In the morning the kids were up before the alarm went off. They found Jack asleep in the guest room, laying on his stomach, and were unsure how to proceed.

Ben leaned towards Alex and whispered "Mom is always up before us, do you think we should wake him?"

"I think we should. I mean, we do need him to make breakfast and pack our lunch boxes."

"Yeah, but it's still early."

"He doesn't know our routine, Ben. He might need a little more time than mom does."

"So how should we do it? You think he will mind if we jump in next to him?"

"Maybe we should do it more softly."

They didn't see Jack's smile. He was awake the moment their little feet touched the floor and moved towards him.

He groaned while he was trying to wake up completely. This they had inherited from her mother, she too was this chatty in the morning. Ever the first being up on a foreign planet. She gladly took the last watch, because she was a morning person.

"Perhaps your endless chatter might just succeed in waking me up. C'mere and give me a hug!"

The two climbed into bed to cuddle with him.

"Why don't we stay in bed a little longer guys? I'm sure it won't take long to get you ready and make breakfast, I remember what to do."

"You do uncle Jack? But you don't have kids!" Alex wondered why his uncle would know how to prepare them for school and daycare.

"You're right, Alex, I don't have kids." He contemplated if he should tell them about Charlie, on the other hand it could help them to understand what's happening with Pete. "But I had a son a long time ago. Charlie."

"You did?" It was Ben's bright blue eyes that held his gaze in curiosity.

"And where is he now?" Alex wanted to know.

"I lost him when he was still young. It was an accident, he…he died. Do you know what that means?"

Both boys nodded. "Yes, our friend had a cat that died. He says she's in heaven now. Is that true uncle Jack? Is Charlie in heaven too?"

Jack closed his eyes to gather his thoughts, trying to explain it to them as child-friendly as possible.

"He is, I believe he's looking after me from above. So is your friend's cat."

"That's good to know. Are our grandparents also up there watching us?"

"Yes, Alex, they do."

A moment passed before Alex was brave enough to ask the question that interested him the most.

"Jack? How did Charlie die?"

"He accidentally shot himself. He found a gun and was curious. Please promise me you two won't touch a gun. That's nothing to play with."

"We promise!"

"Thank you. So, Charlie loved apples for his lunch box. Do you two like apples too?" He carefully changed the topic of their conversation and the boys happily told him what he needed to pack for them.

He dropped them off and called Sam while he drove towards the hospital.

"Hi, Jack." She answered the phone, seeing his caller ID on the display.

"Hey, I just dropped off the two. They're doing good. You've got two very special boys there, Sam! How are you?"

"As good as I can be. Pete woke up not long ago. We managed to talk a little, but he's exhausted and went back to sleep. He knows it, Jack. It's hard."

"I'm on my way. Can I get you something? I could stop by the bakery and bring some breakfast, you do need to eat. At least a little."

"I'm not sure I'm up for it, but I guess I should try. Thank you!"

"You're welcome, and don't hesitate to ask for help. I'll be there shortly."

And as promised he was there just 20 minutes later. She sat next to Pete's bed, lost in thoughts. The soft knock at the door brought her back to reality. Pete was still asleep. The smell of fresh pastries filled the room and as hungry as Sam was she lost her appetite and fought the wave of nausea. Just the thought of food was making her sick. How could she eat while her husband lies in a hospital bed next to her, dying?!

She shook her head as Jack handed her the bag.

"Sorry, I don't think it would stay in even if I tried."

He drew another chair close towards her and sat down, his hand resting supportive on her shoulder.

"You have to try, Sam. It won't help if I have to pick you up from the floor if you collapse from exhaustion. You can't survive just on coffee."

"I don't, really. The nurses made sure of it. I have to say at the moment nothing fits with my stomach. My body reacts to this situation in the most unfavorable way. I'm so tired, I don't even have the strength to throw up anymore."

"Alright, I give up. For now. I put the bag down here and if you feel like eating, please try. I've also got some fruits in there."

"Okay, I promise to eat a bit later."

He just nodded and his gaze fell on Pete, lying there pale as a ghost.

"What did the doc say? Is there anything we could do?"

"No, he was here this morning and informed Pete on his condition. I couldn't have told him on my own. He might wake up for another few times, but it's a matter of hours. His heart isn't strong enough anymore and not able to keep his brain supplied with enough oxygen."

"Do you want to get the boys for him to see them?"

"Yeah, I think I do. They are so young, but I will regret it if I don't give them the chance to say goodbye. I just need to figure out how to tell them." Sam sighed, not knowing how to tell her sons it's the last time they will see their father.

"You've got some smart boys there, Sam. They will understand. I won't say it will be easy, I'm just saying they will know what you're telling them."

"How do I tell them, Jack?" She asked, desperate to keep her tears at bay.

"Tell them like you've told me, in words they will understand. You will find the right words. Do you want me to sit with Pete for a while?"

"Not yet. I'll pick up the boys later, I'd appreciate it if you'd stay here then."

Time flew by and Pete woke up just before Sam wanted to get the kids.

"I can get them for you if you want?" Jack offered, but Pete was glad when Sam took the opportunity to leave the hospital for a short time. She needed to gather her whole strength and clear her head before she'd tell Alex and Ben.

In the meantime Pete was glad to have Jack by his side. Talking got more and more complicated for him, but he tried not to let it show.

"I want to talk to you, Jack. Before I run out of opportunities."

"Pete…" Jack was sure he didn't want to hear what Pete had to say, but Pete insisted. It took him a lot of effort, but he had something to say. Preferably without Sam being here.

"Jack, I know I was her second choice. I've known all along, but I thought it's better being second than not having her at all. She's worth everything. I love her so much and I was lucky she loved me back. But I'm not the one she's in love with. I'm okay with that. We're both happy in that marriage, but now that I'm not going to stick around any longer, please make sure she and the kids are alright. Don't let them grieve too long. She deserves someone in her life who will make her happy and my kids need someone to look up to. Someone who can teach them all the important stuff while growing to be young men. A father figure, who I know loves them deeply. Care for them Jack. Please, promise me!"

"Pete, we've never…"

"I know, I never thought you'd have…"

"I will always be there for them. No matter what. They won't be alone. Not Sam and neither Alex and Ben. You've got some pretty special boys and they'll grow up knowing what a brave dad they've had."

"Thank you, it's a relief to know that they'll be loved."

Pete closed his eyes again, resting before Sam would return with his sons.

When Sam picked them up she led them to a bench nearby and they sat down. Sensing that something was wrong Alex asked:

"What's wrong with you, mom?"

Sam fought against the tears that again welled up for the umpteenth time today.

"I need to tell you something and I just don't know how. Look, we're going to see dad now. He's at the hospital. There was an incident yesterday at his work…"

"What's wrong with daddy?" Ben wanted to know now.

Sam wrapped her arms around her boys, tightly as though she could shield them from the world outside. In that moment, the warmth of their bodies against hers was a comforting balm for her weary soul. Holding them close, she felt the reassuring rhythm of their heartbeats.

"Daddy got shot with a gun by a very bad man."

The boys shared a look that didn't go unnoticed by Sam. And again it was Alex to speak up first.

"He got shot? You mean, like Charlie?"

Sam's heart stopped at that moment. How could he know about Charlie? And what did he know about him?

"Charlie?" She asked carefully, not wanting to spill a secret if he meant someone else.

"Yeah, Uncle Jack's Charlie. He got shot, too." And it was then when the nearly five years old boy made the connection. "Mom? Charlie has died! Is dad going to die?"

She felt as if someone was tightening her throat, she was only able to nod. It took all her strength to answer.

"Yes, baby. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Ben has watched the conversation until now.

"Will daddy be in heaven with Charlie and grandpa and grandma? Watching over us?"

"Yes Ben, and he'll always be in our hearts."

"Can we go to see daddy now?"

"Of course we can, let's go then."

On their way to the hospital she recapped this conversation. Jack must have told them about Charlie today, because they've never talked about him before. She knew how hard it was for him to open up and talk about his son, but it helped her son's to understand what's happening with their father. Knowingly or not, Jack O'Neill once again made something easier for her.

Ben on her arm and Alex at her hand she walked into the hospital and knocked at Pete's room. Jack opened the door for them. Pete woke up as soon as his boys were there. He slowly opened his eyes, breathing became more and more difficult for him.

"Hey guys!" He greeted them, his voice was quiet.

Sam sat down on the bed close to him, Ben still on her arm and Alex standing close by.

"Hey Daddy!"

Ben was too young to really understand what happened, but Alex knew. He reached out for his mother's hand before he also took his father's hand.

"I love you daddy!"

"I love you too, Alex. And I do love you, Ben!"

"Love you too, daddy!"

They both leaned closer to hug their father one last time. Pete didn't want them to see him like this for much longer, he silently pleaded Jack to take them out. Jack understood and stepped forward.

"Why don't you go with uncle Jack for a while and see if there's a playground anywhere?"

Both boys nodded and turned towards Jack. He took Ben from Sam's embrace and Alex by the hand. Looking at Sam he made sure she was okay with it.

As soon as they left Sam couldn't help but cry. Pete held out his arm for her so that she could lie down next to him.

"I'm not ready to say goodbye yet, Pete."

Talking became more complicated by the minute, but he had to tell her what he told Jack.

"I love you, Sam. I'm forever humbled to have been able to be your husband. Thank you for loving me in return."

"I love you so much!" She whispered.

"I know, and I want you to be able to be happy again. Don't let anything stand between you and happiness ever again."

She looked at him confused.

"I'm talking about Jack. He's a good man, Sam and he loves you and our kids very much. If you feel the time is right don't hesitate, that's all I'm asking."

Not knowing how to answer this she leaned forward and kissed him before she lowered her head to his chest. She clinged on him as they lay together until she felt his body relax and his heart stopped beating.

Jack had talked to Ben and Alex about what was going on and let them cry on his shoulder. Jack was torn between them and Sam. He knew she had to say goodbye to her husband alone, but he also wanted to be there for her.

When he returned to the room he found Sam in the chair next to Pete's bed, not ready to let go of his hand.

When she realized Jack was alone she tried to compose herself to ask about her children. She didn't need to voice her question, he knew what she wanted to know.

"They're with Daniel and Teal'c! They arrived as soon as we went outside."

She nodded again. That was all she was capable of right now.

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Sam!"

For a moment there was silence, not even a tone from the monitors disturbing it. Slowly reality sunk in and Sam gasped for air, her whole body was shaking now.

"C'mere!" Jack opened his arms and she stepped in. Desperately holding on to him, afraid she would collapse if she let go.