Sam was jolted awake as a weight landed on her stomach, momentarily mistaking the sensation for a staff blast as pain shot through her body. Blinking, she opened her eyes to find it wasn't a Jaffa warrior but her daughter, Grace, bouncing up and down with a wide grin.
"Mommy, wake up!" Grace chirped, her tiny hands pressing on Sam's chest, making breathing challenging.
"Grace?" Sam murmured, blinking away sleep and trying to steady her daughter's excited movements. "Come on, sweetie, what's the rush?"
"Let's play!" Grace exclaimed, her innocence shining through in her smile.
Sam struggled to focus on her four-year-old daughter. She arrived home late from the SGC last night, eager to have a quiet weekend with her husband and daughter. However, upon arrival, everyone was already fast asleep. After checking on Grace in her bed, cuddled up with Mr. Turtle, her favorite fluffy toy, Sam had shed her clothes and collapsed into bed, too exhausted to even reach her side. Jack had stirred briefly to kiss her before drifting back into slumber with her in his arms.
Sam sighed when she glanced at her husband, who slept like a rock. Since Grace's birth, Jack's sleep pattern become erratic. In the newborn stage, he hardly slept, constantly vigilant, tending to diapers, feeding, and soothing her back to sleep. Sam wouldn't have coped without his support. In fact, without him, Sam might have had a breakdown.
But as Grace grew, their roles began to reverse. Jack would drift off, awakening only if Grace had a nightmare and started to cry, while Sam stirred at the slightest movement from their daughter. So, it became Sam who frequented Grace's room more often as she entered toddlerhood. Grace, often waking early, sought companionship in their bed, mainly targeting Sam.
"All right, let's keep it down. Daddy's still sleeping. Do you want to snuggle with Mommy for a bit longer?"
Grace shook her head vigorously. Of course not; that would be too easy. Sam sighed again and carefully lifted Grace from the bed, rising to her feet. Grace was clad in pink PJs decorated with unicorns, a present from Vala that she insisted on always wearing despite Sam's objections and the additional laundry problems it created. She had already asked Vala where she bought them, eager to stock up, but Vala hadn't been able to recall. She promised to look online and get back to her, but Sam was still waiting, attempting to convince Grace that her other PJs were just as pretty. Her daughter pointedly told her she liked the unicorn's PJs best.
To Sam's astonishment and Jack's utter bafflement, Grace developed a clear preference for the clothes Aunt Vala had gifted her since she was aware of them. It was something Sam never would have imagined – having a daughter who cared about fashion.
Suddenly and without any prep, Sam found herself in unfamiliar territory as colorful clothes, skirts, dresses, and accessories filled the Carter-O'Neill household, courtesy of the fashion-savvy Aunt Vala. She had once attempted to join Vala on a shopping trip but quickly realized it wasn't her scene. Surrounded by hair accessories, ballet flats, purses, and jewelry she couldn't even name, Sam felt utterly out of her element. So, she left the fashion decisions to Vala, who often sent her pictures of what to buy. When Sam did find the time to accompany Grace on shopping outings, she tried to make it quick, although Grace's penchant for leisurely browsing tested her patience. Sam brought a book along to cope, keeping one eye on Grace while diving into her literary escape. Meanwhile, Jack adamantly refused to venture into the world of tutu dresses, preferring to stick to the sports section if he joined them at all. Despite Jack's disappointment, Grace wasn't yet interested in sports. Nonetheless, Jack remained hopeful and purchased a child hockey stick and a vibrant yellow push bike for her, just in case. The hockey stick sat untouched in the garage, but Grace found some success with the bike when she discovered she could ride it using only her feet. The following day, Jack ran to the sports store and bought her a matching helmet.
"Are you hungry for breakfast?" Sam asked as they exited the room, gently closing the door behind them with Grace securely wrapped around her hips.
"Yeah, pancakes!" Grace replied eagerly.
Sam sighed once more.
"Pancakes are a special treat from Daddy. How about some cereal instead?" she suggested as they made their way to the kitchen. Placing Grace on the countertop, as she liked, Sam issued a warning, "Stay still, okay?"
Grace nodded, and Sam gently kissed her forehead, brushing aside her blonde locks. Much to Jack's happiness, Grace was almost a carbon copy of her mother, with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that had her father wrapped around her little finger from the very beginning. Retired Lieutenant General Jack O'Neill was a pushover regarding his daughter, granting her almost every wish. Nearly, because Sam drew the line when she noticed Grace pushing boundaries. And Grace soon realized she could get away with more with her stay-at-home Dad. It didn't take them long to realize their daughter had inherited the brilliant Carter genes and the O'Neill family's mischievous spirit. At times, it proved to be a potent combination.
Sam took the box of cereal and a bowl, keeping a watchful eye on her daughter, who, for once, remained very still, observing her.
"Did you sleep well, honey?" Sam inquired as she retrieved the milk from the fridge.
"Mm-hmm," Grace mumbled, fiddling with the hem of her PJs. "You weren't home when I went to bed," she added.
Sam swallowed hard. She hated it when that happened, but there were times when she couldn't avoid it. Yesterday was such a time.
"No, I wasn't, Grace, and I'm sorry, honey, but I had to stay at the base. I wanted to finish all my work so we could have a free weekend together with Daddy," Sam explained as she prepared breakfast.
"No work this weekend?" Grace asked slowly.
Sam lifted her and settled her into her chair.
"No work, just family time. Now eat your cereal," Sam said, running her fingers through Grace's hair.
Slowly, Grace started to separate the cereal pieces with her spoon, and Sam rolled her eyes. Unfortunately, Grace had also inherited Sam's picky eating habits, or, as Jack liked to say, her disdain for food. Sam put the coffee machine to work and rubbed her face tiredly. She hoped to sleep in a bit today, but that was almost impossible with a four-year-old. Unless Jack woke up first, and this time, he was sound asleep.
Sam let out a loud yawn, and Grace giggled.
"Sorry, baby, but Mommy's still a bit sleepy," Sam apologized as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
Grace took her first spoonful of cereal and grimaced.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked.
"I like pancakes better," Grace confessed in a low voice.
Sam cleared her throat. Since her marriage and Grace's birth, Sam has made a lot of compromises and adjustments in her life, but cooking hasn't been one of them.
"I know, but Daddy's still asleep, so..." she trailed off, sipping her coffee.
Grace glanced at the cereal and began to play with it again.
Seeing the two women of his life seated at the kitchen table, Jack looked at both with a grin, his hair a chaotic mess. He passed a hand over his wrinkled T-shirt and stopped on the waistband of the sweatpants.
"Are we having a party?" he quipped from the doorway.
"Daddy!" Grace exclaimed, immediately dropping her spoon and reaching out her arms. Sam shot him a warning glance.
"Good morning, my little Mermaid," Jack greeted, scooping and showering her with kisses.
Grace was obsessed with "The Little Mermaid," watching the film repeatedly. She had even asked if she could change her name to Ariel but received a firm 'no' from her parents. Jack carefully settled her back into her chair.
"Now eat the rest of your cereal like the good mermaid you are," he instructed with a grin.
Grace obediently picked up her spoon and resumed eating, although her spoon was emptier than full. Sam tried to suppress a smile as she sipped her coffee.
"And good morning to my favorite General," Jack said, approaching Sam and kissing her deeply. She tasted coffee, and the kiss lingered longer than usual, prompting immediate commentary from Grace.
"Is Mommy having trouble breathing?" Grace inquired, her face deadly serious.
Sam blushed as Jack chuckled and playfully traced his tongue over her lips before pulling away.
"No, honey. I just missed her," Jack reassured, grabbing a mug and pouring himself some coffee.
Grace watched them with one raised eyebrow, strikingly resembling her Uncle Teal'c.
Jack glanced at his wife, who focused solely on her coffee, and sighed. Then, his gaze shifted to his daughter, who was more interested in playing with her cereal than actually eating it. He knew that when he married Sam, he had one challenging task ahead of him: getting her to eat correctly. But when Grace was born, and they realized she shared her mother's reluctance toward food, Jack faced an even more daunting mission: ensuring the women he loved consumed enough sustenance despite their resistance. It was perhaps his most challenging mission yet.
"What would you like to eat, my dear wife?" Jack asked as he opened the fridge.
"I'm good," Sam replied quietly, barely lifting her gaze from her mug.
Like most of the time, with issues regarding food, Jack pretended not to hear her and began retrieving items from the fridge—bacon, eggs, orange juice. Grace watched him intently, her spoon forgotten amidst her uneaten cereal.
"Pancakes, Daddy!" she exclaimed cheerfully.
Jack gave her a warm smile.
"Sure thing, honey. Pancakes it is," he said. Pancakes were the one thing he knew Grace would always eat without hesitation so that he could whip them up all day.
Sam gestured toward Grace's half-finished cereal.
"You haven't finished your cereal yet," she reminded her.
In a stellar impression of her mother, Grace bit her lip.
"But I like pancakes more," she replied slowly.
Sam began drumming her fingers on the table, a sign of her growing impatience.
"I know, but first you have to finish your cereal, and then you can have the pancakes Daddy will make—or not," she added, her tone firm.
Grace crossed her arms defiantly, locking eyes with her mother.
"If I eat my cereal, I'll be full and won't have room for the pancakes," she argued.
Jack halted his movements, silently observing the standoff between mother and daughter. It resembled a clash of oceans, each as deep and tumultuous as the other. Resolving this conflict wouldn't just impact his morning chores; it could set the tone for the entire day. This struggle had been ongoing since Grace had mastered the art of coherent speech, and his daughter, like her mother, was a genius. So, she had started to talk pretty early.
"You have plenty of room, Grace. Cereal first, pancakes after," Sam reiterated, her fingers tapping impatiently.
Grace stared back at her mother for a moment before slowly picking up her spoon and taking a few reluctant bites, milk dripping down the sides of her mouth.
"There, done," she declared defiantly.
With a sigh, Sam tilted her head regarding the nearly empty bowl.
"All right, you can have pancakes now," she relented, leaning back in her chair.
Jack breathed a silent sigh of relief and resumed his pancake preparations. Crisis averted, for now.
With relief that the breakfast dilemma had been resolved, Jack focused on the task. He moved with practiced ease around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and utensils to prepare breakfast for himself and Sam and pancakes for Grace.
First, he cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them vigorously until they were frothy and well-mixed. He added a splash of milk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper, blending the ingredients until they formed a smooth, creamy mixture. Nearby, he placed a frying pan on the stove, heating it while he continued preparing.
Next, Jack carefully picked the bacon, laying the strips in the hot pan. The sizzle and aroma filled the kitchen, promising a delicious start to the day. He watched the bacon, flipping it occasionally to ensure it cooked evenly to crispy perfection.
"It smells good, Daddy," Grace said with a smile.
"Thanks, honey. It will be ready before you can list all Ariel's friends", Jack said.
Meanwhile, Jack turned his attention to the pancake batter. He measured flour, baking powder, and a touch of sugar into a mixing bowl, whisking them together until they were well combined. Then, he poured the egg and milk mixture into the bowl, stirring gently until the batter came together smoothly. The scent of vanilla wafted through the air as he added a splash of extract for extra flavor.
As the bacon continued to sizzle, Jack poured ladlefuls of pancake batter onto a hot griddle, watching as it bubbled and browned to a golden hue. He expertly flipped each pancake with a flick of his wrist, ensuring they cooked evenly on both sides.
Finally, Jack plated the breakfast, arranging crispy bacon strips and fluffy pancakes on two separate plates for him and Sam and pancakes only for Grace. He placed a pat of butter on top of each stack of pancakes, allowing it to melt and mingle with the warm maple syrup he drizzled generously over the top.
With a satisfied smile, Jack carried the plates to the table, where Sam and Grace awaited their morning meal, her daughter more eager than his wife. As they dug into the delicious breakfast spread, Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite their challenges, moments like these—gathered around the table as a family—made it all worthwhile.
After finishing breakfast, Grace eagerly asked if she could go watch more of "The Little Mermaid," and sighing, Sam gave her permission with a nod. Grace dashed from the kitchen to the living room, deftly turning on the TV and selecting the movie they had recorded. Despite her young age, Grace had a natural knack for technology, much like her mother. Jack couldn't help but anticipate the phase where she might start dismantling kitchen appliances, a trait Jacob had warned him about regarding Sam's childhood antics. He hoped they had some time before Grace reached that stage, especially since he had recently purchased a new toaster.
Jack took Sam's hand once Grace was settled in front of the TV.
"You arrived home late yesterday," he remarked, his long legs comfortably under the table.
Sam ran her free hand through her loose hair.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I had a mountain of paperwork to deal with, and an SG team arrived late," she explained.
Jack squeezed her hand tighter.
"I understand, honey. I just missed you," he said with a smile.
Sam returned the smile. "I missed you too. Both of you," she added. "Hopefully, we can have a quiet weekend," she sighed.
Jack chuckled.
"Quiet? With your daughter? Only if she keeps watching that movie non-stop," he remarked, nodding toward the living room, where the sounds of Ariel's voice filled the air along with Grace, who by now knew every song in the film by heart. It was slowly driving Jack up the wall.
Sam raised her left eyebrow.
"My daughter? Oh... You had no participation in the process?" she teased, her expression curious.
Jack turned to her, a broad grin on his face.
"Of course I did. Extensive, prolonged, and gratifying participation," he replied with a wink.
Sam couldn't help but blush; she hated it when he caught her off guard.
"If that's the case, how come she's suddenly only my daughter?" she retorted.
Jack grabbed both of her hands, playfully pulling her closer. Sam rose from her seat and ended up sitting on his lap, her arms around his neck—a position she didn't mind.
"Because she's yours. And mine. Ours," Jack replied slowly, kissing her chin and neck.
"I'd be shocked if she weren't," Sam teased back, her fingers twirling his hair.
Jack halted his kisses abruptly.
"What? What's that supposed to mean?" he asked slowly.
Sam's smile widened as she moved her fingers from his hair to his lips.
"It means, General O'Neill, that there's no one else I would rather have a baby with than you," she declared before kissing him passionately, leaving him breathless.
Jack returned the kiss, a grin forming on his lips.
As Grace remained engrossed in the film playing in the living room, Sam and Jack found themselves entangled in each other's arms in the kitchen, their affections escalating as they often did when they lost themselves in each other's company. Suddenly, Grace decided she had had enough of the movie and wanted to head to the park. She switched off the TV and searched for her parents, eventually finding them in the kitchen, wrapped up in each other.
Observing the scene, Grace couldn't help but feel a tad perplexed. She had learned to approach such situations cautiously ever since the incident of barging into their bedroom unannounced, earning her a scolding from Daddy, which was a rare occurrence. Afterward, her parents explained the importance of knocking before entering a closed door and apologized for the outburst. From then on, Grace respected their privacy unless the door was open or in case of emergencies.
Grace felt no need to knock with the kitchen door ajar and her parents in their peculiar embrace. Instead, she politely interrupted, "Can we go to the park? I want to go on the swings."
When hearing her daughter's voice, Sam immediately pulled away from Jack's lips and straightened up. Grace stood at the entrance, her gaze fixed on them.
"Grace," Sam said, clearing her throat.
Jack discreetly withdrew his hands from beneath Sam's top and placed them on her waist.
"Swings? Park?" Sam repeated, trying to compose herself.
Grace nodded. "Yes, I want to go to the park. Can we go, Mommy?" she asked again.
Sam swallowed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks as she avoided Jack's knowing smirk. She knew she couldn't just stand up; doing so would risk exposing Grace to a sight she wasn't prepared for.
"Yes, we can, honey," she replied, her hands resting on Jack's shoulders.
Grace stared at her, seemingly expecting her to accompany her immediately. Sam glanced around the kitchen, desperately seeking a distraction or a graceful way out of the situation. Her mind raced with possible excuses, not wanting to subject Grace to a crash course in male anatomy.
"Tell you what, why don't you go to your bedroom and pick out what you want to wear to the park? I'll join you in a minute," Sam suggested, hoping to buy some time.
Grace toyed with the hem of her PJs.
"Okay," she said reluctantly, glaring at her parents before huffing and exiting the kitchen.
Jack stifled a laugh into Sam's shoulder when Grace was out of earshot. Sam shot him a warning look.
"Shut up and behave," she admonished.
"I didn't say anything," Jack replied innocently, raising his eyebrows.
"In case you are planning to," Sam clarified, sighing.
She carefully extricated herself from Jack's embrace and left the kitchen after planting a lingering kiss on his lips. Jack ran his tongue over his lips and adjusted his sweatpants, realizing he needed a few minutes before he could follow suit.
Grace hurried to her bedroom, excitement bubbling at the thought of swinging high in the park. With a determined look, she opened her wardrobe and scanned her options. She wanted to be comfortable yet stylish for her adventure outdoors. Aunt Vala told her that looking good wherever you went was important.
After a brief contemplation, Grace decided on a cheerful outfit perfect for a day at the park. She slipped into a pair of light blue denim shorts adorned with embroidered flowers, their frayed edges adding a touch of playful charm. On top, she chose a soft pink T-shirt featuring a whimsical illustration of a mermaid on a rock amidst several shells, her favorite mythical creature bringing a sense of magic to her ensemble.
Grace grabbed her pastel pink hoodie to keep herself warm in the brisk air. Its fluffy material promised snug comfort. She slipped her feet into a pair of white sneakers, ensuring she would be ready for any running or jumping that awaited her at the park.
Sam entered her daughter's room to find Grace almost fully prepared for their park outing.
"Oh, that was fast," she remarked, a smile tugging at her lips as she knelt to help Grace tie her shoelaces.
"Yeah, Mommy, I want to go fast," Grace replied eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"We won't take long to get dressed, I promise," Sam assured her, gathering Grace's long blonde hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a matching pink scrunchie. "See, ready to conquer the swings with style," she added, tenderly kissing Grace's head.
With a contented smile, Grace admired her reflection in the mirror, feeling poised and prepared for their park adventure. She grabbed her jacket, holding it out expectantly as she glanced at Sam.
"I'm going, I'm going," Sam chuckled, making her way to their bedroom. Jack arrived shortly after, and his wardrobe dilemma was seemingly resolved.
"Wow, you look like a beautiful mermaid," Jack complimented Grace with a smile.
"I'm ready, Daddy. Hurry up," Grace urged, her patience wearing thin.
Sam gently nudged Jack into the bedroom, instructing Grace to wait in the living room. Grace hurried away with her jacket in hand, feeling the weight of their limited time ticking away. They couldn't afford any more delays.
Jack quickly shaved and showered inside their ensuite bathroom while Sam rummaged through her closet, searching for something comfortable yet practical for their outdoor adventure. She opted for light blue jeans that hugged her curves just right and a soft, loose-fitting floral blouse. She slipped into a pair of blue sneakers, ensuring she could keep up with Grace's energetic pace.
"How do I look?" Sam asked, twirling around to show off her outfit.
Jack, coming out of the shower with a towel around his waist, smiled.
"Beautiful as ever, honey," he said, kissing her quickly.
After drying himself, Jack struggled to find something appropriate. He shuffled through his wardrobe, pulling out various shirts and shorts before settling on a simple grey T-shirt and denim shorts.
"This should do," he mumbled, not entirely convinced of his choice.
Sam peeked into the bedroom to check on Jack's progress.
"Hurry up; we have an impatient daughter waiting for us, General," she called out, a hint of urgency in her voice.
Jack emerged from the bedroom, adjusting his shorts as he approached Sam.
"Ready to go?" he asked, flashing her a charming smile.
Sam nodded, a sense of excitement building within her.
"Let's make some memories at the park," she replied, grabbing her jacket and heading towards the living room, where Grace eagerly awaited.
As they walked together towards the park, Sam and Jack couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Today was about enjoying quality time with their daughter and creating lasting memories together. And with each step they took, they knew they were one step closer to an unforgettable day filled with laughter and love. Sam spent her entire week waiting for moments like these, after all.
This had been one of the primary reasons they had patiently waited all those years to finally be together, to have the opportunity to marry and start a family. This is why Jack decided to retire from Homeworld Command. As soon as he learned Sam was pregnant when she was in Area 51, he was granted a waiver by the Secretary of the Air Force and the President himself. It was also why they had recently relocated to Colorado Springs when Sam was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed CO of the SGC, making her one of the youngest in Air Force history—a development that hadn't surprised Jack after the impressive work she had developed at the Pentagon.
She had refused the Atlantis command position, which Jack considered risky because it could halt her career, but he should have known better. As she remained at the Pentagon, her breakthrough work with advancements of alien technology and its use in current military equipment made her department one of the most discussed among the Joint Chief of Staff. They were thrilled with her work.
Jack and Hammond had often discussed Sam's potential for rapid advancement and her innate leadership qualities, and they hadn't been wrong. She didn't command Atlantis, but her influence at the Pentagon was tremendous for a Colonel. Though they deeply regretted that George Hammond was no longer present to witness their happiness or to meet Grace, they found solace in the belief that both Hammond and Jacob Carter looked down on them with pride and joy.
Grace was the living embodiment of their love—a vibrant, determined, and loving addition to their lives whom they cherished above all else. She was the culmination of their journey together, a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other and their shared dreams.
As they embarked on this new chapter of their lives as a family, Jack and Sam were filled with gratitude and contentment. Grace was the ultimate reward, a precious reminder of the love they had fought to cultivate and protect. As they walked hand in hand towards the park, their hearts brimming with love and pride, they knew their family was complete. Or at least that was what they thought.