Winter Wonderland
Part 2
by Karen Straits
Janet stood in the cold night air, hands resting lightly on the railing in
front of her. She gazed up into the dark sky, angrily blinking back tears.
She wouldn't cry, she told herself fiercely. So Daniel had kissed Cheryl, so
what? She wasn't going to mess up an expensive make-up job for something as
trivial as that.
'Yeah, right. Who was she fooling?'
A shooting star arced across the velvet canopy above her. She watched it
blaze a trail, maybe she should make a wish. Closing her eyes, she took a
silent breath. 'I wish....I wish...' Janet opened her eyes. It really didn't
matter what she wished; It wasn't going to come true.
Janet pulled the hood of her coat closer to her face and let the silence soak
its way into her body. The sound of the door opening and then closing broke
through her reverie. 'Someone else must have the same idea.' Wanting to be
alone, she made to leave.
"Janet."
She stopped at the sound of her name. Oh God, it was Daniel. She kept her
back turned to him, hastily wiping away her tears. Composed and hoping it was
too dark to see her face, she turned to face him.
*****
"Janet."
Daniel frowned. He knew she had heard him, so why wouldn't she turn around? A
faint unease wormed through his mind. Maybe he should leave her alone; she
seemed to want that. Janet turned around, and Daniel caught a glimmer of pale
cheek. Had she been crying?
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she murmured, "Why do you ask?"
Daniel's frown deepened. "You left so suddenly, and then we couldn't find
you. Sam was worried."
"I'm alright, Daniel, really. I just wanted some fresh air so I could clear
my mind. The noise was getting to me." Janet refused to meet his eyes.
He tilted her chin with gentle fingers, forcing her to meet his eyes. Dark
brown glittered crystalline in the pale moonlight, and Daniel's sense of
unease intensified. Something was wrong, he just couldn't put his finger on
what.
"Why don't I believe you?" he asked softly.
Startled, she stepped back, and Daniel stilled. He didn't want to frighten
her off.
*****
Janet felt the shock of Daniel touching her all the way to her fingertips.
The concern on his face tugged at her conscience. "I'm sorry I worried you
and Sam; it wasn't my intention to do that." Disconcerted, she tried to
change the subject. His eyes were too knowing as he looked at her. "Shouldn't
you be getting back to Cheryl?" she managed to ask pleasantly.
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, about me and Cheryl. The fact of the
matter is, there *is* no me and Cheryl."
Janet tried to keep a neutral expression. "It's okay Daniel, I understand if
you want to keep it under wraps. Gossip can get pretty bad around the base."
"I'm telling you the truth! We aren't dating. Cheryl just had too much
Christmas cheer..." he paused, "....or something."
Janet knew she had a look of disbelief on her face.
Daniel looked at her earnestly. "Janet, you're my friend. Don't you think I
would tell you about something as important as that?"
She winced inwardly. That went straight through her heart. 'That's right,'
she thought sadly. 'He sees me as a friend only.' With a small, sad smile she
said, "You're right. I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. But what did you
expect with that kiss!"
Daniel blushed. "I was just as surprised as you were!"
A feeling of restlessness swept over her. She didn't want to talk about this
anymore; the urge to be doing anything else was growing too strong. The words
forming before she even had a chance to think about it, she blurted out,
"Let's go for a walk!"
Surprised at herself, she wondered, 'Now where did that come from?'
*****
"A walk?" Janet was obviously trying to change the subject, which was fine by
him. Daniel knew he was missing a piece of the puzzle, but what? It would
come to him eventually, he was sure of it. That's what he did for a living,
after all--solve puzzles.
"It's a beautiful night, everything is so still and white."
There was such a pleading tone in her voice that Daniel gave in. "Alright,
but not too far. I promised Sam to bring you back in safe and sound."
She gave him a smile that could light up a Christmas tree.
A jolt shot through Daniel. Her smile always had the effect of making his
knees wobbly and his breath short. Sweeping his arm before her, he said,
"After you." He lightly touched her on the small of her back, guiding her
down the wooden steps towards a well-lit path.
*****
They walked silently, side by side. The only sound was snow crunching
underneath, and their breath floated before them like small, misty clouds.
The trail they were on led through a corridor of trees that would form a
canopy of green in the summer. Now they were bare, arms reaching up into the
darkness. Small fairy lights had been strung through the branches, giving the
trees and the snow a golden glow that merged into the blue of moonlight.
It was like they were the only two people in the world, both aware of each
other but keeping to their own thoughts.
*****
Janet was right. It was beautiful out here. His sight settled on the petite
figure walking next to him. Awash in pale silvery tones, he caught a glimmer
of cheek and dark eyes.
They came upon a clearing in the woods. Giant firs stood guard like silent
sentinels, encircling the small glade.
Janet tilted her head up, her arms wide, as if she wanted to embrace the
scene. Her hood had fallen back, revealing the tumbled curls that framed the
gamine face. She looked like an ethereal winter spirit, otherworldly and
mysterious, limned in moonlight.
"Isn't it lovely?" she asked in breathless wonder.
Daniel stopped, taking in the sight of the woman before him.
"Yes, it is," he said softly.
*****
Janet turned, catching Daniel's gaze upon her as he replied. Self-consciously
she looked around, toying with a strand of hair. A smile lit her face as an
idea formed. "Let's build a snowman."
"A snowman?"
"Yeah, you know, short chubby guys, kinda pale, eyes made out of coal. Frosty
is one of the better known ones." She laughed at his look of non-recognition.
"C'mon, loosen up. It'll be fun!"
Daniel looked doubtful. "I haven't had a lot of experience with snow, being
the son of Egyptologists. Now a sandman, maybe."
Janet kneeled in the snow, pushing and packing a small mound of it until it
took on a round shape. "I'll show you; it's easy." She looked up to see
Daniel grinning at her. "This is hands-on training, Dr. Jackson."
Grabbing his wrist, she pulled him down beside her. "Hey!"
"Just pretend you're on a dig. You have to reconstruct the body of Frosty the
Magnificent, seventh son of Frosty the Terrible." Janet proceeded to pile
snow into a lumpy form as she told the story of a long line of snow kings,
all named Frosty.
They both tried to outdo each other with snow king stories while they worked,
each one becoming more outrageous than the last.
************************************************************************
Meanwhile, back at the lodge.........
Janeene surveyed the long buffet table. 'Ah, they do have lime chips and
salsa.' Just as she grabbed a handful of chips, Chera appeared beside her.
"It's time for phase two. Are you ready?"
Delicately nibbling on a chip, Janeene nodded. "Are you sure Jack O'Neill
doesn't need a slight push too?" She had a hopeful look on her face.
"Colonel O'Neill is fine the way he is."
"I'll say!" she muttered in an angel soft voice.
Chera blinked. "Need I remind you that we are here for Daniel and Janet?"
"Hey, I'm an angel, not dead!" Janeene had a slight smirk on her face as she
watched Jack talk to Sam.
Momentarily diverted by the infamous O'Neill grin, Chera sighed. "He is a
fine figure of a man, isn't he?" She snapped out of the pleasant thoughts
floating through her mind. "Janeene, it's time. Now get going."
Janeene started to fade away, grumbling something about overworked co-workers
and vacation time coming up. Suddenly a hand popped back out of thin air and
grabbed some more chips. "Can't forget about a snack for the road," a
cheerful voice said.
'Maybe Janeene was right,' Chera thought. 'I do need a vacation!'
************************************************************************
Daniel sat back on his heels and intently studied the face before him. Pale
as the finest marble, he trailed long fingers down the smooth features set in
a calm visage. Deep-set eyes seemed to look right through him. Grasping the
small chin, he squeezed until it elongated into a goatee.
Well, it wasn't the pharaonic ceremonial beard he was trying to sculpt from
his mind's eye, but it would do. Frosty the Terrible grinned at him like some
sort of deranged jazz guru; all he needed was a beret. Maybe he could try and
make a double crown of Egypt?
"Janet, what do think about making a hat for our friend here?"
There was no answer. Daniel looked around the small clearing, but Janet was
nowhere to be seen. The forest was eerily quiet, no sound at all. Spooked,
Daniel felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. He quickly stood, knees
protesting at the movement after being immobile for so long.
"Janet?" Suddenly, a sound came from behind him. Heart beating fast, he spun
around. "Janet, is that y..."
He didn't get a chance to finish as a snowball the size of a grapefruit
splattered against his chest. He looked down at his coat, then back up at the
giggling woman standing in front of him.
"So, you find this amusing, Dr. Fraiser?" Under the pretense of cleaning off
his coat, he bent over and scooped up a handful of snow.
Janet held her hands to her mouth. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I couldn't help
myself, really." She laughed as she said, "If only you could have seen the
look on your face when I hit you!"
"Well, you know what they say about revenge... " He grinned at the slightly
puzzled expression on her face, "It's a dish best served cold!"
The expression on Janet's face was comical as she realized what he meant. She
started to back away, hands up in front of her chest protectively. "Now
Daniel, let's think about this before you do something we might both regret!"
She shrieked as he lunged towards her. Janet tried to avoid the snow tossed
her way, but wasn't fast enough. Cold and wet, the snow trickled down the
side of her neck into her coat.
"Dr. Jackson, this means war!"
*****
Yelling and laughter carried across to the trees where a lone figure sat in
the topmost branches. Savoring the last chip, Janeene gazed out over the
scene below her; and, with a small smile, she watched the happy couple play
like children. She closed her eyes and took a quick glimpse into the future,
her smile grew wider. Sure, she made flip comments and bickered with Chera,
but she loved her job and wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. Or
beyond this world, for that matter.
She opened her eyes; it was time. Briskly rubbing the crumbs from her hands,
she floated down through the branches of the giant evergreen, feeling its
life force as she passed through it. She touched down lightly and glided over
the snow to stand behind Daniel. Time for phase two to begin.
*****
Janet had Daniel cornered behind the snowman. She was laughing so hard that
she was gasping for breath. "Ready to give up, Dr. Jackson?" She watched as
his head cautiously poked out from behind Frosty.
"Truce?" He asked this with a hopeful note in his voice.
She bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath from all the
running and laughter. This was definitely not as easy as it used to be. She
was getting soft in her old age. Straightening up, she grinned at him.
"Truce."
Daniel slowly came around the snowman, shaking the snow from his coat. He
started walking towards her, chatterering the whole time, sounding like a
small boy on his first great adventure.
Janet's heart fluttered. He was so handsome. She wondered what it would be
like to have that awesome intelligence and kind heart focused solely on her.
*****
Daniel traipsed around the snowman, amazed at how much fun he was having. As
a child he had been used to warmer climes; and, even though he'd gone to
graduate school in Chicago where it was bitter cold and the snow piled high
in the winter, he'd been so consumed with studying at the time that he'd
never taken the time to become comfortable with winter weather. Now he
realized it wasn't so bad.
Or was that because of who he was with?
He would ponder over that later. Right now, he just wanted to savor this
special night with the lovely woman who was smiling that incredible smile of
hers towards him. He moved to stand in front of her.
****
Laughter bubbled up as Janeene placed both hands firmly in the middle of
Daniel's back. In a joyous voice she exclaimed, "Blessings to you both, my
children! May there be much love through the years."
With the benediction bestowed, she pushed Daniel into Janet. Her part done,
she tilted her face to the sky as the wind embraced her and carried her back
to Chera, her sister, her friend.
*****
The night breeze seemed to whisper and laugh in Daniel's ear; it sounded
uncannily human. A feeling he couldn't describe began to overwhelm him as he
looked at Janet, who was watching him approach her. One minute he was
walking, the next he was sailing through air. He landed on something soft.
"Oomph!"
Wait a minute, snow didn't make a sound like that! Daniel cautiously raised
his head and saw a smooth throat leading up to a firm, little chin. Oh God!
He was sprawled on top of Janet. Amid a tangle of limbs, he tried to raise
himself up and off of her, but he only succeeded in sliding his body further
up hers. His frame seemed to nestle between her legs as if it were the most
natural thing in the world.
Daniel felt the heat of her as his face flamed red. Janet was shaking beneath
him, no doubt furious at what had happened. She was going to kill him and
leave his body parts all over the woods, never to be found. He braved a peek
at her face.
Janet was laughing!
"This could only happen to you, Daniel," she giggled. "Only you!"
Seeing the absurdity of the situation, Daniel chuckled along with her. His
laughter died as he gazed down into eyes reflecting starlight.
*****
Janet looked up and felt her face grow warm at the realization that she was
still lying beneath Daniel, her hips cradling his body. Their gaze locked.
She knew she should break
away, but she was incapable of movement. Time seemed to stop, then Daniel let
out a soft sigh.
The spell broken, she started to turn her head away. Daniel lightly grasped
her chin, holding her still.
"Daniel." Janet's voice quivered as she drew in a breath, the scent of the
cold, night air clinging to him.
He lowered his head. "You are so lovely, Janet," he murmured as his lips
brushed hers.
Daniel's lips were cool as they molded themselves to her mouth. The kiss was
all warmth without heat, his mouth light against hers. It was chaste and
sweet, undemanding as if he were partaking of something precious.
Janet felt a frisson of heat spark and quicken her blood. He was kissing her
with a gentleness that was searing into her soul. She lay still, afraid he
would pull away and deny her that perfect mouth.
"Janet." Her whispered name felt like a caress.
She curled her fingers into his chest, and her body arced into his, wanting,
no, *needing* more.
*****
Daniel felt all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place as he
kissed Janet. He released her chin and let his fingers trail lightly down the
satin skin of her cheek. His mouth touched hers again and he deepened the
kiss, craving it more than breath. Time stopped as his mouth crushed hers. He
shuddered with the force of it as it filled him with an indescribable sense
of rightness.
A small sound came from Janet, bringing him back to the moment. He
reluctantly lifted his head and looked down. He knew the look on his face
must mirror her own. Shock, confusion, desire and.....love. 'God, she loves
me!' His hold on her tightened as he realized the beautiful woman in his arms
felt the same way he did.
Janet lay in his arms, looking disheveled and thoroughly kissed. For some
reason, that realization gave him a fierce sense of satisfaction. He let his
eyes wander over her face, lingering for a moment on the slightly swollen
lips. Daniel tore his gaze away from that tantalizing mouth only to find
himself caught in the spell of her warm, brown eyes.
The last piece of the puzzle fell into place.
"You were jealous that Cheryl kissed me, weren't you? That's why you left
like you did."
"Jealous!" Janet started to sputter, an indignant look forming on her face.
"That's ridiculous, why would I be jealous? You're a grown man, Daniel
Jackson, and you can kiss whomever you please!" She stopped to take a breath
and Daniel simply grinned at her.
Yep, she was jealous, all right.
*****
Janet faltered as she watched the boyish grin appear on Daniel's face. 'Well,
that's just great!' she mentally chided herself. 'Why don't you just put a
huge sign above your head for all the world to see, Jealous with a capital
J.' Okay, so she was just a little bit jealous, she could admit that much.
Right? Daniel's grin became a sensual smile, reminding her again that in
spite of the youthful face, he was a full-grown man. Heat flared through her
body and she shivered.
Daniel's arms tightened around her as he murmured, "Cold, sweetheart?"
She shivered again at the endearment that had been spoken in a husky voice.
Smirking, she shot back in a wry tone, "Oh, far from it."
Daniel sighed. "As much as I'm enjoying this, we need to get back. Sam is
going to have my head if I don't return you safe and sound like I promised."
He helped Janet up and began to brush the snow off of her. When he reached
her shoulders, he pulled her hood back up and tenderly tucked a strand of
hair back in. Leaning in, he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Janet looked up at the face that was so dear to her, and the words came out
before she could stop them. "I love you."
Daniel froze for a moment, and Janet cursed inwardly. 'Why can't I keep my
mouth shut?' Everything was perfect, and she had to ruin it by spooking the
man. She went to turn away from him but was stopped by a light touch to her
chin.
Tilting her face, Daniel just gazed at her for a long moment. Janet was
growing nervous and fidgeted under his scrutiny. He looked so serious. After
what seemed like an eternity, Daniel locked eyes with her and quietly said,
"I love you too, Janet."
No words were needed after that. They stood still, holding hands. Looking
into each other's eyes, they silently acknowledged the moment and how their
lives had been changed forever more.
Finally Janet took one last look around the beautiful clearing, committing it
to memory. She wouldn't forget this night as long as she lived. She looked up
to find Daniel watching her. Smiling, she squeezed his hand to let him know
she was ready to head back to the lodge.
Daniel lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her wrist. He
clasped her hand more firmly and put both their hands into his coat pocket.
Janet grasped his arm with her other hand, tucking in close to his side.
As they left the glen together, the snow began to fall.
************************************************************************
Sam paced restlessly back and forth on the porch. Jack leaned back against
the railing, arms crossed, watching her with hooded eyes. "Carter, I'm sure
they're fine. They probably just went for a walk or something."
"It's the *something* I'm worried about, Sir!"
O'Neill gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. Maybe it hadn't been such a
good idea to bring Carter outside after all. At least inside she'd been
distracted by the other people. Speaking of distractions... he couldn't help
himself from tracking the movement of the snow falling on her golden hair.
Sam lifted her head up, the snowflakes melting as soon as they touched that
perfect face of hers.
'Almost like angel kisses,' he thought. He stopped, startled at the direction
his thoughts were taking. He quickly shied away from them, firmly putting
them back under lock and key. No matter how he felt, they had a job to do and
regulations to follow. But someday...someday...Well, he hoped that someday
would come sooner than later.
"Colonel, I'd feel better if we grabbed Teal'c and started looking for them."
Jack had opened his mouth to reply when he saw Daniel and Janet coming up the
path towards the lodge.
"Sir, did you hear what I said?"
He gently swung Carter around so she could see the couple getting closer to
them. "Here's the happy couple now," he drawled.
"Oh, thank goodness. They're okay!" Sam exclaimed as she ran down the stairs
to meet them.
Jack observed the two, secretly relieved they were all right because God knew
the trouble Daniel could get into, and his eyebrows rose. Happy couple,
indeed. Daniel had his head bent towards Janet as she said something to him,
intent on every word she was saying. The look on Janet's face as she spoke
could only be described as glowing.
O'Neill mentally pumped his fist in the air. 'Way to go, Danny!' If anyone
deserved happiness, it was Daniel. Jack couldn't think of a better person
than Janet for the archeologist.
Sam met them at the foot of the steps, "Hey guys, is everything okay?" She
looked to Janet as she asked the question.
Janet's smile grew bigger, if that were possible. "Everything is just fine
Sam. In fact, everything is wonderful."
Sam's answering smile was just as big as Janet's, and Jack wondered if he
should be pulling out his sunglasses, even though it was dark outside.
The opportunity was too good not to tease. In his best Colonel voice, Jack
snapped at Daniel. "Dr. Jackson, what do you have to say for yourself? You
and Dr. Fraiser were gone for quite awhile, and Major Carter was very
worried!"
He smirked as Daniel started to stammer, a blush creeping up his neck.
"Um....Sorry, Sam, we didn't mean to worry you." He glanced down at Janet and
stood up straighter. "But I'm not sorry about what happened tonight!" He
looked Jack in the eye, daring him to contradict him.
"Sweet! That's all I wanted to hear. Carter?"
The 2IC of SG-1 had a serious expression, but her lips tilted upward slightly
as she played along. "Apology accepted, Daniel. But if you ever worry me like
that again....." She let the sentence trail off, letting Daniel come to his
own conclusions.
"Okay, kids, if that's settled, we have a party to get back to!" Daniel took
Janet's hand, Sam beside them and Jack bringing up the rear. Slapping Daniel
playfully on the back, Jack added "Let's go." So they made their way back
into the laughter and the light, together.
Epilogue
***********
Sometime in the near future.....
The two angels stood in the front yard of the rambling, old Victorian house.
Lights twinkled and blinked from the wrap-around porch, a mirror for the
starry, night sky. Evergreen hung around the door, their spicy scent floating
on the slight breeze, stopping to curl around the figures on the lawn.
The big bay window cast its message of warmth and welcome into the cold, dark
night, softening the edges of silver-blue snowdrifts. Enjoying the view,
Janeene took a deep breath and turned to her friend.
"This is nice."
"Yes, it is lovely, isn't it?"
Chera tilted her head, an eyebrow slightly raised in a questioning manner.
The smaller angel returned her gaze steadily. "What? Do I have something on
my face?"
"No," she replied. "I'm just curious why we are here. We could have just as
easily checked up on them from the office *and* finished our status report at
the same time."
Janeene simply shrugged. "I wanted some fresh air, so here we are."
"Yes, here we are." She said this in a dry tone.
The sound of a car approaching caused them both to turn towards the long
driveway. They watched as the vehicle stopped and the occupants got out.
Colonel Jack O'Neill, retired, stepped around to the passenger side of the
sedan and leaned in to help his very pregnant wife out of the car. "Careful,
honey, it's a little slick here."
Samantha O'Neill gave Jack one of the smiles she reserved only for him. "No
problem as long as you're here to catch me and the little guy."
Kissing her forehead, he whispered, "Always."
Arm in arm, they started up the walk. With a grin, Jack said, "Ya know, it
could be a little girl in there."
Sam just laughed. They had both decided not to know the sex of the baby, just
wanting him or her to be healthy, but it didn't stop them from good-naturedly
debating. Jack claimed it was a girl just as sweet and smart as her mother,
while Sam insisted it was a boy with his daddy's charm. Whatever the gender,
little O'Neill was going to be much loved.
The front door flung open just as they reached the top of the steps. Daniel
stood in the doorway, backlit by bright light. "Hey, you made it!" Reaching
out to shake Jack's hand, he called over his shoulder, "Sweetheart, Sam and
Jack are here." Daniel bustled them into the warmth of the hallway, then
slipped Sam's coat off and gave her a small peck on the cheek. "Wow, Sam!
Look at how big you are!" Realizing how that sounded, he blushed a fiery red.
"That's my husband the diplomat, always knowing just what to say." Janet came
forward with a huge grin on her face. "Sam! You are positively radiant." The
smaller women embraced her as best as she could.
Sam laughed as she hugged Janet back. Knowing that Daniel didn't mean what he
said in an unkind way, she let him off the hook. "It's okay Daniel, really.
It's true, and I am *so* ready to have the baby."
Looking around the festively decorated house, Sam was just about to ask where
everyone else was when a shriek rent the air. "Unka Jack! Unka Jack, you're
here!"
Jack grinned down at the small bundle of energy that was now firmly attached
to his legs. Swooping down, he picked up the little girl who giggled as he
said, "Sweetheart, you know I wouldn't ever miss coming to see you. Where is
your sister?" Holding onto the blonde girl was like trying to hold onto a
wiggling puppy.
Three-year-old Suzie Jackson placed small, sticky hands on both sides of
Jack's face. She squealed as he rubbed noses with her.
"We've been in the kitchen frostin' sugar cookies with Unka Teal'c and Granpa
George."
"I can feel that." Teal'c and General Hammond came out of the kitchen with
Suzie's sister, Acacia. Two years older than Suzie, Acacia just rolled her
eyes at her sister as if to say, "Babies!" Greeting the adults with all the
dignity that a five year old has, she shyly slipped her hand into Sam's.
"Would you like to see the Christmas tree, Aunt Sam? We made decorations for
it." With Acacia leading the way, they all trooped into the living room to
admire the handiwork. Jack smirked as he wiped frosting off the side of
Teal'c's face; and, in response, Teal'c merely raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, Doc, where's Cass?"
"She's out with friends, but she'll be back soon. She's visiting people she
doesn't get to see often since she started art school." The pride was evident
in Janet's voice. Daniel came up beside his wife and pulled her to his side.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and gently squeezed him while they
looked into each other's eyes, smiling.
"Eeww, you guys aren't gonna kiss again, are you?" An exasperated Acacia
asked.
"Yeah, that would be, like, gross, wouldn't it, girls?" Jack made a face as
Sam snorted into her drink.
Daniel stuck his tongue out and everyone laughed. Janet just shook her head
and started to usher the group into the dining room. "Time to eat....and
Jack, don't make me separate you two!"
Jack hung his head and meekly said, "Yes, ma'am." Laughter erupted again as
no one was fooled by the act. They gathered around the table, holding hands,
and each one took a turn to tell what they were grateful for. After that, the
eating began in earnest.
************************************************************************
Daniel stepped onto the porch and shivered as the cold hit him. He had come
out to gather more firewood but was struck by the beauty of the night sky. He
took a deep breath and smiled as he heard the sounds coming from inside the
house. Turning around, he looked through the window at the picture presented
to him. Jack was on the floor, the girls climbing on him like he was a human
jungle gym, Sam watching on with an indulgent smile. General Hammond and
Teal'c were talking quietly in the corner while Cass had her arms wrapped
around her mother. Cassandra had grown into a beautiful young woman, but
Daniel could still see the little girl they had rescued all those years ago.
He watched as Janet tenderly played with a strand of Cassie's hair. Daniel
let his gaze travel over the gentle face that meant more to him than anything
else in the world. His wife was just as beautiful as the day they'd met, more
so now with the happiness that shone from her face. Daniel felt an
overwhelming sense of love and pride come over him.
This was his *family.*
Family. A picture of a smiling face and sable curls flashed like quicksilver
through his mind's eye. Sha're. Her father, Kasuf, and brother, Skaara. They
had once been his family too. Daniel was luckier than a man had the right to
be, finding love like that twice.
He stood there, feeling absurdly happy and extremely grateful. Humbled, he
gazed up at the stars and whispered thank you.
"You're welcome!"
Daniel blinked, startled. Suddenly he was back in the little glen, hearing
the night wind whisper and laugh in his ear. He shivered; for years he had
sworn that he'd been pushed into Janet, and he'd taken a lot of ribbing for
it, especially from Jack. It was one of the girls' favorite stories, hearing
about their parents playing in the snow. His eyes widened; was that a giggle?
He shook his head. No, it wasn't possible, he told himself firmly. It was
just the wind....he hoped.
He shook his head to scatter his fanciful thoughts when the front door burst
open. Amid a cacophony of motion and sound, Jack and Janet came out, with Sam
supported between them. Janet was giving instructions into a cell phone
wedged between her shoulder and her ear. Daniel stepped forward, his heart
pounding. "Sam?"
Cutting off the phone, Janet flashed a reassuring smile to her husband. "It's
okay; Sam's water broke. The hospital knows to expect us, but you're going to
have to drive. I don't think Jack is up for that."
Daniel glanced at Jack, who looked like he was ready to pass out as Sam
whispered reassuring words to him. "Right, driving, I can do that!" He ran to
get the car.
Janet was issuing last minute details to Hammond and Teal'c as Daniel pulled
the car up. The girls, meanwhile, were busy shrieking and offering advice to
anyone who would listen. Hopping out of the car, Daniel ran around and opened
the car door. "Jackson's Taxi at your service."
They quickly bundled Sam into the car, Hammond telling them not to worry
about the girls. With a slam of doors and a flash of tail lights, they were
gone, the small group on the porch waving and then going back inside.
*****
Janeene shrugged as Chera blinked at her. "Okay, so I had a hunch. You know
how my hunches are."
The tall angel just grinned at her. "So now we can go back and finish our
report," she teased. A look of disappointment flashed across Janeene's face.
"Or not."
Chera clapped her hands together and laughed; she was happy to give a little
sass back to her friend from time to time. She grabbed Janeene's hand and
said, "Come on, let's go see a baby!" They faded into thin air together,
leaving only the wind and the stars as witness to their going.
And the story of Declan and Skye O'Neill and Acacia and Suzie Jackson? Well,
my friends, that is a whole report all its own.
The End......Maybe
(C) November 2000
(C) June 2001
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