Thanks to my wonderful Beta Wendy for another chapter, even with all the headaches.

To those that reviewed the last chapter. I hope to respond to them soon; life has attacked full force so hopefully it calms down a bit and I can get back to it.

Also just becuase I say life has attacked full force does it mean there will be a delay...the story is all done...Wendy has it:-P

Please read and review, good and bad I like them all.:-P

After a long night with her father off world, and a much longer day working with Janet on Major O'Neill's biological weapon, Carter needed sleep and she needed to see her daughter. As she pulled into her driveway at 2200hrs she was not expecting to see a little girl running towards her in blue pajamas, with her hair done up in plaits.

"Mommy! You're home early! Barbara said you wouldn't be home for another two days. Did Aunt Janet have to fix up one of your teammates again? How is grandpa?" Carter just let the questions flow out of her ever curious child, and she picked up the little girl now standing in front of her.

"No, Grace, I came home early because someone visited my place of work and I had to be there. Now, were you nice to Barbara while I was gone?" Carter asked, as she acknowledged the older lady standing just outside the door.

"Yes, mommy."

"Then why aren't you in bed little one?" Carter asked, as she gave Grace's tummy a tickle.

"But Mommy, you just got home."

"I know I did but its 2200, and you should be in bed." Grace had a look of guilt on her face as Barbara spoke up for the child.

"Ms. Carter, that would be my fault. Grace convinced me to let her see the end of the show on TV. I didn't know it was a 2-hour special, Ma'am."

At this Carter turned her attention from Barbara over to Grace.

"Missy, what was on that was so important? You know the rule, nothing on TV is more important that what's happening in the real world."

"But mommy it was educational! I had to see it." Grace said, innocently. Carter gave her a stern look, letting her know that she wasn't amused.

"Go brush your teeth. I'll be up in a second to tuck you in." With that she put the little girl back on the ground. And like a whirlwind, the blonde ran back into the house.

"Ms. Carter, do you need me tomorrow or do you have the day off?" Barbara asked, after they had followed the little girl in the house.

"Just for half the day. I am bringing a friend for Grace to play with in the afternoon so I should be back before lunch." Carter answered as Barbara grabbed her bag from the guest bedroom.

"Alright, Ms. Carter. Well I'll see you tomorrow morning then. Good night." Barbara said, before quickly adding, "there are also some leftovers in the fridge, if you would like."

"Thank you, Barbara. Good night and drive safe."

Locking the door behind Barbara, Carter made her way through the house. Turning off the lights and the TV as she went towards Grace's bedroom.

"Grace, how would you feel about meeting someone new tomorrow?" With that Grace's eyes lit up, so Carter already knew the answer.

"Really?!"

"Yeah, the visitor I told you about has a little girl your age."

"Yay! What is she like? Is she nice? Does she like to-" she started to rattle off questions but Carter put up her hand up, stopping the child's endless list of questions.

"Grace, you will have to wait till tomorrow to find out the answers for yourself. You have to go to bed right now."

"Yes, Ma'am." Grace complied.

"Night, sweetie." Carter said as she leaned over and kissed Grace goodnight.

"Night, mommy."

Carter turned off the lights to Grace's room and closed the door, leaving a slight crack and made her way down the hall towards her room. Finally in her own room she let what Major O'Neill had told her earlier sink in. The alternate Jack had left a note. Why hadn't her Jack left a note? Why hadn't her Jack left a note in her purse?

...or had he?

Moving swiftly from her door she ran towards her closet. Pulling out clothes left and right, looking for the bag that stored her outfit from that night. She never had been able to bring herself to wear it again or to throw it away. Finally spotting it in the back left hand corner of her closet, she pulled it out and placed it gently on the bed. She stared at the bag but couldn't open it. Standing up, she made her way towards her bathroom and got ready for bed. Trying to build the nerve to open the bag.

Dressed and ready for bed, she tentatively walked towards the bed and leaned over. She decided that the band-aid method would have to do. Leaning forward, she took the zipper of the garment bag in her fingers and opened the bag. There in front of her was her midnight blue gown. Pulling it out, she placed it to the side and then took out the simple silver clutch purse.

Closing her eyes, she counted to 10 before opening the purse and looking inside. What she found was what she feared.

Nothing, her Jack had left her nothing.

With tears running down her face, she dropped her purse back into the bottom of the garment bag. She paused as she looked at it again. Carter picked it back up and shook it. "Holy Hannah," she whispered. Peering into the bag again, she felt around; there was definitely something at the bottom of the purse. Turning the lining inside out, she found that the bottom had a good sized hole in it. Curiously, she began to fish around through the fabric. First she pulled out a stick of gum and a few coins. Looking frustrated, she went back in and felt around till she found what felt like a piece of paper.

She pulled out the piece of paper as she held it between two fingers. She immediately noticed the writing on the outside, 'Captain', in Jack's distinct scrawl. Sucking in a deep breath, she opened the note and started to read.

Captain,

Sorry I'm not here when you wake, but I have a meeting to attend and you looked too peaceful to wake up.

I had a wonderful time and would like to see you again. Please give me a call anytime after 1700 at 703-555-2020

'Colonel' Jack O'Neill.

Holding a hand to her mouth, Carter couldn't contain it anymore. She crumbled to the floor as she wept.