Once more, Sam and Jack sat in the waiting room of Dr. Thompson's office, their anticipation palpable as they awaited their ultrasound appointment. Sam's hand trembled slightly in Jack's grasp, her heart racing with excitement and anxiety.
They were finally called into the examination room, and Dr. Thompson greeted them warmly, gesturing for Sam to lie back on the examination table as usual. Jack stood as always beside her, offering a reassuring smile and a gentle squeeze of her hand.
"Alright, Sam, let's look at your little one," Dr. Thompson said, preparing the ultrasound machine. The formalities had been abandoned after the second appointment when Sam told the Doctor there was no need to call her by rank.
Sam nodded nervously, her breath catching in her throat as the doctor applied the gel to her abdomen and began moving the ultrasound wand.
The room filled with the soft hum of the machine as Dr. Thompson carefully maneuvered the wand, searching for a clear image of the baby. Sam held her breath, her eyes fixed on the monitor, her heart pounding with anticipation.
And then, suddenly, there it was – a tiny, flickering heartbeat, a testament to the life growing inside her. Tears welled up in Sam's eyes as she gazed at the screen, overwhelmed with emotion.
Jack's grip on her hand tightened as he watched the monitor with awe and wonder.
"That's our baby," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Dr. Thompson smiled warmly at them.
"Everything looks great so far," she reassured them. "Would you like to know the gender?"
Sam and Jack exchanged a glance, their hearts pounding with excitement.
"Yes, please," Sam said eagerly, her voice trembling with anticipation.
Dr. Thompson grinned as she again maneuvered the wand, searching for the telltale signs. Then, as if by magic, the image on the screen revealed the answer they had been waiting for.
"It's a boy," Dr. Thompson announced, her smile widening as she pointed out the distinct features on the ultrasound.
Sam's eyes widened in astonishment, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.
"A boy," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
Jack's face lit up with indescribable joy as he gazed at the screen, his heart overflowing with love for the little boy they had yet to meet. "Jacob O'Neill," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.
That evening, the family grappled with the challenge of keeping a secret from Grace – the impending arrival of a baby brother. However, their concerns dissipated when they realized Grace's newfound fascination had assumed a front role in her life: an ant farm. The allure of "The Little Mermaid" had been swiftly supplanted by this unexpected passion. Grace, without hesitation, declared her aspiration to become a farmer. This newfound interest was a gift from Uncle Daniel during one of his recent visits, and Grace was utterly enthralled.
Uncle Daniel had given her a remarkable blue gel ant farm with LED lights, nutrient gel to sustain the colony, a magnifying glass, a tunnel starting tool, and a tube of live ants – 25 in total. With Daniel's assistance, Grace had her ant farm operational quickly. Now responsible for feeding the ants daily, Grace was utterly captivated by their activities, often spending hours observing their intricate movements. With her focus firmly on her beloved ants, Sam and Jack agreed to postpone the announcement of the new addition to their family for a bit longer.
As Sam entered her second trimester, her belly showed signs of growing pregnancy. At first, it was subtle, but the changes soon became more noticeable. One day, as Sam stood in the kitchen, Grace looked up at her mother and innocently asked if she was getting fat. Sam's heart skipped a beat, and she knew it was time to converse with Grace.
That evening, Sam and Jack sat down with Grace in the living room, ready to share the news with their firstborn. With a deep breath, Sam began, "Grace, there's something important we want to talk to you about."
Grace looked at her parents with curiosity, sensing the seriousness in their tone.
"What is it, Mommy?" she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Sam glanced at Jack, silently urging him to join in.
"Well, sweetheart," Jack started, his voice gentle yet firm, "Mommy's belly is getting bigger because a baby is growing inside her."
Grace's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked from Sam to Jack and back again. "A baby?" she repeated, her voice filled with curiosity.
Sam nodded, her heart swelling with love for her daughter.
"Yes, honey. You're going to have a baby brother," she explained softly.
Grace's face lit up with excitement, and she squealed with delight. "A baby brother! That's amazing!" she exclaimed, bouncing with joy.
Sam and Jack shared a smile, relieved to see Grace's positive reaction.
"We're going to be a family of four," Sam added, her voice filled with happiness.
Grace's smile suddenly faded as if she had remembered something important.
"Is the baby going to want to play with my ant farm?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Sam and Jack exchanged glances, trying to suppress their amusement at Grace's innocent question. Sam gently took Grace's hand, placing it over her growing belly.
"No, sweetheart," she reassured, her voice soft and comforting. "Your baby brother is still here, and when he's born, he'll want to sleep and eat. It will take a while before he's ready to play. You'll need to be patient with him."
Grace's hand moved slowly against Sam's belly as she absorbed the information.
"So, the ant farm is still mine?" she asked, seeking reassurance.
Sam nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"Yes, Grace. It's all yours," she confirmed.
Grace's smile returned, her eyes lighting up with relief.
"Sweet," she declared before darting out of the living room and running to her bedroom, where her beloved ant farm had taken up permanent residence.
Jack ran a hand through his hair, a fond smile on his lips.
"I think that went well," he remarked, his voice filled with pride.
Sam placed both hands on her belly, feeling a surge of love for her growing baby.
"Yeah, me too," she agreed, her eyes shining affectionately.
"As long as Jacob doesn't touch her ant farm, we should be fine," Jack chuckled.
Sam couldn't help but join in, their laughter filling the room as they embraced the joy and excitement of their expanding family.
After announcing the arrival of a baby brother to Grace, Sam and Jack began transforming the guest room into a nursery. Jack took charge of the project while Sam supervised, as he insisted she avoid physical exertion. Grace was eager to help as long as it didn't interfere with her farming chores. She pitched in enthusiastically, and in the end, it was easier than expected. As Sam had predicted, they already had everything they needed from Grace's infancy. After painting the bedroom light blue, Jack had to assemble the furniture, and they had to restock a few supplies.
Entering her third trimester without complications, Sam diligently followed Dr. Thompson's instructions. She marveled at how smoothly the pregnancy was progressing thus far, though she couldn't shake off all her fears until she held her son safely in her arms. Jacob was a quiet baby inside her belly with the occasional kicks, but he appeared to spend most of his time sleeping. Despite her apprehensions, Sam remained optimistic, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their newest family member.
As Sam approached her 39th week and the anticipation of labor loomed closer, they lay in bed, side by side, gazing up at the ceiling. The room was hushed; the only sounds were Jack's chest's rhythmic rise and fall beside her and the soft hum of the air conditioner. Sam had ceased her visits to the SGC for some weeks, opting to stay home and supervise only urgent matters.
"You know our quiet times are about to end, don't you?" she remarked, her fingers entwined with Jack's.
Jack smiled, his eyes reflecting affection.
"Oh, absolutely. Sleepless nights, feeding, diapers—the whole process. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world," he replied, kissing her hand tenderly.
Taking a deep breath, Sam's fingers danced along his. Unlike Grace, her belly wasn't as enormous this time, and lately, Jacob's quiet times had been replaced by a more energetic existence. He was now a firm kicker, constantly testing her ribs.
"Jack..." she began, her tone hesitant.
Jack turned to face her, his expression attentive. "What is it?" he inquired.
"I want to stop with Jacob," Sam confessed slowly, her fingers tightening around his.
Jack raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion clouding his features.
"What do you mean?" he asked, seeking clarification.
Sam cleared her throat, shifting to face him fully in the dimly lit room.
"It means I don't want any more kids, Jack. Let's stop here," she explained, her fingers seeking his for reassurance.
Jack sighed softly, his teasing demeanor fading.
"So, no hockey team?" he quipped, attempting to lighten the mood.
Sam playfully kicked him. "If we had married years earlier, maybe," she teased.
Jack gently cupped her face, his touch tender against her skin.
"I'm perfectly content with how things are, Sam. I was already happy when you agreed to marry me. Grace was a dream come true, and Jacob will be another dream. I never imagined I could be this happy," he confessed, his voice thick with emotion.
Sam swallowed hard, her hand covering his.
"You've shown me that happiness isn't about having everything you want but about cherishing everything you have. And I do, Jack. I love everything I have—everything you've given me. You, your love, our daughter, and soon, our son. You make me the happiest woman I could be. So, thank you," she expressed tenderly, her gratitude palpable.
Jack's heart swelled with emotion, a lone tear escaping his eye in the dim light. After ensuring his face was dry, he kissed her deeply, pouring all his love into the embrace.
"Jack?" she said hesitantly, her voice barely a whisper, as they kissed.
"What, honey?" he asked, his voice husky from the kiss and emotion.
Sam could feel the question burning in her throat, the one that threatened to reopen old wounds.
"What about the gene, Jack?" she finally blurted out.
The tension in the room crackled. Jack's hand tightened around hers. "Sam…"
"I just… I don't want to go through that again," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "The fighting, the fear…"
Memories of their fight, slamming doors, the Air Force's pressure, and Sam leaving their house with Grace in her arms flooded back. Sam felt the fear rise in her throat, threatening to boil over.
"We won't," Jack said, his voice firm. "I promise you."
"How can you promise that?" Sam challenged a tremor in her voice. "What if Jacob has it? What if they come for him as they did for Grace?"
"They won't," Jack said, his jaw set. "They learned their lesson with Grace. I learned", he added slowly.
"But what if? Jack, I can't go through another fight like that." Tears welled up in Sam's eyes. "I can't."
Jack reached up, gently wiping away a tear with his thumb.
"You won't. This time, we'll face it together. And if… if it comes down to it, I'll go to the President myself. You aren't alone this time, Sam. I won't let them touch Jacob."
The raw determination in Jack's voice sent a wave of relief washing over Sam.
"Promise me, Jack," she said, her voice hoarse but determined.
Jack met her gaze, his eyes filled with a love as fierce as his anger. "I promise, Sam. Our family, all of us, we'll face this together."
"Okay," she said, holding his arm.
Jack leaned and kissed her, trying to calm her down.
Sam's grip on his arm suddenly tightened, and he broke the kiss.
"What?" he asked, his eyes looking at her, searching for more doubts.
"My water just broke," Sam announced slowly, the moment's weight settling between them.
Following their agreement, Jack gently lifted Grace and explained that they needed to go to the neighbors, Hana and her husband, Mike Hendricks, because baby Jacob was on his way. Grace, fond of the couple and their yellow cat named Tagus, nodded sleepily as Jack carried her with her backpack to the neighboring house.
"Be a good girl and listen to what Hana and Mike tell you," Jack instructed, his voice soft as Grace rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep from being taken from her bed in the middle of the night.
Hana greeted them at the door, having been informed by Jack's prior call.
"Hello, Grace," Hana said warmly, reaching out to take the tired girl into her arms. Hana, a retired English teacher, and her husband, who had worked for a major airline, had no children of their own but cherished Grace's company.
"Hi," Grace murmured, her eyelids drooping.
"Tagus is waiting for you inside," Hana added with a wink to Jack, who smiled gratefully before bidding them farewell and returning home to prepare for the hospital trip with Sam.
"I'm here, honey!" Jack announced as he entered the bedroom.
He found Sam sitting quietly on the bed, her face puzzled. Expecting to see her in the throes of labor as she had been with Grace, Jack was taken aback by her calm demeanor.
"Are you all right?" he asked, concerned, as he joined her by the bed.
Sam raised an eyebrow at his question.
"Sorry, that was a stupid question. Shall we go?" Jack continued, eager to get to the hospital. Grabbing their bag, he watched as Sam slowly rose from the bed.
"I'm not having contractions," Sam informed him as she began to walk.
Jack felt a pang of worry, but he tried to reassure her.
"I'm sure they'll start any minute now," he said, offering her his arm.
They went to the garage silently, Jack helping Sam into her SUV, which was more comfortable than his truck.
"Ready?" Jack asked with a forced smile as he settled into the driver's seat.
"Oh, yeah," Sam replied, her tone strained.
"Let's get this show on the road, then," Jack said, trying to lighten the mood as they headed toward the hospital. Due to Sam's age, Dr. Thompson had told them that as soon as her water broke, they should head to the hospital so she could better monitor the labor. She wasn't taking any risks.
Sam's hands rested on her belly, her anxiety growing as the contractions failed to materialize. Jacob was completely quiet and not moving. Arriving at the hospital without any signs of labor, she was on the verge of panic.
"Something is wrong, Jack," she said, gripping his hand tightly.
Jack attempted to stay composed, though his nerves were fraying.
"I'm sure everything is fine. Dr. Thompson is already here," he reassured her as they entered the hospital, hoping desperately that his words would prove true.
Upon entering the hospital, they promptly checked in at the labor and delivery desk before being escorted to the labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) room. Sam changed into a hospital gown while Dr. Thompson arrived, greeting her with a warm smile.
"Hello, General. How are you feeling?" Dr. Thompson inquired, her smile fading as Sam spoke up.
"I'm not having contractions, Doctor," Sam replied immediately.
Dr. Thompson's expression turned serious, and she instructed the nurse to conduct vital checks on Sam's pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. As an external fetal monitor was applied to Sam's abdomen to monitor contractions and the baby's heart rate, Jack, clad in scrubs, watched with controlled anxiety. His instincts told him something was amiss as he observed the doctor's demeanor.
"Okay, Sam, I'm going to examine your cervix to assess labor progress," Dr. Thompson announced in a tense tone, to which Sam nodded.
Jack grasped her hand silently, offering his support. After a tense pause, Dr. Thompson addressed them.
"The nurse has administered an intravenous (IV) line for fluids and medications," she began, her tone grave. "Your water has broken, but labor hasn't commenced."
Sam's grip tightened on Jack's hand as fear crept in.
"What does that mean?" she asked, her voice strained.
"We'll need to induce labor," Dr. Thompson explained, her gaze shifting between them.
Jack clenched his jaw, his worry palpable.
"How?" Sam questioned immediately, her concern evident.
The doctor reviewed the results and consulted briefly with a colleague before returning to the anxious couple.
"In your case, Sam, I recommend a synthetic oxytocin known as Pitocin. It's a hormone that your body naturally produces to stimulate contractions during labor. We'll gradually increase the dosage regularly until contractions become effective and regular. We'll monitor you and the baby closely and adjust or stop the dosage if necessary to ensure safety," she elaborated.
Jack's anxiety intensified.
"Is the baby okay?" he asked, his words slow and deliberate.
Dr. Thompson paused before responding, "The baby isn't in distress," offering a small smile, though it did little to ease Sam's or Jack's apprehension.
"Everything will be fine, Sam. We're here to support you and baby Jacob," Dr. Thompson reassured in a gentler tone.
Sam nodded as the medical procedures commenced, and the medication began to flow into her bloodstream.
After some time, Sam's contractions began, and Jack's hand bore the brunt of her pain as they intensified. Dr. Thompson adjusted the dosage and continued monitoring Sam's progress, noting any deviations from the plan. Following another assessment, she turned to Sam.
"Well, General, your cervix is sufficiently dilated and effaced, and your baby is in the correct position. It's time to start pushing," Dr. Thompson encouraged.
Drenched in sweat and exhausted, Sam questioned with little strength, "Now you want me to push?"
Jack tenderly wiped her forehead and kissed it, urging her, "Come on, honey, you can do it."
"You do it," Sam replied wearily.
Unnoticed by Jack, Dr. Thompson exchanged words with two colleagues who had entered the room. Jack sensed the tension and inquired, "What's wrong?"
Dr. Thompson offered a faint smile.
"Change of plans. We need to perform an urgent C-section. The baby's heart rate is concerning," she explained.
Jack's face drained of color, and Sam's breath caught despite the pain.
"What?" she exclaimed between contractions, feeling everything move too quickly.
"We've got this, Sam," Dr. Thompson reassured the staff as she signaled for them to proceed.
Sam was swiftly transferred to the operating room, where she received a regional anesthetic in her spine, though its effects weren't as she hoped for due to her naquadah. Jack was allowed to be present beside her as she remained awake.
He whispered in her ear, "I'm here, Sam. It will be all right."
Tears welled in Sam's eyes from the pain and overwhelming fear.
"I'm afraid, Jack," she admitted through clenched teeth.
"You are strong, and so is our son," he responded, his voice tense with emotion.
Dr. Thompson gave a few instructions, and a sterile curtain was raised between Sam's head and her lower body. As the surgery began, Sam caught the scent of antiseptic and anxiously awaited her son's cries, but all she could see was the figure of her obstetrician and nurses. She squeezed Jack's hand tighter, noticing his intense focus on the doctor. With a sudden tug in her abdomen, she realized her son had been born.
But there were no cries of a newborn baby filling the room. Instead, an eerie silence prevailed, broken only by the steady beeping of the machines. Sam's heart sank as she strained to hear the sound she had longed for. Jack's grip tightened on her hand as they both anxiously awaited any sign of their son's arrival.
Sam's tears flowed.
"He's not crying, Jack," she said overwhelmed.
"I know," was all he could manage.
Then, Jacob Carter-O'Neill's cries filled the room without warning, and Sam cried and smiled simultaneously. Dr. Thompson approached slowly, placing the crying baby in Sam's arms.
"Meet your son, General," she said gently.
Sam stopped crying, gazing at her newborn son in wonder.
"Oh, my dear boy," she whispered in total awe, breathing normally since entering the hospital.
Dr. Thompson resumed her work, skillfully closing the incisions layer by layer, ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and child.
Jack struggled to hold back tears as he watched his son nestled in Sam's arms.
"He's perfect, honey," he managed to say, his voice choked with emotion.
Sam carefully inspected every tiny detail of their newborn, her fingers tracing over his delicate features as if he were the most precious treasure.
Lost in the moment, they didn't notice when a nurse quietly moved Sam's bed to the recovery room, Jack following along as if on autopilot, his attention solely on his wife and son. Suddenly, the door opened, and their doctor entered.
"How are you feeling, Sam?" Dr. Thompson inquired, her gaze shifting to the monitors displaying vital signs.
Sam's eyes remained fixed on her son as she replied, "Exhausted, thrilled, afraid this was all a dream..."
Dr. Thompson smiled sympathetically.
"I understand. It's been quite a journey, and unfortunately, it's not over yet," she said gently.
Sam lifted her head, finally acknowledging the doctor's presence and that she was no longer in the operating room.
"Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Clearing her throat, Dr. Thompson explained, "You'll need to stay in the hospital for at least three days. We must monitor you and Jacob closely to ensure everything is okay. Your son had what we call a "Fluid Buildup." He had amniotic fluid and mucus blocking his airway slightly, so we had to suction them out to clear the way for a good, healthy cry. Besides, as the anesthesia wears off, you'll begin to feel the pain from the incisions. Recovery can take between four to six weeks, during which you may experience cramping, bleeding, and discomfort around the incision."
Sam's face paled at the thought.
"I won't be able to move or care for Jacob or Grace," she said slowly, her worry evident.
Jack placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, reassuring her, "I'm here. Whatever needs to be done, I'll take care of it. No stress."
Dr. Thompson nodded, offering her guidance.
"Exactly. Listen to your husband, Sam. Avoid strenuous activities such as lifting, climbing stairs, or exercising for the next few weeks. However, I also don't want you confined to bed. As you feel more comfortable with the pain, take small steps to move around."
"Small steps?" Sam repeated, her voice uncertain.
Dr. Thompson affirmed, "Yes, I know it's challenging, but remember, you've just undergone surgery."
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Hardly my first," she quipped.
The doctor's expression softened.
"I know, but this time is different. Your body has changed since then," she explained gently.
Blushing slightly, Sam turned her attention back to her son, contemplating the road ahead with determination.
After the doctor departed, their focus shifted entirely to their newborn son. Jacob was peacefully breastfeeding, his tiny hand grasping Sam's fingertip. Despite his sparse hair, notably darker than his sister's, he resembled Jack. However, his eyes, a captivating shade of Carter blue, mirrored Grace's.
Jack leaned in, tenderly pressing a kiss to Sam's lips.
"I love you," he whispered with a gentle smile.
Sam returned the sentiment, her smile faltering as tears rose.
"Oh honey, don't cry," Jack urged, his expression a mixture of concern and confusion. He never quite knew how to handle her tears. "Sam, please don't cry," he pleaded, soothingly caressing her damp hair. Meanwhile, Jacob continued to feed undisturbed, unaware of his mother's emotional turmoil.
Eventually, Sam's tears subsided, and she sniffled, wiping them away with a trembling hand.
"God, Jack, when he didn't cry..." she began, her voice trailing.
Jack's heart had skipped a beat, his anxiety echoing hers.
"But he's fine. And that's all that matters," he reassured, pressing a comforting kiss to her temple.
Sam sighed heavily, acknowledging the unexpected turn of events.
"You'll have to go home. We weren't prepared for three days in the hospital," she admitted.
Jack nodded, chewing on his lip in thought.
"Yeah...I'll speak with Hanna and Mike. I'm sure they won't mind looking after Grace. But as for Grace..." he trailed off, uncertain how to navigate the situation.
When Jacob finished feeding, Sam passed him to Jack.
"Here, General. Meet your son and take on the burping duties," she said with a faint smile.
Jack cradled Jacob against his chest with the utmost care, whispering tender words as they bonded. Sam watched them with a mixture of love and exhaustion, suddenly drained. She closed her eyes, succumbing to sleep without realizing it, as Jack continued to pace the room with their son, his soft voice providing a soothing melody in the quiet hospital room. His son so entranced him that he didn't notice his hands glowing as he held Jacob close to his heart.
When Sam awoke, she found Jacob peacefully sleeping in a bassinet beside her bed, and Jack slumped in a chair, his head drooping forward. As she attempted to move, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen, causing her to curse under her breath. Jack immediately stirred, his eyes fluttering open.
"What's wrong?" he asked, blinking away the remnants of sleep.
"Nothing. It just hurts," Sam replied, her voice strained, as she slowly shifted in bed.
Jack ran a hand over his face, attempting to shake off his drowsiness.
"How are you feeling?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice.
Sam sighed, her expression reflecting discomfort.
"The pain is getting worse," she admitted.
Jack rose from his seat with determination. "I'll call for a nurse," he declared, heading towards the door.
"Wait, Jack. You need to go home," Sam interjected, halting his movements.
He paused, turning back to her.
"I know. But first, I'll take care of you, then Grace," he assured her before exiting the room.
Alone with her thoughts, Sam closed her eyes momentarily, longing for her healing device. However, a sudden realization washed over her, prompting a small smile.
"Four to six weeks, my ass," she muttered aloud, a brief moment of amusement before the pain returned, forcing her laughter to halt. She knew she needed to talk to Jack. She couldn't afford to be confined to bed for that long. She had a baby and a daughter that needed her. There was no way she could stay idle for six weeks.
"You want me to do what?" Jack's eyebrow raised in disbelief as Sam urged him to lower his voice, mindful not to wake Jacob.
"My healing device. I refuse to endure six weeks of agony when I can recover much faster with it," Sam insisted, her tone calm yet determined.
Jack shook his head adamantly.
"No, you're too weak to use it," he countered, his concern evident.
Gritting her teeth, Sam pressed on.
"I'm not suggesting I use it right now, but once I'm a little stronger, I can manage," she reasoned, trying to sway him.
Again, Jack shook his head, his resolve unwavering.
"No. First, you need to go home and recover properly. Then we'll consider it," he stated firmly.
Sam shot him a furious glare.
"Do you want me to call Vala?" she threatened, her frustration mounting.
Approaching her slowly, Jack planted a quick kiss on her lips.
"You're still under the influence of drugs, General. Rest and recover. I'm heading home to check on our daughter. Be ready for a visit," he said with a gentle smile.
Sam felt an urge to punch him, but she sighed in resignation.
"Just go," she muttered, closing her eyes.
With one last glance at their sleeping son, Jack smiled and left the hospital room, leaving Sam to contemplate her next move.