The ride from their home to the hospital felt like a classic interrogation to Jack. Once Grace learned her baby brother had arrived, relentless and curious questions poured in.
"How big is he?" Grace's voice piped up from the back seat of the car.
"He's a baby, Grace, so he's still small," Jack replied, navigating through traffic.
"But exactly how small? Like Tagus or bigger?" Grace persisted.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Your brother is not a cat," he chuckled, amused by her comparison.
Grace shrugged.
"I'm using it as a reference," she explained matter-of-factly, hinting at her mother's analytical nature.
Sometimes, Jack forgot their daughter was only four years old, well, almost five.
"You'll see him when we get to the hospital," Jack reassured her, hoping to quell her curiosity.
Grace wasn't satisfied with the answer.
"Hasn't he been measured?" she pressed on.
Jack's attention momentarily slipped, nearly causing a collision with the sedan ahead.
"I suppose… I don't know, Grace. I didn't ask," he admitted, concealing the complexities of Jacob's birth from his daughter.
"Does he walk?" Grace inquired, fidgeting with her pink sneakers.
Jack chuckled softly.
"No, honey, he's just a baby. Babies sleep, eat, and, well, you know...poop," he trailed off, making a face as he mentioned the less pleasant aspects of infancy.
"And they throw up," he added, prompting Grace to express disgust.
"Yuck," she exclaimed.
"Don't worry; I'm sure most of it will end up on your Mommy and me," Jack reassured her with a wry smile as he pulled into the hospital parking lot.
Grace peered out the window, her curiosity shifting to the surroundings.
"Which room is Mommy in?" she wondered aloud.
Jack parked the SUV and stepped out, opening Grace's door and helping her.
"One of those," he replied vaguely, leading her towards the hospital entrance.
Grace stood beside him, her eyes wide with wonder as they entered the bustling hospital lobby. Suddenly, she asked to be lifted. Jack obliged, hoisting her into his arms as they went to where Sam and Jacob were awaiting them.
Sam cradled a hungry Jacob in her arms as Jack entered the room, Grace clinging to him like a little koala.
"See, he's eating," Jack whispered, his voice low.
Grace peered at her mother, confusion evident on her face.
"He eats like that?" she asked in a hushed tone.
Jack nodded, his lips curling into a smile, though Sam shot him a warning glare.
"Hi, sweetheart," Sam greeted her daughter warmly.
"Hi, Mommy," Grace replied, her eyes fixated on her new baby brother attached to Sam's breast.
Sam introduced Jacob to Grace, who leaned in for a closer inspection. He looked like a fragile doll to her curious eyes.
"He only eats like that? Not like us?" she inquired, turning to her mother.
Sam cleared her throat gently.
"For now, yes. He can only drink my milk, just like you did when you were his age," she explained patiently.
Grace's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"I was like this?" she asked slowly, a sense of wonder in her voice.
Sam nodded, smiling warmly.
"Yes, you were. And just like you, Jacob will grow up too," she assured her.
Jack interjected, "As I said, he sleeps, eats, poops, and throws up."
Sam shot him a look, silently reprimanding him. "Jack..."
He shrugged unapologetically. "What? It's true," he defended himself.
Grace expressed her desire to be put down, and Jack obliged, allowing her to approach Sam and Jacob. She carefully examined her baby brother, touching his tiny fingers with her hand.
"He's so small," Grace remarked softly.
Sam agreed, her heart swelling with affection. "Yes, he is."
Grace made a decision, determination flashing in her eyes as she moved to his hands.
"Jake. I'm calling him Jake," she declared with a smile.
Jack and Sam exchanged glances, silently agreeing.
"Okay, Jake, it is," Sam confirmed. "Grace, meet your brother, Jake," she introduced with a smile.
Grace still held onto Jake's hand.
"Hi, Jake. I'm Grace, and I'm your big sister. You'll have to do everything I tell you," she grinned.
Sam struggled to contain her laughter, while Jack chuckled until Sam's glare silenced him.
"Grace, things don't work exactly like that," he corrected gently.
Grace looked at him with innocence.
"Why Daddy?" she asked, genuinely curious.
Jack cleared his throat, searching for an explanation.
"Well, he's your brother, not your pet," he attempted, though he realized the comparison was less than ideal, judging by Sam's reaction.
"I mean..." Jack faltered, glancing at Sam for support. "Hmm..." he tried again, trailing off awkwardly.
"I can't wait to hear what comes out of your mouth next, Jack," Sam teased with a smile as she shifted Jake to her other breast.
Jack closed his eyes momentarily, hoping for a lifeline from his newborn son. He felt outnumbered by the two most intelligent women in the galaxy and was desperate to level the playing field.
"Actually, I've got nothing," Jack conceded, his tone light but resigned. He knew when to admit defeat, a skill he had honed over the years of marriage with Sam as they transitioned from CO and 2IC to husband and wife.
Sam smiled, admiring Jack's ability to accept defeat gracefully. She, on the other hand, often struggled with conceding. He used to joke that it was because of his age, while she argued it was her inherent stubbornness. Age had nothing to do with it.
"Smart answer," Sam remarked, adjusting Jake in her arms as he suckled voraciously, his appetite seemingly insatiable for his small size.
When Jake finally stopped feeding, his eyes glimmered with satisfaction.
"Here you go, Daddy," Sam said, offering Jack their son.
With careful hands, Jack lifted Jake under Grace's attentive gaze.
"Come here, big boy," he cooed with a smile.
Sam turned her attention to Grace. "So, tell me, Grace, how are Hana and Mike treating you?" she inquired, reaching for her daughter's hand.
Grace's eyes remained fixed on Jake.
"Fine. They let me play with Tagus. Can we get a cat?" she asked suddenly.
"A cat?" Sam repeated, caught off guard by the request.
"Yes, like Tagus," Grace insisted, focusing on her mother.
Sam considered carefully.
"Aren't you happy with your ant farm anymore?" she asked, trying to gauge Grace's desires.
Slowly, Grace rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, Mommy, but they're always inside. They don't jump like Tagus," she pointed out.
Jack, who was pacing with Jake, couldn't help but smirk. Jacob had fallen asleep as soon as he was in his father's arms, snuggling with what could be interpreted as a smile on his tiny face if babies smiled at that age, which they didn't.
"True, they don't jump. But I don't think it's the best time for us to get a cat right now, sweetheart. Mommy needs to stay home recovering and taking care of Jacob and you. Maybe we can talk about it later," he suggested gently.
Grace shrugged. "I guess..." she conceded reluctantly.
Meanwhile, Jake had woken up, burped, and made a mess. "I need to change him," Jack announced, breaking the conversation.
"Oh... right," Sam responded, glancing at Grace, who watched them with a curious expression.
As Grace watched her father change Jake's footed pajamas and diaper, she decided it was time to go home. She missed playing with Tagus and wasn't keen on being part of the diaper-changing process. With a clean and contented Jake, Jack kissed Sam goodbye and took Grace back to their neighbors' house, who were happy to have her for another two days.
When Jack returned to the hospital, Dr. Thompson was with Sam.
"Oh, hello, General," Chris greeted him as he entered.
"Hello, Doctor. Are there any problems?" Jack asked cautiously as he approached Sam's bed.
Chris Thompson had her clipboard in hand.
"So far, everything seems to be in order with both mother and son," she reported, which relieved Jack.
"Good," he said.
"I was just telling your wife that although the naquadah in her blood makes anesthesia and pain medication a bit more challenging to administer, I'm increasing her dosage so she'll be more comfortable," Chris explained.
Jack placed a reassuring hand over Sam's, carefully avoiding the IV she still had.
"Anything else?" Sam inquired.
The doctor shook her head.
"No. We'll continue monitoring you both, and if everything progresses well, you'll be released in two days. But remember, no exertion whatsoever," she cautioned.
Sam smiled faintly, knowing she had a different perspective on her recovery than the doctor. However, she didn't voice it, knowing she needed to discuss it with Jack.
"Thank you, doctor," Sam said politely as the doctor bid them farewell and left them alone.
Jack had been watching his wife closely and knew the discussion about the healing device wasn't over.
"You're going to rest, Sam," he reminded her firmly.
Sam began to toy with his shirt, wearing a mischievous smile.
"Of course I am," she replied innocently.
Jack recognized that smile all too well.
"Don't give me that smile. I'm not going to the SGC for the healing device," he stated firmly.
Sam gave him a coy look.
"Why not, beloved husband?" she teased.
Jack chuckled, trying to stay focused. Sam's hand ventured under his shirt, causing him to tense.
"Sam," he warned.
"What?" she feigned innocence.
He rolled his eyes. "No," he repeated.
"So, you'd rather I suffer?" she questioned, withdrawing her hand.
"Of course not, but you heard the doctor. There is no exertion, and you're not strong enough for the healing device," he reasoned.
Sam bit her lip, considering his words.
"I won't use it now, Jack. I just want to have that option," she explained slowly.
Jack tenderly stroked her hair.
"I promise I'll get you the device once you're better. Otherwise, the temptation will be too much. I know you, Samantha Carter-O'Neill. If that thing is in our house, one day you'll pick it up and use it, ready or not," he said knowingly.
She shot him a look, feeling a mix of annoyance and admiration for how well he understood her.
"Fine," she relented.
He smiled and kissed her.
"My favorite word," he murmured.
"Sir," she added playfully against his lips.
Jack groaned and kissed her deeply, grateful for the familiar connection they shared, even as their son slept peacefully in his bassinet. They still had a journey ahead, but some things never changed, and Jack was thankful for that.
As the doctor had warned her, Sam's recovery at home was slow, painful, and excruciatingly dull. Sam's patience began to wear thin, and her sleep was constantly interrupted by Jake's relentless hunger, waking up seemingly every hour. She couldn't recall being this exhausted with Grace, but perhaps age and her son's voracious appetite played a role.
After two weeks of enduring this ordeal, Sam was ready to snap, and Jack seemed to be the prime target.
"I won't kill you if you bring me the healing device," she remarked, perched on the bedroom chair while Jake slept in the crib nearby.
Jack let out a weary sigh. Sam had been making this threat for days now.
"Would you really leave your children without their father?" he retorted, arms crossed.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"I'm considering it more and more," she quipped playfully.
Jack blew her a kiss.
"You love me too much to murder me," he replied confidently.
Sam sighed.
"I do, but you're testing that love. Seriously," she warned, returning the blown kiss. "Besides..." Sam's hand trailed slowly along her thigh, drawing Jack's attention. "Don't you miss me? I sure miss you. A lot," she teased, moistening her lips.
Jack shot her a knowing look.
"That's a low blow, Samantha," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
Sam merely smiled.
"I'm using what I have," she replied coyly.
Jack swallowed hard. She knew exactly how to play dirty when she wanted something.
"No," he stated firmly. "I'm not risking your health for sex."
"My health would benefit immensely if I were healed. And so would our sex life," she countered, her hand still caressing her thigh.
Jack cursed inwardly. She was pulling out all the stops.
"No," he repeated, more resolute this time. "We're managing just fine."
Sam closed her eyes momentarily.
"Please," she implored in a soft voice.
Jack hesitated. She was laying it on thick.
"Don't blackmail me, Sam," he cautioned.
Sam opened her eyes, and Jack saw both anger and disappointment.
"Okay, Jack. Fair enough. I won't bring it up again. You decide when to bring the healing device," she conceded, running a hand through her hair.
Jack swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her disappointment.
"Sam..." he began, but she raised a hand, silencing him.
"End of discussion," she declared, moving slowly to their bed. I'm going to get some sleep," she announced after adjusting Jake's blanket and turning her back to him.
Fisting his hands in frustration, Jack silently left the room, knowing that the conversation had reached its conclusion for the time being.
Grace was diligently working on her homework. Even though she wasn't attending school, Sam had taught her daughter how to read, write, and count. With Sam being home, she needed something to occupy her mind, especially since the galaxy seemed unusually quiet. Grace eagerly embraced her lessons, and Sam didn't take long to realize how intelligent her daughter was. Grace quickly absorbed everything her mother taught her and hungered for more knowledge.
Noticing Grace tackling some math problems, Jack raised an eyebrow in surprise. Math?
"Dear Lord, another genius," he muttered as he made his way to their office. Closing the door behind him, he settled into his desk chair and picked up the phone to call Vala.
That evening's dinner was tranquil, a stark deviation from the usual lively atmosphere in their household. Sam hadn't uttered a word since their earlier discussion, and Grace hurriedly finished her meal, eager to return to the living room where Sam had left a problem for her to solve before dinner. Jake was peacefully asleep, the baby monitors silent, while Jack struggled to find the right words or actions.
"I've finished. Can I be excused?" Grace asked as she swallowed the last piece of potato.
Sam nodded silently, and their daughter swiftly disappeared to the living room. Jack observed Sam's lack of appetite, noting that she had barely touched her food, pushing it around her plate without eating much.
"So, is this how it's going to be?" Jack finally broke the silence, frustration evident in his voice.
Sam glanced at him briefly, her thoughts elsewhere. Jack wiped his mouth with a napkin, his irritation palpable.
"I don't do what you want, and suddenly it's the silent treatment?" he continued.
"What are you talking about?" Sam asked, genuinely confused.
Jack gestured to their surroundings.
"You haven't said a word since I told you I wasn't going to SGC. You're sulking," he accused.
Sam sighed and set her fork down.
"Yes, Jack, I'm sulking because that will magically improve my condition," she replied sarcastically.
Jack drained the rest of his beer, his patience wearing thin.
"So, you're not sulking? You just decided not to talk?" he pressed.
Sam pushed her plate aside.
"I guess," she replied tersely.
Jack's frustration was evident as he recalled the early years of their marriage.
"Remember when we didn't talk? It was complicated. I didn't like that, and I know you didn't either. We learned to communicate, and things got better. Why are you so determined to go back there?" he questioned.
Sam closed her eyes, feeling a surge of exhaustion.
"Jesus, Jack! Stop the drama. I'm just in a little pain, okay? Let the medication work, and I'll talk to you all you want," she said wearily, taking a deep breath.
Jack's expression softened immediately as he realized his oversight.
"Why didn't you tell me you were in pain?" he asked softly.
Sam met his gaze, her eyes reflecting her weariness.
"Because I'm almost always in pain, Jack. That's why," she admitted defeatedly.
Jack felt a pang of guilt.
"I'm sorry. You should have told me," he said, reaching for her hand and gently caressing it.
Sam looked at their intertwined hands, her emotions raw.
"I tried to, Jack. But you weren't listening," she confessed.
Jack's heart sank at her words. He had waited too long, but she hadn't used the healing device when Grace was born, so he thought that now, with Jake, maybe she was just eager to get back to work. He had fucked up as usual.
"I've called Vala. She'll be here the day after tomorrow," he revealed quietly.
Surprised, Sam looked up at him.
"Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
Jack kissed her hand tenderly.
"You can't use the healing device, but she can," he explained, his gaze unwavering.
Tears welled up in Sam's eyes, her lower lip trembling.
"You told me no, Jack," she whispered, hurt evident in her tone.
Jack's eyes softened with compassion.
"I did. And I'll continue to say no if it threatens your health. But I don't want to see you suffer, Sam. I'll do anything to prevent that. So, I called Vala," he reassured her. "I'm sorry it took me so long to realize how much pain you were," he added.
Unable to hold back her emotions any longer, Sam's tears fell freely.
"I was so furious with you, Jack," she admitted in a choked voice.
Jack swallowed hard, his arms enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
"I know," he murmured. "But I'd rather have you furious with me and healthy than the opposite."
Sam lowered her head, her sobs turning into soft cries. Jack held her close, his touch gentle and reassuring.
"Don't cry," he whispered, offering her solace in his embrace.
Sam eventually stopped crying, wiping her face with the back of her hand.
"I'm sorry, I'm just a little tired," she admitted.
Jack kissed her forehead tenderly, his fingers gently combing through her hair.
"You'll get better, and the pain will fade away soon," he reassured her.
Sam nestled her head against his shoulder, finding comfort in his embrace.
"I feel absolutely drained," she murmured.
Jack planted another kiss on her head, his hands soothingly massaging her neck.
"Do you want to snuggle on the couch or go to bed?" he inquired.
A small smile tugged at Sam's lips.
"We haven't snuggled on the couch in a long time," she remarked.
Jack returned her smile and helped her up from the chair.
As Grace continued to solve math problems on the coffee table, her parents spent the night watching TV, wrapped in each other's arms on the couch. Suddenly, Sam sighed, a tremor of pain laced through the exhale. Sensing her discomfort, Jack immediately reached out, and his warm and gentle hands found the tight muscle knots in her neck. With a practiced touch, he kneaded them out, applying just the right amount of pressure. The tension started to loosen under his ministrations, a wave of relief washing over Sam.
As Jack moved his hands down her back, a quiet rhythm settling in, Sam felt a surprising peace settle over her. The pain, though not gone completely, was no longer the all-consuming monster it had been. It had morphed into a dull ache, pushed to the background by the soothing warmth of his touch and the quiet hum of concern radiating off him. Neither saw, but Jack's hands started to glow when he moved to her back.
Meanwhile, fatigue crept into Jack's movements. Each massage stroke felt heavier than the last as the energy left his body. He continued his ministrations, not just to ease her physical pain but also in a desperate attempt to atone for his lapse in judgment. The silence between them was thick, punctuated only by the soft sighs escaping Sam's lips and the gentle rasp of Jack's tired fingers against her skin.
Even Jake seemed to contribute to the peaceful moment, sleeping soundly, the sound coming from the baby monitor in their bedroom.
"I'm much better, Jack. Thank you", Sam said, seeing Jack almost asleep.
He shook his head, trying to clear his mind.
"Good. I think it's time for bed," he said.
They slowly went to bed, and after making sure that Grace was already in her bed, Jack carefully lifted Jake and placed him next to Sam, who began to breastfeed him with one eye half-opened, a routine they had grown accustomed to.
Once Jake was satisfied and settled, Jack encouraged Sam to rest, taking over baby duty himself. With everything settled, Jack managed to make his way to their bed, gently easing himself against Sam's body, fitting together perfectly. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her presence, and drifted off into a peaceful sleep within seconds. He was exhausted.
Two days passed in a blink.
"Aunt Vala has arrived!" Vala announced dramatically as Jack swung open the door to let her in.
Grace dashed from her room, where she had been tending to her ants, and almost excitedly bowled over Vala.
"AUNT VALA!" she shouted with glee.
Jack winced, almost covering his ears, and even Vala chuckled as Grace climbed up her legs and arms.
"My little fashionista," Vala exclaimed with a wide grin, embracing Grace tightly.
Sam remained seated on the couch, not bothering to get up.
"Where are my presents?" Grace demanded eagerly, eyeing Vala's empty hands.
Vala gently set Grace down and shook her head.
"Now, Grace, first I have to chat with your mother and see if you've been behaving yourself, and then..." she trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid as she made her way to the living room, where Sam sat with Jake, who was half asleep, half gazing at his mother.
"Oh my, that is the cutest baby I've ever seen," Vala cooed, her hands clasped over her mouth as she approached Sam and Jake.
"Hi Vala," Sam greeted casually.
"Samantha, darling," Vala replied without taking her eyes off Jake. "You are so handsome, baby boy. You do make the most adorable babies," she teased, flashing a mischievous smile at Sam.
Sam blushed while Jack beamed proudly.
"And he has the most magnificent blue eyes. Just like you and Grace," Vala remarked as Jake opened his eyes, curious about all the attention.
"He does," Sam agreed with a smile.
Grace stood nearby, silently watching the scene unfold.
"I want my presents, Daddy," Grace whined, tugging Jack's shirt.
Jack gently ruffled her hair.
"You'll have to wait until Aunt Vala finishes fussing over your brother. She won't be long," he promised.
Grace huffed and crossed her arms, clearly impatient.
Vala then turned her attention back to Sam, her demeanor more serious.
"And how are you, General Carter?" she inquired softly, her gaze meeting Sam's.
Sam shrugged.
"I'm tired and fed up with being unable to move properly. And I have another scar. Do you want to see it?" she asked, rolling her eyes.
Vala shook her head.
"Not particularly," she replied, her hand pausing on Sam's arm before straightening up.
Vala then looked back at Grace.
"Now, Grace Carter-O'Neill, I do have a present for you. But only if your mother tells me you've been a good girl. Has she?" Vala asked, turning to Sam.
Sam smiled and nodded.
"Yes, she's been terrific. And she's also brilliant," Sam said proudly.
Grace beamed with pride.
Vala reached into her handbag and retrieved a small wrapped box, handing it to Grace.
"I took great care in choosing this," Vala said with a smile.
Grace eagerly tore into the wrapping paper while Sam cleared her throat.
"Grace, what do we say first?" she reminded gently.
Grace paused and looked sheepishly at Vala.
"Sorry. Thank you, Aunt Vala," she said before unwrapping her gift.
Grace carefully removed a wooden bead necklace featuring a "G" from the box.
"Oh... it's so pretty," she exclaimed in wonder.
Sam sighed, anticipating the struggles ahead when Grace wouldn't want to take it off. Jack offered to help put the necklace on, and Grace eagerly allowed him, her fingers tracing the beads with a smile.
"I have to go see it in the mirror," she declared excitedly before darting out of the room.
"I think she liked it," Vala remarked, settling beside Sam.
"Oh, she did. She won't want to take it off now," Sam replied with a knowing smile.
Jack joined them, extending his arms to Jake, who peacefully slept.
"Thanks," Sam said with a grateful smile as she handed over the baby.
"You're all so disgustingly adorable that it's not even funny anymore," Vala teased, raising her hands in mock exasperation.
Sam attempted to laugh, but the pain from her scar prevented it, and Vala's expression turned serious.
"Right. Your pain," she said, turning to Jack.
"I'll be right back," he announced, cradling Jake in his arms as he left the room.
"Thanks for doing this, Vala. I would do it, but Jack forbade it," Sam explained, gratitude evident in her voice.
Vala gave her a stern look.
"And he was completely right. You're in no condition to be doing such things. Are you crazy?" she scolded gently.
Jack returned to the room, holding a box, and Vala got up from her seat.
"Come on, General. Time to go to bed," she said, offering Sam a helping hand to get up.
"Lock the door," Jack reminded them before Sam nodded in agreement.
With a gentle brush of her fingers through Jack's hair, Sam left the living room with Vala, leaving Jack behind with their son.
Once inside the bedroom, Sam locked the door while Vala retrieved the healing device from her bag.
"Lay down and relax," Vala instructed, and Sam complied without hesitation. "Now, let's heal you," Vala said as she focused the beam of energy from the device toward Sam's abdomen.
Familiar with the process, Sam felt the energy accelerate her body's natural healing abilities, swiftly alleviating the pain and discomfort she had been experiencing. She closed her eyes, fully embracing the relief washing over her as Vala continued the healing process.
After a few minutes, Vala announced, "It's done."
Sam released a deep breath of relief, feeling the absence of pain for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.
"Oh, thank God, Vala," she expressed, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen, now pain-free.
Vala sat on the edge of the bed, looking a bit drained.
"It was my pleasure," she replied with a tired smile.
Sam leaned in to give her a grateful kiss and hug.
"You have no idea how much I love you right now," she confessed.
Vala gave her a sidelong glance.
"Don't tell Jack that, or he'll be jealous and might want the divorce," she joked with a sigh.
Sam chuckled, appreciating Vala's sense of humor.
"Come on, let's go have some ice cream," she offered, signaling the end of their healing session.
Vala returned the healing device to her bag and handed it to Sam.
"All yours," she said with a tired but satisfied expression.
Sam carefully placed the device in her dresser drawer and unlocked the bedroom door.
When they returned to the living room, Jack and Grace were waiting, Jack's expression filled with anticipation. Sam wasted no time, moving swiftly to his side and kneeling to kiss him deeply.
"I love you," she whispered, pulling away from the kiss.
Jack's smile widened.
"Love you too, honey. So, it worked?" he inquired eagerly.
"Oh yeah," Sam confirmed with a grin, feeling lighter and freer than she had in weeks. "We're having ice cream so Vala can recover," she explained, linking arms with her husband as they all left the room together.