And so the story ends. I hope you all enjoyed. Thank you to all my faithful, wonderful readers and reviewers!

Jack laughed when he heard the scream come from Cassie, who was being chased by Teal'c. The Jaffa was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and held a water pistol, which he was using to great affect as he chased the young woman.

Daniel was lounging in a chair, reading a book and paying no attention to the chase, or to anyone. He was so engrossed in his book, that he missed an impish Cassie moving behind him, her water gun poised.

"HEY!" he yelled, as the water hit him in the neck. "What the …!" he tossed his book aside and vaulted himself out of his chair and began to chase Cassie, who ran away screaming.

"The children are rather unruly today," Jack commented from his chair. Sam sat beside him, drinking a lemonade. She was wearing shorts and a top – her head covered by a big floppy hat. They were all in Washington on this warm summer day, celebrating Jack's retirement.

The official ceremony, and the party following it, had taken place the day before, but the former teammates decided to spend the next day having a barbecue and relaxing together. Jack had sold his house and was moving back to Nevada, to be with Sam, but they had a few more days before the movers came.

"Hank looked pleased," Sam said.

"That's because he doesn't know what he's in for," Jack grinned. In the end it had been decided that Hank Landry would take Jack's position. Colonel Albert Reynolds had been promoted to Brigadier General and now ran the SGC.

"At least things are relatively quiet in the galaxy," she said.

"For now," Jack replied.

"Oh stop being so negative," his love replied. "Things are going to be fine and we're going to live happily ever after."

"I already am," he told he with a smile.

She smiled back and leaned over and kissed him.

"Get a room you two," Daniel shouted, as he was pounced on by Cassie.

"We're just fine right here," Jack replied, taking a swig of beer. "You realize that she's half your age and size Daniel," Jack pointed out as Cassie held Daniel down on the ground.

"I know – but I don't want to hurt her."

"Hurt me!" Cassie replied, beginning to tickle him. "You can't hurt me – I am the all-powerful alien superhero!" Suddenly she screamed when this time Teal'c snuck up behind her and squirted her in the back. "Attacked by my fellow alien," she cried, leveraging herself up and off of Daniel. The chase began again.

"I don't know how they have that much energy!" he exclaimed.

"You don't think you could do that?" Sam asked him.

"I don't know if I'd want to do that," he replied. "I much prefer sitting here, enjoying the day and relaxing. That looks much too energetic."

"Well, kids like to play," she explained.

"I know – which is why I'm sitting here."

"I thought you liked to play with kids."

"I do – cards, TV – those kinds of things."

She snorted. "You like fishing and hockey and motorcycles. Those aren't sedentary things!"

He looked at her out of the corner of her eyes. "Are you trying to get me to participate in the water fight?" he asked.

"No," she took a sip of her lemonade and wouldn't look at him.

"Then why are you bugging me about sitting here, enjoying the afternoon and the beautiful woman next to me?"

"Well," she shrugged.

"Sam?"

"Well, I just want to make sure that you still have lots of energy and the desire to play with kids."

"Of course I do, not just now. And why are you worried about that."

When she didn't answer Jack sat up and turned to her. "Sam?"

She finally peeked up at him. "Well," she said again.

"Well what?"

"You know that conversation we haven't had yet about kids?"

"What about it," he asked, eyes narrowed.

"Well, I think we need to have it."

This time he was silent. "Uh – why?"

She grimaced slightly. "Uh – actually it's a little too late."

"What's too late," although he was pretty sure he knew.

"Well, that's late – and so I think the conversation is too," she told him, rather confusedly.

But he got it – and his heart stopped for one moment and then started up again at twice the speed. "Do you mean - ," he whispered.

She glanced up and down quickly and then nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry – I didn't plan it but – I realized I was late and then took a test and …"

"Are you telling me you're pregnant?" he asked softly.

This time all he got was a nod. Slowly – his lips began to turn up until his face was split with a huge grin. "Samantha Carter! Are you telling me I knocked you up?"

"Jack!" she glanced up at him – to see him looking more pleased than she'd ever seen him. That caused her own face to light up, and she laughed. "Yes – you knocked me up!"

"Woo Hoo!" he shouted. He stood up and then grabbed her hands and pulled her up and swung her around. "I love you Samantha Carter!"

"You certainly did," she said, naughtily. "And look what happened!"

"Hey, what's going on?" Daniel shouted over at them. He, Teal'c and Cassie all stood frozen as they looked at the two of them. All of them were dripping wet and panting after their wild water fight.

Jack glanced down at Sam. "Can I tell them?"

"Yes," she smiled happily. "Of course – they're our family."

"You're lookin' at one lucky man," Jack shouted. "I'm gonna be a Daddy again!"

Soon everyone was laughing and hugging – and teasing Jack. The most excited one of all was Cassie – who was already planning to be the babysitter in chief.

"So, what names have you thought of for the kid?" Daniel asked.

"Hey – Sam just told me this minute," Jack said. "Give me a second!"

"I'll get some books from the library and we can start to pick some," Daniel went on.

"Uh Danny my boy – I think Sam and I can handle that. And we have a bit of time before we have to make a decision."

"What about getting married?" Cassie suddenly asked. "Don't you want to be married before the baby comes?"

Jack groaned. "I have a feeling that our busy body family are not going to let us decide anything on our own."

"Of course not," Sam laughed. "Come on guys – let's get the barbeque going and then you can keep bugging us about the baby and – everything else."

"I shall not "bug" you, Colonel Carter," Teal'c said ponderously.

"Why thank you, Teal'c," Jack responded.

"I did not say that I would not "bug" you, O'Neill," Teal'c told him. "It is remiss of you not to have asked Samantha to marry you. She carries your child and you need to make an honest woman of her."

"Teal'c – I had counted on you not to bug me," sighed Jack. "And anyway – I did ask her to marry me."

"You did?" Daniel asked.

"When did you ask her, Uncle Jack?" Cassie squealed.

"He asked me on the weekend before all of you arrived," Sam told them. "He was very romantic and I said yes!"

"That's wonderful," Cassie shouted. "But why didn't you tell us – and where's your ring?" she frowned.

"It's getting sized. We have to pick it up tomorrow. And as for not telling you – we planned to today. I just didn't want to take anything away from Jack's retirement."

"Congratulations O'Neill," Teal'c walked up and gave him a hug. "It is about time."

"Uh – yeah, thanks Teal'c."

"Congratulations you two," Daniel gave Sam and then Jack a hug. "I'd say the same as Teal'c, but I know the road you've travelled to get here so – I'm just happy this day finally came."

"Yes, congratulations! I'm so happy for both of you – and I am the maid of honor, right Sam?" Cassie was practically jumping up and down.

"Of course you are! And Teal'c and Daniel will be Jack's best men!"

There was lots of hugging, back slapping and teasing that went on that afternoon. Everyone was thrilled for Jack and Sam – and Jack was still walking ten feet off the ground as a result of becoming a father again. He knew that he'd go through some tough moments, and would always have a measure of fear, but he refused to think about that today. Today was a day for joy and friendship and family.

"So, when's the big day?" Cassie asked. "And where are you going to have it?"

"We'd like to get married in Colorado Springs," Sam told her. "That's where all our friends are. As for when – I don't want to wait too long," she told everyone. "We're thinking next month. General Hammond has offered to let us get married in his back yard."

"You told him?" Daniel asked, not upset but surprised.

"Yeah – since he couldn't travel to the retirement I gave him a call," Jack explained. "He's doing a lot better now, but the doctors want him to take it easy for a bit longer."

Hammond had suffered a minor heart attack, which had worried all of them, but it appeared he was recuperating well. They all looked forward to seeing him.

"Any aliens coming to the wedding?" Cassie asked.

"Absolutely," Jack nodded. "In fact there are two right here that will be there."

"I don't mean us," Jack," Cas rolled her eyes. "And anyway, we're not really aliens anymore. I mean is Thor going to come – or maybe that guy from the water planet. What was his name, Daniel?"

"Nem?"

"Yeah, that was it. He could come, couldn't he Jack?"

"Afraid not, Cas. Not in General Hammond's backyard. What would the neighbors say?"

"That the General had some really weird friends!"

Everyone laughed and the rest of the day was taken up with the joy of friendship and family.

That night Jack and Sam lay cuddled up together in bed, Jack's hand placed on her stomach in wonder.

"I can't believe you're pregnant," he said lovingly.

"You're sure you're okay with this?" she asked. "We didn't really talk about it beforehand."

"I'm not only okay with it – I'm thrilled," he told her. "I didn't want to say anything because I knew it might not happen. And if it hadn't – that would have been okay since I'd have been happy with the family we have."

"It's still early, you know," she told him carefully. "Janet always said I might have trouble conceiving – and there is a possibility I could miscarry."

"And if you do, we'll deal with it. I love you Sam – with or without kids. But let's not think of what might happen and just enjoy today."

"I can do that," she smiled, snuggled up against him. "So – what names do you like?"

He laughed and kissed her. Life was never going to be dull with Sam – or with their extended family.

She looked gorgeous. He could barely breathe as he watched her walk down the carpet to where he was waiting with Daniel and Teal'c. The day was beautiful and the yard had been totally transformed into a space just perfect for a summer wedding.

Cassie had preceded Sam – her dress a pale yellow which suited the beautiful young woman perfectly. She beamed as she walked down the aisle, looking right and left at all their many friends from the SGC.

Next followed Sam, accompanied down the aisle by George Hammond. The General had been thrilled when Sam asked him.

"It's not that I need someone to give me away," she'd explained to Jack, "it's just that it seems so fitting to include him in our wedding."

"It's a lovely thing you did, Sam," Jack told her. "He was pleased as punch to be asked."

The wedding was over faster than Jack could have imagined, and he was sure he would remember none of it. But the wonderful thing was – he was now married to Samantha Carter – and he was the luckiest man in the universe.

The wedding was followed by an impromptu dance, held under a marquis that had been set up. There was a small band and the afternoon was warm and beautiful. It was late by the time everyone left after giving the bride and groom kisses and hugs – and lots of teasing for Jack.

"When are you guys heading out for your honeymoon?" Daniel asked as they sat on lawn chairs and rested after the exertion of the day. They'd hired people to clean everything up and they watched as the workers took everything down. Hammond had excused himself and had gone to bed, still needing not to overdo.

"Tuesday," Jack told him. "We wanted a few days to rest before we went."

"Excited?"

"It's my honeymoon, Jackson," Jack told him in disgust. "Of course I'm excited. Ten days on a tropical island with a beautiful woman. What'd not to get excited about?"

Daniel grinned. "I'm happy for you guys. It's about time that life went the right way for you."

"Yeah, I'm happy too," Jack smiled and leaned back, looking at the sky, which was just starting to get dark. He waited for the stars to come out - knowing that they were something he'd always have to remember his son, and a life lived travetling among them

"It was a wonderful day," Sam said softly. "The best day of my life."

Her new husband smiled at her and reached over and took her hand. "The best is yet to come," he told her.

"They're getting soppy, Daniel, Teal'c," Cassie said with a smirk. "It's a good think that they're going on a honeymoon. Maybe by the time they're back they'll have gotten over it."

"Don't count on it," Daniel told her. "I'm afraid we're just going to have to get used to it."

"You know what you need, Daniel," Jack said calmly. "You need a girlfriend. Teal'c has Ishta, and he's not bugging us because he knows!"

"I don't need a -"

"Yes you do, Daniel," Cassie cried. "You're still a handsome guy and lots of women would love to date you! What you need is someone really intellectual. I'll look at my college. I bet there's someone there!"

"Great – see what you've started, Jack! I do not need a girlfriend. I'm doing just fine!"

"No, I think Jack and Cassie are right, Daniel," Sam added her two cents with a grin. "If Cassie can't find someone, I'm sure I can. There are lots of unattached scientists at Groom Lake. I'll see who might be a good fit!"

"You guys let me find my own woman," Daniel told them. "I don't need your help!"

"Yes you do, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c interjected. "As far as I can tell, you have not done well to find someone for yourself. I will speak with Ishta and have her find a good warrior woman for you."

"Teal'c, we already discussed this! As wonderful as Ishta is – and as perfect as she is for you, I don't want a warrior woman. I'd much rather someone more – " he shrugged so as not to offend Teal'c.

"My idea is better," Cassie proclaimed. "A college professor would be perfect!"

Teal'c and Cassie argued over who would best suit Daniel, while he tried to stop both of them from planning his life. Jack and Sam simply sat back and grinned, enjoying the conversation happening around them.

"Tired?" Jack leaned over and asked Sam quietly.

"Mmm," she nodded. "I am. Shall we go back to my place?"

"No – I have a better idea." He stood slowly and then pulled Sam up. "We're heading out, folks. We're both tired."

Everyone said goodnight and Jack and Sam headed out.

"Where are we going?" Sam asked as soon as it became clear they weren't headed to her house.

"Garden of the Gods Resort," he told her. "I booked the honeymoon suite for us."

"Jack! That place is gorgeous – and expensive," she told him.

"Hey, I only get to marry you once. And we need a couple of days just to relax."

By the time they arrived back from their honeymoon, Sam had to go back to work. For the first time in his life, Jack didn't have to. For the first few days he enjoyed puttering around, getting his things organized and put away. After that, however, he knew he had to find something to do so as not to go crazy.

Just weeks after the wedding Jack was firmly ensconced in Las Vegas. He'd made numerous new friends and was involved with all sorts of volunteer activities. He was a great favorite with kids, and decided to volunteer as a big brother as well as at the local high school. It didn't take him long to realize that he was happier than he'd been since Charlie died.

Sam's pregnancy continued with no problems. She'd had a bit of morning sickness, but other than that, everything looked fine. She was starting to show, and had just had to purchase some maternity uniforms. They still hadn't gotten around to picking names – both of them too superstitious to do too much before the pregnancy was farther along.

"I wish my dad was still here," Sam said, out of the blue, one day. "He would have loved seeing our child."

"Don't you think he would have thrown a conniption at me being the father?" Jack asked.

"No – he wanted us to be together," she told him.

"What?"

"I told you – he almost came right out and said it to me before he died. He felt like I should go after you."

"Well Jacob, you old dog!" Jack whistled. "I should have talked to him years ago!"

"Would you have done anything differently?" she asked curiously.

"I don't know," he admitted honestly. "With the Goa'uld still out there, and the gate so new – I don't think I could have," he said. "It's not that I didn't love you but -"

"I know," she agreed. "And I was just starting my career. I think this all happened for the best. And it's not like we weren't together – we just weren't together, together."

"You mean we couldn't have sex," he told her calmly.

"Jack!" she rolled her eyes. "It's not just about sex."

"Everything is about sex," he explained. "I had a lot of cold showers over the years," he told her.

"Me too," she agreed. "Janet and I used to fantasize," she told him.

"About me?"

"Mmm hmm – at least for me. Janet liked Daniel."

"Really? I didn't know that," he said sadly.

"I think they might have gotten together," she told him, "if she hadn't been killed. I still miss her."

"I do too," he said softly, "although Cassie is a lot like her."

"She is," Sam nodded. "It's surprising how much she's like her, considering they aren't related by blood. I'm glad we're going to be living near her. She needs family."

"And she'll be a great babysitter," he told her.

She laughed. "So, you were talking about sex?" she said a minute later.

"What – I was just talking about it. Well, I'll have to change that!" He leaned over her and that was all the talking for a while.

"Push Sam – you're doing great!" Sam had been in labor for over 12 hours and was exhausted. Fortunately it was time to push the baby out. Jack had been with her during the entire labor, encouraging her and supporting her.

She wasn't at all surprised, because those were two things Jack had always excelled at. But she was so thankful he was with her – both now, and for the rest of their lives. She had grown to love him even more over the months since they had first taken it out of the room. She was so grateful that she had taken her courage into her hands and had gone to D.C. to see him.

He told her, repeatedly, that he was glad about that too.

But now, her concentration was on something else – and that was bringing their child into the world.

"The baby doesn't – want – to come – out," she gasped.

"That's because it's warm and cozy in there," he told her with a kiss. "But it's time for it to meet its Mommy and Daddy. You can do this Sam," he told her. "You're the strongest, most courageous women I have ever known."

With that she bore down once more and pushed. A moment later there was intense burning, and then, with a gush, the baby slipped out into the waiting arms of its father.

A second later and there was a gentle mewl sound – and her baby was here.

"It's a boy, Sam," Jack whispered in awe. "He's beautiful!"

A second later her son – her son was on her chest and her hands held his warm little body. He rooted around until he found her breast and began to suckle. Jack placed a warm blanket over him and then laid his hand on top of hers.

"We have a son, Carter," he whispered. "Thank you!"

"Thank you," she whispered back. "Thank you for loving me and giving me a beautiful boy!"

"He's gonna be trouble you know," Jack told her with a grin. "He's half O'Neill!"

"And the other half is Carter, which is just as much trouble."

"That it is," he agreed. "But he's beautiful!"

A few minutes later Jack headed out to the waiting room where the rest of his family was waiting patiently. They saw him coming – and saw the grin on his face – and all of them stood. There was Teal'c – the alien who had become his brother, Daniel, his closest friend, brother, conscience, Cassie, his almost-daughter, and General Hammond – a man who was almost like a father to him – and who would now be an honorary grandfather. These are the people, along with Sam, who had saved him, when he thought life wasn't worth living.

Now, his life was more wonderful than he could ever have imagined.

"So?" Daniel asked.

"So – I have a son," he told everyone. "Come meet Jacob Charles Daniel George Murray O'Neill-Carter!' he said. "My beautiful boy."

Everyone congratulated him with hugs and backslaps.

"Thanks for including my name, Jack, but wow – the name is twice as big as him," Daniel said, once things had died down.

"Thank you son," George beamed at him.

"I am honored O'Neill," Teal'c told him.

"I'm sorry I couldn't use Teal'c," Jack explained, "but it's just not an Earth name."

"It is fine," Teal'c bowed his head. "I am proud that he bears the name Murray."

"You forgot my name, Uncle Jack," Cassie complained.

"We'll name our daughter after you," Jack told her, causing the others to stare at him and Cassie to grin.

Just as they went to enter Sam's room to see her and the baby, Daniel grabbed him and stopped him.

"So, I bet you're glad you finally took it out of that room," Daniel told him softly.

Jack stared at him for a second, and then a smile – a sweet and joyful smile – appeared on his face. "You'll never know how glad."

With that the two men opened the door and walked into Jack's new life.

The End