Jack returned to the Springs and awaited the final papers of his retirement. In the meantime he was busy getting his house back into shape. Sure he stayed there when he was in town and it was well looked after, but when moving back he had to make it his home all over again.

Sam tried to get back to work for a few hours per week and was glad that Cassie was still around to look after Ben and Alex. The two had also gone back to daycare.

Cassie found an apartment right between Sam's house and the hospital where she was going to work.

One morning a few weeks later, when Sam had dropped off the kids and wasn't needed at the SGC, she decided to stop by Jack's house. He was already working in his backyard when he heard the familiar sound of her car. So he rounded the house and watched her knock on his door.

"Hey Carter, what brings you by at such an early hour on this sunny day? You sensed that I needed help with the backyard, right?"

She looked up, startled, because she was waiting for him to open the door. Hadn't expected him from behind her in only his favorite well worn jeans.

"Not exactly!" She laughed, "I'm willing to help if you really need me. At least I'm still capable of it. But in the first place I was looking for a cup of coffee and some talk, what do you say?"

Jack smiled back at her. "Sounds like I'm getting a break now. Come on, Sam. You wanna sit outside?"

"I'd love to, thanks!"

When they reached the patio Sam took a moment to take in Jack's work while he went inside to get the coffee. He had obviously mown the lawn just now, cut back the trees and to her surprise planted some flowers. Next to the little garden shed he had placed the freshly chopped firewood. She registered the stack of wooden planks lying on the right side by the old oak tree, wondering what that's going to get.

When Jack came back, he had the two cups on a tray, next to some fresh fruits. Sam knew exactly he had only placed them there for her, because she needed more vitamins. So she didn't hesitate to pick up a slice of apple and ate it while she watched him putting on the khaki colored shirt which he had placed on the railing not that long ago.

He took his seat across from her and grabbed his cup, observing her openly. He was amazed by how rapidly her body had changed each time he saw her. She looked good, better than in the days after the funeral, her baby bump growing each day. Both were relaxed, nestled in their chairs.

Sam nodded towards the wooden planks. "What's that going to be when it's finished?"

She recognized the blush that crept up his face, wondering why, when he cleared his throat.

"I thought about building a sandbox. I mean, Alex and Ben are here from time to time and maybe it would be nice for them. Last week they asked about it and I decided it won't hurt to have one. We can build sandcastles while you're busy saving the world."

Now she blushed too, he was doing all this stuff for her kids.

"And soon there will be the next one. I know you'll be home then more often, but that won't stop you from visiting, right?"

"There's not much saving the world where I'm involved right now." She laughed, "it's more about keeping the gate working and analyzing stuff that's declared safe. But I get where you're going. The boys love to be here and I'm pretty sure they will be thrilled to have a sandbox."

"I was thinking that maybe they could help me build it. When I was a kid my grandpa would do this with me, building stuff. I loved it and maybe they will too."

"That's a great idea, I know they'll love it."

So that was settled, another weekend at uncle Jack's.

"So, what brings you really by, Sam? I know you said coffee and talk and I'm sure you didn't want to talk about me building a sandbox in the first place."

"Right, actually there are two things. I was just wondering how long it will take for your retirement to be effective."

"Why?"

"Why? You don't think you'll get off the hook and not have your friends throw a party for you, do you? I know that Teal'c will be coming next week and Daniel is earthside too. It would be the perfect opportunity to have you over, nothing big, just a few friends, my backyard and a BBQ. What do you say?"

For a while he just stared at her, then he got up and went inside. A moment Sam thought she had said something wrong, but when he came back he stopped next to her and placed an envelope on the table in front of her. She looked from the envelope up to him and saw his smug smile. Still one finger on the paper he rounded the table, sat down in his chair and removed his hand to give her the opportunity to look at it.

He watched her eyes flying over the words written on the document. Her eyes grew bigger when she realized what she was reading, she blinked a few times and her eyes were searching his.

"It's official!" She nearly whispered.

"Yeah, it was in the mail this morning. I'm officially retired now, I'm a free man!" he jokes.

"Congratulations, Jack! Now that I know, it's settled, Saturday afternoon, my backyard, our friends and good food."

"Thank you, I'm looking forward to it. But I can help, you know?"

"I know, but you don't need to, it's all organized. Everyone is just waiting for my 'go'." She smirked at him before she placed the still steaming mug against her lower lip, blowing lightly to cool down the black liquid.

"And the other thing?" Jack asked, pulling Sam out of her thoughts.

"What?"

"You said, there were two things you wanted to talk about. Anything I can help you with?"

"Ah that, Mmh… Yeah… I… I'm not sure it's even appropriate to ask."

"Ask away, Sam. The worst thing I can do is say no. And you do know me, when have I ever refused you something?"

"That's exactly it. I need you to say no if you don't feel comfortable with it. I need you to know you are allowed to say no."

"Alright, you're scaring me. Do you need my second kidney, or why are you so nervous?"

"No! No, don't worry, that's not it. Well, I do have my next appointment with my gyn today. The last time I saw her she told me on the next ultrasound she could tell the sex of the baby. Honestly I'm scared. No matter what it will be, knowing it will make it even more real to me and I'm feeling a bit alone in this right now. I mean, I obviously am a single mother now, but Pete's been with me every time we've found out the gender. I'm scared to do this alone. You said you'll be here for me, but I'm not sure if you've pictured this…."

He leaned forward and put his hand on hers to stop her from babbling.

"Sam, stop. If this speech is about asking me if I can accompany you to your appointment to find out if it's a boy or a girl then the answer is: yes. Of course you can count on me."

She sighed, relieved. "I wasn't sure if this would be awkward."

"It's us we're talking about here. Things with us tend to get awkward from time to time. I haven't been to a gynecologist for a long time, but I'm honored that you want me there. And I don't want anything more than to see this little miracle myself."

He got up as soon as Sam's tears started to fall. He kneeled down next to her so that he was eye level with her and able to wrap his arms around her. She sobbed against his shoulder.

"I miss him so much. He should be here for this."

"I know, it's not fair. But no matter what, you are not alone!"

"Thank you!" Sam's soft voice was right beside his ear. She leaned back to look at him, which gave him the opportunity to place his hand on either side of her face and wipe away her tears with his thumb. "Thank you for being my friend."

"I promised. So, when is your appointment? Do I have time for a quick shower?"

"Yes, you do." She smiled through her tears. "We need to leave in half an hour."

Before he left for the bathroom he placed a soft kiss on top of her head. "I'll be quick, make yourself at home in the meantime."

Exactly half an hour later they were in Jack's car. He sensed that Sam was nervous, so he offered to drive. It only took them ten minutes to get there and when they entered the doctor's office both decided to ignore the looks they got from the staff. They obviously know about the passing of Sam's husband.

Soon they were called in to see the doctor and Sam took a seat on the examination couch. Jack sat down in the chair next to her.

"Hey Sam!" Her doctor greeted her when she entered the room looking down at her clipboard.

"Wow, hey, and who are you?" She asked when she finally looked up and saw that Sam wasn't alone this time.

"This is Jack." Sam introduced him. "He's an old friend of mine. He's supporting me and the boys through that difficult time right now. And I just wasn't ready to find out the gender alone."

"That's alright! Hello Jack, I'm Dr. Jennings."

He shook her hand and she turned to Sam again.

"So let's see if you can finally start on thinking about a name for this little one."

Sam lifted her shirt, revealing her 20 weeks pregnant belly and pushed her pants down a bit so that the doctor was able to perform the ultrasound. In the corner of her eye Sam saw Jack staring at her belly, totally mesmerized. He hadn't seen it like this so far and being here with her at a gynecologist must bring back some memories of his own. She reached out to him and grabbed his upper arm, squeezing it equally in support and thanks. He knew what she was trying to do, but he was here for her support. As much as he wanted to tell her how beautiful she was this pregnant, he didn't. However he took her hand as Dr. Jennings applied the gel on her belly, both now facing the monitor above them.

Instantly they heard the sound of the baby's heartbeat and Jack had to blink back a lonely tear. His heart beating wildly in his chest. It's always amazing to hear this.

When Sara was pregnant the technology by far wasn't as advanced as it is now. Now you could see the baby's face so clear, he wasn't prepared for that. Even though he had seen most of the printed ultrasound pictures of Alex and Ben. But now seeing it move on screen with the soft thud of its heartbeat it was magical.

They listened to the doctor explaining what they were seeing, everything looked exactly like it should and he felt a weight lift off Sam's shoulders.

"And now we come to the special part we were all waiting for, huh?"

Sam took a quick look at Jack and saw that his head was also turned away from the screen to make sure she was okay. They turned back to the doc and nodded in unison.

"Well, alright, Sam. Let me introduce you to your…."