Sorry, couldn't resist the temptation. And as you like it so far and miss Sam/Jack stories as much as I do... :)

I am not sure where this is going so I apologize for that. It really was supposed to be only about the "what if" conversation!

In the meantime Jack was sitting in his office, playing with his pen, not being able to work or to think. All was a blur. The conversation with Jacob, Sam showing up by his house and finding out the truth about Kerry, admitting the other truth to Kerry, watching Carter cry because of the whole damn situation… All this on top of the crisis with the jaffa and the threat of Anubis and of course lost Daniel and his head was about to explode. Sometimes it sucked to be in charge.

No matter how hard he tried he couldn't get Jacob's question out of his head. He had never thought about the reason why the man let him call him dad. He thought it was their own personal joke, something between the two of them as he worked closely with his daughter. It never occurred to him that it could have a deeper meaning.

And now he couldn't stop thinking about it. And about his feelings.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Kerry walked in.

"How's Colonel Carter's father?" She asked.

"It doesn't look good." Was all he could said.

"Sorry to hear that." Kerry replied and he knew she meant it. She closed the door and it got his attention.

"Closing the door…" He noted.

"Yeah, deeply symbolic." She replied and he suddenly knew where this was heading.

"Really?" He asked and she sighed and smiled at him.

"I really like you. We're good together." She said and he stood up.

"Yes. We are. But…" And he knew there was a but coming.

"You have issues. It's okay, we all do. There's just one big one in particular that I don't think I can love with… live with. I need to get out before I get more involved. We can still work together, can't we? I'd hate to have to ask for reassignment. This is really important to me. We agreed this would never affect the job." She was rambling and she knew it. And Jack was smart enough not to comment on it.

"We did." He said simply, things in his life falling apart and yet seemingly back to where they belonged as well in the same time.

"Good." She said and he knew she was right to leave.

"You know, there's just one thing I don't understand."

"Just one?" He asked, surprised.

"Is the Air Force the only thing keeping you two apart? Rules and regulations? Because if it is, you're making a very big mistake." She said. And damn didn't he know that himself?

"And you know what I should do?" He asked.

"Retire." Kerry suggested.

"Again."

"Don't get me wrong, you're considered invaluable to the program by the Pentagon but the President has appointed a civilian to run the SGC before. Just a thought." She told him and left.

He knew he was still staring at his door but damn this day was getting more and more difficult to handle and it was still early.

Was she right? Could he just come to the President and tell him he's had enough and wanted to have a life outside the program as well? Could he truly fix all he had damaged between himself and Sam? Was it really that simple - just ask for retirement?

He stopped himself before getting deeper in this. She was engaged so no matter his feelings there was nothing he could do. Only to be there for her. As always. No matter what.

He thought it would hurt more to see Kerry gone but it didn't. And it showed him what he needed to see. Kerry was nice and they were good together. But he would be settling for a second best and it would have been very unfair to her. And to him as well.

No, there was only one woman for him. And her father was just dying.

Jack wasn't surprised that Jacob had noticed his affection for his daughter before. That was really no surprise. But he had to wonder how much did the man know about their relationship and all that's happened between them. But well – did it matter?

Aaaah he hated this! Why things couldn't be simple for once?

He couldn't take it anymore so he went down to the infirmary to check on him. The nurse told him he had visitors and that Colonel Carter had been in the observation room so he joined her there.

"You okay?" He asked although he knew it was a dumb thing to say. She looked at him with tears in her eyes, not even trying to hide them anymore.

"Actually I'm fine. Good even, strange as that sounds. I thought I lost him six years ago. Since then we've been closer than we ever were my whole life. In a way Selmak gave me the father I never thought I'd know." She said and his heart broke for her.

"Come here." He said softly and she didn't find the urge to be close. He put his arm around her offering some comfort to her. She reached for his hand resting on her shoulder and Jack felt something deep in him waking up. Yes, he was right where he was supposed to be.

"Thank you, Sir."

"For what?" He barely choked out overwhelmed by his own emotions.

"For being here for me." She replied and his heart skipped a beat.

"Always." He said and waited for her to look at him so he could try to convey all he needed to say into that one look. They used to be good at this so maybe she would see all he wanted her to.

They both looked down at Jacob, both deep in thought.

"He knows." Sam said suddenly, quietly.

Jack looked at her unsure what exactly she meant by that.

"About us. He knows." She added and looked back to her father completely missing Jack's expression.

Down in the infirmary Jacob looked very weak. He whispered 'I'm ready' to the Tok'Ra standing by his bed. He placed his hand on Jacob's shoulder and looked up to the observation room.

Sam looked at Jack and with one final squeeze of his hand she walked down to the infirmary leaving Jack upstairs. He just couldn't go down with her. He couldn't. But damn he wanted to.

Sam walked in and the Tok'Ra her father was obviously very close to stepped aside to let her stand next to her father. She took his hand in hers and kissed his forehead. He opened his eyes and looked at her lovingly.

"I love you." He whispered and closed his eyes taking his final breath.

Sam's heart broke into million pieces and she cried over her father. She meant what she said earlier, she was sort of okay but it still hurt like hell and the void suddenly appearing inside her was scary.

Jack was watching it and had to close his eyes so he wouldn't cry himself. Well screw it, he was allowed to shed a tear or two for a dear friend.

Jack gave Sam couple of minutes before he walked down to the infirmary. He stopped by the Tok'Ra whose name he didn't catch before.

"Jacob wished to be buried next to his wife. Will that be possible with Selmak in his body?"

"I will make sure of it." Jack promised and Tok'Ra nodded. He knew this man would keep his word. Jacob was very fond of him and always spoke of him with respect.

Jack made the two remaining steps to Carter and put his hand onto her shoulder. She turned from her father into Jack's arms and he held her for a minute. He slowly pulled away and watched her put the brave soldier mask back on her face. Both knew there would time for grieving later.

They still didn't know how things went on Dakara and maybe something terrible was heading their way very soon if Anubis couldn't be defeated.

"Sir, permission to leave the base for a few hours?"

"Are you sure?"

"I need to take care of something and I'll be right back." She said and looked back at her father.

"Don't worry, I'll deal with everything here." He said and she knew she could trust him.

"Call me if you have any news from Teal'c or about Daniel."

"Sure." And with that she nodded at him and with one last look at her father she turned to leave.

"Carter?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Drive carefully, okay?" He asked and she was touched by his concern.

Dealing with Pete was tough but it didn't hurt as much as she thought it would. She felt lighter somehow when she was returning to the base knowing she had done the right thing.

It wouldn't leave her alone that her father had known all along… and then when she talked to the General he didn't seem that surprised. Did her father talk to him as well?

Oh damn she would end up with a huge headache today. She knew she had to focus but once at home she would need a lot of ice-cream and a lot of tissues as she was about to cry herself to sleep.

In the car she called Mark and with a deep ache in her heart she called Cassie. Neither was easy. She told Mark about their father's wish to be buried with their mother and Mark promised to help with everything. The call with Cassie was short but she promised to call tomorrow so they could plan her return home as she wanted to be at the funeral. Sam told her it wasn't necessary but Cassie admitted Jacob was like a grandfather to her and that she wanted to be there.

Sam was actually glad. She missed Cassie.

When she got back to the base she walked right to the briefing room. She found Teal'c there giving report to the General. He really should have called her!

"Bra'tac and the remaining rebel ships will not arrive in time. Anubis now controls the weapon."

"Well, then we find the biggest damn nuke we can and shove it right through the gate. Now." General suggested.

"Anubis will certainly have the gate shielded. The nuke will not arrive in one piece."

"If we can dial the Aplha site we may be able to prevent the weapon from connecting a wormhole to either planet. It may only buy us the thirty-eight minutes that the gate…" She started to think out loud as the General stopped her.

"Go, go, just go…"

It all happened so fast and suddenly she was standing at the computer and setting the self-destruction of the base. How much worse could this day go?

And before long naked Daniel appeared in the General's office. What a day huh?

Daniel stood there and not really knowing what to do he asked "What did I miss?" And to her surprise that was the moment she chose to tell him. To tell them all.

"My father died."

All looked at her and probably expected her to be devastated. She was but yet she felt okay. If that could be true.

"Sam, I'm sorry…" Daniel said and wanted to walk over.

"Uh maybe you could put some clothes on before you… you know…" Jack stopped him and Daniel nodded embarrassed.

"Right." And he walked away with the flag around his hips.

Teal'c walked to Sam and she expected him to just bow his head or something but he enveloped her in big jaffa hug and she gratefully melted into his arms. No words were said as they understood each other very well.

Bra'tac offered his condolences as well and asked if he could see Jacob to say goodbye to a respected friend. Jack looked at Carter and she had no problem with that. Jack showed them the way and when he got back Carter was still in the briefing room. He walked over to her and sat down on the edge of the table facing her as she stood there.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah." She said softly. "I called Mark and Cassie. She wants to come." She said.

"Okay." He replied and both were silent for a moment.

"Sam…" He said and she just reached for his hand and squeezed to let him know she was okay and his concern was appreciated. They both knew how to act around each other after all those years of practice. He noticed the lack of ring on her finger. He traced the empty finger by his thumb and when she didn't say anything he knew what it meant. She didn't pull back and neither did he. He couldn't. Not yet.

"If you need help with anything…" He offered.

"I know where to find you, Sir."

"Don't hesitate to call or come over, hell you can send a pigeon." He tried to joke and as usually it worked as she gave him one of her smiles.

She wanted to walk away but he stopped her with one last sentence.

"There won't be anyone coming out of the house but me, by the way."

She looked at him and got the meaning. And as there was nothing to lose she stepped closer again invading his personal space a little. From that he knew this was personal to her. Not that he minded having her closer.

"When the time's right I'd like to talk to you, if possible."

"Anytime, Sam." He promised. And as he knew her he told her to go home.

"Sir I could help with the data from the gate…" She started but one look from him was enough to stop her.

"Go. Home."

"Yes, Sir." She agreed and left. She knew he meant well but she didn't really want to leave. But she felt so damn tired that she didn't argue anymore.

She stopped to buy some groceries on her way home and when she closed the door behind her she felt empty. There was her spare key – one that was Pete's – on the table. She looked around and noticed his things gone. He was fast. But in a way she was glad. One less thing to deal with.

She knew that she could use a drink but she didn't feel like drinking at all. Nope, wine or beer wouldn't cut it.

After a quick shower she found her favorite warm pj's – so it was warm outside but she felt this strange chill deep in her bones, it was grieve she suspected – so she needed to get warm. She made herself some tea and finding a box of tissues she brought it to her living room. Turning on the TV as she needed at least a little distraction she felt like she could survive till morning – till she could go back to work and be useful.

And of course she didn't need – or want –the time and space to think.

The last thing missing was her favorite chocolate-chip ice-cream. Bringing it with a spoon to her couch was the last thing she needed. She was comfortable and her mind was blank.

She thought she would spend the evening crying in pain and yet she didn't. She felt somehow calm like she hasn't in a long time. It didn't make much sense but she let her emotions be. The time for tears and anger will come sooner or later.

So aside from losing her beloved father it wasn't such a bad day. Planet was saved, Anubis was gone, Daniel was back, Pete… was gone and the General more or less told her he was not dating Kerry Johnson anymore.

At that her mind stopped. The General. Jack O'Neill. Jack. What did he mean by the always he promised? Was it what she thought it was? What did he talk about with her dad?

The headache she feared came and so she settled deep into her couch and watching some old movie with Audrey Hepburn she opened the ice-cream.

Jack had a lot to deal with but somehow this time it went easily. Or he wasn't really paying attention. His mind was elsewhere.

He had to call George Hammond to let him know about everything. Not a call he was looking forward to.

"Hey Jack."

"Sorry to bother you, Sir."

"No problem, son. What's going on?"

"Good or bad first?" Jack asked.

"Oh damn, Jack, don't do this to me. Okay, the bad first." And when he heard Jack sigh on the other end of the line, George got really worried.

"Jacob died."

"What? How?"

"Well long story short Selmak was too old and they both died. It happened here."

"Was his daughter with him?"

"Yes. And I told them both about the paperwork being prepared for Mark."

"Okay. How is she?"

"Well as one could expect, Sir. But she says she's good as she got to spend time with her dad the last couple of years." He said and actually believed it himself.

"Okay so what is the good news you have for me?"

"Well, Daniel is back, Earth is saved and Anubis is gone. Never a dull day, Sir." Jack said with a smirk and Hammond couldn't agree more. They talked some more about what had to be done regarding Jacob and the funeral and about details of Daniel and all he experienced.

"Jack."

"Yes, Sir?"

"Take care of her." George said and Jack could only wonder how much the man knew.

"Always." He replied and when Hammond said "You better" he could only smile. They said their goodbyes and Jack turned off the lamp on his desk, setting his pen aside and closing the last folder he was ready to leave.

He had to think about what Hammond actually knew. He wasn't blind and some of his actions during the last years showed them all pretty well how deeply he cared about Carter but they never talked about it. Well once. He had to promise to keep the rules in mind and be careful not to jeopardize the team and the program. But he suspected Hammond knew anyway but was keeping it to himself as long as the team did the work that was needed.

Well couple of times Hammond hinted about them being too close or caring too much and only now in the light of the conversation with both Carters Jack had to wonder how much exactly did the man know.

What if he really knew?

Hammond wasn't stupid. He knew a lot about his people. He paid attention. He cared. Jack was pretty sure they were not the only ones that developed something more between them on this base. He personally signed several sets of paperwork needed to reasign someone so he or she could start a romantic relationship with someone from the base - or former same chain of command. He saw people starting to work as civilians so they could be together.

And he also knew about one man, Major Crawford, who chose to bury it all so he wouldn't have to take apart his team and even though they never spoke about it Jack was pretty sure he could understand him very well. It also gave him a really hard time when he died in the field - a lot to think about actually as he was there with him fighting off jaffa so the villagers from Cascada could get into safety. When he got hit Jack was with him and he confessed and died with regret on mind and the woman's name on his lips. Jack never told anyone about it. But seeing Captain Daniels back on Earth made him realize that the feelings there were mutual. She asked for reasignment to Area 51 not long after. Jack wanted to tell her about Ian's last words but then realized there was no point. She knew. Damn he could understand only so well... and it took a couple of beers and a sleepless night to get it out of his head.

Jack groaned in frustration. This was a good day, they won. It was a good day as he got his best friend back. And it was a terrible day because Jake died. And yet it brought on couple of changes that would affect his future in a way he was only slightly afraid of. But it was too much to take in - even without his mind going nuts from all the thoughts. He wished there was a on/off button on his head somewhere to stop all that.

He wanted to go home but then realized that it wasn't what he really wanted. Nope. So changing into civilian clothes he drove away from the base, stopped at the grocery and parked his car in front of Carter's house. Maybe it was a bad idea but she just lost her father and he needed to be there for her.

Gathering up all the courage he had he took the paper bag from his car and walked over to her front door. He knocked.

Sam came to open the door a moment later, wrapped in a blanket. He thought she would be tearful and sad but she looked content – and sad.

She didn't say anything at first as her heart was hammering in her chest but then she gave in.

"What brings you here, Sir?"

"Your pigeon." He said nonchalantly.

"My pigeon?"

"Dam he wasn't from you? Poor guy missed the open window and crashed so I just assumed..." He replied with a smile and when she stepped aside with a small grin on her face to let him in he knew coming here was a good thing.

This just came out of nowhere. Should I stop or write more? I honestly don't know. The story suddenly has a life of it's own. Aaaaah.