Disclaimers in part 1

*********

Sam was about to have Jack and her father paged, when she saw them strolling down the corridor together, laughing and talking like old friends. Sam couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. It was so good to see her father and Jack together, she thought her heart would break. Jacob had never had that kind of rapport with Jeff, and she didn't know how much she missed it until she saw him with Jack.

Sam was startled from her daydream by the feel of Jeff's arm sliding around her waist.

"Dr. Wendel wants to talk to us now."

"Okay, we'll be there in just a minute," she said, turning to greet the arriving men.

"I suppose you would want O'Neill there," he said, releasing her, leaving Sam with a stunned expression on her face.

"Sammy? Everything okay?" Jacob asked.

"Uh, yeah. It's nothing. You want to join us? The doctor's going to give us an update on Jon."

"Of course we do, right Jack?"

"Couldn't keep me away," he smiled reassuringly at Sam. Jacob went first and Jack held Sam back for a moment.

"We need to talk," he said, surreptitiously sliding his hand into hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. Just that small touch made her feel so much better, she felt herself grinning at Jack, despite the hurt she'd felt at Jeff's actions and words.

"I know. After we talk to the doctor?"

"First chance we get," he whispered into her ear, just before walking into Jon's room, moving apart as they entered.

"You're a popular young man," Dr. Wendel smiled, as she looked at the gathering crowd in the room.

"This is my father, Jacob Carter," Sam introduced. "I think you know everyone else."

"Yes, I do," the doctor smiled. "Nice to see you all again. Especially since I have some good news."

Jack and Sam exchanged glances and then, almost as an afterthought, Sam looked at Jeff who hadn't missed he was second on her list.

"Jon, you've shown remarkable improvement, especially these last few days, and if it keeps up, I think we can see about releasing you at the end of the week."

"Really?! I can go home?"

"It's a strong possibility," the doctor smiled. Sam knew Dr. Wendel wouldn't have told Jon he could leave if she wasn't confident she'd be able to release him. Tears of relief began to fill her eyes as she thought about bringing her son home. But then another thought came to her mind. If she didn't come to St. Paul to the hospital, what excuse would she have to see Jack? She was torn over the elation at her son's improvement and the thought she would have to sneak away if she wanted to see Jack. Surely there'd be check-ups, wouldn't there? Perhaps she could see him then.

Looking over at Jeff, she noted the smug look on his face. He too realized what Jon's release meant, and looked as if he'd just won some major battle.

"Hey, that's good news, isn't it, Buddy?" Jack said, mock-punching Jon in the arm.

"Maybe we can go to that park you were talking about," Jon said excitedly.

"You can't be running around like you used to," Jeff said, rubbing the opposite arm Jack had touched. "It's still going to take some time to build your strength up."

"Your father's right, Jon. Just because you'll be at home doesn't mean you aren't going to have to watch it." Dr. Wendel said, looking up at Jack and smiling. "But there's no reason he can't go to the park if he takes it easy. In fact, getting some fresh air would probably be the best thing for him. He's going to have to start working on building up his immunity."

"Does this mean I can see Kelsey again?" Jon asked.

"That's what it means," Jeff said. "I know she's missed you! Hasn't she, Sam?"

Sam had been looking at Jack when Jeff brought her back into the conversation.

"Yeah, she sure has," she said, moving closer to the bed, standing next to Jeff. "We all can't wait until you're back home with us again." Sam turned to Jeff, giving him a weak smile, hoping Jon didn't pick up on the tension between them. It was the last thing he needed right now.

Jack left as Jeff and Sam made plans for Jon's homecoming. Sam watched him leave, wishing she could join him, but she couldn't go without arousing suspicions. Jacob stayed a little longer, but soon joined Jack in the waiting area.

Sam was surprised how uneasy she felt being left in the room with Jeff. Perhaps they hadn't gotten a long the best recently, but she never felt this uncomfortable around him before. Now it was all she could do to stand there and smile. Of course she was elated Jon was coming home, but to what kind of home was he going to be returning?

Fortunately, a nurse arrived to conduct some tests, giving Sam the opportunity to escape the small room. She couldn't believe she was actually starting to feel claustrophobic around Jeff!

Sam took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she entered the corridor, tensing as she felt Jeff's hand on her back.

Looking at his watch he smiled apologetically at her. "You know, Honey, I think maybe I'll go into work. I can still get in about a half a day. I think Jon's got enough visitors to keep him company."

This time Sam's smile wasn't forced. "I think that's a good idea. As long as Dad and Jack are here, I might go get Kelsey early, too. I'm sure she'd like to help me get things ready for Jon's return home."

"Sounds good," he said, making a point of kissing her soundly good-bye. Sam tried not to stiffen in his arms, but wasn't very successful.

"See you later," she said, sighing with relief as he walked down the hallway.

Jacob and Jack exchanged glances before Jacob coughed. "Well, I think I'll leave you two alone for a minute," he said, standing. "Selmak said something about wanting some brownies, I think."

Sam grinned at her father. "Thanks, Dad."

Once they were alone, Jack took her hands. "Alone at last," he smiled.

"Yeah, with a hospital staff of about fifty," she said. "Oh, Jack. I didn't think it was going to be this hard. I mean we spent one night together, now everything seems to have changed. Just like before," she added wryly.

"Only this time you're not leaving, and we're going to talk about it," he stated firmly. "Come on," he said, pulling Sam to her feet. "We need some privacy."

"Jack! I can't. . . ."

"We're not going far," he said, spying a janitorial closet half-way down the hall. Looking around, he opened the door and quickly pulled her inside, crushing her against him in the confines of the small room.

"I've always wanted to do this," he grinned, pulling her closer and kissing her.

"What, kiss me amongst a bunch of mops?"

"No, pull you into some supply room and ravish you," he said, trailing kisses down her throat. "God, I missed you!"

"Jack, it hasn't even been twelve hours since I left your apartment!"

"I know, but I missed you the minute you left."

Sam moved her mouth to cover his. It was a few moments before she breathlessly answered, "I missed you too. And now Jon's coming home. How am I going to get through my days without seeing you?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," he said, kissing her once more. He pulled away, sighing. "Much as I'd like to continue this, we really *do* need to discuss some things, and it wouldn't look too good gettin' caught necking in a janitor's closet."

Sam pulled away slightly, keeping her hands on Jack's shoulders as his remained on her hips. "You're right," she said. "It's just hard not to get carried away, especially when I have you alone like this," she smiled.

Jack kissed her nose, then took a deep breath. "Sam, I want you to leave Jeff."

Sam was taken aback. It was one thing for *her* to think about leaving him, but it was another to have Jack tell her she should end her relationship with him.

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do," Jack hurriedly added. He must have seen the anger starting to form when he looked into her eyes. "It's just that I want you with me. I can't imagine my life without you. I can't go back to living without you. I love you, Sam."

Sam threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. "Oh, Jack, I love you too, you know that! But I don't see how we could make this work! You know Jeff's not going to let me go without a fight. You've seen that."

"Yeah, I experienced it first hand today," he said.

"What do you mean?"

"When you and your dad were in with Jon, Jeff decided to have a little 'heart-to-heart' with me."

"What did he say?" she asked, worried at what kind of threats he might have issued to Jack.

"Basically, he told me he was going to fight for the kids, like you said. He knows it's all he has to hang onto you."

"I knew that's what he'd do," she sighed, feeling Jack's arms tighten around her.

"That's not all," he said, pulling back from her to look in her eyes. "I think he's having us followed, or is going to, anyway."

"Did he tell you that?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice.

"He said if we have any contact, we should stick to some very public places. He mentioned a camera. I don't think closets in a hospital would be considered 'public,'" he added, trying to lighten the impact of the news.

Sam shook her head. "He's been acting pretty strange lately, but I never would have thought he'd be capable of something like this!"

"What do you mean by 'strange?' You mean the ol' Jekell and Hyde routine isn't normal for him?"

"Do you really think I could marry a man like that after Jonas?" she asked, surprised he would think she'd marry just anyone to have a man in her life.

Jack shrugged. "Well, ya had the baby comin' and all, I don't know how you were feeling at the time."

"Well I wasn't desperate, if that's what you mean," Sam said, moving out of his reach.

"I didn't say you were," Jack said, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Sam, I don't want to argue with you. I believe you if you say he hasn't always been like this. But something must have sent him over the edge."

"Now that I think of it, it was about the time all the stuff about me being in the Air Force came out. He'd get all snide about me being in the service and then seconds later being all apologetic. It just seems like lately, it's gotten worse. Since you showed up, and it's not just the jealousy thing. Maybe he needs to be on Prozac or something," she laughed bitterly. "I guess I never really linked the two things together. I supposed I was so wrapped up in how angry and hurt I was over his attitude, I didn't notice him changing his temperament mid-stream. I guess I thought he was just remorseful that he'd said something to hurt me, and he was trying to make up for it."

"But what would his family finding out about you being in the Air Force have to do with any of that?" Jack asked. "Even if the guy thought it was kind of a 'butch' role for a woman, I don't think he'd suddenly start treating you any different just because his folks knew about it."

"And it's not like Jeff didn't know," Sam agreed. "We didn't talk about it much, and at the time I was grateful, because all I wanted to do was forget I'd had that life. I suppose that's why Jeff didn't show his 'true colors' at the beginning. Because I was trying to forget being in the military as much as he was. I suppose, though, when I started telling Jon about being in Desert Storm, I sounded like I was 'homesick' for my old career. In a way, I guess I was. It wasn't that I wasn't happy with my job at GenTech, it's just that there wasn't the daily challenge like there was at the SGC. I guess subconsciously I was missing you and the rest of the team as well. It's probably why I started telling Jon about being in the Air Force in the first place."

"There's still something not right here," Jack said. "From the way you describe it, it's almost like he was disgusted by the thought of you having been involved with the military. Like they all feel that way."

"I know. That's what's so damn frustrating. I'm proud of my service record, and they treat me like dirt because of it. I just don't get it," she shrugged.

"Have you ever asked him about it?"

"Yeah, after that first big fight I asked him what the deal was. I was trying to find some rationale for his behavior. For all of their behavior, but he brushed it off like he always does, claiming I 'over react' to everything."

Jack burst out laughing. "You're kidding, right? Sam you're the least 'over-reactive' person I know!"

Sam shrugged again. "I never thought I was over-emotional, but he made me feel like I was. Like maybe I *was* making a big deal out of nothing. I guess that's why I tried to ignore how unhappy I was, but it just seemed to get worse. That's when I went to see the lawyers. I never said anything to Jeff, but he must have found out about it."

"Why do you say that?"

Sam's face lit up as if she'd just had a revelation. "I wonder if he was having me followed even then! I never thought about it, but right after that is when he started pouring on the charm, romancing me like we were dating again. I thought he just sensed something was wrong, I never thought he might have someone watching me!"

"So that would mean. . . ."

"That he was having me followed yesterday. And last night." Sam's face paled. "Oh, God, Jack! No wonder he was asking me all those loaded questions when I got home! He knew!" Sam buried her face in her hands. "I didn't want to sleep in the same bed with him," she confessed. "I was on the couch when he insisted I come to the bedroom with him. I didn't have any excuse not to," she said, looking at him, hoping he'd understand.

"I didn't want him to touch me. Not after being with you. That's when he got nasty."

"He didn't hurt you?!" Jack cried, his fists clenching.

"No, but he's been in a bad mood since. Especially since I refused him. I'm not sure what he'll do next."

Jack pulled her close. "Stay with me. I won't let him hurt you."

"Jack," she sighed. "You know I can't do that. As much as I want to. What about Kelsey? And Jon will be coming home soon. I can't leave now."

"So, you're just going to go home with him, pretend nothing's wrong and play the dutifully little suburban housewife?"

"You think that's what I want? I have to think of Jon! And of Kelsey and what's best for them! If it was just me. . . ."

"If it was just you, what?" he pressed.

"I'd be with you in a heartbeat. But I have to think about my family!"

"I know," Jack said, releasing his breath. "Will you at least think about a divorce? If you really want to stay with him, Sam, I promise I won't make any trouble. But I don't think you want to. Don't stay with him just because you think it's your duty."

Sam looked up at him, surprised at how Jack echoed her father's words. Placing her palm on his cheek, she nodded. "I'll think about it. I promise."

Jack leaned in and kissed her. "That's all I ask." Sam was beginning to really enjoy her exploration of Jack's mouth when he pulled back once more.

"We better go before someone misses us," he said

"Or we can't stop this," she said, capturing his lips once more.

"Sam, please! I'm only human!" he smiled, pushing back on her shoulders, giving her a look that said he'd rather do anything than stop. With that reassurance, Sam was able to get her emotions under control as she straightened her clothes. Now all they had to do was escape the janitor's closet without being detected. Hopefully she hadn't forgotten all her military training.

*********

By the time Sunday arrived, Sam was nearly exhausted. Between the preparations for Jon's homecoming, there was the verbal clashes she continued to have with Jeff. They were having a small party to welcome Jon home, and she insisted Jack be there. Sam was in the middle of cleaning the bathroom when Jeff decided it was time for their latest round of arguments.

"Look, Sam," he started out rather diplomatically, "is it really necessary that O'Neill be here? I appreciate what the guy did, but this is supposed to be just *family.* Mom and Dad, Mike, Cindy and their families. He's going to feel out of place."

"Jon wants him here," Sam said, brushing her sweat-dampened hair out of her face with the back of her hand. "He specifically invited him. I'm not going to go back to Jack and tell him he can't come." Actually, Sam prayed Jack wouldn't back out. She needed some emotional support to face a room full of disapproving Greenfields.

Jeff leaned against the vanity Sam had just cleaned, placing a muddy hand print on the shiny tile, earning him an angry look. He was just so oblivious to some things she wanted to scream.

"Jeff! I just cleaned that! You've got a sink in your work shed! Why the hell can't you use it?"

"See, Sam? This is what I mean. Him coming over here has got you all worked up."

Sam almost did a double take. What did Jack's attendence have anything to do with him messing up the bathroom she'd just cleaned?

"He's coming," she stated with finality, wiping the counter and sink off once more. "You don't have to talk to him, and you don't have to like it, but he *is* coming! He saved our son's life! I'm not going to exclude him!" Sam brushed past him, effectively ending their latest argument.

Walking into the bedroom she slammed the door, locking it behind her. *Just let him leave me alone for five minutes!* she silently prayed. Ever since her father had shown up, and Jeff had had his little "chat" with Jack, Jeff barely left her side. Whether it was to prevent her from having contact with Jack or just to drive her insane, Sam didn't know. All she knew was she couldn't take much more of it. Jon was going to need even more attention now that he was coming home and she couldn't deal with three children at the moment.

Stepping into the shower, Sam quickly washed the house-cleaning grime from her body. Allowing her mind to drift, Sam daydreamed she was sharing her shower with Jack. She hadn't seen him alone since the day he dragged her into the closet at the hospital, and she missed him. It was probably more for her sake than Jon's she insisted on Jack's attendance.

Hearing someone in the outer room, she turned off the spray. Damn. He'd found the universal key to the household doors. She'd have to hide it better next time. Sam sighed as she quickly dried off, hating to enter their bedroom naked with him standing there. She hadn't thought to bring her clothes with her, assuming the locked door would keep him out. Wrapping a towel around herself, she walked into the bedroom.

"Honey, you locked the door by mistake," he said, smiling.

"It wasn't a mistake, Jeff. I wanted some privacy. It's been a long week and I wanted a few minutes alone before your entire family descended on us, okay? So, if you'll just give me a little time, I'll be out in a minute."

Jeff remained rooted to the spot, causing Sam to place her hands on her hips, staring at him.

"Well?"

"Well what? You can get dressed. I've seen it all before."

Sam blushed. Just because he'd 'seen it all before' didn't mean she wanted him to see it all now.

"Please, Jeff, would you leave?"

"No."

"No?"

"I miss you, Sam," he said, slowly advancing towards her. "I miss what we used to have, before O'Neill came. We can have it again."

Sam started to panic, looking around for some sort of weapon should he decide to get violent. She'd never worried he'd try to hurt her before, but she'd never seen this look in his eyes.

"You're parents will be here any minute," she tried to reason with him.

"We have time," he said, still moving forward.

"I have to see what Kelsey's up to," she said. "I haven't checked on her in a while."

"She's fine, playing with her dolls."

"Jeff! I've still got work to do!"

"It'll wait," he said, grabbing her by the arm so hard she cried out in pain.

"Jeff! You're hurting me!"

"And you don't think seeing you moon over O'Neill isn't hurting me? You'll see, Sam. I can love you as well as he can. Better." He ripped away her towel, pushing her onto the bed.

"Please, Jeff," she begged, tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "Don't do this. I'll never forgive you!"

"I forgave you," he said, making as "tsking" noise he wagged his finger at her. "Sleeping around with you C.O., oops, *former* C.O. isn't a good thing for a married woman, you know. But I suppose you can't help being a slut, can you? It comes with the military territory, doesn't it? Did you sleep with Daniel, and that Teal'c guy too? I wouldn't be surprised if Jon isn't Jack's son either, except for the fact he looks so much like him. Luck of the draw, I guess, huh?"

He really had found out about the night she spent with Jack! He must have followed through on his threat to have them followed.

Sam slapped his face so hard she almost knocked him off of her. "You're a bastard!"

"No, that would be our son," he said, matter-of-factly. "Until I made an honest woman out of you, of course."

Sam was crying again. "How can you say such horrible things about Jon? Hate me all you want, but he's your son!"

"He used to be my son. Now you've made it clear you want Daddy Dearest to step into those shoes. I won't let him go. Or you either. If you make a move to leave me," he said, trailing a hand down her throat, "I'll remove the reason. I'll kill him."

Sam gasped. "You wouldn't!"

"Try me, Sam. I know all about accidents."

Sam started to struggle against him again, as Jeff held her forcibly to the bed, lowering his head, giving her a brutal kiss, prompting her to bite his lower lip.

"You bitch!" he cried, wiping the blood away from his mouth. Sam winced, waiting for him to strike her.

"No, Sam, I won't hit you. I couldn't mar that perfect, lying face, now could I?"

Just then the doorbell rang. Thank God Ellen and Darrell were punctual! "That's probably your parents," Sam croaked out.

"Saved by the bell, eh, Sammy? Trust me. We'll continue this later." Jeff climbed off her, straightening his clothes. "Oh, and wear a dress, okay? I like it when you look pretty. It almost makes me forget you were a soldier."

Sam lay on the bed for a few minutes, just shaking. In all the years she'd known Jeff, she never thought him capable of physical violence. They'd certainly had their share of verbal battles, but he'd never man-handled her. If he tried anything again, she'd be ready for him. Her hand-to-hand combat skill might be a little rusty, but she remembered the basics. She was more concerned about the threats Jeff had leveled toward Jack. Not that he couldn't take care of himself as well, but if Jeff wanted to hurt him, he'd find a way.

Sam got up slowly, crossing to the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face, hoping to mask the fact she'd been crying. She didn't need Ellen asking her any questions right now. She looked down at her arms and the bruises that were starting to form. It hurt when she raised her arms, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

Looking over her wardrobe, Sam by-passed the dress she'd planned on wearing initially to please Jeff, and pulled out a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. It wouldn't do to have everyone see the bruises Jeff had left on her arms.

*********

Sam heard Jeff greeting his family as she quickly dressed, and dried her hair. She wasn't looking forward to facing them all. Especially in light of what just happened. If the incident came out, regardless of who initiated it, she was sure the entire lot of the Greenfields would blame her. She was the outside element. Jon and herself. She'd never been more aware of it than she was today.

Stepping out into the living room, Sam pasted on a big smile. "Ellen! Darrell! I'm so glad you could come!"

"Hello, Samantha," the short, graying woman said, hugging her briefly. She was impeccably dressed as usual, giving Sam a slightly disapproving look as her gaze swept over her casual outfit.

"Darrell, it's good to see you again. I guess we kept missing each other at the hospital," she said, embracing him as well. Except for his height, Jeff took more after his mother than his father.

"Mike and Cheryl said to tell you they're running a bit late and Cindy and Tom had to drop Tom's daughter off at the girl's mother's. Honestly, this custody business is ridiculous. It can't be healthy for the children," Ellen said.

"It's better than living in a home where there is no love," Sam said, purposely looking at Jeff.

"Yes, well, at least that's *one* thing you don't have to worry about, isn't it dear? Jeff is such a loving man. So generous, especially about Jon. Where is he, by the way?"

"Jack's bringing him."

"You didn't even pick him up yourself?" Ellen asked, disapproval lacing her voice.

"Jack lives about ten minutes from the hospital," Sam said, offering Jeff's parents a seat. "It seemed kind of silly to drive all the way over there when he was coming anyway. Besides, Jon and Jack have become very close. Jon was excited Jack was picking him up."

"Oh, so Jack will be joining us, then?" Ellen said, again her tone sounding objectionable, as she looked up at her son.

"Yes, Mother, he'll be here today. Jon invited him."

"Well, isn't it nice that they've become better acquainted," Ellen smiled insincerely.

"Jon's rather taken with him, actually," Jeff said, his hand squeezing Sam's shoulder, almost to the point of pain. "All I ever hear from him these days is 'Jack this, and Jack that.'"

"You're so understanding," Ellen said, casting a loving glance at her son. "You don't know how fortunate you are, Samantha."

Sam couldn't take much more of Ellen's pointed comments and excused herself to check on dinner. Once in the kitchen, she took a deep breath, feeling some measure of relief at being alone, even if it was just for a moment. She couldn't wait for Jeff's brother and sister to arrive with their spouses. At least with Cheryl and Tom she had a little "back-up" against the Greenfields. She remembered one Christmas how she'd had a little too much to drink and confided in Cheryl how difficult she was finding it trying to fit into the "old guard" of the Greenfield family. Cheryl echoed her sentiments and they'd been allies ever since.

Staring out the window, she saw Mike and Cheryl's van pull up and their three children tumble out, racing each other for the door. Kelsey greeted them even before they entered the house, pulling them around to the back yard. Sam opened the door with a smile.

"It's good to see you," she said, truly happy the reinforcements had arrived. Mike moved past her to talk to his parents, and Cheryl simply waved to them as she turned to Sam.

"How's it going?"

"You know, Ellen's being Ellen."

The tall brunette nodded knowingly. "I'm glad it's your house today and not mine," she said. "I have a heart attack whenever they drop by unannounced. My house will *never* be clean enough for her."

Sam smiled with understanding.

"So, where's Jon? And this Jack I've heard about?"

"You've heard about Jack?" Sam asked, wondering what Jeff's family had been saying about him.

"Just that he's an old friend of yours who was a match for Jon's transplant. I tried to get more out of the old girl, but she doesn't like to talk about it. Cindy hasn't been very forthcoming either. Or Mike. I was hoping I'd get a chance to meet him."

"You will. He's bringing Jon from the hospital."

"Really? I would have thought you or Jeff would have wanted to do that." Sam once more explained the logic of Jack bringing him, and Cheryl agreed.

"So, he's living in the Cities, then?"

"Well, he's got a house in Colorado Springs, but he took an apartment in St. Paul so he could be close by while Jon was in the hospital."

"Wow," Cheryl said. "That's some friend."

Sam didn't miss the implication behind her words. "Actually, he and Jon have become quite close," she said, hoping to deflect Cheryl's train of thought.

"Oh look. Cindy and Tom are here. Looks like all were waiting for is Jon," Cheryl said. "I'm surprised Ellen ever forgave Cindy for marrying a divorced man with a child. It's so 'improper,'" she laughed.

Sam tried to subdue her smile, as Cheryl enunciated "improper" just as Ellen would have.

"Yes, she certainly has to keep up appearances, doesn't she?" Sam said. "I would have been perfectly happy to live anywhere in the city, but Ellen insisted Greenfields have *always* lived in Edina."

"I'm kind of partial to Roseville, myself, but you know Mike, he would never disagree with what his mother thinks. At least Cindy has a bit of the rebel in her."

A very pregnant Cindy entered the living room with Tom gently supporting her. It reminded Sam of how attentive Jeff used to be, especially when she was pregnant with Kelsey. Everyone exchanged greetings, making small talk as they waited for Jack and Jon to arrive. As time dragged on, it was evident Ellen was getting impatient.

"He certainly isn't very punctual, is he?" she said, staring at Sam, as if it were her fault Jack was late.

"Traffic was a bear," Cindy said. "He's probably stuck on the expressway somewhere."

"You're so forgiving, dear," Ellen said, patting her daughter's hand.

"And you know how hospital administrations are, they probably can't get the details of his release straight," Tom added.

Everyone smiled politely, but conversation had ground to a halt. Even though they were family, it seemed they'd run out of conversation.

Ellen fiddled with her necklace. "Well, at this rate we could have gone to church. You know how I hate to miss it."

*Yeah, the entire spiritual community is going to wither and die because you missed making one entrance, isn't it?* Sam thought bitterly.

"Samantha, I hear your father was here for a visit," Ellen said.

"Yes, he was here for about three days, but he had to get back."

"Pity he couldn't join us today. I don't believe I've seen your father since Kelsey was born."

"He's pretty busy."

"Yes, for a retired man, he certainly is."

"He does a lot of volunteer work. I think he'd go stir-crazy if he didn't have something to do."

Ellen just smiled, continuing to toy with her necklace. Just then Sam heard a vehicle pull up. Looking out the window she spied Jack's rental car.

"He's here," she announced. Jeff started to move towards the door but Sam stopped him.

"I'll help him in. Maybe you can see if anyone needs another drink or something," she could tell he didn't like being ordered to play bartender, but she needed a second alone with Jack to warn him of the vultures waiting to pounce on him. She'd warned him once, but they were worse than she had anticipated. His late arrival wasn't going to help things.

Sam reached Jack's car as he was opening the door for Jon.

"Sorry we're late. You wouldn't believe the hassle there was with his release because I'm not listed as a parent or guardian! Even though you signed the forms and they've seen me there for over a month, they still had to double check *everything!*"

"Well, I suppose it's a relief to know they're thorough," Sam shrugged. "How are you doing, Honey?"

"I'm okay, Mom. Everybody's here already?"

"Yeah, they can't wait to see you!" Sam helped Jon out of the car. He had a little trouble standing, but after a moment he seemed steadier. Sam stepped up to give him a hand, but Jon stopped her.

"I want to try to do it on my own, okay?"

Sam glanced at Jack. He shrugged his shoulders, raising his eyebrows. "Let him try," he said.

Sam was right behind him should he start to falter, and Jack was at her side.

"How are you?" Sam mouthed to Jack behind Jon so he couldn't see her asking the question.

"Okay," he grinned, not verbalizing the word. Shooting a look at the house, trying to see if anyone could see them from this angle, Sam reached over, touching Jack's hand.

"How ya doin' there, Buddy?" Jack asked, looking down into Jon's face.

"Okay," he said, but he was nearly out of breath. Sam noticed the sweat starting to form on his brow and how pale he was. She was about to give him a hand when Jack held her back.

"Let him do this on his own," he said, "he needs to do this by himself."

Sam nodded as she watched Jon struggle his way towards the house. As he neared the steps, Jeff came bounding out, sweeping Jon up into a big hug.

"You did it! You beat this thing and you're home!" Jeff lifted him up, carrying him into the house, amid Jon's protests that he wanted to walk in by himself. Once Jon was deposited with his relatives, Jeff pulled Sam to the side.

"What do you think you were doing letting him walk in here like that! Are you trying to put him back in the hospital again, just so you can be with your lover once more?"

"Jeff!" Sam admonished in a loud whisper. "He wanted to try it on his own. He's not a baby anymore! And besides, we were right there if he started having trouble!"

"Jeff, you must be so happy to have Jon home," Cindy said, interrupting their argument.

"Yes, I am. We are. Aren't we, Honey?" he said, turning his mood pleasant so quickly, Sam had no doubt in her mind something was definitely wrong with Jeff. As if the little episode in the bedroom hadn't been enough!

"Yes," she smiled at her sister-in-law. "There's nothing worse than having a child in the hospital. It's quite a relief to have him here with us."

"He looks a little pale and tired, but I suppose that's to be expected."

"Yes, but he's doing much better than he was a few weeks ago," Sam said, glancing over at Jack, wishing there was some way she could talk to him. Maybe if she went into the kitchen he'd find a way to follow her without attracting too much attention.

As if reading her mind, Jack spoke up. "Sam? You want to give me a hand with Jon's things?"

"Sure," she replied, moving away from the arm Jeff had slung around her shoulders.

"I can help him with that," Jeff offered, but Sam refused.

"No, stay with your family. This'll just take a minute."

They were barely out the door before Jack asked, "Sam? Are you all right?"

She promised herself she was going to be strong and not tell him how scared she was, but the concern in his voice broke her resolve.

"No, I'm not okay, but we can't talk about it here. It'll just make it worse." Changing the subject she thanked him for picking up Jon.

"Okay, I'll let it drop for now, but when you can, I want you to tell me what's wrong."

"I will, Jack. Look, Ellen seems to be in rare form today, so don't let her get to you. I'm sorry you're walking into this den of vipers."

"Hey, I've had lots of practice with snake heads, remember?" he tried to joke.

Sam attempted to smile, but it turned out as more of a grimace. "You're going to need it."

*********

Jon was immediately surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, all welcoming him home. Kelsey had managed to squeeze through the crowd to give her big brother a hug.

"Will you come play army with us, Jon?" she asked, causing the relatives to laugh at her impulsiveness.

"Honey, Jon needs to rest some more before he can play with you. In fact, I think it would be a good idea if he rested before dinner," Sam said. There was a chorus of disappointed groans from all the children, but Sam remained firm.

"You don't have to sleep, Jon, just lie down. They can come with you."

"Come on!" Kelsey cried. "Jon's got some really cool toys!"

"Hey!" Jon protested, trying to keep up with the kids running towards his room. "Mom! Don't let them mess with my stuff!"

Sam put a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder. "I won't. Let's get you settled, okay?"

"I'll do it, Sam," Jack offered, secretly glad to have an excuse to leave the room before the inevitable questioning began.

When he returned, Jack made the rounds, accompanying Sam as she introduced him to Jeff's family. He'd met Ellen and Darrell briefly at the hospital, but the others were new to him. Jeff's brother and sister and their wife and husband seemed nice enough, but he could tell there was a definite difference between those born to the Greenfield name and those who'd married into the family.

Jack noticed Sam heading for the kitchen and was about to follow her, when Ellen intercepted him.

"Mr. O'Neill," she said. "Or perhaps I should call you General?"

"Well, actually, I'd prefer it if you called me 'Jack.'" he said, taking a sip of his beer.

"A bit early in the day to be drinking, isn't it?"

*What? It's after noon!* Jack thought, but instead he just shrugged his shoulders. "I guess it depends on your perception of early."

Ellen gave him a plastic smile. "Yes, well. . . . So, how long do you plan on staying in our fair city?"

*I wasn't aware you'd taken over ownership,* Jack smirked to himself. He really should stop this train of thought, but he'd had just enough beer and too little food to put a halt to his sarcastic mind.

"I'm not sure," he said. "Actually, I'm spending time in the *other* fair city. My apartment's in St. Paul."

"Oh? I wasn't aware you'd taken an apartment."

"No, I didn't take it, I rented it." The statement was totally lost on Ellen, and Jack found himself even more in the mood to toy with her.

"So, I understand you and Samantha know each other from the military."

"Yes, she was under my command for a little over three years."

"It's so hard for me to envision Samantha in the Air Force. It's so contrary to her life now. And she never speaks of it. Almost as if she wants to distance herself from that lifestyle."

*Sam was right. She is' good!* he thought. "I don't know that she's trying to distance herself from it. She probably doesn't talk much about it because of the animosity you folks seem to have against the service."

Ellen's eyes narrowed at Jack. "Why, I don't believe I've ever expressed. . ."

"I doubt you've come right out and said it, but Sam's a smart girl. She doesn't need a score card to know where she stands with all of you."

"I have nothing against Samantha. But it's obvious she was a bit, how shall I say it, indiscreet? when she was 'under your command,' as you put it."

"I'm not sure what you're getting at," Jack said cautiously.

"Well, Jack, it's obvious to all of us who Jon's father is. Even without the evidence of the bone marrow match."

Jack swallowed the rest of his beer, waiting for her to continue.

"Of course, as my son's wife I would never mention any of this to her, but it does substantiate my belief that 'indiscretion' and 'military' go hand-in-hand."

*What the hell was she talking about?* Jack wondered. At first he'd thought Sam might have been a little paranoid when it came to Jeff's family and their attitude about the military, but now he saw what she meant. There was more going on here he couldn't put his finger on, and that bothered him.

"Mrs. Greenfield, I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I'm not sure what you mean."

"Jack, I thought we were on a first name basis," she said, her smile almost feral.

"All right, Ellen," Jack said, feeling his temper beginning to rise. He didn't like her tone nor the way she slandered Sam behind a facade of big words. "I'd like to know what you meant by that last statement. Why do you feel indiscretion and the military go hand-in-hand?"

"Well, all you have to do is look in the papers, listen to the news to see evidence of the mistakes the military has made. And the cover-ups that happen practically on a daily basis. Speaking of cover-ups, I understand our own Samantha is an expert at deception."

Now Jack was really getting angry. Was Ellen referring to his and Sam's re-discovered feelings for each other or something else?

"Since we haven't met you before Jon became ill, I would hesitate to guess she hid the fact she was pregnant from you. For whatever reason, she felt a cover-up was for the best. I'm not condemning the action, merely pointing out that her long military record lends itself to such deceptions."

Jack hated to admit it, but in some strange, convoluted way, her statement made sense. But that didn't explain why the Greenfields, as a whole, took military cover-ups personally. Sure, most Americans were upset when scandals came to light, but they didn't take it to heart as these people did. He was missing a piece of the puzzle, and it was going to bug him until he figured it out. If he knew them better, he might come right out and ask, but he was in Sam's home, and she already seemed to be on shaky ground with these people. He didn't need to start an earthquake by nosing around too much.

Jack was about to comment when Darrell came up behind his petite wife, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Standing on your soap-box again, Ellen?" he asked, gently chiding her, as he smiled at Jack.

*And speaking of cover-ups. . . .* Jack thought as he noticed the skillful way Darrell deflected the conversation to more generic topics.

"So, Jack, Sam tells us you're retired? I guess that's how you you're able to spend so much time with Jon?"

"Yes I am. I'm glad I had the chance to get to know him. He's a great kid. Sam and Jeff have done a wonderful job with him." Jack was sincere, but he felt it was more Sam's influence than Jeff's that made him turn out so well. Of course, when surrounded by the enemy, it never hurt to do some schmoozing.

"He does love his son," Darrell said, staring intently at Jack. Boy, this bunch had turned subtly into an art!

"I'm not here to replace Jeff as Jon's father, if that's what you're getting at," Jack said, taking another pull on his beer, dismayed to find it empty. "I'd like to think Jon and I have a relationship, but it's not the same as the one he has with your son." Jack nervously twirled the empty bottle in his long fingers. "I think I'll go see if Sam needs some help," he said, excusing himself from the Greenfields.

Blowing out a breath, Jack stepped in the kitchen, spotting Sam near the sink with, Cheryl? Was that her name? The brother's wife, he remembered.

"Mind if I take another?" Jack said, waving the bottle in his hand.

"Help yourself," Sam said, turning to smile sympathetically at him. "Everything okay?"

"Peachy," he smiled back.

"Fifteen minutes with Ellen," Cheryl said. "Not bad. I don't know that I've talked to her that long since I've known her. He's a tough one, Sam."

Sam looked back up from her chores to give him a grin. "Yeah, I know."

Cheryl looked back and forth between the two of them, then wiped her hands on a towel.

"You know, I think I'm going to check up on the kids. They've been awfully quiet and that always scares me." She smiled at Jack, patting him on the arm as she passed him.

Once she was clear of the room, Jack turned to Sam. "I like her."

"Yeah, Cheryl's kind of been my 'port in the storm' when it comes to Ellen and her attitudes. It's nice to have someone to commiserate with who's been there."

"I know," he said, moving closer to the sink. "Can I give you a hand?"

Sam started to laugh. "You aren't serious?"

"Sure I am. If I can't do something in here, then I have to go back out there with them. Besides, I have much more fun mentally undressing you than Ellen."

"Jack!" she cried, but couldn't stop laughing.

"Do you know how much I want to kiss you right now?" he asked, suddenly serious.

Sam looked into his eyes, then lowered her gaze to his lips. "I think I have some idea."

Jack started to lean closer, but she stopped him. "Jack! We can't! I've got a house full of 'hostiles!'" she whispered.

"I know," he sighed, pulling back, leaning on the counter. "When do you think I'll get the chance to see you alone?"

"I don't know," she said sadly. "I doubt anytime today."

"I guess I figured that," he said, taking a drink from his new bottle of beer. "Sam, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you. If my being here is a problem. . . ."

"No, Jack, it isn't. Jon wants you here and so do I. I've lived through worse with them," she said, nodding her head towards the living room.

"Okay," he said, picking up her hand, pressing his lips to her fingers. It was the closest he could come to pulling her into his arms and kissing her. They stood that way for a moment, gazes locked, until Cindy stepped into the kitchen, causing them to spring apart. Jack knew how the action would appear to Jeff's sister, and tried to justify his action.

"See? Kissing it made it all better, didn't it?"

"Uh, yeah," Sam said, latching onto his cover story. "Guess I need to be more careful with that knife."

"I, uh, came to see if you needed some help, Sam, but I guess you've got everything under control," Cindy said, looking pointedly at Jack. He could tell she didn't buy their story. but didn't know what he could say without rousing more suspicions.

"I could use some help dishing up, if you don't mind," Sam said, avoiding looking at Jack. And maybe you guys could help carry things to the table?"

Cindy's gaze at Jack was barely civil. Well, he couldn't blame her, he thought. Jeff *was* her brother and naturally she was going to take his side in things. Who knew how much he'd told her or how much she'd guessed on her own? At least her hostility was out in the open, not veiled by insincere politeness and manners. Looking at the table in the dining room, Jack wondered who he'd get sandwiched between. No matter where he ended up, it was going to be a long meal, he concluded. Probably the longest in his life.

*********

Sam wasn't surprised when Jack left after dinner. She could see it'd been difficult for him fielding questions from her in-laws. Fortunately Jon had insisted on sitting next to Jack during dinner which gave him at least one ally. She'd wanted to put Cheryl next to him as well, but at the last minute Mike switched places with her. Jeff had sat on the other side of Jon, and Sam hoped her son wouldn't make any innocent comments about being between his two fathers. Dinner was tense enough without pointing out the obvious.

Walking Jack to the door, Sam managed to whisper, "I'll call you later. I'll use the cell phone so he won't know."

"Sam, I hate you sneaking around like this!" he whispered back.

"You think I like it?"

Jack sighed. "I know you don't. We'll work something out," he smiled at her. Just then Jon came up behind his mother.

"Jack? You're going?"

Crouching down to Jon's level, Jack said, "Yeah, Sport, I've got a million things to do at home." Sam knew his "million things" probably consisted of more beer and television.

"Awww, I wish you didn't have to go. I didn't get to show you all my model planes!"

Sam watched as Jack fought down his emotions. She knew building models had been one of the pastimes he'd shared with Charlie.

"Next time, okay?"

"All right," Jon acquiesced. "Hey! You gotta take me to that park! You promised!"

"As soon as your mom and the doctors say it's okay, we'll go, deal?"

"Deal."

"Bye, Jack," he said, impulsively throwing his arms around his neck, giving him a quick hug. "I'm glad you came today."

Sam was trying as hard as Jack to retain her composure. The sight of father and son in each others arms was almost overwhelming.

"Me too, Sport. Thanks for inviting me." Releasing Jon and standing, Jack looked into Sam's eyes. "I'll talk to you later."

Sam gave him a half smile, nodding as he left, certain her voice would fail should she try to speak.

Turning to Jon, Sam placed her arm around his shoulders. "Hey, when did you get so tall? You weren't supposed to be doing any growing while you were in the hospital!" She started to tickle him, but stopped suddenly when he began gasping for air.

"Jon, are you all right?" she cried, stooping before him, brushing the hair back from his eyes.

"Yeah, I guess I'm just tired," he wheezed. In a moment his breathing returned to normal. Sam mentally kicked herself for causing her son distress. She should know better! But she'd been overcome by the moment. For just a minute, it seemed like old times, when Jon was healthy and they engaged in silly play. Perhaps it was just because she wanted things back to normal so badly. Back to a time when Jeff wasn't acting psychotic. But what about Jack? Did she wish she could go so far back that she hadn't been reunited with him? Part of her wished he'd stayed in the past, but the greater portion of her knew she couldn't go back to a life without him in it. The journey before her would not be easy, but at the end, Jack would be waiting for her, and that made all the hardship worth bearing.

Sam had just helped Jon to his bed and was heading back to her living room full of guests, when she passed by the bathroom. Hearing Jack's name, she stopped, not intending to eavesdrop, but the door wasn't fully shut and she couldn't help herself. She had a clear view of Cindy, but not the other occupant. Sam listened to what she had to say to the other person.

"Well, you should have seen them in the kitchen," Cindy said, blowing out a stream of smoke. Sam *hated* it when Cindy smoked in the bathroom. She'd asked her several times if she felt the need for a cigarette, if she'd please go outside, but for some reason, sneaking a smoke in the bathroom seemed to be more the point than having the cigarette. And what was she doing smoking while she was pregnant?

"What happened?" the second voice spoke. Cheryl, Sam identified.

"He was kissing her hand! Like it was straight out of some romance novel!"

"Are you sure you couldn't have mistaken what was going on?" Cheryl asked.

"Oh, he made up some lame excuse about 'kissing it better,' like she'd hurt herself or something, but that's *not* what was going on."

"How can you be so sure?"

Cindy took a drag on the cigarette. "I've got eyes, Cheryl. There was nothing wrong with her hand. No scratch, no blood no nothing. I'm telling you, they're still involved."

"What do you mean 'still?'"

"Geeze, Cheryl! You can't really be that obtuse, can you? Jack is Jon's father!"

"Well, I know Jon doesn't look like Sam or Jeff, but I thought maybe a grandparent or her brother or something. . . ."

"Or Jack?" Cindy supplied. "Come on, you were sitting across from them, surely you could see the resemblance?"

"Well, I. . . ."

"Look, I know you worship the ground Sam walks on, for some odd reason, but that doesn't make her a saint. If anyone's a saint around here, it's Jeff."

"Why's Jeff a saint?" Cheryl asked.

"Well, the way he puts up with him? How would you like it if some ex-girlfriend of Mike's suddenly showed up, just jumped right into your life?" Another stream of smoke was blown over Cheryl's head.

"You're right, I guess I never thought of it that way. But it's not like he's always around! Sam just said that he'd helped sit with Jon while he was in the hospital. Today was the first time he's ever been here."

"Cheryl," Cindy said, using the same patronizing voice her mother used, "think of all those long, boring afternoons in the hospital while Jon was sleeping. How long can you go over old times? And what about those old times? Surely seeing the child you created together has to bring up *some* kind of feelings. It's why I hate it when Tom goes over to Theresa's. They've got this 'bond' with Alisha that I don't have. Makes me jealous as hell."

"Well, I still don't think Sam would do something like that. Not to Jeff. I know we've all known Jon isn't Jeff's, but I've never thought about it because he treats him like his son. Sam wouldn't have an affair. She just wouldn't."

Sam couldn't listen to any more of their conversation. They were both right, and the guilt was killing her. If it were anyone but Jack, she'd never consider looking at another man. But she and Jack *did* have a history, and she *had* always felt there was something undeniable between them. Did that give her the right to destroy her family?

And what about Jeff? Was his actions this morning just a reaction to the frustration he felt from being pushed aside? Sam felt the tender spots along her arms. No, this was more than simple jealousy. He meant to hurt her, and could do so again. God! She was so confused! Her mind swam with the "if onlys." She was torn between hoping her guests would leave and praying they wouldn't, for once they were gone, she had no idea what Jeff would do.

*********

Sam sat on the deck, looking up at the stars, cell phone in hand, tapping her fingers on the plastic case. Jack was waiting for her to call. She wanted to, but once she did there would be no turning back. Who was she kidding? Once she spent the night with him there'd been no turning back.

Jeff had gone to bed, claiming he had a meeting with some perspective clients early in the morning. He'd been quite civil to her most of the day, even after his family left, which surprised Sam. She supposed she shouldn't have been thrown off by his behavior, but it was unsettling, not knowing what kind of a reaction she was going to get from him. Perhaps that was his game. Keep her so knocked off balance she wouldn't make any move away from him.

Apparently it was working, because she still hadn't dialed Jack's number. Sam could envision him pacing his living room, waiting for the phone to ring. She had to tell him something, after all she'd told him she'd call.

Flipping open the phone, she punched in his number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Jack."

"Sam! God! Where have you been? I was getting so worried I almost drove over there!"

Sam closed her eyes. "I'm fine, Jack. Just a little confused, I guess. You have to promise me something."

"What?"

"That you won't come over here unless I ask you. I'll be fine."

"Sam, you were really upset this morning. He hurt you, didn't he?"

Sam tried to steady her voice. "Yeah."

"I'll kill him!" Jack vowed.

"Jack! This is what I'm talking about! You can't come over here if you think something's happened to me! I'll be fine."

"So you've said. Look, Sam, I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't want you to have to. You shouldn't have to live like that. What did he do?"

Sam hesitated, torn between telling someone and not wanting to worry him. "He tried to force himself on me."

"Sam, you don't have to put up with that! Whether you're married to him or not, he can't force you to sleep with him!"

"I know," she said, sniffling.

"Sam, you're crying. How bad did he hurt you?" The concern in his voice made another tear roll down her cheek.

"Not all that much. Really. His parents showed up before he could. . .finish what he had in mind."

"What about after everyone left?"

"He was fine," she said, sure he could hear her confusion. "Like this morning never happened. He went to bed and I came out on the deck to call you."

"Well, *that's* odd. But then, considering his family, I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

Sam laughed, wiping away the last of her tears. "They're quite a bunch, aren't they?"

"I see what you mean about their attitude towards the military. It's weird. It's beyond weird."

"Yeah," she agreed. "It's got me stumped."

There was a silence then she said, "I miss you. I can't believe you're only down the road. It feels like you're a world away."

"I know. I wish there was some way you could come over."

"So do I."

"How long ya think it'll be before you can bring Jon over? At least we could see each other while the kids play."

"Maybe a day or two. I want Jon to get used to being home first."

"I understand. Sam, I know I said I wasn't going to push, but have you thought anymore about what we talked about the other day?"

Sam didn't need him to explain his question. He wanted to know if she'd thought any more about divorcing Jeff. She'd thought about little else. If it was just about her, there wouldn't be a problem, but there were so many other people she had to think about. Did she have the right to be that selfish?

"I've been thinking about it," she told him.

"And?"

"Jack, I know you think this is cut and dry, but I need more time. You understand, don't you?"

She heard him sigh. "Yeah. Yeah, I understand. It's just that I'm goin' crazy here."

"I know. Patience was never one of your better qualities," she teased.

"I think I've gotten worse, if that's possible."

There was another silence, then he said. "You said you're out on your deck?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Can you see the stars?"

"Yeah, every time I look at them, I think of you," she confessed.

"Well, I'm about to make it worse," he said. She could tell he was smiling from tone of his voice.

"How are you going to do that?"

"You can see the Milky Way, right?"

"Yes, Jack. I do know *something* about the sky, you know."

He laughed then said, "Okay, find Cygnus. You see the star that would be it's head?"

"Got it."

"Now look to three o'clock, there's kind of a reddish one?"

"Yeah."

"Know what that is?"

"Jack!"

"P2R-665 orbits that star."

Sam drew in her breath. "Really?"

"Really. Maybe we could call it 'Jon's star.' Whaddya think?"

Sam felt tears coming to her eyes again. "I think that's a great idea. I can show it to him, but it's too bad I can't tell him why it's so special."

"Seems almost unbelievable now, doesn't it?"

"What part?"

"All of it," Jack said.

"Yeah. Another lifetime," Sam agreed. "Look, it's getting late, and Jeff might start to wonder where I am. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"It would be better if I could see you."

"I know. But soon. I promise."

"I'm holding you to that," Jack said.

"'Night, Jack. I love you."

"I love you too, Sam." She clicked off the phone, staring at the sky. She found Jon's star once more, sighing as gazed at it. Jack was right. It was unbelievable that her son was conceived on a planet circling some distant star. Straight out of science fiction. If she found the strength to leave the life she loved so much, surely she could find the means to leave a life she no longer wanted.

**********

Jack met Sam at the hospital for Jon's check-up. He'd been home about a week, and the follow-up was necessary to make sure Jon wasn't over-doing it. Personally, Jack was grateful for the exam. He'd talked to Sam nearly everyday--even had several short conversations with Jon--but it wasn't the same as seeing her. Until Jon was given the okay to venture further than his own home, Jack knew he wouldn't have a chance to see Sam. She'd requested he stay away in order to placate Jeff, and he'd complied. As difficult as it was, he gave Sam the space she needed.

It was getting harder and harder for him to be patient, even though he knew Sam wanted to be with him. What if she decided she just couldn't leave Jeff? What then? He couldn't stay here. Now that Jon was out of the hospital, there was really no reason for him to remain other than Sam. Perhaps he'd jumped the gun on getting the apartment. Well, if nothing else, he could leave it as a place for her to go to if she needed to get away.

All Jack's thoughts about leaving fled as he watched Sam walk toward him with Jon and Kelsey. God, she was beautiful, he thought. Just seeing her smile crumbled his resolve to move back to Colorado. How could he live if he didn't have a chance to see that smile?

"Jack!" Jon cried, almost running down the hallway to give him a big hug.

Jack stooped down, taking the boy in his arms. "How ya doin', Sport?"

"Great! I've missed seeing you!"

"I've missed seeing you too," he said, holding Jon tightly, but looking up at Sam. "You too," he mouthed.

Sam had put her hand to her mouth, almost as if she were trying to block her own words, acknowledging how much she'd missed him.

"I got somethin' for ya," Jack said, pulling a bag off a nearby chair.

"What is it?"

"Open it and find out."

Jon reached into the paper bag and withdrew a cap with the logo for the Minnesota Wild hockey team emblazoned on the front.

"This is *awesome!*" he cried, jamming the cap on his head. "Their goalie is going to be replaced this year, did you know that?"

"I think I read that somewhere," Jack smiled. "You're going to have to work on getting your strength back so you can try out, ya know." Jack watched as Jon fiddled with the cap, trying to get the bill right.

"Here," he said, "let me help you with that." Jack took the cap and bent the bill just so, curving it as he had so many of his own.

Placing it back on Jon's head, he asked, "that better?"

"Cool! Now I look like you!"

Jack swallowed and looked at Sam as he stood, knowing she was thinking the same thing.

"Jon, you're going to be late for your appointment. Do you want me to go in with you?"

"Naw, I'm not a baby, not like Kelsey," he teased, poking his sister in the stomach.

"I am not a baby!" she protested.

"Kids!" Sam cried. "Okay, we'll wait out here, and talk to the doctor when you're done."

Jack sat next to Sam as she settled herself and Kelsey on the hard chairs of the waiting room.

"I swear those two have been at each other since Jon came home! For missing him so much, she certainly has been causing a fuss!"

"She's got to do something to get attention," Jack shrugged.

"I suppose. I think going to the park is going to be great for both of them. Kelsey certainly needs to run off some energy."

Jack watched the girl making her way down the row of chairs, singing some made up song as she "tagged" each one. Once Kelsey was out of earshot, Jack whispered.

"God, it's good to see you!"

"I know," Sam said, looking into his eyes with a longing he was sure was reflected in his own. Picking up her hand, he gave it a squeeze, knowing she'd be uncomfortable with any other show of affection in front of Kelsey.

Sam returned the gesture, giving him a smile that almost made his heart stop. Geeze, he was getting sappy in his old age!

"Thanks for getting Jon the hat. Knowing him, I'll have to pry it off his head when I put him to bed."

"Well, I wanted to get him something," he said fiddling with his own hat, embarrassed at how much Jon had gotten to him in such a short time. He genuinely liked the boy, and thinking about him being his son only made him more special. A son he shared with Sam. It still knocked him for a loop when he thought about it.

"What are you thinking about?" Sam asked. "You've got the oddest expression on your face."

"Just about how lucky I am to have this second chance with you, and how much Jon means to me. My, God, Sam! We have a son!"

Sam grinned, dipping her head to hide her blush. "I know. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?"

"No more amazing than you."

"Jack!" Sam cried, pushing on his arm. "You're embarrassing me!"

"I can't help it if it's true," he smiled back at her. Jack leaned in and whispered in her ear, "ya know what I'd do if we weren't in this hospital and we were alone?"

Sam's breath caught. "No, what?"

"First I'd kiss you, then I'd start to move my attention south, kissing your neck, pushing aside the straps of your tank top, biting your collarbone."

Sam swallowed, just gazing at Jack as he continued his verbal undressing of her.

"I'd run my fingers through your hair, kissing you once more, not giving you time to catch your breath. Then I'd slip my hand up under your shirt and. . . "

"Mrs. Greenfield?" Doctor Wendel said, causing Sam to jump. "I've finished with Jon, and I'd like to talk with you. Are you feeling all right? You seem a bit flushed."

"Fine," Sam croaked, coughing slightly. "I'm just fine. You were saying?"

"I'd like to discuss where we go from here. Would you join me in my office?"

"Of course." Sam looked at Jack. "Would you keep an eye on Kelsey for me for a minute?"

"Not a problem," Jack smirked, enjoying Sam's flustered reaction to the doctor's sudden arrival.

As she turned to leave, Sam smacked Jack's arm. "That wasn't funny!" she whispered to him, but her own smile told him she wasn't really upset. The trouble was, he was getting pretty aroused just from talking about what he wanted to do with her. Perhaps they'd both been saved by Dr. Wendel's appearance.

Jack watched as Kelsey made her way back up the row of chairs, emphasizing the same word of her song by bopping each chair as she passed it. The waiting room was unusually quiet, but then it was early, he reasoned. He was glad he didn't have to try to restrain Kelsey to keep her from disturbing other people.

She certainly was her mother's daughter. The energy she exuded and her concentration on her task certainly spoke of Sam.

"Where'd Mama go?" Kelsey asked when she reached Jack, hitting him with her small hand as she finished her song. She gave him a mischievous smile that echoed Sam's and he couldn't help himself from smiling back.

"She's in talking with Jon and his doctor."

"You're supposed to watch me, right?"

"Yup."

"I don't need watching. I'm not a baby," Kelsey stated adamantly.

"Well, actually," Jack said, lowering his voice to a conspirital level, "your mom wants you to watch me. She's afraid I'll wander off."

Kelsey giggled. "She didn't say that! You're silly, Jack!" Jack smiled at her once more, ruffling her hair. "Hey! Stop that!" The action prompted Kelsey to climb on the chair Sam had vacated and return the gesture to him. Jack caught her and started to tickle her, causing her to squeal louder than he anticipated. He quickly stopped, looking sheepishly around to see if anyone had seen him teasing the girl.

Setting her back on the ground, he put his fingers to his lips. "We have to be quiet because we're in the hospital," he warned.

"Then you shouldn't tickle me!" Kelsey said in an exaggerated whisper. She started down the row of chairs again but this time she was talking instead of singing.

"I don't know why Daddy doesn't like you," she said, concentrating on the chair in front of her, rather than looking at Jack. "He says bad things about you and it makes Mommy sad. I think you're fun, Jack!"

"Well, I think you're fun too," Jack affirmed. He tried to keep an open mind about Kelsey's revelation. Kids often exaggerated things. Maybe they weren't as bad as she made it sound. Or maybe it was worse because they hadn't allowed most of their arguments to take place in front of their daughter.

"He said you were going to take Mommy away. You're not going to do that, are you Jack?"

Jack felt as if someone had just punched him in the stomach. How did he answer something like that? Hell, yes! First chance I get?

He took a moment to formulate his thoughts. "Kelsey, come here a second," he said quietly. The little girl moved back to stand before him. Placing his hands on her shoulders he made her eyes meet his.

"I care about your mom a lot. She's my friend and I would never do anything to hurt her. Or you or Jon."

How did he tell her that if things worked out as he hoped, Sam would come back to Colorado Springs with him? He knew that was a fantasy. Sam's life was here now. She had her work, her kids, everything was in Minneapolis. Even if she was granted custody of Kelsey and Jon, Jeff would still have rights to visitation. How would that be possible if she was nearly half a country away? The reality of the situation was she'd have to be closer than Colorado. Probably here in the city or one of the suburbs would make the most sense.

"I'm not going to take her away," he told her, *at least not very far,* he mentally added.

He didn't know what Sam's decision on Jeff was, or if she'd even come to a conclusion. He couldn't tell Kelsey what she really wanted to know. But he didn't want to lie to her either. If Sam decided to leave Jeff, he didn't want her kids hating him in the process. He wasn't too worried about Jon. They had an association outside his family life. Kelsey was a different story. If he wanted to "win her over," he'd have to establish a relationship outside of their family as well. Perhaps today would be a good place to start.

Jack was spared further explanations as Sam and Jon entered the waiting area. Standing, they crossed over to Jon.

"How'd it go?"

"I'm still not supposed to do very much," Jon sighed, his head hanging in disappointment.

"Jon," Sam said, rubbing his back, "you knew that you couldn't go back to everything all at once."

"I know," Jon sighed again. "It's just that it's been so long since I could do *anything!*"

Jack looked at Jon with sympathy. He knew the boy should be grateful to even be alive, let alone doing as well as he was, but you couldn't tell that to a ten-year old. At that age summer seemed endless, time was almost at a standstill. What he wouldn't give to have that perception of time again!

"I know it's been a while, but just think how much better you feel from a few weeks ago!"

"Yeah, I know. But I'm going to miss the beginning of school!"

"Hey, school's not all it's cracked up to be," Jack said, putting his arm around Jon's shoulders. "Besides, what can they teach you there that your mom can't?"

Jon looked up at he mother, giving her a weak smile. "Yeah, but I miss my friends."

"The doctor said you can see them now. We'll invite them over, okay?"

"Yeah."

Jack could tell Jon was still upset with the doctor's diagnosis. "Hey, you know that park by my apartment? It's not as great as another one I found. How about we go to Minnehaha falls instead?

"Where's that?" Jon asked.

"It's right here, in the city."

"Really? Waterfalls in St. Paul?"

"Sam! I can't believe you've never taken them there! Does it take a tourist to find these places?" he teased. "And technically, I believe they're in Minneapolis."

Sam shrugged her shoulders. "I guess we never really had a reason to come this direction. We usually head west when we want to get out of town."

"Okay, the falls it is. We'll stop and get something for lunch and have a picnic. What do you guys say?"

"Yay!" Kelsey cried jumping up and down.

Jon wasn't quite as enthusiastic, but he had perked up some. Sam looked over at Jack.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'll tell you more of what the doctor said later, okay?"

*********

Jon seemed to lighten up once they'd left the hospital, Sam noticed. Jack was the biggest help, though. He'd always been good with kids, and hers were no exception. Maybe it was because he was such a big kid himself, she smiled. But it was one of the things she loved best about him. Sam turned slightly in the car seat, watching him joke around with Jon and Kelsey. She could see they both liked him, which made her decision a little easier. She knew once her choice was revealed, it was going to hurt her children, but the fact they liked Jack should help.

God! How was she going to tell them? Telling Jeff was going to be a piece of cake compared to trying to explain it to her kids. But they hadn't seen how erratic Jeff's behavior had become. All they saw was the loving father they'd always known. Well, if that was the only side Sam saw, she might have found the strength to tell Jack she couldn't leave. No matter how much she loved him. She'd do what was best for her family and stay with her husband.

Jeff wasn't what was best for her family, for her. Not anymore. Not when she couldn't predict how he'd react to things from one moment to the next. She'd tried to talk to him about it, but he'd get defensive, claiming if anyone had changed, it was her.

"Hey, you're awfully quiet," Jack said, looking over at her. "What's up?"

"Nothing," she said, giving him a weak smile, nodding her head toward the back seat, hoping he'd catch her meaning of not-in-front-of-the-kids. It took a moment, but Jack caught her drift.

"Oh. Right." Quickly changing the subject he said, "almost there! You guys want to see the falls first or wanna eat?"

"Eat!" Kelsey cried.

"Falls!" Jon chimed in.

"Sam?" Jack asked, giving her a questioning look.

"Why do I have to make all the hard decisions?" she groused, smiling, hoping she wouldn't have to be the deciding vote.

"Okay, I'll break the tie," Jack offered after parking the car. "How about we see the falls first since they're closer, then we'll head down to the creek for the picnic."

"Works for me," Sam agreed, taking Kelsey by the hand.

"No! I want to walk with Jack!" she cried, running over to him, slipping her hand in his. Sam raised her eyebrows at Jack who just shrugged.

"What can I say? Women love me!"

"Do I need to get in line?" she smiled at him.

"It's a long wait, but knock yourself out," he smiled back.

Jon was walking ahead of them, reaching the railing before the others. "This is it?" he asked, sounding disappointed.

"Well, ya," Jack said. "Did ya think it was going to be Niagra Falls or something?"

"Well, no, I guess I thought they'd be bigger, that's all," Jon said.

"I think they're big," Kelsey said.

"It depends on how much water there is, too," Sam said, trying to keep Jon from saying something else. She knew how much Jack had been looking forward to taking Jon out and his less than enthusiastic response had subdued him a bit.

"It's been a dry summer. We should come back here in the spring. I bet there's a lot of water then."

"Probably," Jon said, starting the descent to a lower observation deck.

Kelsey let go of Jack's hand, trying to catch up to her brother. "Jon! Wait up!"

Turning to Sam, Jack asked, "what's up with him? Ever since we left the hospital he's been this way."

"Dr. Wendel told him he's got to stay home for a while yet, which means no school. At least the beginning of it, anyway. He misses his friends. I told him he could invite them over, but it's not the same. He's missed out on so much already this summer. Funny thing is, Dr. Wendel is very pleased with his progress. She's said he's recovered faster than she'd anticipated."

"This was fast?"

"Apparently. I think he's sensing the tension between Jeff and me as well. I think on some level he feels responsible, and I don't know how to convince him it has nothing to do with him."

Jack put his arms around her, pulling her close. "I know it's hard right now. He's still sick, but better than he was, so he's getting antsy. Boy, can I relate to that after all the time I spent in the infirmary!" he said, kissing the top of her head. Just then Jon looked up at them, and Kelsey waved. Sam pushed herself away from Jack. The last thing she needed was for her kids to mention to Jeff that Jack had his arms around her.

"Come on," he said, pulling on her hand. "Let's get down there before one of them ends up in the water."

Jack came up behind Jon and placed his hands on his shoulders. "Looks a little bigger from this angle, doesn't it?"

"Yeah."

"Ya know what 'Minnehaha' means?" Jack asked.

"No."

"It means 'laughing water.'"

"Really?" Jon asked, turning to look at him. "You mean the 'haha' part really is supposed to be laughing?"

"I guess. The 'Minne' is the water part."

"So, then 'Minnesota' means water something?" Jon asked.

"Yeah. It means 'clear or whitish water.' It's a Dakota, or Sioux word. They're the people that used to live around here before the whites moved in."

"I remember that part from school," Jon said, seeming more interested in the falls now. "A lot of the towns around here have native names," he added.

"And just how do you know all this?" Sam asked, planting her hands on her hips.

Jack jammed his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish. "I read it in one of magazines at the hospital. It's amazing what you can learn in waiting rooms. It's how I found out about this place."

"Well, that's fascinating, Dr. Jackson," Sam teased, adopting Jack's sarcastic tone, "but we're getting hungry. Can we save the history lesson for after lunch?"

Jack laughed. "I guess I did kinda sound like Danny there, didn't I? Don't you dare tell him!" Jack said, wagging a finger at Sam.

"I'm sure I could be persuaded," she smiled. "Chicken salad goes a long way in the bribery department!"

"Okay, all right! I get the hint!" Jack said, holding up his hands in surrender. "We have to go back to the car first. Ready for that climb, Buddy?"

Jon looked up the long flight of stairs and nodded. Sam and Jack exchanged glances, knowing each wanted to help him in his journey back to the parking lot. Given the attitude Jon had exhibited earlier, they both knew he had to try this by himself.

This was the hardest part about being a parent, Sam realized. Letting her son do something that was potentially dangerous. At least she was here if he started to falter.

"Kelsey, you need a hand?" Jack asked.

"I want a piggy-back ride!"

Jack rolled his eyes, then crouched down for her to get on his back. Rising with a groan he looked at Sam.

"Guess we'll see what kind of shape I'm really in."

They made it about half-way up when Jon stopped, trying to catch his breath. Sam knew he'd kill himself trying to get to the top under his own power, but she wasn't about to let that happen.

"Jack," she said, nodding her head toward Jon. He nodded in return, setting Kelsey on the ground.

"Okay, it's Jon's turn now."

"I'm too big!" he protested.

"Naw, you're never too big for a piggy-back ride. In fact, when we get to the top, it's your mother's turn!"

"Oh, *that* I have to see," Sam laughed, but at least he'd deflected Jon's arguments.

Once at the parking lot, Jack let Jon down. "Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

"No, but I coulda done it!"

"I know. It's like I said, everyone gets a turn. Sam! Get over here!"

"Uh uh. No way! Jack! We're too old for this!"

"What happened to 'too big?'"

"That too!"

"Come here! Don't make me chase you! I don't have the breath for it!"

"Exactly my point!" She cried. Jon and Kelsey were laughing, watching Jack try to grab their mother as she dodged past him.

"Come on, Sam! It's just to the car, and it's level!" he said softly as he closed in on her. "It'll make Jon feel better about the help!"

"Oooo, you fight dirty," she said, but smiled at him just the same. "Okay, just to the car." She couldn't believe she was actually going to do this!

Climbing on Jack's back, he grabbed Sam's thighs, hefting her a little higher. In the process he grabbed her butt.

"Was that necessary?" she whispered in his ear.

"Oh, yeah," he grinned.

Well, if he was going to fight dirty, then so was she. Leaning forward she spoke into his ear, "do you know what I'd do to you if we were alone?"

Sam saw him swallow as she wound her arms tighter around him, biting him lightly on the ear.

"Ya want me to drop you?" he hissed under his breath.

"No, but I can think of a few other things you could do."

"Sam! Your kids are right behind us!"

"Prude," she said, sliding very slowly down his back, letting her hands roam over his chest as she did. Turning around Jack gave her a warning glance, but it was softened by the twinkle in his eye.

"Me next! I want to go again!" Kelsey cried, trying to jump onto Jack's back.

"Maybe later," Sam said. "Jack's tired after lugging me around."

"Okay! Who wants to eat?" Jack asked. Sam could tell he didn't want to dwell on how far they'd both slipped in the physical fitness department. Jack doled out light-weight bags to the kids, leaving the heavier ones for himself and Sam.

"How about that table over there?" Sam suggested, pointing out a spot under a tree near the creek.

"Looks good. I'm glad there's not a lot of people here today. We've pretty much got the run of the place."

Lunch was consumed in nearly record time, as everyone seemed to be starving. Jon and Kelsey started begging for money to go buy ice cream from a concession stand, and Jack gave in.

"Jon, you make sure you keep your eye on Kelsey!" Sam called out, as she watched her children make their way across the park.

"You're such a pushover," Sam said, rubbing her hand on his thigh.

"Well, I did have ulterior motives," Jack confessed.

"Oh, what would those be?"

"I wanted a little privacy," he said, leaning over to kiss her.

"This feels so good," Sam mumbled against his lips.

"Tell me about it. On second thought, don't. It'll take too much time," he said, moving his lips along her jaw to her ear.

"Jack, we shouldn't be doing this. The kids could be back at any minute."

"Ya wanna stop?"

"Yes. . .no. . .yes."

"Okay," he said, capturing her lips once more. "You first."

"You started this, you have to stop it."

"Uh uh. If I started it, you have to finish it." Sam felt Jack's tongue against hers as he deepened the kiss. God, she wanted him! She tried to break contact with him, but her body seemed to have a mind of it's own.

"What are you doing! Stay away from her!" Jon's voice suddenly penetrated the daze Sam had found herself in.

"Stop it!" Jon cried, discarding his ice cream as he began to punch Jack as hard as he could. "Get away from my mom!"

Jack released Sam so fast she almost fell off the picnic bench.

"Jon, Honey, it's okay! He wasn't hurting me!"

"Only my dad can kiss her!" Jon cried as he continued to pelt Jack with his fists.

"Jon! I can explain!" Sam said, trying to take him by the arms and calm him down.

"Leave me alone! I hate you! I hate both of you!" Jon pulled off the cap Jack had given him, tossing it into the grass next to his melting ice cream, stomping on it before he took off at a run. Sam knew he wouldn't get far before he was out of breath, but she didn't want him to over exert himself either.

"Jon!" Sam called. "You get back here this instant!" She started to follow him, but Jack held her back.

"Let me. This is my fault." Sam was about to protest when he stated again, "I need to do this, Sam. He needs to understand what's going on with us."

Sam watched Jack jog off after her son, wondering how he knew what was going on with them when she didn't.

On to Part 5

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