Alright - because all you wonderful, amazing, fantastic and thoroughly awesome reviewers asked so nicely ... here's the continuation of the story. Did I tell you that I love you all? Thank you for taking the time to R&R. It inspires me! :-)

She opened her eyes to see Jack, leaning on his elbow beside her, regarding her with a look she didn't remember seeing before. She didn't think it was bad but …

"Good morning sleepyhead", he told her.

"Morning. What time is it?"

He glanced at the clock by her bed. "A little after 10:00."

"What!" She never slept that late. She struggled to sit up but Jack reached out and gently pushed her back down.

"Relax. It's Sunday morning and you don't have anything to do but rest and take it easy."

She nodded and settled back down, watching him carefully. He was still regarding her with an intense expression. "What are you looking at?" she finally asked.

"Hmm? Oh, at the mother of my child", he told her calmly, moving so that his chin was resting on his hand.

"Really?" She still wasn't quite sure what to think, but could feel a warm tingle start in her toes. "And is that – good?"

"Mmm hmm", he told her, still speaking with total calm. "Excellent."

"Excellent? That sounds – nice."

"It is", he nodded still staring.

She laughed, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "You're still okay with this?"

He nodded and blinked but a slow smile started to appear on his face. She realized that there was only one other time she'd seen that expression on him and it had been after the time loops. She'd wondered then what it had meant. Now she knew that it was something very special. She tilted her head and regarded him closely. "What?" she finally asked.

He shrugged and continued to smile. "Nothing."

"Jack!"

He sighed and repositioned himself so he was closer to her. He then reached out and gently ran his finger down the side of her face. "Just – we're gonna have a baby Sam", was all he said, but the wonder and joy in his voice were clear.

That feeling that had started in her toes now made its way up the rest of her body. She couldn't help herself, she reached out and pulled him close and kissed him gently. "I know. It's – hard to believe, isn't it?"

"Super sperm", was all he said.

That broke the mood and she laughed and rolled onto her back. "I'm never gonna hear the end of that, am I?"

"Nope."

She laughed again and went to sit up. It was only then that she realized he was dressed, or at least partially dressed. He was wearing pants and socks, but no shirt. "Have you been up?"

"Yeah, for a while. Remember it's already lunch time in DC. I fixed myself a cup of coffee and some toast a while ago. Cassie's still asleep."

"Of course she is. She's a teenager."

He nodded and grinned. This time he was lying on his back, his right arm behind his head as he continued to watch her.

"How come you're not wearing a shirt?" she asked, although secretly she was admiring his chest.

"Well, I went to put on my t-shirt – you know, the one I left here? I thought it would be more comfortable than the shirt I was wearing last night, and for some reason I couldn't find it."

She grinned, a sheepish look on her face. "So, it's comfortable", she told him as she sat, wearing his t-shirt as a nightgown. "And it smells like you."

His eyebrows lifted. "And that's -?"

"Good – very good. I miss you when you're not here and this – reminds me of you."

He smiled and pulled her towards him for a kiss. Before it had a chance to go too far she pushed him away. He figured she was experiencing a bout of morning sickness and knew it was something they'd both have to deal with, hopefully not for long. When he looked at her though all he saw was Sam with a mischievous look on her face.

"Wait", was all she said. She jumped out of bed and grabbed a bag and ran into the bathroom. He lay back on the bed, wondering what was going on.

He found out a few minutes later. Sam walked back in the room, no longer dressed in his t-shirt. His eyes grew huge – along with another part of him. God – that was –

"You like?" she asked, twirling around in her brand new teddy.

He couldn't talk – no, really – he couldn't get a single word out. Rather than continue to try he leapt to his feet and walked over to her. He grasped her arms gently and stopped her from moving and then – simply looked at her, his eyes moving slowly from the top all the way down ….

"God", he finally managed to get out, and it almost sounded like a prayer. He stared at the laces, wondering how quickly he could get them undone. He was pretty sure this was the very best present he'd ever gotten – and he wanted to unwrap it now!

"Go for it General", Sam said, laughter – and something else – in her voice.

And he did. ….

Later – it was after 11:00 – Jack stretched and then trailed his finger down the gleaming body of the most beautiful woman he'd ever known. He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips – not a passionate kiss, but one of deep gratitude.

"Thank you", he said softly.

"For the teddy?"

"No – for you."

Jack padded out to the kitchen to see what he could scratch up for lunch. He grinned when he saw the clock. After years of being in the Air Force he never got up that late. Although he supposed he had an excuse – he was going to be a father and its mother was just too sexy! He couldn't help but smirk as he opened the refrigerator. Oh yeah – that little scarlet thing had been even better than it had sounded on the phone!

He whistled as he pulled out various things to make sandwiches. Sam was showering but said she was feeling good this morning and was hungry. They hadn't heard anything yet from Cassie but she had probably stayed up late on the TV or computer and was now sleeping in.

He still couldn't believe it. Sam was pregnant. He thought how that one word was going to totally change his life. There was no way in hell they were doing the long-distance thing. Not when there was a child in the picture. Nope, he was really going to do it. He was going to retire.

He poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot he'd made earlier and had just turned when a shriek had him spilling the boiling liquid over his hand. "Shit!" He looked up to see a smiling Cassie rushing towards him. Fortunately he managed to put the coffee down before impact.

"Heya kiddo", he said, as he felt himself being squeezed to death. "It's nice to see you too."

"You came", she said. "Oh, I knew you would. Did you just get here? Does Sam know you're here? How long can you stay? Oh – did you burn yourself?" She looked down at his red and still wet hand. "You have to be more careful Uncle Jack. You can really burn yourself with coffee."

He sighed and hugged her again. "It's so great to see you Cas. How's college?" He moved away from her and sat on a stool at the counter. Making sure that she wasn't too near he reached down and picked up his cup and took a sip. Damn! Now he'd burnt his tongue.

"It's fine – great. I like my classes although I'm not sure what I'm going to declare as a major. I thought about doing pre-med but I also like English Lit and history." She shrugged. "Maybe I'll be a poet doctor."

"You can be whatever you want to be Cassie. Don't go into medicine just because you think that's what your Mom would have wanted – unless you really want to. She'd be proud of you whatever you decided to be – as long as you gave it your best." He spoke gently to the young woman, knowing she still grieved terribly for the loss of Janet.

Cassie sniffed and ran up and hugged her honorary uncle. "I know. I just miss her so much Uncle Jack."

"I know you do honey. Somehow I think that she's up there, looking down at you and watching over you. And she knows that Sam and I will look out for you."

"Do you really think she's there? You're not just saying that are you?" So spoke the little girl in need of reassurance and hope.

Jack sighed quietly. It was a question he'd asked himself many, many times. He wished he knew for certain, although now wasn't the time to express his doubts, not to the girl he loved like a daughter. "I'm sure Cassie. Those we love are never truly gone and I believe they're there, watching over us always."

"Do you – do you still miss Charlie?" She looked at him, needing to know, but afraid that she was stepping on sacred ground.

He gave her shoulder a squeeze. "Always", he said simply. "You never stop missing the person Cas – but life does go on and things will be good – great even. But Janet – and Charlie – will always have a special corner of our hearts, and that's not a bad thing at all."

She nodded and sat quietly, looking unutterably sad. He too could feel the sorrow and grief, both for his friend who had died so tragically and for his son – both people who should still be with them. He could see the moment that Cassie pulled herself together and decided to put the sadness behind her, for now. She was such a brave girl.

"So – when did you get here?" she asked.

"A while ago. I took an overnight flight."

"I didn't know there were any."

"Transport", he grimaced. "I wouldn't recommend it."

"And you did it because I asked you to? Uncle Jack, you're the best."

"I know", he grinned. "So, why the call?" Jack wanted to laugh at the stricken expression on the girl's face. She clearly didn't know what to say or do. He knew he was being mean, but he really couldn't help himself.

"Uh – I told you, we missed you."

"And you had me call and cancel with the president because you missed me?" he asked, taking a sip of coffee.

"Really? You had a meeting with him and you cancelled it?"

"Not a meeting. I was invited over for a garden party."

"A party? With the president? Wow, you must be important."

"Cassie, why did you really call me?"

"Uh – did you see Sam?"

"Yes, I saw her."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Did she say anything? Did she – tell you anything?"

"Like what?" Ooh – he was so mean! Cassie was going to kill him. He wanted to grin.

"Uh – I don't know. Sam", she uttered with relief.

Jack looked up to see a freshly showered Sam walking into the kitchen. He noticed that she had on his t-shirt again. He sighed. He kind of figured he was going to be losing clothes regularly now. He briefly thought of Sara who'd stolen a lot of his shirts, especially when she'd been pregnant with Charlie. He shook himself slightly – he should not be thinking of Sara at a time like this. Sam gave him a puzzled look and he smiled and raised his coffee cup.

She raised her eyebrow briefly and then turned to Cassie with a smile. "Morning. What's up?"

"Are you okay Sam?" the young woman asked. "You're feeling okay?"

"Yup" she replied. "I feel great. So, did you speak with Jack? Wasn't it a surprise, him coming out like this?"

Cassie looked uncomfortable and glanced at Jack, who was casually taking a sip of coffee. "Uh – yeah", she answered.

"Yes, I woke up this morning and there he was. I mean, it was nice, but definitely a surprise."

Cassie closed her eyes briefly and then looked at Sam. She was no coward. "I called him", she confessed.

"You did?" San answered, not sounding surprised. "Why?"

"Sam, you know why." She looked between the two adults in her life and her eyes narrowed. They were both way too calm. "You told him, didn't you?"

"Told him? Oh, you mean about me being pregnant? Yes, I told him."

Cassie rolled her eyes. "You're mad at me?"

"No", Sam answered with a small smile. "I'm not mad at all. It was a nice thing you did Cas. I really needed him." Before the girl had a chance to speak she held up her hand. "I would have been mad if you'd told him I was pregnant though."

"I would never have told him Sam. That was for you to do. So", she looked at Jack, who was drinking his coffee, his face giving away nothing, "how did he react?" she asked.

"Jack, why don't you tell her?" Sam leaned up against the counter and smirked at the general and man in her life.

Jack grinned and took another sip of coffee. "Hey, what can I say? I think it's great."

"You're happy?" Cassie asked, looking at Sam, an 'I told you so' look on her face.

"Thrilled", he answered, little inflection in his voice, although from the look in his eye he meant it.

"Yes!" Cassie hissed, doing a little dance. "See Sam – you didn't have to worry. And I bet Jack knows how to change diapers."

"I do", nodded Jack. He then looked at the young woman in front of him and gave a small flick of his head. That was all she needed and she ran over and threw her arms around him. He hugged her tightly. "But you'll always be my first girl you know", he said softly, into her hair.

She nodded and sniffed. After a few seconds she lifted her head and looked over at Sam, who immediately walked over and was enveloped in the small circle. The three of them hugged – and there were some tears all around, although Jack refused to admit he'd shed any. They finally broke apart and stepped away from each other – but only physically. The three of them were every bit as much a family as if there were real blood ties between them.

"So – do you want a boy or a girl?" Cassie asked as she started foraging among the food items Jack had placed on the counter.

"Uh – I haven't really had time to think about it", Jack answered. "I guess it really doesn't matter."

"Maybe you'll have twins", the college student and daughter of a doctor said, munching on a carrot. "There's more chance when you're older – not that you're old – but you know."

Jack simply raised a brow. Twins?

"I'm sure I'm not having twins Cassie", San spoke calmly.

"Yeah, and you were sure you weren't pregnant either", the young woman said with a cheeky look.

"Okay, so I suppose it's possible, but highly unlikely." Sam sounded resigned, although there was a thread of humor in her voice.

"But then again" Jack commented, stealing a piece of lunch meat, "there are those super sperm!"

Cassie laughed and Sam groaned. "I told you he'd be proud of himself Sam."

"Yes you did and you were right and I hate you for starting this whole thing!"

Jack just grinned and chewed.

"When do you have to go back Uncle Jack', Cassie asked after a moment.

"Tonight unfortunately. I have an important meeting tomorrow morning."

"Aw! Can't you get out of it? I mean, you cancelled with the president, surely you can cancel a simple meeting?"

"Fraid not", he told her. "As great as this is, and as glad as I am that I came, I still have duties to fulfill. Yes", he stopped Cassie by holding up his hand, "I know finding out I'm going to be a father again is exciting and important but I don't think my boss will think it's a reason to cancel a meeting."

"Okay", she sighed. "Although I still think this is more important. Hey", she said, sitting up straight, "I have a great idea. Sam, why don't you go to DC with Jack? You can ask General Landry for leave. You can't go on any missions now so it would be a good time. I'm spending tomorrow with Erin and her parents offered to drive me to the airport. I'm sure I can ask if I can stay over tonight so you won't worry about me – although I'm perfectly capable of staying here by myself."

Sam laughed and started to tell her why it was impossible for her to take time off when Jack interrupted her.

"Sounds like a good idea to me", he commented, a twinkle in his eye.

"Jack, I can't just ask for leave to go visit my boyfriend", she exclaimed.

"Why not? And anyway, he doesn't need to know why you're asking for leave. Cas is right – you can't go on any missions now so it seems like a good time. When was the last time you asked for leave?"

She looked at him blankly, trying to remember. It was such a rare occurrence that – "Uh, I guess when my father died", she muttered. "But Jack, you'll be busy and I don't want to get in your way and anyway, General Landry might not want me to be gone this week."

"Then Uncle Jack can just order him to let you go."

"Uh – I don't think that would be such a good idea Cas", Jack grimaced.

"Would you get in trouble?"

"Yeah", he answered. "With Sam. She'd kill me if I ever attempted to interfere with her work."

"Darn right I would", she gave a mock frown. "Not that you would of course", she smiled. If there was one thing she could count on it was that Jack would never overstep his bounds when it came to her career. He had too much respect for her and for the Air Force.

"Look Carter, if you really don't want to I'll understand, but I don't think Hank will have a problem with it. You're too conscientious for your own good. It'll do him good to know you have a life outside the mountain. He won't take you for granted then."

Although Jack was mostly teasing, she knew there was an element of truth in what he said. Since Landry had been at the SGC she had been working constantly, with little time off. "Okay, I'll ask."

Both Cassie and Jack grinned and she looked at them and shook her head. "You're both incorrigible you know!" They just kept grinning.

"What about Daniel and Teal'c?" Cassie suddenly asked. "Shouldn't we tell them?"

Jack and Sam looked at each other. Jack simply shrugged as if to say it was her decision.

"I guess, although I wonder if we should wait until I'm farther along."

"And how are you going to explain why you're no longer going through the gate", Jack asked logically. "Do you really think Daniel is going to rest until he finds out the real reason? And then there's Teal'c – inscrutable, imperturbable and sneaky as hell. He'll worm it out of you in no time flat."

Sam sighed and then groaned. "You're right, I guess. It just seems so -"

"Surreal?" His brown eyes were filled with warmth and humor – and complete love.

"Yes, exactly."

"I know, but they're family. And anyway, they'll kill us if we don't tell them." Jack grinned at her, stealing another piece of meat.

She nodded. Yes, they were family – and she didn't even want to contemplate what Daniel would do if she kept this from him. So ….

"Let's call Daniel and Teal'c then", she said firmly.

"Okay – but first let's eat!"