As soon as Sam stepped into the Mountain, she was informed that Dr. Frattini wanted to see her so instead of heading straight to her office, Sam went to the infirmary. It wasn't something she had planned for the day, but she needed a moment to let the news of her pregnancy sink in. Jack's words from the previous night had convinced her, even before she had the blood test results in hand, which she was about to receive any minute now.
Exiting the elevator, Sam walked briskly to the infirmary. Selena, the CMO, was attending to a patient, so Sam decided to wait in her office. Restlessness consumed her, prompting her to pace around the small office until the door swung open, and Dr. Frattini entered.
"General," Selena greeted, clearly surprised.
"Hi, Selena. I was told you wanted to see me," Sam replied.
Selena nodded and gestured to the vacant chair. Sam sank into it with a sigh.
"Yes, General. I've received the blood results. Do you want to know?" Selena asked slowly.
Sam nodded eagerly.
"You are indeed pregnant. Congratulations," Selena announced with a tentative smile.
Sam returned the smile, acknowledging that Jack had been right all along.
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
Clearing her throat, Selena broached a more serious topic. "So, taking your reaction yesterday, may I assume this is an unplanned pregnancy?" she inquired.
Again, Sam nodded.
Selena picked up a pen, twirling it between her fingers as her gaze shifted between it and Sam's face.
"You can speak freely," she encouraged, sensing Selena's hesitation.
"Well, General, although I'm not an obstetrician, pregnancy at the age of 42 is often referred to as 'advanced maternal age' and can come with certain considerations and potential risks. I advise you to consult with your OB as soon as possible," she advised.
Sam swallowed hard, fully aware of the implications of her age on her pregnancy. Considering their age and demanding careers, she and Jack hadn't planned on having another child after Grace. They had assumed that the chapter of their lives was closed with Grace. Clearly, they had been mistaken, and fate had other plans, challenging their assumptions and leading them down an unexpected path.
"Yes, I understand. Can you give me an overall picture?" Sam asked, her tone earnest.
Selena cleared her throat, preparing to lay out the details.
"You have several things that are in your favor. You don't have hypertension or diabetes, you're in excellent physical shape, and the naquadah in your blood has proven helpful," Selena said with a reassuring smile. "And there's your husband's ATA gene, " Selena added carefully.
Having scrutinized Sam's file, Selena Frattini treaded cautiously. It held a stark note detailing Grace's birth and the extraordinary genetic makeup she possessed. It went further, revealing a Presidential decree—all tests and procedures concerning Grace Carter-O'Neill were forbidden without her explicit consent upon reaching adulthood. The implications were heavy, and Selena found herself navigating a treacherous path.
"Yes, we have that genetic mix," Sam said thoughtfully without elaborating further. "Now, please give me the negatives," she prompted, bracing herself for what would come.
Selena picked up her pen again, adopting a more serious demeanor.
"Right... The risk of miscarriage increases with maternal age. Older mothers are more likely to deliver prematurely, and there's the risk of certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and placental abruption," Selena relayed quickly, ticking off each point.
Sam absorbed the information briefly, closing her eyes. Sensing her distress, Selena attempted to offer some encouragement.
"But that doesn't mean it will happen to you, General. This is what's in the textbooks. Every case is unique, and you are clearly a unique case. Talk to your doctor, and I'm sure you'll be reassured. You'll probably need to do some tests, but I'm confident everything will be fine. You'll have another beautiful baby," Selena said with a warm smile.
Sam slowly opened her eyes, exhaling softly.
"I hope so. I really do," she admitted in a subdued voice, her worries lingering.
"You can always come and see me whenever you want. I'll help you however I can," Selena offered sincerely.
Gathering herself, Sam rose from her seat, straightening her dress blues.
"Thank you, Doctor," she said gratefully before leaving the office, her mind filled with hope and concern.
Alone in her office, Sam stared blankly at her computer screen. She had a meeting scheduled in fifteen minutes, but her thoughts were consumed by the life growing inside her and the mounting fear that accompanied it. She tried to push the anxiety away, but it only seemed to intensify with each passing moment. Sam felt on the verge of a panic attack, a sensation she had never experienced before.
Taking deep breaths, she tried to steady herself, inhaling slowly and exhaling even more gradually. It took considerable effort, but eventually, she regained some composure, though the fear still lingered beneath the surface.
Just as she began to collect her thoughts, a knock on the door startled her. Colonel Adler poked his head in and reminded her of the impending meeting. Sam nodded, gathering her papers as she pushed aside her turmoil. With damp palms and a stoic expression, she headed to the meeting room, relying on years of practiced composure to mask the turmoil within.
The day passed in a blur, each moment shrouded in a fog of exhaustion and anxiety. The only bright spot was Jack's enthusiastic call after she texted him the positive pregnancy result. Despite her weariness, Sam couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth at his excitement.
Sam was mentally and physically drained when she climbed into her SUV to drive home. She navigated the streets cautiously, driving slower than usual to avoid any potential accidents. Her mind raced with worries about how she would manage once her pregnancy progressed. If she felt this overwhelmed at the early stages, how would she cope as her belly began to swell? Her previous pregnancy with Grace had been relatively smooth, but she couldn't ignore the fact that she was older now, and with age came new challenges.
When Sam finally arrived home, Sam left the car in the driveway, knowing Jack could move it into the garage later. She felt the weight of stress pressing down on her shoulders, making each step feel like she was trudging through molasses. Grace's voice filled the air as she stepped inside, singing along to the familiar tunes of "The Little Mermaid." Sam couldn't help but inwardly groan as the Disney character continued to dominate their household.
Setting her hat and keys in their designated spots, Sam kicked off her shoes and padded barefoot into the living room. There, she found Grace perched on the sofa, lost in her world of melody, while Jack sat nearby in his favorite chair, oblivious to the noise thanks to his noise-canceling headphones. Despite her fatigue and worries, Sam couldn't suppress a small smile at the scene before her.
Sam reached for the TV remote and lowered the volume, prompting Grace to turn her head with a questioning look.
"Mommy?" she inquired, her bright blue eyes searching Sam's face.
Sam leaned in to kiss Grace's forehead.
"Hello, Grace. We don't want to disturb the neighbors with the movie, do we?" she gently chided.
Grace pouted slightly.
"But it wasn't loud," she protested before diverting her attention to her coloring book nearby.
Meanwhile, Jack remained engrossed in his book, oblivious to the interactions around him.
"I think we've had enough Disney for today," Sam declared, switching off the TV.
Jack's eyes finally lifted from his book, and he noticed the TV suddenly turning off. Then he turned to Sam, removing his headphones.
"Sam? When did you get home?" he inquired, rising from his chair.
Sam motioned to the sofa.
"Just now," she replied, watching Grace intently focus on her coloring.
Concern etched Jack's features as he approached Sam, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"How are you feeling? You look exhausted," he remarked, his worry evident.
Sam sighed, feeling the weight of the day settle on her shoulders.
"Tired, exhausted, stressed. Take your pick," she admitted wearily.
Glancing briefly at Grace, Jack addressed her.
"Grace, sweetheart, why don't you stay here and keep coloring while Daddy takes care of Mommy, okay?" he suggested.
Grace nodded obediently, engrossed in her artwork.
Jack then kissed Sam tenderly before sweeping her up in his arms, eliciting giggles from her.
"No giggling, General," he teased as he carried her toward their bedroom.
Sam buried her face in Jack's neck, closing her eyes and allowing herself to relax. Jack gently set her down inside the bedroom, his hands already working to unbutton her jacket.
"Now, we're going to have a bath," he declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued undressing her.
Sam raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her expression.
"We?" she questioned teasingly.
Jack grinned.
"Yes, we," he affirmed, his gaze filled with warmth as he helped her out of her shirt.
While Jack didn't bother locking their bedroom door, he secured the bathroom door and filled the tub. The air was filled with the scent of relaxation as they indulged in a luxurious bath, enveloped by bubbles and the warmth of their intimacy, shielded from Grace's innocent eyes.
As Jack tenderly rinsed Sam's hair, a smile danced on his lips.
"I think we need a larger bathtub," he remarked, gently massaging her scalp.
Sam let out a contented sigh with her eyes closed, her breathing still not fully regulated from their previous activities.
"I'll need a larger bathtub as soon as the baby starts to grow," she corrected him, leaning into his touch.
Jack kissed her head, his hand drifting to her belly.
"We still have plenty of time," he reassured her playfully.
Sam sighed, her head finding its place against his chest.
"I have to schedule an appointment with an OB with clearance," she mentioned, her words slow and thoughtful.
"I'm sure Selena can recommend some names," Jack suggested as he gently wiped away the last bubbles from their bodies.
"She already gave me an overview. Not something I'm particularly looking forward to," Sam admitted with a hint of reluctance.
With the water turned off, Jack reached for a towel, starting with Sam's hair. As he tenderly dried her, their shared anticipation mingled with the soothing warmth of the moment, offering a glimpse into the journey they were about to embark on together.
"This isn't our first rodeo, Sam... We've been through this with Grace," Jack said slowly as he helped her out of the tub.
Wrapping herself in a large towel, Sam nodded thoughtfully.
"True, but we were younger back then, Jack, and we didn't have Grace," she pointed out as she unlocked the bathroom door and went to the bedroom.
Jack ran a hand through his face, deciding to forgo shaving despite the slight stubble. Draped in a towel around his waist, he followed her.
Seated on the bed, Jack watched as Sam began to dress, comforted by her familiar routine.
"Tell me what's bothering you," he urged gently, recognizing that something was weighing on her mind.
Allowing the towel to drop, Sam dressed in her nightclothes, her movements slow and deliberate.
"I'm just feeling too stressed, Jack, and I shouldn't be," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.
Jack crossed his arms, and his expression filled with concern.
"We only found out about the pregnancy yesterday. You're probably still in shock or something. You need time to process everything, Sam. You always do," he reassured her, his words measured.
Sam began to comb her wet hair, meeting Jack's gaze through the mirror of her dresser.
"Yes, I need time to process things, and I'm probably still in shock. You're right on both counts. But regardless, I'm feeling overwhelmed, Jack. I could barely focus at work today and almost had a panic attack. None of this happened when I was pregnant with Grace," she confessed, setting down her brush.
Jack rose from the bed, standing beside her and touching her shoulders.
"Grace was our first baby, honey. Everything was new then. Knowing what to expect, it's natural to feel more stressed," he reasoned, kissing her head.
Sam gave him a curious look.
"So, you're not feeling stressed?" she inquired.
Jack grinned.
"Me? I managed to drop three eggs on the floor while cooking lunch today. If that's not stressful, I'm getting senile," he chuckled, his smile warm.
Sam couldn't help but laugh.
"Jesus, Jack," she exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hand.
Jack chuckled along with her.
"I think it's perfectly understandable that we're both feeling stressed about this pregnancy. Grace was different. We planned for her. This one was unexpected, but it doesn't have to be a problem or a source of stress, honey. We can handle it. Together," he reassured her, his fingers gently massaging her shoulders.
"I know," Sam replied softly, her hands covering his. "And you better get dressed because I have a feeling our daughter will be knocking on that door any minute now," she added with a smile.
Jack kissed her head once more before releasing her and grabbing some clothes. A sense of reassurance settled between them as they prepared to face this new chapter of their lives together.
After a quiet dinner where Grace shared her thoughts on Ariel's loss of voice and various scenes from the movie, Sam struggled to focus. Her mind drifted to the impending challenges of the new pregnancy, particularly how to break the news to Grace about her future sibling. As they finished dinner and moved to the living room, Grace requested permission to play in her bedroom, which was granted.
Alone on the sofa, Sam broached the topic with Jack, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his sweatpants as he played with her hair.
"We'll have to tell her eventually," she began, her voice soft.
Jack continued to stroke her hair, his expression thoughtful. "Yes, eventually," he agreed.
Sam's fingers halted. "How do we tell her, Jack?" she asked quietly.
Jack paused, his fingers also ceasing their movement.
"Grace is still very young, Sam, and we don't know how far along you are. I think it's best to wait at least until the end of the first trimester," he suggested gently.
Sam bit her lip, voicing their mutual fears.
"You're afraid of a miscarriage," she stated.
Jack swallowed, his expression solemn.
"We took the same approach with Grace," he reminded her, his fingers gently resuming their soothing motions through her hair.
"Okay, so we wait until then. What about the nursery?" Sam asked, her fingers picking up their previous patterns.
"Well, we have two guest rooms that are rarely used except when Vala and Daniel visit, and we both know they usually end up sharing one," Jack replied with a smile.
Sam mirrored his smile. Over the years, their friends had reached an unspoken understanding regarding their relationship. While they didn't openly declare their feelings, it was clear that Daniel happened to be at her house whenever Sam called Vala and vice versa. The same held when Jack contacted Daniel. Only one guest room was occupied whenever they visited, and they did not disturb Grace. After Jack had casually mentioned his only concern was Grace's sleep, Vala blushed and immediately suggested a shopping trip with Grace. From then on, it was understood that only one room needed to be prepared for their visits.
"So, we'll transform one of the guest rooms into a nursery. Eventually," Sam reiterated, using the word once more.
Jack's fingers moved to her neck, and he slowly massaged it.
"Yes, eventually. We still have everything from Grace because someone didn't want to give anything away. I won't mention names," he teased with a smile.
Sam playfully pinched his knee, causing Jack to yelp.
"Ouch," he exclaimed.
"I don't like to throw things away, okay? Aren't you happy we don't have to go shopping?" Sam asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Jack gritted his teeth, but when she started to massage the spot where she had hurt him, he relented.
"Yes, very happy, dear," he replied through clenched teeth.
Sam's fingers paused, and Jack, sensing her hesitation, spoke up quickly, fearing another pinch. "I am, Sam," he assured her.
Sam resumed her massage, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Basically, we just have to paint it and move furniture," she mused aloud, mentally arranging the nursery.
"We have plenty of time to do that," Jack reassured her, his hands moving down to her stomach. He had become fixated on her belly as soon as they learned about the pregnancy, just as he had been with Grace. Sam thought he would keep his hands there the entire pregnancy if he could. It felt good and warm, and once his hands even glowed, startling her in bed. It never happened again.
"Hmm... any names yet?" he inquired slowly.
Sam swallowed, her mind already racing. "Jack, we still don't know if it's a boy or a girl," she reminded him softly.
Undeterred, Jack's warm hands continued to rest on her stomach.
"We can pick a few for both options," he suggested.
Sam turned to look at him, her hands moving to his temples. He could see the anticipation in her eyes as she awaited his response.
"What name are you thinking about, Jack?" she asked gently.
He swallowed hard, uncertain of her reaction to his idea. "Jacob," he stated, his gaze locked on hers.
Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "You want to name our baby after my father?" she asked, her voice filled with astonishment.
Jack nodded slowly, watching her reaction closely. Her eyes blinked rapidly, and tears formed at the corners.
"But we don't have to if you don't like it," he reassured her, wiping her tears.
Sam sniffled and cupped his head with her hands, her expression softening.
"I'd love that, Jack. Thank you," she whispered, kissing him tenderly.
He held her tightly, and they remained on the sofa, lost in each other's embrace until Grace interrupted them.
"Having trouble breathing again?" she asked, standing by the sofa's edge.
Sam smiled against Jack's lips, stealing one last kiss before addressing their daughter.
"No, honey. Mommy and Daddy just love each other very much," she explained gently.
Grace bit her lip, considering this.
"So if I love someone very much, can I kiss them on the mouth?" she inquired innocently.
Jack nearly jumped from the sofa in alarm.
"Absolutely not! No kissing!" he declared emphatically. "Until you are thirty!"
Suppressing a smile, Sam placed a hand on his arm.
"What your father means is that Mommy and Daddy kiss each other because they're grown-ups, but you don't need to kiss like that until you're older," she clarified with a straight face.
"Much, much older!" Jack said quickly, and Sam gently elbowed him in the ribs.
Grace huffed in response. "Okay," she conceded, accepting their explanation.
Sam sat nervously in the waiting room of the obstetrician's office, her fingers tapping anxiously on her knee. Jack sat beside her, offering a reassuring smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand. "You're going to be fine, Sam," he murmured.
Sam managed to smile weakly in return, her mind filled with worries about her age and pregnancy. She couldn't shake the fear of potential complications and risks associated with being an older mother.
Sam's nerves intensified as they were called into the examination room. The obstetrician, Dr. Thompson, was recommended by Selena and had clearance and knowledge of the Stargate Program. She greeted them warmly and gestured for Sam to sit on the examination table while Jack pulled a chair beside her, providing much-needed support.
"Alright, General Carter, how are you feeling today?" Dr. Thompson began, flipping through Sam's medical records on her tablet.
Sam took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
"Honestly, a bit anxious," she admitted, her voice wavering slightly.
Dr. Thompson nodded understandingly.
"It's normal to feel that way, especially with your first appointment. Now, let's address any concerns you may have. What's been on your mind?"
Sam glanced at Jack before turning back to the doctor.
"Well, I'm... I'm worried about my age," she confessed hesitantly. "I know being pregnant at 42 comes with increased risks, and I'm concerned about how that might affect the baby."
Dr. Thompson nodded empathetically.
"Yes, advanced maternal age does come with some additional considerations," she acknowledged. "But it's important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and age is one factor among many, General. We'll closely monitor your health and the baby's development to ensure everything progresses as smoothly as possible."
Jack chimed in, his voice filled with reassurance.
"And we're here to support each other every step of the way," he added, gently squeezing Sam's hand.
Sam smiled gratefully at him before turning back to Dr. Thompson.
"Thank you. It's all about having a healthy pregnancy," she said earnestly.
Dr. Thompson nodded, her expression warm and encouraging.
"Absolutely, General. That's our goal as well. Now, let's go ahead and do your first ultrasound so we can take a look at your little one."
Sam's heart raced with anticipation as the ultrasound machine whirred to life. Jack's hand remained firmly clasped in hers, offering unwavering support as they watched the screen together, the image of their baby filling them with awe and wonder.
After leaving Dr. Thompson's office, Sam leaned heavily into Jack's embrace, her arms wrapping around his neck.
"Oh God, we're doing this," she murmured, her voice filled with excitement and trepidation.
Jack held her close, his surprise evident.
"Yes, honey, we are," he replied, his arms encircling her protectively as they stood on the pavement outside the doctor's office.
"I think my hormones are already going crazy," Sam confessed, her head still nestled against his chest.
"Why's that?" Jack inquired, genuinely curious.
Sam pulled back slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Because I don't want to go back to work. I want to drag you to a motel and spend the rest of the afternoon using your body," she confessed with a wicked smile.
Jack felt his cheeks flush crimson, a rare occurrence for him, especially in public.
"Uh... well, that's not crazy," he stuttered.
"But I can't," Sam said, her face again buried in his chest.
The flush disappeared from Jack's face as determination took its place.
"No? Why not? I'm more than willing. Use me all you want," he replied, his voice thick with desire.
Sam couldn't help but laugh at his eagerness.
"I have a video call with the Pentagon scheduled," she explained, her smile still evident.
Undeterred, Jack suggested, "I'm sure they'll understand. Just reschedule."
Sam, still grinning, playfully traced her finger along his lower lip.
"Right... I'm sure the Chief of Staff of the Air Force will perfectly understand if I tell him I want to reschedule the meeting because I want to have sex with my husband instead," she teased, her touch sending shivers down Jack's spine.
Jack couldn't resist. He wet her finger with his tongue, the electrifying sensation causing them both to forget where they were momentarily.
"I'm sure General Smith will understand perfectly. He's married and has four kids," he countered, his eyes locked with hers. He thought the motel was maybe too far, and his truck could be a viable option.
Sam withdrew her hand, her smile lingering.
"Tempting, but no, General O'Neill. We have to behave," she insisted, stepping away from him.
Jack's disappointment was palpable, but he respected her decision. He grabbed her hand, leading her toward the parking lot. Oh, she was definitely paying for this later.
However, Sam reassured him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "But when I get home tonight after Grace is asleep, I promise to make it up to you."
Jack shot her a warning look, a silent promise of retribution, before guiding her towards their truck. They may have to behave now, but later... well, later was a different story altogether.
Sam and Jack opted for secrecy. Grace wouldn't learn about the pregnancy until it became undeniable. Sam, determined to minimize risk, scaled back her workload considerably. Colonel Adler shouldered much of the SGC's day-to-day operations. Jack, ever supportive, echoed Sam's caution. A silent worry hung between them: the high probability the new child would inherit Jack's ATA gene.