Author's Notes: Here's part three. This story has been fun to write as I try to get into Sam and Jules's heads. Since we don't know exactly how things went with Jules's father meeting Sam, I enjoyed exploring how I think it could have gone. I hope you like it. Thanks for all the reviews. I enjoy reading them and seeing what you think.

Disclaimer: The show Flashpoint and its characters were created by Mark Ellis and Stephanie Morgenstern and belong to them and the networks who air the episodes. Since the show has ended, our only way of getting new Flashpoint is through fan fiction. This story is my attempt to help fill the void, and the only profit I make is the warm fuzzy feeling reviews give me. Anything that does not come directly from the show is my own creation and should not be used without my permission.

So Many Words

Chapter 3

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

Sam trapped Jules against the counter with his body before stealing a kiss. He shook his head. "I told you I don't. There's just not room enough in the Jeep for all of us once we pick up your brothers so it makes sense that we split forces. You stay here with your dad and I'll take Ridge with me to the airport."

Despite his earlier protests about needing a nap, Jack Callaghan was currently stretched out in the recliner in the living room, snoring softly. Ridge had laughingly confided that their father was rather fond of his afternoon naps even if he did deny it, and then added that he'd probably sleep for a couple of hours. It was one of the reasons Jules had suggested that Ridge and Sam return to the airport to pick up her other brothers.

Jules smiled at him. "You and Ridge seem to have hit it off pretty well. I'm not sure if I should be a little worried about that."

"He's promised to tell me all about you as a little girl." Sam admitted as he wrapped his arms around her waist. It was the first time they'd really been alone together since picking up Jack and Ridge, and Sam was determined to make the most of it. Every time he'd kissed her or put his arm around her in her father's presence, he'd felt like a teenaged boy caught making out with his girlfriend. It wasn't that Jack had been outwardly hostile toward him, but he hadn't exactly been warm and receptive either The not knowing where he stood with Jules's father was making him nervous. He knew Jules loved him and wanted to marry him; she wasn't going to change that no matter what her father said or thought. Still he knew her family was important to her even if they weren't exactly an extremely close knit family, so he didn't want to do anything to upset things before the wedding. With that in mind, he would enjoy what moments he could get where he didn't have to worry about what anyone thought. "Any deep dark secrets you want to confess to now?"

The stir fry she'd been preparing for supper was forgotten as she melted against him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him in closer for a long kiss. Then she pulled away. "Just remember that any misadventures he tells you about that I was involved in were probably initiated by him or one of my other brothers. They were notorious for involving me in their plans because they thought Dad wouldn't get on to me the way he would them. So don't believe everything they tell you. Especially if he starts to tell you about the great pig release of '80."

Sam did some quick math and realized that in 1980, Jules would have been about six years old. The perfect time for her to see Charlotte's Web for the first time at an age to understand the fate that had awaited Wilbur the pig. Remembering Ridge saying something yesterday about a temporary rebellion on pork products, Sam had a feeling this pig release she was talking about probably had something to do with the movie and had, despite her warning, been all Jules. Now he knew exactly what he wanted to ask about first when he and Ridge were alone. It sounded like it might be a story that would take the entire drive to the airport to fully hear about.

"Promise." Sam nuzzled her neck affectionately, then pulled back. "Do you need us to stop and pick up anything on the way back? I feel bad; you're cooking dinner for all of us and then most of us are skipping out afterward for the bachelor party. It's the night before your wedding as well. You deserve to be spoiled a little."

"I can wait until tomorrow night after the reception to get spoiled a little." Her voice caught just at the idea of Sam spoiling her on their honeymoon. A shiver of desire ran down her spine in anticipation. Her grin widened, making her look almost like a little girl about to see what Santa had left under the tree. "Just think about it, Sam. Tomorrow night you and I will be husband and wife and we'll be heading off to our honeymoon. I'd tell you to pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming, but if I am, I don't want to wake up."

"I'd tell you to get a room but you might take me up on that." Ridge joked as he entered the kitchen. "I hate to break you two lovebirds up but we should probably get to the airport. James will be a grump if we keep him waiting. Doesn't matter we'll still have to wait for Peter's plane to get in,; he'll still fuss about us being late. I'd rather not spend that time listening to James complain."

Jules gave Sam one more kiss and then gently pushed him back. "Ridge is right; James can be a big baby at times. One time Peter was two minutes late picking him up from something - I can't even remember what it was now, nothing major I'm sure- and James groused about it for three weeks. The only reason he stopped was because Peter finally told him if he heard one more complaint, James would have to find someone else to pick him up and take him places."

Sam laughed; he once more decided that he would have loved to have known Jules and her family growing up. It sounded like her childhood was so different from his. "Okay, I get the picture. I definitely don't want to start out on your brother's bad side. We'll be back soon. I love you."

"Love you too. Be careful. You'll be on my bad side if something happens to you before the wedding. Just so you know, I've got a much worse bad side than James does."

"I've never seen his bad side but I have seen yours and it is scary." Sam nuzzled her neck a moment more. "That's why I much prefer to be on your good side."

Jules's breath quickened as he expertly found her most sensitive spot. She closed her eyes enjoying the attention, momentarily forgetting they weren't alone. "I can think of a few other positions I'd rather have you in as well."

"Ew, gross, right here remember?" Ridge grumbled. "Never thought I'd see my sister all gaga over a guy. Will wonders ever cease?"

Jules rolled her eyes and took a step back from Sam. "Feel free to lose Ridge somewhere along the way if you want to. I'm sure no one in the family will complain. We've all tried it a time or two. Only problem is, he's just like a stray cat; always finds his way back."

Ridge laughed. "She's funny too. You sure you want to marry her, Sam?"

Sam pulled her close again. "Never been surer of anything."

- FP - FP - FP -

"Are you sure you don't mind about tonight?" Sam asked once again, after supper was over and he was getting ready to leave.

Jules sat on the edge of the bed watching him pack an overnight bag. "About going out with the guys? Not at all. They would be upset if they didn't get the chance to throw you a bachelor party. You'll have fun. However, if you change your mind about spending the night with Spike and decide to come home, I wouldn't mind that at all. After all, since my brothers are going, someone's going to have to bring them back to the house tonight so you could come too."

Sam shook his head. "No, it's better that I stay with Spike. Your dad made it pretty clear earlier at supper that he didn't like the idea of the two of us 'living in sin.' I don't want to give him further reason not to like me."

Jules rolled her eyes. "Honestly, I don't know what he was upset about. He's known all along that you moved in with me, and he's never indicated that he wasn't happy about it before now. Besides, Peter lived with Misty for five years before they got married. Dad never had a problem with that."

"I'm sure he sees that as totally different." Sam replied, setting his overnight bag aside and sitting beside her on the bed. Spike was going to be there to pick him up shortly and he wanted to take advantage of the last few minutes he had alone with Jules. Once he left, the next time he would see her would be at the wedding. Wedding, he thought, his grin getting a little goofy at the thought. Tomorrow morning this beautiful, perfect woman will be your wife.

"Don't say it's because he's a guy." Jules warned.

Sam wrapped his arms around her and gently laid her back on the dusty rose comforter Jules had picked out to compliment the Santorini Sky of the walls, covering her body with his. Her body arched toward his as he kissed her sensitive neck where he'd teased her earlier and then moved up to her sensuous mouth. The hand that wasn't behind her back traveled between their bodies to gently cup her breast. She whimpered in desire, momentarily forgetting what they'd been talking about. Sam could feel her relaxing beneath him. He would have loved to carry his ministrations further but knew he didn't have time. They didn't progress beyond kisses and touches before Sam finally pulled back. He resumed the conversation as if they'd never stopped with the exception of being slightly breathless.

"I don't think it's because Peter is a guy that your dad didn't have a problem with him living with Misty but because Peter wasn't his little girl. Yeah, I know it's basically the same thing and a double standard but I don't think dads can help it." His hand that had been gently teasing her breast through her clothes traveled lower to rest on her stomach. "If this baby you're carrying is a little girl, I'm not too sure I'd ever be okay knowing some guy was being as intimate with her as I enjoy being with you. I know that's a little hypocritical but I can't imagine any guy being good enough for our daughter no matter how grown she might be. Even if he makes her as happy as I hope I make you. Now, don't get me wrong; I don't regret a moment that the two of us have spent here together, but I can't wait until we share this bed as husband and wife. I don't think we've done anything wrong, but I can see where your dad might have a problem with it. Besides, his generation saw things differently, especially where their daughters are concerned. I can understand where he's coming from. So if for no other reason than I have enough respect for his daughter to have respect for his feelings, I'm staying with Spike tonight. Even if it means I have to take a really long cold shower before I'm able to get any sleep."

Jules wanted to protest, but knew it wasn't fair to him. He was being the gentleman he always was and she couldn't fault him for that. It was only one night; it wouldn't hurt either of them, even if they didn't particularly like the idea. She raised up to kiss him again. "But after tonight?"

Sam grinned at her, "After tonight, I feel sorry for the person who tries to keep me away from you."

Though it would have been tempting to continue to lie there and indulge in their affections for just a little longer, Sam knew he had to stop things while he still could. He gave her a final kiss and then sat up. He returned to getting his overnight bag ready as Jules stood and straightened her clothes. There was no sense advertising what they'd been doing.

She followed him downstairs. Her brothers and father had found a re-airing of a hockey game on the TV and were noisily watching. When they found out that Sam was a huge fan of the game as well, it looked like her fiancé was being accepted fully into the family, until it was discovered that they supported different teams. When the doorbell rang, Jules almost happily went to answer it, if for no other reason than she got to take a break from making sure a fight didn't break out outside of the hockey rink. She wasn't surprised to see Spike standing there. He cocked his head to the side and grinned, trying to look very earnest.

"Hey there, can Sam come out to play?"

"Fair warning, Scarlatti, Sam has to be at City Hall by eight in the morning. I swear to you if he's late or looks even a bit hung over, I am holding you personally responsible, and I'm coming after you with everything I'm worth."

"Aw, Sis, you didn't give us that kind of warning." Ridge protested as they stopped watching the game to meet the newcomer. "Don't you trust us to watch out for Sam?"

"I figured it's just possible that the three of you would be so dense that you would think you lived far enough away to escape my wrath if you did something stupid. Spike's close enough and I see him almost every day at work so he knows the misery I'd put him through."

Spike didn't seem fazed by her threats. He knew his friend and co-worker well enough to know that she was joking and completely serious at the same time. He simply shrugged. "Don't worry. I'll have Sam at the church on time and in perfect marrying condition. Besides, I don't think wild horses could keep him away."

"You got that right." Sam agreed, giving Jules a quick hug and a chaste kiss. Then he whispered in her ear. "I know you. As soon as I'm gone, you are going to start worrying about those vows again. I mean it, don't. Whatever you say in the morning is going to be perfect because the words come from your heart. That's all I want and all I need."

She could feel her eyes starting to water up and inwardly cursed the hormones that so easily turned her into a blubbering mess. "There you go again, always knowing what to say. Have fun tonight."

"I will but not as much as I would have if I were here with you. I'll see you in the morning. I'll be the one in the front of the room grinning like a fool 'cause I'm about to get the best present in the world."

Jules blinked back the tears. "You better go before you have to explain to my dad and brothers why I'm a sniveling mess. I love you, Sam. I will see you in the morning. You won't be the only one with the biggest grin on your face."

There was a derisive snort behind them that they both recognized as coming from Spike. They glanced over at their friend. They knew he hadn't heard what they were saying so he must be reacting to the display of affection. "You're both killing us here. I'm glad you two aren't this lovey-dovey at work. It would be miserable. Come on, Sam, everyone's waiting. You two have the rest of your lives for all that crap. Save some for the honeymoon."

Ridge laughed. "I like him."

Finally Jules was alone with her father. She sat down on the couch next to him and immediately his arm went around her back drawing her close. Suddenly there was no stopping the tears. She twisted in his arms so that her head was buried in his chest. His hold on her tightened as she cried.

"Don't cry, Pumpkin. It's only one night and you know your brothers are going to keep an eye on him even if they were joking about it. I think your friend will too."

Jules shook her head, looking up at him. "It's not that. I want you to like Sam. Why don't you?"

Jack sighed and fished in his pocket for his handkerchief. Gently he wiped her face much as he had when she'd been a little girl and ran to him crying from some slight she'd felt. "I never said I didn't like Sam, Jules."

Her lower lip quivered as she sniffled. He raised an eyebrow and nodded to her to blow her nose on the handkerchief. She did as asked and then replied. "You don't act like you like him."

Jack kissed the top of her head. "You have to see it from my side. He's the man stealing my little girl away. I know you are a grown woman capable of taking care of yourself but I look at you and still see you as my baby. After tomorrow you'll be Sam's wife, not Daddy's little girl. I thought I was ready for it. I've been preparing for it from the moment you called to tell me you were engaged. Then I saw you today and I realized I'm not ready to let you go. Not to Sam, not to anyone. Stupid huh?"

"Just because I'm getting married doesn't mean I won't be your little girl anymore." Jules reminded him. "I mean look at me, here I am crying in your arms like I was four instead of almost forty. I love Sam, Daddy. Just as importantly, he loves me, more than I ever thought possible. I don't just want you to like Sam; I need you to like him. I'm marrying him tomorrow whether you do or you don't. I don't want to feel like I'm being forced to choose between the husband I love and you. I love both of you too much for that."

Jack smiled at her. "I do like him, Jules. As much as I told myself I wouldn't like any man who was stealing you away from me, I can't help but like him. He's a good fellow; I could tell that from the moment I laid eyes on him. I look at the way he looks at you and there is no denying the truth: he doesn't love you, Jules…"

"Daddy…" Jules started to protest; how could her father ever get the idea that Sam didn't love her? Surely it was a clear to him as it was to her. Jack put a finger over her lips, silencing her.

"He doesn't just love you, Jules. He cherishes you. How can I not like a man who so obviously adores my daughter the way she deserves to be adored? I'm sorry if I've been a cantankerous old man and have made you or Sam uncomfortable. It's hard for me to reconcile my fear of losing you with the knowledge that you've found what every father wants for his little girl. If you want, I'll even go find him right now and tell him he has my blessing."

Jules shook her head. She resisted the urge to rub her stomach. Would Sam one day be like that with this baby, especially if they had a little girl? "I think Sam understands better than I do. He's pretty terrific that way. Pretty terrific at everything."

Jack regarded her sudden frown and tweaked her nose affectionately. "So what's bothering you now? My admission that I don't disapprove your husband to be didn't completely clear those clouds of misery from your eyes. I know there's something else."

"Sam and I agreed we should write our own vows. That way we could say what we wanted to say to each other instead of just what tradition said we should say." She pulled her feet up under her as she got comfortable on the couch.

"That sounds wonderful. A little scary though. I had a hard enough time just repeating after the minister. I'm not sure I would have been able to remember anything all on my own. Is that what has you worried? If so, stop; we'll work something out, set you up some cue cards or something."

"If I had something written, then yeah we could probably do that. I don't know what to say. I mean, I do but I don't. You know? I know Sam probably has something beautiful planned out to say. I should have something equally wonderful to say. There are so many things I should say, that I want to say. When I try to write it down though it comes out sounding cheesy or something."

Reaching for the remote, Jack turned off the TV. "It's not like my little girl to have doubts about her abilities to do something. You've always had an abundance of confidence in everything you do. You make up your mind to do something and you just do it, no second doubts, no fear, no regrets."

"I wish that were true." Jules admitted. Then she stood up and disappeared to the kitchen. Jack followed behind her. He stood at the island counter and watched as she dropped a K-cup into the Keurig coffee maker she and Sam had gotten as a wedding present. When it was finished, she handed the freshly prepared mug of coffee to her father before turning back to the machine to fix a mug of hot chocolate for herself. Since learning she was pregnant she was trying to cut back on her caffeine intake. Once her hot chocolate was ready, she carried her mug to the kitchen table and sat down. She twirled her spoon in the steamy liquid. Finally she looked at her father who had joined her at the table. "I always told myself I would never be the type of person who needed a man to be happy or to feel complete. Then Sam came into my life. I tried to resist him, but he didn't make it easy for me. When I was around him, I tended to forget why I shouldn't give in to his charms. Then I just didn't care anymore why I should, and I let him in: to my personal life, to my heart." She didn't add to her bed knowing her father didn't want to hear about that part even if he did accept the fact that she was a grown woman who'd had relationships with men before. "When I was shot, he was there for me, every step of the way. Encouraging me and supporting me even when sometimes it would have been tempting to just quit. It felt good. But loving Sam came with a price. I had to choose between being with Sam or returning to the team. I couldn't have both. So I chose the job."

Jack listened to her without commenting. He hadn't known why she'd broken up with Sam in the first place. He could remember how upset she'd been during that time but she hadn't really talked about it, at least not to him. Not that she'd talked about her relationship when it was going well. He'd heard the pain in her voice though when they'd talked during that time, and they'd talked more often than they usually did. That in itself had told him plenty. Told him enough that he'd almost booked a flight to come check on her. Only knowing her fierce independence would keep her from appreciating the gesture had kept him from finalizing those plans.

Finally he reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. "Obviously you got a second chance. The two of you are together, and, at the risk of repeating myself, it's obvious the man is over the moon in love with you. You don't have to regret those decisions. It might have been a bad time for the two of you, but it worked out for the best. Tomorrow, you and Sam are going to start a new life together. Make your vows to him be about what you want that future to look like not about a past you can't change. You said a moment ago that you didn't think you were a person who needed a man to be happy. Do you still think that?"

Jules sipped at her hot chocolate and then set the mug down. "Yes. I don't need a man to be happy or complete. Still, I can't deny that Sam makes my life richer and fuller. I want him in my life. Maybe that's more important that needing someone. With Sam, everything seems richer and bigger than just me. I'm excited to come home from work because it means something now. It doesn't matter if we just snuggle on the couch watching TV or if we go out and do something. It's just a little more special because we're doing it together."

Jack stood, put his empty mug in the sink, and then came back to the table. He kissed the top of Jules's head. "Sounds to me you know exactly what you need to say to Sam in the morning. Not that I had any doubts to start with. Now, I'm going back to watch the rest of the game. Why don't you go upstairs and pamper yourself a little. Maybe take a nice long soak in the tub, throw in some good smelling bath beads or something, go to bed early. I'm pretty sure if you show up at that chapel room tomorrow with red puffy eyes, my future son-in-law is going to be quite unhappy with me. I think he could give me just as hard a time as you could give that co-worker of yours you warned."

Jules stood as well, hugging her father tightly. "I love you, Daddy."

Jack smiled as he returned her hug. "I love you too, Pumpkin."