Four sticks, eight pink lines, two lines each stick. The result was unanimous: positive!

She couldn't breathe or move, she stared at the tests in disbelief. They sure hadn't planned on baby no. 3, for Sam and Pete their family planning was closed. Obviously not. And now Pete won't ever know that he fathered another child.

When Jack placed his hand on her back she realized that he had spoken with her, but it all was a blur. She literally heard the blood rush through her ears. Turning her head she saw Jack's warm brown eyes.

"It's okay, Sam."

"How can this be okay, Jack?" She cried hysterically. "My husband isn't even buried and now I have to deal with this."

"Sam I know you see this a little differently right now, but every child is a gift. You didn't plan it, alright, but it was meant to be. And you're definitely not alone in this. You have Daniel, Teal'c, Cassie and me. We won't let you do this alone. You can always count on us."

"Cassie is off to Europe again soon, I'm sure she'll continue her trip before she starts working. And she should do that. Teal'c has Ishta and Daniel is dying to go back to Atlantis and you…You'll be in DC soon. That's no accusation at all, I'm just stating the facts. I…"

"Sam," He interrupted her, "First of all, even if I'm going back to DC soon, I won't be there for long. Hayes already knows my desire to retire for good. He gave me time off to support you, but he agreed that if I find the need to retire he'll finally let me. And I talked to Cassie yesterday. She has an offer from the academy hospital that will start next month. She was waiting for this for a while now, so she won't be off to Europe anytime soon. She loves you and she loves the boys, you can count on her too. Daniel already asked for a temporary post on SG-9, they were looking for an archeologist as Captain Jeffrey is on maternity leave. So you see all those people care for you and are willing to help without you having to ask. And I'm sure Teal'c stops by more often now."

Sam fell silent, overwhelmed by Jack's news. It slowly sank in that Jack mentioned retirement.

"You're going to retire?"

"Yeah."

"Because of me?" She was scared to find out that he'd do this for the wrong reasons.

"Because of you, because of the boys and because the President will finally let me."

"Jack, I can't promise you anything right now…"

"And you don't have to. You know me, I'd rather look after a bunch of kids than deal with a handful of politicians. I won't be in your way, but you can count on me when you need me."

Sam inhaled deeply, touched by what he was offering.

"Wow, thank you!"

"Anytime, Sam. Anytime. Maybe you should think about asking Cassie to move in with you until she's found herself an apartment. I mean she can stay with me, but I need to go back to my house anyway. You won't be alone the first time if she's with you. I think it would be good for you."

"Yeah, you may be right, I'll talk to her later. She said she's coming over tonight and will stay to help with the kids tomorrow. She wants to sleep on the couch so that we're all here and drive to the cemetery together."

"She told me." As soon as he answered there was a knock at the door before a key was turned and the door opened. "That'd be her. You want to tell her about the pregnancy?" Jack asked and as if on cue Sam felt sick.

"Hey guys!" She shouted quietly, to find out where Jack and Sam were.

"Damn, so much for morning sickness." Sam murmured, so that only Jack could hear, and rushed into the bathroom.

"In here, Cass!" He told her as she entered, Cassie looking after Sam confused.

"Jack," she stepped closer to hug him, "is everything alright?"

"Yes, don't worry, she'll be fine."

She heard Sam throw up and got worried. Cassie knew how the death of a beloved one could make you sick. She made the experience more than once.

Over Jack's shoulder Cassie took in the sight of the couch table. The four tests prominently displayed on said table made her gasp.

"No way!" She leaned back to look him in the eyes. "She's pregnant?"

His gaze held hers and before he got the chance to answer a soft voice behind them spoke.

"Yes, I am. It's…it's not as if I'd planned it."

"Oh Sam!" Immediately Sam found herself in Cassandra's arms. "A baby! Maybe it will be a girl this time." Cassie's smile grew wider and she couldn't stop her excitement over it. "Look, as soon as Jack is back in DC I can move in with you. I still haven't found an apartment so it's a win-win situation. And even when I have my own home I'm just a phone call away."

Still tight in her embrace Sam looked up to see Jack smile at her, he mouthed: "I told you so!"

"Thank you, Cass. We'd love to have you here."

They took a seat on the couch and Sam told her about how she found out. Jack made himself busy in the kitchen, sensing this would be a conversation for the two of them. He gave them another ten minutes before he joined them again.

"I think it's time to go to bed, tomorrow will be a stressful day. Are Mark and Penny already at the hotel?"

"Yes, they called when you were out at the shop. The flight was uneventful and they got to the hotel without problems. They'll meet us in front of the cemetery tomorrow." She said, slowly getting up.

"Cassie, why don't you sleep on the pull out couch in the guest room?" Jack asked, "It's way more comfortable than this couch here and I promise to behave." He winked at her, indicating they would need to share a room. When she accepted his offer.

"Thank you Jack, I'll take that offer." She said, hugging Sam goodnight. "Night Sam, I love you so much! Don't worry, we'll work it all out. Together!"

"I love you too, Cassie. Goodnight!" Sam hugged her back and waited until she disappeared into the guest room. Her hand grabbed for the closest hold and found Jack's hand. Holding hands, they stood there for a while, her gaze fixated on their joined hands.

"As Cassie said, we'll figure it all out. But not tonight and certainly not tomorrow. Tomorrow it's your time to say goodbye. We can worry about things after that."

She nodded before she drew him into a tight embrace, clinging to him like her life would depend on it. He blew a kiss on her forehead and said goodnight.

Back in the guest room he found Cassie already on the couch, waiting for him. He took a quick detour to the bathroom and when he laid down he moved so that he could face the young woman.

"Do you think she'll be okay, uncle Jack?" Cassandra asked.

"It's Carter we talk about here, she'll face whatever she needs to and she'll be strong enough to deal with all of it."

"A baby, huh?"

"Yeah." He whispered.

"How do you feel about it?" She wanted to know.

"How do you think I should feel about it? It's not my business. But this baby obviously was created with love and it will be welcomed and it will be loved. She just needs some time to admit it to herself."

"Yes, but that was not exactly what I was asking."

"Cassie!" He warned her not to go too far.

"Jack, I know this situation isn't easy for you either, never has been. But now that Pete's dead there's nothing that's standing in your way of happiness. You and Sam, you belong together! She might have loved Pete, but way before him she was in love with you, and that has never changed."

"It's never been easy, but she's first and foremost my best friend. That won't change, no matter what. Yes I admit I'd love to finally get a chance to be with her, but she's grieving right now and she should take all the time she needs for it. A child will never be a deal breaker, even less if they're all as cute as those two boys. Let's get through the day tomorrow first."

"Alright, I just want you to know I support you with every step you'll take."

"Thank you, kiddo. I love you!"

"I love you too, uncle Jack! Night."

"Night, Cass!"

They both laid back down indulging in their own thoughts. Jack's mind wandered automatically to Sam and her boys. He knew it wasn't appropriate to think such things right now, but he'd love to be a father to them and a partner for Sam. Hell, he even promised it to Pete on his deathbed and he was determined to keep his promise.

Early next morning he heard Sam sprint to the bathroom, he only hoped it wouldn't last later than breakfast, she didn't need to deal with morning sickness at her husband's grave. He got up to start with breakfast and instantly Cassie was on his side. She made coffee, tea and milk for the boys while Jack made pancakes. He knew most of them wouldn't even be touched, but the boys surely would be hungry, they didn't understand the weight of the day yet and if he gets Sam to at least nibble something he would be satisfied.

Jack knew her inside out, he had seen her during stressful times while they worked together, so he was aware that she forgets to eat while her mind was otherwise occupied and she wouldn't feel like eating after emptying her stomach, but that's also the most important reason for her to eat something.

Alex and Ben were the first ones at the kitchen table, eating their blueberry pancakes. Cassie took a seat beside them while Jack grabbed a few crackers and searched for Sam.

"Cassie?" The little boy seems unsure about what he wanted to ask her.

"Yes, Alex?"

"You lost your mom, right?"

"Yes, I did. In fact I lost two moms."

"Two?" Now Ben was all ears too.

"Yeah, when your mom, uncle Jack, Daniel and Teal'c found me my real parents died not long before. They took me home with them. So Janet wasn't my biological mom, but she loved me so much and gave me a new home. And after a while she became a mom to me."

"Have you been to the funeral?" Alex wanted to know.

"I have, what do you really want to know, Alex? Just ask me right away."

"What's happening at a funeral? I know mom told me, but it's hard to understand."

"I know sweety, when someone dies, we say goodbye to them by having a funeral. It's where family, friends and colleagues get together to remember the person who has died. At the cemetery there will be a hole in the ground. It's called a grave.The coffin will be lowered into the grave. Someone will say special words or a prayer. Afterwards the coffin will be covered with earth so that it is under the ground and eventually grass will grow over it. You don't need to worry about your dad in the coffin because when someone dies, their body stops working and they can't feel anything anymore. Later, a headstone will be put on the grave. This will have Pete's name on it so that everyone will know where his body is buried. We can visit the grave to think about him and remember him."

"Thank you, Cassie. Did you cry when your mom was buried?"

"I did, I cried a lot, but your mom and Jack were there beside me with Daniel and Teal'c. I wasn't alone. Like you won't be alone, we'll be by your side and when you feel the need to cry then you should."

She kneeled down to hug both boys. They seemed pleased with what Cassie told them.

In the meantime Jack knocked on the bathroom door just to find it empty. He made his way towards Sam's bedroom, the door ajar he could see her sitting on the bed.

"Hey!" He cautiously drew attention to himself before he entered. She was already dressed but looked too pale for his liking. He handed her the crackers without a word and she took them thankfully.

"You feel like eating something more? I made pancakes and I'm sure the boys left you one."

"I know I should at least try. Thank you Jack."

"Come on then, I'll go and help the boys get dressed."

Half an hour later they left towards the cemetery where they were met by Daniel and Teal'c and Penny and Mark. There were already many of Pete's colleagues around to pay him final respects. Together they walked towards the grave, positioning them in front. Sam stood in the middle with Ben left from her and Alex on her right side, both holding hands with their mom. Next to Ben was Cassie, followed by Mark and then Penny. Teal'c and Daniel stood behind them like guards. Jack was next to his godson, who reached out to him to take his hand as well.

They all faced the coffin when it was lowered down. Ben was crying by now, so Sam picked him up. Alex clung to Jack's leg because Sam had to let him go as she needed both hands to lift Ben. Jack observed her carefully, prepared to step in if need be. Sam was the strong air force officer she'd always been, being strong for her boys and strong for herself. She had shed her tears before, safely in her home. The silent tears that rolled down her cheeks now was what was left in her.

She said goodbye to the man that was her husband and with whom she had two wonderful boys. Together Sam, Alex and Ben walked away from the grave towards an unknown future, flanked by the people who would always be by their side.

The wake was held at Sam's home, it was only her friends, Mark and Penny and a few of Pete's friends, who were also his colleagues. They all gathered in the backyard sharing stories of Pete. Laughter sounded through the air and Sam was happy that the mood finally lightened up. This was good for the kids.

She needed a moment for herself and stepped inside only to find Jack cleaning after the guests who had already left.

"Hey, you're okay?" He asked her.

"Yeah, I just needed a moment. I don't like to admit it, but I'm tired. This day has been demanding so far."

He stepped towards her and wrapped his strong arms around her.

"Take a seat Sam and rest a little, I'll go outside and see how the boys are doing. Don't hesitate to ask if we can do something."

She carefully looked into his eyes and nodded thankfully. As Jack was ready to go outside it was Mark who stepped inside, searching for his sister.

"Hey sis, are you alright? You don't look too well, I just wanted to ask if I can do something for you."

"Thank you so much, Mark. I'm as alright as I can be. But I guess I need to tell you something."

"What is it that you need to tell me? How can there be anything else?"

"We haven't planned it, but I'm pregnant again. I just found out and had no chance to tell Pete the news."

"Oh Sam, what will you do now?"

"I'm going to have a baby, Mark. That's what I'm going to do. There's no other option for me. I have a lot of lovely people around who promised their help and I believe I'm capable of doing it."

"Of that I have no doubt, sis. We're also here for you."

"I know that, thanks."

"Here you are!" Penny exclaimed. She was looking for them because most of the people were about to leave and wanted to say goodbye. As Sam stepped out to shake everyones hand, her gaze went first of all towards Ben and Alex. Relieved she found them in Jack's lap, who was reading their favorite book to them.

Later Penny would find her and both women observed the man closely.

"He's a good man, Sam."

Sam nodded, never once did her gaze leave the sight of Jack and her sons.

"He is."

"So, you're pregnant again!"

"Did Mark…?"

"No! He didn't. So it's true? I just thought you had that glow and it was my way to try to figure it out. Is Jack…?"

"No! No, Penny. You know I loved Pete. I'd have never betrayed him. This child wasn't exactly planned, I just found out."

"But you're not alone, right?" Penney's eyes landed on Jack again.

"Penny, Pete's not even gone 10 days."

And when Penny only stared at her, saying nothing, Sam added.

"But yes, he's retiring and will move back here to help with the boys. They love their uncle Jack and the rest we'll have to figure out. Hell, I'm going to have another baby, I'm not sure a man would exactly jump at this opportunity. But I'm also far away from ready for something like this. Time will tell, but Jack was, is and will still be my best friend. That won't change, ever!"

Penny placed her hand on Sam's shoulder.

"I'm glad you have someone like him in your life. Him and all those other lovely people."

"Cassie will move in with me until she finds herself an apartment. She's going to work at the hospital here."

Movement caught their eyes. It was Jack, standing up with Alex on his back and Ben in his arms. He stopped by Sam to let her know he's going to tuck them in.

While he prepared them for bed everyone else said their goodbye so that Sam could go and hug her boys goodnight.

The look Penny gave Sam when Jack went inside said everything.

With everyone gone and the kids asleep, Sam quickly changed into some comfortable clothes and joined Jack outside. He was leaning against the railing, standing side by side with her now. He offered her his soda and she happily took it. For a while they shared his drink and watched the stars above them.

"You know, the brightest star this evening, that's him, saying goodbye. That's what my grandmother always told me and I like to think it's true."

"I like that."

"I have to go to DC the day after tomorrow, but I won't be gone long. A few days max."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, Jack, it's okay. I know you'll come back."

"Always!"

And again this little word was the promise she needed.