Love's Journey

by jakefanatic

A tribute to two wonderful characters created by Tels. This is another adventure in the lives of Jacob and Rhi, Selmak and Zach. A sequel to No Greater Love and Jericho Rose.

4. Chapter 4

"You've captured my love, stolen my heart, changed my life. Every time you make a move you destroy my mind. And the way you touch I lose control and shiver deep inside. You take my breath away." – Queen 'You Take My Breath Away'

Week 28

Zach felt as if he had been floating about on a cloud of pure energy and joy of late. Just another peak in the emotional roller coaster he'd had to endure during his long, deep sleep. His dreams had been filled with so many images…so many of Rhi, of Jacob and of Selmak. It was difficult to ascertain which ones were from Rhi's memories and which ones were imaginary.

Some were so unbelievable that they couldn't be real. Yet the emotions associated with them suggested differently. He even felt as if he had connected with Rhi during one of his dreams while she was in a very deep sleep. Such a thing was rare but possible as their minds were still linked on a subconscious level. This enabled some memories to transfer from one mind to the other and back while a symbiote was dormant. A shame that the connection had only happened the one time for Zach had hoped to talk with Rhi again, even if it was all imagined.

At least the dreams of worry and fright had passed. Those images of Jacob and Selmak badly burned terrified Zach. So much so that he had wanted desperately to wake and see if they were real or not. The only thing preventing him from waking was the devastation Rhi would feel if she miscarried. From his internal clock at that time he knew there had still been several months to go in the pregnancy. Plus, if something did happen to Jacob and Selmak than the baby would be all Rhi and Zach had of their husband.

Then the nightmares turned to elation and euphoria he was feeling now. In this current dream, Zach smiled. He easily recognized Kendarra. His smile only widened upon seeing the joy and the light in Jacob's eyes. Zach could hear Jacob was laughing wildly at Rhi. The falls were behind him a short distance away. And Zach recognized the pool of water that the four of them loved to swim in. Then Zach laughed as he saw Rhi's hand come up and push Jacob squarely in the chest, knocking him off the rock he'd been perched on.

Rhi's playfulness filled him. Her laughter could be heard loudly from within. Then her high pitched squeal as Jacob came up from under the water and started chasing her. Rhi wasn't trying hard to get away as Jacob quickly scooped her up into his arms. After that, Zach didn't see much. He didn't have to. He knew what they were doing as he felt Rhi's euphoria.

Like on a few other occasions Zach caught glimpses of Jacob's face or of Rhi's hands caressing Jacob. Only this time Zach was surprised. Just before Rhi fell asleep he saw an image. One image he had seen throughout in all his dreams. The image that gave him so much joy every time he got to see Rhi's belly. Like snapshots, he had seen it from being flat and taut, to a slight swelling to what he saw today. Only this time her belly was well rounded now. And as with every image before, Jacob's hand was ever present, possessively and affectionately circling around her stomach.

Rhi's happiness filled Zach and he basked in the images of her happiness. Zach looked forward to the day when his mind would rejoin completely with his host's. Almost like blending as Rhi and he would share their thoughts and feelings that occurred during the entire pregnancy.

Zach snuggled in his dream…he couldn't wait!

---

The day had barely begun for Jack. He had just started on his bowl of Fruit Loops when the claxons sounded. Leaving the cereal to get soggy, Jack hurried to the Control Room. He knew no team was scheduled to return and hoped it wasn't bad news arriving. He arrived just as the IDC and the good news was received.

"It's General Carter, Sir!" Sgt. Davis announced.

"It's about time!" Jack harrumphed. "Open the iris."

Jack hurried down to the Gate Room to greet Jacob and Rhi. He had been tempted to send a team to Kendarra to ensure the happy couple was doing well as they hadn't returned on schedule. But then Jack thought better of it. He knew how much Jacob and Rhi loved Kendarra. And Jacob was right when he said it was their last visit there for some time. So, Jack had decided to let them enjoy their time together alone.

From their radiant faces, it was time well spent!

Rhi and Jacob were grinning from ear to ear as they followed FRED down the ramp. Rhi was noticeably…

"Rhi! You got bigger!" he gasped, as they reached the bottom of the ramp.

Her stomach had only a small but obvious swell to it the last time Jack saw her. Now, her belly was well out there. Though not enough that she had to compensate for her changed center of gravity. From what Jack remembered Sarah didn't start waddling or leaning until she was well into the seventh month of her pregnancy.

"Jacob…you said two weeks! It's been over a month!" Jack chided halfheartedly.

"It would have been longer except Rhi was starting to have trouble getting comfortable while sleeping," Jacob smiled, his arm firmly wrapped around Rhi's waist.

"I thought you took an air mattress and a naquadah generator to power the air pump," Jack said.

Rhi blushed instantly. Jacob tried to put on a straight face but couldn't and simply shrugged his shoulders.

"You know what…I don't want to know!" Jack quickly said.

"Don't worry Jack I'll replace it!" Jacob chuckled. "Besides, we had to come home."

"I'm in desperate need of a new wardrobe," Rhi grinned, her hands moving over her stomach.

Jack noticed the dark blue Air Force T-shirt hugged her belly but not too snuggly as it hung just past her waist and over the top of her colorful summer skirt. Jack had a brief flash back to a time when he went shopping with his own wife during her pregnancy. He had spent quite the bundle on her new wardrobe.

"Jacob, you might have to go back to work!" Jack joked making Jacob chuckle. "You could always do consulting work from time to time…no gate travel involved."

"Sorry, my time is for my family," Jacob replied, resting his hand on Rhi's belly.

Jack smiled to himself. This baby took years of Jacob's face. He looked as jovial as Rhi. Jack wouldn't say it to Jacob's face but the man was glowing!

"Plus, she and the baby need a check up by Dr. Abrahms," Jacob seriously added.

"Well…I'll contact the Alpha site and have them send Dr. Abrahms when she wakes up."

"Good, that gives Rhi and I time to do some shopping for our trip."

"Trip?" Jack questioned.

"If the Doc says it's ok, we're going to drive down to San Diego and stay there for a few weeks. You know spend the Holidays with my family. I haven't been able to do that in a long time. And Rhi hasn't experienced Thanksgiving or Christmas the way they should be."

Jack gave Jacob a look. Not that he wanted to squash the couple's happiness but Jack thought they should stay in Colorado Springs until after the baby was born. For security purposes! As it was, the Joint Chief's had been pressuring Jack into convincing Jacob and Rhi to wear some kind of locator beacon. The United States Air Force did not want two of it's own personal symbiotes to fall into the hands of an enemy or worse…the NID.

"Don't worry Jack, we'll be back in Colorado Springs for the last month of Rhi's pregnancy!" Jacob grinned, patting Jack on the shoulder.

He couldn't do it. He couldn't order them to stay in Colorado. They deserved to enjoy this experience to the fullest. And Jack knew Jacob worried about Rhi already, he didn't want to add any extra pressure on Jacob by bringing up the issue of the locator beacon.

"Well…you are retired…you can do whatever you want," Jack smiled, deciding he would confront Jacob once the baby was born. "You will contact me twice a week and keep me posted…that's an order! And I'm sure I can arrange for Dr. Abrahms to make a couple of trips to San Diego to continually check on Rhi and the baby."

"Thanks Jack!" Jacob cheered, giving Jack an unexpected hug.

"Ok…Jacob…you could put me back on Earth now!"

"Sorry!" Jacob replied, setting Jack back down and then quickly returning to his wife's side.

"I understand," Jack chuckled. "Do you think you two can get your head out of the clouds long enough to have breakfast with me? I'm sure Carter will join us as she's practically lived at the base since the two of you left! She didn't want to miss you when you got back."

"Sure…can we freshen up first?" Jacob asked, with a devilish smirk on his face.

Jack rolled his eyes and laughed, "Fine…I'll see you both in an hour."

---

The hot shower felt wonderful. Not that the falls on Kendarra weren't a pleasure to shower under! But the hot water was therapeutic and Rhi missed it. On Kendarra, Jacob hadn't allowed her to hike up to the hot springs because of her condition. He was fearful enough for her making the trip down into the canyon then the trip back up.

Which was why they never left the canyon or the falls until they finally returned to Earth. Even then Jacob and Selmak wouldn't allow Rhi to carry anything except the clothes she wore. Jacob and Selmak had made several trips up and down the canyon trail packing the FRED with their supplies the day before their last night in the canyon together.

Still while the shower felt invigorating, Rhi would have preferred a bath! But the bathtubs at the SGC barely had room for one. And Rhi wasn't going to deny her husband the pleasure of bathing the baby. In fact, ever since they felt the baby's first kick Jacob's or Selmak's hand had never strayed for too long from her swollen belly.

Rhi would fall asleep and wake up feeling her husband's touch on her stomach. She never complained and found it rather comforting, even soothing…almost pleasing. Every so often, she would wake to find Jacob talking softly and affectionately to the baby. When discovered he'd simply kiss her belly then smile at her.

"Jacob…" she whispered, feeling his lips against her neck as the hot water fell over them.

"Sorry," he sighed, wrapping his arms around her, pressing his chest against her back. "Selmak and I will control ourselves. We don't want you getting too tired before our shopping excursion."

"Yes…there are so many lovely dresses for you to see," Selmak smiled. "And I do love shopping."

"Note, neither myself nor Selmak will be trying the dresses on!" Jacob quickly inserted making Rhi laugh. He gently turned her around in his arms. His dark eyes stared affectionately at her for a long moment. "We better get moving before we use up all the hot water. I'm sure Jack would have kittens over the water bill!"

Again Rhi laughed as they emerged from the shower. There had been so many times during the past few weeks were she felt as if she couldn't stop laughing. Ever since they left the Alpha site and knew the Tok'ra would never bother them all again, Jacob, Selmak, and Rhi had been more relaxed than they ever had been. The three of them enjoyed their time on Kendarra to the fullest, making sure to create as many memories as possible for themselves and for Zach.

They all missed Zach. Rhi most of all. At first it was because she missed his voice and his presence and his jokes about Jacob and Selmak. Then as her pregnancy progressed, Rhi desperately wished for his presence so he could experience the pure joy that she felt as Jacob's child grew within her.

"We must thank Sam for the dress," Rhi sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed, her hand smoothing out the soft material of the dress over her stomach.

"I guess it was a good thing she turned out a girl instead of the boy I wanted!" Jacob smirked as he pulled his shirt on.

"Will you be disappointed if the baby isn't what you want?"

"No," he replied without hesitation.

Rhi looked into his eyes as he quickly knelt down before her. His right hand gently lay on her stomach as he took hold of her right hand with his other.

"Nothing about this baby is disappointing to me," he seriously said. "Neither now nor at any time in the future. I will always love our baby with all my heart regardless if it's a boy or a girl. Understand?"

Rhi nodded trying to fight her tears. Not again! She found that during her pregnancy her tears would spring up at a moment's notice over the slightest of things. As Jacob had done before on several occasions, he wiped her tears away. His lips covered hers.

"I love you," she whispered as he helped her to her feet.

"Love you too," he smiled, taking hold of her hand. "Come on. We better get some breakfast before we go shopping. You need energy food for you and the baby!"

"Will the store have food too for my second breakfast?" she asked, making him laugh.

"There's a food court…you'll be able to have whatever you stomach desires!"

---

Jacob couldn't stop smiling. And it wasn't Selmak making him feel this good. She was in her own jovial state as she purred in his mind. Pfft, she was actually very proud of her accomplishment! Jacob was proud too, even though the baby that Rhi carried wasn't conceived in the traditional fashion.

Just that, there was still a part of him that felt left out because he wasn't actually involved in the creation of the baby. He didn't feel betrayed by Selmak, Zach or Rhi even though Selmak and Zach were part of the baby's creation and Rhi made the final decision for the implantation. Jacob simply felt excluded because he didn't know anything about the baby until Rhi told him.

He often wondered if he was looked at differently because the baby was a test tube baby and not conceived like a normal baby.

Selmak sighed within, obviously sensing his thoughts.

'Jacob, your ego and manhood are firmly implanted! When will you understand an IVF baby is a normal baby? Being conceived in a test tube in a lab does not make the baby any different than Mark or Sam who were conceived the normal way. All the basic elements were used to create all of them! Just this one time you weren't cognitively there firing your main gun when your little spe…swimmers went into battle!'

Jacob pulled a face. 'Ah! Selmak! Thanks for that image!'

Selmak hugged him.

'Look' she said gently. 'Close your eyes a minute.'

As Jacob complied she showed him how she and Zach had been involved in bringing the baby into existence. He could see how uncomfortable Zach looked lying on the table and how relieved he was when the procedure was over as Selmak held him close. And he could see the love in Zach's face as he helped Selmak. Jacob could also feel the slight humiliation and euphoria Selmak had felt as Zach made sure she didn't break Jacob's number one rule. He could feel her elation the moment Malek told them the baby was created and finally to pure joy Selmak had felt as she injected the embryo into Rhi's womb.

'See, while Malek and Jared had created the actual embryo the rest was Zach and I. Our love for you and Rhi was our motivation. That is how a baby is created, is it not?'

Jacob nodded.

Selmak poked her tongue out at him and then added, 'And Zach happens to be very good at…'

'Enough, thank you!' Jacob cut her off. 'I get the idea!'

Selmak laughed in his mind as Rhi emerged from the dressing room with a few in dresses draped over her arm that she had tried on. The sense of pride filled him instantly upon seeing her. Rhi was his wife. And the bottom line was that she was carrying his child.

Still, this experience was somewhat new to him because he wasn't there on a daily basis with Allison when she was pregnant with Mark or Sam. And it wasn't until being with Rhi that Jacob understood something of what the woman actually had to go through. He had been an eyewitness as Rhi's body changed from week to week…month to month. He had seen her difficult times and her most happy times.

And through it all he and Selmak had to adapt. Both did their best to keep Rhi as happy and as comfortable as possible during any situation, especially during intimate moments. As Rhi's belly got bigger, Jacob had to improvise in ways to make love to his wife. Thankfully, Selmak had a few suggested positions for him that would still be pleasing to Rhi.

"What?" she asked as she got closer to him.

"Nothing," he sighed, caressing her face. "I just feel so blessed to have you, Zach and the baby in my life."

"Likewise," she smiled and then held up the dresses. "I like these."

"Room for growth?" he asked, cradling her belly with his hand.

Rhi nodded.

"Only three dresses? Rhi, you need more than that," he said, taking the dresses from her and grabbing hold of her hand. "Come on, let's see what Sel can find for you."

An hour later, they left the clothing store. Jacob's wallet didn't take too bad of a hit since Selmak was wise enough to select lovely items for Rhi that were on sale. From there it was a shoe store where he bought her some shoes that were comfortable and easy for her to put on and take off without having to bend over and tie or strap them. Then, after Rhi's second breakfast, during a spontaneous moment he bought her a bracelet and made her blush as he put it on. But all of this was only the beginning of the shopping day for Jacob.

After getting Rhi that vanilla milkshake she had been craving for weeks, Jacob dropped her off at Sam's house so she could rest. She would need it as Jacob was hoping they could leave tonight for San Diego. He was going to drive through the night because there was less traffic. And she didn't need to be with him while he shopped for their road trip.

'Why are we here?' Selmak asked after Jacob parked the car near a car dealership.

'Because, my mustang that's in storage in Sam's garage is not a family car! We need room for Rhi and the baby. The mustang is only a two seater and not safe for our pregnant wife!'

'Jacob…I can't believe how much you've changed. You're actually thinking of selling the mustang! Even after all the blood and sweat you put into rebuilding it!'

'I know what it's worth Sel. It's a classic in pristine condition and is fully restored. The amount of money I'll get for it could help with the down payment on a house!'

Selmak hugged him. She knew that deep in his heart he didn't want to let go of that car. But Jacob had to be realistic. His needs had to be secondary to his family. And it wasn't like Rhi liked the mustang anyway. She was actually terrified when he first took her for a ride in it!

---

'Jacob, stop pacing!' Selmak told her host for the third time. 'Rhi is fine. Dr. Abrahms is taking excellent care of her.'

'I just feel like I should be with her,' he sighed, folding his arms and leaning against the wall near the closed door.

'And you will,' she reminded him. 'But sometimes Rhi needs to talk to her doctor and not her husband about what her body is going through and what the baby is going through.'

'I know.'

Selmak hugged him tightly. She couldn't blame him for trying too hard to be the doting husband. She worried about Rhi just as much as Jacob did. They also both felt incredibly guilty for any of the discomforts that Rhi had to endure from the vomiting and nausea to the heartburn and her swollen ankles to the fact that she couldn't snuggle against him like she used to because her stomach was in the way.

But they all worried about the baby. While Malek and Jared did their job in making this baby possible for them, something could still go wrong. It was an ever present anxiety within Jacob's mind. And no amount of reassurance from Selmak was ever going to make her host think differently. She knew the only thing that would change Jacob's mind was the moment he held that baby in his arms.

And that was a day they were all so looking forward too!

'Did I ever say thank you?' Jacob suddenly asked.

'For what?'

'For what you and Zach did for Rhi and me.'

Selmak smiled, 'Jacob, the joy I feel in your heart for this baby is thanks enough. I never knew you could be this happy! You were always such a grouch before!'

Jacob chuckled and Selmak could sense he was feeling more relaxed now.

"General Carter…you can come in now," Dr. Abrahms smiled after she opened the door.

"Jillian, please call me Jacob, I'm retired now," Jacob smiled, as he entered.

"Sorry, Sir…old habits," she countered.

'This looks familiar!' Selmak smiled, seeing Rhi in a slightly inclined position on the exam table with her belly exposed.

She felt Jacob's excitement grow. It was actually overwhelming as they grasped Rhi's hand.

"Have you two had an ultrasound before?" Jillian asked.

"Only once," Jacob answered. "The baby was so tiny that there wasn't much to see but we could hear its heart beat."

"I promise you, he or she isn't tiny anymore and you will still hear the heart beat," Jillian smiled, preparing the small device before pressing it against Rhi's stomach.

Selmak and Jacob let out a collective sigh! They could definitely make out the baby's outline this time. It appeared to take up most of the space within Rhi's womb now. And like Jacob, Selmak was truly amazed by such a miracle of life.

"Would you like to know the sex?" Jillian asked.

"No, we're waiting until it's born to settle the bet," Rhi smirked, making Jillian smile and Selmak laugh within Jacob's mind.

"Makes the naming bit twice as hard," Jillian commented.

"Jacob's already named the baby but he's not telling!"

"And he's hidden it from me as well," Selmak smiled. "I must admit, I am very curious and have tried to search for it on a number of occasions when he's sleeping but it continues to elude me. He is very crafty about it!"

'Don't try to smooth talk me, Selmak. I'm not telling. You're going to have to wait until the baby is born just like Rhi. Besides, I only think it fair that Zach be present when I reveal the name of the baby.'

'Oh!'

"Selmak…what's wrong?" Rhi asked.

Selmak quickly wiped the tear away before she smiled, "Jacob is waiting for Zach to be with us before telling us the name of the baby. I get the feeling from Jacob that it will be a memorable moment for us."

Rhi squeezed her hand as Selmak relinquished control back to Jacob. She didn't need to make a scene in front of Dr. Abrahms. Jacob's ego might take a blow!

"Sel wasn't expecting that," Jacob said softly as he kissed Rhi's hand.

"I think I'll leave you alone for a bit. And when I come back we'll talk about the baby," Jillian smiled, then discretely left.

"Sel must miss Zach as much as I do," Rhi sighed, as Jacob picked up the small device and pressed it against Rhi's stomach.

"Yes, she misses him very much."

Feeling Jacob's approval, Selmak came fore again.

"I do miss him and wish he could be here right now to see this," Selmak spoke, indicating the image on the ultrasound.

"Take a picture for him."

"We didn't bring the camera."

"No, silly. Press that button there and the machine will take a picture of the baby," Rhi smiled. "You had better take one for Jacob too so he can carry it with him."

'Good idea!' Jacob cheered within Selmak's mind.

"This way he can keep the baby with him at all times!" Selmak joked.

---

Mark literally felt as excited as the kids did on their Birthdays. He couldn't wait to see what this BIG surprise was that Dad had called about. Mark even left work early to make sure he was home before Dad and Rhi arrived.

"Mark! If you're going to keep peeking out the window open the blinds!" Laura gently chastised. "You're bending them!"

"Sorry. I just wonder what the surprise is! Dad sounded so excited on the phone!"

The phone rang before Laura could respond. Since she was nearest, she answered it. Mark turned his attention back to the window and opened the blinds as his wife had suggested. He smiled to himself recalling how Dad sounded on the phone last night. Mark tried to get the reason out of Dad but he refused and said it was part of the surprise. And of course, Mark didn't hesitate to invite his father and Rhi to stay at the house for as long as they wished while looking for a home to buy.

"They just got off the freeway," Laura announced.

"Is the room ready for them?"

"Of course, dear," she smiled.

"You bought plenty of those apples Rhi likes, right?"

"Yes! We're even stocked up on tea for Dad. Now, for heaven's sake, Mark, settle down! I'm going to get the kids from their studies."

"What about Emily…is she awake? I know they would love to see her."

"I'll check," she answered, then headed out of the living room, shaking her head along the way.

The minutes ticked by slowly. Mark grew restless as he waited. He kept checking his watch knowing exactly how long it took to drive from the freeway to the house. Fifteen minutes after Laura told him Dad was off the freeway a dark blue GMC Yukon pulled in front of the house.

"They're here!" he shouted up the stairs.

He could hear the kids shouting excitedly as he headed out the front door and Laura telling them to calm down. Their shouts woke Emily who immediately started crying like she always did when she was woken up suddenly.

"Dad! Nice ride!" Mark exclaimed after his father came around the vehicle.

"Thanks!" Dad beamed as he came and gave Mark a hug.

"Granddad!" the kids shouted, rushing past Mark.

"Hey kids!" he smiled, hugging them both tightly. "Where's Laura?"

"Here, Dad," she said.

Mark turned to see her coming up to him with Emily in her arms. Huge tears filled her big blue eyes as she continued to cry.

"So…is that the surprise?" Mark asked indicating the SUV. "It's really nice! Sweet color too!"

"Sorry to disappoint you but that's not the surprise," Dad grinned from ear to ear. "I want you all to close your eyes."

"Dad?"

"Trust me, son. Kids, you too. And no peeking!"

The kids of course immediately did as they were told since it was granddad who told them. Too bad they never reacted that quickly to one of Mark's orders! Hell, even Laura followed suit. Mark hesitated but the huge grin on his father's face was very compelling. Whatever the surprise was it must be truly amazing and wonderful.

While Mark had his eyes closed he could hear the car door open and Dad's voice as he talked quietly to Rhi. He even heard her giggle. Then Dad giggled. Dad never giggled! Well, he never did until he married Rhi and if he did when he was married to Allison, Mark couldn't remember. Mark shushed his kids as they started to giggle too.

"Come on Dad!" Mark playfully complained.

"Ok, you can open them!" Dad said excitedly.

Mark did and his mouth dropped. Before him were two of the happiest looking people on the planet. Happy…and very pregnant!

"Oh my God," Mark chuckled, immediately moving to Rhi and hugging her. "Congratulations!" Mark stepped back, putting his hand on Rhi's stomach. "I just…Dad…why didn't you tell us sooner? Jeez…Rhi what are you six, seven months?"

"Just starting the third trimester," she smiled and was absolutely radiant.

"Dad…I…I can't believe it!" Mark gasped in disbelief. Laura quickly hugged Rhi and congratulated her as Mark hugged his father then stepped back. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"We were afraid to tell anyone," Dad smiled, his hand affectionately caressing Rhi's belly. "Especially when we knew we couldn't have children. But when Rhi told me she was pregnant…"

"Jacob about fainted!" Rhi laughed, making Dad blush slightly.

"We knew the baby was a miracle," Dad continued. "We didn't want to risk losing it so we kept it secret as long as we could."

"Laura and I were like that when we found out she was pregnant with Ryan," Mark smiled.

"Do you know the baby's sex?" Laura asked.

"We're waiting until the baby's born," Rhi replied. "But there has been an ongoing debate. Jacob wants a girl. I have a feeling it's a boy."

"A girl? Dad, you getting sentimental as you get older?" Mark joked.

"Funny, Mark," Dad countered but was smiling.

"What are we doing…Rhi you must be tired! Laura, kids take Rhi into the house. Dad and I will take care of the luggage."

"I am a little tired and hungry," Rhi said.

"I remember those days!" Mark cracked making Laura roll her eyes at him.

"Come on Rhi, I know something to satisfy your appetite," Laura smiled, putting an arm around Rhi while holding Emily in the other.

Mark watched the two women chatting away about cravings as they headed for the house. He had to laugh having experienced Laura's many cravings during each of her three pregnancies.

"What's so funny?" Dad asked as he opened the back door.

"Just reminiscing a little," Mark smiled. "You look great Dad!"

"Thanks…these past six months have been amazing. There was so much I didn't even know about and experiencing it with Rhi…it's been a joy. We've had our ups and downs but all in all, we're thrilled about the baby. I'm just hoping it's a girl. I want a little girl because I know she'd look like Rhi. Much like you and Sam look like your mother."

Mark grinned as he grabbed a suitcase. He didn't share his secret with his father, not wanting to spoil it. But Mark knew from how high Rhi was carrying the baby that she was right…the baby was a boy.

"Oh…here!" Dad said as he pulled something out of his back pant pocket. Mark recognized it as an ultrasound photo. Dad's smile was so big when he showed it to Mark. "That's my baby!"

Mark just smiled as he examined the photo. Dad only saw his baby but Mark…he saw his baby brother.

---

Week 32

The day was unseasonably warm for the last day of November in San Diego. But from what Mark and Laura told her weather such as this happened from time to time. Rhi didn't mind. It made sitting on the beach that much more pleasurable.

She was so glad Jacob suggested they have the small party at the beach. She loved the beach. It reminded her of Kendarra and of the beach near her home where she grew up. Of course Jacob knew all this. Jacob and Selmak both had a knack for knowing exactly what Rhi needed to cheer her up. She did love to listen to the waves crashing upon the sand. The sound had a calming effect on her and helped to clear her mind of her worries.

Only she wasn't going to have much time to listen to the waves as the others would be arriving soon for the baby shower. Rhi still had no idea what a baby shower was and assumed it had something to do with the baby. Just, instead of water there were presents. And food! There was lots of food that made her mouth water and her stomach burn!

'It's all worth it…for you,' she thought as she ran a hand over her large belly.

Eight more weeks to go! The 'home stretch' as Jacob affectionately called it. The previous thirty-two weeks she had seen and felt her body go through some radical changes. The first stage was not very pleasant. She could barely keep anything down and she was always exhausted.

Once the nausea and fatigue had passed, Rhi was energetic and ravenous! There were certain foods she had to have. She felt like she could work all day. And at times she shocked her husband with her desire for him! Even Selmak found it difficult to keep up with Rhi from time to time.

But now, Rhi's body entered a new stage. It was getting harder to move around. Even getting up and down from a chair had become difficult. She didn't even know how she was going to get up off the ground! She could no longer see her toes now when she stood! Only a few weeks ago she could still see her toes! Now they had disappeared behind her ever swelling belly.

She suddenly felt a warm tingling sensation in her gut and smiled. Her husband was near and getting closer. Another moment and he was sitting behind her, drawing her into his chest. It felt good to relax for a bit as she leaned against him, resting her arms on his legs that wrapped around her.

"Come to look at the beached whale," she sighed.

"You are no beached whale," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.

"Oh but I am, my husband for I have no idea how I'm going to get to my feet!"

Jacob chuckled, his hands slowly circling her belly. She put her hands on top of his enjoying the soothing sensation.

"You are still beautiful to me, Rhiannon," he cooed, his lips pressing against her ear.

He kept one hand on her belly. The other moved her braided hair aside so he could kiss the back of her neck. Oh how she missed Zach during a moment like this. He would always heighten the sensation. With him being dormant, making love with her husband was different. Still sensual and pleasing but not as intense as when Zach was a participant. But Rhi never told Jacob or Selmak that. Nor would she ever do so. They worried about her too much already she didn't need them worrying about their egos too.

"Jacob…"

"What?" he mumbled before his lips found hers.

Several moments later when their lips parted, she whispered, "They're calling us."

"Are they?"

Within, Rhi felt a gentle kick. Her hand guided Jacob's hand to it.

"Think he's ready for presents!" she smiled.

"Or she."

"Dad…Rhi…" Mark called as he approached.

Neither she nor Jacob made an effort to move as they focused on their child moving about.

"You both ok?"

"Yeah…the baby's getting excited about presents," Jacob smiled.

"Ok…I thought I was going to have to throw cold water on you two for a moment, Dad. Remember, this is a public beach."

"We were just cuddling and kissing," Jacob playfully protested while getting to his feet.

"Yeah right, Dad! I've seen your cuddling and kissing!" Mark snorted before he quickly walked away.

Rhi shot Jacob a look.

"What did he mean by that?" she asked as Jacob helped to lift her onto her feet.

"Nothing, just that the next time we drink a little too much wine we need to remember where we're at when we decide to make love!"

Rhi blushed, "He didn't see us…did he?"

"It was unintentional and only for a brief moment, Hon," he quickly said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Let's just say we gave Mark a few ideas about the use of patio furniture under the moonlight!"

Rhi was still blushing but she laughed too. That night there had been a full moon and she couldn't help herself. On Kendarra the moon always seemed to be full and how she and Zach enjoyed making love under a full moon with Jacob and Selmak.

"Rhi…Jacob!" Jack shouted happily as he, Daniel and Teal'c hurried towards them.

"Glad you could make it Jack," Jacob smiled, shaking Jack's hand after he set down the rather large present.

"You kidding! Daniel and Teal'c threatened to have me relieved of duty if we didn't come!"

"Rhi, you are looking absolutely beautiful," Daniel smiled, giving her a hug.

"Thank you," she smiled, blushing as always whenever she received such a compliment.

"Indeed, you both look radiant," Teal'c smiled, making them all raise their eyebrows at him. Teal'c was unaffected. "I merely speak the truth."

"Thank you…thank you all for coming," she said and then gave them each their own hug.

"Before we join the others…Jacob…Rhi…I brought a gift for the little guy…"

"Or girl!" Jacob interrupted Jack.

"You can keep hoping Jacob," Jack countered, winking at Rhi. "I'm afraid this gift can't wait. Sam found your list Jacob and faxed me a copy. So…I hope you like it!"

Jack picked up the box and Daniel lifted the lid off so that Jacob and Rhi could see the contents inside.

Rhi gasped in excitement as the little black puppy started licking her hand. Its little black tail wagged happily hitting the sides of the box. And out of the corner of her eye she could immediately see Jacob's frowning disapproval.

"Jack…I didn't put a dog on my list!" he hissed quietly.

"Sure you did," Jack said pulling a piece of paper out of his back pocket. "See!"

Jacob rolled his eyes and Rhi started laughing. In that instant she knew who wrote puppy on the list.

"That's not my writing," Jacob said quietly. "That's Selmak's!"

Jack looked dumbfounded for a moment as he scratched the top of his head but then he smiled.

"Well…than Selmak ought to really like it!" Jack countered handing Jacob the puppy. "He's a lab. They're good family dogs so you shouldn't have to worry about the kid when he or she is with him."

Much to Jacob's disgust the puppy started licking his face as if he knew whom his master! Rhi couldn't help but giggle. The more Jacob tried to push the puppy's face away the more it tried to lick him and the faster its tail wagged.

"Go easy on her," Rhi said to her husband because she knew he was giving Selmak an earful! She also noticed how Jack backed off slightly to Jacob's reaction. She whispered quietly to her husband, "And be nice to Jack…he meant well."

"I know…but the dog is her responsibility!" he snapped quietly.

Rhi rolled her eyes. From the picnic area Mark and Sam started laughing when they saw Jacob with the puppy. The kids squealed with delight and charged their grandfather.

"Can we play with the puppy?" they asked in unison.

"Of course!" Jacob replied, quickly putting the puppy in Ryan's arms.

Rhi elbowed Jacob sharply in the side for his actions, again reminding him that the puppy was a gift.

"I'm sorry…Jack…he's a…nice looking dog," Jacob said, rubbing his ribs. "It's just going to take some getting used to. The last time I had a dog I was younger than Jen. He ran away and I've never had one since."

"Don't worry!" Jack smiled, pulling out a collar and leash. "This one won't run away with these on!"

"It's a very lovely gift," Rhi thanked Jack as she gave him a hug. "My husband and I gladly welcome him into our home."

"When we have a home," Jacob muttered then headed to the picnic tables.

Rhi sighed but kept her smile.

"House hunting not going well?" Jack asked, once he was alone with Rhi.

"I assume not," Rhi answered with a heavy sigh. Jack made a face at her. "I get tired very easily and…" she paused rubbing her belly, "It's difficult getting around. Jacob and Selmak think I should stay home and rest so they do the housing hunting by themselves. The fact that they bring home flowers or milkshakes after every appointment with the real-estate agent tells me it's not going well."

"Ok…flowers I get…but milkshakes?"

Rhi patted her belly.

"Oh…never mind," Jack smiled. "Been there, done that! Word of advice…don't worry. Jacob will work things out."

"I know he will, Jack. He's my husband and I love him. I just wish there was more I could do to help him."

"Well, you know my number, you can always give me a call. Now, if you excuse me…I better get to the dessert table before Teal'c eats all the cookies!"

No sooner did Jack leave her side did Jacob return.

"Rhi, you need to sit down, Hon," he said, gently grabbing hold of her arm.

"Can we go for a walk later on the beach…please?" she asked, making sure the bat those long eye lashes of hers at him, knowing full well he couldn't say no.

"Of course but for now…rest. You thirsty or hungry?"

"Water and some cookies."

"Coming right up," he said kissing her cheek as he helped her to sit down.

"Jacob!" she purred using that tone he could never resist, grabbing his hand.

"What?" he asked with a knowing smirk on his face.

Rhi used a finger to beckon him closer. When his face was close enough she kissed him.

"I love you," she whispered. "And Selmak too."

Jacob returned the kiss and the words before going off to help Mark. She knew Jacob was worried about them lately even though he hadn't voiced his concerns. So, Rhi did what she could, the only thing she could…she gave him her love and affection whenever he needed it. And even when he didn't.

---

Jacob helped out by cooking the burgers. He needed something to do and Mark with Laura had already done so much for him and Rhi by arranging the baby shower. While cooking, Jacob's eyes rarely strayed far from Rhi who sat nearby. He had done his best to hide his worries from her and Selmak during the past several weeks. They had so much to do and so little time with the baby due in eight weeks. And they still haven't found a house! And Selmak…he hadn't felt her emit this much joy before he didn't want to put a damper on her spirits.

Mark and Laura were gracious enough to allow them to stay at their home which made the grandkids happy, even Emily who no longer cried each and every time Jacob held her. But Jacob was having doubts that they would even find a home in time for in another four weeks or so they had to head back to Colorado Springs. They couldn't risk the baby being born anywhere but the SGC. Jacob had made a deal with the Tok'ra High Council that Malek would be there to test the baby and it would be easier if they were there at the SGC. Plus, Rhi was adamant about having Dr. Abrahms be the one to deliver the baby. And Jacob had been doing anything and everything to keep Rhi happy.

The problem wasn't that they couldn't find homes to look at. The main problem being was that the real-estate prices were sky high and that Jacob had an idiot of a real-estate agent. A beach house was way out of the question even after the seven years of his salary that had been collected and hardly spent! Jacob was even seriously considering a home in Colorado Springs because the homes there were more affordable. At least the kind of home he thought Rhi, Zach, and the baby deserved.

Anyway, Jacob was basically on his own in the house hunting department. Rhi was having too a hard time moving around now. He didn't think it wise for her to go from house to house or to see the disappointment on his face when the house wasn't what he was looking for. Plus, she could only walk in short bursts before she had to sit down. Her entire center of gravity had shifted and her back and ankles were suffering from it. Jacob didn't complain and never waited for her to ask for a back massage or ice on her feet.

He just couldn't believe her belly now! He didn't think her stomach could get any bigger! But it had and would only continue to grow! And the baby was really moving around now! Some times Jacob would sit here and literally see the baby moving beneath the surface of Rhi's skin! And it's kicking was stronger than that first delicate kick Jacob had felt.

And the other thing they hadn't had time for was to get things for the baby. Not that they had a home to put any of it in. As it was, Jacob's furniture that had been stored in Washington DC was in transit to California where it would go directly into another storage facility. But at least, this baby shower would give them a few things for the baby. Even though Jacob knew they needed more than a few other things like a crib, a stroller, bottles…he didn't know if Rhi was going to breast feed or not so he figured to have a some bottles just in case, those one piece baby shirts…hell he didn't even know what they called them anymore, blankets, toys, bibs…the list seemed ending when he had sat down and attempted to write it out.

"Dad…I think you made enough burgers!" Mark laughed grabbing the spatula from Jacob's hand.

"What…oh…sorry," Jacob sighed, noticing the large pile of burgers on the serving tray.

"You ok Dad?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jacob quickly replied. "Don't worry…I made extra for Teal'c! He'll eat several double burgers by himself!"

Mark gave him a look but thankfully decided not to push the issue.

"No kidding! I think he ate half the cookies already!" Mark laughed.

"Need any more help?"

"No, why don't you go ahead and make yours and Rhi's plates," Mark smiled. "After we're done eating we'll do the presents and desserts."

'Don't forget…she likes extra pickles!' Selmak reminded him, as he did as Mark suggested. 'And cheese with lots of Ketchup!'

'You've been quiet today.'

'I thought you were mad at me so I decided to keep quiet and not ruin the rest of the day for you and Rhi.'

Jacob mentally sighed, 'I'm not mad at you. Rhi appears to like the dog. But what I said before…I wasn't joking. The dog is yours and therefore he's your responsibility!'

'Yippee!' Selmak cheered and purred in his head.

Selmak withdrew again prattling off names for her dog. Oh well, at least she was happy. And Rhi was happy as she and Sam were talking. He noticed how Rhi's hand would periodically slide over her belly. He realized through all her discomforts, she really liked the idea of carrying his child.

"Hungry?" he asked, sitting on the picnic table bench beside her.

"Starved!" she replied as her eyes got wider at the sight of the food.

"Extra pickles and cheese."

"With Ketchup?"

"Of course," he smiled and then kissed her cheek.

Being with Rhi always had a calming effect on him. Sitting there and flirting with her, making her blush repeatedly while they ate made Jacob feel better than he had felt all week. He didn't even mind that the puppy fell asleep on his foot.

Only, while Rhi opened the presents, the gravity of the entire situation smacked Jacob square in the center of his chest. He literally found it hard to breathe. While the others were gathered around Rhi as she cooed over the baby's clothes, Jacob quietly slipped away. He needed air. And Selmak within only seemed to amplify his anxiety as she was prattling on about how cute the pajamas were, the little booties for the baby's feet and the adorable blankets with puppy dogs and teddy bears on them. She even counted exactly how many diapers they had accumulated and already estimated how many were going to be used per day for the baby. She was so intent on her own happiness she didn't realize what Jacob was going through.

---

"Laura…stay with Rhi," Mark whispered to his wife. "I think it's time Dad and I had 'the' talk."

Laura looked. She too saw Dad heading toward the back of his SUV and nodded at Mark. Before anyone noticed, Mark hurried to his father. He approached and saw his Dad sitting against the back bumper, grabbing his chest.

"Dad! You ok?" Mark quickly asked.

"I'm fine!" Dad said nervously, jumping to his feet. "Just getting some fresh air!"

Mark resisted the urge to laugh at how ridiculous Dad just sounded. He could see all was not well as Dad looked like he was hyperventilating. Mark was relieved, as Dad wasn't having a heart attack. More like panic attack.

"It's daunting…isn't? Becoming a father again," Mark started knowing exactly what his father was going through. "You have that look I did before my first born and before Emily. With Ryan, some of my friends who were fathers helped me get through it…"

Dad immediately closed his eyes and hung his head. Mark wasn't here to make his father feel bad for missing out on some of the most important moments of Mark's life.

"Dad…don't blame yourself for that! It was both our faults…I was just as much to blame as you. It's in the past…this is now and now you need my help. So…you want to tell me what's going on?"

"It just all caught up with me," Dad frowned, staring at the ground in front of him as he sat back down, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have no idea what the hell I'm doing! I don't know how to take care of a newborn and Rhi's going to be looking for me for guidance! All those presents for the baby…I have no idea how to use any of those things! Even the diapers are different from the ones you and Sam were in!"

Mark laughed. He couldn't help it. A man like his father terrified of the simplest things like a diaper!

"Mark…this isn't funny! The baby's due in eight weeks!"

"I know," Mark nodded, sitting beside his Dad and patted him on the back for reassurance. "When Laura had asked for another baby a couple of years after Jen was born I said no. The years went by, she kept asking and I still said no. Truth was that I was scared. I didn't want to see her go through all that again at her age. Or my age for that matter!"

Dad raised an eyebrow at Mark. Mark realized how ridiculous that sounded as his father was twenty-five years older and a grandfather.

"Hear me out," Mark continued. "At your first year wedding anniversary party with Rhi I finally caved. Laura and I worked hard to get pregnant and we did. Took a couple of months!" he laughed, making his Dad laugh too. "And while looking at the pregnancy test with her I thought okay I can do this. But it got to the baby shower with a few weeks to go in the pregnancy and to be honest panic set in. It was suddenly real, you know. Sure we'd done the scans and heard the baby's heart, felt her kick, and so on. But seeing all the diapers and all the onsies and blankets… all I could think was … What have I done?"

Dad nodded slowly.

"It's been so long…I just want to do it right this time but I am scared," he finally admitted. "I mean…I've messed up already! We don't even have a home! My kid hasn't even been born yet and I'm a failure! What if I continue to fail after the baby's born? What if I fail at being a good father again?"

"Dad, it will be different this time," Mark insisted. "Sam and I don't blame you for not being there. It was your job. But you're retired now. And don't worry about the home. You and Rhi are more than welcome to stay with us as long as necessary. Laura and Rhi love swapping stories of heartburn and swollen ankles!"

Dad laughed heartily and looked much more relaxed.

"Listen, later after we head home I have this book I want you to read," Mark smiled. "I think it would help. Only wished I had read it much sooner…like before Ryan or Jen were born! And I didn't get to read the entire book until after Emily was born."

"Thanks, Mark…I…I just…" Dad sighed, hanging his head again. "I feel like we're intruding on you and your family. And to bring a newborn baby into that…"

"Dad, stop worrying!" Mark said, wrapping his arm around his father's shoulders. "Everything will work out. I promise. Besides, if by some chance you both don't have a home by the time this baby is born, then Rhi will be near Laura. And believe me, a first time mother has loads of questions that she can't ask her husband! And you'll have me right there too."

Dad smiled, "That means so much to me…thank you."

---

Laura did her best to distract Rhi while Mark was giving Dad a much needed pep talk. Actually, Laura found it a little amusing that a man like Dad, who was known for his fearlessness during the heat of battle, was afraid of a new baby. Then she realized that so many things were different nowadays compared to what Dad had experienced with Mark and Sam.

One thing that never changed through the years was the woman. Rhi was jovial and exited, even a little scared, as any new mother would be. She was genuinely enjoying the experience and Laura could tell as Rhi looked through all the baby clothes, blankets and toys. It almost made Laura want another baby.

"Where's Jacob?" Rhi asked, instantly looking worried.

"He went to go help Mark with the presents that we got for you and the baby," Laura answered which was partly true. The presents were a surprise and still in the car. "Sam, if you can watch Emily, I'll go see what's holding them up."

"I can hold her," Rhi smiled, eagerly extending out her arms. "I need the practice!"

Once Emily was securely in Rhi's arms, Laura quickly made her way towards the direction that Mark had gone. As she approached, she noticed that Dad looked much better than he did a short time ago. He was even laughing, for the first time today that Laura recalled.

"Laura, everything ok?" Mark asked when he noticed her.

"Fine, Rhi just started asking about Dad."

"I should get back to her. I don't like her worrying so much," Dad said getting to his feet.

"We'll continue this talk later," Mark said, patting Dad on the back. "Before you head back, I need you to give me a hand with these presents."

"Mark…you and Laura didn't have to…"

"Yes, we did," Mark grinned. "Besides, you and Rhi are going to need these! Plus, this is the first baby shower in the family where we weren't the expecting parents. Although, I have to admit I honestly believed that we'd be celebrating a birth by Sam and not you, Dad!"

They all laughed.

"You two have done so much for Rhi and I already," Dad seriously said.

"Dad, we're glad to have you in our home," Laura smiled. "And the kids enjoy seeing you and Rhi on a regular basis."

"Still, we feel like we're intruding. It is your home."

"Dad, like I said before, don't worry" Mark smiled. "You'll find a home. Besides, you shouldn't rush into it."

"I'm not rushing…this real-estate agent doesn't seemed to understand what I'm looking for."

"Honey, why don't I call Karen?" Laura asked, seeing that it was very important for Dad to provide for his wife and his unborn child. A trait she saw in Mark in the months before and the years after they married. Her husband…more like his own father than he cared to admit. "Dad, she's a good friend of mine and she's a real-estate agent. She helped us find our home after Jen was born."

Dad looked unsure but Laura and Mark never wanted him or Rhi to feel like they were intruding. They were family and family looked out for each other.

"Dad, it won't be a problem. I've known Karen since High School. We get together regularly with our kids," Laura said, taking hold of his hand. "Our kids even go to the same school."

"Yeah, her husband Brian's a great cook!"

"Then it's settled. I'll call her first thing tomorrow morning and see about setting up an appointment with you and Rhi."

"Ok," Dad smiled. "But after that…I don't want you two doing anything more for Rhi and I. You've done way too much already!"

Mark and Laura looked at each other and laughed. They both knew they wouldn't pay attention to single word Dad just said. In fact, they were both planning on spoiling Mark's little brother! Laura, like Mark, knew Rhi was having a boy. Most of the clothes they bought were for a boy but to keep Dad happy they did by a few pink and purple dresses.

---

Jacob and Rhi were so touched by the gifts from Mark and Laura. Selmak wept within Jacob's mind because she knew he wanted to but was trying to be macho in front of his son. The car seat, which also doubled as a baby carrier, was exactly what they needed. The bassinet was essential, especially since they didn't have a home for the crib yet. And the bassinet would be much easier to move with them when they headed back to the SGC for the baby's birth.

And Selmak, who had no idea how worried Jacob was until he started talking to Mark, felt so bad for her host. If she had known she would have worked hard to ease his fears and worries. The talk did help tremendously as Selmak felt that Jacob was more relaxed. Plus, it was a chance for father and son to bond. Something Selmak witnessed had been happening ever since Jacob and Rhi arrived in San Diego.

In fact, after the baby shower when everyone gathered at Mark and Laura's home, Mark took Jacob aside and had a serious father to father talk and did some more 'male bonding' as she liked to call it. Selmak continued to stay quiet but listened intently paying close attention to everything Jacob was taking in. After all, she had a lot to learn too! She'd never been a father…or a mother for that matter!

"Here Dad, this is the book," Mark said handing a book to Jacob. "It helped me get through the last couple of weeks of Laura's pregnancy with Emily."

'Complete book of Pregnancy and Childbirth? Is it an instruction manual?' Selmak asked Jacob. 'Next they'll have Pregnancy for Dummies!'

"Look over it…I'll get us a couple more beers," Mark said and then disappeared out the door.

'Oh…read that chapter! Different kinds of labor!' Selmak suggested.

'I thought there was only one kind of labor,' Jacob said flipping to the page the chapter started on.

'Hey…it has illustrations and photos!'

'I don't know if I want to read this chapter, Selmak. Look how big the baby is in the illustration! It scares me to think something that big has to come out Rhi!'

'Jacob, women have been giving birth for centuries! We'll have to read it sooner or later.'

'Later is fine with me!' Jacob scoffed, quickly flipping to another chapter. 'Here this one's for us…Becoming a Father.'

They read for a bit.

'Jacob, you're already doing everything right. Let's move onto another chapter.'

"Here you go Dad," Mark said handing Jacob a beer.

"Thanks…Mark, Rhi's have a hard time getting comfortable. She tosses and turns at night or when she naps. Is there anything in here that will help?"

"Yeah, here…" Mark took the book. "On page….198. These are some position we learned during our Lamaze classes…which by the way, Laura got you and Rhi in starting next week. My wife…she knows everyone around town! You normally have to schedule the classes months in advance."

"Lamaze classes?" Jacob asked.

"Dad, you have a lot to learn!" Mark laughed. "Breathing is very important! It cuts down on the pain during labor and child birth for the mother. Which was handy for Laura because she couldn't have an epidural."

'We better take them Jacob!' Selmak quickly suggested.

He silently agreed. Neither of them liked seeing Rhi in any kind of pain, especially after the Gwynn incident.

"I got an idea!" Mark exclaimed jumping to his feet.

Selmak wasn't sure if she or Jacob were going to like this idea as Mark was already slightly tipsy. But to her surprise, Jacob was being very receptive…probably from the four beers he drank and the fact that she did nothing to inhibit the effects of the alcohol!

---

The day had gone very well despite Jack's screw up with the puppy. For a second he had thought Jacob was going to throttle him for it. But Rhi's subtle hint made Jacob change his mind.

Jack had to laugh to himself. He didn't think anyone could sway Jacob. Of course, Rhi did have red hair. Probably a temper to go with it. Jack had figured Jacob decided to be a good boy and play nice which was why Jack didn't end up with at least a black eye.

Then from the way Jacob had bolted during the baby shower, Jack realized that the father-to-be was getting cold feet. Jack of course knew the reason for Jacob's reaction from experience. The reason why being that Jack had been there before. So, he figured he should pass on his advice to Jacob just like Mark was doing.

Jack grabbed a six pack and headed upstairs. Teal'c and Daniel were having too much fun with the kids. Carter was feeding Emily. Laura was giving advice to Rhi. Jack wouldn't be missed. Following the voices, Jack found Mark and Jacob in the master bedroom.

He took in the scene before him and wished desperately for a camera so he could share this laugh with Rhi and the others. The two Carter men were lying on the floor with their knees up in the air. Both were so engrossed in what they were doing that they were totally unaware they were being observed. Again, Jack had to laugh to himself as Mark was teaching Jacob some kind of breathing technique. And what topped it off was that Jacob, a man who Jack knew could be a hard ass and a SOB had a pillow under his shirt.

Of course…Jack just couldn't resist!

"A basketball would work better," Jack suggested causing Jacob to yank the pillow out from beneath his shirt as he leapt to his feet. Jack entered the room and set the beer down on the bed. "Think about it…a basketball is a better representation of a woman's pregnant belly. It's even tight like when she's in labor. Do you have one?"

"Yeah," Mark said as he hurried to his bedroom closet. "Here!"

Jack caught the ball.

"Mark, I'm surprised you didn't think of this. You have three kids. I only had the one," Jack said, shaking his head.

Despite the fact that Jacob's face turned red, Jack still shoved the ball under his shirt.

"Too bad you didn't have a medicine ball," Jack said, positioning the ball. "It would have a more accurate weight."

"Really, Jack…this is embarrassing enough!" Jacob scoffed.

"Oh, stop whining! It is important that you understand what Rhi is going through. Trust me," Jack smirked, trying to tuck Jacob's shirt in to keep the ball from falling out. "And you could benefit from Mark's and my advice. It's been what…thirty something years since you were father to a newborn!"

"He's just trying to help, Dad," Mark said, trying to keep from laughing.

"You both are going to tease me to death about this…aren't you?" Jacob asked.

"Come on Jacob…I wouldn't do that," Jack smiled.

Mark burst into a hearty laugh and Jack quickly followed. It took a few moments but Jacob at least smiled.

"Here…have a beer, Jacob," Jack said, grabbing a couple of beers from the box. "Mark…you ready for another one?"

"Sure."

Jack opened one himself and asked, "Mark, you tell him about the 'I hate you' and 'you're never going to touch me ever again' lines?"

"No," Mark laughed. "I haven't mentioned the broken hands and bloodless fingers either! I didn't want to scare him."

"You know…you have to give women credit," Jacob said, standing the way Rhi did with a hand on his lower back and the other on the ball. "Moving around and doing things with this in the way…I won't ever laugh at her again when she complains about not seeing her toes!"

---

Jacob lost track of time. It had been a long time since that ever happened to him. Of course, it had been a long time since he got totally inebriated! He and Selmak both quit counting the beers long ago. Even after Jack left, Mark and Jacob remained upstairs talking.

Selmak had withdrawn, giving Jacob his privacy with his son. Something he hadn't had for so long and something that he treasured as much as he treasured his time with Rhi. But after Mark passed out, Jacob did his duty as a father by at least taking Mark's shoes and socks off before getting him situated on the bed and on his side.

Then Jacob headed downstairs to find Laura and Rhi. He didn't feel too bad about Jack teasing him because both Jack and Mark actually gave Jacob some good advice. And Jacob was ready to endure anything in order to help Rhi during the last part of her pregnancy.

Thankfully, Selmak kept him from staggering about as he entered the living room so he didn't look completely drunk. She was feeling a little tipsy herself just not as totally inebriated like Jacob which was why part of the reason why he had a huge grin on his face and why he was craving something to eat.

"She's in the kitchen," Laura smiled.

"Where did everyone go?" Jacob asked.

"The kids are sleeping. Sam turned in. Jack and the others just left ten minutes ago"

"What time is it?" he asked looking at where his watch should have been.

"Almost one in the morning, Dad."

"Laura…I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to keep Mark from you that long!"

"Dad, no worries. It was something you both needed to do. Besides, Rhi and I have been talking about babies."

"Still, I must apologize…your husband's passed out drunk. I think you should go to him. I'll lock up everything before Rhi and I turn in."

Laura got to her feet and gave Jacob a hug and kiss.

"Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight…and thank you, for everything you and Mark did today. I know Rhi enjoyed the presents. They seemed to make her happy."

"You're welcome," Laura smiled and then left.

Jacob made his way into the kitchen to find Rhi making a couple of sandwiches.

"Are you drunk?" she asked when he wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled her neck with his face. "You smell like beer!"

"Sorry, Sel's working on it right now," he whispered, his hand sliding over her belly.

"You have a good time with your son?"

"Yes, I did," he sighed resting his head lightly on her shoulder.

"You didn't eat dinner so made you a couple of sandwiches. Sit down and I'll get you some water to drink."

"Yes, Ma'am!" he said as he saluted her.

Of course, when Jacob went to sit, he kind of fell into the chair.

'Sorry, Jacob. You drank way too much for me to handle in such a short time,' Selmak told him. 'It'll be awhile so don't be afraid when I do not respond for the next few hours.'

'Thanks, Sel…and I'm sorry for getting so drunk.'

'Jacob, you have nothing to apologize for. It was time well spent with your son.'

He hugged her then turned his attention outward. The sandwiches were already before him and Rhi was pouring him a tall glass of cold water.

"Is Selmak ok?" she asked, as she set the glass on the table and sat beside him.

"Yeah. She'll be quiet for awhile. I drank too much."

"So, do you want to tell me what's been bothering you?" she asked as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Jacob looked into her emerald eyes and knew he couldn't keep anything from her. Not any longer. But he didn't know how to tell her he was a failure so he took another bite off the sandwich.

Rhi just continued staring at him, never taking her eyes off his. He almost laughed out loud because that's exactly what he had done to her to get her to tell him she was pregnant. It was after he put the last bite of his first sandwich in his mouth and while he was taking a long drink that she finally broke the silence.

"Do you know that when you worry…I worry?" she asked. Jacob's heart sank. He got an upset feeling in is stomach. Rhi took hold of his hand. "I am your wife Jacob. I know you. I know when you're trying to protect me."

"I'm sorry," he sighed, hanging his head and avoiding eye contact with her, feeling ashamed. "I've failed you."

"What?" she asked in disbelief.

He slowly lifted his head and looked into her eyes.

"I've failed to provide a home for you and our baby."

Rhi smiled, gently squeezing his hand, "You have not failed my love. A home is a material thing. It doesn't provide for me the way you have. In all things that matter, you have not failed me. You have been a wonderful husband tending to me and to this pregnancy. No woman could have asked for a better, more devoted husband. Jacob, my husband, you are there for me whenever I need you. You do not argue with me. You do not hit me. You give your love to me freely and in abundance. And you always put my needs before your own. So believe me, you are no failure."

Jacob felt the sting in his eyes. His vision blurred as he looked upon his wife.

"But I'm afraid…" he whispered.

"I thought you had a talk with Mark."

"I did," he nodded. "Believe me, I'm not as afraid as I was earlier but still…if I can't provide a simple thing like a home for my family, what kind of father am I going to be."

Rhi smiled, wiping his tears away.

"Jacob, you are already a wonderful father to our baby. I hear you from time to time talking to the baby. Each and every time you speak to our baby, I feel it responding with a kick or some kind of movement. Whenever you talk to me, the baby moves. This baby is ready to meet his father."

Jacob swallowed hard but smiled, "You still think it's a boy."

"I don't think…I know," she said seriously. Then she added, "But I'm far from perfect…I could be wrong!"

"Rhi, you do have a perfect body."

"Even with my belly and my swollen ankles?"

"Absolutely gorgeous," he purred.

"What about my hands…I had to take my rings off as my hands have swollen slightly."

"They're still lovely," he said grasping one and kissing it affectionately.

"Do you desire me now as you did on our wedding night?"

"Yes," he nodded. "My desire only grows stronger with each passing day…as does Selmak's."

Now it was Rhi's turn to cry. Without saying a word, Jacob got to his feet and lifted her up into his arms, cradling her close to his chest. Rhi wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips affectionately pressing against his face over and over as he carried her about. Only once he had check the doors and turned off all the lights did he carried Rhi upstairs to their room.

"What's this?" she asked as he laid her on the bed.

"A book we could read it together to help us get through the rest of the pregnancy," he answered, pulling her shoes off. She sat up and opened the book. Jacob gently took the book from her. "We'll read tomorrow, lay down, I found a position that should make you feel comfortable so you could sleep."

Rhi did as he said. Lying on her side, she leaned forward slightly with the pillow between her legs, one under her arm and one under her head. Then he started massaging her lower back.

"Mmmm that feels good," she sighed heavily. "And this is a comfortable position. I could sleep for a week!"

"Go ahead, my beloved…sleep," he cooed softly.

For an hour, Jacob diligently and tenderly massaged Rhi from head to toe. She did not fall asleep but she watched him intently. Her lovely eyes remained fixed on his as he maneuvered around her and lay in front of her, facing her.

"What of you?" she asked, caressing his face.

"I'm relaxed enough," he smiled. "Now sleep."

"Only if you promise me one thing…"

"What?" he asked with a sigh, stroking her face.

"Stop worrying. I promise you that everything will work out. Just because things don't work out when you want them to doesn't mean they won't. I have every confidence in you my husband. You have saved Zach and me from a hell no woman should ever have to go through. You made it possible for us to live free of the Tok'ra. The worst is behind us," she paused and placed his hand on her belly. "And our future is looking brighter as every day passes. You have done very well, Jacob."

Rhi's words made Jacob feel better than he had felt since the beginning of this pregnancy. And he fell asleep for the first time without any worries in his mind.

---

Week 36

Rhi lay on her side on the bed. Before leaving, Jacob had situated the pillows all around her to make her as comfortable as possible. He even turned the music on quietly so she could relax for awhile and try to take a nap. Her hand unconsciously sliding around her belly over and over. She wasn't sleepy, not at all. Her mind was wandering too much for her to even relax enough to sleep.

She sighed heavily.

Four weeks to go and Rhi couldn't wait for it to be over. This pregnancy seemed to have gone on forever! Yes, she was excited about the baby and still wanted it badly. But she was just tired of being pregnant. Of course she would never admit this to anyone, especially Jacob or Selmak. Jacob was so excited about the baby and Selmak would only feel guilty for having done this to Rhi in the first place. It was bad enough Rhi already knew how guilty Jacob and Selmak felt for the discomforts she felt.

Also, Rhi missed Zach and hated losing him this way. She missed her feet…assuming she still had feet. She hadn't seen them in weeks. She knew she still had swollen ankles as she had fallen and twisted one last week. Jacob managed to catch her before she fell to the ground and she did enjoy him carrying her up stairs back to their room and tending to her injuring with loving affection.

Too bad they couldn't make love in the normal fashion anymore. She always enjoyed seeing her husband's face above hers during their intimacies. Still, Jacob and Selmak had magic hands and fingers that worked wonders. Only with the due date so close, Jacob and Rhi agreed they would not make love again until after the baby. Selmak was a little miffed by their decision and refused to speak to either of them for…five minutes! She knew it was too uncomfortable for Rhi now and Jacob didn't like making love to his wife in that manner, he too preferred the old fashion way of looking into his wife's face.

Rhi also hated that she couldn't lie on her stomach because it was about 25 miles out in front of her. Although she had to admit the positions she and Jacob learned in their Lamaze classes did help to make her more comfortable while sleeping. Jacob even bought extra pillows for her and slept on the floor every now and then because the full size bed wasn't big enough for the both of them when she lay out with all the pillows.

Still, even though she was comfortable at times, other times, like making love or even just lying down were filled with discomfort. Her rings no longer fit and she wore them with the locket round her neck. Her lower back was killing her. She had constant heartburn and she didn't even eat the spicy food anymore! Then there was the peeing! Every hour on the hour, day and night! And when the baby kicked it hurt now, especially as he was lying in an awkward position and taking up quite a bit of room within her. Rhi was grateful he didn't kick her bladder anymore. A few times she almost didn't make it to the bathroom!

Rhi sighed and turned over with a grunt. Even that was hard now as it took an eternity to get situated on her other side. A couple of more grunts and she finally got the pillow just right under her leg. Her hand returned back to her swollen stomach. The baby pushed up against her hand.

"You trying to get comfortable too?" she asked. "Wanna come out and play?"

The baby pushed at her hand again then finally settled.

"Oh…must you use my bladder as a pillow?" she groaned, feeling the sudden urge to relieve herself.

It took several minutes, but Rhi finally managed to roll out of bed. Once on her feet, Rhi grabbed her towel and robe then waddled out of the room and down the hall to the bathroom. She was told to rest. She could easily do that while in a bath. Besides, the hot water would work wonders on her back muscles.

---

After finally reading the chapter on labor, Jacob and Selmak felt somewhat prepared. Although Mark didn't instill any confidence in them when he said that it didn't matter how prepared you were because your adrenaline is running so high that everything you read goes out the window! Selmak reminded Jacob that she never forgets things and that she was going to be there every step of the way.

"Mark…I'm afraid I just poured the last of the orange juice," Jacob said.

"Laura's at the market now buying more," he replied as he was cutting vegetables for dinner.

"Did she take the money I left on the table?"

"Dad, don't worry about it."

Jacob sighed and looked to see the hundred was still sitting on the breakfast table in the kitchen.

'Go easy on your son. He's simply making up for all the years you two didn't get along. Let him,' Selmak told Jacob.

'But that doesn't mean we can't chip in on the groceries,' Jacob reminded her.

"Here…and don't give it to Rhi like you did the last time!" Jacob said, stuffing the bill in Mark's back jean pocket. "I'm not going to have my son and his wife totally supporting me and mine!"

"Dad…"

"No!" Jacob said and then smiled. "Mark, I love you and I appreciate everything you've done for Rhi and me. Please, allow your old man some dignity!"

"Sure thing, Dad," Mark smiled. "Dinner should be ready in a couple of hours. Why don't you give Rhi a back massage or a foot rub."

"I intend to," Jacob winked at Mark.

Tossing the orange juice container in the recycle bin, Jacob grabbed the glass and headed up stairs to the bedroom.

"Rhi…you decent?" he asked, as he opened the door, hearing Selmak snickering within his mind.

'Sel…she's pregnant. Keep those dirty thoughts of yours under control!'

'Sorry…but it's just so hard!'

'SEL!'

'Ok…difficult!'

Jacob shook his head and noticed that Rhi wasn't in the room.

'Must be in the bath,' he said and Selmak agreed.

"Rhi…Hon!" he called as he knocked on the bathroom door.

"Come in, Jacob."

The bathroom was steamed up and a little too warm but Jacob smiled anyway as he quickly entered and shut the door. His wife was still a sight to see. She looked especially lovely in a bubble bath, even with her belly sticking out the way it did. And the way she had her hair pinned up, exposing her slender neck, made her look sexy. He could even hear Selmak quietly purring and feel her messing around with his endorphin levels.

"I brought you some orange juice," he smiled, holding up the glass.

"Just pour it down the toilet," she sighed, glancing over at him.

"What?" he laughed.

She turned, her lovely emerald eyes looked so serious as she gazed up at him. There was even a hint of sadness in them.

"It's just gonna end up there anyway right after I drink it. Maybe it will save me at least one trip for the day!"

"Rhi, what's wrong?" he asked softly, setting the glass on the sink.

"I'm tired," she smiled wearily, as he knelt down beside her. "Tired of being…fat."

"You are not fat," he insisted, caressing her face with the back of his hand. "You're pregnant. There's a difference."

"Same difference. It's still hard for me to move around!"

"Shh…," he cooed, seeing that she was getting upset and beginning to cry.

Now that they were entering the final month of the pregnancy, Jacob was an expert in going with Rhi's mood swings. He knew exactly what to say or do to make her feel better or more beautiful or even when to make her laugh when she needed it. He even knew when to remain silent. He was afraid to be witness to that fiery temper he knew she possessed.

"You are beautiful, Rhiannon. You're skin has this…natural glow to it…more so during the pregnancy. Your long, lovely legs are still a sight for me and Selmak," he said, allowing his hand to slide over her knee that stuck out above the bubbles. "Your figure has changed, but only here…" he rested his hand on her belly, "where our baby rests. And here…I can't believe how big your breasts have gotten."

Rhi blushed and covered her smile with her hand. Jacob gently pulled her hand away and turned her face towards him.

"You are a beautiful woman, Rhi…on the outside. But even more so on the inside," he smiled. "For what you are within hasn't changed. The woman I fell in love with is in there. And I still love her…now more than ever."

"You better kiss me after saying something like that," she purred.

"I have every intention to," he whispered as he leaned down.

"Jacob…" she gasped as he lips moved slowly down the side of her neck.

"Yes?" he murmured between his kisses, his hand exploring below the water level.

"Can we…?"

His mouth covered hers before she could finish her question. He and Selmak didn't need to know what she was going to ask. They could feel her desire from how deep her kiss went.

"Not here…" he managed to breathe, breaking the kiss.

"Help me out," she smirked, holding up her hand. Being careful, Jacob helped her out like she asked. "Thank you. Now go to our room," she whispered. "I'll be there in a minute…or two."

"You don't need help to dry?" he asked, holding up the towel.

"Jacob…Selmak…go, I'll be there in a minute or two," she repeated. "For the first time in over two weeks I'm feeling very energetic."

Selmak yanked control from Jacob and hurried to the bedroom. She had already removed their shirt and shoes when she stopped and relinquished control back to him.

'Sorry…I got excited!' she said.

'I know…so did I!' he exclaimed as he pulled off his socks and dropped them on the floor.

'Start the CD over, close the blinds, and don't light the candles. They've been making Rhi sick lately.'

'We wouldn't want to ruin the mood now would we?' Jacob joked, quickly shoving all the pillows off the bed.

Then Jacob closed the blinds. As he turned his attention to the stereo, Rhi entered the room and locked the door behind her.

"Any preference?" he asked, indicating the few CDs he had collected for her.

"You chose," she purred, hanging the towel on the hook behind the door.

A moment after he turned back to the stereo he felt Rhi's hands on his back. They slowly moved up to his neck. The reaction from Selmak was instantaneous. Her soft kitten like purr turned into a near eardrum-bursting roar.

"And you say we have magic fingers!" Jacob gasped. "Rhi…you're a Goddess!"

"Pfft! I am no Goddess! I am your wife! I know you. And I know exactly how to get a reaction from Selmak!"

Jacob turned around, wrapping his arms around Rhi.

"Yes, you are," he smiled as she put her arms around his neck. Her fingers picking up where they left off. "How far you've come…I remember that very first night when you trembled in my arms on our honeymoon on Kendarra."

"Jacob, you can't blame a girl for being terrified after what I had been through. Besides, I had absolutely NO experience in making love! I thought it was required of me once we married. On my world, making love wasn't even in our vocabulary. Women were basically auctioned off to the highest bidder. They served two functions: sex and to produce sons for the husband. Most fathers looked down at their daughters and only saw them has a commodity."

"But not yours…which was why he never allowed you to go through the humiliation of being a wife."

"Right, my father and a few others like him truly loved their wives and all their children. He would have loved it on Earth. Your people are free to express their love for the significant other. Something that was considered taboo on my world."

""And look at you know," he smiled, reaching up and undoing her hair. He let it fall so he could push his fingers through it until it lay neatly on her shoulders. "You express yourself so well…and not just with words."

Rhi grinned playfully. Her hands moved down between them and undid his pants.

"No more words, Jacob. But…" she sighed, her head dropping down.

"But what?" he asked, gently lifting her face up so he could look into her eyes.

"I want to see your face."

Jacob smiled, reaching down and untying her robe. Opening the robe, he exposed her stomach and caressed it tenderly.

"Jacob…please…I love to see your eyes, to touch your face or even kiss your lips when we make love…I miss that."

"Yeah, I know," he sighed.

Seeing that Rhi was nearly in tears, he knew he couldn't disappoint her. He kissed her deeply and affectionately. It took a few moments before Rhi matched his kisses and their intensity. Her tears forgotten and her body began responding. He could even feel she was getting more eager as her hands and fingers dug into his back.

"Exactly how energetic are you feeling?" he asked, pushing the robe off her shoulders.

"Why?"

He kissed her exposed shoulder and then smiled, "Come here."

"What about here?" she countered.

"And I thought Sel was the one with the dirty mind," he inhaled, looking down at where her hand was. "We'll have time for that later," he smirked as he pushed her robe all the way off, letting it fall to the floor. "But I had another idea in mind.

He pulled her over to the edge of the bed, removing his pants before he sat down on it. Rhi's smiled got bigger as she seemed to know what he was thinking.

"I like your ideas," she whispered, sitting on his lap and straddling his hips.

"I try to do my best," he breathed as his lips moved around her neck and his hands ran down her back.

"Let's hope the baby stays asleep this time," Rhi managed to giggle before his lips covered hers.

"Me too," he said while their lips were pressing against each other.

"I love you Jacob," she cooed as their passion began to increase.

He gasped and pulled back enough to look into her face.

"Let me know when you're getting tired or uncomfortable in anyway."

Rhi nodded, closing her eyes as he moved beneath her.

"I do love you so much Rhiannon," he breathed.

He and Selmak watched her reaction carefully in between their kisses as they gently made love to her. The last thing they wanted to do to Rhi was hurt her or cause her any kind of discomfort.

---

"Is that it?" Mark asked, as he helped Laura and the kids bring in the groceries.

"Yep!" she answered, opening the refrigerator door. "Ryan, Jen, go work on your homework before dinner."

"Ok Mom," Jen said.

"Dad, can Grandpa help me with my physics homework?" Ryan asked.

"Maybe later, after dinner," Mark answered. "He's having some alone time with Rhi."

"Grandpa must take Viagra! He's always having alone time with Rhi!" Ryan smirked.

"Ryan! I can't believe you just said that!" Laura scolded. "To your room now!"

"Oh Mom, I'm a teenager! I've seen those commercials on TV…"

"Ryan Peter Carter, you go up to you room this instant! And you are not to come down until your father or I call for you. Is that understood young man?"

"Yes, Mom. I'm sorry," Ryan frowned, hanging his head.

Mark refrained from laughing as best as he could until Ryan left the kitchen. Although, Mark couldn't keep a straight face the moment Laura turned to him. She gave him a hard long look.

"What?"

"I know what you're thinking, mister!" she said, pointing a finger at him. "It's not funny!"

"Whatever it is…I'm going to have to ask Dad what his secret is," Mark smiled. "I looked when he and Rhi went out to dinner and a movie last week…they're don't take any pills…not even aspirin. I mean…at his age and he's that sexually active!"

"Is that all you men think about?"

"Hon…I just want to know so that when we're that age we can still…you know have some private time!"

"You're a beast!" she shouted, playfully throwing the loaf of bread at him. "Did it ever occur to you that they're just cuddling and talking, like we used to when I was pregnant?"

"I'll bet you $100 bucks," he smirked, pulling the hundred out of his pocket. "That Rhi comes down with a huge grin on her face! She hasn't had one of those smiles in a while and she's over due!"

"Mark, Rhi is due in four weeks! I know exactly how uncomfortable she feels. I can promise you, she's not going to want to have sex in her condition!"

"Just because we didn't doesn't mean other couples don't!" Mark countered. "Besides, there's a chapter in that book that says partners can feel more sexually charged during the pregnancy! It even said in the book that the woman is more sensitive during pregnancy, which heightens her pleasure during sex. And sex is great for inducing labor!"

"How many times have you read that book?" she asked. He just made a dopey face and shrugged his shoulders. "Fine…you're on! But make it dishwashing duty instead!"

"Deal," he smiled, shaking her hand. Only he didn't let go and pulled her into his arms. "One thing with Dad and Rhi being so much in love just makes me love you all the more."

Laura blushed as she leaned against him. He pushed his hand through her long hair.

"And I do love you so very, very much," he whispered into her ear.

---

"Dad, you ok?" Laura asked, as Rhi was massaging Jacob's lower back again.

"I'm fine," he grinned. "Just have a kink in my back. Rhi's working on it."

Rhi immediately blushed and Laura knew for certain that she had just lost the bet! Of course, from huge grin from ear to ear that Rhi had on her face when she had first entered the dining room Laura already had an idea she had lost the bet. She hated it when Mark was right. And he was right ninety-nine percent of the time! He was even smirking triumphantly as he cleared the dishes off the dining room table.

"I'll stack the dishes for you," he said then quickly exited the room before Laura could give him a comeback line.

"What was that about?" Dad asked, taking a sip of his tea.

"Nothing, Dad. Mark and I had a bet…I lost. Now I have dish detail."

"I'll help you," Rhi said happily. "I've been off my feet all day. I need to do something to keep the blood flowing to my toes."

"Rhi, you don't have to," Laura smiled, taking the plate out of Rhi's hand.

"Yes, I do. You and Mark have been so kind to us…let me help where I can…please."

"You're family, we love you both…"

"All the more reason I should help," Rhi countered, getting to her feet and gather a few dishes.

"You're not going to talk her out of it," Dad smirked. "She's as stubborn as I am!"

"You two are perfect for each other then!"

Dad laughed and took another drink of his tea then got to his feet.

"I'm going to help Ryan with his physics now. Reminds me of when I used to help Mark."

"What about Sam?"

"She was too smart to need my help. If she didn't understand something, she would stay up all night working on it until she figured it out. Now, if you will excuse me, Laura."

He kissed her on the cheek. Laura noticed he was rubbing his lower back slightly as he left. She quickly stopped that line of thought! She didn't want to even think about what Dad and Rhi did alone in their room!

Laura suddenly heard Emily crying on the baby monitor and thought her luck had changed.

"Nope! Don't even think about it!" Mark exclaimed, rushing back into the dining room. "I'll check on the baby…you get to the dishes." He paused, moving closer and glancing around. "Later on, we'll have some alone time to do whatever you please."

"A massage with oil?"

"If that's your pleasure," he grinned.

"You better not fall asleep!" Laura warned him.

He promised he'd stay awake and kissed. In the kitchen, Laura quickly moved in, not allowing Rhi to wash the dishes. That was her job, Rhi could dry. Laura knew Rhi was energetic right now, but in a moments notice she could have zero energy. Sure enough, ten minutes later, Rhi had to sit down but continued to dry the dishes until they were all done.

"Rhi, can I ask you a personal question?" Laura requested, putting two bowls of ice cream on the table.

"Sure," she replied, not hesitating to take one bowl and dig in.

"It's just…I gotta know…you and Dad…Jacob seemed to have a very active…" Laura stopped. She didn't know how to get the words out of her mouth.

"Jacob and I have a very active what?" Rhi asked.

"When I was pregnant, all three times, Mark and I…we weren't intimate. We were both afraid of hurting the babies."

"Oh…Jacob was to at first. But then he realized the importance of making love and expressing our love to each other. It's more important during the pregnancy because of the emotional ups and downs we go through."

"I remember I would be happy as a clam one moment then crying my eyes out the next," Laura chuckled, finally digging into her own bowl of ice cream.

"Yes we women do have our moments. But so do the men. Jacob was a little unpredictable during the first few months. But I didn't know how afraid he was until he finally told me. Once it was out, both of us talked about our fears, got some advice then went from there."

"So…the kink he got in his back…?"

Rhi turned bright red and tried to hide her face. Then she giggled uncontrollably.

"Isn't it uncomfortable?" Laura asked, after a few moments.

"There are certain positions that are very comfortable and very pleasing for both partners involved. You just have to try them out, improvising as you go. I've even…"

"Stop…I don't need details! I…I just can't see Dad doing some of those things. But if he makes you happy then all the power to him. I do know that you have made him very happy. The happiest I've ever seen him."

Again, Rhi blushed at the compliment.

"Thank you," Rhi smiled. "And if I may be so bold, if by some miracle you and Mark get pregnant again…don't be afraid to express your love for each other. If you want, have Mark talk to Jacob or you both can talk with your Doctor."

"Thanks Rhi…I may just do that."

---

Rhi and Jacob fell into a deep sleep in their afterglow. And Selmak couldn't stop purring.

Jacob was so happy. Rhi was so happy. They made love then ate a wonderful dinner that Mark cooked. Spent time with the grandkids then Jacob made love to Rhi again before they fell asleep. Everything was going well with the baby. And there were only four more weeks until they would all be reunited with Zach.

Sel couldn't wait!

The anticipation of this baby was so overwhelming! She couldn't wait to find out if it was a boy or a girl. And she couldn't wait to see who this baby was going to resemble more…Rhi or Jacob. Selmak even thought it was funny that Rhi wanted a boy so he'd look like Jacob and Jacob wanted a girl so she'd look like Rhi.

Regardless, Selmak believed in her heart that the baby was going to be beautiful…boy or girl. It was in Jacob's genes to make beautiful babies. The proof was in Mark and Sam. Mark was very handsome for a man his age, even with the receding hairline. Selmak was the first to admit that some men looked as handsome without hair on their head as the ones with the full head of hair. And Sam, despite being in the military, was one lovely lady in a uniform and even lovelier in her civilian dresses.

And Selmak had great confidence that even though this was Rhi's first baby that her genes too would only combine and augment this baby's beauty. Rhi was breath taking. And Selmak hated it when men gazed at her mate. She and Jacob took satisfaction that Rhi never paid attention and never noticed the way some men's lustful eyes gazed at her. Zach hated it! A few times, before Rhi even got pregnant and while they were visiting on Earth, Jacob and Selmak had to hold him back, thinking he was going to cause some sightseer bodily harm.

"Hey, kid," Jacob suddenly whispered softly.

Selmak remained quiet, pretending to sleep. Jacob was talking to the baby. It was something he did often. Perhaps this time he would say the baby's name. She was curious to know about it, now more than ever with the due date so close.

"I don't know if you're a boy or a girl. But do know that I have a very special name for you. One that will make your Uncle Zach and Auntie Sel so happy."

Selmak couldn't help it. She started crying. The affection she felt when Jacob called her an Auntie.

'Sel, don't cry. I have enough water on my brain,' Jacob told her gently.

'I'm sorry…I just wasn't expecting that!'

'Sel, this baby belongs to you and Zach as much as it belongs to Rhi and myself. We're a family. Even Mickey is part of the family.'

'But you don't like the dog!'

'I'm starting to. He kind of grows on you!'

'You just can't resist those big puppy dog eyes anymore than I can!' she teased.

'You're right…of course. And Mickey is becoming a good guard dog, very important for protecting Rhi and the baby.'

Selmak mentally sighed. Then she took a deep breath.

'Thank you Jacob.'

'For what?'

'For making this all possible by dealing with the Tok'ra High Council when I couldn't.'

'You're my symbiote, I'd do anything for you and for my family. Because that's what we are to each other…family.'

Selmak started crying again. She could sense Jacob rolling his eyes at her.

'Sorry,' she sniffled.

'Sel…go to sleep,' Jacob yawned. 'Just remember, each night we fall asleep…when we wake in the morning we are that much closer to seeing our baby and being reunited with Zach.'

Selmak purred and curled within her host's mind. Together they dreamed of the baby that they both couldn't wait to hold.