Meant to Be 22/22 (SG-1 femslash Sam/Janet)
"That insurance money's been in the bank over six months, Sam," Janet said mildly. "And much as I love having you in the car with me more often, don't you think it's time you replaced your truck? Before the winter, hon? You know I trust you on your bikes, but the winter's nearly here. When the snow and ice come, you just won't be safe. And our shifts don't always coincide."
Sam stiffened at Janet's words, tension emanating from every pore. "Yeah," she said absent-mindedly. "About that, Jan."
Janet peered at her anxiously. "What is it Sam?" she asked gently. "Every time I mention a new truck, you change the subject. Does the idea bring back bad memories?" Janet knew that Sam still suffered the occasional nightmare related to her near-death experience underwater in her old truck.
Sam looked almost guilty.
"Oh sweetie, why didn't you say?" Janet asked. "It's totally natural that you feel that way."
"It's not just that, Jan," Sam said. "I mean... you're right. It's true. I don't much like the idea of driving a truck right now. Or at least not the exact same model. But I've been thinking, honey. I only really had the truck for one reason; to transport my racing bike to the race track. So I'm thinking, if I sell my bike, I won't need a truck."
"Sell your bikes?" Janet sounded aghast. "But you love those bikes!"
"Not bikes, honey," Sam explained. "Bike. Just my racing bike. I'll keep the Harley and the Indian. No," she held a hand up, seeing Janet was about to protest. "Let's face it Jan, how often do I use that bike? When did I last take part in a race?"
Janet thought back. "I don't remember," she said. "The last time I remember you racing is before we got together. When I had to stitch your elbow after that fall you had at the track."
"That's the last time I raced, Janet," Sam told her. She smiled, and reached out, running her hand down Janet's soft cheek. "I thought I hadn't been to the track for so long because I've been real busy. But when I thought about it, I realized."
"Realized what, baby?" Janet asked.
"Realized that I used to race all the time, because I needed the adrenalin. The excitement," she kissed Janet softly. "And now I get all the excitement I need. Just from being with you. I get excited just looking at you Jan," she took Janet in her arms and kissed her more passionately this time.
Janet started to respond, but then reluctantly pushed Sam away. "No," she said, a little breathlessly. "Not now Sam. Cassie and Gus will be back any moment," she laughed as, just as she spoke, she heard the door open. "See?" she laughed, as Cassie and Angus came into the room.
"What are you laughing at?" Cassie demanded. She saw how close they stood. "Have you two been kissing again?" she asked.
"Of course we have, Cass," Sam told her. "You know what your Mom's like. She can't keep her hands off me!" she laughed as Janet started to protest.
= = =
"I've been thinking," Sam told Janet later that day, as they lay together on the couch after Cassie had gone to bed.
"You're always thinking, flygirl," Janet said sleepily. "It's that giant brain of yours."
Sam chuckled. "About the insurance check. For the truck," she said.
"Oh yeah?" Janet turned slightly in her arms so she could see her face.
"I'm gonna get me a small car, just something to get me to the base and back when I need it. Something a few years old, nothin' fancy. That'll cost a few grand, maximum," she said. "And then," she smiled, "I want you to take the rest of the money. For a new kitchen," she explained. "I know that old kitchen is driving you crazy, with the cupboard doors not closing properly, all that."
"Nuh uh," Janet said. "That's your money. You should spend it as you want. Even if you don't spend it on a car."
"It's our money, baby," Sam's voice was loving. "Anyway, this is how I want to spend it. On our house. Our kitchen."
"My kitchen," Janet grinned. "We've talked about that. That kitchen is my domain."
Sam laughed, and held up her hands in surrender. "I'm not gonna argue with you there, baby," she said. "But that's what we're spending the money on," she said firmly.
"I love you so much," Janet kissed her softly.
"Wanna show me just how much?" Sam's eyes twinkled.
"More than anything," Janet stood up and put her hand out to Sam, leading her toward the stairs. "You see?" she grinned. "You just need to promise me a new kitchen and I'm like putty in your hands."
Sam smiled back. "You always are," she said in a sultry tone.
= = =
"Cora's looking amazing," Sam told Sharon, as she sat in the infirmary, awaiting her pre-mission medical. "She's keeping well, right?"
Sharon beamed with pleasure. "She's great," she said, her eyes misting over. Ever since Cora's pregnancy had been confirmed, she had become even more protective of, and sentimental about, her lover.
"How long to go?" Sam asked.
"Just over five months," Sharon told her. "I'm so excited Sam. So's Cora. And Mikey's excited too, can't wait for another sister. Or brother."
"You don't want to know the sex then?" Sam asked her.
"No, we decided to let it be a surprise," Sharon said.
"Any preference?" Sam asked.
"Nope," Sharon told her. "None at all. Mikey and Eliza are both so amazing. And so different. So we don't care what we have. Sam, I've been meaning to ask you. Janet's okay about it all, huh? I mean, Cora having her baby here."
"She's thrilled, Sharon," Sam told her. "And Frankie Michaels was an ObGyn for four years before she came here for a change of direction."
"I know that," Sharon said. "But with Janet... I mean, I know she loves kids. And it's so sad what that bastard did to her."
Sam put a reassuring hand on her arm. "I did ask her that," she said gently. "And truly, she's genuinely very happy for you. And at least she's a mom already. A wonderful mom."
"Cassie's very lucky to have her," Sharon told her. "And you. She's such a happy kid," she said.
"And she's brought us both so much joy," Sam said.
= = =
"Again?" Janet said. "But that's the fourth time, Sam."
"I know," Sam said. "It's only for a few days. They need more help with their enrichment program. I'm the only one at the SGC who really knows enough about it. I owe them, Jan. The sarcophagus, remember?"
"Yeah," Janet replied glumly. "I know you owe them. We both do. I just miss you when you aren't here. You will be back in time for your birthday, though, huh? I have a surprise planned for you."
Sam's face lit up. "Does it involve candles and warm oil?" she asked.
"No," Janet grinned, "but we can do that after. I swear."
"Then I'll just have to make damned sure I'm back on time," Sam kissed her tenderly. "The colonel says we'll be back late Friday. My birthday's Saturday. Maybe we can celebrate at midnight?"
"I'll hold you to that, sweetie," Janet told her.
= = =
"Great job, Carter," O'Neill told his 2IC. "The Ranconans are real impressed with you. Djarnid said he had never met anybody as smart as you are. Told him I hadn't either, that I don't understand even a quarter of what you say."
Sam grinned. "Thank you Sir. I'm just pleased it's all up and running smoothly."
"The doc'll be pleased to have you back," O'Neill added. "It's your birthday tomorrow, right?"
Sam looked startled. "Yes, it is. How did you know that?"
O'Neill grinned. "Oh I'm not as dumb as I look," he said.
"I know that Sir," Sam smiled.
"As it happens, I just happened to mention your birthday to Djarnid," O'Neill was still smiling. "And he told me that he wanted to get you a token of his appreciation. Anything at all you'd like. Anything," his smile was wide. "So I had an idea. I think maybe you should sit down, Carter."
= = =
"Thirty-one," Janet nudged Sam as the clock ticked over to 12.01am. "How does it feel to be an old lady?" she giggled.
Sam rolled over and pinned Janet to the mattress. "Why d'you ask?" she said with a glint. "Can't you remember back that far?" she leaned down and kissed Janet thoroughly, preventing her from protesting too loudly.
"Hey," Janet said breathlessly. "You should be careful with me. I'm an old lady of 33, you know. Okay," she threw Sam's shorts and t-shirt at her. "Put these on," and she started to climb into her own pajamas.
"Huh?" Sam was confused. "It's officially my birthday, and you want me to put clothes on? That doesn't seem fair. I thought we were going to celebrate."
"You've got a very short memory," Janet grinned. "I thought we'd spent the last two hours ... celebrating."
Sam grinned back at her. "Oh yeah," she said. "That was one hell of a celebration. Seriously, Jan, why are we getting dressed?" even as she argued, she was donning her clothes.
"I have your surprise all ready," Janet said. "And I promised Cass I'd wake her up, so's she can be part of it too. We need to go downstairs for it."
Sam grabbed her robe and pulled it on over her shorts and t-shirt, passing Janet's robe to her. "Are you gonna give me a clue?"
Janet shook her head firmly. They both went into Cassie's room, where Janet woke her gently. "Hey, honey," she smiled as Cassie slowly came too. "Are you ready for this?"
Cassie smiled widely and nodded. "I can't wait to see your face, Sam," she said. Sam helped her into her robe. "C'mon Cass," she wheedled. "You've gotta give me a hint."
Cassie shook her head firmly. "Mom made me swear I wouldn't tell."
"Then you mustn't," Sam agreed with a smile. "I'm just so excited."
As the family arrived in the kitchen, Cassie bent down and picked Angus up from his basket. "Come on Angus," she said, "you have to come too."
Janet led the way out the back door of the kitchen into the garage. "You have to shut your eyes, Sam," she instructed. "Take my hand."
With a minute, Sam was standing in the appointed place, her eyes still shut. "Can I open them now?" she asked.
"Yeah," Janet's voice was small. "You can look now."
Sam opened her eyes, and in front of her, she saw a 1960s white Volvo, with the biggest pink ribbon she had ever seen wrapped round it. She turned and looked at Janet, who just stood there looking anxious. She turned to Cassandra, who wore the biggest smile she had ever seen. Even Angus seemed to be grinning. She turned again to Janet, who still stood in silence, looking ever more worried.
"Say something," Cassie urged.
Sam took the two steps she needed to reach Janet. She took her in her arms, and kissed her tenderly. "My God," she said, not even noticing the tears falling down her own cheeks. "Janet. I've never. This is. This is just. I mean. How? It's so beautiful. I never dreamed..." her voice tailed off, as she turned again to look at the car.
"You like it?" Janet asked.
"Do I like it?" Sam asked. "Do I like it? It's the most beautiful car I've ever seen. I've always wanted one of these," she took Janet by the hand and went over to the car, running her hand lovingly down the hood. "How did you know?"
"That picture," Janet said. "You showed me that picture of your Mom, standing by her car. Just after we got together. You told me then that you had always wanted a car like that, and that one day you would get one. I asked Siler where I could find one like this. And he told me of this dealership. And here it is. Did I do the right thing, Sam?" she looked up at her worriedly, concerned that she had brought back sad memories for her lover.
"It's the most precious thing anybody has ever done for me. Ever," Sam kissed her deeply. "It's incredible Janet. You. You're incredible. Your Mom is amazing, Cass," she turned to face their daughter, who was wreathed in smiles. "Come here, honey," she instructed her, and they all met in a warm, loving embrace. "I'm the luckiest woman in the world. I love you both, so much." Tears ran unchecked down her face. Cassie grinned and passed her a handkerchief from the pocket of her robe.
"Hot chocolate," Janet declared, and with a last look at her car, Sam followed her lover and her daughter back into the kitchen.
Cassie climbed into Sam's lap once they were all settled in the living room. She pulled a package out of her robe pocket. "I got you this, Sam," she said, shyly.
Sam opened the package, which contained a pair of leather driving gloves. "Oh Cass," she said, "these are just perfect. Thank you sweetie."
Cassie snuggled into her arms, and within fifteen minutes she was asleep.
"You take her to bed," Janet whispered, taking out the bottle of whisky that they kept for special occasions. "Then we'll have a nightcap before bed, huh?"
"Great," Sam smiled.
Within a few minutes, Sam returned, and Janet passed her a glass. "How did you afford it, Jan?" she asked. "Cars like that are real expensive."
"Please don't be mad," Janet looked worried. "I decided I didn't want a new kitchen. I like the old kitchen."
"But you wanted new units, new appliances, everything," Sam said.
"Not as much as I wanted to see your face when you saw the car," Janet said. She took Sam's face between both hands and kissed her tenderly. "Are you mad with me, Sam?"
Sam shook her head, overcome once more with emotion at the selflessness of her lover. "I don't think I've ever loved anybody as much as I love you right at this moment," her voice cracked.
"Right back at ya, baby," Janet told her.
Sam took her hand, and led her to the big, overstuffed armchair that they sometimes liked to share. She sat down and pulled Janet into her lap, so that the small medic was curled into Sam. "I've got something to tell you too, Jan," Sam said. "I don't know if it's what you want. And if it isn't, that's fine. But it just means we have more options now."
Janet looked quizzically at Sam. "What is it, honey?" she asked, running her hand lovingly through her hair.
"You know I've just gotten back from PR4-176? Rancona?" Sam said.
Janet nodded.
"Well, it all went well there. Real well. Their leader Djarnid told the colonel that I was the smartest person he'd ever met. And that he wanted to do something to thank me," Sam explained.
"But he already did," Janet said. "They let you use the sarcophagus."
"That's just it, Jan. They've offered it again. To restore your womb. Only if that's what you want," she looked worried.
All the color ran from Janet's face. "What?" she whispered.
"It can restore your womb. If you want that, Jan. But only if you do. I saw your face, baby. Last time we saw Sharon and Cora. I know you're pleased for them. Oh God," she started to panic. "Did I misread it? I'm sorry, Jan. I'm not trying to put pressure on you. The offer is there if you want it. But you don't have to do it. Certainly not to please me. You can...." her words were stopped with a passionate kiss from Janet.
"You're amazing," Janet said when they finally broke apart, trying not to cry.
"You're the one that's amazing," Sam brushed her tears from her face lovingly.
"Can we really do this?" Janet asked.
"If you want to Jan," Sam said.
"I want to," Janet whispered. "More than anything. Well, almost more than anything. Above all, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and with our precious daughter. But after that, I can't think of anything better than having a baby with you. Do you really think it will work?"
"I think so," Sam told her. "I had a long talk with Teal'c. He knows of several occasions when damaged body parts have regrown in the sarcophagus. Including one case of a woman who had lost her womb. She has three kids now, he tells me. It'll be hard though, baby. You'll have to go through withdrawal too, just like I did. You'll hate it. But I'll be with you, Jan. Every second. If that's what you want."
"I do," Janet said quietly. "I do want it."
= = =
"How long has she been in?" Sam was out of breath as she skidded to a halt outside the private room in the infirmary, having just returned from a four-day mission.
"Eleven hours," Janet took her hand. "Frankie says she's doing real well, the baby will be here any moment. God it's good to see you Sam. I missed you."
"I missed you too, honey. How's Sharon doing?" Sam asked.
"She's a mess," Janet grinned. "She was last time, too. But she'll be fine. She just wants Cora to be okay."
"I'll be a mess too, I bet," Sam took her lover in her arms and ran her hand over her belly that had just started to soften. "Nearly four months, Jan," she whispered. "And you've never looked hotter," she eyed Janet's breasts, which were already considerably larger than usual.
"I don't care if you're a mess," Janet said. "As long as you are with me. You will be there, won't you honey?"
"Every second," Sam promised. "I want to be the first person to hold our baby. To hand him to you."
"Or her," Janet grinned.
"Or her," Sam agreed happily, and kissed her. In the silence, the clear sound of a baby crying could be heard.
Sam looked at Janet, and they both laughed happily. "Sounds like the new arrival," Janet said.
A few minutes later, Dr Frankie Michaels exited the room. "They wanna see you," she said with a wide smile. "I'm just going to call Sharon's mom. Get her to bring Mikey and Eliza to meet their baby brother."
Sam and Janet let themselves into the room, hand in hand. They saw a beaming Sharon sitting by her wife's bed, gently caressing the downy head of their newborn son, who was suckling contentedly at Cora's breast.
Cora looked up. "Hey," she said quietly. "We want you to meet our newest family member. This is our son, Elliott. Elliott Sam. We named him Elliott after my Dad. And we asked Mikey if he could think of a middle name if we had a boy. He said if we had a boy he had to grow up to be strong and brave. So he told us we had to choose Sam."
"That's a real good choice," Janet said in a quiet voice. Sam squeezed her hand.
"It'll be you in this bed in five months, Janet," Cora smiled.
"Yeah," Sam answered for her, smiling. "And I'm gonna be a mess," she winked conspiratorially at Sharon.
"True," Janet smiled. "But you'll be a beautiful mess."
THE END