing her face. Tentatively, she took a step forward and said quietly, "Daddy? Is something wrong? Don't you…don't you like my dress?" She looked down at herself and fingered the soft folds of fabric. She knew her father would have preferred something that didn't bare her arms and shoulders quite so much. Heck, if he had his druthers, she knew she'd be wearing a suit of armor to the dance. Grace took a deep breath, then returned her gaze to her father, a look of pleading in her eyes.
When Grace had looked down, Jack had felt the heat of Sam's glare from several feet away. He shook himself from his thoughts, finally registered his daughter's question. He felt a pang of guilt for leaving her waiting for a reaction from him, but he had just been too stunned to respond – much like when Sam had walked down the aisle to him so many years ago. Jack gathered his thoughts and let his eyes meet hers.
Slowly, he smiled at her and cupped her chin in his right hand. "I'm sorry princess. You look so beautiful, that you left me absolutely speechless." His thumb caressed her cheek in a loving, tender touch. "You remind me so much of your mother," he said quietly.
Grace's face broke into a happy smile. She had been so worried he was disappointed that his words were a balm to her soul, making her feel instantaneously more relaxed and lighthearted. "And that's a good thing, right?"
Jack laughed. "Absolutely."
Sam came to stand beside her husband, sighing her relief that once again, he had found the perfect words. She hooked her hand in his arm and smiled. "Actually, she looks more like you than me, but a girl usually doesn't want to hear that before going to her first dance." She sent Grace a wink.
Jack grimaced. "Too true." He dropped his hand from Grace's chin and smiled. "The dress is perfect, Grace. You look, well, you look ready to take on the world," he added with a proud grin.
"Thank you daddy," Grace whispered. She stood on tiptoe and hugged her father tightly, her spirit soaring at his words. As she stepped back, the front door opened, admitting JJ and Meri into the fray.
"Hey, you're actually ready on time?" JJ teased his sister as he came to stand beside his father. He looked her up and down, his eyebrows raising is surprise at what he saw. He whistled softly, "Wow, you clean up really nice, kiddo."
"Very funny," Grace rolled her eyes back at him, but her face glowed with the praise.
Billy cleared his throat, "Uhm Grace, I brought you something." Grace turned from her brother and looked expectantly at Billy. He brought his hand from behind his back and present the corsage to her. It was a single white rose bud, surrounded by baby's breath and fragile greens. It was delicate and beautiful, not overly garish by any means, and fit Grace to a tee.
Grace stepped closer, taking the corsage from him and looking it over carefully. "Oh Billy! It's beautiful! Thank you so much." She looked up at him with sparkling eyes. "Will you pin it on me please?" she asked quietly, handing it back to him.
Jack stiffened visibly at the request, but a reassuring squeeze from Sam kept him in place. Billy shot him an apprehensive glance. After a moment, when Jack begrudgingly nodded at him, he slowly and carefully pinned it to the left side of Grace's bodice, taking pains not to stick her with the pin or touch her anywhere inappropriate. When he had finished, he released a huge sigh of relief and stepped back, not wanting to push his luck at the moment.
When Grace turned to show her mother the corsage, Jack shot Billy a warning glare, just in case he had forgotten their earlier talk. JJ caught the look and chuckled silently. He'd better get his friend out of the house while he had the chance. "OK guys, we'd better hit the road if we want to get there in time." JJ turned to Meri and held out his arm, "Ready my dear?" he stated with an eloquent bow.
Meri laughed. "Oh yes, kind sir. Shall we?" her blue eyes sparkled with laughter.
"Hold on a second!" Maddie yelled, racing back into the room. She had disappeared when JJ had entered. "You can't go before we get pictures, can they mom?" she looked expectantly at her mother as she held the camera by the strap.
Sam laughed. "Of course not!" She took the camera from Maddie's outstretched fingers. "All right everyone, line up in front of the fireplace." With mock groans from her children, the four teenagers moved into the living room and took their places in front of the fireplace. Jack stood off to the side, his arms crossed while he leaned against the wall and watched the proceedings. He smiled with pride and a little sadness at the scene before him. While his children had grown to be wonderful young adults, he still missed those days when they were little and he was involved in every aspect of their lives.
As if sensing his mood, Maddie came and leaned against him. He smiled down at her and put his arm around her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "Feeling left out, Mads?"
Maddie wrinkled her nose. "No, not really. I'm not ready for all that," she waved her hand at her older siblings. "I've got too much other stuff to do." Jack chuckled at her comment. Like her mother, Maddie had to have some project or other in the works – usually more than one. "But when I do go to my first dance, "she continued, "I'm not wearing a dress." She looked up at her father, who cocked an eyebrow in inquiry. "Too hard to ride a motorcycle in a dress," she explained.
Jack just shook his head. Only Maddie would think of that, he reasoned.
All too soon, pictures were finished and the two couples were heading toward the door. Jack pulled himself away from the wall and went to say his good-byes alongside Sam. He smiled down at Grace and pulled her close for a hug. "You have a great time, princess." He kissed her on top of her head, then drew back. When Grace went to hug her mother, Jack looked at Billy. "Midnight," was all he said.
Billy nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, sir."
The four of them were heading out the door when Jack called out, "JJ, just a second." JJ halted his progress and turned toward his father. Seeing the expression on his face, he said to Billy, "Why don't you take the girls out to the car. I'll be right there." Billy nodded and, with one final goodbye, followed the girls down the front step. Sam stayed by the door, looking back at Jack with a quizzical expression on her face.
JJ stopped in front of his father. "Yeah dad?"
Jack put his hand on his son's shoulder; a shoulder that was now just as tall as his own. "I don't need to remind you about any rules, do I?" He knew JJ wasn't one to drink, much less drink and drive, but one never could be too certain when they gathered with other teens.
JJ smiled at him in reassurance. "No, dad. You know me well enough to know I would never do something like that. We're going to the dance, then out for something to eat. I'll drop Grace and Billy off by midnight, like you asked."
"And Meri?" he asked with eyebrows raised.
"Right after that," JJ chuckled. "Don't worry dad. Meri's father is almost as protective as you are…almost," he reiterated.
"Good," Jack replied with pleasure. Then he looked directly at JJ once more. "Don't forget. This is your sister's first dance. I don't want anything…or anyone…to hurt her. Do I make myself clear?"
JJ nodded. "Yes, sir. You really don't have to worry about Billy though. He's a good guy."
"Yes, well, you let me be the judge of that." Then he gave JJ a smile and a squeeze on the shoulder. "You'd better get going. Have a good time."
JJ gave his father a familiar sideways grin. "You bet. See ya later." He turned to go, then turned back and cocked his head. "I assume you'll be waiting up for us?"
Jack grinned back. "I always knew you were smart."
JJ laughed and turned back toward the door. "See ya later, dad." He bent and gave his mother a hug, ruffled Maddie's hair, then went down the steps to meet his sister and friends.
Jack came to stand beside Sam, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. Sam looked up at him. "What did you tell him?" she asked with curiosity.
Jack shrugged. "Just the usual; play nice, share, don't touch things you're not supposed to," he gave her a meaningful glance, which she laughed at, "And keep an eye on your sister."
Sam laughed again. "Yep. The usual." She snuggled in close and watched with Jack as the kids made their way to JJ's waiting vehicle.
Maddie suddenly announced. "This is boring. I'm going to see what's on TV." She turned and flounced off to the living room, leaving her parents still standing at the open doorway.
As they watched, Jack observed with satisfaction how the two young men helped their dates into the car before closing the doors gently behind them. JJ shot his father a final smile and threw him a mock salute before getting behind the wheel and closing his own door. They kept watching as the car backed out of the driveway and shortly disappeared down the street. From his side, he heard Sam say, "Well, that went very well." She looked up at him. "You see? You had nothing at all to worry about. You didn't need to read Billy the riot act or force you way in and act as one of the chaperones," she wrinkled her nose when she recalled his intent to do just that. She had quickly put the kibosh on the idea, knowing it would horrify her daughter no end. "Grace is in good hands."
He pulled her back and closed the door softly then turned to her with a smile. "You are absolutely right dear, as always." He didn't bother mentioning the little talk he did have with Billy just before Grace came downstairs. She didn't need to know everything, after all!
Sam returned his smile, pleased with his apparent change in attitude, and gave him a quick kiss. Then she went to join Maddie in the living room, hoping she had switched the TV to something other than the hockey game before Jack got there.
Jack stood with his back to the door as he watched his wife disappear into the living room. The smile on his face broke into an outright grin. There was one other little tidbit that he thought best to keep from his wife. Jack lifted his wrist as he glanced at his watch. Yes indeed, his daughter would be in excellent hands. For unbeknownst to his wife, Jack had called in a few favors. At this exact moment, SG-3 would be suited out in black suits and ties instead of the usual marine fatigues where they would preside, not over potentially dangerous trade negotiations, but instead, over a high school dance.
Yep, Jack thought smugly to himself as he waltzed into the living room, he wasn't going to leave his daughter's safety to chance. If he couldn't play the part of chaperone at the dance, he had at least done the next best thing. His daughter would be in very good hands indeed.
Thought I'd leave the actual dance to your own imaginations as I really wanted to focus on the before and Sam and Jack's reactions. Hope you enjoyed it! I know I have said this before, but this time it is true...there will be just one more chapter for Snapshots. It will be a culmination of what this whole series was about...family. I hope to have it up in a week or so. School is done this week which will give me some time to write, finally! Thanks to all for your kind words and reviews throughout this rather long piece. I admire you for sticking with it, and am so thankful that I have been able to bring a smile to your faces, and sometimes tears as well:)
