Second Chances: A New Beginning

by Imzadi41

Daniel and Caitlin finally find happiness, but a memory from her past comes back to eventually haunt her.

SECOND CHANCES – A NEW BEGINNING

By Shirley Pauli

Saturdays at the health food store were unpredictable in how busy or slow they could be, and today was no exception. People had been flowing in and out all day, keeping everyone busy. Caitlin was finishing up with a customer when her best friend Lacey came over to her. "There Mrs. Jacobs. Just take these over to Melinda, and she'll ring you up."

"Thank you dearie," she said as she took her items to the registers, leaving Caitlin and Lacey alone.

Caitlin sighed. "She's such a nice woman," she commented.

"I know," Lacey commented. "So have you decided whether or not to use a wedding planner?

Caitlin nodded. "I still have to talk to Daniel first, but first thing on Monday morning I want to check some out."

Karyn came over, putting some returns back on the shelf. "We're using a wedding planner. What with all the family Paul and I have, we have to."

"We used one, too," Lacey added.

Caitlin looked over at Karyn. "Who are you using?"

"Tonda Mills, of Weddings-n-More. She's good, and reasonable too, from what we've seen so far." She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, and quickly wrote a phone number down, handing it to Caitlin. "Just tell her I recommended you. Then she'll give us a discount."

"Thanks, I'll mention it to Daniel tonight at dinner."

Later that night while eating at Jazzed on Java, Caitlin told Daniel about what Karyn had mentioned to her.

"Well, I didn't have a true wedding with Sha're," he told her honestly. "She was given to me and we were considered married. But whatever you want is fine." He took a bite of his food. "What are your thoughts, sweetheart?"

"I don't want anything large or flashy," she told him. "Something small and intimate, and outside if we can."

He smiled. "That sounds really nice. Maybe just our closest friends?"

Caitlin nodded. "Speaking of that, Karyn is really becoming a good friend now, too. I want to ask her to be one of my bridesmaids. She and Cassie could walk with Cam and Jason."

"That sounds fine, sweetheart."

"Can you come with me to the wedding planner? I made an appointment for Monday afternoon at two. She's going to want to meet both of us."

Daniel frowned. "I can't promise anything," he whispered to her. "We're still trying to find the Saangral."

She smiled at him. "I know. It can't be longer than a couple of hours or so."

"I think I can do that. I'll pick you up at the health food store."

Tonda Mills had always wanted to be a wedding planner. Ever since she was a little girl she had organized and planned weddings for her dolls and even as she played with her friends. Now she had turned her hobby into a small thriving business. She purposely kept her business small because she knew that she could give her clients more personalized attention. So when the door to her office opened up, she prepared herself to plan another wonderful wedding.

"Good afternoon." the receptionist told them. "Welcome to Weddings-n-More. Can I help you?"

Caitlin nodded. "Hi, I'm Caitlin O'Brien, and this is my fiancé, Dr. Daniel Jackson. We have an appointment."

The receptionist looked at her computer screen. "Yes. If you'll just have a seat," and she gestured toward the chairs. Then she went back into Tonda's office.

Tonda walked out, smiling at the two of them. "Good afternoon, I'm Tonda Mills. You must be Miss O'Brien."

Caitlin nodded. "Yes, this is my fiancé Dr. Daniel Jackson."

Tonda shook their hands. "Come into my office."

"Please sit down," Tonda said, sitting down at a table and gesturing toward the two chairs beside her. "First, let me say congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you," Daniel told her, smiling at her.

"Now, I understand that Karyn Williams recommended me."

"She did. She said you were doing her wedding."

Tonda nodded. "I am." She grabbed her pen and a legal pad, writing their names on the top page. "Well, let's get started. First off, when would you like to get married?"

"We've decided on May nineteenth," Daniel told her, holding Caitlin's hand in his.

Tonda checked her appointment book and wrote it down on the pad. Most prospective brides wanted a June wedding, so it was refreshing to have one that didn't. "That looks good, but it gives us only a few months to create your dream wedding."

Caitlin nodded. "So where do we begin?"

"First, I'd like to know what kind of budget you have in mind."

Caitlin was about to answer, but Daniel stopped her with a squeeze of her hand. "That's up to Caitlin. Whatever she wants is fine with me."

Caitlin blushed, squeezing his hand back. "I don't want anything too extravagant. I just want to marry Daniel, that's all.

Tonda smiled. "Okay. So why don't you tell me a little bit about why you chose May nineteenth?"

"I love lilacs," Caitlin told her, smiling. "And that's about the time when they're in bloom."

"So I take it you would like them for your wedding bouquet?"

Caitlin nodded. "I already talked to my best friend, who has a beautiful lilac bush in her front yard, and she said that I can pick my bouquet from her tree."

"Would that also be one of your colors?" Tonda queried them.

Daniel shook his head. "We hadn't talked about colors, but I think blue should be one of them. Blue for the color of Caitlin's beautiful eyes."

Caitlin blushed. "Oh, Daniel. I like that, but maybe a dark blue, and silver. What do you think, sweetheart?"

"I think that's great," he told her, gently rubbing her back with his hand.

Tonda smiled, writing the colors down. "Okay. Now what time do you have in mind?"

"We hadn't talked about that," Daniel told her.

"Well, most of the brides I work with usually choose a time in the afternoon. What do you think of two pm?"

Caitlin turned to Daniel. "That sounds good to me," he told her.

"I like that too," she added.

Tonda wrote that down. "So have you thought about anything else for your wedding?"

"I've always wanted a small wedding," Caitlin told her. "Just my closest family and friends. Nothing too fancy or elaborate, but nice. And something outside if we can."

"Dr. Jackson? What are your thoughts?"

"I was married once, but my wife passed away. We never had a true wedding, so anything Caitlin wants is fine with me." He smiled at her, love shining in his eyes.

Tonda smiled, studying the couple. They were really in love, she could see that. "So you want a small, outdoor wedding. Have you got any thoughts on where you'd like to get married?"

Caitlin shook her head. "No, but I'd like something with a view of Pike's Peak and with lots of green grass."

Tonda smiled, knowing the perfect place for their wedding. "I know just the place. High Point area in the Garden of the Gods. It's got an amazing view of Pikes Peak, lots of trees all around the area, and a beautiful arbor. I think it'd be perfect. It seats fifty people, but you don't have to have that many guests. The only problem is if it will be available."

Caitlin looked over at Daniel. "I've been there only once, and it was a beautiful spot."

"Then let's take it," Daniel replied.

Tonda made a note on her pad. "I'll make the necessary arrangements later today and let you know. Have you thought about an alternate site in case of bad weather?"

"There's a small chapel at the base where I work, and it would be perfect for that," Daniel told her.

Tonda wrote that down as well. "All right. Now, who are your attendants?

"I have my two best friends standing up for me, and Daniel has his two best friends. We also want to ask two more of our friends, so there will be eight attendants in all."

Tonda wrote that down. "All right now, family. Do you have any family that will be attending the wedding?"

Caitlin knew that she couldn't tell her about her mother, so she shook her head. "No, I don't. My parents passed away when I was little, and so did Daniel's."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Tonda told them both. "So have you thought about who you'd like to have walk you down the aisle?"

Caitlin knew they hadn't talked about it, but she knew who she wanted. "Daniel," she told him, turning to face him. "I want to ask Gen. Hammond. He was like a father to you, and he's been so nice to me."

Daniel smiled at her. "I think that's a fine idea. We can ask him the next time he's in town."

Tonda was writing all this down. "Okay. Now, have you thought about ushers?"

Daniel shook his head. "Not really. But there's a couple of people where I work we could ask. How many do you think we'd need?"

"For the size of the space I'd say at least two."

"We'll let you know when we ask them," he told her.

"Fine. Now have you had any thoughts about what kind of style you want for your wedding?"

"I'm half Irish, so I'd love to have some Irish things in the wedding."

Tonda pulled out a book, handing it to her. "I've done a few weddings where the bride had an Irish theme. Take a look at these and see if you like anything here."

Caitlin flipped through the pages, not really finding anything she really liked. "I've been thinking about some of the different things I could have, and maybe having someone who could read a couple of things in Gaelic, or some simple things like that."

"I've been thinking; I know a florist in Denver that can get some Irish flowers, and we could add some of them to your lilac bouquet, plus we could have a few arrangements all around the area." She pulled out another book, all of flower arrangements, and handed it to Caitlin. "Take a look at these and see what you think."

Caitlin flipped through the pages, seeing the prices, and frowned. "I don't know. There are a few here I like, but they're so expensive!"

Daniel put his arm around her and smiled. "Don't worry about the price, muirnín(sweetheart). If you find something you like, then I want you to have that."

She nodded, flipping back to a simple but elegant bouquet of flowers. "What kind of flowers are these?" she asked.

Tonda looked at the bouquet, then checked the back of the book. "Let's see. That one has Easter lilies, ox-eye daisies, variegated ivy, and baby's breath, and it also has carnations. We'd have those tinted to match your colors."

"That's pretty. Do you know if I could get some of the daisies for my own bouquet?"

Tonda nodded, adding it to the list of items on the page. "I know a supplier in Denver, and he can get pretty much anything you want."

"I was thinking of a few daisies in among the lilacs, then having baby's breath around the edges."

She smiled, writing everything down. "That sounds wonderful! You're one of my first brides to want lilacs as her bouquet. Okay, now since you chose lilacs, might I suggest using one lilac sprig along with some baby's breath for the boutonnieres?"

"What do you think, Daniel?" Caitlin asked him.

"That sounds fine."

Tonda wrote it down, flipping the page on her notepad. "Now let's talk about wedding gowns. Do you have any thoughts on that?"

"I bought a formal gown at Uniquely Yours in Denver in December, and I thought I'd go down there to look for my dress."

"That's a wonderful store, and a few of my brides have found their dresses there. But to get a good selection to choose from, I recommend you go to a few stores to look for your perfect dress. I can set up a few appointments for you, if you like."

Caitlin nodded as Tonda wrote some store ideas down.

"Now Dr. Jackson, for finding a tuxedo, I recommend Men's Warehouse. It's on Southgate Road."

"I know where that is," he told her.

"I'll set up an appointment for you as soon as possible so we can get you, your attendants, and your ushers their tuxedos as soon as we can. Have you had any thoughts on that?"

Caitlin turned toward Daniel. "Sweetheart, I know that black is traditional, but I've always thought the groom should stand out from his attendants."

"That sounds okay. What did you have in mind?"

She turned back toward Tonda. "I'd love to see the attendants and ushers in gray, and Daniel in black with a nice tie and vest. To me the cummerbund and bow tie reminds me of a high school prom."

He laughed. "Whatever you want is fine with me, sweetheart. I want you to have the wedding of your dreams."

Caitlin leaned in and tenderly kissed him. "Thank you so much for making me happy."

Tonda smiled, hoping that this would be a marriage that would last. So many of the weddings she'd done in the past had ended in divorce, but she could see the forever love between this couple, so she hoped their marriage would last a long time.

Daniel glanced at his watch. "You know, we've been here two hours already, but I don't think we're done yet, are we?"

Tonda shook her head. "There are a few more things I'd like to talk with you about."

He turned toward Caitlin. "I'd better call work and tell them I'll be longer than I thought."

Caitlin nodded, and Daniel left the room.

"You two must love each other very much," Tonda told her, sighing. "I can tell you have a forever love."

Caitlin smiled, nodding. "We do. I love him more than I ever thought possible."

"It shows. And I can tell."

Caitlin blushed. "Thank you, Mrs. Mills."

"Please, call me Tonda."

Daniel returned and sat down next to Caitlin, putting his arm around her again. "I talked to my boss, and he said to take my time. What about Lacey?"

"She gave me the afternoon off, so I'm okay."

"Well then, let's talk about invitations and music." Tonda pulled out a huge book of invitations, setting it in front of Daniel and Caitlin. They had thumbed through half the book when Caitlin found the one she was looking for. "Oh Daniel, it's beautiful! What do you think?"

"I like it," he told her honestly. "If you want them..."

"No," she interrupted. "Only if you want them too."

He smiled. "Then let's order those."

Tonda wrote the numbers down as well as a brief description, then put the book back. She went on to the music. "This is where we could add some Irish flair to your ceremony. Do you have any favorites?"

Caitlin shook her head. "I don't have just one favorite Irish group. However, there's something I've always dreamed about for my wedding, ever since I first heard them. It's an a capella group called Tonic Sol Fa. They have great songs. One of my favorites is called Rescued Me." She sighed, remembering the song. "They're not Irish, but they're so good!"

Tonda wrote the name of the group down, making a note to find their some of their music as soon as she could. "Now that we have the music, let's talk about the reception. First, can I offer you a bottle of water?"

They both nodded, and Tonda grabbed three bottles of water from the refrigerator in the next room, handing them to Daniel and Caitlin. "Now we need to talk about the reception and the cake."

Caitlin couldn't believe how much planning went into a wedding; there was so much to do and to choose. By the end of the afternoon they had everything down that she and Daniel wanted, and Tonda was satisfied that she could get the ball rolling.

"I'll call you first thing as soon as I have these appointments down. I assume you'll want your attendants to go with you to choose your gown?"

Caitlin nodded. "Yes. I trust Lacey and Sam completely."

"That's fine. And I suggest that you have your attendants and ushers go in for their tuxedos as soon as possible, Dr. Jackson. Then we'll have that ready in plenty of time for the wedding."

Daniel nodded. "I'll have to call my friend Jack, as he lives in Washington DC now, but I'm sure he can come out for a day or two to get his tux."

Tonda finished writing up all her information, and handed Daniel and Caitlin a contract.

They both signed it, and Daniel handed her a check to cover the first payment.

"Well, we have a good start," Tonda told them. "As I said, when I have the appointments, I'll call you." She stood. "Again congratulations, and thank you for choosing Weddings-n-More."

They shook hands with Tonda, and Daniel led Caitlin out of the office. "You hungry?"

"A little." Caitlin watched as Daniel shut her door then got inside, starting the Jeep. "Why don't we go to my place? I'll cook, and we can just be alone."

Daniel smiled. "That sounds nice." He drove down the snowy streets to Caitlin's apartment. "What did you have in mind?"

"How does Italian Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and steamed carrots sound?"

"Mmm, that sounds good!" he told her as he pulled into her parking lot.

"I've got all the ingredients, and it only takes half-an-hour to make."

Forty-five minutes later, Daniel was eating the delicious meal, just as she had promised. Candlelight danced on the pretty table Caitlin had set, and soft music played in the background. A single red rose stood in its vase next to the candle, lending its gentle scent to the atmosphere. "Wow, Caitlin. You were right. This is delicious!"

She smiled. "I thought you'd like it. It's my own recipe. I was experimenting one night and came up with it. It's really simple and easy, too."

He took her hand and kissed the fingertips. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

She blushed. "I'm lucky to have you." The music changed, and February Song by Josh Groban started to play. Caitlin took Daniel's hand, leading him into the middle of her kitchen, and stepped forward, putting her arms around his neck. As the song played, she laid her cheek against his shoulder. "Is tú mo ghrá, Dainéal(I love you, Daniel)," she told him.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, muirnín(I love you, too)," he told her as he slowly danced with her, holding her close.

The music changed, and soon the gentle sounds of Tonic Sol Fa wafted through the air like a warm breeze.

Daniel had never heard the song or the group, but he liked them. "Who sings this, sweetheart?" he asked her as they continued to dance.

"Tonic Sol Fa. They're an a capella group from the South Dakota/Minnesota area. They're my favorite group."

"So this is the music that you wanted to use for the wedding?"

Caitlin nodded. "I really love their music, and this is one of the songs I love to listen to. There's a couple of others I like that I think would really work for the ceremony as well. Come into the living room a moment." She walked into the room and stood next to her stereo. She searched through her CDs until she found the right one, putting it into the stereo and programming it until the first song she wanted started to play. "This one is called Chances," she told him as it played. "The other one is called Until Forever's Gone."

Daniel listened to the music, hearing the words and letting them wash over him. When the second song started to play, he took Caitlin back into his arms, gazing into her eyes full of love and hope, and smiled. "They're beautiful, and you're right. They are a great group."

"I've seen them in concert here a few years ago. Lacey and I went, and they were fantastic. They're funny too, as they do some songs with different voices. They do a version of The Lion Sleeps Tonight using the voices of different Muppets."

She giggled at the memory of the song, and it filled Daniel's heart with more love than he thought was possible. "You have a beautiful laugh, sweetheart," he told her, caressing her cheek.

She blushed, smiling. "I was just thinking of them singing that song and how funny it was. Everyone in the theater was laughing at their antics."

As the song finished, Daniel decided to ask Tonda if it was possible to get the group to sing at their wedding as a surprise for Caitlin. He knew she would love it, and making her happy made him happy.

The music continued to play, and Caitlin turned toward Daniel, a serious look on her face. "Daniel, there's one thing we haven't talked about yet."

"What's that, love?"

"You know I don't have any family here who can help me pay for the wedding, and I can't pay for everything myself. I can buy a few things, but..."

He put a finger to her lips, stilling her. "Don't worry about the cost. I want to spoil you and make you happy." He caressed her cheek. "I told you before that since Sha're died I don't have anyone to spoil, so let me spoil you. I have way more than enough money." Then an idea came to him. "You can use my credit cards, and when the bills come, you can put some money down on them to help pay the bills. How does that sound?"

Caitlin smiled at him warmly. "I like that idea."

The next afternoon at the health food store Karyn was putting away some new bottles of shampoo when Caitlin walked over to her. "Karyn, can I talk to you a moment?"

Karyn put the last bottle on the shelf and broke down the box. "Sure! What's on your mind?"

"Daniel and I have asked some of our friends to stand up with us at our wedding, and I was wondering something. I know you and I haven't known each other long, but you're a good friend. I was wondering if you would consider being one of my bridesmaids."

"Of course I will!" she said, excitedly. "I'm honored that you asked me."

"Tonda Mills from Weddings-n-More is helping us plan the wedding, and she said that she'd call as soon as she had the dates down for us to go try on dresses."

"Do you know where you want to go to look?" Karyn asked.

Caitlin nodded. "I bought a formal dress at a place in Denver called Uniquely Yours, and I thought we could go back there. I mentioned that to Tonda, but she said I should go to a couple of places. So she's setting up some appointments, including the shop in Denver."

"I also want to make my own jewelry, so when we go to Denver, I thought we could stop at this bead shop I know of. Then I could pick up all the supplies."

"That sounds fun! I love to do that. I'm planning to make some of my jewelry, too."

The phone rang, and Lacey answered it. "Caitlin, it's for you."

Caitlin walked up to the registers and picked up the phone, pressing a button. "This is Caitlin. How can I help you?"

"This is Tonda Mills. We got the venue at the time we wanted and on the date we wanted."

"That's great!" Caitlin told her.

"I also have your appointments for your dress fittings. I made an appointment for ten am on the twenty-forth for David's Bridal in Denver, and for two pm the same day with Uniquely Yours."

Caitlin wrote that down. "Thank you. I'll let my attendants know."

"I already called Daniel about his appointment to get a tuxedo. His is the following Monday."

"Thank you."

"Now I'll get started on the venue for the reception, but I was wondering what your thoughts were for the rehearsal dinner."

"We could go to the Craftwood Inn. That's where Daniel took me the night he told me he loved me."

"Wonderful! I'll make the arrangements. I think that's it for now. If I need anything more, I'll call you."

"Thank you, and have a good day." Caitlin hung up and dialed another number. "Yes. I'd like to speak to Col. Samantha Carter please. It's Caitlin O'Brien. Yes, I'll hold."

After a minute Sam came on the phone. "Hi, Caitlin! How are you today?"

"I'm fine. It's been busy today, but I called because I wanted to tell you that the wedding planner got an appointment with two dress shops in Denver for Saturday. One is at ten; the other one is at two. Can you come with me? I want you and Lacey there with me."

"Sure!"

"Can you bring Cassie, though? I really want all my attendants there to help me. Besides that, we'll be looking for your dresses, too."

"I'll call her and let her know. Maybe she can meet us at the first store. Which ones will we be going to?"

Caitlin told her.

"That sounds good. They should have some good selections."

"I think so. And I plan to tell Lacey and Karyn so they can be there, too. We can meet at my place say, around nine and drive down together."

"Okay. I'll see you on Saturday."

"See you then." Caitlin hung up the phone and went to find Karyn and Lacey and tell them the news.

Daniel was in his office when his phone rang. "Daniel Jackson."

"Hi, sweetheart! How are you doing today?"

"Better now that I've heard your voice. What about you? How is work?"

"It's fine. Daniel, I wanted to let you know that I asked Karyn to be a bridesmaid, and she said yes."

"That's great, muirnín," he told her. "I'll ask Cam and Jason today. By the way, you wouldn't know where Jason works, would you?"

Caitlin told him and gave him the phone number. Let me know what they say.

"Okay. Love you."

Love you too, Daniel. Bye!

Daniel pressed a button on the phone, and when the dial tone came back, he dialed the number she'd given him.

"Jason Reynolds. How can I help you?"

"Jason, this is Daniel."

"Hi, Daniel! What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to ask you a question. I was wondering if you'd stand up with me and be one of my groomsmen at the wedding."

There was a pause. "Of course! I'd be honored. Have you asked anyone else yet?"

"I asked my friends Jack and Teal'c to stand up with me as my best men, and I plan to ask my friend Cameron Mitchell to be the other groomsmen."

"That's great. Have you set the date yet?"

"We have. May nineteenth. We also got a wedding planner. Tonda Mills. She just called to tell me that she set up an appointment to get my tuxedo next Monday at two at Men's Warehouse. Can you be there? She wanted all of us to get our tuxes then."

"Sure. Do you think you'll be ready on the nineteenth?"

"I've been ready to marry Caitlin since I first met her. I want to spend the rest of our lives making her happy."

"I think you'll do just fine. And I'll meet you at the store at two on Monday."

"Thank you. I'll see you then." He hung up and turned off his light and left his office to find Cam.

Cam was in the mess hall grabbing a cup of coffee when Daniel walked in. "Hey, Daniel."

Daniel grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down next to his friend. "Cam, I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd stand up with me as one of my groomsmen. I already asked Jason Reynolds, and he said yes."

"Now that's what I'm talkin' about! I'd love to stand up there with you."

Daniel smiled at Cam as he took a drink of his coffee. "We have an appointment at Men's Warehouse on Monday at two. Can you be there?"

"We'll have to ask the general, but I think we can do it. You ask Jack and Teal'c to be your best men?"

Daniel nodded. "I just have to call Jack and let him know what time to be here on Monday."

"Okay." He glanced at his watch. "Well, I'd better head out. I'm headed off to the gym to work out with Teal'c. I'll tell him about the time and stuff if you want."

"Sure, and thanks. I'll talk to the general and let you know."

Cam nodded, finishing his coffee, then headed out.

Daniel finished his, then headed up to the general's office.

The general was working at his desk when there was a knock on the door. "Come!" he called out, and Daniel walked in. "Dr. Jackson. What can I do for you?"

"General, I've got an appointment next Monday to get a tuxedo for the wedding, and I was wondering if I could have a few hours off. Teal'c is one of my best men and Cam is one of my groomsmen, so they would need to go as well."

The general smiled. "Of course, Dr. Jackson. Take your time."

Daniel smiled back. "Thank you sir," he told him before he left, headed to his office to call Jack in Washington.

Saturday came, and Caitlin was waiting for everyone to show up at her apartment. She had grabbed a quick breakfast and fed her two cats, petting them as they ate. Then she grabbed her purse and jacket, and went to wait in the lobby.

Lacey pulled up in her van, and Caitlin noted that Karyn was with her. "Good morning, Caitlin," Lacey told her friend. "Is Sam here yet?"

She was about to answer just as a vehicle pulled up into the parking lot. "Here she is now."

Sam got out of her vehicle, locking it, and walked over to Caitlin. "Morning. Are we ready to find your dream dress?"

Caitlin nodded. "Is Cassie meeting us there?"

Sam nodded. "Yep. Said she'd be there when we got there."

"Well, we should get going ourselves," Karyn told them all. "We don't want to be late."

Caitlin nodded, and soon the four women were heading down the interstate to Denver.

Once they got to Denver, Lacey carefully guided her vehicle through the busy city streets until she pulled up in front of the first store. "We're here." Everyone got out and Caitlin saw Cassie walking up to them.

"Hey sweetie," Sam called out. "You have trouble getting here?"

Cassie shook her head. "No. I didn't have anything going on today anyway."

Caitlin stood at the entrance to David's Bridal and stared at the dresses in the windows. "I can't believe it."

"Believe what, Caitlin?" Sam asked her.

"I can't believe I'm actually getting married!"

Lacey laughed. "I know. I couldn't believe it either when I got married. But we're here to help you get ready, so what do you say we go inside?"

For the next few hours Caitlin tried on different dresses, but she didn't really find anything she liked. So they decided to try the next store. After going out to lunch at a nearby restaurant, they wove their way down the snowy streets to Uniquely Yours.

Everyone walked into the store, looking around as Caitlin walked up to the counter. "Good afternoon. My name is Caitlin O'Brien, and I have an appointment."

The woman behind the counter checked her books. "Ah yes. Here you are. I have you with Mary this afternoon." She motioned to a woman nearby.

"Good afternoon. My name is Mary. I'll be your sales associate. So what are we looking for today?

"I'm here to find a wedding gown for my wedding."

"Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you," Caitlin replied, blushing.

"What's the date of your wedding?"

"May 19th."

Mary glanced at her book. "That doesn't give us a lot of time." She looked back at Caitlin. "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

"What do you have for dresses with color? I've always liked the dresses in the magazines with a little bit of color in them."

Mary motioned Caitlin and the others into the back. "What size do you wear?

"I'm a size ten."

The sales associate went to the racks and pulled out a couple of dresses, handing them to Caitlin. "You can try them on in the fitting room nearby," she told her.

Caitlin went to the dressing room and changed, putting on the first dress, and Mary helped her zip it up. When she was done, Caitlin walked out into the main area and stood in front of her friends. "What do you think?"

"It's beautiful," Lacey told her. "But what do you think? You're the one that'll be wearing it."

Caitlin walked over to the mirror, staring at her reflection. The dress had the color she wanted, but it seemed too frilly for her tastes. "It's really nice, but I was thinking about something that didn't have too many frills to it."

"Then you might like the next one," Mary told her as they walked back inside the dressing room.

The second one was indeed less frilly, but Caitlin thought it was too plain. "I really want just a little bit of something, like maybe some lace around the bottom, or some embroidery on it."

Mary thought for a moment, and left the room looking for another dress. In a few moments she brought one back, and handed it to Caitlin.

Caitlin unzipped the bag, and immediately knew this was the dress for her. It was a strapless white ball gown with colorful dark blue, beaded satin ribbon around the top of the bodice, and the beaded satin ran all around the bottom of the skirt and made up part of the chapel-length train. The dark blue satin that ran all along the bodice ran down the back and connected to the skirt at the bottom, and was beaded as well. There was even a shawl with matching dark blue beaded satin on the edges that went with the dress. She slipped on the dress, and Mary helped her zip it up. The satiny, embroidered dress was a little large, but Caitlin knew they could fix that.

"What do you all think?" she asked her friends as she shyly walked out and stood in front of the mirror.

"Oh wow, Caitlin. You look gorgeous!" Sam told her honestly.

"That's it. That's the dress you should get," Karyn told her.

"Will Daniel like it?"

"I think he'll be stunned when you walk down the aisle in that dress," Cassie replied, smiling.

Caitlin turned to her best friend. "Lacey?"

Lacey nodded, tears in her eyes. "It's beautiful, and I know Daniel will be blown away. But does it fit?"

"It's a little big in a few areas, but otherwise it fits."

Mary came over to her, placing her hands around Caitlin's waist and pulling gently at the dress. "I'm sure that with a little work, we can have this dress done in no time."

"Then I'll take it." Caitlin told her, smiling.

"Good. We can pin it up and have it ready for you within a few days. Now, while you're wearing the dress, have you thought about what kind of veil you want to go with it?"

"What do you have in the way of tiaras or crowns?"

Mary took her to the area that held many of their veils, and pointed to a few that she thought Caitlin would like. But there, sitting on the shelf in the glass case was the most perfect tiara she'd ever seen. "Oh, this is beautiful," Caitlin admired as she pointed to the tiara, looking at it more closely. "Wait. This looks familiar."

"How so Caitlin?" Lacey asked.

"It looks just like the one from the Princess Diaries movies."

Mary nodded. "It is. There's a new designer in the industry that makes tiaras and crowns for veils, and he designed this one to look just like the one from that movie." She walked around to the back of the case and opened it, carefully picking up the tiara and placing it on Caitlin's head.

Everyone oohed and aahed their approval.

"Now there is a veil that goes with that particular dress you're wearing," Mary added, searching for the veil. "And it comes in the color you chose as well." She took the veil and placed the comb behind her head, fluffing out the veil. "It has two tiers and is shoulder length, with the same dark blue satin around the edges." She led Caitlin to a mirror. "What do you think?"

Caitlin couldn't believe it. In only a few months she would be walking down the aisle, wearing the beautiful dress and the tiara, looking like a regal princess. "It's gorgeous!"

"Just let me get Tammy, and we'll have you measured and taken care of."

Caitlin nodded, and in a few moments, Tammy had come out, her measuring tape around her neck.

"Good afternoon. Hi, Miss O'Brien! It's nice to see you again. I take it your boyfriend liked the formal dress you bought."

"He did, and now he's my fiancé."

"Congratulations! Now, let's take a look at this beautiful dress. May I say you chose a really nice gown. You'll look beautiful as you walk down the aisle." She took some measurements, writing everything down. "There. We should have this done by the middle of next week, if you want to come and pick it up."

"I'd like that."

Mary turned to her. "These must be your attendants," she said, pointing at Sam and the others.

Caitlin nodded. "They all are.

"Then have you thought about what kind of dresses you'd like them to wear?"

"I'd like them to have something they can wear again, and that's washable. Do you have anything with an Irish or medieval theme to it?"

"We have a few selections," Mary told her. "Just let me go get them, and I'll be right back."

Tammy finished taking a look at the gown, and smiled. "If you like, you can take off the dress, and we'll get started right away."

Caitlin smiled and went back into the dressing room, changing back into her street clothes.

Daniel was working in his office when his cell phone rang. "This is Dr. Jackson," he answered politely.

"Hey Daniel," Jack said.

"Hi Jack. What's up?"

"Just wanted to call you back and let you know that I'll be there on Monday anyway to talk to Gen. Landry, so I can be there to get my tuxedo. Did your wedding planner say why she wanted you to get them so early?"

"She said that she wanted us to have them now so we wouldn't have to worry about them later." Daniel thought about that, then the realization hit him. "Jack, I'm getting married!"

"I know Daniel, I was there for your engagement party, remember? Don't worry! It's a piece of cake. You'll do fine, and Caitlin is a wonderful woman. You'll be okay."

"I hope so. So you'll be there on Monday?"

"Yep. With bells on. Well, I've got paperwork to finish, so I'd better get going. See you on Monday, Space Monkey."

"See you then, Jack. Bye!"

Back in Denver, Caitlin and her friends were finishing up at the bridal boutique. Caitlin was helping the others find the right dress. The sales associate had pulled a few dresses from the many selections, and Caitlin was pleased to find out that one of them was from the same designer that had made her gala dress. "I like them all, but I really like this one from Katrina Marie," she said, holding up the dress. "And you're sure it's washable?"

Mary nodded. "The crushed panne velvet is washable, as are the sleeves. And the dress comes in the color of your choice."

Caitlin turned to the others. "What do you think?" she asked them. "You're the ones that will be wearing it."

"It's beautiful," Lacey commented. "At least it's not one of those frilly, lacy Southern belle types of dresses."

Everyone laughed, including Sam. "I like it, Caitlin. It'll look pretty.

"How many do you have in stock?"

Mary checked, and frowned. "We only have two. But I'm sure if we contact the company they can send us what we need. I'll just need everyone's sizes." All four of them each told her their size, and she wrote them down. "I'll contact the company today and let them know to rush the order. And I assume you want the dark blue to match your dress."

Caitlin nodded. "I do."

"Then I'll make the call as soon as we're done here. Now there's just one more thing to ask you. Have you thought about shoes?"

"I have. If I'm going to be on my feet all day, I want to wear flats. That goes for my attendants as well. I know what it's like to wear heels for hours at a time, so if I don't have to wear them, they shouldn't either."

Mary laughed. "All right." She led Caitlin over to the shoes, pulling a few flat shoes down. "Here's one that I think you might like. What size do you wear?"

Caitlin told her.

Mary handed the first shoe to Caitlin, and she put it on. It was a delicate ballet-style satin shoe with a pretty little bow on the top. Caitlin sat down and put on the stockinet Mary handed to her, then put on the shoe. It fit perfectly. "I like it," she replied. "And it feels comfortable. I'll take them."

Mary added them to the growing list of items. "Now, we can have these dyed to match the attendant's dresses if you like."

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Yes, please, but not mine."

Mary looked at her checklist. "Then I think that's everything. When you come for your final fitting, we'll show you the petticoats that will help hold out the skirt."

"Thank you for everything," Caitlin told her warmly.

"It's my pleasure. Now, there's one last question I have for you. Will your attendants be paying for their own dresses?"

"We hadn't talked about that," Caitlin told her, frowning.

"Yes," Lacey interrupted. "I'll be paying for my own."

Sam, Cassie, and Karyn all answered the same way.

"Then that's settled," Caitlin said finally. "And I'll be paying for all the rest myself."

Mary walked up to the front counter and started to ring up her purchases. "Your total comes to nine hundred and ninety-four dollars and thirty-two cents. Will this be cash or charge?"

Caitlin handed her the credit card. "Charge please." She saw Lacey's bewildered look, and explained. "I had a problem with Daniel paying for the whole wedding, so we agreed that some of it would go onto the charge card. Then when the bills come, I can help pay them off with what I make at the health food store."

"Why didn't you let Daniel pay for it?" Sam asked. "He's never had anyone to spoil since his first wife died, and he loves to spoil you. He told me so."

"I know, Sam, but I'm just not that used to it yet. I've never had anyone who wanted to spoil me."

Mary handed the card back to her, along with a slip to sign. "Thank you for choosing Uniquely Yours, Miss O'Brien. And we'll let you know when your dress is ready."

Caitlin smiled at her, then turned toward her friends. "The bead store is nearby, remember Lacey? We can head there next."

For the rest of the afternoon, Caitlin and her friends picked out the best beads that would match with the gowns. And in secret, she picked out a special charm to put on their bracelets. She took all the beads and put them into separate bags and bought them, taking the larger bag from the clerk.

"Thank you for your purchase, and have fun," the clerk warmly told her.

"We will," Caitlin replied as they all walked out of the store. She turned to Lacey. "Well, I think that does it for today. We should head home. I heard the forecast is supposed to get nasty tonight."

Sam nodded. "I heard that, too." She turned toward Cassie. "So, are you going to head back to the dorms?"

Cassie nodded. "Yeah. I have a big test on Monday to study for." She walked over to Caitlin, hugging her. "I'm glad you found your dress, Caitlin. It's really gorgeous."

"Thank you. I'm glad you could be here with us today." She smiled at the young woman. "Drive safely."

Cassie hugged Sam, then headed for her car.

The three women headed toward Lacey's van with their packages and headed out of the city towards Colorado Springs.

It was a warm, sunny Sunday when Daniel came over to Caitlin's apartment. "Hi, muirnín," he told her, giving her a kiss. "I thought that since it's such a nice day that you might like to go for a drive."

Caitlin smiled, nodding. "That sounds like a nice idea." She grabbed her coat. "Where do you want to go?"

He watched her lock her door and walked out with her. "I thought we could go for a short drive into the country." He helped her in and soon they were driving down the slushy streets.

"So how was your day yesterday? I heard from Sam that you found your wedding dress?"

"I did. It's really beautiful."

"So what does it look like?"

Caitlin smiled mischievously. "Oh no you don't! You can't see the dress or know about it until the wedding."

Daniel's shoulders slumped, his face in a pout. "No fair! Well, if I can't know about your dress, then you can't know about my tux."

She giggled. "I can wait. Can you?"

"Guess I have to." Daniel turned down another road and drove past some new houses. "Gee, I didn't know these were out here. And they're close to the base, too."

They drove past one driveway that had a 'FOR SALE' sign at the entrance. Caitlin couldn't see the house, so she asked Daniel to drive in a little ways.

He nodded and quickly turned around, driving into the slush-covered curved driveway a little ways until they could see the house.

Caitlin couldn't believe it. There in front of her was the most beautiful house. The two-story Victorian-style house was half in a blue-gray siding and half in bluish-gray brick at the bottom. There was a large front porch as well as a two car garage. To the right of the house stood a huge weeping willow tree. There were trees all around, and they could see the mountains in the background.

"Daniel, it's gorgeous! And look at that view of the mountains in the back."

"It is pretty, and it's a two-story house."

"I know. Oh Daniel, I wonder how much they're asking for it?"

"Not sure," Daniel saw and heard the excitement in her voice and on her face. "I can check tomorrow. For now let's head back to town."

Caitlin nodded, and they slowly backed out to the highway, passing the sign.

He took the number of the realtor down, but then he frowned. "Sweetheart look. There's a note on the sign that says 'SALE PENDING'. I think we're too late."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Well then, I guess that's it."

Daniel made up his mind to talk to the realtor the next morning as they drove back into town.

The next day he was in his office and made a call to the number listed on the 'For Sale' sign they'd found the day before.

"Heritage Realty. How can I help you?"

"Yes, my name is Dr. Daniel Jackson. I'm calling about a house you have for sale on Canyon Creek Road. I believe the name on the sign said to talk to Todd?"

"Just one moment." The woman put him on hold, then a man's voice came over the phone.

"This is Todd Banning. How can I help you, Dr. Jackson?"

"I'm calling about the house on Canon Creek Road. It's the blue-gray Victorian about three miles from the edge of town." Daniel could hear the rustling of papers in the background.

"Yes, I have it here. The Donovan house. It's a beautiful home. How did you come to find it?"

"My fiancée and I were driving past the houses there, and she noticed it. I noticed it said 'Sale Pending' on the sign. Has it been sold yet?"

"There was an offer made. But the people backed out just yesterday, and we haven't had time to go and change the sign."

Daniel grinned. He knew that Caitlin would be so surprised when he took her to see the house they would be spending the rest of their lives in. "I was wondering if we could come and look at it more closely. My fiancée really liked the house, and so did I."

He heard more paper shuffling. "Let me see. I have an appointment open for one pm on Tuesday. Would that work for you, Dr. Jackson?"

Daniel wrote the time down. "That's perfect. I'll pick my fiancée up and we'll meet you out there."

"Great! I'll meet you there on Tuesday. Thank you for calling Dr. Jackson, and I know you'll love the house."

"Thank you. Goodbye."

On Monday, Daniel was headed up to the surface with Cam and Teal'c to go get their tuxedos. Teal'c asked him about Jack and Jason.

"Yeah," Daniel told them both. "Jack and Jason both called before we left and said they'd meet us there."

"Now the appointment's at two, right?" Cam queried.

Daniel nodded. "That's what the wedding planner told me."

"You got any idea what to look for?"

Everyone got into Teal'c vehicle and started down the snowy streets toward the store. "Well, at the wedding planner's place the other day, Caitlin told me she thought the groom should be in a separate color from the rest of the attendants. So you guys will be wearing gray, and I'll be wearing black."

"That seems most appropriate," Teal'c said as he drove.

Daniel decided to change the subject. "Hey, you guys see the new houses up on Canyon Creek Road?"

"I have," Cam answered him. "Nice houses, too. "Why do you ask?"

"Caitlin and I took a drive on Sunday and we drove past them. There's one for sale that she really likes, and we're going to look at it tomorrow. If it's as nice on the inside as it is on the outside, I'm seriously thinking of buying it."

"But do you not have a house now, Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c questioned him.

"I do, but it's my house. We want a place that is ours. Besides that, when we have children, my place isn't big enough. So we'd have to find a bigger place anyway."

Teal'c nodded in understanding. "Ah, it is as it was when I first married Drey'ac. We could not have lived in my small living quarters."

"Something like that, yeah."

Teal'c pulled up in front of the store, and the three of them got out and found Jason and Jack standing near the entrance. "Hey Jack! I'm glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss the chance to put on one of these monkey suits, Daniel," Jack told him, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Gen. O'Neill, I did not know that these suits were made of monkeys," Teal'c replied, making everyone laugh.

"No Teal'c," Daniel said, still laughing. "It's an expression. They're not really made of monkeys."

Soon the five men were standing near the mirrors, the tailor standing nearby to measure, adjust or modify. Daniel turned one way and then the other, looking at his reflection. "What do you all think?" he asked his friends. He had gone through a few different styles and looks, and finally settled on the one he was wearing. It was a single-breasted black tuxedo with satin lapels. It had three buttons down the front, and two pocket flaps on the jacket. The matching tie and vest were a dark blue.

"I think you're gonna blow her mind," Jason told him. "When Lacey saw me in my tuxedo, she thought I was the sexiest man alive."

"He's right, Daniel," Jack added. "Caitlin will love it."

"How are yours?" Daniel asked them. The others were wearing the same tuxedo, only in gray, and their ties and vests were silver.

"They look great," Cam told him. "But I'm glad I only have to wear this for one day."

Everyone laughed as they went to change back into their street clothes. Jack came out, followed by Daniel, and he put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Are you happy, Daniel?"

Daniel smiled broadly. "I never thought I'd ever be this happy again Jack, and it's all thanks to Caitlin."

Jack smiled at his friend. "Well, let's get you that tuxedo, Danny-boy."

Caitlin, Sam and Lacey were just about to exit the interstate when the snow started to fall. "Wow," Sam exclaimed, looking out her window. "It's really coming down hard. Good thing we left when we did."

Caitlin agreed. "Yeah. This will give me time when I get home to talk to Tonda. I want to know how soon the invitations will get here. She said she'd order them as soon as she could."

"It usually takes a week or so to get the ones you want," Lacey commented. "Did you pick out thank you notes as well?"

Caitlin shook her head. "I thought I could make those on my computer. Since we're not having that many people at the wedding, I didn't think I'd have to make that many."

"Who all are you inviting?" Lacey asked.

"Well, all of our friends, of course, as well as Tina and her husband, and Becky London and her husband. She's the one that made my Halloween costume for me. And I think I'm going to see if she can put some pretty beads on my shoes for the wedding. She did that with the shoes I wore with my costume."

Lacey pulled into the parking lot of Caitlin's apartment building, parking her car. "It sure is snowing hard. I'd better get home. See you later, Caitlin!"

Caitlin and Sam got out with their packages. "Bye!" Caitlin told her before she drove away. Then she turned toward Sam. "You'd better get going, too. You don't want to be out in this."

Sam nodded, putting her things in her car. "I really had fun today, Caitlin. The dress you chose will knock Daniel's socks off, and I like the gown you helped us choose. It's really pretty."

"Thanks Sam. Drive safely home." Caitlin waved at her, then walked inside with her packages. "Hi girls," she told her two cats as she took off her coat. "Were you good today?"

Both cats meowed at her, so Caitlin gave them each a treat before turning on her computer and settling down in front of it. Clicking on one of her artistic programs, she clicked through some of the different samples it offered, and soon decided to make her own. In a little while she printed out the finished note, pleased she'd done so well. She set it aside to take with her so she could show Tonda at their next meeting.

The next day Lacey was at work in her office when she received a phone call from Daniel.

"This is Lacey. How can I help you?"

"Lacey, it's Daniel."

"Hi, Daniel! You want to talk to Caitlin?"

"No! I have something to ask you. Can Caitlin have a couple of hours off this afternoon?"

"Sure! We're not all that busy today. What's up?"

"Well, last Sunday afternoon we were driving down Canyon Creek Road and saw some new houses. One of them is for sale, and I want to take Caitlin to look at it."

"Oh Daniel, that's great! You're first house. What does it look like?"

Daniel told her. "I'm planning to surprise Caitlin with a tour of the house today."

"She'll love it, I'm sure, but why surprise her?"

"When we first saw it, there was a 'SALE PENDING' sign on the 'For Sale' sign. So Caitlin thinks the house has been sold. But when I contacted the realtor, he said that the buyers had backed out at the last minute."

"Okay, Daniel. Tell her she has the afternoon off."

"Thanks, Lacey. I'll see you soon."

After lunch, Caitlin was putting a few items on a shelf when she saw Daniel walk in the store.

"Hey there, handsome," Caitlin told him as he walked up to her and kissed her cheek. "What are you doing here?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

Daniel's eyes twinkled as he smiled at her. "It's not here. I have to take you somewhere."

"But... I can't leave work! I have to finish shelving these bottles and..."

"No you don't," Lacey interrupted her. "It's been slow in here all day, and Karyn can finish up for you. Besides, if it gets too busy, I can pull Melinda out of the office."

Caitlin knew she couldn't deny that it had indeed been a slow morning. "Okay, just let me get my coat and purse." A few minutes later she came back from the office, ready to go.

"Ready?"

She nodded, and together they left the store.

Before letting her get into his Jeep, he pulled out a white piece of cloth, tying it over her eyes. "So you can't peek," he told her.

"I wouldn't peek!" she weakly protested as he helped her into his vehicle. Soon they were driving down the slushy, snowy streets. "Can't you even give me a hint?" she asked as he drove.

"Nope. I want it to be a total surprise." He found his way toward Canyon Creek Road, and turned down it, driving until he found the right driveway. He pulled in and parked next to a red pickup. "Okay. We're here."

Caitlin pulled off her blindfold to find they were parked in front of the house they had found on Sunday. "I don't understand, Daniel," she told him, clearly confused. "What are we doing here?"

"I thought you might like to really look at the house," he told her before getting out. He saw the realtor come down from the steps toward them.

"You must be Dr. Jackson," the realtor told him. "I'm Todd Banning, Heritage Realtors." He extended his hand. "You wanted to see the house?"

Daniel shook Todd's hand warmly. "Yes we do. Mr. Banning, this is my fiancée, Miss Caitlin O'Brien."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. If you'll come with me, we can start on the first floor."

Caitlin stopped Daniel, still confused. "But I thought the house was already sold."

Todd answered her. "A couple had made an offer, but they backed out just a few days ago. Your fiancé called me and told me you were interested in the house, and we set up this appointment."

She couldn't believe it. "Oh Daniel, thank you!" she exclaimed hugging him in excitement. She took his hand and together they walked up the stairs of the porch.

Todd started the tour. "As you can see, this is a good, solid porch. It's pressure-treated redwood, as is the deck in the back of the house. The siding is vinyl so you'll never have to paint it."

"Look, Daniel! It even has a porch swing." She went and sat down on it, swinging a little.

"Yes," Todd told them. "And it's also in the same redwood as the deck so it won't fade or mold over time." He unlocked the front door. It had two half-glass, half-wood side panels, and the door had a circular stained glass window in it.

She noticed the beautiful window. "This is a beautiful stained glass piece in the front door," she told Todd. "And I really like that it has this Celtic knotwork in it."

Todd smiled and led them into the house. "When you enter, there's a nice open foyer with a high vaulted ceiling. To your right is your sunken living area, which has a fireplace, and plenty of room. The room to your left has wall-to-wall bookshelves, and can be used as an office or a den."

"We could use this as your office, Daniel. It's large enough."

Daniel looked into the room. "You're right, and I love all the bookshelves."

He led them back past the stairs and a half bathroom into the kitchen. "To your right you have a formal dining area, and to the left you step down into your family room. Straight ahead is your kitchen."

"It's really large," Caitlin commented as she walked around the room. "Oh look, Daniel. The stove is in the island. And so is the oven. I like that."

"The counter tops are granite. That's a nice feature."

"Yes. All the appliances are new and they come with the house." Todd went over to the opposite wall. "You have your pantry over here," he told them as he opened the folding doors.

"It's really big. That's nice," she said. Then she walked into the dining area. "We could put a china hutch in here and display all of Grandma Sara's Desert Rose china plates," she told the two men. "She gave them to me before she died."

Todd nodded and gestured toward the other end of the house, moving down into the room. "You have a large family room with another fireplace, and over here are your sliding glass doors leading to a large deck." He opened the doors and led them out onto the back deck.

She gasped. "Oh wow! Look at that gorgeous view!"

"It's spectacular," Daniel added, his fingers laced with hers. "And this deck is amazing!"

She looked around at the deck, nodding. "I like the other half, too."

"Your land goes all the way back to that marker by the far tree," Todd told them.

"That's really nice. I'll have plenty of room for a large garden in the summer," she told Daniel.

Todd gestured back toward the house. "Let me show you the upstairs."

Daniel nodded and the two of them followed Todd back into the house.

Todd took them up the stairs into the upper part of the house and showed them the two spare bedrooms, a full bath, and the master bedroom and bathroom.

"Wow, this is a beautiful bathroom, and I love the large bathtub," Caitlin exclaimed. "I also like the two separate sinks."

"I like the separate shower," Daniel added.

Todd showed them the walk-in closet, then took them back downstairs and into the finished basement. "You have your utility room here," and he opened the door to the left of the stairs and gestured into the room. "The house has central air and heating, as well as a large water heater." Then he gestured around the other side of the stairs. "And back here you have room to do whatever you want to with the space."

"I could do my crafting down here, sweetheart," Caitlin told Daniel excitedly.

"Yeah, you could."

Finally Todd took them back upstairs and into the mud room. "Here you have space for your washer and dryer, and this door leads to your two-car garage." He took them back into the kitchen, standing by the island. "So what do you think?"

"I like it, but it's up to my fiancée." Daniel told him.

"I really love it. It's got everything I want in a home, and more. The garage, the separate laundry room, the large kitchen and master bedroom, everything."

"What is the asking price?"

Todd checked his paperwork. "I believe it's, yes. Here it is. Four hundred ninety-five thousand, two hundred dollars."

"That's pretty reasonable," Daniel told him, then turned to Caitlin, smiling. "We'll take the house."

Caitlin squealed in delight, hugging him tightly.

Todd pulled out some papers and handed them to Daniel, along with a pen. "If you'll just sign here," and he pointed to a spot on the bottom of the page.

Daniel took the pen and signed the papers, then shook Todd's hand.

"Congratulations, Dr. Jackson, Miss O'Brien. I'll put your offer in and let you know as soon as I hear anything."

Daniel shook Todd's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Banning. You've made us very happy."

"You're welcome, Dr. Jackson," he told them as they all walked out of the house. "I also recommend that you speak to the bank that we work with, Colorado Springs Mutual. They can help you secure a loan, and at an affordable rate."

"Do you have any idea what kind of rate they offer?" Daniel asked him.

"I believe it's anywhere from 4.5 to 7 percent fixed rates. However, it could be more or less than that. And they're more than willing to work with our customers."

"Thank you. We'll contact them first thing tomorrow morning."

Todd nodded. "Great! Now if you have any more questions just let me know."

"We will," Caitlin told him. "Thank you so much."

Daniel and Caitlin got back into the Jeep, and headed back toward town. "What did you think, sweetheart?"

"It's beautiful, and not just on the outside, either. I especially love the kitchen and the den. I could sit in there and read for hours. And that view is spectacular!"

"I love the two fireplaces, but what I like is that it has central heat and air. And those rates that he quoted are really great. We'll have to talk to the bank tomorrow, but with my salary and yours, we shouldn't have any problem in getting the loan we need."

"How soon do you think we'll know?" Caitlin asked him.

"I'm not sure, but it shouldn't be too long." He took her hand and kissed it, smiling at her. "We have our house."

She smiled back. "Yes, we do. Is tú mo ghrá, Daniel."

"Is tú mo ghrá."

As the weeks wore on, Caitlin and Daniel were busy preparing for their wedding. Time seemed to just fly by, and soon it was St. Patrick's Day. Caitlin was working at the health food store when there was a phone call. "Nature's Best health food store. This is Caitlin. How can I help you?"

"Hi, sweetheart. It's me."

"Hi, Daniel! What's up?"

"Today is St. Patrick's Day, and I thought we could go out to O'Malley's. What do you think? "

"That sounds like fun, Daniel! Have you asked anyone yet?"

"Cam, Sam, and Teal'c all said yes, and I thought you could ask Jason and Lacey."

"Sure. I'll mention it to her. What time were you thinking?"

"I was thinking about six pm. How's that sound?"

"That sounds good. I'll let her know."

"Okay. I'll pick you up around five forty-five."

"Okay. See you then. Love you." Caitlin hung up the phone and walked into the back office where Lacey was working on a new order.

"If you can have that to me by Wednesday that'd be good. Thanks, Stan." She hung up. "Hey Caitlin. Who was that?"

"It was Daniel," she said as she sat down. "He said that he and his friends want to celebrate the holiday and go out to O'Malley's. He wanted to know if you and Jason wanted to come with us."

Lacey's face lit up. "Sure! Let me call Jason and get a babysitter for Brina."

"Okay."

The end of the work day finally came, and Caitlin hurried home to get ready. As she came into her apartment, she took off her jacket and fed her two cats. "Mommy's going out tonight," she told them as they ate. "So be good girls while I'm gone." Quickly getting a shower, she went into her closet and pulled out her favorite green sweater and a white tank top, then pulled her favorite pair of jeans out of her dresser. She was just finishing putting on her shoes when there was a knock on her door. "Coming!" she called out. "Hi, Daniel," she told him as she let him in. "I'll just be ready in a few more minutes."

Daniel came in, taking is jacket off. "You look beautiful now," he told her.

She looked at him. "Oh you!" she giggled. "I still have to do my hair, and put on my makeup..."

He pulled her into his arms. "I think you're beautiful just the way you are." He kissed her tenderly, then let her finish getting ready.

Soon she came out of the bathroom and put on her coat. "Okay. I'm ready." She locked her apartment door, and followed Daniel out to his Jeep.

"Caitlin," Daniel started. "There's something we didn't discuss with the wedding planner that first day. She didn't ask about the rehearsal dinner."

"She asked me about that the other day when she called me to tell me about my dress appointments. I suggested the Craftwood Inn. I told her that was the restaurant where you took me the night you told me you loved me. She liked that idea." She turned toward him. "I hope that was okay."

He picked up her hand and kissed it, smiling. "That's a perfect place."

"Daniel, I was thinking about something else."

"What's that, love?"

"Well, we're getting married here on Earth. Do we really have to have a wedding on Danu, too? I mean, that would mean planning two weddings."

He thought about that as he navigated the snowy streets. "I think you're right, but you would need to talk to your mother about that. Maybe we could just have a small reception at Kathleen's inn or something."

Caitlin smiled. "You come up with the best ideas. Do you think I could talk to Mom on Sunday?"

Daniel frowned. "I don't know. We'll have to talk to the general about that." He pulled up into the parking lot and got out, helping her with her door. "Ready?"

"I am," she smiled mischievously, not noticing the letter he carried with him. "And if anyone isn't wearing green..." she made pinching motions with her fingers, making him laugh.

"Caitlin, Daniel! Over here!" Sam shouted at them from a table in the back.

"Hey Sam, Happy St. Patrick's Day!" Caitlin exclaimed as she and Daniel got to the table. Taking off their jackets, she looked around. "Anyone else here yet?"

"Cam and Teal'c are here, but Lacey and Jason aren't." She scanned the room. "Oh wait! They just walked in."

"Jason, Lacey!" Caitlin called out, waving them over. "Glad you could come. Who's watching Brina?"

"The neighbor's daughter is babysitting," Jason told them. "Brina likes her a lot."

"Speaking of Sabrina," Daniel started. "We talked about it, and we'd like her to be our flower girl."

Lacey smiled. "I'm sure she'll love to! Do you have a dress in mind?"

"I thought we could get her one like what you're wearing. I talked to the bridal shop, and they're going to contact the company and see if they can rush one out to them."

Cam and Teal'c walked over, and said their hellos. "So what's going on here tonight?" Cam asked.

Caitlin looked around, noting the instruments on the stage up front. "Looks like they're going to have some music."

A waitress came over, handing everyone menus and getting drink orders.

"I have a surprise for you," Daniel told her as soon as the waitress had left. He handed her the envelope he'd brought in with him.

Caitlin opened it, puzzled until she read the letter. She squealed for joy and hugged him. "We got the house!"

He hugged her tight. "I just got word from the bank this morning about the loan, but I wanted Caitlin to read the letter. They approved our mortgage. Thirty years at the rate of five percent."

Everyone offered their congratulations.

"That's a good rate for that amount of time, Daniel," Jason told him. "Ours is at seven-and-a-half."

"So when do you want to start moving in, guys?" Sam asked. "We can all pitch in."

"What do you think, Daniel?" Caitlin asked him. "We could start right away."

"We can talk about that later. Let's just have some fun." he smiled at her, lacing his fingers with hers.

"So how was work today, Daniel?" Caitlin asked him after the waitress had brought everyone their drinks.

"Busy. I cataloged a lot of different artifacts, as well as doing some research on them. So how was work for you and Lacey?"

"It was busy at the store, too. Mrs. McHenry came in with her weekly complaints, but Lacey took care of her."

"What do you mean by 'weekly complaints'?" Sam asked.

"Mrs. McHenry comes in every week complaining of a different ache or pain," Lacey exclaimed over the noise of the other customers. "Last week it was her stomach. This week it was her back. Personally I think she's a hypochondriac, but we do what we can to make her feel better, whether her pain is real or not."

"Do you tell her to see a medical doctor?" Cam asked.

Caitlin nodded. "We do, and she says she sees them. However she tells us they don't do anything for her. So we do what we can. We're careful in what we give her, though."

The waitress came over and took their orders, and soon everyone was enjoying their meals and the good Irish music from the stage.

"The Shamrocks, ladies and gentlemen," the announcer said, clapping with the crowd. "They're going to take a break, and be back in ten minutes."

As everyone continued to eat, Sam's phone rang. "Excuse me a moment," she said, walking away from the table. A few minutes later she came back, a serious look on her face. "That was work. Something's come up, and we need to head back." She whispered to Daniel. "We're sorry Lacey, Jason. We'll have to get together again soon."

Jason nodded to them as Cam, Teal'c and Daniel stood up. "It's alright. Hope things are okay when you get there."

Caitlin stood and followed Daniel outside, pulling him aside. "What's up?" she whispered to him.

"Another planet's been contacted by the Ori. It's one we've been to before, so they've asked us to go back and try to talk to the people." He hugged her close, kissing her tenderly. "Can Lacey and Jason give you a ride home?"

"I'm sure they will." She caressed his cheek. "Come home to me."

"I will," he told her, kissing her quickly once more. "Call the bank, and tell them you're my fiancée. Tell them we'll sign the paperwork in a few days."

She nodded. "Is tú mo ghrá, sweetheart."

"Is tú mo ghrá," he told her before he left.

She waved at her friends as they drove away, then went back inside and sat down.

"Why did Daniel have to go?" Jason asked.

Caitlin searched her mind for a believable excuse. "He's been helping the military with some ancient Syrian artifacts they found. They have to catalog them and record all they can about them before they go back to the Syrian government. But something must have happened that they want them back sooner than Daniel thought, so he had to go and finish up. Can you give me a ride home later?"

Lacey nodded. "Sure. Say, have you thought about having a unity candle? Jason and I had one."

Caitlin nodded, frowning. "I have, but how would that work outside? Wouldn't the flames go out?"

"That depends," Jason replied. "If there's no wind, then no. But if there's a little wind or breeze, then it might. But you can set something up to prevent that, I think.

"You know those hurricane lanterns, the glass ones?" Lacey added. "I've read that you can put your candle inside one of those lamps to keep the flame from going out. But they say to keep extra lighters around in case the wind blows out the tapers."

Caitlin thought about that a moment. "Maybe I could have someone light the two taper candles just before we use them. Then we light the unity candle, and if the wind blows out the tapers, we won't have to keep relighting them. We'll have the main candle lit inside the glass hurricane lamp."

"That sounds like a good idea," Jason told her as they finished their meals. "You could have one of your attendants do that."

"I'm also thinking of having one of my attendants read something in Gaelic, if I can. I think it'll be Sam. But Daniel will have to teach her."

"Have you decided on where to have the dance?" Lacey asked her over the sound of the band.

"We're having both the reception and the dance at Jack Quinn's Pub."

"And where are you going on your honeymoon?"

Caitlin knew she couldn't tell them about the new cottage. "We haven't thought that far ahead, though I know we have to do that soon."

"The sooner the better, if you plan on flying anywhere. Where would you like to go?"

"Anywhere we go is fine with me, as long as we're together."

The band ended their song, and the crowd clapped. Caitlin yawned a little, and looked over at Lacey. "If you're ready to head out, I am. I'm getting a little tired, and we have to open the store early tomorrow. That new shipment is due in."

Lacey nodded. "You're right. Guess we should go. We told Stephanie we'd be home at a decent hour, and it's after nine-thirty now."

Everyone got on their coats, and soon were headed back out into the cold March night.

"Night, Caitlin!" Lacey called out as they dropped her off. "See you tomorrow."

"Night," she replied, waving back. As she walked inside, she said a prayer that Daniel would be all right on his mission and would come home safely to her.

The weekend came and went, and by Monday afternoon Caitlin was having trouble concentrating, as she had not heard from Daniel. She decided to call him to see if he was back.

"Daniel Jackson," he answered.

"Oh Daniel! You're back. I was getting worried. I hadn't heard from you. How did things go?"

"Not good. We couldn't stop the people from turning to the Ori."

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

"I just wish we could have stopped them."

"I know. Have you been able to find out any more information on how to fight them or stop them?"

"No. I keep hitting dead ends. But I'm hopeful we'll find something soon." He decided to change the subject. "So what did you do while I was gone?"

"Well, I worked at the store on Saturday, and I spent Sunday making the necklaces and bracelets for me and my attendants for the wedding. I've just got a few things to finish, and they'll be done and ready to go."

"That's good. I got my tuxedo the other day."

"Did you get a black one?"

"Yes, and the others got gray ones. My vest and tie are also in the blue color we chose, but the others have silver ties and vests."

"Good." The door chimed, and another customer came into the store. "I've got to go, Daniel. I'm glad you came home safely."

"I am, too."

"Love you."

"Love you, too. Bye!"

The rest of month flew by, and Caitlin continued to work with the wedding planner. On one day she and Daniel met with Tonda to discuss the decorations for the reception.

"Now, have you had any thoughts on the decorations for your reception?" she asked them. "Many of my brides have chosen some elegant styles, and some have chosen rather expensive styles, with lots of glitz and glamor. I had one bride that requested a large ice sculpture and a cocktail area as well as the dining area, among other things."

Caitlin shook her head. "I've seen this show called Platinum Weddings on TV, and some of them spend way too much, in my opinion. I just want something that's simple and inexpensive, yet elegant. Is that possible?"

Tonda nodded. "Yes. I have some thoughts. We could have some simple flower arrangements on the head table, and we could have some smaller arrangements on the other tables as well as table cloths in your colors."

"I like that," Caitlin told her. "What do you think, Daniel?" she asked him.

"If that's what you want, then I like it."

Caitlin smiled at Tonda who wrote everything down in her notebook.

On another day, Caitlin and her friends went back to the bridal store for their final fittings. She walked out of the dressing room in her dress, making everyone gasp.

"Oh Caitlin, it's perfect," Lacey told her. "Daniel will love it!"

"What about your dresses? Do they fit?" she asked her friends.

In a few minutes Lacey came out, and stood next to her. The sales associate smiled, nodding. "They both look perfect. How does yours fit?" she asked Lacey.

Lacey smoothed down the front of the dress, twisting and turning. "It fits really nicely. I love it."

Caitlin smiled. "Mine fits, too. Just like it was made for me." She looked at her reflection in the mirror, and smiled. "I can't wait to see Daniel in his tuxedo. Oh, Sam. I love Daniel so much!"

"I know," Sam told her. "We can all tell."

"What about Sabrina's dress?" Caitlin asked Lacey.

She took Sabrina back into the dressing room and helped her to get the dress on.

"Oh, she looks so cute!" Karyn gushed when they came out.

"She really does," Caitlin told Lacey.

"Do you like your pretty dress, Brina?" Lacey asked her daughter.

"Me look pweddy!" she exclaimed in childish delight. "Like pwincess in stowy."

Caitlin giggled and changed back into her street clothes, and the sales associate put all her items into two bags and a small box, and handed them to her. "We're so glad you chose Uniquely Yours for your wedding. Please consider us again for your next formal occasion."

"I will," Caitlin told her as the rest of her friends got their dresses. "Thank you."

April came, and Caitlin was busy preparing for the wedding as well as working at the health food store. Daniel was busy trying to find the Sangraal with little success. At dinner one evening, he vented his frustrations to her. "I just wish we had more clues!" he said, pounding his fist on her table.

She touched his hand reassuringly. "I know, sweetheart. But you're doing the best you can with what you have available to you. You can't do any more than that."

"I know, but if we can't find a way to fight the Ori, then they'll come here."

She turned his face toward her, caressing his cheek. "I have faith that you and the others will find what you're looking for."

Daniel smiled at her, patting her hand. "You always know just what to say to make me feel better."

Caitlin picked up the dishes, putting them in the sink. "I do what I can. I just know that we have to get onto the invitations. Let's clear the table and start addressing the envelopes."

He nodded, and soon the table was covered with invitations, envelopes and stamps. "Thank god for self-adhesive stamps," he commented as he put one on an envelope.

"I know what you mean. It makes things much easier." She opened up the phone book to a name and wrote down the address. "Daniel, is there anyone else you want to invite?"

He frowned. "Well, I'm giving one to Jack, and he's going to let all the members of the Senate Oversight committee as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff know. They'll probably come." He saw her frown. "We've saved the planet many times and it would be a nice gesture. Besides that, they're the ones that issue our paychecks."

"Is there anyone else?" she asked him.

"Yes, but not that we can invite here."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we should invite the Tok'ra and Master Bra'tac. He's a Jaffa like Teal'c."

"I thought Sam's father was dead."

Daniel nodded. "He is, but there are other Tok'ra that we can invite. The reason is because they're our allies, and we need all the allies we can to help fight the Ori. But we'd only invite them to the wedding on Danu. That's what I meant when we couldn't invite them here."

"I see. So how do you plan to invite them?"

"We'll send them a message."

Caitlin smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "If they're important to you and to the fight against the Ori, then invite them." She finished addressing the next envelope. "Speaking of Danu, I really need to talk to my Mom. Since tomorrow is Sunday, can I go talk to her?"

"We can go ask the general tomorrow."

The next morning she followed Daniel into the general's office. "Good morning, Caitlin, Dr. Jackson. What can I do for you?"

"I need to speak with my mom and Mistress Kathleen about the wedding on Danu. At first we were thinking of a second, full wedding on Danu, but we've decided to go with just a party instead. So I need to talk to my máthair(mother) about it."

Gen. Landry smiled. "Of course. But I can only let you go for the day. Will that be enough time?"

Caitlin nodded. "I think so. Since it's just going to be a celebration and not a full wedding, we won't have as much planning to do."

"Then you are cleared to go. Just have Walter dial it up for you."

"Thank you, Gen. Landry," she told him before she and Daniel headed down to the control room.

"Walter, would you please dial up Danu for Caitlin?" Daniel asked the technician when they got there.

"Of course." He punched in a few commands into the computer, and the gate started to rotate.

Daniel led her down into the gateroom, standing with his arm around her as the gate whooshed open. "I'll be working here most of the day, so I'll be here when you get back."

Caitlin put up the hood of her jacket. "Okay. I'll try to be back as soon as I can."

He smiled at her, leading her to the ramp. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her, tenderly kissing her.

"Is tú mo ghrá."

On Danu, Colin was watching the gate controls when he saw it start to rotate. "Ya best be gettin' the Prime Minister, Seamus," he told the other man who ran out of the small gate building. In a few moments the gate whooshed open, and a man's voice crackled on the radio in front of Colin.

"This be Colin Reardon watchin' the gate. 'Tis there anythin' I c'n do fer ya?"

Walter's voice filtered through. "Miss O'Brien would like to come through and visit her mother today. May she come through?"

"Of course! We'll be expectin' her shortly. Thank ya fer lettin' us know. Danu out." Colin got up and went to the door just as the Prime Minister arrived outside.

"So who might be visitin' us this fine day, Colin?" Aedan asked him.

"'Tis Healer Caitlin come 't visit her máthair."

Aedan smiled. "Ah, 'tis about the weddin' plans, I'll bet me Sunday hat on that." He turned and saw Caitlin walking out of the Stargate. "Healer Caitlin! What brings ya back 't our fair planet t'day? And where be Master Daniel?"

"I came to talk to my máthair about the wedding plans, and Daniel's doing reasearch back on Earth." She looked at him. "Are you busy?"

"No. Why do ya ask?"

"Well, since you're acting as my athair(father), I would like you to be there."

"Of course," he told her excitedly. "Let's be gettin' 't Kathleen's inn. That be the best place fer plannin'." He turned toward Seamus. "Would ya mind goin' 't get her máthair fer us, Seamus? Then ya c'n come back here."

Seamus nodded and left, and Caitlin and Aedan started walking into the village. "So 'tis ya excited 't be marryin' Daniel?" he asked her.

"I am. I never thought I'd be this happy. After my Da died and then an old beau deeply hurt me, I thought I would never be happy again. Then I met Daniel. He's brought so much joy and laughter into my life. I love him as much as you love Shannon."

"Aye, that I do. That I do." He held open the door of the inn, and called out to Kathleen when they were inside.

Kathleen came out of the kitchen. "Why Healer Caitlin," she said in surprise. "What brings ya 't me inn on such a fine day as this?"

Just then the door opened, and Siobhan walked in. "Sweetheart!" she exclaimed, hugging her daughter. "'Tis good 't see ya. I take it ya be here 't discuss the weddin'."

Caitlin nodded. "I have an idea I wanted to share with you all."

"Why don't ya all sit down and I'll just prepare a pot 'o tea fer us all," Kathleen urged as she headed back into the kitchen.

"I also have some great news," Caitlin told them, smiling. "We bought our first house!"

Siobhan clapped her hands together in delight. "Oh, that be grand, Little One! Yer first home t'gether. I remember when me Tom and I got our first home. T'was a happy day, it was, 'specially when we brought ya home fer the first time."

"Speakin' o' homes, we started on yer cottage just the other day. It should be ready fer ya 't move in after yer weddin'. But I wanted 't ask ya if there be anythin' special ya want in the house." He saw Kathleen bringing out a tray of tea. "But I c'n ask ya later, too."

Kathleen set the tray down onto the table, and soon everyone had a mug of the warm liquid.

"So what be on yer mind, sweetie," her mother asked.

"Daniel and I are having a full wedding on Earth. In that wedding I'll be walking down the aisle to Daniel and take his hand. Then the priest will say some words, and we'll pledge our love to each other. Rings are exchanged, and then we're introduced as man and wife," she explained to Kathleen and Aedan. "My thought is this. Do we have to do the same thing here? Can we just have a celebration here instead of a full wedding?"

Aedan scratched his chin. "Well I don't know 'bout that. 'Tis never been done before, though we never be havin' this kind 'o situation, either."

"Sweetie, there be a few things in the ceremony here that be tradition," Siobhan added. "Everyone does them at their weddin'."

"What are they? And is it possible to do them at the celebration?" Caitlin asked her.

Siobhan started explaining the traditions. "The first thing is the faether be givin' the bride away, much like on Aerth. But then durin' the ceremony, the bride and groom clasp hands and touch foreheads, closin' their eyes as the priest spakes to Faether God for them. It signifies their forever bond wi' each other."

"We could do that, couldn't we? I mean I thought we could have the celebration in the village square. We could have a short time at the beginning where Minister Aedan gives me away, and the priest can say his words while we hold hands. Then he can declare us married and then starts the celebration."

Kathleen nodded in agreement. "I think that be a fine idea, don't ya as well, Minister Aedan?"

Aedan smiled at Siobhan, then at Caitlin. "Yer daughter be a smart woman, Healer Siobhan. 'Tis a good idea. We c'n set up the stage fer the musicians and use that 't make ya man and wife. Then we c'n celebrate with a wee nip 'o the good stuff." He winked at her.

Everyone laughed as Kathleen brought out a small notepad and quill pen. "That be fine. Now we need 't discuss what ya might be wantin' fer the menu."

By the end of the afternoon everything was planned. Then Minister Aedan asked her about the cottage.

"I'd love lots of light, and a large fireplace. Other than that, anything you build is fine with Daniel and me."

"I'll let the men know. Ya should have a cottage soon, Healer Caitlin."

Everyone got up to leave, and Minister Aedan offered to walk Caitlin back to the gate.

"Before ya go, Little One, I have somethin' at me cottage 't show ya. Then I c'n take ya back 't the gate."

"Sure." She turned toward Kathleen and hugged her. "Thank you! If we have any changes, I'll let you know."

"Take care, and may the Faether God watch over ya."

She turned back toward Minister Aedan. "Please tell your wife I said hello."

"Aye, 'twill do that. Have a safe trip, Healer Caitlin," he told her with a smile before he left.

Her mother gestured toward the door. "Come, I have somethin' special 't show ya."

Caitlin followed her mother down the slushy stone streets of the village until she got to her mother's cottage.

Siobhan went inside, hanging up her cloak, and went into her bedroom as Caitlin came in and shut the door.

"Now this be yer seanmháthair's(grandmother's) weddin' gown," she said as she brought out the second most beautiful dress Caitlin had ever seen. "When I be taken wi' me máthair, many o' our things be given away, but I larned that Minister Aedan's máthair be savin' this in case I somehow found my way back. There be shoes and a cloak wi' it as well." She handed the dress to Caitlin. "Go on and try it on," she urged her daughter. "Yer Grandma Brianna be 'bout the same size as ya be now."

Caitlin took the dress and went into the bedroom, slipping out of her clothes and putting on the beautiful dress. The dress was a beautiful white soft cotton-like fabric with wide bell sleeves. The dress came down to the tips of her toes, and had beading around the neck and hem of the sleeves. The dress had a beaded belt, and the slipper shoes were beaded all over the top. She called out to her mom. "Máthair, can you help me?"

Her mother came into the bedroom and helped her lace up the back of the dress. She turned Caitlin around, gasping. "Oh sweetheart, ya look beautiful! Just like yer seanmháthair. And the dress be fittin' ya really well."

Caitlin smiled at her mother. "It's beautiful, máthair. I know Daniel will love it."

"Then it be yers. When ya be done wi' it, ya c'n keep it 't give 't yer children. Fer now I'll be puttin' it away." She helped Caitlin get out of the dress and put it back into the wooden chest where she stored it.

Caitlin finished getting dressed and followed her mother back out into the kitchen.

"C'n ya stay awhile and visit?" her mother asked her.

"No I can't," Caitlin told her sadly. "I only came for the day to talk about the wedding plans. I need to get back."

"Then I'll walk back 't the Cloch Ciorcal wi' ya." Siobhan gathered her cloak and her muff and together they headed back toward the gate.

As they got closer to the Stargate, Caitlin heard the sound of gunshots and shouting, and saw through the trees men shouldering guns, as well as a few men in green BDU's standing around them. When they got to the gate control house, she excused herself for a moment, heading over to the group of men.

"All right men," the leader shouted. "Reload your guns! Jenkins, Peterson, you watch them do it."

"Good afternoon," Caitlin said as she came over to the leader.

"Oh, good afternoon, ma'am. Maj. Hadden, SG12. You must be Caitlin O'Brien It's nice to finally meet you."

She shook his hand. "I am, and likewise. How are things going?"

"We're getting there. They're really fast learners, and I believe we'll be ready for any threat that comes through the gate." He changed the subject. "I wanted to express my and my teams' congratulations at not only being reunited with your mother but also on your engagement to Dr. Jackson. He's saved our butts and Earth more times than I can count, and we were sure sad when he lost his first wife."

"Yes, many people have been saying that."

"I was there when he lost his wife, and he's been so lonely since then. But now he has you, and he's happier now than I've ever seen him."

"Thank you, Maj. Hadden." She turned to see her mother waving at her. "Well, it was nice to meet you. I have to be heading back now, as I came only for the day. Good luck with your training."

"Thank you, and safe journey."

She smiled and turned back toward the gate.

"Who was that?" her mother asked.

"Maj. Hadden. He's a member of Stargate Command back on Earth. He and his team are teaching the men of the village how to use those guns. Then if the Ori come, you'll be prepared to fight them."

"Ah, that be wise."

"But Daniel said that they can also use the guns for hunting, too. They're more accurate than bows and arrows."

The gate whooshed open, and Seamus announced from the control house that Caitlin could go through.

She sighed, staring at her mother with sad eyes. "I wish I could stay, máthair," she told her. "But I promise to come back soon."

"Ya be comin' fer the weddin', and ya will be stayin' here fer the honeymoon, so I'll be gettin' t' see ya then, Little One," Siobhan said, then caressed her daughter's cheek. "Is tú mo ghrá, Beag Aon."

"Is tú mo ghrá ro, máthair"(I love you, too, mother), Caitlin said, hugging her mother tightly before slipping through the gate toward home.

April came, and Daniel and Caitlin continued to stay busy getting ready for their wedding as well as being busy at work. She was at work one day when she got a phone call from him. "Hi, Daniel! How are you today?"

"Not good. Sweetheart, I have to go away again for a few days because of work. I won't be able to come with you to Lacey and Jason's for Easter."

"Oh no! What should I tell Lacey and Jason?"

"Just tell them I had to go out of the country for work, because I do, sort of."

"Do you know how long you'll be gone?"

"I don't know. It could be a day; it could be a few days. I'll call you as soon as I get back."

"Promise?" she asked him, worry etched into her voice.

"I promise."

"Tar baile go muirnín (come home to me, sweetheart)," she told him.

"I promise, muirnín. I've got to go now. Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá, ro. Bye." Caitlin hung up the phone, a sad look on her face.

Lacey noticed it. "What's the matter, Caitlin?"

"That was Daniel. He can't come to Easter dinner with me on Sunday. He's got to go out of town for work, and he said he's not sure when he'll be back."

"That's too bad. Oh well, we'll have a good time on Sunday anyway. You know how much Brina looks forward to playing Candy Land with her Auntie Cat."

Caitlin sighed. "I know." She thought about that as Karyn walked up to them. "So Karyn what are you going to do for Easter?"

"We're going to my parents' house. They're preparing dinner. Then we might go to this really great new club Paul found a few weeks ago. It's called Second Street Station. It's got some great drinks and dancing, and it's even got an open mike night. However some of the acts they've had have really been bad." Karyn grimaced at the thought.

"Hey, you could do something, Caitlin," Lacey suggested as they cleaned up the store. "You have a beautiful voice!"

"I've never sang like that before. I wouldn't know what to sing anyway."

"Caitlin can sing?" Karyn queried Lacey.

"Yep. She's got a fantastic voice, too."

At that moment the door chimed and a woman walked in holding her little boy. "Please, can you help me?" she asked the three women, desperation in her voice.

"Hi, I'm Caitlin O'Brien. What seems to be the trouble?"

"It's my son. He's been feeling bad the last few days."

"Okay. Have you taken him to see a doctor?"

The woman nodded. "But all they tell me is to give him some children's aspirin and wait it out."

Caitlin smiled at the little boy. "Hi there. My name is Caitlin. What's yours?"

The boy hid his face for a moment until his mother encouraged him. "Robert." the little boy said in a raspy voice.

"And I'm his mother, Sandra McKendricks. Can you help him?"

"First, what are his symptoms?"

Sandra told her.

"It sounds like he just has a bad cold." She led the woman to the rows of supplements and teas. "I'm going to give you some feverfew and chamomile leaves to make into a tea. Try to get him to drink as much of it as he can. The feverfew will help bring his temperature down, and the chamomile will help him to sleep so his body can rest. Use some honey as a sweetener, and it will also help his throat." She took the small bags up to the counter, then led Sandra into the candy aisle. "Here are some licorice and honey-flavored drops. Let him suck on one every four hours or when his throat is really sore. They'll help ease the pain and coat the throat, protecting it."

As she took the bags of candy up to the counter, she started to softly sing a lullaby. Soft and sweet was her voice, and soon Robert's eyelids began to get heavy with sleep. Caitlin rang up the items, finishing the lullaby. "The total is twelve ninety-three," she said to her as she glanced at Robert, who was falling asleep.

"You have such a beautiful voice," Sandra remarked. "It put Robert right to sleep. I haven't been able to get him to sleep for two nights now."

"Thank you," Caitlin replied, blushing a little. "When you get home, let him sleep for as long as he can, as sleep is how the body heals itself. We're just using parts of nature to help it heal faster."

She handed Caitlin some money. "Thank you so much, Miss O'Brien."

"Now if he's not any better in a couple of days, I would take him back to the doctor."

"I will." Sandra caressed her son's cheek. "Let's get you to bed Little Man." She smiled as she grabbed the bag with her purchases along with her purse, and left the store.

Lacey smiled at Karyn. "See what I mean? Caitlin's got an excellent voice."

"You're right. I definitely think she should do open mike night."

Caitlin sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this round. "Okay, okay. When do they have it?"

Karyn thought for a moment. "It's on Friday nights, and it starts at seven."

"But I don't know what I would sing!" Caitlin protested.

"Why don't you think about it over Easter? We could all go next Friday."

Caitlin thought about that for a moment. "Yeah, that's an idea. Then I could have Karyn meet my other bridesmaid Sam. She's a friend of Daniel's."

"And you two could meet Paul," Karyn added.

"Then it's settled," Lacey said, determinedly. "We'll all go out to Second Street Station next Friday night."

"Sometimes I just don't know about you, Lacey," she mockingly chided her friend as they all laughed and went back to work.

The weekend came, and Caitlin went to Jason and Lacey's house for Easter dinner. Afterward, they all sat in the living room, and she handed them a large package.

"What's this?" Jason asked her.

"I got this in Ireland while I was there. I thought you might like it."

Lacey ripped off the wrapping paper and gasped as she held up a small, beautiful painting.

Daniel had given her the painting and told her a little bit about it and where he got it so she could tell them if they asked.

"Oh Caitlin, it's beautiful! Wherever did you find it?"

"I was in Dublin and I found the Waldock Art Gallery. The painting looked so pretty, and it was a reasonable price, so I bought it. I hope you like it."

"It's really nice," Jason commented, looking at the painting more closely. "It looks like the Irish countryside."

Caitlin nodded. "It is. The artist really captured it well."

"So what's in the large box?" Lacey asked her, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"It's for Sabrina." She handed the box to Lacey.

"Brina, Caitlin brought you a present."

"Pwesent!" the little girl screamed in delight, toddling over to her mother. She pulled and ripped the paper off, and Lacey helped her to open the box. Lacey pulled out the beautiful outfit, and held it up so Jason could see it.

"I bought it in this quaint shop in Drogheda, just North of Dublin. I saw another one just like it in the window. I bought it a couple of sizes larger than what she wears now so she might be able to wear it for Halloween in the Fall."

"Brina, Auntie Cat bought you a costume for Halloween this year. What do you think?" Jason held it so she could see it.

"Pweddy dwess, Daddy!" she exclaimed.

"What do you tell her?"

Sabrina toddled up to Caitlin, her arms outstretched. "Tank you, Auntie Cat!"

Caitlin picked her up, hugging her. "You're welcome, Brina. You want to play a game now?"

Brina nodded. "Play Candy Land!"

For the rest of the afternoon Caitlin played two rounds with Brina, then sung her to sleep for her nap. As she came out, she heard someone hitting the wall with a hammer, and walked into the living room to find Jason hanging their new picture.

"What do you think, Caitlin?" he asked her as he finished up.

She smiled. "It looks great there. That spot needed a little something anyway."

"So have you heard from Daniel?" Lacey asked.

Caitlin frowned. "No, and I don't expect to. He had to go out of the country for his job, so he probably can't call me where he's at. But he said he'd call me as soon as he got home." She was getting a little worried that she hadn't heard anything, so she decided to head to the base to see if they'd heard anything. "Well, I'm off," she said after she'd gotten her coat. "Thanks for a wonderful meal, and I'm glad you like your gift."

"We're glad you could come, and that dress for Brina is so beautiful," Lacey told her, hugging her. "Happy Easter, and tell Daniel the same when you see him."

"I will. Happy Easter, Jason," she said as they hugged.

"You too. Bye!"

Caitlin left their house and headed down the slushy streets toward the base. When she got there, she told the guard at the gate who she was, and he handed her a badge, telling here where to park. She got out of her car, went inside, and made her way down through the levels to the control room. "Good afternoon, Sgt. Harriman," she told Walter sitting at the computer. "Is the general in?"

"He is, Miss O'Brien. Just a moment." Walter picked up the phone, talked for a moment, then turned toward Caitlin. "You can go right on up."

She smiled at him, then walked up the stairs to the general's office, knocking on the door.

"Come in, Caitlin," Gen. Landry told her. "What can I do for you?"

"Thank you, general. I was wondering if you'd heard back from Daniel and the others. I'm worried that I haven't heard from him for a few days now."

"They're still on a mission. I can't tell you the particulars, but it's important to finding the Sangraal." His phone rang. "General Landry. Understood." He turned toward her. "That was Walter. The Odyssey is back from Atlantis. Maybe they found something." He got up from his desk and walked down to the control room. "Are they ready to beam back?"

"Yes, sir," Walter told him.

"Good." He turned to Caitlin. "They'll be beaming back into the gateroom."

Caitlin followed him down.

"Tell them they're good to go," the general called up to Walter.

A few moments later there was a bright flash of light and Daniel and the others were standing in the gateroom.

"Welcome back, SG1. I take it your trip was successful."

"Yes and no, sir," Sam answered him. "We learned the locations of a couple of planets, but that's about it."

"Morgan Le Fey tried to help us, but she was stopped," Daniel added, then saw Caitlin. "Sweetheart! What are you doing here?"

Caitlin frowned. "I was worried about you. I hadn't heard from you all weekend, so I figured I'd come to the base and find out if they'd heard anything."

Daniel walked over to her, smiling. "Well, we're okay." He turned toward the general. "We're on our own. The Others won't help us at all."

"Understood. Go get checked out in the Infirmary. Briefing will be in half an hour."

Everyone nodded, and Caitlin followed the others up to the infirmary.

"Well, you're good to go," Dr. Lam told him later as she finished checking him out.

Daniel smiled at her, then at Caitlin, gathering her in his arms. "Hey, you. I missed you."

"I missed you, too. I have something to talk to you about later."

"Sure. You want to meet somewhere?"

"Why don't we all go to O'Malley's when you're done?"

"That sounds great," Sam told her. "What time were you thinking?"

"We could go there for supper, say at six? It's five now."

"Sounds good. We'll meet you there."

"I'll be there in a minute," Daniel told his friends before they left. He pulled Caitlin out into the hallway and tenderly kissed her. "You look so beautiful today."

"Thank you. I was really worried about you."

"I know. The mission took longer than we thought it would."

"Oh, by the way, I gave Lacey and Jason the painting. They really liked it. And Sabrina liked her costume. Jason and Lacey plan to put it away until later this year."

Daniel smiled. "I'm glad they liked their gifts. Well, I'd better get down there." He kissed her again. "I'll see you at O'Malley's."

"See you then. Love you."

"Love you, too."

Later at O'Malley's everyone was seated around a table eating their meals and enjoying some good music. "So what did you want to talk about?" Daniel asked Caitlin.

"Karyn, the young woman that works at the health food store with us, well she and her fiancée discovered a new club in town called Second Street Station. They thought we might like it."

"I've heard some of the others on the base talking about it," Cam said. "It sounds like a great place."

"Well, Karyn talked Lacey into going, then they roped me into it. They suggested that I talk to all of you about going next Friday night."

"That sounds like fun," Sam said, taking a drink of her ale.

"What time?" Daniel asked Caitlin.

"Karyn said they have an open mike night on Fridays, and that it starts at seven. So I suppose meet at the club around six forty-five."

"That sounds acceptable," Teal'c told her.

The group finished their meals, and Daniel took Caitlin's hand, leading her to the dance floor. "You're so beautiful," he told her as they slowly danced. "I can't wait until you're my wife."

"I know," she told him, her head resting on his shoulder. "It's only a month away now."

He kissed her tenderly. "About Friday night. Jack is coming to visit the base. Something about checking up on us or something like that. What if we invite him?"

Caitlin smiled. "That sounds like a nice idea." She checked her watch. "Uh-oh. It's getting late, and I have to open up the store tomorrow. We'd better head out."

The song ended, and they walked over to their friends. "Caitlin's got to open the store tomorrow, and we've all got an early one as well, so we'd better call it a night."

Everyone nodded, and soon they were all headed out of O'Malley's.

Daniel took Caitlin into his arms and passionately kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Talk to you tomorrow?"

He nodded, caressing her cheek before he left with the others.

As Caitlin drove home, she thought about the song she wanted to sing for open mike night. She knew she wanted it to be a good one, and one that told Daniel how much she loved him. She came up with a few ideas, and decided to talk to Lacey about them the next day.

The week flew by, and soon it was Friday. Caitlin was busy at the store when Lacey walked up to her. "So have you decided on what song you want to sing?"

Caitlin nodded. "I did. It's going to be a surprise not only for Daniel, but also for his friends. I told you that his friend Jack was visiting for a few days, didn't I?"

Lacey nodded. "So what's the song you're going to be singing?"

Caitlin told her. "I have it all worked out. Daniel loves it when I leave my hair down, so I'm only going to pull up the sides. Then I plan to wear that really sexy dress I bought a few months ago. Remember, the red one with little white polka dots?"

Lacey grinned. "Oh, he'll love that! What else?"

Caitlin smiled mischievously." You'll just have to wait until tonight. "It's a surprise."

"Okay. Hey, Mrs. Pendleton's supplements came in. You want to give her a call?"

"Sure." Caitlin walked over to the registers and made the phone call, then went back to work filling the shelves.

On the base Daniel was working on a translation when Jack knocked at his door.

"Hi, Jack," Daniel said as he looked up from his work. "You finding anything out of the ordinary?"

Jack shook his head. "No. So what's this I hear about all of us going to this new club tonight?"

"I told you about that. It's a place that one of Caitlin's co-workers recommended. It's called Second Street Station. It's supposed to be really great."

"What time?"

"We're all supposed to meet there just before seven."

"Got 'cha. So how are the wedding plans coming?"

"Everything is almost done," Daniel told him. "We got the places we wanted for the wedding, the reception and dance, and for the rehearsal dinner. Caitlin got her dress, though she won't tell me what it looks like."

"Brides are like that. They want to surprise the groom. It's natural, Danny-boy."

"At any rate, I've been doing the translations for finding these planets, and I think I found them. But we'll have to hurry. The Ori could come to Danu or any other planet at any time."

Jack nodded. "In the meantime, we'd better go and get ready for this shindig tonight. I take it you'll be picking up Caitlin?"

Daniel pushed up his glasses, straightening up his desk. "Yes. She said she's got something special planned for me. She wouldn't tell me what, though.

"Well then, Danny-boy, let's go find out."

Daniel turned off the lights and walked out with his friend. "You taking Teal'c?"

Jack nodded. "Yeah. Going to pick him up now."

"Hey, you talk to the general about Maj. Hadden?"

"I did. He said things are going really well. They got some men coming from one of the closer villages to learn how to use the guns, but the Major thinks they'll be ready to go if the Ori come."

"Good." They came to the elevators. "Well, I'll see you at the club. You know how to get there?"

"Yeah. I got directions. We'll see you there."

Daniel smiled at his friend and got in the elevator, heading home to get ready.

At the health food store Lacey was locking up as Caitlin brought out their purses and coats. "So do you know how you want to sing the song yet?"

Caitlin nodded. "Uh-huh. I'm planning to surprise Daniel and his friends." She told Lacey some of what she was planning.

"Ooh, that sounds great! You're going to knock his socks off."

Caitlin put her coat on. "I hope so. I'm planning to wear my dress coat, but I know Daniel will want me to take it off. I won't. Not until it's my time to get up on stage. That's when I'll give you my coat."

Lacey followed her outside to their cars. "Okay. Well, Jason got Stephanie to watch Brina tonight, so we'll meet you there."

"Okay. See you later tonight." Caitlin got into her car and drove home, nervous about the upcoming evening. She walked into her apartment, her two cats meowing at her as she took her coat off. "Okay, just a minute." She reached into the refrigerator and got out their food, giving them each a spoonful.

As they happily ate, she took a quick shower, making sure to use all the rose scented products she had, as she knew Daniel liked them. When she was done, she did her makeup and padded into her bedroom and pulled out her dress. The dress was red with tiny white polka-dots all over it. It had short flutter sleeves and a low, revealing neckline. The skirt came down to her knees, and fluttered all around her. Caitlin decided to wear her black two inch heeled shoes with the dress, as well as her ruby chip bracelet. Finished getting dressed, she was in her bathroom when there was a knock on her door. "Just a minute!" she called out. She grabbed her dress coat and slipped it on before opening the door.

"Hey there, beautiful," Daniel told her as he wrapped his arms around her, tenderly kissing her. "Mmm, you smell really nice. You ready to go?"

She nodded. "Just let me finish up, and we can go." She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her purse, and smiled. "Ready."

He took her hand, and together they left for the club.

As they drove, Daniel asked her about the surprise.

"Oh no you don't! You'll just have to wait. But I promise you'll be surprised."

Daniel followed the directions he'd been given and soon pulled up into the parking lot of the club. "Wow! There's a lot of people here already."

"Yeah. Karyn told me that the club's open mike night is pretty popular."

He parked his Jeep and helped Caitlin out, taking her hand in his. "You ready?"

She nodded, and they walked in. Once they were inside, she scanned the area for any of her friends and found Lacey waving at her.

They made their way through the crowded area to a couple of tables near the front by the stage where Jason, Lacey, Karyn and Paul were at.

"Hey there, Caitlin," Karyn called out through the noise of the crowd.

"Hi! Karyn, I believe you've met Daniel."

She shook his hand. "I have. Hi, Daniel. Caitlin, Daniel, this is my fiancé Paul Thomas. Paul, this is Caitlin O'Brien and her fiancé Daniel Jackson. I work with Caitlin at the health food store, and Daniel does work for the Air Force."

Paul seemed intrigued. "What kind of work, Daniel?" he asked as they sat down.

"I'm an archaeologist. Sometimes they find artifacts in places they're deployed to, and I get called in to take a look at them."

"So how did you and Caitlin meet?"

Daniel smiled, squeezing Caitlin's hand. "We met at the grocery store. We were both walking in out of the rain last September, and I bumped into her."

Paul smiled, and the small group talked until Sam and the others walked in.

"Sam, over here!" Caitlin called out to her friend, waving.

Cam and Sam came over to the table, Jack and Teal'c right behind them. "Wow, this place is really hot tonight."

"Great place, Daniel," Jack said as he took a seat at the front of the tables.

"Yeah, it looks like a great place. Sweetheart, you want to take off your jacket?" he turned and asked Caitlin as he took off his coat.

"No, I'm a little cold, so I think I'll leave it on for a little while longer." She stood, and motioned for Sam to follow her. "Sam, I want you to meet Karyn Williams. She works at the health food store with Lacey and me. She's my other bridesmaid." She turned to Karyn. "Karyn, this is Col. Samantha Carter. She's one of Daniel's closest friends."

"Just call me Sam," she told her warmly. "I hear from Caitlin that you've really learned things fast at the health food store."

"I did, and I am. It's a lot of fun, and I really like helping people."

"Well, you also picked a great club, Karyn," Caitlin told her. "And it's really jumping tonight."

"Open mike night usually is. So have you talked to the emcee yet?"

"I don't know who he is."

Karyn scanned the room and soon found him. "He's over there by the corner of the stage." She pointed to him.

"What's going on?" Sam asked.

"Caitlin's planning to sing tonight."

"So that's the surprise for Daniel," Sam said, understanding on her face. "What are you planning to sing?"

Caitlin leaned in and told her, a smile spreading across Sam's face.

"Ooh, that's perfect! He'll love it!"

"But since Jack and the others are here, I'm going to play things up a little bit. Just trust me on this one. You'll see what I mean soon."

Sam nodded, and Caitlin went back to Daniel, excusing herself for a moment.

"You okay?" he asked her.

"I just need to use the powder room. I'll be right back."

He smiled at her. "Okay. I'll be here."

Caitlin nodded and left to find the emcee. She walked up to the stage, making sure that Daniel couldn't see her. "Excuse me," she said.

"Yes. What can I do for you?" the emcee asked her.

"I'd like to sing for the open mike night."

"All right! Well, we only have a few of them tonight, so you'll be the last one. You'll be right after Jeremy Owens, who's doing a comedy routine. Just as soon as he starts his act, come back here to the edge of the stage, and I'll hand you a mike. What song do you plan to sing?"

Caitlin told him. "Is it possible to leave the lights down until the music starts, then bring them up?"

The emcee nodded. "Sure thing. I'll tell the lighting guy. Anything else I should know?"

She shook her head.

"Okay then. You're after Mr. Owens."

"Thank you," she told him, smiling, then went back to Daniel and her friends.

The night went on, and each of the acts made Jack and the others cringe. "Can't they find anything better than this?" he told Daniel and Caitlin over the din of the crowd.

"Maybe the next act will be better," Daniel offered. Then he turned to Caitlin. "So what's your surprise?"

"Don't worry. It's coming up soon. Just be patient."

"Okay," he replied curiously.

The crowed lightly clapped and some of them booed the current act off the stage as the emcee came back on to announce the next act. "All right! Wasn't that great? Let's give another hand to Manny Levowitz!"

The crowd lightly clapped again.

"And for our next act, we have Mr. Jeremy Owens. Come on out, man!"

Everyone clapped as he came up on stage. Caitlin excused herself again, and as she walked past Lacey, she tapped her friend's shoulder.

Lacey followed her backstage, taking her coat. "Good luck!" she said, squeezing her friend's hand.

"Thanks," Caitlin told her nervously. She anxiously waited in the wings while Jeremy did his comedy routine, the song she was about to sing running though her mind. I hope I don't get stage fright, she thought to herself as the crowd laughed at one of his jokes.

The emcee came backstage and asked her if she was ready to go.

She nervously nodded as Jeremy finished his routine.

"Wasn't he great?" the emcee shouted out as he walked onto the stage. "Let's hear it for Jeremy Owens!"

The crowd clapped again.

Daniel looked around the room, but he couldn't see Caitlin. "Hey, you guys seen Caitlin?" he asked his friends.

"I haven't seen her," Jason told him honestly.

Daniel wondered where she was while the emcee announced the last act. "And now for our final act, singing Baby, Baby by Amy Grant, Miss Caitlin O'Brien!"

The crowd cheered and clapped as Daniel and his friends stared in surprise as the now black stage.

Caitlin quickly took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and as the first notes of the song started, she started to dance out to the center of the stage. The lights came up, and as the beginning of the song ended, she be-bopped down the stage steps and went to sit in Jack's lap.

Daniel couldn't believe it. He watched as she came out onto the stage wearing the most amazing dress he'd ever seen her wear and looking sexier and more beautiful than he could imagine. It made his heart skip a beat, knowing that in just a few short weeks she would finally be his wife. It also made him hot just seeing her in that sexy dress. Caitlin swayed back and forth in Jack's lap as she started to sing, flirting with him.

Baby, Baby
I'm taken with a notion
To love you with the sweetest of devotion
Baby, baby
My tender love will flow from
The bluest sky to the deepest ocean

Stop for a minute!
Baby, I'm so glad you're mine

Yeah, you're mine.

She pointed toward Cam, who was sitting next to Jack, and got up, dancing toward him and sitting down in his lap, flirting with him. The crowd roared in laughter and delight, as well as Sam and the others. Then she started to sing the second verse to him.

Baby, Baby
The stars are shining for you
And just like me I'm sure that they adore you
Baby, baby
Go walkin' through the forest
The birds above are singin' you a chorus

Stop for a minute!
Baby, they're so glad you're mine
Oh yeah

And ever since the day you put my heart in motion
Baby, I realized that there's just no gettin' over you.

She pointed next to Teal'c, and started to sing to him, flirting with him and placing his fedora hat on her head.

Baby, baby
In any kind of weather
I'm here for you always and forever
Baby, baby
No muscle man could sever
My love for you is true and it will never

Stop for a minute!
Baby, I'm so glad you're mine

And ever since the day you put my heart in motion
Baby, I realized, there's no gettin' over you

As the music went on, she danced a little in front of the three men, the crowd clapping along with the beat and cheering in delight. Then she started to sing again to Jack first, then Cam, then Teal'c.

And ever since the day you put my heart in motion
Baby, I realized that there's just no gettin' over you,

At this point she gave Teal'c back his fedora hat, turned, and pointed to Daniel, singing, "Over you!" Then as she sang the last of the song, she sauntered over to him and sat in his lap, her eyes locked with his. Everything but Daniel faded away, and she sang only for him.

Baby, Baby
Always and forever
I'm here for you baby
So glad you're mine
When I think about you it makes me smile
Baby, baby be mine
Don't stop givin' love
Don't stop, no...

As the song ended, she leaned in and passionately kissed him, sending him all her love and affection. The crowd roared and cheered, clapping wildly. The noise filtered through to Caitlin, who came up from Daniel blushing furiously. The crowd continued to clap loudly as the emcee called her back on stage. She returned to the stage and bowed as the emcee spoke. "Miss Caitlin O'Brien everyone!" he said as he gestured toward her. She bowed again, then walked down the stairs to sit beside Daniel. "So what did you think of your surprise?" she asked him. Daniel couldn't speak, couldn't even breathe she was so beautiful. "I, uh, well, you-you were great," he stammered out as he slowly got his senses back. "Oh Caitlin, that was fantastic!" Sam exclaimed, still laughing. "You have a fantastic voice. And it was so funny seeing the look on all the guys' faces as you flirted with them!" "Not funny!" Jack admonished Sam, then turned toward Caitlin. "She's right though. You have an amazing voice."

Teal'c bowed his head toward her, smiling. "I too, agree with Gen. O'Neill, Caitlin O'Brien. I was pleasantly surprised."

"What T said," Cam added.

Caitlin blushed again as the emcee ended the open mike night. "That's all for this week, folks. Now let's hear it for our DJ, Jazzy Jeff Nichols!"

Jeff nodded at the emcee and put on the first dance tune. A fast, upbeat song started to play, and soon people started dancing on the dance floor.

"Sweetheart, is that all you can say?" Caitlin asked Daniel.

"You were incredible," he told her, squeezing her hand. "I loved my surprise."

She smiled as the dance song ended and a slower song came over the speakers. She recognized it as Lady in Red, by Chris de Burgh. She quietly took Daniel's hand and led him to the dance floor, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Daniel put his arms around her waist, pulling her close and gazing into her sparkling blue eyes. "I couldn't say this before, not while we were at the table with the others, but you look so sexy tonight. That dress looks incredible on you." He kissed her again, sending shivers down her spine. "I want you so much right now, Caitlin," he told her, caressing her cheek as they slowly danced to the music.

I've never seen you lookin' so gorgeous as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing

I've never seen so many people wanna be there by your side

And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away

I have never had such a feeling, such a feeling of complete and utter love

As I do tonight.

He leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "I love you," he told her, his heart so full of love for this incredible woman dancing with him. The lights illuminating the dance floor and the sights and sounds of the crowd combined with the scent of roses coming from her skin and hair to make his heart go soaring. "I can't wait until I can really make you my wife."

She smiled up at him, caressing his cheek. "I can't wait for that, either," she told him, her own heart filled to overflowing with love for him. The sights and sounds of the crowd dancing around her as well as the scent of his cologne mingled together, and her heart took a picture.

Paul and the others watched as the two of them continued to dance to the next song, oblivious to everyone around them. "They sure are in love," he commented to the others around him. "Just like Karyn and me."

Karyn smiled at him, squeezing his hand. "I know. Did you see how oblivious they were as she sang the last part of that song?"

Sam nodded. "We've known Daniel for a long time now, and after his first wife died we didn't think he'd find happiness again. So we're really happy that he found Caitlin."

"I know," Lacey said over the din of the music and crowds. "Jason and I were worried that Caitlin would never find anyone. But she met Daniel, and it's like she's a new person. She's never been happier." She turned toward Sam. "You know, we need to plan a bridal shower."

Sam nodded. "You're right. Do you have any ideas?"

Lacey thought about it, then smiled brightly. "I know! Let's surprise her. We could have it somewhere large enough to invite everybody."

"That's a good idea, but you know, Daniel's made a lot of friends at work. There are a lot of them who would want to come and wish them well."

"So maybe we should do it for both of them," Karyn suggested. "We could have it at Jack Quinn's Pub or someplace like that, and Sam, you could invite Daniel's friends, and we can invite Caitlin's."

Sam pulled a pen out of her purse and grabbed a nearby napkin, writing down ideas. "That's a good idea. When should we have it?"

Lacey pulled out her datebook from her purse, opening it to May. "She's getting married on the nineteenth, so maybe we should have it a couple of weeks before that. How about on the fifth? That's two weeks before their wedding."

Sam wrote it down. "That sounds great. I'll call Jack Quinn's Pub tomorrow and get things set up." She put the napkin and pen back in her purse as Daniel and Caitlin both came back and sat down at the table.

"You both look so great out there dancing," Karyn admitted to them.

Daniel laced his fingers with Caitlin's, smiling. "Well it's because of Caitlin. I love her so much."

"We can tell," Paul said.

"So when do you get the keys to your new house?" Cam asked them.

"I talked to Mr. Banning, the realtor, and he said we can sign the closing papers on Monday and get the keys then. After that we can move in."

"Well, I know everyone here wishes you all the best," Jack said over the din of the crowd. He stood, raising his glass. "Let's have a toast. To Daniel and Caitlin. May they always be happy."

"To Daniel and Caitlin," everyone chimed in as they all clanked their glasses together.

Jack leaned into the table. "Well, I won't be able to help you move, but I'll be there for the housewarming party."

"Thanks Jack," Daniel told him.

"When do you wish to move into your new home?" Teal'c asked him.

"We'll have to pack things up first, Teal'c. When that's done, then we can move."

Jack glanced at his watch, frowning. "I hate to break up this fun time campers, but I have things to attend to early tomorrow morning. So I think I'd better head out."

Sam and the others nodded. "Yeah, we have an early day as well." She stood, putting on her coat. "Night everyone," she told them as she and Jack walked toward the entrance.

"Yes, goodnight. This has been a most gratifying evening," Teal'c told them, bowing slightly.

Cam waved and followed Teal'c out.

Paul helped Karyn get her coat on. "I had a lot of fun tonight, and Caitlin, you were fabulous! We'll have to do this again."

"I agree," Jason nodded. "And next time Lacey should sing."

"Oh you!" Lacey replied, playfully batting at her husband. "You know I can't sing that well."

"Then maybe Caitlin could sing again."

Caitlin smiled as she put on her coat. "Maybe. Right now I just want to get married."

Daniel smiled, squeezing her hand. "We will, sweetheart, we will."

Everyone walked out of the club into the chilly April night. "Night everyone!" Caitlin called out. She got into the Jeep and soon they were headed back to her place.

"You were really great tonight," Daniel told her. "But I didn't like you flirting with the others. I want you all to myself."

Caitlin giggled. "I know, but it was so much fun to see the look on their faces."

He drove into her parking lot, shutting off his vehicle. "So how are we on the wedding plans?"

"Things are right where they should be. We need to talk about the music for the wedding though. Now I was thinking that I could make a CD of all the Tonic Sol Fa songs to use at the wedding and give it to Tonda. But I was thinking about what to play for our first dance. Do you have any thoughts?"

"I don't know. I guess I haven't thought about it. Do you have a favorite?"

Caitlin shook her head. "There are a lot of songs out there that I like, but they're all played at weddings. I thought we could have something a little different."

"Maybe we can ask Tonda for some ideas," he suggested.

"Sure. I'll talk to her on Monday." She gathered up her things and got out.

Daniel put his arm around her, walking with her to her apartment door. "You look so gorgeous tonight," he told her, gazing into her beautiful eyes. "One more month and you'll be my wife."

"I know, and I can't wait." She tilted her head up and passionately kissed him, her toes tingling. "But for now I have to get to bed. I have another big day at work tomorrow." She caressed his cheek. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he told her, kissing the tip of her nose. "Goodnight."

She waved at him and went inside as he walked out. He remembered her talk about making the CD of music for their wedding, and decided to talk to Tonda about it as soon as possible.

Tonda was working in her office the next day when Daniel walked in. "Dr. Jackson! It's good to see you. Come in to my office," she gestured. "What can I do for you?"

He came in and sat down. "I wanted to talk to you about the songs for the wedding. Caitlin told me last night that you haven't really gotten to that part yet."

"No, we haven't. I listened to the group she suggested, and they're really good."

"Last night she talked about making a CD of them for the wedding, but I want to surprise her. Is there any way we can get the actual group to sing at the wedding?"

Tonda went to her computer and clicked to get onto the Internet, doing a search for the group. "There's a website for them. Just a minute." She clicked on a couple of pages and found their booking information. "Here's their phone number. I'll call them later today and see what I can do. But just for a back-up, have Caitlin record the songs she wants onto a CD."

He nodded. "There's something else. Caitlin said last night that you and she hadn't picked the song for us to dance to as husband and wife. She said that you might have some selections."

"I do." She pulled out a book with a list of songs and handed it to Daniel. "This is a list of many of the songs the brides have chosen. You might find one you like in there."

He flipped through the pages, stopping every now and then to read one of the titles more closely. He found one that sounded promising. "What about this one?" he pointed to the title.

Tonda looked where he was pointing. "Now and Forever by Richard Marx. That's a good one. Just let me get the CD, and you can hear it." She went into the next room and brought back a CD case. Sitting down at the larger table in her office, she picked out a CD from the case, popped it into the CD player, and pressed play.

Daniel listened to the words of the song, and smiled. "I really like it. The song says exactly how I feel about Caitlin." He turned toward her. "Let's use this one."

She grabbed their folder and wrote the name and numbers of the song and CD down. "I've got the information."

"Do you have to tell her about it?" Daniel asked her. "I mean, I'd like it to be a surprise."

She nodded, smiling. "Sure. When I talk to her again, I won't say anything. And I won't say anything about Tonic Sol Fa, either. I'll call you as soon as I hear anything."

Daniel smiled. "Okay. Well, I'd better get back to work." He stood, shaking her hand. "Thanks again."

"You're welcome Dr. Jackson. Have a good day."

The weekend passed, and Monday came sunny and warm. The snow was melting around the city, and Daniel could see peeks of green grass here-and-there as he drove to the health food store to pick up Caitlin. Today was a day he never thought he'd ever be able to do again after Sha're died. Today he was going to sign the papers to purchase their dream home with the love of his life, Caitlin. He pulled up in front of the store and went inside.

"Good afternoon Daniel," Karyn told him as he walked in. "Isn't it a beautiful day?"

He smiled. "Yes, it is. Is Caitlin ready?"

"Where are you two going?"

Daniel smiled. "We're going to sign the closing papers and pick up the keys to the new house today."

"Oh yeah. Caitlin told us about that."

Caitlin came over to them, putting on her coat. "Hey handsome. I'm ready." She turned toward Lacey. "Are you sure you can spare me?"

Lacey nodded. "Of course! And if you need any boxes for moving, you know you can take all you need from here."

"I know. We probably will." She grabbed her purse. "See you all later!"

She and Daniel left the store and headed down to the realtor's office.

Todd Banning was in his office when the two of them walked in. "Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson, Miss O'Brien! I have the paperwork all ready for you to sign."

Daniel led Caitlin into Todd's office, sitting down. "We're both really excited about this."

Todd smiled. "I got the information from the bank, and everything seems in order, so if you would sign at the bottom of each of these pages by the X, we can get you the keys to your new house."

Daniel took the pen and signed all the papers, handing the pen to Caitlin, who signed just below him.

Todd took the papers and stacked them together, putting them on his desk. Then he went over to a nearby cupboard and pulled out a set of keys. "Here you go," he told them, handing the keys to Daniel. "Congratulations on your new house."

Caitlin beamed at Daniel. "It's all ours?"

"All yours," Todd told her.

The two of them stood. "Thank you again, Mr. Banning," Daniel said. "We appreciate all your help."

Todd smiled, shaking Daniel's hand, then Caitlin's. "It's my pleasure. Enjoy your new home."

They smiled at him again, then left his office. "Well, we got our house," Daniel told her as they drove back through the city.

"We got our house," Caitlin repeated. "I can't believe it. But now we have to pack and move in."

He nodded. "I know. You and I both have a lot of things. Speaking of which, I was thinking. I have a California king-sized bed, and I thought we could use that in the master bedroom. We could save yours for one of the guest bedrooms."

"That's a good idea. And we could use our two couches for the living room and family room. But I would love to have a nice, big recliner chair in the family room, too."

"We can go shopping for that and anything else we might need, once we get all our own stuff moved in." He turned onto the next street. "Have you thought about where you want to put your Irish paintings you have in your bedroom?"

Caitlin nodded. "What do you think about hanging them in the master bedroom?"

"That's a good spot," he told her, squeezing her hand. "Hey! Why don't we get some of your stuff packed tonight? We have the rest of the afternoon off, and we could make a party out of it. We could call Sam and the others, and we could get a lot done tonight."

"We could go behind the store and grab some of the larger boxes. We break them down some, but with a little tape, we could put them back together again."

Daniel smiled at her. "That sounds good. You call Sam and the others, and we can head to the store."

As Daniel drove to the health food store, she called Sam, who agreed to tell the others. "We'll meet you there."

"Okay. See you then." She turned back toward Daniel. "She's going to tell the others and they'll meet us there."

Daniel lifted her hand, kissing the fingertips. "Good. We'll be moved into our new house in no time."

The weeks came and went, with packing and moving, shopping for the new house, finalizing of wedding plans, and one last visit to Danu by Daniel. "Ya need a proper outfit," Aedan told him. "Ya can't get married in just anythin'."

"But Minister Aedan, I thought I'd just wear a nice suit," Daniel protested.

"Say me nay, Master Daniel! 'Tis right and proper 't wear an outfit such as this."

Daniel fidgeted with the collar. "Well, if you say it's tradition, then okay." He remembered something else. "Minister Aedan, I have a surprise I want to do for Caitlin."

"What might that be?"

"There's a flower on Earth that Caitlin really likes, and I want to plant some here by our cottage if I can. They're called lilacs. It's a flowering bush."

Aedan thought for a moment, then smiled. "That be soundin' really nice, Master Daniel. When would ya like 't do this?"

"Well, I bought a couple of lilac bushes earlier today, and I asked that they be sent through the gate once they get to Stargate Command. They should be coming here at any time now."

"Ah, I see. Well, that be just fine. Do ya know where ya want them planted?

"I thought we could put them at either corner of the front of the cottage."

"That be a right fine idea, Master Daniel," Aedan told him.

"How might ya be comin' in there?" Mistress Ciara (kee-ra) asked them from outside the bedroom.

"There!" Aedan said, straightening the scarf around Daniel's neck. "T'will be a right smart lookin' groom, Master Daniel. And I think Mistress Ciara be agreein' with me." He opened the door and Daniel walked out into the main living area.

"Oh my, don't 'cha look grand!" Ciara exclaimed. "Minister Aedan be right. T'will make Healer Caitlin weak in the knees ya will, lookin' as handsome as ya do now."

Daniel blushed a little. "Thank you." He turned toward Aedan. "How are the plans for the reception coming?"

"They be done, Master Daniel. "Everythin' be ready fer yer nuptials in a few weeks. We'll be havin' the dancin' and celebratin' in the village square, and there be where ya say a few words 't the priest. Then the real celebratin' starts!"

"But not yer drinkin, Aedan O'Malley," Master Stephen said. "Unless ya be wantin' 't sleep wi' the animals again."

"Now don't 'cha be beliaevin' all me Shannon tells ya," Aedan admonished him.

"Aedan O'Malley!" Ciara gasped, making the sign of the cross over her chest. "The Faether God have mercy on ya fer sayin' that. Ya know she be right."

Daniel laughed. "Minister Aedan, I don't think you can win this one."

Aedan and the others laughed, as a young man came to the doorway of the cottage.

"Come in!" Stephen called out.

A young man of about twenty walked into the cottage. "Minister Aedan, there be a special delivery come through the cloch ciorcal (stone circle). A man from Auld Aerth be bringin' it. Said it 'twas fer Master Daniel."

"That must be the bushes I bought," Daniel said.

"Aye," the young man replied, nodding.

"Thank ya, Jarren," Aedan told him. "Please find some men 't take the bushes 't Master Daniel's new cottage. We be there soon as he changes."

"I c'n help ya, Jarren," Master Stephen said.

Jarren nodded, and the two of them headed out.

Daniel went to change, and took the new outfit and handed it back to Ciara. "Here you go."

"How did it fit ya?"

"It was fine. I had plenty of room."

"Then it be yers. Consider it a wedding gift."

Daniel smiled at her, nodding. "Thank you, Mistress Ciara. I accept you gift."

"I'll just be holdin' it here fer ya 'till the weddin'." She took the outfit and carefully put it away while he got his jacket on.

"Thanks again, Mistress Ciara," he told her warmly.

"Aye. Thank ya again, Mistress Ciara," Aedan echoed, then turned toward Daniel. "Well me boy, we'd best get those bushes planted." He and Daniel made their goodbyes and headed off to the new cottage.

Master Steven was already there with the bushes when the two men arrived. "Thank ya kindly, Master Stephen," Aedan told him. "We'll take it from here."

"My pleasure. And Minister Aedan, I knew ya be needin' a digger, so I brought mine fer ya 't use. Ya c'n just bring it back when ya be done."

"Thank ya, and I will." He watched as Stephen drove away, then turned toward Daniel. "So where might ya be wantin' 't plant these bushes?"

For the next hour they both worked, digging holes and planting the bushes on either side of the nearly-finished cottage. When they were done, they both stood back and admired their work.

"Well, I guess I'd better get back," Daniel told Aedan. "I'm needed back at the base." He wiped his hands together, rubbing off the excess dirt. "I'll tell Caitlin the wedding plans here are done."

"That be fine, Master Daniel. Might there be anythin' else ya be needin' t'day?"

Daniel shook his head. "No. I really need to get back right away. We're still trying to find something that will stop the Ori."

"Have ya found anythin'?"

"Not yet, but we'll keep looking."

Minister Aedan rubbed his hands on his pants. "Then we'd best be getting' ya back 't the gate."

The two men walked back to the gate and Daniel was surprised to see Maj. Hadden standing near the gate with his team. "Good afternoon Maj. Hadden. How are things going with the training?"

"Good afternoon, Doctor Jackson, Prime Minister Aedan. We're heading back to Earth. We've prepared and trained all the men in the use of the rifles, and have even gone on a couple of hunts with them to make sure they know how to use them. All the men are doing really well considering they've never seen a gun before."

"That's great news," Daniel replied. "If I remember correctly, Enfield rifles use ball shots don't they?"

"Yes, they do. I know how they're made, so I showed Master Colm Ó Bradagáin (Bradigan), the village blacksmith, how to make the balls and caps. He's going to be going to the next village to teach their blacksmith how to make them, and then that blacksmith will go to the next village and so on until they all know how. We've also supplied each village with enough rifles for all the men of fighting age and ability, and some of the men here will go on to teach the ones in the next village."

Daniel nodded. "Well, I was only here for the day to get my Danuan wedding outfit and make sure the wedding plans are done. So we can head back together."

Maj. Hadden smiled. "That's fine." He turned toward Minister Aedan. "We're ready to go back."

Minister Aedan turned and walked into the control house, finding Seamus at the controls. "Seamus me boy, c'n ya dial up Auld Aerth fer our friends?"

Seamus nodded, and soon the gate started to rotate. In a few moments it whooshed open, and he nodded to Maj. Hadden, who tapped in their iris code on his GDO. "We're good to go," he called out to his team and Daniel, and in a few moments they were all headed back to Earth.

The weeks continued to pass with moving into the new house, finalizing of wedding plans, and work for both Daniel and Caitlin. Finally May arrived warm and sunny. The first Saturday Caitlin was working at the health food store when Lacey announced that they were closing the store early.

"What for?" Caitlin asked, curious.

"There's something going on tonight that Jason and I have to go to," Lacey smoothly lied. "It's a party for his job."

"Oh. Okay. Do you want me to come over and babysit Brina?"

"Why don't you and Daniel come with us? You might have fun."

"But there's still so much to do! The wedding is in two weeks, and I have to finish getting the birdseed favors ready."

"Can't that wait until tomorrow?" Lacey asked her.

"No, and besides, I have to record the music for the wedding, and Tonda and I have to find a song for Daniel and I to dance to at the reception, and..."

"Oh come on," Karyn interrupted her, smiling mischievously, knowing what the party was really all about. "You should go. It'd be good to get away from all the planning for a night."

"I'll have to talk to Daniel about it, but I suppose we could go."

"I thought of that, and Jason already talked to Daniel this morning. He thought it might fun if you two went. So will you come?"

"If Daniel said he wanted to go, then yes. Is the party formal?" Caitlin asked her as they cleaned up the store and locked the doors.

"No. Just wear something nice."

"Okay," Caitlin told her as she walked out into the warm Spring afternoon. "Where is it and what time do you want us to come?"

Lacey zipped up her coat and smiled. "It's at Jack Quinn's Pub at seven pm. Jason told Daniel already."

"Okay. We'll see you then. Bye!" She turned toward Karyn. "Have a good evening."

"You too," Karyn called back before she headed out.

Caitlin started her car and was soon driving down the street when her cell phone rang. "Caitlin O'Brien," she answered.

"Hi sweetheart!" Daniel told her. "Did Lacey tell you about the party?"

"She did. What time to do you want to pick me up?"

"Is six forty-five okay?" he asked her.

"That's fine, love. I'll be ready. Bye!"

She pulled up in front of her apartment building, and went inside, feeding her cats after taking off her coat. She took a shower and got ready for the party, deciding to put her hair up. Brushing her hair, she brushed it all to one side and separated it into two. She twisted each one, then twisted them together down to the ends. Securing the twist with a hair band, she wrapped the long twist around her head, pinning it into place. Then she curled the stray bits of hair around her face and finished getting ready.

Early in the evening, Lacey, Karyn and Sam were helping the men put up streamers in Jack Quinn's private room and chattering about the upcoming party.

"You think either of them suspects anything?" Karyn asked the others.

Sam shook her head. "I don't think so, though Daniel thought it was strange when I urged him to come tonight. I just told him that I thought it might do him good to have a little fun instead of thinking about the wedding."

"That's what we told Caitlin," Lacey said.

"So where do you think we should set up the table for the gifts?" Sam asked them all.

"Might it not be prudent to place the gift table near the entrance so that the guests can place their gift on it right away?" Teal'c told them.

"That's a good idea, T," Cam said. "Let's move this long one over there."

Teal'c and Cam moved the table as the others finished decorating. "What time did you say again?" Sam asked.

"Seven. Did you let his other friends at work know?"

Sam nodded. "Gen. O'Neill won't be able to be here, but he gave me his gift so I could bring it with me. And I invited Gen. Hammond. He's another really good friend to Daniel and Caitlin."

They finished the decorating just in time as a few people started to come into the large room. "Who else did you invite, Lacey?" Karyn asked.

"Well, I invited Becky London and her husband Bob, Melinda and her husband Gary, and Tina and her husband Joe. Becky made Caitlin's costume last year, and Tina cuts her hair. Melinda works at the store with us."

"Well, now all we need is for the bride and groom to get here," Sam replied.

Caitlin was gathering her coat and purse together when there was a knock on her door. She opened it, and found Daniel standing there, smiling.

"Hi beautiful," he told her warmly as he gathered her in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "You look so incredible tonight."

"So do you," she told him, smiling back at him.

"You know, we don't have to go to the party if you don't want to. We could go somewhere else instead."

She shook her head. "That wouldn't be fair to Jason and Lacey who are expecting us. And anyway, it might be fun. Just let me get my coat on, and we can go." He helped her with her coat, and she looked back at her two cats. "Be good girls now," she told them before locking up.

Daniel helped her into his Jeep, and soon they were driving down the street to Jack Quinn's Pub.

"Daniel," Caitlin started as they were driving. "When Lacey told me about this party, I told her at first I couldn't go because there's still a lot left to do before the wedding. Like the songs for the wedding and the song we'll dance to at the reception."

Daniel smiled at her, taking her hand. "Don't worry about that. Tonda said she'd record the songs you wanted, and I already picked out a song that we're going to dance to. It's a surprise though, but trust me when I say I know you'll like it."

"Okay. I'll cross that off my list of things yet to do. But it was weird when I told Lacey I couldn't go tonight. She acted really strange and almost insisted I come. Karyn said it might be fun for me to get out and forget about the planning for the night."

"Maybe they're right. But now that I think about it, Sam was pretty sure I should come tonight, too. You don't suppose..."

Caitlin thought for a moment as Daniel parked the Jeep in front of the building. As she got out, she saw Jason and Lacey's van parked nearby, as well as Sam's car. "Hey! Her car is here. So is Teal'c's vehicle. That's strange."

Daniel took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. "Well, we'll find out what's going on as soon as we go inside." He pulled open the door and together they walked inside. "Hey, there's Jason," he said, looking toward the end of the bar. "Jason!" he called out.

"Hi, Daniel, Caitlin. The party's back here." Jason led them to the back of the building and opened up the doors. "Surprise!" all the guests and Jason shouted together, clapping.

Daniel and Caitlin blushed, totally surprised by what their friends had done. "Oh you guys," Caitlin said as Lacey handed her a glass of punch. "Is this what you were planning?" she asked her best friend, smiling.

"Yes. Karyn and I were going to throw you a shower, but Sam suggested that it be for the both of you, as Daniel has many other friends who would want to be here."

"Thanks Jason," Daniel told him, smiling.

"Hey no problem! We're glad to do it."

"Are you surprised?" Sam asked as she came over to the couple.

"Oh Sam," Caitlin gushed. "This is fantastic! Thank you so much."

"It's no problem! We just wanted to show you how much we care. There are snacks and drinks over there," and Sam pointed toward one of the corners. "Then we have the DJ to play some music while the party is going on."

"So who all is here?" Daniel asked as he took a sip of his punch.

"Many people from work came," Sam told him.

"Tina and Joe are here," Lacey added. "As well as Becky and her husband."

Caitlin nodded as Lacey grabbed a microphone from the DJ and started the party. "I want to welcome all of you to this shower for Daniel and Caitlin. Please eat, drink, dance and have fun tonight. Thank you."

The DJ put the first tune on, a slow song, and looked at Caitlin and Daniel. "This first tune goes out to the lucky couple Daniel and Caitlin."

The song started, and Daniel led Caitlin out onto the dance floor. He took her into his arms and smiled lovingly at her. "You look so beautiful tonight," he told her, kissing her tenderly.

"You look pretty handsome yourself," she replied.

The song ended, and everyone clapped. The DJ put on another song, and soon everyone was dancing and having fun.

At one point Caitlin was drinking her punch when Tina came over to her. "Hey girlfriend! This sure is a great party. Were you surprised?"

Caitlin nodded. "Jason and Lacey had told us they were inviting us to a party being put on by the company Jason works for, so we had no idea. They just told us to dress nicely."

"And you did, girl. I love your hairdo! You do that yourself?"

"Yes, I did. It's really easy." She told Tina how she did it. "That's all there is to it."

"Well, it looks beautiful. So are you ready for the wedding?" Tina asked her.

Caitlin looked over at Daniel, and smiled. "I've been ready for a long time, Tina. I can't wait to be his wife. I know we'll have our good days and bad days, but with him by my side, I know anything is possible."

Tina smiled. "That's what I thought when I met Joe. We've been through some rough times, God knows, but I never would've gotten through it if he hadn't been there with me."

"I feel the same about Daniel," Caitlin sighed. "I love him so much, and I want to make him happy."

"You will, girlfriend, you will."

Daniel came over and touched Caitlin's shoulder. "Excuse me, Tina, but I have to steal Caitlin away for a moment."

Tina smiled and squeezed Caitlin's hand. "Talk to you later."

Caitlin nodded, then looked at Daniel questioningly. "What is it, muirnín?"

"I thought you might like to talk with Gen. Hammond about the wedding. After all, he is walking you down the aisle."

Caitlin smiled and walked with Daniel over to where the general stood. "Good evening, Gen. Hammond."

"Good evening, Caitlin, and congratulations to you both. How are things coming with the new house?"

"We're almost completely moved in," Daniel told him. "There are a few things at Caitlin's apartment that have to be moved yet, but I've gotten all my things moved. I'm actually staying there now."

"I see. So how are the wedding plans?"

"They're fine, sir," Caitlin told him. "I can't thank you enough for agreeing to walk me down the aisle."

"It's an honor," he told her warmly. "I was surprised you asked me, though."

"Well, you're like a father to Daniel, so it seemed only natural since my own father is gone."

Gen. Hammond smiled at her. "Well as I said, it's my honor to walk you down the aisle."

As they continued to talk, everyone mingled, danced and had fun. After about an hour of dancing, Lacey nodded at Sam, who grabbed the DJ's mike. "We want to thank the DJ for playing some great music for us."

Everyone politely clapped.

"Now it's time to open the gifts. If Daniel and Caitlin would please come to the the head table, we'll get things started.

Daniel laced his fingers with Caitlin's, and together they sat down at the table. Karyn and Sam handed them gifts while Lacey wrote them down on some paper.

The gifts all ranged from simple to extravagant and everything in between. There were many sets of new towels and sheets to new cookware from Jason and Lacey.

"Do you like it?" Lacey asked.

"It's really nice," Daniel said honestly, handing one of the pans to Caitlin.

"Wow! T-Fal. These are really good pans, Lacey. We needed new cookware, as Daniel doesn't have much, and mine was getting old and used anyway. Thank you both!"

The next gift they both opened was a beautiful set of new china from Karyn and Paul.

"These are pretty," Daniel commented. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you both," Caitlin added, then turned toward Daniel. "We'll have to get a china hutch for the dining room so we can put these in it."

Next came Teal'c's gift. Caitlin carefully opened the box and nestled inside was a beautiful dream catcher. "Oh, Teal'c. It's beautiful!" She lifted it up for everyone to see. "Thank you!"

"As you made one for me, so I made this one for you," he told them.

"Then it's all the more special," Daniel said to his friend. "We'll treasure it always."

Sam handed Daniel another present. "This one is from Jack, who couldn't be here."

Daniel opened up the gift and discovered that it was a beautiful wooden frame. "Oh wow, Caitlin. Look! It's another frame like the one you gave me for Christmas. Remind me to thank Sgt. Wilson for doing such a fantastic job."

Caitlin took the frame from Daniel and smelled it. "It's in cedar, too," she commented. "It's perfect."

They opened up the rest of the gifts, then Daniel took the mike from where the DJ had been. "We want to thank you all for coming tonight and for the wonderful gifts you gave us," he told them all. "We'll be using all the gifts you gave us in our new home. Thank you again."

Caitlin smiled at everyone as the crowd dispersed. "Let's pack all this up," she told him.

"Teal'c, can we put all this stuff in your vehicle?" Daniel asked his friend.

Teal'c nodded, smiling. "Of course."

Cam, Sam and the others helped Daniel and Caitlin load all the gifts into the back of Teal'c's vehicle. Then they helped to clean up the banquet room.

"Well, it was a fun evening," Lacey told Caitlin when they were done, hugging her. "I'm so glad you had a good time."

"I did," Caitlin replied. "And we can really use all the gifts. Thank you all for putting this together."

"Yes, thank you," Daniel added. "This meant a lot to us."

Caitlin turned toward Daniel. "Do you need help getting all the things in the new house?"

He shook his head. "No, I think that Cam, Teal'c and I can get it all. I'll wait for you to come and put things away later."

"Don't worry, Daniel. We'll take Caitlin home," Lacey told him. "That way you can take the gifts to the new house."

"Okay." He turned toward Caitlin, pulling her into his arms. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she told him, kissing him. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Daniel nodded, smiling at her as everyone left the pub for home.

On Monday, Daniel was at work when his phone rang. "Daniel Jackson," he answered politely.

"Good afternoon, Daniel. This is Tonda Mills. I have good news! Tonic Sol Fa will be performing in Denver the day after your wedding, so they agreed to come up and sing."

"That's great! Will they need any time to practice?"

"Yes, so I have them coming early in the morning to the site and doing a quick practice. And Caitlin doesn't suspect a thing. I talked to her a few days ago and told her that I already recorded the music she asked for, and I told her you'd already picked out a song for the first dance."

"What did she say to that?"

"She asked what you'd chosen, but I told her it was a surprise. She said she was willing to wait until the reception to find out what you chose."

"Great. Thank you so much! I know she'll be so surprised."

"You're welcome, Dr. Jackson. Other than that, I think everything is ready. Are you getting nervous?"

"A little, but I'm ready to marry the woman of my dreams."

"That's good. So we'll see you on the eighteenth for the rehearsal dinner."

"Thank you, and I will. Good bye."

At the health food store Caitlin was putting some perfumes away on the shelf when Lacey and Karyn came over to her. "Caitlin, we have another gift for you."

Caitlin set down the last jar of perfume and turned toward the two women. "Oh you two! What did you do?"

"It wasn't just us," Karyn told her. "It was Sam and Cassie, too."

Karyn handed Caitlin two wrapped boxes. "We hope you like it."

"It's a gift we didn't want to give you at the shower."

"Why not?" Caitlin asked them, curious.

"It's something for the wedding night. We thought you might want to surprise Daniel with it."

Caitlin took the boxes up to the registers and tore off the wrapping paper, opening the first box. There, nestled inside some wrapping paper was a nightgown. "Oh, it's beautiful!" She held it up to her body as Lacey and Karyn smiled at her. Then she set it down and opened up the second box.

"That's from Sam and Cassie," Lacey told her.

Caitlin gasped as she held up the beautiful ruffled robe. "It's gorgeous!" she exclaimed. She quickly tried it on, and it fit. "But how did you know my size?"

"Remember a few weeks ago I had to go to Denver to meet up with one of our suppliers?" Lacey reminded her. "That's when I went back to the bridal shop and picked up the nightgown. Cassie met me there, and she bought the robe."

Caitlin didn't know what to say, and hugged both of them tightly. "Thank you both so much! Daniel will be so surprised."

"We're so glad you like them," Karyn told her, smiling.

"We thought you could use your rose and vanilla scented products along with the nightgown." Lacey told her.

"I will," Caitlin replied.

"Well, let's get the store closed up. Hey Caitlin, did Daniel get the tickets for Ireland yet?"

Caitlin knew that she couldn't tell them where they were really going, so she just nodded. "He got them last week."

They finished locking up the store, getting their coats and heading out. "That's good. Well, we'll see you later," Karyn called out before she left.

"See you!" Caitlin called out, then headed home.

Later that evening, she was sitting at her kitchen table finishing up the hand-made bracelets for her attendants, her thoughts on Daniel. She knew that her mother would be there for her at the wedding on Danu, but there wouldn't be anyone there for Daniel. Then she remembered what he had told her about his grandfather living on another planet. She made up her mind to talk to Jack about it before the wedding.

The morning before the wedding, Caitlin called the number she had for Jack and found that he was already in Colorado Springs. She called Walter at the base and found that Jack was there visiting Gen. Landry. So she headed over there to talk to him.

"Things are going really well," Gen. Landry told Jack. "All the men on Danu now know how to use the rifles we gave them, and some of them are even teaching the more faraway villages."

"Will they be ready Hank?" Jack queried.

"I believe so, though time will tell."

"Have we heard any more about whether or not the Ori are still planning to attack?"

The general shook his head. "No. But we're still keeping a look out for them."

At that moment, Walter knocked on his door. "Sir, Miss O'Brien would like a word with you and Gen. O'Neill."

"Send her in." Caitlin walked in, and the general smiled at her. "Welcome, Caitlin! Please sit down. What can we do for you?"

She sat down next to Jack. "Thank you. Sir, I've realized that I'll have family there for me at our wedding on Danu, but Daniel won't. It just doesn't seem right."

"What do you mean?" Jack asked her.

"Well, Daniel told me about his grandfather living on another planet. He said that you, Jack, had been there when you discovered the planet and the giants. He also said that his grandfather decided to stay with them and learn from them."

"That's right, he did."

"I was wondering if there was any way we could bring Daniel's grandfather to Danu for the wedding. I'd like to surprise Daniel if I could."

Gen. Landry thought about it for a moment. "Jack, you were the one to deal with them first. What do you think?"

He frowned. "It's a nice idea, but I don't know. I don't know if we can contact them again."

"Have you tried since the first time?"

Jack shook his head. "No we haven't." He thought for a moment. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try. Hank, if you don't mind, I'd like to request going to P7X-377 to talk to the giants. Daniel's grandfather should be there for the wedding."

The general nodded, smiling. "Of course Jack, but what about Dr. Jackson? He'll notice that something is going on."

"Maybe not," Caitlin told the men. "If he's doing research on the Sangraal, he'll be too busy to even notice. At any rate Jack, maybe Sam or Cam could keep an eye out in case he does get curious."

Jack nodded. "I can take Col. Carter with me, as the giants will remember her, plus she can be our backup should we need it. But I think Caitlin should come with us, as she's the one who wants to do this."

Caitlin was visibly shocked. "Me?! What would I do? What would I say?"

"Just tell them what you told us, that you're marrying Daniel and his grandfather should be there at the wedding."

She nodded nervously. "I suppose I can do that."

Gen. Landry stood. "Good. Jack, you and Caitlin have a go, and I'll talk to Col. Mitchell and Teal'c."

"Understood, Hank. I'll talk to Col. Carter."

"Very well. Dismissed."

A short time later, Jack stood at the base of the ramp, Sam beside him. Caitlin zipped up the jacket Jack had given her and stood behind him.

"You nervous?" Jack asked her.

"A little. I've never met giants before."

"There's nothing to it. They're these big white smokey things that talk. Nothing to worry about."

Up in the control room, Gen. Landry ordered Walter to dial up the planet. The gate started to rotate then whooshed open. "Good luck and Godspeed, Jack!" he called out before they stepped through the wormhole.

Jack turned and smiled at him, then led the trio through the gate.

On P7X-377 Jack, Sam, and Caitlin emerged from the gate in front of a very large pyramid. "Well, they're in there," Jack pointed toward the structure. "Let's go."

The three of them walked along and into the pyramid until they got to the inner chamber where the skull was. "Now if you're afraid of heights, don't look down," he admonished Caitlin as they walked down the narrow stone walkway toward the skull at the end. "Carter, you remember how to work that thing?"

"I do," Sam said, nodding. "You need to gaze into the eyes of the skull for about thirty seconds until the giants come."

"O-kay," he said, then walked up to the skull and gazed directly into the eyes. Immediately the skull started to glow and tiny swirls like fireflies flew out all around the three of them, surrounding them for half a second.

The three of them went out of phase, the ground began to shake, and a white smoke-like mist began to fill the enormous cavern. Soon a figure appeared from the haze, and Jack recognized it and walked towards it. "Howdy there folks!"

"Why have you returned?" the figure's voice boomed out.

"We'd like to talk to you about Nicholas Ballard."

"What about him?"

"That's your cue, Caitlin," Jack told her, bringing her to the front of the group.

"His grandson is getting married," Caitlin told the giant being.

In front of them the mist rose up to settle on the stone platform, and out of the mist walked Nicholas Ballard. He recognized Jack and walked up to him, smiling. "Col. O'Neill! It is good to see you again."

Jack shook his hand. "I'm a general now, and it's good to see you too. I'd like to introduce you to Miss Caitlin O'Brien. She's marrying Daniel."

Nicholas looked at Caitlin, and smiled. "I had always hoped that he would find someone to marry. It is nice to meet you, Miss O'Brien." He turned back toward Jack. "Gen. O'Neill, you did not come all the way here just for me to meet Miss O'Brien."

Jack shook his head. "No, we didn't. Caitlin has something she wants to ask you."

"Dr. Ballard, I would like to ask you to come back with us for the wedding. I know that Daniel would love to have you there, as would I."

"He may not leave us," the giant boomed out.

Caitlin looked up at the giant, nervous but undaunted. "Please! It would mean so much to Daniel and me."

"But he would not return to us."

"What if he did? What if he came for the wedding, then came right back?"

The giant thought about this for a moment, then spoke. "It is our wish that he return to us. If he does so, he may go if he wishes to do so."

She turned back toward Nicholas. "Please come back with us. Daniel would be so surprised."

Nicholas thought about Daniel, remembering how little time he spent with him, and decided that he could and should do this. "I will go," he told Jack and the others, then turned toward the giant. "However, I promise to return."

"Then you may go," the giant said, a smile on its hazy face. "We will expect him back three days from now."

"That's fine, as the wedding is in two days." Caitlin turned toward the giant, bowing. "Thank you. I know Daniel will be so happy."

The giant smiled, then his voice boomed one last time. "Gaze into the eyes of the skull." Then he vanished.

Jack did as the giant suggested, and soon they were back in their own phase.

"So how did you meet my grandson?" Nicholas asked Caitlin as they walked back to the gate.

"It's a long story, and I'll tell you all I can but first we need to get you to Danu."

"Danu?"

"Yes. It's where the second wedding is being held. A long time ago, my mother was kidnapped from there as a little girl and eventually found herself on Earth. She grew up, got married and had me. But a bad man found her and kidnapped her again, and she found her way back to Danu. She's the healer there, and that's where our other wedding will be."

"I do not pretend to understand, but I am confident that my grandson will eventually tell me."

Jack dialed the gate and punched in his IDC when it opened. "We're good to go. Once we get back to Earth, I'll have someone take you to Danu until the wedding there the day after tomorrow. Then we'll send you back here once it's over."

Nicholas nodded, and the small group headed back through the gate to the base.

At the base, everyone had just come through the gate and was walking down the ramp when Cam and Teal'c met them at the bottom. "I asked Walter to dial up Danu right away for you," Cam told them as the gate started to rotate again.

"Why?" Caitlin asked him, concerned.

"Daniel knows you're here, and he knows something's up. We've tried to keep him busy, but he wants to see you. He wants to find out what's going on."

Jack nodded. "Okay. Teal'c, you and Cam take Dr. Ballard to Danu to wait there. Caitlin, you'd better head out and get ready for the rehearsal. I'll go talk to Daniel."

The gate whooshed open. "Understood, Gen. O'Neill. I believe we will be able to get him a room at Mistress Kathleen's inn."

"Good. We'll see you back here soon, and I'll let Walter know when you come back not to announce anything."

Caitlin smiled at Jack. "Thank you, Jack. I know Daniel will appreciate it, as do I." She turned toward Nicholas. "I know we don't have time to talk now, but we will after the wedding on Danu."

"I look forward to it," he told her warmly. "Until then."

Cam and Teal'c escorted Nicolas back through the gate as Caitlin left, headed home. Jack decided to go talk to Daniel in his lab. He found Daniel pacing the floor. "What's up, Daniel?"

"Jack, someone told me Caitlin was here. Is something wrong?"

Jack shook his head. "Of course not! She was just here to talk to Gen. Landry about something, then left to get ready for tonight. That's all." He decided to quickly change the subject. "So have you heard from any of the Tok'ra or the Jaffa? You know if any of them are coming to the Danuan wedding on Sunday?"

Daniel sat down and picked up a sheet from his desk. "Yeah. Master Bra'tak is coming for the Jaffa, and Garshaw and Malek are coming for the Tok'ra. We've also received word from Thor. He sends his good wishes, as well as those from the High Council, but cannot attend because all the Asguard are trying to find a cure for their people. We also sent word to the Nox, but they haven't responded yet."

"That's good. Any more info on the Sangraal?"

Daniel shook his head. "No, and the Others have told us we're on our own. But I'll be able to do more research when I get back from my honeymoon."

"Yeah, about that. You spending it on Danu?"

"Yeah." Daniel told Jack about the cottage the people were building for them on the piece of land Caitlin had found. "It's got a view of the mountains in back, and it's a nice cottage."

Jack nodded. "I bet it is, Daniel. But first we have to get you married. So why don't we head out and get you ready for the rehearsal?"

Daniel smiled at his friend, and together they left his lab to get ready for the evening.

The day was finally here. Daniel couldn't believe it, but in a few hours the love of his life would finally be his wife. He was at Cam's place getting ready, while Caitlin was at Lacey's house. The night before had been a wonderful rehearsal at the park, then dinner at the Craftwood Inn. She'd looked so beautiful in her dress, and he couldn't wait until she was finally his and his alone.

Tonda was making sure everything was ready at the High Point viewing area in the Garden of the Gods. The tent was set up above the seats for the guests, beautiful fabric was woven in through the arbor roof, and flowers were scattering their scent everywhere. Maj. Feretti and the rest of SG-4 were there dressed in their mess dress uniforms waiting to seat all the guests, and everything was ready for Daniel and Caitlin's special day.

At Lacey's house, Caitlin had picked the lilacs she wanted for her bouquet, and Tonda had dropped off the daisies. Caitlin arranged the lilacs and the daisies and wrapped the bottoms with a wide, satiny purple ribbon, putting them in fresh water when she was done. Then she picked more lilacs and she and Lacey made smaller bouquets for the attendants.

Tina was also there doing Caitlin's hair. "I'm gonna put your hair in a pile of curls on top of your head," Tina told her. "I'll leave a few tendrils out and curl them. Do you want your tiara in after that?"

Caitlin nodded. "After it's in place, you can put my veil comb in my hair."

"Sure thing. Oh Caitlin, you're gonna look so beautiful today!"

Caitlin blushed as all her attendants agreed.

"Daniel will be blown away," Cassie added, smiling as she finished doing her makeup.

"I can't wait to see him. Did you see the look on his face last night at the Craftwood Inn when you all told him he couldn't see me until the moment I walk down the aisle? I felt so bad for him."

"I know," Lacey told her. "But it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride beforehand. You don't want bad luck now, do you?"

Caitlin shook her head slightly. "Speaking of which, I have the 'something new' in the wedding dress and the 'something blue in the blue ribbon of my garter belt. But I don't have the 'something old or borrowed'."

Lacey smiled and went to her bedroom, and she came back with a beautiful pearl necklace. She handed it to Caitlin. "Here. You can borrow my pearls for today. That will be your 'something borrowed and something old'. The pearls belonged to my grandmother."

Tina stopped doing Caitlin's hair and helped her put on the beautiful necklace. "Oh Lacey, it's pretty! And it sure goes well with her dress."

"Thank you, Lacey," Caitlin told her with tears in her eyes, smiling at her best friend. "It's lovely."

Tina finished with Caitlin's hair and carefully put the tiara over the mass of curls on her head, securing it down with a few bobby pins. Then she put the veil comb in the back just under the back of the tiara. Finally, she stood back, admiring her work. "You're all done, and it looks fabulous, girlfriend."

Caitlin got up and went into Lacey's bathroom, looking at her hairdo. "Oh Tina, you did a fantastic job. I love it!"

The rest of the morning was spent getting dressed, and Lacey helped zip up Caitlin's dress.

Sabrina came over to her, and smiled. "Auntie Cat look pweddy, Mommee!" she told Lacey. "She and Unca Daniel gonna be like you and Daddy?"

Lacey nodded. "Yes, Brina. They're going to be like Daddy and me."

"An I get 't wear pwincess dwess?"

"Yes, you get to wear your princess dress." She turned toward Caitlin, smiling. "That's what she calls her dress."

Caitlin giggled, then bent down and hugged the little girl tightly. "I love you, Brina."

"Wuv you too, Auntie Cat!" the little girl exclaimed.

"Sabrina, it's almost time to go now. Can you go find your coat?"

"'K Mommee," she told her mother, twirling as she toddled off.

"Turn around, Caitlin," Karyn said, smiling.

She slowly turned around to face her friends, blushing and smiling.

"Caitlin, you look beautiful," Sam commented warmly.

"Just beautiful," Cassie told her, smiling. "Daniel won't be able to keep his eyes off you."

"You all look really beautiful too," Caitlin told them, going to her large bag and pulling out four small boxes and handing them to her friends.

"What's this?" Sam asked, curious.

"It's a gift I made for each of you, to thank you for being in my wedding."

"Did you get a gift for Daniel?" Cassie asked her.

"I did. I gave it to Jason to give to him at the right time."

"What was it?" Sam asked.

"I made a special bracelet for him. I used wooden beads on some leather string. He can tie it onto his wrist so it won't get in the way when he's working. I had the guy who made the frame for us make the beads for me out of cedar."

"He'll like that," Cassie told her appreciatively.

"I also wrote him a poem to go with it. I did it on some parchment paper with a calligraphy pen."

"That was nice," Lacey admitted. "I gave Jason a new watch, and he gave me a new necklace."

"Speaking of which," Caitlin told them all. "You should open your gifts."

Everyone opened their little boxes and gasped at what they found.

"Oh Caitlin, this is so pretty!" Sam exclaimed as she held up a beautiful hand-made bracelet. "What did you use?"

"I used lapis lasul chips and Swarovski crystals in between. I hope you like it."

"I love it!" Cassie exclaimed as she put it on her wrist. "And it matches the dress really nicely."

Lacey smiled at Caitlin, then turned and went over to her office desk, picking up a small wrapped package and a card. "Caitlin, Daniel gave me a gift to give to you before the wedding."

She handed them to Caitlin, who looked at her, surprised. "He didn't have to do that."

"Open it," Cassie urged her.

Caitlin set the small box down, tearing open the envelope. She pulled out a beautiful card, with words written in Gaelic.

"What does it say?" Karyn asked her.

"It's written in Gaelic," Caitlin explained to them. "It says, 'To the woman who captured my heart, filled my soul to overflowing, and brought back music and laughter into my life, I can't wait until we are finally married. May you wear this and always think of me. Love always, Daniel.'" She tore off the wrapping paper and the bow, and opened the box. There, nestled in some cotton, was a beautiful sparkly blue bracelet that perfectly matched her dress. "Oh!" she exclaimed, holding it up to the light. "It's beautiful! Where did he get this? Did he say?"

"I guess you two think alike," Lacey told her. "Because he made it. I helped him with the important stuff, but he chose all the beads and gemstones himself. Do you like it?"

Caitlin had tears in her eyes as Tina helped her put it on her left wrist. "It's beautiful! Thank you for helping him, Lacey."

There was a knock on the door, and Lacey opened it to find the photographer standing outside. "Come in," she told him.

"Hi, I'm Derrick. I thought we could get a few pictures of the bride and her attendants before the wedding."

As the photographer was taking some pictures of Caitlin and her attendants, Daniel and the others were across town at Cam's getting dressed. Jack helped Daniel put on his tie properly, and smiled. "Today's the day, Danny-boy. You can still back out you know."

Daniel smiled at his friend. "No Jack, I can't. I love her too much."

Cam slipped on his jacket, straightening the collar. "So you ready for this Daniel?"

Daniel nodded. "I've been ready since the day I met her."

Jason smiled at him. "I know how you feel, I felt the same way when I married Lacey. I also got her a gift. It was a locket with my picture in it. Now it has a picture of Sabrina in it."

"I got Caitlin a small gift, too."

"What did you get for her?" Teal'c queried.

"Well, I didn't buy it so much as I made it," Daniel told the others as he put on his jacket. "I bought the supplies, and I made a beautiful gemstone chip bracelet for her to wear today. Lacey helped me to make it."

"It always means more when one makes something with their hands," Teal'c replied. "I am sure she will be pleased."

Jason walked over to the coffee table and picked up a small box and an envelope, handing them to Daniel. "This is from Caitlin. She wrote and made these herself."

Daniel opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of parchment paper with a beautiful poem written on it.

"What is it?" Jack asked, curious. "What does it say?"

"It's a poem," he explained to the men, reading it out loud.

"How did I ever get so lucky to find you, to have you walk into my life?

Before you came into my life, I did not know joy, did not know real happiness and true love.

Then you came, and I finally knew what it meant to love someone with every fiber of my being. I finally experienced complete happiness and pure joy.

Before you came into my life, it was ordinary and plain.

Then you came, and every day was extra-ordinary. Each day, each moment, was something special and wonderful, unique and precious.

Before you came into my life, there was only darkness, casting shadows on my spirit and my soul.

Then you came, and your love, like the sun, came out full and bright, lighting even the darkest corners of my soul.

Before you came into my life, it was empty and had no purpose.

Then you came, and gave me a reason, a purpose for living.

Before you came into my life, my heart was battered and broken, shattered into a million pieces.

Then you came, and you mended my heart and made it strong and unbreakable.

Before you came, there was a wall around me, protecting me, keeping me safe.

Then you came, and broke down my wall, healing my broken spirit.

Before you came, I was a shell, shriveled and dead.

Then you came, and your love filled me and brought me back to life.

Before you came, I didn't have anyone to love me or to love in return.

Then you came, and now you love me with everything you have, every fiber of your being, and I have someone to love in return.

I love you, Daniel."

He tore open the wrapping paper and opened the box to find the beautiful wooden bracelet lying on some cotton. "Oh wow. It's a bracelet." He picked it up, smelling the beads. "Cedar. Just like the frames. Jack, remind me to thank Mark for making these, as well as the frames." He turned to Cam. "Do you have a pair of scissors?"

Cam nodded, opening the top desk drawer and handed them to Daniel.

Daniel handed the bracelet to Jack, who tied it securely on Daniel's left wrist and cut off the ends. He admired the bracelet for a moment, then went back to the poem Caitlin had wrote. "I can't believe she wrote this. It's so beautiful. Cam, please don't let me forget to get this from you after the wedding."

Cam nodded. "Sure thing."

Daniel went over to the mirror on the wall, and took a long look at his reflection, straightening his tie and jacket. "I can't believe this day is finally here. I can't believe we're finally getting married. I honestly never thought this day would come, what with her fears and mine, and with Becky Simmons."

Jack came over to his best friend. "Yes, but it's here now, and nothing will ever stop you from being together."

Daniel smiled at him. "Thanks, Jack. Thank you all."

Jack put on his jacket. "Well, if everyone's ready, we'd better head to the park."

Daniel nodded, and with his friends, left for his wedding.

At the High Point viewing area, the guests were being seated. A chaplain from the base was performing the ceremony, and he was waiting patiently to get started. After taking pictures of Caitlin and her attendants, the photographer had gone to take pictures of Daniel and his attendants. Now he was at the viewing area setting up to take pictures of the ceremony. On the opposite side one of the airmen from SG4 had set up a small camcorder to record the ceremony as well.

In the meantime Daniel and the others had just arrived. "Is Caitlin here yet?" he asked Tonda nervously as recorded music played softly through the speakers.

She shook her head. "Not yet. She'll be here soon." She looked all around her as she pinned Daniel's boutonniere on. "It's such a beautiful day! You couldn't have picked a better day."

"Will the breeze hurt the recording?"

"It shouldn't," she told him as the others pinned theirs on. "There's just enough to rustle the fabric, but not enough to do any damage. But to make sure, we put a candle lighter next to the unity candle. You'll use that to light the tapers, and use those to light the unity candle."

While Daniel and Tonda were talking, Caitlin and her attendants arrived in their limo. Everyone got out, and Gen. Hammond walked over to Caitlin. "You look beautiful, Caitlin," he told her warmly, smiling at her.

She blushed. "Thank you, sir. You look handsome, too."

"Are you ready?"

She smiled nervously. "I'm ready."

Tonda caught a glimpse of one of the attendants in the back. "It's time," she told Daniel. "Get into your places."

She nodded at the chaplain, and signaled to Tonic Sol Fa, who stood and grabbed their mikes.

Tonda made her way back to the women. "Are you all ready?" she asked them, smiling as she pinned on the general's boutonniere.

They all nodded, and got in line, Caitlin taking the general's arm. The last of the guests were seated, and as Tonda pointed at them, Tonic Sol Fa started to sing.

Time, can run away so fast,

Like a sweet, sweet summer day that tried to find you,

Somehow got left behind you.

The roads, can take you down so many directions,

There is no wrong or right way,

Down life's long winding highway.

Tonda signaled to Cassie, who started to walk down the aisle, followed by Karyn. As they were walking, Caitlin closely listened to the words and the music, and realized that something was different. "That doesn't sound like a recording," she whispered to the general.

He smiled at her. "It's not. Daniel wanted it to be a surprise."

The realization hit Caitlin, and tears came freely to her eyes. "Oh! I can't believe he did that!" She took the lace handkerchief she'd brought with her and dabbed at her tears.

The general smiled at her as Sam took off, then Lacey, followed by little Sabrina who toddled down the aisle to her parents. They all reached the front, and he turned to her. "Here we go."

Caitlin smiled, and they walked to the start of the aisle as all the guests stood. There she got her first good look at Daniel, and she choked up when she saw how handsome he looked.

Daniel smiled as Sabrina toddled up to her mother, then looked up. All he could do was stare. There, standing next to the general, was his heart, his love, looking even more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. She looked just like a regal princess in her stunning gown, and his eyes locked with hers all the way down the aisle. The smell of the flowers, the sounds of the group singing, and the view from the area around him combined together, and his heart made a memory.

Caitlin smiled as they neared her love, her heart. She couldn't believe how incredible he looked. The scent of the flowers, the words of the song, and the way Daniel looked combined together, and her heart took a picture.

The general smiled at Daniel, and placed Caitlin's hand into his. "Take good care of her son," he told him.

Daniel smiled at him, then at Caitlin. "I will, sir." He laced his fingers with hers, and together they turned and went to stand in front of the chaplain as Gen. Hammond sat down. Lacey quickly bent down and straightened Caitlin's train before the chaplain started.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two people present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

He waited for a moment, but no one spoke. So the chaplain continued. "Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage this couple makes a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other's failures. They will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other.

We are here today before God because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes; to witness the joining in marriage of Daniel Melburn Jackson and Caitlin Rose O'Brien. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds." The chaplain looked out among the guests. "Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?"

Gen. Hammond stood and smiled. "I do."

The chaplain smiled back at him, then continued on, looking out at all the guests. "This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives." He continued on for a moment, then finished, looking at the two of them, then at the guests. "Daniel and Caitlin have chosen to exchange their own vows they have written for one another at this time."

Caitlin handed Lacey her bouquet, and took Daniel's hands.

Daniel cleared his throat, tenderness in his voice as he spoke. "I was shaking off the rain on my coat in the entrance of a grocery store when I bumped into this beautiful, blue-eyed woman. I wasn't looking for love, but you introduced yourself and found your way into my heart.

Caitlin, you've brought happiness, joy, and laughter back into my life that I had forgotten. Because of you I learned that there is room enough and more in my heart to love more than one person as deeply as I loved Sha're. You are the one person with whom I can share all that I am. I promise to trust you and to be honest with you. I promise to listen to you, respect you, and support you. I promise to laugh and play with you, grow and bend with you. I promise to cherish every day we have together, and I promise to do all of this through whatever life brings us: riches or poverty, health or illness, through good times and bad, until the end of our days."

Tears came to Caitlin's eyes as Daniel finished his vows. "When we first met, I was afraid to love someone," she told him. "I had been hurt by my parents' death and by others in the past. Then I met you, and you told me what life would be like without someone to share it with. You told me it wasn't my fault my parents died, and that it was okay to love someone. You found the key to my heart, and you unlocked a door that had been closed for a very long time. You came in and rescued me from a life of loneliness and despair, and you showed me a whole new world full of light, laughter, and love.

Daniel, you have a kind heart, a good soul, and your love healed all my wounds and mended my broken spirit. Every day you give me all that you have and all that you are without asking for anything in return. So today I give you my heart, my love, and my life. I promise to be there by your side when life is at its best or it's worst. I promise to be there for you when you're sick or hurt or having a bad day. And I promise to be a helper and lover; an equal partner and companion on this extraordinary journey together."

"You may now light the Candle of Unity that signifies the uniting of your two hearts into one," the chaplain told them.

As Daniel and Caitlin walked over to the candle, Tonic Sol Fal stood again and started to sing their next song.

Sometimes I wonder if you know,
Just how deep my feelings go.
I'm not sure I tell you enough,
How lost I'd be without your love.

They continued to sing as Daniel and Caitlin carefully lit the unity candle down in the protective hurricane glass cover. They walked back to stand in front of the chaplain and Lacey straightened Caitlin's train again as the song finished, the soft breeze moving the curls around Caitlin's face.

"As Daniel and Caitlin have exchanged vows, they will now exchange tokens of their love for each other. May I have the rings?"

Jack handed both rings to the chaplain. Daniel had wanted them to be a surprise for her. The chaplain blessed the rings, then handed Caitlin's ring to Daniel. "Please repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness."

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness," Daniel intoned, slipping the beautiful Celtic band on her finger.

"As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you."

" As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you"

"And with all that I am, and all that I have, I gladly marry you and join my life to yours."

"And with all that I am, and all that I have, I gladly marry you and join my life to yours," Daniel told her with tears in his eyes, his heart full of love for this beautiful woman standing in front of him.

The chaplain handed the other ring to Caitlin, who looked at it, smiling as she repeated after him, slipping the band on Daniel's finger.

Then the chaplain read a passage from the Bible. When he was done, Tonic Sol Fa stood one last time and sang another one of their songs. Daniel took Caitlin's hands and gazed into her deep blue eyes, smiling at her as they sang.

Captive of mistakes I've made
Prisoner of yesterday
Locked inside
Without a key
Then you came and you rescued me

Oh, you knew that I was hurting
Oh, you saw I was in need
Oh, for a man so undeserving
I've been blessed with someone
Far beyond my wildest dreams

The chaplain smiled as the song ended. "In as much as Daniel and Caitlin have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, they are now joined. What God has joined, let no man put asunder.

And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Colorado and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife. May your days be good and long upon the earth." He turned toward Daniel. "You may now kiss the bride."

Daniel smiled at her; his hear filled to overflowing as he leaned in and tenderly kissed her, sending her all his love and affection in that precious first kiss as husband and wife. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her afterwards.

She caressed his cheek, smiling at him. "Is tú mo ghrá ró."

Everyone clapped and cheered as Daniel laced his fingers with Caitlin's and together walked down the center aisle to the back of the tent. Jack followed, taking Lacey's arm, then Teal'c and Sam, Cam and Cassie, and Jason and Karyn. Tonda motioned for Daniel and Caitlin to get into line, and soon they were receiving their guests.

The first were Gen. Hammond and Gen. Landry.

"Thank you so much for being here on our special day, Gen. Landry," Caitlin said hugging him.

"It was my honor," he said warmly, smiling at her, then shaking Daniel's hand. "Take good care of her Dr. Jackson."

"I will sir, and thank you."

"Caitlin, you looked beautiful, and your vows were so special," Gen. Hammond told her, kissing her cheek. "I hope you two have a happy life together."

She smiled at him, then at Daniel. "I know we will."

"You're a very lucky man, son," he told Daniel as he shook his hand. "Never forget that."

Daniel smiled at him. "I won't."

Next up were Tina and her husband Joe, followed by Melinda and her husband Gary. Later on Becky and her husband Bob came through the line.

"Oh Caitlin, you look so beautiful, just like a princess! I truly wish you all the best."

"Thank you Becky," Caitlin told her, hugging her friend. "Thank you both for coming."

"Yes, thank you," Daniel echoed.

"Just remember son," Bob cautioned him. "If you have an argument, remember that your wife is always right."

"Oh you!" Becky playfully swatted at her husband, making them all laugh.

After all the guests had been received, Daniel and Caitlin walked toward Tonic Sol Fa. "Thank you so much for coming to sing at our wedding," Daniel told them, shaking each of their hands.

"Yes, thank you!" Caitlin gushed.

"It was our pleasure," Shaun told them both as the others started to pack up. "Your husband knew you love our music, so he arranged it for us to come and sing. We're performing in Denver tomorrow, so it was easy for us to get here today."

Daniel smiled at them. "Well, we're glad you could make it. And you're welcome to join everyone at the reception as well."

Greg smiled at them, then frowned slightly. "We can't, as we have to leave for our next performance. But we all wish you every happiness." The rest of the guys nodded and offered their congratulations as they continued to pack up their things.

Daniel and Caitlin both thanked them again, then headed to the limousine waiting for them as the guests all threw birdseed at them, shouting out "Congratulations!" and "Best Wishes!" Soon the two of them were winding their way down the sunny streets to Jack Quinn's Pub.

The pub had been closed down for the reception that evening, and everyone was waiting for Daniel and Caitlin to arrive. A DJ was set up in one corner of the large main room near the dance floor, and people were mingling about.

Soon their limo arrived, and together they walked in to their friends and family. Everyone cheered and clapped as Daniel and Caitlin walked into the pub, blushing and smiling. The new couple walked over to where Tonda had arranged the head table, and soon everyone was eating the delicious food and having a marvelous time. When everyone was finished, the DJ went back behind his table and announced the first dance. "Introducing for the first time as husband and wife, Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Jackson!"

Everyone cheered and clapped again as Daniel took his new bride into his arms, wrapping his hands around her waist. The DJ put in the CD, and the song started to play.

"Listen to the words," Daniel whispered into her ear as they started to dance.

Caitlin listened to them, and tears came to her eyes as they slowly danced.

Sometimes I just hold you
Too caught up in me to see

I'm holding a fortune that heaven has given to me
I'll try to show you each and every way I can
Now and forever
I will be your man

"I love you so much," she told him as the song finished.

"I love you too," he said as he passionately kissed her.

The people clapped as the DJ announced the second song. "This one is for the father and daughter."

Gen. Hammond looked surprised as the music started. He walked up to Daniel, and politely took Caitlin's hand. "I know I'm not your father, Caitlin," he started to tell her as Bob Carlysle's Butterfly Kisses came through the speakers. "But I believe that he is watching you right now, and I think that he would tell you that he is very happy for you today. I know I am. You have a fine husband in Daniel. I've known him for longer than seven years, and I can tell you that he's a fine, upstanding young man."

Tears came to Caitlin's eyes again at the thought of her father watching her from Heaven. "I know my Dad is watching me right now, Gen. Hammond. I can tell. And I know that he would be happy that I chose you to take his place."

Gen. Hammond smiled as the song and their dance ended. "Why thank you, Caitlin. I'm honored that you think so highly of me."

"I believe what Daniel believes, and he thinks highly of you, too. He told me so."

The general smiled at her and escorted her back to Daniel.

As the evening wore on, everyone danced and mingled. At one point it came time for Daniel to throw Caitlin's garter belt. He called all the single men to gather around. Teal'c stood back watching until Jack pulled him along with him. "If I have to do this, T, then so do you!"

Everyone watched as Daniel slowly pulled off Caitlin's garter belt inch by inch. When he finally got it off, he pulled it tight and launched it into the air. All the men tried to grab it, but it fell right into Teal'c's folded arms, a slight scowl on his face. Everyone cheered and laughed, applauding as Teal'c picked up the piece of fabric.

"Congrats, Teal'c," Cam called out, laughing.

"What am I being congratulated for, Gen. O'Neill?"

"You caught it! If you catch the bride's garter belt, it means you're the next one to get married."

Teal'c scowl deepened, making Daniel and the others laugh even more.

Then it was time for the women to gather for the catching of the bouquet. Everyone gathered around behind her, and Caitlin threw the bouquet backwards into the air. All the women scrambled to catch it, but the bouquet landed squarely into Sam's hands.

Caitlin turned around and laughed, cheering when Sam held up the bouquet of flowers.

Everyone then continued to mingle or dance as some started to leave. Sam came over to Daniel and Caitlin who were standing near the door thanking guests. "So when do you two want to head back to the base?" she whispered to them. "We still have to head out tonight."

"Soon," Daniel whispered back. "I told Jason that I was taking Caitlin to Denver tonight so we could catch our plane to Ireland tomorrow."

"Good. Where did you put your bags?"

"Mine is at the base," Daniel told her. "Caitlin has hers at the apartment."

"Okay. We can swing past there and pick hers up on the way, but we should be going soon."

More people started to head out, offering their final congratulations as Jack and Cam came over to them. "So when are we going to head out?" Cam asked them.

"Really soon," Daniel told them. "We'll make our goodbyes now, then we can all leave."

"Is Sgt. Fenhouse driving your limo?"

Caitlin nodded. "We thought it would be nice, since he drove for us the night Daniel told me he loved me."

"Well, we need to get going before it's too late," Jack told them.

Daniel nodded. "We'll make our goodbyes then." Daniel took Caitlin's hand in his, and led her over to their friends. "We're going to head out now," he told them all. "We want to get going before it gets too late."

Lacey hugged Caitlin. "You have a wonderful honeymoon, and I want details when you get back."

"I'll do my best," Caitlin told her. "Can you take care of the girls while we're gone?

Lacey nodded. "I've still got your key from last time."

Caitlin smiled at her. "Thank you." Then she turned to Karyn. "Thank you for being with us on our special day!"

Karyn smiled at her. "It was beautiful. Have fun on your trip."

Daniel shook hands with Jason. "Thanks for standing up there with me."

"Hey no problem! I was happy to do it. Listen, when you're on your trip, make sure you have plenty of food in your room. You may not be leaving it for a few days." He winked at Daniel, who laughed.

Daniel and Caitlin finished saying goodbye, and left the pub, headed back to her apartment. "Do you think they suspect anything?" she asked him as she snuggled into his warm embrace.

"I don't think so," he told her. "But just to make sure, I parked my Jeep at the base where no one but the base personnel can see it." That way they'll think I took it to Denver."

"That was a good idea, she said as they pulled up in front of her apartment building. "Well, I guess I should go get my bag."

"I can do that," he offered. "You stay here."

"Why don't we both go? I want to say goodbye to my girls anyway."

He nodded. "Sergeant, we'll only be a moment."

Sgt. Fenhouse nodded, and the two of them went inside.

Caitlin opened up her apartment, noting that it was really bare what with most of her things moved into their new house. "Tink! Patches!" she called out. Her two cats walked up to her, sniffing her dress and trying to rub against her legs. "You two be good girls until we get back," she told them, petting each one in turn. "Lacey will take good care of you, and we'll be back soon."

The two cats meowed their disapproval at being left behind, making Daniel laugh as he picked up her suitcase. "Are you ready?"

She nodded, petting them one last time, then followed Daniel out, locking the door.

At the limo Sgt. Fenhouse took the suitcase and put it into the trunk as they got inside. "We're ready," Daniel called out, and soon they were headed toward the base. When they got there, the sergeant parked the car and held the door as they got out. He handed Daniel her suitcase, and the two of them headed into the mountain.

They rode the elevator down in silence, his fingers laced with hers. As they neared Level 25, Daniel heard the intercom crackle to life.

"Introducing for the first time at the SGC," Walter's voice called out as the doors opened, "Daniel and Caitlin Jackson!"

People all over the base clapped and cheered as the couple came out of the elevator blushing. They walked through the throng of friends and coworkers toward Sam and the others. "This wasn't our idea," Cam told Daniel. "Maj. Feretti had Sgt. Fenhouse let Walter know when you got here, so it was his idea."

"Thanks everyone," Daniel told them as the small crowd dispersed.

"Well, let's get you changed," Sam told Caitlin, taking her bag. "You can change in my quarters."

"She can change in mine," Daniel started, but Sam interrupted him.

"You're actually not supposed to see Caitlin until the wedding on Danu. Isn't that what Minister Aedan told you?"

He nodded glumly. "Yes. But she'll need her cloak and dress. Just let me get them." He quickly went into his quarters and grabbed her things, handing them to her. "I'll see you at the gate," he told her, quickly kissing her. "I love you."

"I love you too," she told him before she headed down the corridor to Sam's quarters. Once inside, she gratefully sat down on the bed, taking her shoes off and rubbing her feet. "Oh that feels good!" she told Sam who set down Caitlin's suitcase on a nearby chair. "I like to wear ballet-style shoes, but after a long time they sure do make my feet ache!"

"I know what you mean," Sam told her, slipping into the bathroom to change into her BDU's while Caitlin took off her underthings. "I have the same problem with heels." Sam came out, dressed and ready to go. "Here, let me help you with your dress."

Caitlin stood, and Sam helped her unzip her dress. "The first time we went to Danu and I wore the shoes, my feet really hurt," she said while she changed into her Danuan dress in the bathroom. "But while I was on Danu for those three weeks I got used to it."

"Aren't they like ballet-style shoes though?" Sam asked her.

"Somewhat. At least those shoes have some arch support in them." Caitlin finished up and came out of the bathroom, laying her dress on the bed. "Do you have a hangar for this?"

Sam nodded, and brought out a hangar from her closet, handing it to her. "Have you decided what you want to do with your dress?"

Caitlin took the dress and carefully put it on the hangar, laying it along with the shoes on the bed. "I thought I'd put it in a protective bag with the shoes and underthings. But I'll have to put the tiara back in the box, and that's at Lacey's house."

"I can get it from her and put the tiara in it for you while you're gone. And I'll take care of the dress, too. Don't worry. When you get home, it'll be here."

Caitlin carefully took off the tiara and smiled at her friend. "Thank you." She handed the tiara to Sam, then put on her cloak, carefully putting up the hood over the mass of curls on her head. "Well, I'm ready to go."

Sam grabbed her overnight bag, opened up her door and followed Caitlin out, shutting off the lights. "We're supposed to head right for Danu," she told Caitlin. "Jack and Gen. Landry will come tomorrow morning."

"But how am I not supposed to see Daniel?" Caitlin asked her as they made their way to the gateroom. "I wanted a chance to visit with his grandfather tonight."

"I'm sure there will be plenty of time tomorrow," Sam assured her as she put her card into the reader, opening the door.

"I hope so." Caitlin set her bag down by her feet as the rest of the group came into the gateroom.

Daniel knew he couldn't see Caitlin, but he could touch her. He walked over to her, reaching for her hand and lacing his fingers with hers. "Are you ready?"

Caitlin smiled under her hood and squeezed his hand. "I am."

Cam turned to Walter up in the control room. "Dial it up, Walter!" The gate started to rotate, and everyone grabbed onto their bags.

It whooshed open and Walter notified the people on Danu.

"Minister Aedan be ready fer ya," Sean told him.

"You're good to go," he called down to the gateroom, and everyone walked through the gate to Danu.

On Danu, Minister Aedan was waiting near the gate with his trap to take Caitlin to her mother's cottage when everyone came through the gate. "Welcome back friends!" he told them. "Healer Caitlin, I came 't take ya 't yer máthair's cottage, if ya be ready. The rest o' ya have rooms waitin' fer ya at the inn."

Caitlin walked up to him. "Do you remember yesterday?" she whispered to him. "I'll go, but I want to give Daniel his surprise first."

"But yer not 't be seein' the groom 'till the weddin'!" he protested. "Besides that, it be dark, and we need 't be careful 'bout the wee folk."

"I know. I'll just go with the others to the inn, bring Daniel and his grandfather together, then leave. Would you mind meeting me there? Then you can take me to my mother's cottage."

Minister Aedan frowned. He didn't like the idea, but he agreed. "But only if ya be comin' out right away."

"Is everything okay?" Daniel asked them.

"It's fine. I'm just going to go with you to the inn first, that's all. I wanted to talk to Mistress Kathleen about something."

Daniel nodded, and the group headed to the inn.

Mistress Kathleen was cleaning up when the group came in. "Welcome back, friends! I have ya all set up in the same rooms ya be in last time, and I'll just go light the candles." Then she saw Caitlin. "Healer Caitlin, ya should be at yer máthair's!"

"I know, but there's something I have to do first. It won't take me long."

Mistress Kathleen nodded and left, headed upstairs. Cam, Teal'c, and the others started to head up, but Caitlin stopped Daniel.

"What is it sweetheart? Is something wrong?"

"No. I just have a surprise for you is all. Go wait in the gathering room and I'll get it."

She left as Daniel went into the room, wondering what his surprise could be. He was lost in thought, when he heard someone walk into the room. He turned around and stared, stunned. "Grandpa!" he cried out.

"It is good to see you again, Daniel."

"When? How?" he asked in a flurry, hugging him.

"Your wonderful fiancée came to the giants and asked that I be allowed to be here. Since I spent so little time with you as you were growing up, I thought I should come and be a part of your special day."

Daniel didn't know what to say, tears in his eyes. He went to thank Caitlin, but found that she'd already left. He made up his mind to tell her at the celebration. He went over to his grandfather and hugged him tightly again. "It's so good to see you!" he said as he gestured for them to sit. "I didn't think the giants would let you go."

"They didn't want to, but when I promised to return, they agreed to let me go. I have until tomorrow night to return. But enough about me. Tell me all about Miss O'Brien."

Daniel told his grandfather all about meeting Caitlin and her connection to the Danuan people. "Her mother is Danuan. She was kidnapped by a mercenary named Coset Aran who came to Earth. Somehow Siobhan and her mother found their way out of the ship, and tried to hide. Her mother was killed, and Siobhan was rescued by the police. She grew up on Earth, married a man, and had Caitlin."

Nicholas nodded in understanding. "And I noticed Caitlin's eyes. Even in the temple of the giants they were so blue."

Daniel smiled. "That's what attracted me to her in the first place. I discovered that not only her eyes were brilliantly blue, but her tears were as well. But enough about Caitlin. Tell me all about the giants."

As Daniel and his grandfather were getting reacquainted, Minister Aedan took Caitlin to her mother's cottage. "Thank you!" she told him as she got out with her bag.

"T'was me pleasure. Now get inside and stay there. We'll be seein' ya in the mornin'."

Caitlin waved as he drove away, then walked into her mother's cottage, hugging her.

"Welcome Little One, though I not be callin' ya that fer long, I suppose. How was yer weddin' on Aerth?"

Caitlin took off her cloak, hanging it near the door. "It was beautiful, wonderful; everything I imagined! Daniel looked so handsome in his tuxedo, and I felt like a princess in my wedding gown."

"That be nice, muirnín," she told her daughter as she made a fresh pot of tea. "Well, tomorrow should be just as excitin' and wonderful as t'day. Are ya nervous?"

"Not really," Caitlin told her as her mother set two mugs with tea bags in them down on the table, along with the whistling kettle. "I mean, I'm already married to Daniel, so to me it's just another celebration with my family and his."

"Ya mean Master Daniel has family?" Siobhan asked her daughter as she poured some hot water into her mug. "I not be knowin' that."

Caitlin poured water into her mug, letting the herbs steep for a few moments. "He has a grandfather. He told me about him, and that he was living on another planet with giants." She quickly explained things to her mom. "So when Daniel and the others went back, the giants offered to let his grandfather stay. I went back and asked them to let him go long enough so he could be here for the celebration."

Siobhan smiled, caressing her daughter's cheek. "Ah, ya be thinkin' 'bout yer husband before yerself. That be the way it should be."

"Thank you, Mother. I just thought it wouldn't be right for me to have my mother with me if his grandfather couldn't be here, too." Caitlin stopped, yawning. "Oh! I didn't realize how tired I was."

"'Tis the tea. It be a special blend 't help ya sleep. I thought ya might be needin' it."

Caitlin finished the last of her tea. "Máthair, we won't need to practice what we're doing tomorrow, will we?"

"Say me nay. 'Tis only the givin' away of the bride by the faether, then the holdin' of hands and touchin' of foreheads while the priest be saying prayers over ya. Once that be done, then t'will introduce ya as man and wife, and then the celebration begins."

Caitlin yawned again. "I'm really getting sleepy, máthair. I think I'll turn in."

Siobhan stood and led her daughter into the bedroom. "I borrowed a feather bed top from Mistress Kathleen, and I set it up on the floor. That be where I'll sleep t'night. Then ya c'n have the bed."

Caitlin began to argue, but her mother stopped her. "Say me nay, sweetie. Ya be needin' plenty o' rest fer tomorrow, and I be insistin'. We wouldn't want 't be havin' a sleepy bride."

Caitlin nodded, and took the chemise her mother handed to her. The two of them got ready for bed, and as her mother blew out the candle lantern, all she could think about was Daniel. She drifted off to sleep, his face in her mind and in her heart.

Back at the inn, Daniel and his grandfather were still talking when Mistress Kathleen walked into gathering room. "Master Daniel, Master Nicholas, I be headin' off 't bed now, as tomorrow be a big day."

Daniel stood, stretching. "I suppose we should be getting to bed ourselves, Grandpa."

"I do believe you're right. We wouldn't want the groom to fall asleep."

Daniel and Nicholas walked out of the gathering room.

"I'll just be blowin' out the candles meself," Kathleen told them. "May the Faether God be watchin' over ya both as ya sleep."

"Goodnight, Mistress Kathleen," they both told her before heading up the stairs to their rooms. Daniel turned toward his grandfather. "Goodnight, Grandpa. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Daniel. Pleasant dreams." Nicholas turned and went into his room.

Daniel went into his room, finding his wedding outfit waiting for him on the bed, along with his suitcase. He quickly changed out of his clothes and got ready for bed, stoking the fire with another piece of firewood. He laid down, thoughts of Caitlin running through his mind as he waited to fall asleep. The way she looked as she walked down the aisle toward him, the scent of her perfume, and the look of pure love in her eyes as she spoke her vows to him. He knew that the celebration the next day was mostly for their family and friends on Danu, but he had to get through it before he could really make her his wife. The thought of spending five whole days alone with her filled his mind and heart as he finally fell asleep.

The day dawned sunny and warm, and Daniel was up in his room getting dressed. He was a little nervous about the coming ceremony and celebration, but he knew that once they were over, Caitlin would truly be his wife and he could really show her how much he loved her. He decided to wait to put on his wedding outfit until after breakfast as not to get it dirty. When he was finished, he washed his face and brushed his teeth, and left his room.

"Good morning, Daniel," Nicholas told him in the hallway. "I trust you slept well. These people have marvelously soft beds."

Daniel shook his head. "I tried to, but all I could think about was seeing Caitlin today and really making her my wife."

"Later, Jackson," Cam said as he came out of his room, followed by Teal'c. "Speaking of that, why aren't you dressed in your outfit?"

"I didn't want to get it dirty at breakfast," Daniel explained. "Teal'c, I believe you've met my grandpa."

"Indeed. It is good to see you again, Nicholas Ballard."

"Grandpa, this is Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell. He took Jack's place when he was promoted to the head of Homeworld Security."

Cam shook Nicholas' outstretched hand. "It's nice to meet you, sir."

"Likewise, Colonel."

"Well, we should head down to breakfast. The celebration starts early this afternoon."

"I would think that it would start later than that Daniel," his grandfather commented as they walked downstairs.

"Not here. They still believe in fairies and the like, so they don't go out at night unless they absolutely have to."

They four men walked over to the sunny main window. "So they are like the Irish people on Earth," Nicholas replied as they all sat down.

"Indeed," Teal'c told him. "The ancestors to the Danuan people came from your Ireland."

Nicholas looked at Daniel, who quickly explained about Mórrígan and what she'd done. "She took them all and brought them here. And that's how the Danuans came to be."

His grandfather sighed. "I do not pretend to understand as such, but I do hope that there are no more evil beings like her."

"There's one more, but we can talk about that another time."

Mistress Kathleen came over and gave them each menus, taking their orders. "Yer drinks t'will be ready in a moment," she told them. "And Master Daniel, I thought t'would be wearin' yer weddin' clothes."

"I didn't want to get them dirty."

Kathleen smiled at him. "A right smart man ya be, Master Daniel. Now I'll go prepare yer food." She left the four men to talk amongst themselves.

"So what will the celebration today entail?" Nicholas asked Daniel.

"Mostly the giving away of the bride to the groom by the father, and the priest saying prayers over Caitlin and me. But since Caitlin's father is gone, Prime Minister Aedan has agreed to step in and act as her father."

"I see. These people have a simple ceremony then."

Daniel shook his head. "I think there's more, but since we were married on Earth yesterday, they agreed to shorten the ceremony here and just have the celebration instead. For that they'll have music, lots of food and drinks, and many people to meet."

"I see. Well, I am glad to be here and to be a part of your special day."

"So tell us, Dr. Ballard, what is it like living with the giants?" Cam asked him as Mistress Kathleen brought out their food.

While Nicholas talked about his time with the giants, Caitlin was waking up at her mother's cottage. She could smell eggs cooking and hear the sounds of sizzling meat. She yawned and stretched as the teakettle whistled loudly. She got up and padded out into the main living area, grabbing the teakettle from the hook over the fire. "Good morning, máthair," she said kissing her mother's cheek.

"Good mornin' muirnín," Siobhan replied as she put some eggs in the pan to cook. "How did ya sleep?"

"Okay, but I dreampt of Daniel all night. I can't wait until I can really show him how much I love him."

Siobhan smiled wistfully. "Aye. T'was like that fer yer Da and me. So much in love we were. Our first night t'gether was magical. T'was so romantic, givin' me roses."

Caitlin smiled. "Daniel is romantic, too. Sometimes he'll send me a single red rose at work just because he's thinking of me." She sniffed the air as her mother brought the hot frying pan to the table with the steaming eggs.

"Will ya be wantin' some eggs?" her mother asked her.

Caitlin nodded and sat down, pouring herself some juice as her mother served her some eggs from the pan. "Mom, I was just thinking about something. Daniel and I probably won't want to leave the cottage for the first few days. What will we do about food?"

Siobhan went to the fireplace and put the last of the bacon onto a plate, putting the hot pan in the sink to cool. She brought the plate of meat to the table and sat down. "I already thought 'bout that," she said as she filled her plate with food. "Minister Aedan made sure there be plenty 'o cupboards in yer cottage, and we filled them with food just yesterday. Meats, vegetables, herbs and the like. There also be pots and pans fer ya 't use, and Minister Aedan had a fresh new well dug. The water from it be good and cold. That way ya c'n cook fer yerselves."

Caitlin nodded as she ate her breakfast. "So what time does the celebration start?"

"This afternoon. The first thing t'will be fer all the villagers 't gather in the village square. Then the priest be annoucin' the weddin' be starting. After that, ya walk wi' Minister Aedan 't Dainéal(Daniel). The priest be sayin' prayers over ya, then ya be married. After that the merrymakin' begins."

Caitlin finished her breakfast, then helped her mother do the dishes. "I love him so much, mother."

"I know, sweetie. And I know ya be makin' him a fine wife. But if need be, ya c'n do what I sometimes needed 't do wi' yer Da."

"What's that?"

Siobhan smiled mischievously. "Hit him on the head wi' a fryin' pan."

Caitlin laughed as they finished up the dishes and got ready for the ceremony.

As the time came closer, all the villagers put on their finest clothes and started to gather in front of the small stage that had been set up for the ceremony in the village square. Some of the men were preparing a small bonfire for later in the evening. Daniel was up in his room putting on the last of his wedding outfit. He tied the scarf around his neck, making sure the bow was straight, then slipped on his boots. He checked himself in the mirror above the washstand, and smiled, thinking about his conversation the night before with Jack.

"You'll bring them with you?" he asked.

"Yep. Already got them in a bag. Sam helped me get them. She helped me to get the rose petals into a box, too."

"Thanks, Jack. I just want our first night together to be really special."

"Ya know, you didn't do all this with Sha're."

Daniel sighed. "We were on Abydos, Jack! They don't have roses there or use candles. But it was still romantic."

Jack held up his hands. "All right. I'll bring the stuff with me. But Daniel, they have candles on Danu don't they? Couldn't you have just used those?"

Daniel shook his head. "They do, but I wanted some that were scented. Caitlin likes the vanilla-scented ones, so I wanted to surprise her. Besides, these will last a lot longer."

"Okay. I'll make sure to bring them with me."

Daniel walked out of his room and downstairs where his friends were waiting. "Are they here yet?"

Cam shook his head. "No, but they should be here any time now."

"You are wearing a different outfit, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c commented.

Daniel nodded. "It's the equivalent of a tuxedo on Earth, Teal'c. Mistress Ciara made it for me as a wedding gift."

Nicholas smiled at him. "And you look quite handsome in it, Daniel."

At that moment the door to the inn opened and Jack came walking in, followed by Gen. Landry. "Daniel! They said we could find you here."

"Good afternoon, Jack, Gen. Landry."

Jack pulled Daniel aside. "What's the outfit you're wearing, Danny-boy?"

"It's a Danuan wedding outfit, Jack. The village seamstress made it for me."

"If you say so." He handed Daniel a large bag. "Here you go. It's the candles and rose petals you asked for."

"Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate it." He went to find Mistress Kathleen, finding her in the kitchen. "Mistress Kathleen, there is someone I'd like you to meet, and I have a favor to ask of you."

"Of course, Master Daniel!" she told him, following him out of the kitchen towards his friends.

"Jack, this is Mistress Kathleen Finnegan. She runs the inn here. Mistress Kathleen, this is one of my best friends, Gen. Jack O'Neill."

"Danu Go Bragh," Mistress Kathleen told him in the traditional greeting.

"Uh, yeah. Greetings to you, too. Daniel what did she just say?"

"It means Danu forever. It's their traditional greeting."

"Oh. Well, it's nice to meet you," Jack told her. "It looks like you have a nice inn."

Kathleen blushed. "Why thank ya kindly Gen. O'Neill. I be right fond of it meself." She turned toward Daniel. "Now, what be the favor?"

He handed her the bag. "I brought some flower petals from Earth, along with some scented candles. Could you see they get put in the bedroom of our new cottage?"

"Aye, that I can, Master Daniel. I'll be doing that right now, as it be almost time fer the celebration 't start." She smiled and left the inn.

"So when does the celebration start?" Gen. Landry asked the others.

"Soon, I think," Daniel told them.

"Daniel, the Tok'ra are here, as well as Master Bra'tac."

"Good! They can stand by you during the ceremony."

Jack nodded. "Ya sure you bet'cha."

Just then the door opened and Minister Aedan walked in, smiling. "Ah, Master Daniel. Ya be all ready I see."

"I am. Prime Minister Aedan, I'd like you to meet one of my closest friends and another member of our government, Gen. Jack O'Neill. Jack, this is Prime Minister Aedan O'Malley."

Jack held out his hands the way he'd seen Mistress Kathleen. "Danu Go Bragh."

Aedan returned the greeting. "Welcome 't Danu and Fluairíd Robáil (Flowing River), Gen. O'Neill! This be yer first time visitin', I take it."

Jack nodded.

"Well, I hope ya like what ya've seen so far, and t'day ya be getting' a taste o' how we do our celebratin'."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Aedan turned toward Daniel. "Master Daniel, it be almost time fer the ceremony. Everyone be gatherin' in the village square. I came 't fetch ya and yer friends."

Daniel nodded, and everyone followed him out of the inn and into the sunny afternoon. "Where will I stand?"

Aedan pointed to a small stage set up near the large pile of wood. "Ya be standin' at the bottom o' the stage. When I bring Healer Caitlin up 't ya and give ya her hand, that be when both o' ya walk up the little steps 't stand in front o' the priest. He'll be sayin' a few prayers over ya, then if Faether God be pleased, He be shinin' down His light on ya. If not, then there be no light. But I beliaeve that He be shinin' His light down on ya t'day."

"Is there always a shining light, Minister Aedan?" Daniel asked him.

Sadly Aedan shook his head. "Say me nay, Master Daniel. Many o' those that don't have the light shinin' down on them end up apart later. But not havin' the light shine down be rare indeed." He glanced up at the sky, then at the crowds gathering in front of the stage. "If ya be excusin' me, it be time 't get things started. Let me show ya where 't stand and where yer friends c'n stand." He led them up toward the front of the crowds. "Ya be wantin' 't stand on the end, Master Daniel, as then ya c'n see me bring her up. Now I'll just go get her." He excused himself and headed for Healer Siobhan's cottage.

In her mother's cottage, Caitlin was dressed in the beautiful dress her grandmother had worn, the cloak resting on the back of a chair. Her mother had put a wreath of flowers in her hair. "Ya be lookin' like a princess, that ya be, mo iníon(my daughter). And Master Daniel be a lucky man."

"I'm the lucky one, máthair," Caitlin said as there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" Siobhan called out.

Minister Aedan walked in, gasping as he saw Caitlin in her finery. "Oh Healer Caitlin, ya be beautiful! I be as proud as a rooster walkin' ya 't meet Master Daniel. Are ya ready?"

Caitlin nodded and stood, her mother taking the cloak and putting it around her daughter's shoulders, carefully tying it closed. Then Caitlin took Minister Aedan's arm, and the three of them walked out of the cottage and into the village square.

All the villagers were in place in front of the stage, and Daniel stood by his friends, waiting for Caitlin. The musicians were on stage, as was the priest, and when he saw Minister Aedan walking toward the back of the crowd, he motioned for Daniel to get ready. He pointed to the musicians, who started to play a lilting Danuan melody.

Daniel looked out at the crowd and found Minister Aedan and Healer Siobhan. He gasped, not believing his eyes. Caitlin looked even more beautiful than she had at their Earth wedding. His eyes locked with hers as she walked down the center of the crowd holding Minister Aedan's arm, her mother beside her. He met them at the bottom of the step, and smiled at her.

Caitlin turned to her mother, hugging her and kissing her on the cheek as she untied the cloak and handed it to her. She smiled at Minister Aedan as he took her hand and placed it in Daniel's waiting hand.

Daniel smiled at Caitlin and led her up the steps to stand in front of the priest.

"Greetin's, and welcome one and all 't this joyful occasion," the priest told the crowd. "Now, marriage not be something 't be gone into without thinkin' 'bout it first, but these two be havin' a forever love. A love given by the Faether God himself." He looked down at Aedan. "Prime Minister Aedan, as ya be actin' as Healer Caitlin's faether, are ya agreein' 't give her away?"

"That I am, Faether Brenin."

Father Brenin motioned for Daniel and Caitlin to kneel. "Please touch yer foreheads t'gether and hold each other's hands," he instructed them.

Daniel and Caitlin did as they were told, and Father Brenin reached out with his own hands, laying them on the couple as he tilted his head up. The crowd also raised their heads as he started to pray.

"Faether God, we come 't ya t'day 't bless the unitin' of Master Daniel and Healer Caitlin." He continued on with a special blessing. "May yer mornin's bring joy and yer evenin's bring peace. May your troubles grow few as yer blessin's increase. May the saddest day of yer future be no worse than the happiest day of yer past. May yer hands be forever clasped in friendship and yer hearts joined forever in love. Yer lives are very special; Faether God has touched ya in many ways. May His blessin's rest upon ya and fill all yer comin' days. We swear by peace and love to stand, heart to heart and hand to hand. Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now, confirmin' this our Sacred Vow."

As he prayed, the sunlight seemed to darken a little until suddenly, a bright shaft of light beamed down on Daniel and Caitlin, enveloping them in its brilliance. Caitlin could feel the warmth of the light and see its brightness through her closed eyes, and she could feel its warmth through her hands as well.

The priest finished his prayer, and the light left them. He told Daniel and Caitlin to stand and face the crowd. "And now I'd like 't be introducin' ya 't Master Daniel and Healer Caitlin Jackson!"

The crowd cheered, shouting, "Hooray!" The musicians started playing some gay Danuan melodies, and Daniel and Caitlin stepped down and slowly walked through the throngs of people, accepting their well wishes and congratulations.

Sam came up to Caitlin, hugging her warmly. "Oh Caitlin. You're dress is so beautiful!"

"It belonged to my Seanmháthair(grandmother)Brianna," she told Sam, smiling proudly. "I'm proud to wear it."

The crowds continued to congratulate them, and soon the Tok'ra came up to them.

"Daniel Jackson of SG1," Garshaw began. "We are honored that you chose to invite us to this special occasion."

Daniel smiled at her. "Thank you for coming. Garshaw, Malek, I would like to introduce you to my wife, Caitlin. Caitlin, this is Garshaw of Belote and Malek from the Tok'ra."

Caitlin smiled at them. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Malek told her, smiling.

Caitlin tilted her head sideways for a moment, looking at Garshaw. "Your voice sounds different."

Garshaw frowned. "That is because I am Tok'ra." She bowed her head for a moment, then raised it. "Please excuse her. I am Yasuuf, host to Garshaw."

Caitlin nodded in understanding. "So it's like Daniel told me. You have a symbiotic relationship."

"That is correct." She turned toward Daniel. "I, too, would like to offer my congratulations. Through Jacob Carter/Selmak we learned of the loss of your first wife Sha're to the Goa'uld, and about your sadness. That is why it pleases us to see you so happy again, Dr. Jackson."

"Yes," Malek added. "We are pleased that you chose to invite us today."

"You're welcome. Malek, Garshaw, I believe you know Gen. O'Neill, but I would like to introduce you to Gen. Landry. He's the current commander of the SGC."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Gen. Landry told them.

Malek nodded in agreement. "Yes. It is always good to meet a friend and ally in the war against the Ori."

"I would also like you to meet someone else. Just a moment." Daniel looked for Minister Aedan, and brought him over to the little group. "Prime Minister Aedan, this is Garshaw of Belote and Malek. They're from the race I told you about. They're from the Tok'ra."

"Beannachta(greetings), and welcome 't Fluairíd Robáil," he told them both in awe. "'Tis not often I get 't see new faces in our fair village."

Daniel turned toward the To'k'ra. "Garshaw, Malek, this is Prime Minister Aedan O'Malley. He's the leader of the Danuan people."

Malek smiled at him, bowing slightly. "It is an honor to meet you."

"Likewise, me boy," Aedan said. "Any friend o' our allies be a friend 't us as well. Please, stay, eat, and enjoy yerselves."

"We regret we cannot stay," Garshaw said, returning. "We are doing what we can to preserve our race from the Ori, so we must return."

"Then may the Faether God be watchin' over ya as ya travel home." He raised his hands in the traditional greeting. "Danu Go Bragh, me friends."

Garshaw and Malek nodded at him, then turned and left.

Master Bra'tak was the next to come up to Daniel, smiling. "I wish to offer you my congratulations," he told him. "As I told you that day long ago, I could tell you were in love. It pleases me to see you so happy again, Daniel Jackson."

"Thank you. And I would like to introduce you to my new wife, Caitlin. Sweetheart, this is Master Bra'tac. He's another Jaffa and a very good friend of ours."

She shook his hand. "It's nice to meet you. Daniel's told me a lot about you."

"And I have learned a lot about you from Teal'c. He was one of my students and is like a son to me."

"Master Bra'tac, I'd also like you to meet Prime Minister Aedan O'Malley, the leader of the people of Danu."

Bra'tac bowed his head to Aedan. "It is an honor to meet a friend of the Tau'ri. Even more so that you are an ally."

Daniel looked at Aedan. "His people were the ones that told us the Ori might be coming here."

Aedan smiled at Master Bra'tac. "Then we most humbly thank ya, Master Bra'tac. Fer it be yer knowledge that sent our cousins from Auld Aerth."

Bra'tac bowed his head. "You are welcome, Prime Minister."

"Might ya be able 't stay and eat wi' us?"

"Alas, I cannot. We too, are fighting against the Ori, and I must go and help my people." He turned toward Teal'c, grasping his friend's forearm. "Tal'ma'te, my friend. We will see each other again."

Teal'c returned the gesture. "Tek'ma'tek, old friend. Until we meet again."

As Master Bra'tac left the village and the musicians finished their latest song, Minister Aedan went and stood up on the stage, quieting everyone in the crowd. "May I have yer attention please?! There be plenty o' food and drink, courtesy o' Mistress Kathleen and Mistress Fiona. Please eat, drink, and have a fine time celebratin' Master Daniel and Healer Caitlin's weddin'!"

Everyone cheered again and made their way up to the large tables set up near the bonfire. Daniel noted they were loaded with lots of food. "Make sure you taste her food, Jack," he told his friend as they waited in line. "She makes great food."

"From what Gen. Landry tells me, they also make some good ale here."

Daniel nodded. "I prefer her tea." He turned toward Caitlin. "You hungry?"

She nodded. "I am. Sweetheart, did you get a chance to talk to your grandfather this morning?"

"I did. And it's all thanks to you. How can I ever thank you for bringing him here?"

"Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way later," she told him, smiling mischievously at him.

The two of them made their way over to the large table and grabbed some food, finding a bench to sit down and eat. "Mmm, this is really good!" Caitlin exclaimed as she ate. "Mistress Kathleen really outdid herself today."

Jack nodded. "She does have good food."

"I belieave Mistress Shannon helped as well wi' some of the baked goods," Siobhan commented as she ate.

"Well it's really good," Caitlin told her mother.

Minister Aedan came over to the group bringing two glasses. "Gen. O'Neill, I thought ya might be wantin' some refreshment." He handed one of the glasses to Jack, who took a drink.

"This is really good," he commented. "What is it?"

"We call it hainnochen," Aedan told him. "It be an ale we make here in the village."

"Well you folks sure know how to make good ale."

Everyone smiled and continued to eat the delicious food. As the afternoon turned into evening, some of the men from the village got the bonfire ready and lit it, making sure there was plenty of wood to keep it going. The musicians had taken a break to get something to eat, and were now back playing a gay melody. Aedan came up to Caitlin and took her hand, leading her out to dance.

As the two of them danced, Jack came over to Daniel and sat beside him. "Daniel, Gen. Landry and I talked about it, and we can only give you four days for your honeymoon. I'm sorry, but finding the Sangraal is just too important."

"I know, but we were hoping for a little more time. I thought we might be able to take a day and go visit Sráidbhaile le an Farraige (Village by the Sea)." He saw Jack's confused look, and translated for him.

"I know, but you'll have to make do with four days. I hope Caitlin will understand."

"I know she will. She knows how important our fight against the Ori is."

Jack nodded, smiling. "So how does it feel to finally be married?"

Daniel smiled at him, sighing. "It feels right, Jack. I love Caitlin so much. I could never imagine my life without her now."

"That's the way if felt when Sarah and I first got married."

The dance ended, and Caitlin smiled at Aedan as he led her back to where Daniel and Jack were sitting. "Thank you, Minister Aedan. You're such a good dancer."

Aedan blushed slightly. "Why thank ya kindly, Healer Caitlin. Ya be a fine dancer yerself."

Caitlin blushed, taking Daniel's hand.

"Ya have a fine wife, Master Daniel," Aedan said to him. "Many blessin's 't ya."

"Thank you, Minister Aedan."

Daniel squeezed Caitlin's hand as Minister Aedan turned to talk to Jack and Gen. Landry. "You are so beautiful."

Caitlin rested her head on his shoulders. "And you look so handsome in your outfit. Did Mistress Ciara make that for you?"

He nodded. "She made it as a wedding gift for me."

"Well, she did a fantastic job." She leaned in to his ear. "But I'd rather see you out of it."

Daniel smiled, blushing. "I know. I'd love to see you out of that dress."

"Do you think we could head out to the cottage now? One of the suns is already down, and anyway it's been a long day for both of us."

"Why don't we ask Minister Aedan? I'm sure someone could take us out there."

Caitlin smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "Why don't you ask him?"

Daniel waited for the right moment. "Minister Aedan?"

"Yes, me boy." he said, turning to face Daniel. "What be on yer mind?"

"Caitlin and I are ready to head to our cottage now."

Aedan winked at Jack. "I see. Well, me son Colin c'n take ya in our trap. Before the celebration we took yer bags out there so they be there fer ya when ya get there."

"Thank you."

Aedan left, and in a moment came back. "Colin be here in a few shakes o' the lamb's tail with our trap. Then ya c'n go 't yer new cottage."

Daniel smiled at him. "Thank you." He took Caitlin's hand, lacing his fingers with hers as Aedan went up to the stage and quieted down the crowd.

"Friends, I want 't congratulate Master Daniel and Healer Caitlin once more before they leave 't start their new life t'gether. Me son Colin t'will be takin' them 't their new cottage now, so let's all send them off wi' our best wishes!"

Everyone cheered as Daniel and Caitlin moved to where Colin was waiting for them with the trap and horse. Sam, Cam, and the others all walked behind them.

Caitlin turned and hugged her friend. "Thank you for being here, Sam."

Sam smiled at her. "I'm so happy for you and Daniel."

Jack slapped Daniel on the shoulder. "Take care, Space Monkey, and we'll see you in four days."

"See you then, Jack," Daniel echoed.

Caitlin hugged her mom tightly. "Is tú mo ghrá, máthair."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," Siobhan told her daughter, caressing her cheek and helping to tie the beautiful cloak back around her shoulders.

"Take care, son," Nicholas told Daniel before they got into the trap. "And don't be afraid to come and visit me with the giants."

"I won't." Daniel hugged his grandfather tightly. "I love you, Grandpa."

"I love you, too. Take good care of Caitlin, Daniel. She's a very special lady."

"I will."

Nicholas turned to Caitlin, hugging her. "Welcome to the family, my dear. You take good care of Daniel."

"Thank you." she said, smiling at him. "I will, and come back soon."

Daniel helped Caitlin into the trap, then sat down while people all shouted out their best wishes as Colin drove away.

She snuggled into his warm embrace as they rode through the village and out towards their cottage. In a few minutes, they were there.

He got out and helped her step out of the trap. "Thank you Colin," Daniel told him.

"Yes, thank you," Caitlin repeated.

"It be me pleasure," Colin told them. "I'll just be leavin' ya now."

The two of them waved at Colin as he drove away, then in the waning light from the second sun, they turned and looked at the large cottage.

"It really looks nice," Caitlin told Daniel. "I really like the trees they put at either end. Wait a minute! Those look really familiar." She walked over to one of the trees, then smiled, tears in her eyes. "Oh Daniel, they're lilacs aren't they?"

He smiled at her. "I had them sent from Earth a few weeks ago when I was here. I thought you might like them."

She caressed his cheek. "They're lovely. Thank you so much!"

He smiled at her and took her hand in his, leading her to the carved front door. He opened it, then bent and picked her up in his arms. "It's tradition to carry the bride over the threshold."

She giggled, and laid her head on his shoulder as he walked into the cottage. Gently he set her down. "Wait here," he told her going over to his suitcase and opening a side pocket. He pulled out a small lighter and went over to the fireplace, lighting a fire to bring some light into the room. Then he shut the front door as she took off her beautiful cloak.

As the fire grew, Caitlin pulled out a long, thin stick from over the fireplace and lit the three large candles on the big kitchen table. They threw out their light so that they could really see the inside of the cottage. Then she noticed the note on the table.

"Sweetheart, they left us a note." She read from it as Daniel stoked the fire and pulled the curtains closed in front of the large windows. "It's from Minister Aedan. It says, 'Here be yer new cottage.' Then it tells who made and gave different items to the cottage. Oh! It says my mother gave the sheets and quilt. I bet she made them."

Daniel took the note from her. "Master Gavin and his wife Katie donated the bed, and Mistress Kathleen and Mistress Fiona donated a feather top for it, so it should be really comfortable." He took her into his arms and tenderly kissed her, love and desire in his eyes. "Why don't you get into something more comfortable? Let me help you with the ties." He undid the ties on the back of the dress and loosened the strings so she could get out of it easily. "Why don't you change here, and I'll change in the bedroom."

Caitlin nodded, and Daniel picked up his suitcase and the lighter and walked into the bedroom, shutting the door and pulling the curtains at the window. He found the bag Jack had brought on the bed waiting for him, so he took the candles out and set them all around the room lighting them. Then he took the box of petals out and spread some of them all over their new bed and around the floor. Finally he opened his suitcase and pulled out the new pajama bottoms he'd brought with him.

Just before the wedding on Earth, Jack, Cam and Teal'c had come into his office bringing a gift-wrapped box with them. "Here Daniel," Jack had told him, handing him the box. "It's from all of us."

He opened the box and found the satiny new pajama bottoms.

"Sam helped us pick them out," Cam explained as Daniel held them up. "We thought you might need these for your wedding night."

"Thanks guys," Daniel said to them, smiling. "These are great. I know Caitlin will love them."

"Yeah, but will she be able to keep them on you?" Jack had teased.

Now he was slipping them on, smiling at the memory of his friends. "Are you ready, sweetheart?" he called out to her from the closed bedroom door.

"Just a minute!" she called out, carefully slipping out of her dress. She went to her suitcase and pulled out the beautiful negligee and robe she'd been given, slipping them on and tying the robe shut. She carefully took the wreath of flowers out of her hair and laid them on the table, running her fingers through her long hair and fluffing it out a little. Finally she took out her contacts and put on her glasses. "I'm ready now."

He opened the door and stood staring. He couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. Her long reddish-brown hair was shimmering in the firelight, and it caressed a beautiful heart-shaped face. He saw her sparkling deep blue eyes, and smiled.

Caitlin couldn't believe it. There stood the love of her life, looking even more handsome and sexy in his pajama bottoms. She took a moment to really look at Daniel in the light of the fire and candles. His shoulders were broad, and his arms were strong and muscular. Probably from all the missions he's been on, she mused. His broad chest led to washboard abs and long, lean legs. He looks so sexy! She shyly smiled at him as he walked over to her, taking her in his arms.

"You're so beautiful," he told her, his voice and heart full of love for her. "I've imagined this night for a long time, and now it's here." He gazed into her sparkling blue eyes. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she started before he took her mouth in an intense, passionate kiss. He gently took her hand and led her into the bedroom where she saw the rose petals all over the bed and smelled the gentle scent of vanilla in the air.

She gasped. "Oh Daniel, you did this for me?"

He nodded. "I thought you would like it."

"I do."

He took her in his arms again, smiling at her. "I can't believe I have such a beautiful and sexy wife. Did Sam and Lacey give that robe to you?"

She nodded. "And the nightgown I'm wearing as well. From them, as well as Cassie and Karyn."

Daniel gently pulled at the tie holding the robe closed, letting it drop as he gently pushed the robe open. He took it off, letting it drop to the floor as he gasped in surprise again. She was beautiful! He couldn't believe how sexy she looked in that filmy negligee. "You're absolutely breathtaking," he gasped, not believing his eyes.

She blushed again. "So are you," she told him, caressing his cheek before leaning up to kiss him.

He took her hand, leading her to the bed and sat down next to her, taking off their glasses and laying them both on the nightstand by the bed. He caressed her cheek, then turned and leaned in and kissed her again, sending her all his love and affection. He slowly moved his hands up and down her arms as he kissed down her neck. He gently laid her down on the bed, smiling at her as he slowly and tenderly made love to her.

It was early in the morning when Caitlin woke to a loud rumbling noise. She looked around for Daniel and couldn't find him. She blushed, remembering their night of lovemaking. "Daniel!" she called out.

"I'm out here," he called back to her. He quickly put in another log, stirring the embers as a loud boom of thunder roared through the cottage. He put one more log on the fire and came back into the bedroom, smiling. "It's okay. It's just a thunderstorm."

"I know. What were you doing?"

Daniel slid into the bed. "I was putting some more wood on the fire." He turned and looked at her, caressing her face. "Oh sweetheart, you are so beautiful. I can't believe you're my wife. Are you happy?"

She nodded, smiling at him and running her fingers through his hair. "More than I could have ever imagined, muirnín. And you were really wonderful last night. Everything was so magical."

He leaned down and kissed her passionately, sending shivers down her spine. "That's because I'm married to the sexiest woman in the universe." He turned and laid down on his back, holding out his arms to her.

She snuggled into his loving embrace, laying her head on his chest. "I just noticed something," she told him, sighing in contentment. "Your heart is beating in time with mine."

"That's because you stole my heart a long time ago," Daniel told her, caressing her arms as the heavy rain pattered on the roof above them.

"So what are we going to do now that we're awake?" she asked shyly.

He placed his finger under her chin, tilted it up, and kissed her, slowly and gently making love to her again.

Later that afternoon Caitlin woke up to find their bodies entwined, Daniel sound asleep. She carefully got up and found the robe he'd taken off her the night before, put it on along with her glasses, and padded into the kitchen, closing the bedroom door nearly closed. She went over to the cupboards and found that they were indeed stocked with food, as well as plates and glasses. She found a bucket and went outside to the well, getting some water and pouring it in. Taking the bucket back inside, she filled the pitcher with the cold water, and set about making some food.

Daniel woke to her being gone and got out of bed, putting his pajamas and glasses back on and headed out to the kitchen. "There you are. I missed you in bed."

She smiled at him as she finished putting some things in a bowl. "I started to get a little hungry, and I thought you should eat something so you can keep your strength up."

He came to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her. "No wonder I love you so much." He saw what she had started to make. "Mmm! It smells good. What is it?"

"Well, I went into the cabinets to look and see what there was, and I found that everything had been labeled. So I pulled down a small piece of lamb and some small vegetables, and I'm making uaineoil agus glasraí (lamb and vegetables). Mom taught me to make it when I was here with her those three weeks." She went to the fireplace and stirred the meat mixture, making sure it was done. Then she carefully took a towel and pulled the pot off the hook, taking it to the table and setting it down. "I also made a small salad with some greens and some neamh uirthi(heaven's tears) flower petals in it."

She dished up the meat and vegetables and put some on each plate while Daniel put some salad on the plates. Caitlin filled their glasses with some cold water, and before she sat down, she went into her suitcase and pulled out her pill box. "Don't want to forget these," she told him. "It's just my vitamins and supplements I didn't think I could do without."

Daniel pulled her chair out and helped her to sit down, then took his own seat. They started to eat the delicious meal, and he smiled. "Mmm! This is really good, sweetheart. You cooked the lamb just right."

"Thank you. It was máthair who taught me. I've never cooked lamb before. Pork and beef, yes. Lamb, no."

"Well it's delicious. And the salad is good, too."

She nodded, smiling.

Throughout the whole meal they talked and laughed. He told her what Jack had said the night before. "He only gave us four days, sweetheart. I'm sorry. He said that I was too important in finding the Sangraal."

Caitlin sighed. "I knew what I was getting into before I married you, so I'm not surprised. A little disappointed, yes. So we'll just have to make the most of our time together."

He smiled at her, caressing her cheek. "No wonder I love you so much. You're sure it's okay?"

She nodded. "I'm sure. We have the rest of our lives to be together, Daniel. One less day on our honeymoon won't matter. Honest!"

The two of them finished their meal and did the dishes, putting everything away. After cleaning up, Daniel took Caitlin into his arms again, smiling at her. "Let's have a look around our new cottage." He took her hand and they started in the bedroom.

"Oh Daniel look at the headboard and footboard!" Caitlin exclaimed as she looked closely at it.

Daniel bent down and examined first the footboard then the headboard, amazed. "Master Gavin must have carved this. It's fantastic!"

The headboard looked like any standard wooden board, except that it had all been hand-carved. All along the top and bottom of the frame were hearts cut through the wood. In the middle were carved two large entwined hearts, Daniel's name on the left, Caitlin's on the right. The footboard looked the same, but with no names on it.

"He really did a beautiful job," Caitlin told him. "And Mistress Kathleen and Mistress Fiona did a wonderful job on the feather top. Mom's sheets are really nice, too. Really soft."

Daniel nodded, looking at the bed, then frowned, concerned. "Oh no. There's blood on the sheets." He turned toward her. "Honey, are you okay? Are you in any pain?"

She shook her head. "No. I was at first for a little bit, but not now. And anyway, it's to be expected that there's blood, Daniel. You helped me become a woman last night, and that brought the blood. But I'm okay now."

He took her in his arms, tilting her head up with his finger. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I would tell you if I weren't."

"At any rate, why don't we take a bath? We could get cleaned up, and you could try to get the blood out of those sheets."

"Is there a tub outside?" she asked.

He shook his head, a gleam in his eyes. "No, but there's something better. Minister Aedan told me about it the last time I was here. I thought I'd save it as a surprise for you."

Caitlin became intrigued and tried to ask him about it.

"Just trust me. Get your things and some towels, and I'll take you to the surprise."

She went to the bedroom and looked into the armoire, finding some large, soft bath towels. She pulled out two and took them back into the main living area, pulling out her big toiletries bag. "Okay, I'm ready."

He took the towels from her and took her hand, leading her out of the cottage and down a small path. As they got closer, Caitlin could hear the rush of water, and was surprised. "What is it, Daniel?"

"Minister Aedan told me about this. He said many lovers come here to bathe together." They followed the path into a small clearing that held a small, clear pond fed by a little stream.

"Oh Daniel, it's so pretty here!" she exclaimed, taking a look around. "I wonder where the spring comes from?"

"Minister Aedan said it comes up from the ground, and it gets refreshed all the time. He also told me that surprisingly it's warm water. He doesn't know how, but my guess is that it's geothermically heated. Shall we, Mrs. Jackson?" he smiled at her.

"I'd like that, Mr. Jackson."

Daniel led her to the edge of the pool, finding that there was a small bench provided for anyone who used the pool. He took off his pajama bottoms and helped her with her robe, laying them on the bench. Then he led her into the water.

"Oh, this feels good," he sighed as they moved to the middle of the small pond. He took her over to the other side where he sat down on a natural stone bench just underneath the top of the water. "I can't believe this is a natural phenomenon."

"Well, even if it were man-made, it's still really nice," Caitlin said as she set her bag down by the edge of the pond, pulling out her body soap and a pouf. She wet it, pouring a little soap onto it, and smiled at Daniel. "Turn around," she told him. When his back was facing her, she started to wash it with the soapy pouf. "Are you sure no one will see us?" she asked him worriedly.

"Minister Aedan promised us that no one would be out here," he reassured her. "He said that they couldn't come out here anymore anyway, as the pond is on our land."

"You mean..."

Daniel nodded. "Yep. The pond is ours."

She stopped scrubbing his back and set the pouf on the rocky edge. "But we can't take it away from everyone else! It wouldn't be right."

"Then what do you suggest, sweetheart?" he asked, turning towards her.

"We could let other people use it while we're gone. Then wen we come back, people would know not to use it. That would be fair to everyone."

He gathered her into his arms, smiling at her. "You have the best ideas, Mrs. Jackson."

"Thank you," she said, smilling mischievously. "But right now I have another idea. Why don't you and I find out why the villagers like to bathe here so much?"

Daniel smiled at her and led her deeper into the pool, slowly making love to her again.

As they continued to rest on the stone bench, Caitlin sighed in contentment. "That was wonderful, love. You were wonderful."

He kissed the top of her head. "You were wonderful too, sweetheart," he told her lovingly. "Let's get washed up."

She put more soap onto the pouf, handing it to Daniel as she ducked under the water to wet her hair again and wash it. In a few minutes they were done, and they got out, Caitlin handing him one of the towels. She took the other towel and dried her hair, then wrapped it around her body. "I wonder what time it is?" she asked him as they cleaned up.

Daniel looked up into the sky. "It must be late afternoon. We could go into the village and have supper at the inn if you want to."

She smiled at him. "I'd like that. When I went to look for the towels, I noticed that my other dress is here, along with a clean chemise. I also noticed one of your outfits as well."

"Then let's get ready to go. Then while we're there we can stop and thank Master Gavin for that incredible bed frame he made." Suddenly a thought came to him. "Sweetheart, what would you think if I asked him to make a frame just like that for our bed on Earth?"

She didn't know what to say. "But we have nothing to trade for it, honey. What would we trade?"

Daniel gathered up his pajamas as Caitlin gathered up her toiletries. "We can talk with him about that when we get there." He laced his fingers with hers. Let's go get ready."

They quickly headed back to their cottage, got dressed and headed toward the village. As they walked in, they saw many of the villagers still doing their work. They walked down the stone streets towards the carpenter's cottage, finding his wife outside. "Beannachta, Mistress Katie. How are you on this fine afternoon?"

Katie looked up in surprise. "Why Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin! T'wasn't expectin' 't see ya so soon after yer weddin'."

"I know. We wanted to eat at the inn tonight, but first we wanted to talk to your husband. Is Master Gavin busy?"

She nodded. "He be in his workshop as usual. Come with me." She led them into the back of the house where a small stone shed was located. She opened the door and went inside. In a few moments, the two of them came out.

"Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin!" he exclaimed to them. "This be a surprise 't be sure. What c'n I do fer ya on this fine afternoon?"

"We wanted to come and thank you for the beautiful bed that you made for us. The carving you did on it is amazing."

Caitlin nodded. Yes, it's exquisite! We really love it."

Master Gavin blushed. "Well thank ya both. I though ya might like it. Been workin' on it since they started buildin' yer cottage."

"Well, we really like it," Caitlin reiterated.

"Yes, and we wanted to ask you something," Daniel told him.

"What might that be?"

"We were wondering if you could make another one just like it for us. We would like one for our house on Earth."

Gavin pondered that for a moment. "It's not that I can't make another," he told them quickly. "But if I may ask, what size be yer bed on Auld Aerth?"

Daniel thought for a moment. His bed was a California king-sized bed, but he didn't know how to translate that into the measurements that Master Gavin was used to. Then he thought about their bed in the cottage, and that one was about the same size. "It's about the same size as the one in our cottage. Why do you ask?"

Master Gavin walked back and forth, thinking. "Well, if ya won't be here all that often, and if ya say the bed here be the same size as yer other one, then why don't ya take the one in yer cottage? I'll just be makin' another one fer yer cottage here."

"Oh we couldn't do that," Caitlin started to protest, but Gavin stopped her with his hand.

"Say me nay, but it be fine that ya take the frame. I c'n easily make another one.

"You're sure?" Daniel asked him again.

Gavin nodded. "I'll just be startin' on the new one now. When ya come back next time, t'will be in yer cottage."

Daniel smiled at him gratefully, squeezing Caitlin's hand. "Thank you, Master Gavin. That means a lot to us."

"Say me nay, it be a pleasure 't do it. And ya don't have 't trade anythin' for it. Be me honor 't make another one fer ya."

"Thank you, Master Gavin," Caitlin replied, stunned.

"So how are ya enjoyin' yer honeymoon so far?" Katie asked them.

"Just fine, Mistress Katie," Caitlin said, nodding to her. "We looked around the cottage, and everything is so nice. Everyone did a wonderful job in building it."

"That they did, Healer Caitlin. That they did. A lot o' love went into it, as a lot o' love be going into every home we build here."

Daniel glanced up noting that one of the suns had gone down past the mountain summit. "Muirnín, we'd best be getting to the inn for supper now."

"Thank you again, Master Gavin, Mistress Katie," Caitlin told them, smiling. "We really appreciate it."

"It be our pleasure. Come back again soon."

For the next few days, Daniel and Caitlin played, laughed, and made love. On the last evening there, they packed their bags and prepared to leave. As they were getting ready, they heard a knock on their door. "Just a minute!" Daniel called out as he set his bag by the front door, opening it. "Minister Aedan, Healer Siobhan! This is a surprise. We weren't expecting you."

"That be true, me boy, but I had a word with Master Gavin. He told me ya be wantin' 't take the bed frame back wi' ya. So Master Eirnin and I brought our traps, and Master Eirnin and Master Seamus came 't help move it 't the Stone Circle fer ya."

"And ya don't think I be lettin' me daughter go wi'out sayin' goodbye, do ya now? Besides, I have somethin' fer her anyway. Consider it a small gift."

"Thank you very much, Minister Aedan!" Caitlin exclaimed. "That would be great. And thanks for coming, máthair."

Aedan, Seamus, and Eirnin came into the cottage and went into the bedroom. "We need 't be taking the bed apart. Master Daniel, if ya want 't help us..."

"Sure." He got on one corner as the others got around the bed, and they took the mattresses off, laying them to the side. Then they took the wooden frame apart, and carried it all out to Minister Aedan's trap. Daniel had watched them take it apart so he could put it back together on Earth when they got there. "I'll have to let the SGC know when we get to the gate. That way they can have some men come and help us get it through."

"That be fine, Master Daniel. Ya c'n ride in Master Eirnin's trap, and I'll just be followin' behind ya."

"What about the bed?" Caitlin asked the men.

"Don't 'cha be worryin' 'bout that. We c'n leave the bed down fer now 'till Master Gavin makes the new frame."

"I c'n make the bed fer ya," her mother added. "T'will be no problem." She pulled her daughter out into the kitchen, smiling. "Here." She handed Caitlin a small bag.

"What's this?" she asked her mother.

"It be a special tea I discovered that helps wi' the mornin' sickness. Ya be pregnant soon, sweetie!"

Caitlin was shocked. "But... but I, I mean... I can't be!" She leaned in, whispering. "I just finished my menstral cycle. I can't possibly be pregnant!"

"Sweetie, I know these things. I c'n tell. I usually not be wrong."

"Maybe so, but I know I can't be. It's not my fertile time for a few more weeks yet."

Siobhan winked at her. "If ya say so. But just in case, take the tea with ya. If ya do get sick, brew some once in the mornin'. And if ya don't get sick, it still be a delicious tea. Make sure 't add some mil 't sweeten it."

Caitlin nodded, then picked up her bag and followed Daniel out into Master Eirnin's trap, headed to the gate.

At the gate, Daniel got out and went to the control house and asked them to dial up Earth. In a few moments the gate whooshed open. He let Aedan type in the IDC, and soon he heard Walter's voice.

"Just a minute," Walter told him.

There was a pause, then Daniel heard Cam's voice.

"What is it Daniel?" he asked him.

"Master Gavin the village carpenter, he made a beautiful bed frame for our cottage, and I asked him if we could have it for our house on Earth. Minister Aedan helped us get it into his trap, and we'll need help getting it back to Earth and to the house."

"Okay. Teal'c and I will come with a couple of men to help you. We'll be there in a few moments. Mitchell out."

The gate shut down and Caitlin waited with Daniel for the men to come through. As they waited, she turned to Minister Aedan. "Minister Aedan, Daniel and I were talking about the pool on our land, and we've decided that while we're gone, if anyone wants to use the pool they can."

"Why thank ya," Minister Aedan told both of them. "That be right kind o' ya."

"It was Caitlin's idea, really," Daniel explained. "I told her about the pool being on our land, and she didn't think it was fair that it be all to ourselves."

"Thank ya kindly, Healer Caitlin. I'll let the paeople know."

Caitlin smiled at him, then turned toward Daniel. "I can't wait to see the house," she told him as they continued to wait. "We'll have to unpack many of the boxes though."

"I know. We'll just have to do it when we have time. Are you going to call Lacey and let her know we're back early?"

"I suppose I should when we get back."

The gate started to rotate, and whooshed open. Cam, Teal'c, and two other men came through the gate. "Hey Daniel," Cam told him as they walked up to them. "You have a good time?"

Daniel smiled. "We did. It was really amazing."

"Good evening, Minister Aedan," Teal'c told him, nodding slightly at him.

"Good evenin' 't ya as well, Master Teal'c. It be good that ya came 't help take the bed frame back wi' ya."

"Caitlin, you remember Maj. Feretti," Daniel told her, nodding at him.

She nodded. "I do. Thank you for helping us tonight."

"It's my pleasure. This is Sgt. Stadler. Dr. Jackson, we can take the frame directly up to my truck and put it in there."

"Sounds good. Otherwise, I think we're ready to head home."

Cam, Teal'c and the others took the frame and its parts out of Minister Aedan's and Master Eirnin's traps and took it though the gate. Caitlin hugged her mother tightly. "Maith Slán (good bye)," she told her. "Mé togradh caill tú (I will miss you)."

"Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," she told both of them, caressing her daughter's cheek. "Turas maith, slán abhaile."

"Is tú mo ghrá," Caitlin repeated back, smiling, then turned and followed Daniel through the gate.

It was early Friday evening when Caitlin and Daniel returned to Earth. Everyone was waiting at the bottom of the ramp for them when the gate shut down.

"So how was it?" Sam asked her, smiling.

"It was wonderful, magical!" Caitlin exclaimed. "There was this pool near our cottage that's refreshed by an underground spring, and it's geothermically heated. It's really amazing." She leaned in toward Sam, smiling and whispering. "Especially for making love."

Daniel nodded in agreement. "We really did have a great time. The cottage is really nice, and as you could tell, we liked the bed frame so much that we brought it home. "I'm sure it will fit my mattress at the house, and if it doesn't, I'm sure Sgt. Wilson can figure out how to make it work." Daniel looked at Gen. Landry. "Is he working tonight, sir?"

"I can find out. If he is, I'll send him to your quarters before you head home. Maj. Feretti and Sgt. Stadler got the frame into his truck and will be waiting for you when you're ready to leave."

"I suppose we should go change out of our Danuan clothes," Caitlin said to Daniel.

"You might want to hurry, though," Cam told them. "We know you weren't planning on anything, but we thought as long you were putting in that bed frame, we'd come and help you do some unpacking. Sort of like an unpacking/housewarming party. Gen. O'Neill said he'd meet us there."

Daniel's head perked up at that as they walked out of the gateroom. "Jack? He's still here? I thought he would've gone back to Washington by now."

"He was detained by your government, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c told him. "I believe he is doing a review of the Stargate Program."

Daniel couldn't believe it. "Why is he reviewing us? What's going on?" he asked, anger creeping into his voice.

"It's just routine," Sam told him reassuringly. "Nothing to worry about."

"Okay," Daniel sighed. "Well, we'll go change and meet you up top."

"Sure thing, Daniel," Cam told them as they parted ways.

Daniel led Caitlin up to his quarters, going inside. He shut the door and set their suitcases on the bed, then took her into his arms. "Well, Mrs. Jackson. We're almost home."

Caitlin smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "I know, Dr. Jackson. I really can't wait to see the new house."

"Just remember I didn't get all that much unpacked. I wanted to wait for you to get there so we could decide together where things should go." He started to change out of his Danuan clothes. "But I did put my couch into the family room, and yours into the main living room. And I also went out and bought a washer and dryer. I hope that's okay."

She nodded, changing out of her dress and putting on a clean shirt and pants. "What kind did you get?"

"Kenmore. I got them at Sears. They're really great. They're both energy savers, too. They're both in Pacific Blue, and they're king size. So we'll be able to wash blankets and other large things in them."

"I bed they were expensive," Caitlin told him, frowning as she redid her hair in a straight braid down her back.

He finished getting dressed and took her in his arms, caressing her cheek. "Sweetheart, don't worry about it. I told you before. I haven't had anyone to really spoil since I lost Sha're, and besides that, I make plenty of money. So no worries, okay?"

She nodded. "No worries."

"And I want you to think of this as our quarters now. Whenever you come to stay here, you'll come here. So if there's anything you'd like to put in here, just let me know."

Caitlin looked around the room. "These walls are concrete and stone, right?"

"Yes."

"How do you hang pictures on the wall?"

"We have someone who can do that. Do you have a picture in mind?"

She nodded. "You know that one that was hanging in my living room? The large puzzle I'd done, glued together, and had framed? I was thinking it would go great on the wall behind your bed." She corrected herself. "Behind our bed."

"Well, I'll bring in the picture tomorrow and have it hung behind the bed. Anything else?"

"Not right now. Maybe later after we've gotten settled in the new house."

A knock on their door stopped them. Caitlin went to answer it. "Oh hello, Sgt. Wilson! Thanks for coming."

"Gen. Landry said you wanted to talk to me about something."

Daniel nodded. "We do. We brought back a bed frame from our cottage on Danu. I'm pretty sure it will fit our existing mattress in the new house, but in case it doesn't, could you come over tonight and help us get it together?"

"Sure!" Mark told them. "What size is your bed?"

"It's a California King," Caitlin answered him.

"How are you getting it to your house?"

"Maj. Feretti's taking it in his truck. And if anyone asks, we're just going to say that we bought it in Ireland on our honeymoon there."

"Sure. You heading to your house now?"

She nodded. "You can just follow us, that is, if you're off work."

Mark smiled. "The general let me go so I can help you. So I'll just wait for you topside."

"Thanks, Sgt. Wilson," Daniel told him warmly as he left. Then he turned toward Caitlin. "You ready?"

Caitlin took her dress, along with Daniel's outfit and hung them in his closet. Then she grabbed her suitcase. "Yep."

He smiled at her as he turned off the lights, picking up the keys to his Jeep and shutting the door behind them. "If you don't want to have the others help us unpack tonight," he started as they rode the elevator up out of the mountain.

"I don't mind. It'll be great! Then we'll get more things done that way. Besides, it'll be nice to visit with our friends for a while."

He laced his fingers with hers, squeezing them lightly. "Is tú mo ghrá.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she answered back as they made their way to his Jeep.

"Daniel," Cam called out. "We'll meet you there!"

"Okay," he told them. He put their suitcases into the back of the Jeep, and soon they were on their way to their new home.

Along the way, Caitlin couldn't get out of her mind what her mother had said to her before they had left. Pregnant! But I can't be! she thought to herself. Not this fast or this soon. She was so lost in thought she didn't even hear Daniel calling out to her.

"Hey you," he called out again.

"Huh? Oh sorry!" Caitlin told him, apologetically. "I didn't hear you."

"I'll say. What were you thinking about?"

"Thinking about? Oh, nothing really," she fibbed. "Just something my mother told me before the wedding."

"What was that?"

"She said that if I needed to, I should hit you on the head with a frying pan like she did with Dad."

"She didn't really do that, did she?" he asked her, worry creeping into his voice.

Caitlin laughed. "No. It was just a little joke, that's all."

Daniel breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled up to their property. He drove down the little driveway and pushed a button on a little box on his visor. The garage door opened, and he drove inside. He got out, taking their suitcases with him, and took her hand, leading her outside the garage.

"Hey there, Daniel!" Jack called out, smiling. "You have a good time on Danu?"

Daniel nodded at his best friend. "We really did. But it's also good to come home, too."

"Well, let's get you all moved in, shall we? Lead the way, Daniel."

Daniel led Caitlin to the front door and unlocked it, turning on the light in the foyer. He handed their bags to Teal'c, and picked Caitlin up, smiling. "Welcome home, Mrs. Jackson."

"Welcome home, Dr. Jackson," she echoed as he walked over the threshold. She leaned in and quickly kissed him before he set her down.

"Okay, where do you want to start first?" Cam asked Daniel.

"Well, since Sgt. Wilson is here, we should start with the bed. Let's head upstairs."

Sam stopped Caitlin. "Caitlin, why don't we let the men do that and we can start somewhere else?"

She nodded. "Sure. Let's go into the kitchen." She led Sam into the room, turning on the lights. She noticed all the boxes that said 'KITCHEN' on them were already in the room, stacked neatly against the pantry wall. She checked the family room and found some boxes in there, as well as in the main living room.

She looked at Sam. "Well, let's get started."

Upstairs the men had taken Daniel's bed apart and brought up the new frame from Maj. Feretti's truck. As the major left, Sgt. Wilson took a look at the beautiful frame. "Wow! Master Gavin does a really beautiful job."

"I know," Daniel nodded. "We told him that. He said that he'd make another one again just like it to put in the cottage there, and we could take this one home. He even told us we didn't have to trade anything for it. Said it was a gift."

"That was very generous of him," Teal'c commented.

"So what do you think, Mark?" Jack asked him.

"I'll need to do some minor adjustments, but you shouldn't have any trouble. It'll even be stronger than your other frame, and will last a lot longer, too. Just let me go get my tools." In half-an-hour, he had the bed frame put together, and the men put the two mattresses on the new frame.

"Thank you, Sgt. Wilson," Daniel told him, shaking his hand warmly. "We really appreciate it."

"No problem, Dr. Jackson. It looks great." He gathered up his tools. "Well, I'd better be heading out. Congratulations on your new home," he told him before he left.

Daniel walked out into the hallway and leaned over the railing nearby. "Sweetheart, can you come upstairs a moment?"

Caitlin and Sam both walked upstairs into the master bedroom, and Sam was floored. "Oh wow, Daniel! What a gorgeous bed frame! It really fits in well here."

"Oh sweetheart, she's right," Caitlin added. "It looks great!"

Daniel nodded. "I know. Now all we have to do is make the bed."

"We can do that later," she told him. "For now let's get as many boxes as we can unpacked. Right now Sam and I are in the kitchen. You guys could take some of the boxes in the living room and unpack those."

"Jack and I can do that," Daniel replied as they all walked down into the kitchen. "Cam and Teal'c could go into the family room and unpack in there. That way if they have a question about where to put stuff, they can ask you since you'll be in the kitchen. But there were a couple of boxes I wasn't able to get from your apartment, and you still have to get your cats and bring them here."

"That's right, I do." She turned toward Sam. "Why don't we go do that now?"

"Sure."

Caitlin grabbed an empty garbage bag and two boxes. "We'll be back soon, love," she told Daniel, quickly kissing him. "The carriers are still there, right?"

"Yes."

The two women left, leaving the men to start unpacking.

"So tell me how the honeymoon was," Sam asked her as they drove to Caitlin's old apartment.

"It was so romantic, Sam! I had imagined what it might be like, but nothing could have prepared me for how special and amazing it turned out to be. The first night Daniel and I made love, he was so gentle. He took his time pleasing me and letting me please him before putting himself inside me. And he went all the way in, Sam! I mean, I took him all the way in. It was like he was made for me and me for him."

"What else?"

"He had vanilla-scented candles all over the bedroom, and he'd spread rose petals all over the bed and around it on the floor. I couldn't believe it! He mad me feel so special and loved."

Sam smiled. "I'm glad." She pulled her vehicle up in front of the building, and got out, grabbing the two boxes and the bag. "What's the bag for?" she asked as they headed inside.

Caitlin pulled out her key and opened the door. "I'll show you in a moment." She turned on the lights and went into one of the nearly-empty closets and pulled out two pet carriers. Then she called to her cats. "Tink! Patches!"

The two cats slowly came out of her bedroom, meowing their disapproval at the empty apartment. "Come here Tinkerbell," she called to the older cat, picking her up. "Sam, could you open one of the carriers?"

Her friend nodded, and Caitlin put Tinkerbell inside, shutting the door. "Okay, Patches, your turn." The younger cat meowed out loudly in protest as she picked it up, putting it in the other carrier. "Good! Sometimes they're hard to catch. They don't like the carriers as it usually means a trip to the V-E-T," she spelled out the last word.

Sam laughed. "I think that's the way it is with all pets." She turned around. "Is that it?"

Caitlin shook her head. "No. If you'll hold the garbage bag for me, I'm going to empty their dry food dishes into it. Then we have to get the water bowls ready to be packed."

Sam nodded and held the bag while Caitlin dumped both dishes of food into the bag. She tied it shut and set it on the floor. "Now what?"

"You take one of the water bowls, and I'll take the other one. Unplug it first, then let's take them over to the sink and dump the water out."

They took the bowls to the sink, dumped out the water, and put them into one of the boxes. Caitlin put the larger feeder dishes into the other box. "I think that's it. Just let me take one last look around." She walked all around the apartment, not finding anything left, and came back toward Sam. "That's everything. Let's start taking these last few boxes out to your vehicle, then we can head back to the house."

Sam nodded, picking up a nearby box. Soon her vehicle was loaded and they were headed back to Daniel and Caitlin's new home.

Daniel was in the living room unpacking a box when Jack walked in. "So where do you want me to start?"

"You can start with that box over there. It's got some of Caitlin's decorations in it. She wanted them to go on the mantle."

"Ya sure, you betch'a." Jack told him, opening the box. "So Daniel, what was it like? How was your honeymoon?"

Daniel sighed, remembering. "It was amazing, Jack. Magical, spectacular. I never thought I would ever have another honeymoon again." He stopped, turning toward his best friend. "Caitlin's so incredibly sexy, Jack, and she took all of me."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean when we made love, she fit me perfectly! It's like the gods made her just for me."

"Wow, Daniel. Sara couldn't do that with me. Did she have any pain?"

"That's the thing. There was a little blood on the sheets, but she didn't have any pain at all. That's surprised me since she was a virgin. And that's the best part. I was her first."

"So how did the rest of the honeymoon go?" Jack asked him, putting candles on the mantle.

"It was great! We took long walks, swam and made love in the pool, and enjoyed some delicious food."

Jack finished unpacking the box and looked at Daniel, confused. "What pool?"

Daniel told him about it. "It's on the land that our cottage is on. Minister Aedan said that many lovers used it for the same thing."

"But now it's yours?"

"Yes, and no. Caitlin didn't think it was fair that we keep it to ourselves. She suggested that while we're gone the villagers be allowed to use it."

"That was nice of her."

"She's that kind of person, Jack. That's one of the reasons why I married her."

Cam walked into the living room, followed by Teal'c. "So what do you want us to do?"

"Well, you could take Caitlin's stereo system and put that up in the family room. I got some cordless speakers and they connect to her system. That way we can put one of the speakers in here."

"Will it reach that far?" Jack asked him.

"The sales associate assured me that if they didn't I could bring back the speakers. But she said they should. So why don't we try them out now?"

Cam nodded, and in a few moments they had her stereo system out of the box and put together on her cabinet. "Wow! She's got a wicked system!" he exclaimed as Daniel read the directions for the speakers.

"It says here that you just plug in the receptor here in the back, and it should send out the signal to all the speakers." He looked through the box of music, and chose a suitable CD. Putting it into the system, he pressed play and soon they heard a lilting Celtic melody coming through the new speakers. "Jack, take that speaker into the living room and set it on the mantle, would you?"

Jack nodded and went into the sunken living room. "It works!" he shouted out as Daniel heard the front door open.

"Hi, sweetheart," he told Caitlin as she and Sam walked into the kitchen.

"You got my stereo set up I see," she commented as Daniel turned off the music. "But why so loud?"

"I went to the store before the wedding and bought some cordless speakers that we can move and use in other rooms down here. So we were testing one of the speakers in the living room. I thought it might be nicer than moving the stereo around all the time."

"That's nice. Hey, can you guys help us bring in the last few boxes? And I have the girls."

"Okay. So where do you want to put them?"

Caitlin looked around. "Let's put them in the garage for now. We'll leave the door open since it's such a nice night, and they'll be fine."

"Sure. Let's move them first." In a few minutes they had the cats situated and were bringing in the last of the boxes.

"Is that everything from your place then?" Cam asked her as he set down one of the boxes.

Caitlin nodded. "I'm all out of there. All I have to do now is do some light cleaning, and then I can turn in my keys."

"Hey, is anyone else getting a little hungry?" Sam asked them.

Everybody nodded.

"Why don't we order in a couple of pizzas and some sodas while we work?"

"Sure," Daniel said. "I have their number. So what does everybody want?" In a few minutes, he had ordered their food. "It should be about forty-five minutes."

"Where would you like your instrument?" Teal'c asked her, unpacking a box.

She looked at him and saw what he was holding. "Let's put it in the dining room for now, Teal'c."

"It is most unusual, Caitlin Jackson," he told her, admiring the drum.

"It's called a bodhran. It's an Irish drum. The smaller wooden piece is called the beater. You hit the drum with the beater to make the sound."

He carefully set it on the dining table.

"Daniel, is this your table in here?" Caitlin asked him.

He came in the room, nodding. "I thought yours would work well in the kitchen, and we can use mine in here."

Caitlin smiled. "I like that. Now all we need is to find a couple of plant stands and a china hutch for one corner."

"We can go looking later. Right now let's finish unpacking."

She nodded, and the rest of them got to work.

Three hours and a couple of pizzas later, Caitlin was finishing up the last two loads of laundry and getting two litter boxes ready. She'd found the places where she'd wanted them, as well as places for the cat's water and food dishes, and the last of the boxes were being unpacked and put away.

"Where do you want this?" Sam asked her, holding up a delicate figurine.

"You can put that on the mantle in the family room," she told her friend.

"Well, I think we're done here," Jack told Daniel, looking around. "We can take the empty boxes back to the base. They're always looking for more of that stuff."

"Thanks, Jack."

"Hey no problem! That's what friends are for."

Caitlin walked into the kitchen, smiling. "I know. And we appreciate it all."

"Sure thing," Cam told them. "Well, we'd better be heading out, campers. I'm sure you guys want time to get settled and all."

"Thanks everyone," Caitlin told them, smiling at them all. "Drive safely."

Before he left, Jack stopped. "Hey Space Monkey! Don't bother coming in to the base until Monday. Happy Housewarming."

Daniel couldn't believe it. He hugged Caitlin close, then turned to Jack and smiled. "Thanks, Jack. That means a lot."

Jack smiled at him and left, leaving Caitlin and Daniel alone in the house.

"Well, let's close up the garage. Then we can let the girls out of their carriers. I'm sure it will take a few days for them to get used to their new surroundings."

"Okay." Daniel walked out into the garage, shutting it, then carried both of the carriers into the kitchen where Caitlin opened the doors.

"Come on out, girls," she coaxed them, sitting on the floor. "It's okay. This is your new home."

"Let's leave them be and let them come out when they're ready," he suggested. "Besides, it's getting late."

She went into one of the kitchen drawers and pulled out a scrap of paper and a pen. Then she sat down at the table. "I know it's late, but there are a lot of things we still need. I'm making a list of all the groceries we'll need, and I can see by the look of the refrigerator we'll need a lot. You sure didn't eat a lot while you were here alone."

"I usually don't. But I'm sure you won't let that happen anymore."

She shook her head. "I intend to make sure you eat healthy, balanced meals with fresh ingredients. That's why I want to take part of the back yard and plant a small garden. Nothing fancy, just some veggies and some herbs I always like to use."

"That sounds good. So what else are you thinking that we need?"

"Well, we still need a china hutch, along with a few plant stands for the dining room, and we need a large recliner for the family room. Mine is already in the living room."

Daniel nodded. "Since Jack gave us the weekend off, we could go shopping for those tomorrow. But when do you intend to tell Lacey that you're back?"

"I thought we could do it tomorrow while we're out," she told him, finishing up the list. "We could stop in and pick up some scent diffusers. I think the new rose-scented ones were supposed to come in while I was gone, and I wanted to get a few for the house."

He came behind her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck. "That's sounds fine. For now why don't we get the bed made and see how well the new frame holds up."

She gazed up into his eyes full of love and desire, and instead felt two felines rubbing around her ankles. "Well hello there, you two!" she told her girls, reaching down to pet them. "Welcome to your new home. Mommy's going to let you explore tonight, so be good girls while we go to bed." She got up and followed Daniel upstairs, leaving the two cats alone.

When they got up to their bedroom, Caitlin helped him make the bed. "Daniel, how long have you had these sheets?"

"A few years. Why?"

"They're old and wearing thin. We should pick up a new pair tomorrow. They'll work for tonight, though."

"I guess you're right. There's even a hole here near one of the corners I didn't notice before."

They finished the bed, and Daniel unplugged the phone from the wall. "So we won't have anyone bothering us tomorrow," he told her, his voice filled with desire.

Caitlin smiled shyly at him. "That was good thinking, sweetheart. Did you get all my clothes and things unpacked?"

"All except our suitcases. We can do that later. Right now I want to hold you." He went to close the bedroom door, but she stopped him.

"Why don't you leave it open a little ways, just in case the girls find their way up here?"

He nodded, then walked over to her. "You are so beautiful," he told her, taking her into his arms. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

"That's what I want to know," she said, caressing his cheek. "Have I told you yet you're the sexiest man I've ever met?"

"Maybe once or twice on our honeymoon." He leaned in and kissed her passionately. "I love you, Caitlin."

She smiled at him, love and desire in her eyes. "I love you too, Daniel."

"Why don't we get ready for bed?"

She nodded, walking into the bathroom. "It's nice that there's two sinks in here. That's one reason I liked this house when we first saw it."

"What were some other reasons?" he told her as he brushed his teeth.

"I could see us here, living here, raising a family here. I could picture you on a warm summer night grilling out in the backyard, our family and friends all around us." She took her hair down from the braid and brushed it. "I could picture all that and more."

Daniel finished up, wiping his hands on a towel, watching her finish getting ready for bed. "I could see that, too. I could see you cooking a good meal in the kitchen, and playing with our children in the family room. Besides that, it was in our price range. That's what I liked."

She put on her glasses and followed him out into the bedroom.

"C'mere, sweetheart," he told her, holding out his hand to her.

She turned off the overhead lights, and in the light of the nightlight in the bathroom, walked into Daniel's embrace, smiling.

He smiled at her, desire in his eyes. "Let me show you how much I love you."

Saturday morning came and Caitlin slowly woke, wondering where she was. Then she remembered that she was in their new home, Daniel beside her. She snuggled closer to him, her head on his chest and smiled, remembered their night of lovemaking. She could tell by his breathing that Daniel was still asleep, so she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

A little while later Daniel woke to find Caitlin's naked body entwined with his, her head on his chest. She was breathing deeply, her hair splayed out around her shoulders, and he watched her sleep for a few moments as his desire for her grew. He kissed the top of her head, slowly running his hands up and down her arms.

"Mmm," she moaned, slowly waking up. "Good morning, love."

"Good morning. How did you sleep?"

Caitlin stretched, yawning. "Really well. I like your bed, and the frame held up pretty good."

He smiled, remembering. He tilted her face up to his, kissing her passionately. "I think it needs another test. Don't you?"

She started to nod but he took her mouth in another passionate kiss, slowly making love to her again.

Afterwards they lay in the bed resting, their bodies spent. "That was wonderful, sweetheart," he told her as he caught his breath, his voice full of love.

"Oh Daniel, will it always be that amazing?" she asked him, gazing up at him.

"Only with us."

"I've never felt like that before. I never knew it could be like that."

"Now you do. But you know, if we want to get the things on your list, then we'd better get up and get moving to the stores."

"If you'll hand me my robe, I'll get up. I think it's on the back of the door. That way you can take a shower first."

Daniel got up and pulled her robe off the door, handing it to her and walked into the bathroom.

Caitlin got up and padded into the bathroom after him. "So I was thinking we could do the grocery shopping last, as we'll have food that's perishable."

"We could do that first and bring it home, then go out to the other stores," he called out from the shower.

"That sounds good. Then we can go furniture shopping." She heard him shut off the water, and she went and handed him a large towel.

"Thanks honey," he told her as he took the towel from her. "Your turn."

She quickly took a shower and got dressed, putting her hair up into a braided ponytail. "So you want to go to the grocery store first?"

He pulled on a pair of jeans, nodding. "Yes. Then I was thinking we could go to American Furniture Warehouse. It's on North Chestnut. We can see what they have for chairs and such."

"That sounds good." She finished getting ready, putting in her contacts. "I want something comfy and big enough in a recliner for the family room, but not to expensive."

"That sounds good. But we also need to look for a china hutch."

She nodded. "I know. Something that can hold all the new china plates Karyn and Paul gave us, as well as the ones from Grandma Sarah."

"Well, I'm ready," Daniel told her, tying his shoes and walking to the bedroom door.

Caitlin checked one last time in the bathroom mirror, then followed him downstairs and into the kitchen. "You girls be good while we're gone," she told her cats as they meowed their disapproval at being left behind. "We'll be back soon."

He got into his Jeep and opened the garage door as she got inside. Then they were off to town.

After buying all their groceries and putting them away at home, Daniel and Caitlin returned to town and found the furniture store.

"Do you think they have china hutches at American Furniture Warehouse?" She asked him as they drove.

"We can check." He pulled up in front of the store and they got out.

She looked in the window. "It looks like they do."

"Welcome to the American Furniture Warehouse," a man told them when they got inside. "My name is Mark. What are we looking for today?"

"We're looking for a nice recliner and a china hutch," Daniel told him.

"We have many nice recliners and hutches," Mark told them. "But let's focus on the recliner for now." He led them towards the back corner of the store. "Our best seller is Lane."

"That's the kind I was thinking of," Caitlin told him. "Something that's really big and comfy."

Mark turned and looked at them. "What color were you thinking?

Caitlin looked at Daniel. "What about a nice blue? It will look good with your couch."

Daniel nodded, smiling. "I agree." He turned toward Mark. "What do you have in blue?"

The salesman smiled. "We have many chairs in blue. This one," he pointed to the chair in front of him, "is great. It reclines almost flat, is a very comfortable chair and is very reasonably priced at three hundred and ninety-nine dollars."

Caitlin winced at the price, but she sat down in it. To her it just didn't feel right. "Do you have anything else?"

Mark led them to another chair, also in blue. "Try this one." It's also a Lane, but it's a rocker as well as a recliner." He checked the tags. "It's also priced at only two hundred fifty."

"What do you think, Daniel?" she asked him, urging him to try it.

He sat down and reclined in the chair, liking what he felt. "It's really comfortable, sweetheart. You try it."

She sat down and immediately knew this was the chair they should get. "I like it. It's really comfy and big, and it reclines almost flat."

"We'll take this one," Daniel told Mark.

"Great! Just let me write down the numbers here," and he checked the tag on the chair.

As he did that, Caitlin looked around at some of the other chairs, and spotted one a little ways away that looked nice. She walked over to it, and noticed it had an ottoman in front of it. She admired the rose-colored overstuffed chair as she sat down in it, putting her feet up on the ottoman. "Sweetheart, come look at this chair," she called out to Daniel, who came over. "It's great! It's overstuffed, and I think it would look great in the den. We need a chair in there anyway for when someone wants to go in there and read."

"You're right, sweetheart." He turned toward Mark. "How much for this chair?"

Mark checked the tags. "Three nineteen, and that includes the ottoman as well."

Caitlin looked at Daniel. "What do you think? I mean, I know we didn't talk about it..."

He pulled her up and smiled, caressing her cheek. "We'll take this one, too," he told Mark.

Mark wrote down the numbers on the chair and ottoman. "That's great! I'm sure you'll love this chair. Now you had said something about wanting a china hutch?"

Caitlin nodded. "Something large enough for two china sets but not too large."

The salesman nodded in understanding, leading them over to where they were. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back."

He left the two alone, and Caitlin looked at Daniel. "Are you sure about the other chair? I mean, if you don't want to get it..."

Daniel put his finger against her lips, stilling her. "I like spoiling you, and we needed a chair in there anyway. So it's okay."

She smiled, squeezing his hand. "Love you."

"Love you too," he told her, his eyes sparkling at her. "Well, let's see what they have here." By the end of the afternoon they'd found a china hutch as well as two plant stands.

"How will you be paying for this?" Mark asked Daniel.

"Charge please," Daniel told him, handing him his credit card.

Mark added up the total and ran the card. "If you'll sign the top copy," he told Daniel, handing him his card and the papers. "Will this be delivery?"

"Yes," Daniel told him, handing him the signed receipt.

"Can I get your address?"

"Of course. It's thirteen twenty-three, Canyon Creek Road."

Mark wrote that down. "Okay. Since it's so close, we could easily deliver your new furniture today."

Caitlin smiled at him. "That's great! We can meet them there and show them where they go."

"Good. I'll just get them to load it, and we'll be at your home in say, and hour?"

"That's fine," Daniel told him. "Thank you."

"And thank you for choosing our store. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

"No, I think that's it for now."

"Great. If you should need anything in the future, please think of us again."

"We will," Caitlin told him. "Thank you."

Daniel led her outside and into the warm late afternoon, helping her into the Jeep. "We should head home to be there when they get there."

"I know, but we need new sheets for our bed. I think there's a JC Penney's near here. They always have good sheets, and many times they're on sale."

He nodded at her and drove down the sunny streets to the next store. In a little while they were walking out of the store with their new set of sheets, quilt and blanket. Soon they were headed home, talking about their purchases. "You really picked out some nice chairs, sweetheart," he told her lovingly. "I really like the one for the den."

She nodded. "I do, too. I can put my feet up on the ottoman and read while you're doing your work so we can be together. But we'll need a lamp or two in there."

"We can get those another day. For now let's head home and get ready for the delivery men." Daniel drove down the sunny streets, then drove into their driveway, parking the Jeep in the garage.

"It's a beautiful day, don't you think?" Caitlin asked him as they walked into the house with their purchases.

"Almost as beautiful as you are," he told her, gently kissing her as Tink and Patches meowed around their legs.

"Were you two good girls while we were gone?" she asked them, petting them as the doorbell rang. "That must be the furniture guys."

Daniel went to open the door and soon all their new furniture was in place. "Thank you," he told the men as they left. Walking back toward the family room, he found Caitlin by the washers. "Those are going to look really nice on the bed," he told her.

She finished putting the new sheets in the dryer, starting it. "I know. I like the design on them, and the blanket and quilt will keep us warm next Winter." She walked over to the pantry and opened the doors. "So what would you like for supper tonight?"

"I'm up for anything," he told her.

"Let's see. How about some Mexican Lasagna? It's made with corn tortillas instead of lasagna noodles, and it's really good."

"Mmm, that does sound good. Can I help?"

"Sure. We'll need some ground beef from the freezer. It shouldn't be to hard yet, since we bought it just this morning. Then we'll need the saucepan from the cupboard."

With Daniel helping her, supper was soon ready. He set the kitchen table while she put the food on the table.

"Mmm, that looks delicious!" he told her. "How many does it serve?"

"Usually twelve people, but I cut the recipe down to serve four. Jason and Lacey love it, too."

Daniel took a bite, and sighed in contentment. "If you make meals like this every night, I won't want to leave the kitchen."

Caitlin blushed. "I just like to cook healthy meals, and this one is a good one. It has many of the food groups you need every day, and it tastes good as well. I try to make dishes that not only are healthy for you, but taste good, too."

"Is that why you like to grow a vegetable garden?"

She nodded. "That way I know the veggies and herbs are fresh. Speaking of which, I would like to do that, soon. I could take a few sticks and some string and make an outline where I want the garden. Then we could till up the ground there."

"Or I could just call the lawn service to come out and do it. They know how to do that, plus it's their job. Then you could do the planting."

"Okay. Then when they're done I'll go to the nearest garden center and get the plants and seeds we need."

Daniel nodded, and they talked and laughed all throughout supper.

Dawn came the next day to Danu and Fluairíd Robáil (Flowing River), and everyone was bustling about doing their work or going somewhere. The suns rose high in the sky, warming the planet and its people as they worked. Suddenly the gate whooshed open. Out of the shimmering pool of light came a hooded figure carrying a large stick with one end that lit up. The two men in the control house ran, frightened, to the Government House to get Minister Aedan.

Minister Aedan and many of the representatives came out to see who this stranger was. "Beannachta, and welcome 't Fluairíd Robáil. I am Prime Minister Aedan O'Malley, leader of Danu. How can we help ya?"

The pale-faced man removed his hood and stood looking at them all. Then he spoke, his voice low and dark. "It is the will of the Ori that you be taught the ways of Origin."

Master Colin MacGrady turned to Aedan, afraid. "This must be one o' the Priors our friends told us about!" he whispered. "What are we goin' 't do?"

"Let's listen 't what he has 't say fer now," Aedan told them. "There be nothin' we c'n do." He turned toward the Prior. "We not be needin' yer teachin', sir. We already be protected by Faether God."

"Those who stray must be guided back to the path. You are not on the path," the Prior told them. "Believe in the truth of all things, and you too, may find the path to enlightenment."

"Aedan, send fer the troops!" Master Finn MacDougal whispered fiercely to him.

The Prior raised his staff and pointed it at Master Finn, striking him down and killing him, making the crowd cry out in fear and anguish over their friend. Then he lowered his staff and looked at the men. "Fear not the Ori. Fear the darkness that would conceal the knowledge of the universe."

"Why?!" Aedan cried out. "Why did ya do such a thing? T'was our friend!"

"It is the will of the Ori that we should spread Origin to all those blessed by their creation." He slowly raised his staff, the end glowing, and pointed it at Finn's body. The body twitched and writhed for a moment, then stopped. Everyone watched in horror as Master Finn slowly opened his eyes and got up, standing next to Aedan.

"Glóir bí go Gia(glory be to God)!" several men cried out.

"'Tis not possible!" Master Colin told the Prior in fear.

"All is possible for the Ori," the Prior told them. "You have one day to decide the fate of your people." The gate instantly whooshed open and the Prior turned and walked through the pool of light, the gate closing behind him.

Everyone started talking at once, but Aedan quieted them down. "Enough! Finn, that man killed ya! Every one o' us saw him raise his staff and kill ya dead. Yet here ya be alive. They be as powerful as our friends from Auld Aerth said they would be."

"Then what are we 't do, Aedan?" Master Darragh Iverson asked him, fear in his voice.

"First, find a messenger 't get word 't Céad Titim Sneachta( First Snowfall) and Go Leor Bláthanna(Many Flowers). Tell them 't get their soldiers here as quick as they c'n get here. I'll send word 't our allies on Auld Aerth right now." He turned toward Master Colin. "Colin me friend, get 't Fluairíd Robáil and warn the village. Tell them 't send the women and children 't the caves."

Colin nodded and ran toward the village as Aedan hurried to the gate control house and dialed up Earth.

"Unscheduled off-world activation!" Walter shouted out as the alert klaxons went off.

"What have we got, Walter?" Gen. Landry asked him as he hurried down the stairs from his office.

"It's Danu sir, Prime Minister Aedan. He wishes to speak with you. He said it's an emergency."

"Put him on the monitors." Gen. Landry looked up and soon saw Aedan's worried face. "What seems to be the trouble, Minister Aedan?" he asked.

"It be the Ori! They came here just now. They be sayin' we have one day 't decide the fate o' our paeople. We need yer help!"

The general turned toward Walter. "Walter, notify Col. Mitchell and get SG1 here on the double. And find Maj. Hadden. Alert him to the situation and have his team ready to go to Danu as soon as possible." Then he turned toward the monitors as Walter made his calls. "Don't worry, Minister Aedan. We'll be sending people to help as soon as possible. Don't do anything until we get there."

Aedan nodded. "Aye. We be waitin' fer ya t' get here soon. Danu out."

The gate shut down and the general turned toward Walter. "Report."

"I've alerted Maj. Hadden and his team," Walter told him. "And Col. Mitchell is on his way along with Teal'c. They'll contact. Dr. Jackson and Col. Carter."

"Good. When they get here, tell everyone to meet up in the conference room."

Walter nodded, and went back to work as the general went up the stairs to wait for SG1.

Daniel and Caitlin were finishing up their supper when his cell phone rang. "Daniel Jackson. Oh hi, Cam! We were just finishing up supper."

"How fast can you get to the base?" Cam asked him.

What's wrong?" Daniel asked, making Caitlin look at him intently.

"Danu's been contacted by the Ori. They just got a visit from a Prior. Gen. Landry's called us all in. I'm sorry, Daniel. You'll have to finish up your honeymoon early."

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Caitlin will understand. I'll be there as soon as I can." He hung up the phone and started picking up the supper dishes. "I have to go to the base," he told her. "Something's come up."

"What is it?" Caitlin asked him, worry in her voice.

"Danu's been visited by a Prior."

She was shocked. "Oh my God! Is my mom okay? What happened?" she asked in a rush.

He stilled her. "We don't know. All that we know is that they were visited by a Prior. We'll probably have to go and help them. Right now I have to get to the base, which means cutting the rest of our honeymoon short."

"I understand, sweetheart. And I'm not upset. But I'm coming to the base with you."

"You don't have to. Besides, you can't go with us to Danu..." he started, but she interrupted him.

"It's my mother, and my people. I want to know what's happening as much as you do. I deserve to know."

Daniel saw the determined look on her face and knew she was right. "I'll get my things if you want to put the food away in the fridge. Then we have to get going."

Caitlin nodded, racing to put the food away. In a few minutes she was done and together they left for the base.

As they drove, she sent up a silent plea to Malachi to help the Danuans, not knowing whether or not it would help. She desperately prayed that her mother would be safe.

Daniel pulled his Jeep into the base parking lot and together they got out, heading directly for the main conference room where the general and the others were waiting.

"Sorry to pull you from your honeymoon, Dr. Jackson," the general told him as the two of them walked into the room and sat down. "But Caitlin, you didn't need to come."

"It's my mother," she told all of them simply. "Whatever happens, I want to know. It's my mother.

The general smiled a small smile, then began the briefing. "About half an hour ago Prime Minister Aedan informed us that they had been visited by a Prior. He gave them only a day to make their decision. In that time we have to decide what we need to do to help them. I've asked Maj. Hadden here as he helped to train the Danuans on the use of the Enfield rifles in case of such an emergency." He looked around the room. "Any suggestions?"

"Wouldn't a show of force stop him?" Maj. Hadden said to them all. "If we showed them we meant business, we might be able to stop this Prior."

Teal'c shook his head. "I do not believe that to be true, Maj. Hadden. It would only serve to provoke him into showing his powers, thereby getting many of the Danuans killed."

"We should send the Daedalus," Cam said. "I think they're still in orbit. They could keep an eye out for any Ori ships that might come into the area."

"Good idea," Gen. Landry said. "Is there anything else we can do?"

Daniel shook his head. "No. Right now we don't have the means to fight them, and I don't think the rifles will do much, either."

"What about Malachi?" Caitlin asked. "He's their 'god', their protector. Couldn't he do something?"

"They aren't supposed to interfere," Daniel said, turning to her. "Even though he watches over them, I think the Others would stop him if he tried."

"But you could ask, couldn't you?"

"We wouldn't be able to do that without arousing suspicion with the Danuans. Remember, they don't know who Malachi really is."

"But if there was a way to do it without them seeing or knowing," she told them, thinking. "What if they were to pray? Malachi watches them all the time, so he would hear what they were praying."

"It's a long shot, Caitlin," the general told her. "And we don't even know if it would work."

"Daniel, please! You could send up a special prayer that only he would hear." She looked at Daniel, her eyes pleading. "It's my mother! I don't want to lose her now that I've found her again."

"I can't promise anything sweetheart, but I'll try."

She sighed in relief. "Thank you."

Gen. Landry looked around the table at them. "SG1, I want you to go to Danu and try to stop the Ori from hurting these people. Maj. Hadden will follow you in the Daedalus. You all leave in half-an-hour. Dismissed!"

Everyone got up from the table, Daniel taking Caitlin's hand. "Sweetheart, I want you to head home. There's nothing you can do here but wait. Besides, they'll let you know when we get back." He handed her the keys to the Jeep. "You can come and get me when I get back."

She shook her head. "No. I want to stay here. It's my mother, Daniel! I can't go home anyway as I would go nuts worrying about you and her."

"Honey, you need to go home. There's nothing to do, and besides, you have to go to work on Monday."

She bit her lip, worry etched into her face. "You promise you'll let me know as soon as you get home?"

He nodded. "I promise. But right now I have to get ready." He pulled her close, tenderly kissing her. "I love you."

She hugged him tightly. "I love you, too." She leaned back, gazing into his blue eyes, caressing his cheek. "Come home to me."

"I will." He quickly kissed her again, then left the room.

Gen. Landry came up behind her. "They'll be okay. They do this all the time."

She turned around to face him, concern and worry on her face. "I hope so. Would it be okay if I stay until they leave?"

"Of course. You can watch in the control room." He gestured toward the stairs, followed her down, and contacted the Daedalus.

In a little while the two teams came into the gate room, dressed for battle and carrying their weapons. "It's so strange," she said to the general. "I've never seen Daniel carry a weapon before. But I supposed he has to on any mission he goes on."

"They all do. No team ever knows what kind of situation they'll be going into on the other side of the gate."

"What will happen if they can't stop the Ori? What then?"

"I've given the Daedalus orders to beam up your mother to the ship if things go badly. But I have every confidence that they won't have to do that. Somehow SG1 usually finds a way to come through."

At that moment, Maj. Hadden and his team were instantly beamed up to the ship. Then Gen. Landry ordered Walter to start dialing Danu.

"May I tell them something before they go sir?" Caitlin asked him.

"Of course." He gestured to the mike.

"Maith ádh(good luck)," she told them. "Turas maith, slán abhaile(safe journey, safe home)."

On Danu the gate whooshed open again and the general's voice came through to the control house. "SG1 is coming, and we should have reinforcements there soon after that."

"Thank ya, Gen. Landry," Aedan told him, then turned toward the two men outside guarding the gate with their rifles. "It be our friends from Auld Aearth," he called out the door.

The new soldiers lowered their weapons, then Aedan turned back toward the MALP and walked up to it. "It be safe fer them 't come through now."

On Earth Gen. Landry looked at his premier team, then nodded, leaning in to the mike, Caitlin standing beside him. "SG1, you have a go. Good luck and godspeed."

Cam nodded at him, then led his team through the gate to Danu where Minister Aedan was waiting for them.

"Thank the Faether God ya came!" he told them, worry in his voice and on his face. "There be someone I wish ya 't spake with. He be at the Healer's cottage now, bein' checked out." He led SG1 into the village and towards the healer's home. Once there, they went inside.

"Master Finn MacDougal, this be SG1. Friends, this be Finn MacDougal. T'was killed by the Prior he was."

Daniel became sad. "Did the Prior use his staff to bring Master Finn back?" he asked Aedan.

Aedan nodded. "Aye. T'was 't demonstrate the power o' the Ori, so the Prior said. He also said somethin' 'bout not being afraid o' them and that those who stray from the path must be guided back."

Daniel nodded. "It's from a book they call the Book of Origin. It's all lies to get people to follow them and gain more power for themselves. But we're here, and we'll help you to fight him when he comes back."

"We have more people coming soon, and with your forces and ours, we should be able to hold the gate," Cam told Aedan. "Teal'c, get out to the gate and wait for Maj. Hadden. Col. Carter, come with me. Let's get a perimeter set up around the gate and the control house." He turned toward Daniel. "Daniel, see if you can find out anything else. We'll meet back at the control house in an hour."

"Could I talk to Master Finn alone?" Daniel asked them as they all left the healer's cottage. Everyone headed their separate ways, leaving Daniel and Finn alone. "Master Finn, you saw the prior, correct?"

"Aye, that I did. Then I saw him raise his stick, and the next thing I remember t'was waking up and standing up beside Minister Aedan."

"The 'stick' he used is called a staff. It's where much of his power is supposed to come from." He turned toward Finn. "Do you remember anything else? Can you remember anything at all while you were supposedly dead?"

Finn thought hard for a moment, then shook his head. "Say me nay, Master Daniel. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I really didn't expect you to anyway. Thanks, though."

Finn nodded at him. "I best be gettin' back 't the Government House." He quickly hurried away towards the building as Daniel walked quickly back inside the healer's cottage.

"Why Daniel! I not be expectin' ya 't come back here."

"Why didn't you leave with the rest of the women and children?" Daniel asked her, worry in his voice.

Siobhan turned toward her long counter and busied herself making tea bags. "I be needed here. Minister Aedan wanted me 't leave, but as I be the only healer in the village, if someone were 't get hurt, they be needin' me."

"But what about the Prior? You saw what he did to Master Finn. He could do the same to you, only it would be permanent. I've seen it happen to thousands of people! You must leave now!"

"I can't. I be needed here," she repeated firmly.

Daniel tried to think of something he could do to convince her to leave when he remembered the Daedalus. "Healer Siobhan, when you were on Earth and raising Caitlin, did they have spaceships that went into outer space?"

She thought back for a moment, then nodded. "Aye. T'was right amazin' 't see, too. Paeople, men goin' in 't space. But I not be tellin' paeople here 'bout such things. Why do ya ask?"

"We have a large spaceship coming to Danu called the Daedalus. We have the latest technologies and equipment on board, including some gained from our other allies. We also have a very advanced sickbay where we can treat any kind of sickness or injury. We could take you there so you'll be safe, and if anyone gets hurt, we'd bring them up to the ship and you could treat them there."

"But all my tools and supplies are here! Besides, this be my home. I can't leave!"

He knew he couldn't talk her into leaving. "Then stay here, and don't do anything. Don't start a fire, don't make too much noise. Maybe if he doesn't know you're here, you'll be spared." He knew that wasn't true, but he didn't want to frighten her any more than she already was. "Caitlin knows we're here. She watched me leave. She wanted you to know that she's loves you and that she's praying for you. And I would send up a prayer to your Father God as well, though I would be as quiet about it as possible."

Siobhan smiled a little. "Thank ya, Daniel, and I will. Tell Caitlin I love her, too."

He squeezed her hand, then left the cottage, headed for the gate. He decided that as he walked he would try to pray a special prayer like Caitlin had suggested. He raised his eyes to the sky, then held out his arms and hands like he'd seen other Danuans do. "Oh Malachi," he whispered quietly to himself. "Your people are in desperate need of your help right now. I know you're limited in what you can and can't do, but as the 'Father God' of these people, I implore you to help them. Please come and help your people fight the Ori. Please!"

As Daniel had told her to do, Siobhan put out her fire in the fireplace and closed her front door tightly. Then she went into her bedroom and sat on the floor beside the bed, her head tilted up towards the sky and her hands outstretched. "Oh Faether God, please watch over us and protect us from the Ori! Save us and watch over me son-in-law and his friends. Protect them as ya protect us. I ask this all in yer holy name."

The day came and went for Caitlin with no word from Daniel or anyone at the base. She tried to eat, but she couldn't. So she decided to continue unpacking the few remaining boxes they had left. She knew she had to do something to keep her mind off of what Daniel was doing. If only I could talk to Lacey, she thought to herself. But she knew that the Stargate program had to be kept a secret. So she continued to unpack and set things where she wanted them until she suddenly got hit with a wave of nausea. Holding her hand to her mouth, she ran for the hallway bathroom and threw up as Tinkerbell and Patches watched.

When she was done, she rinsed out her mouth with water. "Must be coming down with something," she said to the two cats, who rubbed her legs. "Maybe some tea will help settle my stomach." Caitlin unpacked her teapot and filled it with water, setting it to boil on the stove. Then she went to the kitchen cupboards and took out a box with tea bags in it, along with a large mug. Taking it to the island, she noticed a homemade bag sitting on the counter and recognized it as the bag of tea her mother had given her. "What do you think, girls?" she asked her two cats. "Should I use the tea my mom gave to me?"

Tink and Patches both meowed at her, rubbing her legs. She reached down and pet them both as the kettle started to whistle. Fighting another bout of nausea, Caitlin went to the stove and turned it off, then went into one of the drawers and got out a small square of cheesecloth and some string. Untying the bag of tea, she took a small handful out and put it onto the cheesecloth, making a small teabag. She put the bag into the mug and poured the hot water from the kettle over it, letting it steep for a few minutes while she added some honey. When it was ready, she carefully took a sip of the hot liquid, noting that it had a flowery, nutty flavor to it. "Mmm, this is good," she said, taking another drink. She noted that her nausea wasn't quite as bad, so she continued to drink the rest of the tea.

"Huh! I guess Mom was right. This tea does help." She finished the last few swallows, then cleaned up. But all the while the memory of what her mother had said to her played in her mind. Ya be pregnant soon, sweetie! Caitlin knew that her mother had to be wrong, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she began to wonder herself.

The next morning came, and there was no sign of the Prior. The afternoon suns beat down on the men standing guard all around the gate. Daniel and the others had taken turns standing watch all night and morning, and had gone without eating anything so they would be alert.

"Did the Prior say when he would return?" Cam asked Minister Aedan.

"Aye. He said in one day. That be t'day."

Cam clicked his radio button. "Okay folks. The Prior could be coming through the gate at any time, so stay alert!"

Daniel turned to Minister Aedan. "Minister Aedan, you and your men should say a short prayer about this. Maybe if the Father God hears your prayers, He might stop the Prior."

"Aye. 'Tis a good idea, Master Daniel. But we best be doin' it quickly and quietly, just in case the Prior comes back while we be prayin'."

Daniel nodded at him, and Aedan left to pass the word to the other soldiers. In a little while, all the Danuans were looking toward the sky, their hands outstretched, and praying.

"What'd you tell them to do that for, Jackson?" Cam asked him, irritated. "What if the Prior comes through the gate right now?"

"I told him to make it a short prayer," Daniel explained to him. Then he leaned in and whispered, "The more Malachi hears the 'prayers' from these people, the greater the chance that he might intervene and stop the Prior. At any rate it isn't hurting anything. Besides, they're all done anyway."

Can turned and saw that they were indeed done and had their weapons pointed at the gate again.

As they stood there waiting, the gate suddenly whooshed open without dialing. "Heads up!" Cam shouted at them all as they waited. He clicked his radio. "Mitchell to the Daedalus! You copy?"

Maj. Hadden's voice came through the radio. "Maj. Hadden here, Colonel."

"We're about to be visited by the Prior. When I click the radio, I want you to beam down right behind him."

"Understood. Hadden out."

As they stood waiting, a ghostly-looking Prior came walking out of the gate, seeing all the people and weapons drawn on him.

The gate shut down, and Cam clicked his radio. Seconds later Maj. Hadden and his team beamed down right in front of the stargate, weapons drawn and blocking the gate from the Prior.

The Prior turned to look at them, then turned back toward Minister Aedan. "I have returned for your answer. Have you and your people agreed to follow the Ori?"

Aedan stepped forward, his gun pointed at the Prior. "We told ya before. We don't want yer religion. We have the Faether God 't protect us."

"You have chosen to ignore my warning?"

"We don't need ya. Faether God will protect us all."

"What is a god, but a being that is worshiped by those beneath? Is great knowledge, power and understanding not enough for you to revere the Ori?

Cam looked at the Prior, and angry look on his face. "He told you they didn't want your religion."

"It is the will of the Ori that we should spread Origin to all those blessed by their creation."

"The Ori are false gods," Daniel spoke up, anger in his voice. "They only drain power from their followers for themselves."

The Prior turned to Daniel, then to look at all the others around him, finally resting back on Minister Aedan, a scowl on his face. "The power and the greatness of the Ori cannot be denied. Those who reject the path to enlightenment must be destroyed."

"Nope, don't think so," Cam replied. He turned to the others around him. "Fire!"

Everyone aimed their guns or rifles at the Prior and opened fire, but the bullets just bounced off of him, making him angry.

"You dare reject the will of the Ori! You will be destroyed!"

Daniel looked up and whispered, "Oh Malachi, if you're going to do anything, please do it now!"

The Prior lifted his staff, hitting it hard on the ground, pointing it at Aedan and the others. A wave of energy blasted out of the glowing end of the staff and headed out in their direction, but it passed right through them as if they weren't even there.

Sam was shocked. "That energy blast should have blown us all to the ground!" she shouted out to Cam.

"What happened to stop it?!" he shouted back.

"It has to be their Father God," Daniel answered.

The Prior lifted his staff to try again when suddenly, high above them, thick, gray clouds appeared and covered the sky and blocked out the sunlight. The Prior stopped and looked up as everyone else looked up, and in the middle of the dark clouds came a brilliant, glowing ball of light. The ball came down and hovered over the crowd of people.

"Glóir bí go Gia !" Aedan cried out. "Faether God himself!" All the Danuan men dropped their weapons and fell to the ground in fear and awe.

Daniel and the others stood there, their weapons drawn against the Prior. They all knew what he was capable of, but they watched the brilliant display as well.

The light came closer to the Prior, and stopped. "I HAVE HEARD YOUR CRIES," a loud, booming voice said as the light hovered over them all. "I HAVE COME TO HELP YOU."

"The power of the Ori cannot be denied. Those who do not follow the path of Origin must be destroyed!" the Prior shouted out, pointing his staff at the crowd and trying to blast them with another energy wave. But again it passed through the people as if they weren't there.

"DO NOT BE AFRAID. HE CANNOT HARM YOU," the voice told them all.

The Prior tried another attack, stomping his staff weapon on the ground and letting the energy blast radiate out from his staff through the people, trees, and nearby buildings and the gate. Again nothing happened.

Finally the Prior became fed up and used all his anger and powers, gathering energy through his staff and sending it out with all his might towards the group.

Daniel watched in fascination as the light quickly came down and enveloped him and everyone around him. Maj. Hadden and his team quickly moved from the gate into the protection of the light as the energy blast from the Prior's staff came, bouncing off the light and into the sky.

The Prior saw the blast glance off the light, and he knew he couldn't turn these people. He turned toward the group as the light faded from around them, a stern look on his face. "The power and the greatness of the Ori cannot be denied. Those who reject the path to enlightenment will be destroyed. We will spread the word of Origin throughout the galaxy. We will not be stopped!" The gate whooshed open, and the Prior turned and walked through, the gate closing behind them.

The light returned to hover above them, and the booming voice returned. "YOU ARE SAFE NOW." Then the light rose and vanished, the clouds dissipating and the sunshine returning.

All the Danuans got up and looked around, then started to cheer loudly. "Saints be praised," Minister Aedan said to Cam joyously. "T'would never have beliaeved it meself it I hadn't seen it with me own eyes."

"Oh my God!" Sam exclaimed. "I guess their 'Father God' came through for them after all."

"Yeah, but won't he get in trouble?" Cam asked Daniel.

Daniel thought for a moment. "I wish I knew. It's possible that they may see what he did as part of being their 'god'. I guess we'll never know."

Minister Aedan was thanking all the soldiers for being there, then stopped in front of Eirnin. "Eirnin, me friend. Go 't the caves and tell the women and children it be safe 't come home now."

Eirnin nodded and left, and Aedan quieted everyone down. "T'day be a day that our children's children be rememberin' fer a long time," he shouted out. "T'day be the day our Faether God saved us from the Ori!"

Everyone cheered again until he quieted them down once more. "T'day be a day that proved beyond a doubt that we c'n work t'gether as one body. Tell yer children and yer grandchildren 'bout this day so they will never forget!"

More cheers erupted from the crowd of soldiers as he dismissed them all. Then he turned back toward Maj. Hadden. "Thank ya Major, fer all your help t'day and fer trainin' our paeople so well."

Maj. Hadden smiled and nodded at Aedan. "It was my pleasure, Prime Minister." He turned toward Cam. "If you don't need us anymore sir, then we'll take our leave and head back to Earth."

"Sure thing, Major," Cam replied. "We'll meet you back there."

Maj. Hadden rounded up his troops and saluted Cam, then disappeared in a beam of light back to the Daedalus.

"Thank ya again, Master Daniel," Aedan told Daniel, shaking everyone's hand as the soldiers dispersed. "Thank ya all."

"Don't mention it," Cam told him. "That's what we're here for."

Daniel frowned at Aedan. "Minister Aedan, the Prior may be gone, but he may come back again, this time with a ship. The Ori and their followers have huge spaceships that can destroy a village or even a planet from space. We've seen it before." He turned toward Cam. "I think that we should leave the Daedalus in orbit for a few days, just to make sure."

Cam nodded, then keyed his radio. "Mitchell to Daedalus."

"Daedalus here. Is there anything else, Colonel?"

"Yeah. Dr. Jackson thinks you should keep the ship in orbit for a few days. He thinks there might be a possibility they might bring a ship to Danu."

"Understood. We'll stay and keep an eye on things. Daedalus out."

Daniel nodded at Cam, then turned back toward Aedan. "If there's any more problems, don't hesitate to contact us."

"Aye, that we c'n do, Master Daniel. That we c'n do."

"Then we'll head back to Earth," Cam told him.

Aedan nodded, then turned toward Colin. "Would ya dial up Auld Aerth please?"

Colin nodded and ran to the control house and started the dialing process. In a few moments the gate whooshed open.

"Again, thank ya fer comin' to our aid," Minister Aedan told the team.

"You're welcome, Minister Aedan O'Malley," Teal'c told him, bowing. "Tek'ma'te."

"Turas maith, slán abhaile," Aedan told them, his hands outstretched, palms up. "Danu Go Bragh."

The team all smiled at him, then turned and walked through the gate.

A few moments later they came down the ramp, Gen. Landry waiting to greet them. "Report."

"The Prior came just as he said he would," Cam told him as they stood at the end of the ramp. "He started talking proverbs from the book of Origin, but Minister Aedan told him they weren't interested. But we stopped him. The Daedalus is staying in orbit in case an Ori ship decides to come back."

"Understood. Briefing will be in fifteen minutes." He turned and walked out of the gateroom.

"I'd better go call Caitlin," Daniel told them all. "I'll be there as soon as I get done."

Sam nodded at him, smiling. "Okay. We'll be in the conference room."

Daniel walked out of the gateroom and headed up into the control room, picking up the phone.

"Jackson residence," Caitlin answered.

"Hi sweetheart, it's me."

"Oh Daniel! I've been so worried! How did things go? Is my mom okay?"

"It's okay," he told her. "Everything's all right. Your mom is okay, and everyone is safe. I'll tell you all about it when you come pick me up."

"Okay sweetheart. I'll be there soon. I love you."

"I love you, too. Bye!" Daniel hung up the phone, then went and joined the others in the conference room.

Memorial Day came and went with everyone going to Jason and Lacey's for an outdoor barbeque. Then June started, and Daniel found a lawn-and-garden center that came and made a nice plot for Caitlin's garden in the back of the house. She planted all kinds of vegetables and herbs, and planted some flowers all around the front and sides of the house. In front of the porch they had planted two of Caitlin's favorite rose bushes, as well as some orchids.

"These will be so beautiful," Caitlin sighed looking at the freshly planted flowers. "I'd like some tulips, but those'll have to wait until this Fall. That's when you plant them."

Daniel nodded. "Is that everything?"

"For now. I've got to go water the garden for a bit, and..." Caitlin stopped, holding her hand over her mouth and running for the house and the bathroom.

He followed right behind her. "Sweetheart! Are you okay?" he asked her, rubbing her back as she threw up.

She finished, rinsing her mouth and wiping it on the towel. "Guess I ate something last night that didn't agree with me." She saw his worried look. "I'll be okay, sweetheart. I just want to lie down for a while."

He led her to the family room and helped her to lie down on the couch. "Is there anything I can get you?"

"I'd love some tea to try and settle my stomach."

He nodded, and soon brought her a hot mug of her mother's tea. "This is the third time this week you've gotten sick, sweetheart," he told her, sitting on his knees in front of the couch. "Maybe it's more than just eating something bad."

"But what? It's not the flu, as I never have a temperature. So it's got to be something I eat. Something I'm allergic to; something new. But I can't think what it is."

He thought for a moment. "I can't think, either. We haven't been eating anything unusual lately."

She took a few sips of the warm tea, letting it settle her stomach. She saw his concern, and smiled. "I'm feeling better, honey. Honest! I just want to rest a little bit." She finished her tea, then handed the cup to him.

He set it down, pulling the blanket from the back of the couch and covering her legs. "You rest, and I'll water the garden and the two bushes."

Caitlin yawned a little, nodding. She drifted off to sleep as Daniel took the mug back into the kitchen and went out to finish up.

A few hours later, she woke, stretching. "Mmm," she sighed as she slowly sat up.

Daniel heard her and came into the room, sitting down next to her. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" he asked her.

"Better. What would you like for supper?"

"How about some of your delicious Italian Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo?" he suggested, wrapping his arms around Caitlin. "That's one of my favorites. But only if you're up for it. Otherwise I can scrounge for something myself."

She turned to look at him. "Sweetheart, I'm feeling better. Really! Besides if I get sick it's usually early in the day. By suppertime I'm fine."

He looked at her skeptically. "Are you sure?"

"Really!" she exclaimed, standing up and walking into the kitchen to start supper.

Daniel folded the blanked and put it back on the back of the couch, then followed her into the kitchen. "Okay. Can I help you?"

She nodded, handing him the knife. "While I'm getting the pasta started, why don't you cut up the chicken into cubes and get it started cooking?"

As they busied themselves getting supper ready, he asked her about her upcoming birthday. "You'll be thirty-seven next week. Is there anything special you'd like to do?"

Caitlin thought for a moment. "I'd like to just be with you, that's all. It doesn't matter what we do as long as we're together." She finished putting the pasta in the water and turned toward him. "Something nice where we can be together."

He thought for a few moments as he finished cutting up the chicken and putting it into the frying pan. "How about a romantic dinner at the Craftwood Inn?"

She came over to him, putting the seasoning on the cooking chicken, then putting her arms around his waist. "That sounds fine with me."

Soon the food was ready, and they sat down to eat. "Do you have any more leads on where to find the Sangraal?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "But we're going tomorrow to check out one place."

She took a bite of food. "How long do you think you'll be gone?"

"It could be a day, maybe three. I just don't have any idea."

Caitlin frowned. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. Will you be okay?"

She nodded, finishing her milk. "I'll be fine. Jason checks in on me from time to time anyway when you're gone."

"Okay," Daniel said to her as he finished his food. "But if you start getting sick, I want you to see the doctor."

She looked at him. "Sweetheart, I'm fine. Honest! I'll just start watching what I eat from now on."

He wasn't convinced, but he decided not to press the issue any further. "Well, what would you like to do after we finish the dishes?" he asked her, picking up his plate and putting it in the dishwasher.

"We could watch a good movie," she suggested, helping him clear the table. "How about The Color Purple? That's a good movie." She told him a little bit about it.

"That sounds good. Let's get these dishes done, then we can sit and watch the movie."

They quickly finished washing the dishes, putting them away, then sat down and watched the movie. When it was finished, Daniel stood, stretching. "That really was a good movie," he commented to her as she stood. "I liked the part where she finally got out from under his control."

"I thought it was good when her sister finally got to come back home," Caitlin added as she shut all the lights off in the kitchen and family room.

"True," he added, looking at his watch. "It's getting late, and I have an early morning tomorrow. We'd better get ready for bed."

As they got ready, Daniel turned to her. "Will you be okay at work tomorrow?"

She nodded. "I'll be fine. I've been drinking some herbal tea and eating some crackers at work when I get sick." She saw his concerned expression. "I know. Lacey's been concerned, too. But it's just something I'm eating, that's all."

"What does Lacey say about it?" he asked as he finished getting ready for bed.

"She suggested a few things to help me, and they've been helping. Actually, I haven't been getting as sick at work. I think Mom's tea is really helping me."

Daniel climbed into bed, turning out the light. He watched Caitlin as she finished brushing her teeth, then took down her hair. He felt so much love for her, and concern about her being sick. But he knew that she would tell him if it was really bad. He looked at her and smiled as she came toward the bed. "C'mere," he told her, holding the covers up for her as she climbed in.

Caitlin snuggled up to Daniel, putting her head on his chest and pulling the covers up around them. "Mmm, you smell so good, muirnín," she told him, looking up at his face.

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her, his voice full of love.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she replied as they both drifted off to sleep.

The next couple of weeks passed, and soon Caitlin's birthday came. Daniel had planned something special for her with a little help from Sgt. Wilson. He just hoped that everything went smoothly.

"So is everything ready for tonight?" Sam asked him.

He nodded. "The reservations have been made, I got the bottle of sparkling cider, and I got her present and got it wrapped. It's at the restaurant." He told Sam what he'd gotten her.

Sam smiled at him. "She'll love it, Daniel. Has she been getting sick any more in the mornings?"

"No. That stopped last week. I guess the tea from her mother did the trick."

"That's good." She looked over his shoulder at what he was working on. "We didn't find anything at Camelot, so that means we'll have to try the next location."

"I know. Unfortunately I haven't figured that part out yet." He stopped, reaching for a small pile of envelopes on his desk. Looking through them, he handed one to her.

"What's this?" She asked him, opening the envelope.

"It's our thank-you notes. Caitlin and I finished them last night. We thought that for those here at the base we'd just hand them out instead of mailing them."

She read it. "It's beautiful, thank you."

"Caitlin made them on her computer." he told her

"Then it's even more special to me. Thank you Daniel, and thank her, too."

As Daniel continued working, Caitlin was at the store putting items on the shelves.

"You don't have any idea what Daniel has planned for tonight?" Karyn asked Caitlin.

She shook her head. "All I said was that I wanted to be with him. I don't mind what we do as long as we're together. I left the planning up to him. He might take me out for dinner, but I don't know more than that."

"Paul took me to the Pepper Tree Restaurant for mine. It was really special."

Lacey walked up with another box, setting it down. "How have you been feeling?"

"Much better. I'm not sick any more. I'm watching what I eat, and I've been drinking this new tea I found in Ireland. I guess that did the trick."

"You're sure?" Lacey asked her, unconvinced.

"Did you see me throw up this morning?" Caitlin said to her.

"No," Lacey admitted. "Well, I guess that's good. Here's the box of conditioners we ordered."

So Caitlin finished out the day and went home to get ready. Daniel had told her to wear something nice, so as she showered, she thought about what she would wear. She was so lost in thought, she didn't even hear Daniel come into the room.

"Honey, I'm home!" he called out over the sound of the shower.

"Hi love," she said, sticking her head out the shower door. "I'll be done in a minute. So where are we going?"

"To the Craftwood Inn. The reservations are for six-thirty, so we have a little time." He went into the walk-in closet and picked out what he was planning to wear, laying it on their bed. He heard the shower shut off and the door open, so he walked inside the bathroom, handing her two towels.

She took the first one and wrapped up her wet hair, then wrapped herself in the other big, fluffy towel. "Thank you. The shower is yours."

He stopped her, taking her into his arms and tenderly kissing her. "Have I told you just how much I love you?"

"Not since this morning."

"Well, I do."

She caressed his cheek with her hand. "I know. I love you, too." She could see the love he had for her in his beautiful blue eyes, and knew without a doubt that it was true.

He let her go, taking off his clothes and jumping into the shower as she got ready for the special evening. She decided to put her hair up, so she took it out of the towel and brushed it good. Then she braided it down her back and pinned the simple braid all around her head, curling a few tendrils framing her face. Then she went into the closet and chose out her outfit. She picked out a pretty floral sundress that had a matching shawl to it, and decided to wear the necklace that Daniel had given to her as a Christmas present. She finished getting ready as he finished drying off from his shower.

He looked at her as she put on her makeup. "Oh muirnín," he sighed. "You look so beautiful!"

She turned to him, blushing a little. "You look pretty sexy yourself, standing there in just a towel. Unless you want to be late, you'd better hurry."

He walked over to her, taking her into his arms. "We could be a little late," he told her, desire in his voice and his eyes.

Caitlin smiled at him, batting him playfully. "Hey! I'm hungry, and not just for you. So go get dressed."

"Spoiled sport," he chuckled at her as he left the bathroom.

The two of them finished getting ready, Caitlin feeding the two cats before they left. "Be good while we're out."

Tink and Patches meowed, then went back to eating as she put on her shawl, grabbing her purse. "I'm ready."

Daniel took her arm and led her out into the garage, and soon they were on their way to the restaurant.

"What else do you have planned for tonight?" she asked him.

"You'll see," was all he would tell her as they drove down the street. They reached the restaurant, and he parked the Jeep, helping her out. "Are you ready?"

She nodded, and together they walked in.

"Good evening, and welcome to the Craftwood Inn," the host said to them. "Do you have a reservation?"

"Dr. and Mrs. Jackson," Daniel told him, then he leaned in and whispered something to him.

The host checked his book, nodding. "Ah yes, Dr. Jackson. Right this way." He led them to their table, setting down two menus. "Your server will be with you in a moment."

Daniel pulled out her chair, then sat down, smiling. "Looks like they're not too busy tonight."

Caitlin looked around, nodding. "I guess not." She noticed the red rose laying across her plate and picked it up, smelling the beautiful flower. Setting it down beside her plate, she picked up her menu, looking at it as the server came over, carrying a bottle.

"Good evening. My name is Michael, and I'll be your server. I believe you requested this?" He held out the bottle for them to see.

"Oh, sparkling apple cider!" Caitlin exclaimed. "Thank you, Daniel!"

Daniel nodded at the server. "Yes, I did. Thank you."

Michael opened the bottle and poured a generous amount into their glasses, then put the bottle in the ice bucket next to the table. "I'll leave you to finish looking at your menus."

He left, and she glanced back at her menu.

"Maybe you should pick something light," Daniel suggested to her. "That way it won't upset your stomach."

She shook her head. "No, I think I'll have the pasta. I haven't been getting sick, and just yesterday I ate a turkey club sandwich and some fries for lunch at work. I didn't get sick after that, so I figure I'm okay. Whatever it was is past."

"If you're sure, then okay. I think I'll have the steak."

Their server came over and took their orders, then left, leaving them to talk.

"Well, I think we got everything in the house where we want it," he told her as he took a sip of his cider. "I really do like those lamps in the den. And you were right about the chair in there."

Caitlin sighed, taking a sip of her cider. "I know. I love reading in there, especially when you're in their working. But I think my favorite place is the deck right now. I love the view from there of the beautiful mountains."

"I know what you mean," Daniel said, nodding. "But my favorite place in the house is wherever you are." He took her hand, taking his wine glass in the other and raising it to her. "Happy birthday, muirnín."

"Thank you," she replied, clinking her glass with his, then taking a sip. "Soon we'll be celebrating your birthday. Is there anything special you'd like to do?"

He thought about it for a moment. "Just being with you is all I want."

The server brought their meals, and they laughed and talked as they ate. When they were finished, he asked her if she wanted any dessert.

"Not that I can get here," she told him seductively.

Daniel blushed slightly, wrapping his fingers around her hand. "I got you something," he told her, nodding at the host who brought over a small box and some scissors and handed them to him. He left, and Daniel handed the box to her.

She took it from him, tearing of the wrapping paper and opening the box. Nestled inside on some cotton was a beautiful polished wooden bead bracelet on a leather string. "Oh Daniel," Caitlin breathed, picking up the string of beads. "It's just like the one I had made for you."

"I know. I had Sgt. Wilson make them for you." He took the beads from her and tied them to her left wrist, cutting off the ends. "This way when I'm on a mission, you and I can see the beads and think of each other."

She smiled, fingering the beads lovingly. "It's beautiful. Thank you so much!"

"I'm glad you like them. There's more, but not until we get home." He looked at her, desire in his eyes.

"Then why don't we head home and find out?" she seductively suggested. Daniel waved his finger at the host, who came over to their table.

"Was everything to your satisfaction?" he asked them.

"Yes. Everything was fantastic, and thank you for helping me with her present."

"It was my pleasure," the host told them, picking up the scissors. "Is there anything else we can do for you?"

"We'd like our check please," Daniel told him.

"Of course. I'll send your server over momentarily." He left, and the server came with their check.

Daniel handed him his credit card, his hand caressing Caitlin's as he finished his cider.

"There you are sir," the server told Daniel, handing back his card. "And thank you for dining with us tonight."

"Thank you," Caitlin told him as they both stood to leave. She wrapped her shawl around her arms, grabbed her rose and purse, and took Daniel's arm, walking out of the restaurant into the warm summer night. Soon they were in their vehicle and headed home.

"So how was work today?" he asked her as he drove.

"It was good. We weren't that busy. Lacey, Melinda, and Karyn surprised me with a small birthday cake at noon. Lacey told me that she'd let me pick out any two products I wanted for my birthday. So I picked out some new shampoo and conditioner. They asked if you had anything planned for tonight, and I told them about you taking me out for dinner."

"That was nice," he told her as they pulled into their driveway and into the garage. They got out, and went into the house, the two cats meowing at them as they came in. Daniel turned to her. "I have more to give you," he told her. "But you have to trust me."

She went to him, caressing his cheek. "I already do."

"Go upstairs and put on your robe. Nothing else but your robe. Then come back down."

Caitlin nodded, and soon returned dressed only in her robe. "Stay at the bottom of the stairs until I call. Okay?"

She nodded, and waited while he went upstairs.

Once he was upstairs, he went into one of the guest bedrooms and pulled out a small bag of candles. Walking into their bathroom, he placed them all around the tub, lighting them. He turned on the water, getting the right temperature, then poured in some of the rose-scented bubble bath she had. Finally, he undressed and put on his robe, shutting off the water and turning off the lights. He went to the top of the stairs and called to her.

She walked upstairs and into the bedroom, smelling the intoxicating scent of roses and vanilla and looked toward the bathroom.

There was Daniel standing in his robe, the tub filled with bubbles and candles lit all around it. The candles threw out a warm glow, and he smiled at her, holding out his hand.

"Hey handsome," she said to him as she came into his warm embrace.

"Hey beautiful," he replied back, smiling at her. "How do you like my surprise?"

She looked around the room at the candlelight, the smell of roses and vanilla wafting around her, then back at Daniel, and her heart took a picture. "I love it. Did you have this already planned?"

He nodded. "I bought the candles yesterday and hid them in the other bedroom just for tonight." He took off his robe, gesturing for her to do the same, then getting in the tub and taking her with him, slowly and passionately making love to her.

The next few weeks flew by, and soon it was the day before Daniel's birthday. Caitlin was at work helping a customer with an order, and she was trying to think of ways to help Daniel celebrate his birthday. "There you are, Mr. Roberts. That should help you with your sinuses. Just remember if it doesn't get better by Thursday to see your doctor."

Mr. Roberts nodded, smiling. "Okay. Thanks, Mrs. Jackson. I'll do that."

"Just take those up to the registers and Karyn will help you." Caitlin told him, fighting a wave of strong nausea. Once he left, she ran to the restroom and threw up.

Lacey was waiting for her when she came out. "Did you get sick again?" she asked, concerned.

Caitlin nodded. "I've been watching what I eat, but I've started getting sick again. This time it's worse, as it comes at any time of the day. I've even been drinking that special tea I brought back from Ireland, but it isn't helping."

"Have you talked to Daniel about it?"

Caitlin nodded again. "He told me to see the doctor, but I told him I wanted to try watching my diet first like last time. I thought that would work, but it hasn't."

"You should tell Daniel tonight when you get home."

"What's wrong?" Karyn asked them, walking up to them.

"Caitlin got sick again."

"I plan to tell Daniel tonight. In the meantime, his birthday is tomorrow, and I was thinking of surprising him. Can you come and help us celebrate?"

"Are you sure you're up for a party?" Lacey questioned her.

"I can handle it. I just want to make his day really special. He told me on my birthday that he just wanted to spend the day with me. But I thought I could get everyone out to our house and we could try out our new grill and grill out and surprise him." She saw the look on her friends' faces. "Really, I want to do this! I think he'll be so surprised. I've talked to Sam and the others and they're coming. His friend Jack is even coming from Washington DC, and it'll be great. Can you come?"

"I'll have to talk to Paul, but I'm sure we can come," Karyn told her.

"We'll be there," Lacey added. "But ONLY if you let us help you get ready for it. So what time were you thinking?"

Caitlin smiled at them. "I thought around six or so, and I was thinking we'd grill some hamburgers. Karyn, you and Paul can bring the buns and chips, and Lacey would you bring some of your fantastic potato salad?"

Both the women nodded, but Caitlin stopped and ran back into the bathroom, getting sick again. When she came out, she saw Lacey's face. "I promise that I'll tell Daniel as soon as he gets home."

"In the meantime," Lacey said, "go on home and rest. You're not doing anyone any good here if you keep getting sick. Karyn and I can handle the last few hours."

Caitlin nodded, sighing. "I think I will." She went into the office and grabbed her purse. "I'll see you all tomorrow," she told them before she left the store. She got into her car and headed home, picking up her cell phone and calling Sam.

"Hi, Caitlin! How are you today?"

"I'm okay. I talked to Lacey and Karyn, and they're all coming at six. Did you talk to Jack?"

"Yep, and he'll be here. I even got him to help out with the surprise. He's going to keep Daniel busy here while we all help you get the house ready."

"Great! We'll see you tomorrow night then."

"Okay. Tomorrow night. Bye!"

Caitlin pulled into their driveway and garage, and went inside the house, setting her purse on the kitchen island. Putting some water into the teakettle and setting to boil, she took the last of the tea her mother had given her and made a tea bag. She poured the boiling water over the bag, letting it steep as she added some honey. When it was ready, she drank some of it, hoping it would settle her upset stomach. After a few sips, she felt another wave of nausea and ran to the bathroom. When she was finished, she went into the family room and laid down on the couch, lightly covering up her legs.

Her two cats came up to her, meowing their concern, and she pet them. "I'll be okay. I just need to rest a little." She covered up her arms and drifted off to sleep, her two cats laying down on the floor beside the couch.

A few hours later, Daniel came home and noticed her car already in the driveway. He didn't think too much about it as many times she got home before he did. He walked into the mud room and the cats came up to him, meowing and rubbing his legs. "Sweetheart!" he called out as he walked into the kitchen. He looked around and found her asleep on the couch. He went to her, gently shaking her.

"Ungh," she moaned, stretching. "I must have fallen asleep."

"How long have you been home?" he asked her.

"Since about three." She stretched again.

Daniel immediately became concerned. "Why? What happened?"

Caitlin sat up. "I got sick at work."

He sat down beside her on the couch. "Oh no! How bad?"

"I threw up twice. Then I came home and made the last of my Mom's tea, but I got sick again. "

"I thought you were going to watch your diet and that your mom's tea would help."

She turned to him. "I am, and it was! All I had for lunch was some chicken noodle soup and some milk. I didn't even have a Diet Coke, either. And Mom's tea worked before. I don't know why it won't work now."

He frowned at her. "Okay. Tonight I want you to just eat bland foods. Then tomorrow I want you to go see Dr. Lam first thing. Promise?"

Caitlin nodded. "I promise. But you know what? I don't feel so queasy anymore." She stood, folding the blanket up. "What would you like for supper? I think there's some leftover lasagna from last night." She opened up the fridge, pulling out the pan of food.

Daniel took it from her. "I'll get that. You just sit down. Tonight I'll do the cooking."

After supper, Daniel insisting on doing the dishes, he suggested she turn in early.

"No, I think I'll go read a book. I'm halfway through that one Little House book I'm reading. They're my favorite, you know. My máthair read a chapter to me every night before bed when I was really little."

"Okay. I have some work to do in there anyway, so that way I can keep an eye on you. Would you like a Diet Coke or something?"

She shook her head, going to the cupboard. "I think I'll just have a large glass of water." She went to the fridge and got some ice and water.

"Okay. I'll be there in a minute."

As the evening wore on, Caitlin finished her book, and Daniel finished a paper he'd been writing. Looking at the clock on his desk, he noted that it was after ten-thirty. "Sweetheart, it's getting late. Let's head off to bed."

She stood and stretched. "Mmm, it feels good to stretch!"

He cleaned up his desk, and turned off the lamp. "How're you feeling?"

"Better. I'm not so queasy any more. But I am tired. I'll check the cats then meet you upstairs."

He nodded, heading up while she locked the front door and walked back into the kitchen. "How are my girls tonight?" she asked Tink and Patches as they mreowed around her legs. She checked their water and food bowls, finding them nearly full, so she reached down and pet them. "Night Tinkerbell. Night Patches." She stood and went upstairs to get ready for bed. She found Daniel standing there, dressed in shorts, finishing getting ready.

"They okay?" Daniel asked her as she started taking out her contacts.

Caitlin felt the two cats rubbing her legs, and she giggled. "Ask them yourself. They're in here."

He finished up, then bent down and pet them. "Good night, girls." He turned toward her. "Still okay?"

She nodded, washing her face. "Yep. I feel fine now. Hungry even. But I'll wait until tomorrow and see what the doctor says before I really eat."

Daniel walked into the bedroom and turned down the bed, waiting for her. "Okay. In the meantime, rest is the best thing for you."

She finished up, wiping her hands dry, then coming into the bedroom. "I know," she told him, getting undressed and putting on her nightshirt. She climbed into bed and snuggled next to him, pulling the bedding up around her waist. "And I promise to go see the doctor first thing. If I didn't and Lacey found out, she'd never let me hear the end of it."

"I'll never let you hear the end of it," he gently admonished her, tilting her face up to look at him. "I'm worried about you. I love you."

"I know. I love you, too." She reached up and tenderly kissed him. "Good night sweetheart."

"Night," he told her before sleep overtook them both.

Even though the health food store wasn't open on Sundays, Caitlin still had a lot to do to get ready for the surprise birthday party that night for Daniel. But the first thing was to see the doctor.

"Would you like me to come with you?" Daniel asked her as they headed in to the base together.

"I think I'll be fine, Daniel. I'm sure it's just the flu or something like that. Really! I'll see the doctor, then come find you."

"Okay. I'll be in my office when you're done. Jack's coming, and I'm sure he'll want me working all day to find some kind of clues to finding the Sangraal."

She nodded as they turned into the base parking lot. Getting out, she took his hand and they entered the base.

Dr. Lam was in her office when Caitlin walked in. "Good morning, Caitlin," she said as she got up from her desk. "What brings you in today?"

"I've been getting sick lately, and Daniel suggested I come in and see you about it."

Dr. Lam frowned. "I see," she gestured toward one of the beds. "What are your symptoms?"

Caitlin sat down. "Well, I've been throwing up, but I don't have a fever or any of the other symptoms that come with the flu. At first it just came in the morning, but now it happens at any time."

Dr. Lam nodded, pulling out her stethoscope and listening to Caitlin's lungs. "Anything else?"

Caitlin knew she should tell her about what her mother had given her, but should she tell her what she said? "When we came home from our honeymoon on Danu, my mother gave me a special tea she'd made. She said it was supposed to help with me getting sick. It worked at first, but it isn't working anymore." She blushed lowering her voice a little. "Mom gave me the tea because she thought I would be pregnant soon. But I told her I didn't think so because it wasn't my fertile time. I just think it's something I've been eating or some kind of bug."

Dr. Lam walked over to her cabinets and pulled out a few items, setting them on a small wheeled tray. "Okay. Let's start with taking your temperature and getting your blood pressure." She saw Caitlin's worried look. "Don't worry. We'll find out what's wrong."

"Thank you," Caitlin smiled at her.

"So Daniel didn't want to be with you for this?"

"No, I told him I'd be just fine. Besides, he needs to work on finding the Sangraal. Gen. O'Neill is here today, and he's going to help Daniel if he can. Besides," she whispered. "It's Daniel's birthday. I'm having a surprise party at the house for him tonight. All our friends will be there. Jack's going to keep him busy, then bring him to the house for the party."

The doctor nodded. "I won't say anything. But for now let's get a blood sample." She turned to her nurse who was holding Caitlin's chart. "Let's get a CBC and a chem panel, and check her hormone levels just to be sure." She drew some blood, then handed it to the nurse. "I also need a urine sample from you, just to be sure." She handed Caitlin a small cup with a lid, and showed her where the bathroom was.

In a few minutes, Caitlin returned with the cup. "How soon will we know?" she asked as she handed the container to Dr. Lam, who handed it to the nurse.

"It won't take too long. So what are you going to do for Daniel?"

"Well, we're going to grill out. My best friend Lacey and her husband are coming, and she's bringing her amazing potato salad. Sam, Cam and Teal'c are coming, as well as Jack, and my co-worker Karyn and her fiancé are bringing the buns and the chips. But I promised Daniel I wouldn't eat anything heavy until I saw you."

"That was wise. What have you been eating lately?"

"I had some chicken noodle soup and some milk yesterday for lunch, and the last of my Mom's tea when I got home. Other than that, I haven't had anything to eat since then. I haven't even been drinking my Diet Coke."

Dr. Lam frowned. "Well soup and milk shouldn't upset your stomach much. Have you ever been lactose intolerant?"

Caitlin shook her head. "Not that I know of."

"When was your last menstrual cycle?"

"Last month."

The nurse walked in with the results, handing them to Dr. Lam who opened up the folder and started reading. "Everything checks out, Caitlin. Your temp and blood pressure are all normal, and your blood work is all normal, so it's not a bug."

"So what is it then?" Caitlin asked her, worried.

Dr. Lam smiled. "It turns out your mother was right to give you the tea. Congratulations, you're pregnant!"

Caitlin couldn't believe what she's said. "I... I'm what? But I can't possibly be pregnant!

"You're definitely pregnant," Dr. Lam told her, smiling. "I suspect your about three weeks along now. So I would put your due date somewhere around the middle of March next year."

Caitlin thought back. It had to have been during the first week in June. She was shocked. "I can't believe it. I'm pregnant! But if I'm only three weeks along, how could you tell so soon?"

"We have some new procedures here, thanks to our allies, and it can detect changes in a person's body sooner than traditional pregnancy tests."

"But a baby. A baby!" Caitlin exclaimed, tears in her eyes. "I can't believe it! I wonder what Daniel will say?"

"You two had talked about having children, didn't you?" Dr. Lam asked her.

"Of course. We both want children, but I never thought it would be this soon."

"So when will you tell Daniel?"

Caitlin thought about that, and an idea came to her. "Tonight at the party with all our friends there. You're also invited, Dr. Lam." She wrote down their address. "It's at six but come a little before that so we can all surprise him."

Dr. Lam nodded, smiling. "Of course. Thank you for inviting me."

"So is everything okay, I mean with the baby?"

The doctor nodded. "Everything seems to be going well. I'll want to see you as soon as possible to get you started on a prenatal regimen. In the meantime, I'll give you a shot to stop the nausea." She went to get the supplies, then came back. "You can roll up your sleeve."

Caitlin rolled her sleeve up, wincing when the doctor gave her the shot. "Will I be able to eat tonight?"

"I don't see why not. Just eat small portions tonight, and you should be fine."

Caitlin got down from the bed. "Thank you, Dr. Lam, and we'll see you tonight."

"Tonight then."

Caitlin walked out of the infirmary, her mind reeling. A baby! They were going to have a baby! She wound her way down the corridors, lost in thought until she bumped into Sam coming from the mess hall. "Oof!" she said, looking up. "I'm so sorry, Sam!"

"That's okay. What are you doing here today? I thought you'd be home getting ready for tonight."

"I had to see Dr. Lam about my getting sick all the time."

"What did she say?" Sam asked her, concerned.

Caitlin wanted to wait until tonight to tell everyone the wonderful news. "Oh, she said that I had a bug, but I'm almost over it." She blushed, and Sam noticed it.

"Are you okay? I get the feeling there's more going on here. If something's wrong, you can tell me."

"Nothing's wrong. Really! I promise. Right now I have to find Daniel. What time will I see you?"

Sam still wasn't convinced. "I'll be there before five. Is there anything you want us to bring?"

Caitlin nodded. "You can bring the drinks. Karyn and Paul are bringing the buns and chips, and Lacey is making some of her amazing potato salad. I have all the hamburger."

"Okay. We'll see you then."

"See you later!" Caitlin called out as she left to find Daniel.

Daniel was in his office researching and reading a book when Caitlin came to the doorway. She walked in behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders and slowly massaging them.

"Mmm, that feels so good!" he told her as she leaned down and nibbled the muscle behind his ear. He turned and sat her down in his lap, love for her in his eyes and a smile on his face. "Oh Caitlin, I …" he started before she captured his mouth in an intense kiss. "Wow!" he exclaimed when she was finished. "What was that for?"

"Because I love you," she told him, smiling at him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I love you too, sweetheart. Did you see Dr. Lam?"

"I did. She said I was more than okay, and gave me a shot for the nausea."

"More than okay?" Daniel looked confused. "What exactly did she say?"

"I'll tell you all about it tonight when you get home."

"But..."

"No buts! I promise to tell you tonight." She kissed him again, then stood. "Remember, you need to be home by six so we can go to the restaurant. Maybe Jack can give you a ride home, as I need the Jeep to get home."

He handed her the keys. "Drive safely. I'll see you tonight."

She caressed his cheek, then left as Jack was coming in. "Hi, Jack!" she told him as she walked passed.

"Hi, Caitlin!" He walked into the office, finding Daniel smiling. "So what did she have to say?"

"Not much. She was here to see Dr. Lam. I told you earlier about her getting sick? Well, she said the doctor checked her out, and she's 'more than okay'."

"'More than okay'? What's that supposed to mean?"

Daniel looked at him. "I have no idea. I asked her what that meant, but all she said was that I'd find out tonight."

"Okay," Jack replied, coming to stand in front of Daniel's desk. "Have you found anything out that would lead us to the Sangraal?"

Daniel pushed up his glasses, shaking his head. "Not yet. I've gone over almost every reference, almost every bit of material I have, and nothing is jumping out at me yet." He sighed, putting down the papers he'd been holding. "I don't know why the Others won't help us. This is more their fight that it is ours."

Jack leaned against a table. "I don't know, Daniel. But since they won't, we'd better figure out where this thing is. More and more planets fall every day to the Ori."

"I know," Daniel said, sadness in his voice. "I just wish the Others had given us more to go on."

"Ya got what you got, Danny-boy. You'd better make the most of it."

Daniel nodded, getting back to work.

As Caitlin drove home, she thought back to what the doctor had just told her. I'm pregnant! She couldn't wait to tell Daniel. But how will I tell him? she thought to herself. Then an idea came to her. She turned down the nearest street and wound her way back toward the Super Wal-Mart, going inside. She picked up a couple of supplies and a birthday cake, then headed back home. Once she got home, she quickly put the supplies together, putting the little package in one of the cupboards to keep it safe. Then she covered the cake with a cloth.

Grabbing the hamburger from the fridge, she put it into a large bowl, pouring some seasonings on it and mixing it together. She was washing her hands off when the doorbell rang. "Coming!" she called out as she dried her hands on a towel.

"Hi, Caitlin," Lacey told her as she and Jason came inside. "Guess we're the first ones here."

Caitlin nodded. "Hi, guys. Come on in! Yeah, you're the first." She checked her watch. "But the others should be here soon."

"So what have you got planned? I mean, how do you want to do this?"

Caitlin walked back into the kitchen. "Well, I've got the hamburger ready, and I see you have some of your amazing potato salad. Go ahead and put it in the fridge." She covered the meat, then put it away. "Here's what I was thinking. Everyone except Daniel and his friend Jack will be waiting on the deck. Jack is bringing Daniel home, supposedly to get ready for a special dinner out somewhere. He'll beep his horn once he gets into the driveway."

"Won't Daniel see all the cars here when he gets here?" Jason queried.

"He will, but curiosity will bring him into the house and back to the deck. When he gets here, we all yell, 'surprise!' Then we can start the party."

"That sounds good," Lacey told her as the doorbell rang again.

This time it was Sam, Cam and Teal'c followed soon after by Karyn and Paul and Dr. Lam.

"Hope this is okay," Cam asked Caitlin, holding up the beers they'd brought.

"Sure. You can put them in the fridge for now."

Lacey tapped her shoulder, motioning for her to step aside for a moment. "Did you go see a doctor today about you getting sick?"

Caitlin nodded. "Yeah. I went to see Daniel's doctor, Dr. Lam. She told me I was more than okay, and that it was nothing to be concerned about. She gave me a shot for the nausea, and now it's gone."

"'Nothing to be concerned about'? You were pretty sick, Caitlin. Are you sure that's what she said?"

"That's what she said." She saw her friend's skeptic look. "Lacey don't worry, I'm fine! More than fine." She called Dr. Lam over to them. "Dr. Lam, this is my best friend Lacey Reynolds."

It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Reynolds."

"I just told Lacey that you said I was fine."

"That's right I did. She doesn't have a bug, just a sensitive system right now."

"Well, okay. I just get worried about her, as she's my best friend."

"That's perfectly understandable. I would be worried too if she were my best friend."

Caitlin sighed, smiling. "Thank you. But right now we have to hurry and finish up, as Jack and Daniel will be here soon."

Everyone helped get things ready. Cam started up the grill to warm, and Sam and Karyn made sure all the patio chairs were cleaned off.

Caitlin told them all the plan for when Daniel got there as she shaped the meat patties. "He should be leaving work any time now," she told them.

Back at the base, Daniel was reading one of his books and writing down some information when Jack walked in. "Anything interesting in there?"

"Not related to the Sangraal," Daniel told him. I'm just finishing up a translation for SG-9."

"You almost finished?"

Daniel nodded, jotting down the last few words. "Just now. Why?"

Jack walked further into the room. "Well, it's almost six, and you have a special date tonight. So I'm here to make sure you get home on time."

"Thanks, Jack. I'm really looking forward to what Caitlin has planned." He stood, starting to straighten his desk. "I asked her, but she wouldn't tell me. Said it was a surprise. Do you know?"

"I only know that you need to get home by six or else." Jack fished his keys out of his pocket. "Truck's near the entrance."

Daniel grabbed a few items, then shut off his desk lamp. "Let's go."

The two of them rode up the elevator in silence, then out to Jack's truck.

"You know something, don't you?" Daniel asked him as they drove down the sunny streets.

"All I know is that I'm supposed to have you home by six," Jack fibbed. "Anything after that is your guess." He quickly looked at Daniel. "So what did you do for her on her birthday?"

"I took her out to eat at the Craftwood Inn. While we were there, I gave her a wooden bead bracelet like the one she gave me on our wedding day. I told her that way we can look at them and remember each other when we're apart."

"That was nice of you," Jack said as he pulled down Daniel's street. He pulled into the driveway, and made his way to the garage, beeping his horn.

"Why'd you beep your horn?" Daniel looked and saw all the cars along the driveway. "Hey! What are all these cars doing here?"

"Don't ask me! Maybe you should go inside the house and find out."

Daniel nodded and got out of the truck, making his way up the porch and opening the front door. "Caitlin!" he called out, not getting an answer. "Caitlin!" he called out, moving through the front hall with Jack behind him. He saw her out on the deck, so he went outside.

"Surprise!" everyone and Jack shouted. "Happy Birthday!"

Daniel was shocked. "You did this for me?" he asked them all.

Caitlin came up to him, hugging him. "Are you surprised?"

He gazed into her brilliant blue eyes, so full of love, and smiled. "I am, thank you. But I thought we were going out."

"I thought you might like to spend some time with all your friends, and besides, tonight is a beautiful night for grilling out."

Daniel tenderly kissed her. "I love you."

"I know." She turned to all their friends, thanking them for coming. "Jack, will you do the honors of grilling the hamburgers?"

"Ya sure you betch'a!" he called out as Cam handed him a beer.

"Just let me get the meat from the fridge." She went into the house and brought out the plate with the meat patties on them, handing it to Jack. Soon the smell of grilling meat mixed with the warm summer breeze and wafted around Caitlin and her friends, her family.

In a little while the first hamburgers were ready and everyone was eating the delicious burgers. "These are great!" Lacey exclaimed to Caitlin as she ate. "What kind of seasoning did you use?"

"I just used a package of Hidden Valley Ranch mix, and mixed it into the meat. I really like them. They're called Ranch Burgers."

"Well, they're great, and I see the medicine that Dr. Lam gave you is working. You got your appetite back."

Caitlin nodded and continued to eat her food, waiting for the right time to tell them all. It came as they were cleaning up all the paper plates. She took some of them in, throwing them in the garbage, then went to the cupboard and brought out Daniel's gift. "I'd like to thank you all again for coming," Caitlin told them all when she got outside. "If I could get Daniel up here, I have a special gift for him."

Daniel came up to stand beside her, puzzled at what she could have gotten him.

She handed him the small box and watched as he opened it.

He took off the lid and pulled out a small, pastel-colored blanket. Setting the box and lid down on a nearby chair, he held it up, confused. "A blanket? But it's way too small for either one of us."

She blushed. "It's a baby blanket."

"But why would we need a baby blanket unless..." Daniel stopped, the realization hitting him. "You're pregnant?" he asked in a quiet voice, barely believing her.

She nodded smiling, tears in her eyes.

He couldn't believe it. A baby. She was carrying their baby. He quickly went to her, gathering her in a big hug, tears in his eyes as everyone around them clapped and cheered, offering their congratulations. He quickly realized what he was doing. "Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry! I hope I didn't hurt you."

Caitlin playfully smacked him. "I'm not a china doll you know. I won't break." She looked into his face. "Are you happy?"

He hugged her again. "Unbelievably happy, sweetheart! I can't believe it. A baby!"

"Congratulations, Danny-boy!" Jack said, smiling and coming up to hug his friend. "You'll make a great father."

Lacey came over to Caitlin, hugging her. "So that's why you were getting sick! Congratulations! I never would have guessed, but then, I never got the morning sickness with Brina."

Daniel took Caitlin's hand and laced his fingers with hers, setting the blanket down by the box. He led her over to Dr. Lam as the others talked. "Dr. Lam, how far along is she?"

"She's about three weeks. I told her that I wanted to set up an appointment so we can get a good prenatal regimen started."

He looked at Caitlin. "Can you go in tomorrow?"

"I should be able to."

"Is she healthy?" Daniel asked Dr. Lam.

"She's great. Everything was normal, her levels in her blood were normal, and her blood pressure was good. We just need to get her started on some prenatal vitamins."

"We'll be there first thing in the morning," Daniel replied, squeezing Caitlin's hand.

"Great. In the meantime, let me offer you my congratulations again."

Daniel and Caitlin smiled at her and went to their other friends.

"Lacey," Caitlin called out. "I'm going to be late for work tomorrow morning. I have my first prenatal appointment with Dr. Lam."

Lacey smiled at her. "Okay. Just come on in when you're done."

Sam came over and hugged Caitlin. "Oh Caitlin, Daniel, I'm so happy for you! So this is why you were acting so funny this afternoon."

Caitlin nodded. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you before. I wanted to wait until tonight."

"I understand."

Teal'c came over to them, smiling. "I am pleased to hear that you are with child, Caitlin Jackson. I have noticed that many women here wish to know whether the child will be a male or a female. Do you have a preference?"

Caitlin looked at Daniel, then shook her head. "It doesn't matter, Teal'c. As long as the baby is healthy."

"Then I will endeavor to do what I can to help."

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thanks, Teal'c. That means a lot."

"Congrats, Daniel and Caitlin!" Cam told them both, smiling.

"Thanks, Cam." Daniel replied.

"Are you ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be, I think," she told him.

Jack clinked his beer bottle on the lid of the grill to get everyone's attention. "To Daniel and Caitlin!"

"To Daniel and Caitlin," everyone echoed, clinking bottles or glasses together.

Everyone continued to talk and laugh until Caitlin brought out the birthday cake, lighting the lone candle. Then everyone joined in singing happy birthday as Daniel blew it out.

"What did you wish for Daniel?" Jason asked him.

Daniel smiled, standing behind Caitlin and putting his hand over their growing baby. "I wished for a healthy baby."

She smiled and cut the cake, handing everyone a piece. "We'll have to turn the empty bedroom into a nursery now," she told Daniel as she ate her cake.

"I know. We can talk about that later."

Soon the evening came to a close, and everyone started leaving.

"That was fantastic potato salad, Lacey," Karyn told her. "I've got to have the recipe."

"I'll bring it to work tomorrow." Lacey turned toward Caitlin, smiling. "Don't worry about tomorrow. Just come in when you're done. And again, congratulations to you both."

"Yeah, congratulations," Jason repeated.

"Thanks, Jason, Lacey. I'll see you tomorrow," she told her best friend before they left.

Karyn smiled and squeezed Caitlin's hand. "See you tomorrow, and congrats again," she said to her, then left with Paul.

Sam, Cam, Jack, and Teal'c left, offering their congratulations again, as well as Dr. Lam, and soon it was just the two of them.

"Well, I guess we'd better clean up," Caitlin told Daniel as she started some water in the sink to wash the dishes.

"C'mere for a minute," Daniel told her. He gathered her into his arms, tears in his eyes. "You're the most incredible woman I've ever met," he said, his voice full of love for her. "I can't believe we're going to have a baby! Are you sure you're okay? I mean, are you sure..."

"Daniel, you heard the doctor. I'm perfectly healthy! The baby is fine, and everything's okay."

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her, wrapping her with his love and affection. "I love you so much," he said, caressing her cheek. "Why don't you rest and let me take care of the dishes?"

Caitlin laughed. "Daniel, I'm not going to break! I'm fine. Let's just get these dishes done so we can get to bed. We've got an early appointment with Dr. Lam tomorrow."

He nodded, and helped her clean up the house. "We need to start planning on what to do with the nursery. I mean, how to decorate it." He turned to her. "We don't even know if it's a boy or a girl."

"I don't want to know. I want to be surprised," she told him as she wiped the counter near the sink. "So we could paint the room in pastels. That way it won't matter if it's a boy or a girl."

"That's a good idea. I could get started on that right away. Or we could use wallpaper."

She shook her head. "I've been thinking. I really like Precious Moments, you know, the figures on the cards? Well, I thought we could get someone to paint a scene on the walls; something with both boys and girls in it. Then we could paint a pretty rainbow on another wall with clouds all around. What do you think?"

Daniel came and stood behind her, his hand on her belly. "I think that's a wonderful idea, muirnín. But where would we find someone like that?"

Caitlin smiled. "Tina Lambert had someone do something like that for her son's room. They did it in a race car theme. I could ask her who did it, and see if they still do that."

"Okay. But right now let's get to bed."

She nodded, feeding the cats first. "Night girls," she told them as they ate. Then she followed Daniel upstairs to bed.

The next day dawned gray and rainy, but Daniel was too happy to notice. Today was their first prenatal visit with the doctor, and he squeezed Caitlin's hand as they rode the elevator at the base down to the Infirmary.

"Good morning, Daniel, Caitlin!" Dr. Lam said as they walked in. "Go ahead and take a seat on one of the beds."

Caitlin sat down. "So what do you do for this first visit?"

Dr. Lam came over with Caitlin's chart in her hand, setting in on the nearby tray table. "Well, I generally don't get the chance to do this, but I have had training in obstetrics. Right now we need to explore your family's medical history as well as your own. We'll also be talking about any risks you might have."

"Risks?" Daniel asked, concerned. "There aren't any, are there?"

"Well Caitlin, since you're over thirty-five, there are more risks because of your age, but I don't think they're too serious. We also have to take into account your unique genetic makeup." She looked at Daniel. "What with her having Ancient genetic material in her makeup, it might make things more interesting. Only time will tell. But I don't think you'll have too many problems."

"That's good," Caitlin replied, squeezing Daniel's arm.

"Now, I want to start you on a prenatal vitamin that has at least four hundred milligrams of folic acid, as well as some iron, calcium and some other vitamins. That should help to prevent any defects. I also want to do a Pap smear and pelvic exam and check your breasts."

"What will all that tell you?" Daniel asked her.

"It will tell me how big the uterus is and if there are any defects, among other things." She handed Caitlin a gown, pulling the screen around the bed. Why don't you change, and I'll talk to Daniel for a moment." Dr. Lam motioned for him to follow her out into the hall.

"What is it, Dr. Lam?" he asked her, concerned.

"With her genetic makeup, there are too many variables that I can't predict. We'll just have to go along and see how things go month by month."

"But she's healthy, and the baby is healthy?"

Dr. Lam nodded. "Yes. Both of them are just fine. I really don't think there will be any complications. But like I said, we'll just have to wait and see. For now, let's get the exam started."

Later, as Caitlin was changing back into her clothes, Dr. Lam was finishing up the results of the tests.

"So how does everything look?" Caitlin asked her as Daniel stood beside her, his fingers laced with hers.

"Everything seems to be normal," Dr. Lam told them, checking the folder. "All your tests came back normal. Blood, pap, breast exam, everything." She set the folder down. "Now let's talk about your family history. Do you know your father's medical history?"

Caitlin shook her head. "I was only nine when my dad died, so I don't know much of anything. My mom might know."

"Okay. With your mother's side, since you have Ancient, Danuan, and human genetic material in your body, I can't tell what will happen. It might help if I talked to your mother. In the meantime, as I said before, since you're over thirty-five, there are some risks, but only time will tell. Right now I want you to start on the prenatal vitamins. You can get those at any pharmacy."

"Do I take the prenatal vitamins as well as the vitamins I already take?"

Dr. Lam shook her head. "No. The prenatal vitamins should be plenty. I also want you to remember that even though you're pregnant, you don't have to 'eat for two', as they use to say. Just eat normally, and you'll do fine. For someone your age and weight, you should probably gain somewhere between twenty-five to thirty pounds."

Daniel caressed Caitlin's hand nervously. "What about being intimate? Can we still be intimate?"

Dr. Lam smiled. "Of course! There's no reason to stop being intimate unless it becomes painful or uncomfortable. As you and the baby both get bigger, you might have to find different positions that are more comfortable, but only you will know that, Caitlin. Also, depending on the timing, you might find your breasts getting tender and sensitive. That's perfectly normal and nothing to worry about."

Caitlin nodded, then turned toward Daniel. "Sweetheart, maybe we should tell máthair about this now. Then maybe she could come here and talk to Dr. Lam."

Daniel smiled. "Sure. We'll have to ask Gen. Landry first, but I don't think it should be a problem." He turned toward the doctor. "Is there anything else we should know?"

"If you experience anything unusual or abnormal, don't hesitate to contact me. Other than that, you should be good to go."

Daniel helped Caitlin jump off the bed and took her hand. "Thank you, Dr. Lam. When would you like to see us again?"

Dr. Lam went over to her desk, checking her calendar. "I'd like to see you in another month." She wrote down a date and time, then handed it to Caitlin. "And remember; call me if there's trouble."

"We will. Thank you." Caitlin grabbed her purse and followed Daniel down to the general's office.

"Good morning, Dr. and Mrs. Jackson!" he said, smiling and standing up from his desk. "I hear congratulations are in order."

Daniel smiled. "Yes. Caitlin's pregnant."

The general shook Daniel's hand, then hugged Caitlin. "Have you told your mother yet?"

Caitlin shook her head. "No, and that's what we wanted to talk to you about. Dr. Lam needs some information that only my mother has about my father. We were wondering if we could go and give her the good news and ask her about my dad."

"If it's possible, could we bring her back here to talk to Dr. Lam directly?" Daniel added.

"Of course, of course!" the general smiled. "I'll have Walter dial up Danu for you." He headed out of his office and down to the control room, talking to Walter as Daniel and Caitlin headed to the gateroom. In moments the gate whooshed open.

"This be Colm Reardon," Walter heard. "They c'n come through any time."

Gen. Landry called down to the gateroom. "Good luck, Dr. Jackson."

Caitlin squeezed Daniel's hand as they walked through the gate to Danu.

On Danu the gate shut down and Colm went up to Daniel and Caitlin. "Healer Caitlin! Master Daniel! Good 't see ya again. Might ya be here fer a visit?"

"No," Caitlin told him. "We're just here to talk to my máthair."

"We have some good news to share with her."

Colm nodded in understanding. "Ah well, maybe next time. Well, have a grand time just the same. I'd best be gettin' back 't work."

"Thank you, Master Colm," Daniel told him gratefully. Then he smiled at Caitlin and the two of them made their way into the village.

"Come in!" Siobhan called out when she heard the knock on her door. She turned around from the counter in surprise. "Sweetheart, Daniel! 'Tis truly a surprise 't see ya this fine day." She frowned. "There be nothin' wrong I hope?"

Caitlin looked at Daniel, smiling, then turned toward her mother. "No. I just wanted to come and thank you for the tea. You were right. I'm pregnant!"

Siobhan stood there, stunned, then the news finally sunk in. "Oh mo iníon, mo mac (my daughter, my son)!" she cried, going over to them and hugging them both. "I be so happy fer ya! Let me just make a pot o' tea and we c'n talk."

"We're here only for a short time." Caitlin told her. "There's one thing though, máthair. In the beginning the tea you gave me worked. Unfortunately, I was still getting sick, and then the tea didn't help anymore. The doctor had to give me a shot of some medicine for the morning sickness."

Siobhan thought about that for a moment. "It might be yer mixed heritage from yer da's side, meanin' the human part o' ya. Otherwise the tea should have worked."

Daniel looked at Siobhan. "Speaking of Caitlin's father, we came to ask you if you would be willing to talk to our doctor about him. She'd like to know some things about his medical history."

"I'd be happy 't spake wi' her."

"Can you come back to Earth with us? You wouldn't be allowed off the base, but you could speak with her there."

Siobhan nodded and put out her fire in the fireplace and grabbed her cloak. "Whenever ya be ready, sweetie."

Daniel nodded, grabbing Caitlin's hand, and the three of them headed back to the gate and to Earth.

"Incoming wormhole!" Walter called out as the general came down the steps. "It's Danu sir. Dr. Jackson and his wife returning with her mother."

"Contact Dr. Lam and have her meet them up in the conference room," the general told him as he headed down to the gateroom.

"Welcome to Earth, Healer Siobhan," the general told her as she walked down the ramp. "It is a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise, Gen. Landry. Say, have ya heard the news? I'm 't be a seanmháthair, a grandmother!" Siobhan beamed, squeezing Caitlin's hand.

"Yes, I did. Congratulations." He looked at Daniel. "Dr. Lam is waiting for you upstairs in the conference room."

Daniel nodded, and the three of them headed up there.

Caitlin made the introductions. "Dr. Lam, this is my mother, Healer Siobhan O'Brien. Máthair, this is Dr. Carolyn Lam. She's the head doctor here."

"Welcome to Earth," Dr. Lam told Siobhan. "Please, sit down."

Everyone sat down at one end of the table, Dr. Lam spreading out her folders.

"Me daughter said ya be wantin' 't ask 'bout me husband Tom."

"Yes, I do."

"What do ya need 't know?"

Dr. Lam grabbed her pen. "Well, I need to know anything you can tell me about his medical history."

Siobhan smiled. "Oh that be easy! Me Tom was a healthy man, that he was. Oh he'd get the occasional cold and such, but t'was healthy as a horse he was."

Dr. Lam wrote it down. "Do you know if anyone in his family had a history of any serious diseases?"

Siobhan thought hard for a moment. "Say me nay, Dr. Lam. I not be rememberin' anythin' like that."

"Good. Then I think that covers everything I needed to know."

"S'cuse me, Dr. Lam, but are ya sayin' me daughter be at risk fer somethin' wi' the baby?"

"Oh no!" Dr. Lam assured her. "It's just with her unique genetic makeup I want to know as much information as possible about her family history. Speaking of which, how did your pregnancy with Caitlin go?"

Siobhan sniled at that. "Ah, she be an easy baby. No complications, 'cept I gained a little more weight than I should have. But that be me own fault. T'was an easy birth, too. No troubles a'tall."

Caitlin smiled. "What about after that, Mom? I wasn't too much trouble, was I?"

Siobhan smiled mischievously. "No, not 'till ya hit the terrible twos. Then ya got into everythin' ya could."

Everyone laughed, and Siobhan looked back at Dr. Lam. "So Caitlin be healthy?"

"She's perfectly healthy, and so is the baby. I'm just covering all our bases to be sure."

Siobhan sighed, smiling. "That be good news, Dr. Lam."

"Is that everything, Dr. Lam?" Daniel asked her.

"Yes, that's everything."

"Then I think we should get Healer Siobhan back to Danu."

Everyone stood, and headed downstairs to the control room. "Walter, could you please dial up Danu for Healer Siobhan?" Daniel asked him.

Walter nodded and in a few moments the gate whooshed open. Dr. Lam wished her a safe journey before she headed back to the imfirmary, then Daniel and Caitlin walked her down to the gateroom.

"It's safe to go through now," Walter called out from above.

"Goodbye máthair," Caitlin told her, hugging her close. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, Siobhan returned then turning to hug Daniel. "Take good care of her son."

"I will máthair," he told her. "I promise. And we promise to come back for a visit before the baby is born."

Siobhan smiled, then caressed her daughter's cheek. "I be so proud o' ya, mo iníon. And I beliaeve that ya will make a fine mother. Just remember 't do what the doctor says 't do."

"I will Mom. See you soon!"

Siobhan smiled and turned and went up the ramp, vanishing through the gate.

"Well, I should be getting to work," Caitlin told Daniel as the gate shut down.

"I suppose I should too." He led her up to his office, handing her the keys to the Jeep. "I should be done by the time you are. Do you want to do anything tonight? We could go out for supper."

Caitlin shook her head. "No, I've got to tend to the garden and weed it a little, plus I want to keep eating healthy for the baby. Besides, I thought we could have beef stroganoff tonight."

Daniel licked his lips. "Mmm, that sounds good. Okay. I'll be ready when you get here." He gathered her in his arms, putting his hand over their baby. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her, tenderly kissing her.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, Dainéal, she replied, her voice full of love. "I'll see you tonight."

August came and went, and soon it was September. Caitlin had started to show a little, so she, Lacey, and Sam had gone shopping at Motherhood Maternity for some new clothes. "Don't forget that the Air Force Gala is coming up on the eighteenth," Sam reminded her. "It's the sixtieth anniversary, so it's a special one."

"I know," Caitlin told her as they shopped. "Daniel told me." She turned to see Lacey's confused look. "Since Daniel does contract work for the Air Force, he and I were invited to the gala. Sam, is it formal?"

Sam nodded. "Black tie. Do you have a dress you could wear?"

Caitlin shook her head. "Not right now. Lacey, do you know of any places that would have formal maternity dresses?"

Lacey thought about it a moment. "You could try Uniquely Yours again. They might have something."

"Do you mind making a trip to Denver Sam?" Caitlin asked.

Sam shook her head. "I'm having fun, so no. Let's head out now." Soon the trio were in Denver and had found the store.

"Welcome to Uniquely Yours. My name is Sophia. How can I help you today?"

"Yes," Caitlin told her. "I was wondering if you had any formal maternity dresses."

Sophia thought a moment, then shook her head. "No we don't, I'm sorry. Were you looking for one?"

"Yes. I'm three months along, but I need a dress for a gala I'm attending in a couple of weeks."

"May I offer you my congratulations ma'am. We do have a few dresses that might work since you're not showing that much yet. Follow me." She led the three women back into the sea of formal gowns and wedding dresses, and chose out one to show Caitlin. "This one is very pretty, and it has a little bit of a train to the back. The pretty pastel yellow would match lovely with your blue eyes." She held the dress up to Caitlin.

"Sam, this is for the Air Force, right?"

She nodded.

"What do you have in a blue?" Caitlin asked her.

The sales associate walked to another rack and picked out another dress. "This one is a light navy blue Badgley Mischka dress we recently got in. It has an empire waist, spaghetti straps, beading around the front and back, and a back zipper." She held it up for Caitlin to see.

"Ooh, I like that one," Caitlin commented, smiling. She took it from her, and went into a dressing room to try it on.

In a few moments she came out, and Sophia zipped her up. "How does that feel?"

Caitlin stood in front of the three-way mirror, smiling. "I really like it. It's not too tight over my belly, either, and it's also the right length, too."

"We also have a shawl that might go well with that dress," and Sophia went to get it. It was a beautiful white shawl with white fringe along the short edges of it, and the fringe had tiny silver and gold beading. She laid it around Caitlin's shoulders.

Caitlin turned and looked at her friends. "What do you think?"

Lacey smiled. "You're going to blow his mind in that dress, Caitlin."

Sam agreed. "I think it's perfect."

Caitlin smoothed down the dress around her hips. "I'll take it along with the shawl."

"Wonderful! Now, will you be needing any shoes to go with it?"

Caitlin shook her head. "No. I have some at home I can wear with it."

Sophia unzipped her, and in a few moments Caitlin returned with the dress and shawl, handing it to her.

"Will this be charge or cash?"

Caitlin pulled out her charge card. "Charge please."

Sophia tapped a few buttons on the register, then slid the card through the reader. "Your total comes to nine hundred eighty-two dollars and nineteen cents." She handed Caitlin a pen and the card along with the receipt.

Caitlin signed her name, then turned to Sam and Lacey. "Well, we should head home."

Lacey nodded. "I need to get home and tend to Brina. She's got a bit of a cold."

Caitlin grabbed the wrapped dress and shawl and followed the others out to the car. "Do you need any help, Lacey?"

Lacey shook her head. "No. It's not so bad this time. But if it gets worse, I'll let you know."

"Okay. For now let's head back to Colorado Springs. I have to talk to Tina today." She turned toward Sam. "Tina Lambert is the woman who cuts my hair. She had someone come in and paint her son's room with a race car theme, and I want to ask her who did it."

"Are you thinking of painting the baby's room?" Sam asked as they drove home.

Caitlin nodded. "I was thinking of something with Precious Moments. I'd also like some fluffy clouds and a rainbow on one wall."

"Oh that will be pretty," Sam told her. "You'll have to let me know when it's done so I can see it."

"I will. But first I have to find someone to do it." They talked all the way back, laughing and having a good time. When they got into the city, they dropped Caitlin off and she took her dress into the house. Then she took her car and drove to the hair salon to talk to Tina.

"Welcome to Hair Expressions! How can we help you today?"

"Would it be possible to speak with Tina Lambert for a moment?"

The woman behind the counter checked the date book, and nodded, smiling. "Tina's free right now for a few moments. Just go on back."

"Thank you. Caitlin made her way back into the salon and found Tina sweeping around a chair. "Hi Tina."

Tina looked up. "Hey there girlfriend! You don't have an appointment today."

"I know. I wanted to ask you something. Do you remember the race car theme that you had painted in your son's room?"

"Yeah."

"Do you remember who did it?"

"Yeah, I do. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I wanted to paint one of the rooms in our house with a Precious Moments theme, but I don't dare do it myself."

"Sure! I can get their number for you. But why do you want to paint one of your rooms like that?"

Caitlin smiled, rubbing her growing belly. "I'm pregnant!"

Tina squealed in delight, hugging her friend. "That's fabulous, Caitlin. Congratulations! When are you due?"

"Sometime in March, if things go well. In the meantime, we're starting to get the nursery ready."

"And that's why you want their number. Just a minute. I'll get it." Tina went and grabbed her purse, pulling out her billfold. "I saved one of their business cards. Here you go." She handed the little card to Caitlin who looked at it.

"Thanks, Tina. I'll make sure to call them as soon as I can."

"No problem! You'll have to let me know when you get it all done. So do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?"

"No, and we want to be surprised."

"Then have you thought about names?"

Caitlin shook her head. "We haven't talked about it yet. But we will soon enough. I mean, we have plenty of time. In the meantime, I'd better get going. Have a good day."

"See you soon, Caitlin!"

When Caitlin got home, she pulled out the little card Tina had given her and dialed the number on it.

"Personal Expressions, this is Sally. How can I help you?"

"Hi, my name is Caitlin Jackson, and I wanted to ask you about painting rooms."

"Of course! We paint a variety of rooms in a variety of ways. Is there something in particular you were looking for?"

"My friend Tina Lambert told me you painted a race car theme on her son's wall."

A quick pause. "Yes we did. She was really pleased at how it turned out."

"She told me about it. I was wondering if you could do something like that for a room for me and my husband."

"Of course! Though we would have to come and do measurements and see the area to be painted."

"Could you come out this afternoon?"

Papers shuffled in the background. "We could come out around four or so. Would that be okay?"

"Yes, that would be fine."

"Then we'll see you at four."

Caitlin gave her their address. "Thank you. Goodbye!"

At four the doorbell rang, and she went to answer it.

"Good afternoon, I'm Sally Northland from Personal Expressions. You must be Mrs. Jackson?"

Caitlin shook her hand. "I am. Come on in. The room is this way." Caitlin led her up the stairs and into the first spare bedroom. "We're going to be turning this into a nursery, as we're expecting our first child sometime in March of next year."

"May I offer you my congratulations," Sally told her warmly. "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"

"No. We want to be surprised. So I was thinking that I really like Precious Moments, and it would fit for both a boy and a girl. "

Sally walked around the room, writing things down on her legal pad. "I see. Any other thoughts?"

Caitlin walked to one of the walls. "I thought we could do a rainbow with clouds around it here," she said, sweeping her hand along one wall.

Sally wrote it down. "That sounds wonderful. Unfortunately because of copyright laws we can't do Precious Moments. But I do have something almost like that that I think you might like. Give me a day or so to draw out what I see for this room, and I'll let you know."

Caitlin smiled, leading her downstairs. "Thank you so much. We really appreciate it."

"That's quite all right. I'll call you as soon as I have something."

"Thank you. Good day!"

It was a beautiful late summer's day as Karyn and Caitlin restocked some shelves at the health food store. "So when is he coming to pick you up?" Karyn asked her.

"About three. Our appointment is at three-twenty."

"Are you excited about it?"

Caitlin smiled, rubbing her belly. "We are. It's the first time we'll get to hear the heartbeat. It's also the first time we'll get to see pictures of the baby."

Lacey came out of the office, a phone in her hand. "Well, I got through to the vitamin company," she told them, putting the phone by the registers. "They apologized for the mix-up. They're going to overnight our order, so it should be here in the morning." The door chimed, and she turned to see who it was that had come in. "Hi, Daniel! How are things at work?"

"Busy as always, Lacey." He walked over to Caitlin, quickly kissing her. "You ready to go?"

"Sure. Just let me grab my purse and sweater." She walked into the office, grabbing her purse. "I'll see you tomorrow," she told both her friends as she put on her sweater.

"See you tomorrow," they both echoed back as the couple left the store.

As they drove down the sunny streets, Caitlin caressed her belly. "Are you nervous?" she asked Daniel.

"Maybe a little. But so far everything's been okay."

"I know. It's just that until now it hasn't really seemed 'real'. Hearing the heartbeat will make it really real. You know?"

Daniel nodded, turning into the base. He parked and helped her out of the Jeep. Together they made their way into the base and down to the Infirmary where a nurse was waiting.

"Come on in, Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson. Please sit down." The nurse gestured toward one of the beds. "Mrs. Jackson, if you could loosen your pants a little at the top and pull up your blouse a bit, we'll get started. Just lay back. First we'll get your vitals." She drew a vial of Caitlin's blood, took her blood pressure and temperature, then her pulse. "Okay. Everything seems normal. Your pulse is a little fast, though. Are you nervous at all?"

Caitlin nodded, blushing from embarrassment.

The nurse smiled. "Well don't be. Getting an ultrasound is a common procedure, and it's very easy. If I may ask, when is your delivery date?"

"Sometime in March," Daniel told her, smiling at Caitlin.

The nurse finished up, measuring Caitlin's tummy and writing it down on the chart. "Great! Well, I'll just let the doctor know you're ready, and she'll be in momentarily." The nurse left them alone to wait.

In another moment Dr. Lam walked in and smiled at them. "Good afternoon! Are we excited to see the baby today?"

"Excited, and a little nervous," Caitlin admitted.

"Well, there's nothing to be worried about." Dr. Lam pulled a machine over to her side, grabbing a bottle and the ultrasound probe. "We just squirt some of this on your tummy," and she squirted a generous amount of goop onto Caitlin's belly. "Then we put the probe onto your tummy and move it around to find the baby." She gently pressed and moved the probe around until she found it. "There's your baby." She pointed to the screen. "Here's is the head, and here's the rest of its body," she said as she traced the picture a moment, then moved her hand so they could see.

Daniel stood beside the bed, tears in his eyes and grabbed Caitlin's hand. "There it is!" he said with awe and pride. He turned to her, love shining in his eyes. "Look muirnín, it's our baby."

Caitlin turned to see the image on the screen, tears slipping from her eyes. "Oh Daniel, I can't believe it. Our baby!"

"And here's the heartbeat." Dr. Lam pressed a couple of buttons on the machine, and a fast, throbbing beat came out through the speakers.

Daniel leaned in, wiping the tears from Caitlin's eyes, and kissed her. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she replied.

"Dr. Jackson, if you'll just hold this here, I'll snap a picture for you and record the baby's heartbeat as well."

Daniel held the probe steady and closed his eyes, listening to the thub-thub of the baby's heartbeat, letting it fill his whole being, and his heart made a memory.

Dr. Lam pressed a few buttons on the machine and a piece of paper came out one end as she popped out a small tape. She handed them both to Caitlin.

"Oh Daniel, I'm so happy!" Caitlin exclaimed, her own heart making a memory.

Dr, Lam grabbed a few paper towels and wiped Caitlin's tummy clean. "You can sit up now," she told her.

Caitlin sat up and adjusted her blouse, her fingers laced with Daniel's. "So how is the baby?"

"Everything seems to be fine. You're blood pressure, bloodwork, temperature and hormone levels are all right where they should be. It looks like the baby is growing right at where it should be as well."

"How soon will we be able to feel it move?" Caitlin asked.

"It could be anytime now."

"Do you have any idea when the baby is due?" Daniel querried her.

Dr. Lam checked Caitlin's records. "I told Caitlin before that I thought sometime in March, but it looks like early March from these results."

"That's good. I just hope we don't get a late Winter snowstorm then," Caitlin commented.

"When would you like to see her again?" Daniel asked Dr. Lam.

"In three months we'll do another ultrasound and check-up, but I want you to come in right away if there's any trouble or you have a question. Okay?"

Caitlin nodded. "I promise. Is that everything?"

"That's all for this visit," Dr. Lam told them as she went to her desk and wrote something down on her calendar. "I'll see you December eighteenth." She wrote it on a card and handed it to them.

"See you then," Caitlin told her warmly. "Thank you!"

Daniel led her out of the Infirmary and stopped her. "Let's go see Cam and the others and show them the picture."

Caitlin nodded and followed him to his office.

Daniel called Sam, Cam, and Teal'c, and soon everyone was inside.

"What's up Jackson?" Cam asked as he walked in.

"We just thought you might like to hear something." He put the tape into his little player and soon their friends were hearing the thub-thub of the heartbeat. He handed the sonogram picture to Sam.

"Oh Daniel, the baby's beautiful!" She handed the picture to Teal'c.

"This is indeed a momentous occasion," he told them. "The heartbeat is strong, as the baby will be."

"Thanks, Teal'c," Caitlin told him.

"This is wicked!" Cam told them all. "So this is really happening."

Daniel smiled. "It's really happening. Hearing the heartbeat makes everything truly real."

"I know. I..." Caitlin stopped, instantly putting her hand to her tummy.

Daniel jumped up, going to her. "Sweetheart what is it?"

She smiled, tears in her eyes. "Give me your hand." She took his hand and placed it on her belly.

Suddenly he felt it. A tiny fluttering against his hand. "The baby?" he asked incredulously.

She nodded. "Dr. Lam said it could be any time." She saw her friends' worried looks. "The baby just moved."

"That's wonderful!" Sam exclaimed.

"Teal'c, give me your hand," Caitlin said to the big Jaffa warrior.

He came over to her and placed his hand on her growing belly and felt the tiny fluttering of the baby moving. "I am pleased that you allowed me to experience that," he told her, smiling at her. "It is truly a miracle."

"That it is, Teal'c," Caitlin told him, a smile on her face. "That it is."

The day of the ball came, and Daniel was doing some work in his office when Cam walked in. "Hey Daniel. Any progress on finding the Sangraal?"

Daniel pushed up his glasses. "I did find a small reference in one of my books, but it didn't lead anywhere." He set his pencil down. "So are you bringing anyone to the ball tonight?"

Cam shook his head. "No. When are you heading home to get Caitlin?"

"Soon. I just have to finish up here, then I'll head out. Will Jack be here?"

"No. I guess he couldn't get out of some things in Washington. But Gen. Hammond will be here. He's giving the speech."

Daniel smiled as he finished up his work and cleaned up. "That's good. Caitlin will be happy to see him, I'm sure." He turned out the lights and walked out with Cam. "See you there!"

"You got it," Cam called back as he walked to his quarters.

As Daniel headed home from work, Caitlin was at home getting ready. She had showered and put on her robe so she could do her makeup. She finished up just as Daniel came into the bedroom.

"Hey sweetheart," he said to her, taking her into his arms and smiling at her. "How was your day?"

"It was good. We were surprisingly busy."

He put one hand over her growing belly. "And how are you feeling?"

"I feel good, and I'm excited about tonight. Do you know anything about the Ball?"

Daniel let her go and got undressed. "Yeah, I've been to several of them. They usually have a cocktail hour first, followed by a dinner. Then they have a speaker and some dancing."

Caitlin finished her makeup. "Who's the speaker this year?"

"It's Gen. Hammond," he told her before jumping into the shower.

She smiled. "That's great! I haven't seen him since our wedding. And we can tell him about the baby." She took her hair out of the towel and brushed it good, then french braided it. Grabbing some bobby pins, she tucked the end underneath the braid and pinned it in place. Then she went to get dressed as Daniel came out of the shower.

"I thought you might be pleased. I told Cam you would be." He walked into the closet and pulled out his tuxedo, laying it on the bed. "So did you find a nice dress when you went out shopping with Lacey and Sam?"

She nodded. "It wasn't easy, either. But we went back to the same store I got my wedding dress at. They don't carry formal maternity dresses, but I did find one that I liked that wasn't too restrictive of my belly." She held up the dress for Daniel to see.

"It's beautiful, and it matches your eyes." He finished getting dressed as she slipped the beautiful dress on. He helped her zip it up, then finished tying his tie.

Caitlin turned around to face him, and gasped at how handsome he looked. "You look so handsome," she told him, smiling at him.

Daniel pulled her into his embrace. "You look absolutely stunning in that gown. So sexy." He leaned in and tenderly kissed her, sending her all his love and affection. "Are you almost ready?"

She nodded. "I just have to put some perfume on, and I'm ready." She went into the bathroom and dabbed some on her wrists, then came out and grabbed her shawl. "Ready."

The two of them headed downstairs and into the Jeep, heading down the streets toward the base.

Everyone was coming to the base at the same time, so while they waited to get in, Caitlin asked him where it was being held.

"In the same warehouse they held the holiday gala in." Daniel finally drove into the base, then parked, helping her out of the vehicle.

"Good evening," the airman at the door said, opening the door for them.

"Good evening," Daniel and Caitlin both echoed to him, walking inside after showing him their invitations. They stood in line to meet the commander of the base, then Daniel looked around to see if he could see any of their friends, and noticed Gen. Hammond, Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam. He led her over to them.

"Good evening, Gen. Landry, Gen. Hammond, Dr. Lam," Caitlin said, courteously.

"Good evening," Gen Landry told them. "Caitlin, you look absolutely beautiful."

She blushed. "Thank you, sir. And it's good to see you again, Gen. Hammond."

"Likewise. I also understand from Hank that congratulations are in order for you both."

Daniel nodded, smiling. "Yes. Caitlin's three months along now." He placed his hand on her belly.

"Do you have a preference as to a boy or a girl?"

"No. Just as long as it's healthy, that's all that matters," Daniel told him.

Just then Sam and Cam walked in, followed by Teal'c. "Good evening," they all said when they finally came over.

"Oh Caitlin, you look fantastic!" Sam gushed.

"Indeed," Teal'c intoned, smiling. "You also seem to be 'glowing', as they say here."

"Thank you, Teal'c," Caitlin replied. "I'm feeling really good, too. The shot that Dr. Lam gave me for the morning sickness really helped."

"That's good," Sam told her as an airman came around with glasses of punch. Everyone grabbed a glass as more people filtered in.

"I talked to someone about painting the baby's room," Caitlin told them. "It's a woman named Sally Northland. She's from a business called Personal Expressions. She's coming later this week to get started on the mural for the wall."

"What kind of mural is she painting?" Gen. Landry asked.

Caitlin explained it to them. "I'm excited to see what it looks like when it's finished."

"It sounds lovely," Gen Hammond told her.

"Have you been picking out names yet?" Cam asked.

Daniel shook his head. "We have time yet. She's only a few months along."

Caitlin looked all around the large warehouse. "There are a lot of tables here," Gen. Landry. I thought this was just for the base."

"Since it's the sixtieth anniversary of the Air Force, we asked those who could come from Peterson and Schriver Air Force bases to join us," he explained. "After the meal, we'll have a cake cutting ceremony, and everyone will get a piece of cake."

"I see. So who will cut the cake?"

"Since we're the larger base, it's going to be done by General Gene Renuart, the commander of Cheyenne Mountain, and by Airman Nancy Bartlett, the most junior airman attending."

"I see that Maj. Ryan has some of the members of his band performing, like a jazz ensemble," Caitlin commented as the ensemble played.

"Yes. Then we have Sgt. McKendricks playing music after the speech."

Everyone continued to mingle and talk until an airman announced that the dinner was served. Daniel took Caitlin's hand and together they sat with their friends and enjoyed a delicious meal. Afterwards, Caitlin watched as Gen. Renuart and Airman Bartlett cut a special cake. Then, after everyone enjoyed their own pieces of cake, Gen. Hammond stood and gave his speech.

When he finished, Sgt. McKendrics was introduced, and the dancing started. Daniel took Caitlin in his arms and slowly danced with her, love and tenderness shining in his sparkling eyes. "I love you so much. You're the most beautiful woman here."

Caitlin sighed, laying her head on Daniel's shoulder. "I love you too, Daniel. And I can't imagine being with anyone else tonight."

"I feel the same way. I saw you talking to Dr. Lam a little while ago. What did she have to say?"

"She wants me to have an amniocentesis."

"Did she say why she wanted to do it?"

"She said because of my age and my unique genetic makeup she wanted to make sure everything was okay." Caitlin frowned. "Daniel, you know my fear of needles! I really wish I didn't have to have one."

Daniel caressed her cheek as they continued to dance. "Sweetheart, she wouldn't have asked you to have one done if she didn't think it was important. Besides, I'll be there the whole time. But we don't have to worry about that tonight. Right now I just want to dance with the most beautiful woman in the world."

As the evening went on, everyone continued to dance or mingle about. Teal'c danced with Caitlin, then Cam and finally Gen. Hammond and Gen. Landry. But Caitlin was glad when she finally went back to Daniel.

"I think it's time to get you home," he told her as a yawn spread across her face.

"But I'm not..." Another yawn. "Tired." She blushed, embarrassed. "I guess I am a little tired."

"You'll start to notice that more now that you're getting further along in your pregnancy," Dr. Lam told her. "But that's normal."

"Well, I assure you she'll get plenty of rest," Daniel said, squeezing Caitlin's hand.

She picked up her wrap from the table they'd been sitting at, wrapping it around her shoulders. "Have a good night everyone," she told them all.

Everyone told the couple their goodbyes and the two of them headed home.

Saturday came, and at twelve forty-five Caitlin was in the kitchen preparing lunch when Daniel walked in from the garage. "Hey sweetheart," he told her, kissing her cheek and rubbing her belly. "How are my two beauties today?"

Caitlin smiled and straightened her robe as she finished up. "The baby and I are just fine, but we're getting a little hungry. How was work?"

"Fine. I finished another translation." He saw what she was doing. "So what are you making?"

"I'm making a ham sandwich," she replied. "Have you eaten yet?"

"No. I came straight from work."

"Well you can have this one," she told him, putting the finished sandwich on a plate. "You should have some milk with it."

Daniel grabbed a glass from the cupboard and poured some milk. He took the plate and glass to the table and waited for Caitlin to join him. "What time is the wedding today?"

"Two," she told him as she started on another sandwich. "But we should probably be there before one-thirty."

He nodded, taking a drink of his milk.

"So what did you translate today?" she asked him.

"Well, it was about this ancient civilization that used to live on P4C-179. They were a warrior race that once fought a great battle with Apophis." He took a bite of his sandwich.

"I thought he was dead."

"He is, but he wasn't when those people were around. They fought him for a long time, but he eventually won the battle and enslaved the people. They were almost wiped out by Aphohis, but some of them survived in caves. It's really fascinating." He finished his sandwich, and put his dishes in the dishwasher. "I'm headed up to take a shower."

"Okay. In the meantime I'm going to finish my sandwich. I've already taken a shower, so all I have to do is get dressed."

He came over to her, put one hand on her belly, and tenderly kissed her, feeling the baby moving. "Okay. I'll see you upstairs in a little bit."

She smiled at him as he left the kitchen, then grabbed a glass of milk and ate her lunch. As she ate, she decided on what to wear, and chose one of the newer dresses she had recently bought. She finished her meal then headed upstairs to get dressed.

"Daniel, I set some towels on the toilet near the shower for you," she called out as she set down the towels.

"Thank you!" he called out over the sound of the shower.

Caitlin walked into the closet and took out her dress, putting it on along with her shoes. It was a pretty navy blue and white polka-dotted dress with short sleeves and two ruffles at the bottom of the skirt that came to just below her knees. She heard Daniel coming out of the shower, so she walked back into the bathroom. "Honey, would you please zip me up?"

"Sure." He zipped her dress up, then finished drying off. "That dress is really beautiful," he told her when she turned around. "I know this is Karyn and Paul's wedding, but you'll be the most beautiful woman there."

She blushed, going to the sink and putting on some perfume. "You'll be the most handsome man there, but then, I'm biased."

He walked into the closet and picked out a nice suit, getting dressed. "What time is it?"

She glanced at the clock on their nightstand as she put on a gemstone necklace and bracelet. "After one."

"What are we giving Paul and Karyn for a wedding gift?"

"I went out and bought them a set of new towels. Lacey and I also went in on a nice nightgown for her."

He walked into the bedroom and went to the dresser, pulling one of the jewelry box's drawers open and putting on one of his watches. Slipping on his shoes, he smiled at her. "I'm ready."

Caitlin grabbed her dress purse, and followed Daniel downstairs, grabbing the wrapped wedding gift, and got into the Jeep.

"So where is the wedding again?" he asked her as they drove down the sunny streets.

"It's at the Trinity Baptist Church on East Fountain Boulevard."

He tried to remember where that was.

"So did you do anything else exciting at work today?" she asked him.

"This morning I got in a workout with Cam and Teal'c. After that I finished the translation." He turned to quickly look at her. "So how was your day?"

"Well Sally worked on the painting in the baby's room for a while this morning, so I cleaned up a few things in there. She said she should be finished by Monday. Then I dusted and vacuumed the downstairs. Before you came home I had just woken up from a short nap. I figured since I couldn't get one this afternoon I'd do it early."

He nodded as he pulled up into the parking lot of the church, helping her out. "That's good." He held out his arm, and led her into the church.

"Bride or groom?" the usher asked them after they had put their gift on the gift table.

"Bride," Caitlin told him. She took the man's arm as he led her down towards the front of the sanctuary to a pew. She was pleased to see Jason and Lacey already sitting down. "Hi, Jason, Lacey! Guess you had the same idea we did in coming early to get a good seat."

Jason nodded. "You look so beautiful, Caitlin. You're really beginning to show."

"Thank you," Caitlin said, smiling as more people came into the sanctuary and sat down.

"Lacey tells me you got to hear the heart beat the other day."

Daniel nodded, squeezing Caitlin's hand. "It was beautiful. I'll never forget it. The doctor even made a recording of it for us to keep, along with a picture."

Caitlin opened up her purse and pulled out the picture, handing it to Jason as the ushers led the parents down the aisle.

"That's great," Jason loudly whispered to her just as the music started. He handed the picture back to Caitlin, who put it back in her purse.

Everyone watched as the bridesmaids and then the maid of honor walked down the aisle. Then the music changed, and everyone stood. Caitlin watched as Karyn, escorted by her father, came down the aisle in a beautiful strapless wedding gown. Paul waited for her at the front of the church, smiling broadly. She watched the scene, remembering their own wedding and how handsome Daniel had looked, and gently squeezed his hand.

He turned to her and smiled, letting her know he was remembering the same thing. Then they all sat down as the minister started the wedding.

Caitlin smiled when Karyn and Paul said their vows, and tears came to her eyes as they were pronounced man and wife. As Paul tenderly kissed Karyn, she clapped along with everyone else, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Daniel noticed her. "Are you okay?" he quietly asked her.

She nodded. "I'm just happy, that's all."

He squeezed her hand again, reassuring her, then stood as the bride and groom along with their attendants walked up the aisle toward the back of the church. Then the two of them waited their turn to be ushered out toward the receiving line.

"Caitlin!" Karyn exclaimed. "Thank you so much for coming! I'm glad you both could make it."

Caitlin hugged her friend. "We wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Daniel shook Paul's hand. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you. I just hope we'll be as happy as you and Caitlin are."

"We are happy, especially now that we have a baby on the way." Daniel put his hand on Caitlin's belly, caressing it.

"I'll show you the sonogram picture later," Caitlin promised them before they moved on.

"Okay. See you later!"

Daniel and Caitlin moved off to the side to let more people come through and congratulate the new couple. He turned and looked at Caitlin, a smile on his face. "It was a beautiful ceremony. Just like ours was."

Caitlin sighed. "I know. I was remembering just how handsome you looked when I first saw you in your tuxedo."

"And you were so beautiful in your wedding gown." He laced his fingers with hers as Lacey and Jason came to stand near them.

"So where is the reception being held?" Jason asked.

"Down in the Fellowship Hall," Caitlin told him.

"We should head down there and get out of the way," Daniel suggested. He held out his arm to Caitlin, and they followed Jason and Lacey downstairs.

Soon the new couple headed down to the fellowship hall along with their attendants and sat down at the head table. The traditional speeches by the maid of honor and best man were given, then Karyn stood and thanked everyone for coming. Finally, after the head table was served, everyone got up and stood in line for the wonderful food that had been prepared.

"Now remember what the doctor said," Daniel told her. "You don't have to eat for two."

Caitlin looked at him. "I know, but I'm hungry! I guess I didn't get enough at lunch."

"Has she been eating weird things?" Jason asked Daniel.

"A few things. For some reason she loves eating black olives and peanut butter. She just dips them into the jar and eats them. And she also loves the ice cream treats from Culver's. They're called Concrete Mixers. It's all she'll eat sometimes."

Caitlin filled her plate with some of the goodies from the table. "But they're so good! I really like their chocolate chip cookie dough and pecans. Mmm!"

"I know that Lacey really liked pickles," Jason explained as they went to sit back down at their table. "Sour pickles and peanut butter. I don't know why."

"Because it was good, or so I thought at the time," Lacey replied sitting down. "Don't worry, Daniel. It won't last long. After about my fifth month I stopped eating them."

"Only because the doctor and I made you," Jason admonished her, chuckling.

"So what was it like to hear the heartbeat, Daniel?" Lacey asked, changing the subject.

Daniel smiled, remembering that magical moment. "It was incredible! I couldn't believe such a tiny being could make a sound so beautiful."

"I know. It was the same thing for Jason. He was so starry-eyed after that."

"We both were," Caitlin told her, smiling at the memory.

"So what's next?" Lacey queried.

"We have to buy a few things for the baby's room, and Sally Northland should be finished painting the nursery walls on Monday. Speaking of which, I should be able to come back to work on Tuesday."

"That's good, as it's been getting busy lately, and Karyn will be gone for a week."

Everyone finished their meals, and were still talking when Paul and Karyn came up to their table. "Hi guys," she said to them, smiling.

"Hi, Karyn!" Caitlin replied. "You look so beautiful, and your dress is gorgeous!

Karyn blushed. "Thank you."

"So Daniel, I hear you got to hear the heartbeat the other day," Paul remarked.

"We did. It was absolutely amazing."

Caitlin pulled out the sonogram picture and handed it to Karyn.

"Oh Caitlin, this is great! So did they tell you when your due date is?"

"Early March. The doctor said everything's going great, and I'm right where I should be."

"That's good to hear. Will you and Daniel be coming to the dance tonight?"

"For a little while anyway."

"Good we'll see you all there."

Paul and Karyn left, and Daniel turned toward Lacey and Jason. "What time is the dance again?"

"It's from eight until midnight at O'Malley's," Jason told him.

"Okay. In the meantime, I think we'll head out." He stood and helped Caitlin with her chair. "We'll see you both later."

Daniel and Caitlin headed out to the Jeep and were soon headed home. "We don't have to go to O'Malley's tonight if you don't want to."

"I want to go, but not for too long," she told him.

"Okay." He pulled into the driveway and the garage. "I have some work to do in the den. What are you planning to do?"

"I thought I'd read for a little bit, then make some supper for tonight," she told him as they walked into the kitchen. "Grandma Sara made this wonderful lasagna recipe, and I have some hamburger thawed to make it."

"That sounds delicious, but maybe you should take a nap. I don't want you to be too tired tonight."

"I won't be. I promise. Remember, I had a nap earlier today."

Daniel smiled at her, taking her into his arms and tenderly kissing her. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, Dainéal," she replied, laying her head on his shoulder as he gently caressed her swelling tummy.

The afternoon came and went with Caitlin making her lasagna and putting it into the oven. Soon it was ready. She walked to the doorway of the den. "Daniel, supper's ready."

Daniel was bent over his desk, typing feverishly on his computer. "Just a minute," he called out as he pressed a few buttons. "There! All finished." He turned off the computer, then got up and followed her into the kitchen, sitting at the table.

"What were you working on?" she asked him as she served the lasagna, salad and garlic bread.

"I was writing a research paper on Ancient Egypt, and I was just finishing up."

"Sounds exciting," she told him as she sat down and started eating.

He took a bite of the lasagna and smiled broadly. "Mmm, this is delicious!"

She blushed. "Thank you. I'm glad you like it." She took a drink of her pop. "So have you been able to find out any more information on the Sangraal?"

He shook his head. "Not yet," he said sadly. "And we need to find something soon."

"Don't worry. I'm sure you will."

"I hope so. More civilizations fall to the Ori every day, so our Allies tell us."

"Well, for tonight, let's not worry about it." she said as she ate her food. "Tonight is the wedding dance, so let's go and have fun."

Daniel smiled at her, caressing her hand as they both finished their supper. "What time is it?"

She glanced at the clock on the microwave. "Almost seven."

"We should leave by around seven-thirty," he told her as he helped to clear the table.

Caitlin nodded. "Sound good to me. In the meantime I can finish the photo album I'm making."

"What photo album?" he asked, curious. "How do you make it?"

She went to get her supplies. "Well, I take fabric and some craft batting and cover a photograph album I bought at Wal-Mart. I add some pretty ribbon and some lace, and it covers the front of the book and makes it look really nice." She plugged in her glue gun and sat down, taking her time and gluing lace and fabric onto the album's covers. When she was finished, she unplugged the glue gun and held the album up for Daniel to see. "This is what it looks like when it's all finished."

Daniel took the book in his hands, marveling at its beauty. "This is really pretty, sweetheart. You did a fantastic job. What are you going to do with it?"

She took a photograph of them from their wedding and put it in the little pocket she'd made from the fabric on the front of the book. "See? It's going to be our wedding album."

"Oh muirnín, that's a great idea." He glanced at his watch. "It's getting late, and we should head out to O'Malley's to get there on time."

"Just let me clean up." She quickly cleaned up the kitchen table, then grabbed her purse and shawl. "All done."

He smiled, and together they left for the dance.

Monday afternoon came, and Sally was putting the finishing touches on the mural in the baby's room. Caitlin had asked to help out, so she was cleaning some of the brushes and admiring the whole look of the room.

"Oh Sally, it looks so great in here! I love what you did with the walls."

"Thank you," she told Caitlin as she painted. "I really didn't think I was able to do the Precious Moments in here. But I checked with the company and they said it was okay."

"Well it turned out fantastic. I love the rainbow and the clouds, too. It really fits."

"Well you had the pictures you wanted to use, so I just worked with those. And anyway, this wasn't such a hard project to work on. I've done much harder murals than this."

"Well, Daniel and I really appreciate all your hard work and talent."

Sally smiled as she finished the last brush stroke. "There! All done." She stood and admired the wall, then turned toward Caitlin. "I recommend letting this sit for at least forty-eight hours to dry completely before touching the mural. And if the walls ever get dirty, you can wash the walls with some warm soapy water and it won't hurt the paint at all."

"We will," Caitlin replied as she helped Sally clean up and cover all the paints. She went downstairs and grabbed her checkbook and wrote out a check. "Thank you again, Sally for all your hard work. The mural is gorgeous."

Sally took the check, putting it in her purse. "Not a problem! It was fun to do. Just remember us for your next painting project, and if you know anyone who wants some painting done, you could recommend us as well."

"I sure will," Caitlin told her, smiling as she led Sally to the front door. "Thanks again and have a good day."

Sally left, and Caitlin returned to the nursery. She stood there, admiring the beautiful walls and rubbed her belly. "This will be your room sweetie, when you get here." She took one last look and headed back downstairs to get supper ready.

The weeks flew by, bringing October around again. The leaves were all falling off the trees and the air was beginning to get a chill and a bite to it. "So Lacey, are you and Jason having the Halloween party again this year?" Caitlin asked late one day at the health food store.

Her best friend nodded. "We're planning to. Are you and Daniel coming?"

"I have to ask him, but I think so. I don't know what I'd come as though. I mean, there must be a place in Denver that sells maternity costumes."

"Actually, I got mine at Saunder's Costumes," Lacey told her as they cleaned up. "But then I was only a couple of months along with Brina."

"So what are you thinking of?" Karyn asked her as she grabbed her jacket. "Paul and I are coming as Romeo and Juliet."

Lacey locked up the store and grabbed her purse. "Jason and I are coming as Robin Hood and Maid Marion, and Sabrina is going trick-or-treating as a little lass from Ireland, thanks to the costume you brought her last January."

Caitlin grabbed her jacket and keys. "Well, I'm sure I'll be able to find something."

"So when do you have your next prenatal appointment?" Karyn asked as they headed out the back door to their cars.

"Not until December. She wants me to have an amnio though, so that's being done tomorrow." Caitlin frowned. "I really hate needles though, but fortunately Daniel will be there to help me through it."

"Did the doctor say why?" Lacey asked her best friend.

"Because I'm over thirty-five, and because she just wants to be sure there's nothing wrong." She saw their concerned looks and smiled. "There's nothing wrong, she's just covering her bases I guess."

"I know. I had one with Brina. There was nothing wrong, but it was just to be sure." She looked at Caitlin. "You'll be fine. It hurts some, but not for too long."

"I hope not. And thanks for letting me have the day off."

Lacey turned to her. "When I had mine done, I wanted to sleep afterwards, so I thought you might want to do the same."

"Well, thanks," Caitlin told her, smiling. "I'll see you both on Saturday, and I'll let you know what the results are."

"Okay," Karyn called out. "Good luck!"

Friday afternoon came, and Daniel had picked Caitlin up from home, and now they were driving back to the base. She was looking out the window at all the beautiful Fall colors up and down the streets and soaking in the Fall sunshine.

"Caitlin?" he called out to her. "Sweetheart..."

"What? Oh sorry, honey. I was just thinking."

"Worrying is more like it. Will you relax? Everything will be okay! I'll be there the whole time holding your hand." He pulled into the base parking lot and helped her out. Heading down into the mountain, he laced his fingers with hers, squeezing them. Together they walked into the Infirmary.

"Hi Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson!" Nurse Shannon Martin called out as they walked in. "You must be here for your prenatal appointment."

"Yes we are," Daniel told her.

"Well, why don't we get you changed and I'll take your vitals." Shannon handed her a gown, then pulled the curtain around one of the beds.

Caitlin went behind the curtain and quickly changed, putting on the gown and tying it around her neck. She pulled the curtain when she was finished to let the nurse know she was ready.

"So how have you been feeling?" Shannon asked her as she took Caitlin's vitals.

"Pretty good. I haven't had any more nausea, and I've been eating healthy, too."

"That's good." Shannon checked Caitlin's blood pressure. Then she checked Caitlin's pulse, frowning. "Your pulse is a little high today. Are you worried about something? That's usually one of the main things we ask first."

Daniel stood beside the bed and took Caitlin's hand, squeezing it. "She's just really nervous about today. We're scheduled to have an amniocentesis done, and she doesn't like needles much."

"Needles?" Caitlin answered, scowling. "I hate needles!"

He looked down at her, caressing her face. "I know sweetheart, but the sooner we get this done, the sooner it'll be over."

Shannon nodded, smiling. "He's right. You just have to think positive thoughts, and it will be okay." She glanced at Caitlin's chart. "I think I got all that I needed to get, so I'll just go get Dr. Lam now." She turned and left the room. In a few moments she returned with Dr. Lam behind her.

"Good afternoon Daniel, Caitlin. Ensign Martin tells me you're a little nervous about the amnio."

"A little. Will this hurt the baby at all?"

"No." Dr. Lam explained the procedure. "Using the ultrasound machine, we find the best spot for fluid, then we insert the needle and take some out for testing. It usually doesn't last too long, and the spot heals up quickly.

"She's worried about the needle you have to use," Daniel told her. "She's not a big fan of them."

"Well, we'll try to do this as quickly as we can then." She put on some gloves and pulled the ultrasound machine over to her. Then she lifted Caitlin's gown, revealing her swelling tummy, and cleansed it with some antiseptic. Then she turned to Ensign Shannon. "Give me five ccs of Novocaine."

"What's that for?" Daniel asked, concerned.

"It's just to numb the area so it's less painful. It won't hurt her or the baby." As she squirted some goop onto Caitlin, Ensign Martin prepared the syringe. Then Dr. Lam took the probe and found the baby and the placenta. "Ensign, can you hold this here?"

Shannon held the probe as Dr. Lam injected the medicine into Caitlin.

Caitlin cringed as the needle stuck her, but she knew that there was worse to come.

Dr. Lam waited a few moments for the medicine to take effect, then grabbed the larger needle and got ready. "Now you may feel pressure and a little pain, but don't worry. I'll do this as quickly as I can."

Caitlin nodded, squeezing Daniel's hand tightly.

Dr. Lam found the right spot and slowly inserted the needle into Caitlin's tummy, pushing all the way in.

"Ow!" Caitlin cried out in pain, squeezing Daniel's hand tighter and tighter.

"Pleased hold still," Dr. Lam warned her as she screwed on the syringe and started to pull some of the fluid out.

"It hurts!" Caitlin told her, starting to cry. "It really hurts!"

Daniel turned to her, wiping away her tears with one hand. "I know sweetheart, but she's almost done."

Dr. Lam finished drawing the last of the fluid, then carefully pulled out the needle, handing it all to Ensign Martin. "There! All finished." She wiped Caitlin's tummy clean and placed a bandage on it, then took off her gloves. "We should know something in a few days, and I'll call you with the results."

"It still hurts, Daniel," Caitlin told him through her tears.

He gently kissed her, wiping away the fresh tears. "I know muirnín. Do you think you can sit up?"

She nodded, and he helped her to sit up. "Oh!" she cried out, clutching her tummy.

Daniel looked worriedly at the doctor. "Dr. Lam?"

Dr. Lam smiled at them. "Don't worry. She's probably experiencing some cramping, which is normal." She turned to the small tray and handed Caitlin a small cup. Inside were two small pills. "It's Tylenol. It will help with the pain."

Ensign Martin handed her a small glass of water.

Caitlin took the pills and water, wiping her eyes and rubbing her tummy.

"Now you shouldn't do anything strenuous for the rest of the day. I recommend resting if you can."

"She will," Daniel reassured the doctor. "She'll be resting in our quarters for the rest of the day."

"Can I go back to work tomorrow?" Caitlin asked her.

Dr. Lam smiled at her. "See how you feel, but you should be able to go back to work. Just remember, if you experience anything out of the ordinary, call me immediately."

"We will," Daniel told her, helping Caitlin down from the bed. He helped her change back into her shirt.

"Thank you, Dr. Lam," Caitlin said, smiling at her through the slight pain.

Daniel took her arm, handing her jacket to her, and helped her out of the Infirmary and down to their quarters. "Here, sweetheart. Why don't you lay down and I'll get a blanket."

Caitlin nodded, and lay down on their bed, frowning. "It still hurts."

"I know," he said, sitting down beside her. "It will for a while." He gently rubbed her tummy. "Does this help?"

She rested her head on a pillow, closing her eyes for a moment. "A little. I'm also getting a little tired."

He stood, covering her with a blanket. "How's that?"

She yawned. "Thank you for taking such good care of both of us, sweetheart."

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her. "You're my life. I love you!"

She smiled, falling asleep as he left, turning off the lights and closing the door, heading for his office.

The end of the afternoon came, and Daniel went back to their quarters. Caitlin was still sleeping, so he walked in, sat down and gently kissed her.

"Hmm," she said, stretching and smiling. "A girl could get used to that.

He smiled. "How are you feeling?"

She slowly sat up, feeling her tummy. "Better. I'm still feeling a few cramps, but it's not as bad."

"Are you ready to head home?" He held out his hand to her.

She stood, going into his arms, and nodded. "I love you, you know."

"I know. I love you, too. Let's go home." He helped her put on her jacket, and putting on his own, they headed out of the base.

On the way home, Caitlin caressing her belly, she asked him about the upcoming Halloween party. "I was thinking that we could go again, but I'd have to find a maternity costume."

Daniel smiled at her, squeezing her hand. "Sure. What were you thinking?"

"I don't know. It depends on what I can find in the stores for costumes."

"You could look online. I'm sure you could find something."

"I'll look after supper. What would you like?"

He shook his head. "Oh no! You're not cooking tonight. I thought we'd order in. I want you to rest up if you're going back to work tomorrow." He pulled into their driveway, parking the Jeep in the garage. He helped her out of the vehicle, and into the house. "So what would you like to have for supper?"

Caitlin thought about it for a moment. "How about some pizza?" she finally told him. "We could order in from Pizza Hut."

Daniel nodded and soon had the pizza ordered. "You want some milk with your meal?"

"Yes, but right now I'd like a glass of water." She walked to the kitchen cupboard and grabbed a glass, filling it with ice and water.

"Why don't you sit down for a while?" he urged her. "Put your feet up. You could finish that book you've been reading, and I could finish some research I've been doing."

She nodded. "I think I will." She followed him into the den, grabbing her book and sitting down in the overstuffed chair.

He put a throw over her legs, then settled down at his desk to work.

Later, after they had eaten, Daniel suggested she take a nice warm bath. "It'll help with the cramps," he told her.

"I think I'll take a shower instead. It's getting uncomfortable for me in the tub."

"Okay. While you do that I'll get the bed ready."

Caitlin gathered her bath towels and took off her clothes, getting into the shower and letting the hot water soothe all her aches and pains away. She washed her hair, then got out, wrapping her hair and body in towels. "Sweetheart, could you get something for me?"

"Sure! What is it?"

She took her hair out of the towel and started to brush it. "In the drawer where I keep my nightshirts, I have a new one. It's purple and has lace on it. I'll also need a clean pair of underwear."

Daniel looked in the drawer she mentioned and found what she'd described. He pulled it out, holding it up and drew a sharp breath. Closing the drawer, he found a pair of underwear in the top drawer and pulled them out, taking the items to her.

"Thank you," she told him, unwrapping from the towel and getting dressed.

"Where did you get this new nightgown?" he asked her.

"From Victoria Secret. I liked the look of it, it fits my growing belly, and it keeps me cool. You know I've been getting night sweats lately."

"I know," he told her as she finished brushing her hair. He came to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. "But if you wear that, I won't be able to keep my hands off you, and we can't make love tonight. And you look so incredibly sexy in that nightgown."

She turned around to face him, smiling at him and caressing his cheek. "I know, muirnín, but you can hold me close and we can snuggle. That will have to do for tonight."

He leaned down and passionately kissed her, sending all his love and affection to her. "I love you so much, you know."

Caitlin smiled. "I know. I love you, too. But I'm getting tired, and we have work tomorrow."

Daniel nodded, and the two of them brushed their teeth, then got into bed.

She snuggled into his warm embrace, secure in the knowledge that she was loved and cared for. "Good night sweetheart."

He kissed her forehead. "Goodnight."

The next morning Caitlin woke and stretched, feeling her ever-growing tummy.

"Good morning, beautiful," Daniel told her, smiling. "How did you sleep last night?"

"I slept pretty well, considering I had a Greek god sleeping next to me." She winked at him.

"How are you feeling?"

She felt her tummy again, and smiled. "I think your son or daughter is wide awake, as they're kicking up a storm right now."

He lifted her nightgown and gently rubbed her tummy. "Now be good for Daddy and calm down so Mommy can go to work."

"Other than that, I feel fine."

He gently laid his cheek on her tummy, feeling the baby kicking, and sighed. "Are you sure?" he asked her as he finally sat up.

She nodded. "I need to go anyway, as we're expecting a huge shipment in today, and she'll need both Karyn and me to put it all away on the shelves."

Daniel frowned. "Just as long as you don't overdo it, and as long as you don't lift too much."

Caitlin got up and put her robe on. "I promise. Besides, Lacey won't let me lift the big boxes anyway. She watches over me almost as much as you do." She sat back down on the bed beside him, caressing his cheek. "And I love you for it."

He leaned in and kissed her, pulling her close. "I just want the best for you and the baby, that's all."

She rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in the heady scent of him. "I guess we should get ready for work."

"I suppose so." He helped her up, then got up and padded into the bathroom to get ready.

She went into the closet and pulled out a long-sleeved pink shirt with a scooped collar and a denim jumper dress and set them on the bed. She went into the bathroom and brushed her hair, braiding it into a ponytail, then got dressed.

Daniel put on his watch, and finished getting ready. When he was done, he looked at Caitlin, smiling. She looked so beautiful, now even more so because she was carrying their baby. It didn't matter to him whether the baby was a boy or girl. He just hoped the baby was healthy. "You look beautiful, muirnín," he told her warmly as she finished getting ready.

"Thank you. So do you."

"Do you want me to drive you today?" he asked her as they went downstairs into the kitchen for breakfast.

"I'll be okay." She grabbed two bowls, some cereal, and some milk out of the refrigerator and set them on the table with some spoons. "You know, we should look into getting a larger vehicle. We could keep yours, and trade in mine. We'll need a new vehicle when the baby comes."

He thought about it for a few moments. "What kind of vehicle were you thinking of?"

She took a bite of her cereal. "I was thinking of something like a minivan. But they're not great when it comes to heavy snow. Maybe we could look for something that would be better in the snow."

"You mean something like a pickup?" he mentioned as he finished his cereal.

"No, maybe something like a minivan but with the height of a pickup. Something like what Jason and Lacey have now."

Daniel thought again for a moment. "Let me do some research and ask Sam and the others what they think, and we can talk more about it tonight when we get back home."

Caitlin nodded, smiling, and finished her cereal. She helped Daniel clean up the kitchen and fed the cats, petting them. "Now you two be good girls today," she told them as they meowed at her.

"Now you're sure I can't drive you to work?" he asked her again.

"I'll be fine, Daniel. Honest! Just go to work and try to find the Sangraal."

He put on his jacket, then took her into his arms. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá, ró," she said, kissing him. She put on her jacket and grabbed her purse, following him out of the house.

The end of the day came, and Caitlin hurried home to search online for a costume. She walked into the den and turned on their computer, clicking to go online. Searching for websites, she found one that had maternity costumes. Scrolling down, she found a beautiful fairy costume that came with all the accessories, and she liked it. Grabbing her debit card, she made sure it would be shipped in time, and purchased it just as Daniel walked into the house.

"Hi sweetheart," she told him, kissing him when he came into the den. "Take a look at the costume I just found." She turned back toward the computer and ckicked the screen to find the picture of the costume. "What do you think?"

"I like it. So you're going to be a fairy?"

She nodded.

"I think you'll look beautiful," he told her. "So I suppose I should go to get my costume in the next day or so."

"Yes. Their party is in two weeks."

He nodded. "Okay. In the meantime, how was work today?"

"Busy. Lots of people coming in for cold remedies already, and we got most of the new shipment put away." She stopped when the phone rang, and answered it. "Hello, Jacksons," she said.

"Good evening, Caitlin," Dr. Lam told her. "I have the test results from your amnio yesterday. Everything's normal."

"That's great to hear, Dr. Lam. Thank you!" She put her hand over the mouthpiece. "It's Dr. Lam," she whispered to Daniel.

"You're welcome. I just wanted to let you know. I'll see you at your next visit in December."

"Thank you again, Dr. Lam. Goodbye." Caitlin hung up the phone.

"What did she say?" Daniel asked her, curious.

"She said everything was okay. The test results were good."

He sighed, smiling. "That's good to hear." He placed his hand on her belly, feeling the baby kicking. "So how soon will your costume get here?"

"It should get here in a few days," she told him, standing and wrapping her arms around his neck. "So how was your day?"

He smiled. "It was busy. I found some more references to the Sangraal, but no real clues yet. I also finished cataloguing some artifacts that one of the SG teams found on a mission."

"Good for you. You know, you could be a fairy too, just without the wings.

"I'll see what I can find." He kissed the tip of her nose. "You hungry?"

She nodded. "I was thinking of making some chef salads. We still have plenty of fresh ingredients from the garden, and I can add some small chunks of ham from what we had last night."

"Sounds good to me." He followed her into the kitchen. "So what did Lacey say about the party?" he asked as she made the salads.

"She and Jason will be Robin Hood and Maid Marion."

Daniel set the table, getting out the milk and pouring them each a glass. "What about Paul and Karyn?"

"They're going as Romeo and Juliet." She finished cutting up the ham and put it into the salads, then took the two bowls to the table. She went to the refridgerator and opened it. "What kind of salad dressing do you want tonight, sweetheart?"

"I'll have Italian."

She pulled out the Italian and the French dressings, and went back to the table, sitting down beside him. She handed him his dressing. "You might want to go back to Saunder's Costumes. They might have something. Since I'm going as a fairy, you could go as Peter Pan."

"I'll see what they have. In the meantime, we have to start thinking about what kind of furnature we need for the nursery. We'll need a crib for sure."

Caitlin poured some dressing on her salad. "I know. We'll also need a dresser and a changing table as well, but I would also like a rocking chair for the room. That way I can sit and rock the baby to sleep while I feed it."

He finished a bite of his salad. "Okay. We could go back to the same place we got the chairs for the den and the family room. They might have rocking chairs. But I'm not sure where to get a crib or the rest of it."

"We can check the phone book and see what we find," she told him as she ate her salad. "Let's look after supper." Then an idea came to her. "Daniel, I was thinking. I really love our bed. Maybe we could get Master Gavin to make a crib for us that matches the bed."

"I don't know. He's making another bed frame for our cottage on Danu now." He saw her sad look. "We could ask Sgt. Wilson. He might be able to do it for us. He saw how the bed looked when he helped us put it together. I could ask him tomorrow, then he would have plenty of time before the baby comes."

She nodded, smiling. "I like that idea. Then maybe on Saturday afternoon I can go looking for the other things."

Daniel nodded at her, smiling. "That's sounds good. But I don't want you doing too much."

"I won't," Caitlin promised, finishing her salad and starting to clean up the kitchen.

"Good. In the meantime, I'd better get back to my research. I'll be in the den."

"Okay. I'm going to work in here. There's a few bills that are due, so I'll work on them."

He nodded and left her to finish up.

She finished putting things away and quickly did the dishes. When she was finished, she grabbed a can of Diet Coke from the refrigerator, grabbed the stack of bills and her purse, and sat down to pay bills.

It was after ten when Caitlin finally stood, stretching. She threw away her can, walked through the foyer and into the den finding Daniel working intently. "Hey handsome," she said as she put her hands on his shoulders, massaging them.

"I'm almost done," he told her, finishing up his work.

"Did you find out anything?"

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. I'll have to check some things at my lab in the morning." He saved his work, then shut down the computer. Standing, he stretched, then took her into his arms. "You ready for bed?"

She nodded, smiling. "Your son or daughter hasn't stopped kicking since before supper. I think it delights in torturing me."

Daniel chuckled, rubbing her belly. "Now be good for Daddy and stop kicking your mother. You both need your sleep."

Caitlin giggled and followed Daniel upstairs and to bed.

The weekend came and Caitlin was working at the health food store. "I borrowed Daniel's car today."

"As long as you don't do any heavy lifting," Karyn reminded her.

"I won't." She turned toward her best friend. "You're sure you don't mind?"

Lacey smiled at her. "Of course not! But I need you back at three to help finish up."

"I'll be back." The door chimed, and Caitlin turned to see who it was. "Hi Mr. Duncan! How are you doing today?"

"Just fine! And I see you're getting bigger every day. How far along are you now?"

"Four months now. And the baby is kicking up a storm, too."

"People say that means it's gonna be a boy, you know," Mr. Duncan told her with a chuckle.

"We don't really care what the baby is, just as long as it's healthy."

He reached into his mail bag. "Let's hope that it is, Caitlin." He handed her the mail.

"Thanks, Mr. Duncan. Don't forget a peppermint candy," and she held out the dish to him.

"Thank you dear," he said, taking a candy. "See you next week!"

She waved at him as she checked the new mail, finding several bills and a few catalogs. She took them into the office and gave them to Lacey, grabbing her purse from the desk. "I'm headed out now, Lacey. I'll be back at three."

"Okay. Drive safely!"

Caitlin took off her apron and put on her coat, heading out into the chilly October afternoon. She quickly grabbed some lunch, then headed out to the furniture store.

"Welcome to American Furniture Warehouse! My name is Mark. Can I help you find anything today?"

Caitlin nodded. "My husband and I were here a few months ago and bought some furniture."

"Ah yes, now I remember you. So what are we looking for today?"

Caitlin smiled. "I'm looking for a nice rocking chair. We're expecting our first child in early March, and I'd like a nice glider rocker for the nursery."

Mark nodded, smiling, and took her back to where the rockers were. "May I offer you my congratulations."

"Thank you."

"We have a fine selection of rockers to choose from. Were you looking for a certain style?"

"I'd like one that has a lot of padding and has an ottoman with it."

The salesman looked at all the chairs, and took her over to one in particular. "Please have a seat." He helped her to sit down in the chair.

She rocked in it a little. "It's nice. How much is it?"

Mark checked the tag on the chair. "The chair and ottoman are listed at one sixty-nine ninety-eight."

"Do you have this in a white cushion?" she asked him.

He checked the tag again. "We do. It's in the back."

Caitlin smiled at him as she carefully rose up out of the chair. "Then I'll take it."

Mark made a note of the numbers and walked up to the counter, filling out a sales slip.

Caitlin followed him. "This will be a charge," she told him, handing him her credit card.

Mark rang up the purchase, having her sign the receipt. "When would you like to have this delivered?"

"Can you do it tonight around five thirty?"

He nodded. "I'll make a note of it, and I believe we have your address from the last order. Again, thank you for choosing our store for your purchase."

"Thank you," she told him, smiling as she turned and walked out of the store. She got into the Jeep and headed down the sunny streets towards the local Wal-Mart. Parking and walking inside, she headed back to the baby section. She looked through the different pieces of furniture checking their prices and found a changing table and dresser she liked. She looked around and found a sales associate nearby. "Excuse me, can you help me?"

"Of course," the associate said, following her. "What can I help you with?"

"I'd like to purchase this changing table and the matching dresser."

The associate, checked the numbers. "Ah, the Storkcraft changing table and dresser set. That's a good brand. What color were you thinking?"

"I like this lighter color," Caitlin told her, pointing to the display model. "I think it's oak."

The associate checked underneath the display and found the right boxes. "We do have them both in oak."

"I'd like them both please," Caitlin told the young woman as she checked her watch.

The woman smiled. "Great! Let me just go get some help and we'll get these up to the registers for you. Do you have any more shopping to do?"

"A few things."

"When you get done, just go up to any one of the registers and hand them these tags." The associate handed Caitlin two slips of paper. "Someone will bring the boxes up to the registers and ring them up for you."

Caitlin smiled at her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad I could help."

She smiled, rubbing her belly as she pushed her cart through the aisles of the store. She walked through an aisle that held home decor, and found some small wicker baskets. She liked the look of them, and put them into her cart. Checking her watch, she noted it was close to three, so she headed up to the front of the store. She went up to a register, setting the baskets on the counter. After the cashier had wrung them up, Caitlin handed him the two tags.

The cashier made a call, and in a few moments another sales associate had brought up the two large boxes containing the changing table and dresser. The cashier rang them in as well. "You total comes to three eighty-five sixteen."

Caitlin swiped her card, signing the little screen. Then she took the receipt from the cashier.

The associate pushing the large, flat cart smiled at Caitlin. "If you like ma'am, I can help you load these things into your car."

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thank you. I'll just pull my vehicle up to the front."

The man nodded and followed her outside. He waited as she pulled the Jeep up in front of the store, and he loaded the boxes into the back. "Thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart and have a good afternoon," he told her with a smile.

"Thank you," Caitlin told him, then got back into the Jeep and headed back to the health food store.

Daniel was at the base working in his office when he glanced over at the beautiful picture frame that held the three pictures of Caitlin in it, and smiled. Then he stopped what he was doing and checked to see where Sgt. Wilson was working. He found out the information, then grabbed a pencil and a legal pad and left his office, headed for the mess hall. He found Sgt. Wilson sitting with a few of his friends eating. "Good afternoon everyone," he told them.

"Good afternoon," everyone replied back.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but Sgt. Wilson, could I speak with you a moment?"

"Of course, Dr. J!" He followed Daniel to another table and sat down. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, you know that Caitlin and I are expecting our first baby soon."

"I heard. Congratulations!"

"Thank you. You did such a wonderful job on the frames and the beads for our bracelets that Caitlin and I were wondering if you would consider building a crib for us."

Mark smiled. "I'm glad you think so highly of my woodworking. It's been a longtime hobby of mine. But I've only built one crib before. Do you have any specific ideas in mind?"

Daniel took the pencil in his hand. "Do you remember our bed frame?"

Mark nodded.

"We were thinking something along the same lines as the bed frame." Daniel quickly drew out a sketchy design on the paper, showing it to Sgt. Wilson. "What do you think?"

Sgt. Wilson looked at the drawing. "May I?" he asked.

Daniel nodded.

Mark tore the top page off, then on the next page sketched out a basic crib with the designs Daniel had drawn on the other picture. "Something like this?" He showed the picture to Daniel, who nodded, smiling.

"Yes, that's it."

Mark smiled. "I think I can do that. When is the due date?"

"Sometime in early March."

"If I start now, I should have it finished in plenty of time. There's just one more thing. If I remember right, the headboard to your bed frame had your names caved into it. Do you want that for the crib as well?"

Daniel thought for a second, then shook his head. "No. Just having the entwined hearts will be enough."

Mark wrote that down on the piece of paper. "Okay. I'll get started on this right away, and I'll let you know as soon as it's done."

"Thanks, Sgt. Wilson. We really appreciate it." Daniel smiled at him, then headed back to his office to finish working. When the day was done, he headed home and found his Jeep already in the garage. He walked into the house and found Caitlin sitting at the table, figuring out some bills and drinking some water. "Hey there beautiful," he told her as he came up behind her and started to massage her shoulders.

Caitlin sighed, putting down the pen she was holding and closed her eyes. "Oh that feels so good, Daniel!"

He continued to rub her shoulders for a few more minutes. "How was your day? Did you find anything at the furniture store?"

She nodded. "I found a great glider rocker and a matching ottoman at the furniture store we went to before. They're delivering it around five thirty." She quickly described the chair.

"That sounds nice. Did you find anything else?"

"I found a dresser and a changing table at Wal-Mart. They're in the back of your Jeep. I thought that as long as the men would be delivering the chair that they might be nice enough to take up the other things as well."

"But they aren't put together?" he asked her.

"No. We'll have to put them together, but I like doing that. Besides, we can do that together, and it will mean more." She turned to look at him. "Did you talk to Sgt. Wilson?"

He nodded, smiling as he sat down next to her. "I did. He said he's only built one other crib before, but he was happy to do one for us. He said he'd get started right away."

Caitlin smiled as the doorbell rang. She got up to answer it.

Two men were standing at the door. "Good afternoon," one of them said. "We're from American Furniture Warehouse. We have your chair."

"Of course! I'll show you where to put it." She waited until they had gotten the chair out of their truck, then led them up the stairs to the nursery. "You can just set it in the corner for now," she told them before they set it down. Then they brought up the ottoman. "Before you go, could I ask a favor?"

"Of course," one man said.

"I bought some furniture from Wal-Mart today, and we were wondering if you could bring the boxes up for us."

"Sure! That's not a problem. Just show us where they are, and we can do that before we leave."

Caitlin showed them where the boxes were, and in a few minutes the delivery men had brought them both up.

"What do we owe you?" Daniel asked the men as they stood in the foyer.

"It was our pleasure," the one man said. "Have a nice evening."

"You too," Daniel called out as the delivery men left.

"So when do you want to start putting the dresser and changing table together?" Caitlin asked him as they walked back into the kitchen.

"We have plenty of time for that. Right now you should rest and get off your feet."

She nodded, and walked back into the kitchen, grabbing a can of Diet Coke. "What about a movie tonight?"

"That sounds good. What were you thinking of?"

"How about Titanic? Have you seen that one yet?"

Daniel shook his head, grabbing a cup of coffee. "Is it good?"

"I think so."

"Okay. You get the movie started, and I'll make some popcorn."

She smiled at him and went into the family room to get the movie from the bookshelf as he popped some popcorn in the microwave. Soon they were sitting down and enjoying the good movie.

The days flew by, and soon it was Halloween. Lacey had closed the health food store early to get set up for the party, so Caitlin headed home. Her costume had come in the mail the week before, so she'd tried it on. It fit perfectly.

Daniel had gone back to Saunder's Costumes and found a Peter Pan costume. He was cleaning up his desk when Cam walked in. "You're headed out early I hear."

Daniel nodded. "Yep. We're going to Jason and Lacey's costume party again."

"What are you going as?"

"She's going as a fairy, and I'm going as Peter Pan."

"You mean you're going to be wearing tights?" Cam asked in disbelief.

"What's so bad about that?" Daniel huffed. "Lots of men wear tights. Ballet dancers, actors..."

"I know," Cam told him, leaning against a table. "It's just you couldn't get me to wear something like that."

"Well, it's only for one night." He glanced at his watch and put on his coat. "I'd better be getting home. See you tomorrow."

"Night, Daniel."

At home, Caitlin had taken a nice, warm shower and dried off, putting on her robe. She decided to pull back the sides of her hair and leave the rest down. She was finishing up with her hair when Daniel walked into the bathroom.

"Hi sweetheart," he told her, kissing her cheek. "How was your day?"

"It was good. Yours?"

"Busy. I did three translations, and another planet went Ori. Besides all that, we've been having trouble with the Lucian Alliance."

She turned to him. "Who's that?"

"They're a band of former smugglers and mercenaries who got together after the Goa'uld were destroyed. They're selling a highly addictive corn crop called kassa. We're trying to figure out a way to stop them." He got undressed and stepped into the shower as she finished her makeup.

"I left a towel for you," she called out as she headed into the bedroom. She picked up the beautiful costume on the bed and carefully put it on. She carefully put on the wings, then she put the wreath of flowers on top of her head. Caitlin was just finishing up as Daniel came out of the shower.

"Oh sweetheart, you look so beautiful," he told her admiringly.

"Thank you," she replied, smiling at him. "You'd better hurry. We need to be leaving soon."

Daniel walked into the bedroom and quickly got dressed. Walking back into the bathroom, he combed his hair, then put on his hat. "How do I look?" he asked her.

"You look fantastic! Just like Peter Pan."

He smiled at her, looking at the clock on the nightstand. "We have a little over an hour before we have to be there, so why don't we have something to eat first? I'm a little hungry."

She nodded. "Sure. I think there's some leftover beef stew in the fridge." She went downstairs and into the kitchen, pulling out the container of stew from the refrigerator. Sticking it into the microwave to reheat, she set the table and poured them both some milk. Then she checked the cat's food and water.

He followed her downstairs and heard the microwave beeping, so he pulled out the warm container of stew and set it on the table. He grabbed a ladle out of one of the kitchen drawers and served them both a generous helping.

Caitlin sat down and started eating her food. "You were talking upstairs about the Lucian Alliance and the trouble you've been having with them. Have you decided what you're going to do about them?"

Daniel took a drink of his milk, shaking his head. "We just learned about the kassa anyway, so we have to figure out just how addictive it really is and how to stop them from distributing it."

"And that's in addition to trying to find the Sangraal," she added as they ate.

"Yes. It's keeping me busy."

She glanced at the clock on the wall. "We'd better clean up and get going. We don't want to be late. I promised Lacey we'd be there early to see Sabrina before she leaves."

He nodded, and stood, clearing his bowl and glass and putting them into the dish washer. "I'll grab your jacket."

She stood and put her bowl into the dishwasher, putting the stew back into the refrigerator along with the milk. She grabbed her pill case from the kitchen window and took her evening pills with the last of her milk. Putting them away, she walked into the laundry room where Daniel was waiting with her coat. She carefully slipped it on and followed him into the Jeep.

Daniel pulled out of their garage and soon they were headed back through town to Jason and Lacey's house. "So what else are you thinking we'll need for the nursery?"

Caitlin thought about it for a moment. "Well, we have the dresser, changing table and the glider rocker. We'll need some clothes, diapers and other things, but we can wait until the baby shower to see what else we'll need."

He nodded. "I didn't get a chance to talk to Cam or Sam about the vehicle, so maybe we could talk to Jason and Lacey and see what they say."

"Sure," she told him as they pulled up alongside the house and parked. She got out and took Daniel's arm, the two of them heading up to the front door.

"Just a minute!" Jason called out as he came to the door, opening it. "Hi Daniel, Caitlin! Come on in. We're just getting Sabrina ready to go to her Grandma's house tonight."

"Hi, Jason!" Caitlin told him as she and Daniel walked inside.

"Lacey's in with Sabrina helping her pack. Why don't you two take off your coats."

Caitlin nodded, and handed her coat to Daniel, who took them into the bedroom.

Lacey finished up and came out into the front room, smiling. "Hey you two!" She noticed Caitlin's costume. "Oh wow, Caitlin! I love your costume. Where did you find it?"

"I found it online," Caitlin told her. "Daniel's Peter Pan, and I'm Tinkerbell."

"You both look fantastic, and Caitlin, you're really glowing," Jason told her warmly. "How is everything going? Lacey said you had to have an amniocentesis?"

She nodded. "I did. It went okay, though it really hurt afterwards for a while."

"What did the doctor say?" Lacey asked.

"She said that everything's fine," Daniel told them. "Caitlin's doing okay, and her next visit isn't until December."

"That's good news," Lacey replied. "Fortunately I didn't have to have an amnio with Sabrina."

"Where is she?" Caitlin asked.

Lacey turned toward the back of the house. "Sabrina, Auntie Cat is here!"

Sabrina came running out, screaming and laughing. "Auntie Cat! Unca Daniel!"

Caitlin bent down and opened her arms, gathering her up and hugging her tightly. "Hi, Brina! How are you tonight?"

"Good." She felt the baby kicking. "Auntie Cat, what that in your tummy?"

Caitlin smiled at her, setting her down. "I'm going to have a baby, Brina." She rubbed her tummy. "There's a baby growing inside of me."

"Remember," Jason told Sabrina. "It's just like we told you."

"Oh yeah." She toddled over to Daniel. "Unca Daniel!"

Daniel picked her up, tickling her chin. "Hi, Brina. So what are you dressed as tonight?"

"Me a little lass," she beamed proudly. "Mommy says Auntie Cat got my dwess."

"She did. Do you like it?"

"Yeah! It pweddy!"

Lacey looked at her daughter as a few more guests started to arrive. "Go get your coat, sweetie. It's almost time to go. Grandma will be here soon."

Daniel put her down.

"'K, Mommy!" Sabrina toddled off, and Lacey turned back toward Daniel and Caitlin.

"Well, just make yourselves comfortable, and grab some punch."

Daniel nodded and led Caitlin over to the punch bowl as more guests started to arrive.

Soon the house was full of people wearing costumes, and Jason went to the front of the house and got everyone's attention. "Can I have your attention please?"

Everyone became quiet.

"Lacey and I want to thank you for coming to our annual Halloween party again this year. We hope that you have a wonderful time. As we have before, we'll be having awards for the best overall costume, best couple in costume, best original costume and best home-made costume. But before we get things started, here is our daughter in her costume."

Everyone oohed and aahed as Lacey came out with Sabrina carrying her little back pack.

"Tell everyone what you are, Sabrina," Lacey urged her.

"Me a little lass!" she smiled broadly.

"She's a little Irish lass," Lacey explained to everyone.

The doorbell chimed, and Jason went to answer it. It was his mother.

"Say goodbye now Brina. Grandma's here."

"Bye!" Sabrina said, waving her hand at all the guests before she left.

After Jason had handed her off to his mother, he came back to the front of the crowd. "As always in the dining room there are pails with ballots by them for the awards. Vote for who you think should win. We'll tally the votes and let you know at the end of the evening."

Daniel and Caitlin mingled about and danced as music came from the stereo. At one point in the evening, Caitlin spotted Becky and her husband, and went over to them.

"Hi, Caitlin!" Becky exclaimed. "You look beautiful, and you're really glowing. Pregnancy suits you."

Caitlin blushed slightly, smiling. "Thank you, Becky. Bob, how are you?"

"I'm doing well. Where is your husband?"

Caitlin looked around and found Daniel talking to Jason. She motioned for him to come over. "Daniel, you remember Becky London and her husband Bob. They were at our wedding."

Daniel smiled, shaking Bob's hand. "Of course. How are you?"

"We're fine," he told Daniel. "Congratulations on the baby. Are you ready yet?"

"Thank you, and no, we're not quite ready. We still have some things to do in the baby's room."

"So what are you dressed as?" Becky asked Caitlin.

"Daniel is Peter Pan, and I'm Tinkerbell."

"Your costume is beautiful! Where did you find it?"

Caitlin smiled. "Thank you. I found it online. Even online there aren't that many maternity costumes."

"Well, you look great. Have you two thought about names yet?" Bob asked them.

Daniel shook his head. "Not yet. But we will soon. Right now we just want to get the nursery set up."

The four of them continued to talk for a few more minutes, then Caitlin turned to Daniel. "We should go put our votes in."

"Okay." He turned back toward Bob and Becky. "Well, it was nice talking to you. Take care."

"You too," Becky said as Daniel and Caitlin headed into the dining room.

"Who are you voting for?" she asked him.

He smiled as he wrote down his votes. "You, of course. Who are you voting for?"

She wrote down her votes. "I'm voting for Paul and Karyn for Best Couple in Costume, but I'm voting for Becky for the best home-made costume."

He smiled at her, lacing his finger with hers. "Let's go find Paul and Karyn."

She nodded, following him back into the living room. "Hey Paul, hey Karyn!" she called out when they had found the couple.

"Hi!" Karyn said, then gasped. "Oh, Caitlin, you look incredible! I love your costume."

"Thank you. I like yours, too. So how is married life treating you two?"

Paul smiled. "We love it. It's more exciting every day."

"It's the same for us," Daniel told them. "Only more so with a baby on the way. So have you two talked about having children?"

Karyn nodded. "We want to wait a little bit. We just want to enjoy married life for a little while first."

"That's understandable," Caitlin replied.

"Hi, Paul, Karyn," Lacey called out as she and Jason came up to them.

"Hi, Lacey, Jason. This is a great party!"

Jason smiled at them. "Thank you. We believe that the kids shouldn't have all the fun."

Caitlin turned and leaned in toward Daniel, whispering in his ear. "Why don't we ask the others their opinion about a new vehicle?"

He nodded at her, then turned back toward their friends. "We're thinking about getting a new vehicle before the baby comes. We want something larger than my Jeep or Caitlin's car."

"Something like a minivan, but with the height and clearance of a pickup," Caitlin added. "Do you guys have any suggestions?"

"Why don't you want a minivan?" Jason asked, curious.

"Well, Caitlin thinks, and I agree, that they're nice, but don't have the clearance of a pickup when there's a lot of snow on the roads. Many times they get stuck."

"You could go with an SUV," Karyn suggested first.

"No, that's too big," Caitlin told her.

Why not go with a pickup?" Paul suggested. "Then you'd have the clearance you want."

Lacey looked at him. "Yeah, but it's not the best for a car seat, even with the extended cabs. We checked into getting one when Sabrina was born."

"What kind is yours?" Caitlin asked Karyn.

"Ours is a Honda Pilot."

"It's nice, but it doesn't have the clearance I'd like." She thought for a moment, then an idea came to her. "Lacey, you invited Tina and her husband Joe tonight, didn't you?"

Lacey nodded. "They're here somewhere. Why?"

"Just give me a moment. I'll be right back." Caitlin left the group and wandered through the house until she found Tina and Joe.

"Hey there girlfriend!" Tina exclaimed when Caitlin came up to them. "You look amazing! Who are you tonight?"

"Daniel's Peter Pan and I'm Tinkerbell. Say, I have a question to ask you. I've seen your car before, and I really like it. What is it?"

"It's a Dodge Durango," Joe told her. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, Daniel and I are seriously thinking about getting a new vehicle before the baby comes in March, and I wanted something like yours that looks like a minivan but has the clearance underneath of a pickup."

Tina nodded. "I see. Well, we really like our vehicle, and you're right. It goes through the heavy snow pretty well."

"Where did you get it?" Caitlin asked them.

"We got it here in Colorado Springs" Joe told her. "Just let me write the name of the dealer down." He walked into the dining room and took a slip of paper, writing the name down. He came back and handed it to Caitlin.

"Thanks, Joe, Tina. I'd better get back to Daniel. We'll talk to you later."

"Okay. See you later!" Tina called out.

Caitlin headed back to Daniel and the others, holding the piece of paper.

"Where did you go?" Daniel asked her.

"I remembered that I had seen Tina Lambert's car, and I like it. So I went to them and asked them what it was. They said it was a Dodge Durango."

"Oh, I like those," Lacey commented.

"If I remember right, Karyn and I looked at one, but we thought it was too big for just the two of us. But for you guys it would be good."

"I know. It has the height clearance I like, and in a way it looks like a minivan. Joe, Tina's husband, even told me where they got it." She read from the slip of paper. "Colorado Springs Dodge."

"I know where that is. That's on Austin Bluffs Parkway," Jason added.

"The problem now is being able to go down and look around," Daniel told her. "We both work every day, and I don't think I could get any more time off right now."

Caitlin turned to him. "We could go on Saturday afternoon."

"I can't guarantee it, but we'll see."

Jason tapped Lacey on the arm. "We'd better keep mingling. Good luck, and let us know what you find."

"We will," Daniel assured them before they left.

The party continued on, and soon the time came for the awards. Jason and Lacey gathered the guests and announced the winners.

Lacey spoke first. "For the best original costume, the winner is Tammy Klein."

Everyone clapped as she went up to accept her gift.

"Next up is best home-made costume," Jason said next. "The winner is Becky London."

Caitlin clapped loudly, cheering for her friend.

Becky came up to stand beside Jason and Lacey and accepted her prize.

"So what made you decide on your hobo costume this year, Becky?" Lacey asked.

"Well, I was cleaning out our closet, and decided to dress up in some of his clothes before I gave them away."

"Well, it looks great!" Lacey exclaimed as Becky went back to her husband. "Now the next prize is for the best overall costume, and the winner is," she looked at her slip of paper. "Jacob Flint."

Jacob went up to accept his prize amid the polite clapping of the crowd.

"Finally," Lacey said," we have the award for the best couple in costume. And the winners are Paul and Karyn Thomas."

Daniel and Caitlin clapped loudly as Paul and Karyn went up to accept their gift.

Finally Jason quieted the crowd. "That concludes the awards for this year's party. Please feel free to stay and mingle as long as you like, and have a great Halloween!"

Everyone clapped as Jason and Lacey mingled with the guest again. Daniel looked over at Caitlin as a yawn overtook her. "I think we should be heading home," he mentioned to her. "Besides, we have to work tomorrow."

"I know, but I thought we could stay just a little bit," another yawn came over her. "Longer."

Daniel shook his head. "That's your second yawn. Besides that, tomorrow's a big day. Jack is coming to inspect our work, so I have to be there early."

"Okay," she told him, nodding. "Let's go say goodbye to Jason and Lacey."

The two of them made their way through the crowds until they found their friends. "We're going to head home," Daniel told them, his fingers laced with Caitlin's.

Caitlin nodded. "I'm getting a little tired, and Daniel has an early day at work tomorrow."

"We're glad you could come," Lacey told them warmly. She hugged her best friend. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Jason shook Daniel's hand. "Thanks for coming, and have a good night."

"Thanks, Jason. We had a lot of fun." Daniel let go of Caitlin's hand long enough to go get their coats. He helped Caitlin with hers, then put on his own.

"See you tomorrow, Lacey," Caitlin called out before they left. She followed Daniel outside into the crisp Fall night and into their vehicle, heading home.

"Maybe you could ask the general tomorrow if you can get a couple of hours off on Saturday so we can go car shopping. I'm sure he'd let you go."

"It all depends if we have a mission or not, but I can ask." He continued driving down the streets filled with leaves until he reached their driveway. He pulled into their garage and parked, turning to her. "So you know what kind of vehicle you want?"

She got out of the Jeep. "Yep. I'd like a vehicle just like Joe and Tina's car, a Dodge Durango. It looks somewhat like a minivan and has the clearance of a pickup."

"Okay. I'll ask the general tomorrow morning. For now, let's get ready for bed."

She smiled at him and followed him into the house. She fed Tinkerbell and Patches, making sure they had plenty of fresh water, then walked upstairs to change for bed. "Daniel, do you think you'll ever find the Sangraal?" she asked as she slipped on her nightgown.

He turned to her. "I hope so. It's our only hope in fighting the Ori. But we also have to deal with the Lucian Alliance, too. We can't let them continue to sell kassa. We have to find a way to stop them."

"I know," she told him as they climbed into bed. "I hope you can stop them."

"We'll know more tomorrow, as that's one of the reasons why Gen. Landry asked SG1 to come in early." He smiled at her. "C'mere, muirnín," he said to her lovingly.

Caitlin snuggled into his embrace, content and happy. "Is tú mo ghrá.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he replied, leaing down and tenderly kissing her before they drifted off to sleep.

The days flew by and soon it was Friday night. Caitlin was busy preparing supper when Daniel walked in. "Hi honey," he told her, kissing her and putting his hand on her belly. "How are my two beauties today?"

She giggled, putting her hand on his. "We're doing fine. I'm just finishing up the salad, and we can eat. Would you please check the chicken in the oven?"

He nodded, opening the oven door and looking inside. "It looks good."

The timer went off. "You can pull it out and set it on the table."

He grabbed the pot holders and carefully pulled out the casserole dish, setting it carefully on the table. He put down the pot holders and sat down at the table while she put the salad on the table and served the casserole.

"Mmm, it smells good. What is it?"

"Chicken and rice," she told him as she set the spatula back in the dish. "It's got long grain and brown rice, onion soup mix, and boneless chicken breasts."

He took a bite of the rice, and smiled. "It really is good. You spoil me, you know."

She smiled back, serving herself some salad. "I know. I like to cook because that way I know you're eating at least one healthy meal during the day." She took a drink of her milk. "So what did the general say?"

Daniel poured some dressing on his salad. "He said that I can have the last two hours of the day off, but that's it. Will that be enough time do you think?"

"I hope so. If I meet you at the base in my car, we can go to the dealership from there."

He ate some of his chicken. "Okay. I'll be ready. In the meantime, what do you want to do tonight after supper?"

"I thought we could put the dresser and changing table together. Have you talked to Sgt. Wilson lately about the crib?"

He shook his head. "No, I haven't had a chance to see him. I'm sure he'll let us know when it's finished." He finished his milk and heard her sigh. "What is it, sweetheart?"

Caitlin rubbed her growing belly, sighing again. "The baby hasn't stopped kicking me all afternoon. I must be really black-and-blue in there by now."

Daniel set down his fork, leaned over and gently rubbed her belly. "Please be good for Daddy and stop kicking your Mother so she can eat." He continued to rub her belly for a moment, feeling the baby kick once or twice, then stop.

She smiled, putting her hand over his. "Thank you. Now I can finish eating."

He picked up his fork again. "Are you sure you're up for putting together that furniture? I could do it while you rest."

She shook her head. "No, I want to help. I can hold things and hand things to you, and besides, you'll need help setting them up once you're finished anyway."

"Okay, but only if you're sure."

She nodded, finishing her meal.

After the supper dishes were done and everything was put into the refrigerator, Caitlin followed Daniel upstairs with a small took kit and a pair of scissors. She walked into the nursery and saw where the delivery men had put the two large boxes. "Why don't we start on the dresser first?"

He nodded and took the scissors from her, cutting the tape and opening the box. Together they carefully took all the pieces and the directions out, and she pulled the now-empty box out of the way. "Let me see the directions." He scanned them. "I don't know," he finally said. "I've never done anything like this before."

"It's easy. Anything you don't know, just ask me. I've done lots of these in the past."

He looked at her skeptically. "If you say so." He looked at the directions one last time, and following them carefully, he had the dresser built in no time.

She carefully helped him lift it into an upright position, and after they had put it into place admired the look of it. "Oh muirnín", she said, smiling. "It's beautiful. Just like the display at the store." She turned to him. "See, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

He smiled at her. "You know you're right, it wasn't." He checked his watch. "We have time, so why don't we do the changing table."

She nodded, and soon they had the table all finished. She set the three little wicker baskets on the shelf underneath, and helped him put it into its place. "Don't they look great?" she said, looking at first the dresser then the changing table.

Daniel nodded, standing behind her and putting his arms around her. "You're right, they do. This will be a great room when it's all finished."

"I know, and to think, we have less than 5 months to go."

He turned her around to look at him. "How are you feeling?"

She put her arms around his neck and passionately kissed him. "I'm feeling just fine. But what say you and I go to bed, as we both have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

He nodded at her and together they headed off to bed.

The next afternoon Daniel was clearing up his desk when Teal'c and Sam walked in. "Hi Sam, Hi Teal'c."

"Hey! Where are you headed off too?"

Daniel looked at her. "Caitlin's meeting me and we're headed out to look at a new vehicle. We're trading Caitlin's car in for a larger vehicle for when the baby gets here."

"Is her car not sufficient, Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c asked.

Daniel shook his head. "She and I talked about it, and we agreed that we'll need a larger, more stable car for when the baby comes. We're looking at a Dodge Durango. I took a look online at one earlier, and it's got the look of a minivan with the clearance of a pickup."

"That's a good choice," Sam commented.

"I would advise you to be cautious, Daniel Jackson, as I have heard many tales about bad car salesman."

Daniel laughed. "We'll be okay, Teal'c." He finished cleaning up his desk just as Caitlin walked in.

"Hi sweetheart," she said, then saw Sam and Teal'c. "Hey guys."

"Hi, Caitlin! Daniel was just telling us you're going to look for a new car this afternoon."

She nodded. "Yep. I want something that can get through the thick Winter snow and be large enough for us and the baby, too. My car is too small, as is Daniel's Jeep. But since he likes the Jeep, we're going to trade in my car."

"How have you been feeling?" Teal'c asked her.

"Well, give me your hand, Uncle Teal'c." She placed his hand on her growing belly, and he felt the baby kicking. "You too, Sam."

Sam marveled at it. "Oh wow. Does it always kick like that?"

"Usually. But Dr. Lam assured me that that's normal. She says I won't be black-and-blue inside."

Sam turned toward Daniel. "Well, I'm surprised that the general is letting you go, seeing as we need to find the Sangraal and a way to stop the Lucian Alliance."

"I thought so too, but he said he also understands that there has to be some kind of normalcy for everyone here, especially us, since we have so little of it as it is." He glanced at his watch, then turned to Caitlin. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "The car is waiting in the parking lot, and I'm letting you drive, as I'm a little tired." She handed the keys to him after he put on his coat.

"We'll see you tomorrow, Daniel," Sam said. "Good luck you two."

"Indeed," Teal'c added and followed Sam out of Daniel's office

"Are you up for this?" he asked her, concerned. "You said you were a little tired. We could go another day."

Caitlin shook her head. "I'm just planning to rest my eyes a little, that's all."

"Okay, then we'd better head out. It will take a little while to find the dealership."

She laced her fingers with his and followed him up and out of the mountain. They got into the car and were soon off down the streets towards the dealership. Once they got nearby, he asked her what the address was.

She read it to him. "7455 Austin Bluffs Parkway."

Daniel found it, and soon they were pulling into the dealership.

"Welcome to Colorado Springs Dodge," a man said to them as they came into the building. "My name is Nick Bailer. Can I help you?"

Daniel smiled at him. "Yes. My name is Dr. Daniel Jackson, and this is my wife Caitlin. We're here to look at purchasing a new vehicle."

"I see. May I ask what you're driving now?"

"I'm driving a Jeep, but my wife is driving a Buick Century. That's what we want to trade in."

"I see. Well what kind of car were you thinking of?"

"We were thinking of a Dodge Durango."

"Let me grab my jacket, and I can show you what we have." Nick went to his office, and returned zipping up his coat. "Just follow me." He took them around the lot to where the vehicles were at, and explained some of their features.

Caitlin and Daniel looked inside a few of them, until they stopped by one that was light sandstone in color. "Oh, I like this one," she told the men.

Nick opened up the door and showed them the interior. "This model has 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, overhead and side airbags, and much more." He continued on to show them some of the other features. "And this model starts at twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and thirty dollars."

Daniel turned to him. "Since Caitlin's car is in such excellent condition, how much do you think we can get for it as a trade-in?"

"Let me look at it a moment." The three of them walked over to her car and he examined it. "How old is it?"

"It's a 2004," Caitlin told him.

He stopped and calculated a quick figure in his head. "Since it does look to be in good condition, I'd say about five, maybe six thousand dollars for trade."

Daniel turned toward Caitlin. "It's your car, and that's a good price. What do you think?"

"Well, if you think it's good, then I want to go for it. I really like that car we saw."

"Can we take it for a test drive?" Daniel asked him.

"Of course! Just let me get the keys." He went back into the building and came back a moment later with a set of keys. "Who will be the one driving?" he asked.

Daniel looked at Caitlin. "You'll be driving it the most. Why don't you go ahead?"

She nodded and took the keys from the salesman, getting inside and buckling up. Once the others were inside, she started the vehicle and drove down the streets around the dealership. "It really handles nice, and it's really comfortable."

Nick nodded at her. "Yes. Most Durangos have great suspension and shocks. You will hardly feel a bump."

"And there's plenty of room to move, too," Daniel commented.

"Yes, there's lots of leg and head room."

Caitlin maneuvered the vehicle back to the dealership, parking it in front of the building. The three of them got out and stood near the vehicle as she handed the keys back to the salesman. "It's a beautiful vehicle," she told him.

Daniel looked back at Nick. "What was the price again?"

"Twenty-eight thousand, one hundred and thirty dollars, but with your car's trade in value, I estimate it would be around twenty-two, maybe twenty-three thousand or so."

Daniel turned to Caitlin and saw the twinkle in her eyes and smiled. "We'll take this one."

Nick smiled broadly. "Great, great! Why don't you come on in to my office and we'll talk price and financing."

By the end of the afternoon, Daniel and Caitlin were driving home in their new vehicle. "Isn't it roomy?" she asked him as she watched the scenery go by.

"It is, and it was a good price. We also got a good trade-in deal on your car as well."

"Can we afford all these new payments?" she asked skeptically.

He nodded. "I make a lot of money at work, and I haven't had a reason to spend much of it, so yes, we can."

"Okay. I can't wait to drive this to work on Monday. It's so comfortable and such a smooth ride, too."

"I agree. In the meantime, what do you say we go out for supper tonight?"

"That sounds good. What were you thinking?"

"How about Chinese?"

She shook her head. "We'd better not, as it's been upsetting my stomach a little lately. What about Olive Garden?"

"That sounds good." Daniel drove down the city streets to the restaurant. He parked the vehicle and helped her out, lacing his fingers with hers as they walked inside.

Monday morning came, rainy and cold, and Caitlin drove her new vehicle to work early. She parked in back of the building and got out just as Lacey and Karyn were driving up.

"Wow, you weren't kidding when you said you were going for a new vehicle," Lacey told her after she got out of her car. "It's gorgeous!"

"Yeah, it's really looks great," Karyn added, quickly looking inside.

"Let's get inside before we all get wet," Caitlin suggested.

The others agreed and Lacey unlocked the back door.

"So how much did it cost?" Karyn asked once they were inside.

"A little over twenty-two thousand, what with the money from the trade-in."

"What did you get for a trade-in on your car?" Lacey asked as they all put their things away in her office.

"We got six thousand for my car as it was in really good condition. So it all worked out. Daniel said that since I was the one that would be driving it the most, I should be the one to test drive it. I did, and I really liked the handling, not to mention that I hardly felt any bumps along the way."

"That's good. Paul and I test drove one that was too bumpy for our liking. Then we tested the Pilot, and we liked it. It was our first purchase together as a couple."

"So who drove home?" Lacey asked Caitlin as they walked out into the main part of the store.

"Daniel. He'll be driving it some too, so I let him drive home."

Lacey unlocked the front doors and flipped the sign on the door. "It looks like you'll have plenty of room as well as cargo space, too."

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "I like that. That way we can carry many of the baby's things whenever we go somewhere."

"That's why Jason and I got a minivan. It doesn't go through the really thick snows, but then Jason always says that if the snow is that thick we really don't need to go anywhere anyway. Besides if a storm is coming, I make sure to stock up on things we might need anyway. Bottled water, food that we don't have to cook, that sort of stuff."

Caitlin nodded again. "I know. I plan to do that, too. That's what Grandma Sarah always did when I lived with her in Maine. There were many Winters where we couldn't get to the store, so we always made sure we had enough on hand."

"Well, we'd better get some things stocked," Lacey said to them. She led Caitlin and Karyn into the stock room. "The shampoos need to be restocked, as well as the conditioners. And we need some more echinaccea and zinc tablets on the shelves. People have been getting colds earlier this year, it seems."

Caitlin turned toward Karyn. "Karyn, if you'll hand me the shampoos, I can take that box out if you'll bring the box of conditioners."

"Sure." Karyn handed her the box, picked up the box of conditioners, and followed Caitlin out into the store.

"Thanks. I'll just start putting these away." She was putting them away as Melinda walked in. "Morning Melinda!"

"Good morning," Melinda replied as she headed into her office.

The morning passed by, and soon it was lunchtime. "Lacey, I'm going to take my break now. My stomach is growling."

Lacey giggled. "Okay. Hey, can I talk to you a minute?"

"Sure!"

"Karyn, I'll be right back," Lacey told Karyn.

Karyn nodded, and Lacey pulled Caitlin into the office, closing the door. "I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure. What's up?"

"Do you have Sam's cell phone number?"

Caitlin nodded. "Why?"

"Well, I wanted to talk to her about helping to plan a baby shower for you sometime before next February."

"Oh, okay." Caitlin grabbed a scrap of paper and a pen and scribbled a number on it, handing it to her best friend.

"Thanks. I'll just leave it in here for now. So what have you got for lunch?"

Caitlin took out her purse and pulled out some cash. "I'm having a sourdough turkey club and a small bowl of fruit. I ordered it this morning from Mackenzie's down the street. They should be here any time now with it."

"That's good. How have you been feeling?"

"Well, the baby's been kicking a lot. I feel like I'm going to be black-and-blue sometimes, but Dr. Lam assures me that it's normal." Caitlin chuckled, remembering something. "You know, I told Mr. Duncan about that a few weeks ago, and he said that it means we're having a boy."

Lacey laughed, leading Caitlin back out into the main part of the store. "What if he's right?"

"We'll deal with that when the time comes. But it's like I said. We don't really care if it's a boy or a girl. We just want a healthy baby."

"At first that's what Jason said, too." Lacey commented. "But then I found out he was really hoping for a boy so he could do all the usual 'boy' things like baseball and football. I know he was a little disappointed at first when he found out it was a girl, but when he held her for the first time, all that went away. But he's hoping that when she gets old enough, she might like to do a few things with him like going to a baseball game or a football game."

Caitlin laughed as the bell chimed for the front door. She turned to see who it was. "Hi, Jacob!"

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Jackson! I've got your lunch." He set three styrofoam containers on the front counter.

Caitlin handed him some money. "Here you go. So how are things at the restaurant?"

Jacob smiled at her. "They're good. Mom said to tell you hello, and she sent you a glass of milk along with your meal." He calculated the total and gave Caitlin back her change.

"Keep it for a tip," she urged him. "And tell your mom I said thank you for the milk."

"Thanks. Have a good day!"

Caitlin grabbed her meal as he left. "I'll be in the back room if you need me, Lacey."

Lacey waved a hand at her. "Take your time. Things have been a little slow anyway."

Caitlin nodded, taking her meal into the back room. She sighed as she sat down, rubbing her belly. She took her time, eating her lunch slowly. She thought about what Lacey had said, and shook her head. I don't really care what the baby is. I just want it to be healthy. She finished her milk, then stood and threw the containers away. She walked into the main part of the store and saw Lacey talking on the phone with someone, a worried look on her face. She went to stand near Karyn, waiting.

"Okay, Mrs. Anderson. I'll be there as soon as I can." Lacey hung up the phone.

"What is it?" Karyn asked, concerned.

"I've got to head home," Lacey explained as she quickly took off her apron. "Sabrina's sick again. It's her ears. Mrs. Anderson said that Brina's complaining about them hurting again, and she's pulling at them like she does when they get infected." She put her apron away and put on her coat, grabbing her keys. "Can you two handle things here?"

They both nodded. "If we need to, we can always ask Melinda to help out," Caitlin pointed out.

"Okay but make sure you don't overdo it, Caitlin," Lacey admonished. "Let Karyn and Melinda do all the heavy lifting."

"I promise. Let us know how things go."

"I will. See you tomorrow."

Lacey left, leaving Caitlin and Karyn to finish out the day.

"I hope things are okay," Karyn commented to Caitlin as they cleaned up at the end of the day. "Has this happened before?"

Caitlin nodded. "Yeah. A couple of times."

"She's had to leave work once before," Melinda added. "Sabrina was pretty sick then, too."

"I'm surprised they didn't take her to the doctor."

"They didn't want to," Caitlin told her as she shut down the registers and locked the front door. "They wanted to try some herbal remedies first. And they worked, too. But her ear aches are getting worse each time, and I don't know how long the herbal remedies will continue to work."

The three women grabbed their coats and purses, then left the store, Melinda locking up. "Let's hope this time it's not so bad."

Caitlin nodded. "Well, see you both tomorrow!" She got in her vehicle and drove home, wondering and worrying about Sabrina.

It was after midnight when the phone rang and Daniel groggily answered it. "Uh, hello?"

"Daniel, It's Lacey. I'm sorry to wake you, but is Caitlin available?"

Daniel woke up Caitlin. "Sweetheart, it's Lacey. Something's wrong."

Caitlin immediately became alert and took the phone from him. "What is it, Lacey?"

"It's Sabrina. I've tried all the usual herbal remedies for her ear infection, but now she's got a fever of over a hundred and four. Can you suggest anything I can do to bring her fever down and help her sleep? Jason's not home yet from a pool tournament."

Caitlin turned to Daniel, putting her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone, telling him what was going on. "Exactly what did you give her?"

"I put some lavender oils on cotton balls and put them in her ears. Then I gave her some willow bark tea for her fever, but it's not working."

"Do you have some children's Tylenol?"

"No, we don't."

"Put her in the bathtub in cold water. Get her to lay down in it if she will. We'll be there as soon as possible."

"Okay. The door will be open. Just come upstairs. Bye."

Caitlin hung up the phone and got out of bed, getting dressed. She quickly put her hair in a ponytail as Daniel also got dressed.

"We'll take your vehicle," he told her as they headed downstairs.

She nodded and handed him the keys, then followed him into the car. Soon they were driving down the streets as fast as possible. In a little while they pulled up in front of the Reynold's house. They walked inside and upstairs to the bathroom.

"Hi Caitlin, Daniel," Lacey told them above Sabrina's crying. "I just got Sabrina in here. She won't lie down though."

"Let me try," Caitlin urged. Lacey moved out of the way and Caitlin knelt down by the tub. "Hi, Brina."

Sabrina turned to Caitlin, tears streaming down her face and pulling at her ears. "Auntie Cat! It hurt, and I cold!"

"I know, sweetie," Caitlin said, smoothing down Sabrina's hair. "The water's cold because we're trying to get your fever to come down. Can you lay down for me?"

"No, it cold!"

"I know, Brina. Please, for me?"

"No, no!"

Caitlin thought for a moment, then turned to Lacey. "Lacey, the herbal remedies aren't working anymore, or they may be a secondary infection going on. You need to take her to the emergency room now. I suggest you take her to Memorial Hospital, as it's the closest."

"You really think so?" Lacey asked, worry in her voice.

Caitlin took her friend's hand. "Yes. Her temp isn't coming down, and she's in pain."

Lacey nodded in agreement.

"We should leave right now. Do you know where Jason is playing at?"

"He's at O'Malley's. He should just about be finished."

"I'll call O'Malley's and see if I can catch him," Daniel offered, stepping out into the hall to make the call.

"Hand me a towel please, Lacey."

Lacey handed her a big, fluffy towel then went to get a new change of pajamas for Sabrina as Caitlin helped the little girl out of the tub and let the water out.

"Pwease, Auntie Cat. Make it stop huwting!" Sabrina cried out as Caitlin dried her off.

"We're going to take you to someone who can help you, Brina. I promise."

Lacey returned and got her daughter dressed, then everyone headed downstairs.

"I got a hold of Jason, and he's going to meet us there. Caitlin and I will meet you there, too," Daniel told Lacey, his hand on Caitlin's back.

"You don't have to do that," Lacey objected.

Caitlin waved her hand in the air. "Don't worry about that. Let's just get her there and find out what's going on."

Lacey nodded, zipping up Sabrina's little coat, then putting on her own.

"I want my Binky!" Sabrina cried out from her mother's arms.

"I'll get it," Caitlin offered, going back upstairs. In a few moments she returned with a small fleece blanket and handed it to Sabrina.

"Tank you," Sabrina told her, still sniffling and pulling at one of her ears.

Daniel and Caitlin walked out to their vehicle, and waited for Lacey to back out. In a moment they were all driving down the streets to the hospital.

A young woman was sitting at the emergency room's front office when Lacey rushed in with Sabrina, Daniel and Caitlin right behind them.

"Good evening," the woman said. "How can I help you?"

"My daughter is really sick!" Lacey told her, distraught. "She's pulling at her ears and her temperature is a hundred and four."

The young woman nodded and quickly started typing on the keyboard in front of her, entering the information. "Your name?"

"Lacey Reynolds, and this is my daughter Sabrina." Lacey pulled Sabrina's hand away from her ear as her daughter sat in her lap, crying.

The young woman typed that in, then looked again at Lacey. "How old is Sabrina?"

"She's four years old."

More typing and questions, and then the woman printed out some papers, putting them in a folder. "If you'll follow me, I'll take you back."

Lacey nodded, then turned to Daniel and Caitlin. "Will you let Jason know where we are when he gets here?"

"Sure," Caitlin told her. "We'll be out here waiting."

Lacey smiled at her. "Thanks." She took Sabrina and followed the young woman back into the main part of the ER.

"Oh I hope everything will be okay," Caitlin told Daniel as they found some empty chairs to sit in.

"I do, too." Daniel took their coats and put them over a nearby empty chair, handed her a magazine and turned to watch the TV in the waiting room as they sat and waited for Jason to arrive or word from Lacey.

A few moments later, the doors whooshed open, and Jason came hurrying in. He saw Daniel and Caitlin. "Where are they?"

"They were just taken back," Daniel told him.

"How is she?" Jason asked.

"They're checking her out now." Daniel saw the young woman behind the desk again, and told Jason.

"My name is Jason Reynolds," he told the woman. "My daughter Sabrina is here."

"Of course," the woman smiled at him. "Come this way."

Jason followed her behind the ER doors.

"Well, now all we can do is wait," Daniel told Caitlin. "Do you want to lean against me and try to sleep a little more?"

She shook her head, rubbing her swelling tummy. "I couldn't sleep now anyway, as the baby is really kicking again. Besides, I'm too worried about Brina to sleep."

"I just don't want you to wear yourself out."

She smiled at him, patting his hand. "I'll be okay. I just hope Sabrina will be. It may be that they'll have to put tubes in her ears."

"We'll know soon enough," Daniel told her as he tried to watch some TV.

Three hours later, Lacey came out into the waiting room and found Daniel and Caitlin. "They're keeping her overnight because they can't get her fever to come down, and they want to run some tests to find out what's causing the high fever. They've started her on some meds for her ear infection, but they said that it wasn't bad enough to warrant putting tubes in. However, they said if she keeps getting any more, they might have to do that."

Caitlin stood, stretching and rubbing her belly. "Oh Lacey, I'm so sorry. Is there anything we can do?"

Lacey ran a hand through her messy hair, glancing at the large clock on the waiting room wall. "No. It's after three in the morning, and Brina's in good hands now. Why don't you two go home?"

"Are you sure?" Daniel asked.

Lacey nodded. "Besides, there's nothing we can do but wait. I promise to let you know as soon as we know something." She noticed Caitlin continuing to rub her tummy. "What's wrong, Caitlin?"

Caitlin looked up at her, a slight grimace on her face. "The baby's kicking a lot tonight, and I have a bad case of heartburn.

"Then I should get you home to rest," Daniel told her, concern in his voice.

"Give me a minute," she asked him. She left and went over to the young woman behind the desk. "Miss, could I speak with a nurse for a moment?"

"Of course! Is there a problem?"

"I just have a question to ask, that's all."

"Sure. Your name?"

"Caitlin Jackson."

"Just a moment." The young woman left, going back into the main part of the ER. In a moment, a nurse came out into the waiting room. "Hi, I'm Joan. Amber said you had a question to ask me?"

"Yes. I'm almost five months along, and I have a bad case of heartburn. Do you have any suggestions?"

"I see. Well, why don't we get a quick set of vitals on you, just to make sure. You can just come right on back with me."

Caitlin turned toward Daniel. "I'll be right back sweetheart."

"You want me to come with you?" he asked her.

She shook her head. "I'll only be a moment."

He nodded, and Caitlin followed the nurse back into a small room.

"Go ahead and sit on the bed," Joan instructed her as she went around the room gathering some things. She came to stand beside Caitlin. "I take it you're here because of Sabrina Reynolds."

Caitlin nodded. "I am. Her mother, Lacey, is my best friend."

Joan took one of Caitlin's wrists, checking her pulse. "I'm sure you're worried about her."

"She's my goddaughter."

Grabbing the nearby pressure cuff, she took Caitlin's blood pressure. "Well, they're doing everything they can for her." She slowly let the air out of the cuff, smiling. "You're blood pressure and pulse are normal, so let's take your temperature." She grabbed an ear thermometer from a nearby tray and took her temp. "Your temperature is normal, too," Joan told her. "I suspect it's just something you ate recently. If you're still feeling ill when you get home, you can take some over-the-counter antacid. Maalox is acceptable."

Caitlin looked at her. "I work at a health food store, and many times when I have heartburn, I drink some milk. Would that be okay?"

Joan nodded, smiling again. "Of course. I do that sometimes myself. But if it doesn't work, try the Maalox. It comes in tablets or liquid. And if you're still feeling ill tomorrow, I would recommend going to see your regular doctor."

Caitlin smiled, rubbing her belly. "Thank you, Joan. I'll do that." She got up from the bed and made her way back out into the waiting room where Daniel and Lacey were waiting.

"So what did she say?" Daniel asked, worry etched into his voice.

"She said all my vitals were okay, just that it must have been something I ate. She said I could try drinking some milk to stop my heartburn, but if that didn't work, I should try some antacid. Then she told me that if I still felt ill tomorrow, I should go in and see Dr. Lam."

"Do you have some milk at home?" Lacey asked.

Caitlin nodded. "But we'll need to stop somewhere and get the antacid she suggested."

Daniel nodded, helping her to put on her coat. "We can stop at Wal-Mart on the way home."

Lacey smiled gratefully at them. "Thank you both for being here. You really didn't have to, you know."

Caitlin hugged her. "Lacey, you're my best friend. Of course we'd be here!"

"Well thanks. And don't worry about work tomorrow. I'm keeping the store closed so I can be with Brina and you can rest."

"But Lacey, I..." Caitlin started to protest, but Lacey held up her hand.

"It's after three-thirty in the morning, and I don't want you to be tired at work. So the store stays closed. Besides, you know as well as I do that two people can't run the store by themselves anymore. I'll just call Karyn and Melinda and let them know as soon as I can."

"Okay," Caitlin conceded. "But let me know as soon as you find out anything on Sabrina."

"I will. Night, you two."

"Good night," Daniel told her as he took Caitlin's hand. Together they walked out of the hospital and back to their vehicle. "You still feeling sick?" he asked her as he helped her inside.

She nodded glumly. "But I know I'll feel better when I lay down again." She yawned, stretching as Daniel got in and started the car. "I didn't realize how tired I am," she admitted to him as they drove to Wal-Mart.

"Well, you rest your eyes and I'll go in and get the medicine. What kind did she say again?"

"Maalox," she told him putting her head back and closing her eyes. "She said it comes in tablets or the liquid, but I'd prefer the tablets."

He nodded and pulled into the parking lot, finding a spot close to the doors. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"'K," she mumbled, rubbing her belly.

He hurried into the store, finding the pharmacy, and quickly found the bottle of medicine she needed. He took it up to the registers and soon was on his way back to the vehicle. As he got closer, he noticed that Caitlin's door was open, and she was leaning out, bent over. He raced over to her. "Sweetheart! What happened?!"

Caitlin leaned back again, wiping her mouth with a tissue. "I had to throw up. I'm sorry Daniel, but I couldn't handle it anymore."

"How are you feeling now?" he asked, slowly rubbing her belly.

"Still ill, and the baby's still kicking good. But I think I can make it home to get some milk. There's some in the fridge."

Daniel quickly got inside the vehicle and started down the city streets to their house. "That's fine, but I want you to take some of this medicine as well. Then we're going to talk to Dr. Lam tomorrow."

"Oh Daniel, I'll be fine with just a glass of milk."

He pulled up into their garage, and parked the vehicle, helping her to slowly get out. "I insist," he said to her as they walked into the house. He helped her to sit down at the kitchen table, and handed her the bottle of medicine. He hurried around the kitchen getting the glass of milk.

He handed her the glass then sat down next to her. "As I was walking up to the registers, I noticed it said on the bottle to chew two tablets. I got you some that are berry-flavored."

She opened the bottle and took out two pills. She started chewing on them as she drank her milk, rubbing her belly. "Ooh," she called out as another wave of nausea hit her. She took another drink of milk, taking big, deep breaths until the nausea passed. Tink and Patches meowed at her, rubbing her legs and looking up at her.

Daniel smiled at them. "Is the baby still kicking?" he asked her, concern and worry in his voice and on his face.

Caitlin nodded. "Yes, and it'll take a while for the milk and the antacid to take effect."

He got up and got on his knees in front of her. He started to slowly rub her belly as he quietly sang a little lullaby.

"Rock-a-by baby, on the tree top. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall, and down will come baby, cradle and all." He continued to quietly sing the song a couple more times as he gently caressed her tummy. "There, how's that?"

She smiled at him, caressing his cheek with her hand. "Better. I think the baby knows when it hears your voice. And you sang that song beautifully."

"It's the only one I know," he admitted, sheepishly running his hand through his tousled hair as he stood up. "How was your milk?"

"It was good, thank you," she told him as he helped her to stand. "I'm not feeling so nauseated now, and the baby finally stopped kicking."

"Good," Daniel smiled at her. "Let's head back to bed."

She nodded and followed him upstairs, putting on her nightgown and performing her nightly routine again. When she was finished, she joined him in bed.

"I hope they can find out what's wrong with Sabrina." he told her as he held her in his arms.

Caitlin rested her head on his chest. "I do, too. Hope we know soon." She yawned, the stress of the night finally wearing her out. "Thank you for taking such good care of us, muirnín," she told him sleepily.

He kissed the top of her head, laying his cheek on it. "You and the baby are my life. I would do anything for you, you know that."

She nodded, sleep finally overtaking her. "Is tú mo ghrá, Dainéal."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he told her, sleep overtaking him as well.

Early the next morning, Daniel quietly got up out of bed and took the phone into the nursery, calling Sam.

"Good morning, Daniel," she said cheerfully.

"Good morning. Listen, Sam, Caitlin's goddaughter Sabrina Reynolds got sick last night." He quickly told his friend what had happened. "When we were getting ready to leave the hospital, Caitlin started getting an upset stomach. She got a bad case of heartburn, and it was bothering her. One of the nurses suggested she take some antacid, so I stopped at Wal-Mart to buy some. When I came out, I found out that Caitlin had thrown up."

"Oh my god! What did you do then?"

"We came back home, and she had some of the antacid and some milk she said helps with heartburn. I got the baby to stop kicking, and she felt a little better. She was able to get to sleep, but the nurse said if there were more problems we should see Dr. Lam."

"Will you?"

"Caitlin said she didn't need to, but I think we should at least call her. She's still sleeping, as we didn't get home this morning until close to four. The health food store won't be opening today, so I'm going to let her rest as much as she can."

"That's a good idea, Daniel," Sam told him. "I'll let the general know you're not coming in today."

Daniel sighed, smiling. "Thanks, Sam. I just want to be here in case she gets sick again."

"I understand. Don't worry about it. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"No problem. I hope Sabrina gets better soon."

"So do we, Sam. See you tomorrow." He hung up the phone and went back into their bedroom, climbing back into bed.

"Ungh," Caitlin mumbled as Daniel put his arms around her again. "Da...Daniel? Where did you go?"

"To make a quick phone call. I talked to Sam and told her I'm not coming in to work today and why. She said she'd let the general know. So I have the whole day with you."

"You didn't have to do that! I'll be just fine by myself..."

He stopped her. "No. I want to be here for you in case you get sick again." He smiled at her. "Go back to sleep. You need more sleep."

She yawned, sleep overtaking her again. "Okay. Love you."

"I love you, too."

Later in the morning Daniel quietly slipped out of bed, heading downstairs into the den to work on the computer. He was studiously working when Caitlin walked in.

"Good morning," she told him.

Daniel looked up in surprise. "Hey what are you doing up and dressed? You should still be sleeping."

She walked over to him, caressing his cheek. "The bed got cold, and I got lonely without you in it with me. Besides, I feel fine now."

"I know, but we're going to call Dr. Lam just to make sure." Before she could protest, he was already dialing the number for the base. "Dr. Lam please. It's Dr. Jackson." He waited until she got on the line, then pressed the speaker button on their phone. "Good morning, Dr. Lam."

"Good morning, Dr. Jackson. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes. Last night Caitlin got a bad case of heartburn, and it made her sick."

"I see. Has this happened before?"

Daniel turned to look at Caitlin.

"No, Dr. Lam," she spoke into the speaker. "Just last night. My goddaughter was taken to the ER for an ear infection and a fever, and we were there till after three-thirty this morning. I talked to an ER nurse, and she told me it was probably something I ate last night."

"What did you have to eat last night?"

"She didn't really eat much because she was worried about her goddaughter," Daniel explained. "But we had leftover Mexican food last night."

"Well, stress can be a part of it, but more likely it was the Mexican food you ate. I would try to stay away from really spicy foods for a while and see if that helps." There was a slight pause. "How do you feel now?"

"I feel fine," Caitlin told her.

"What did you do for the heartburn?"

"I drank a glass of milk and took some Maalox tablets the ER nurse suggested."

"Good. Maalox is okay in small amounts, so don't take it unless you absolutely have to. The milk was a good choice. It helps to coat the esophagus and stomach to relieve the heartburn. In the meantime, if you're feeling better, I don't see the need for you to come in. However, if the problem comes back or persists, come see me."

"We will, Dr. Lam. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Goodbye."

Daniel hung up, then turned and took Caitlin into his lap. "You're sure you're feeling better?"

She nodded. "I just missed you in bed, that's all." She leaned down and kissed him, sending him all her love and affection. "You take such good care of the baby and me. I love you for that."

He gently caressed her cheek. "You and the baby are my life. I love you so much!"

"I know. So what do you want for lunch? I could make us a couple of sandwiches."

"Okay. I'll have turkey, if you have some."

She nodded, standing. "I think I'll read after lunch. I have a good Star Trek book I've wanted to finish."

"Okay. I'll be doing some research here in the den." He followed her out into the kitchen and sat at the island watching her make the sandwiches. "Can I help?"

"Why don't you get us something to drink? I want a Diet Coke."

He nodded and went to the cupboard and grabbed two glasses. "Have you thought about when you want to have a baby shower?"

"Lacey said something the other day about maybe having one in February, and I gave Lacey Sam's phone number so they can talk about it. But we should put our names in at Wal-Mart and other places for their baby registry. That way people know what to get."

Daniel nodded, taking the two plates with the sandwiches on them to the table and setting them down. "Mmm, this looks really good," he told her after he'd helped her to sit down.

"Thanks. So have you found a way to fight the Lucian Alliance?"

He took a bite of his sandwich, shaking his head. "Not yet. We're still trying to find out where they're growing the kassa. We have teams out searching different planets, and when they find something, they'll let us know."

Caitlin took a drink of her pop. "Any information on the Saangral?"

"No. I just can't find anything, and it's frustrating. Every day more and more planets fall to the Ori. We have to find something in order to stop them."

"You will, I know it."

They finished their meal, and cleaned up the kitchen.

"Well, let's head into the den."

She grabbed her pop and followed Daniel into the den, grabbing her book from the bookshelf.

Daniel pulled a throw from the back of the chair and covered her legs. "There. Now you won't get cold."

She smiled at him, then started to read her book as he went back to his research.

Later that afternoon the phone rang. "Jackson's," Daniel answered.

"Hi, Daniel. It's Lacey."

He put his hand over the mouthpiece, calling out to Caitlin. He pressed a button on the phone, putting the handset back as it went to speaker. "Hi, Lacey, you're on speaker now. We were just wondering how things were going?"

Caitlin joined him at the desk.

"Sabrina and I are home now. They gave her IV antibiotics and fluids, and it finally brought her fever down."

"What caused her high fever?" Caitlin asked.

"She had a bacterial infection along with the ear infection. They just sent us home and said that if it got worse again to come back. Right now she's sleeping, and that's where I'm headed, too."

"That's good to hear, Lacey," Daniel replied. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

"I won't. How are you doing, Caitlin?"

She told her friend about getting sick and coming home to take the medicine. "I'm fine now. We talked to Dr. Lam, and she said that the Mexican food we had for leftovers last night was probably the cause. So she suggested I stay away from spicy foods for now."

"That's a good idea. I had to do that when I was carrying Brina. But the meds helped?"

"Yes, along with the milk."

"Good. Well, I'd better get back to Brina. Just wanted to let you know how things are going."

"Thanks, Lacey. Hug Brina for us."

"I will. Bye!"

Daniel hung up the phone again, and looked at Caitlin.

"I'm sure glad she's okay now," she said to him.

"Me, too. So how are you coming on your book?"

"I'm almost done. How are you coming on your work?"

He sighed. "Slow, but research is like that. I'd better get back to it."

"Okay." She leaned down and tenderly kissed him. "Love you."

"Love you, too."

A few weeks later Sam was working on a project in her lab when Caitlin walked in. "Hi, Caitlin! How are you doing?"

"I'm feeling like a large basketball, Sam," Caitlin sighed, smiling and rubbing her belly. "But Dr. Lam says I'm right on target in my weight gain."

"That's good. So what brings you here today?"

"First, could you call Cam and Teal'c in here?"

Sam nodded, picking up her phone, and in a few minutes Cam and Teal'c walked in.

"Hey Caitlin. Sam said you wanted to see us?"

She nodded. "Thanksgiving is coming up next week on Thursday, and Jason and Lacey are going to her parents' place in Nebraska again. So Daniel and I were wondering if you, Sam, and Teal'c wanted to come to our house for the holiday."

Sam's face lit up. "Sure! Are you planning to do the turkey?"

"Yes, and the stuffing and green bean casserole. You can bring a couple of pies."

Sam wrote that down. "Anything else?"

"Dinner is at one, so if you want to come earlier to help, you can."

"Sure, I can come early."

"You want us to bring anything?" Cam asked.

"Daniel will have some sparkling cider for me, but you can bring some wine for everyone else."

"Got'cha."

"Would one of those pies be pumpkin, Col. Carter?" Teal'c asked.

"Yes, but is there any other kind I should bring?"

"I'm partial to apple myself," Caitlin told her. "That is, if Daniel will even let me have some. He's really helping me watch what I eat lately. He says he doesn't want me to gain too much weight."

"He's right," Sam said. "You don't want to have too many pounds to shed once the baby comes."

"I know, but there are many foods I like that I can have if I eat them in moderation. Like the pie. I'll probably have only one slice."

"Do you have any ice cream?" Cam asked her. "I like ice cream on my pie."

She nodded. "I have some vanilla. I like to have a small cup of it after supper sometimes." She looked at her watch, then sighed. "I guess I'd better get back to work. I'm on my lunch break. I just wanted to let you all know about the plans for the holiday."

"Okay," Sam said, smiling. "See you soon!"

Caitlin smiled at them all, then headed down the corridors to Daniel's office. She found him working hard on a new translation.

"Hi handsome," she said as she walked in and stood by his chair.

Daniel looked up in surprise. "Hey! How come you're here? Is something wrong?"

She shook her head. "No. I just came on my lunch break to talk to Sam and the others about Thanksgiving next week." A thought came to her. "Daniel, do you know what the general is doing for the holiday?"

He shook his head. "No. He might be spending it with Dr. Lam, his daughter. Why?"

"I thought that if he wasn't doing anything, he and Dr. Lam could join us. What do you think?"

He thought about that for a moment. "Are you sure you're up for everyone coming to the house? We don't have to do anything big if you don't want to."

She smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "They're our family, Daniel, and I want to spend the holiday with them."

He smiled at her, stood and took her into his arms. "No wonder I love you so much," he told her, gently kissing her. "Inviting the general and the doctor is a nice idea. Why don't you go and see if they have plans."

"Okay, then I'd better get back to work. I love you."

"Love you too, muirnín."

Caitlin caressed his cheek once more before heading down to the control room. "Good afternoon, Walter," she told him. "Is the general busy?"

He checked the schedule in front of him. "Not at the moment."

"I'd like to speak to him if I could."

"Of course. Just a moment." He made a quick phone call, then told her to go up the stairs.

She walked up and to the end of the conference room, knocking on the door frame.

"Caitlin! What an unexpected surprise. Come on in." He gestured for her to sit. "What can I do for you?"

She smiled and sat down. "Daniel and I were wondering what your plans were for Thanksgiving."

"I haven't even had time to even think about it. Why do you ask?"

Caitlin sat forward in the chair. "Gen. Landry, Daniel and I would like to invite you and Dr. Lam to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. Col. Carter and Col. Mitchell will be there with Teal'c, and we would like you both to join us. Dinner is at one."

He sat back, shocked. "I'm flattered." He paused, then smiled. "I'd be honored to join you and Daniel for the holiday. I'll just check with Dr. Lam and let you know by the end of the day."

She smiled broadly. "Great! I'll let Daniel know, and prepare accordingly."

"Is there anything we can bring?"

She nodded. "If you could bring a relish tray, that would be good. I asked Sam to bring some pies, and for Cam and Teal'c to bring the wine. Daniel will have sparkling cider for me."

The general marked his calendar with the invitation, then stood. "Thank you again, and I must say that pregnancy agrees with you. You look beautiful."

Caitlin smiled at him, slowly standing. "Thank you, sir. If you'll give me your hand, you can feel the baby kicking if you would like."

The general nodded, and she placed his hand over the baby. "Thank you, Caitlin. I'll let you know as soon as I can."

"Thank you," she smiled at him. Have a good day."

The next two weeks flew by, and it was finally Thanksgiving. Gen. Landry had called and told Caitlin and Daniel that he and Dr. Lam would be joining them, so she'd gone out and bought a few more supplies. She also got up early, stuffed the turkey with stuffing, and put it in the oven to start cooking.

Daniel had gotten dressed early so that he could help her with the preparations. "What can I do to help?" he asked her as he watched her hurry around the kitchen.

"The candied yams need to be started, and I need to make the green bean casserole, too. And the table needs to be set."

He came up behind her and stilled her hands. "First, you need to eat breakfast. The turkey is roasting, and we have several hours before you'll need to do the other things." He looked at her. "Come on," he urged her, pulling her toward the table. "What would you like for breakfast?"

She sighed, rubbing her belly. "I guess I'd like a bowl of Grape Nuts and a glass of apple juice. But I can get it, Daniel."

He shook his head. "You're going to be on your feet all morning, so I want you to sit now and have a good breakfast." He went around the kitchen getting her the cereal and juice, setting it all in front of her. Then he grabbed a cup of coffee and his own breakfast and joined her. "So who do we all have coming today?"

"Well, there's Sam, Cam and Teal'c. That three there. Plus Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam; that makes five. With the two of us there's seven total."

Daniel nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Which dishes do you want to use?"

"Let's use Grandma Sara's dishes today. "I already have the table cloth and napkins sitting on the dining table."

The two of them finished their breakfast, then quickly cleaned up.

Caitlin helped him put the table cloth on the table, then set the table with the pretty dishes and silverware. Bringing the special platter for the turkey into the kitchen, she set it on the counter out of the way while she worked around the room preparing for the holiday meal.

At twelve-fifteen the doorbell rang, and Daniel went to answer it. "Just a minute!" he called out as he straightened his tie. He opened the door. "Hi Sam! Come on in. You're early."

Sam walked into the front door. "I know. I told Caitlin I'd come early to help her get everything ready. Here are the pies." She handed them to him as she took off her jacket.

He took them into the kitchen, setting them on the far counter by the platter. Then he hung up Sam's coat.

"Hi, Sam!" Caitlin called out as she gathered things together on the island. "Glad you could come."

"Thanks for inviting me. So what can I do to help?"

"Do you remember the green bean casserole I made last year?"

Sam nodded.

"You and Daniel can make that, as I have the stuffing and the candied yams in the oven." She turned toward Daniel. "Don't let the yams boil over. I'll just run upstairs and get ready."

"Where are the directions for the casserole?" Daniel asked.

"Right by the dish, sweetheart," she told him before running upstairs to get dressed.

"So how are things going?" Sam asked him as they put together the casserole.

He smiled at her. "Things are good, Sam. Caitlin's over 5 months along now, and she's doing really well."

"What about her mixed genetic makeup? Has that caused any problems so far?"

"Surprisingly not." He poured the green beans into the casserole dish and poured the soup and milk mixture on top. "Dr. Lam didn't know for sure if it would cause any troubles, but so far it hasn't."

Sam poured the French onions on top, then Daniel put the cover on and put it in the oven to cook. "There! Now all we do is wait."

Sam sniffed the air. "Mmm, it sure smells good in here!"

Caitlin finished putting on her bracelet and watch and came downstairs. "Did you get it in?" she asked Daniel.

"Yes. Just a moment ago. Will it be ready?"

She nodded. "Just about the same time as the turkey." She sniffed the air. "It really smells good in here, doesn't it?"

"I was just saying that to Daniel," Sam commented. "And you look really pretty today, Caitlin."

"Thank you, Sam. It's a new outfit I bought a few weeks ago."

The three of them talked and laughed awhile as Caitlin continued to get things ready. At twelve-thirty, the doorbell rang, and Daniel went to answer it. "Hi, Cam, Teal'c! Come on in."

"Thanks, Daniel. I brought a couple bottles of wine. One's a blush chablis, and the other one's a chardonnay."

"Thanks," he said, taking their jackets and hanging them in the closet. "Come on in."

"You have a most beautiful home, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c commented as he and Cam followed Daniel into the kitchen.

"Thank you, Teal'c. We really like it."

"Hi, Caitlin, Sam," Cam called out. "Thanks for inviting us, Caitlin. Mmm, it sure smells good in here!"

"Thank you. Everything will be ready soon." She turned toward Daniel. "Sweetheart, why don't you open the wine and give everyone a glass?"

Daniel nodded and soon everyone had a glass in their hand.

"This is really pretty, Caitlin," Sam said, admiring the glass. "But what's this at the bottom?"

"That's a little decoration to let you know whose glass it is. I made those with some of my gemstone chips and seed beads."

"That is a wise idea," Teal'c told her. "And I must admire your attire. You look beautiful."

Caitlin blushed. "Thanks, Teal'c."

The doorbell rang, and Daniel went to answer it again.

"Good afternoon," Gen. Landry called out, Dr. Lam right behind him. "And Happy Thanksgiving!"

"Same to you, sir," Daniel replied, smiling. "Come on in. Let me take your coats."

"Thank you for inviting us," Dr. Lam told him, handing Daniel a relish tray.

"It was our pleasure."

Gen. Landry sniffed the air. "It really smells good."

Daniel led them into the kitchen, taking the relish tray into the dining room.

"Good afternoon, sir," Cam and Sam called out, standing a little straighter.

"At ease, everyone," he said. "Today is a day to give thanks and eat too much."

Everyone laughed and relaxed a little.

"What would you like to drink, Gen. Landry, Dr. Lam? We have some chardonnay or some blush chablis."

The two of them made their selections, then each were handed a glass.

"What are you drinking, Caitlin?" Dr. Lam asked.

"I'm having some sparkling apple cider. It looks like the real thing without the alcohol."

"That's good. So how have you been feeling?"

"Just fine. The baby isn't kicking right now, so that's good. Otherwise I might not get to eat all this great food."

The general turned to her. "Speaking of which, what are we having today?"

"Besides the turkey, there's stuffing, green bean casserole, and candied yams. For dessert we have both pumpkin and apple pies."

"Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam brought the relish tray, and I set that on the table in the dining room," Daniel told Caitlin.

"It all sounds delicious," Dr. Lam remarked.

The timer behind Caitlin went off, and she opened the stove. The rich smells of the cooking food wafted throughout the kitchen and everyone took a deep breath of it. She saw that the turkey was ready, so she stood and turned to Daniel. "Sweetheart, could you please pull out the turkey and set it on the stove top?"

"Sure." Daniel grabbed the potholders she handed to him, and pulled out the large roasting pan that held the turkey, setting it on the stove.

Everyone remarked at the look of it as Caitlin carefully brought over the special platter, then turned to Daniel. "If you would cut some meat off and put it on the platter, I'll get out the rest of the dishes from the oven."

"They aren't too heavy?"

She shook her head. "No, and I'll just be putting them onto the table right away anyway." She turned to Sam. "Would you help me? I need to put these spoons in the dishes." She handed Sam three spoons.

"Sure."

Caitlin pulled out the stuffing from the bird first, putting it in a bowl, then the yams and the green bean casserole, setting them each on the dining room table. "Just put a spoon in each of the dishes, and as soon as Daniel is done we'll be ready."

"Wow, Caitlin your table is beautiful!" Sam exclaimed when she was done. "The dishes are so pretty. Where did you get them?"

"They belonged to my Grandma Sarah, and I got them when I moved here to Colorado."

They're beautiful. What's the pattern called?"

"Desert Rose I believe."

The two women walked back into the kitchen as Daniel finished up filling the platter. "Do you think that's enough sweetheart?"

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Dinner is ready everyone!"

Everyone took their glasses and found a place at the dining table. Daniel came in last with the platter of turkey meat and set it on the table near his plate.

Once everyone was seated, Caitlin asked that everyone hold hands for the prayer. "May this food restore our strength, giving new energy to tired limbs, new thoughts to weary minds. May this drink restore our souls, giving new vision to dry spirits, new warmth to cold hearts. And once refreshed, may we give new pleasure to You, who gives us all. Amen."

"Amen," everyone echoed.

"There's something else that I like to do at Thanksgiving," she told Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam. "We did this last year at Sam's house."

"What's that?" he asked.

"We go around the table and each one of us says one thing that we're thankful for."

He smiled. "That's a good idea."

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thank you. Sir, if you would do the honors of going first."

"Of course." He thought a moment. "I'm thankful for the incredible job I have and the good people that work under me."

Dr. Lam was next. "I'm thankful for not having any major problems to deal with at work."

Everyone laughed at that.

"I'm thankful for this house, and for Daniel," Caitlin told everyone, rubbing her belly and smiling.

Cam was next. "I'm thankful for my parents back in Kansas."

"I'm thankful for my friends and my work," Sam told the group.

"I am thankful for my son and his wife," Teal'c intoned, then smiled a little. "But I am most thankful for my freedom."

Daniel was last. "I'm thankful for Caitlin, and for our baby that she's carrying."

Caitlin smiled at everyone, then looked toward Daniel. "If you would start with the turkey, sweetheart, and pass it to the right."

Soon everyone's plates were heaping with the wonderful food.

"This is absolutely delicious!" exclaimed Gen. Landry. "The turkey is so moist."

"I continually baste it," Caitlin explained. "That way it doesn't dry out.

"Mmm, your candied yams are great," Sam commented. "I love the sweetness of the marshmallows, too."

Caitlin blushed. "Thank you."

Everyone talked and laughed throughout the delicious meal. When everyone was finished, Caitlin stood and started to gather the plates.

"Let me do that," Daniel offered, taking some plates from her. "You've been on your feet all morning."

"I'm okay sweetheart," she told him. "Besides, I plan to serve the dessert now."

"Are you sure?" he asked her skeptically.

She nodded, smiling. "Why don't you gather the plates and I'll serve the dessert and coffee." She turned back toward the table. "Keep your forks," she told everyone.

Daniel quickly cleared the table as Caitlin turned to the general.

"Gen. Landry, Dr. Lam, we have apple and pumpkin pie for dessert. What would you like?"

"I'd like a piece of pumpkin," the general told her.

"We have whipped cream if you like," Caitlin added.

"Please," Gen. Landry told her.

Caitlin turned toward Dr. Lam.

"I'd like a piece of apple please."

"We also have coffee."

"Please," both of them replied.

"Coming right up." She went into the kitchen and put a piece of pumpkin pie on a small plate, topping it with the whipped cream. Putting a piece of apple pie on the second plate, she took the two plates into the dining room and served them. Soon everyone was enjoying the good desserts and drinking their coffee.

"Even if these were bought, they're still really good, Sam." Cam commented.

"Indeed," Teal'c added.

"So have you two picked out names yet?" Sam asked Daniel and Caitlin.

Daniel shook his head. "We haven't thought about names yet. We still have a few months yet to think about that. Right now we're more focused on finishing the baby's room."

"What all have you done with the room?" Gen. Landry asked Daniel.

"Caitlin had the walls painted in a Precious Moments theme, and we have a glider rocker, dresser and changing table in the room. We're waiting for Sgt. Hendricks to finish the crib."

"What else do you need?" Dr. Lam asked.

"Well, we still need lots of baby clothes, onesies, diapers, that sort of thing," Caitlin told her. "But we also need a lamp and a small hamper, too, as well as a high chair."

"Have you registered anywhere?" Sam asked her.

"We registered at Wal-Mart and Target, as well as a few other places," Caitlin told her.

"So what does the nursery look like?" Dr. Lam asked.

"Let me show you." Caitlin stood, leading Sam and Dr. Lam upstairs to the nursery.

"Oh Caitlin, this is gorgeous!" Sam gushed as she took the whole room in. "And I like the changing table and glider rocker."

Dr. Lam smiled at Caitlin. "Yes, this is beautiful. But I don't see a crib yet."

"Sgt. Mark Wilson is making one for us," Caitlin told them both, putting a hand on her belly. "He should be finished with it long before the baby comes. It's going to look like our headboard and footboard on our bed." She led them into the bedroom and showed them the bed.

"That's really pretty," Dr. Lam commented. "Who made it?"

"Master Gavin on Danu," Caitlin answered her.

As the women talked upstairs, Daniel and the others talked in the dining room.

"So no names yet?" Cam told him.

"Not yet. But we have some time yet. The baby isn't due until early March."

"So you had Sgt. Wilson build your crib?" The general asked Daniel.

"Yes. We liked the bed frame so much we had him duplicate it for the crib."

Teal'c turned to Daniel. "Daniel Jackson, I have observed that Tau'ri who celebrate Thanksgiving also have another tradition of watching people catch an odd-shaped object and running down a field."

Daniel looked at him a moment, then smiled. "Oh, you mean football!"

"Indeed."

"I guess there's a game or two on we could watch. Let's go into the family room."

All the men stood and went into the family room, Daniel turning on the TV and finding a game. They watched as the woman came downstairs into the kitchen.

"I see you guys found a game to watch," Caitlin said to Daniel as she walked up to him, caressing her tummy.

"Yeah. Teal'c suggested it. He said it was a tradition."

"Men," Sam muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Why don't we go back into the dining room and talk?" Dr. Lam suggested.

"Just a minute," Caitlin told them. "Is there anything you guys want? More wine or coffee?"

"You go sit down, sweetheart," Daniel told her. "We can get anything if we need it."

"Okay. Sam, Dr. Lam, do you want anything?"

"No," they both told her as the three of them headed back into the dining room.

The game ended, and the men came to rejoin the women in the dining room. "Gen. Landry, let me show you the nursery," Daniel offered him.

The general smiled and Daniel led him up stairs.

"So when would you like to have a baby shower?" Sam asked her.

"Lacey was talking about that a few weeks ago. She said she'd call you. I gave her your cell phone number, but you could call her, too."

"Okay. Is she at home this weekend?"

"No. She and Jason went to Nebraska this weekend to spend time with his parents. They should be back Sunday night."

"I'll call her on Monday morning then," Sam replied.

Caitlin nodded, rubbing her belly over and over.

"Is something wrong?" Dr. Lam asked, concern on her face.

"It's the baby," Caitlin explained. "It's just kicking up a storm again." Caitlin continued to rub her belly as Daniel and the general returned from upstairs.

"The room is lovely," Gen. Landry complimented, smiling. "You both really have a lovely home."

"Thank you," Daniel replied, noticing Caitlin's movements. "The baby again?" he asked her, concerned.

She nodded, smiling a small smile. "Your son or daughter won't stop kicking me."

Daniel came around to stand in front of her, kneeling on the floor in front of her tummy. He put his hands on her belly and started rubbing, softly singing a lullaby.

Everyone remained quiet and watched the scene in front of them, smiling.

When he was done, he rubbed her belly one last time, and looked at her. "Better?"

She smiled at him. "Much, thank you." She saw everyone watching them, and blushed. "When he sings to the baby, it calms down and usually stops kicking."

"You have a really good voice, Daniel," Sam commented warmly. "You should sing more often."

Daniel stood and blushed, running his fingers through his hair. "I only sing for the baby and Caitlin," he told them all.

"Well, it was beautiful, none the less," the general added, then looked at his watch. "Well, I supposed I'd better head back to the base. A general's work is never done." He turned to his daughter. "I'll drop you off at home if you like."

Dr. Lam nodded. "Thank you for inviting us today," she told Caitlin and Daniel, smiling. "I had a wonderful time."

"As did I," the general added, shaking Daniel's hand. "Have a good evening."

Daniel went to get their coats.

"You need any help cleaning up?" Cam asked Caitlin.

"I don't think so. But I want you all to take some leftovers home with you. Teal'c, I know you can eat at the base tonight, but this will be much better for you."

"Indeed. Thank you. I am most appreciative."

Caitlin got out several plastic containers and filled them with food. She put them into plastic bags and handed them to Sam, Cam, and Teal'c.

"I can stay and help you if you need me to," Sam told her.

"I think I can finish up here," Caitlin assured her. "You go on."

"Okay. Happy Thanksgiving!" Sam said as she put on her coat and followed the others out. Soon it was just Daniel and Caitlin alone in the house.

"Why don't we finish up later," he told her as they walked back into the kitchen.

"No, I can finish up. I want to take all the meat off the bones and save it, and we have to run the dishwasher."

"I don't want you on your feet," Daniel told her, standing behind her and wrapping his arms lovingly around her belly.

"I can sit down to take the meat off the bones, and then we can have some turkey sandwiches later."

He smiled at her. "Okay. I'll get the dishwasher ready and set things up for you. What kind of plate do you want for the meat?"

"Just a normal plate will do, sweetheart." Soon Caitlin had the turkey in front of her on the kitchen table and was taking off all the meat. "Everyone's been asking if we've chosen any names yet," she mentioned to him.

"I know, but we still have time." He put the last plate into the washer and put in the soap, starting it.

"Well, I've been thinking about it," she told him. "I've been thinking of different names for a few days now."

Daniel came over to the table and sat down. "Oh? What names were you thinking about?"

She stopped, her greasy hands in the air. "Actually, I've been thinking a lot about Minister Aedan, and I like his name. What do you think?"

He thought about it for a moment. "Aedan Jackson. I like it. But what about a middle name?" He thought a moment. "How about Matthew?"

Caitlin thought for a moment, then an idea popped into her head. "Jack used to have a son named Charles, didn't he?"

Daniel frowned, a sad look on his face. "Yes he did, but he was accidentally killed. Why?"

She smiled at him. What about Aedan Charles, after his son?"

Daniel mulled that over for a little bit, then smiled. "That sounds beautiful, sweetheart. I'm sure Jack would be honored. But what if it's a girl?"

"I already thought of that, and I'd like to use Brianna, in memory of my grandmother on my mother's side."

"That sounds beautiful sweetheart. Have you thought about a middle name?"

"No. I hadn't gotten that far."

"What do you think about Lacey, for your best friend?" he asked her.

She shook her head. "I like her name, but it doesn't fit with Brianna." She finished pulling off the last of the meat as they both sat thinking and suggesting names. "I just don't think any of those really fit Daniel," she finally told him. "Let's stop for now and think about it some more later. Like you said, we still have plenty of time." She cleaned up and threw the bones away, then turned toward him, smiling. "So how about a turkey sandwich?"

He nodded.

"What should we do with the rest of the wine?" She asked him as she put the plate of turkey on the counter

"We can just throw it," Daniel said as he picked up one of the half-empty bottles. "I don't want any more." He poured the rest of the wine down the drain, then threw the bottles away.

Caitlin cleaned her hands, then made some sandwiches. They ate their dinner, talking about how the afternoon went, and soon the subject of Christmas came up.

"It's the next big holiday," she told him. "We should think about gifts for everyone."

"We still have some time, unless you have some ideas already."

She took a drink of her milk. "Last year we bought Teal'c some music for Christmas, but I gave him a dream catcher and plaque instead."

Daniel finished his sandwich. "So what you're saying is that you want to give him some music this year?"

"Yes."

"Do you know where we put all those CD's?"

"I can look around in some of the boxes later," she said as she finished her food.

"Okay. Then that's what we'll give to Teal'c. But we can take our time to get something for the others."

Caitlin nodded smiling, and helped him clean up the dishes. "So what do you want to do tonight?" she asked him.

"I want you to relax and get off your feet," he told her as he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. "You've been on them all day, and you've been up all day, too."

"We could watch a movie in the family room. That way I would be off my feet and resting at the same time."

"Sure. What would you like to watch?" He led her into the room and helped her sit down on the couch.

She thought for a moment. "Something funny maybe."

Daniel went to the video cabinet and looked through the videos to find something funny. Then something caught his eye. "What's this one?" He pulled it out and held it up for her to see.

"The Flinstones. Oh that's a good one! It stars John Goodman as Fred Flinstone. You'll like it."

"Okay, then this is what we'll watch." He popped open the DVD player and put in the movie. Then he came to sit beside Caitlin.

The rest of the evening was spent watching the movie, laughing and having fun. When the movie was over, Caitlin shut off the player and the TV. Standing, she stretched and put her hand on her growing belly. "Mmm! It feels good to stretch."

"I know," he agreed. He went to check the cat's food and water, making sure they were full, then walked back toward her, taking her hand. "Let's head up to bed."

The two of them made sure the doors were locked, then headed upstairs. They both got undressed, and performed their usual routine. Then Caitlin joined Daniel in bed. "It was a great holiday," she told him as she snuggled into his embrace.

"Yes, it was. And you were the perfect hostess. I'm really proud of you."

"Thank you sweetheart. I enjoyed having all our friends over for dinner. But I'm afraid we may not be able to do that much more before the baby comes."

"I know. And I may not always be here for all the holidays. Remember Easter?"

She nodded. "I remember. But hopefully you'll be here for Christmas. Speaking of which, do you think I could go visit my mother before then?"

"I don't know. I'll have to talk to the general about it, so we'll see. In the meantime, go to sleep. Is tú mo ghrá,muirnín."

"Is tú mo ghrá, Dainéal, she replied, yawning. "Good night."

December came, and Daniel was at work when an airman came in with a memo from the general. It was about the gala. He grabbed his phone and called Caitlin.

"Nature's Best health food store, this is Caitlin. How can I help you?"

"Hi sweetheart it's me."

"Hey there handsome! What's up?"

"The second-annual Holiday Gala is coming up next week, and I wondered if you'd like to go. I have to send in our RSVP in the next few days."

"I'd love to go again, but I'm getting as big as a house, Daniel! I have nothing that fits."

"What about that dress you wore to the Air Force Ball? Would it work?"

"I don't think so. But I can try to look and see what I can find."

"So then we're going?"

"You can tell them yes."

"Okay. I'll let them know. See you tonight. Love you."

"Love you, too." Caitlin hung up the phone and turned toward Lacey, putting her hand on her growing tummy. "That was Daniel. Do you remember the holiday gala we were invited to last year where he works?"

Lacey thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I remember."

"Well, we've been invited again. I told Daniel I could try to find something that fits my ever-growing tummy, but I don't even know where to start!"

"Well, there are several maternity shops in town, so maybe we could start looking there. I'm sure they'll have something. Why don't you look in the phone book and see what time they close."

Caitlin nodded as Lacey went off to help a customer. She wrote down some names and numbers and called a few of them. Then she found Lacey. "Many of the stores close at five-thirty, so that wouldn't leave us much time. But there is one that closes at six. It's called Motherhood Maternity. I asked the lady and she said they even carry a few formal things."

"Then let's go there today. I can close the shop an hour early so we have plenty of time to find the store. Where is it?"

"There's two of them, and the closest is on Citadel Drive East." Caitlin handed a slip of paper to Lacey, who looked at it closely.

"I think I can find it." She turned to find Karyn. "Hey Karyn, we're closing the store an hour early today. Caitlin needs to find a nice dress for a party she's going to."

"Okay. I'll go tell Melinda."

Soon everyone had cleaned up the store and was getting ready to leave. "So what are your plans the week of Christmas, Karyn?" Lacey asked her.

"Well, since Paul and I went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving, we're going to his parent's house for Christmas. They live in Denver. What about you Caitlin?"

Caitlin smiled at her, putting her coat on. "Daniel and I are having our friends over for Christmas Eve supper and opening presents. We'll be alone for Christmas Day, but that's okay. We don't mind."

"In the meantime, let's head out. We'll see you tomorrow, Melinda!" Lacey called out, then turned toward Karyn. "See you tomorrow!"

"Good night!" Karyn replied before she left.

"So what kind of dress are you looking for?" Lacey asked as they got into her vehicle.

"Well, something formal-looking, but that will look nice and fit my growing tummy," Caitlin said as they left the back parking lot, headed down the snowy streets.

"You also want something warm too," Lacey added.

They drove down the snowy, Wintry streets to the store and parked in front of it, and Lacey got out and helped Caitlin inside.

"Good afternoon and welcome to Motherhood Maternity," a clerk near the door said. "Can I help you?"

Caitlin nodded. "I'm looking for a nice formal dress for a Holiday Gala that I'm going to next week. What do you have?"

"Well, we have a few selections of formal dresses. Let's head to the back of the store." The sales clerk led them to the back of the store where the dresses were located. "How far along are you, if I may ask?"

"I'm six months along now," Caitlin told her, rubbing her belly and smiling.

"Congratulations. Well, we have a few selections that might work for you. Let me just get them down." She pulled a few selections down, showing them to Caitlin. "Do you see anything you'd like to try on?"

Caitlin looked each dress over carefully, turning to Lacey. "I like that one in the white lace with the bell sleeves. That's pretty, don't you think Lacey?"

"I agree. You should try that one on."

The clerk handed the dress to Caitlin and pointed to the dressing rooms. "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask."

Caitlin nodded and took the dress inside, changing out of her clothes. She unzipped the dress and carefully put it on. It was a pretty, soft lace dress in white with large bell cuffs, and it had a pretty scalloped hem to the skirt and sleeves. Fully lined, it came to just below her knees. She padded out into the store. "Lacey, could you please zip me up?"

Lacey nodded, zipping her up in the back.

Caitlin smiled. "It fits, and it doesn't restrict my belly at all. I really like it. What do you think?"

"It looks wonderful on you, and it's just the right length, too," the sales clerk told her.

"She's right," Lacey added. "It's gorgeous. You really look beautiful."

"Is it dry clean, or will I be able to wash it?" she asked the clerk.

"It's dry clean only, I'm afraid."

"That's okay. I'll take it." She turned around for Lacey to unzip her and was soon back into her regular clothes. "I have shoes to wear with this," she told Lacey as she came out of the fitting room. "So all I need is the dress." She turned to the clerk. "How much is it?"

The clerk checked the tag. "Two hundred eight dollars."

"This will be charge," she told the clerk as they walked up to the registers. She put her purse on the counter and got out her credit card, handing it to the clerk.

"There you go," the clerk said as she handed the card back to Caitlin with a pen and the receipt.

Caitlin signed it, and she put the card back into her billfold.

"Here is your dress," the clerk told her, handing her the dress on a hangar under a plastic bag. "Thank you for your purchase and come again."

"Thank you," Caitlin and Lacey both told them as they left the store.

"Here, let me take that, and you take my arm. I saw a rough patch of ice outside their door earlier when we were coming in."

Caitlin handed the bag to Lacey and took her friend's arm. She carefully followed Lacey outside and back into her vehicle.

Lacey took the dress, hanging it in the back of the van, and climbed in. "Why don't you tell Daniel that I'm dropping you off? Then he won't have to come to the store to get you."

"Okay," Caitlin nodded, taking out her cell phone and dialing Daniel number.

"This is Dr. Jackson," he said.

"Hi sweetheart, it's me."

"Hi, muirnín! I wasn't expecting you to call back."

"I wanted to tell you that I found a dress to wear. I told Lacey about my problem finding a dress for the gala, and she closed the store early to help me find one. We went to a store called Motherhood Maternity, and they had a beautiful white lace dress that fit me, so I bought it. I'll show it to you when you get home. That's the other reason I called. I wanted to let you know that Lacey is taking me home."

"Okay. I'll see you at home then. Love you."

"Love you, too. Bye!" She shut off her phone and turned to Lacey. "I really think he'll like the dress."

"I think so, too." Lacey pulled into the curvy driveway and parked near the garage. She got out and grabbed the dress, then helped Caitlin up the steps to the house. "When is the gala?"

Caitlin opened the front door. "In a week. I'm really looking forward to it, as I get to see Daniel's friend Gen. O'Neill. He'll be there, and we can invite him to spend Christmas with us again."

"That sounds nice. Well, I'd better head home. See you at work tomorrow!"

Caitlin waved at her best friend. "Bye! Hug Brina for me."

Lacey smiled at her, then got in her vehicle and backed out the driveway.

Caitlin shut the front door and took off her coat, scarf and gloves, hanging them in the hall closet. Going into the kitchen, she grabbed a glass of apple juice and walked into the den, taking her shoes off. Sitting down at Daniel's desk, she turned on the computer and opened up her Print Shop program. She worked for a while as she drank her juice and was just printing out her finished project when she heard the garage door open. She shut off the computer and printer, and began to sign the different pieces of paper as Daniel walked into the den.

"Hey there beautiful," he told her, kissing her cheek and rubbing her shoulders. "What are you working on?

She held up the thick piece of paper for him to see. It was an invitation. "I just made these. What do you think?"

He read one aloud. "'Merry Christmas Jack. Time: seven pm. Place: our house. What to bring: yourself, a bottle of wine, and a gift to pass.'" He looked at all the others, seeing they were nearly all the same. "I see you only asked Jack and Cam to bring some wine."

"I thought two bottles would be enough, as we'll be having hot apple cider with the goodies." She turned to him. "So, what do you think?"

"I think they're beautiful, sweetheart," he told her warmly, kissing her tenderly. "You did a wonderful job, and I'm sure they'll love them."

"Thank you. They're all finished and signed, so all I have to do is put them in an envelope and they'll be ready to hand out at the gala next week. Don't forget to get your tuxedo tomorrow."

"I won't. Speaking of which, what does your dress look like?"

Caitlin carefully stood and walked into the living room, picking up the dress in the bag. She took it out of the plastic bag and showed it to him.

"That's a beautiful dress, and you'll look absolutely gorgeous in it." Daniel took her into his arms and smiled at her, putting his hand over the baby. "So how are you doing tonight? How was work?"

"I'm a little tired, but work was good. Lacey makes me take more breaks now, but I still help out a lot. Today we had one of our deaf customers come in, so I helped her out with her purchases. Other than that, the baby and I are doing fine."

"Did Lacey help you into the maternity store and into the house?" he asked her as they walked back into the den.

"Yes. She's being a mother hen just like you are."

"You know I'm just being careful for you and the baby."

She patted his hand. "I know. And I appreciate it, really! It's just that sometimes I get a little tired of it all. I'm just feeling so huge, Daniel! I'm ready for the baby to come out." She rubbed her tummy, pouting a little.

"I know. Soon, sweetheart, soon. In the meantime, I have a surprise for you. What would you say about going to Danu soon?"

She smiled at him brightly. "I'd love it! I can't wait to see Mom and tell her all about the holidays coming up. When do we leave?"

Daniel smiled at her. "We'd leave the afternoon of the twenty-ninth and come back the afternoon of New Year's Day."

"So what would I tell Lacey and Karyn?"

"Just tell them that Jack invited us to his cabin in Minnesota for the holiday."

Caitlin nodded, stacking the invitations on the desk. "I'll finish these later. So what would you like for supper?"

"Anything is fine with me, muirnín," Daniel told her as he followed her out into the kitchen.

"How about some taco salads?"

He shook his head. "You'd better not, as you might get heartburn. Remember what Dr. Lam said."

She nodded glumly. "I suppose you're right. How about some chef salads instead?"

"That sounds good. What kind of meat will you use?"

"There's some chicken left from last night's meal I can use. It won't take me long to make them."

"Why don't we both make them, then it will go faster. Then after supper you can take a nice hot shower?"

She sighed, smiling. "That sounds good."

Together they had the salads made, and they sat down to eat them. "You make the best meals," he told her as he took a bite of his salad.

She blushed, taking a drink of her milk. "Thank you. So how was work today?"

They talked throughout the meal, and soon had the kitchen cleaned up. "Why don't you go take your shower now?" he told her, standing behind her and rubbing her shoulders.

"Mmm, I will. Will you be up soon?"

"I have some work to do in the den, so if you want to come in there, I'll be in there."

"Okay." She turned around and kissed him, sending him all her love and affection. "Love you."

"Love you, too."

Caitlin headed upstairs for her shower while Daniel grabbed a large mug of coffee and headed into the den to do some work. He took a look at the beautiful invitations again, then set them in one of the drawers to protect them while he worked.

She took her shower, letting the warm water ease all her aches and pains and soothe her aching back. She washed her hair, and rinsed off, then shut off the shower. Grabbing some towels, she dried off and got ready for bed. When she was ready, she put on her robe and padded downstairs into kitchen, making herself a cup of chamomile tea. Finally she headed into the den. "All finished, sweetheart," she told Daniel, setting her steaming mug of tea down on the end table near the overstuffed chair. "I'm going to read a book for a while."

"Sure, sweetheart. I'm just going to finish up this research, then we can both go to bed."

She went over to the book shelves and pulled down one of her favorite books, carefully sitting down in the chair. She took a sip of her tea, then started reading.

A couple of hours later, Daniel stood up and stretched, saving his work and shutting down the computer. He walked over to Caitlin, and saw that she was fast asleep. "Sweetheart," he said, gently shaking her awake. "It's time for bed."

"Ungh," she moaned, slowly waking up. "Did I fall asleep again?"

"Yes."

"Sorry! I didn't realize I was that tired."

"It's understandable. Let's head upstairs." He helped her up out of the chair, grabbing her empty mug of tea and following her out of the den. He locked the front door and walked into the kitchen and put the mug into the sink. Finally he locked the garage door, then followed her upstairs and to bed.

The next week few by and soon the day of the gala arrived. Daniel had left work early to pick up Caitlin at the health food store and head home to get ready. He was in the shower when she commented on the upcoming holiday.

"By the way, did you get a chance to tell Lacey about our trip?" he asked her as he shut off the shower and grabbed a nearby towel.

"No. I plan to do that next week."

"Okay. I talked to the general, and he gave us the clearance to go, as he knows that we could use the time away."

She finished putting on her makeup and got dressed in her special dress. "Could you zip me up please, sweetheart?" she asked him, turning her back to him.

He zipped her up, then dried off.

She turned around and smiled at him. "Thank you." She went to her sink and brushed her long hair, pulling back her sides into a nice barrette. She curled the rest of her hair, and put on some perfume as Daniel got dressed. "I'm ready," she told him.

He tied on his tie and put his dress watch on his wrist, then put on his shoes. Grabbing his tuxedo jacket, he slipped it on and smiled at her. "You'll be the most beautiful woman there, you know," he told her, gathering her into his arms and smiling at her.

"Flatterer!" she bantered back. "Just let me grab my shoes and the invitations and we can go." She grabbed her ballet flats from the closet and followed Daniel downstairs. She grabbed the invitations off the kitchen counter and walked into the mud room. Putting on her snow boots, she waited while Daniel put his coat on, then helped her with hers. He helped her into the vehicle, and soon they were off to the gala.

"Will Gen. Hammond be there this year?"

Daniel shook his head. "No. He has other pressing things going on in Washington, DC. But Jack will be there." He pulled into the base, showing his card at the gate, then found a place close to the warehouse and parked. He got out and helped Caitlin out and into the building. "You have your shoes?"

She held them up, then slipped off her boots and coat, putting on her dress shoes. When she was ready, she handed her coat to Daniel who hung it along with his. Finally, they were ready, and she grabbed the invitations and took Daniel's arm, walking together into the gala.

"Daniel, Caitlin!" Sam called out from across the way. "Hi! Caitlin, it's good to see you, and your dress is gorgeous! Where did you find it?"

Caitlin told her. "And it's good to see you, too. Where is everyone?"

"Jack is talking to the general, and Cam and Teal'c," Sam looked around, then found them. "Just walked in." She waved them over. "Hey guys."

"Hi Sam, Daniel, Caitlin!" Cam replied when he came over. "Caitlin, you look beautiful. Pregnancy sure agrees with you."

"Thank you, Cam. But I'm ready for this baby to come out. I feel like a large house!"

General Landry came over, followed by Jack, and both commented on how beautiful she looked.

Caitlin blushed. "Thank you both."

"I see you're not playing with the band this year."

"No, they didn't need any Irish instruments this year."

"I see."

"Gen. Landry, I don't see Dr. Lam anywhere. Will she be here tonight?"

He shook his head. "Unfortunately no, as one of our airmen came down with a bad case of the flu today. So she's monitoring him in the Infirmary."

"That's too bad."

"I agree with you. Well, I need to get things started. Excuse me."

He left, and Jack gave Caitlin a hug. "It's good to see you, Caitlin. What's that you have in your hand?"

Caitlin smiled and handed each one an invitation.

Jack opened his and read it. "Sweet! Christmas Eve at your house. I'll be there."

"Can I bring anything?" Sam asked them.

"Just yourself and some gifts if you want to. Jack and Cam will be bringing the wine."

"Okay." She looked at her invitation again, and marveled at it. "You made these again, didn't you?"

Caitlin blushed a little, nodding. "I used my Print Shop program to make them, and printed them on some cardstock."

"These are most beautiful," Teal'c commented.

"I agree," Sam told her. "You are so creative."

Caitlin blushed even more. "Thank you."

"We should find our seats," Daniel suggested to everyone as others in the crowd found their seats. He led Caitlin to a table, then helped her to sit down, sitting down beside her.

At that moment, the music stopped and Gen. Landry came up onstage to the microphone. "I'd like to welcome everyone to the Second annual Holiday Gala. Tonight we have with us again Maj. General Jack O'Neil."

Everyone clapped, and Jack stood and smiled, nodding at Gen. Landry.

"We have another wonderful evening planned this year. We have again the Cheyenne Mountain Concert Band under the direction of Major Ryan. Along with that Sgt. Dan McKendricks is back to play some dance music for us. Finally, the mess hall has prepared some wonderful food for us to enjoy. So please enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful evening."

Everyone clapped again until he quieted them down. "First up is the Cheyenne Mountain Concert Band under the direction of Major Chris Ryan."

Everyone clapped as the musicians came onstage. They all stood in their places until everyone was onstage, then sat down. Maj. Ryan walked up to the mike. "I'd like to welcome you all her tonight. We have some special music planned for this evening. First up is a rendition of Winter Wonderland. We hope you like it." He raised his hands, the musicians raised their instruments, and Maj. Ryan started the song.

Caitlin laid her head on Daniel's shoulder, the scent of the fresh evergreens and the delicious food mixing with his cologne and the music, making her sigh in contentment.

"You okay?" he whispered in her ear.

"I'm fine. Just happy, that's all."

Daniel smiled, lacing his fingers with hers. The scent of her perfume mixed with the smell of the evergreens and the sight of all the beautiful decorations, and his heart made a memory.

They listened as the band played a few more holiday songs. When the last song ended, Maj. Ryan turned to the clapping crowd and gestured for the band members to stand. They all stood, and the crowd clapped even more. Then as they left the stage, the general came back up. "Please don't forget that Sgt. Anders is taking photographs for anyone who would like one. Also, there is plenty of delicious food from our very own mess hall to enjoy as well." He cleared his throat. "At this time I'd like to introduce our DJ for the evening, Sgt. Dan McKendricks."

Everyone clapped as he came out and stood behind his equipment. He introduced the first song, and people started to get up and dance.

"Would you like something to eat, muirnín?" Daniel asked her.

Caitlin nodded, slowly getting up. "Let's go see what they have."

As the night wore on, Caitlin and Daniel ate and had fun, even dancing a little bit. "I don't want you on your feet too much tonight," he told her. "I don't want you to hurt your back."

Caitlin smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "I'm fine, sweetheart, and the baby is hardly kicking at all."

"Only if you're sure," he told her as they sat back down.

"So how much longer do you have to wait?" Gen. Landry asked her and Daniel.

"The baby's due about the first part of March, so only a few more months now," Caitlin told him.

"That's good," he replied. "In the meantime, do you have names picked out?"

Daniel nodded. "If it's a boy, we decided on Aedan, after Prime Minister Aedan, as Caitlin likes his name, and Charles, after Jack's son. We both felt that it would be our way of having him live on in some way. "

Jack looked at them both in surprise. "You did that? I... I don't know what to say. Thank you both."

Caitlin smiled at him. "You're welcome. And if it's a girl, we decided to name her after my maternal grandmother, Brianna. Unfortunately we couldn't think of a middle name that sounded right."

Sam looked at her. "Since you used Minister Aedan's first name as a choice, you could use your mother's name for the middle name."

Caitlin mulled it over, saying the name. "Brianna Siobhan. It still doesn't sound right to me." Then a thought came to her. "Sweetheart, I'd like some more punch. Would you please get some for me?"

"Sure. I'll be right back." He left to get the punch, and Caitlin leaned in to Sam. "Do you remember Daniel telling you about his mother?"

Sam nodded.

"Her name was Claire, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was. Why do you ask?"

"I'd like to use it as the middle name if it's a girl."

"Oh Caitlin that would be really nice. Brianna Claire Jackson. It sounds pretty."

"Here you go," Daniel told her as he came back with some punch. "So what were you two talking about while I was gone?"

"I finally came up with the right name to use as a middle name if it's a girl."

He turned to her. "What's that?"

"I thought we could honor your mother and use her name, Brianna Claire."

Daniel sat back in his chair, not knowing what to say. Tears came to his eyes as he thought about what she had told him. "Oh muirnín, that's beautiful. Thank you."

"I know she was taken from you when you were eight, so I thought that this way if we have a girl, she would live on through her."

He leaned over and hugged her close, tenderly kissing her. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her lovingly.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, Dainéal," she replied, gazing into his eyes full of love.

"Hey you two, none of that mushy stuff now!" Jack told them.

"We just decided that if it's a girl, we're going to name her Brianna Claire, after her grandmother and my mother," Daniel turned and explained to them all.

"That's pretty," Jack said, smiling. "Nice choice."

"I too, agree with Gen. O'Neill, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c added.

"Yes, it is quite beautiful," Gen. Landry commented.

"Thank you. Now all we have to do is wait and see if it's a boy or a girl," Daniel told them all, putting a hand on Caitlin's belly.

"But I don't want to wait anymore!" Caitlin said, pouting a little and sniffling. "I want it out now! I feel as big as a barn!"

"There's those pregnacy hormones coming into play," Sam told them.

"Honey, I know it feels like you're about ready to burst, but I know you can hold on for a little while longer. Besides, your favorite holiday is coming up, and we have our friends coming to help us celebrate."

She blew her nose. "I know, it's just tough sometimes." She slowly stood up, Daniel watching curiously. "Excuse me, but I need to visit the powder room."

"Will you be okay?" he asked her, concerned.

She caressed his cheek. "I'll be fine, and I'll be right back."

Caitlin left the table, and talk turned toward Christmas.

"So what will you be doing for the holiday, Gen. Landry?" Sam asked him.

"I plan to spend it with my daughter. What about you all?"

"Daniel and Caitlin invited us to their house for Christmas Eve dinner," Cam told him.

Sam opened up her small purse and showed him the invitation.

"This is beautiful!" he exclaimed, turning it over. "She made this? She really is a talented woman."

"Thank you sir," Daniel told him.

"Thank you for what?" Caitlin asked as she carefully sat down again.

"Col. Carter was just showing me one of your hand-made invitations. They're really beautiful."

Caitlin blushed. "Thank you sir, and thank you for letting me see my mother over New Year's Eve. It means a lot to me."

"You're quite welcome. Well, if you'll all excuse me, I need to go end the evening." He stood and left, headed for the stage. He grabbed the microphone and quieted everyone down as the last song ended. "I'd like to thank you all for coming and making the Gala a success once again. Thank you to Sgt. Dan Hendricks for playing some songs for us to dance too, and for Maj. Chris Ryan for giving us a fine concert with the band."

Everyone politely clapped for them.

"Finally, I'd like to thank the folks in the mess hall for making some wonderful food."

Daniel and the others clapped politely.

"With that, I'd like to thank you all for coming, and I hope you have a safe trip home. Good night everyone, and Merry Christmas!"

Daniel helped Caitlin stand up, then laced his fingers with hers. "You ready to head home?"

She nodded, smiling and yawning. "I'm ready." She followed Daniel into the coatroom, put her boots back on, and put her arms into her coat as he held it for her.

He put on his own, then found the car keys. Finally, lacing his finger with hers, they turned together and smiled at their friends. "Merry Christmas, and we'll see you on Christmas Eve."

"Merry Christmas!" their friends called out as everyone left the building, heading home.

Daniel and Caitlin had gone and bought gifts for all their friends, but now it was time for her next prenatal appointment.

"Would you quit worrying?" he told her as they drove to the base. "It'll be just fine!"

Caitlin nodded, squeezing his hand. "I know. I just don't want her to have to do another amnio again."

"What makes you think she will?"

"Well, with my 'unique genetic makeup', she might have to."

Daniel quickly looked at her, then pulled into the base, showing their passes. "We'll deal with that if we have to. Right now let's get in there so we aren't late." He parked the Durango, then carefully helped her out. "Now watch it, as it's a little slippery here."

She nodded, taking his arm, and together they headed into the base.

"Good morning, Dr. and Mrs. Jackson," Nurse Shannon Martin called out as the couple walked into the Infirmary. "Go ahead and sit down on the bed. I'll just let the doctor know you're here."

Daniel helped Caitlin onto one of the beds, holding her hand. In a few moments the doctor came in.

"Good morning, Daniel, Caitlin. How are we doing today?"

"Caitlin's a little nervous," Daniel explained as Dr. Lam got out Caitlin's chart. "She thinks you might have to do another amniocentesis."

Dr. Lam turned toward Caitlin, a smile on her face. "Well you don't have to worry about that. Usually only one is performed unless the test results were not clear. Since your test results were good, you don't need another one."

Caitlin breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. So what will you be doing for this one?"

"We'll be taking another blood sample, take your blood pressure, do a Pap and pelvic exam, and weigh you."

"Do you have to have a blood sample?" Caitlin asked, a pained expression on her face.

Dr. Lam nodded. "With your genetic makeup, it's best to be safe than sorry. I'll make sure the nurse is as quick as possible drawing the blood." She turned toward Shannon. "Let's get her blood sample first, so we can get that out of the way."

Shannon nodded, and gathered the required tools. "I'll try to be as fast as possible, as I know you don't like needles." She put on her gloves and wrapped a rubber band around Caitlin's left arm. Grabbing an alcohol wipe, she found Caitlin's vein and wiped it clean. Grabbing the needle, she found the vein again and carefully inserted the needle.

"Ouch!" Caitlin cried out, wincing.

"Don't flinch," Shannon warned as she connected each vial and got some blood. When she was finished, she quickly and carefully pulled out the needle and placed a clean cotton ball on Caitlin's arm, folding it up. "There! All done."

"Please take them to the lab," Dr. Lam instructed her. As Shannon left, the doctor turned back toward Caitlin and Daniel, smiling. "Now the rest should be easy."

Half an hour later, Caitlin was sitting up on the bed and adjusting her blouse.

"How is everything, Dr. Lam?" Daniel asked.

Dr. Lam consulted her chart as Shannon returned with the lab results. She took them from Shannon and consulted them, then turned to Caitlin and Daniel. "Well, everything looks normal. Your blood work came back exceptionally well, and your Pap and pelvic are all good. Your blood pressure is normal, and the baby is growing at a normal rate. Even your ultrasound is good." She put the chart down on the nearby tray table. "Everything checks out, and I believe you're right on target for early March."

"That's good," Daniel said, smiling at Caitlin.

"I'm glad," Caitlin sighed. "I'm beginning to feel like a large basketball is in there bouncing around."

Dr. Lam chuckled. "Many women feel that way." She turned to Shannon, handing her Caitlin's chart. "Now remember what I said," Dr. Lam told Caitlin. "If you have any problems or questions, please don't hesitate to come to me."

"We will," Daniel reassured her as he carefully helped Caitlin down from the exam table.

"I want to see you around February fourteenth," Dr. Lam told them, handing them a small card.

Daniel and Caitlin both nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Lam," she told her as Daniel helped her put her jacket back on.

"You're welcome. Have a good day."

Daniel nodded again at her, then led Caitlin out into the hall, putting on his jacket and gloves. "Do you have to go back to work today?" he asked her.

She put on her gloves. "We have a lot of people coming in to buy Christmas gifts, so yeah, I'd better get back to work."

"Did you get the last of the gifts?"

"I did. I even got something for Jason and Lacey, and for Sabrina."

"What did you get her?" he asked as they walked toward the elevators.

"I got Brina her first Barbie doll, and I got Jason and Lacey a gift certificate to the Pepper Tree restaurant with free babysitting from Uncle Daniel and Auntie Cat."

"She'll love it, I'm sure, and I know that Jason and Lacey could probably use a night out alone." The elevator doors opened and they got in, heading for the surface.

"Everything else is wrapped and under the tree," she told him, laying her hand on her swelling tummy.

The elevator opened, and Daniel led Caitlin out and into the cold Winter day. Snow was falling, and there was a bite to the air. "It's gotten colder since we came. You sure you're warm enough?"

Caitlin smiled at him. "I'm fine, muirnín. Let's get going."

Daniel carefully led Caitlin back to the vehicle and soon they were off to the health food store.

"Well, in a week we'll be having our friends over for Christmas Eve. And remember that Jack will be there, too."

"He sure liked those tickets we got him last year, didn't he?" she asked him.

"He really did. And I'm sure he'll like the autographed team pictures we got him this year as well."

"I hope so. He's so hard to please sometimes." She turned to look at him. "What did you get me?"

Daniel shook his head as he pulled up in front of the store. "Uh-uh! Not until Christmas Eve. You'll find out then."

"Then that's when you'll find out yours, too," she told him firmly, giggling.

He got out and carefully helped her out, walking slowly into the store.

Lacey heard the door open, and turned to see them walk inside. "Hi, Daniel, Caitlin! How did the check-up go?"

"It was good," Caitlin told her as Daniel helped her take her coat off. "I didn't have to have another amnio, and everything is right on target for the first part of March."

"That's great! But I'm really glad you're back. We've been swamped all morning what with people wanting to buy things for Christmas gifts, and we're out of gift baskets."

"Just let me put my purse and coat away, and I'll come help you." She turned toward Daniel, taking her coat from him and smiling at him. "Is tú mo ghrá," she told him, quickly kissing him.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he replied, putting his hand on her tummy. He smiled at her, then left the store.

Caitlin quickly put her things away, and walked out, tying her apron loosely around her waist. "Where did we put the empty baskets, Karyn?"

"In the back I think."

"I'll be in back making up a few baskets, Lacey," she told her best friend.

"We'll call you if we need you," Lacey replied.

Caitlin went in the back of the store and put a few baskets together, warpping them in plastic and putting some colorful bows on them. She took one of them up front, and put it on the front counter. "I made four more, Lacey."

Lacey smiled. "Good! We'll put them out around the store for people to buy." In a few minutes, they had them out around the store. "So are you and Daniel still planning to come to our house for supper tonight?"

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "We're looking forward to it."

The end of the day came, and Caitlin put on her jacket and gloves, grabbing her purse. "See you tonight Lacey!" she called out as Daniel pulled up in front of the store.

"See you tonight!"

Daniel came to the door and took her arm. "Ready?"

She nodded, and he helped her into the vehicle. Soon they were on their way home.

"So how was work?" he asked her.

"It was good. We were really busy. We have made-up gift baskets, and we sold them all, so I had to make five more."

"You are so talented. So, we're still on for supper at Jason and Lacey's tonight?"

She nodded. "That's what I told Lacey. We can give them their gifts tonight, too."

"You think they'll like it?"

"A night out with free babysitting? I know I would."

He nodded, pulling into their snowy driveway. "I sure am glad we have this Durango. What with the snow we've been getting, it goes through it really easily."

"I know." Caitlin waited until he sut off the vehicle, then carefully got out. "Well, Lacey and Jason said to come around six thirty, so I think I'll lay down for half-an-hour."

"Sure," Daniel told her as he followed her into the house. "Why don't you lay down on the couch, and I'll cover you up?"

She nodded and took off her coat and gloves, laying them on the washer. She took off her shoes and put them nearby on the floor, then walked in and laid down on the couch.

He pulled the coverlet off the back of the couch and covered her legs, helping her to settle in. "How's that?"

"Mmm, that's nice, muirnín. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'll just be in the kitchen reading if you need anything."

Caitlin nodded, her eyes closed, drifting off to sleep.

Daniel went into the den and grabbed a book, bringing it out into the kitchen. He grabbed a glass of ice water and sat down and started reading.

Jason and Lacey were getting things ready when the doorbell rang. "Just a minute!" he called out as he walked to the door. "Hi Daniel, Caitlin!" he said as he opened it. "Come on in."

Daniel led Caitlin into the foyer, two small gift bags in his hand. "Hi, Jason! Thanks for inviting us."

"Let me take your coats," Jason offered.

Daniel helped Caitlin with her coat, and handed her the bags as he took off his own, handing both of their coats to Jason. "Thanks. So how is work?"

"Work is fine," Jason told them as he led them into the living room. "It's been a little busy as it's the holiday season, but that's normal. How about you?"

"It's going good. I've been busy helping catalog a lot of different artifacts and learning a lot about them. It's really interesting."

"Auntie Cat, Unca Daniel!" Sabrina shouted, toddling into the living room. "Wuv you!"

Daniel bent down, hugging the little girl. "Hi Brina. Have you been a good girl?"

"Me good girl!" she beamed back at him. She turned and held her arms up for Caitlin. "Me want hug, Auntie Cat!"

Caitlin handed the gift bags back to Daniel then carefully sat down on the couch and held out her arms, the little girl running into them. "Wuv you!"

"I love you too, Brina," Caitlin told her, smiling.

Lacey came into the room, smiling at her. "Go wash up Brina. It's almost time for supper."

"'K Mommee," Sabrina replied, then toddled off towards the bathroom.

"We got you some presents," Daniel told Jason, handing the gift bags to him.

"Thank you! We'll open them after dinner." He set them down on the coffee table.

"So how do you like the new vehicle?" Lacey asked Daniel and Caitlin.

"We really like it," Caitlin told her. "Daniel was just saying on the way home from work that he really liked it because of all the snow we've had so far."

"Yes. It goes through the thick stuff really well," Daniel added.

"That's good. So have you been driving a lot, Caitlin?" Jason asked as they all heard a ding from the kitchen.

"Not really," Caitlin replied as Lacey excused herself to the kitchen. "Daniel's been doing much of the driving as he doesn't want me to get into any kind of trouble, what with the baby coming."

"I'm just being cautious that all, sweetheart," Daniel told her.

"I know. I'm just not used to it."

"Enjoy it while you can, Caitlin," Jason told her as Lacey came back into the room.

"Dinner's ready," she called out, then grabbed Sabrina and put her into her booster chair, pushing the chair up to the table. "Sweetheart, would you please pour the drinks?"

Jason grabbed a nearby bottle and filled everyone's glasses with the bubbly liquid. "It's sparkling cider," he told Daniel and Caitlin as they sat down. "We thought we'd have something nice to go with dinner tonight, but we wanted to make sure it was okay for Caitlin."

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thank you, Jason. I appreciate that." She took a sip, looking at the delicious food on the table. "Everything looks so good, Lacey! Is that a pork roast?"

Lacey nodded. "I found the recipe online and wanted to try it. It's called Apple and Cornbread-stuffed Pork Loin with Roasted Apple Gravy."

"Well it looks fabulous," Daniel commented as he took a slice, passing the plate to Caitlin.

She took a slice and passed the plate over to Jason, and soon everyone's plates were full of the wonderful food.

"Caitlin tells me that it's been really busy at the health food store, too," Daniel said to Lacey as they ate.

Lacey nodded. "It has. And Caitlin's been fantastic in making up some extra gift baskets. But it's also been busy with lots of people coming in for cold remedies."

"I know, and that worries me," Daniel said, frowning. "I just don't want Caitlin to get sick again like she did last year."

"I won't I promise, sweetheart!" Caitlin told him, putting her hand on his arm. "I'm taking my prenatal vitamins every day, and I'm getting plenty of rest. Remember why I got sick last year?"

Daniel remembered, shuttering. "I remember."

"Well that won't happen again, I promise."

"I guess you're right."

"Besides, at the first sign of a cold or the flu, I take echinaccea and vitamin C anyway, and that helps to knock it out."

"She's right, Daniel," Lacey added. "It's what we suggest to all our customers this time of year."

Jason took a drink of his cider. "Believe me, I was the same way Daniel, before Sabrina was born. I got worried about Lacey, too. But everything went just fine."

Daniel nodded and finished the rest of his food.

"That was absolutely delicious, Lacey," Caitlin remarked warmly as she finished her food. "May I have some more cider please, Jason?"

He nodded, and poured some into her near-empty glass.

"There's plenty here if you want more, but save some room for dessert," Lacey told them.

"Lacey makes the best goodies around Christmas," Caitlin told Daniel.

"Are they as good as yours?" he asked her.

"You'll have to decide for yourself, right Lacey?" she asked her best friend.

Lacey nodded, smiling.

Jason turned toward Sabrina. "Are you done sweetie?"

"Done Daddy," she replied with a toothy grin.

"Okay. Let's wipe your face and hands." He grabbed a nearby napkin and quickly wiped her face and hands. "Now you may have small piece, okay?"

Sabrina nodded, clapping her hands together. "Me get tweat!"

Daniel and Caitlin laughed as Lacey brought out the dessert. It was a beautiful cake with frosting drizzled on it.

"What kind of cake is it?" Caitlin asked as Lacey began to cut it into slices.

"It's your spice chiffon cake," Lacey told her, serving each person a piece and a smaller piece for Sabrina. "I made it last night after work. It was hard to keep Jason out of it, too."

Daniel took a bite, and smiled broadly. "This is delicious, Lacey! You said that it's Caitlin's recipe?"

"Yes."

He turned to Caitlin. "It's so good. What's all in it?"

Caitlin thought for a moment. "There's cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in it. Then I make a frosting from powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over the top."

"Daniel, would you like some coffee?" Lacey offered.

"Yes, please."

Everyone enjoyed the delicious cake as Lacey served the coffee.

"So what are your plans for the holiday Jason?" Daniel asked him as he sipped his coffee.

"We're going to my parent's place for the holiday. They live in Denver. Lacey closes the store, and we stay for a few days."

"I see. We invited Sam and the others to our house for Christmas Eve to open presents. Speaking of which, we have some for you."

Everyone got up and went into the living room, and Caitlin handed Jason and Lacey one of the bags.

Jason took out the tissue paper and pulled out an envelope. He tore it open and pulled out the first slip of paper. "Oh wow, Lacey! It's a gift certificate for the Pepper Tree restaurant." He turned the slip over, looking at the back. "There's no date on it."

"It's good for anytime you want to use it," Daniel explained. "But there's more."

Jason reached in and pulled out another piece of thicker paper. "'This coupon good for one free night of babysitting redeemable any time,'" he read aloud.

"That's for the night you decide to go out," Caitlin told them. "We'd be more than happy to babysit Sabrina. Besides, it will give us practice for when our own baby comes."

"Thank you very much," Lacey replied, smiling at them.

"Yes, thank you," Jason echoed.

"This one is for Sabrina," Daniel told them, holding out the last bag to the excited little girl.

"Fow me Mommee?" she asked.

"Yes honey, it's for you."

"I open it?"

Lacey nodded, and Sabrina tore into the bag, tearing it apart. She squealed in delight when she saw what was inside. "Me get dollie! Me get dollie!"

"It's a Barbie doll, Brina," Lacey explained.

Sabrina tried to open the box, but her tiny little hands couldn't, so she ran to Jason, thrusting the box into his arms. "Open, Daddy!"

"What do you say first?"

Brina thought for a moment, then smiled her toothy grin. "Pwease?"

Jason nodded, and opened up the box. He handed the doll to Brina, and cringed when she squealed again in delight, toddling off to play with her new toy.

"We thought she was ready for her first Barbie doll," Caitlin told them as they looked at the box. "It doesn't have any small parts, but she can take the clothes off and put them on again if she wants to."

"Thank you so much for you gifts," Lacey told them. "We have one for you, too."

Jason stood and went into another room, and brought out a large wrapped box.

"Wonder what this could be?" Daniel queried Caitlin as Jason set it down in front of them.

"Let's find out," Caitlin answered him. Together they took off the bow and tore the wrapping paper off. She gasped when she saw the box. "Oh it's so cool! But what is it?"

"It's a combination high chair and toddler seat. You can put it in any chair and secure it with a strap that comes with it. Then when the child gets to be a toddler, you take away the tray and just pull up the chair to the table."

"That's really clever," Daniel commented.

"And it's for both a baby and a toddler too. I like that a lot," Caitlin added. "Thank you so much! We needed this."

"You're welcome," Lacey told them. She called out to her daughter. "Brina, time for bed!"

Sabrina toddled in with her doll in one hand, a sad look on her face. "Pwease Mommee, stay up more?"

Lacey shook her head. "No, Brina. Be a good girl now and go get your jammies on."

"You want to be a good girl for Santa, don't you?" Caitlin asked the little girl.

"Santa bwing pwesents?" Brina asked her.

"He will if you'll be a good girl and get your pajamas on," Jason told her.

"Okay, Daddy. Me be good girl for Santa!" She toddled off to her room, leaving the others in the living room smiling after her.

"She's so adorable!" Caitlin gushed. She put her hand on her tummy. "I only hope we're as lucky as you are with Sabrina."

"You will be, I'm sure," Lacey assured her. "Do you still want to be surprised as to a boy or girl?"

Daniel nodded. "As long as the baby is healthy, we don't mind what it is."

Caitlin excused herself to go to the bathroom, and was yawning when she came back out.

"Looks like I'd better get you home," Daniel told her, smiling.

"This time I won't argue with you," she said, yawning again.

Jason went to the foyer closet and brought out their coats.

Daniel helped Caitlin with her coat, then put on his own.

"We're so glad you could come," Jason told them both as he went to stand beside his wife.

"Yes, it was a good evening," Lacey added.

"We had a wonderful time," Caitlin told them both, smiling and zipping up her coat. "We'll have to have you to our house."

"Yes," Daniel agreed. "But after the baby comes."

Lacey nodded. "Of course. Well, have a wonderful night you two, and drive safely. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" Daniel and Caitlin both echoed back. He took Caitlin's arm, helping her outside and into the Durango. Then he went back inside and grabbed the large box from Jason, putting it into the back. Jumping inside, he started the vehicle, and soon they were headed home.

"That was fun, and she served a wonderful meal," Daniel told her on the way home. "And I love the high chair they got for us. We'll be able to use it a lot."

"I know," she told him. She rested her head back and closed her eyes.

"You'll have to get that recipe from her, as it was good," he remarked.

She just nodded, her eyes still closed.

He continued to drive in silence until they got home. He pulled into the garage and shut off the engine. "We're home," he said.

She opened her eyes and opened the door, slowly getting out. "I'm going to go straight to bed, sweetheart," she told Daniel. "I didn't know you could get so tired being pregnant."

"Dr. Lam told us that would happen." He helped Caitlin take off her coat, and hung it up, hanging his up as well. "Let's both go to bed," he suggested as they walked through the house and up to their bedroom.

They both got ready for bed and climbed under the warm covers. Daniel held out his arms and she snuggled into his embrace, laying her head on his chest. "I really had a good time tonight at Jason and Lacey's, and little Brina was so cute!"

"I know. She really liked the doll we gave her."

She nodded, yawning. "I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve. I can't wait to give our friends their gifts."

"What are we giving the general this year?" he asked her.

"A plate of goodies. You can take it into work with you tomorrow."

"He'll appreciate that, but is there enough for Christmas Eve? You remember how Jack was last year."

"I remember," she told him, giggling. "I made plenty and made sure to save them all back for that night."

"Good." He smiled, kissing her hair. "Now go to sleep. Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," he told her lovingly.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she muttered sleepily, kissing his bare chest before falling asleep.

The days went by, and soon it was Christmas Eve. Lacey had closed the health food store, so Caitlin was at home getting ready for the evening's festivities. She had helped Daniel decorate the house and everything smelled of evergreens. They had also gone to the grocery store earlier that week and bought the things she needed to make the soup, and now she was stirring the seasonings into the soup mix. When she was done, she covered up the crock pot, making sure it was set on low, and walked over to the cupboard, grabbing a glass and getting some ice water. "We're having company tonight girls," she told her two cats. She took another drink and set the glass down on the counter. "You'll help me chose a nice outfit, won't you?"

The girls meowed at her, rubbing her legs, and she laughed, heading upstairs to choose her outfit. She walked into the closet and looked through her clothes, finding the dress she wanted. "What do you think?" she asked them, holding it up to her.

The girls meowed their approval, making Caitlin laugh again. She took the dress and hung it on the back of the closet door, admiring it. It was a long-sleeved dress in sparkly claret red fabric that came down to just below her knees. It had an empire waist and a v-shaped neckline. "I'll put it on later. Right now I need a nap." She headed back downstairs and set the timer on the stove for one hour. Going to the couch in the family room, she laid down, covering her legs with the coverlet. She was soon fast asleep.

Later that afternoon Daniel pulled the Durango into the garage and parked it, heading into the house. He saw Caitlin snuggled up on the couch so he decided to let her sleep. He went into the den and grabbed his latest book, taking it into the kitchen. Grabbing a glass of water, he sat down at the table to read. Half-an-hour later, the timer on the stove went off, and Daniel was about to get up and shut it off to let her sleep some more when he heard her yawn and stretch. He shut off the timer. "Hey there beautiful," he told her, kneeling down beside the couch and putting his hand on her swelling tummy. "How are you feeling this afternoon?"

"Mmm, still a little sleepy." She yawned again and stretched, then with Daniel's help, she slowly sat up. "That's better." She sniffed the air. "Did you check the soup?"

He shook his head, coming to sit beside her. "No. I've been reading a book."

Caitlin slowly stood and walked to the kitchen, lifting the lid to the crock pot. "The vegetables mustn't burn," she told him as she stirred them. "Otherwise the soup is ruined."

"What kind is it?" he asked her.

She smiled at him, putting the spoon in the holder and covering the crock pot again. "Potato soup, just like last year."

"Mmm, that's one of my favorite soups you make."

"I know. So what time did you remind them to come?"

"I reminded them to come at seven. But Sam asked to come early to help set up. I told her we would be fine, and that she didn't need to come early."

She nodded, padding into the dining room. She went into the china hutch and pulled out the Christmas tablecloth she's bought several weeks beforehand. "Will you help me put this on?" she asked Daniel.

He came into the dining room and they soon had the table cloth on the table. "What dishes do you want to use?" he asked Caitlin.

"Let's use the ones Jason and Lacey got us for our wedding." She opened up the hutch doors and carefully pulled out the plates, bowls and other things they needed to set the table. She glanced at her watch and noted that it was getting late. "They'll be here in a little over an hour," she told Daniel as she started to set the table.

He came over and stilled her hands. "Why don't you go get ready and let me do this?"

Caitlin nodded, smiling at him. "That's sounds good, as I could use a warm shower. Your son or daughter hasn't stopped bouncing around all day, and it's given me a back ache."

"Will you be all right?" he asked her, worry in his voice.

She smiled again, tenderly kissing him. "I'll be just fine, sweetheart."

He smiled at her, caressing her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too." As she left, Daniel set the table with all the pretty dishes and silverware.

Upstairs Caitlin had grabbed her bath towels and set them near the shower. Getting undressed, she climbed in and turned on the water as hot as she could get it, letting it wash away all her aches and pains. She washed her hair and finished up, then grabbed her towels and wrapped up. She dried off and put on her robe to finish getting ready. Taking her hair out of the towel and brushing it good, she french braided it down her back. Once she was done, she got dressed and put on her watch and jewelry. Slipping on her shoes, she walked downstairs and back into the kitchen. "The bathroom is all yours, sweetheart," she told Daniel.

He turned around and gasped. "Oh sweetheart, you look amazing! That dress really looks nice on you." He gathered her into his arms, smiling at her. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yes. My back doesn't hurt anymore."

"Good. I set the table." He looked at her closely again. "You really look beautiful tonight."

She blushed. "Thank you, sweetheart. You'd better hurry and get ready yourself."

"Guess I'd better. I'll be down as soon as I can."

She nodded. "I put a clean towel on the rack for you."

"Thanks." Daniel headed upstairs to get ready, and Caitlin went around the kitchen making sure things were cooking properly, preparing the cheese, and making up the goodie trays.

He finished his shower and got dressed and came downstairs just as the doorbell rang. "Coming!" he called out, opening the door. It was Jack and Sam. "Come on in!" he told them warmly.

"Thanks Daniel," Sam replied. She and Jack took off their coats, handing them to him.

"You look real good, Daniel," Jack told him, handing him a bottle. "It's a Merlot."

"Thank you, Jack. Just go on into the kitchen. Caitlin's in there."

The two of them nodded and went into the kitchen, finding Caitlin cutting up some vegetables.

"Hi, Caitlin!" Sam called out to her.

"Hey, Caitlin," Jack echoed.

Caitlin stopped and turned around. "Hi Jack, Sam! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas," they both told her.

"Just let me finish up these vegetables."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Sam asked her.

"Nope, I'm almost done, and everything is cooking already."

"Sure smells good in here," Jack commented, lifting the lid on the crock pot. "So what's for supper?"

"Potato soup, just like last year."

"Nice!" He sniffed at the contents, then put the lid back. "What else is on the menu?"

"Oyster crackers for the soup along with slices of cheese, and a veggie platter with some homemade dip."

"It sounds good," Sam said as Caitlin finished putting the vegetables and dip on the tray.

Caitlin turned around and put the tray of vegetables into the fridge, and stopped as Sam and Jack just stared at her. "What? Is something wrong?"

Jack spoke first. "No, no! It's just that you look really beautiful tonight. Pregnancy really agrees with you."

"And you dress is gorgeous!" Sam gushed. "It really looks good on you."

Caitlin blushed. "Thank you both," she told them as the doorbell rang again. "Daniel, could you please get that? I have to add the milk to the soup."

"Sure," he told her, going toward the front door. He opened it, and discovered it was Cam and Teal'c. "Hi, Cam, Teal'c! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas," they both said as they came inside. They handed Daniel their coats, and followed him into the kitchen. "Mmm, sure smells good in here!" Cam remarked as he walked in, handing Daniel a bottle. "It's some chardonnay."

"I must agree with Col. Mitchell," Teal'c said. "It does indeed smell good in your kitchen."

"Thank you," Caitlin told them. "We're almost ready, so Daniel, if you would pour our guests some wine, that would be great."

"Sure sweetheart. You want some cider?"

She nodded, and Daniel poured everyone something to drink.

Caitlin checked the soup finding it was ready. She took the tray of vegetables out of the fridge and took them to the dining table along with the cheese, quickly lighting the candles. Then she returned and turned off the crock pot and unplugged it. "Daniel, would you please carry the soup into the dining room?" She turned to the others. "Supper is ready, so you can all come to the table."

Everyone took their glasses and went into the dining room, finding a place to sit. Daniel came in with the crock pot, and Caitlin had the ladle and the bowl of crackers. He set the pot down in front of him, and she handed him the ladle, setting the bowl of crackers on the table. Then they sat down.

"We want to thank you all for coming," Daniel told their friends. "Caitlin has a special prayer she'd like to say."

She looked at all her friends, her family. "The light of the Christmas star to you, the warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and good will of friends to you, the hope of a childlike heart to you. The joy of a thousand angels to you, the love of the Son and God's peace to you."

"Merry Christmas!" Daniel said, raising his glass.

"Merry Christmas!" everyone echoed back as they took a sip from their glasses. Daniel started serving the soup as Caitlin stood and put on some Christmas music, and soon everyone was enjoying the delicious soup and beautiful music.

"The meal is most enjoyable, as it was last year, Caitlin Jackson," Teal'c told her as he ate his soup.

"He's right," Jack added. "It's really good. But what I want to know is if you have any of those goodies like you had last year."

Caitlin nodded, taking a bite of her cheese. "After dinner Jack. After dinner!"

Conversation continued throughout the meal, and soon everyone was finished. "Daniel, if you'll go start a fire in the fireplace, Sam and I will clean up quick if the rest of you want to head into the living room."

"Ya sure you betch'a," Jack said, as he and the others stood and went into the living room. Sam and Caitlin quickly cleaned off the table, putting the dishes into the dishwasher.

"Oh Caitlin, the living room looks beautiful!" Sam gushed as she and Caitlin walked in. "I love the smell of evergreens."

"I do, too." She carefully sat down on the couch and looked at Daniel. "Would you please hand out the gifts?"

He nodded, and soon everyone had a gift.

Jack opened his gifts first. "Wonder what this could be?" He tore into the wrapping paper and took off the lid of the first box. "Sweet!" he exclaimed as he picked up the frame. "Where'd you get this?"

"What is it?" Cam asked.

Jack held up the picture so everyone could see. "It's an autographed picture of the Minnesota Wild hockey team."

"Daniel wrote to the team and asked them if they would sign the picture for him, and they agreed. Open the other one, Jack."

Jack nodded, and tore into the gift, finding another picture and frame. "Oh wow! An autographed picture of the Minnesota Twins. Nice!" He turned toward Daniel. "You ask for this one, too?"

Daniel nodded at him. "Yep. They all signed it as well."

Jack held up the frame for everyone to see.

"That's really neat," Sam told Caitlin.

"Thanks. Why don't you open yours?"

Sam opened her present, and found it was a certificate. "'Good for one week of cello lessons.'" She smiled at Caitlin. "How did you know?"

"Daniel knew, and he got it."

"Thank you so much! Now I just have to find time to get them in somehow."

"That's the thing," Daniel told her. "They're at a specific time each day, and I made them at the end of the day so that you don't have to miss work."

"Thanks again you two," Sam told them.

Teal'c was next. "Thank you both," he told them after opening his gift, looking at each one of the cd's in turn. "But I do not recognize these groups."

"They're Celtic or Irish groups, Teal'c," Caitlin explained. "They play Celtic music."

Understanding registered on the big Jaffa's face, and he nodded. "Then I most humbly thank you. You have given me a unique gift."

"You're welcome, Teal'c," Daniel replied.

Cam was last, and he tore the wrapping paper off his gift. Opening the small box, he unwrapped the tissue paper. "Wicked!" he exclaimed.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"Two tickets to the next Super Bowl. How'd you ever get these?"

Daniel smiled at him. "They were starting to sell them, so we picked them up."

"Thanks you guys," he said, smiling and holding the tickets.

"Now it's my turn," Daniel told them all. He picked up a small, oblong box, and handed it to Caitlin.

She opened it, and looked at Daniel, confused. "But Daniel, this is the same necklace you gave me last year."

He shook his head. "No it's not. Look closer at it."

She looked at it carefully, then noticed that something was different on it. "Did you remake this? You added a gemstone to it."

"I had Lacey help me, and we added an aquamarine gemstone next to the heart pendant. It represents our baby's birth month, March."

"What if it comes early?" Teal'c asked him.

"If it does I'll change it. But for now, we're planning for March."

"Let's see it!" Jack clamored to Caitlin.

She held it up and pointed out the gemstone to him.

"That's really nice, Daniel," Jack told him.

"Jack would you please hand me the last gift under the tree?" Caitlin asked her friend.

"Got it," he said as he handed it to her.

She took the gift from Jack and handed it to Daniel. "It's really a gift for both of us," she explained.

He tore open the wrapping paper and set it off to the side, then opened the lid of the box. "Oh wow, it's really pretty. Thank you!"

"What is it, Daniel?" Cam asked curiously.

Daniel held it up for everyone to see. "It's a Precious Moments baby book. It's for putting in all the baby's firsts, like first footprints, first tooth; things like that."

"So that's why you said it was for both of you," Sam said. "You can both write in it."

Caitlin nodded, then turned back toward Daniel. "Open to the first page."

Daniel opened the book, and found that the sonogram picture had already been put into the book. He picked up the book and showed their friends the picture.

"Sweet!" Jack exclaimed. "Nice picture."

"Thank you," Daniel replied, shutting the book and putting it back into its box.

"So how did the last prenatal visit go?" Sam queried.

"It went fine," Caitlin told them all, putting a hand on her swelling tummy. "I didn't have to have another amniocentesis, and she said I was right on target for early March."

"That is good to hear, Caitlin Jackson," Teal'c replied, smiling. "It is good to know that you and your baby are healthy."

"Thank you Teal'c," Daniel said, rubbing Caitlin's back.

Everyone finished opening the rest of their gifts, and when they were done, Caitlin slowly stood to change the music and serve the goodies and cider.

"Why don't you let Sam and me do that?" Daniel told her. "You just sit and rest."

She smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "The baby and I are fine, and I want to do this. You can help me with the cider."

He nodded and followed her into the kitchen, helping her get the mugs ready.

"Don't forget to add a cinnamon stick to them," she reminded him.

He put in the sticks, and she poured the warmed cider into each of the mugs on the tray. Then she grabbed the plate of goodies and some napkins and followed Daniel back into the living room.

Daniel gave each one a mug of the hot liquid, and Caitlin passed around the tray of treats.

"Mmm, just as good as I remember," Jack said, smiling. "Danny-boy, you sure picked a winner!"

Daniel blushed, smiling and looking at Caitlin. "Thanks Jack. I know I did."

Conversation continued as everyone ate the good treats and warmed themselves with the cider. Then Daniel saw Caitlin yawn slightly. "I saw that," he told her, gently admonishing her.

"But I didn't..." Another yawn. "Yawn." She smiled sheepishly. "I guess I did."

"Then that's our cue to be going. Right, campers?" Jack told the others.

Everyone nodded, and soon they were all getting their coats on and gathering their presents.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening," Sam told them both as she put her coat on. "It was so much fun."

Jack nodded in agreement. "Yeah Caitlin, it was great. Great food, great gifts, and great goodies."

Caitlin picked up a small bag and handed it to him. "More goodies to take with you."

"Excellent! Thank you!"

Cam and Teal'c put on their coats and grabbed their presents. "Thank you for a most enjoyable evening," Teal'c told them both, bowing slightly to them.

"Yeah, it was really nice. And thanks again for the tickets."

"You're welcome, Cam," Daniel replied, shivering as he held the door for them. "Ooh, it's getting colder and starting to snow. Guess you guys better get going."

"Yeah," Jack agreed. Good night, and Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas everyone," Caitlin told them all as they left the house.

Daniel closed the door and followed her into the living room. "That was a really great evening. And everyone loved their gifts."

"I know," Caitlin said, her hand on her belly. "By the way, I really love my new necklace. You did a wonderful job on it."

"Thank you. So let's get cleaned up and get ready for bed."

The two of them picked up all the torn wrapping paper and bows, throwing them into the garbage. Then they went into the kitchen, and Caitlin put the leftover soup into a smaller container. "Now you have a few meals to take to work with you," she said as she put the container into the fridge.

"Good, I like soup on these cold days," Daniel replied.

She put the rest of the food away, and threw the wine and cider bottles away, then walked into the dining room and carefully pulled the table cloth off the table, throwing it into the washing machine. Finally, she fed her two cats, made sure their water bowls were full, and shut off the lights in the kitchen and the dining room.

"Daniel, do you mind? I want to sit in the living room for a little while and enjoy the firelight and some music to relax."

"Why don't we get ready for bed first, then we can do that?" he suggested.

She nodded, and soon they were ready for bed. They came downstairs and she turned off all the lights except for the Christmas lights on the tree in the living room. Then she put on some soft music.

He sat down, carefully helping her to sit beside him on the couch.

"You are so beautiful," Daniel told her, helping her to snuggle into his embrace. "And you were the best hostess tonight."

"Thank you," she told him. "I really love to celebrate Christmas with our friends. Especially Jack. He makes me laugh."

"That's Jack for you," he replied, gazing at the lighted Christmas tree. "It's beautiful in here, and you did a wonderful job of decorating. I never knew that an artificial tree could be just as pretty as the real ones."

Caitlin nodded slightly. "I know. And we got the smell of the evergreens from the garland along the mantle, as well as from the scented pine cones we put into the fireplace tonight."

"Mm-hm," he told her, resting his hand on her swelling tummy. He felt the baby kicking and smiled.

The two of them sat there quietly as the music stopped. Caitlin slowly stood and went to change the music. She turned and looked at Daniel, love in her heart and desire in her eyes. She pulled out her Kenny G CD and put it into the CD player. As it started to play, she turned around and smiled at him, standing there in the middle of the room.

Daniel stood, smiling at her, love for her in his heart and desire in his own eyes, and took her into his arms, He laid his cheek on top of her head, and slowly started to dance with her.

She sighed in contentment, moving with him slowly around the floor.

He held her close, and whispered into her ear. "If you were to fall, my arms would be there to catch you. If you were to cry, my hands would be there to wipe away the tears. If you were ever to shiver from the cold, my heart would warm your soul and if you were to ever wonder, I would whisper how I love you just so you know. Let me be your shelter from the cold, your happiness from sorrow and the arms to protect you...let me be the one you whisper back to your heart."

She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "Oh Daniel, that was beautiful. I..."

Before she could finish, he captured her mouth with his, kissing her slowly and passionately. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

He tenderly caressed her cheek. "Nollaig Shona, muirnín," (merry christmas, sweetheart) he told her.

She smiled at him. "Nollaig Shona, Dainéal,"

He leaned down and kissed her again, wrapping his love and affection around her and carefully helping her down to the floor, slowly and tenderly making love to her.

Christmas Day came and went, and Daniel and Caitlin shared it together at home. The next day they got up and went to work, Caitlin helping Lacey open up the health food store.

"So what did you get for Christmas, Caitlin?" Karyn asked her as they got the store ready for the day.

"Daniel took my necklace he made me last Christmas and remade it with a gemstone next to the heart to represent the baby's birth month, March. Lacey helped him."

"What did you give him?" Lacey asked.

"I gave him a Precious Moments Baby book for all the baby's firsts. I already put the first sonogram picture into it." She smiled. "He really enjoyed it."

"What did you get, Karyn?" Lacey asked her.

"I got some new clothes, and Paul gave me a really pretty bracelet," and she held out her hand to show them.

"Oh, that's pretty!" Caitlin exclaimed, admiring the bracelet. "Is that your birthstone?"

Karyn nodded, smiling. "It's tourmaline, which is one of the stones for the month of October."

"It's really gorgeous," Lacey said as she went to flip the sign on the front door to the store and unlock it.

"Thanks. So what did you get Lacey?" Karyn asked.

"We went together on our gift for each other and bought a new dishwasher to replace the other one that wasn't working anymore."

"That was good, as you needed one," Caitlin commented, tying her apron loosely around her tummy. "So what's on the schedule today? I know I have two appointments, but not until after lunch."

Lacey went into her office and came out tying her apron on. "I have got to get hold of that supplement representative and see if we can't get that supplement Mrs. Timmons wanted. I told her we're out of that one, but we can order more. So I have to do that. Other than that, it's just helping customers that walk in and stocking the shelves."

Karyn nodded in acknowledgment.

"Lacey, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Lacey nodded and the two of them went into her office. "What's up?" she asked, sitting on the edge of her desk.

Caitlin leaned against the windows, her hand caressing her tummy. "Daniel's friend Gen O'Neill invited us up to his cabin over New Year's Eve."

"That was nice. When would you be leaving?"

"We'd leave after work on the twenty-ninth, then return the evening of the first."

"That sounds like fun Caitlin, but I'll give you another day just in case of a storm or something."

Caitlin smiled at her friend. "Thanks. I'm really looking forward to it, as it will probably be the last time I can go anywhere before the baby's born."

"That's true enough. Well, I hope you have fun." Lacey stood. "Let's get to work."

The days flew by, and soon it was Saturday. Daniel and Caitlin had already packed, and he had taken their bags to the base with him when he went to work. At the end of the day, he cleaned things up in his office and went to get her at work. He pulled up into a parking spot in front of the store and went inside.

"Hi, Daniel," Karyn told him as he walked in. "Caitlin will be with you in a moment. She's helping one last customer."

"That's okay, I can wait," he said to her, smiling. He looked around the store and found Caitlin, her arms and hands moving fluidly in the air. He walked a little ways ahead and saw that she was talking to someone.

Please slow down, she told the man with her hands. What are your symptoms Mr...?

Dickens. Robert Dickens. I have a bad cold, he told her, moving his hands more slowly. It started three days ago. Runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, and sneezing. Can you help me?

Caitlin knew that even though she was healthy, she didn't want to take a chance on getting the man's cold what with her being pregnant. "Lacey, could you come here a minute, please?"

"Sure!" Lacey walked over to them, curiosity on her face. "What do you need?"

"Mr. Dickens said he has a bad cold. I can do the translating, but would you help him? I really don't want to get his cold."

"Sure." Lacey turned to the man, smiling. "My name is Lacey Reynolds. I have a few suggestions for you."

Caitlin translated while Lacey talked and showed some things to the man. Then she translated to Lacey for Mr. Dickens. "He says he likes what you're suggesting. He'll take it all." Then Caitlin started signing again. I also recommend taking Echinaccea right at the first sign of a cold or the flu. It either cuts the time you're sick in half, or else gets rid of it completely. I use it all the time, and I swear by it. But you have to use it when you first get symptoms. If you take it while you have the cold or flu, it doesn't work.

He nodded in understanding. I'll take some of that, too. Thank you so much for your help, and congratulations on your baby.

Thank you, and we'll help you up at the front of the store. Caitlin finished signing and walked with him to the front of the store where she saw Daniel. "Hey, handsome. How was your day?"

"Just fine, muirnín."

"I'll be with you in a moment." She helped check out Mr. Dickens' order, and waved at him as he left.

"You did that so beautifully, sweetheart," Daniel told her as she locked the front door and turned the sign.

"Thank you. I'm just glad I can help those who are deaf that come into our store."

"What was wrong with him?"

"He had a bad cold."

Daniel immdediately became concerned. "I'm glad you could help him, but what if you catch his cold and it goes to the baby?"

Caitlin took his hand, patting it. "That's why I had Lacey help him while I only did the translating. Besides, I'm taking echinaccea every day anyway to keep from getting sick."

He sighed. "I know. It's just that I worry a lot is all." He took her into his arms. "I just love you and the baby so much."

She leaned up and quickly kissed him. "I know. Let me help clean up, and then we can go."

Lacey laughed, watching them. "Oh go ahead you two, and happy new year."

Caitlin turned to her friend, blushing and giggling. "Thanks, Lacey. Happy new year to you and Karyn as well." She walked into the office and grabbed her purse and coat, then walked back out into the store where Daniel helped her put it on.

"See you in a few days," he called out. "Happy new year!" He took Caitlin's arm and helped her out and into the vehicle, then got in. Driving down the snowy streets, he smiled, thinking about the time they'd get to spend alone on Danu. Then a thought came into his head, making him frown. He pulled into the base, parking their Durango, and turned toward her. "We can't go."

She turned toward him, startled. "What?! Why not? What's wrong?"

"I don't want you going through the gate. It could be harmful for the baby."

"I thought you got clearance for us to go," she said.

He nodded. "I did, but I didn't think about what gate travel would do to the baby, and you. We just can't take that chance."

Caitlin thought about things for a moment, then turned back toward him. "Let's go talk to Dr. Lam about it, and see what she says. Will you at least do that?"

Daniel reluctantly nodded, and helped her out of the vehicle and into the base.

"Why Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson!" Dr. Lam exclaimed as the couple walked in. "What brings you into the Infirmary tonight? Is there something wrong?"

"I don't want Caitlin to go through the gate, that's all," Daniel said resolutely.

"No," Caitlin quickly explained to her. "Daniel and I were supposed to go to Danu tonight for a few days, but now he doesn't want to go as he says that he's worried about what gate travel would do to the baby."

Understanding spread across the doctor's face, and she nodded, smiling. "I understand. I don't know much about this, as I haven't done any research on it, but I think I know someone who might. Just a minute." Dr. Lam went to her desk and called a number. In a few minutes Teal'c walked into the Infirmary.

"How may I be of assistance to you, Dr. Lam?" he asked her politely. Then he saw Daniel and Caitlin. "It is good to see you Daniel Jackson, Caitlin Jackson, though I hope that there is nothing wrong with the baby."

Dr. Lam shook her head. "Dr. Jackson and his wife were supposed to be going to Danu for a few days, but he's afraid of what gate travel would do to the baby. I thought that since many Jaffa women have gone through the gate, you might be able to quiet his fears."

Teal'c nodded, turning toward Daniel and Caitlin, and smiled. "I am glad you have come to me for my advice. Many pregnant Jaffa women have gone through the Stargate with little or no discomfort or harm to them or the baby."

"You're sure?" Daniel asked his friend, still worried.

"I would tell you otherwise if it were true."

Daniel let out a breath, unaware he'd been holding one. "Thanks, Teal'c. That means a lot."

"Besides, sweetheart," Caitlin added. "If something were to happen, we could always go see my mother, or turn right around and come back to the base."

"She is correct, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c said, nodding.

"Then I guess we should be leaving for Danu before it gets dark there," Daniel said, gathering Caitlin in his arms and smiling at her. He looked up at Teal'c. "Thanks."

"You are most welcome. I will take my leave now and wish you a safe trip."

"Yes, thank you," Caitlin added, then turned to Dr. Lam. "Thank you too, Dr. Lam. We appreciate it."

"You're welcome, and have a safe trip. Remember, if anything happens, don't hesitate to contact me."

"We will," Daniel told her before they left the Infirmary.

"Do you want to change into one of your outfits?" Caitlin asked Daniel as they walked down the corridors to their quarters.

"I suppose I could, but you can't. Your outfits won't fit you right now."

Caitlin sighed. "So I guess I'll just wear what I'm wearing now. But I can still wear the boots and my cloak though."

"You should, as it's Winter there, too." They reached their quarters, and he went to his closet. "Let me just change, and then we can go."

"Will they think it's odd that I'm wearing such a strange outfit every day?" she asked as she put on her boots and her cloak. "I mean I'll be wearing my own clothes, not a Danuan outfit."

"Maybe Mistress Ciara has something for you," came Daniel's muffled reply as he got dressed. "We could always ask her."

"But what would we have to trade in return?"

"Maybe she could use some help while we're there, and you could help her. We'll find out when we get there. But for now, we should be leaving before it gets too dark there."

Caitlin nodded, and grabbed her bag, but Daniel took it from her. "I've got it," he told her as he grabbed his own bag as well. Then he smiled at her. "Let's go."

She walked out of their quarters, Daniel close behind, and laced her fingers with his. Together they walked down to the control room.

"Good evening, Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson," Gen Landry told them.

"Good evening," Caitlin replied.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," Daniel told him.

"Could you please dial up Danu for them, Walter?"

Walter nodded and punched in the address for Danu into the computer.

"Now you only have three days," the general reminded them.

"We understand, and thank you." Daniel told him as the gate whooshed open. He smiled at the general and led Caitlin downstairs into the gateroom.

"This be Colm on Danu," a voice called out from the monitors.

"Dr. and Mrs. Jackson are coming through the gate," Walter told him.

"It be safe fer them 't come through now."

"We'll let them know. Thank you."

"It's safe to go through," the general told them from the control room. "Have a safe trip, and happy new year."

"Thank you," Daniel called out. He offered his arm to Caitlin, and together they went through to Danu.

One of the suns was already behind the nearby mountains when they came through the gate. "Welcome back 't Danu!" Colm told them as the gate shut down behind them. "It be good 't see ya."

"Thank you," Daniel said to him, smiling, then turned toward Caitlin. "How are you feeling?"

Caitlin caressed her tummy. "I'm feeling fine, sweetheart, but a little cold. Maybe we should get to our cottage."

"Not until we pay a visit to your mother."

"But Daniel, I'm fine!"

"Please, just humor me?" he pleaded with her.

She sighed, putting a hand on her belly. She knew that Daniel was just being safe and overprotective, but that's what she loved about him. "Okay. Besides, I want to see her anyway."

"Just let me run and get Minister Aedan," Colm said. He ran off toward the Government House, and in a few moments came back, Minister Aedan following him.

"Why Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin! 'Tis good 't see ya back on Danu again. How long might ya be stoppin wi' us?"

"We're only staying a few days, Minister Aedan," Daniel told him, his arm around Caitlin.

"And I see ya be getting' big, Healer Caitlin. How far along might ya be?"

"I'm over six months along now."

"Well, just let me be getting' my trap, and we'll be goin. Ya c'n wait in the control house if ya like so ya c'n stay warm."

"Thank you." Daniel led Caitlin inside the small building while Aedan went to get his trap. In a little while he returned, his horse whinnying. He and Daniel helped Caitlin into the trap, then got inside as Daniel followed him in. Taking the lines, Aedan clicked his tongue and urged the horse on.

"We be sorry ya missed the annual Winter Solstice celebration," he told Daniel as they followed the path into the village. "T'was a grand celebration 't be sure."

"Hopefully you'll have another good year and another good harvest."

"Aye, we always hope fer that." Aedan turned into the village and the horse's hooves clicked on the stone streets. He led them up to the healer's cottage, then got out of the trap. "Here, let me help ya now," he told Caitlin, holding out his hand to her.

"Thank you, Minister Aedan," she told him as she took his hand and very carefully stepped down onto the snowy street, Daniel right behind her.

"It be me pleasure, Healer Caitlin."

She went up to the door and knocked.

"Come in!" came the muffled reply.

She opened the door and walked inside, smiling. "Máthair!" she called out, stepping in a little further, the two men right behind her.

"Oh Beag Aon, mo mac(my son)!" she called out, opening her arms to hug Caitlin first, then Daniel. "It makes my heart glad 't see ya. I be missin' ya somethin' terrible!"

"Oh Mom, I missed you, too," Caitlin told her, hugging her back.

"Thank ya fer bringin' them from the Cloch Ciorcal(stone circle), Minister Aedan. Be much appreciated."

"'Tis not a problem, Healer Siobhan! T'was glad 't do it, as it gave me a chance 't see me 'iníon', as it were."

Siobhan smiled at him, then turned back toward Daniel and Caitlin. "I be glad ya stopped, sweetie, but I thought t'would be headin' right fer yer cottage."

"I wanted to stop," Daniel explained. "I just thought you might like to check her and the baby out is all."

"He's just being overprotective, and I love him for it," Caitlin told her mom, giving Daniel a quick kiss.

"'Tis better 't be safe than sorry, I always say," Siobhan said. "Come sit, and we'll take a look at ya."

Caitlin walked over to a kitchen chair and slowly sat down, and Siobhan went to stand beside her. She grabbed Caitlin's wrist, and silently held it for a few moments. Then she knelt down beside the chair, moved the cloak out of the way, and put her hands on Caitlin's tummy, feeling around through her shirt. Then she lifted the shirt and put her ear to her daughter's tummy, listening carefully. After another moment, she stood up and smiled at them. "She be fine. Travel through the Cloch Ciorcal did not harm her or the baby, though she may be a little tired. I suggest lots o' healthy foods while ya be here, and plenty o' sleep."

"That's why we came. That, and to see you," Daniel told her.

"Then that be all 't that. In the meantime, t'would be gettin' 't yer cottage soon I would, as it be getting darker out."

"Speakin' o' that," Aedan interjected, "there be somethin' fer ya at yer cottage. The men o' the village and I built ya a small stable. That way if ya come fer a visit, ya c'n keep yer horse in there out o' the weather. And I'll take ya 't a place where ya c'n get a horse and trap."

"But we have nothing 't trade for it." Daniel protested.

Aedan waved his hand in the air, silencing him. "No need fer that, Master Daniel. We be glad 't share what we have wi' ya. And when ya leave, the horse be taken care of fer ya."

Daniel didn't know what to say. He turned toward Caitlin, taking her hand. "Thank you, Minister Aedan. We both appreciate it."

"Yes, thank you," Caitlin echoed.

"Then we best be gettin' them now, as ya need 't get home before the second sun sets completely."

Daniel nodded, and helped Caitlin stand up.

She hugged her mother. "See you for lunch tomorrow?"

"Aye, that ya will," Siobhan replied. "'Till tomorrow then." She hugged her daughter, caressing her face and smiling. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín."

Caitlin hugged her back. "Is tú mo ghrá ró,máthair." She turned and followed Minister Aedan back out and into his trap.

Soon they were headed toward the other end of the village. "Master Seán O'Leary has another horse trained 't pull a trap, and he agreed 't let ya use it, along wi' a second trap he has." He pulled up in front of a quaint cottage, and got out, handing the reins to Daniel for a moment. He knocked on the door, and a man came to answer it. "Good evening, Master Seán!" Minister Aedan said jovialy, extending his hand. "How might ya be on this fine Winter's evenin'?"

Seán shook Minister Aedan's hand warmly. "I be doin' just fine, Minister Aedan. I see ya have Master Daniel and his wife with ya."

"That I do, and they be needin' a horse and trap fer a few days."

"Fine, fine! I'll just be getting' me cloak and help them get it goin'." He closed the door a moment, returning with his cloak on. "Come with me."

Daniel helped Caitlin down from the trap, and he led her to follow Minister Aedan and Master Seán to the stable.

"This be Sarah, one o' my most trusted horses," Seán told them once they were inside. "She be gentle enough fer ya 't use, Master Daniel. And outside is me other trap. I'll just show ya how to hitch them up, and ya c'n use them fer yerself while ya be here."

"Thank you, Master Seán," Daniel told him as he followed him into the stable.

"'Tis nothing, Master Daniel! Glad 't help ya, that I am. Now here be what 'cha need 't do..."

While Daniel was learning how to hitch up the horse, Minister Aedan stood by Caitlin in the warm stable. "So how long might ya be wi' us, Healer Caitlin?"

"Only a few days. We have to leave two days from now. On Earth we're celebrating the new year, and the general only gave us that long to visit."

"I see," Aedan told her, nodding. "Well, I hope ya have a grand time while ya be here. And the pool be yers 't use while ya be here. No one else t'will be usin' it."

Caitlin smiled at him, her hand on her tummy. "Thank you, athair(father). It's all right that I call you that, isn't it?"

Aedan smiled at the honor she'd given him. "Aye, that be right nice o' ya. Thank ya."

She squeezed his hand as Daniel finished putting the harness on the horse.

"That be all 't that, Master Daniel, and 't take it off, ya just do that backwards. Now ya hook her up 't the trap, and that be just as easy." Seán led Sarah outside and showed Daniel how to hook the harness up to the trap. "There ya be, Master Daniel! Ya be all ready 't go."

"And just so ya know, there be food fer the horse already in the stable," Minister Aedan added. "It probably be plenty fer the time that ya be here. And ya c'n return the horse 't Master Seán when ya be ready 't leave."

"Thank you both again," Daniel told the men as he helped Caitlin into the trap. "We both appreciate it."

"'Tis not a problem," Seán told them both. "Have a good time!"

Daniel nodded at them, and got into the trap, grabbing the reins and urging the horse out onto the street. He carefully drove through the streets and out to the path leading to their cottage. When he got to the cottage, he stopped the trap and they both looked at the new stable that had been built nearby. "It looks really nice," he commented as he drove the trap near the stable door. Getting out, he held the reins in one hand and carefully helped Caitlin out of the trap with the other.

Standing beside the stable, Caitlin helped Daniel unhitch the horse and put it away, making sure it had plenty of food and water for the night. "Let's head inside," she said, taking his arm.

He carefully led her from the stable into the house, and shut the door. He took off his cloak and boots by the door and quickly went and started a fire in the fireplace. Soon it's warmth and light was radiating out into the rest of the cottage.

She took one of the long sticks from above the fireplace and went around lighting the candles around the room and in the bedroom, throwing the stick into the fireplace when she was done. Then she took off her own cloak and boots, putting them near the door, and went to the cupboards, searching for some food. "So what do you feel like tonight? There's some lamb, or there's some beef."

"Whatever you want is fine with me, sweetheart. I just want you to get off your feet as soon as possible."

"I promise I'll sit down after supper and put my feet up. For now, I'll just make some supper for us." She set about taking some of the meat out and cutting it up, getting it ready to cook. Soon the smell of the good meat and vegetables cooking over the fire was wafting through the cottage.

"What are you making?" he asked her as he watched her cut up some greens for a salad.

"Beef with veggies and some salad."

"Mmm, sounds and smells good!" He put his arms around her waist, resting one hand on her tummy. "You are so good to me, you know."

She turned to him and smiled. "I know." She slipped the rest of the greens into the bowl in front of her, then picked it up and handed it to him. As he took it to the table, she went to check the meat and vegetables cooking over the fire. They were done, so she pulled them off the fire and set the pan on the table. "Daniel, could you please go get some water from the well?"

He nodded, and took the large pail and went outside, grabbing some water from their well. He returned inside, and set it down on the table.

Caitlin took a pitcher and poured some of the water into it, then poured some into their glasses. Finally, she sat down.

"This looks really good," he told her as he dished up some of the meat and salad onto their plates.

"Thank you." She smiled at him. "So what do you want to do after supper?"

"I brought a few books to read, but I want you to put up your feet. What are you planning?"

"I brought some books, too," she said, taking a bite of her supper. "We could sit together and read."

Daniel smiled at her. "That sounds good."

"You know," she commented, "I was lighting the candles in the bedroom and noticed that Master Gavin finished another bed frame for us. It looks exactly like the one before."

"That's good. At least we won't have to sleep on the mattresses on the floor."

They talked throughout the rest of the meal, but when it came time to do the dishes, he wouldn't let her. "I want you off your feet. Besides, there aren't that many to do anyway, so they won't take long."

"I could at least help you dry them," she tried to tell him.

He shook his head. "No. Like I said, they won't take me long. Why don't you get your book, and I'll make you a nice cup of tea."

"Okay," Caitlin conceded, going to their bags and pulling out a book. She slowly sat down in one of the chairs as he went around the kitchen doing the dishes.

He grabbed the tea pot, filling it with water, and put it on the hook over the fire to start boiling. When he finished the last dish and put it away, he grabbed two large mugs out of the nearby cupboard, along with a small pot of honey. Searching through the others, he found some tea in bags and took two of them, putting one into each mug. The pot started whistling, so Daniel went to grab it, pouring the hot liquid over the tea bags. Adding a swirl of honey from the stick into the mugs, he stirred it as the tea steeped out of the bags. Finally he handed one of the hot mugs of tea to Caitlin.

"Mmm, this is good tea, honey," she said, taking a sip. "I wonder what kind it is?"

"Not sure," he told her as he made a cup for himself. "You'll have to ask your mother tomorrow at lunch."

"So what do you want to do tomorrow besides that?" she asked him as he sat down with a book of his own and the other mug of tea.

"What do you want to do?"

"Well, we could go visit Mistress Kathleen tomorrow. And you said that Mistress Ciara might have a dress that might fit me right now."

"That's true," he admitted. "So why don't we go visit her after lunch with your mother? Then we could have supper at the inn with Mistress Kathleen."

She smiled at him. "That sounds like a good idea, muirnín."

He smiled back at her, taking a drink of his tea and setting the mug on the table by his chair. He opened his book and began reading. Later in the evening Daniel marked the page in his book, stood and stretched. He looked over at Caitlin and smiled. The book she's been reading had dropped into her lap, and her head had fallen to one side as she'd fallen asleep. He gently took the book from her fingers and marked the page where she'd been, putting the book away. Then he walked back over to her and gently kissed her awake.

"Ungh," she said, stretching and yawning. "Did I fall asleep again?"

"Yes you did, muirnín."

"I'm sorry. I guess I was more tired than I realized, unless it was the tea."

"It could have been. Come on, let's go to bed."

She nodded, and slowly stood, stretching again.

He put a few more logs on the fire as she blew out the candles in the kitchen and living area. Grabbing their tea mugs, she put them in the sink, and followed Daniel into the bedroom with her bag.

They both got undressed and ready for bed, but Caitlin kept rubbing the back of her neck. "Ooh," she complained a little, still rubbing her neck.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" Daniel asked her.

She turned to him, a frown on her face. "My neck is hurting."

"C'mere," he told her. When she came, he sat her down on the edge of the bed. He knelt behind her on the bed, placed his hands on her shoulders, and started to massage them, working out all the kinks and knots.

"Oh that feels so good!" she exclaimed as he continued to rub her neck. "You do a wonderful job, honey."

"Thank you." He finished rubbing her neck and leaned down, nuzzling it. "Even in that chemise you are so beautiful." He sat down behind her and wrapped his arms around her, putting his hands on her belly and feeling the baby moving. "I love you so much, muirnín," he told her with all his heart. "I am so lucky to have you in my life."

"And I'm lucky to have you in mine, Dainéal. I feel so blessed."

"So do I." He got up from behind her, and pulled down the covers, climbing under the sheets. "C'mere, sweetheart," he said, his arms open wide.

She blew out the candles and climbed in under the covers, snuggling up to him, laying her head on his bare chest. She couldn't remember being so happy. She yawned, getting sleepy again, and kissed his chest. "Good night, muirnín. Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he told her, kissing the top of her head as they both fell asleep.

Dawn came and Daniel woke, stretching. He carefully got up out of bed and put on his glasses, making sure he didn't wake Caitlin, and padded into the kitchen. He carefully put a few more logs on the almost-cold fire and stirred the embers, getting the fire going again. Then he went into the kitchen and found some food and started making breakfast.

Caitlin woke to an empty bed and stretched good, yawning. She could smell cooking food and hear noises in the kitchen, so she slowly got up out of bed and put her glasses on, padding into the kitchen area. "Good morning, dóighiúil(handsome)," she told him as she slipped her arms around his waist.

He stopped what he was doing and turned to face her, tenderly kissing her. "Good morning, álainn(beautiful). I thought you'd still be sleeping."

"You know I can't sleep without you in bed with me," she told him as she looked at him. "So what's for breakfast?"

"I started cooking some meat, and it looks like it should be ready in a moment. Why don't you sit down and let me get it."

She nodded and sat down at the table, watching him work his way around the cottage.

Soon the meat was done and he brought it to the table, putting some on each plate.

Caitlin took a bite, and smiled at him. "This is really good, honey."

"Thank you. So how did you sleep last night?"

"Pretty good," she told him, taking another bite. "The baby woke me a couple of times with its kicking, but it didn't last long. And I learned that I can't sleep on my side anymore. I'm getting too big for it."

Daniel took a drink of some water. "How's your neck this morning?"

"Better since you rubbed it last night. What about you?"

"I slept fine. The bed feels so good, especially with you in it."

They continued to talk as they finished their breakfast, then he cleared the table. "So what do you want to do this morning?"

"I thought I'd go to the pool and take a bath. My hair feels so grungy!" She felt her hair for emphasis.

"Why don't we both go? I could stand a bath myself."

Caitlin nodded, and slowly stood, gathering the things they'd need for their bath. She grabbed her toiletry bag and his from their bags, and set them on the table with their towels. "I think I've got everything," she told him. "Just give me a minute to change." She went into the bedroom and pulled off her chemise, slipping into her robe and tying it around her waist. She came out, handing Daniel his robe.

He quickly slipped out of his pajama bottoms, tying his robe around his waist.

"So sexy," she commented seductively, winking at him.

"You're the sexy one," he told her, smiling at her and giving her a quick kiss. He grabbed the toiletries and slipped on his boots as she grabbed the towels and slipped on her own boots. "You ready? It's going to be a little cold as the suns aren't out."

She nodded and took his arm and together they left the cottage. When they got outside, they discovered a gentle snow was falling, sparkling the world anew. "It's so pretty out, and the air smells so fresh, probably from all the trees around," she commented as they walked to the pool, shivering a little bit in the cold air.

"I think so," he replied. "Just be careful. The path is a little icy."

They continued on in silence to the pool, the pool steaming in the cold air. Daniel went near the edge and set their toiletry bags down near it, putting the towels on the nearby bench. He took off his robe and boots and helped Caitlin with hers, then carefully helped her down into the pool.

"Ohh, this feels so good," she said, as she sank down into the warm water. She quickly dipped under the water and got her hair wet, coming up beside Daniel who had come into the pool.

"It's a mermaid," he joked at her as she came up. "A sexy mermaid."

"I see a sexy merman," she countered, smiling seductively at him again. She walked over to him and ran her hands over the top of his shoulders and down his arms.

"I thought you wanted to take a bath," Daniel told her, smiling mischievously at her, talking her into his arms.

"Eventually I do, but right now I have something else on my mind." She tilted her head up and he leaned down and kissed her, slowly and tenderly making love to her.

"I love you sweetheart," she told him afterwards, snuggled up to him on the underwater stone bench. "That was really nice."

He kissed the top of her head, hugging her close. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked her.

"Of course not! The water helped to cushion things, and you were so gentle and tender." She turned her head up to kiss him again.

He passionately kissed her, sending shivers up her spine. "What say we get cleaned up and head over to your mother's cottage for lunch?"

Caitlin nodded, and went over to their small bags and grabbed her soap and pouf, getting it wet and soapy. She took the body pouf and washed his back, getting it clean. Then she handed the pouf to him and began to wash her hair. In a little while she was done and took the pouf from him, handing him some shampoo. After washing herself up, she rinsed the pouf good and set it near their things. Finally, she stepped up onto the stone bench and grabbed one of the towels, wrapping her hair up in it.

"Just a minute, sweetheart," Daniel told her, going over to her. He took her hand and carefully helped her up out of the pool, handing her a towel.

"Brrr it's cold!" she exclaimed, quickly drying herself off with the second towel. She grabbed her robe and quickly slipped it on around her, tying it closed and putting on her boots. She helped Daniel up out of the pool and handed him his towel.

"Ooh, you're right. But that's only because the pool was so warm. You okay?"

She smiled at him. "I'm fine, muirnín, and so is the baby." She walked up to him after he'd gotten his robe on, caressing his cheek and winking at him. "And we really enjoyed our exercise, too."

He pulled her close, leaned down and kissed her, smiling at her. "So did I. But let's get you inside and dressed before you get too cold."

She gathered up the towels as he gathered up their toiletries. He offered her his arm, and together they headed back to the cottage to get dressed.

"I wonder how you mother gets her herbs in the Wintertime for healing people?" he asked her when they got back inside.

"She picks it during the summer, dries it, and keeps it in bags in her cupboards," she said as they both took off their boots then walked toward the bedroom to get dressed. "She taught me that last Winter when I was here."

"They still work the same?"

Caitlin nodded. "Yes, they still have the same potency."

Daniel quickly put on his clothes, then helped her with her own. "Does she still get as many people coming in as she does during the summer?"

She grabbed her brush, brushing her hair good. "Even more so because people get colds or the flu, or slip on the snow and ice. But she does what she can." She put her hair into a ponytail and braided it, wrapping it into a bun and securing it. "I'm ready."

"So am I," he told her. "Let's get going."

They walked out into the living area, and he handed her cloak and boots to her. She put them on as he put his on along with his boots. Then they headed outside.

Walking into the stable, Daniel walked up to Sarah. "Good girl," he said, patting her neck. He grabbed the harness and put it on, then led her outside and hooked her up to the trap. He turned toward Caitlin and carefully helped her inside, then grabbing the reins, climbed in beside her. Clicking his tongue, he urged the horse on with the reins, and they headed into the village.

Siobhan was just finishing up with another patient when Daniel and Caitlin pulled up. "Danu Go Bragh, the man told her as he walked out. He nodded and smiled at them as Daniel stepped down from the trap and helped Caitlin out.

"Welcome sweetie," Siobhan told Caitlin, helping her to stand near the door as Daniel tied up the horse. "How are ya feelin' t'day?"

"Fine máthair," she said, smiling at her mother. "Daniel and I are just fine, though I learned that I can't sleep on my side anymore. I'm too big."

Siobhan chuckled. "It be that way wi' many a woman here, includin' me. When I be pregnant wi' ya, t'was hard 't sleep on either side. Now come inside before ya catch yer death o' cold."

Daniel and Caitlin followed her inside, taking off their cloaks and hanging them by the door. "What can we do to help, máthair," he asked Siobhan.

"If ya like, ya c'n set the table, but me daughter should sit down and rest herself."

Caitlin nodded and slowly sat down while Daniel set the table. "So what are you planning for lunch, Mother?" she asked as Siobhan went around the kitchen.

"Pasta agus muiceoil bál(pasta and pork balls). Master Eirnin, the town butcher, be grindin' up the meat fer me, and I make meatballs wi' 'em. They be good, too."

Caitlin smiled at her mother as Daniel sat down. "So how have things been with you? I hope you haven't had any troubles because of the snow and ice."

"No more so than usual, sweetie," Siobhan told her, stirring the pasta. "We had one broken arm and a sprained ankle a few weeks back, but nothin' too serious."

"How do you set the break?" Daniel asked her.

"I remember me trainin' from when I lived on Earth, and I do it carefully and then splint it. For splints I be usin' two straight boards I get from Master Gavin, and strips of fabric 't tie it t'gether." The pasta was finished, so she drained it and went to check the meatballs. "We be usin' the roots of the Neamh Uirthi(heaven't tears) plant as a pain killer, as it has those properties. I give that 't the patient, and then I set his or her arm."

"Does it help?" Daniel asked her.

"Some, but it not be takin' away all the pain. There still be some, but they have 't deal wi' it. So I try 't be fast." She stirred the meat mixture then pulled off the pot from the fire, bringing it to the table. "Be careful! The pan be hot."

Daniel and Caitlin both nodded as Siobhan served up the food onto each of their plates. Then she poured some milk for them and finally sat down.

Raising her head towards the ceiling, she prayed. "Thank ya Faether God fer bringin' me family back 't me, if only fer a short time. Please bless this food and our time t'gether. In yer holy name."

Caitlin smiled at her mother and took a bite of her food. "This is really good, máthair. I really like the meatballs."

"Thank ya, sweetie. I like them meself."

The three of them continued to talk throughout the meal. When they were finished, Siobhan stood and started to clear the table.

"Let me help you, Mother," Caitlin said as she stood and grabbed her things from the table.

"Say me nay, sweetie. It be only a few things 't wash."

"I don't mind, mother, and besides I'm feeling fine."

Siobhan stood and thought for a moment. "Alright sweetie." In a few moments they had the table cleared and the dishes done. "So how far along might ya be now?" she asked as she and Caitlin sat down at the table again.

Caitlin smiled, putting her hand on her expanding belly. "I'm over 6 months along now. The baby is due the first part of March."

"And do ya have a room ready fer the little one when it comes?"

Daniel nodded. "We have one room with some things in it."

"We have a dresser and a changing table, along with a glider rocker in the room," Caitlin added.

"What about a crib?"

"We don't have one yet. But a man named Sgt. Mark Wilson back at the base is making one for us. He does woodworking in his spare time as a hobby."

"Oh, so he be like Master Gavin then." Siobhan said.

Daniel nodded again. "Yes. He's going to try and make the crib look like our bed frame that Master Gavin made for us."

Siobhan nodded. "That be good. So did ya find the new bedframe that Master Gavin made again fer ya in yer cottage?"

"We did, Mother," Caitlin told her, smiling. "It's just as beautiful as the first one."

"Good." There was a knock on the door. "Just a moment!" Siobhan got up and answered the door. "Why Minister Aedan! 'Tis a surprise 't see ya t'day. What brings ya 't me cottage this snowy day?"

Aedan looked at her sadly as he walked in. "'Tis me throat," he rasped out to her. "Good afternoon 't ya, Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin," he told Daniel and Caitlin, nodding at them.

"I see. What might yer other symptoms be?" Siobhan asked a serious look on her face.

"I not be able 't breathe well, and there be lots 'o coughin'." He couldn't finish, as he was overcome by a bought of coughing.

Siobhan put up her hand. "It be soundin' like ya have a bad slaghdán(cold), is all, Minister Aedan." She went to her cupboards and pulled out a mixture of dried herbs, putting them into a small cloth bag. Then she pulled out a pice of paper and wrote a few instructions down, handing both of them to him. "Here be some special herbs 't help bring up the bad stuff in yer lungs, as well as clear out yer nose. Brew them wi' some mil(honey), and try not to spake fer the rest of the day if ya be able. Go home and rest, as that will help yer body 't heal itself."

"But my duties at the Government House..." he started saying as he took the items from her.

"Máthair is right, Minister Aedan," Caitlin told him. "You won't do yourself much less anyone else any good if you get worse. Rest up for the rest of the day and see how you're feeling tomorrow."

Aedan nodded glumly. "Ya be right as rain, Healer Caitlin, Healer Siobhan. I'll send word 't the Government House that I be sick, then go home. Thank ya."

"Good," Siobhan said. "Then when ya get home, brew some of the tea and sleep. It be the best thing fer ya."

"Aye," Aedan nodded. "Thank ya both."

"You're welcome," Caitlin told him. "Daniel and I hope you're feeling better soon."

"Thank ya kindly." He turned toward Siobhan and smiled a small smile. "Thank ya, Healer Siobhan. Danu Go Bragh."

"Danu Go Bragh, Minister Aedan," Siobhan said as he left.

"Wow, he looked bad," Caitlin commented. "I hope he feels better soon." She turned to her mother. "Will the tea help?"

Siobhan nodded. "It should. It be the same herbs that ya larned about last year when ya be here."

"That's good."

"So what might be yer plans fer the afternoon?" Siobhan asked Daniel.

"We thought we might go and see Mistress Ciara and see if she has an outfit that might fit Caitlin. Then we thought we'd go visit Mistress Kathleen and eat at the inn for supper tonight."

"That sounds like some fine ideas. So why don't 'cha scoot along now and get 't Mistress Ciara's cottage. I'll be seein' ya t'night as I have 't check on Mistress Fiona anyway. She be the one that broke her arm a few weeks back. Slippin' on the ice be how she broke it. It be healin' nicely, but wanted to check on it anyway."

Caitlin slowly stood as Daniel stood and got her cloak, then his own. "So who's been helping out at the Inn? I don't think Mistress Kathleen can do it alone."

"She can't, so Mistress Shannon been helpin' her out."

Caitlin secured the front of her cloak and smiled at her mother. "Is tú mo ghrá, máthair," she told her, hugging her.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," Siobhan said to her, hugging her back. "See ya t'night."

Daniel smiled at her, and carefully helped Caitlin outside and into the trap. He climbed in, and clicking his tongue, urged the horse on toward Mistress Ciara's cottage.

Mistress Ciara was working with her spinning wheel when there was a knock on the front door. "Just a minute!" she called out, carefully setting the wool down and going to the front door. "Why Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin! What brings ya by our fair home this fine day?" She gestured for them to come inside, closing the door behind them.

Daniel smiled at her, his hand on Caitlin's back. "We came to say hello while we're here, and also to find out how you're doing with the spinning wheel."

"Well please, take yer cloaks off and sit down awhile! Just let me make some tea." She walked to her fireplace and grabbed her teapot, going over to the sink and filling it with water from the nearby bucket. "It be ready in a few moments."

"That's okay, Mistress Ciara," Caitlin told her as they both sat down. "We just came from my máthair, and we had plenty of tea there."

"Well, I know ya won't mind if I have a mug or two, as it be time fer me 't take a break anyway." The teakettle whistled loudly, and Ciara placed a small bag of tea leaves into her mug, then going to the fireplace carefully pulled off the hot teakettle. She poured some of the hot liquid into her mug, letting the tea bag steep for a few moments. Then she added some honey, stirring it in. Finally she sat down and took a big drink of the steamy liquid. "Ahh, that be hittin' the spot!" She set her mug down and smiled at Daniel and Caitlin. "So how long do ya have 't wait for yer little one 't come?"

"We only have a few more months to wait," Caitlin told her. "It's due the first part of March."

"I c'n tell ya be excited about it. Have ya chosen any names yet?"

Daniel told her what they'd chosen.

"Those be pretty names, and ya be honorin' paeople as well. That be the best part."

"Thank you," Caitlin told her, smiling at her.

"Well, let me show ya just how well the new spinnin' wheel works." Ciara stood and went into her bedroom, and came out a few moments later carrying a brand new cloak. She handed it to Daniel, who carefully looked it over, then handed it to Caitlin to look at.

"This is beautiful," Caitlin told her, admiring the cloak. "And your sewing and weaving is so well done. You are really getting the hang of using the spinning wheel."

"Thank ya, Healer Caitlin. That be right kind o' ya 't say. I be doin' really well wi' it, and Master Gavin already built another one just like it. So together we traveled 't Céad Titim Sneachta (First Snowfall) and taught Mistress Chloe and Master Micheál(Michael), their village seamstress and carpenter, how 't make them and use them. When they larn 't use them well, they'll pass their knowledge on 't the next village, and so on."

"That's really good to hear," Daniel told her, smiling.

Ciara took the cloak and put it back, returning to the kitchen table. "I see Healer Caitlin wearin' strange clothes, Master Daniel. Might her dresses not be fittin' her?"

"Not right now, and that's another reason we stopped to see you," Daniel explained. "We thought you might have a dress she could wear while she's here that would fit her."

Ciara shook her head, a sad look on her face. "Say me nay, Master Daniel. I don't at the moment. I'm sorry."

"That's okay," Caitlin told her, her hand on her expanding belly. "We thought we'd at least ask. I can wear what I'm wearing now."

"If ya like, I c'n make one fer ya, but it t'wouldn't be ready this visit."

"That's okay. We probably won't come back to Danu until after the baby is born anyway," Caitlin explained to her. "So what I have with me is fine."

Ciara nodded as her husband walked in. "Good afternoon, Master Daniel. Healer Caitlin! It be good 't see ya."

"It's good to see you too, Master Stephen," Daniel told him, shaking his hand. "Caitlin and I are here for a few days for a visit before the baby is born, and we wanted to see how your wife was doing with the spinning wheel."

"She be doing fine, Master Daniel. I sometimes help her card the wool and get it ready 't be spun, but she be doin' nicely."

"She said as much. She showed us one of her newest cloaks, and the workmanship is really good."

"That be me wife, the Faether God bless her," Stephen smiled, putting his hands on her shoulders. "She be the best seamstress."

Ciara blushed. "Oh, Stephen. I just do what me máthair taught me, that's all."

"Well I appreciate ya and all ya do," he told her. "And I know that the rest o' the paeople in the village do as well."

"Well thank ya, sweetie." She looked over at Daniel and Caitlin. "Might ya not take a cup o' tea?"

Daniel stood. "I'm sorry, Mistress Ciara, but we can't. We're headed to the inn to visit Mistress Kathleen and have supper with Caitlin's mother." He helped Caitlin to stand up.

"Thank you for the offer though," Caitlin told her, grabbing her cloak and pinning it around her neck.

"Well thank ya fer stoppin' by," Ciara told them warmly. "It be right nice o' ya."

"Yes, thank ya kindly," Master Stephen echoed.

Daniel pinned his own cloak around his neck. "Have a good day, and Danu Go Bragh."

"Danu Go Bragh," Caitlin told her, smiling. She followed Daniel outside and into the trap, and soon they were headed to the inn.

Daniel pulled up in front of the inn and tied the horse to a post. Then he helped Caitlin out of the trap, and together they went into the inn.

"Mistress Kathleen!" Caitlin called out in the empty dining room.

"Good afternoon, Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin!" Kathleen called out, coming out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a towel. "What brings ya 't me inn on a snowy day such as this?"

"We wanted to visit with you a little bit and eat supper here tonight," Daniel explained. "We also heard about Mistress Fiona. How is she doing?"

Kathleen gestured for them to all sit at the table nearest to the warm fire. "She be doin' just fine, that she is. It be harder for her right now, what with the splint an all, but she be doin' just fine. She helps out as much as she can, and Mistress Shannon, bless her heart, comes 't help at mealtimes. But it be helpin' me that there be few paeople staying at the inn right now."

"Mistress Shannon might not be able to help you tonight," Caitlin told her. "Minister Aedan came in to see máthair earlier today because he was sick. He came down with a bad cold."

Kathleen looked shocked. "Oh my! What did yer máthair do?"

"She sent him home with some tea and told him to sleep as much as he could. So Mistress Shannon might be taking care of him tonight."

Kathleen shook her head. "That be sad t' hear fer sure. I hope he gets better soon."

"If you need some help, I can help you," Caitlin offered.

Kathleen looked at her, shocked. "Say me nay, not in yer condition! I not be havin' ya help me t' night. I'll manage somehow."

"Then what about me?" Daniel asked her. "I could help you serve the food and do some dishes, too."

"Again, say me nay, as ya should be wi' yer wife."

Caitlin smiled at her, her hand caressing her belly. "Really, I don't mind if he helps you. Besides, it will give me time to visit with my mother anyway."

"Ya be absolutely sure, Master Daniel?" Kathleen queried him, still unsure.

Daniel nodded. "Yep. I can help you with whatever you need."

Kathleen thought for a moment. "Just a moment. There may not be that many comin' in 't eat t'night as it be cold and snowy out. What if I call on ya only if I need ya? That way ya c'n sit wi' yer wife and máthair chéile(mother-in-law) and visit."

"That sounds fair," Daniel told her, smiling at her. "So how has businness been?"

"Times are tough, as paeople don't want 't come out in the cold and walk on the snow and ice, but I be doin' fine. There be a few paeople that come 't stay or eat here. Yer máthair, the Faether bless her, comes at least once a week 't see me and eat here. She trades me a meal fer helpin' keep me healthy."

"Well, that's nice of you. Mother said she was coming to check on Mistress Fiona. Has she been staying here?"

"Aye," Kathleen nodded. "Since she be livin' alone, I thought 'tis wise fer her 't stay here where I c'n help her do things."

"That was a good idea," Daniel told her.

"So what have you been doing today?" Caitlin asked her.

"It be bakin' day, and I be makin' desserts fer the meal t'night. One 'o them is a bainen pie. The berries are sweet and good, and as yer máthair would say, healthy, too."

"Mmm, that does sound good," Daniel told her, smiling and licking his lips.

Caitlin nodded, sniffing the air. "It does, but I also smell fresh bread."

Kathleen smiled. "Aye, that ya do. T'was runnin' out of fresh bread I was. So I had 't do some baking."

"Well, it sure smells good," Caitlin said to her, smiling as her mother walked in. "Oh, there's mom."

"Welcome, Healer Siobhan," Kathleen told her warmly. "Ya be here 't see Mistress Fiona, I see."

Siobhan nodded. "Aye, that I am, but how might yerself be on this snowy day?"

"I be just fine. Been telling yer daughter that t'day was baking day, and I be havin' fresh pies fer dessert as well as fresh bread."

"It smells like it, Mistress Kathleen. Well, I best be gettin' t' Mistress Fiona." She turned to Caitlin. "I be down soon sweetie, then we c'n eat."

"That's fine, máthair. We'll wait for you."

Siobhan smiled at her, then headed upstairs to check on her patient.

"Well, if ya be excusin' me, I be needin' 't get back 't me bakin'. I'll let ya see the menus when ya be ready."

"Thank you, Mistress Kathleen," Daniel told her before she left.

"The fire really feels good today," Caitlin commented as they stayed at the table. "But I see that it's still snowing outside. I hope they don't get too much more new snow."

"I agree. They already seem to have a lot."

Caitlin nodded. "Wonder what it's doing at home?"

"I don't know," Daniel admitted.

"By the way, we need to do some grocery shopping when we get back home. I wrote out a list of things we need and it's in my purse at the base."

"Okay. We'll try to leave early tomorrow afternoon so we can get them."

The door to the inn opened up and several people came in for the evening meal. They nodded at Caitlin and Daniel, and sat down. Mistress Kathleen came out to welcome them and let them see the menu and know about some specials she had.

Soon Siobhan came back downstairs and sat down next to her daughter. "Mistress Fiona be healin' up nicely, and t'will be ready 't have the splint come off in another week."

"That's good to hear, Mother," Caitlin told her.

Siobhan turned to Daniel. "So this be the start 'o a new year on Aerth."

He nodded. "Yes. Most everyone celebrates tonight, and tomorrow is the first day of the new year."

"Aye, I be rememberin' me Tom and me goin' 't a few parties on New Year's Eve. But after Caitlin came, we didn't go partying anymore."

"One year Mom and Dad tried to go and got a babysitter for me," Caitlin added. "But they had to come home when I got sick with chicken pox. A girl had had it in school, and Mom figured out I must have gotten it from her." She chuckled. "I couldn't stop itching, no matter what Mom said. Remember, Mom?"

Siobhan nodded, a smile on her face. "I do, sweetie. That be why ya have a tiny scar above yer left eye. Ya itched one 'o the spots too much."

"I didn't know that," Daniel replied. "I always wondered where that scar came from."

"Well, now ya know. T'was lucky she didn't have more scars, what wi' all the scratchin' she was doin'."

"Well, it was itchy!" Caitlin said stoutly.

"I know, sweetie," Siobhan said, patting Caitlin's hand. Then she changed the subject. "So have ya thought 'bout names fer the little one when it comes?"

Daniel nodded, smiling. "We decided that if it's a boy, we want to name it Aedan Charles, after Minister Aedan and Gen. O'Neill's son." He quickly explained to her about Charley.

"That be right nice 'o ya," Siobhan told them. "But what if it be a girl?"

"Then we plan to name it Brianna Claire," Caitlin said, smiling. "Brianna after Grandma Brianna, and Claire, after Daniel's mother who died when he was little."

Siobhan was visibly touched; her tears making her eyes sparkle. "Oh my! That be a right beautiful name, and it be all the more special that ya be usin' yer seanmháthair (grandmother's) name. Thank ya both so much!"

Caitlin squeezed her mother's hand as another couple came into the inn for supper.

Mistress Kathleen came out and pointed out to the new couple the menu on the large board near the kitchen, and then she walked over to Daniel, Caitlin, and Siobhan. "There be the menu fer tonight," she told them, pointing to the menu board. "I recommend the bacon and cabbage. It be fresh bacon from Master Peter only just this afternoon."

Caitlin smiled. "I'll have that, Mistress Kathleen, and a glass of milk."

"As will I," Siobhan added.

"I believe I'll have the Irish stew, Mistress Kathleen, and some tea," Daniel told her.

Kathleen made a mental note of their orders.

"Do you need any help?" Daniel asked her.

"Aye. That be right good o' ya, Master Daniel. If ya want 't follow me, ya c'n help me get yer order out 't ya."

She turned to go back into the kitchen, and Daniel got up and followed her inside. In a few moments he came back carrying two plates. He set one of them down in front of Caitlin, and the other one in front of Siobhan.

Kathleen carried a large bowl and set it down in front of Daniel's place at the table.

"Thank you, Mistress Kathleen," he told her gratefully.

"Ya be most welcome, Master Daniel. If ya don't mind helpin' me wi' yer drinks as well." She left, and a few moments later they returned with their drinks. "There ya be," she said, setting them down as Daniel sat down and poured himself some tea. "I'll just be seein' 't me other customers now." She left them, and the three of them stated to eat.

"Mmm, this is good," Caitlin told them. "She makes a fine meal."

"I agree, sweetie," Siobhan told her. "'Tis a grand meal 't be sure."

Daniel nodded his head. "This is good stew, too." He turned toward Siobhan. "Caitlin and I talked about it, and we need to leave tomorrow afternoon. We need some groceries from the store."

"I see. Well, then I be at the cloch ciorcal(stone circle) t'morrow afternoon 't see ya off." She looked at her daughter. "Have yer friends back on Aerth thrown ya a baby shower yet?"

Caitlin shook her head. "No, they haven't."

"I remember when my friends threw one fer me. I got a lot 'o things from them that I be needin' fer after ya were born."

"I know. I'm sure my friends will do the same for us."

"Have ya thought 'bout where ya want 't have the baby? Ya could have it here on Danu."

"No we couldn't," Daniel told her. "How would we explain it to our friends back on Earth?"

Siobhan thought about that for a moment. "Ya be right on that. I suppose ya be goin' 't the hospital then."

"If the weather is good, we'll probably go to the base."

"And ya be havin' yer doctor deliver the baby. That be right smart 'o ya."

Caitlin shook her head. "No. Daniel's delivered a baby before, and I plan to let Dr. Lam know that I want him to deliver our baby. But máthair, I want you to be there too, if that's okay with Daniel." She looked at him questioningly.

"Of course it is, sweetheart," he told her, squeezing her hand, then looking at Siobhan.

"I be right honored that ya want me 't be there at the birth 'o my grandchild," Siobhan beamed. "Thank ya."

Caitlin squeezed her mother's hand warmly as they all finished their meals.

Mistress Kathleen came out of the kitchen and walked over to their table. "How might ya be doin' here?"

"We be doin' fine, Mistress Kathleen, and I here from me daughter that ya have some fine pies ya made fer desert t'night."

"That I do, Healer Siobhan, that I do. I be havin' some bainen pie that came out 'o the oven only a few hours ago."

"Then I be takin' a slice," Siobhan told her firmly.

"I'll have one as well," Daniel echoed.

"I'll just share a bite of Daniel's, Mistress Kathleen," Caitlin replied.

Mistress Kathleen took their plates. "Fine, fine. "I'll be right back wi' yer pieces of pie."

The three of them waited, and soon Mistress Kathleen returned with two small wooden plates. Setting them down in front of Daniel and Siobhan, she waited a moment until they took a bite.

"This is really good," Daniel told her, taking a small bite and giving some to Caitlin.

"He's right, it's great."

"Thank ya," Kathleen blushed slightly. "That be right kind 'o ya 't say."

"Ya make the best bainen pies around," Siobhan told her. Even mine isn't this good."

"Thank ya kindly, Healer Siobhan. That means a lot. Well, I have 't tend 't me other guests. Excuse me." She left them to finish their pie and headed back over to another table.

Daniel ate his pie and gave his last bite to Caitlin, then turned to Siobhan. "We'd better be heading back to our cottage before it gets dark. Would you like a ride to yours?"

Siobhan smiled as she finished her last bite of pie. "Aye, that be right kind 'o ya mé mac(me son). Just let me get a couple 'o slices 'o bread from Mistress Kathleen, and we c'n go." She saw Kathleen clearing one table, and motioned for her to come over. "We be ready 't go, Mistress Kathleen. But as one 'o the suns be down already, might we have a couple pieces 'o bread before we go?"

Kathleen nodded, smiling. "Aye. That be a good idea." She went into her kitchen, returning with two slices of soda bread. "T'will see ya next time, Healer Siobhan." She turned toward Daniel and Caitlin. "'Tis good 't see ya again, Master Daniel, Healer Caitlin. Thank ya few stoppin' in 't visit and have yer evenin' meal here."

"You're welcome," Daniel told her as he stood and helped Caitlin stand up. "Have a good evening."

"Same 't ya as well," Kathleen told them all before handing the bread to Siobhan and returning to the kitchen.

"She's so nice," Caitlin told Daniel and her mother as they walked out into the snowy evening. "And she's such a good cook. I like eating here when we come to visit."

"So do I," Daniel echoed as he helped her into the trap, then Siobhan. He climbed in, grabbing the reins and clicked his tongue, urging the horse on. He drove to Siobhan's cottage and stopped.

Siobhan turned toward Caitlin and hugged her tightly. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," she told her warnly.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró,máthair," Caitlin told her, hugging her back. "We'll talk to you tomorrow."

Siobhan hugged Daniel. "Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró,máthair," he echoed back, then helped her out of the trap.

Caitlin waved at her mother as he drove off, headed to their cottage.

"So what do you want to do when we get home?" he asked her.

"I thought about finishing that book I was reading last night, or at least trying to. I seem to get so tired alot easier now."

"Dr. Lam said you would, you know. Speaking of which, I think we have an appointment with her soon after we get back. I'm sure it's just a check-up." He drove in and stopped in front of the stable and got out, carefully helping her to get down.

"As long as they don't have to draw any more blood, I'll be just fine." She helped him unhitch the horse from the trap, then helped him take off the harness andlead the horse inside, making sure there was plenty of food and water for the night.

"They probably will, as they have before you know," Daniel told her, taking her arm and helping her into the cottage. "She's just making sure things are okay."

"I know," Caitlin told him, taking her coat off and watching as he lit the fireplace. Then she grabbed a long stick from above and lit one end, lighting all the candles and candle lamps around the room. Then she threw the stick into the fire. "I just don't like being poked with needles."

Daniel took her into his arms, and held her close. "I know that sweetheart, but it's only for a moment or two, then it's done."

"But it still hurts," she pouted a little, resting her head on Daniel's shoulder.

"I know. I'll be with you the whole time, you know that."

She turned toward Daniel, hugging him tightly. "I love you so much, Daniel."

"I love you too, sweetheart." He kissed her tenderly, pulling away from her and looking into her face. "Do you want some tea?"

She nodded, sniffling. "I guess so."

He smiled at her, then went to the kitchen and got the teapot ready. "Why don't you sit down and start in on your book while I finish up?"

Caitlin nodded again and went to their bags, grabbing her book. She slowly sat down and started to read as Daniel finished getting the tea ready.

"What time do you want to leave tomorrow?" he asked her, handing her a large mug of tea.

She took it gratefully, taking a drink. "Probably early afternoon. We need those groceries. We're short on a lot of things, including milk."

"I know. What do you say to leaving after lunch?" He grabbed his own book and mug of tea and sat down in the chair near hers.

"That sounds good." She took another drink of her tea, and smiled at him. "You have the best ideas."

He smiled back at her. "Thanks. I know that Mom will be disappointed a little, as she probably would have liked to spend the afternoon with you, but I think she'll understand."

"I know she will," she told him. She took another drink of her tea, then set it down on the little table next to her chair. She started reading her book again, as Daniel began to read his.

The evening drew to a close, and Daniel marked where he was, stood, and stretched. He went and put his mug into the sink, turned, and saw Caitlin reading intently. "Sweetheart, it's time for bed."

"Just a minute," she called out. She finished the last two pages then marked her spot. She slowly stood and stretched, then grabbed her tea mug and put it into the sink with Daniel's mug. "We can take care of those tomorrow," she told Daniel. She walked over to her bag and put her book away, then grabbed her toiletry bag. She walked over to the washstand and started to get ready for bed.

He grabbed his own bag and set it on the table, then went into the bedroom and lit the candles on the little table near the bed. He got undressed and changed into his pajamas, then walked back out into the living area.

"All done, sweetheart," she told him as she gathered up her things.

"I'll be in the bedroom in a few minutes," he told her as he got ready to brush his teeth.

She walked into the bedroom and turned down the bed. She changed out of her clothes and into her chemise, slowly sitting down on the bed and waited for Daniel to come inside.

Daniel finished brushing his teeth and went to the fireplace, stirring the fire and putting on a few more pieces of wood. Then he blew out the candles in the living area and kitchen and headed into the bedroom. "I just stoked the fire for the night," he told her.

"That's good."

He climbed onto the bed, kneeling behind her and started rubbing her shoulders. "How's that?"

"Ohh, that's nice. My shoulders have been hurting all day."

He continued to gently rub her shoulders, massaging them and getting all the kinks out. Then he sat down behind her and wrapped his arms around her, putting his hands over her expanding belly and nuzzling her neck. "You are so beautiful, you know."

Caitlin leaned back into him, sighing. "And you're so handsome. I don't know how I ever got so lucky."

"I know. I wonder the same thing every day."

She turned to look at him, love shining in her eyes. "I don't know what I'd do without you. You mean so much to me."

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her, gently rubbing her belly. "You mean the world to me. I can't imagine my life without you in it now."

"I couldn't imagine my life without you, either," she told him, smiling at him.

"Let's get to bed," he told her. He helped her get up and then stood, pulling the covers back further and helping her into bed. He climbed in, opening his arms to her.

She happily snuggled into his embrace, secure in the knowledge that she was loved and cared for. "Is tú mo ghrá," she told him sleepily.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, he echoed back. "Go to sleep."

She just nodded, then fell asleep.

Morning came, and Daniel woke up with Caitlin snuggled into his arms. He watched her sleeping for a few moments, hearing her deep breathing, and smiled. I never thought I'd ever be this happy again, he thought to himself. He gently squeezed her shoulders, kissing the top of her head and laying his cheek on it, sighing. Thank you, Sha're. Thank you.

Caitlin stirred a little, mumbling incoherently.

"Shh, go back to sleep," he whispered to her.

"Da... Daniel? Ungh."

"It's okay, I'm here."

"What time is it?"

"It's morning. I have no idea what time it is."

"Mmm," she said, yawning and stretching a little. "I should get some breakfast started."

He stilled her. "No, let's just lay here awhile longer. I like having you in my arms."

They lay there snuggled together in bed, Caitlin's head on Daniel's arm. "So what do you want to do this morning?" he asked her.

"We could do some more reading, or else we could take a walk."

"I was thinking about taking another bath. What do you think?"

She looked up at him, surprise and love in her eyes. "Are you sure?"

He leaned over her and passionately kissed her. "Does that answer your question, Mrs. Jackson?"

"Mmm, I guess it does, Dr. Jackson. What say we get up and eat first so that some of us have some strength?"

Daniel laughed. "Okay." He carefully helped her up out of the bed, then got up. He padded out into the living area and stoked the fire with some more wood.

Caitlin walked over to the cupboards and looked things over, pulling out a small container of grains. She reached up and pulled down a pot, and poured some of the grain into it, mixing it with some milk. Taking the pot and a wooden spoon to the fireplace, she hung the pot over the fire and started stirring. Soon the mixture was bubbling and steaming. "Breakfast is ready," she called out to him.

He came over to the table and set it, pouring some milk into their glasses.

Carefully bringing the hot pot over to the table, she set it in the center of the table. She spooned some of the cereal into Daniel's bowl then hers, then carefully sat down.

"It looks really good," he told her as he sat down. "You always cook wonderful meals."

"Thank you," she told him, blushing slightly. "I do what I can with what I have."

"I know, but they always taste so good." He took a bite of his hot cereal, and smiled. "See? This is really good."

She took a bite of her own cereal, and nodded, smiling. "You're right. It is good. We'll have to thank Mom for keeping our cupboards stocked with food."

Daniel nodded, eating his hot cereal.

They both finished their breakfast, then Caitlin slowly stood and started to clear the table.

"Why don't you let me do that and the dishes, then you can go and get our things for the bath."

"Okay," she told him, handing him her bowl. As he did the morning's dishes, she got their toiletry bags together, along with their towels and set them on the table. Then she padded into the bedroom and took off her chemise, putting on her robe. She grabbed Daniel's robe from off the front of the bed, and took it to him.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he told her as he put it on and took off his pajama bottoms. "Are you ready?"

"I just have to get my boots on, then we can go."

"Okay. The dishes are done and drying, and we can put them away when we get back. In the meantime, let's go take a bath."

She nodded, smiling, then walked over with him to the front door and slipped her boots on as he put on his. Then she walked back to the table and grabbed the towels.

He grabbed the two small bags and offered his arm to her.

She took it and together they walked out into the brisk Winter morning.

They walked down the path that led to the pool, snow gently falling around them, and when they got there, he set the bags near the edge of the pool, then took the towels and set them down on the bench. He watched as she took off her robe and boots, desire in his eyes, and he carefully helped her into the pool. Then he took off his own robe and boots, setting the robe on top of hers, and joined her in the pool.

Caitlin sighed as she entered the warm pool, steam rising from the water into the cold air above. She quickly ducked under the water to wet her hair, and watched as Daniel joined her in the pool, love and desire in her own eyes. "There's that sexy merman again," she told him seductively, carefully walking over to him. "The same one I saw yesterday."

Daniel smiled at her and took her into his arms. "And I see the same incredibly sexy mermaid I saw yesterday, too. What should I do with her?"

She ran her hands down his arms and across his wet chest. "I'm not sure. Has she been good or bad?"

"She's been good, so maybe I should reward her with a kiss..." and he leaned down and slowly, passionately kissed her.

"Mmm, I liked that." she said, a little breathless. "So what comes next?"

He showed her, slowly and tenderly making love to her.

She snuggled up to him on the stone bench, her arms wrapped around him, and sighed in contentment. "That was wonderful. You are so amazing."

He hugged her close, kissing the top of her head. "You're the amazing one. Are you okay? I didn't hurt you at all, did I?"

She looked up at him, gently caressing his cheek. She leaned up and kissed him, sending him all her love and affection. "No. You were so gentle and tender, as you always are." She smiled at him. "Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit(Happy New Year)."

Daniel leaned down and tenderly kissed her. "Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit, muirnín." He looked up into the sky, noting where the suns were. "Let's get washed up."

Caitlin stood up and walked to the edge of the pool where their bags were and pulled out her body pouf and the body wash. Wetting the pouf, she put a little soap on it, then went to wash herself off.

When she was done, she handed the pouf to Daniel and he washed her back off. He handed the pouf back to her, and she washed his back.

When she was done she handed the soapy pouf back to him and he washed himself as she re-wet her hair. When she was done, she rinsed the pouf out and put it back into her bag with the soap. Then Daniel helped her get up and out of the pool.

He followed her out and grabbed a towel as she wrapped her hair in a towel. "Brrr!" he told her, quickly drying himself off with the towel.

"I know," she said as she dried off with the other towel. She quickly put her robe on and her boots, and waited for him.

"Let's get you inside," he told her, gathering up their things. He took her arm, and helped her down the path back into their cottage.

"The... the cold is... is invigorating," Caitlin told him as she stood in front of the fireplace shivering to get warm. "But I like the warm pool better."

Daniel took off his boots and came over to her. He started rubbing her arms and moved down to her legs. "How's that?" he asked her, looking into her face.

"Better. But right now I want to get dressed." She took her hair out of the wet towel, and grabbing her hair brush, brushed it good. Taking it into her hands, she braided the hair at the nape of her neck and secured it with a band and scrunchie. When she was done, she went to her bag and pulled out her clothes, getting dressed.

He went into the bedroom and pulled out his Danuan outfit from the armoire, putting it on. Then he went into the living area, finding Caitlin brushing her teeth.

Spitting into the large bowl on the washstand, she wiped her face on the nearby towel. "All done, sweetheart," she told him.

He took his turn brushing his teeth, then turned to her. "Why don't we get packed and get ready to go?"

She nodded, and helped him to pack up their things, setting them by the door. She made the bed and put the dry dishes away as he went and got a small amount of water from the well and put the fire out in the fireplace.

"The fire's out," he told her, setting the bucket back onto the table. "Are you about ready to go?"

Caitlin took one last look around the cottage, finding nothing, and nodded. "I'm ready."

Daniel smiled at her. "I'll go hitch up the horse and be right back." He went out into the stable, hitching up the horse to the trap, and drove it to the front of the cottage. He got out and went back into the cottage and took their bags setting by the door and put them into the trap. Checking to make sure the fire was really out, he finally went and helped Caitlin into the trap, closing the cottage door behind him. He climbed back in the trap and grabbing the reins, clicked his tongue and urged the horse on into the village.

"I wonder how Minister Aedan is feeling today?" Caitlin asked him as they drove into the village.

"You'll have to ask your mom. I'm sure she'll know." He pulled up in front of Siobhan's cottage and got out, tying the horse to the post in front. He went to the side of the trap and gave her his hand, carefully helping her down.

Caitlin carefully walked to the door, knocking as she opened it. "Máthair! We're here."

"Come on in, sweetie, and get out 'o the cold," Siobhan told her, coming to the door.

"Daniel's just tying up the horse."

"Here I am," he said right behind her. He followed her in, shutting the door behind him.

"So how might ya be t'day?" Siobhan asked as they took off their cloaks.

Caitlin hung her cloak on the peg near the door, then turned and smiled at her mom. "I'm feeling fine Mom, and I slept really well." She caressed her rounding tummy.

"What about yerself, Daniel?"

He smiled at her. "I'm fine, máthair. I slept really well, too."

"That be good 't hear." She went to the fireplace and grabbed the teapot, filling it with water from the pail, then returned it to its hook over the fire. Going to her special cupboard, she made up three tea bags, tying them shut. She took them over to the kitchen counter and put them into three large mugs. When the water was ready, she poured it in, letting the bags steep for a few moments. Finally she stirred in some honey and handed a mug to them.

Caitlin set her mug down and slowly sat down at the table. She took a generous sip of the hot liquid, and smiled. "This is good tea, Mom."

"Thank ya. It be a special blend 'o herbs and plants. Many paeople like it."

Daniel sat down at the table, taking a sip from his own mug. "So how are you doing this morning?"

"I be doin' fine. Feelin' fine, too," Siobhan said as she put the empty pot near the sink and sat down beside her daughter.

"Speaking of that, how is Minister Aedan feeling today?" Caitlin asked her.

Siobhan frowned slightly. "Not well I'm afraid. I checked on him earlier this mornin'. He has a bad cold, and it affected his voice. I told him not 't be talkin' for at least the next few days."

"So he has laryngitis then," Daniel commented to her.

Siobhan cocked her head to the side, not understanding him.

"That's what the doctors on Earth call it when you lose your voice," Caitlin explained to her.

Siobhan took a sip of her tea and smiled, nodding. "Ah, now I be rememberin' the term. Yes, he be havin' that. So I gave him some more herbs 't help his throat, and told him not 't talk 'fer a few days. His wife, the Faether bless her, promised he wouldn't be talkin' anytime soon, or at least until I check him in a couple of days."

Caitlin and Daniel chuckled.

"Now, 't be checkin' the meal." Siobhan stood and grabbing a wooden spoon, went over to the fireplace, pulling a hook away from the fire. She grabbed a towel and carefully took the lid off, checking the contents. Putting in the spoon, she gently stirred the ingredients together, then pulled out a small portion on the spoon, tasting it. "Mmm, I think it be ready. Daniel dear, would ya be kind and set the table? We'll be needin' bowls fer the meal t'day."

"Of course," he told her, standing up from the table. He went to the cupboards and quickly set the table, then filled their glasses with milk.

Siobhan carefully grabbed the handle with the towel and brought the hot pot to the table. She set it down in the middle and took the lid off, setting it near the pan.

"Mmm, it sure smells good, Mother," Caitlin said, sniffing the air. "What is it?"

"Danuan stew. It be made with fresh meat, vegetables, and herbs." She spooned some into each bowl, then put the lid back on the pot. "I hope ya like it."

Daniel spooned up some of the stew, blew on it, and tasted it. "This is really good, máthair," he told her, smiling at her.

Caitlin took a bite, then nodded. "He's right, Mother. This is good."

Siobhan blushed. "Why thank ya both. 'Tis me own recipe, and I be happy 't share it wi' ya."

The three of them talked as they ate. As they were finishing up, Caitlin looked at her mother. "I'm afraid we'll have to leave as soon as we're done here," she told her, reminding her of their earlier conversation about the groceries.

Siobhan looked at her, a sad expression on her face. "I be hopin' that ya could stay and visit more, but ya best not let Daniel starve wi'out food in yer house."

Caitlin and Daniel both laughed. "I promise I won't let him starve, Mom," she told her. "He gets really good meals at home, and they're heathy, too. Many of them I learned from Grandma Sarah when I was living with her."

"That be good, sweetie," Siobhan said, then looked at Daniel. "But do ya eat enough? Ya still look as thin as a rail, that ya do."

"I eat plenty," Daniel reassured her. "And your daughter is a wonderful cook."

Caitlin blushed. "I just do what I can to help him eat heathy, that's all."

"But that be a good thing muirnín," Siobhan told her. "Eating healthy is a good thing."

"I know." Caitlin finished her meal, then drank the rest of her milk.

Daniel finished his meal, and sat back. "That was delicious, máthair."

"Yes, it was," Caitlin echoed. She sat back, her hand on her expanding belly.

Siobhan stood and cleared the table, putting everything into the sink. "Well, ya best be gettin' 't Master Seán's cottage wi' the horse and trap. Don't worry about cleanin' up. I c'n do that meself."

"But I can help you..." Daniel started.

"Say me nay, as ya be havin' food 't buy at home. Now get goin' you two! Shoo!" She smiled at them. "And I'll just be sayin' my goodbyes here and now."

Caitlin slowly stood up and went to her mother, hugging her. "Is tú mo ghrá, máthair. Mé togradh caill tú(I will miss you)."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she told her daughter, hugging first her then Daniel. "Take care."

"We'll let you know when the baby comes," Daniel told her.

"Aye, t'will be waitin'. In the meantime, ya take good care o' her."

"I will, máthair," he said as he helped Caitlin put on her cloak, then put on his own.

"Goodbye!" Caitlin said, waving at Siobhan before following Daniel out and into the trap.

Daniel grabbed the reins and climbed in. Clicking his tongue, he urged the horse on down the cobblestone streets toward Master Seán's cottage. When he got there, he climbed out, and went to knock on the cottage door.

"Just a moment!" he heard through the door. In a moment it opened and a woman stepped out. "Master Daniel! It be a pleasure 't meet ya at last. I be Mistress Rosaleen, Master Seán's wife."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he told her. "This is my wife, Caitlin," and he pointed to her in the trap. "Is your husband home? We've come to give back the horse and trap."

Rosaleen nodded, smiling. "He be inside. Just let me get him." She left for a moment, then returned with Seán right behind her.

"It be fine 't see ya again, Master Daniel," he said, extending his hand. "Me wife tells me ya be ready 't head home again."

Daniel shook his hand. "Yes. We have things to get back to, so we wanted to return the trap and horse to you to take care of."

"I see. Well, I c'n drive ya both out 't the cloch ciorcal(stone circle), then bring the trap back."

Daniel nodded, smiling. "That would be nice of you, Master Seán. Thank you."

Master Seán turned to his wife. "I'll be back soon, dear." He grabbed his cloak, throwing it over his shoulders. Then he climbed into the trap, grabbed the reins and urged the horse on towards the Stargate.

He pulled up near the little control house, and a man ran outside. "Good day 't ya, Master Seán!" the man said, looking in the trap. "I see ya have Healer Caitlin and Master Daniel wi' ya."

Seán got out of the trap. "That I do, Master Liam, that I do." He held out his hand, and both he and Daniel helped Caitlin out of the trap.

"We're ready to go back to Earth," Daniel told Master Liam as he got out and took out their bags, setting them beside him in the snow. "Would you please dial up Earth for us?"

"Aye. T'will do that now." Master Liam hurried back into the control house and quickly pressed the corresponding buttons on the DHD, then punched in the IDC for Danu when the gate whooshed open.

"This is Stargate Command. How can we help you?" Walter's voice filtered through the crystal radio.

"This be Master Liam on Danu. Master Daniel and his wife be wantin' 't come home now."

There was a pause. "It's clear for them to come through now," Walter replied.

"Thank ya. "T'will let them know. Danu out." Liam walked outside, and told Daniel what Walter had said.

"Thank you." He looked at Caitlin. "Ready?"

She nodded, smiling. "I'm ready."

Daniel opened his arms in the traditional Danuan greeting. "Danu Go Bragh," he told Master Seán warmly.

"Danu Go Bragh," Master Seán echoed, his arms open and outstretched. "May the Faether watch over ya as ya travel."

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thank you."

Daniel bent down and grabbed their bags, and together they went through the gate home.

Back on Earth, the gate whooshed open and the general came down the steps. "What have we got, Walter?"

"It's Danu sir. Dr. Jackson and his wife are ready to come back."

"Open the iris."

Walter put his hand into the palm reader, and the iris slowly opened up. "It's clear for them to come through now," he told Liam.

"T'will let them know. Danu out."

The general walked down into the gateroom to meet them, and a few moments later Daniel and Caitlin walked through the gate and down the ramp. "Welcome back, Dr. Jackson, Caitlin. How was your vacation?"

Caitlin smiled broadly as the gate closed behind them. "It was wonderful, thank you. And thank you for letting us go, Gen. Landry."

"You're welcome. Did you have a good time?"

"We did," Daniel told him. "We spent time visiting with her mother, and we checked on Mistress Ciara. She's already taught the village seamstress of Céad Titim Sneachta (First Snowfall) how to use a spinning wheel. The village craftsman, Master Gavin, went with her to teach their master craftsman how to make them. Then she showed us a brand new cloak she'd made, and it's better than the ones they have now."

"That's good, Dr. Jackson." He turned back toward Caitlin. "And how are you feeling?"

She put her hand on her belly, smiling again. "I feel just fine, sir. I think it's all the healthy food we ate there, and the fresh air."

"That's good, but just to make sure, go get yourselves checked out in the Infirmary, then you can go home." He smiled at them, then headed back to his office.

"We can take our bags by our quarters first, then head up to the Infirmary," Daniel told her.

She nodded, and followed him up through the winding corridors and levels.

Dr. Lam examined them both, and smiled at them. "You're both just fine, and I took the liberty of doing your prenatal exam now, and the baby is just fine. You're right on target for your weight gain, and the baby is the right size for its gestational age. So you're doing really well."

"That's really good news, Dr. Lam," Daniel told her, smiling at Caitlin and squeezing her hand.

"So unless something happens, I don't need to see you until the birth."

"That's good," Caitlin told her, rubbing her belly. "It means no more needles."

Daniel and Dr. Lam laughed. "You're right," she said. "No more needles."

"So are we okay to go?" Daniel asked her.

"You're good to go, Dr. Jackson," she said before she left.

"Thank you," Caitlin told her as Sam, Cam and Teal'c all walked in.

"Welcome back you two," Cam told them.

"Indeed. Did you have a good trip?" Teal'c asked.

"We did," Daniel said, helping Caitlin up from the bed.

"What did you do?" Sam asked.

"We relaxed a little, and we visited with her mother. Other than that, we visited Mistress Ciara and ate at Mistress Kathleen's inn."

"So how is Mistress Ciara doing?" Sam asked him.

Daniel told her.

"That's good. Soon all the seamstresses and craftsman on Danu will know how to make and use a spinning wheel."

Daniel nodded at her. "Well, we're headed home. We'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow Daniel," Cam and the others echoed back as they left.

Daniel laced his fingers with Caitlin's, and together they went to their quarters to pick up their things.

"And you need to change," she reminded him as they walked in.

"I know," he said as he went to the closet and grabbed some hangars out of it. Putting them on the bed, he quickly changed out of his Danuan outfit.

She handed him his regular clothes. "Can you hand me a hangar for my cloak?"

He nodded, handing her a hangar from the closet.

She took off her cloak, pinning it on over the hangar. Then she hung it in the closet with Daniel's outfit. Grabbing her purse, she put on her jacket and gloves. "I'm ready."

He put on his own jacket, grabbed their bags and found the keys to the Durango, then walked out into the hallway.

She followed him out, turning out the lights and shutting the door behind her as she left. Then she laced her fingers with his, and together they headed towards the elevators.

"Good afternoon Dr. Jackson, Mrs. Jackson," Col. Reynolds told him as he passed with Maj. Feretti along the hallway.

"Good afternoon," Daniel and Caitlin both told them, smiling at them.

"You must have just come back from Danu," Maj. Feretti commented, noticing the bags Daniel was carrying.

"Yes we did," Caitlin said, nodding. "We went to visit my mother."

"How is she doing?"

"She's doing just fine. We wanted to see her before the baby comes," Daniel explained.

"And how are you feeling?" Col. Reynolds asked Caitlin.

"I'm doing fine, and the baby is fine as well. Thank you for asking," she said, smiling and putting her hand over the baby.

"Well, you really look beautiful," he commented warmly. "Pregnancy suits you."

"My team and I want to wish you both congratulations, Doc," Maj. Feretti told Daniel. "You'll make a great father."

Daniel blushed slightly. "Thank you. Well, we need to be going. Have a good evening."

"Be careful, Doc," Col. Reynolds told him. "It snowed last night, so the roads will be packed with it."

"Thanks, we will."

The two men nodded, then continued down the hallway.

"That was nice of them," Caitlin said as Daniel let her hand go and pushed the button. The doors opened, and he led her inside and up out of the mountain.

As they got outside, Daniel noticed that it had indeed snowed. "Looks like we got several inches," he told Caitlin. "Why don't you stay here and I'll pull up the Durango."

She nodded, and he left her standing by the guard. In a moment the vehicle pulled up in front of her, and he got out, helping her inside. Then he got in and they took off.

"So what are the things we need at the store?" he asked her as he carefully drove down the snowy streets to the grocery store.

"Besides milk, we need some oatmeal, eggs, and other things. It won't take us long."

"I know. I just don't want you on your feet for long." He quickly looked at her. "So which store do you want to go to? The one closest to our house?"

"That's fine," she said, resting her eyes a little.

Daniel continued down the snowy streets toward the grocery store. He pulled into the parking lot and found a place close to the entrance. He shut off the engine and got out, helping Caitlin out of the vehicle and into the store.

She grabbed a cart, and started down the aisles, picking up some fresh fruits and vegetables and putting them into her cart. Then she started down the other aisles, putting the things she needed from her list into her cart. As she was going down one of the aisles, she stopped and turned toward Daniel. "Would you please go get some milk and co-jack cheese for me?"

"Sure sweetheart," he told her, smiling at her. "Be right back."

Caitlin continued down the aisles, looking at the different items on the shelves until someone bumped into her cart.

"Why don't you watch where you're going?" a slightly familiar voice scolded her harshly.

She started to apologize, turning to look at who it was who had spoken, but stopped and stared, stunned. She couldn't believe it. "Brian! Tiffany! What are you doing here?" she asked, regaining her senses.

"We're buying groceries, duh!" Tiffany rolled her eyes at her then noticed who it was. "Hey Brian, look! It's Caitlin!"

Brian turned and looked at her, a sneer on his face. "Well if it isn't Caitlin O'Brien, the stupid woman who thought she was going to marry me." He and Tiffany laughed.

"How are you?" she asked him politely, keeping her cool. "What are you doing in Colorado Springs?"

"We're doing just fine, and we live in Colorado Springs now, if you must know," Tiffany told her. "Brian and I moved here a year ago."

"That's nice," Caitlin told them. "I live here too."

"Guess that means we have to move, doesn't it, sweetheart," Brian told Tiffany, emphasizing the last word and smiling at her. "We don't want to be associated with someone like Caitlin."

Tiffany shook her head. "No no, sweetheart, she'll have to move. We were here first."

"Actually, I've lived here six years now," Caitlin told them. "I work at a little health food store here in town."

Brian pointed at her. "Look, Tiffany. An evil witch that sells potions!"

Tiffany laughed until she noticed a sparkle on Caitlin's left hand. "What's that on your left hand?" she demanded.

Caitlin lifted up her hand, looking at her wedding ring fondly. "It's my wedding ring, Tiffany."

Brian laughed, hard. "A wedding ring?! If that's a wedding ring, then I'm the Tooth Fairy!"

"I didn't think single people like you would resort to wearing a wedding ring to pretend you're married," Tiffany laughed. "But I was wrong!"

"I'm not pretending, Tiffany. I got married last May."

Tiffany stared at her, disbelieving, then hit Brian. "Why couldn't you have gotten me a nice ring like that?"

"What are you hitting me for?" he shouted at her. "She's not really married!"

They continued to argue until Tiffany noticed Caitlin's expanding belly. "Geez, Caitlin, you sure are fat! I can't believe you're such a fat pig." She and Brian laughed cruelly again.

Caitlin smiled at them, rubbing her swelling tummy. "I'm not fat Tiffany, I'm pregnant. I'm due in March."

"That's not possible," Brian told her, sneering at her again. "Who would ever want to marry you, let alone have sex with someone as ugly and worthless as you?"

Daniel heard the conversation as he came up and put the milk and cheese in the cart. "Is everything alright, sweetheart?" he asked, putting his arms protectively around her and resting his hands on her belly, staring at them angrily.

"Daniel, I'd like you to meet Brian and Tiffany Walker. You remember, I told you about them a little over a year ago. They live here in Colorado Springs now."

He remembered full well what she had told him, but he kept his cool.

"Brian, Tiffany, I'd like you to meet my husband, Dr. Daniel Jackson."

"I don't believe it!" Tiffany complained, loudly. "You really are married and pregnant!"

"Yes, it's true."

"So what does a geek like you do?" Brian jeered. "I work as a real estate agent," he boasted, then he thought about what Caitlin had said. "Doctor, huh? Bet you don't have as many clients as I do."

Daniel smiled at him. "Actually, doctors don't have any clients. They have patients, and I don't have any patients."

Brian and Tiffany laughed at that.

"I'm not a medical doctor," Daniel explained. "I'm an archaeologist. I have a doctor's degree in archeology."

"Oh so you're a bookworm," Brian jeered at him. "A nerdy bookworm!" He laughed again. "And I suppose you work at a stupid museum, too." He turned toward Tiffany. "Bet they don't make a lot of money like a real estate agent, either."

Daniel smiled at him again. "Actually, I have three doctorate degrees, and I work for the Air Force. I do contract work for them, and the pay is pretty good, too. And from what I've heard, the housing market isn't doing so well right now."

"Why couldn't you do a job like working for the Air Force?" Tiffany demanded, hitting Brian again. "I want more money, and a baby, too!" She whirled around to face Daniel and Caitlin. "You think you're so much better than us, don't you?" she shouted at them. "Well, you're not!"

"At least we know when to end a pointless discussion," Daniel said, finally losing his patience and helping Caitlin push the cart down the aisle a little. He turned back toward them. "Don't ever come near Caitlin and me again," he warned them, a fierce, cold look on his face. Then he turned and walked with her down the rest of the aisle.

"You're worthless, Caitlin O'Brien!" Brian shouted at her. "You're nothing, you hear me?! Nothing!"

"We're better than you!" Tiffany added, shouting at Daniel and Caitlin as they walked away.

"You were really good back there, not losing your cool," Caitlin told him, squeezing his hand as they continued on down the next aisle.

"So were you. I didn't think you wouldn't be able to handle seeing them again like that. Besides, you know that you're priceless to me." He caressed her cheek.

"I know that. I just feel sorry for them. They don't seem to be as happy as we are. They were really arguing a lot. She made a comment to him that her ring wasn't as nice as mine, and you heard what she said about him not working at a job like yours."

"Well, don't worry about them anymore. They won't ever bother us again." Daniel made up his mind to talk to Jack about them the next day. "Let's get the rest of our groceries and head home. I'm getting hungry, and you need to get off your feet."

"So what do you want for supper? I could make some beef stroganoff; we haven't had that in a long time."

"Mmm, that sounds good. Let's get going." He followed her as she finished the last of her shopping, then paid for their groceries. "I'll pull up the vehicle," he told her. "Wait here."

She waited inside the warm store until he pulled up in the Durango, and a young man came behind her pushing their cart.

Daniel came inside the store and helped her to get inside the warm vehicle. Then he helped the young man put the groceries in the back. Finally, he got in and they drove home.

"How about some salad with the stroganoff?" she asked him.

"That sounds good," he told her as he pulled into the driveway. He got the mail, then parked in the garage. He got out and helped her into the house, then brought all the groceries in.

"Why don't you put all the groceries away and I'll make supper?" she suggested as she took off her shoes, hanging her coat in the mudroom and putting her purse on the dryer.

"Sure, sweetheart." He took off his shoes and coat, putting them in the mud room and started to put away the groceries as she pulled out a large pan and started cutting up the meat, preparing the stroganoff.

He finished putting away the groceries, and came over to the stove. "What can I do to help?"

"You could set the table," she suggested, putting a few spices into the meat mixture and covering it. "I have to let the meat simmer for an hour before I can add the sour cream, so I'll make the rice."

He nodded, and soon had the table set. "Do you want some Diet Coke?"

"I'll have one later," she told him as she stirred the rice into the water. Then she put the bowl in the microwave, setting the time and turning it on. "For now I'd better have a glass of milk."

"You'd better call and let Lacey know we're back," he mentioned to her as he got their drinks.

"You're right." She went to the phone on the wall and dialed the Reynolds' number.

"Reynolds residence," Lacey answered.

"Hi Lacey, it's me."

"Hey, Caitlin! Happy New Year! You just get back?"

"Yes. We bought some groceries after we got back, but we're home now. Just wanted to let you know."

"Did you have fun? What did you do?"

"Oh, we played games and ate some goodies, that sort of thing. Unfortunately Jack got called away on New Year's Eve, so it was just Daniel and me ringing in the New Year. But it was fun none the less."

"I'm glad that you had fun."

"We did, but it's good to be home, too. Well, I've got supper cooking. I'll see you at work tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow. Bye!"

Caitlin hung up the phone, and went to check on the rice.

"So what did she say?" Daniel asked her.

"She said she was glad we had fun, and she asked what kinds of things we did."

"What did you tell her?"

She stirred the rice, then put it back in and hit the start button on the microwave. "I told her that we played games, ate some goodies, things like that that you'd normally do on New Year's Eve. Then I told her Jack got called away on Monday, so he let us stay there alone."

"That was good. We didn't play any games, but we did eat some goodies on Danu," he said with a grin as he took her into his arms.

"Oh you!" she said, playfully smacking him. "Supper's almost ready. I just have to add the sour cream." She went to the refrigerator and pulled out the container of sour cream, adding it to the meat mixture. Then she checked on the rice, stirring it one last time. "Would you put this on the table?" she asked him as she handed him the bowl, putting a serving spoon in it.

Daniel poured them both some milk into their glasses, then put it back into the refrigerator.

Going to the cupboards, she pulled out a large bowl and set it on the counter. She walked to the refrigerator and pulled out the bag of lettuce, putting it into the bowl along with the salad tongs. "What kind of dressing do you want? I'm having some French."

"That sounds good," he told her.

She pulled out the bottle of dressing, handing it and the bowl to him. Then she took out a larger serving spoon from the drawer and put it into the meat mixture, stirring it thoroughly. "Supper's ready," she called out to him.

He came over to the stove and picked up the large pan and put it on the table as she turned off the burner. "I see you used brown rice," he commented as he served some rice onto her plate as she sat down.

"It's healthier for you," she told him, spooning some of the meat mixture onto her rice. "It tastes better too, as far as I'm concerned."

He served her some salad, then served some for himself. "I know. I like it, too."

They continued to talk throughout dinner, and at the end, Daniel stood and started the dishes.

"I can do those," Caitlin protested, slowly standing. "I'm not an invalid you know."

"I know. I just wanted to do them tonight. Why don't you put the food away while I do these, then we can do something fun."

She nodded, and soon had all the leftovers put away in the refrigerator. "So what do you want to do tonight?"

"I want you to get off your feet, so why don't we watch a movie?"

"Sure," she said as she helped him finish up. "What were you thinking?"

He stood, thinking for a moment as he dried his hands. "How about a Western?"

She walked into the family room and went to the movie cabinet and picked out a couple of movies. "What about one of these? They're John Wayne movies."

Daniel put the towel down and looked at them, choosing out one of them. "McLlintock. That one sounds good."

"I think so. I've seen parts of it, and it's funny."

"Let's watch that one," he told her.

Caitlin nodded. "I really like John Wayne movies." she said as she went to put in the DVD.

"Do you want your pop now?"

"Sure."

Daniel grabbed a can of pop from the refrigerator for her, and together they sat down on the couch and watched the movie.

When it was over, he helped her to stand up, and she stretched, rubbing her belly lovingly. "Oh, I'm getting tired, but there are several bills that have to be paid first."

"Can it wait until tomorrow?" he asked her.

She shook her head, throwing away her pop can. "No. They're due in the next day or two, and we should get them into the mail. It won't take me long to do them. Besides, it's early yet," she said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "Why don't you go work in the den a little?"

"I suppose so. Come in when you're done?"

"I will. Be there soon." Caitlin grabbed her purse and the mail, and sat down at the kitchen table.

He went into the den, turning on the computer, and sat down to work.

When she was done, she put the bills into the envelopes, sealed them, and placed them next to her purse in the mud room. Then she joined him in the den.

"All finished?" he asked her.

"Yep, just now."

He stood and stretched, saving his work and shutting down the computer. "Let's head to bed, as we have to go to work tomorrow."

She nodded, and followed him out, turning off the lights.

Daniel made sure that the doors were locked as she checked the cat's food and water bowls. When they were done, they headed upstairs and to bed.

The next day Daniel got to work and called Jack.

"What's up, Daniel?" Jack asked him.

"Do you remember when Caitlin was really sick and I told you about her past boyfriend?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"Well, we were out grocery shopping yesterday and ran into him and Tiffany. She's his wife now. Anyway, they ran into Caitlin first as I was getting some milk and cheese."

"What were they doing there?"

"They moved here a year ago, so they told Caitlin."

"So why are you telling me all this?"

"Well, they were bullying Caitlin when I came up." He told Jack what they'd said."

"Oh crap! What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything but put my arms around her, and we both kept our cool. Then they asked about me and what I did for work. I told them I do contract work for the Air Force, and they started arguing. Then Tiffany turned to Caitlin and yelled at her, accusing us of being better than them. That's when I told them that we knew when to end a pointless conversation. Finally I told them to never contact Caitlin or me again ever."

"That was good, Daniel, but like I said, why are you telling me all this?"

"Well, I'm afraid that they might try to contact her again. They believe they're better than her, and as a parting shot, they called her worthless and a nothing. So I just thought that you might be able do something about them."

There was a pause on the line. "I'll see what I can do," Jack finally told him. "How did Caitlin handle what they said at the end?"

"She was great! She said she just felt sorry for them."

"That was good. So how have things been going otherwise?"

They talked a few more minutes, then Daniel hung up and got back to work. Lunchtime came and Daniel stopped to head to the mess hall and grab a cup of coffee and a sandwich. He saw Cam, Sam and Teal'c sitting at a table and went over with his food, sitting down.

"Hey Daniel," Sam told him. "How are things going?"

"They're fine," he told them all, taking a sip of his coffee. "Listen, I need to ask you all to do something for me."

"Sure Jackson," Cam said, taking a bite of his food. "What is it?"

"I want you all to keep an eye on Caitlin for me." He told them all what had happened the day before.

"What did Caitlin do?" Sam asked, an angry look on her face.

Daniel told them. "She was really great about not getting upset. She just felt sorry for them.

"That was good," Teal'c told him. "I will endeavor to be more watchful for them in the future."

Sam and Cam echoed him.

Daniel smiled at his friends. "Thanks, guys. I talked to Jack about it earlier this morning, and he said he'd see what he could do about them, but in the meantime, I'm worried that running into them again might cause her more stress and harm the baby."

"Don't worry about it Daniel," Cam told him. "They won't bother her again."

"Thanks," Daniel said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I knew I could count on you guys."

"So how are things otherwise?" Sam asked. "Any more info on the Sangraal?"

He shook his head. "No. I just can't find anything else right now. Maybe one of the teams will bring something in that needs to be translated that has more information. Otherwise I'll try going through all my books again."

"We need to find something soon," Cam told him, finishing his lunch. "We're running out of time."

"I know. I just need to keep working at it."

They finished their lunches and stood to remove their trays. Sam and Cam left, but Teal'c stopped Daniel. "Do not worry about your mate, Daniel Jackson. I will not let any harm befall her."

Daniel patted him on the shoulder. "I know, Teal'c. Thanks."

Teal'c smiled at Daniel and followed his friend out of the mess hall.

Later that day at the health food store, Lacey and the others were getting ready to shut the store down. She went and locked the main door, flipping the sign. Then she went to help Caitlin and Karyn clean up. "So you bought groceries last night after you got home?"

Caitlin nodded. "We did. We bought them at the store closest to our house. Then we went home. But we had some trouble along the way."

"What do you mean?" Karyn asked, confused.

Caitlin quickly explained what happened when they went to the store.

"Oh my God! What did you do?" Lacey asked, shocked.

"I didn't have to do anything. Daniel came up after that, and they started in on him, too. But we both stayed cool. Finally Daniel had had enough, and he looked at them and told them to never come near us again."

"That's good," Karyn said as she shut down the register. "It sounds like you handled the situation really well."

Caitlin smiled at her friend. "I just felt really sorry for them, that's all. It just seems like they're not as happy as they seem. I mean, Brian and Tiffany shouted some pretty nasty things at us as we left."

"Well, I'm glad that you handled it so well," Lacey told her as she took off her apron and grabbed her coat and purse.

"Thank you," Caitlin said as she also took off her apron. "I hope I never run into them again though."

"Let's hope not," Karyn added as she grabbed her things.

The three women walked to the back of the door and walked out, Lacey locking the door. "See you tomorrow, Karyn!" she called out.

"See you tomorrow!"

As Karyn left, Daniel pulled up to the back of the store.

"Hi, Daniel!" Lacey called out. "How are you doing?"

"Fine, Lacey." He got out and went over to Caitlin. "How was work?"

"It was good. We were busy, but don't worry. Lacey made me work at the register most of the day."

Lacey nodded. "She sat there most of the day unless one of our customers asked for her."

Daniel smiled. Well, let's head home." He took her arm and helped her over to the Durango, shutting her door. "See you tomorrow, Lacey!" he called out.

"See you tomorrow!"

He got into the vehicle and started down the snowy streets toward home.

"So what would you like for supper tonight?" Caitlin asked him as he drove.

"What were you thinking of?"

"I thought I'd make some taco salads. I've been craving them lately."

"Don't you remember what Dr. Lam said about spicy foods?"

"I know, but I can make them without all the spices. I'll just cook up some plain hamburger and use that instead. If you want some spice to yours, you can add some salsa. I think we have some in the fridge. I can just have the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and some sour cream for mine."

He pulled into the garage and parked. "Well okay, but no salsa for you."

Caitlin laughed. Okay, no salsa."

Daniel got out and helped Caitlin into the house. Tinkerbell and Patches came around her legs, meowing and purring.

"Would you check their food bowls, sweetheart?" she asked him as she took her coat off, laying it on the washer beside her purse.

He nodded, and checked, finding they were almost empty. He filled them, then filled their water bowls. "I filled them both," he told her as he took off his jacket and put it beside hers.

She smiled, rubbing her belly as she walked over to the pantry and pulled out the shells for the taco salads. Washing her hands, she got them ready, and put them into the oven to bake as she prepared the meat.

"What can I do?" he asked as he dried his hands on a towel.

"You could get the lettuce and tomatoes ready. I'll get the olives and put them into a bowl."

Soon supper was ready, and Daniel set the table. "You want some milk?"

"Yes, and you should have some, too."

He nodded, and poured two glasses of milk. Once everything was set on the table, they sat down to eat.

"So how was your work today?" Caitlin asked him as she filled her taco shell with fixings.

"It was good, but we still don't know any more about the Sangraal."

"I'm sure you'll find something soon," she reassured him.

"I hope so. Every day more and more planets fall to the Ori." He took a bite of his salad.

"What about the Lucian Alliance?"

He frowned. "They're still delivering the kassa, and we can't figure out how or where from. But we have people out looking, so hopefully we'll find it."

"I hope so." She took a drink of her milk. "So what do you want to do tonight?"

Daniel stopped and thought for a moment. "Well, the weather's not nice enough to go out, so we could watch a movie or play a game."

"We could finish our Monopoly game from the other day," she suggested.

He grinned. "Oh, so you want to get beat again, is that it?"

"If you remember, I'm the one with Boardwalk. All I need is Park Place and you'd be in trouble."

"But I had two of the green places, remember?"

Caitlin nodded as she finished her salad. "Well, we'll just have to see, won't we?"

"Guess so." He quickly finished his salad, then helped her clean up the kitchen.

She went to the den, bringing out the game, and the two of them set it up on the kitchen table as Tink and Patches meowed around their legs.

"Did you feed them their supper?" he asked her before she sat down.

"Not yet. Would you do that? I'll finish setting up the game."

He nodded, and fed the two cats their evening meal. When he was done and they were happily eating, he sat down, and the two of them started to play. "I didn't know you could save a Monopoly game like this," he told her as she handed out the money. "But then, I never played this as I grew up."

"Oh, we always used to do this, Grandma Sarah and me. We'd always have trouble finishing a game, so we'd write down what each person had and save it for another time."

Daniel nodded, smiling. "I'm so glad you had your Grandma Sarah to help raise you."

"So am I," she said as she rolled the dice. "One, two, three, four." She landed on the chance space and picked up the top card. "'Receive for services twenty-five dollars'," she read from the card.

He handed her the money, then picked up the dice and rolled. "Ten," he said as he moved his game piece. "North Carolina Avenue. I'll buy it."

"You'll have to mortgage some of your other properties to pay for it," she reminded him as she carefully got up, grabbed a can of pop from the refrigerator and sat back down.

"I know." He turned over a couple of his property cards and took the money from the bank for them. Then he picked up more money from his own pile and put it all into the bank. Finally he picked out the last green card from the property cards and placed it with the other ones he had nearby.

Caitlin picked up the dice and rolled, landing on Park Place. She took some of her own property cards and turned over a few of them, then waited for Daniel to give her some money. Finally, she handed him almost all her money and he handed her the last blue card. "You're in trouble now, sweetheart!" she exclaimed, a sly grin on her face.

"I don't think so," he countered playfully.

They continued on for another hour, Daniel finally declaring bankruptcy. "All right, you win," he told her, smiling at her. "I suppose you learned how to play so well from your Grandma," he said as he helped her put the game back in the box.

"Yep, all that practice I had playing with her really helped." She smiled back at him, remembering.

He glanced at his watch, noting the time. "It's getting late. Let's head off to bed, sweetheart."

Caitlin finished the last of her pop and crushed the can, throwing it away in the trashcan. Then she made sure that the doors were locked and followed Daniel upstairs and to bed.

The next couple of weeks flew by, and soon it was the first Friday in February. Sam was in her office when her cell phone rang. "Samantha Carter," she answered.

"Hi, Sam it's Lacey. How are you today?"

"Hi Lacey! I'm fine. What's up?"

"I want to throw Daniel and Caitlin a baby shower, and I wanted to ask you if you wanted to help me."

"Sure!" Sam exclaimed, a smile on her face. "When were you thinking of having it?"

"I thought we could do it next Sunday the tenth. I asked Caitlin, and she said there are still a lot of things they need."

Sam checked her calendar. "That would work." She grabbed a pad of paper and a pen, writing things down on it. "What time?"

"About two-thirty in the afternoon. What do you think?"

"That sounds good. What would you like me to do?"

"Why don't we get together tonight at O'Malley's and talk more about it? Say, about six-thirty or so? I have a couple of other ideas for the invitations and such."

Sam checked her watch. "Unless something comes up within the next few hours, then that sounds good. I'll meet you there."

"Okay. See you there! Bye!"

Sam hung up her phone and wrote the time down on the paper, along with a few of her own ideas.

Later that evening, Lacey pulled up to O'Malley's and made her way inside carrying a notebook and pen. She found a quiet place to sit and waited a few minutes until Sam came. She waved her over.

"Hi, Sam! Glad you could make it. How was work today?"

Sam took off her coat and set it and her purse on the bench, sitting down. "Work was fine. We were a little busy, but then we usually are. So have you ordered yet?"

"I only just got here myself." Lacey waved a waitress down.

"Welcome to O'Malley's. My name is Sarah. Can I start you off with anything to drink?"

The two women gave her their orders and left. Then Lacey pulled out her notebook and pen. "I've got some great ideas for the shower. I was thinking of holding the shower on February tenth at two-thirty, and I thought we could hold it in the back room of Jack Quinn's Pub again like we did for their bridal shower. What do you think?"

An hour-and-a-half and two meals later, the two women had come up with a plan for the party.

"I'll go ahead and make the plans with the pub, and you can get the invitations."

"What kind of invitations were you thinking of?" Sam asked her, taking a drink of her beer.

"Something simple but something baby-themed. I've seen people who made invitations, but ours doesn't need to be so fancy. Just some pre-made invitations will do. Don't you think?"

Sam nodded, writing that down. "Okay. I'll look for the invitations tomorrow. How many do you think we'll need?"

"About two packages should cover it."

Sam wrote that down as well. "Is there anything else?"

Lacey checked her list. "No, I think that does it."

"Then I'll go ahead and pick up the invitations tomorrow after work," Sam told her.

"Sounds good," Lacey said, smiling. "Well, I'd better get home. I left Jason to watch Sabrina, and I don't trust him. He always finds a way to sneak something sugary to her before bed. Then I have to deal with the aftermath." She rolled her eyes, chuckling.

"Oh boy! She must be wired when she goes to bed."

"She usually is." Lacey stood and put on her coat, grabbing her purse. She grabbed out her billfold and handed the waitress her debit card. "My treat," she told Sam.

"Thank you," Sam told her warmly as she finished her drink and got her own coat on. "I'll bring the invitations by the store when I get them. Oh, do you want Daniel and Caitlin to know about the party, or do you want it to be a surprise like their bridal shower was?"

"I plan to tell Caitlin about it once we get the pub booked, so no, it doesn't need to be a surprise."

Sam nodded, smiling. "Okay. I'll leave it to you to tell Caitlin. I'll tell Daniel tomorrow." She wrapped her scarf around her neck and followed Lacey out of O'Malley's. "Talk to you soon, Lacey. Have a good night!"

"You too!" Lacey waved at Sam, then got into her car and drove home.

The next day just before lunch, Sam was working on a project when she got a text message on her cell phone. She checked it, and it was from Lacey.

"Got pub for shower at time discussed. Will tell Caitlin."

Sam erased the message, putting her phone away and stopped what she was doing, getting onto her computer. She went online and found a few pictures she liked. Putting them together on a word processing page, she typed in all the information and printed off a couple of copies. Finally she stood, grabbing the new invitations and headed down to the mess hall to join the rest of the team for lunch.

"Hi Sam," Daniel called out as she walked into the room.

"Hi, Daniel." She stopped in front of the cork message board on the wall by the doorway and posted one of the pieces of paper on it, then grabbed a tray and some food and sat down.

"What did you put up on the board?" Cam asked her, curious.

She handed one of the invitations to him, and the other one to Daniel. "Lacey and I are planning a baby shower for Daniel and Caitlin on February tenth at two-thirty. We wanted to invite all the personnel that could come to the shower or to send a gift, so I made these up to post in a couple of areas here at the base. Word-of-mouth should do the rest."

"Thank you," Daniel told her, taking a sip of his coffee and handing the invitation back to her. "I'll tell Caitlin."

Sam shook her head. "Lacey's doing that already."

"Oh. Okay. So what do you want us to do?"

Sam took a bite of her food. "All you and Caitlin have to do is be there. Lacey and I will take care of the rest." She looked at Teal'c and Cam. "You guys are invited, too."

"What is a 'baby shower'?" Teal'c asked. "I have not heard that term before."

Daniel explained it to him. "It's mostly for the women. They usually get together and play games and bring a gift for the expectant mother. Then they have some food and visit."

Teal'c pondered over that a moment, then looked at Sam. "Will we be playing games, Col. Carter?"

"We hadn't really talked about that, but we could. Many people who have baby showers usually do."

"Is this a traditional Earth custom, Daniel Jackson?" he asked his friend.

"Usually yes, though in other parts of the world they do it a little differently. For example, in India it's a custom that the men and women come together to the shower. There's special food, called 'chaat', that's served. And in Afghanistan, they celebrate on the sixth night after the baby is born. They…"

"We get the point, Daniel," Cam told him, sighing. "So it's for both men and women?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah. It's going to be like their bridal shower."

"Cool. Me and T are going to go work out with SG 8 this afternoon, so we can put one of those up in the gym and have them help spread the word."

Sam handed one of the fliers to him. "Great! I'll just put the other one in the Commissary; then that takes care of all of them."

"Good," Daniel said, finishing his lunch. "I'll spread the word throughout my department."

"Okay," she said, finishing her lunch and standing, grabbing her tray and the last two invitations. "See you guys later."

At the end of the day, Sam left the base and stopped at a nearby stationery store to check out their invitations. She found some she liked and picked up two packages of them and took them up to the counter. Handing the clerk some money, she took the bag, smiling at her and headed out and up to the health food store.

"Hi, Sam!" Lacey called out as Sam walked in. "We were just about to close up."

"I have the invitations."

"Good, why don't you bring them over here?" Lacey led her up to the register counter as Karyn locked the front door, flipping the sign.

Sam took the packages out of the bag and laid them on the counter.

Lacey looked at them and smiled. "Oh they're perfect! Good! Now we can get them ready."

"Ooh, I really like these," Karyn commented, smiling. "This is going to be so much fun!"

"I told Daniel, and this is a copy of the invitations I made to hang at work." She took out an invitation from her purse and handed it to Lacey, looking around the store. "Where's Caitlin?"

"She's in the bathroom, again." Lacey sighed, chuckling. "It's the 'can't hold my bladder' phase of her pregnancy. I had the same problem when I was eight months along with Sabrina. I had to go to the bathroom all the time because she was bouncing on my bladder so much."

Sam giggled as Caitlin came walking out of the back of the store. "Hi, Sam!" she said, pulling her blouse straight.

"Hi, Caitlin! I just brought the invitations Lacey wanted, and I showed her the invitations I made to hang at work. Word-of-mouth should do the rest there."

Caitlin took a look at the invitations, smiling. "These are really great! I can't thank you both enough."

"It's not a problem, and besides, it's fun!" Lacey told her, opening the packages of invitations. "Now all you have to do is tell us who you'd like to invite."

Twenty minutes later, all the invitations were done and ready to send. "I'll drop these off at the post office tonight," Lacey said, picking up the bundle of invitations. "In the meantime, all you and Daniel have to do is come to the party."

"Okay," Caitlin said as she heard a knock on the front door. She turned and saw it was Daniel, so she let him in. "Hi, handsome!"

"Hi, beautiful," he told her, smiling at her. Then he noticed Sam. "Hi, Sam. What are you doing here?"

"We were just getting the rest of the invitations finished," she told him.

"I see." He turned toward Caitlin. "You ready to head home?"

She nodded. Just let me get my things." She took off her apron, hanging it in the back room of the store, then walked into the office and grabbed her purse and jacket. She walked out toward the registers and set her purse down, letting Daniel help her put her coat on. "I'm ready."

"We'll see you tomorrow Caitlin," Lacey told her, smiling at her. "Have a good night!"

"Have a good night, Lacey, and hug Brina for me," Caitlin told her as she took Daniel's arm.

"I will. Bye!"

He walked her out and helped her get into the Durango. Then he got in and started down the snowy streets towards home. "So how was work today?"

She looked at him, rubbing her swelling tummy. "It wasn't that busy. But even so, I spent a lot of my time in the bathroom. Our son or daughter won't leave my bladder alone."

He frowned. "Is that normal?"

"Lacey assured me it is. She called it the 'can't hold your bladder' part of pregnancy. She had it when she was carrying Sabrina."

"So what can you do?"

"There's nothing you can do other than stay close to a bathroom," she told him.

"Okay. In the meantime, is there any place we need to stop before heading home?"

She shook her head. "Nope. We're pretty well stocked."

"Have you been thinking about supper?"

"I thought we could have some pork chops and rice. It's another recipe máthair taught me while I stayed with her on Danu. You'll like it. It has pork chops, rice, and vegetables."

"Mmm, sounds good," he told her as he pulled down their street. "But I have to do some research after supper."

"That's fine, as I have some things I want to do myself. I bought that wooden sign the other day, and I want to paint that tonight."

Daniel pulled into their driveway and soom had the vehicle parked. "Okay. Where were you planning to do it?"

"In the kitchen. That way I can be near you."

He nodded and got out, helping her out of the vehicle and into the house. He helped her take her coat off, hanging it in the laundry room. "That sounds good. But let's get supper finished first." He took off his own jacket, hanging it up and taking off his shoes. "What all do we need?"

She told him, and soon they had the meal slowly cooking. "It should take about a half-an-hour or so. We can set the table while we wait." She helped him set it, setting the glasses on the table. "So how was work for you, sweetheart?"

"Busy. I had four translations to do, as well as research on the Sangraal."

"Any more news or information on it?"

He shook his head, frowning. "No. And I'm getting frustrated. We need to find something soon." He put the silverware on the table, then took her into his arms. "But we'll find something. We just have to."

"I know you will," she said to him, caressing his cheek. "I believe in you."

Daniel kissed her tenderly, smiling at her. "Thank you." He sniffed the air. "It really smells good."

Caitlin smiled, and went over to the stove, lifting the lid off the pan. Steam wafted up from the open pan as she checked the contents. "Supper's ready. You can just bring the plates over and I'll serve it from here."

He brought over the plates and soon they were eating the delicious meal. "This is really good," he told her as he took a bite of the tender pork. "It's not too spicy for you, is it?"

She shook her head. "The only spices are some salt and pepper. There's chicken broth to give it a little more flavor, but nothing else."

"That's good."

She took a drink of her milk. "So what kind of research are you doing tonight?"

"I'm searching for clues on an artifact one of the teams brought back through the Stargate. I need to research the Ancient Babylonians because the artifact is similar to their ancient culture."

"That sounds really interesting, sweetheart."

"So what does the sign look like?" he asked her as he took another bite of food.

"It's got a curved flat piece at the top and three hearts hanging from the bottom. You'll see in a little bit. I'll need some help bringing up the supplies anyway."

He nodded and they both finished up their meal.

When they were done, Caitlin slowly stood and put the leftovers in a container, covering them and putting them in the fridge while Daniel cleaned off the plates and put them into the dishwasher.

"I'll go get the sign," he told her, closing the dishwasher door.

"The paints are in my crafting area downstairs," she told him, following him to the basement door. "I'll have to decide what colors I want to use."

"Okay, but be careful going down the stairs."

Together they went downstairs into her crafting area, and she carefully chose the colors she wanted, along with the paintbrushes. Handing it all to him, she carefully made her way back upstairs. She went into one of the kitchen drawers and pulled out a small plastic container, filling it with water. Grabbing a paper towel, she took them both to the kitchen table as he put the rest of the items in front of her.

"I like the sign," he commented. "Do you want some newspaper to protect the table?"

She nodded, and he went to go get some from the recycling bag. Soon the table was set up for painting. Finally, she went and grabbed a can of pop from the fridge, as well as a large, steaming cup of coffee.

"You need anything else?" he asked her.

She smiled at him as she returned to the table. "Nope. I'll let you know when I'm done."

"Okay. I'll just be in the den if you need me."

She caressed his cheek, then leaned in and kissed him, handing him the mug of coffee. "Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart." He headed into the den as she set her pop down on the table and sat down to paint.

A few hours later, Daniel was working on his research when she walked in carrying the sign.

"Here you go," she told him, handing the finished sign to him.

He took it, looking at it all over admiringly. "Wow, sweetheart. This is really pretty! Did you do the writing in the hearts?"

She nodded. "It wasn't easy, but yes, I did."

"I really love this. You did beautiful work."

She blushed. "Thank you." She took the sign from him and looked down at the computer. "So how are you coming?"

He turned toward the screen. "So far, I'm doing well. I'm learning a lot about the ancient Babylonians and how they lived their lives. It's really going to help me with that artifact tomorrow."

"How long do you think you'll be?" Caitlin asked him.

"It's probably going to be a late night tonight, as this is really important."

She frowned, a sad look on her face. "You know I can't sleep in bed without you. It's lonely."

He stood, taking her into his arms, and kissed her. "I know, but this is really important. The more I learn, the better it will be to get that translation done tomorrow."

"You know more on ancient cultures than anyone I know, Daniel. The baby and I need you, and I could really use a back rub. My back is so sore!" She pouted a little, rubbing her back.

"I guess I can finish the research at work tomorrow," he conceded. "Let's head off to bed."

She smiled a little, rubbing her swelling tummy as he saved all his work and shut down the computer.

Caitlin walked out into the foyer and locked the front door, then went to check to make sure the cats were fed. "Goodnight," she told Tinkerbell first, then Patches, petting them both.

Daniel made sure the rest of the doors were locked, and helped her clean up and put all her craft supplies away. Finally they headed upstairs to their bedroom.

"The baby kicking again?" he asked her as they got changed and ready for bed.

She shook her head, finishing up at the sink. "No. It's just been in a weird position most of the night, and it's made my back and shoulders hurt."

"C'mere," he told her as he finished up. He led her to the bed and sat down behind her, slowly rubbing out the soreness in her back and shoulders. "How's that?" he asked her after a few minutes.

She sighed in contentment. "Much better," she told him. "It's not so sore."

"Good." He nuzzled her neck lovingly. "Next week is the baby shower. I wonder what kind of gifts we'll get."

"Things we'll need, I'm sure. But mostly I hope we get lots of diapers and baby wipes. The baby will use a lot of those. I just really wish my máthair could be there."

"I know. Maybe she'll have something for us after the baby is born. We'll just have to wait and see."

She yawned, stretching. "Okay. For now, let's go to sleep. I'm pretty tired.

Daniel helped her to stand up, then pulled back the covers and climbed into bed, helping her to cover up. He laid his arm down on the bed, and she lay down and rested her head on it.

"Go to sleep, muirnín," he told her lovingly.

"Goodnight," she told him, sleep in her voice. "I love you."

He kissed the top of her head. "Love you, too."

The days few by, and soon it was the day of the shower. The preparations were made, and Sam and the others were putting the finishing touches on the room at Jack Quinn's Pub. "I hope they like the decorations," she told Lacey and Karyn while she hung the last of the streamers. "And that cake is really great. Where did you get it?"

"Altitude Sweets Bakery; it's in Manitou Springs. They're really good."

"I can't wait to try it. So what else do we have?"

Karyn led her to the table filled with goodies. "We have some sandwiches, some potato salad and some macaroni salad, and for punch we have some tropical punch."

"Good." Sam turned as the door to the room opened. It was Teal'c and Cam.

"Good afternoon, Col. Carter. Col. Mitchell and I thought it would be prudent to help you get ready."

Sam smiled at them both. "Thanks, guys, but we're almost done. The only thing you could you do is move that large table over there by the doors so the guests can put their presents on it," and she pointed to the table.

"Sure thing, Sam." Cam and Teal'c went to move the table as the women uncovered the food. Soon guests were coming into the room.

Lacey checked her watch. "It's almost two. Daniel and Caitlin should be here soon."

Karyn and Sam nodded as more people came in.

On the way to the pub, Caitlin shook her head. "I can't believe how cold it is out today."

"I know," Daniel replied. "I couldn't believe it when they said it was below zero. I thought we were done with the cold weather."

"I guess not," she remarked, warming her hands in front of the air vents, then turning on the heater. "Even my toes are cold!"

"They'll warm up at the pub," he told her, quickly squeezing her gloved hand, then letting it go. He turned down the next street and found his way into the pub's parking lot, parking the Durango. He got out, then carefully helped her get out of the vehicle. "Be careful, it's icy here," he told her, taking her arm.

"I will," she said as she slowly walked with him toward the entrance. Together they went inside.

"Did Lacey say what room it was in?"

She nodded, taking her gloves off and putting them into her coat pockets. "She said it was in the back room, the same as with the bridal shower."

He nodded at her, then took off his own gloves, putting them into his coat pockets as well. Then he led her to the back of the pub, and opened the doors.

"They're here," Sam told Lacey and Karyn, seeing them walk into the room.

"Hi, Daniel, Caitlin!" Lacey exclaimed, walking over to them. "Let me take your coats."

"Thank you," Caitlin answered as Daniel helped her take her coat off, handing it to Lacey. Then he took his off and handed it to her as well.

"Where do you want us?" Caitlin asked Sam and Karyn.

"We have a table set up for you just like at your shower," Sam told them, pointing to the table. "Just go ahead and sit down, and we'll get the party started."

Daniel led Caitlin over to the table and helped her to sit down, then sat down next to her as Lacey grabbed the mike, quieting the crowd.

"We want to thank you all for coming to the party," she told all the guests. "We have a fun time planned this afternoon. There's plenty of food, and we have a few games planned for the ladies. Then Daniel and Caitlin will open their gifts. So eat, have fun, and enjoy the party."

Everyone started to talk again as more people came in, and Caitlin took a look around the room, noticing the decorations. "Oh wow, Daniel! Look at all the decorations. They're red, white and blue. And look on the walls; Minnesota Twins. Cool!" She turned toward Sam. "I just love all the decorations! How did you know?"

Sam smiled at her. "Lacey knows how much you love the team, so we thought we'd do the decorations in their colors, even though it's a couple of months until the season starts."

"Well, it's really great," Daniel commented to his friend. Then he noticed Jack walk into the room. "Jack!" he called out, standing and going to his friend. "Hey! It's good to see you, but we weren't expecting you."

"I know. Gen. Landry told me about this. I thought that since I couldn't be there for the bridal shower that I'd come to this. Besides, I have some business with him tomorrow anyway."

Caitlin slowly stood, then went over to Daniel and Jack. "Jack! It's good to see you," she told him, hugging him.

He hugged her back, chuckling. "It's good to see you too, Caitlin, and I can tell that the baby's moving. It just kicked me."

Caitlin giggled, rubbing her ever-growing belly. "So how are things in Washington?"

"Same old, same old, I'm afraid. The Senate Appropriations committee is arguing that we're spending too much money, and the Joint Chiefs are arguing that we don't get enough. So I have to jump into the fray and try to explain things to both sides. "

"I see. Well, we're still glad you could make it here for the shower," Caitlin told him warmly, smiling at him again. She turned and motioned toward Sam, who came over.

""Sir! It's good to see you! We weren't expecting you."

Jack gave her the same answer he'd given Daniel and Caitlin. "So that's why I'm here, Carter."

"Okay well, we have a table full of food, and you can put your present on the table by the door." She pointed to it. "Other than that, just have fun."

"Ya sure, you betcha!" he replied, heading over to put his present with the others, then returning. "So how much longer do you have to wait?" he asked Caitlin.

"Less than a month now, Jack," she told him. "But I'm ready now."

"I bet you are. Well, I'd better go have fun, as Carter put it. Talk to you kids later."

"Talk to you later, Jack," Daniel echoed. Then he turned toward Sam. "So what all do you have planned?"

"Well, we have a couple of games to play, a chance to let people give you some advice, and then you get to open your presents."

"Okay," Caitlin answered, then turned toward Daniel. "Why don't you get us some punch?"

He nodded and left, and Sam followed Caitlin back to the table. "So how have you been feeling?"

"Like a large whale, Sam," Caitlin told her as she slowly sat down. "I'm so ready for this baby to come out!"

Sam nodded, smiling. "I'm sure you are, and fortunately you don't have to wait too much longer."

"Less than a month now, Sam."

Daniel returned carrying two glasses of punch, and sat down beside Caitlin, Cam and Teal'c right behind him.

Caitlin took one of the glasses, taking a sip. "Thank you, sweetheart," she told Daniel.

"Daniel, Caitlin, we have something we wanna talk to you about," Cam told them both.

Daniel looked at him. "Sure, Cam! What's up?"

"Teal'c and I have a bet going as to when the baby will be born, what the sex will be, and the time. Is that okay with you?"

"Hey, I'd like to get in on that," Sam piped up. "Just let me get a piece of paper." She grabbed a notebook from the nearby table and started writing in it. "What do we get if we win?"

"Well, this was originally just between Teal'c and me," Cam admitted. "If I win, Teal'c has to pay me ten dollars. If he wins, I owe him ten."

"We could all do the same thing. We each put in ten dollars, and whoever wins would get to pot." Then a thought came to Sam. "Bet Jack would love to get in on this, too." She went to find him, and he followed her over.

"What's up, Carter?" he asked her, a glass of punch in his hand.

"Col. Mitchell and Teal'c are betting on when Daniel and Caitlin's baby will be born. Date, weight, and sex. I thought you might like to get in on the fun." She explained things to him and told him what the person would win if they won.

"Sweet!" he exclaimed, smiling broadly. "I want in. But let's just keep it between the six of us, okay?"

Everyone nodded and put in their times and money as Sam wrote them down.

"I'll keep the money safe at work until the baby's born," Jack told everyone, taking the money from Sam. "Then when we know, I'll give the money to the winner. Fair enough?"

Everyone nodded again.

Sam turned back toward Daniel. "So Daniel, what about a crib? You were waiting for Sgt. Hendricks to finish your crib at Thanksgiving. Any news on that?"

"No," Daniel said, shaking his head. "I'm hoping it's soon though."

"Well hopefully he'll get it done before the baby comes."

"We hope so," Caitlin said as she grabbed her glass of punch and took another sip.

"Okay, well I'd better help Lacey and Karyn get things started. Talk to you two later." Sam left them and headed up toward the other two women to start the party as Jack, Teal'c, and Cam dispersed into the crowd.

After two games, lots of advice, and some snacks, it was time to open the presents. Lacey had asked Caitlin and Daniel to bring the baby book, and she was sitting at the end of the table waiting with a pen to write in the different gifts they would be getting.

Sam and Karyn started handing Daniel some gifts, and he opened them, handing them to Caitlin to see. There were many gifts, from lots of diapers to cute little outfits, but they agreed they could use all of it.

As Daniel was opening up a gift, Sgt. Wilson walked in. He saw Jack and smiled, walking over to him. Daniel saw him whisper something, then the two men walked out of the room. He finished opening the gift in front of him, handing it to Caitlin as he wondered what was going on.

The two men returned carrying something large and heavy covered with a blanket. They set it down in front of the table. "I have a gift for the both of you," Sgt. Wilson told them. He nodded at Jack, then took off the blanket.

"Oh Daniel, it's the crib!" Caitlin exclaimed, slowly standing and going over to it.

Daniel stood and went over to it as well, taking a closer look at it as people around him gasped. "Oh wow, Sgt. Wilson. It's really great!"

"It's just beautiful," Caitlin told him, looking at the crib. "And it even has two intertwined hearts carved into it, just like our bed frame."

"Yep, I tried to duplicate your bed frame as much as I could in the design of the crib."

"Sweet! You did a really fantastic job on it, Mark," Jack told him warmly.

Everyone there commented on the crib as Lacey wrote it down in the baby book.

"Thank you so much, Sgt. Wilson," Caitlin told him, smiling at him. "Now all we have to do is figure out how to get it home."

"I brought it here in my truck, so I can drop it off at your house when we're done here," Mark told them.

"Thanks," Daniel told him, smiling at him. "We'd really appreciate that."

"Please stay and enjoy yourself, Sgt. Wilson," Caitlin urged him. She showed him where the food was, then turned back to look at the crib again.

"By the way, it's a standard-size crib," Mark told them. "I made it to fit a normal crib mattress."

"Thanks again, Sgt. Wilson," Daniel told him, shaking his hand. "Please, go enjoy yourself."

The older man smiled, then left Daniel and Caitlin to admire the crib. Then Daniel turned toward Jack. "Hey Jack, he sure did a beautiful job, didn't he?"

"That he did, Daniel." Jack said, admiring the crib as well.

"Will you help me move it out of the way a little?"

Jack nodded, and together he and Daniel moved it back behind the first table out of the way.

Jack stopped him before they went back to the table. "By the way, I did some checking, and Brian really does work as a real estate agent here in town. He and his wife moved here a little over a year ago." He put his hand on Daniel's shoulder. "Unfortunately there's not much I can do about them. They're obeying the laws, and they haven't contacted you again, so far as you know, right?"

Daniel glumly nodded. "No they haven't Jack, but that doesn't mean they couldn't or wouldn't try again, not to mention the possibility of running into them again somewhere here in town. I don't want Caitlin to go through what they said to her in the grocery store again."

"I understand that Daniel, but there's not much you can do unless they break the law somehow."

He nodded at Jack just as Caitlin came up to them. "What's all the hubbub, bub?" she asked the two men.

"Nothing, sweetheart. I was just talking to Jack about something."

"Okay." Caitlin turned toward Jack and smiled. "Thank you for the beautiful gift, Jack. It's really neat. Where did you find the outfit?"

"I found it online at a website called eBay. One of the airmen at the office found one for his son on there, so he helped me to find a Minnesota Twins one for you."

"But sweetheart, what if it's a girl?" Daniel asked her.

"That doesn't matter. If it's a girl she'll still wear it. She'll grow up to be a healer with a beautiful voice and a love for the Twins," Caitlin said, grinning.

Daniel rolled his eyes as Jack chuckled. "Then let's hope it's a boy, Space Monkey."

"I'm hoping for a healthy baby, Jack. That's all that matters to us," Daniel reminded him.

"I know, and you won't have long to wait either, from what Sam told me. The first part of March, so she said."

Caitlin nodded, rubbing her belly. "Yep. The first part of March. Dr. Lam gave me my last prenatal checkup when we got back from Danu, and she said I was 'good to go' until then. All we have to do now is get a bag packed so we can have it ready for the hospital."

They continued to talk as people started to leave. Soon Sam came over and let them know that they were starting to clean things up. "Most everyone's gone, so we're going to clean up now. Do you want some help putting your gifts in your vehicle?"

Daniel nodded. "Thanks, Sam. That would be great." Then he turned to Caitlin. "You ready to head home?"

Caitlin nodded, sighing. "I'm ready for a nap, as my back is really aching today. But I need to make a stop at the restroom first. Excuse me." She left the room as Daniel and Jack started to pick up some gifts from the table by the door.

"Where do you want them, Daniel?" Jack asked as they walked out.

"Just in the back of the Durango here is fine, Jack." Daniel unlocked the vehicle and opened up the back, putting his armful of gifts on the floor.

Jack followed him, putting his own armful of gifts on the floor of the Durango. Then he went back inside and grabbed a few more gifts, taking them out to the vehicle. Soon all the gifts were inside. "I'll go help Sgt. Wilson put the crib back into his pickup." He walked back into the pub.

Daniel followed him inside and found Sam, Lacey, and Karyn standing next to Caitlin. "Are you ready, sweetheart? The vehicle is all loaded."

She nodded, her hand on her tummy, and looked at him. "Sam said she's come over and help me put things away."

"Good, then you can take your nap."

Jack came back over to the small group. "The crib's all loaded up, so whenever you're ready Daniel, Sgt. Wilson'll follow you over to your house."

"Thanks Jack, and thanks for coming today," Daniel told him, then turned toward Caitlin, whispering something into her ear.

She nodded, smiling.

"Why don't you come over for supper tonight at our house?" Daniel asked Jack. "We'd love to have you come."

Jack smiled at his best friend. "Thanks Daniel, but I'm having supper with Gen. Landry tonight. I'll take a rain check though."

"Okay. In the meantime, we should get going." He turned toward Sam and the other women. "Thank you for the party. It was great."

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Yes, thank you. We got a lot of things we needed."

"It was fun!" Lacey exclaimed. "We had fun planning it as well."

"Well, thanks again," Caitlin told them as Daniel held out her coat to her. She slipped it on, then zipped it up, putting on her gloves.

"We'll see you at your place Daniel," Sam called out, as she put on her own coat and gloves.

"Bye!" Caitlin called out as they left the room, Jack and Sam right behind them.

"Now remember to be careful of the ice here," Daniel reminded Caitlin as they walked out of the pub.

"I will," she told him, walking slowly with him toward the vehicle. Once there, Jack held her arm while Daniel opened up the door.

"Thank you, Jack," she told him kindly as she carefully got into the vehicle.

"We'll talk to you later Jack," Daniel told his friend as he walked around to the driver's side.

"Ya sure you betcha," Jack told him. "See you tomorrow."

"Sgt. Wilson and I will follow you," Sam called out.

Daniel nodded, then climbed in, waving at their friends, then slowly backing up and heading out of the parking lot towards home.

"I had a good time," Caitlin told him as they drove home. "And we got so many things we needed, especially lots of diapers and baby wipes."

"I know," he told her as he navigated the icy streets. "But the best present was Sgt. Wilson's crib, I think anyway."

"Yes, that is beautiful. I just love how it looks just like our bed at home."

"You're right," he commented. "But where are we going to put it in the nursery?"

"I thought we could put it right in the middle of the room, and then put the rocker chair beside it or else underneath the window."

He nodded. "That's a good place. I'll help Sgt. Wilson move things around, once we get the crib in there."

She turned to him as he drove down their street. "You know, we'll need to buy a matress for it now, along with a few other things."

"I know. We can do that tonight, maybe after your nap. What do you think?"

"That sounds good. I'm sure Wal-mart would have something we could use, or maybe Target."

He nodded just as he pulled up into their driveway and backed into their garage. "Now I know we're in the garage, but please be careful so you don't slip, what with your wet boots."

She nodded as she slowly got out of the Durango and stood there waiting while Daniel opened up the back end of the vehicle. Then he came around and took her arm, helping her into the house. Finally, he opened up the front door for Sam and Sgt. Wilson.

"We can get the crib upstairs," he told her. "Why don't you and Sam unload the vehicle?"

"Sure," she replied. "Just let me get my slippers on." She walked back toward the kitchen and into the mud room, taking off her shoes and putting on her warm slippers. Then she and Sam walked out into the garage.

"Don't take too much," Sam warned her. "And watch out for the small puddles of water."

"I'll be okay, Sam," Caitlin told her, taking a few of the things out of the Durango and putting them in her arms. "Let's take this stuff up to the nursery right away."

Sam nodded, filling her own arms, then followed Caitlin inside the house.

Daniel followed Sgt. Wilson out to his pickup and helped him get the crib out. Then the two of them carefully took it upstairs into the nursery, Sam and Caitlin right behind them.

"Set it in the middle of the room, please," Caitlin told them as they maneuvered it into place, then set it down.

"We'd better move the chair and the lamp, too," Daniel added. Together they moved the chair near the window, and put the ottoman in front of it. "How's that, sweetheart?" he asked her as he set the lamp near the chair, plugging it in.

Caitlin smiled. "That's just fine. Can you two help us get the rest of the gifts?"

Daniel nodded and the two men left as Sam and Caitlin set their things down. "Where do you want the diapers and baby wipes?" Sam asked her.

Soon everything was in its place, and they all stood back to admire it all.

"Things are really shaping up in here," Sam commented.

"I agree," Daniel said, looking around the room. "Thanks again for all your help, Sgt. Wilson."

He smiled. "It was my pleasure." He glanced at his watch. "Well, I'd better be going now."

"I'll show you out," Daniel offered, leading Sgt. Wilson downstairs.

"So what do you have left to get?" Sam asked Caitlin.

"Not much really. We have the diaper bag all ready to go, and all I have to do now is pack a small bag for when the time comes."

"Well, it's not too much longer now that you'll have to wait, so I'll let you do that and I'll head back to the base. I have a project I have to finish."

"All work and no play Sam," Caitlin gently admonished her as they both walked downstairs. "Speaking of which, how are the cello lessons coming?"

Sam smiled at her. "I'm doing really well, and I really enjoy them, too."

"That's great. Well, have a good night, and be careful on the icy streets."

"I will," Sam told her putting on her jacket and boots as Daniel walked up to them. "See you tomorrow Daniel."

"Right, Sam. Night!"

Caitlin closed the door and locked it, then followed Daniel into the kitchen.

"Is everything where you want it?" he asked her, wrapping his arms around her warmly.

"Yes it is."

"So why don't you lie down for a little while and take a nap?" he suggested.

Caitlin sighed. "I think I will." She walked into the family room and slowly lay down on the couch.

Daniel pulled the coverlet from the back of the couch and covered her up. "How's that?"

She smiled sleepily. "That's fine, Daniel."

"I'll wake you in an hour."

"Thank you, muirnín. Is tú mo ghrá."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he told her, gently kissing her. Then he left her to sleep.

The final weeks flew by with buying last-minute items like the crib mattress, getting other things ready in the nursery, and getting the bag packed. They had taken some birthing classes and had an idea of what would happen when the time came. They had also talked about her taking time off from work when the time came.

"Lacey can I talk to you a moment?" Caitlin asked her friend one afternoon at the store.

"Thank you," Lacey told the last customer of the day before they walked out with their purchase. Then she turned toward Caitlin, leaning against the register counter. "Sure! What's up?"

"Daniel and I have talked, and we decided that this will be my last day of working until after the baby's born. Things are getting harder for me, and I'm having to go to the bathroom a lot. Besides that, I feel like a huge whale!" She rubbed her belly, pouting a little.

Lacey giggled, remembering back. "I know, I remember when I felt like that carrying Sabrina. Look, I understand, and it's okay. I already planned on this, and I have someone temporarily coming in to take your place. Her name is Karissa Lindner. She's coming from the school in Boulder to work for a few weeks while you have the baby."

"What about when I come back?" Caitlin asked her.

"She'll go back to the school. Coming here for a few weeks is considered part of her schooling, much like a student teacher. Besides, I would have told you to take some time off today anyway. You just beat me to it."

"Okay. When is she coming in?"

The door chimed, and Lacey turned around to look. "There she is now. I asked her to come in and meet you before you leave today. Karissa, over here!" she called out.

Karissa walked over. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Reynolds," she said, smiling.

"Hi, Karissa. This is Caitlin Jackson, the woman you'll be taking over for while she goes to have her baby," and Lacey pointed to Caitlin.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you," Karissa said as she held out her hand.

"Likewise," and Caitlin shook her hand warmly.

"Karissa is at the top of her class." Lacey commented.

"That's really great," Caitlin replied, smiling. "I'm sure you'll do well here, as this is a small enough store that there aren't that many customers, but large enough to offer a variety of items for the customers to choose from."

Karissa folded her hands in front of her. "I know. I'm really excited to start learning here."

"Well, you'll be starting tomorrow morning Karissa, but first I want you to meet Karyn. She's one of my other employees." Lacey turned toward Caitlin. "Why don't you head on home? We'll clean up here and lock up."

"You sure?" Caitlin asked trepidatiously.

Lacey waved her hand. "Sure! We'll see you in a few weeks."

"Okay," Caitlin said, sighing. "I'll be glad to get home and relax a little, as the baby hasn't stopped bouncing all afternoon."

Lacey and Karissa giggled a little. "Karyn, I'm sending Caitlin home now, and Karissa Lindner is here."

Karyn came over to the registers. She hugged Caitlin. "I hope everything goes okay. Let us know as soon as you have the baby."

"I plan to," Caitlin told her, hugging her back. "Don't have too much fun while I'm gone."

"We won't," Karyn told her, releasing her.

Caitlin turned toward Lacey, hugging her as well. "I promise that as soon as I know you'll know."

"I know you will," she hugged her best friend warmly as there was a knock on the front door.

Karyn turned around and looked. "It's Daniel." She let him in. "Hi, Daniel! We're just finishing up."

"Okay," he told her, then saw Caitlin. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Daniel, I'd like you to meet Karissa Lindner. She'll be taking over for me while I'm gone."

He took off his gloves and shook her hand, smiling at her. "It's nice to meet you."

"I'll go get my stuff and be right back." Caitlin left them to talk as she took off her apron, laying it on the desk and grabbing her coat and purse. She came back, and Daniel helped her put her coat on. "I'm ready."

"It was nice meeting you," Daniel told Karissa again as he put on his gloves.

"Same here." Karissa turned toward Caitlin. "Good luck."

"Thank you," Caitlin told her before she and Daniel left the store, headed home.

"Karissa seemed nice," he commented as they drove home on the snowy streets.

"Yes, she does."

"So what did Lacey say to you when you told her this was your last day?" Daniel asked her.

"She said she'd already thought of that, and that's why Karissa was there today. She'd called the school in Boulder and asked for someone to help while I'm gone, and they sent Karissa."

"I see. Well that was nice of her, but what about when you come back?" he asked her.

"She'll go back to the school. It's like a student teacher will go teach for a semester then go back to school. That's how Lacey explained it to me anyway."

He nodded in understanding as he turned down their street. Driving into their driveway, he parked in the garage and got out. Then he went around and helped Caitlin out of the Durango and into the house.

The days went by, and soon the first day of March arrived. Daniel had convinced the general to let him take some of his work home so he could be there for Caitlin. They had the nursery ready with everything they would need, and he had also put the bags they would need by the door to the garage, as well as putting the new car seat into the vehicle. Everything was ready for the baby to come.

They were sitting at the table eating one evening when she felt the first contraction. She took a deep breath to calm herself, feeling around her rounded tummy. She continued to breathe slowly, still unsure of what it was she'd felt.

Daniel noticed it. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

I'll just wait a little to make sure, she thought to herself. "It's nothing. I just ate too fast or something is all. Don't worry." She patted his hand. "Why don't you go work in the den and I'll clean up? It won't take me too long, and I'll join you soon."

He wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?"

"Daniel, I'm not an invalid! I'm just pregnant. I can do the dishes."

"Okay," he said skeptically. "I'll be in the den if you need me."

She nodded and carefully stood, grabbing the dishes from the table and putting them in the dishwasher. Then she poured him a cup of coffee, handing it to him. "Love you," she told him, quickly kissing him.

He smiled at her. "Love you too. Call out for me if you need me."

"I will," she reassured him. He left her, and she started to do the supper dishes. As she washed them, the contractions started to come in stronger and faster, so she timed them. She was putting the dishes away when all of a sudden she felt a pop, and she looked down to find water gushing from between her legs. "DANIEL!" she screamed out towards the den.

He heard her and came running. "What's wrong?" he asked, then noticed the puddle on the floor along with her wet pants. "Oh my God, the baby!" He rushed up to her, taking her arm and leading her toward the door to the garage. "Okay, we need the diaper bag, your bag," he started talking faster. "You need your coat…"

"Daniel, slow down!" Caitlin said, breathless. "First I need a change of pants. Can you go get my sweats from upstairs? Don't worry about any panties."

He nodded, racing upstairs to get what she needed. He came back down and handed them to her.

"I'm gonna need some help changing. I… oh!" she called out as another contraction wracked her tummy.

He saw it. "Okay sweetheart, remember how they taught us to breathe," and he started to breathe the way they'd been shown in class, encouraging her to do the same as he gently rubbed his hands around her tummy.

She started breathing the same way, trying to get through the contraction. It seemed to take forever until it was over.

"Okay deep cleansing breath," he told her. "How far apart are they?"

"About fifteen minutes apart," she said as she carefully took off her wet clothes and, with Daniel's help, put on the clean sweatpants. "They're getting stronger, too."

"Okay. Let's get you to the Durango," he said, taking her arm and leading her to the garage door. He helped her put on her coat and led her into the garage and into the vehicle, buckling her in. "I'll be right back. I have to grab the bags and my coat." He ran into the house and into the den, saving his work on the computer, then shutting it down. Then he grabbed his cell phone, dialing the base. "Dr. Lam, please. Hurry!" He waited a moment until she came on the line.

"What seems to be the problem, Dr. Jackson?"

"It's Caitlin," Daniel told her, talking fast. "She's in labor! Her water broke, and she says the contractions are coming about fifteen minutes apart."

"Okay, Dr. Jackson, calm down. Get her here as fast at as you can, but I have to warn you. It's snowing pretty good outside. So be careful. I'll have the general let them know at the gate to let you through, and there will be someone waiting for you by the elevators."

"Okay. We'll be there soon. Thank you." He hung up, then he raced back to the mud room, grabbing his coat and the two bags, and hurried into the garage and into the vehicle.

Daniel looked at her as he backed out and turned around in their driveway. "How are you doin', sweetheart?"

"I... I'm okay," she grunted out as she went through another contraction. "Please... please, Daniel. Hurry!"

He drove out of the driveway onto the snowy street, driving as fast as he could. "I'm going as fast as I can, but it's snowing pretty hard outside. I have to be careful."

Caitlin only nodded, taking a couple of deep, cleansing breaths.

"I called Dr. Lam, so she knows we're coming. She'll have someone waiting for us by the elevators."

She just nodded again, continuing her deep breathing as he drove.

"How you doing?" he asked her again.

She let out a deep breath. "They're getting stronger," she told him. "How close are we?"

"We're a little ways away yet. I'm trying to go as fast as I can, sweetheart."

"I know. I just… oh, here comes another one." She started deep breathing as the contraction came on.

He focused back on the road in front of him. "I can barely see it's snowing so hard," he told her.

"Uh-huh," she grunted out as she tried to get through the contraction.

Soon Daniel saw the signs for the base up ahead. "We're almost there, muirnín," he told her as he turned into the main checkpoint. He quickly put his window down.

"Go ahead, Dr. Jackson," the guard at the gate told him. "And good luck!"

He put up his window again and drove as close to the main doors as he could. Quickly getting out, he ran over to the passenger side and carefully helped Caitlin out of the vehicle. "Can you walk?" he asked her.

"I... I don't think so," she said breathlessly.

"Can you stand a moment?"

She just nodded.

He looked over to the door and saw a nurse waiting there with a wheelchair. He motioned to her, and the nurse quickly came over. Together they carefully led Caitlin into the chair and sat her down. Finally they turned and hurried inside and down through the mountain.

"Daniel, my... my máthair. Please... please get her!"

Don't worry, sweetheart. I will. Let's just get you to the infirmary first."

The elevator stopped on Level Twenty-one, and they got out, heading down the corridors and into the Infirmary.

"We're here, sweetheart," he told her.

"Goo... good," she replied, breathing hard.

"Okay, let's get her into one of the private rooms," Dr. Lam told the nurse. She followed them out and down the corridor to a private room, helping to get the bed ready. "Caitlin, I need you to stand up so we can get you into a hospital gown."

"Okay," she said, carefully standing with Daniel's help. With his help, she took off her coat and shoes, her now-wet sweatpants, and her top and bra and put on the clean hospital gown.

"Let's get you set up," Dr. Lam told her. "I'm going to put in an IV to administer fluids and pain meds should you need or want them, and I want to check your progress."

Daniel and the nurse helped her into the bed, covering up her legs as Sam walked by.

"Daniel!" she cried out, running into the room. "Oh my God! Is it Caitlin?"

"Yes. Her water broke. Dr. Lam is gonna check her out now. Could you stay with her for a few minutes while I contact Danu to get her mother here?"

"Go, go get her mother," Sam told him, shooing him out of the room. She walked over to Caitlin's side. "How are you doing?"

"I'm... I'm fine," Caitlin said, taking a deep cleansing breath. "Where's Daniel?"

"He went to get your mother. He'll be back in a few minutes. If you need anything, just let me know. Okay?"

Caitlin nodded, resting her head on the pillow and breathing deeply.

Dr. Lam put on some clean gloves and lifted the bottom of the blankets up to check her. "I need you to open up for me Caitlin," she told her. She checked Caitlin's cervix. "You're progress is good. You're open to six centimeters and your about fifty percent effaced. So we wait a little more." She turned toward the nurse. "Let's get some monitors on her and the baby."

Daniel raced down the corridors and levels to the control room where Gen. Landry was talking to Jack. "Jack!" he called out, breathless. "I need to contact Danu right away!"

"What is it Daniel?" Jack asked him, concern registering on his face.

"It's Caitlin. The baby's coming!"

"Walter, dial up Danu right away for Dr. Jackson!"

Walter dialed up the address for Danu on the computer, and the gate started rotating. Soon the seventh chevron locked into place and the gate whooshed open.

"This be Sean O'Leary on Danu. What c'n I do fer ya?"

"This is Stargate Command," Gen. Landry said. "Dr. Jackson needs to talk to Minister Aedan immediately!"

Sean turned toward someone out of view of the monitors, then turned back. "Someone be goin' 't get him now."

Walter nodded.

They all waited a few minutes, until Minister Aedan came onto the viewer. "What be the trouble Master Daniel?" he asked, concern on his face.

"It's Caitlin. The baby's coming, and she wants her mother here!"

"That be grand Master Daniel, but we be havin' a bad snowstorm here. It might be takin' a few minutes 't get her 't the cloch ciorcal."

"Please hurry! Her contractions are getting closer and stronger together, and she really wants her here."

"We be doin' our best 't get her there, Master Daniel. I be seein' 't it personally. We be contactin' ya when she be ready. Danu out."

The gate shut down, and Daniel started to pace back and forth, nervously waiting.

"Dr Jackson, why don't you go be with your wife?" Gen. Landry suggested. "We'll have someone bring her mother up to the Infirmary as soon as she gets here."

Daniel shook his head. "Thank you sir, but no. Col. Carter's with Caitlin, and I can bring her mother up to the Infirmary when she gets here."

"Then why don't you go down and wait for her in the gateroom?" Jack suggested. "You're making us all nervous."

"Thanks Jack, I will."

"And Dr. Jackson," Gen. Landry stopped Daniel. "Congratulations. I'll notify Col. Mitchell and Teal'c. "

"Thank you, General," Daniel told him, smiling at them both before racing down to the gateroom to wait. The wait seemed to take forever. But soon the gate started to activate, and it whooshed open. A few moments later Healer Siobhan came through the gate, hurrying down the ramp as she shook some snow off her cloak and lifted the hood off her head. "Daniel! How is me daughter? Where is she?"

"She's up in the Infirmary. Her water broke, and the contractions are coming around fifteen minutes apart. Come on," he took her arm. "I'll take you to her."

Together they left the gateroom and raced up to the Infirmary and into the room as Caitlin went through another contraction.

"Da…Daniel," she grunted out.

He went over to her, taking Sam's place beside the bed and grabbed her hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm here sweetheart, and so is your mother."

Siobhan took off her cloak and set down her bag, going over to the other side of the bed and taking her daughter's hand. "I be here, sweetie. Are we ready 't have yer baby?"

"I... I don't want to! I... I'm not ready yet! I..." and Caitlin started to cry from the pain.

"It be all right, sweetie. That be the pain talkin'." Siobhan turned toward Dr. Lam. "Do ya have some boilin' water and a large mug?"

Dr Lam nodded. "We do, but why do you need it?"

"It be 't steep the herbs that be helpin' her wi' the pain," Siobhan said, going over to her bag and pulling out a small bag of herbs.

"We have drugs here to help the pain," Dr. Lam told her.

"Please... please let my mother do this," Caitlin begged Dr. Lam. "I want her to help me with this."

Dr. Lam nodded and turned to the nurse nodding, who ran out of the room. A few minutes later, she returned with a steaming mug of hot water.

She handed it to Siobhan who placed the small bag of tea leaves into the mug, letting them steep for a few minutes. Then Siobhan took the mug up to Caitlin. "Help me lift her head, Daniel," she instructed.

He helped Caitlin lift her head. "You have to drink a little, sweetheart."

"I can't," Caitlin told him, tears streaming down her face from the pain.

"It be 't help wi' the pain sweetie. Trust yer máthair now."

Caitlin nodded and drank as much as she could stand, then turned her head away.

"There be more here," Siobhan urged her daughter. "I know it be tastin' bad, but it t'will help." She put the mug up to Caitlin's mouth and got her to drink the rest of the tea. Then she turned toward Dr. Lam. "It be only takin a few moments fer the tea t' start workin' on the pain."

"I'd like to learn more about this tea," Dr. Lam told her eagerly.

"Surein' I c'n do that," Siobhan told her, reaching into her bag. She handed the doctor another small bag tied with a string. "There be more of the same herbs in this bag that I gave me daughter, so ya c'n test them if ya be wantin' to."

At that moment Caitlin let out a loud scream in pain.

Siobhan turned back toward her and checked her progress. "Ya be comin' right along sweetie, and the tea should be takin' effect in a moment. But since this be yer first baby, it t'will be takin' a long time."

"It hurts, Dainéal," she told him through her heavy breathing and her tears.

"I know sweetheart. Take deep, cleansing breaths now." He breathed with her slowly as Cam and Teal'c rushed in.

"Hey Daniel. How are things going?" Cam asked.

Daniel turned towards his friends. "Things are starting to slow down a little, I'm afraid. She's in pain, but only dilated a little over half way. So her mother gave her some tea to ease the pain."

"Daniel?" Caitlin called out.

He turned back to her.

"My back hurts."

"Can you turn to your side a little bit?" he asked her.

"I... I think so."

"Let us help ya, sweetie," Siobhan urged her. "Take hold of my hands now." Siobhan braced herself and gently pulled while Daniel helped her on her left side, exposing her back a little.

"We'll wait in the Infirmary and let you have some privacy," Cam told Daniel. "C'mon Teal'c."

Teal'c nodded at Daniel as the two men left the room.

"I'll go with them," Sam added, starting to leave the room as well. "If you need me, I'll be with them."

Daniel nodded at her, then turned back toward Caitlin and started rubbing her back. He rubbed all over, concentrating on her lower back as she bent into him as much as she could. "How was that?" he asked her a few minutes later.

"That was good, but I need to rest a little bit." She closed her eyes, resting her head on the pillow.

"Let her sleep as much now as ya be able Daniel," Siobhan told her. "She'll be havin' many a sleepless night when the baby comes."

"Máthair, I want Daniel to deliver the baby when the time comes. He's done it before."

"He has, has he? Well, then he should be the one 't deliver it, that he should. But I be checkin' yer progress from time-to-time, so sleep now, sweetie."

Time seemed to crawl along as Daniel and Caitlin waited anxiously for the birth of their baby. She slept, took walks down the halls eating some ice chips, and even beat Teal'c in a game of checkers. It was after three am, and Caitlin was being checked by her mother again. "Ya be almost open all the way, sweetie. Now this be the hard part. The contractions be comin' faster and harder than ever, so ya have 't breathe when ya get the chance."

"I'm... I'm too tired," Caitlin called out through another contraction. "I just can't!"

Dr. Lam walked out of the room and came back with some items. "Caitlin, I know you wanted your mom to do this, but the monitors are showing that you're not getting enough oxygen. I'm going to put an oxygen mask on you to help boost your O2 levels. Okay?"

Caitlin wearily nodded as Dr. Lam took out the tubing and mask and hooked them up to the nozzle behind her bed. Finally she put the mask over Caitlin's face. "How's that?"

Caitlin nodded as another contraction hit her hard. She cried out as she started breathing harder.

Siobhan checked her daughter again and smiled. "Ya be open all the way, sweetie," she told her. "Ya should be feelin' a hard, tight pressure. Do ya feel it?"

"Ye... yes," Caitlin cried out. "I have to push!"

Siobhan turned toward Daniel. "It be time, son. Time 't welcome yer baby in 't the world."

Daniel nodded and quickly put on the gloves that Dr. Lam handed him. "Okay, sweetheart. Get ready."

"Ya need 't sit up sweetie, and let us hold yer feet," Siobhan told her daughter as Dr. Lam took up position on the other side of Caitlin.

Caitlin sat up as far as she could, crying out from the next contraction. She placed her feet in their hands.

"Grab your legs, muirnín," Daniel instructed her. "When the next contraction hits, push. Push hard!"

"I'm never letting you touch me again, Daniel!" she cried out as the next contraction started. She grabbed her legs and pushed hard, grunting out.

"I know muirnín. Push! Push hard!" Daniel started counting. "Eight, nine, ten. Okay. Take a deep breath and get ready to push when I tell you." He glanced at the clock. "Okay, push. Push hard!"

Caitlin nodded and pushed with all her might, crying out. She was so tired.

"I can see the baby's head," Daniel told her excitedly. "Now push again, but when I tell you, you have to stop. Okay?"

She just nodded, pushing as hard as she could, crying out as the head emerged.

"Okay, stop!" Daniel instructed her. He saw some green mucus on the baby's head, along with some blood and the waxy mucus that protected the baby inside the womb. "Dr. Lam, what do I do? There's green mucous all over the baby's head!"

"It's okay, Dr. Jackson. It's just a little meconium; the baby's first bowel movement. Suction out the baby's mouth and nose really well with the bulb."

"I have to push again!" Caitlin cried out.

Siobhan looked at her daughter. "Pant sweetie, just pant. Remember little Gracie, yer puppy when ya be little? Pant like her." And she panted with Caitlin.

Daniel grabbed the bulb syringe from the nurse, and quickly suctioned out the baby's nose and mouth, making sure they were cleared out. "Okay, sweetheart, give me one big push. Push hard!"

Caitlin pushed as hard as her tired body would allow her to. She cried out as she pushed, the strain becoming too much.

Daniel's world stopped as their baby slid out into his hands covered in waxy mucous, as well as the meconium and a little blood. He lifted the baby up and laid it down on Caitlin's chest. "It's a girl," he told her, tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.

"Let me take over now, Daniel," Siobhan told him, letting go of Caitlin's leg. "Come be wi' yer wife and new daughter."

Daniel obeyed and they traded places. He caressed the baby's head as Dr. Lam rubbed the baby down, making it wail in protest. He smiled at Caitlin, tears dripping from his eyes. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," he told her, his voice full of love. He took off the gloves and leaned down, removed the oxygen mask, and tenderly kissed her.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she told him, tears in her own eyes and love in her voice as she carefully cradled their new addition to the family. "Fáiltigh roimh beag (welcome little) Brianna!"

Dr. Lam took two clamps from the tray nearby and placed them on the umbilical cord, then handed Daniel some scissors.

He cut the cord, handing the scissors back to the doctor, then turned his attention back to their new baby.

Siobhan looked at her daughter, rubbing Caitlin's tummy. "Sweetie, ya need 't get the afterbirth out. Can ya push fer me one more time good and long?"

Caitlin obeyed, and felt it drop out of her body into a pan Siobhan held underneath her. She caressed the baby's soft cheek and stuck her finger into its mouth, watching it latch on. She smiled, laying her head on top of the baby's little head. "I love you, Little One."

Siobhan's heart swelled upon hearing her daughter call their new baby 'Little One'. ""Sweetie, might I be takin' this afterbirth and plant it by yer door?"

Daniel looked at her, a sad look on his face. "I'm sorry máthair, but you can't leave the base. Besides, the ground is frozen here."

"Say me nay Daniel, but I be meanin' on Danu. The ground be frozen there as well, but we still dig a small hole near the front door 't place the afterbirth in. It be fer luck throughout the comin' year."

"Do you want to save any of the blood from the umbilical cord, Dr. Jackson?" Dr. Lam asked.

Daniel looked at Caitlin, who nodded. "Yes we do," he told Dr. Lam.

She looked at the nurse. "Take the placenta and cord to the lab and get as much of the blood out as you can, then bring the placenta and cord back here."

The nurse nodded, taking the pan from Siobhan, who looked questioningly at Daniel and Caitlin, then Dr. Lam. "What do ya save the blood for?"

"We save the cord blood because the stem cells in it might be used later on if someone in the family gets cancer or some other serious illness."

Siobhan nodded in understanding. "Ah, then it be only right that ya save the blood."

Dr. Lam nodded, smiling a little, then walked over to Caitlin's beside. "Well, let's get this little one cleaned up and checked out, shall we?"

Caitlin nodded as Dr. Lam took the baby over to a nearby table, Daniel following her.

Dr. Lam set the baby down on the table and took a wet cloth and washed the baby all over, checking the baby's lungs to make sure they were clear as the baby wailed in protest. Then she weighed and measured the baby, as well as took its footprint, and ran a few other tests.

"What are you doing, Dr. Lam?" Daniel asked her, watching her.

"It's called the APGAR test. It stands for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration. Basically we test these things and give them a score from zero to two with two being optimal, depending on what the results are. Your baby tests at a two, so that's very good." She finished cleaning up the baby, and put a little hat on its head, wrapping it tightly in a clean, warm blanket. Then she handed the baby back to Daniel. "What's her name?"

Daniel smiled at the baby, cooing to it a little. "Her name is Brianna Claire Jackson."

"Well, Brianna weighs in at six pounds, eight ounces, and she's twenty-one inches long, and that's a good weight and length." Dr. Lam motioned to the nurse who handed her a clean hospital gown. "Caitlin, if you can sit up for a moment we'll change your hospital gown for a fresh one, as well as change your sheets."

"I think I can," she told the doctor.

"Since Daniel be holdin' me garínion (granddaughter), I'll help ya sweetie." She turned toward Daniel. "Go let yer friends know and show them yer new iníon (daughter)."

Daniel nodded and headed out to the main Infirmary while they helped Caitlin.

Cam, Sam and Teal'c were nervously waiting in the Infirmary when Daniel walked in, carrying little Brianna. "It's a girl."

"Oh Daniel, she's beautiful!" Sam exclaimed, coming over to him smiling.

"Good morning, Sunshine," Cam said softly, looking at Brianna. "She's really pretty, Daniel."

"Indeed. As I predicted, she is a strong, healthy baby, and she is beautiful, as is her mother."

Daniel looked at her and smiled, noticing her ten little fingers, ten little toes, and her beautiful face. "She is, isn't she? At that moment, Brianna started to cry heartily; he looked at his friends and grinned. "Guess I'd better get her back to Caitlin. You can come in if you want to." He turned around and headed back into Caitlin's room, Sam and the others following him. "I think our daughter wants her mommy," he told Caitlin, smiling at her.

Caitlin held out her arms to Daniel, and he put Brianna into them. She laid her on her chest, but she kept crying. "I think she's hungry, muirnín," she said, smiling. She moved her hospital gown and set Brianna near her breast. She and Daniel watched as little Brianna latched onto a dark pink nipple and began to suckle.

He leaned down, and laid his forehead onto Caitlin's, tears in his eyes. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she told him, emotion in her own voice as she watched little Brianna happily eating away.

Sam walked over to the phone and made a call as Caitlin covered herself and Brianna a little bit. In a few moments, Gen. Landry walked in with Jack right behind him.

"I hear we have a new addition to the SG1 team," Jack said, smiling at Daniel and Caitlin.

Daniel nodded, smiling proudly. "It's a girl, Jack. Six pounds, eight ounces, twenty-one inches long."

"What's her name?"

"Brianna Claire Jackson," Daniel told them all.

"Congratulations, Space Monkey," Jack told him, patting him on the shoulder.

"Would you like to hold her, Gen. Landry?" Caitlin asked him.

The general was visibly touched. "I would be honored."

"Sweetheart, please hand him the burping cloth from the baby bag, if you would."

Daniel looked in the bag and handed him the cloth, helping him to put it over his shoulder.

Caitlin pulled Brianna's mouth away from her breast, and she adjusted her gown before carefully handing the general little Brianna. "She just finished her first meal, so she needs to be burped," she told him.

Gen. Landry carefully cradled the baby's head and placed her on his covered shoulder, gently patting her back. In a few moments she let out a good long burp, and he smiled. When she was done, he cradled her in his arms, staring at her beautiful face. "She's beautiful." He handed her back to Daniel, who looked at Jack.

"Would you like to hold her, Uncle Jack?"

Jack nodded, and Daniel carefully handed little Brianna to him. He marveled at her. "What a head of hair!" he commented, smiling broadly. "She's going to be a stunner, you wait and see." Then the realization of what Daniel had called him hit him. He chuckled. "Uncle Jack." He handed the baby back to Daniel, who next offered the baby to Teal'c.

The big Jaffa warrior carefully held onto tiny Brianna, smiling broadly. "I am pleased that you let me experience this, as I have not held a baby since my son Rya'c was born."

Daniel looked over at Brianna, and noticed that she'd fallen asleep. "I'll take her," he said, holding out his arms and taking the tiny baby. He turned toward Caitlin and handed her their daughter, watching his wife yawn.

Dr. Lam noticed it as well. "All right everyone. It's time to let Caitlin and her baby sleep. It's been an exhausting time for them." She pinned a cord with a button attached to it near Caitlin's pillow. "If you need anything, just press this button and a nurse will come to your room."

Caitlin nodded and everyone offered their congratulations again as they got ready to leave, but Jack stopped them all. "What time was she born, Daniel?"

"I'm not sure. I think it was sometime after three-oh-five."

Jack thought back a moment, then grinned broadly. "Teal'c, ol' buddy! You won the bet! How'd you know?"

Teal'c smiled a small smile. "As you humans would say, 'I guessed'."

"Well you sure guessed correctly," Jack told him. "You were the closest about the day, time, and sex."

"Thank you, Gen. O'Neill. I would like you to use the money to buy a savings bond for Brianna Jackson."

"I'll do that when I get back to Washington." He turned toward Daniel. "You'd better head home and get some sleep."

"I'm gonna sleep here in our quarters, so I can be close to Caitlin and the baby."

Jack nodded.

"Then take the morning off, Dr. Jackson," Gen. Landry told him. "Come to work after lunch." He had a sad look on his face. "I wish I could give you more time off, but finding the Sangraal is just too important."

Daniel smiled at him. "I understand, General. And it's okay. Caitlin understands, too."

The general smiled. "Then we'll leave you to enjoy your new daughter."

Everyone smiled at Daniel and Caitlin as they left the room, and he went to sit beside her and their new daughter.

The morning came, and Caitlin awoke to a loud wailing cry. She smiled and pressed the button near her head.

A few minutes later, a nurse came into the room, followed by Dr. Lam. "Good morning, Caitlin. How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm feeling a little sore and tired, but other than that, I'm feeling just fine. But I think my daughter is getting a little hungry." At that moment little Brianna let out another hearty cry, making everyone smile.

"We'll let you feed her, then I want to check Brianna again."

"Is there a problem, Dr. Lam?"

The doctor shook her head, smiling. "No, just a routine check for a newborn. When you're ready, just buzz the nurse."

Caitlin nodded and carefully stood up, the nurse watching her in case she fell. She went over to the bassinet set up in the corner of the room and carefully picked up little Brianna. "Shhh, it's okay, Little One. Mommy's here." She cradled the baby in her arms as she slowly walked back to the bed. Sitting down, she got comfortable and lowered her gown on one side.

The nurse and Dr. Lam left her alone to feed Brianna, so Caitlin adjusted the baby and put Brianna to her breast. As she nursed Brianna, she quietly sang a song to her. "Where are you going, Little One, Little One? Where are you going, sweet baby of mine? Turn around and you're two, turn around and you're four. Turn around and you're a young girl, going out of the door."

Daniel heard her sweet voice as he came up the corridor and walked into the room. "You sound so beautiful, muirnín," he told her as he came to sit beside her on the bed. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"A little sore and tired, but really wonderful."

"And how is our daughter this morning?" he asked, caressing Brianna's head with his hand.

Caitlin sighed. "Hungry. She woke me up."

"You look so sexy feeding our daughter like that," he told her, smiling at her. "I love you so much." He leaned down and tenderly but passionately kissed her.

She returned the kiss. "I love you too, more than you could ever know."

"Have you seen Dr. Lam yet this morning?"

She nodded. "She came in and asked how I was feeling. I told her, and she told me she wants to check Brianna again. She said it was just a routine check for a newborn."

"Maybe it's because of the baby's unique genetic makeup. Remember, Brianna has Ascended, Danuan, and human genetic material in her."

"I suppose." She checked Brianna, and found that she'd finished eating. "Could you get a burping cloth out of the bag, please?"

Daniel nodded and got a cloth out of the bag.

She cradled Brianna in her arms and carefully held her out to him.

He quickly put the cloth over his left shoulder and took his daughter in his hands, putting her up to his shoulder, patting and rubbing her back. In a few moments she let out a good long burp, making Daniel's heart swell with love for her. He brought her down and cradled her in his arms in front of her, watching her yawn. "I think you'd better call Dr. Lam in before she falls asleep."

Caitlin grabbed the cord and pressed the button.

In a few moments Dr. Lam came in the room, a nurse right behind her. "Good morning, Dr. Jackson. I see Brianna is all done with breakfast."

"She is, but now she's ready for a nap," Daniel told her.

"Well let's examine her first, shall we?" Dr. Lam carefully took Brianna into her arms and took her over to the table by the wall. Laying her down, she checked the baby's heart rate, pulse and breathing, and did another APGAR test. Finally, she had the nurse help her, and she took a sample of blood from Brianna, making her wail in protest.

"What are you doing?" Caitlin asked her, concerned.

"I'm taking a sample of her blood to compare it to yours. I believe that she'll have the same Ascended, Danuan and human genetic makeup as you do, but I want to know how much. Besides that, it gives me a baseline for her so that as she grows up, I can look back and see how she's progressing."

"I see," Caitlin told her as Dr. Lam handed the syringe to the nurse, giving her instructions.

Then the doctor picked up the baby, handing it back to Caitlin, smiling. "Other than that, she checks out just fine. She's still a two on the APGAR scale, and her heart rate, pulse, and breathing are all okay as well."

"She's just tired like me," Caitlin admitted yawning.

"Well, then you should both rest as much as you can," Daniel told her, taking Brianna from her arms. He gently cradled her in his arms, slowly rocking her back-and-forth before putting her down into the bassinet.

"You," Caitlin yawned again. "You might want to change her diaper first, sweetheart," she reminded him.

"Okay. Where are they?"

"We used one that we found in the diaper bag you brought for the baby," Dr. Lam told him. "We put one on her just after you all left early this morning."

"Okay." He went to the bag and pulled one out, then took it over to the bassinet and changed Brianna's diaper as Dr. Lam left the room. When he was done, he leaned down and gently kissed his daughter. "I love you, Little One. Sleep tight."

Caitlin's heart swelled at the sight of her husband and best friend kissing their new daughter.

Daniel came over to the bed, and sat down next to Caitlin, holding her in his arms. "Go to sleep, muirnín," he told her, kissing the top of her head. "Our daughter will be waking you up soon enough."

She snuggled into Daniel's embrace and closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She took in the heady scent of him as she fell asleep, love and happiness filling her heart to overflowing.

The day came and went with Brianna waking up every few hours wanting to be fed. It was nighttime when Caitlin called Dr. Lam into the room.

"What can I do for you, Caitlin?" she asked.

"I was wondering if you knew anything about expressing breast milk. I'd like to be able to do that, but I don't know how."

"Well, there are several ways you can do it manually, but I recommend a breast pump. They're fast and easy to use, and they don't hurt as much as doing it manually."

Caitlin thought about the information for a moment. "I'll have to send Daniel out for one then, as I'd like to be able to do that. Thank you, Dr. Lam."

"You're welcome," the doctor told her as Sam walked in to the room. "Good evening, Col. Carter. " She turned to Caitlin. "I'll leave you two alone to talk."

Caitlin nodded at her as she left, then smiled at Sam. "Hi, Sam. What brings you in here, as if I didn't know?"

"I just wanted to see how you and the baby were doing." She walked over to the bassinet, smiling and cooing at Brianna. "May I?"

"Of course, Aunt Sam!" Caitlin told her warmly as her mother walked into the room. "Mother! I thought you were back on Danu already."

"Say me nay, sweetie, but after helpin' ya give birth, Daniel thought I be needin' some rest meself. So they gave me a room 't sleep in fer awhile. But I be ready 't head back home now. I just wanted 't stop and see me ínion and garínion before I leave."

"Sam, is Daniel still here?"

Sam nodded. "He's staying in your quarters until you and Brianna can go home."

"Would you let him know that my mom is ready to head home?"

Sam nodded again. She went over to the phone and made a call, then went back to stand beside Caitlin's bed until he came.

In a few moments Daniel walked in. "Sam said you were ready to leave, máthair."

"That I am sweetie, that I am. I be havin' patients 't get back and check on. But I know ya be all right, the three 'o ya." She went over to the bassinet and gently picked up her granddaughter. "And I know that ya be takin' good care 'o me garínion." She cooed at the baby a little, smiling. "She be a beautiful baby, just as ya were yerself, sweetie."

"Thanks, Mom," Caitlin told her.

"I'll have someone bring up the afterbirth for you," Daniel told her.

"Sweetheart, why don't you go with her and send her off? Sam wanted to visit with me a little bit anyway."

"Are you sure?"

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Máthair, why don't you hand Brianna to Sam, then Daniel can take you to the gate."

Siobhan nodded, and carefully handed Sam the baby. "And just 't be lettin' ya know, there be a new crib waitin' fer ya in yer bedroom at the cottage. I had Master Gavin make one as me gift fer me garínion."

They were both surprised. "Thank you, máthair," he told her.

"Yes, thank you!" Caitlin slowly got out of bed and stood, hugging her mother tightly. "Is tú mo ghrá, máthair," she told her, tears in her eyes.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, muirnín," Siobhan replied in return, tears in her own eyes. "Take good care of me granddaughter."

"We will, and we promise to visit soon. Turas maith, slán abhaile, máthair. Mé togradh caill tú."

Siobhan nodded, turning toward the door and walking out with Daniel right behind her.

Sam came and carefully sat down on the edge of Caitlin's bed. "Brianna really is beautiful, Caitlin. And I think she'll have brilliant blue eyes like yours."

"I think so too, Sam." Caitlin sat back in the bed, thinking for a moment. "Sam, there's something I want to talk to you about."

Sam cooed at the baby, then looked up at Caitlin. "Sure! What's on your mind?"

"I've been thinking about who we should have for godparents for little Brianna, and there's someone I want to get your opinion on."

"Who's that?"

Caitlin told her.

Sam had a sad look on her face. "I'm sorry Caitlin, but I don't think you can."

"I still want to, Sam. I have my reasons why." She told Sam what they were.

Sam looked first at Caitlin, then at little Brianna asleep in her arms and smiled. "I think that's a wonderful idea, Caitlin. I'm sure Daniel will think so as well."

"That's the thing, Sam. I don't want to tell Daniel just yet. I want to surprise him with it."

Sam smiled at Caitlin. "I won't say anything. So when do you want to tell him?"

"Well, I would like to have Brianna baptized, so probably when we do that."

"Okay. I'm assuming you haven't talked to Daniel about that part yet, so I won't say anything about it."

Caitlin smiled at her friend. "Thanks, Sam."

"Thanks for what?" Daniel asked as he walked into the room.

"For being such a wonderful friend," Caitlin quickly told him, winking at Sam.

"That she is, sweetheart. And I see that Brianna fits nicely into Sam's arms. So does that give you any ideas, Sam?"

"I would like to have a baby at some point Daniel, but not right now. I can just enjoy holding Brianna for the time being." Sam turned back toward Brianna, smiling at her.

Daniel smiled at Caitlin as Dr. Lam walked back in. "Good evening, Dr. Jackson. I have the test results from the blood I drew from Brianna, and she does have the same Ascended, human and Danuan genetic makeup as Caitlin. I thought that it would fade a little seeing as there was more human material this time, but it doesn't look like it."

"So what does that mean, Dr. Lam?" Caitlin asked.

"It just means that she'll have the brilliant eye and tear color that you have, that's all."

"Caitlin was very lucky growing up that no one really bothered to check her blood work or DNA ," Daniel commented. "What about Brianna?"

"Well, if you like, I can continue to be her doctor, as I have had a little experience in Pediatrics. That way she wouldn't be detected by any normal doctor."

Daniel looked at Caitlin, smiling and nodding his head. "Yes, we would like that. You've done so well with Caitlin and her care before the baby was born that you should be the one to continue on with Brianna."

Dr. Lam smiled. "Thank you. And I wanted to let you know that if you choose to, you can continue recovering in your own quarters if you like. I can let you take the bassinet down there so you can have the baby in your quarters."

"Yes, I would like that very much," Caitlin told her, smiling.

"Good, then you can go whenever you wish to. I'll stop by tomorrow and check up on you, but in the meantime, you're cleared to go. Should I get a nurse to help you down there?"

Caitlin shook her head, slowly getting out of the bed. "No thank you, Dr. Lam. If I have Daniel walking beside me, I think I'll be okay. And Auntie Sam can bring the bassinet if she'll hand me my daughter."

Sam nodded and stood, carefully handing Caitlin little Brianna. Then she grabbed the two bags, put them into the bassinet and waited.

"Now if you have any troubles at all, don't hesitate to come back here," Dr. Lam said to them.

"We will," Daniel told her, his arms around Caitlin and Brianna.

Dr. Lam smiled at them as she left, leaving the three of them alone.

"Let's head to our quarters," he told Caitlin, seeing her yawn. "I know you're tired, and Brianna will be waking us up soon enough to be fed."

"I am a little tired, but I'm happy too," Caitlin told him as they walked out and down the corridors and levels to their quarters. "First I found you, then my mother came back into my life, and now we have Brianna. I don't need anything more than that."

Daniel nodded and stopped, opening the door to their quarters. He helped her inside, and pulled down the covers on their bed. Then he took Brianna from her as Sam wheeled in the bassinet.

"Where do you want the bassinet?" she asked.

"Over there in the corner near the bed is fine," Caitlin told her as she climbed into the bed and covered up.

"Thanks Sam," Daniel told her as he took the bags, put them away, and settled little Brianna into the bassinet.

"You're welcome. Well, I'd better head home. I have an early day tomorrow."

"Okay. See you tomorrow, Sam," Daniel told her.

"Yes. See you tomorrow," Caitlin echoed him.

Sam smiled at them both before leaving and closing the door behind her.

"How is Brianna doing?" Caitlin asked Daniel.

"She's sleeping," he told her, looking in on his daughter in her bassinet. "But she'll be waking us up soon enough to be fed again."

"Speaking of which, Daniel, would you mind going out and getting a breast pump for me tomorrow? I want to be able to express some milk for Brianna in case I can't feed her myself."

"Are you having any problems breastfeeding?" he asked her as he got ready for bed.

"No, and Dr. Lam told me to keep breastfeeding as long as I can. I just want to make sure that in case I get sore or something, that I have a small supply of milk to feed Brianna with. That's all."

Daniel nodded at her. "Sure, I can do that. I'll check at Wal-mart tomorrow on my lunch break."

Caitlin smiled at him as she stood up from the bed, padding into their bathroom. She got ready for bed, then came out, checking the baby, and finally joined Daniel in bed.

He held out his arms to her, and she happily snuggled into them.

"I've missed this, laying my head on your chest. I couldn't do it because of how big I was."

He kissed the top of her head. "I know. I missed this, too. But now Brianna's here, so we won't get to snuggle too much. She'll be waking us a lot to be fed or changed."

"I know, but I don't mind. I'm too happy."

Daniel smiled. So am I, muirnín. Go to sleep. I love you."

"I love you too, Dainéal. Good night."

The next morning, Daniel was in his office and working on his computer when an idea came to him. He grabbed his camera and headed down to their quarters. "Hi sweetheart," he told her when he walked in. How are you doing this morning?"

She smiled at him from their bed. "Tired, but happy. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be hard at work."

"I was, but I was thinking about some things. First, have you called Lacey and Jason and told them yet?"

She shook her head. "No. I thought I'd wait until I knew we were going home to do that."

"Okay. Second, I thought maybe we should get a few pics of Brianna while she's this little. That's why I brought my camera from the office."

"That's a good idea. Then we could take a few of them and make some birth announcements out of them."

Daniel nodded, smiling. "You always come up with the greatest ideas, Mrs. Jackson."

"Thank you, Dr. Jackson. So where do you want Brianna first?"

"I'll get her while she's in the bassinet, then maybe a couple on the bed. How does that sound?"

Caitlin nodded, and stood, making their bed while Daniel took pictures of Brianna in the bassinet. When he was done, she carefully picked up their daughter and laid her on the bed. Then she waited until Daniel had taken more pictures, then picked her up again and put her back into the bassinet.

"All done," Daniel told her, coming to sit on the bed beside her. "I'm surprised she didn't fuss much."

"So am I," Caitlin admitted. "How did they turn out?"

He pressed a couple of buttons on the camera and showed her the different pictures. "Which ones should we use?" he asked her.

She pointed to the different ones she liked and sighed, smiling. "She's so beautiful, Daniel. I'm just so happy."

"So am I. I think I'll get Sam to help me with the announcements. Then I'll go get the pump during lunch."

"I don't want you to skip lunch," she warned him.

"I won't. I plan to get something when I get back and eat it while I'm working."

"Okay, just as long as you get a glass of milk, too. I still want my husband to be eating healthy, even here at the base."

He smiled at her, leaned over and gently kissed her. "I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

"I love you too, Daniel. Now scoot so I can feed out daughter."

"But you look so sexy when you feed her," he told her, his lip in a pout.

She laughed. "Oh get going!" she told him, playfully smacking him. "You have some announcements to make."

He smiled at her, and stood, going over to the bassinet. He cooed at their daughter, then leaned down and gently kissed Brianna's forehead. "I love you, Little One," he told her before turning back toward their bed. He went over to Caitlin and gently kissed her. "I'll see you later."

"Okay. If Dr. Lam lets me go, I'll let you know."

"Okay. In the meantime, get some rest. I love you."

Caitlin smiled at him as she snuggled back into the bed. "I love you, too."

Daniel smiled at her again, then left, headed toward Sam's office.

"Hi, Daniel!" she called out as he walked into her office. "How are Caitlin and the baby this morning?"

"Caitlin's doing really well, and as for Brianna, see for yourself." He turned on his camera and showed her the pictures he'd taken.

"She's really beautiful Daniel, and she looks really nice in these pictures you took."

"Thanks, Sam. I took these because I wanted to get some pictures of our daughter soon after she was born, but also because I thought I could make up some birth announcements. But I don't know how to do that. Caitlin does, but I thought you might be able to help me instead since she's with Brianna."

Sam's face lit up. "Sure! Do you know which picture you want to use?"

He nodded. "Caitlin and I picked out the best three, and thought we could use those."

"No problem. Just let me have the camera, and I'll pull the pictures up on my computer."

Daniel handed her the camera, and she took out the data card and plugged it into her computer. She started an artwork program she had on her computer, and pulled up the three pictures Daniel and Caitlin had chosen of Brianna. "I have several layouts we can use," she told him, going to each layout in turn and letting him look at them. "Just tell me which one you like, and we can go from there."

He looked at each one in return, and chose one with pink flowers in the corner. "This one's really cute," he told her.

"Okay. So we arrange the three pictures the way we want them, like this." She worked on the pictures and soon had them the way she wanted them. "What do you think?"

He looked at it, smiling. "That looks really good, Sam. Thank you."

"Okay, let me save it and we can print as many out as you want. How many were you thinking?"

"I hadn't thought about that. Well, at least three to post here at the base. That should do it for now."

"What about for Jason and Lacey?" she asked him.

"Caitlin plans to tell them as soon as we know we're going home."

"When do you think that will be?" she asked as the pictures printed out.

"We're not sure. I think it will probably be tonight. Caitlin said she'd let me know when Dr. Lam lets her and the baby go."

Sam nodded and handed him the announcements. "Here you go. Just be careful. The ink is still damp."

He took them gladly. "Thanks, Sam. I'll see you later."

"See you later!"

It was late afternoon and Caitlin was just finishing up feeding Brianna when Dr. Lam knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Caitlin called out as she covered herself and little Brianna with a blanket.

"Hi, Caitlin. I just came to check and see how things are going for you and the baby."

"Everything's going fine, Dr. Lam," Caitlin told her with a smile. "You'll have to excuse me though. I'm nursing Brianna right now."

Dr. Lam waved her hand, smiling a little. "Don't worry about that. I just came to tell you that everything checks out with you and the baby, so you can go home tonight if you want to."

"That's good to hear. I'll let Daniel know."

"Good. Now if anything changes with you or the baby, don't hesitate to call me or come in right away."

"We won't," Caitlin said, pulling Brianna away from her breast and adjusting her gown. She grabbed a burping cloth and put it over her shoulder. Taking Brianna gently into her hands, she put her daughter up onto her shoulder and started patting her back, making her burp.

"Well, have a good afternoon," Dr. Lam told her, smiling at her.

"Thank you, you too."

The doctor left, and Caitlin carefully got up out of the bed, setting Brianna in the bassinet. She grabbed her bag and pulled out the clothes she'd packed and got changed. Finally, she grabbed the diaper bag and pulled out one of the outfits in it. She carefully changed Brianna's diaper and put the outfit on her, putting the matching headband on her tiny head as she cooed at her. She gathered up her daughter into her arms and left their quarters, headed for Daniel's office.

Daniel was in his office pouring over some research when Caitlin walked in carrying Brianna. "Hi sweetheart! What brings you here?"

"Brianna wanted to see her daddy at work, and I wanted to see my sexy husband."

He stopped what he was doing and stood, going over to Caitlin and taking Brianna from her. "How is daddy's little princess today?" he cooed at her.

"She's doing fine, and we're ready to go home."

He looked up at her. "Dr. Lam said you could go?"

"Yes. She just left our quarters before we came up to see you."

"That's great! Just let me clean up some things and we can go. Has Brianna been fed?" Daniela asked as he handed their daughter back to Caitlin.

"I was finishing up feeding her when Dr. Lam walked in. Did you get the announcements made?"

He nodded as he walked around his office picking up or straightening papers. "I hung them up in a couple of places here at work." He handed the last one to her.

"Oh Daniel, this turned out beautiful!" Caitlin exclaimed. "You and Sam really did a nice job on this."

"Thanks sweetheart." He was putting a couple of his books away when Teal'c walked in. "Hey Teal'c."

"Good evening, Daniel Jackson, Caitlin Jackson." He saw Brianna and walked over to Caitlin, smiling at Brianna and offering her his finger. "I have come to find out if you would like to join me for the evening meal."

Daniel turned to him. "I'm sorry Teal'c, but Dr. Lam cleared Caitlin and Brianna to go home tonight."

"That is good news indeed," Teal'c told him smiling a little.

"Can I get a rain check?"

"What does that mean, 'rain-check'?" Teal'c asked him, a confused look on his face.

Daniel and Caitlin both laughed. "It just means can I join you another time?"

Understanding came across the big Jaffa's face. "Ah, yes. You may join me another time. In the meantime, I will let Col. Mitchell and Col. Carter know you are all leaving."

"Thank you Teal'c," Caitlin told him, smiling at him before he left.

"Are you all ready to go?" Daniel asked her.

"I just have to pack the diaper bag, but other than that, I'm ready to leave whenever you are."

"Then let's head down to our quarters. I'll change there."

She nodded, and together the three of them headed out of his office toward their quarters. Once inside, she carefully laid Brianna down in the bassinet, then picked up her bag, making sure everything was in it. She pulled out a couple of things, laying them on the bed then closed it. Then she picked up the diaper bag, making sure everything was in it, closing it as well. She carefully picked up Brianna and laid her down on the bed, putting her new little coat, hat, and mittens on her. Then Caitlin picked up her own jacket and put it on. Finally she picked up Brianna again and smiled at Daniel. "We're ready to go."

He put on his own jacket and grabbed the two bags, and grabbing the car keys, smiled at her. "Let's head home."

She nodded, and followed him out of their quarters and down the corridors to the elevators where Cam, Sam, and Teal'c were waiting.

"Hey everyone," Daniel told them all.

"Teal'c told us you were heading home tonight," Sam said.

Caitlin nodded. "Dr. Lam said we were okay to go."

"You need any help with the bags, Daniel?" Cam asked. "It's been snowing out again so things are slippery outside."

"Sure, thanks Cam." Daniel handed him one of the bags, and smiled at his friends. I'll see you all tomorrow."

"Have a good night," Sam told them both.

"Indeed," Teal'c replied.

Caitlin smiled at them, waving Brianna's mitten-covered hand, then followed Daniel and Cam into the elevator and out of the mountain.

It was snowing outside when Daniel brought his new family home, parking the Durango in the garage. He got out and grabbed the two bags from the back of the vehicle and quickly put them into the mud room as Caitlin got out. Then he came back and unbuckled the car seat, pulling it out and carrying it, offering his other arm to her.

She accepted it, and together they walked into the house.

He set the car seat down, and took Caitlin into his arms. "Welcome home, muirnín," he told her, staring into her eyes then tenderly kissing her.

"It's good to be home," she smiled at him, returning the kiss. "I suppose we should get Brianna settled. What do you want for supper?"

"Don't worry about that. I'll order in. What do you feel like?"

She sighed, smiling. "I haven't been able to have a good pizza since I got pregnant. Can we have pizza tonight?"

"Sure! From Pizza Hut?"

"Please?"

He chuckled. "Okay. I'll make the call while you get Brianna settled."

She nodded, taking the car seat from him and setting it on the kitchen table as he called the restaurant. She unbuckled Brianna from the seat and took off her little jacket, hat and mittens, setting them on the table. Then she put her up onto her shoulder.

"The pizza should be here in about forty-five minutes," he told her after he hung up. "Why don't you put the baby down for now?"

"But I don't want to take her upstairs. I can just hold her for a while," she said.

He smiled at her, a sly smile on his face. "Why don't you go sit in the family room then?"

"Okay. I'll sit in the big recliner chair and rock her while we wait." She turned and walked down into the family room and found a large box in the middle of the room. "What's this?"

He smiled as he walked over to the box. It's a Baby Trend Playard. It's both a portable crib and a playpen for when Brianna gets a little older."

She looked at him, shocked. "When did you get this?"

"The same time I got the breast pump. I knew we didn't have one, and thought we might need one. Let me set it up so you can see what you think." He went into the kitchen and grabbed a pair of scissors from the drawer, then went and opened the box. He set the scissors down and pulled out the playset, putting it together and setting it upright. "There! That wasn't so hard. What do you think?"

Caitlin took a look at it. "I really like it. And we can move it to wherever we are in the house."

He nodded. "See if she likes it."

"Better get a blanket for her from upstairs first, sweetheart," she reminded him.

He nodded as she sat down in the recliner. When he came back down with a blanket, she stood and carefully laid their daughter in the new playpen. He covered her up with the blanket, and together they stood back and watched their daughter fall asleep. "I think she likes it."

"I do too," she commented, gently rubbing their daughter's head.

The doorbell rang, and Daniel went to answer it. He came back with the food and brought it into the kitchen. "I know you like peperoni and black olives, so that's what I got."

She smiled as she cleared and set the table, pouring them each a glass of milk. "Can I have two please?" she asked as she sat down.

He placed two slices on her plate, then two on his own. Finally he sat down. "I put the breast pump in the nursery. There's an instruction book with it, but I figured you'd be able to figure it out yourself later."

"Okay," she said before she took a bite of the hot pizza.

"We can look at it later, too," he told her.

She nodded. "I'll look at it after supper when we put Brianna down for the night."

"Okay. So what do you want to do after supper?"

Caitlin thought for a moment. "I just want to be with you and Brianna. Do you have any work to do in the den?"

"A little. We could move the playard into the den so you could read and watch her while I work. That way you both can be with me."

She smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "That's a wonderful idea, muirnín. I think I'll start that new book I wanted to read before the baby was born. I found it at the second-hand book store."

He finished a bit of his pizza. "What's it called?"

"It's called Stewardess. It's about a woman in the early nineteen-fifties who goes to be a stewardess, and it follows her through the years. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Sounds like a good book," he told her, finishing his glass of milk. "So how was the pizza?"

"Great! I really enjoyed it, thank you," she told him, smiling at him.

"Well let's put the rest of it away and get things cleaned up so we can go into the den." He stood and helped her clear the supper dishes away and put the pizza in the fridge. Finally they walked into the family room.

Caitlin picked up Brianna and the blanket, and Daniel picked up the playard, and together they walked through the house to the den.

"I'll set this up by the chair so you can keep a close eye on her," he told her, setting the playard down near the chair.

She nodded at him, then gently laid Brianna down in it, covering her up again with the blanket. Then she returned to the kitchen and poured Daniel a cup of coffee, grabbing a pop out of the refrigerator for herself. "Here you go," she told him, handing him the cup of steaming coffee.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he told her, tenderly kissing her.

"You're welcome. I think I'll call Jason and Lacey and let them know we're home, and let them know about Brianna."

"That's a good idea. We haven't done that yet."

She grabbed the phone and quickly dialed their number.

"Reynolds residence," Lacey answered.

"Hi, Lacey, it's Caitlin!"

"Hi! What's up? I haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I had the baby. It's a girl!"

Lacey squealed. "That's wonderful, Caitlin! What's her name?"

"Brianna Claire Jackson. Brianna after my maternal grandmother, and Claire after Daniel's mother. She's six pounds, eight ounces, and twenty-one inches long, and was born March second."

"That's beautiful, Caitlin. I'll tell Jason. So are you still at the hospital?"

"No, we just got home tonight. Daniel and I are in the den and Brianna's in here with us."

"That's great to hear. Well, take your time and come back to work when you're ready. Karissa is working out really well, and some of the customers really like her."

"So you're ready to replace me, is that it?" Caitlin joked.

Lacey laughed. "No, no! You know I would never replace you."

"I know that. I figured I'd take six weeks to get settled and into a routine with Brianna. Is that okay?"

"Sure! So how is Daniel handling being a father?"

"He's great," Caitlin told her friend. "He's helped me burp her, change her diaper, and everything. He's on cloud nine about her."

"Okay, well, I'd better get Sabrina in bed. Just let me know a few days before you want to come back to work. In the meantime, tell Daniel we said congratulations."

"I will. Give Brina a big hug from her Auntie Cat and Uncle Daniel for us."

"I will. Night, Caitlin!"

"Good night!" she told her friend before hanging up.

"What did Lacey have to say?" Daniel asked her.

"She told us congratulations from her and Jason, and she said that I could take my time coming back to work so I could get settled into a routine with Brianna."

"That was nice of her," he told her as she put the cordless phone back into the base.

"I think so. In the meantime, I'd better get started on my book." She smiled at him, then sat down, covering herself up with the coverlet from the back of the overstuffed chair while he settled down at the desk to work.

The night wore on, and Caitlin was well into her book when Brianna started crying. She bookmarked her page, set the book down, and went to Brianna. "Shh, it's okay, Little One. Mommy's here." She picked her up and held her close, singing to her. "Baby mine, don't you cry, baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart never to part, baby of mine." She continued to softly sing to her as she undid her blouse and one strap on her bra, letting Brianna suckle on her breast.

Daniel stopped what he was doing, watching and listening to her. His heart filled to overflowing with love for her and their daughter. When she was finished singing, he stood and walked over to her, leaned down and gently kissed her, caressing Brianna's head with his hand. "I love you both so much," he told her, emotion in his voice.

She looked up at him, a smile on her face. "And we love you, too, don't we, Little One?" She caressed her daughter's head. "I'm so happy to be home, Daniel," she sighed. "I have everything I could ever want right here in this room."

"Almost everything," he told her, smiling at her. "The girls aren't in here."

"They're probably hiding. They may not know what to think of the baby. Just give them time, and they'll get used to her."

"Okay. In the meantime, I'm done and just need to shut the computer off, so why don't we get Brianna ready for bed?"

She nodded, pulling Brianna's mouth away from her breast. She adjusted her bra and blouse, then pulled the blanket up over her shoulder. Lifting Brianna to her shoulder, she rubbed and patted Brianna's back until she let out a good, long burp.

"Are you ready?" he asked after shutting down the computer.

She nodded, and let Daniel help her up out of the chair. Together they locked the doors of the house and headed upstairs to the nursery. Once inside, she handed Brianna to him, and he gently laid her down in the crib. Then she covered Brianna with the blanket. Finally, she went over to the small dresser and picked up the baby monitor receiver and walked back to the crib, gently caressing Brianna's tiny head. "Good night, Little One. We love you."

Daniel leaned down and gently kissed his daughter's head. "Sweet dreams, Little One."

Together they headed into their bedroom, and she put the receiver on the nightstand next to their bed. "There. Now we can hear her if she cries during the night."

He nodded and got ready for bed, turning down the blankets.

She got ready and joined him. "I'll take a look at the breast pump tomorrow," she said as she snuggled down next to him, laying her head on his chest. She smiled, sighing. "Home in our own bed. This is nice, sweetheart. I missed our bed."

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. "I know. But I also missed making love to you. You know we weren't able to do that for the last month of your pregnancy."

"I know," she said. "I missed that, too."

"So what are we going to do about that, Mrs. Jackson?" he asked her, putting a finger underneath her chin and tilting it up toward him.

She saw the desire in his eyes, and felt the desire growing inside her as well. "What do you suggest, Dr. Jackson?"

He showed her, slowly and tenderly making love to her.

March ended and April came, with the both of them settling into a routine with Brianna. Easter was spent at home, with Caitlin making a delicious ham dinner. The only thing that marred the new family's time together were the emails they were getting. They were from Brian and Tiffany.

"Here's another one, sweetheart," Daniel told her one afternoon, an angry look on his face as he showed her the email.

To: Daniel Jackson

From: Colorado Springs Realtors CST

Subject: Not just another realtor

Hey nerdy bookworm! Did you see that the housing market went up today? Now I'm making more money than ever! And Tiffany and I are gonna buy a house even better than yours! Besides all that, Tiffany is pregnant with twins! That beats your one baby hands down. So we really are gonna be better than you and your 'nothing' wife soon enough!

Daniel slammed his fist down on the desk. "I can't believe they're doing this! They just won't quit!"

Caitlin put her arms around his shoulders. "I know, sweetheart, but getting mad won't help matters."

He turned to her. "I know, but they have to be stopped. They can't keep harassing us like this."

"Maybe they'll stop once they get this new house he talked about. Besides that, they'll be busy with twins soon enough. They won't have time to bother us anymore."

He eyed her dubiously. "Well, maybe you're right. In any case, we'd better save this one with the other emails just in case." He turned back toward the computer, saving the email in a special folder. Then he shut down the computer, taking Caitlin in his arms. "You don't believe what he wrote, do you? About you being 'nothing'?"

She shook her head, smiling at him. "No, I don't. I know that I'm the most important person to you and to Brianna, and that's all that matters."

He leaned in and tenderly kissed her. "I love you so much, you know."

"I love you too. Let's go make some supper."

Caitlin finally went back to work six weeks later, and was there when Lacey came to open up the store. "Hi, Lacey!" she called out to her best friend.

"Caitlin, welcome back!" Lacey went over to her and hugged her. "I'm so glad you're back. We missed you."

"I missed you guys, too. I brought pictures," she said as Lacey unlocked the back door, walking inside with her. "So how have things been going?"

"Things have been busy what with people getting colds and such, but nothing we couldn't handle with Karissa here. But now you're back, so I let her go back to school." Lacey hung up her coat, putting on an apron. "But I gave her teachers a glowing report about her time here. She really did a wonderful job and learned things around here fast."

Caitlin took off her jacket and hung it up, putting her apron on as the back door opened up again, and Melinda and Karyn walked in. "Caitlin! Welcome back," they both told her, smiling at her.

"Thanks, it's good to be back. So what do we do first, Lacey?" Caitlin asked.

"First, let's put our stuff away, then we can see the pictures you brought."

Caitlin nodded, and followed Lacey into the office, pulling out the pictures before putting her purse away, Melinda and Karyn right behind them. "We took these soon after she came home," she explained, handing Lacey the photos.

"Oh Caitlin, she's beautiful!" Lacey exclaimed, smiling. "And she's got a lot of hair. Sabrina didn't, but she does now." Lacey took the pictures and handed them to Karyn.

"She really is beautiful, Caitlin. How old is she now?"

"About a month-and-a-half old, and she's getting bigger every day," she told them all, smiling. "You might even get to see her tonight after work."

"That's great. Well, she's beautiful, and it's good to have you back," Lacey reiterated, handing back the pictures to Caitlin. "Let's get to work."

At the base, Daniel was working in his lab when Sam, Cam, and Teal'c walked in. "So any new information on the Sangraal, Jackson?" Cam asked him, leaning against his work table.

Daniel pushed up his glasses. "Not at the moment. I just wish The Others had given us more information."

"But they didn't, so we have to find something," Cam told him, a worried look on his face.

Daniel threw up his hands. "I know. I just don't know where to look next."

"Don't worry, Daniel," Sam told him soothingly. "You'll find what we're looking for soon."

"I sure hope so."

"In the meantime, we have come to ask about your daughter," Teal'c said, changing the subject. "How might she be doing?"

Daniel smiled and reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a few pictures. "Here. Have a look at her yourself." He handed them to Teal'c.

He quickly flipped through the pictures, then handed to Sam. "She is indeed beautiful, and it appears she is growing bigger every day."

Daniel nodded. "That she is, Teal'c. She's about a month-and-a-half old, and she's also discovering new things every day, too."

"Have you thought about getting her baptized?" Sam asked him. "The chaplain could do it for you if you wanted."

Daniel thought about that for a moment. "I'm not that religious Sam, but in many cultures they had what they call a naming ceremony. The parents would have an officiant or leader bless and name the child. I'll talk to Caitlin about that tonight when we get home."

"So who is taking care of her while you're working?" Cam asked.

"She's here in the daycare we have on base. That way I can check in on her if I want to, or if they need me to."

"What about feeding her? I thought Caitlin was breast feeding her?" Sam asked him, curious.

"She is," Daniel explained. "She's expressing the milk at home before we go to work, and I bring it with me. The daycare then stores it there for when Brianna gets hungry."

Sam nodded in understanding.

Teal'c checked the clock on the wall. "Please excuse me. I have a workout I must attend in a few minutes with SG5. I will see you at lunch, Daniel Jackson."

"See you, Teal'c," Daniel called out as the big Jaffa bowed slightly and left the room.

"Yeah, we'd better get going and let you get back to work as well, Daniel," Sam said, looking at Cam as she set the pictures on his desk. "We'll meet you in the mess hall for lunch."

"Right," Cam echoed. "See you later, Jackson."

"See you later," Daniel called out as his two friends left. He pulled out the pictures of his daughter, quickly looking through them and smiled. Then he put them away and got back to work.

Later that afternoon Daniel was working hard on a translation when he got a phone call. "Dr. Jackson," he answered.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson. This is Sara from the daycare, and I'm calling because your daughter won't stop crying and fussing."

He immediately became concerned. "Have you tried feeding her?"

"Yes. We've tried feeding her, changing her diaper, everything. She just won't stop fussing."

He set his pencil down and stood. "I'll be there in a few moments." He could hear her breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Dr. Jackson. We'll be waiting for you."

He hung up the phone and quickly organized his desk, shutting off the lights. Then he left his office and headed up toward the daycare.

Sarah was pacing the floor with a fussy Brianna when Daniel came into the daycare, showing his ID badge. "Dr. Jackson," she told him, cradling Brianna near her shoulder. "I'm so sorry to call you away from work, but she just won's stop fussing."

Daniel smiled at her. "It's okay. I needed a break anyway."

She smiled at him, then carefully handed Brianna to him. "Shh, Little One," he told his daughter, trying to calm her. He put her up to his shoulder and patted her back, but she didn't stop fussing. He brought her down into his arms and softly sang her a lullaby, rocking her gently.

Brianna stopped crying, and listened to the sound of her daddy's voice, and soon her eyelids became heavy and she fell fast asleep.

"That was amazing," Sarah told him, smiling at him as she took the sleeping baby from him. "You really should sing more often."

He shook his head. "I only sing for Caitlin and Brianna."

"Well, at any rate, it put her right to sleep. Thank you so much!"

"Not a problem. If you have any more trouble, please don't hesitate to call me."

"Of course," she told him. "Thanks again for coming up."

Daniel nodded, and left the daycare headed back to his office to finish the day.

It was late in the afternoon, and Caitlin was helping the others clean up the store.

"So what are your plans for the night, Caitlin?" Lacey asked.

"I plan to get home, and rest. I can't remember being so tired!"

"It's like that after taking a break like you did," Lacey explained to her. "I was the same way after having Sabrina."

"Does it get any better?" Caitlin asked her.

"In time. Your body has to get used to the swing of things again, and you have to get used to nighttime feedings and such. But it does get better."

Caitlin smiled as she heard a knock on the front door. She turned and saw Daniel standing there, smiling. She went to let him in. "Hi, handsome!" she told him, quickly kissing him. "Where's Brianna?"

"Waiting in the Durango," he told her.

"Can you go get her?"

"Sure. I'll be right back." He turned around and went back to the vehicle, getting the car seat out and bringing it inside.

Caitlin closed the door behind him, locking it again. "Lacey, Daniel's here with Brianna."

Lacey, Karyn and Melinda all stopped what they were doing and came to the front of the store where Caitlin was getting little Brianna out of her car seat. Caitlin took off her small jacket, hat and mittens, laying them on the counter, then settled Brianna into her arms, turning so the others could see her.

"Oh Caitlin, Daniel, she just beautiful!" Lacey gushed, smiling and cooing at Brianna.

"Yes, she's gorgeous!" the others echoed.

"She has such brilliant blue eyes, just like yours Caitlin," Lacey commented. "May I?"

"Of course!" Caitlin smiled and handed Brianna to her.

"So have you two thought about when you want to have her baptized?" Karyn asked them both.

"We haven't talked about it yet," Daniel told her. "But we'll let you know when we decide to."

"Okay," Karyn nodded.

"I can't believe how much hair she has!" Lacey exclaimed. "Sabrina had almost no hair when she was born, but now she has lots of hair."

"We couldn't believe it either," Daniel admitted. "We were just glad she was healthy."

"We'd better get her home," Caitlin said as she heard Brianna fussing. "I think she's hungry."

Lacey nodded, handing Brianna back to Caitlin who put Brianna's hat, coat, and mittens back on her. Then she put Brianna back into the car seat, handing her to Daniel as she went to put her own jacket, hat, and mittens on.

"Are we ready to go?" Daniel asked her as she came back into the room.

"Yes. Let's head home." She turned to her friends. "See you tomorrow!"

The others said their goodbyes as Caitlin and Daniel walked out with Brianna to the Durango. She got in as Daniel buckled the car seat back in behind them, then got in and started for home.

"I have something to tell you," he told her as he drove through the snowy, slushy streets towards home. "I got a call from the daycare today about Brianna."

Caitlin became worried. "What was wrong? Was she sick?"

"No, no! She was just fussing a lot more than usual. They couldn't calm her down, so they called me."

"What did you do?" she asked him, breathing a sigh of relief.

"First I took Brianna in my arms and tried to calm her down. When that didn't work, I did the only thing I could think of and sang to her. It put her right to sleep."

She smiled at him, patting his arm. "She remembers you sang to her before she was born. She remembers your voice."

He nodded to her as he turned into their driveway and drove around and into their garage, parking the vehicle. "Sarah, one of the dacare providers, was really impressed. She told me I should sing more often. I told her I only sing for you and Brianna."

"She should be impressed," she told him as she got out. She reached into the back and grabbed the diaper bag as he got out and grabbed the car seat. "You have a wonderful voice."

They got into the house, and Daniel sat the car seat down. He ran his fingers through his hair nervously. "Thank you sweetheart," he told her, blushing. "But it's like I said. I only sing for you and Brianna."

Caitlin nodded and undid her jacket and scarf, hanging them on a hook near the washer and putting her gloves in her pockets. Then she bent and undid the buckles of the car seat, taking Brianna out and taking off her jacket, hat and mittens as she wailed in protest. "She sure is fussy today. I'm sure she's just hungry." Caitlin put her up to her shoulder, gently rocking back-and-forth as she rubbed Brianna's back.

"Why don't you go feed her, and I'll make supper. I can just rewarm the hot dish we had last night," he suggested as he took off his jacket, scarf and mittens and put them away.

She looked at him. "Are you sure?"

He smiled at her, running his hand over Brianna's head. "I'm sure. Just go into the family room and I'll let you know when it's ready. Or we can wait awhile to eat. It's totally up to you."

"Let's wait until I'm done feeding Brianna. That way we won't have to let the food get cold again."

"Okay. I'll just work here at the kitchen table while you feed her. We have some bills to pay, including the mortgage payment, so I'll do that."

She smiled at him, leaned in and kissed him. "We love you."

"Love you, too," he told them, love filling his already-full heart to overflowing.

They separated, and Caitlin walked into the family room, grabbing a blanket and settling down into the recliner. She carefully laid fussy Brianna into her lap, and undid the buttons on her blouse, exposing herself. "Shh, Mommy's here Little One," she told Brianna as she carefully pulled out the footstool. Picking Brianna up, she settled her at her breast, reclining back into the chair as she sang a quiet song.

Daniel quietly grabbed a few supplies and a glass of water as he sat down at the table. He sat for a moment, listening to her singing, then got to work. As he finished up the last of the bills and got them ready for the mail, he listened and didn't hear her singing anymore. He quietly got up and went down into the family room, checking on her. Looking down into the recliner chair, he saw Brianna lying in Caitlin's arms fast asleep, and Caitlin fast asleep as well. He leaned down and gently kissed her head, rubbing Brianna's tiny head with his warm hand. Then he gently took her from Caitlin's arms and put her in the playpen, covering her with a tiny blanket. Next, he turned back and gently pulled Caitlin's shirt back over her chest and covered her with a blanket. Finally, he went back into the kitchen and silently set the table for supper. When he was finished, he quietly padded into the family room and gently shook Caitlin.

"Ungh," Caitlin said, stretching and rubbing her eyes. She remembered and frantically looked around her. "The baby…"

"Is in the playpen sleeping," Daniel finished for her. I just put her in there a few minutes ago."

"Oh. Did I..."

"Yes, you did fall asleep sweetheart, but it's understandable. We have a baby in the house, and naturally you're tired. I let you sleep a little bit, but now supper is ready."

Caitlin slowly put the recliner back upright and stood, really stretching. Then she buttoned her blouse and leaned in, picking up their daughter. She brought her into the kitchen, then carefully handed her to Daniel.

When she got the high chair ready, Daniel put Brianna into the chair, making sure her tiny head was setting properly. Then he went to the microwave and put the leftover hot dish in, turning it on. "It shouldn't take too long," he told her as he pulled the leftover salad from the fridge along with the salad dressing. "So what do you want to do tonight?" he asked her as he waited for the microwave to finish.

"I thought we could watch a movie or something," she suggested, serving them each a small portion of the salad. "But it's up to you. Whatever you want to do is fine with me."

"That sounds like a good idea," he told her as he brought the hot dish to the table and sat down. "What did you have in mind for a movie?"

"Well, I was thinking about a Star Trek movie. You've never seen them have you?"

"Only a couple of them, not all of them." He served up some of the hot dish to her, then put some on his own plate. "Which one?"

"Star Trek Nemesis," she said before taking a bite of the hot dish.

He nodded, taking a bite and thinking. "Sounds good to me. I don't have any work to do in the den, either."

"Okay." She took a bite of her hot dish. "So how was work otherwise?"

"Frustrating. I still haven't found anything on the Sangraal yet, and even Cam and the others are getting worried. But it's there. It just has to be!"

Caitlin soothingly patted his hand. "You'll find it in time. I know you will. I believe in you."

Daniel smiled at her, gratefully. "Thank you, sweetheart. I guess I just needed to hear that."

They finished their supper, Brianna watching them, and cleared away all the dishes. Then Daniel unbuckled Brianna from the high chair, and gently picked her up, taking her with them into the family room. He laid her down in the playpen, covering her up with a blanket as Caitlin found the DVD and got it ready.

"I think you'll like this one. It's really good."

"If you like it, then I know I'll like it," Daniel told her, sitting down on the couch.

She grabbed the remote and came to sit down on the couch beside him. She turned on the TV and pressed play, and soon the movie was playing.

Toward the end, he noticed that she was crying. "What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked her, concerned.

"It just the movie," she sniffled out. "I always cry when Data dies. I really liked him."

He smiled at her and handed her a tissue. "But they have that other robot, B-4, don't they?"

She wiped her eyes. "Yes, but he's not Data. It's just not the same."

He nodded in understanding, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. "Wonder why they killed him?"

"They didn't. Didn't you see? Data sacrificed himself to save the galaxy. If that machine would have gone off, millions of innocent lives would have been lost."

"I know, but the writers could have written another way of trying to save things."

Caitlin nodded, standing and shutting off the TV and DVD player and putting the movie away. "I know, sweetheart, but I read somewhere back then that Brent Spiner, the actor who played Commander Data, wanted to get out of things anyway, so I supposed they figured this was the best way."

Daniel nodded again, glancing at his watch. "It's getting late, and Brianna needs to be fed once more before we go to bed."

She nodded, coming over to the playard and picking up Brianna, settling her at her shoulder.

He picked up the playard and put it out of the way, then made sure all the doors were locked and the lights were off. Finally, he followed Caitlin upstairs into the nursery.

"Can you take her while I get settled into the chair?" she asked him.

He smiled at her, and took his daughter into his arms while she sat down in the chair and exposed herself.

She put the pillow under her right arm and held out her arms, taking Brianna from Daniel and settling her at her breast.

"Sweetheart," he said to her as he watched her nursing their daughter. "Sam asked me today if we were going to get Brianna baptized. I told her I'd have to talk it over with you."

"I know. While I was in the Infirmary, Sam and I talked about that as well. I told her I'd like to do that, but that I'd have to talk to you about it."

He looked at her, frowning, nervously running his hand through his hair. "I'm really not all that religious, sweetheart. You have to remember that I go through the Stargate every day, and I was once an Ascended being myself."

"I know, but I still want to do something. What can we do?"

He thought for a moment. "Well, we could have a naming ceremony."

"What's that?"

"It's where the parents and friends get together to welcome in the new baby and give it a name. They have someone 'officiate', if they choose to, and they state their love and commitment to the child and declare hopes for their future. Many cultures around the world and even ones we've met through the Stargate do it."

She thought about it for a moment. "Is that all they do?"

"No," he told her. "There are a few things the parents do. One is having friends speak over the child. Another is having the parents read some poetry or other things like that."

"Could we still have godparents for Brianna though?"

"Well, they usually call them 'supporting adults' or 'mentors', but if you want to call them godparents, then yes, they do."

She mulled things over in her mind for a moment, then smiled. "Okay, let's do it. But when would be the best time to have the ceremony?" she asked him.

Daniel thought for a moment, going into their bedroom and pulling down the calendar and bringing it into the nursery. "What about May fourth?" He showed her the date on the calendar. "It would give us time to plan it and to let everyone know."

Caitlin smiled. "That sounds like a good idea, sweetheart, but who would we have officiate at the ceremony?"

"We could have the base chaplain do it, or we could find someone else."

"I suppose the base chaplain could do it," she told him, thinking a moment. "Okay. You go ahead and make the plans with him, then I'll do up some invitations on the computer and get them ready."

"That sounds good," he told her as she pulled Brianna from her breast and picked her up to burp her.

"Sweetheart, have you thought about who you would want to have as godparents?" she asked him as she finished up with Brianna, handing her to him.

He took his daughter in his arms as she stood and composed herself. "No. Have you?"

She nodded, remembering what she'd told Sam before leaving the base. "I've thought about it a little bit. I was thinking that if something happened to both of us, I'd want Sam to raise Brianna, since Brianna is part Danuan and part Ascended being. So I thought I'd ask her to be one of the godparents. But I think that we should ask more than one person. What do you think?"

"I think that's a good idea too, but who else could we ask?" he asked her as he changed Brianna's diaper and got her ready for bed. He thought for a moment. "What do you think of asking Jack?"

Smiling, she took Brianna from him and cradled her in her arms, gently rocking her back-and-forth. "I think that would be a wonderful idea. What about asking Teal'c as well?"

Daniel nodded, smiling. "That's a good idea too, but who would you ask?"

Caitlin knew who she wanted, but she didn't say anything. Instead she just shook her head. "Well, I can't ask Lacey because of Brianna's background, so I'll think about that one for a little bit and let you know."

"What will you tell Lacey if she asks?"

"I'll just tell her that Sam is one of my best friends now, too, and I wanted to include her."

"Okay. In the meantime, Brianna is already asleep, and we should head off to sleep ourselves."

She nodded and gently laid Brianna down in her crib, lightly covering her with a blanket. "Good night, Little One," she said, kissing her daughter's head.

"Good night," he echoed, gently caressing her tiny head. Then he followed her out of the nursery and off to bed.

The next day at work Daniel was sitting in his office thinking about what they had talked about the night before. He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Gen. O'Neill's office," a woman answered.

"This is Dr. Daniel Jackson."

"Oh yes, Dr. Jackson. One moment."

There was a pause, then Jack came on the phone. "Daniel! Good to hear from you. How are things going with Caitlin and the baby?"

"Fine, Jack, and that's what I called about. Caitlin and I are having a naming ceremony for Brianna, and we wanted to ask you if you would be willing to be one of Brianna's godparents."

"What's a naming ceremony?"

Daniel explained it to him.

Jack was silent for a few moments. "Are you... are you sure? I mean, look at what happened with Charlie. Are you sure Daniel?"

"Jack, what happened with Charlie was not your fault. It was an accident, and yes, we're sure. Since Brianna is Ascended, Danuan, and human, we want someone who understands that and will help us raise her away from prying eyes and ears, if you know what I mean. That's why we chose you."

"Okay, but you said you wanted me to be one of them. Who else have you chosen?"

"We chose Sam and Teal'c, but Caitlin doesn't know who she wants to ask besides Sam."

"Okay. Well in that case, I'd be honored to be one of Brianna's godparents. Thanks for asking me Daniel."

Daniel smiled. "Thanks, Jack. I'll let Caitlin know. In the meantime, Brianna's doing great! She's getting bigger every day. I'll email you a couple of recent photos Caitlin took."

"Okay, Daniel. Let me know what time to be there for the ceremony, and I'll be there."

"Caitlin will be sending out invitations, which reminds me. I need to talk to the base chaplain about the ceremony as well. So I'd better get going."

"Okay. Take care, Daniel."

"Bye Jack!" Daniel hung up the phone and looked in his desk drawer for some information. He found the small book he was looking for and flipped through it until he found the right name. Memorizing the information, he pulled out a picture, put back the book and shut the drawer, heading out of his office.

Major Paul Christopher was sitting in his office writing on his computer when there was a knock at his door. "Come in!" he called out.

Daniel opened the door and walked in. "Good afternoon, Major Christopher. Do you have a moment?"

Paul looked up and smiled. "Ah, Dr. Jackson! Come in and sit down." He gestured toward one of the chairs in front of his desk. "I'm surprised to see you. How are you?"

Daniel sat down. "I'm fine sir."

"I would like to offer you and your wife my belated congratulations on the birth of your daughter. How are Caitlin and your daughter doing?"

Daniel handed him the picture he'd brought with him. "They're just fine, and that's what I wanted to come and talk to you about. I have an unusual request for you.

Paul looked at it, smiling, then handed it back to Daniel. "Of course! What is it?"

"Caitlin and I would like to do something special for our daughter, but since I'm not that religious, we decided to have a naming ceremony for her. We want to name her and also name her godparents as well."

"I see. Well, I've heard about a naming ceremony, but I've never performed one. What does it all entail?"

Daniel told him. "That's all there is to it."

"I see," Maj. Christopher said, pondering things for a moment, then smiled at Daniel. "I'm pleased that you came to me with this, Dr. Jackson. When were you thinking of holding the ceremony?"

"We were thinking of May fourth around two pm. Would that work for you?"

Maj. Christopher checked his calendar. "I think... yes. That would work for me. Were you thinking of holding it here at the chapel?"

Daniel shook his head. "No. We plan to have it at Jack Quinn's Pub in their banquet hall because we have friends that don't know about what really goes on here."

Maj. Christopher nodded. "That's fine. So why don't I write down a general idea of what I'd say, and you can tell me what you think."

Daniel nodded as Paul grabbed a pen and a legal pad.

In a little while he had written down a few ideas, then showed them to Daniel. "What do you think?"

"I think this would be fine, Major."

"Good. I'll just expand on it a little bit, and give you the final version later today.

"Great! I'll let Caitlin know, and she can make the invitations." Daniel stood, holding out his hand. Thank you, Maj. Christopher. We really appreciate this."

Paul shook it warmly. "You're welcome, and your daughter is beautiful."

"Thank you. Well, I'd better get back to work. Have a good afternoon. "

"And you as well," Maj. Christopher said before Daniel left the room, headed back to his own office.

At the health food store, Caitlin was handing a customer their order when the door opened and a lady came into the store. "Welcome to Nature's Best health food store. I'm Caitlin. How can I help you today?"

"Hi, my name is Amanda Cummins. I was wondering if you could show me some things for dry skin. I have very dry skin."

"How is your diet? Do you drink a lot of water every day?"

"I try to," Amanda told her.

Caitlin thought for a moment. "Well, I'd drink as much water as I could, roughly about eight glasses a day if you can. But there are some things we sell I could show you."

Amanda nodded, and Caitlin took her around the store, showing her the different products they had. When she was done, Caitlin took the items up to the register and rang them up. "Your items come to thirty-five dollars and seventeen cents."

Amanda pulled out her checkbook, writing in it, then tearing out one of the checks, handing it to Caitlin. "Thank you so much for all your help, Mrs. Jackson. I'm sure these products will work really well."

"If they don't," Caitlin told her as she put the check into the register, "just bring back the unused portion for a full refund."

Amanda smiled at her. "I will. Thank you." Then she pulled out a small card from her purse. "Say, if you know anyone who needs professional photographs taken, would you let them know about my small studio?"

Caitlin studied the card, reading it.

Photography by Amanda

1449 Westminster Road

Colorado Springs, CO

Miss Amanda Cummins,

Photographer

"I just started," Amanda explained. "And I find that word-of-mouth works really well in getting new customers."

Caitlin nodded. "That's how we get some of our customers, too." She looked up at Amanda. "Sure, I can tell our customers for you. By the way, do you do pictures of newborns?"

Amanda nodded and smiled. "Give me just one moment. I'll be right back." She went out to her car and came back, two small books in her hand. She handed one of them to Caitlin. "This is a small album of my work."

Caitlin flipped through the album, liking what she saw. "These are beautiful, Amanda! You do fantastic work."

Lacey walked up to the registers, curious. "What's going on?"

Caitlin introduced Lacey to Amanda, and showed her Amanda's album.

"These are really great, Amanda," Lacey commented.

She blushed. "Thank you. I'm pretty pleased with them myself."

"I really like these two with the infants in them." Caitlin pointed them out. "I was thinking that I'd like some professional photos taken of my husband and me, and our new daughter."

"How old is your daughter?" Amanda asked.

"She's almost two months old."

Amanda opened up her other book, flipping through the pages. "I have an opening in the afternoon on the twenty-sixth of April."

"I think that would work," Caitlin said, looking at the calendar near the registers. "What time?"

"How does three work for you?"

Caitlin smiled. "That would work just fine, if Lacey doesn't mind me having that time off."

"Of course not," Lacey said, smiling. "As long as I get a copy of the pictures."

Caitlin laughed. "Okay, okay! I promise."

"Then you have the time off."

"And you have the appointment," Amanda said, writing down Caitlin's name in her book. "Thank you, and I look forward to meeting your husband and daughter."

"No, thank you Miss Cummins, for coming in today. And if you do what I suggested, your dry skin will lessen greatly."

"I will. Thank you for all your help. See you on the twenty-sixth!" Amanda waved at Caitlin and Lacey as she walked out.

"She really does a beautiful job with her photographs," Lacey commented as they walked back to the office.

"I know," Caitlin agreed. "Thanks for letting me have the time off. Now I just have to tell Daniel so he can get the time off."

"I'm sure that he can since your appointment is over a week away. "

"I hope so. So what's up for the afternoon?"

Lacey sighed. "I have to get on the phone with that rep from that new company and see where our order is... again. Other than that and the usual walk-ins, there's nothing else really planned."

"Okay. In the meantime, I'd better get ready for Mr. Duncan. We're out of peppermints up here again."

Lacey chuckled. "Okay. Back to work it is. I'll let you know what the rep says about our order."

Caitlin nodded, put the business card in her purse, and the two of them got back to work.

It was evening in the Jackson house and the two of them were finishing up their evening meal. "Daniel, we got a new customer today. Her name is Amanda Cummins."

"Oh, that's nice. What was she in for?"

"She was in for really dry skin. I showed her some things we sell, and told her she should try to drink about eight glasses of water every day."

"That was good advice. Did she buy anything?"

"Yes, but that's not all. She showed us one of her business cards. She's a professional photographer." Caitlin got up from the table and went to her purse, pulling out the little card, then came back to the kitchen table, handing it to him.

Daniel looked over the card.

"She showed us some of her work, too," she continued. "It's really great work. I asked her if she did any portraits of newborns, and she said she does. So I thought it would be nice if we got some professional photos done of Brianna."

"Oh I see," he said, finally understanding. "That sounds like a nice idea. When were you thinking of getting her picture taken?"

"I already set up the appointment on the twenty-sixth. It's a Saturday. I already got the time off from Lacey. But it's not just for her. It's for all of us, too."

"All of us? I don't know if I can get the time off, sweetheart. I mean, finding the Sangraal is really our top priority right now."

"I know, but maybe the general would let you have the time off. It should only take a couple of hours."

"I'll ask, but I can't promise anything. Okay?"

"That's fair. Okay, I'll take that. So how was your day?"

They talked throughout the rest of supper and through doing the dishes. "So what would you like to do tonight?"

"I want to finish that book I've been reading, and I know you probably have some work in the den to finish."

Daniel nodded. "You know me too well, muirnín. I have a research paper I need to get finished. You want me to bring in the playpen?" he asked her, drying his hands on a towel.

"Would you please? That way she can be near us."

Caitlin finished up the last two dishes and put them into the drainer, then let out the dishwater, rinsing the sink. Finally she dried off her hands with the towel, walked over to the high chair and unbuckled Brianna, lifting her to her shoulders. "There's my Little One," she cooed at her as she followed Daniel into the den. He set the playpen down and Caitlin put Brianna into it, covering her up with a blanket. "I'm going to grab a can of pop. I'll get your coffee, too," she told him before heading back to the kitchen.

"Okay," he called out as she left. He turned his attention to his daughter, cooing at her and softly singing her to sleep.

"You really do have a wonderful voice," Caitlin told him as she walked in with her pop and his cup of coffee. "I like it when you sing to her, and I think she does, too."

"I know, and I like singing to her. I just love her so much, muirnín. I never thought I'd ever get to this point in my life after I lost Sha're. But now I have you and Brianna, and I'm happier than I've ever been."

Caitlin walked up to the desk and set down the pop and coffee mug, then went into Daniel's arms. "I know, muirnín. I feel the same way. I have you, I have my mom, and now we have her. Life is really good."

"Speaking of your mom, we should go visit her soon. I'm sure she'd like to see Brianna and how big she's getting, plus she'll want to have some sort of ceremony for Brianna on Danu I bet."

"I never thought about that, but I'm sure she will. When would we go and visit her?"

"Soon. Right now let's get through the naming ceremony. In the meantime, I'd better get to work, and you'd better get to reading, because Brianna will be getting hungry soon."

She nodded, smiling. "Okay." She grabbed her pop and set it on a coaster on the table by the overstuffed chair, then she grabbed her book from the chair and sat down, covering up her legs with the coverlet from the back of the chair. She opened up her book and started reading.

Later on in the evening, Caitlin closed up her book, finishing up the last of her pop, and folded up the coverlet, putting it back on the chair. She stood stretching, and leaned in, checking on Brianna. Then she went over to the desk and leaned down, kissing the top of Daniel's head. "Are you almost finished, sweetheart?"

Daniel stopped his typing, looked up at his wife and smiled. "Just let me save everything and shut down the computer, then we can go to bed."

"Why don't you wait a moment? Save your work, then start my Photoshop program. I want to do those invitations before going to bed."

"What about Brianna?"

"She's still sleeping. She'll be okay."

"Okay." He quickly saved his writing, then opened up her program for her. "Here you go."

He stood, and she sat down. Grabbing the mouse, she started creating the invitations with Daniel watching her. "I thought I'd use a picture of Brianna I took and make it into the invitation."

"How so?" he asked her with interest.

"Just watch." She took the picture she wanted, and in a little while had created a picture she liked. "What do you think?"

"It's really pretty, sweetheart. I really like it."

"Just let me print off one, and we can go to bed. Then I can have more copies made tomorrow after work." She turned on the printer, letting it warm up, then printed out one of the newly made invitations. She carefully handed it to Daniel. "Be careful! The ink is still wet."

"Okay. This turned out really beautiful, sweetheart," he told her, handling the paper by the edges. "Why don't you grab a file folder from the drawer to put it in, then you can set it near your purse so you won't forget it."

"That's a good idea. Thank you," she told him as she grabbed a file folder from one of the desk drawers. She took the now-dry invitation and put it in the folder. "I'll just go put this by my purse and be right back. I'll also make sure the door to the garage is locked."

Daniel nodded at her before she left, then made sure the computer was shut down and the front door was locked. Then he carefully picked up his daughter and met Caitlin near the bottom of the steps. Together the three of them headed upstairs and to bed.

The days flew by and soon it was the twenty-sixth. The general had let Daniel have the afternoon off, so he hurried home to shower and change. Caitlin was already there, and she had given Brianna a bath. "Hi honey," she said as she wrapped a big, fluffy towel around Brianna and put her up to her shoulder. "I'm almost done with the baby."

"That's good," he told her, quickly kissing her after he hung up his jacket. "And how's my Little One today?" he cooed at Brianna, tickling her under her chin.

Brianna smiled at him, her eyes focused on him.

"Well, I'll get a quick shower and change," he told Caitlin. "What do you think I should wear?"

She thought for a moment. "I think you should wear the green and white-striped long-sleeved shirt and your good blue jeans. I'm wearing what I have on."

"Okay," he told her, smiling at her and giving her another quick kiss. "I'll be down in a little while. What time do we have to be there?"

"We should be there a little before three. That's what time our appointment is."

He nodded. "Okay. Be down soon." He left the kitchen and headed upstairs.

Caitlin cooed at Brianna as she dried her off while taking her upstairs into the nursery, putting her down on the changing table. "That's a good girl," she said to Brianna as she put on a fresh diaper. She left her on the changing table, turning to get her a fresh outfit. She pulled out one of the pretty dresses they'd been given at the baby shower and put it on her. "I know, Little One," she said as she dressed her, Brianna wailing in protest. "We need to look pretty for the pictures." She finished up, picking up Brianna and putting her to her shoulder. "There now, all done!" She patted Brianna's back as she walked into the bedroom. "We're ready whenever you are, sweetheart," she told Daniel."

Daniel finished in the bathroom, and quickly got dressed, putting on the outfit she'd suggested. He finished by putting on his dress watch, then turned and saw Brianna and Caitlin. "Oh sweetheart, Brianna looks so pretty. Is that a new dress?"

She shook her head. "No, it's one of the dresses we got at the shower."

"Well, our little girl is pretty, and so is her mother," he said, smiling at her as he took her into his arms and kissed her, caressing Brianna's tiny head. "I'm ready if you are."

"We're ready, so let's head out."

Daniel followed Caitlin and Brianna downstairs and helped Caitlin put on Brianna's little jacket, hat and mittens. Then he helped Caitlin put on her own jacket. When they were ready to go, they went into the garage, putting the baby into her car seat. Finally they got into the Durango and backed out and out to the street, headed for the studio.

Amanda was setting a few things up in her studio when the bell to the front door chimed. "Be with you in a moment!" she called out. She finished setting up, then walked into the front of the studio. "Hi, Mrs. Jackson! Welcome to my studio."

"Hi, Amanda," Caitlin told her, smiling. "I'd like you to meet my husband, Daniel."

Amanda smiled at Daniel, holding out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Daniel smiled back, shaking her hand. "Caitlin told me how great your pictures are, and I can see that she was right," he told her, motioning toward some of the pictures on the walls.

Amanda blushed. "Thank you. I try to do my best." She looked toward the car seat. "So that must be your daughter."

"Yes," Caitlin told her as she pulled the blanket off the car seat, revealing Brianna sleeping.

"She's just beautiful," Amanda commented warmly. "Well, shall we get started? Just follow me." She led them into the back where the camera was set up. "You can just set your things back here," she told them, pointing to one of the corners.

Daniel and Caitlin nodded and took off their jackets, putting them over the chairs. Then Caitlin bent down and unbuckled Brianna from her car seat, picking her up. She took off Brianna's coat, hat and mittens and put them into the car seat. She cradled Brianna in her arms, pulling at her dress to make sure it was unwrinkled. Finally, Caitlin smoothed out her own skirt and made sure her hair was okay. "We're ready," she told Amanda.

"Okay, the first pose I want to do is with the two of you together holding your daughter. Daniel, I'd like you to stand here," and she positioned him where she wanted him. "And Caitlin, I'd like you to stand beside him with Brianna between the two of you." She helped Caitlin get into position and position Brianna in between them both. Then she stood back, took a look, and smiled. "Okay, just stay there." Amanda went back to her camera and adjusted a few things. "Stay still, and smile!"

Daniel and Caitlin smiled, and Amanda took the picture. "Okay, you can relax now. Just let me change a few things here." She set about moving the flash umbrellas and the camera, then told them to stand still. She snapped a few more pictures and poses of them, then stopped. "Okay, I want to get one of Daniel and Brianna. Daniel, I'm going to need you to take off your shirt for this one. There's a changing room right over there you can use," and she pointed to it.

Daniel nodded and went in to change, taking off his shirt and undershirt. Finally he came out of the room.

"Okay Caitlin, I need to have Brianna's dress off for this one as well," Amanda told Caitlin. "What I want to do is get a picture of Daniel holding Brianna and kissing her."

Caitlin nodded and carefully laid Brianna down on one of the chairs in the back, taking off her little dress. She set the dress down on the chair and picked up Brianna, handing her to Daniel.

"Where do you want us?" Daniel asked Amanda.

"Just give me a second to change this background," she said as she pulled on a short rope attached to the background scenery. A black background dropped down, and Amanda adjusted it, carefully putting it into the right position she wanted. Then she turned her attention to Daniel. "Okay, if you'd stand right here," and she pointed to a spot on the floor. "Then I want you to hold Brianna using your right hand to cradle her head."

Daniel put Brianna into his arms and held her. "Like this?" he asked Amanda.

She nodded. "Yep. Now I want you to kiss her forehead and hold that pose."

Daniel nodded and gently kissed Brianna's forehead, staying still as Amanda took a couple of shots.

"Okay, you can relax now. Now I want to get a couple of shots with Caitlin and the baby. Daniel, you can put your shirt back on. Caitlin, I'd like to get some shots of Brianna alone if I can."

They both nodded, Daniel handing Brianna to Caitlin and going to get dressed. Caitlin went with Amanda to the pedestal set up in front of the camera and carefully laid Brianna down on it.

Amanda went to a box nearby and pulled out a few items including a crocheted hat. Putting it on Brianna, she asked Caitlin to stand nearby. "Just to be there so she won't fuss or fall off," she told her.

Caitlin nodded and watched Amanda catch a few candid shots of Brianna.

"Okay, all finished!" Amanda told them as Daniel came out of the changing room. She went and took the props away from Brianna, putting them away. Finally she carefully picked up the baby and handed her back to Caitlin. "I can show you some of the shots now if you like. That way you can choose the ones you want prints of."

Daniel turned toward Caitlin, who nodded. "Okay," he told Amanda. "Where do you want us?"

Amanda pointed to her desk. "Just over there is fine. Just let me get something and I'll join you there in a moment." She went to her camera and pulled out the small memory card, bringing it with her to the desk. Sitting down, she put it into her laptop and soon had the pictures pulled up onto the screen. She waited while Caitlin dressed Brianna again and the three of them had sat down in front of her desk. "Okay, here's what we took today. You choose the ones you like the best." She slowly flipped through a few of the pictures, letting them take their time to look at each one closely. She stopped at one, pointing it out. "I really like this one. We caught Brianna just when her eyes were open."

Daniel nodded. "I agree. That's a good one of us. What do you think, sweetheart?"

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Yes, let's take that one."

Amanda wrote the picture's information down on a piece of paper. Then she continued on. She flipped through some more of the pics, and stopped at one of Daniel and Brianna. "I really liked this one of you and your daughter, Daniel," she commented warmly. "Especially in the black-and-white."

"Oh Daniel, that's beautiful!" Caitlin exclaimed as she gently rocked Brianna in her arms. "Let's get that one, too."

"Okay," he said, nodding his head in agreement. "Are there any more?" he asked Amanda.

She nodded, flipping through the last few pictures. "That's all of them," she said finally. She looked down at her piece of paper. "So I have the one of the three of you, and the one with just Daniel and Brianna. Any others?"

"Yes," Caitlin said. "I really like that one of Brianna in the hat you put on her. I'd like one of those."

Daniel nodded in agreement. "You really caught her beautiful eyes in that one."

"Thank you. Now, what size would you like, and how many prints of each?"

Well, I'd like at least two of Daniel and Brianna," Caitlin told her. "One to keep at home and one for Daniel's office." Then she remembered something. "Can we get a few of this one in a wallet size?" she asked.

Amanda nodded and wrote that down. "How many?"

"Probably about fifteen or so," Caitlin told her. "That way we can give some to our friends."

Amanda wrote that down. "And the other ones?"

"I think we should get a couple of those as well. Don't you sweetheart?" Caitlin asked Daniel.

He nodded in agreement.

"Okay, now what size were you thinking? The most common size is eight-and-a-half-by-eleven."

Caitlin thought for a moment. "That beautiful tri-frame I got you for your office is five-by-seven, isn't it?"

Daniel nodded. "So maybe one of each in the five-by-seven, and one in the larger size for home."

Amanda wrote it down, and smiled. "Well, I think that's it. I'll get these started right away, and get them to you as soon as possible, say in a few days. When I'm done, do you want me to drop them off at your home?"

"No, you can just drop them off at the health food store," Caitlin told her. "By the way, how is your skin doing?"

"Much better, thank you. I try to drink as much water as I can during the day, and I make sure to put on that moisturizing lotion every night before bed. It really works."

"Good," Caitlin said as Brianna started fussing. "Well, I think it's time for someone's nap." She adjusted Brianna up to her shoulder and gently patted her back, rocking her back-and-forth. "Shh, Little One. Mommy's here." She turned toward Daniel. "We should get her home."

He nodded, and stood, going to get the car seat. He put it on the chair, and held out Brianna's little coat to Caitlin.

"I think we got everything, so I'll deliver the photos to the health food store in a few days."

"Okay. So how much do we owe you today?"

Amanda pulled out a calculator and typed in a few numbers. "Your session today comes to one hundred fifteen dollars and thirty-five cents."

Daniel pulled out his checkbook and wrote a check, handing it to her.

Amanda took the check and wrote them a receipt, handing it back to Daniel. "Thanks for coming in Daniel, Caitlin, and thank you for letting me meet little Brianna."

"No, thank you, Amanda," Caitlin told her, smiling at her after she finished putting Brianna's hat and mittens on her. "You did such a beautiful job, and the photos will turn out fantastic, I'm sure."

"Yes, thank you," Daniel echoed Caitlin as she buckled Brianna into the car seat. "You're an amazing photographer."

Amanda blushed as Daniel and Caitlin finished getting their coats on. "I do what I can with the talents I've been given. But thank you just the same. And if you know of anyone needing photos taken, maybe you could recommend me."

"Of course!" Daniel told her. "We'd be glad to."

"Thank you, and please don't hesitate to come again soon."

"We will. Bye!" Caitlin told her as Daniel picked up the car seat. She grabbed her purse, and the three of them headed home.

The preparations for the naming ceremony were coming along, and Caitlin had sent out the invitations and printed out the poems they both wanted to read at the ceremony. She had also found out from Sam when Cassie would be visiting again. Sam had told her, and now Caitlin was sitting down with Cassie at Jazzed on Java during one of her lunch hours talking about the naming ceremony. "Thanks for coming, Cassie," she told her.

"You're welcome. Sam said you wanted to talk to me about something."

Caitlin nodded. "I do. We're going to be having a naming ceremony for Brianna soon, and I wondered if you'd like to be a part of it."

"What's a naming ceremony?" Cassie asked her.

Caitlin explained it to her. "We've chosen Jack and Teal'c as two of her godparents, and I chose Sam. But I wanted to ask you about the other person I've chosen."

Cassie looked at her, confused. "Who's that?"

Caitlin told her.

Cassie looked surprised. "I'm surprised at your choice Caitlin, but why are you telling me this?"

"Because I wanted to get your approval." Caitlin explained her reasons to Cassie. "Sam is the only one other than you who knows about this."

Cassie thought about it for a moment, then smiled. "I think that's really nice of you Caitlin, and no, I won't tell Daniel."

"Thank you," Caitlin told her, a smile on her face, sighing. "I just wish my mother could be there, you know?"

"I understand. You miss her." Cassie thought about her own mom. "You never met my mother Caitlin, but she was a great person. I got my desire to become a doctor from her. She took me in when there was no one left of my people, and loved me as her own daughter. You would have liked her, and I'm sure she would have liked you."

"Why thank you," Caitlin told her, blushing slightly. "That's kind of you to say."

"You're welcome. So how is Brianna doing?"

Caitlin pulled out some photos she'd brought with her and handed them to Cassie.

"Oh she's beautiful," Cassie gushed. "And her eyes are so brilliantly blue like yours. Are her tears blue as well?"

"Yes. But it doesn't stain anything when she cries."

"Well, I'll be happy to stand up there with you and represent my mom."

"Thank you." The server came over with their checks, but Caitlin took them both. "It's my treat," she explained to Cassie as she handed her credit card to the server.

"Thank you," Cassie told her, smiling at her.

Caitlin smiled back as the server brought back the card and slips, then signed them. Then she checked her watch. "I'd better get back to work, so we'll see you on the fourth." She stood and put on her jacket, grabbing her purse.

Cassie stood as well. "Okay. We'll see you then. Tell Daniel hello for me."

"I will, Cassie, and thank you." Caitlin hugged the young woman. "Take care now."

"I will. Bye!"

The two of them walked out of the restaurant, and Caitlin got into the Durango, headed back to work. She pulled up in the back of the store and parked, going inside.

"So how was lunch?" Lacey asked as Caitlin grabbed an apron and put it on.

"It went well. I met with Cassie and told her about the ceremony, and that we wanted her to be a part of it all because of her mom. She was such a good friend to Daniel and the others." She stopped for a moment. I wish I could have met her."

"So what did Cassie say?"

"She said yes, she'd love to." Caitlin eyed Lacey. "Are you sure you're not disappointed we didn't chose you and Jason?"

Lacey quickly put her at ease. "Of course not! We understand completely."

Caitlin smiled at her best friend. "Good. I'm glad, and I'm glad you can all come to the ceremony."

"We wouldn't miss it, you know that."

"Would you mind taking some pictures of the day for us?" Caitlin asked her.

"Of course! Just bring your camera to the ceremony, and I can do that for you."

Caitlin breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Lacey."

"No problem!" She heard the doorbell to the front door chime and turned around to see a customer walk in. "Well, I'm glad things are working out so well. For now, let's get to work."

As they were working, the door opened again and Amanda walked in.

"Hi, and welcome to Nature's Best health food store. My name is Karyn. How can I help you today?"

"Hi, my name is Amanda Cummins, and I'm here to see Caitlin."

"Oh yes! She told me about the pictures you took of her, Daniel and Brianna. Just let me get her." Karyn walked to the back of the store where Caitlin was putting away some products. "Caitlin, there's someone to see you. Her name is Amanda Cummins."

Caitlin smiled at Karyn. "Oh good! She probably brought the pictures. Would you please go get Lacey if she's not busy and come up to the registers?"

Karyn nodded and left while Caitlin went up to talk to Amanda. "Hi, Amanda!"

"Hi, Caitlin! I have the pictures for you." She handed a large manila envelope to Caitlin.

Caitlin took them up to the registers where Lacey and Karyn met her. She opened up the envelope and pulled out the pictures. "Oh Amanda," Caitlin breathed looking at each one in turn. "These are simply gorgeous!" She handed them to Lacey.

"Oh wow Caitlin, you're right. These are so beautiful!" She handed them to Karyn, who agreed.

"Thank you so much!" Caitlin told Amanda heartily. "You truly outdid yourself."

Amanda blushed. "Thank you, but I also had good subjects to photograph."

"So where will you put these?" Karyn asked.

"The smaller ones will go with Daniel to work, and the larger ones we'll put in frames and hang them at home."

"Hey, you owe me a copy of one of the pictures for letting you have the afternoon off," Lacey reminded Caitlin.

She thought for a moment. "That's right, I do." She looked in the envelope and smiled, pulling out a couple of the smaller pictures, handing one to Lacey and one to Karyn. "Here you go."

Lacey smiled, looking at the picture. "This is perfect! I can't wait to show Jason."

"Thank you Caitlin," Karyn replied.

"You're welcome, and thanks again, Amanda. You did a beautiful job."

"Thank you, and you're welcome." Amanda glanced at her watch. "Well, I have an appointment coming in at one thirty, so I'd better get going. Enjoy the pictures, and please recommend me to your friends."

"We will," Lacey told the young woman, smiling.

"Have a good day," Caitlin told her as she walked Amanda to the front door of the store. 'Bye!"

"Bye," Amanda called out before she left.

Caitlin shut the door and walked back to the registers. "These really did turn out great, didn't they?"

Lacey and Karyn nodded. "They sure did," Lacey commented. "I really like that one of Daniel and Brianna together."

Karyn agreed. "So do I. It's such a tender moment."

Caitlin sighed, putting the rest of the photographs back into the envelope. "Thank you both. I can't wait for Daniel to see them."

Lacey smiled at her. "He'll see them tonight." The door chimed, and a man walked into the store. "Karyn, why don't you take him, and Caitlin and I will finish up the stocking."

Karyn and Caitlin nodded, and the three of them got back to work.

Later that evening while they were eating supper, Daniel asked Caitlin who else she'd chosen as a godparent.

"It's a surprise," she told him. "You'll find out at the ceremony."

Daniel looked at her, a concerned look on his face. "Don't you think I have a say in who we choose as godparents?"

Caitlin looked at him, shocked. "Daniel, you know that I would never put our daughter in the hands of someone I didn't trust completely! Please, trust me when I say that who I chose is a good choice, and you will be surprised. Please!"

Daniel knew she was right. He smiled at her, patting her hand. "I know, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound angry. I just don't like surprises, that's all."

"I know, but trust me when I say you'll like this one."

"Okay. For now, let's finish our meal. You'll need to be feeding Brianna soon anyway."

Caitlin nodded in agreement, and the two of them continued eating, talking about the upcoming ceremony.

After the meal had been put away and the dishes done, Daniel grabbed a fresh cup of hot coffee and went into the den, Caitlin right behind him. He turned on the computer, letting it warm up, then went on the internet. Daniel logged in to his personal email account, and went through, deleting all his spam first. Then he checked his regular emails, finding one out of place. "Hmm, wonder who this is from?" He noted that the sender was B.W. Not recognizing who it was at first, he opened up the email and started reading.

To: Daniel Jackson

From: B.W.

Subject: It's all your fault

You son of a bitch! I lost my job today because of you! They found out I'd been sending personal emails at work, so they fired me! You told them, didn't you, you bastard! And we lost our house, too! Bet you had something to do with that as well. Well you won't get away with it! I'll find a way to get you for this! Then we'll be better than you ever were!

He decided not to mention this one to Caitlin, so he quickly saved it and got out of his account. Then he stood. "All yours," he told her as she set her pop down on the desk.

"Good! Now I can check my emails. Did you get anything interesting in yours?"

"Not really," he lied to her. "Mostly junk, as usual."

She nodded, logging in to her account. As she checked her own emails, Daniel sat down and started reading a book, waiting for her to finish and watching over Brianna. Finally she was done, and she turned the computer back over to him. "All yours again."

"Thanks sweetheart. Did you get anything interesting?"

"Lacey sent me a recipe of hers I'd been asking about, and Karyn forwarded me a really neat poem she'd found. Other than that, I got mostly junk as well."

Daniel nodded, sitting back down at the computer. "I know. Most of it is junk anyway. Well, I've got to finish this paper I'm working on, so why don't you read a book?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," she told him, leaning down and quickly kissing him. "Love you.

"Love you too, sweetheart."

The day finally arrived, and Caitlin was at home getting Brianna ready for the ceremony. She'd already given her a bath, and was putting on the beautiful new white dress that she'd bought for her for the day. "I know, Little One," she said as Brianna fussed. "I'm almost done." She buttoned up the dress in back, then laid her down in her crib as Daniel came into the room.

"Hi sweetheart," he told her, kissing her cheek. "Hi, Little One," he said to Brianna, caressing her head with his hand. "Oh muirnín, she looks beautiful! She looks so pretty in that new dress."

"I know. But she was sure fussing when I put it on her a few minutes ago."

Daniel chuckled. "I bet. So are you ready?"

"Not quite. I've only had time to get Brianna ready. I wanted to wait until you got home. I thought you could watch Brianna while I take a quick shower."

"Okay. You go ahead and get your shower. Have you fed Brianna lately?"

"Not yet. There's a fresh bottle in the refrigerator downstairs."

"Okay. I'll feed her while you take a shower."

"Thanks. Is the general coming?" she asked him.

"He said he would try. As for Dr. Lam she said she would be there if she could, too."

Caitlin just nodded, and went to take her shower as he went downstairs and quickly warmed a fresh bottle.

He came back upstairs and set the bottle down on the little table near the rocker chair. Walking over to the crib, he gently picked up his daughter and settled her into his arms, sitting in the chair. Picking up the warm bottle, he fed her as Caitlin finished in the shower.

Drying off, she quickly put on her robe and went to her sink, brushing her wet hair. She French braided it down the back, securing it with a ponytail holder and a pale blue scrunchie. After doing her makeup, she padded into the closet and pulled out one of her favorite dresses, a pale blue, short-sleeved dress that came down to her ankles. It had small, white flowers with tiny leaves all over it and a sweetheart neckline. She pulled out a slip from one of the drawers, along with her hose and her white, two-inch heels. She quickly got dressed, slipping on the shoes when she was ready. Finally, she put her watch back on and slipped on her favorite sodalite bracelet and necklace she'd made.

"You can have the bathroom now," she told him, walking back into the nursery. "So did she eat?"

Daniel looked up and smiled. "You look absolutely beautiful, muirnín. Yes, she ate. She just needs to be burped." He carefully stood and handed Brianna to Caitlin, leaning in and tenderly kissing her. "I'll be done in a minute." He headed for their bathroom and she carefully adjusted Brianna to her shoulder, gently patting and rubbing her back until she heard a good burp. "That's my good girl," she told Brianna, cooing at her. She walked back into their bedroom and into the bathroom. "Daniel, what were you planning to wear?" she asked over the sound of the shower.

He thought for a moment. "I thought I'd wear my nice navy blue suit and tie. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds fine, sweetheart. I'll go set it out for you."

"Thanks," he told her as he shut off the shower and grabbed a towel. He dried off, then wrapped up in it, padding to the sink to comb his hair and put on some cologne. When he was done, he padded out into the bedroom and got dressed, Caitlin and Brianna watching him.

"Ooh, so sexy," she flirted with him. "You have a very handsome daddy, Little One," she told Brianna, winking at him.

"And you have a very beautiful mother," Daniel told his daughter, coming over to Caitlin and taking her in his arms, kissing her tenderly and rubbing Brianna's back. "I love you."

She returned the kiss. "And I love you." She glanced at her watch, noting the time. "We should be leaving in a few minutes."

He nodded. "Okay. Just let me get my watch on." He went to the jewelery box and pulled out his dress watch, putting it on. Finally the three of them were ready, so they headed downstairs where Caitlin put on Brianna's little coat while Daniel put on his coat. Then she handed Brianna to him so she could put her own coat on. Caitlin grabbed the baby book and her camera lying on the washer by her purse, along with the diaper bag, and the three of them were ready to head out to the ceremony.

Everyone was coming to the pub, and Daniel and Caitlin pulled up in the parking lot. She handed him the book and camera as they both got out. She opened the back of the Durango and reached in, unbuckled Brianna's car seat, and pulled it out, shutting the door.

"Now be careful because everything is wet sweetheart," he warned her, grabbing the diaper bag from the car as well. "Do you want me to take her?"

She shook her head. "That's okay, I have her, and I'll be careful." She carefully navigated her way onto the sidewalk and up to the door, Daniel right behind her.

He grabbed the door and opened it, holding it open as Caitlin walked inside.

"Thank you sweetheart," she told him. She walked into the pub and towards the back of the building where there was a sign on one of the doors that said PRIVATE PARTY. She walked in the door, and saw that some of the people were already there. She looked around the room and in the front of the room she saw rows of chairs in front of a rectangle-shaped table. Underneath the table was a small stereo, and on the top was a white table cloth with a rose and a thick piece of paper. Along the side of the room she saw a long buffet table set up with a white table cloth on it, with different plates and bowls of food on it. Toward the back of the room she also saw three large, round tables with white table cloths on them and chairs around them. Caitlin turned and found a quiet corner in the back of the room and set the car seat down, unbuckling Brianna and taking off her coat. She smoothed out Brianna's hair and picked her up, straightening her pretty dress.

Daniel laid down the book and camera on a nearby chair, laying his coat on the chair as well. Setting the diaper bag near the chair, he took Brianna from Caitlin so she could take her own coat off.

"Hi Daniel, Caitlin," Sam called out.

Daniel turned toward Sam and smiled. "Hi Sam!"

"Oh Daniel, Brianna's so beautiful today!" Sam gushed. "And you both look so nice."

"Thank you," Caitlin told her warmly as she took Brianna from Daniel and got her settled. "Is everyone here?"

"Almost. We're just waiting for Jason and Lacey. Do you have the book?"

Daniel took two pieces of paper out of the book then handed it to Sam, who put it on a small table near the door to the room. She came back to Daniel and Caitlin as she heard the doors open and looked back to see Sabrina walk in with Jason and Lacey right behind them.

"Hi Jason, Lacey!" Caitlin said, smiling at them as they took off their coats and helped Sabrina with hers.

"Hi!" they said, walking over to Daniel and Caitlin.

"Here's the camera," Caitlin told Lacey, handing her a small case.

Lacey opened it and took out the camera, looking at it.

"The power button is here," and Caitlin pointed it out to Lacey. "And to take a picture, you just push this button." She showed Lacey where to push.

"Got it," Lacey told her, putting the camera back into the case. "Hey, did you hear the news? Enya is coming to Colorado Springs for a concert, and the date of it is near your birthday."

Caitlin became excited. "Really?! Oh I'd love to see her. She's one of my favorite artists! Maybe you should tell Daniel about it." She turned toward Daniel. "Sweetheart, could you come here a moment?"

Daniel nodded and came over. "What is it?"

"I was just telling Caitlin that there's an Enya concert coming up around her birthday," Lacey explained. "I think I saw something about it on TV. It's gonna be at the Pikes Peak Performing Arts Center, I think the ad said."

"Oh, I'd love to go!" Caitlin told Daniel.

"We'll have to see," he told her as Sabrina walked up to them.

"Hi Auntie Cat, Unca Daniel!" she said with a toothy grin. "What that you got in your arms, Auntie Cat?"

"This is our daughter, Brina," Caitlin told the little girl, bending down to show her. "Her name is Brianna."

"Anna?" she questioned, confused.

"Brianna," Caitlin told her again, slowly.

"Can I just call her Anna?"

Caitlin looked up at Daniel, who smiled. "I suppose so, Brina." She stood up as Major Christopher came over to the little group.

"Hello, Major Christopher," Daniel said warmly. "I'd like to introduce you to my wife Caitlin, and our daughter Brianna."

Major Christopher smiled warmly at Caitlin, shaking her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Jackson. I've heard a lot about you." He looked at Brianna. "This must be your daughter. She's beautiful!"

Caitlin smiled at him. "Thank you, Major, and thank you for officiating today. Daniel and I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome. Dr. Jackson, I've done some research, and most naming ceremonies call the other adults you've chosen 'special parents', not 'godparents'."

"Yes I know, but we've decided to keep it as 'godparents'. We thought it would be easier for Brianna when she gets older."

"I see. Well, if everyone's here, then we should begin." He went to the front of the room and stood behind the small table in front of him. He turned on the small stereo, turning the volume down to low, and called everyone's attention to him.

Beautiful Celtic music played softly in the background as everyone found a seat, Daniel and Caitlin sitting up front with Brianna.

"Good afternoon, and welcome to the naming ceremony for the daughter of Daniel and Caitlin Jackson. At this time I'd like the parents to join me."

Daniel and Caitlin stood with Brianna, standing to one side of the table, each holding a folded piece of paper.

"This is a special day for you and your daughter," Maj. Christopher began, looking at them as Lacey pulled out Caitlin's camera and started taking pictures. "This is the day that your daughter is given her full name and is welcomed into the human family completely." He spoke to Brianna. "Your parents come here today to dedicate you and pledge their love and support for you and to you." He held out his arms to Caitlin, and she carefully placed Brianna into them so as not to wake her. He smiled down at her, gently cradling her. "What name do you as parents give this child?" he asked Daniel and Caitlin.

"Brianna Claire Jackson," Daniel told him.

Then the major adjusted his hold on her, gently holding her up for everyone to see. "I hereby name you Brianna Claire Jackson. Brianna stands for someone who is strong and exalted, and Claire stands for someone who is bright and beautiful." He brought Brianna back down, handing her back to Caitlin.

"At this time Daniel would like to read a short poem to his daughter."

Daniel turned and looked at Brianna, smiling at her. Then he unfolded the piece of paper and began to read. "An Irish poem.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you."

Daniel finished up and leaned in, kissing Brianna on the forehead.

"At this time, Caitlin would like to read a poem to her daughter."

Caitlin turned and handed Brianna to Daniel, then unfolded the piece of paper she was carrying and started to read. "Another Irish blessing.

May you always have walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
May the sun shine all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And may all the wishes you wish come true.
May luck be your friend
In whatever you do
And may trouble be always
A stranger to you."

She refolded the piece of paper and turned, smiling at her daughter, kissing her forehead and taking her back from Daniel.

Maj. Christopher grabbed a piece of paper from the table and turned toward Daniel and Caitlin. "At this time I will ask Daniel and Caitlin some questions. Do you as parents promise to always love and support your child to the best of your ability? If so please answer, 'We do'."

Daniel and Caitlin both answered, "We do."

"Do you as parents promise to work hard to create a loving, cheerful and comfortable home in which to raise Brianna?"

"We do," they both answered.

"Do you as parents promise to always be ready to listen to Brianna so that she will bring to you both her joys and her concerns?

"We do."

"Do you as parents promise to teach Brianna honesty, generosity of spirit and tolerance?"

"We do."

"Do you as parents promise to do your best to teach Brianna about responsibility, not only to each other, but to the world in which we live in?"

"We do."

"And do you as parents promise to try to always be realistic in your hopes for your Brianna's future, and to accept the choices she makes as she matures?"

"We do."

Maj. Christopher smiled at them, then turned back toward all the guests. "Could I have all the godparents please come forward at this time?"

Sam, Jack, Teal'c and Cassie stood, coming forward and standing on the other side of the table facing Daniel and Caitlin. Jack and Teal'c looked at Cassie questioningly, Sam being the only one other than Caitlin who knew why she was standing there.

As they came forward, Daniel looked at Cassie coming forward with the others, confused. He waited a moment as Maj. Christopher moved to speak.

"Would you please introduce yourselves?" he asked Jack and the others.

Jack, Sam, and Teal'c introduced themselves, then Cassie introduced herself.

Daniel turned toward Caitlin. "You chose Cassie, sweetheart?"

"No, she's standing in for the person I chose."

"I don't understand. Who did you choose?"

She smiled at him. "Dr. Janet Frasier."

"She's gone, Caitlin," Jack reminded her as Daniel looked at her, still confused.

"I know. I chose her because she was such an important friend to you all and who was lost too soon, and I thought this might be a way we could honor her memory. As Brianna grows up, Cassie can tell her all about Janet and how special she was to all of you."

Daniel and the others couldn't believe she'd done that. "Oh sweetheart!" He took her into his arms and tenderly kissed her. "I love you so much. Thank you!"

Caitlin just smiled at him as he turned back to face Maj. Christopher.

"Thank you Caitlin, for that beautiful gesture. At this time Col. Carter has a poem to read to your daughter."

Sam unfolded the piece of paper she'd brought up with her and began to read. "This is from all of us. A Celtic blessing.

May the strength of the wind and the light of the sun,
The softness of the rain and the mystery of the moon
Reach you and fill you.
May beauty delight you and happiness uplift you,
May wonder fulfil you and love surround you.
May your step be steady and your arm be strong,
May your heart be peaceful and your word be true.
May you seek to learn, may you learn to live,
May you live to love, and may you love - always."

"At this time I will ask the godparents some questions. Do you as godparents promise that Brianna will be able to trust you with her thoughts, her dreams and her hopes? If so please answer, 'We do'."

"We do," Jack, Sam, Teal'c and Cassie all answered.

"Do you as godparents promise that you will always be there for Brianna, be a shoulder to cry on, someone to confide in, and a hand to hold?

"We do."

"Do you as godparents promise to teach Brianna that we can learn and benefit from both success and failure?"

"We do."

"And do you as godparents promise to find time for Brianna, to be non-judgmental and supportive and to love her?"

"We do," they all answered before coming over and gently kissing her forehead. Then they returned to stand by the table on the other side of Maj. Christopher as he picked up the rose and the piece of paper.

"At this time I would like to present Daniel and Caitlin with a certificate of this day and a beautiful red rose commemorating their daughter." He handed the certificate and the rose to Daniel, smiling at him and shaking his hand. The guests all clapped warmly for a moment, then Maj. Christopher turned back toward the guests. "I would like to encourage everyone here to sign the baby's book before you leave. It's back there by the doors to the room. I would also like to encourage you to stay and have some refreshments." He turned and smiled at Daniel and Caitlin, then at the godparents, and finally the guests. "Thank you for coming and blessing Brianna Claire today."

Everyone stood and clapped again as Jack and the others came to stand by Daniel and Caitlin. "Brianna sure is pretty today," Jack commented, smiling and cooing at Brianna.

"Indeed she is," Teal'c said, a small smile on his face. "As her name implies, she is and will be strong and beautiful."

"Thanks Teal'c," Daniel told his friend as Lacey came up to them.

"That was beautiful," Lacey told Daniel and Caitlin warmly. "I'd like to get a couple of pictures of you three with Caitlin's camera, if I could."

"Sure!" Daniel told her. 'Where would you like us to stand?"

"Right there is fine. Just come together the three of you, and I'll get the shot."

Jack, Sam, Cassie, and Teal'c moved a short distance away, and Daniel and Caitlin moved to stand beside each other with Brianna in her mother's arms.

Lacey snapped a couple of shots. "Okay, let's get a couple with the godparents and Brianna."

Caitlin carefully handed Brianna to Sam, and she and Cassie stood on one side with Jack and Teal'c on the other.

Lacey snapped a couple of shots with them as well, then Brianna started to fuss a little.

"Shh, it's okay," Sam told Brianna, rocking her gently. "I think she wants her mommy," she told Caitlin.

"She's probably getting hungry. I brought a bottle with us; it's in the diaper bag. I wonder if the pub would help us warm it?"

"Go and ask, and I'll hold Brianna," Daniel told her, taking his fussy daughter from Sam.

Caitlin went to the diaper bag and laid down the rose and envelope that Daniel had handed her. She pulled out the bottle, taking it with her up to the front of the pub. "Excuse me," she told the bartender behind the counter.

"Can I help you?" he asked her.

"Yes, I was wondering if you could warm up this bottle for me."

"Just a minute." He looked out into the main part of the bar as someone came towards him. "Sandy, can you come here a minute?"

Sandy nodded, and came over to them. "What's up, Jordan?"

"Could you please take this bottle back and warm it up for this woman?"

"Sure!" Sandy told them both. "Be right back." She took the bottle and went back towards the kitchen. In a few minutes she returned with a warm bottle. "Here you go."

Caitlin took the bottle and dripped a few drops on the underside of her wrist, testing its warmth. She smiled. "Thank you so much. Our daughter is getting a little hungry."

"Sure, no problem," Sandy told her warmly. "Glad we could help."

Caitlin smiled at them again, then turned and went back into the room. She smiled at Daniel, then sat down near the car seat and diaper bag.

Daniel walked over to her, taking the bottle in one hand, and handing Caitlin their fussy daughter.

"Shhh, it's okay, Little One," Caitlin cooed at her daughter, taking the bottle from Daniel and giving it to Brianna.

Brianna latched on and greedily began drinking the milk all gone.

"She sure was hungry," Daniel commented as he watched his daughter eating.

"Would you hand me her blanket? I want to cover her up slightly so she doesn't get chilled."

As Daniel handed her the baby's blanket, Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam came over to where they were. "Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson, Caitlin."

"Good afternoon," Daniel and Caitlin told them as Caitlin covered up their daughter with the tiny blanket.

"You'll have to excuse us, but Brianna was getting hungry," Caitlin told them as she continued to feed Brianna.

"No worries," the general told her as he smiled at her. "Dr. Lam and I just wanted to tell you that it was a beautiful ceremony."

Dr. Lam nodded in agreement. "It really was, and Brianna looked so pretty in her dress."

"Thank you, Dr. Lam," Caitlin told her as she finished up with Brianna.

"You're welcome. Well, I have a couple of patients to get back to, so I need to be going. Again, congratulations."

"Yes, congratulations again," Gen. Landry told them both, then turned toward his own daughter. "If you're ready, then we need to head back to the base." They both smiled at Brianna, then made their goodbyes as Caitlin took the bottle from Brianna.

"Daniel, could you get a burping cloth for me?"

"Sure, sweetheart!" He turned and leaned down, grabbing a small cloth from the diaper bag and handing it to her.

She put the cloth on her shoulder, then carefully lifted Brianna to it, keeping her covered. She rubbed and patted Brianna's back until she burped. "There's my good girl," she cooed at her daughter, smiling.

"Hi Daniel, Caitlin!" Karyn told them as she and Paul came up to the couple. "That was a really beautiful ceremony."

"Thanks," Daniel told them both.

"Did you get something to eat?" Caitlin asked them.

Paul nodded. "We did, thanks."

"Well, I suppose we should do the same thing. I'll be right back." Caitlin stood and went over to Jack and the others sitting down finishing up their food. "Jack, if you're done eating, would you like to hold your new goddaughter so Daniel and I can eat?"

"Ya sure, you bet'cha," he told her. He pushed his empty plate forward on the table, then took his goddaughter into his arms.

"She just ate, so she should be okay for awhile. The diaper bag is over there if you need it," and she pointed to it.

"We'll be okay," he told her as he smiled at Brianna.

"Thanks, Uncle Jack," Caitlin joked, giggling a little. She returned to where Daniel was standing, and she smiled at him. "Uncle Jack is watching our daughter," she told him, giggling again.

"Then let's go get something to eat." Daniel led her to the table of food and both of them filled their plates, grabbing some silverware and a glass of punch and going over to where the others were sitting. They found a couple of chairs at the table near Jack and sat down.

"So how is Brianna doing, Uncle Jack?" Daniel asked his friend.

At that moment Brianna started fussing again so Jack started gently rocking her back-and-forth. "It's okay Brianna," he told her, trying to calm her. Unfortunately it wasn't working. Then he started to smell something. "Um, Daniel, I think your daughter needs her diaper changed," he said, making a face and wrinkling his nose.

Daniel and the others laughed as Caitlin stood.

"Let me take her, Jack," she told him, reaching out for her daughter. She lifted Brianna into her arms and made a face. "Ooh, you're right. We'll be right back." She walked over and grabbed the diaper bag and went to the restroom to change Brianna's diaper. When she was finished, she came back, setting the bag down by the car seat and going back over to Daniel and the others at the table. "Here you go," she said, handing Brianna to him again.

This time Brianna settled right down and fell asleep in Jack's arms. "So how are things at home?" he asked Daniel.

"They're fine, Jack," he answered as he ate. "Tiring, but fine. Brianna sleeps halfway through the night now, only waking up occasionally to be fed or change her diaper."

Jack nodded. "What do you do then?"

"Well if Caitlin gets up the first time, then I do it the second. Or vice versa."

They continued to talk as Daniel and Caitlin finished the food on their plates. As they finished up, Lacey, Jason, and Sabrina came up to their table.

"Mommy says it time to go now," Sabrina told Caitlin and Daniel. "Please put on my coat Unca Daniel?" she asked, handing him her little coat.

Daniel nodded and helped the little girl with her coat. Then he gave her a hug. "Love you Brina."

"Wuv you, too," she told him, hugging him back. Then she hugged Caitlin. "Wuv you too, Auntie Cat."

"I love you, too, Brina." Caitlin then stood, hugging Lacey. "Thank you both for coming today, and thanks for taking the pictures for me."

"You're welcome," Lacey told her warmly. "I'm glad we could come. But right now we need to get home and get Sabrina down for a short nap."

"Me no want a nap!" Sabrina pouted, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she yawned.

"Be a good girl for Mommy and Daddy, Brina," Caitlin warned her gently. "Besides, I can tell you're tired."

"I no," another yawn, "tired! I want to play!"

"Let's go, Brina," Jason said, picking her up in his arms. "We'll see if you can play when we get home."

"'K Daddy," she told him, resting her head on his shoulder as they waved at everyone as they left.

"We're going to get going as well," Paul said, both of them coming over with their coats on.

"Yes. We'll see you tomorrow at work, Caitlin," Karyn told her, smiling at her.

"Okay. Drive safely!" Caitlin told them both.

"We will. Bye!" Paul and Karyn waved at everyone, then left the room.

"Well, I suppose we'd better get going ourselves," Daniel told the others. "Cassie, thank you for being here today to help us celebrate this special day. I know that as Brianna grows up, she'll love learning about your mother."

"Thank you Daniel, Caitlin," Cassie replied. "And I know that Mom would have loved Brianna so much, just like I told Caitlin Mom would have loved her as well."

"I know she would have too," Daniel replied. He turned toward Jack. "So how long are you here in town?"

"Only until tonight, then I have to catch a flight back. I've got tons of paperwork to get at tomorrow morning."

"Well, we should let you get ready to go, and we need to get Brianna home ourselves," Caitlin told him.

Jack stood as Caitlin walked over to him, taking Brianna from his arms.

"We're really glad you could be here, Jack," Daniel told him. "Take care of yourself." He hugged his best friend.

"I will," Jack quickly hugged his friend back. "Take care of my goddaughter."

"We will," Caitlin told him, hugging him, being careful not to squeeze Brianna. "Have a safe flight."

Jack got his coat on, then turned toward Sam and Teal'c. "My stuff's at the base, so I can give you a ride back to the base T."

Teal'c bowed his head slightly. "I would greatly appreciate that, General O'Neill."

"What about you, Sam?" Jack asked her.

"If Cassie doesn't mind, I think we'll just go back to my place so she can get back to Denver before dark."

"That sounds like a good plan, Aunt Sam. I think I'll do that." Cassie went over and hugged Daniel first, then carefully hugged Caitlin. "Goodbye," she told them both. "Love you, Uncle Daniel."

"Love you too, Cassie. Drive safely."

Sam and Cassie put on their coats, then left the room.

"Do you require any assistance getting Brianna ready to go, Caitlin Jackson?" Teal'c asked.

"No, but thanks for offering, Teal'c," she told him as she walked over to the car seat, putting on Brianna's little coat. Then she buckled her into the seat, covering it with a blanket. Finally, she grabbed her own coat, putting it on. She went to grab the car seat, but Teal'c beat her to it.

"Please allow me to assist you Caitlin Jackson, as it was wet outside earlier."

"Okay, Teal'c. Thank you." Caitlin grabbed the diaper bag, putting the camera in her purse as she put the two of them to her shoulder. "Ready, sweetheart," she told Daniel, handing him the rose and the envelope with the certificate in it.

Daniel had put his coat on, so he nodded at her, took the items from her and grabbed the keys from out of his coat pocket. Then the four of them walked out of the room and out of the pub. They didn't notice the couple who got up at the same time.

"Ooh, be careful, sweetheart. It looks like it rained again."

"I see that. I'll be careful." She carefully walked to the side of the Durango, opening the door for Teal'c to put the car seat into the back. Then she buckled it in, shutting the door. "Thanks, Teal'c," she told him, hugging him. And thanks for being here today."

He hugged her back. "You are welcome. As Brianna's godfather, I would not have missed this day. As it was, I did enjoy myself."

"That's good. Well, have a good evening," she told him, smiling at him before getting into the vehicle.

"Have a good flight back, Jack," Daniel told him before getting into the vehicle.

"Yeah, I'll try. Drive safely home on these wet streets."

"I will," Daniel promised. He leaned in, handing the rose and the envelope to Caitlin, then got in. He waved at Jack and Teal'c, then started the Durango, heading home.

"That was a beautiful ceremony," Caitlin commented as they drove home. "And Brianna was so good! She didn't fuss throughout the whole thing."

"I know. I was surprised that she didn't. But then she's been such a good baby."

She nodded. "So what do you want for supper later?"

"How about something simple?" he suggested.

"How do grilled cheese sandwiches and soup sound to you?"

He licked his lips. "Mmm, that sounds perfect! I love your grilled cheese sandwiches."

They continued to talk as they drove home, not noticing the car that was following them. As they pulled into their driveway and parked in the garage, the car slowly passed the driveway. Once they knew they wouldn't be seen, the car carefully turned around up the street a little. It came and pulled into the first part of the Jackson's driveway and stopped.

"Are you sure?" Tiffany asked Brian. "This can't be it!"

"Yeah, it's theirs, stupid! They just pulled up to it, didn't they?"

"But… but, it's perfect! They can't have a house while we still have a dinky apartment." Tiffany got angry. "I want a house like that! And a baby, too!"

"Shut up, Tiffany!" Brian yelled at her. "Just shut up and let me think!" His mind was working up an idea, a plan. "You want that house, then you'll get it. And the baby, too!" he told her, a mischievous, evil smile on his face as he carefully backed out onto the street. "You'll get it all!"

The days grew warmer as Daniel continued to search for the Sangraal and Caitlin worked at the health food store. Brianna was growing bigger and stronger every day as well. As they went through their daily routines, they never noticed someone watching them, watching their every move.

Brian and Tiffany watched them during the day and at night, learning everything they could. Soon he knew their daily routine, and had a plan in mind. He told Tiffany about it.

"Can we pull it off? I mean, he's part of the Air Force for god's sake!"

"He only works for the Air Force, stupid!" he shouted. "God! How stupid can you be?!" He calmed down some. "So you got the plan?"

"Yeah, I got it. Once they're done for, we get the house and the baby." She smiled wickedly. "Ooh, I get to be a mother! So, when do we do this?"

"Soon. We have to get them apart somehow. So we'll keep watching them and hopefully something will open up." He smiled evilly. "Soon we'll be better than them, you just wait!"

May came, and as their anniversary came closer, Daniel told Caitlin some bad news one evening at supper.

"I have to go offworld tomorrow," he said as he finished his supper.

Caitlin sighed sadly, her shoulders sagging a little. "Do you have to? I'd hoped that we could spend the day together since it's our first anniversary and everything."

Daniel nodded glumly. "I'm sorry, but we've got to try and do all we can about stopping the kassa shipments the Lucian Alliance is running. The kassa is really hurting those who are addicted to it, especially the people they're keeping under their control with it."

Caitlin sat silent for a moment, finishing her milk, then smiled a small smile. "I know, and even though I'm not happy about being apart from you for even a moment, I understand that you have to help these people in any way you can."

"Believe me, I don't want to be apart from you or Brianna right now either, but if we can stop them, then we can put all our focus back on fighting the Ori." He finished his milk then stood, taking his dish to the dishwasher. "Will you and Brianna be okay while I'm gone?"

She stood with her plate, taking it to the sink. "Yes, we'll be fine. But just to be sure, I'll let Jason know so he can check in on us every so often until you get back." She turned and put her plate into the dishwasher, then went into Daniel's arms. She caressed his cheek. "Make sure you come back to us," she told him, her voice full of emotion.

"I promise. I'll call Jason later myself and ask him. In the meantime, I'd better head back to the base. We're leaving early in the morning." He went to the high chair and unbuckled his daughter, picking her up. "You be a good girl for Mommy while Daddy is gone okay, Little One?" He held her close, kissing her tiny forehead. "I love you Little One," he told her, his heart full of emotion. He walked over to Caitlin, handing her Brianna and taking them both into his arms again. "Is tú mo ghrá," he said, tenderly kissing her.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró, Dainéal," she echoed, returning the kiss. "Turas maith, slán abhaile."

"I will." He let them go, walked to the mud room and grabbed his things, then left.

The month ended with the three of them attending the Memorial Day service at the base. A few days later at work Caitlin and the others were taking a break in the back room of the health food store.

"I was thinking we should all go out again sometime," Lacey suggested. "We could maybe even go back to the Second Street Station club again. I know it's late, but we could do it to celebrate Daniel and Caitlin's anniversary since we couldn't on the nineteenth. What do you think, Caitlin?"

She thought about it for a moment. "That sounds fine to me. We really didn't get to do much since Daniel was out of the country then. When would we go?"

"What about tomorrow? We could go and listen to the open mike contestants again," Karyn suggested.

"What time though?" Caitlin queried.

"What about meeting there at say, six-thirty or so. The open mike night starts about seven."

"That sounds okay," Caitlin replied. "I'll talk to Daniel, but we should be able to go. I'll find a babysitter for Brianna, too."

"Then it's settled. I'll talk to Jason and get a sitter for Brina for tomorrow night." She finished her coffee. "Well, let's head back to work."

Later that evening while eating at home, Caitlin told Daniel about the night out. "They want to help us celebrate our anniversary, even if it's a little late. We could even invite Cam, Sam and Teal'c. What do you think?"

"What time were they thinking of going?"

She told him.

"That sounds like fun," he told her, smiling. "We'll have to find a babysitter though."

"I know, and I already thought of that. What do you think about asking Gen. Landry to babysit?"

Daniel thought about that for a moment. "I don't know about that. I can ask him though and see what he says." He finished his supper. "I'll ask him first thing tomorrow."

Caitlin smiled at him as they both stood and cleared the table.

The next day at the base, Daniel knocked on the general's door.

"Come in!" he called out. He looked up from his desk. "Ah, good morning, Dr. Jackson! What can I do for you today?"

"I have a favor to ask. Caitlin and I were wondering if you could babysit for us tonight. We're going out for our anniversary since I was off-world on the actual day, and some of our friends are coming with us."

"What about Col. Carter, or Col. Mitchell or Teal'c?"

"We're inviting them to join us."

The general nodded in understanding. "Since you asked, I'd be honored to babysit little Brianna for you. What time would you like me to be at your house?"

"We plan to go out about six-thirty, so how about getting there about six?"

Gen. Landry smiled at Daniel. "All right, I'll see you at your house then."

"Thank you sir," he said, smiling back. "We'll see you then."

Later that afternoon Daniel pulled up into the garage and got out, grabbing the car seat with Brianna in it from the back. He walked into the house and found Caitlin already there preparing their supper. "Hi, muirnín." He set Brianna down and got her out of the car seat, taking off her little jacket. Laying it into the car seat, he put Brianna to his shoulder and walked over to Caitlin, hugging her. "How was your day?"

"Fine," she told him, letting him go. "It was a little slow, but otherwise we did okay. What about you?"

"I did more research in trying to find the Sangraal, and translated a couple of things. Other than that, it was a pretty uneventful day." He looked at what she was doing, sniffing the air. "So what's for supper?"

"Chicken and pasta. How was Brianna today?"

"She was good. Let me put her in the high chair and help you set the table."

Caitlin nodded, stirring the cooking chicken as Daniel set Brianna in the high chair, buckling her in. "What did the general say?" she asked him as he pulled plates out of the cupboard.

"He said he'd be honored to babysit Brianna tonight. He'll be here about six."

"That's sounds good." She shut off the stove over the pasta, taking the pot over to the sink and draining it, then rinsing it off. "Supper will be ready in a few minutes. Could you please get the salad out of the fridge, along with the dressings?" I'll just heat up the peas."

He nodded and did what she asked as she warmed the peas. In a few minutes she pulled them out of the microwave and set them down on the table. Then she set the pasta and chicken in a bowl on the table. Finally she sat down as Brianna started fussing a little.

He looked over at Caitlin. "Are you planning to feed her before the general comes?"

"I thought I would," she said as she dished up some of the food onto her plate. "Then he won't have to worry about feeding her right away."

Daniel nodded, dishing up some of the food and starting to eat.

After they were done eating and all the dishes taken care of, Caitlin unbuckled Brianna and picked her up, going into the family room and sitting down in the recliner chair. She adjusted her blouse and her bra, setting Brianna at her breast.

Brianna latched on, and began to eat.

"I'll be a little bit, so why don't you go and get ready, muirnín?"

He nodded, leaning down and first kissing Brianna, then Caitlin. "Okay. Be down in a little while." He headed upstairs to get ready, jumping in the shower. When he was done, he wrapped up in a towel and walked into their closet, pulling out a clean pair of jeans, a shirt, and a jacket. He took them into the bedroom where he got dressed, putting on a watch afterwards and making sure that he combed his hair. When he was finished, he went downstairs and into the family room. "All ready," he told her.

Caitlin gently pulled Brianna's mouth away from her breast, and readjusted her bra and blouse. "Okay. She's all fed, so if you want to burp her, I'll just go get ready."

"Sure." He took a burping cloth out of the playpen and set it on his left shoulder, then took his daughter into his arms and set her on his shoulder, gently rubbing and patting her back.

"Be down soon," she told him. She walked upstairs and jumped into the shower, thinking about the present she was going to give Daniel. She'd thought all about it, and had decided the perfect gift to give him. I hope he likes it, she mused as she wrapped her hair in a big towel then grabbed another one and dried off. She padded into the closet and picked out one of the sexy new dresses she had bought recently, along with some shoes, and walked back out into the bedroom and set it on the bed, along with nylons, a slip and a clean bra and panties from one of the dressers. Then she went into the bathroom and did her makeup and her hair. She left her hair down, knowing that Daniel liked it that way. Then she got dressed and slipped her shoes on.

She walked down the stairs part way, not wanting Daniel to see her just yet. "Daniel," she called out to him. "Could you please go into the family room for a moment?"

"Sure!" he called back to her, walking with their daughter into the family room. "Okay!" he told her.

Caitlin came down the rest of the stairs and quickly slipped into the foyer closet, putting on her long overcoat. Making sure it was buttoned all the way up, she came out, shutting the door behind her and walked into the kitchen.

"What was that about, and why are you wearing your long overcoat?" he asked her, curious. "It's not that cold out."

"I know, but I don't want you to see what I'm wearing just yet." She looked at him fully, taking all of him in. "Oh muirnín, you look so handsome tonight! I'm the luckiest woman in the world."

Daniel went and took her in his arms, being mindful of little Brianna still in his arms. "I'm the luckiest man in the world. You look so beautiful tonight, muirnín." He leaned in and tenderly kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she echoed him, glancing at the clock. "Well, Gen. Landry should be here any moment." At that moment, the doorbell rang, so she went to answer it. "Good evening, Gen. Landry!" she said after opening the door. "Come in, please!"

He came inside, and she shut the door behind him. "Thank you for agreeing to babysit Brianna tonight," she told him. "We appreciate it very much."

"The pleasure is all mine, Caitlin," he said warmly.

"I hope we didn't take you away from anything important at the base," she told him as she led him through to the kitchen.

"No, not at all! In fact, I'm glad for the break anyway."

They stopped in front of the island, and Daniel smiled at the general as he gently rocked Brianna in his arms. "Good evening, sir!" he said warmly. Thank you for coming."

"You're welcome, Dr. Jackson. And how is your daughter tonight?"

"She's getting a little sleepy, as she was just fed a little while ago, but otherwise she's just fine."

"She was just fed?" he queried them.

Caitlin nodded. "Yes, but let me show you where the extra bottles are in case you need them." She led him to the fridge. "There are two fresh bottles of breast milk here, and I usually warm them for a couple of minutes or so in the microwave. Otherwise her pacifier is in the playpen along with a light blanket. You can lay her down in there and watch TV in the family room if you want to. Or there are movies you can watch as well if you chose to. Besides that, we have a lot of books in the den, so feel free there as well."

"Also, we usually put Brianna down for bed around eight or so, and we brought the monitor down for you so you can use that to keep tabs on her," Daniel added, pointing to it on the island counter. "The phone number of the club is also there, along with our cell numbers, in case you need to get a hold of us."

"What time do you think you'll be home?" the general asked them.

"About ten-thirty or so," Daniel told him. "We both have to work tomorrow." He stopped rocking Brianna and handed her to the general.

He gently took her into his arms, being careful not to disturb her. "Good. Well, have a wonderful time, and happy anniversary."

"Thank you," Caitlin told him as she grabbed her purse. "Be a good girl for mommy Brianna," she told her daughter, gently kissing her head. "Is tú mo ghrá, Beag Aon," she told her daughter.

Daniel echoed her, kissing Brianna's tiny forehead. "Bye!" he told the general as he led Caitlin into the garage and on their way.

They arrived at the club just as the others were arriving. "Hi everyone!" Caitlin called out as she and Daniel walked up to the door.

"Hi Caitlin, Daniel," Sam said warmly. "Happy anniversary!"

"Yeah, happy anniversary," Cam repeated as they all walked in to the club.

"Thank you both," Daniel said as Caitlin looked around for Lacey and the others. She found them. "Looks like we got the same tables as last time," she said as they walked up to the table. "Hi everyone!"

"Hi Daniel, Caitlin," Paul told them. Happy anniversary!"

Everyone else echoed him, and Daniel smiled. "Thank you all. It's been a good year." He pulled out Caitlin's chair so she could sit down, then sat down himself as a waitress came over to their table.

"I'll have a virgin strawberry daiquiri, if you have one," Caitlin told her.

The woman wrote it down, then looked at Daniel.

"I'll have the same," Daniel told the waitress.

She wrote it down and left to get their drinks.

"So have you given Daniel an anniversary present yet?" Karyn asked Caitlin.

"Not yet. I'm giving it to him tonight."

"Ooh, what is it?" Lacey asked, curious.

Caitlin smiled, blushing a little. She leaned in and whispered to her what she had planned.

"Oh that sounds great!" Karyn whispered back. "What are you going to sing?"

Caitlin quietly told her.

"I like that song," Lacey told her friend. "Good choice!"

"So what's my present?" Daniel asked her, smiling mischievously.

Caitlin laughed. "Uh-uh! Not until later, sweetheart. You'll get it soon enough." She stood, excusing herself. "I'm going to use the little girls' room. Be right back." She left the group, first winding her way to the restrooms, then looking back to see if Daniel was watching her. He wasn't, so she wound her way to the back of the stage where the emcee for the club was standing.

"Hi there!" he told her, seeing her walking up to him. "What can I do for you?"

"Hi! My name is Caitlin Jackson. I'm here with my husband and some of our friends celebrating our first wedding anniversary, and I'd like to sing a song for my husband as his gift."

"Great, great!" he told her enthusiastically. "We don't have that many acts tonight, so I'll put you last. You'll be after Jonathan Adams, who's also singing. What song are you planning to sing?"

She told him. "There's nothing special about the song, either. When the music starts, I'll walk out onto the stage, and then start singing. But I would like to say something just before you start the music." She told him.

"No problem. Just come a few minutes before Jonathan ends his song to grab a mike."

"Thank you," she told him gratefully.

"Not a problem! See you soon."

She walked back toward their table, stopping to whisper something into Sam's ear.

"Sure, I can do that," she told Caitlin, smiling at her friend.

"What was that about?" Daniel queried her, getting even more curious now.

"You'll see," was all Caitlin told him as she sat down. "Let's get ready to watch the acts, and before you say anything, I want to keep my coat on for now."

"Okay," he told her. "I wonder who they've got tonight."

"We'll find out," Cam said as the emcee came onto the stage and people started clapping. "Good evening folks, and welcome to the Second Street Station open mike night! Tonight we have only a few acts, so let's get started. Give it up for our first act, Penelope Sanchez!"

People clapped as she walked onstage, preparing herself. The music started, and she started to sing, slightly off-key. Daniel looked around and could see everyone cringing. "I hope all the acts aren't this bad," he shouted to his friends over the din of the crowd.

As the next act finished with people booing the person off the stage, the emcee came out on the stage. "Okay! Wasn't that great?" he told an unenthusiastic crowd. "Well, then let's give it up for Jonathan Adams!" He walked off the stage, and a young man came onto the stage with a guitar and stood in front of the mike stand. The music began, and he started to sing a fast, upbeat song. Everyone started clapping to the music, whistling and cheering him on.

Halfway through, Caitlin stood, excusing herself again. This time, she tapped Sam's shoulder and motioned for her to follow. Once they were backstage, Caitlin took off her coat and handed it to Sam.

"Oh wow, Caitlin!" Sam said, taking in Caitlin's dress. "You're going to blow his mind away in that dress."

Caitlin blushed. "Thanks, Sam. I hope so. It's part of the present, so-to-speak.

"Break a leg!" Sam told her enthusiastically before heading back to her seat with the coat.

The emcee handed her a wireless mike. "You need the stand?" he asked her.

She shook her head.

"Okay. I'll pull it away as I leave the stage." He noted that the song Jonathan was singing was ending. "Get ready!" he told her before he headed out onto the stage. "Okay, wasn't that great! Jonathan Adams everyone!"

People all around the club clapped and cheered.

Daniel looked around for Caitlin, noting that she didn't come back with Sam. "Sam, where's Caitlin?" he asked his friend.

"You'll see," was all she would tell him as the emcee got ready to announce the last act.

"And for our last act, Caitlin Jackson!" People clapped loudly and whistled, then became quiet, waiting for her to take the stage.

Caitlin quieted her nerves, took a deep breath, then spoke into the mike. "If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand. Happy anniversary, sweetheart." She nodded at the emcee, and a few seconds later the music started. She started walking out toward the center of the stage, and when the beginning of the song ended, she started to sing.

I don't need a lot of things
I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring
I've always needed something
But I've got all I want
When it comes to loving you
You're my only reason
You're my only truth
I need you like water
Like breath, like rain
I need you like mercy
From heaven's gate
There's a freedom in your arms
That carries me through
I need you

Daniel couldn't believe his eyes. There was the love of his life, the mother of their child, looking even sexier than he could remember, and all he could do was stare. She was wearing a filmy blue-and-purple floral spaghetti-strap dress that was really low in the front and had an asymmetrical hem. As he heard her beautiful voice ringing out over the din of the crowd, he listened to the words of the song, closing his eyes and making a memory in his mind and in his heart.

Caitlin started singing the second verse, gathering strength and power into her voice, looking straight at him as she sang. She ran one hand through her long, reddish-brown hair as she sang, her heart and mind making a memory.

The words of the song rushed over and through him, filling him with more love than he thought possible. He vowed to make the rest of her night as special as she was to him. She finished the song, and he smiled at her.

Everyone began clapping, cheering and whistling as she bowed, the emcee coming onto the stage. "Caitlin Jackson, everyone!" he said, clapping at her. "Tell me Mrs. Jackson, have you ever thought about singing professionally?"

Caitlin blushed furiously. "Thank you, but no. I only sing for my husband Daniel and our daughter Brianna."

"Well, it was beautiful." Then he turned back toward the crowd. "Let's give it up for all our contestants tonight!" Everyone clapped and cheered as Caitlin walked backstage. "And now for our DJ, Jazzy Jeff Nichols!" The emcee gestured his way, and the DJ started playing a fast, upbeat song as Caitlin walked back toward Daniel and the others.

"Oh Caitlin," Lacey gushed. "That was beautiful! And your dress is gorgeous!"

"Thank you," Caitlin told her, blushing a little.

"Wow, Caitlin. You really look hot tonight," Cam told her honestly. "And you did a great job singing, too."

"Thanks," she told him, really blushing now. Then she sat down next to Daniel, turning to look at him.

He couldn't say anything; she was just so damn sexy in that dress she was wearing! And she had her hair down, just the way he liked it. He reached over and wound his fingers into the loose tresses, drawing her to him. Then he leaned in and slowly and passionately kissed her, not caring who saw them. He broke away, looking directly into her eyes. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," he told her, his voice full of love.

"Is tú mo ghrá, ró," she echoed back to him. "Cothrom an lae shona."

"What did you just say to him?" Lacey asked her curiously.

Caitlin looked at her best friend. "I just told him I loved him and 'happy anniversary' in Gaelic."

Lacey nodded in understanding.

Daniel thought about something for a moment, then excused himself to go talk to the DJ. When he came back, he took Caitlin's hand and led her out onto the dance floor. "Listen to the words," he whispered to her as he took her into his arms, holding her close.

The music started, and as they started to slow dance, she started to hear some of the words of the song, and smiled, remembering. It was the same song that they had danced to the first time as husband and wife. She laid her head on his shoulder, breathing in the heady scent of him and sighed in contentment.

He smiled, resting his cheek on the top of her head as they slowly danced together. He took a deep breath, smelling her rose and vanilla-scented shampoo and perfume. At one point in the song, he put his finger underneath her chin, tilting it up, then leaned down and passionately kissed her. He pulled away, staring helplessly into her eyes. "I love you so much right now," he told her honestly, caressing her cheek with his hand.

She sighed, smiling, reaching up to caress his cheek with her own hand as the song came to an end. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín," she told him, her voice full of love.

"Is tú mo ghrá, ró," he echoed to her. "Happy anniversary." He took her hand and led her back to the table, pulling out her chair for her as she sat down. Then he sat down beside her, lacing his fingers with hers.

"You both looked so great out there," Paul told them warmly.

"Thank you," Daniel told him.

"Where did you find your dress, Caitlin?" Karyn asked her, curious.

"I found it online at Victoria's Secret."

"It's so beautiful," Karyn told her honestly. "I wish I could pull off something like that."

Caitlin smiled at her comment. "Thank you."

The evening wore on, and the two of them danced several more times. Finally, Daniel looked at his watch, noting it was a little after ten. "We'd better head home, sweetheart," he told Caitlin. "We have to work tomorrow, and we told the general that we'd be home before ten-thirty."

She nodded, putting on her coat and gathering her purse. "Thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us tonight," she told them all.

"Yes, thank you," Daniel echoed as he got the car keys out of his pocket.

"You're welcome," everyone else told them as they all got ready to leave as well. "Congratulations!"

Daniel and Caitlin waved at their friends as they left the club. He took her hand and led her out to the Durango, helping her inside. Then he went around and got in, starting the vehicle and starting for home.

When he came home the next day, he told her he was taking his Jeep into the mechanic the next morning. "It needs a tune-up anyway, so I'll have them do that as well as service it, too."

"Okay. How will you and Brianna get to work then?" she asked him.

"Sam's going to meet us at the mechanic's shop and take me to work and I'll take Brianna to daycare. That way you'll have the Durango to take to work."

"What about after work?"

"I thought you could pick me up. Then we could go to the shop and pick up my Jeep. The mechanic said it shouldn't take all day to do the work anyway."

"Okay, that sounds like a plan."

Daniel went into the den, turning on their computer so he could do some work before supper. He decided to take a moment to check his emails. He found another one from B.W. He read the email again, real fear creeping into his heart. He knew who was sending the emails, but he didn't know how Brian had gotten his email address. He saved the email and vowed to talk to the general and his friends about it the next day.

The next morning, Caitlin was finishing up feeding Brianna when the baby started crying. "Shh, it's okay, Little One," she told her daughter as she gently patted her back to make her burp. When that didn't work, Caitlin walked around the house trying to ease her daughter's pain. As she was walking through the kitchen, Daniel was getting ready to go to work, and he saw her pacing and became worried. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"Brianna is unusually fussy this morning. I think it's colic again. In any case, I don't think Brianna should go to the daycare today, and I'm going to call Lacey and tell her I'm staying home with her."

"Do you need me today? I mean, I don't have to go to work if you don't want me to."

She smiled at him. "No, we should be okay. If I have any trouble I can call you or Dr. Lam. In the meantime, would you please hand me the phone so I can call Lacey?"

"Sure!" He grabbed the phone, handing it to her.

She handed Brianna to him and went into the family room to make the call.

"Reynolds residence," Lacey answered.

"Hi Lacey, it's me."

"Hey Caitlin! What's up?"

"I won't be able to come to work today. Brianna's pretty colicky today, so I'm gonna stay home with her."

"Okay. I'll let the others know when I get there. Thanks for calling, and hope she feels better soon."

"Thanks, Lacey. See you tomorrow!"

"Bye!"

Caitlin hung up, walking back into the kitchen. She took Brianna back from Daniel. "You'd better hurry. You need to drop off the Jeep at the shop, and Sam is probably waiting for your call."

"Yes, I know. What did Lacey say?"

"She said it was okay and that she hopes Brianna feels better soon."

"Okay, well, I'd better get going. You're sure you'll be okay?" He grabbed the keys to his Jeep.

She nodded, smiling. "Of course! We'll be fine."

Daniel smiled at her, tenderly kissing her, then Brianna. "Is tú mo ghrá, sweetheart."

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," she said, returning the kiss.

"I'll call you later and see how you're both doing."

She nodded, still gently patting Brianna's back as she walked to the mudroom door. She waved at him again, then closed the door.

Brian and Tiffany watched Daniel leave that day and knew something was different. He turned to look at Tiffany. "Something's different. I thought he always took his daughter with him."

"He usually does." She looked around, noticing the Durango still in the garage. "Wait, Caitlin isn't leaving. So there must be something wrong."

Brian eyed her dubiously. "Call the health food store and see if Caitlin's working today."

Tiffany grabbed her cell phone and called the store.

"Nature's Best health food store, this is Karyn. How can I help you?"

"Yes, I was wondering if Caitlin Jackson was working today."

"No, I'm sorry. She's out today with a sick baby. Can I help you?"

"No thanks. I'll just call back later." She quickly hung up the phone, smiling at Brian. "She's home, and so is the baby."

He quickly checked his supplies, then grinned. "We'll do it this afternoon. We'll get them. We'll get them both!"

Later that afternoon, Brian and Tiffany drove down the street and into the Jackson's driveway, parking near the house. They both got out, Brian hiding something in his pants in the back underneath his jacket. They both walked up to the door, ringing the doorbell.

"Just a minute," Caitlin called out, walking up to the door. She opened it up, and to her surprise saw Brian and Tiffany standing there. "Oh! What are you doing here?" she asked, a little worried.

"We came to apologize for how we acted that day we saw you in the grocery store," Brian smoothly lied. "We were wrong." He elbowed Tiffany.

"Yeah, we were wrong," she echoed.

Caitlin didn't believe them for a moment, but she didn't let on. "Well, thank you both, but if you'll excuse me, I have a sick baby. Goodbye." She tried to close the door, but Brian put his foot in the door and shoved it open, both of them barging inside. "I told you that I have a sick daughter. Please leave now!"

"Oh we're not going anywhere, Caitlin," Brian told her a sinister sound to his voice. "We're staying right here." He turned toward Tiffany. "Come on, let's look around our new house."

"This is our house," Caitlin said to them, getting angry. "Get out!"

Brian reached behind him and quickly pulled out the gun hiding under his jacket, and pointed it at Caitlin. "Wrong bitch, this is our house now, and you're going to show us around!"

Caitlin cringed, afraid not for herself, but for Brianna in the kitchen. She was powerless to do anything but show the two of them around.

Brian took Tiffany's hand, and together followed Caitlin through first the upstairs then through the living room and dining room. When they got into the kitchen, Caitlin showed it to them.

"Ooh, is that the baby?" Tiffany sighed, smiling. "She's beautiful! What's her name?"

"Brianna Claire," Caitlin told her curtly, terrified for Brianna.

"Can I hold her?"

"No, she's sick today."

"Well, I don't care. I want to hold her!"

"I said she's sick today. She has colic."

"Go ahead sweetheart, she's just lying," Brian urged Tiffany. "She just doesn't want you to hold your new daughter."

Caitlin turned to him, aghast. "No! She's my daughter!" She turned to go to Brianna, but Brian stopped her.

"Stop right there, bitch! You take one more step, and I'll blow your head off!"

Brianna started crying, Caitlin's heart going out to her. "Please Brian, don't do this!" she begged. "Please let me go to her."

"No, you're not her mother anymore. Tiffany sweetie, go pick up your new daughter."

Tiffany grinned at him, then went to Brianna and carefully picked her up. "Awww, she's so beautiful, honey."

"What are you going to name her?"

"I already thought about that, honey. Her name is Brittany Amber Walker." She smiled at Brianna. "Do you like that? Huh, Brittany? Do you like your new name?" she cooed at the baby. "You'll be so popular, all the boys will want you, and you'll just break all their hearts."

Brianna just cried.

Tiffany turned to Brian, a pained look on her face. "Honey, she won't stop crying! What do I do?"

"She's probably hungry," Caitlin told her. "I was just going to try to feed her again until you came barging in."

"Shut up!" Brian told her. He turned to Tiffany. "Pull out a couple of those chairs." He looked back at Caitlin. "Sit down!" he yelled at her, pointing the gun at her head.

Caitlin decided to risk it and lunged for the phone, but Brian stopped her, backhanding her in the cheek with the butt of the handgun, making her fall to her knees. "I said sit down!"

Caitlin slowly went to one of the chairs, sitting down and cradling her bruised cheek.

"Okay honey," he said to Tiffany. "Sit down and feed our daughter."

Tiffany sat down with Brianna and opened up her shirt, exposing her breast. She put Brianna up to it, but Brianna refused to suckle. Tiffany tried a couple more times, but Brianna just wouldn't do it. "Honey, she just won't suck my breast. What am I doing wrong?"

"How the hell should I know?! You're the woman. Figure it out yourself!"

"I know why she won't," Caitlin told her.

"Oh yeah?! Why, Miss Smartie?" Tiffany sneered at her.

"You're not me. She's used to me feeding her. Besides that, you don't have any breast milk. I do."

Brianna was really crying now, upset that someone else other than her mother was holding her.

Brian was getting angrier. "Shut that kid up!" he bellowed at Tiffany.

She quickly covered herself up again, looking at the baby. "Shut up, you little brat!" she told Brianna. When Brianna, wouldn't stop crying, she lifted up the baby and shook her, hard. "I said shut up!"

"Please, you're hurting her!" Caitlin cried out in fear for Brianna.

"Shut up, whore!" Tiffany growled at Caitlin. "She's my baby now, so I can do what I want with her."

Caitlin started crying, terrified for her daughter and scared that Tiffany had done some damage to Brianna's tiny neck and head. "Please, Tiffany! Please be careful with her," she begged.

"Shut up! I know how to take care of my own daughter!" Tiffany shouted at her.

The phone rang, and Caitlin got up, lunging for the phone, but Brian backhanded her in the cheek again. The answering machine popped on, and it was Daniel, calling to check on her and Brianna. "This is the Jackson residence. We're not available right now, so if you'd leave your name and number, and a brief message, we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Thanks!" Daniel's voice intoned on the machine. Then his real voice came on. "Sweetheart, it's me. I just called to see how you and Brianna were doing. Please call me back as soon as you can. I love…"

Brian ripped out the phone and power cords, abruptly turning off the answering machine. "We'll have to get another answering machine and put our own message on there, won't we sweetheart?"

"Yeah, we will, but we can do that tomorrow." She cradled Brianna roughly.

"Brian, please! Let Brianna and me go. We won't tell anyone what you did. If you leave now…"

"Leave?" Brian interrupted her. "This is our house now, remember? And her name is Brittany!"

"But Daniel will come home and find you. He'll hurt you both!"

"Let him come! Once you and Daniel are gone, then the house and the brat are ours!" Brian laughed, Tiffany joining him as Caitlin started to cry again, praying that Daniel would come and save them.

Back at the base, Daniel and the others were enjoying a quick break in the commissary when he pulled out his cell phone and called Caitlin and Brianna. "It's the answering machine," he quietly said to his friends. The machine beeped, so he left a message. "Sweetheart, it's me. I just called to see how you and Brianna were doing. Please call me back as soon as you can. I love…" but the machine cut out on him before he could finish the message. "Hmm, that's odd," he said, hanging up. He tried calling again, but this time he got an error message. He started getting worried. "Sam, do you have your cell phone with you?" he asked.

"Yeah, I do. Why?"

"Would you call our house and tell me what you hear?"

Sam looked at him curiously. "Okay." She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Daniel and Caitlin's number. It rang once, then went to the error message again.

"What did you hear, Sam?" Cam asked her, curious.

"I heard an error message that said something was wrong with the line. Maybe they're working on it and something happened, Daniel. It's probably nothing."

"I don't think so. The phone company would have told us they would be working on the line. Besides that, I didn't get to finish my message. It sounded like something happened at our end. I think I'd better go check it out." He turned toward Sam. "I really have a bad feeling about this. Could you please take me home?"

"I suppose, but we'll need to let the general know."

Daniel waved his hand in the air. "Fine, just as long as we can go quickly."

"We're coming with you," Cam told them as he and Teal'c stood up.

Daniel just nodded, grateful to his friends. Together they all went directly to the general's office.

"Come in!" he called out.

Everyone walked in and stood in front of the general's desk.

He looked up. "Yes, what can I do for you?"

Daniel spoke up first. "Sir, could you do me a favor? Would you please dial my home phone number and tell us what you hear?"

Gen. Landry looked at him, confused, but picked up his phone and dialed their number, getting the same error message. He told Daniel so.

"Sir, would you contact the phone company and ask them if they're doing any work in my area?"

"Why all the fuss, Dr. Jackson?" he asked.

"Please, just trust me when I say I have a bad feeling about this."

The general knew better than to not trust his head archaeologist, so he called the local phone company. When he hung up, he had a concerned look on his face. "They're not doing any work in your area today, Dr. Jackson."

Daniel became even more worried. "Sir, I think there's something wrong at my house. I tried to call Caitlin and see how she and the baby were doing, but I got the answering machine. Right before I could finish my message, the line went dead. When I tried to call back, I got the same error message that you and Col. Carter heard."

"It could be the NID or The Trust, sir," Sam said, offering some suggestions.

Daniel shook his head. "It's not them. Sir, I've been getting threatening emails from Brian Walker." He quickly told the general about him and Tiffany, then told him about their run-in with them at the grocery store. "The emails started soon after that. I saved them. May I use your computer?"

The general nodded, and soon Daniel had gotten into his email account. He pulled up a couple of the emails and let the general read them.

"This was the one of the latest ones, just a few weeks ago." He pulled up the email and read it out loud to them.

To: Daniel Jackson

From: B.W.

Subject: Your baby

I saw your little baby today. She was with you at the party at the pub. Yeah, I know all about her, and soon I'll be holding her! Yep, in a few weeks she'll be my daughter, and she'll forget all about you and your nothing wife. And in a few weeks, your house will be mine as well. Then we really will be better than you!

When Daniel was done, the general looked up at him. "So you think this man would actually try to do something?"

"I believe so, yes. Sir, the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that there's something really wrong at my house. I have to go there now!"

The general nodded. "Go and check things out, Dr. Jackson, but be careful. If this guy is as bad as you say he is, there's no telling what he might do. He's a loose cannon that could explode at any moment."

"We'll be with him," Cam told him. "Let's go boys and girls!"

"In the meantime, I'll call the police and have them head out your way as well.

Daniel thanked him, and he and the others quickly headed out of the general's office. They made a stop at the base armory, grabbing some supplies. "Just in case," Cam told them.

"Please, we need to hurry!" Daniel pleaded with them all as they raced out of the mountain.

"We will take my vehicle," Teal'c told them as they got outside. There was a light rain falling as they all ran to his vehicle. He unlocked it and handed the keys to Cam, getting in back with Daniel.

Cam started the vehicle, and they left the base, Cam driving as fast as the wet roads would allow him.

"If anything happens to them…" Daniel said, fear in his voice.

"They'll be okay, Daniel," Cam reassured him. "We'll get there in time." He continued to drive, turning onto Daniel's street. When they got to the driveway, they quietly pulled in, noticing an older car sitting in the driveway near the house.

"I don't recognize that car," Sam said as they parked behind it.

"I don't either," Daniel echoed.

"What do you want to do Daniel?" Cam asked his friend.

Daniel thought for a moment. "I think I should walk into the house as if everything is okay. Wait five minutes, then come in quietly through the front door."

Everyone nodded as Daniel got out of the vehicle. He nodded at his friends, then walked into the garage.

Brian heard a car door slam, and knew that someone was coming. He ran to the front door and checked to see who it was. He saw a black SUV parked outside, but didn't see anyone in it. He went back to the kitchen. "You know anyone who drives a black SUV?" he asked Caitlin in a demanding tone.

She thought for a moment. She knew Teal'c had one, but he wasn't supposed to drive Daniel home. Sam was. Maybe Daniel's here to rescue me! her mind screamed out. But she didn't want to let Brian and Tiffany know that, so she lied. "I don't know who it belongs to."

"We know Daniel drives a Jeep," Brian told her angrily. "So where'd he go with it?!"

"He took it to the mechanic to get it worked on," Caitlin told him. "After work one of his friends was going to drive him home since I didn't go to work today."

Brian pointed the gun at the door. "Well, it's too early for him to be comin' home, so we'll just see who it is and send them away from our house."

Daniel opened the side door of the garage, walking inside. He got to the mudroom door and opened it, calling out. "Hi sweetheart, I'm home!" He walked inside, closing the door behind him and stopped in his tracks, seeing the gun pointed straight at Caitlin's head.

"One move Daniel, and I'll blow her head off!" Brian told him angrily, shouting at him.

"Brian," he said, looking around and also seeing Tiffany. "Tiffany. What are you doing here?"

"We're here because we live here, stupid! This is our house now. You took ours away, remember?"

"I had no idea you lost your house. Not until you said something about it in one of the emails you sent me."

"So ya figured out who was sending the emails to you huh?" Brian sneered. "Took you long enough!"

"Actually, the way you wrote them gave you away. I had it figured out after the first one."

That made Brian angry. "Shut up, just shut up! You think you're smarter than me?! Well you're not!"

Daniel looked at Caitlin, seeing the huge bruise on her right cheek, and his heart went out to her. "Are you okay?" he mouthed to her.

Caitlin nodded, her eyes locked with his.

Daniel turned his head and saw that Tiffany was holding a crying Brianna. "Why is Tiffany holding my daughter?" he asked Brian, a fierce tone to his voice. "I thought Tiffany was pregnant?"

"He lied," Tiffany told him, sneering at him. "I was never pregnant."

"So why are you holding my daughter?"

"First of all, she's not your daughter anymore," Brian corrected him. "Tiffany is her mother now. And her name is Brittany Amber Walker. Isn't it pretty?" he grinned maliciously. "So when you and Caitlin are gone, we'll be so much better than you!" Brian took his eyes off Daniel, grinning at Tiffany as Daniel inched closer to him.

Caitlin saw what he was doing and became afraid, shaking her head at him to stop.

Daniel stopped as he listened intently. Soon he heard his front door slightly open and knew that his friends were coming in. He was so close to Brian now than he lunged at him, grabbing the gun.

"No!" Brian yelled at him, struggling with Daniel for the gun as his friends rushed in, drawing their own guns.

Tiffany got up and tried running for the door with Brianna, but Sam stopped her. "Hold it right there!" she shouted at Tiffany.

Tiffany froze, an angry look on her face as she knew she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Brian and Daniel were still struggling for the gun when it went off, hitting Daniel in the left shoulder. "There! That'll teach you to mess with me!" Brian exclaimed.

"Stop right there, scumbag!" Cam shouted, him and Teal'c pointing their guns at Brian. "One move and you're dead! Drop your gun!"

Brian stopped dead in his tracks, quickly dropping his gun on the kitchen floor. "You can't do anything now anyway," he jeered. "Daniel's gonna die, and Tiffany still has the baby!"

"Wrong!" Cam told him, smiling. "Sam, you got Tiffany?"

"I got her! She isn't going anywhere," she said over a screaming Brianna.

"Daniel!" Caitlin cried out as she saw Daniel unconscious on the floor, bleeding profusely.

"Caitlin, grab some thick towels and put them on his wound, pressing hard," Cam ordered her as sirens wailed in the background. "Do it now!"

She got up out of the chair and quickly grabbed some hand towels, folding them in her hands. She knelt down to Daniel's side and put them on the wound, pressing as hard as she could.

"Sit down in one of those chairs," Cam ordered Brian. "Do it!"

Brian, realizing he was defeated, made one last attempt to get away. He turned and ran toward the front door where he was met by three police officers with their guns drawn. "Freeze!" the lead policeman shouted at Brian. "Don't move! Put your hands in the air!"

Brian stopped dead in his tracks, putting his hands into the air, angry because he'd been caught.

"Turn around and get on the ground! Now!" the lead officer shouted at him.

As Brian got on the ground, the three police officers swarmed around him with more flowing into the house and into the kitchen, taking up positions around Sam. "It's alright, ma'am," one of the policemen told Sam. "We've got her." Sam quickly put her gun away and went to Tiffany, taking Brianna from her. "Shh, sweetie," she said, carefully cradling Brianna in her arms. "It's okay now." She turned toward Caitlin. "I have Brianna."

Caitlin sighed in relief that her daughter was safe. She looked up at one of the policemen. "Please, my husband!" she pleaded. "He's been shot!"

The policeman called in the paramedics who raced to Daniel's side. They started their procedures, asking Caitlin to let go of the towels. She let go and quickly went to Brianna, taking her from Sam. She sat down in one of the chairs, carefully cradling her daughter, rocking back-and-forth. "Shh," she told a very upset Brianna. "Mommy's here." Then she broke down and cried, holding her daughter close.

Sam came over to her, hugging her tightly. "It's okay, it's over now."

Caitlin shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "Sam, I can't lose Daniel. I just can't. Brianna and I need him so."

"He's not going to die," Sam told her. "They'll fix him up good as new. You'll see. Now, I'm gonna have one of the paramedics check you both out. Okay?"

Caitlin just nodded at her as Sam motioned for one of the paramedics to come over.

"Ma'am," the paramedic told her. "I need to look at your daughter. May I?"

Caitlin nodded, crying as she handed Brianna to him. "Tiffany shook her, hard," she told him.

The paramedic nodded, checking the baby all over as they carefully lifted Daniel onto the stretcher. "I think she's okay, ma'am, just scared by all the trauma and noise going on." He noticed her bruised cheek as he handed Brianna back to her. Then he checked it out. "You've got a really nasty bruise on your cheek, but I don't think anything's broken." He turned to look and saw that they had Daniel ready to go. "We're taking your husband to Memorial Hospital."

"Please be careful with him!" Caitlin cried out as they started to move him.

"We will," the paramedic assured her. "If you like, you and your friends can follow us to the hospital."

"We'll get her there," Cam told him as they took Daniel out of the house to the waiting ambulance.

Caitlin raced to get Brianna's little coat on as they took Brian and Tiffany out in handcuffs.

"You're nothing, Caitlin!" Brian shouted out at her. "You hear me? Nothing!"

"We're better than you!" Tiffany added as they were led out of the house.

"Shut up!" one of the policemen told them both sternly.

"Don't worry about them, ma'am," another policeman told Caitlin. "They can't hurt you anymore."

Caitlin just nodded, picking up Brianna in her arms. "Let's go!" she told Cam and the others as she grabbed her purse, the diaper bag, and the keys to the Durango.

"We'll take your vehicle, Caitlin," Sam told her as they all hurried out of the house, taking the keys from her.

"We'll follow you!" Cam shouted out as he and Teal'c hurried to the SUV.

Caitlin quickly buckled Brianna into her car seat as the ambulance got onto the street and raced for the hospital, their lights and sirens blazing. Then she got in and she and Sam backed out of the garage and got onto the street, racing towards the hospital with Cam and Teal'c right behind them.

The ambulance pulled up to the emergency entrance, and the paramedics got Daniel out, racing in through the doors and shouting out vitals as doctors and nurses swarmed around them.

Sam and Caitlin quickly pulled up into the parking lot, Cam and Teal'c parking right beside them.

Caitlin quickly unbuckled the car seat and ran with Brianna into the ER and up to the nurses' station. She set the car seat down by her feet. "Please, my husband Daniel," she asked the nurse in front of her. "How is he?"

"They're looking at him now, ma'am. The doctor will come out and talk to you as soon as he's done."

"Please, I can't lose him!" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I just can't!"

Sam came over and gripped her shoulders, comforting her. "Come on, let's all go wait in the waiting room."

Caitlin just nodded, numbly following her as Sam grabbed Brianna in the car seat. The four friends went and sat down, waiting for word from the doctor.

"I called the general on the way here," Cam told Sam and Caitlin. "He said he'd be here as soon as he could."

Sam nodded as the doors to the ER slid open, Gen. Landry and Dr. Lam both hurrying in. He saw Sam and the others and went to them.

"Sir!" she said, standing with Cam and Teal'c.

"How is he?" he asked, concern on his face and in his voice.

"We don't know sir," Cam told him. "The doctor hasn't been out to talk to us yet."

Gen. Landry knelt down in front of Caitlin. "How are you holding up?"

She looked at him, a terrified look on her face and unshed tears in her eyes. "I can't lose him, sir! Brianna and I need him so much!" She started crying again.

He put his arms around her, hugging her tightly. "He'll be okay," he told her.

"He's been through a lot worse than this," Dr. Lam added.

What seemed like hours, but was only minutes later, the doctor came out and found them, a worried look on his face. "I'm looking for Caitlin Jackson."

Caitlin stood. "I'm Caitlin Jackson. How's my husband?"

"Mrs. Jackson, I'm Dr. Harding. He's in tough shape."

Dr. Lam came forward. "Dr. Harding, I'm Dr. Carolyn Lam. I'm Daniel's primary physician. What can you tell us?"

Dr. Harding shook her hand. "My pleasure, Doctor. I just wish it were under better circumstances." He sighed. "Here's what we know. When Daniel was shot, the bullet ricocheted around inside causing extensive damage to his shoulder. We have to go in and repair that damage."

"Please, is he going to die?" Caitlin asked, tears in her eyes.

"We'll do our very best, Mrs. Jackson."

"I'd like to examine Daniel myself if I could," Dr. Lam said to Dr. Harding.

"Of course, doctor. Right this way." He took her back into the exam room where Daniel was.

A few moments later she came back out and came over to Caitlin, Dr. Harding right behind her. "Caitlin, I've seen Daniel, and I concur with Dr. Harding. We need to take him to surgery right away to fix his shoulder."

"Can I see him?"

"Yes," Dr. Harding told her. "I can take you in to see him before we go upstairs."

Caitlin turned toward Sam. "Could you watch Brianna for a moment?"

"Go, go! We'll watch Brianna."

Caitlin smiled a small smile, then followed the doctor back into the exam room.

"Please be careful," the doctor warned her.

She nodded, carefully watching where she was walking. She walked over to the head of the bed and stood, leaning down, carefully caressing his cheek. "Daniel," she whispered in his ear. "Daniel, it's me, Caitlin. Brianna's here with me, too. Sam is watching her." She looked at him, tears in her eyes. "Please Daniel, don't leave us! Brianna and I need you so! We love you. Please don't leave us!" She leaned in, tenderly and gently kissing his lips. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín. Tar ar ais go mé (come back to me)," she told him as the hospital staff got him ready for surgery.

"We need to take him now," one of the nurses said gently.

Caitlin nodded, and they started to move him out of the room. She followed them out and into the waiting room with the others and grabbed Brianna and her purse. "Let's go," she told them all.

Sam grabbed the diaper bag, and they all followed them up to the waiting room near the surgery. She watched as they wheeled him past the doors.

"I'd like to watch if I may," Dr. Lam offered to Dr. Harding.

"Of course. This way."

She turned to Caitlin. "He'll be okay. I promise."

Caitlin just nodded, waiting with the others in the waiting room.

As she waited, two detectives came into the waiting room. "Mrs. Jackson?"

"Yes, that's me," Caitlin said to the men.

"I'm Detective Mason, and this is Detective Sorenson. I'm sorry to bother you at such a difficult time, but we need some vital information about what happened to you and your husband today."

"All right. What do you need to know?"

"How long have you known Brian and Tiffany Walker?"

"I've known them for many years. I met them in Maine when I used to live there."

"When did you first run into them here?" Det. Sorenson asked.

"The day after New Years. Daniel and I had just come back from a trip, and we were buying groceries when we ran into them."

"What happened?" Det. Mason asked her.

She told him. "After that we just walked away and left them to finish our shopping. We paid for our groceries and went home. We never expected to see or hear from them after that."

"But you did," Det. Sorenson queried her.

Caitlin nodded, getting angry. "They started sending us horrible, hateful emails. Daniel saved some of them."

"We'll need copies of those emails, Mrs. Jackson, but we can get them at a later date. In the meantime, how did they get access into your house?"

"They rang the doorbell. They said they were there to apologize for the way they acted at the grocery store, but because my daughter was sick, I asked them to leave. They didn't. They barged their way in, saying that it was their house now. Then later they took Brianna because they said she was their daughter now," she told the detectives, tears forming in her eyes. "Daniel's here because of them. Because of them!" She broke down crying.

Sam came over to her, holding her close. "Can you possibly do this another time?"

"Of course. As a matter of fact, I think we got all we needed. If we need any more, we'll contact you."

"Thank you," Sam told them, steering Caitlin back to where Brianna was in her car seat.

The detectives left, and Caitlin wept in Sam's arms, unable to hold back her fears.

Several hours later, two tired doctors came out and talked to them all. "Mrs. Jackson," Dr. Harding said, coming over to the little group, Dr. Lam right beside him.

She stood. "How is he?"

"He's in recovery," he told her, taking off his surgical cap. "We went in and looked around, and there wasn't as much damage as we originally thought. We repaired what we found and he's in recovery now."

Caitlin cried, letting loose all the tension she'd been holding in. "Oh, thank god!" she said through her tears. "When can I go see him?"

"I'll have one of the nurses let you know as soon as we take him to the ICU."

"Thank you Dr. Harding," Caitlin told him, smiling at him as she wiped away her tears. Then she went over to Brianna, lifting her out of the car seat. "It's all right now, Little One. Daddy's going to be all right." She sat down and kissed the top of Brianna's head as Dr. Lam and the others came over.

"Caitlin, I'd like to talk to you about something," Dr. Lam told her as she sat down next to her.

"What? Is something else wrong with Daniel?" Caitlin asked her, worried again as she put Brianna back into the car seat.

"No, but I have a treatment option I'd like to discus with you."

"What's that?"

Dr. Lam leaned in. "The Goa'uld Healing Device," she whispered.

Caitlin looked at her, confused. "What is that, exactly?"

Dr. Lam quietly explained it to her. "For obvious reasons, we'd have to do it back at the base. But there's the problem. We'd have to get Memorial Hospital to release him somehow."

"How could you do that, seeing as he just came out of major surgery?"

They all thought for a moment. "We could say that the military has a new procedure to help heal Daniel that's top secret. We wouldn't have to tell them what it is, just that we have one and we have to transport him to the military hospital."

"Will he survive the trip to the base?" Caitlin asked, worried.

"He should. I'll ride with him to make sure. Are you willing to try it?"

"Will this thing really heal him?"

Dr. Lam shook her head. "Not entirely, but it should greatly speed up the process."

Caitlin thought for a moment, then nodded. "Let's do it."

Dr. Lam nodded and stood, going to find the nearest nurse. "Could you get Dr. Harding for me?"

The nurse nodded, then hurried off to find the doctor. In a few moments, she came back, Dr. Harding right behind her. "Yes, is their anything else, Dr. Lam?"

She nodded. "We have a new treatment option through the military that I'd like to try on Daniel. I've talked it over with Caitlin, and she's willing to try it. But we'd have to do it as soon as possible."

"What is this treatment?" Dr. Harding asked her, curious.

"It's a new healing technique we have at the Evans Army Community Hospital. Unfortunately it's so new it's top secret. Only a few people like me have access to it."

Dr. Harding shook his head, a determined look on his face. "I won't release him, not unless you can tell me what this new treatment really is."

"I told you, it's top secret," Dr. Lam told him, getting frustrated with him.

"Daniel Jackson works for the Unites States Air Force, and as such he's entitled to treatment by us," Jack said, coming into the waiting area.

"I took the liberty of calling Gen. O'Neill before I came here," Gen. Landry explained to them all. "He took the next plane out."

"Oh Jack, thank god!" Caitlin exclaimed, standing and going to him, hugging him. "They won't let us treat Daniel."

He let her go. "I heard. Dr. Harding, was it? As I said, Daniel Jackson works for the Air Force, and is entitled to treatment by us."

Dr. Harding knew that he couldn't fight with the Air Force. "How will you get him to the hospital?" he demanded to know.

"Our people will come to the hospital and pick him up, and Dr. Lam will ride with Daniel to monitor him the whole way. Does that satisfy you?"

"Not entirely, but as long as there will be a doctor watching him en route to the hospital, I have no choice but to release him." Dr. Harding slumped his shoulders a little. "Have your people pull up to the emergency entrance, and we'll have Daniel ready to go." He turned and walked away.

"So what have you got planned?" Jack asked Dr. Lam.

Dr. Lam quietly told him.

"Do you think it'll work? Sam tried it on Daniel once before but couldn't make it work well enough. We had to call in her father to come in and try."

"We'd have to call in a favor with our, 'friends' sir," Dr. Lam told him.

Gen. Landry nodded. "Okay. I'll call one of our vehicles to come in and get Daniel, then we'll take him to the base. Dr. Lam, you ride with him."

She nodded, and everyone hurried into action, Gen. Landry pulling out his cell phone and calling the base.

"I think we should wait downstairs by the ER for the vehicle," Jack told them all.

Caitlin nodded, going to the car seat and making sure Brianna was buckled in. Then she put on her coat, and grabbed the car seat and her purse.

Sam grabbed the diaper bag, and soon everyone was headed down to the ER.

The vehicle from the base pulled up just as they wheeled Daniel down from upstairs, Dr. Harding right behind them.

"Mrs. Jackson, I have some release forms that you need to sign in order to be able to take your husband out of the hospital."

She nodded, setting Brianna down, and went over to the nurse's desk and signed the papers.

"Are you absolutely sure about this?" he asked her.

"Yes, I am," she told him determinedly.

"Okay then." He turned to Dr. Lam. "I recommend leaving the IV in during transport."

"I planned to, thank you." She turned and saw two airmen come inside with a stretcher, standing tall for Jack and Gen. Landry. "Okay, guys, let's get Daniel on the stretcher," she told them both, gesturing toward Daniel. "Be careful now, he's just had major surgery."

The two men nodded and pulled down the bags of IV solution, putting them on Daniel's chest. Then they took off the blankets, gently and carefully lifting Daniel up off the hospital's stretcher and onto their own. Finally they put their own blanket over him. "He's ready to go, Dr. Lam."

She nodded, turning toward Dr. Harding. "Thank you for your excellent care with him," she told him.

"You're welcome," Dr. Harding replied. "I hope this new treatment works for you."

"Yes, so do I. Good evening." She nodded at the airmen, and they lifted the stretcher up and took Daniel out to the waiting vehicle.

Everyone else followed them out and to their respective vehicles. Caitlin put Brianna in the back seat of the Durango and got in, Sam putting the diaper bag in the on the other side and getting in the driver's seat. "He'll be okay, Caitlin. I've seen the healing device work before."

"I sure hope you're right," Caitlin told her as Sam started up the vehicle and headed along with the others to the base.

At the base, Dr. Lam had called ahead and told them to expect them, so the nurses and orderlies were busy getting one of the intensive care rooms ready for them.

The vehicle carrying Daniel and Dr. Lam pulled up to the base checkpoint, and they were ushered in. Once they got to the main entrance, the vehicle stopped, and Dr. Lam got out and helped the airmen get Daniel out.

"Be careful with him," she warned them as they headed into the mountain. "Keep him as level as you can."

Sam, Caitlin, and the others were right behind her, and they all followed them down into the mountain and into the Infirmary.

"Okay, let's get him on the bed. Shannon, make sure that IV is still good. Be careful of those stitches in his shoulder, Saunders! Get some oxygen going!" she ordered as they carefully moved him to one of the beds in the intensive care room.

Gen. Landry and Jack got together, and came over to talk with Caitlin as Nurse Shannon put some oxygen prongs in Daniel's nose. "We're going to go contact the Tok'ra, see if they'll send someone to help us," Jack told her. "In the meantime, Daniel looks like he'll be okay for now until they get here."

"Thank you," Caitlin told them.

Dr. Lam came over to her. "If you like, there's an observation room up above where you can go sit and watch Daniel if you want to. I'll have someone bring up some food for you if you're hungry."

"I'm not hungry," Caitlin told her. "But thank you. I would like to go up there and wait."

"I'll go with her," Cam offered.

Sam handed the diaper bag to her.

"Come on Caitlin, I'll show you how to get to the observation room," Cam offered.

"As will I," Teal'c intoned.

She nodded, taking the diaper bag and putting it over her shoulder. Then she grabbed Brianna in the car seat and followed Cam and Teal'c up to the observation room.

General Landry, Jack and Sam hurried toward the control room. "Col. Carter, go get the device from the locked storage area and take it to the Infirmary. Jack, come with me."

Sam hurried off to get the device as the other two headed into the control room.

"Walter, dial up the Tok'ra immediately!"

Walter punched a few keys on the keyboard in front of him, and the gate started to rotate. In a few moments it whooshed open, and the general started to speak.

"This is General Landry from Stargate Command. I need to speak with the Tok'ra. Is anyone listening?"

There was a lengthy pause, then a man's voice came over the monitors. "This is Malek of the Tok'ra. How can we help you?"

"We need to speak to one of the councilors immediately!" Gen. Landry told him.

A pause. "Just one moment." A few moments later, a woman appeared on the monitors. "This is Lank'sha. I am one of the councilors. How can we be of service to you?"

"Dr. Daniel Jackson has been seriously injured here on Earth, and we need your help. We need someone who can use the Goaul'd healing device on him to help heal him."

"What about Col. Carter? Can she not use the device?"

Gen. Landry looked at Jack, who spoke. "She doesn't have enough control over it to be able to properly use it."

Lank'sha frowned. "As you well know, we too, are fighting the Ori as well as trying to preserve our race."

"Yeah, so are we," Jack countered. "But without Daniel Jackson's knowledge to help both our people fight the Ori, we might lose the war. Will you help us or not?"

Lank'sha thought for a moment and knew he was right. "We will help you. We will send someone shortly. Tok'ra out."

The wormhole closed, and the general looked at Jack. "Jack, please go to the gateroom and wait for our guest to arrive. When they get here, show them to the Infirmary immediately."

Jack nodded, and went down to the gateroom to wait. He didn't have to wait too long.

"Incoming wormhole!" Walter called through the microphone. The gate rotated, and in a minute whooshed open. A few moments later a male wearing the clothing of the Tok'ra came through the event horizon and down the ramp. Jack walked up to meet him.

"Hey, thanks for coming."

"I am Ta'seem of the Tok'ra. I am a healer. I have come to help heal Dr. Jackson."

"I'll take you to him. Come on." Jack and Ta'seem hurried down the corridors and up the levels back to the Infirmary where everyone was waiting for them.

"This is, what'd you say your name was again?"

"Ta'seem."

"This is Ta'seem. I guess he's one of their healers or something. He's here to help Daniel."

Dr. Lam nodded at him. "Thank you for coming." She quickly explained what had happened to Daniel. "An Earth doctor, Dr. Harding, surgically repaired the damage in his shoulder, but the healing device would make things heal a lot faster."

Ta'seem looked at her. "I must tell you that it will not heal him completely, but yes, it will help speed up the healing process."

"We know, and we understand," Dr. Lam told him.

"Then let us proceed. Do you have the device?"

Sam nodded, and held out the device to him.

Ta'seem took it and placed it on his right hand. Then he placed his other hand over the first, and focusing on the device, slowly activated it. He focused it on Daniel's injured shoulder, concentrating as he worked.

Caitlin watched with fascination and fear as he worked.

Ta'seem soon finished with Daniel's shoulder. "There appears to be other areas that need attention," he said. He focused the device all over Daniel's stomach and upper chest, healing all the little bumps and bruises.

As he finished up, Caitlin sighed in relief. "I should go thank him, Cam," she told him. She grabbed the diaper bag and the car seat and followed Cam and Teal'c downstairs to wait by the doors to the room Daniel was in. She heard Brianna start to fuss again, so she unbuckled her, picking her up. "Shh, Little One, it's okay." She gently bounced her up and down to try to calm her, but it wasn't working. "Please, Little One," she pleaded, but Brianna wouldn't stop crying.

"Might there be something wrong with Brianna Jackson?" Teal'c asked her.

"She's just colicky," Caitlin told him.

"Might not the healing device work on Brianna Jackson as well, Col. Mitchell?"

Cam thought for a moment. "I don't know T. Maybe we should ask Ta'seem."

Caitlin peeked around the doorway looking to see if Ta'seem was done.

He was. "It is finished." He handed the device back to Sam, then noticed a new sound. "I did not know you have young ones here."

"We don't," Dr. Lam explained. "Not usually. That's Brianna Jackson, Daniel's daughter that's crying."

"Why might she be crying?" he asked.

"She has colic," Caitlin explained, coming into the room, still gently bouncing Brianna. "Please, how is my husband?"

Jack made the introductions. "Ta'seem, this is Caitlin Jackson, Daniel's wife. Caitlin, this is Ta'seem of the Tok'ra."

Caitlin smiled a small smile at him. "Thank you for healing Daniel."

Ta'seem nodded, smiling a small smile at her. "He is not completely healed, however with the healing device, I have greatly aided in the process. But you are welcome, nonetheless. It is to our mutual advantage that Daniel Jackson is well so that he can help both our peoples fight the Ori."

Caitlin nodded, still bouncing a fussy Brianna. "I'm sorry to ask this, but do you think that device could help our daughter?"

"What seems to be the trouble with your young one?"

"She has colic, a form of an upset stomach."

"May I see the device once more?" Ta'seem asked Sam.

Sam handed the device back to him.

"Could you please hold her so that I can see her lower abdomen?"

Caitlin turned Brianna around in her arms and stopped bouncing her.

Ta'seem put the device on his right hand and placed his left over it, focusing on it and focusing the device's powers on Brianna's tummy. He slowly held it there for a few moments. Soon he was finished, and Brianna stopped her fussing completely.

"I have done what I could," Ta'seem told Caitlin simply.

"Well, it was enough. She's finally stopped fussing, and I think she might be able to eat now." She smiled at him. "Thank you so much!"

"I am a healer; it is my duty to heal those who are sick or injured. But you are most welcome." He turned toward Jack. "I must take my leave now. My people need me as well."

"Yeah, well thanks for comin'," Jack told him. "I'll take you back to the gate."

Ta'seem bowed slightly at everyone, then followed Jack back to the gate.

"So how is he really, Dr. Lam?" Caitlin asked.

Dr. Lam checked him all over. "He seems to be in pretty good shape, all things considering. He's resting right now, so we'll take him back to the Infirmary. I'll monitor him from there."

Caitlin sighed a huge sigh of relief, then went to put Brianna back into her car seat as Dr. Lam got Daniel ready to head back to the main Infirmary.

"Let's get Daniel back onto a gurney," she told the two orderlies. "Be careful of his shoulder, though. Shannon, get his IV ready."

Everyone got him onto a gurney and ready to move.

"Okay, let's get him back to the Infirmary." She and the others followed the gurney down the halls to the Infirmary where the orderlies put Daniel on a fresh bed.

Nurse Shannon got him all settled, making sure his IV was still good. She put the IV bag up onto a stand at the head of the bed, and made sure he was properly covered.

Dr. Lam checked his vitals once more, and satisfied with the results, wrote them down on his chart. Then she came over to Caitlin standing nearby. "He's stable for now, and I'll keep an eye on him during the night. I'm sure you and Brianna need your rest, as this has been a long and tiring day for both of you."

"Thanks, but if you don't mind, I'd like to stay and wait for Daniel to wake up. I'll just wait here on one of the other beds, if that's okay."

Dr. Lam knew that she wouldn't leave Daniel. "All right, but I'll have someone bring up something for you to eat and drink. I'll also have someone bring up the bassinet from your quarters so you can put Brianna down for some sleep."

"Thank you," Caitlin said gratefully, sighing. She set the diaper bag down on the bed next to Daniel's, and put Brianna's car seat on the floor next to the bed.

"Is there anything else you want from your quarters," Sam asked.

Caitlin thought for a moment. "No, but do you know if you have a small rocking chair here? I'd like to be able to rock Brianna to sleep like I do at home."

I'm sure we can find one for you somewhere," Sam told her. "In the meantime, try to get something to eat. It could be awhile before Daniel wakes up."

"I will, I promise. Besides, I have to eat to keep up my strength for Brianna."

"Okay, in the meantime, I'll find a rocking chair for you." Sam smiled at her, then left the Infirmary.

Caitlin quickly checked on Daniel, then bent down and unbuckled Brianna from the car seat. Picking her up, she gently laid her down on the bed and changed her diaper. Opening the diaper bag, she pulled out the sleeper outfit she had in there and dressed Brianna in it. Finally as she was finishing up, an airman brought in the bassinet and wheeled it near Caitlin, who thanked him. Getting up on the bed, she picked up Brianna and held her close, singing to her as Teal'c walked in with a tray in his hand.

"I have brought you some food, Caitlin Jackson," he told her. "I told Dr. Lam I would do so in order that you would not go hungry."

"Thank you, Teal'c. That was nice of you." She pulled the nearby tray table toward her. "Would you please hold Brianna for me for a moment?"

He smiled, nodding slightly. "I would be happy to hold my goddaughter." He set the tray down on the tray table. Then he carefully took Brianna from her and gently cradled her in his huge arms while Caitlin ate. "Is she much better now, Caitlin Jackson?" he asked her.

"Yes, I think so. She's finally stopped fussing, and after I eat, I plan to feed her. I just wish Daniel would wake up."

"He will in time," Teal'c told her. "Many people who have had the healing device used on them sleep a deep, healing sleep for many hours. That is also how the body repairs itself."

"I guess you're right. We tell many of our customers to sleep when they're sick, as it helps heal the body."

Teal'c nodded, gently rocking Brianna back-and-forth.

Caitlin finished her meal, drinking the last of her milk as Sam walked in with a large wooden rocker.

"Will this work?" she asked Caitlin.

"Oh, that's really nice. Where did you find it?"

"I found it at a second-hand store I sometimes go to. I'll just set it here and you can put it where you want it. It's yours to keep in your quarters as well."

Caitlin smiled at her friend. "Thanks, Sam. That means a lot."

Sam smiled at Caitlin, patting her leg, then left.

Brianna started to fuss, making Teal'c uncomfortable. "Could Brianna Jackson be sick again, Caitlin Jackson?" he asked her, concerned.

Caitlin smiled at him. "No, she's probably just hungry. I haven't fed her all day."

"Then I will leave you to do so." He carefully handed Brianna back to her, smiled and slightly bowed his head, then left.

Caitlin carefully got off the bed, grabbing one of the baby blankets from the diaper bag. She sat down in the rocker, laying Brianna in her lap. She unbuttoned her blouse and adjusted her bra, then settled Brianna at her breast, covering herself and Brianna with the blanket.

Brianna latched on and happily began eating.

Caitlin sighed, happy in the knowledge that Daniel was going to be okay, and in the knowledge that their daughter was healthy again. She finished feeding Brianna, then laid her back into her lap. Covering herself up again, she carefully lifted a sleepy Brianna into her arms. She started softly singing to her, gently rocking back-and-forth. Soon Brianna was fast asleep, so Caitlin carefully got up and put her into the bassinet, covering her with a blanket. Then she went over to Daniel's bedside, taking his right hand in hers. "I'm here, Daniel. Brianna and I are here, and we're not going anywhere." She checked her watch, and noted that it was after nine in the evening, but she decided to call Lacey and tell her what happened anyway. She went over to her purse and pulled out her cell phone, dialing their number.

"Reynolds residence," Lacey answered cheerfully.

"Lacey, this is Caitlin."

"Hi, Caitlin! How is Brianna feeling?"

"She's doing much better, thanks. Listen, something happened today I have to tell you about."

"What's that?"

"Soon after Daniel left for work, someone rang our doorbell. It was Brian and Tiffany."

"What were they there for?" Lacey asked, concern in her voice.

"They said they were there to apologize for the way they had acted at the grocery store around New Year's, but since Brianna was sick, I told them I didn't have time for them. That's when they barged in and took Brianna and me hostage."

"Oh God! What did you do? What happened?"

Caitlin finished telling her about what happened. "Finally, Daniel lunged and got a hold of the gun Brian had. The two struggled for a moment, but Brian shot Daniel."

Lacey gasped. "Oh my God!" she told her friend through the phone. "How bad is it? Is he still alive?"

"Yes, he's still alive. Brian shot him in the shoulder. The police arrested Brian and Tiffany, and the paramedics brought him to Memorial Hospital. They took him into surgery and repaired his shoulder. Right now we're at the Evans Army Community Hospital. Dr. Lam, his regular doctor, suggested that the military had a new procedure to help heal Daniel faster. They did, and he's resting now. I won't be in for the next few days Lacey, as I'm planning to stay with him and help him get better."

"Of course, of course! Take all the time you need," Lacey told her. "We'll manage until Daniel's healed. I'll say some prayers for you both."

"Thank you," Caitlin sighed. "I'd better get back to him. Give Brina a big hug for us."

"I will. Tell Daniel to get better soon."

"I'll do that. Good night!"

"Night!"

Caitlin closed her cell phone and put it back into her purse. Then she went to check on Daniel. He was still asleep, so she moved a few things around and moved the nearest bed closer to his. Then she moved the bassinet close to her bed, and finally got onto it. She pulled the covers up over herself and laid down, her hand reaching out for his free hand and holding it tightly as she fell asleep.

Early morning came, and Caitlin woke to the sound of crying. She slowly got up and went to the bassinet. "Shh, Little One," she told Brianna. "You'll wake Daddy." She picked up Brianna and held her, rocking her as she quietly sang to her. Then she noticed that Daniel had moved. She quickly but carefully put Brianna back into the bassinet and went to Daniel's side. "Daniel, it's me. Can you hear me?"

Somewhere in deep sleep Daniel heard her voice and followed it into consciousness, opening his eyes. "Wha... what happened? Where am I?"

Caitlin sighed a huge sigh. "You're here at the base, Daniel. You've been shot."

"What? I don't... Oh yeah, now I remember." He shook his head to clear it. Then he remembered everything. "Sweetheart! Are you okay? Where's Brianna? Is she okay?"

"Calm down, Daniel," Caitlin told him, carefully taking his hand. "Everything's fine. Brianna is okay, and she's here with me now. I've just got a nasty bruise on my cheek, that's all. We're more worried about you."

"So how am I doing? What happened?" he asked her.

"I'm going to let Dr. Lam tell you. Just a moment." She went out into the hallway and flagged down one of the officers walking by. "Could you please get Dr. Lam? Daniel just woke up."

The officer came into the doorway of the Infirmary and called the doctor who came in a few minutes later followed by Jack and the others.

"I hear our patient just woke up," Dr. Lam said coming over to his bedside. "How do you feel, Dr. Jackson?" she asked him, helping him to sit up slightly.

"I'm sore all over," he told her. "Especially my shoulder. What happened?"

"After you were shot, you were taken to Memorial Hospital where a Dr. Harding surgically fixed your shoulder. We brought you here after that so that we could use the Goa'uld Healing Device on your shoulder."

Daniel thought about that for a moment. "But Sam doesn't have enough control over the device to use it."

"We know," Cam told him. That's why Gen. Landry and Gen. O'Neill contacted the Tok'ra. They sent someone to help us."

"They did?" Daniel said, disbelieving.

"Yep," Jack confirmed. "Guy named Ta'seem. He's one of their healers I guess."

"I'm surprised they helped us without wanting anything in return."

"They said something about you being needed to help both them and us fight the Ori, so that's why they sent someone."

"Well, I'm grateful to them. In the meantime, when can I get out of here?"

"Not for a couple of days, Dr. Jackson," Dr. Lam told him. I want to make sure that your shoulder is completely healed up."

Daniel sighed. "Okay. I guess I can stand being in here for that long." He turned toward Caitlin. "What about you?" You have to go to work today."

She shook her head. "I called Lacey last night and told her what happened and that I wasn't coming in for a few days. She told me to take all the time I needed until you were better. And no, I didn't tell her you were here. I said that you were at the Evans Army Community Hospital for a new type of treatment."

He nodded, turning toward Dr. Lam. "Thank you," he told her, then turned to look at Jack. "Thanks Jack."

"No problem, Space Monkey," Jack told him, smiling at him. "Just doing what I can to help."

"So how long are you here for, Jack?"

"Just until tonight. I wanted to make sure you were out of the woods. I have to get back to Washington. The endless amount of paperwork, you know."

Daniel nodded, then looked at Sam, Cam and Teal'c. "Thanks for being there for me and my family, you guys."

"No problem, Daniel," Cam told him. "They're family."

"Well, we'll let you be alone and rest," Dr. Lam told him. "I'll be in later to check in on you."

"Thanks again," Daniel reiterated as everyone left the room. Then he turned to Caitlin. "Can I see our daughter?"

"Of course!" She turned and went to the bassinet, picking up Brianna. She gently cradled her in her arms, then carefully laid her down in Daniel's lap.

"You're sure she's okay, sweetheart?" he asked her, looking at her.

"Yes. As a matter of fact, Ta'seem used the healing device on Brianna, curing her of her colic."

"He did?" Daniel asked incredulously. "I didn't think he'd do that."

"He said that it's part of being a healer to heal all sick and injured people," she said.

"The Tok'ra never cease to amaze me," he told her. Then he looked down at Brianna. "There's my Little One," he cooed at her, sighing. "I'm so glad you're all right. He turned back toward Caitlin. "So what did the police say, or have they said anything to you yet?"

Caitlin sat down on the bed and faced him. "They arrested Brian and Tiffany as they were getting you ready. The two of them shouted out horrible things at me, but a policeman silenced them. Besides, I didn't listen to them anyway. Well, after they got you to the hospital and into surgery, two detectives came in and asked me questions."

"What did they ask you?" he queried her.

She sighed. "They asked all about what happened at the house and how I knew Brian and Tiffany. I told them, and I told them all about the threatening emails. I told them when you were better I'd send them some of them to them."

"Good. It will help them build up their case against the two. Now they really never will bother us again." He reached up and caressed her bruised cheek. "Why didn't you have Ta'seem use the healing device on your cheek?"

"I guess I didn't think about it. I was only worried about you and Brianna." She smiled at him, caressing his hand that was on her cheek. "Don't worry about it. It will heal." She took his hand, resting it down beside her. "When I called Lacey and told her what happened, she was horrified about it all, especially when I told her you'd been shot. I didn't tell her you were brought here, but I told her our friends took you to the Evans Army Community Hospital because they had a new treatment they wanted to try on you. That's all I said to her."

"Good. So are you going to stay in our quarters?"

Caitlin nodded. "I'd planned to. Sam found a rocker for me to use so I can rock Brianna to sleep like I do at home. I already fed her, so I should put her down for a nap. Speaking of which, I should let you take a nap as well. You need your rest."

"I'm not really all that tired, sweetheart. I just want to sit with you for awhile."

"Okay. Just let me put Brianna back into the bassinet." She stood and picked up Brianna, letting Daniel kiss her good night before putting her into the bassinet. Carefully laying Brianna down, she covered her up with a blanket and softly sang to her, watching her fall asleep. Then she sat back down next to Daniel and carefully snuggled into him, sighing. "I'm so glad you're okay, sweetheart. I was so worried I was going to lose you!" She sniffled, wiping away a tear from her cheek.

"There's no chance of that, muirnín. I've been shot, stabbed, hit with a blast from a zat gun and a staff weapon, and by so much radiation that I died from it. But the gods always brought me back. I always wondered why until I met you. Now I don't wonder anymore." He reached up with his right hand and caressed her cheek. "Is tú mo ghrá," he told her, his voice full of love.

She carefully turned to him and tenderly kissed him. "Is tú mo ghrá ró," she repeated, caressing his cheek. "Go to sleep, sweetheart. Everything's okay now."

Daniel nodded and closed his eyes, falling fast asleep.

Caitlin smiled, hearing his slow, deep breathing, then carefully got up, checking on Brianna.

The next few days passed, and Daniel continued to heal. Brianna was eating normally again, and Caitlin was helping Daniel with his rehabilitation. One day Dr. Lam walked into the Infirmary, a smile on her face.

"Good afternoon, Dr. Jackson."

"Good afternoon," Daniel told her as he played with Brianna in his lap, Caitlin sitting beside him.

"I've checked your charts, and it looks like you're doing really well. I've decided to release you, but I still want you to continue to take it easy and do your rehab exercises."

Daniel and Caitlin both sighed in relief.

"Thank you, Dr. Lam," Daniel told her, smiling. "I'm ready to go home."

"Then go home, Dr. Jackson. Rest and recuperate. I'll check you in a week and see if you're ready to go back to work."

"Thank you, Dr. Lam," Caitlin told her, a smile on her own face.

"Yes, thank you," Daniel echoed.

"You're welcome. Go home and rest." She smiled at him again, then left the room.

"Let's go home," Daniel told Caitlin. "Do you need anything from our quarters?"

"I just need Brianna's diaper bag and my bag. That's all."

He nodded, as the rest of the team came in.

"We hear you're bustin' outta here," Cam told Daniel.

Daniel nodded. "Dr. Lam just released me."

"Well, that's good," Sam said.

"Indeed," Teal'c intoned. "And we are here to 'see you off', as Col. Carter put it."

"Can we help?" Sam asked them both.

"Yes, thank you," Caitlin told her. "Sam, can you help me with Brianna? I just need to pack her bag and mine."

Sam nodded as Caitlin picked up Brianna from Daniel's lap. She followed her to their quarters, helping her pack as Caitlin put Brianna's little jacket and hat on, then put her into the car seat, buckling her in.

"I'm ready, she told Sam.

"Then let's head back to the Infirmary." Sam grabbed the two bags as Caitlin grabbed the car seat, and the two of them headed out of the room.

"We're ready," Caitlin said as they both walked in.

Cam went to get a wheelchair and parked it beside Daniel's bed. Daniel slowly and carefully got up and moved over to the chair. "Let's go," he told everyone.

Caitlin and Sam headed out first, with Cam following them, pushing Daniel as they all went up to the top of the mountain.

"I'll go pull up the vehicle," Caitlin told them, then left and walked over to the Durango, buckling in the car seat with Brianna in it. Then she got in and drove over to where Daniel was. She got out and went around the front, opening his door. "All set?" she asked him.

He nodded. "Yes, I'm ready to go home."

Cam and Teal'c carefully helped Daniel to get out of the chair and into the vehicle as Sam put the bags into the back of the vehicle.

Caitlin buckled Daniel in, then turned and smiled at everyone. "Thank you for everything."

"No problem," Cam told her. "You're family."

She smiled at them again, then went around to the driver's side getting in. She started the vehicle, waving at them. Daniel waved with his good arm as they drove away, finally headed home.

The next week went by with Daniel finishing up his rehab and finally returning to work. Brianna was growing bigger every day, and Caitlin was busy at the health food store.

He knew that her birthday was also coming up. He was planning something very special for that night. He had gotten the afternoon off and told her to do the same. He had also gotten Jack's help, along with Cam, Sam and Teal'c, and was ready to give her the night of her life.

"So what are you planning sweetheart?" she asked him that afternoon.

Daniel smiled mischievously at her. "Oh no you don't! Not until tonight. All you need to know is that we're going out."

"But what about Brianna?"

"Don't worry. Jack is here, and he and Sam are coming to pick her up. They're going to babysit for us."

"Okay, so what do I need to do to get ready?"

"All you have to do is look beautiful, and you already do."

Caitlin blushed. "Flatterer! Seriously though Daniel, what do I need to do? How should I dress?"

"Just wear something beautiful, and be ready by five-thirty. Jack and Sam are coming then to get Brianna for the night."

"The whole night?" she echoed him.

He nodded smiling.

"But Brianna hasn't been away from us for that long."

"I know, but I think she'll be just fine. Besides she'll only be a phone call away."

"Okay," she conceded. "I'll pack her diaper bag and make sure there's plenty of breast milk for her."

"And I'll get the playpen ready. They can use that for a crib."

She nodded, picking up Brianna and heading upstairs. "You get to spend the night with your Uncle Jack and your Auntie Sam, sweetie," she cooed at her. "Yes, you do!"

As Caitlin got Brianna ready, Daniel smiled, knowing that Caitlin would be surprised. He folded up the playpen and set it by the front door, excited for what was to come.

Upstairs, Brianna was getting her diaper changed, and Caitlin was singing to her. "Where are you going, Little One, Little One? Where are you going, sweet baby of mine?" She finished the song, putting a fresh outfit on Brianna. "There you are, Little One! All clean. Now don't you feel better?" She laughed as she saw her daughter blowing bubbles. "You're silly!" she told her as she picked her up from the changing tab5le, then turned and laid her down in the crib. "Now you be a good girl and lay there for mommy while I get your things ready." She grabbed the diaper bag and filled it with the things she knew Jack and Sam would need. Finally she slung the bag over her shoulder and picked up Brianna, carefully settling her into her arms. Then the two of them headed downstairs.

"Are you all ready?" Daniel asked her.

She nodded. "Yep, she's all ready. I just have to pack a couple of bottles of milk for her, but that's it."

"Why don't I watch her while you get ready for the evening?" he suggested.

She nodded, handing him Brianna and setting the diaper bag down by the playpen. Then she went back upstairs to get ready. She went into their closet and found the dress she's found a few weeks ago when she'd gone shopping, putting it on the bed. Taking her hair out of the ponytail, she quickly jumped into the shower, washing herself all over. When she was done, she grabbed the two towels and wrapped up in them. Caitlin dried herself off, then put on a clean bra and panties, slipping on a pair of nylons and a slip.

Padding back into the bathroom, she fixed her hair the way she wanted, leaving some of it down. Then she brushed her teeth and put on her makeup. Finally she got dressed, slipping on her shoes and putting on her amethyst necklace and bracelet, along with her watch. Then she grabbed the matching shawl and went downstairs.

"Oh, sweetheart, you look stunning," Daniel breathed as she walked into the living room. "That dress is beautiful!"

Caitlin blushed slightly, laying the shawl across the banister. "Thank you, sweetheart. Why don't you let me take Brianna, and you can go get ready."

He nodded, handing her their daughter and heading upstairs to get ready. He changed out of his clothes and jumped into the shower. When he was done, he grabbed a big, fluffy towel and dried himself off, wrapping up in it. He brushed his teeth, then padded into the bedroom. He pulled out a few things from their dresser, and pulled out his nicest navy blue suit from the walk-in closet, laying it on the bed. Then he pulled out a wrapped box out from underneath the bed and set it on top of the bed.

While he was finishing getting dressed, the doorbell rang. Caitlin went to answer it, and found it was Jack and Sam. "Hi Jack, Sam!" she exclaimed. "Come on in."

The two of them walked in, staring at her. "Wow Caitlin," Jack commented. "You really look beautiful tonight."

"I love what you did with your hair," Sam told her warmly. "So where is Daniel?" she asked, looking around the foyer.

"I'm right here," Daniel answered as he walked down the stairs, smoothing down the collar of his jacket. "I was just getting ready myself."

"So Jack, what are you doing in Colorado Springs?" Caitlin asked him as she got Brianna's little jacket on.

"I have some paperwork to go over with Gen. Landry, as well some other things concerning the Stargate program, so here I am."

Caitlin nodded, smiling at him. "Well, we really appreciate you taking care of Brianna for us. Both of you."

Sam smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It'll give us a chance to hang out with our goddaughter."

Jack nodded in agreement.

"Well, she's ready to go. Just let me put Brianna into her car seat and grab a couple of bottles of milk from the fridge first." She buckled Brianna into her car seat, then excused herself long enough to head back into the kitchen, grabbing a few bottles of milk. She took them back into the foyer and put them upright into Brianna's diaper bag. "There's a couple of outfits and sleepers in the bag, as well as plenty of diapers and wipes," she told them, handing Sam the bag. She picked up the car seat and handed it to Jack. Then she leaned in and kissed Brianna's little head. "Is tú mo ghrá, Beag Aon," Caitlin told her daughter.

"Is tú mo ghrá," Daniel echoed as well, leaning in to kiss his daughter.

"We'll take good care of her," Sam promised them. "Have a wonderful night, and happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday!" Jack echoed as they walked out of the house and back to Jack's vehicle.

Daniel shut the front door. "Are you ready to go? We have to be somewhere at six-fifteen."

Caitlin nodded at him. "Yes. I can just grab my purse on the way out of the house."

He nodded at her as she grabbed her shawl from the banister, and together they headed out into the kitchen. Grabbing her purse as he grabbed the keys, they locked up and left the house.

The Pepper Tree Restaurant was somewhat quiet as Daniel pulled up into the parking lot. He shut off the vehicle and got out, going around to politely open Caitlin's door.

"Why thank you sir," she said, smiling at him and taking his hand, letting him help her out of the vehicle. She wrapped her shawl around her arms and reached in to grab her purse before he closed the door. Then she took his arm and looked up at where they were. "Oh Daniel!" she exclaimed, looking at him. "Can we afford this?"

He put a finger to her lips, then gently kissed them. "Please don't worry and just enjoy the evening."

She nodded, smiling, and together they walked inside.

"Welcome to The Pepper Tree Restaurant!" the host said enthusiastically.

"Thank you. We have a reservation."

"Your name?"

"Daniel Jackson."

The host checked his book on his podium, and smiled nodding. "Yes, Jackson. Please follow me." He grabbed two menus and led them through the main dining area to their table.

"Have you ever been here before?" he whispered to her as they followed the host.

"No, you?"

He shook his head.

They reached their table, and the host laid their menus down on the table, as well as a wine list.

Daniel came around and pulled out Caitlin's chair as she took off her shawl, laid it over the back of the chair and sat down. Then he went and sat down across from her.

The host explained the specials for the evening, and Daniel stood, whispering something to him.

"Ah yes," he replied, nodding. I'll have the wait staff bring that out to you immediately." He turned and left them, headed back into the kitchen. As the two of them looked over their menus, a man came out with a bucket and a small rack. He came to their table and set the rack down, opening it and setting the bucket on it. "I believe your requested this, sir?" he told Daniel.

Daniel looked at it and smiled, nodding. "Yes, thank you."

The waiter took hold of the bottle and carefully opened it, pouring a little into Daniel's glass.

Daniel tasted it, nodding.

"Very good sir," the waiter replied, then poured some into Caitlin's glass and topped off Daniel's.

Caitlin noticed the name on the bottle, and smiled. "Thank you," she told the waiter.

"Yes, thank you," Daniel replied as well.

The waiter left, and Caitlin looked at Daniel and smiled. "You remembered my favorite sparkling cider," she told him, taking a sip.

"Yes I did. Do you like it?"

"Mm-hmm," she said, taking another sip. "But they don't offer that here do they?"

He shook his head. "No, but I got the manager's permission to let me bring in a couple of bottles tonight."

"You are so wonderful," she told him, taking his hand and squeezing it lightly. Then she took her menu and glanced through it, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. "Everything looks so good!" she exclaimed. "It'll be hard to decide."

"I know," he said as he glanced through the menu.

After a few moments, she had decided what to have. "I think I'm going to have the Chicken Augustin. That sounds really good."

"I guess I'll have the filet mignon. But nothing here is as good as what you can make at home." He smiled at her warmly, his eyes sparkling.

"Oh Daniel," she blushed as the waiter came back to their table.

"Are we ready to order tonight?" he asked them both.

Daniel nodded, and told the waiter what he wanted, then Caitlin told him her choice.

"Excellent choices, folks," the waiter said as he finished writing their choices down. "I'll go place your order, and it will be ready soon." He turned and left them to talk amongst themselves.

"So where are we going later tonight? Caitlin asked Daniel as she took another sip of her cider.

"Uh-uh! You'll find out later. I don't want to spoil the surprise."

"But Daniel…" she began, but he stopped her.

"I promise you'll love what I have planned. But you'll find out soon enough."

She sighed. "Okay, I guess I can wait." She smiled. "You look so handsome tonight, muirnín," she commented warmly. "That's my favorite suit out of all the ones you have."

Now it was Daniel's turn to blush slightly. "Thank you, muirnín. And may I say that you are absolutely stunning tonight. Where did you find that beautiful dress?"

"Thank you, sweetheart. I found it in Le Boutique, a store at one of the malls downtown."

"Well, I love it," he said as the waiter brought out their food.

"The chicken augustin for you madam," the waiter said as he set her plate down in front of her. "And for you sir, the filet mignon. Is there anything I can get for you right now?"

Daniel looked at his plate, then at the waiter. "I don't think so."

"Well enjoy your meals. If you need anything, just ask."

"Thank you," Caitlin told him, smiling at him as she picked up her knife and fork. The waiter left, and she cut into her chicken, taking a small bite. "Mmm, this is really delicious!" she exclaimed as she watched Daniel take a bite of his steak. "How's your filet?"

"Really good and tender," Daniel replied as he took a drink of his cider.

They continued to eat their meals, talking and laughing throughout the meal. As they finished up, the waiter came back to their table. "How was everything tonight?"

"Delicious!" Caitlin exclaimed again.

Daniel nodded in agreement.

"Good, I'm glad you liked it. For dessert tonight we have berries and cream, or apple pie a la mode."

Earlier that day Daniel had prepared something special for Caitlin. He had bought some chocolate-covered strawberries and some whipped cream, and had put them both in the fridge, along with another bottle of apple cider. That was for later. Right now they needed to get going to the concert. So he shook his head at the waiter. "No thank you," he told him. "We'd like our check instead please."

Caitlin looked at him questioningly, but he just smiled at her.

"Not a problem, sir. I'll just be back in a moment with your check." The waiter left them, and Caitlin looked back at Daniel.

"What have you got planned?" she asked him.

"You'll see," was all Daniel would tell her as the waiter came back with their check. He took the check, and pulled out his wallet, handing the waiter his credit card.

"Very good sir. I'll just be a moment." The waiter walked away and in a few moments came back with Daniel's card and a pen.

Daniel signed the receipt, putting a generous tip onto the total.

The waiter took the receipt book and pen. "Thank you very much, Mr and Mrs. Jackson. Please don't hesitate to come back to The Pepper Tree in the future."

"We won't," Daniel told him, standing and helping pull out Caitlin's chair.

"Thank you again for a delicious meal," she added as she grabbed her shawl and wrapped it around her arms, then grabbed her small purse. She took Daniel's outstretched arm, and together they left the restaurant.

He led her to the car, helping her with her door, then walked around and got inside. Starting the car, he backed out and headed towards the concert hall.

"That was a wonderful meal," she commented as they drove there.

Daniel nodded in agreement. "Are you ready for the next part of your birthday surprise?"

She nodded. "I've been wondering what's next all evening."

"Well, you'll find out soon enough," he told her, squeezing her hand warmly. He continued on down the lighted streets until he came to the performing arts center where he found a place to park. He urged her to get out.

"What's going on here tonight?" she asked him, looking around at all the people walking inside the building.

He smiled at her and offered her his arm. "Lacey and Jason told me weeks ago at the naming ceremony that Enya was coming to Colorado Springs tonight, so I got two tickets. I hope you like your surprise."

Caitlin couldn't believe it. She hugged him tightly, tears in her eyes. "Oh Daniel! Thank you so much! I can't believe it! I've always wanted to see her live in concert."

"Well, now you get to," he told her as they walked inside the building. He pulled out his wallet and found the two tickets, then handed them to the usher.

"Thank you. Just follow the next usher, and they'll show you where your seats are."

"Thank you," he told her, then followed the next usher to their seats. Once they had sat down, he helped her take her shawl off.

She laid the shawl across her legs, then sat and waited for the concert to start. In a little while, the lights dimmed, and the concert started. All throughout the concert she sat enraptured and enthralled by Enya and her music. She played many songs that Caitlin knew and were her favorites. The last song she played was Caitlin's favorite song, Only Time. Tears came to her eyes as the song ended, and she quickly wiped them away.

Daniel noticed it as everyone started clapping and Enya stood, bowed to the crowds, and left the stage. "Are you okay?" he asked her, concerned, as everyone stood, getting ready to leave.

She sniffled a little, wiping away the last tear from her eyes, then wrapped the shawl back around her arms. "Oh, it's nothing. I just love that last song, and she does it so beautifully. That's all, sweetheart."

"Okay. She sure is a beautiful singer, but not as beautiful as you are when you sing to Brianna."

"Flatterer!" she told him as they walked back to their vehicle. "So what's next?"

"I just thought you'd like to go home and relax is all," he told her, helping her into the Durango. He shut her door and then went around, getting in. Starting the vehicle, he waited with everyone else to get out of the parking lot. A few minutes later they were on their way home. As they drove home, he drove closer and closer to a florist's shop. He slowed down and quickly pulled in to the parking lot, parking the Durango. "I'll be right back," he told her.

She nodded, and watched as he walked inside.

"Good evening sir," the clerk behind the counter told him. "How can I help you?"

"I'd like to buy a dozen roses, please."

She nodded to Daniel, coming out from behind the counter. "Okay. If I may ask who are they for?"

"My wife. It's her birthday today."

"That's nice of you. So what color were you thinking of?"

Daniel ran his hand through his hair. "Well, her favorite color is pink, so maybe that."

The clerk went over to the floral case that held the different colors and shapes of roses. "Is there anything in the case that catches your eye?"

He looked into the case where the roses were all in different containers grouped by colors. He looked at the pink ones and found one that was a beautiful pink color. "What about that one?" he told her, pointing out the flower to her.

She reached in and pulled out one of the beautiful roses he'd been pointing at. "This one is called 'April in Paris'. It has a beautifully strong tea rose scent as well as the fact it lasts a long time in a vase." She held it out to him.

He took the rose from her, and smelled it, surprised. "You're right. It does smell pretty." He smiled at her, handing back the rose. "I'll take a dozen."

"Excellent choice sir," she told him, but he stopped her.

"Could you please do one red one in the middle of the others?"

"Of course! Would you like these in a vase?" she asked before she selected the best roses.

"No thank you. We have vases at home."

"How about some baby's breath and ferns to go with them?" she suggested.

"That would be fine," Daniel told her as he followed her up to the cash register. She took each of the roses and cut off a little bit of the stems at the bottom, then went back into a cooler and came out with some ferns and baby's breath in her hands. Grouping them around the flowers, she made sure the one red rose was in the center of the bundle, then carefully wrapped them up in tissue paper, handing them all to Daniel. "That will be forty-nine, ninety-five," she told him pressing some buttons on her cash register.

He pulled out his wallet, got out his credit card and handed it to her.

She smiled, taking the card and running it through the reader. She soon handed it back to him, then handed him one of the receipts and a pen. "If I could just have you sign this please," she told him.

He wrote his name down, then looked up at her and smiled.

"Thank you for coming into Simply Flowers, Mr. Jackson. I hope your wife enjoys her flowers."

"I'm sure she will," he told the clerk warmly. "Thanks for all your help."

"Thank you and come again."

Daniel nodded, then turned and left the store. He opened the back door of the Durango and put the beautiful fowers on the back seat. "Now no peeking until we get home," he playfully admonished Caitlin.

"I promise, but from their smell they must be beautiful."

He climbed in to the vehicle, turned and looked at her, smiling as he caressed her cheek with his hand. "Not as beautiful as you are."

She blushed, even in the dim light of the vehicle. "Oh Daniel. The night has been so incredible already. I can't imagine what you could do to make it even more special."

"Well, you'll see soon enough," he told her as he started the vehicle up, backed out of the parking lot, and continued on the way home.

It was after nine in the evening when Daniel parked the Durango into the garage, shutting it off and closing the garage door. He got out, grabbing the roses as he walked around to help Caitlin with her door. He hid the flowers behind his back as she got out.

"After you, Mrs. Jackson," he told her, smiling. "Here, let me get the door for you." He walked up to the mudroom door and opened it for her, helping her up the stairs. He followed her into the mudroom and turned on the lights from the kitchen. Closing the door and making sure it was locked, he walked toward Caitlin who had taken her shawl off and set it on the island counter. "For you, Mrs. Jackson," he said as he pulled the flowers from behind his back and gave them to her, a smile on his face.

She stood there a moment, stunned, then took the flowers. "Oh these are beautiful, and my favorite color, too." She buried her head in them and drank in their heady fragrance. "Why is one of them red?" she asked him, looking up at him again.

"The pink ones are because you love pink, and the red one is because I love you," he told her, taking her into his arms.

"Oh Daniel," she started before he captured her mouth with his in a tender kiss.

"Let's put these in water," he told her after breaking the kiss. "Then I'll prepare the rest of the surprise. Only you have to trust me and not look into the refridgerator. Okay?"

"I already trust you completely, muirnín. You know that." She smiled at him, caressing his cheek. "I promise not to look."

"Good. Let's get these in water first." He went to one of the cupboards and pulled down a pretty vase, filling it with water from the sink. Putting the vase on the island counter, he watched as Caitlin put the flowers in the vase, quickly arranging them a little. When she was done, he took her hands. "Now for the rest of your surprise. Please go upstairs and look on the bed in our room. And put on what you find there."

She looked at him, puzzled, but nodded and went upstairs to their bedroom where she found a small wrapped box on the bed. Opening it, she gasped. There nestled inside the tissure paper was a beautiful peignoir robe and gown set, all in a light pink. "Oh Daniel," she sighed lovingly as she got undressed and put on the beautiful set, hanging her good clothes back into their closet. As she walked out of the closet, she heard soft music wafting up the staircase and could smell vanilla and roses. Puzzled, she walked down the stairs to find all the lights were off in the house, and gentle music was playing in the living room. She recognized the song as one of her favorites from Josh Groban. She walked into the living room and gasped at what she saw there. Candlelight was flickering off the walls, music was playing in the background, and there stood Daniel, resplendent in his pajama bottoms and in the light of the candles throughout the room.

Earlier in the day Daniel had gotten home before Caitlin and had laid out all his plans for the evening, making sure that everything was in place. He had put the strawberries and cream in the fridge, and had placed his satin pajama bottoms in the den, closing the door so she wouldn't find them in there. Now he stood there in the light of the candles all around the room, the chocolate-covered strawberries and cream sitting on the coffee table with two glasses of sparkling cider, and layers of blankets laying in front of the fireplace with two pillows on them. A smile lit his face as she walked into the room, beautifully dressed in the peignoir set he'd bought for her a few days before. He locked his eyes with hers as the song continued to play in the background, and he walked over to her, taking her into his arms. He slowly started to dance with her, the words of the song washing over the both of them like a wave on the beach.

You're the one I've always thought of
I don't know how but I feel sheltered in your love
You're where I belong
And when you're with me if I close my eyes
There are times I swear I feel like I can fly
For a moment in time
Somewhere between
The heavens and earth
I'm frozen in time
Oh when you say those words
When you say you love me
The world goes still so still inside
When you say you love me
For a moment, there's no one else alive

Caitlin rested her head on Daniel's shoulder, breathing in the heady scent of him and sighing in complete contentment as they slowly danced together.

As the song came to an end, he softly sang into her ear. "When you say you love me, do you know how I love you?" He gently put his finger under her chin, lifting it up, and tenderly but passionately kissed her. The next song started to play, and he let her go long enough to grab one of the strawberries. He dipped it into a little of the whipped cream, then put it to her lips.

She opened her mouth, closed her eyes, and took a bite of the strawberry. Licking her lips, she smiled as she ate, sighing in contentment.

He finished the rest of the strawberry, putting the end on the plate. Then he took her back into his arms and began dancing with her again. They continued on in silence, the music and the candlelight wafting around them like a warm summer breeze. Untying her robe, he pushed the material off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. He sighed again in contentment, seeing her beautiful body covered only by the incredible nightgown. He continued to dance with her, holding her close.

She sighed again in utter happiness; her heart, her love, her Dainéal holding her close as they danced. When he took off the robe, she shivered in excitement. They continued to dance, and she leaned down and grabbed a strawberry, dipping it into the cream and this time, offering it to Daniel, swirling it around his lips before letting him have a bite. She did as he did afterwards, taking the last bite of the big berry and putting the top on the plate. Then she relaxed again, resting her head on his shoulders. "Is tú mo ghrá," she told him, tenderly but passionately kissing him.

"Is tú mo ghrá ró," he told her afterwards, handing her one of the flutes filled with cider. "Breithlá shona duit (happy birthday), muirnín. Do you like your surprise?"

She took the glass as he grabbed his own. "I love it, and you. You must have planned this out long before today."

He caressed her arms as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. "I did. I got suggesstions from Cam and Teal'c, and I asked Jack and Sam to take Brianna for us for tonight so we could be alone."

"I'm glad. I love being alone with you like this. And you chose the best music. How did you know?"

"Sam helped me make the cd. I just chose all the songs I wanted, and she put them on there for me."

"Well, it's beautiful. Thank you."

The song changed again, and Daniel grabbed another strawberry, dipping it in the cream again and offering it to her.

Caitlin took a bite of it eagerly, closing her eyes and enjoying it with abandon. Then she grabbed her own strawberry and some cream, offering it to him.

He bit into the strawberry gladly, smiling and sighing in congtentment.

Then he raised his glass, entwining his arm with hers. "To my beautiful, sexy wife. May you have a long year of love, laughter and happiness."

"And to my handsome, sexy husband," she said before he could take a sip. "May you have all the happiness your heart can hold and more."

Together they each took a generous sip of the sparkling liquid.

"Oh muirnín," she sighed happily, putting her glass and his back onto the coffee table. "Tonight was so wonderful. First that incredible dinner, then the amazing concert, and now this. I don't know when I've had a better birthday." She caressed his shoulders and his chest with her hands, looking into his eyes with love and desire in her own. "I love you."

"I love you, too," he told her, love and desire in his own eyes. "More than I ever thought possible." He leaned his head down and captured her mouth with his, slowly and passionately kissing her and sending shivers down her spine as he gently led her over to the blankets. He picked her up in his arms and lowered her onto the blankets, slowly and passionately making love to her.

A loud thunderclap reverberated throughout the house slowly waking Daniel up. He found Caitlin curled up to him, her naked body warm and soft as lightning flashed around the room. He gently caressed her naked body, kissing her beautiful, soft shoulders and that spot just beneath her left ear.

She mumbled and moved slightly, sighing in contentment.

The music had long since stopped, but the candles still flickered their light around the room as the thunder crashed and the lightning flashed again. "You are so beautiful," he whispered in her ear as he caressed her body.

She slowly moved more onto her back, and he leaned in and tenderly captured her mouth with his. He slowly kissed her until he felt her hand reach up to caress his face, then his shoulders. Releasing her mouth, he smiled at her as she caressed his shoulders, smiling back at him. He leaned in to capture her mouth again in a slow, passionate kiss as he tenderly made love to her again.

The next morning came, and Caitlin slowly woke to the feel of Daniel's arms around her. She laid there a few moments, reveling in the knowledge of their previous night's lovemaking. Then she felt Daniel's hands slowly begin to caress her arms. "Mmm," she said, caressing his hands with her free hand.

"Good morning, muirnín," he told her seductively. "Did you sleep well?"

She turned to face him, caressing his face. "I did, thank you. And you?"

Daniel leaned down and tenderly kissed her. "I did, even though I had the sexiest woman in the world sleeping next to me."

"Oh Daniel, thank you for a wonderful birthday! It was truly a great day."

"I'm glad."

She glanced at the wall clock, noting the time. "What time are Jack and Sam bringing back Brianna?"

"Sometime around seven-thirty. What time is it now?"

"Just after six. Maybe we should clean up and get ready for the day. We should blow these candles out, too."

He pouted a little. "But I love having you in my arms, all naked and sexy like this."

She giggled, blushing. "I know, but we both have to go to work today, and I'll probably need to feed Brianna before going to work. So we'd better get moving." She quickly kissed him, then moved to get up.

He got up with her, helping her to blow out the candles and pick up the blankets.

"I'll put these in the wash," she told him, taking them and setting them on the couch. "If you'll put the strawberries and the cider away, I'll put the pillows back."

"Okay. Then we can go get showers and get ready," he added as they continued to clean up.

She quickly put on her robe and grabbed the blankets, taking them into the laundry room and starting them to washing as he put the food away. Then she walked back into the living room and grabbed her pretty new nightgown from the floor and followed him upstairs into their bedroom. "You go first sweetheart, as you don't take so long," she told him as she walked to the cabinets in the bathroom and pulled out a fresh, clean towel, setting it on the back of the toilet.

"Okay. I won't be long," he told her as he got the shower ready and jumped in.

Caitlin walked into their walk-in closet and chose her outfit for the day, setting it on the bed. She padded back into the bathroom and set out two fresh towels by the sink to use for her own shower as he finished up his shower.

Daniel quickly washed himself and washed his hair, rinsing everything off. Finishing up, he shut off the shower and reached out, grabbing the clean towel she'd laid out for him. He towel-dried his hair, then wrapped himself up in the towel, padding over to the sink. "All yours," he told her, smiling at her.

"Thank you." She quickly got undressed and turned on the shower, jumping in and washing herself and her hair. Making sure she was all rinsed and clean, she shut off the shower and grabbed one of the fluffy towels and wrapped her hair in it. Then she grabbed the other one and wrapped it around her body, padding toward the sink. "So what are your plans at work, besides trying to finding the Sangraal?" she asked him as she did her hair and makeup.

"Mostly just that," came his muffled reply as he put a shirt on over his head. He finished getting dressed, walking into the bathroom again as he put on his watch. "There might be the occasional translation if one of the teams brings something in, but mostly I'll just be doing more research into the Sangraal. What about you?"

"Just stocking the shelves and helping any customers that come in," she told him as she finished braiding her hair. She wrapped it into a bun and secured it with some bobby pins, then grabbed her toothbrush. Both of them brushed their teeth and finished up, then she went into the bedroom and got dressed, putting on a pair of peach capris and a peach-colored shirt. Slipping on her socks she stood, going to the dresser and putting on her own watch. "Jack and Sam should be here any minute," she noted, looking at it.

Daniel came over to her, wrapping his arms around her and smiling at her. "Okay. You know, you're really beautiful this morning. I love you." He leaned down and tenderly kissed her.

"I love you too, handsome. Let's get downstairs." She left his embrace and followed him downstairs just as the doorbell rang. "Coming," she called out as she headed for the front door. She glanced out the window and saw that it was Jack and Sam. She opened the door. "Hi Jack, Sam! Come on in."

Sam walked in first, followed by Jack who was carrying the car seat with Brianna in it.

"How was Brianna?" Caitlin asked them both.

"She was really good," Sam told her as Jack set the car seat down in front of him. "She hardly cried at all."

Caitlin smiled and bent down, taking Brianna out of the car seat. "Were you a good girl? Were you, huh?" She stood up, cradling Brianna in her arms. "That's my Little One!" she said, smiling at her daughter.

"How was your birthday?" Jack asked her.

"It was incredible!" she exclaimed with a smile on her face. "First Daniel took me to The Pepper Tree restaurant, then he surprised me with two tickets to the Enya concert at the performing arts center. Then, as we were on the way home, he bought me flowers. Finally we came home and relaxed. It was really special."

"Wow, that does sound nice," Jack replied. "Never knew you had it in you, Danny-boy," he said to Daniel, grinning.

"Thanks, Jack. We really did have a wonderful evening."

Sam smiled. "That's good. Well, we'd better get to work. See you there, Daniel."

"Okay. Bye!" He showed them out and closed the door behind them. "So how is our Little One this morning?" he cooed at his daughter.

Brianna screwed up her face and started crying. "I think she's a little hungry," Caitlin told him, smiling. She walked upstairs and into the nursery, sitting down in the rocker and setting Brianna in her lap. She unbuttoned her blouse and exposed her breast, putting her daughter up to it and watching her latch on. "There you go, Little One,"

Happily eating away, Brianna stopped crying and closed her eyes, falling asleep as she ate.

Caitlin rocked back-and-forth, smiling at her daughter and humming absentmindedly.

Daniel quietly stood in the doorway, watching the whole scene.

Soon Brianna stopped eating, and Caitlin pulled her way from her breast. Laying her daughter on her lap, she readjusted her bra and re-buttoned her blouse. She carefully picked up Brianna and cradled her in her arms as she slowly got up. "Well, I think she's ready," she quietly said to him, checking her watch. "And we both have to get going." She headed downstairs and picked up Brianna's little jacket and hat, carefully putting it on her so as not to wake her. Then she gently laid her in the car seat, buckling her up. "She's all ready, sweetheart," she told him.

"Good. Let's head out." He picked up the car seat by the handle, and walked into the kitchen towards the mud room to get his keys.

Caitlin grabbed her own keys and purse, and gently kissed her daughter on the head. "Is tú mo ghrá, Beag Aon," she said to her daughter. Then she stood and kissed Daniel.

"Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín. Have a good day at work."

Is tú mo ghrá, ró," he said, returning the kiss. "You have a good day at work, too."

She nodded, smiling, then opened the door to the garage and headed for the Durango, Daniel right behind her with Brianna as they both headed out to work.

The days grew longer with June ending and July beginning. July fourth was spent at Jason and Lacey's house, along with Paul and Karyn. As they headed home, Caitlin turned toward Daniel. "You're birthday is coming up. I thought we could do another barbeque like we did last year. What do you think?"

He eyed her suspiciously, a sly smile on his face. "You're not going to tell me you're pregnant again are you?"

She laughed, playfully smacking him on the arm. "No, of course not! I just thought you might like to spend some time with all our friends, that's all."

He smiled at her. "That sounds like a really great idea. Yes, I would love to do that."

"Great! I'll make up the plans, and we can let everyone know."

Daniel pulled into their garage and parked, getting Brianna in her car seat out of the vehicle as Caitlin pulled out her empty bowl and her purse. Together they walked into the house, and she set her bowl in the kitchen sink as Daniel got Brianna out of her car seat, settling her into his arms.

"So what would you like for your birthday, muirnín?" she asked him as she washed the bowl and dried it.

He thought for a moment, then smiled. "There's nothing I want that I don't already have. I have you, and I have Brianna. That's really all I need, muirnín."

"I know, but I still want to get you something for your birthday present." She sighed. "I guess I'll just have to think about that one for myself for awhile." She went to put the bowl away as Brianna started fussing.

"I think she's a little hungry," he told her, going over to her.

She took Brianna from his arms, putting her to her shoulder. "Shh, Little One," she cooed. When Brianna started to cry, she smiled at him. "Guess I'd better go feed our daughter." She walked into the family room and sat down in the recliner, putting Brianna in her lap. "Shh, Little One," she told her daughter. "Mommy's here." She looked up at Daniel. "Could you please hand me one of the pillows from the couch?"

He went and grabbed one of the pillows, handing it to her.

Caitlin put the pillow by her left elbow, adjusted her shirt and bra, and finally settled Brianna at her breast, watching her latch on. She carefully sat back, making sure Brianna came with her, then looked up at Daniel. "We'll be a little while. Do you have anything planned for the rest of the evening?"

"I just thought I'd spend it with you and Brianna in the den, that's all."

She smiled at him as Brianna kept eating, finally falling asleep. "When I'm finished feeding Brianna, we'll join you in there."

"Okay. I'll move the playpen into the den by the big chair and meet you in there." He leaned down and tenderly kissed Brianna's little head, then tenderly kissed Caitlin. "Love you."

"Love you too," she answered back.

He left her to finish feeding their daughter and picked up the playpen, putting it into the den near the overstuffed chair. Then he sat down at the desk, pulled out his latest journal and his favorite pen, setting them down on the desk.

Caitlin finished feeding Brianna, noting that her daughter had fallen asleep. She carefully pulled Brianna's mouth away from her breast, and readjusted her bra and shirt. Then she carefully put Brianna to her shoulder and slowly got up out of the chair. She walked through the house and into the den, smiling at Daniel. "She's asleep. I'll just lay her in the playard." She gently laid Brianna down, covering her with a light blanket, then walked over to him. "I'm going for a cup of tea from the kitchen. Is there anything you'd like?"

"Tea sounds good. Thank you."

She left and headed into the kitchen, grabbing two large mugs and making the tea. She took the two mugs back with her into the den, handing one to him.

"Mmm, this is good tea," he told her, taking a sip. "What kind is it?"

"It's called Gentle Orange tea from Lipton," she told him, going to get one of her books from the shelf. "It's one of my favorites. It's caffeine free, too."

"That's good. So what book are you reading tonight?"

"It's another Star Trek: The Next Generation book. It's really good!" She looked over at him. "What about you?"

"I'm writing in my journal. I'm writing about the work I did earlier today at the base."

Caitlin smiled and started reading her book.

An hour later, she finished her lukewarm tea, putting her book down on the side table by the chair. She stood and checked in on Brianna, then stood fully, stretching and yawning. She checked her watch. "Well, it's almost ten, and I think we should head upstairs to bed. I'm getting tired, and Brianna will be up soon to be fed again. So why don't we call it a night?"

Daniel nodded at her, finishing up his writing and putting his journal away. He watched as she picked up their sleeping daughter in her arms, then followed her out of the room, making sure all the doors were locked and the lights were off. Then together the three of them headed upstairs to bed.

After all the planning and preparations, the day finally arrived. Caitlin had taken the afternoon off and had gotten the back deck decorated, as well as started the food preparations. She knew that Daniel had called Jack and invited him again, along with Sam, Cam and Teal'c, which Jack had gladly accepted. She had invited the rest of their friends from the health food store, so the house would be full. She had also checked the weather forecast for that evening, and knew that it would be nice and warm, with a light breeze and no clouds. She had also gone out and bought Daniel's present and had made the cake all the week before, making sure she was prepared.

She checked on Brianna who was sleeping in her crib, then went into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the evening. Once she was done, she carefully wrapped her hair in a big, fluffy towel and dried off with another one. Then she went into the walk-in closet and found the dress she was planning to wear. It was a beautiful halter style dressin a pretty blue that brought out her eyes. It had pretty white flowers all over it, and it came down to the tops of her ankles. She decided to wear her white sandals with the dress, along with her sodalite chip bracelet and watch. When she was dressed, she took off the towel from around her hair and brushed it good. Then she pulled her bangs loosely back and put them into a clip at the back of her head. Finally she put on her makeup and the perfume she knew Daniel liked. When she was all done, she walked back into the nursery and carefully picked up Brianna, taking her downstairs. Now all that was left was to wait for the guests and the guest of honor to arrive.

Caitlin put Brianna into the playpen in the family room and walked back into the kitchen, grabbing all the things she would need to make the hamburger patties. As she was mixing the seasoning into the meat that was in the bowl in front of her, she heard the doorbell ring. "Come in!" she called out loudly.

The door opened, and Lacey and Jason walked in, followed by Paul and Karyn. "Hi, Caitlin!" Lacey called out as the four of them walked from the foyer into the kitchen, shutting the front door.

"Sorry I couldn't open the door," Caitlin explained as they all walked in. "My hands are all icky from mixing the meat."

"No problem," Jason told her as he set down a large bowl of potato salad onto the island counter. "Is there anything we can help with?"

She finished mixing the meat, then washed and dried her hands. "If you want to get all the paper plates ready along with the silverware and put them outside on the deck Jason, that would be great." She turned toward Lacey, handing her a large spoon. "Here's a spoon for your salad. You can just put it into the fridge. As for you and Karyn, Paul, why don't you go pick out some music we can listen to. I put one of the speakers out on the deck so we can listen to some music."

"Sure," the two of them said as they walked into the living room. Jason set to work with the plates and silverware, taking them outside as Lacey put the salad in the fridge. "What's next?" she asked Caitlin.

"I have to form the patties, and I'll be putting them on that baking sheet pan there. If you want to get the waxed paper and put some down on it, that'd be great."

Lacey nodded and did just that, then Caitlin took some of the meat and formed it into a patty, laying it down on the waxed paper. She continued to form the patties as the doorbell rang again. "Jason, can you get it?" she called out to him.

He nodded, and went to open the door, finding it was Sam, Cam, and Teal'c. "Hi everyone," he said, ushering them inside. "Caitlin's in the kitchen."

They all followed him into the kitchen where Caitlin was finishing up making the patties. "Hey everyone!" she said, smiling broadly. "Glad you could come. It's going to be a great night."

"Sure is," Cam said as he set two cardboard carriers full of beer bottles down onto the kitchen table. "Where do you want these?"

Caitlin looked at them. "I set up a cooler outside, and there's plenty of ice in the freezer here. So you can put them and the ice in there to keep them cold."

"Cool." He took them outside, putting them into the cooler and then taking the ice she brought out and putting it over the bottles of beer, closing the lid.

"So when will Jack be here?" Caitlin asked Sam.

"He's getting Daniel, so he should be here soon."

Back at the base, Jack walked into Daniel's office, finding him with his nose in a book. "You always got your nose in a book, Space Monkey," he piped up as he leaned against the doorframe like he always used to.

"Do not Jack," Daniel told him stoutly, still nose-deep in the book.

"Do to," Jack countered.

"Do not."

"Yes you do. You're doing it right now!"

Daniel stopped and looked first at Jack, then at his hands, then back at Jack, grinning sheepishly. "Gues I do, sometimes. It's just that what I'm reading is usually so fascinating, you know?"

Jack walked into the room. "Yeah, I know. But right now we have to head out to your house for your birthday soirée. So come on. Let's get going."

Daniel nodded, putting his book away and cleaning up his desk, shutting his computer down. Then he grabbed his keys and followed Jack out, shutting off the lights. Then the two of them headed towards the elevators, heading up to the top of the mountain.

Back at the house, Brianna was beginning to fuss a little, so Caitlin picked her up, cradling her in her arms. "Guess she's a little hungry," she told everyone. "Let me just take a few minutes to feed her."

"Is there anything we can do in the meantime?" Lacey asked her.

"Just make yourselves at home and start the music, that's all. Daniel should be home soon." She turned and walked down into the family room, grabbing a pillow from the back of the couch. She carefully sat down and put Brianna into her lap, getting herself ready. Then she pulled the baby blanket from the arm of the chair, uinfolding it so she could cover herself, and lifted Brianna to her breast, setting her little head on the pillow. Finally, she covered herself and sat back as Brianna started happily eating away. She slowly started to rock, softly singing a song to Brianna as she ate. When she was finished singing, she noticed that Brianna was done, so she pulled her away from her breast and returned everything to normal, finally grabbing a burping cloth. She put Brianna to her shoulder and burped her, then put her in the playpen.

Walking back into the kitchen, she heard the garage door open and knew that Daniel was home. She also heard the front door open, and knew that it must be Jack walking in. Soon the mud door opened, and Daniel walked in. She went to him. "Hi sweetheart," she told him, quickly kissing him.

He couldn't believe it. She looked so gorgeous in that halter dress, especially with her hair down. "You look amazing!" he told her, taking her into his arms and winding his fingers through her loose hair, smelling it and her. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "And you smell so good. I love that rose and vanilla perfume you use." He pulled back slightly, looking at her as he leaned in and tenderly kissed her. "You are so good for me," he told her, smiling at her. "I love the dress you're wearing, too. It really brings out your eyes."

Caitlin blushed a little, smiling at him. ""Everyone's on the deck. I just fed Brianna, and she's asleep in the playpen for now."

"That's good." He went into the den and checked on his daughter as Caitlin went over to Jack, hugging him. "Hi, Jack! I'm really glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss this for the world. So how's my goddaughter?"

"She's fine, just taking a nap. Everyone's outside, and I'm about to bring the patties outside. Would you mind grilling them?"

"Ya sure you bet'cha," he told her smiling.

She walked over to the fridge and grabbed the patties out, handing them to him. He took them outside, while Daniel followed him out. Everyone mingled and had fun while Caitlin brought out the fixings and salad, setting them on the deck table. Soon the hamburgers were done, and everyone was enjoying them along with the salad.

"These are sure good," Cam commented.

"I must agree with Col. Mitchell, Caitlin Jackson," Teal'c intoned, a small smile on his face.

"Thanks guys," she told them, smiling at them.

"You make your ranch burgers again?" Lacey asked her.

Caitlin nodded, smiling. "Everyone seemed to like them last year so I made them again. Besides, they're really easy to make. You just take one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix and mix it into the meat. However, I don't like it too strong, so I used two pounds of meat to one package of mix."

"Well, they're really delicious," Sam told her, taking a bite from her burger.

"Thanks, Sam," Caitlin replied warmly.

After everyone had had their fill of the good burgers and salad, Caitlin asked Lacey to help her to clear the paper plates and things away. "Will you bring out the smaller plates and forks? They're on the island," she told her best friend as she touched Daniel's arm, motioning for him to follow her. "Sweetheart, would you please bring out the new container of ice cream from the freezer, along with the scooper from the drawer?"

He nodded, grabbing both items and heading back to the deck. Caitlin grabbed the cake from the refridgerator, carefully carrying it out to the deck table, along with a candle and a candle lighter and setting them both down. "Jack, could you please make sure the grill is turned off?"

"Ya sure you bet'cha," he told her, turning off the grill and the gas tank below. "Done!"

"Thank you," she said as she put the candle on the cake. Then she called everyone's attention, and asked Daniel to come stand beside her.

"Before I light this candle, I want to thank all of you for coming to help Daniel celebrate his birthday. You are truly his friends and family, and we are both blessed to have you in our lives."

Everyone politely clapped, then waited while Caitlin tried to light the candle. After a few tries, she got it lit.

Daniel quickly made a wish and blew it out again, getting claps and cheers from everyone around him.

"So what did you wish for Daniel? Jack asked him, curious.

"I wished for things to stay the same as they are right now," he said, tenderly taking Caitlin's hand in his, and smiling.

Cam nodded and raised his beer bottle. "To family and friends."

"To family and friends," everyone echoed, raising their glasses or bottles and clinking them together.

Caitlin took the knife that she'd brought out with the cake and cut it, serving everyone some cake as Daniel gave them each a generous amount of ice cream. Everyone enjoyed it, and asked what kind it was.

"It's my Grandma Sara's favorite, and mine as well. It's German Sweet Chocolate cake, and the frosting is coconut and pecan frosting."

"I want the recipe," Sam told her. "This is so good!"

"Sure," Caitlin told her, making a mental note of it in her mind. As soon as everyone was done, she collected all the plates and silverware, throwing them into the big garbage can. Then she grabbed the portable stereo from the family room along with a CD case that was lying beside it. She took out the hair clip, fluffed her reddish-brown tresses a little, then walked back outside. Setting it on the closed and cold grill top, she plugged it into the outlet behind the grill, and motioned for Sam to come over. "Could you help me a moment?"

"Sure," Sam nodded. "What do you need?"

"Will you press play for me? I'll set it up, but if you'd press play, I'd really appreciate it."

"Sure! I can do that," Sam told her.

Caitlin grabbed the CD case and carefully pulled out the disk, opened the player, and inserted the CD. She programmed the player for the right song, then turned to Sam. "All you have to do is press play. I'll nod at you when I'm ready."

Sam acknowledged her, then stood nearby as Caitlin went into the house and grabbed a fussy Brianna out of the playpen, coming back out to the deck and quieting everyone.

"I want to thank you all again for coming to help Daniel celebrate his birthday," she told them as she gently rocked Brianna in her arms. "I thought long and hard about what to give him this year, as I gave him such a memorable gift last year."

Everyone laughed or chuckled at that, looking at Brianna.

"I finally decided to give him the gift of a song, as I know he loves it when I sing. So if Daniel will take our daughter for a moment, I'd be grateful." She walked over to where he was standing and gently handed him their still-fussy daughter. Then she went over to the sliding glass door, flipping on the lights for the deck, then returning to stand in front of the doors and straightening her dress. Finally she nodded at Sam, who pressed play.

As the warm summer breeze ruffled her hair and her dress, Caitlin closed her eyes a moment, centering herself as the music started. Then she opened her eyes, focused on Daniel, and started to sing.

I don't know how I survived
In this cold and empty world
For all this time
I only know that I'm alive
Because you love me
When I recall what I've been through
There's some things
That I wish I didn't do
Now I do the things I do
Because you love me
And now that you're in my life
I'm so glad I'm alive
'Cause you showed me the way
And I know now how good it can be
Because you love me

During the guitar solo in the middle of the song, she closed her eyes again and swayed back and forth a little until the music started again. Then she opened her eyes and focused on Daniel again, singing straight at him with all the love she had in her.

And now that you're in my life
Oh, I'm so glad I'm alive
'Cause you showed me the way
And I know now how good it can be
Because you love me
I believe in things unseen
I believe in the message of a dream
And I believe in what you are
Because you love me

With all my heart and all my soul
I'm loving you and I never will let go
And every day I'll let it show
Because you love me
Because you love me
Ooh, because you love me

As she sang the last words of the song, she walked over to Daniel, putting her arms around his waist and gently kissed Brianna, then sang the last line of the song, leaning up and tenderly kissing him.

Everyone stayed silent, watching the scene between the couple and their daughter.

Daniel couldn't believe the gift she'd just given him. He put his arms around her and held her close, leaning down and tenderly but passionately kissing her. He was happier now than he'd ever been, happier than he ever remembered being. He looked up to the sky and silently thanked the Gods and Sha're for everything he had around him.

Caitlin leaned back, looking first at Daniel, then their beautiful daughter sleeping in his arms, and sighed happily. She had everything she ever wanted. Great friends all around her, her mother back in her life, a great husband, and now their beautiful daughter. She couldn't remember being so happy, and she silently said thank you to The Powers That Be that had made it all possible. Then she looked at Daniel again, caressing his cheek. "Is tú mo ghrá, muirnín. Breithlá shona duit."

He smiled back at her. "Is tú mo ghrá ró, muirnín."

THE END

Epilogue

Daniel couldn't believe it. The day was finally here. He couldn't believe all that had happened in the last year. First, he found the Saangral, and then the team defeating the Ori. Then the declaration from the president himself that because they had saved the planet again, that certain rules at the base would be relaxed. So here he was. The day was beautiful, sunny, and warm, with a light breeze and a leaf falling around him every so often. All their friends and even a few of the higher-ups from the government were there getting seated in chairs in front of the lake by some of the airman from the base while a string quartet played near them. He watched as Jack, facing the lake, fussed with his tie.

"Would you quit fiddling with your tie?" Gen. Landry told him, standing next to him under the warm sun. "You look fine!"

"You know I hate these these stupid monkey suits." Jack complained as music drifted on the breeze.

"I know," Hank told him. "But we're here for a reason."

"Yeah, I know. I still can't believe it," Jack said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"So are you ready?"

"Ya sure, you betcha!" Jack told him, smiling at his friend.

Gen. Landry turned toward the cabin and nodded. Then he turned toward the musicians, nodding again. Soon the sound of the next song came wafting out over the gentle breeze toward the cabin, where Daniel was standing outside waiting. As the music played, he watched as Caitlin walked out of the cabin onto the deck, and he took her arm as she walked off the front porch, resplendent in her matron-of-honor gown. The two of them slowly walked toward Jack and Gen. Landry and then parted, one standing on either side of the two men. Then they watched as little Brianna came toddling up the aisle, carrying her little flower basket. She reached the front row and headed for Caitlin, who smiled and took her tiny hand.

Then the music changed again, and the song You Were Meant for Me wafted on the gentle breeze towards the cabin, where Sam came walking off the porch toward Gen. Hammond. She smiled as she recognized it as a song from one of her favorite musicals, Singin' in the Rain.

"You look absolutely beautiful," Gen. Hammond said to her, holding out his arm for her to take.

She blushed, taking his arm. "Thank you, Sir. You look handsome yourself."

"You know, I've been waiting for this for a long time. And I'm sorry your father couldn't be here to see this."

She thought about it for a moment, a sad look on her face. Then she smiled. "He's here in spirit, Sir."

"That he is." He smiled at her again. "Are you ready?"

Sam nodded, and they turned and walked down towards the lake.