After Cassandra went to bed the two women smiled at each other.
"That went well, I knew she would be thrilled. You know that she'll hang around you a lot more often than before, don't you Sam?"
"And I will cherish every moment of that."
"So, the kid is in bed. Now I want all the jucy details. I know the facts, but I ache to know more. You and Jack O'Neill, who would have thought that day would finally come."
"Yes, right? I can't believe it was that 'simple'" she pointed quotation marks with fingers "just get yourself knocked up and you'll get the guy." they both had to laugh at that.
"No, seriously Janet, I can't tell you how amazing this all is. Jack's been great. I was so afraid that he wouldn't want this child, after everything with Charlie, you know. That can be frightening when you don't plan it, but he's been nothing but wonderful. I'm sure it will be a bumpy road sometimes, when old memories are kicking in. He isn't the man I love despite of what happened, but because of how he fought his way out of it," she said with a tone of conviction in her voice.
Her words conveyed a sense of admiration that was hard to miss, and it was clear that she held nothing but respect for him. Despite everything that had gone wrong, he had emerged from the experience stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. It was his fighting spirit that had won her heart, and she knew that he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
"I know honey, and I'm nothing but happy for you. I can't hardly wait to meet my honorary niece or nephew. But don't leave me hanging here Sam, what's he like in bed? You know all the nurses are fighting about who's got to give him the next injection just to see him with his pants down, don't you?"
That made Sam blush and laugh at the same time. "I can't complain about the sex. He has a great body and knows how to use it. Oh Janet, I hadn't come so hard in a long time and I think being pregnant adds to that. That's all I'm going to say."
"I'm very happy for you! I wish I had someone to talk about like that."
"You will, I'm very certain about that. But why don't you do something about that? I know there is someone you have your eyes laid on, why not taking the next step?"
"What are you talking about Sam?"
"I'm talking about Daniel, Janet. It's pretty obvious that the two of you want each other. So why not making a move? It's not as if there are regulations between you that could stop you."
"I'm not sure, maybe I hasitate because I'm not sure if he's ready after Sha're. And if it's me he would want after all."
"Oh boy, and I thought we were complicated. Look Janet, Daniel is not the kind of guy to take matters into his own hands. But I know for sure he wouldn't hesitate if you did."
"What if it's not working out? What would I tell Cassandra? Would we be able to stay friends afterwards, I don't want to loose what we already have as friends."
"You worry way too much, Daniel is simple in this things, Janet. If he's in, he is for the long run. He loves Cassie. And if it really shouldn't work out, and I know no reason why it shouldn't, he'll still be your friend. That's the great thing about Daniel. So go for it and get yourself the guy."
Janet smiled, a bit overwhelmed by the speech of her best friend.
"Ok, I'll do that. Have you talked with Jack about your future? What you're going to do? Any chance we have to call you Mrs. O'Neill anytime soon?"
"We haven't talked about that. Maybe its a bit early for that. We know we want to be together for the long run. But going the whole nine yards..." she thought about it quite a while and grinned "yeah, someday I would like that. But for starters I'll move in to Jack's house the next time we got a few days of. "
They talked for a while until they made their ways to their beds. Sam always loved to stay at Janet's, helping Cassie getting ready for school in the morning, she was looking forward to having her own little family.
On a far away planet Daniel sat around the fire they made. It was his shift to take watch, still another hour to go as he heard the zipper of one of the tents. Looking up he found the deep brown eyes of his best friend.
"What are you doing here Jack? Your shift doesn't start for another hour."
"Couldn't sleep. Might as well release you and take over where I'm already awake."
"Sit down and keep me company. What's going on, what are you thinking about that's keeping you from your sleep? And don't say nothing, I know you better than that. You thinking about Sam?"
Jack let out a deep breath and didn't say anything for quite some time.
"Yes, I guess I do."
"What's wrong Jack? I thought you were happy."
"I am Daniel, I truly am."
"Scared?" Daniel asked, watching his friend closely over the flames of the fire.
Jack just nodded.
"Scared of what?"
"Don't know. Everything and nothing, if that makes sense."
"As strange as it sounds, it makes sense. I know you can stuff away your feelings pretty well, but it's ok to talk about it you know? The good things and the bad things. You're scared of becoming a father again?"
"A bit. Didn't went so well the first time around. Gosh Daniel, there are so many feelings I don't even know where to start. I'm scared that it could happen again, but I pretty sure will try everything that it doesn't. I'm scared that I will slowly forget or replace Charlie, I feel guilty for starting a new. I'm scared if it is a boy that I'm not able to love him the way he deserves, because he doesn't have to live up to his brother, but I'm not sure if I can do that. And beside all that there is Sam, she deserves so much more than I can give. She's this young, brilliant and beautiful woman, why is she setteling for such an old worn out soldier like me?"
Haven't heard his friend talk so much in a long time and especially nothing related to his feelings, Daniel hat to let his words sink in.
"You know what Jack? It will work out, and it will be great. You'll be an incredible Dad to a girl or a boy, that doesn't matter. And you will be the best partner Sam could whish for. You know how I know that?"
Jack just shook his head.
"Because of all the thoughts you have. It's important to you and so you will be good. Fear is good to keep you groundet. Don't overthink things, Sam loves you. And she's right in doing that, because you're a good man Jack, and you'll have to learn to accept that. Sometimes things will not go as you have planed them, but you'll manage it, together. The most important thing you two already have. Love! That's what's it all about and you got so much of this. For each other and for your child. Don't worry that you'll replace Charlie, I know Sam will never let you do that, she will be there on your bad days and she'll understand. She will hold the memories of your son so that your child will know what an incredible brother he would have been. It's ok to move on and it's ok to be happy about that. Never doubt that just for a second. You deserve this, Jack! Be happy!"
Jack was overcome with emotion as he listened to Daniel's heartfelt words. He could feel the tears forming in his eyes, and he struggled to maintain his composure. Daniel's unwavering loyalty and support was truly touching, and Jack was filled with a sense of awe for his friend. It was hard to believe that someone could care for him so deeply, especially given the mistakes he had made in the past.
As the weight of Daniel's words settled in, Jack was struck by a profound sense of gratitude. Here was Daniel, offering him comfort and reassurance. It was humbling, to say the least, and Jack was at a loss for words.
Without hesitation, Daniel rose from his seat and approached Jack. He could see the tears glistening in his friend's eyes and knew that a hug was needed. Jack gratefully accepted the embrace, feeling Daniel's strong arms wrapped around him. It was a powerful moment, and Jack could feel the weight of his friend's love and support.
As they held onto each other, Jack knew that he was lucky to have someone like Daniel in his life. Despite the challenges and difficulties they had faced together, their friendship had only grown stronger over time. It was a testament to the depth of their connection, and Jack felt a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Whatever the future held, he knew that he could face it with courage and determination, knowing that he had a true friend by his side.
"Thank you, Daniel." was all he could say at the moment.
Staring into the fire the friends sat beside each other for a while.
"So, you want to go and catch some sleep? It's ok for me to take over your watch."
He looked at Daniel who hesitated to stand up. "Or is there something that I can do for you? We haven't talked about you in a while. How are you holding up?"
Daniel smiled at the attempt Jack was doing and he appreciated it.
"I'm good. Thanks for asking."
"You're ok with Sam and me? I know you it must hurt seeing your friends happy while..." He couldn't say it, but Daniel knew Jack was referring to Sha're.
"No it's ok, Jack. In fact I think I'm ready to move on myself."
"Oh?" Jack was a bit surprised that he hadn't noticed Daniel would be interested in somebody, but than it made click. "Janet?" he asked.
"Yeah.." He stammered "...what do you think?"
"I think that's the best idea you had in a long time Spacemonkey. Go for it!"
"I think I will do that."
And with that he stood up, patted Jack on his shoulders and made his way towards the tent.