WackyJacqsFanFiction

Tangled Threads (Ch 12-14)

 

CHAPTER 12

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh. And do you know what he's just after telling me, Sam?"

"I have a rough idea," she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Good. So just when exactly, were you planning to tell me you'd called off your wedding... and more importantly, why?"

Sam sighed. "Firstly, I was going to tell you tonight, once the guys had left. Secondly," she shrugged. "Because..."

"Because?"

"Because it wasn't fair to Pete, or me," she finished, watching Mark as he leant back heavily against the kitchen counter, rubbing a hand over his face.

"Why wasn't it fair? I thought you were happy, Sam?"

"I was. As least, I thought I was. I know it's sudden, but it was the right thing to do."

"What the hell happened between you two?"

"What did Pete say?"

"Before or after I asked him about the wedding?"

Sam grimaced. "I'm so sorry Mark. I... I didn't think he'd call you. I really hoped to tell you first."

"Well, Pete's already told me his version of the break up. What's yours?"

"Mark -"

"No, Sam!" He retorted sharply, his voice rising.

"My sister was supposed to be getting married in a week, and it was only after a phonecall from her fiancé that I found out she had actually called the whole thing off! The least you can do it tell me what happened. And I want the truth Sam, I think I deserve at least that much," he added after a beat.

"What did Pete tell you?"

"What does it matter Sam? I want to hear it from you," he challenged, lowering his voice again.

She sighed deeply and closed her eyes, her jaw tightening.

"I hadn't been happy for a while, I just put it down to wedding jitters... but as it drew closer, I couldn't help but think I was making a huge mistake."

"It's a big step for you Sam, no one is denying that. Especially after everything you went through with Jonas."

"This has nothing to do with Jonas," she snapped.

"Then what does it have to do with?"

"For cryin' out loud Mark! It took me two weeks to say yes in the first place. Shouldn't that have said something?"

"What's really going on here, sis?"

Sam bit her bottom lip before answering quietly.

"Before dad... Before dad died, he said he wanted me to be happy."

"And I thought you were happy with Pete?"

"Yes. No. I don't know," Sam huffed. After a few minutes she spoke again, sadness in her voice.

"I thought I had everything I ever wanted," she admitted. "Pete's a good guy, Mark, I know that. He made me happy. He gave me a life outside of work. He showed me what it was like to have someone again; to let loose and have fun. But I also couldn't be myself with him," she added, looking quickly over her shoulder.

"I couldn't tell him about my work. No matter how many times I told him it was classified, he wouldn't let it drop. He followed me to a stake out once, and nearly got my teammates killed. When I confronted him about it afterwards, he said he had just been 'concerned' about my job, that it was dangerous. I know it's dangerous Mark, I've been there, I don't need someone to tell me that, and I certainly don't need Pete to constantly question my career choice. He wanted me to give up everything I've ever worked for; everything I am, so I could have children, a dog, and some chickens. He was suffocating me, telling me how I should live my life... but how can I do that when it's not the life I want? That's not the person I am."
 

She forced herself to meet her brother's eyes for her final words and spoke with more confidence than she felt.

"I do love him. But I'm not in love with him."

As Mark blanched at her admission, she decided she didn't really want to hear what he had to say on the matter.

"I don't know if that makes me a horrible person for leading him on for so long, it probably does, but I didn't know what else to do. I know he's your friend Mark, and I'm sorry, I really am. I tried to convince myself that I should marry him, but I can't."

At his questioning glance, she pleaded; "You don't understand Mark."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and despite being angry over the situation, Mark saw his sister fighting to hold everything together. Moving to stand in front of her, he took her hands in his.

"Then help me to understand, Sam," he whispered.

"I can't," she answered just as quietly.

Sighing, Mark took a step back but didn't let go of her hands.

"Try."

Met with silence, he let go of her hands and paced up and down the kitchen a couple of times before spinning around, suspicion evident in his eyes.

"Did something happen between you both? Did he hurt you? Was there someone else? Are you pregnant?"

"What? God, no!" Sam answered hastily, taking a step back.

"What did dad say to you?"

"What?"

"You said dad wanted you to be happy. What else did he say? What did he say to make you throw away your chance of happiness Sam?"

Mark didn't realize he had raised his voice until he looked over his sister's shoulder and saw everyone's attention directed at the kitchen, allowing them to inadvertently hear the end of their conversation.
 

Ignoring the stares, Mark grabbed Sam's arm and pulled her towards the door leading out into the back yard.

***

It was a cool, clear night in the Springs and Sam was forced to wrap her arms around herself to keep warm, her thin blouse providing no protection outside.

Mark stood by her side, hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans, eyes locked on the stars shining brightly in the night sky. Risking a glance sideways, Sam gasped as she saw his own unshed tears filling his eyes.

"You know," Mark said, breaking through the silence a few minutes later. "I haven't stopped and just looked at the stars for years. Do you think he's up there somewhere?"

Sam wasn't overly religious, but having been fortunate to actually travel among the stars - a few times with her father - she was now convinced that that he was up among the stars, watching down over them.

"Yeah. Yeah, I do," she answered honestly, turning towards her brother.

He mirrored her actions and studied her closely, his earlier anger appearing to have vanished.

"So what exactly did dad say to change your mind?"

Sam thought for a moment before answering.

"Do you remember how dad was Air Force through and through when we were growing up," Sam asked, wincing slightly as she did so.

"Yeah..."

"Whenever he was home, he used to keep up the 'General act', issuing us orders, making sure we behaved ourselves and caused no bother?"

"Yeah... I hated that."

"At the time, so did I," Sam added ruefully. "Do you remember all his rules and regulations?"

Seeing him nod in agreement, she took a deep breath.

"I asked him about them once... the rules and regulations... and why we needed them in the house. He said the Air Force had its own rules that helped it to run smoothly from day to day... It was so it didn't endanger their officers or compromise any work and relationships they were involved with."

Ignoring Mark's confused frown, she continued.

"He said the rules were important, made to be followed and to help keep everyone safe. He believed in them so much... followed them to the letter... he wanted us to do the same, and to know what they stood for. They were there for a reason - and they weren't to be broken," she finished.

Mark hesitated slightly at the bizarre twist in conversation.

"Sam... As fascinating as this all is... where is this going?"

She closed her eyes once more and spoke so softly, Mark almost missed it.

"Dad told me not to let rules stand in my way anymore."

Her eyes had remained closed so she missed Mark's eyes widen and the 'Oh' he mouthed. Whatever their father had alluded to in his conversation with Sam, Mark knew it was something serious when their by-the-book father practically instructed her to throw the proverbial book out the window.

Glancing back at the house, Mark tilted his head to the side, a sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach.

"It's him, isn't it?"

He observed Sam closely as a range of emotions flashed across her eyes. And that was when he saw it. Her head, nodding slowly, carefully, as if she was afraid any sudden movement would shatter her confession into tiny pieces and he watched as a lone tear, reflecting the light from the moon above, rolled down her right cheek.

"Oh Sam," he breathed, pulling her into his arms. Pete be damned for the time being; his sister was hurting and he was going to comfort her as best a brother could. As he did, he didn't notice the figure watching them from the kitchen window.

***
 

Mark wasn't sure how long they had been standing like that, but he knew it was time to head back indoors when Sam's shivering became more pronounced. He led her to the back door, but just as he was about to step inside, he stopped.

"Can I ask you something, sis?"

"Sure."

"Did Pete know about the General?"

"I... I don't know. Mark -"

"I won't say a word."

"Thank you."

"It doesn't mean I'm happy about this Sam. Pete's a good friend of mine, and you still need time to let everything sink in. Maybe you'll re-think your decision to get married after a couple of days."

"I don't think I will, Mark. I'm sorry."

Pursing his lips together, Mark placed a hand on Sam's arm, letting her past. He watched her walk through the kitchen, bypassing the front room and headed down the hallway towards her bedroom.

"I just hope you know what you're doing," Mark murmured as he shut the door behind him.

***
 

When Mark entered the living room he noticed it was a lot emptier than before. Liz had now moved to the armchair he had been sitting in and was sipping from a cup of coffee, while the General had remained in the same spot, also with a coffee. They looked up at his arrival and Liz cast a quick glance at Jack before addressing her husband.

"Where's Sam?"

"She's just... freshening up," Mark offered as he moved towards the vacant armchair, studying Jack closely as he did so.

The General appeared unperturbed by the scrutiny, and matched Mark's gaze.

"Where's the kids?"

"I put them to bed about thirty minutes ago. You've been gone a while," his wife answered quietly, sneaking another glance at Jack while Mark continued to stare at the older man.

"Where's your teammates?"

"They left around the same time."

"But you decided to stay."

It was more of a statement than a question, and was met by a shrug of the shoulder and a quiet, "Yeah."

An uncomfortable silence descended on the three adults, with Mark and Liz having a silent conversation with their eyes, and Jack studying his coffee. He swirled the remains of the dark liquid around in the cup, downing it in one. He jumped up from the couch, starting the other two.

"I'm going to call it a night. Can you tell Carter I'll... I'll talk to her tomorrow," Jack asked, already moving towards the kitchen.

"You don't have to go," came the soft, familiar voice from the hall, stopping Jack in his tracks.

He turned to look at Sam and felt his heart constrict again. She looked feeble; a far cry from the soldier he worked alongside every day. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and reassure her; give her the strength she needed to carry on, but he didn't. Partly because of her current vulnerability, and partly because of her brother sitting mere meters away.

Instead, he nodded towards the kitchen and followed Sam in before speaking.

"I think it's for the best Carter," he started. "And you need to get some sleep," he reminded her gently, sensing she was about to protest.

"You go back in to your brother and Liz. I'll see myself out." 

He placed a hand gently on her arm as he passed her, poking his head into the front room to bid Liz and Mark goodnight before heading to the front door. Despite his orders, Sam followed him, stepping into the cold night once more. Shoving his hands in the pockets of his cargo pants, Jack rocked slightly on his heels.

"So..."

"So?"

"Your family seem nice," Jack offered, getting the response he was looking for when Sam let out a soft giggle.

"What have I said about giggling, Colonel?"

"Sorry, Sir."

"Yes, well."

She suddenly looked sheepish and Jack had to tilt his head to the side to catch her attention.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was with Mark for so long... I'll call the guys and apol -"

"So help me Carter, if you say you were going to apologize to Daniel and Teal'c," he cut in, exasperated.
 

Ducking her chin in response, Jack sighed.

"Look, I don't know what you and your brother were talking about, but you've obviously got some... issues, to sort through. The guys didn't want to give you an audience," he shrugged.

"I appreciate that."

Jack's eyes softened as he looked at Sam standing in front of him.

"If you need me just call, okay?"

"I will. Thank you, Sir."

Pursing his lips together, Jack nodded once and turned towards his truck. Just before he slammed the driver's door shut, he called over to her.

"Night, Carter."

"Goodnight Jack," she whispered, watching him pull away from the side of the kerb.

***

CHAPTER 13 

*** 

 

There hadn't been much in the way of conversation once Jack left, with Sam, Liz and Mark bidding each other good night ten minutes after his departure. It turned out to be a sleepless night for Sam, but it wasn't because she was crashed in the front room; after being used to sleeping off-world the last few years, she had actually welcomed the comfort of her overstuffed couch. No, her lack of sleep was because of Mark.

She berated herself for telling her brother of all people, about her feelings for the General. Not only was he her brother; he was her ex-fiancé's best friend and someone who held a strong disdain for the Air Force. So all in all, Sam realized it hadn't been a great first choice to reveal her deepest secret to.

 

Replaying the conversation over in her mind, Sam realized her brother hadn't said much about how he felt, save that he 'wasn't happy'. She didn't blame him for feeling that way, but the fact that he didn't push the issue or force her to see otherwise unnerved her.

 

She expected him to rip her a new one, but instead he remained eerily quiet and calm, which was never a good sign when it came to Mark. Not willing to drive herself crazy any longer, Sam found herself up, showered and dressed before 0630 the next morning and had just emerged from the bathroom when she heard the slightly raised, but muffled voices coming from behind her bedroom door. She sighed. It seemed she was right to be unnerved; Mark's calm exterior hadn't lasted long at all.

 

With the front room tidied, Sam was in the kitchen waiting on the percolator finishing when she heard the pitter-patter of bare feet making their way towards her. Looking up, she smiled as Jo walked in. She was dressed in a flower print nightdress that fell just beneath her knees and her blonde curls were sticking out widely in every direction. A teddy bear dangled precariously from one hand, while the other shot up to her mouth in an attempt to hide a yawn. As soon as she saw her aunt however, the yawn was replaced with a wide grin.

 

"Morning, Auntie Sam!"

 

"Morning, Sleepyhead!" Sam grinned back, ruffling her hair. "You're up early this morning," she added, noting the clock now read 0710.

 

Hearing the click of the percolator, Sam moved to pour herself a coffee as Jo pulled herself onto the chair beside Sam's.

 

"I'm always up early. Daddy says I should learn to sleep longer," she giggled.

 

"Are Ben and Beth still asleep?"

 

"Yep! I was bored, so I went in to mommy and daddy 'cos they were awake too. They were talking, but mommy said it was a grown-up conversation, so I had to go back to my room. But Ben was snoring really loudly, and I wanted to watch some cartoons," she shrugged.

 

Sam smiled. With Mark and Liz in her bedroom for the duration of their stay, the kids were left sharing the guest room. It was a bit of a squeeze, so she didn't blame Jo for not wanting to stay there; especially if another occupant was snoring. Quite a few times off-world she'd had enough of Daniel's snoring - and he was usually in a different tent.

 

"A grown-up conversation, you say?" The words had left Sam's mouth before she had realized.

 

"Yep, daddy was cross about something, and mommy was cross at daddy."

 

"Oh."

 

Before she managed to get herself into dangerous territory, Sam decided to change the subject.

 

"So... Shall we find you some cartoons to watch, or would you like breakfast first?"

 

"Umm, breakfast please. I'm hungry."

 

Sam got up from her seat and tried to hide a smile. She knew what was coming as soon as she saw the glint appear in Jo's eye with her question.

 

"What would you like?"

 

"Pancakes!"

 

Jo watched her aunt move a few things around in the cupboard before pulling out a bottle of pancake mixture. Her discovery was met by a delighted grin from Jo, now kneeling on the chair, her forearms and upper body resting on the tables' surface.

 

As Sam pulled out various pots and pans, she missed her niece glance towards her nervously.

 

"Do you want some orange juice?" Sam asked, her head buried in the fridge.

 

"Yes please... Auntie Sam?" Jo asked quietly after a beat.

 

"Yeah?"

 

"I'm sorry if I upset you yesterday."

 

Sam momentarily froze in confusion at Jo's words, before realization set in. Whatever Mark and Liz had been talking about had involved Pete as she suspected, and Jo had heard enough of their conversation before she left. She studied her niece as she handed her the glass.

 

"When did you upset me?"

 

"Yesterday. When I asked about your ring."

 

Sam winced.

 

"Oh, sweetie. You didn't upset me. I was just surprised you noticed, that's all. What made you think that?"

 

"Daddy said you were upset because of Pete... And I asked about him," she finished, tugging on the hem of her nightdress.

 

"Did your daddy tell you that?"

 

Jo shook her head fervently, her tangled curls swaying wildly as she did so.

 

"Nope. I asked him if I upset you, but that's when mommy said they were having a grown up conversation and I had to leave. I think they're mad with me 'cos I was listening."

 

Sympathy coursed through Sam as she looked at her niece. She was no longer smiling, instead she was trying hard not to cry, her bottom lip trembling dangerously. In an instant, Sam had pulled her onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her.

 

"Your mommy was right. It was a grown up conversation. They probably didn't want you to see them cross, but they aren't mad at you... and you didn't upset me yesterday, okay?"

 

Nodding slightly, Sam nudged the girl's side gently, forcing her to meet her eye.

 

"I promise, Jo."

 

"'Kay."

 

Jo shifted in Sam's lap and snuggled deeper into her chest before speaking again.

 

"Why is daddy cross with Pete?"

 

Sam sighed. How could she explain this to a five year old, when she didn't know how to explain it fully to herself?

 

"Your daddy isn't cross with Pete. He's cross with me," Sam admitted hesitantly. "We, ah, we had an argument last night."

 

"Oh. Daddy gets annoyed when I argue with Ben and Beth at home too."

 

A smile tugged at the corner of Sam's mouth at Jo's innocence, and she realized this was as good a reason as any to try and help explain her dad's mood.

 

"That's because he loves you and doesn't like to see you all fighting. He doesn't like to fight with me either, but sometimes... we just do."

 

"Me, Ben and Beth only fight over games though. Why were you fighting over Pete?"

 

Sam was stunned into silence. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before seemingly deciding on the best thing to say.

 

"Do you remember the first time you saw my engagement ring, and I told you I was marrying Pete?"

 

"Yep! He said we had to call him uncle now."

 

Sam fought back a shudder as she remembered his insistence with the kids that day and continued.

 

"That's right. Well... I gave Pete back my ring yesterday."

 

"Why? Do you not like it anymore?"

 

Surprised at her question, Sam chose her words carefully.

 

"No, I do, but..." Time for a change of tact.

 

"You know how your mommy and daddy love each other very much?"

 

Jo smiled and nodded.

 

"Well, when you get married, you have to love the person very, very much..."

 

"Like mommy and daddy."

 

"Yes. I... I didn't love Pete as much as your mommy loves your dad."

 

"Oh. Ohhh. So..."

 

"I told Pete I couldn't marry him anymore."

 

Sam watched her niece digest the information. As she bit her bottom lip, Sam could see her begin to grow curious.

 

"Does this mean I have to give my bridesmaid dress back?"

 

Sam chuckled. Whatever she had expected to hear from Jo, it certainly hadn't been that, but she soon sobered as she realized just how many cancellation phonecalls she now needed to make.

 

"Yeah, it does kiddo."

 

No sooner had the disappointment crossed her face than she turned curious once again.

 

"Auntie Sam... Is daddy cross because you aren't getting married?"

 

She couldn't bring herself to lie to her niece.

 

"Yes, he is... But it's only because Pete is a very good friend of his too."

 

Seemingly satisfied with her answer, Jo threw her arms around Sam's neck and squeezed her tight.

 

"I'm glad you're not getting married to Pete."

 

Sam pulled back slightly so she could see her niece.

 

"You are?"

 

"Yep. I didn't really want an uncle Pete. He was boring and never wanted to play games with us. And he called me Joey... That's a boy's name!" she finished in mock disgust, leaving Sam nothing else to do but smirk.

 

She was halted from responding to her niece by the entrance of Ben and Beth shuffling into the kitchen.

 

"Morning, you two!"

 

A chorus of sleepy 'Good mornings' filtered back, before Ben flopped down into one of the chairs with Beth standing behind him.

 

"I'm just about to make pancakes for breakfast. You want to give me a hand, Beth?"

 

"Sure!"

 

"Great! Why don't you take Jo into the front room and see if you can find some cartoons to watch," Sam directed at Ben, helping Jo down from her knee. An incomprehensible murmur met her ears and Sam rolled her eyes; he wasn't a morning person.

 

***
 

Liz entered the kitchen just as the first batch of pancakes were ready to be cooked. Peering over Beth's shoulders as she stood at the oven, she smiled softly at Sam.

 

"Let me guess. Jo's idea?"

 

Sam laughed. "Yep! Coffee?"

 

"Please."

 

Sam handed the mug of coffee over, but it was only when Liz grabbed her hand after taking the cup, that Sam met her eye and felt bolstered by the knowing smile her sister in law offered.

 

"Don't worry about Mark. Everything will be fine," she whispered, before taking a sip of coffee.

 

Sam just nodded, heading back over to check on Beth. Seeing the growing multitude of pancakes, she set the table before calling Jo and Ben.

 

"Breakfast's up!"

***
 

After breakfast, the kids were washed, dressed and in the back yard playing Tag while Sam, Mark and Liz stayed in the kitchen, discussing Jacob's memorial.

 

Sam had just finished going through the structure of the service, from where the family would stand, to when to shield the kids' ears from the gun salute, to the dignitaries reported to be in attendance, when the doorbell rang.

 

Making her way slowly through the hall, Sam froze when she saw who was at the door, relaxed and hiding behind his shades.

 

"General!"

 

"Carter."

 

"What are you doing here, Sir?"

 

He removed his sunglasses and tilted his head at her question. She winced; she hadn't meant to sound so blunt.

 

"I mean... I'm surprised to see you here. Sir."

 

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

 

"No! Not at all. We were just in the kitchen."

 

He moved towards her, studying her closely. She knew he was checking to make sure she was okay. When he seemed satisfied with what he saw, he passed.

 

"General O'Neill. It's nice to see you again," Liz smiled as the two of them entered the kitchen.

 

"You too Liz, Mark. And it's Jack."

 

"I didn't think we'd be seeing you again so soon, Jack."

 

"Mark -"

 

"It's alright, Carter," Jack placated, choosing to ignore Mark's loaded statement. "Have you explained the memorial service already?"

 

"Yes, Sir. I'd just finished when you called."

 

"Ah."

 

He was about to speak again when the kids came barreling in through the back door.

 

"General Jack!" Jo squealed, running over to him, throwing her arms around his legs.

 

"Hey kiddo! Ben, Beth, you guys good?"

 

A chorus of 'Yes Sir's' went up before Jo spoke again.

 

"Are you here to play with us again?"

 

Looking down at her, he smiled gently. "Not this time, kid. I just came to check on your aunt - she had to talk to your folks about something important."

 

Jo peeked around to her aunt.

 

"Oh. This is another grown up conversation?"

 

Ignoring the General's confused look, Sam threw her niece a knowing smile.

 

"Sort of."

 

The short, cryptic answer was enough to appease the little girl, who nodded and removed herself from Jack's legs as an uncomfortable silence fell.

 

"Sam, we should probably get going if we want to be back for lunch," Liz hedged after a few moments.

 

"Oh, yeah."

 

At the General's raised brow, Sam smiled.

 

"I'm taking Liz to the store. Whilst Daniel and Teal'c did a great job yesterday, they didn't bring enough food to feed all of us for an entire week."

 

He nodded. "I see. Just the two of you going?"

 

"Uh huh," she answered distractedly, looking for her keys. "Mark's staying to watch the kids. Easier than bringing them along."

 

Her hand froze over her located keys before slowly turning to face him.

 

"Why?"

 

He shrugged. "No reason."

 

Sam arched a brow at his dubious answer, but instead he turned to Mark.

 

"Actually, this is good. If the kids are out playing in the yard, I can have a little chat with Mark."

 

Sam closed her eyes in resignation. She knew that tone of voice well; knew by his body language that a line had been drawn. He was going to have a chat with Mark, whether Mark wanted to or not. Ignoring the sinking feeling growing in her stomach, she just hoped her brother wasn't stupid enough to disagree.

 

Opening her eyes again, her attention was drawn to a folder the General was holding in his left hand.

 

"What's in the file, Sir?"

 

He read the silent question in her eyes, but shook his head in response.

 

"Nothing that wasn't allowed to leave the base."

 

Despite her curiosity, she knew that was the end of the conversation and grabbed her purse and keys. After leaving instructions as to how her and Liz could be contacted if needed, they left.

 

Jack listened as the door slammed shut behind the two women before he moved to the percolator and calmly poured himself a cup of coffee. Turning around to face the others, he leant back against the worktop, taking a sip of the hot liquid.

 

"Uh, kids. Why don't you go back outside and play for a while?" Mark stated, his eyes never wavering from Jack.

 

They silently obeyed and had just stepped into the yard when Mark called after them.

 

"Just behave yourselves... and don't get your clothes dirty or you'll hear your mother when she gets back!"

 

When the door closed, Jack pulled out the seat opposite Mark and sat down; both men eyeballing each other for a few moments before Jack started the conversation. His voice was softer than before and it caught Mark off guard.

 

"How are you doing, y'know, with everything?" He asked, his hand waving back and forth.

 

"I still can't believe he's gone," Mark admitted quietly.

 

He didn't say anything else as he regarded the General warily. He thought back to his first meeting with the older man. At the time, he exuded leadership, authority, respect and kept his emotions hidden firmly beneath the surface. Your typical Air Force General. He hadn't offered his condolences to him or his family; not that he had really expected him too, as Mark didn't think the big brass were known for their compassion. Daniel and Teal'c had offered their sympathies, but not the General.

 

"I'm sorry for your loss." The words were quiet, almost as if Jack was ashamed to say them.

 

Or maybe I was wrong, Mark noted.

 

"Jacob was a good man; saved my ass more than once. I just wish I could have repaid the favor one more time."

 

Mark could no longer hide his surprise at the change in the General's demeanor, or at the genuine remorse etched on his features. As a result, he found his hostility towards Jack diminish slightly.

 

"Did you work alongside my father often?"

 

"Yeah, a few times over the years."

 

"He mentioned you, all of you. He never gave too much away though, which is understandable now. He, ah... he spoke of you in particular. Said you were also a good man and would do anything for your team -"

 

"He's right. I would."

 

"He also said you were stubborn, arrogant and a pain in the... mikta?"

 

Jack smirked.

 

"So, you know what that word actually means?"

 

"Oh yeah! A pain in the ass... Leave it to Dad to highlight my finer qualities," he quipped.

 

"Dad?" Mark looked baffled at the term of endearment, causing Jack to clear his throat.

 

"Uh, yeah. I said it as a joke one day... he never pulled me on it, so I let it run. I don't know why he let me call him that," he finished with a shrug.

 

Mark thought back frantically to the times his father had spoken of Sam's team mates. The fragments he shared were always cryptic, but Mark knew his father was fond of the strange team and if he was going to try to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together in his father's wake, he needed some more information.

 

"Our dad was always a very guarded person. He never showed any real emotion; kept everyone at arm's length... I just put it down to all his years in the Air Force, but when he talked about you, your team... he would get this weird look in his eye. I don't know if it was excitement, pride or disbelief... When he talked about you, it was different. He would let his defences down. He had nothing but praise for you, and if you did know my father, you'd know his praise doesn't come lightly... He was also a good judge of character. If he says you were a good man..."

 

Jack shifted uncomfortably in his seat and Mark knew it wasn't because of how his father viewed him, but because he disagreed with being called a good man.

 

"Did my dad ever meet Pete?"

 

"Yeah, once. A few days ago."

 

"I take it... it didn't go well." It wasn't a question.

 

"No."

 

Mark nodded and looked down at the table. As he did, he caught sight of the folder Sam had mentioned earlier.

 

"I'm guessing that folder is for me?"

 

"Yeah... Look, Mark... I don't know what exactly you and Carter were discussing last night, nor do I want to know... but I'm guessing it had something to do with Pete."

 

"What makes you think that?"

 

Jack hesitated slightly before answering honestly. "I overheard some of your conversation."

 

Mark shrank back in his seat in embarrassment. He was hoping no one had overheard.

 

"Ah. How much -"

 

"Not much."

 

Mark nodded. He guessed the General didn't suffer fools gladly, so he decided it was no use trying to tiptoe around the subject.

 

"Did you know Sam broke off the engagement?"

 

He watched carefully as surprise, along with something else he couldn't identify, showed in Jack's eyes, before turning guarded once again.

 

"No. No, I didn't."

 

"Yeah. Yesterday morning apparently. The first I heard about it was when he called last night."

 

Jack nodded, but remained silent, sensing Mark had something else he wanted to say.

 

"Sam was a lot closer to dad than me. Always was. She forgave him for our mom's death, when I didn't. She was the one who followed him into the Air Force, and she was the one who stuck by him over the years when I walked away," Mark's voice faltered slightly, but if Jack noticed, he didn't let it show.

 

"She, ah... She's always been the high achiever. Always getting lost in her studies, graduating at the top of every class, every course she's ever enrolled for. She devoted so much time to her studies and her work that everything else took a back seat. She dated this guy, Jonas, and they were engaged before she same to her senses and showed him the door. He didn't treat her well and it only served to drive her further into her work... I think she dated on and off occasionally after that, but it was never anything serious. Then, I decided to set her up with Pete... For the first time in a long time, she was happy. She had let someone get close to her. Soon, her relationship was moving from 'nothing serious' to her getting married and thinking of having a family... Now, with the wedding only days away, she turns her back on it? On Pete? We may not always see eye to eye, but she's my sister. I don't want her to make a rash decision and end up hurt and alone... again. I know she's stubborn, but I think if she just had a couple of days to calm down and think about things, she'd realize she made a mistake."

 

"You know, once Carter sets her mind on something..."

 

"I know. That's what worries me," Mark finished ruefully.

 

Jack's eyes darted around the room before resting back on Mark. His jaw tightened as he thought about what he was about to do, his long fingers drumming on the manila folder in front of him.

 

Taking the folder carefully, Mark frowned when he noticed the SGC logo emblazoned on the front cover.

 

"What's this?"

 

"This was given to me by my CO last year. Carter doesn't know anything about it; at the time, I decided not to tell her. I'm not going to tell you what to do regarding her and Pete, but I think you need to read this first."

 

Mark opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it and flicked open the folder, letting his eyes scan its contents.

 

Jack sat patiently as the pages were read one by one and when Mark's face turned pallid, he knew what sentence he'd read. It was the one which made Jack itch as well. A transcript from a phone conversation between Pete and an Agent Ferretty from the FBI, and his flippant words...

 

Hey! It's not like I'm dating her or anything.

 

Mark had read enough, shoving the folder to one side. His shock was slowly being replaced by anger and Jack remained silent as he watched the younger man fight to control his emotions.

 

It was minutes before Mark spoke, his voice barely a whisper.

 

"You said you didn't tell her. Why?"

 

Jack tilted his head to one side, eyes narrowing slightly.

 

"Normally, I'm a man of very few words..."

 

"Why didn't you tell her, Jack?"

 

Startled at the use of his first name, Jack sighed.

 

"I've known Carter for eight years now. She is... the smartest, strongest, bravest, most beautiful woman I know. She's my 2IC, a scientist, soldier, sister and aunt. She's also my friend; one of the few I have and can place my trust in without question. I can't tell you everything we've been through together, but we have been to hell and back... quite literally. She has saved my ass - and Earth's - more times than I'd like to remember. I trust Sam with my life and do so willingly every day we work together... She has sacrificed so much over the years for her job, and not once has she asked for anything in return. I would never tell her how to live her life... I want her to be happy, just as much as you do Mark, believe me... it's the least she deserves. But she deserves to be with someone who not only makes her happy, but someone who trusts her. Someone who deserves to be with her."

 

Mark sat dumbfounded at the honest and raw emotion flooding Jack's features. For a man of very few words, he sure said a hell of a lot.

 

"I've known Pete since our university days," Mark spoke, staring out into the back yard where his kids were playing happily, "But he has a story."

 

Jack nodded. He'd read Pete's file; knew there was a history there, but the details had been sketchy at best.

 

"When he was in high school he said he got into fights and caused havoc around the neighborhood; vandalizing old buildings, play parks, that sort of thing. It was only when he stole a car and assaulted two police officers that he was brought up on charges."

 

Meeting Jack's eye, he continued slowly, not quite sure why he found himself sharing the sensitive information.

 

"One of the detectives who picked him up decided to step in and knock some sense into him. Pete said the officer took an interest and showed how he could still turn his life around... and he did. By the time he started university, he had stayed out of trouble for over a year. It stayed that way. Yeah, he liked to let loose every once in a while and get totally rat-assed, but who doesn't when they're at university? Then one night, he was chatting up some girl at the bar, but her boyfriend overheard. The next thing I knew, they'd taken it out on the street and someone had called the cops. Since the both of them were beating the crap out of the other, but were too drunk to know who threw the first punch, nothing was really made of it..."

 

Both men sat in heavy silence, only Mark clearing his throat disturbing the quiet.

 

"After university, Pete moved to Denver and joined their Police Department. He met and married Susan not long after. They were married for six years when I heard they were getting divorced. Apparently he came home from work one day to find his stuff on the front lawn; the divorce papers piled on top. Pete never told me the reason behind the split, just that Susan couldn't live with the secrecy of his job anymore..."

 

"You think otherwise?"

 

"After reading that?" He nodded to the folder. "Maybe... He should have understood Sam when she couldn't talk about her job otherwise. I, ah, saw Susan once, after their divorce. I never thought anything of it at the time... She said he had been working undercover and was drinking a lot. I knew Pete had a short fuse and would get frustrated easily, but apart from that one drunken fight at university, he never lifted a hand to anyone."

 

Jack closed his eyes as the implications of Mark's words settled in.

 

"I told Sam he had a story, but never what it was. I don't know what, or even if, Pete told her. She's never had much luck when it comes to love. Jonas, her first fiancé, made her life a misery with everything he was involved in..."

 

Jack's knowing nod didn't go unnoticed by Mark, but he continued regardless.

 

"And she had just come round to the idea of marriage and family again with Pete, I... I'm thinking I've maybe ruined it for her for the last time now."

 

"Hey," Jack admonished softly. "I didn't show you the folder to make you feel guilty. Yes, Carter's choice in men is... questionable, but we're all guilty of making bad decisions. Believe me, I've made a few in my life too. I know Pete's your friend, but Sam's mine. She's a valuable member of my team and therefore it's my responsibility to look out for her... Last night, I thought if the issue surrounding Pete was serious enough to start the two of you arguing, then it was important enough for you to know more about the situation. You're her brother, she listens to you... if you decide to tell her."

 

Mark pursed his lips at the General's comments and was about to ask him something that had been bothering him since they met, but was interrupted by Jo scrambling in.

 

"Daddy?"

 

"Ah, ah Jo. The General and I were talking."

 

"Oh. Sorry daddy, I forgot."

 

Jack threw her a small reassuring smile before she ducked her chin and shuffled on her feet. "What's wrong?"

 

"I was looking a drink of juice."

 

Mark got up from his seat and went to the fridge, lifting out the orange juice. He set it on the worktop, then hesitated.

 

"Ah..."

 

"Second cupboard to your left," Jack supplied.

 

"Thanks."

 

After Jo drained her juice and thanked her dad, she bounced out the door again, her squeals making both men grin.

 

"Do you have kids, Jack?"

 

Mark knew he'd asked the wrong question as soon as it left his mouth, Jack's features darkening with guilt and anger.

 

"I had a son," Jack quietly admitted after a few minutes. "He died when he was eight... He found my personal gun." His focus rested on the kitchen table, so he missed Mark's eyes widen and the color drain from his face.

 

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have -"

 

"It's alright. He was a great kid. My ex, Sara, divorced me shortly after. Not that I blame her. I was a mess."

 

Mark didn't know what to say, so thought it best to say nothing at all.

 

"I, ah, I took the job at the SGC as a way to escape everything," Jack offered. "But then I met Daniel, your sister and Teal'c... As clichéd as it sounds, they gave me a reason to not give up."

 

He finally allowed a small smile to show. "Do you know Carter challenged me to an arm wrestle the first time we met?"

 

"Seriously?"

 

"Oh, yeah! She was so determined to prove herself to us 'military men', that she was verging on insubordination," Jack smirked.

 

"Was she written up for it?"

 

"Hell, no! I admired her mettle. Out of the hundreds of mission briefings I've had to endure, that was the first one I actually enjoyed."

 

Mark let out a chuckle. He was definitely going to hold onto that nugget of information for a later date and as Jack straightened in his seat, Mark felt the underlying tension between the two men disappear for the first time.

 

"You said you care about her?"

 

Jack stared at him carefully for a second before answering.

 

"She's a valuable member of my team."

 

"So you said, already... But there's more to it than that, isn't there?"

 

Jack said nothing, instead shifting in his chair, which was becoming more uncomfortable by the second.

 

"I thought so."

 

"Mark -"

 

"Look, I know Sam - more than she gives me credit for - she said some things to me last night which, after talking to you, now make a bit more sense."

 

Jack's jaw clenched slightly, but Mark didn't notice it.

 

"When you're with her... You have this look in your eye. It was the same look my dad had when he was with my mom."

 

Jack continued to stare.

 

"You love her."

 

The sound of the front door opening, stopped Jack from answering and Mark couldn't help but notice the relieved look on Jack's face. He grinned knowingly, and handed the folder back, before getting up to make a fresh pot of coffee.

 

Liz entered the kitchen first, followed by a hesitant Sam who immediately cast her eyes between her brother and the General. Satisfied they were both still alive and looking more relaxed than she had left them, she let go of a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

 

She set the groceries down on the worktop and turned to face them both.

 

"So, what did you get up to whilst we were gone?"

 

***

CHAPTER 14 

*** 

Sitting in the drivers' seat, Sam clenched the driving wheel so hard her knuckles turned white, and try as she might, she wasn't able to quell her nerves. She had just left the General and her brother together in her kitchen. Alone. To talk. Oh dear God, Sam berated herself. Could she have been anymore stupid? Just as she started thinking of ways to punish herself later for her stupidity, Liz's voice cut through her thoughts.

"I think it helps if you start the engine, Sam," she grinned, before turning to look out the passenger window.

Pulling herself together, Sam started the engine and slowly started towards the store. Once she turned off her street, Liz spoke again.

"Everything will be fine Sam, trust me. Mark... Well, Mark is just being Mark. But he'll calm down. He's concerned about you, that's all."

"I think pissed is more the word you're looking for Liz."

Casting a sideways glance at Sam, Liz snorted.

"Hey, are there any good coffee shops around here?"

Sam frowned. "Yeah. There's one a couple of blocks away from the store... Why?"

"I think we could both use a Mark-free coffee this morning," she answered, grinning at Sam.

 

***

 

"So, what did Mark tell you?" Sam started, once the waitress left them alone with their drinks. It was turning into another sunny day, so they had decided to enjoy the weather and sit at one of the tables outside, away from the quieter atmosphere inside the café.

"What makes you think he told me something," Liz challenged over the rim of her cup.

"Besides the fact that you keep telling me not to worry about him?" Sam arched a brow before shrugging. "Jo told me you were arguing about Pete this morning."

"Oh. Sam -"

Sam shook her head.

"I'm sorry Liz, I know I should have told you both myself. I was trying to decide how to tell you, but it never seemed like the right time yesterday and... I didn't think Pete would get there first."

"You don't have to apologize, Sam."

As her head snapped up, Liz smiled softly. "It's not an easy decision to end an engagement, especially when the man your marrying is your brother's best friend."

Seeing Sam wince, she continued quickly. "Mark's just concerned about you - he doesn't want you to end up getting hurt again."

"Did he tell you why I ended things?"

Swallowing a sip of her coffee, Liz shook her head.

"No, he didn't... And I didn't ask. I figured if you wanted me to know, you'd tell me in your own time."

Sam smiled gratefully at Liz, before glancing around and watching various people; single men and women, couples, families, walking by and going about their daily lives.

"Pete didn't trust me," Sam began as she watched a little girl walk by, hand in hand with her mum, so she missed the surprise look on Liz's face.

"My job, I mean," she smiled slightly, focusing back on her sister-in-law. "Anytime he asked about what I did for a living, I'd say it was classified. The first few times he would sulk over it, then let it go. Lately though, he kept pushing... wanting to know more."

"Pete is a police officer, Sam. He knows what 'classified' means," Liz interjected.

"I know, but he refused to accept it..." she trailed off, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I was injured on a mission a few months ago. It was only supposed to be a two-day reconnaissance; but it was over two weeks later before I was actually cleared to leave the base. Pete hadn't heard from me all that time. When I finally did call, he suggested I get another job."

"He told you that?" Liz asked incredulously.

"He turned up at my front door the next morning, demanding I leave the Air Force."

"I'm assuming you told him where he could stick that demand?"

Sam let out a snort. "Yeah... He didn't take it well."

"Hmm, I'll bet... So, what happened to make you come to this decision? I mean, if he's always been touchy about your job, what was different this time?" Liz asked hesitantly, taking another sip of coffee.

"I don't know," Sam sighed. "I felt like I was suffocating. Pete had everything planned out; how we would live our lives once we were married... I didn't want to stay at home and play the housewife he wanted me to be, whilst he went out to work. And anytime I mentioned Daniel and Teal'c and -"

"The General?" Liz added quietly.

"Yeah... Pete would always try to change the subject. Thinking back, I don't really blame him; any time he wanted to spend time with me, I was either away on a mission, or having a team night with the guys. They've been my life for eight years now, so I've always put them first. Despite being law enforcement, Pete doesn't understand what we've been through together; why we're so close with one another."

Liz's brows creased in concern. She knew her next question wouldn't be overly welcome, but she had noticed how Sam and the General had interacted with each other. It was only the occasional look or smile, or some type of conversation they had purely with their eyes, but Liz was willing to bet that Sam was avoiding the real issue around her broken relationship.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke with more confidence that she felt.

"Did he have a problem with all of the guys?"

Sam refused to meet Liz's gaze, and closed her eyes when Liz repeated her question.

"No. Just the one," she whispered.

Liz couldn't help but grin at the admission. It took all her restraint to stop her jumping up from her chair and yelling 'Eureka!' to everyone nearby. She knew she had been right.

"Let me guess. This one guy," she stated, not bothering to hide the satisfied tone in her voice, "Wouldn't happen to be a good looking General in the Air Force, by any chance?"

Having conveniently just taken a drink, Sam found herself spurting it out at Liz's question and rushed to grab a napkin. "Sorry," she smiled sheepishly, as she dried up the spilt coffee.

"I knew it!"

Sam ducked her chin in an attempt to hide the beet red blush rapidly spreading across her face and neck, but it only served to heighten Liz's amusement further.

"It's not what you think," Sam muttered.

"Honey, please!" Liz exclaimed, no longer able to contain her laughter. "You should see your face! Oh, you've got it bad!"

"Liz -"

"Relax Sam. It's not like I'm going to go and tell him!" She paused for a beat, pursing her lips before continuing.

"So, what was Pete's problem?"

Sam shrugged.

"A couple of times he asked if there was anything between us. I said no, because there's not. I don't think he believed me... I swear Liz, there's nothing going on between the General and myself. For one, it's against regulations, and -"

Sam was cut off with Liz waving her hand dismissively in front of her.

"You don't need to explain anything to me Sam. I know nothing like that," she grinned as Sam's blush returned, "has happened between you and the General... but I'm not blind. I know there's something there."

"Liz -"

"Sam. I know it's complicated, but... Look, I know we don't see each other a lot, and I know your best friend was killed last year." She smiled sadly, as Sam stiffened at the reminder of Janet's death. "But you know you I'm always here for you if you want to talk, you know... girl talk. It can't be easy working with men every day of the year. I have enough trouble with the one," she grimaced.

Sam tilted her head at Liz. When she thought about it, she didn't have any female friends she could talk to or just be herself with since Janet had died. Now, more than ever, she felt totally isolated.

"I know, thanks Liz."

They finished their coffee in comfortable silence before making their way to the store.

***

 

Liz's eyes involuntarily became like saucers as she digested Sam's words.

"Your father, Jacob Carter, encouraged you to break the rules? Oh my!" Liz gasped.

"Not break, per se. More... bend; or find a way around them. I think," Sam answered, as she made the journey back to her house.

"And how did he suggest you do that?"

"He didn't."

"Ah. Well, obviously your dad liked what he saw with the General?"

"They had a love-hate relationship over the years, but there was a mutual respect there."

Liz nodded distractedly as she looked out the passenger window. A grin slowly started to spread across her face and she cleared her throat.

"He's cute, you know."

Sam frowned. "Hmm?"

"The General. He's cute."

Sam stayed silent as she turned onto the final street before her house.

"So what are you going to do?"

"About what?"

Looking in her rearview mirror, Sam missed Liz's pointed glare.

"About Jack."

Sam sighed as she pulled up outside her house. "I don't know yet."

"Well, whatever you decide to do. Just... just promise me you'll talk to him - soon. As Sam, not Colonel Carter."

Opening her door, Sam stepped onto the pavement.

"Sam?" Liz called, mirroring her actions at the other side of the car. "Promise. Me."

"I promise."

Liz narrowed her eyes, studying her closely for a few seconds before nodding.

"Good. I suppose we should go in and rescue them now we're here?" she asked, looking past Sam's shoulder to the house, receiving a smirk in return.

As they walked up the garden path, Sam paused.

"Liz?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you."

"Anytime," she smiled. "Come on, let's see what the damage is," she added as Sam unlocked the front door.

***

 

A/N: For Chapter 15 please click here. Thank you!