And now we get to see the reaction to the letter from the president!
Oh, and it's another short chapter, sorry :(
Happy Reading! :)
I let out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding…This was approval from the president himself…Nothing can go wrong now.
"Thanks. Thank you for bringing this." I placed it on my lap and gave Jack a small smile. "It was honour, Colonel. You've done a great many things for many great people; I think it's about time we do something for you." I nodded, not having the capability to talk due to my heart being lodged in my throat.
"Okay, enough about that – what do you want to talk about? Keller put me on babysitting duty so take advantage." I looked at him carefully, gnawing on my bottom lip. I knew what I wanted to say but I didn't know if the right time was now.
"Just spit it out, Shep, I'm not waiting forever." I nodded, "I didn't really have a Dad when I was a kid…" I started and he sat there quietly waiting for me to carry on. I'd never known him to be patient before.
"When I joined up you had my back…I know I wasn't the easiest of kids to deal with either. You had my back when I was sent to Afghan too, and special ops. You've always looked after me. My own father didn't remember my birthday yet you actually gave me the best present ever. You're the father I wish that I had."
If I didn't know any better I'd say the good general was emotional but I'd never let anyone else in on that secret.
"My point is, I'm not going to be my father, I'll be there for me child every step of the way… but every kid needs a granddad." O'Neill tilted his head to the side, "You know if Charlie was still around he'd probably be having kids right about now."
He couldn't meet my eye but I knew he was still in pain over Charlie. "If you're sure about it then I'd absolutely love to be that person. I'd actually have to thank you…" I frowned and did something I didn't really expect…
I reached out and took his hand. "You don't need to thank me, Jack, but I swear if you teach my child anything inappropriate I will kick your ass straight to the queen of a wraith hive." Jack chuckled and swatted my hand away before ruffling my hair. "Get some sleep John, you look tired. Carson will be back soon anyway."
"I thought he wasn't back until the afternoon?" Jack sighed, "Don't think the mission was as positive as they'd hoped." I mirrored his earlier sigh. "I'll see you later Jack."
Aww, Jack finally getting to be a Grandaddy!