"...daughter! You're going to have a little girl this time!"

A bit embarrassed about how many tears she had shed since all of that started she just couldn't keep them from falling. That's what they'd wished for. Alex told her that he'd love to have a sister and it was also Cassie's wish when she first heard about Sam's pregnancy.

Unsure about Jack's reaction she glanced towards him and saw him equally emotional.

"That's just great, isn't it?" He asked her, and added in awe "A mini you."

"The boys wanted to have a sister."

"The boys, yeah. But are you happy with it?"

"I am! Hell, I don't know what to do with a little girl, but I'm looking forward to it."

And when she observed Jack's reaction closely she knew that this little girl would have wrapped him around her little finger even faster than the boys had.

"Congratulations Sam. I'll just print out some photos for you and then you can get dressed again. We'll see each other in four weeks for the next appointment." The doctor said while she whipped away the gel from Sam's stomach and handed her another tissue to do the rest herself.

Dr. Jennings left when she handed Jack the photos and gave Sam the time to get dressed again.

Jack's gaze wandered from the screen, where he had been staring at for the last minutes, to her little bump. Watching her clean it, her fingers running carefully over the sensitive skin. She looked up and caught him staring at her, he immediately looked away. He looked like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

She reached for his hand and placed it on her belly. He was caught by surprise, not able to say anything.

"I know that's what you wanted to do the whole time. And you're allowed to, Jack. I'm so glad you're here with me and if you want to feel it yourself that's perfectly okay for me. You're allowed to touch my belly, you know? Not anyone, but you are. So, don't hesitate if you want to. And don't ever be afraid to ask."

He just nodded and his big rough hand began to caress her soft skin. His thumb traces the line from her belly button down to the hem of her jeans. She thought that her skin hadn't felt this good in ages. The constant irritability of the skin was suddenly gone.

"Thank you." He finally replied, unusually shy.

"No, thank you! It felt really good. Thanks!"

He cleared his throat. "You're welcome! Come on, I'll drive you home."

She dressed herself and stood up. "I still have my car at your house."

"Oh yeah, right."

The drive to Jack's house was filled with pleasant silence. Sam was watching the scenery passing by, absentmindedly stroking her belly.

Jack lost in his own thoughts, reached out and unconsciously placed his hand protectively on her belly too. He joined her strokes and only realized what he was doing as their fingertips found each other. She had closed her eyes in relaxation, that was a sign for him to keep going. Only when they reached his driveway did he have to stop so that he could park his car.

"That was nice." She admitted.

"Yes." In fact he loved being able to do this, but he couldn't tell her. Not right now, she was still grieving her husband and he would give her all the time she would need.

But here he was, next to the woman he loves, had loved for so long now, wishing nothing more than to be with her and be a father to this little miracle and her big brothers.

"You've got time for another drink or is it time to get the boys already?"

"I still have a few minutes, a soda would be great."

"Alright, let's get in then."

They got out of the car and entered his home together. Sam took a seat in the kitchen when he handed her the glass.

She got the ultrasound pictures out to give one to him. He took it and couldn't help but stare at it again.

"Thank you for being there with me. You can keep it if you want."

She took a sip of her soda before she added. "I'm going to tell the boys later. I bet they'll be thrilled. I would like to tell the rest of the gang in person. Would you mind if I tell them next weekend?"

"They will be thrilled, no doubt. Why would I mind if you tell the others next weekend?"

She rolled her eyes, not sure if he tried to get out of their little retirement BBQ or if he'd really forgotten.

"It's a party for you, Jack. Nothing to do with me."

"Maybe, but we can talk about other stuff than me at the party, right? I don't need all that attention. This little girl however deserves every attention she can get." He motioned towards her belly.

"Great, then that's settled. Oh damn, look at the time. Now I will run late to pick up the boys." She giggled and he knew she didn't mind the distraction.

"You'll be good." His calm voice reassured her.

"Thank you! See you soon!"

She told him, her hands on his arm, her way to say goodbye.

"Looking forward to it. Drive carefully."

It didn't take Sam long to get the boys. Both were tired from playing and Sam tried everything so that they wouldn't end up sleeping in the car.

"Alright guys, how tired are you? I could use a break myself, why don't we go and snuggle up on the couch?"

"Can we lay down in your bed instead, mommy? It's bigger and more comfy." Alex asked. The little boy loved to cuddle on her bed.

"We can do that! Do you like that too, Ben?"

The little boy only nodded before he yawned and padded towards the bedroom.

When Sam entered the room with Alex, Ben was about to drift off to sleep. She sat down with her back against the backrest, one child on each side. Ben moved down so that his head could rest against her belly, Alex was a bit higher so that his hand was able to reach her belly.

When she pulled her shirt up over her stomach like she did earlier today, the soft little hand of her son was in total contrast with Jack's big rough hand. But both touches felt really good.

"You know I've had my appointment with the doctor today. She was able to tell me if you'll get a brother or a sister."

Both heads shot up in excitement, suddenly not tired anymore.

"You're going to get a sister. It's a girl."

Alex clenched his hands into a fist and raised them upwards. "Yes!"

Ben leaned forward to place a kiss where his sister was growing. "Hello baby girl!"

"So you're glad it's a girl?"

"Yes, Mommy. We are two boys and two girls now." He explained happily.

They cuddled back against her mom, too tired to stay awake for much longer and when Sam heard the soft breathing of her sleeping kids she leaned back and closed her eyes too.

Yes, two boys, two girls and no daddy. It was moments like this when she misses her husband the most.

She thought back to this morning how fast Jack acceded to be there for her, without ulterior motive. She wasn't ready for a new relationship just now, but he wasn't just her best friend, she had loved this man so long now, she could only hope that he'll still be there when she's ready to make this something more than friendship.

The day of the BBQ was finally there, all their friends gathered at Sam's place to celebrate Jack's retirement. Cassie has been there since the day before, she slept at Sam's to help her set up everything. Jack had offered to help, but she declined, after all this was his day.

Teal'c and Daniel arrived together with a lot of food in tow. They placed it outside on the table and Teal'c started the grill. Years of silent observation about how you shouldn't do this made him an expert in how to grill.

She thought about inviting more people, but she knew this is how Jack would want this. A nice get together with only his best friends.

When he arrived he heard laughter from the backyard and decided to go straight there. He had sat one foot inside and was already bombed by the kids, Alex flew into his arms and Ben hugged his leg because that's the part that wasn't occupied by his older brother.

"Uncle Jack!!!"

"Hey guys, it seems like somebody missed me, huh?"

"We haven't seen you in a week, uncle Jack. Mom says you're retired now. You must have a lot of freetime."

He chuckled. "Well, yes I have. But I've been busy planning that sandbox you were asking for the last time we saw each other."

"You've built a sandbox?" Ben was curious now.

"Nope, but we are going to build one."

"We?" Ben was confused now.

"Yes, we. I talked to your mom and if you like you can come over to me the next weekend and we can build it together."

"Really?" It was hard to miss the joy in Alex's eyes.

"Yes, really!"

"Oh yes! Isn't that great, Ben?"

"I want to build the sandbox too."

"You will Ben, all three of us together." Jack told him.

"Can we make this a sleepover, uncle Jack?"

"Of course we can, Alex. I'm not sure this thing will be built in one day, I might need you to stay. We can build a campfire and make some Twist bread."

"Yeah!!!" Both boys were excited and that got them the attention of the other's.

"Hey Jack, there you are!" It was Daniel who came towards him, glad to see his friend. Jack put Alex back down and motioned for the boys to go play.

"Danny! So good to see you!" And he really was glad to see his best friend safe and sound back on earth. He was going out with SG-9 now, but he was stationed on earth. That will give them the opportunity to see each other more regularly.

"You too. Congratulations on your retirement. If someone deserves this it's you."

"O'Neill, it is good to see you my friend! I want to congratulate you too."

"T, nice that you could make it too. Thank you!"

"Oh you will see me more often now."

"I will?" Jack asked, confused.

Cassie and Sam just came out and Cass took this moment to hug the man who was like her father.

"Congrats, Jack. Finally, huh?" Her smile told him how proud she was of him and of how far he had gotten in his career.

"Yes, finally!" He answered, hugging her and turning towards Sam, who stood a bit behind to watch him. Happily reunited with his friends.

"Hey, you're looking beautiful today!" He wrapped one arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks, you do look good yourself. Ready for the celebration?" She whispered.

"Ready as I'll ever be. But wait a minute, Teal'c was just about to tell me why I'm going to see him more often now. Am I the only one not knowing?"

"No O'Neill, in fact Daniel Jackson is the only one who knows. My relationship with Ishta didn't work out, so I decided to move back here and join SG-9."

"I'm sorry to hear that, T."

"Yeah, me too." Cassandra said and hugged the big man.

"But I'm really glad we get to see you more often now."

"I am also looking forward to that, Cassandra Fraiser!"

After Jack had clapped him on the back and Sam had hugged him too, the adults moved to sit at the table on Sam's patio. Teal'c taking over the grill again.

Jack took the seat next to Daniel, across from Cassie and where Teal'c was going to sit. Sam sat down at the end of the table next to Jack and Cassie,knowing her boys would want to sit next to Daniel and Teal'c as they haven't seen them since shortly after the funeral.

Everyone was joyfully chatting with each other until the meat was served. They boys sat down as well and they all enjoyed the good food and the even better company. They shared their favorite stories of working with Jack, the laughter didn't stop for a while.

When it was time for dessert there couldn't be anything else than cake. Sam not only made Jack's favorite vanilla cake, Daniel also organized all the sorts of cakes from the SGC that they had over the years.

Sam took the opportunity to announce her news.

"I went to see my doctor last week."

"Something wrong?" Cassie was immediately worried.

"No, everything is just perfect. She was able to tell the gender." Her smile grew wider and wider while Cassie squeaked in anticipation.

"Come on Sam, don't make us wait." Daniel pushed her.

"Baby number three will be a girl this time."

You could hear the cheer probably down the road, everyone was excitedly chatting and congratulating Sam and the boys.

Jack just silently watched the scene, drawing in the happy atmosphere. Through all the whirlwind Sam's eyes found his, smiling because he was smiling too.

The first one to notice that Jack had not gotten up was Cassie.

"Wait a minute, you knew!" It was more realization than accusation. "Why the heck did you know already?"

It was not on him to decide how much Sam wanted them to know, so he only smirked and waited for Sam to explain it.

"He was with me when I found out." He told them.

Daniel's head snapped immediately in Jack's direction, Teal'c raised his eyebrow like he always does in those situations and Cassandra escaped a loud "Oh!"

"Look, I wasn't ready to face this alone. Pete was always with me when we found out the sex of the baby. I am adjusting to being a single mom better each day, but I couldn't do this alone."

"I can imagine that this is a difficult time for you, as happy as the occasion is. We're always here for you, I hope you know that. And since we're all around now, please don't ever hesitate to ask. No matter how stupid you think the request is."

"Thank you, Daniel. I really appreciate that."

The day went on with no other announcements. They were just meeting in a backyard to celebrate their friend and also their friendship. They are a group of people who under normal circumstances would never have found each other, but these days they are more than just friends, they are family.

It wasn't surprising for Jack that Daniel found the opportunity to talk to him in the kitchen while he went inside to get more drinks.

"So, you've been with her at the gynecologist?"

"Daniel!" He warned him, knowing his friend won't let that go.

"No, Jack, I don't have an ulterior motive. I just want to know how you're feeling with all of this. It can't be easy on you either."

"I won't say it's easy, but she's the one who lost her husband. Being there with her brought back memories of being there and seeing Charlie for the first time, yes. But that was a long time ago, she needs me as her support and I will do what it takes to make it easier for her."

"Jack…"

"I know what you're trying to do here. I appreciate it. I'm okay, I promise."

"Alright. Thanks for telling me."

Daniel offered to drive Teal'c back to base, soon he will again get the opportunity of his own apartment. Cassie excused herself too, cause she had to work the next day. That left Sam, Jack and the boys, who were already almost asleep.

"I can take them to bed." Jack offered. "Sit down for a while. You must be tired."

"You don't have to…"

"I want to."

First he picked up Ben. Alex was awake enough to get up on his own and change into his pajamas while Jack changed Ben. He kissed the already sleeping Ben goodnight, went to Alex's room and sat down on his bed. The boy wrapped his arms around him and hugged him goodnight.

"Night, Alex!"

"Good night uncle Jack!"

When Jack returned to the living room Sam was nowhere to be seen. He heard dishes rattle and knew she was outside, cleaning instead of resting.

"You know that's not what I had in mind for you when I said 'relax, I take the boys to bed'."

"You know me, I can only rest when everything is cleaned up."

"Alright, come on then together we're faster."

They took everything inside and while Sam loaded the dishwasher Jack put away the leftover food.

She leaned against the kitchen counter and closed her eyes, massaging her back as far as she could reach.

"Let's sit down." He grabbed two glasses, filled them with water and led her towards her couch.

She groaned when she sat down and he was instantly alert.

"It seems I just can't get comfortable today while sitting down." She explained, hence all that cleaning.

"Backaches?" He wanted to know.

"Yes, they started way later in the last pregnancies."

Jack moved her between his legs so that he was able to massage her properly. He started with her neck and shoulders and moved slowly down her back. When he reached her tailbone she couldn't hold back a moan anymore. She closed her eyes, it just felt heavenly. He drew her back against his chest and was still able to reach her aching spots.

"Thank you! That was exactly what I needed." She told him, but didn't move. Being held by his strong arms was also what she needed right now. Unconsciously he had his hands on her belly, drawing small circles over it. Her head fell back on his shoulder and her hands found his. They stayed still for a few moments, enjoying the silence after a day full of chatter.

He leaned forward, his lips next to her ear.

"Come on, go to bed. You're tired and it was a long day. I can let myself out."

Sam turned her head to look at him.

"Why don't you stay? The guest room is all yours. You drank too much to drive yourself and the boys would love to have you here in the morning."

He was arguing with himself when he heard her soft "Please!"

"Okay, I'd like that."

She got up first and he took her hand to stand up, walking her to her bedroom door before leaving towards the guest room.

"I had a lot of fun today, thank you for everything." He told her honestly.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserved it, this and a hell of a lot more."

They embraced each other one last time, his arms around her waist, her hands around his neck.

"Good night Sam, sweet dreams!"

"Good night, Jack!"