Grace's uncontainable passion for science and experimentation was evident as she hopped into the SUV. Her excitement was contagious as she delved into a vibrant narrative of her night at Dakota's house, her words pouring out in a torrent as she shared her thrilling experiences with Dakota and her brother, Alex, the emerging scientist.
"Dad, Sam, you won't believe the unique science project we undertook last night!" Grace exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "We collaborated with Dakota's brother, Alex. He's a prodigy, you know!"
After Sam's heartfelt reaction just moments ago, Jack and Sam exchanged intrigued glances, captivated by Grace's lively storytelling.
"We burned the midnight oil, brainstorming ideas and testing various hypotheses," Grace continued, her gestures mirroring her animated storytelling. "And then, Alex unveiled this cutting-edge coding technique he had mastered, allowing us to create a virtual simulation of our project! We were like bona fide scientists, meticulously testing and predicting the outcomes of our experiment."
Sam couldn't help but smile at Grace's excitement, her curiosity piqued by the mention of coding and virtual simulations.
"You stayed up late? Was Dakota's mother okay with that?" Jack asked, glancing at his daughter through the rearview mirror.
"Yeah…" she said quickly. "It was incredible, Dad! We were able to test out different scenarios and predict the outcomes of our experiment," Grace exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
Jack nodded, his pride evident as he listened to his daughter recounted the night's events. "Sounds like you had quite the productive evening," he remarked, his eyes sparkling with pride.
Now more calm, Sam leaned forward, her interest piqued. "What did you learn from the simulation? Did it give you any new insights for the project?" she asked, eager to hear more about Grace's scientific discoveries.
Grace nodded with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! The virtual simulation opened our eyes to some variables we hadn't even considered, providing us with a more comprehensive understanding of our experiment's potential outcomes," she elaborated, her enthusiasm resonating in every word.
As they drove towards their destination, Grace continued to regale them with tales of her night at Dakota's house. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her passion for science shone through with every word. As they listened to her animated chatter, Jack and Sam silently decided it was better to have any discussion when she had calmed down from her sleepover.
Once they arrived home, Grace headed to her room to unpack and change. Jack waited until she disappeared down the hallway before turning to Sam, who stood frozen at the entrance.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked gently, reaching to take her hand.
Sam nodded slightly. "Yeah, I am," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jack studied her for a moment, his expression filled with concern. "Come on, you don't have to put on a brave face for me, Sam. Not anymore," he encouraged, pulling her closer to him.
Sam was drawn into his embrace, her resistance melting away. "Suddenly, my life doesn't have a script, Jack. My life always had a script. Do this, do that. Follow that order; go there," she admitted, swallowing hard.
Jack sighed softly, realizing expectations had burdened Sam for so long.
While his wife had experienced a similar lifestyle up to a certain point, she had never been constrained by such rigid discipline and had slowed down with the marriage and Grace. Perhaps it was because she hadn't pursued her military career as extensively as Sam had, or maybe Sam imposed stricter limits on herself. Regardless of the reason, Jack understood that his primary focus now was to provide unwavering support to Sam, especially during this time.
"Like I said before, you aren't alone, Sam. We'll deal with things together," he reassured her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Can I share something my grandmother used to tell me when I was younger?" he asked.
Sam nodded, curious to hear his grandmother's wisdom.
"She used to say that the happiest people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have," Jack recounted. "It didn't make much sense then, but I realized what she meant as life progressed. We should be happy with what we have. Right now, I have you and Grace, and I'm happy. I'll be even happier when I retire, but you and Grace are my happiness."
Sam closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "Dr. Reed is always telling me that it's not what we have in life, but who we have in our lives that matters," she whispered.
"It's true. I agree with her," Jack affirmed, his heart swelling with love for Sam and Grace.
"I'm afraid to be happy, Jack," Sam confessed, her gaze searching his for reassurance.
"But aren't you tired of being hurt too?" Jack countered gently. "I promise you, being happy is a lot better."
He leaned in to kiss her, but Grace's voice interrupted them from the stairs before their lips could meet. Sam blushed furiously as they quickly separated.
"Are you two kissing?" Grace's voice carried down to them.
Jack cleared his throat, his cheeks flushing. "Uh, yes," he admitted awkwardly, adjusting his stance.
Sam glanced down at her shoes, feeling caught in the spotlight.
Grace descended the stairs with a curious expression. "So, does that mean you're together? Like, boyfriend and girlfriend?" she asked, her eyes darting between her father and Sam.
Jack and Sam exchanged glances, both feeling embarrassment and amusement. "Why don't we chat in the living room, Grace? You can ask us all the questions you want," Jack suggested, gently taking Sam's hand.
Sam finally lifted her head with a shy smile to meet Grace's gaze. "Hi, Grace," she greeted softly, not knowing what else to say.
Grace returned the smile, her excitement evident. "Hi, Sam," she replied warmly, eager to learn more about this new chapter in their lives.
Sam and Jack settled onto the couch, with Grace eagerly perched on the floor before them, her excitement practically radiating from her.
"So, go on," Grace prompted, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Jack cleared his throat, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "First, Grace, I want you to know that you are still my top priority, and my love for you will never change," he began, his tone earnest.
Grace rolled her eyes in playful exasperation. "Dad, I know that already, for crying out loud. I'm ten, not five! Can we please move on and talk about you two?" she interjected, directing her attention to Sam.
Feeling the weight of Grace's gaze, Sam swallowed nervously before speaking. "Your father is right, Grace. He cares about you deeply, and I would never try to replace your mother. That's not my intention at all," she explained quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush.
Grace let out an exaggerated sigh, her impatience evident. "Geez, you two are a bit repetitive. I got that ages ago. Can we please move on?" she urged, her eagerness palpable.
Jack couldn't help but chuckle at Grace's impatience. "All right, Grace, what do you want to know?" he asked, smiling.
Grace sighed in relief, grateful for the opportunity to steer the conversation in a different direction. "When is the wedding?" she asked eagerly.
Sam coughed and began to hiccup uncontrollably, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Grace's eyes widened as Sam's hiccups continued relentlessly. With calm concern, Jack instructed Grace to fetch a glass of water. Grace dashed to the kitchen, returning swiftly with the glass as Jack took Sam's hand.
"It's okay. Try to calm down, Sam. You need to reset your diaphragm," Jack urged gently as Grace handed over the glass of water.
Sam nodded as the hiccups continued, her nerves still rattled by Grace's unexpected question. She sipped the water slowly, following Jack's instructions while doing her best to steady her breathing. Gradually, the hiccups subsided, and when she finished the water, she hoarsely thanked them, handing the glass back.
"No problem," Jack reassured her with a soft smile. He then turned to Grace with a warning expression. "Maybe ease up on the questions, Grace, honey?"
Grace blushed slightly and bit her lip, her expression mirroring that of her mother and the woman seated on the couch. "So, are you two dating?" she asked softly.
Jack smiled warmly. "Yes, you could say that. But for now, we need to keep it under wraps because of my retirement request," he explained.
Grace nodded in understanding before turning her attention back to Sam. "Are you staying here in the house for good?" she inquired slowly.
Sam hesitated, exchanging a glance with Jack. They hadn't discussed their living arrangements in detail yet. "I... I'm staying here for now," she replied cautiously.
Grace sighed, accepting the response. "Okay," she said simply before moving on to her next question. "And you'll continue to work with Dad?" she asked, her curiosity evident.
Sam shook her head. "I'm not working with him anymore. I'm still at the Pentagon, but in a different department," she explained.
Grace fell silent, contemplating Sam's answers. She seemed to have something else on her mind, but when prompted by Jack, she insisted it could wait.
"It can wait," Grace repeated, rising from the floor. Sam and Jack exchanged a puzzled look as Grace left the living room, leaving them in a moment of awkward silence.
"Are you sure you don't want to ask anything else, Grace?" Jack called after her, but she didn't respond.
Sam heaved a weary sigh, leaning back against the couch's cushions. The conversation had left her feeling emotionally drained, and she couldn't help but wonder what Grace was thinking.
"I think that went pretty well," Jack remarked, leaning back with his hands clasped behind his head.
"Apart from my hiccups, yes," Sam agreed with a slight chuckle.
Jack started to laugh, earning a playful push from Sam.
"Don't laugh," she scolded, but her reprimand was cut short as Jack leaned in to kiss her on the mouth, catching her by surprise. There were no hiccups this time.
"Jack," she protested weakly as his lips grew more insistent.
"She's not here," he murmured against her lips, kissing her neck afterward. A small smile played on his lips as he leaned in, his gaze flickering to her mouth before he pressed his lips against hers again.
Their kiss deepened, igniting a passion between them that left Sam breathless, her desire growing with each passing moment. They had been apart too long, and she missed him terribly. Jack's hands trailed up her back, his fingers tangling in her hair as he kissed her with fervent longing.
"Jack, Grace is..." Sam moaned, but her protests were silenced when, with a sudden movement, Jack flipped her over, her back landing against the sofa with a gasp. But before Sam could react, Jack captured her mouth with his once more, kissing her with a heart-stopping passion that left her dizzy with desire.
His lips trailed down her throat, leaving a trail of hungry kisses along her skin as Sam's hands threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. When he reached her neck, Jack sucked on her soft skin with intensity, eliciting a muffled moan from Sam as her back arched in pleasure.
"Sam," Jack murmured against her skin, his voice filled with longing. "Please, move into my bedroom. I want to spend this night with you," he pleaded, pressing his lips against her collarbone.
Sam hesitated, her mind racing with thoughts of Grace and their newfound relationship. But as Jack's lips found hers again, she relented, her heart overruling her concerns.
"Okay, but if it bothers Grace, I'll return to my bedroom," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper.
A grin spread across Jack's face as he kissed her senselessly, his love for her evident in every touch. After the passionate kisses and heated moments on the couch subsided, they sat, collecting themselves.
"We can't act like this when Grace is around, Jack," Sam said, clearing her throat and adjusting her clothes.
Jack, too, adjusted his attire, especially his pants, feeling a bit too snug. "Okay, but I miss you," he confessed, his hand reaching out for hers, only for her to evade his touch on the couch skillfully.
"I miss you too," she admitted, rising to her feet. "But let's try to maintain decorum in front of your daughter. Otherwise, I'll relocate to a hotel," she threatened, though her heart wasn't in it. The last thing she desired was to be apart from him.
Jack sprang up in response. "I thought we settled the hotel matter," he replied hastily.
Sam swallowed. "Well, then behave," she warned, giving him a stern look.
Jack scoffed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"Fine. I'll behave while we're here and Grace is around, but I can't promise the same once we're in my bedroom," he teased with a smile.
Sam rolled her eyes. "Now, instead of a three-star General, you're acting like you're eighteen?" she quipped as she left the living room.
Jack swiftly followed, his hand catching hers.
"I wish I were eighteen, but sadly, I'm not," he whispered into her ear, his hand encircling her waist. "We've spent too much time apart, Sam, and it's driving me crazy. So, I apologize if I'm struggling to keep myself in check," he confessed, his body leaning closer to hers.
Sam closed her eyes. "I miss you too, Jack, and... and I want to be with you, but your daughter is in the house," she reasoned, trying to be mature and rational.
Jack pressed a kiss to her neck. "I'll be good," he murmured huskily, then released her.
Sam nearly stumbled. "Good," she managed to say.
With a smile, Jack headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Sam shook her head, silently praying for strength until it was time for bed.
They had lunch, a quiet affair punctuated by Grace's lingering, silent glances at her father and Sam. Eventually, Grace announced she needed to compare some notes with Dakota, retreating to her room with her phone. Seizing the opportunity, Sam quietly began arranging her belongings in Jack's room while he observed from the bed.
"Are you sure about this, Jack?" she asked, placing her sweaters in the drawers he'd emptied for her.
"Absolutely," he replied, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on her.
Sam bit her lip.
"Why? Are you uncomfortable being here?" he asked slowly, the question dawning on him belatedly. He was sometimes a bit slow on these matters.
Sam crossed her arms and met his gaze. "You once told me that being with me felt like having an affair," she said slowly.
Jack swallowed, remaining seated, motionless. "I did, but I no longer feel that way. I stopped feeling like that a long time ago, Sam," he confessed honestly, leaning forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "Sam, please listen to me carefully. Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn't mean they must pay for them for the rest of their lives. Sometimes, good people make bad choices. It doesn't mean they are bad; it means they are human. Can we please accept that we are both human?" he implored.
Sam blushed deeply. "So, what he did to me was a mistake, and he isn't bad? Is that what you want me to accept, Jack?" she asked, her face flushed with emotion.
Jack shook his head vigorously. "No, obviously not. He's a criminal, an animal, and if I ever have the chance, I will kill him. But I was talking about us. You and me," he clarified.
Sam took a deep breath. "You would? Kill him?" she asked softly.
Jack stood up, positioning himself in front of her. "He's not dead already because both of you lied to me when he was here. And yes, I will kill him if I ever meet him again," Jack stated, his eyes darkening with anger.
Sam swallowed, recognizing that look and not wanting to see it again. "No, let it go. I'm learning to deal with it, and I don't want you obsessed with what happened," she pleaded, placing a hand on his chest.
"He will never hurt you again," Jack promised.
Sam smiled weakly. "No, he won't," she affirmed.
Dinner mirrored lunch, though Grace was a touch more talkative this time. She was driven by doubts regarding a scientific experiment that even Dakota's brilliant brother couldn't unravel. So, Sam became the natural solution. She patiently fielded all their questions, endeavoring to keep her explanations simple, though she was surprised by their advanced understanding for their age. But then again, Grace possessed the Carter genes.
"Any more doubts?" Sam inquired, idly playing with the remnants of uneaten pasta on her plate. Jack silently struggled to prevent a nervous breakdown. She'd spent more time talking during dinner than eating.
"Nope. I think we've covered everything. It's pretty obvious our project will win first prize," Grace said, beaming confidently.
Jack cleared his throat. "A little modesty wouldn't hurt, Grace Carter-O'Neill," he remarked.
She shrugged, reaching for the notebook beside her plate. "Well, Daddy, I shouldn't be ashamed if I'm smarter than them. They should feel inadequate. Your daughter is a genius. Get used to it," she said, still smiling. "May I be excused?" she added innocently.
Jack gritted his teeth while Sam glanced at her plate to hide her smile. "Go on, little genius," he grumbled.
Grace blew him a kiss before disappearing.
Sam continued to avoid Jack's gaze, but he could see the faint smile on her lips. "You think that's funny?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Sam lifted her head slowly to meet his eyes, a blush coloring her cheeks.
"I find it remarkable that she's so confident at her age. When I was ten, I was also much smarter than the kids in my class, but my father didn't want me to stand out, so I was told to slow down. My mother kept nurturing my thirst for knowledge at home without my father knowing. Eventually, things resolved themselves when she passed away, and I grew tired of hiding," she revealed.
Jack held his breath. "I'm sorry, Sam. I didn't know," he said, reaching for her hand.
She offered a faint smile. "Maybe it was different with your wife," she suggested.
Jack swallowed hard. "She never told me, so I don't know. She avoided discussing that time of her life, and I never pressed," he admitted quietly.
Sam nodded, pushing her plate away. "I can understand that very well," she sighed.
He cleared his throat. "So, do you want to watch some mindless, idiotic TV?" he asked with a smile.
Sam helped him clear the table. "Let me guess, you still like The Simpsons?" she asked, handing him the dishes to put in the machine.
He looked at her with a surprised expression. "The Simpsons are not idiotic. They are an important piece of American culture," he said earnestly.
Sam rolled her eyes and sighed. "Sure, let's watch the yellow creatures," she said.
Jack took two quick steps and grabbed her by the waist, surprising her. "Just until Grace goes to bed," he whispered in her ear.
Sam bit her lip as his hands began to wander to areas that weren't age-appropriate. "You said you would behave," she reminded him as she attempted to move his hands away.
He released her. "I did, and I will," he said, swiftly moving past her and grabbing the remote.
Sam swallowed nervously as he settled onto the couch and searched for his favorite animated sitcom. She sat beside him as the familiar town of Springfield, and its characters filled the screen. She only prayed that Grace would be sleepy that night and want to go to bed early. Otherwise, she was stuck with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.