Sam was in the midst of a meeting with her second-in-command when a wave of nausea suddenly washed over her. She struggled to maintain composure and continue the discussion, but her discomfort must have been evident on her face.
"Are you feeling alright, General?" Colonel Eric Adler inquired, noting her pallor.
Sam forced herself to swallow the bile rising in her throat.
"Actually, I'm feeling a bit nauseous," she confessed.
Without hesitation, Adler rose from his seat.
"I'll call Doctor Frattini," he insisted.
Sam shook her head weakly.
"There's no need, Colonel. I just need a few moments," she assured him as he exited the room.
Sam hurriedly made her way to the nearest restroom, barely reaching a stall before retching. Splashing water on her face, she gingerly dabbed at her skin with paper towels. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she was dismayed by the dark circles under her eyes and the weariness etched into her features.
"Damn it," she muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Returning to her office, Sam resolved to expedite the remaining tasks. She was determined to leave at a reasonable hour, unlike the past two days when she had stayed late. Grace had voiced her discontent, and though Jack hadn't said anything, she sensed his dissatisfaction too. His slip of calling her "Carter" instead of her given name had not gone unnoticed, a name he usually reserved for intimate moments. Tonight, she was determined to make it home in time to share a meal with her husband and daughter, perhaps even enjoy some quality time together on the couch, watching mindless TV or playing with Grace.
With her customary precision and dedication, Sam wrapped up her tasks efficiently and informed Colonel Adler that she was heading home, emphasizing her availability by phone for any urgent matters. Exiting the Mountain, she got to her car in the parking lot. Since Grace's birth, Sam had set aside her fondness for vintage vehicles and bikes, opting for the safety and practicality of a Volvo XC90, complete with a child seat in the back and enough room for Grace's toys and their mountain bikes. Climbing into the SUV, she started the engine and began the journey home, her stomach still unsettled from earlier.
Upon pulling into the driveway, Sam noticed Jack's truck was absent from the garage, and the house was in darkness. Entering cautiously, she called out, "Guys?" receiving no response. Spotting a small note on the table where they typically left keys and wallets, Sam picked it up and read: "Sam, if you arrive and we're not home, don't worry. I've gone to pick up Grace from a birthday party. Love, Jack."
Sam's heart sank as she realized she had forgotten Grace's invitation to a friend's birthday celebration, which had been organized during one of their visits to the park.
"Fuck," she muttered to herself, acknowledging her recent tendency to overlook details amidst the demands of her work at the SGC and the vastness of the galaxy beyond.
Kicking off her shoes, Sam decided to take advantage of the quiet house and indulge in a soothing shower while awaiting their return. Exhausted both physically and mentally, she lingered under the hot water for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, clad in one of Jack's old T-shirts and comfortable yoga pants, Sam felt an overwhelming wave of drowsiness. Determining to rest for just a few minutes, she collapsed onto their bed, succumbing to sleep almost instantly as her tired body finally found respite.
As Jack parked the truck, his daughter Grace continued her non-stop babbling, fueled by the sugar high from the party. Spotting Sam's car in the garage, he smiled and remarked, "Look, Grace, Mommy's already home."
Grace's response was enthusiastic. "Yes!"
Jack lifted her from her car seat, noting her light pink dress was now adorned with various crayon colors—a souvenir from the lively and colorful party, as Grace's new friend's parents had informed him.
"Mommy?" Grace called out eagerly as they entered the house, but Jack grew concerned when Sam did not respond, and the house remained dark.
Trying to disguise his unease, he gently took Grace's hand.
"Sweetheart, hold my hand," he instructed quietly, eyes scanning the darkened interior.
Jack wasn't armed; since Grace's birth, they kept their firearms securely locked in a safe designed by Sam in the office, accessible only by a combination of numerical code and fingerprints.
"What's wrong, Daddy?" Grace asked, her tone suddenly subdued.
Jack offered her a reassuring smile as he lifted her, his senses on high alert as they moved through the house toward the bedrooms. The alarm was turned off, but his years of training kept him vigilant. Spotting Sam's hat and shoes by the entrance deepened his unease in the prevailing silence. Every creak of the floorboards and whisper of the wind outside heightened his awareness, making him acutely conscious of their surroundings.
With Grace in his arms, eyes scanning each shadowy corner, ready for anything that might break the stillness. The quiet was too profound, too unnatural, and it set Jack's nerves on edge as they continued their careful journey through the house.
"Shh, let's be quiet. Mommy might be sleeping," he whispered, though he doubted it. Sam wasn't in the habit of napping, and if she was working in the office, he wasn't hearing the familiar sound of her typing.
Grace clung tighter to Jack's neck as he slowly pushed open the bedroom door. To his surprise, Sam lay in bed, deeply asleep.
"Look, it's Mommy," Grace whispered, her voice barely audible.
Jack's throat tightened with apprehension. Something didn't feel right. Setting Grace down gently, he instructed her in hushed tones, "Okay, Miss Mermaid, Mommy's tired and needs to rest before dinner. Can you play quietly while I check on her?"
Grace nodded obediently.
"Good girl," Jack praised, kissing her forehead.
Grace went to her bedroom, cheerful chatter gradually filling the quiet house.
Alone with Sam, Jack softly closed the bedroom door and cautiously approached the bed.
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers gently combing through his wife's hair. Sam remained motionless, her breathing steady.
"Sam, honey?" he called softly, a tinge of concern creeping into his voice.
She stirred slightly but didn't awaken. Jack reached over to switch on the nightstand lamp, illuminating the room with a soft glow. Carefully, he pulled back the covers, inspecting Sam for any signs of injury, although he knew she hadn't been off-world in a while. Finding nothing amiss, he tucked her in again, his brow furrowing in worry.
"Sam?" he called once more, his hand pressing gently on her shoulder this time.
Suddenly, Sam's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her gaze.
"Jack? What...what time is it?" she murmured, blinking in the light.
Glancing at the clock, Jack replied, "It's almost 1900."
Sam sat up abruptly, her blue eyes widening, and then she clamped a hand over her mouth.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked, rising from the bed as Sam dashed to the bathroom. He could hear her retching and immediately rushed to the doorway.
"Honey, are you sick?" he inquired with concern.
Sam emerged from the bathroom, rinsing her mouth and wiping her lips.
"Probably it's something I ate at the cafeteria," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.
Jack studied her carefully, his arms crossed in front of him. He knew her too well to accept that explanation without further inquiry.
"Sam, has this happened before today?" he questioned gently.
Sam cleared her throat, her eyes flickering with discomfort as she skirted past him to grab a sweater.
"Yes," she admitted quietly, her voice barely audible.
"And let me guess... You haven't gone to the CMO?" Jack asked, his tone tinged with exasperation, almost rolling his eyes.
Sam settled onto the bed, crossing her legs as she replied, "I get nauseous sometimes. If I went to see Selena every time I felt sick, that poor woman wouldn't have time for anything else on the base." There was a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Jack sighed deeply.
"Well, she is the CMO of the SGC, and you're the CO of the base. It's her job," he pointed out.
Sam blushed, her fingers fidgeting with the sweater she held, her gaze fixed on the floor.
"Samantha?" Jack said her name slowly, trying to gauge her reaction.
Sam bit her lip, meeting his gaze.
"Yes, Jonathan?" she replied with a provocative half-smile.
Jack attempted to maintain a serious expression.
"I'm not joking. You're going to see Doctor Selena Frattini tomorrow morning, or I'll drag you there myself," he warned, his tone firm.
Sam shot him a warning glance in return.
"Don't even go there, Jack," she retorted, her voice low.
This wasn't new between them, so Jack crossed his arms, unmoved.
"Don't make me go there, Sam," he countered firmly.
Sam swallowed, relenting.
"Okay, I'll see her tomorrow," she conceded slowly.
Jack softened, offering her a smile.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
"Where's Grace?" Sam asked, attempting to shift the conversation.
Jack sighed but complied.
"In her bedroom, playing and talking to herself, or maybe to the Ancients. Take your pick," he replied, a touch of fun in his voice.
Immediately, Sam's expression hardened.
"That's not funny, Jack. We've discussed this before," she reprimanded him in a low voice.
Jack raised his hands in surrender.
"Yes, I know, and I'm sorry," he apologized as he reached for his T-shirt and unbuttoned his jeans. "I'm going to shower," he announced before leaving the room.
Sam rose from the bed, her expression serious, and left to check on their daughter, leaving a lingering tension in the air.
When Grace was born, several tests revealed surprising results due to the unique conditions of both her parents. Grace possessed the Ancient Technology Activation (ATA) gene, which she had inherited from her father, and traces of Naquadah in her blood from her mother. This information was classified and known only to a select few individuals. Sam was adamant that Grace should be kept away from any situation involving the use of the ATA gene and had even threatened to resign and disappear with her daughter unless she received a signed directive from the President himself. Eventually, after much arguing, she succeeded in obtaining this assurance.
This had been the first and, so far, only main argument between Sam and Jack, but it was a confrontation that had shaken their marriage to its core. Sam relentlessly protected her daughter from potential harm, even if it meant distancing themselves from her father, who had conflicting opinions. While Jack believed Grace could be an asset to them in the future, Sam insisted that the decision should ultimately lie with Grace herself when the time came. For now, however, Sam was firmly in control, asserting that the Air Force had no jurisdiction over her daughter's involvement or body.
One fateful night, after many shouts and arguments, Sam took Grace and left their house in D.C. without informing Jack of their destination, leaving him worried and dreading their future. In total panic, he pleaded with her to return, apologizing profusely for their disagreement. Sam returned home two days later, and Jack knew the matter was closed. He chose his family without hesitation over any potential gains for the Stargate Program, and they never broached the topic of Grace's possible abilities again.
Until today.
Grace was seated on the floor, engrossed in one of her many puzzles with large, colorful pieces while chattering away about something Sam couldn't quite decipher. She never dared to ask Grace whether she could perceive the Ancients out of fear of alarming her and the apprehension that she might have that ability. Such a revelation would only lead to a host of new complications. Thus, she let Grace be, allowing her to speak freely without probing further. As she grew, there would be plenty of time to go deeper into that subject.
"Hi, honey," Sam greeted her daughter from the doorway, smiling warmly as she watched Grace's focused concentration.
Grace's face lit up with delight as she looked up and saw her mother.
"Hi, Mommy," she responded cheerfully, effortlessly fitting another puzzle piece into place.
Sam couldn't help but notice that Grace seemed to be quickly mastering the puzzles, signaling that it might be time to increase the difficulty level soon.
"Would you like to play?" Grace asked, extending an invitation to her mother.
Sam knelt beside her daughter, selecting a puzzle piece and trying to find its proper place. However, her gaze kept drifting to Grace's hands and dress, adorned with various colors from crayons. With a sigh, Sam placed the puzzle piece and asked, "Did you enjoy the party?"
Grace beamed, flashing Sam with her trademark Carter mega-watt smile.
"Oh yes, Mommy! There was chocolate cake and lots of sweets, and we played games. I want to go again!" she exclaimed excitedly, slotting another puzzle piece into its spot.
Sam nodded, noting that Grace needed a bath and was likely on a sugar high. She didn't eat much sweets at home.
"Okay, sweetheart, I'm sure there will be more parties. But for now, how about we go to the bathtub and have fun with your toys?" she suggested.
Grace furrowed her brow, questioning, "A bath?"
Sam nodded, gently taking one of Grace's hands and inspecting the colored fingers.
"I don't think this is your natural color," she teased, winking at her daughter.
Grace giggled, admitting, "No... we did a lot of painting."
Sam ran her hand through Grace's soft hair, smiling fondly.
"I bet you did. So, bath?" she proposed once more.
Grace rolled her eyes dramatically.
"I suppose..." she replied, feigning reluctance.
Sam chuckled and lifted Grace, whispering, "I promise not to drown you."
Grace erupted into laughter as they went to Grace's bathroom, where Sam filled the tub with warm water. Grace eagerly arranged her toys around her in the water, her apprehension about baths fading away in the comforting presence of her mother.
After his shower, Jack left the bedroom and heard the sounds emanating from Grace's room, indicating that Sam had adeptly managed to get Grace into the bathtub. Smiling, he went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, silently hoping there wouldn't be any more discussions about the Ancients and the genetic inheritance Grace had received.
The memory of that intense conversation and the subsequent anxiety he had felt when Sam had walked out of the house with Grace in her arms still sent shivers down his spine. For a terrifying moment, Jack had feared he had lost his wife and newborn daughter forever, his life crumbling around him. Jack's racing heartbeat only settled into its usual rhythm when Sam and Grace returned home. He wasn't ashamed to admit that tears had dropped intensively down his cheeks during their absence.
Sighing deeply, Jack opened the fridge and peered inside, contemplating what to make for dinner. The events of that tumultuous period still weighed heavily on his mind, reminding him of the pivotal moment when he had confessed to Sam, in their living room, that his family was his top priority and that he cared for nothing else, not even the Stargate Program. He had declared his unwavering commitment to them and them alone.
"You and your big mouth," he muttered aloud.
Taking a steadying breath, Jack resolved to focus on the present moment, setting aside the memories of their past conflicts. It was time to prepare a meal for his family, a simple yet meaningful act of love and devotion.
As promised, the following day, Sam made her way to the office of the base's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Selena Frattini. Finding the doctor typing away at her desk, Sam knocked and entered, exchanging greetings with the petite, dark-haired, deep, ebony African American doctor.
"Good morning, General. What can I do for you?" Selena inquired, her warm smile inviting Sam to take a seat.
Sam settled into the chair, beginning, "Morning, Selena. I'm actually here to quiet my husband."
Selena chuckled, having met General Carter's husband and their adorable daughter several times.
"Oh, so what has General O'Neill said to send you to my office?" she asked, curious.
Sam hesitated, biting her lip before continuing, "I experienced nausea twice yesterday and ended up throwing up. Nothing too unusual, but..." She paused, her expression troubled. "Here I am," she added, trailing off.
Selena took her hands from the keyboard, her tone becoming more serious.
"Nausea? Are there any other symptoms? Dizziness? Fatigue?" she inquired slowly.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"I think it was probably something I ate in the cafeteria, Selena. Their food sometimes upsets my stomach. Why are you asking so many questions?" she asked cautiously.
Standing up, Selena approached Sam with her penlight, instructing her to hold still. Sam gripped the armchairs tightly, her anxiety mounting.
"Well, General, you're the genius around here. I'm sure the thought has already crossed your mind..." Selena remarked as she gently pressed her penlight against Sam's wide eyes.
Sam blinked, startled by the sudden brightness.
"We can perform a blood test to put your mind at ease," Selena offered calmly.
Sam paled at the suggestion.
"Blood test? Are you suggesting I might be pregnant?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Selena responded with a playful smile, "You're married, and your husband is quite the catch."
Sam blushed deeply at the remark, feeling embarrassed and shocked. Selena quickly backtracked, realizing her misstep.
"I apologize, General. That was out of line," she said sincerely.
Shaking her head, Sam managed a weak smile.
"Well, both statements are true," she admitted, still processing the possibility.
Selena swallowed hard, momentarily forgetting she was speaking to the base CO.
"Do the test," Sam ordered firmly, her voice steady despite the thoughts racing through her mind.
Selena nodded in understanding, retrieving the necessary materials from her cupboard. As Selena prepared to take blood, Sam couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension. Of course, the possibility of pregnancy had crossed her mind. In Selena's office, as soon as she started asking questions, not before. So much for her genius fame.
Her irregular menstrual cycle made it unreliable for detecting pregnancy. Despite being on the pill, she and Jack had been intimate enough that conception was entirely possible since it wasn't bulletproof. Sam had brushed off her exhaustion as a result of overwork and attributed her nausea to a questionable meal from the cafeteria. However, she realized now that she might have overlooked the early signs.
Once the test was completed, Selena assured her, "I'll have the results for you within 24 hours."
Sam nodded, her mind still reeling from the sudden turn of events.
"Please, keep this between us," she requested as she rose.
Selena nodded in agreement, feeling remorseful for her earlier comment. "Of course, General. And once again, I'm sorry," she apologized sincerely.
Sam offered her a small smile.
"He is very handsome indeed," she remarked casually before taking her leave, a mix of anxiety and anticipation churning in her stomach.
As Sam walked down the corridor, thoughts of a potential pregnancy consumed her. She and Jack hadn't discussed expanding their family, and she had no idea how he felt about the prospect. Similarly, she wondered how Grace would react to having a sibling.
Lost in her thoughts, Sam went to Adler's office to inform him of her brief absence before heading to the gym to clear her mind. Changing quickly in the locker room, she spent forty-five minutes pushing her body on the treadmill, attempting to distract herself from the overwhelming uncertainty looming over her.
As soon as Sam entered the door, Jack sensed something was amiss. Grace was quietly engrossed in her puzzle in the living room, oblivious to the tension in the air. Sam greeted her daughter absentmindedly, her mind preoccupied. Sensing her distress, Jack approached her, his hand grasping hers.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, concern evident.
Sam gave him a strange look before resting her forehead against his chest.
"We need to talk," she murmured.
Jack's instincts went immediately into overdrive.
"Okay," he replied quietly.
"I'll change. Come with me," Sam requested, her tone urgent.
Jack nodded and gently guided her towards their bedroom. His worry grew as they entered the bedroom, and he closed the door behind them.
"All right, we're alone now. What's going on?" he inquired, his throat tight with apprehension.
Sam began pacing the room, her movements only heightening Jack's anxiety. She didn't even attempt to take her dress blues.
"Sam, please start talking," he urged, his heart pounding.
She ran a hand through her hair before finally coming to a halt before him.
"I...I might be pregnant," she confessed, her words hanging heavy in the air.
Jack stood frozen, his mind struggling to process the revelation.
"Pregnant? Like, pregnant-pregnant?" he managed to utter, his voice barely above a whisper.
Sam nodded, her pulse racing.
"Selena took my blood today, and we should have the results tomorrow," she explained, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
"Okay," Jack responded slowly, his gaze locked with hers.
"We didn't plan this, Jack," Sam admitted, her voice wavering with emotion.
Jack shook his head, a mixture of shock and disbelief coursing through him.
"No, we didn't," he acknowledged quietly.
Grace's conception had been meticulously planned, and every detail was meticulously discussed and executed, mainly because they lived in different parts of the country. Sam was in Nevada, and Jack was in Washington, D.C. This unexpected pregnancy was an entirely different scenario. They hadn't talked about it, hadn't planned it, but they had undoubtedly executed it multiple times. Apparently, they were pretty adept at the execution part.
"How do you feel about this?" Sam asked, her hand trembling slightly as she brushed it over Jack's chest. She could feel the rapid thud of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips, indicating his nerves mirrored her own.
"How do you feel about this?" Jack echoed, his voice soft but laden with uncertainty.
Sam swallowed hard, realizing neither wanted to take the first step.
"I don't know," she admitted honestly, feeling a weight settle in her chest.
Jack let out a heavy sigh.
"I'm surprised. Actually, I'm a little shocked," he confessed, his brows furrowing with contemplation.
Sam bit her lip, her mind racing with possibilities. Despite the initial shock, they still had choices to make, options to consider if this was indeed what they wanted. Summoning her courage, Sam took a tentative step forward.
"If I'm pregnant, we have options," she stated slowly, the words heavy with implication. She didn't want to broach the subject, but they needed to be on the same page as a married couple.
Jack opened his mouth to respond, then hesitated before closing it again. Sam closed her eyes, steeling herself for what she was about to say.
"It's okay, Jack. I'll take care of it," she offered, her voice strained as she fought to keep her composure.
Jack's reaction was immediate, his grip on her hand tightening almost painfully.
"Take care of what?" he demanded, confusion evident.
Sam met his gaze, her hand still resting on his chest.
"I'll figure out a way. No one has to know. I'll tell Selena I miscarried," she explained, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
Jack released her hand and gently cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Who said I don't want a baby with you?" he asked, his voice steady but filled with intensity.
Sam's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"I thought...I mean, you..." she stumbled over her words, unable to articulate her thoughts.
Before she could continue, Jack silenced her with a deep, passionate kiss, his lips seeking hers with an urgency that left her breathless.
"Stop talking," he commanded between kisses, his actions speaking louder than words.
Sam could only nod in agreement, her mind reeling from the flood of emotions as they lost themselves in each other's embrace once more.
When their lips finally parted, Jack still held Sam's face gently in his hands.
"Of course, I want this baby, Sam. It's our baby. Another one," he reassured her, his smile warm and filled with love.
Sam felt a rush of relief wash over her. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck as she leaned into his embrace.
"I don't know if I'm pregnant," she confessed softly, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
"Yes, you are. I'm sure of it," Jack declared confidently, his voice laced with certainty.
Sam closed her eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the emotions coursing through her.
"Good. No need to wait for the test then," she murmured, resting her face against his shoulder.
"Honey?" Jack's voice cut through her dizziness, prompting her to open her eyes.
Sam felt a sudden lightness wash over her.
"I think I'm going to faint, Jack..." she trailed off before darkness enveloped her.
When Sam regained consciousness, she was lying beside a worried Jack on their bed.
"Hey," he greeted softly, his eyes filled with concern.
"Hey," she replied weakly, attempting to sit up.
"Nice nap?" Jack teased gently, brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead.
Sam couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Can't remember," she admitted, lingering with dizziness.
"Okay, no problem," Jack reassured her with a gentle smile.
"I'm sorry, Jack," Sam apologized suddenly, her voice tinged with guilt.
"What for?" Jack asked, confusion etched on his features.
"For this. For getting pregnant," Sam clarified, her expression troubled.
Jack leaned in to kiss her, his lips tender before deepening the kiss with more passion. When he pulled back, Sam was left breathless.
"We made a baby together, Sam—another one. Why are you sorry?" he questioned gently.
Sam swallowed, her eyes searching his for reassurance.
"I don't know. I thought maybe you didn't want another one," she admitted hesitantly.
Jack's grin widened, his brown eyes sparkling with affection.
"To clarify, every baby made with you is a welcome gift to the Carter-O'Neill family. We can make as many as you want. A hockey team would be my dream, but you might oppose it," he joked, pressing another kiss to her lips.
Sam paled at the mention of a hockey team.
"Six too much?" Jack teased, his hand drifting to her still-flat belly.
"For crying out loud, Jack," Sam exclaimed, closing her eyes in exasperation.
Jack chuckled and gently caressed her belly, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
"Boy or girl?" he inquired playfully, his eyes alight with excitement.
Sam opened her eyes cautiously.
"I think it's best if we wait for Selena's test results first," she replied cautiously.
Jack smiled, his hand lingering on her belly.
"Boy or girl?" he asked again, his tone eager.
Sam sighed softly.
"No preference," she confessed.
Jack leaned in to kiss her belly, causing goosebumps across her skin.
"Well, then we're having a boy," he whispered against her belly button.
Sam ran her fingers through his hair, feeling a surge of love for him.
"You wouldn't mind having a boy?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Jack lifted his head to meet her gaze, his eyes filled with adoration.
"No," he declared firmly. "No," he repeated as if convincing himself.
"You know I love you very much, don't you, Jack?" Sam asked, tears welling in her eyes.
Jack brushed away her tears with his thumb, his expression tender.
"I know. And I love you too. To the Pegasus galaxy and back," he affirmed, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I want this baby very much, Sam. Even if we didn't plan him," Jack added with a smile, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Sam cupped his face in her hands and kissed him deeply, pouring all her love and gratitude into the kiss. They may not have planned for another baby, but at that moment, Sam knew they were both ready to welcome this new addition to their family with open arms.