As much as they enjoyed having their friends around them, Sam and Jack were glad when they had the cabin to themselves again. Jack entered the bedroom as Sam sat in the chair by the window, nursing Janet. He stopped dead in his tracks and leaned against the doorframe, watching Sam. Not daring to breathe. It always amazed him seeing her breastfeed their daughter. Seeing Sam the mother, not the soldier. She was drawn to their little girl, blinding her complete surroundings, not noticing her husband watching her.

Only when she had to switch Janet to the other side she glanced up to see Jack watching her. He was greeted with the most radiant smile.

"Hey!" She whispered.

"Hey! How are you?"

"I'm fine. Tired. Just waiting for this little miss to finish her meal so that I can go to bed."

"You know that sounds like a really good idea. How about I wait for you there?" He joked with a suggestive wink. "No, honestly, I think it's a good idea. Do you want some water? You must not forget to drink enough, nursing is exhausting."

"That would be great actually. Thank you."

He got up and got her a glass of water from the kitchen. Their fingers brushed as he handed it to her. It were these tiny gestures that meant the world to them. Within the minute Janet made it known that she was finished.

"Would you like to burp her? In the meantime I could get ready for bed myself."

With a bright smile Jack reached for his daughter, placing her carefully against his chest, patting her gently on the back.

He felt so much love for the little bundle in his arms that was warming his chest. Jack continued walking around the room with her, singing a lullaby until her eyes were closed and he felt her breathing steady when sleep took over.

He rocked her until Sam came back and slung her arms around them from behind. Slightly swaying they enjoyed the contact, he felt her nuzzle her head in the croke of his neck, breathing him in.

Jack turned in her embrace and was now standing face to face with her. She tenderly caressed Janet's back as Jack lowered himself to fervently kiss his wife.

"Mmh... I think it's time to put her to bed. Won't be long until she wakes up again. Let catch some sleep"

They walked over to the crib, Jack put her down and both took the opportunity to watch her sleep. How could it be so magical that you're not able to withdraw yourself to catch up on the well needed sleep? Only parents can understand this feeling, Sam thought. Before becoming a mother herself she'd never imagine it possible to care so deeply for anyone at all.

When they finally made it to bed Sam lay down with Jack spooning her from behind. One hand under her head, the other one gently placed over her stomach. They were asleep within minutes.

Only three hours later Janet made it very clear that she was starving. Jack got up to get her and bring her to Sam. She got more and more used to feeding her while staying in bed. After her meal they decided to let her sleep between them, so nobody had to get up for the next feeding. As practical as this was, they also really enjoy it, having their baby close to them.

The nights were quite planable, she woke up every three hours and went back to sleep almost immediately after being fed.

It wasn't until two weeks later that Janet suffered from colics. That night nothing would work to get her to sleep. First Sam tried to sing to her, nurse her, massaging her stomach and even bath her. Nothing helped. Then it was Jack's turn to take over so that Sam could try to sleep for a while. Only wearing his pyjama pants he held her against his bare chest, trying to help her with his body heat. Changing into the belly hold Jack was walking and talking soothingly. Suddenly she stopped crying and fell asleep.

Not daring to risk her waking up again, Jack kept on walking for about half an hour until he collapsed on the bed with his daughter on his chest, next to Sam.

"God, finally." He breathed with relief.

Sam's hand found his, lying on the baby's bump, to stroke the back of his hand.

"Whatever it was that you did. Thank you!"

"You're welcome, but I have absolutely no idea what made her feel better in the end. Just glad she did."

They slept for the rest of the night and when Jack woke up he was alone in bed. Stretching his still tired muscles he got up and found Sam lying next to Janet in front of the fireplace, showing her the stuffed animal Cassie had given her.

He sat down on the couch near them.

"Gosh I'm too old for this. It was easier when I was still in my thirties!" he joked, but Sam looked up to him with concern in her eyes. Did he regret becoming a father again in this stage of his life? He felt Sam's doubt and immediately regretted having said something.

"Sorry! I didn't mean it like that. It came out wrong. Never ever just once think that I would regret this. I don't. It's just the lack of sleep talking here. One good night's sleep and the world will look better." He tried to reassure her. "How about we go for a walk after breakfast? It stopped snowing a few days ago, the path will be clear enough to go for a walk in the woods."

"I'd like that. Breakfast is ready, we just need to sit down and eat. Then we'll go for a walk. Do you want to carry her this time? It's nice having her tucked in so close to you."

Jack was glad Sam had asked. "I'd love to. Thank you."

Dressed warmly they took the path leading to the ranger station where they were trapped a few weeks ago, but now they were able to make it the entire path leading back towards home. To their cabin. Lucky thankfully got used to all the snow and enjoyed being out there in the cold.

For another two weeks their days were filled with nursing, sleeping, eating, cuddling and walking. Sam got to get to know the area more and more. She was curious how it actually would look in summer, all green and warm. Looking forward to it she started packing all their belongings, going over her list to not forget anything important. Traveling with baby's wasn't nearly as easy as she thought. She had so many things to think of packing, so she made Jack and Janet drive into town for her last check up with the doctor before going home. Everything looked fine. Her development was exactly as it should be.

They decided on driving at night, less traffic and Janet would be more sleepy.

Half way through they stopped at a hotel for the next night and two days after their departure the little girl saw their home in Colorado Springs for the first time.

Tomorrow Cassie and her boyfriend would join them and Saturday the rest of the family. They would take Cassie and Ben to buy the tree and decorate it. Sam felt like they should do it together.

Rummaging through the kitchen Sam put away the groceries while Jack unloaded the car. Janet was peacefully sleeping in her car seat beside Sam.

"You remember what we agreed to, Jack? Be nice to Ben! Cassie really likes him." Sam warned and he groaned.

"And that's exactly why I should have a word with him and do a little investigation. She doesn't need another fallout."

"Jack! Behave, please!"

"I do behave. I will just make clear that if he ever breaks her heart we will break his bones."

"Just, try to get to know him beforehand. Maybe an investigation won't even be necessary."

"Have you told this to the guys too? I'm sure they'll do the same."

"No I haven't, but that's just because I haven't seen them yet. As soon as they enter the house they will get the same speech. Get to know the boy and I don't know... You may even like him."

"Okay, okay! I promise. We behave until he doesn't."

"Thank you, Daddy!" She teased him. "And now, put away all our belongings while I prepare lunch. I'm starving."

"Me too. I'll be quick and then I'll come back and help you."

Jack left for the bedroom to put away their stuff.

When he returned he almost stumbled over Lucky. The dog was now lying in front of Janet, his nose carefully placed on her belly. She had woken up by now, curling her fingers unconsciously into Lucky's nose, pulling and patting on it. He made his way towards Sam, trying not to disturb these two.

"Sam," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"What?" Sam responded, unaware of her husband's whispered utterance and oblivious to the reason behind it.

He gestured for her to be silent and discreetly signaled for Sam to direct her attention towards their dog and their baby.

Lucky was watching her protectively, not a hint of irritation as Janet gleefully interacted with him, her tiny hands playfully poked onto his nose.

Amazed by this view Sam stopped to watch them bond. "Oh wow. There's finally no wall between those two! That's amazing!"

"Huh?" Jack wondered what his wife meant.

"It was like this when I was still pregnant. Lucky was lying on my belly the same way and Janet would kick from the inside, making contact. Finally seeing them without any barriers...I think they like it."

"They sure do. And this is exactly why every kid needs to have a dog." Jack stated his rule.

"Why don't you take her out of the seat and lay her down on a blanket? That's more comfortable and Lucky can cuddle up with her. In the meantime I'll make dinner. You could also get the Christmas decoration out of the garage. We could decorate after we've eaten so that it at least looks a bit like Christmas when Cassie gets home. "

"Yes Ma'am!" Jack replied and saluted her in a joking manner. "Tell me again why we don't go to the Airport to pick up Cassie and Ben? Why do they need to take a cab?"

"They don't need to, they want to. I think she feels more at ease for us to meet Ben for the first time when we're in a more private setting instead of the busy airport."

"Still, I don't get it. But whatever makes her happy." He answered, bending down to get Janet out of her seat. Lucky, clearly not happy that his favorite human is being taken away. "Relax Buddy! You'll get her back in no time. See, I put a blanket over there. You can lie down next to her." Jack motioned for Lucky to come with him. And as soon as Janet was placed on the ground the dog settled down next to her. As they were in Sam's eyeline he was okay to leave them alone to go to the garage, searching for the box of Christmas decorations.

It was dark outside when they had finished dinner. Sam had made a tasty salad with chicken strips. Now she was with her head deep into the box, searching for something particular. He gently rested his hand on the curve of her lower back, his warm breath caressing her ear, sending shivers of anticipation down her spine.

"Although it's already dark I'm sure I can put on some Christmas lights outside. Are you good here?"

Sam felt the light of his breath stir something within her as goosebumps ran over her body. She straightened and put her arms around his waist, pressing deep into him.

"Okay soldier, when I finish here inside I'll feed Janet and meet you outside. When we're done we can lay down Janet together. I'm curious how she'll adapt to the new accommodation. And then..." She halted her statement halfway, leaving it hanging in the air, allowing Jack to discern the underlying implication behind her words.

"And then...? What are you saying Mrs. O'Neill?"

"I'm saying that I want to have my husband in bed as soon as we've finished everything and the baby is asleep." She said in a seductive way that went straight to his groin. He backed her up against the kitchen counter, showing her what she was doing to him.

"But I'm not tired at all."

"Lucky you, Mr. O'Neill, neither am I!"

"Mmh Sam, are you sure you're ready for this?"

"As ready as I can be." And as her answer she slightly stroked him through his jeans. "At my last appointment with Jessica she told me it was all looking good and I can resume every activity I was used to."

Jack let his head fall down in the croke of her neck, nibbling his way from below her ear down to her shoulder.

"Well, then I'd say I better hurry up."

This night they made love for the first time after having the baby. Jack took his time to explore Sam's body, eager to detect every change her body had made.

Being the fit soldier she always was, her body didn't need much time to get back in perfect shape. You could barely see that she had a baby just a few weeks ago, but still her belly was a lot softer than before and he loved it. He kissed his way from her belly over her breasts until he reached her lips.

"You're so beautiful Sam, I'm a really lucky man. I love you!"

"I love you too." She murmured while she ran her fingers through the hair on the back of his neck. "And now, shut up and make love to me."

"At your command, Ma'am."

Afterwards they were still able to catch up on some sleep before their daughter demanded attention. They felt truly rested in the morning, starting their daily routine. Sam went for a quick walk with Lucky while Jack prepared breakfast.

And when the doorbell rang around noon Jack opened the front door. They were prepared to meet the man Cassie obviously cared so deeply for. A tall young man with brown hair and green eyes stood next to Cassandra, looking just as nervous as Jack felt. But his attention was drawn to the beautiful young woman that greeted him with a big smile on her face. "Hi Dad!"