The Songs Trilogy   

                                                                                                                                                         By:  Assilem   

 

 

CATEGORY:  Angst, Drama, Romance

SEASON/SPOILERS:  Season 10.  “Counterstrike”.

WARNINGS:  None

 

AUTHOR’S WEBSITE:

 

  http://www.geocities.com/assilems_archive   

 

 

CHAPTER 1:  For Always Forever

 

There they were. Standing in the middle of the open field. The sun was shinning and wind blowing softly. The air soft and smelling sweet and of peaches. The field was empty but somehow they didn’t feel alone.

 

Vala’s hair, although pulled back with barrettes, still lightly blew with the wind. It wasn’t cold, and not hot. It was the perfect spring day, and yet something seemed a bit off.

 

“Daniel?” she asked looking at her friend, dressed casually and looking distant. She was slightly worried and yet curious as to why they were here.

 

“Come with me,” he said before walking down the man made path. Vala followed and for once in sheer silence. She didn’t know what was going on, Daniel just came into her room, told her to get dressed-which was a minor problem as all she owned was BDU’s. The problem was quickly solved with a visit to Sam’s quarters where a pair of jeans, heals and a jacket were borrowed.

 

The two walked until they reached a peach tree. The tree seamed normal at first glance but held a plaque in which Vala took a step forward to read.

 

“Janet Fraiser

Doctor of Many

Mother of Cassandra

Friend of All

Lover of his” she read before looking at the grave stone in the ground.

 

“Janet Gabrielle Frasier

August 3rd 1967-March 31st 2003

I carry your heart in my Heart

For your Heart is mine.”

 

Before Vala could ask anything Daniel spoke.

 

“She was the Doctor, at the base for seven years. She came shortly after the program was made official. She learned with us, every step of the way. Became a very close friend in a very short amount of time. She was there to help me though Sha’re’s kidnap and death, and everything. I soon fell in love with her. My mind always went to her, no matter what I was doing. It was Janet focussed. When I ascended it was the hardest decision I ever had to make, to leave her. But I knew somehow, that I would be able to watch over her, and comfort her when no one else knew she needed it.  When I came back a year later, she helped me re-adjust, taught me about myself and I fell even more in love with her. I couldn’t help it, she captured my heart…She was kind, compassionate, beautiful… Full of passion for her job, her family, she was full of love for everything around her. And sometimes, full of vodka and beer-when we’d have BBQs at Jack’s…”

 

“What happened?” Vala asked softly.

 

“She was killed, by an erred staff blast. We were attending to a wounded man, and she was shot. Killed instantly. There was no way she was going to live, but there was so much hope…more hope than anything. None of us thought we’d ever lose her.”

 

“Daniel,” Vala whispered touching his arm. “It’s okay to admit you care about someone. It doesn’t mean they’ll die. And the ones that have, you never have to let go of them…”

 

Daniel looked at Vala and smiled softly. “Thank you Vala.”

 

Vala smiled and squeezed his hand. After a few moments of respectful silence she looked over at Daniel and leaned into his side.

 

“Daniel?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Come on, take me shopping!” she grinned hopefully.

 

Daniel chuckled and nodded his head, giving one last glance at the tree he turned around, Vala on his arm.

 

 

CHAPTER 2:  It’s Inevitable

 

“Are we there yet?” Vala asked as she sat in Daniel’s car, looking out the windows. “Earth is so pretty.”

 

“Almost,” Daniel replied as he pulled into a large parking lot.

 

“What’s this place?”

 

“It’s a mall,” Daniel said. “It’s a large building containing a variety of stores for all ages.”

 

“How interesting!” Vala explained staring at the building. “Are we going there?”

 

“We are,” Daniel said pulling into a parking spot. “Okay, you stay with me Vala.”

 

“You got it!” Vala grinned getting out of the car.

 

“Vala, also no stealing! Whatever you want you give them to me,” Daniel explained looking her into her eyes.

 

“I promise!” Vala said holding up her hand with a grin.

 

“Okay, lets go,” Daniel said as Vala laced her arm into his and the two walked into the mall.

 

Vala’s eyes lit up as she looked around. There was so much to buy and look at.

 

“Where first?” Vala asked as she controlled her bouncing.

 

“Wherever you want,” Daniel said as Vala squealed and pulled him into one of the shops.

 

“This is going to be so much fun!” she grinned as she started to pile things into Daniel’s arms.

 

“Vala; shouldn’t you see if these fit first,” Daniel said before he realised what he said. Groaning, as Vala looked delighted she started to pile more things in his arms.

 

What had he gotten himself into? Why did he agree to take Vala shopping; in a mall; with his credit card? He must be more fond of her than he wanted to admit.

 

She did say some pretty nice things; he could tell she was genuine. Somehow, this was a new Vala, one that knew when it was time to be an adult; but was still as irreverent as ever. And Daniel didn’t know why, or what, but he felt something for this Vala.

 

Standing outside the changeroom, clothes in hand as he waited for Vala to emerge. She decided that she needed a variety of different outfits-thanks to the magazines she was reading. Apparently they had more influence than he thought.

 

“Daniel, are you ready?” she called.

 

“Yep,” Daniel replied shaking himself out of thought.

 

The door opened and there stood Vala; a tight pair of jeans that clung to her figure, a turquoise low v-neck T-shirt over top of a yellow tank top. A black belt at first glance but when it hit light it was covered in sparkles.

 

“So, what do you think?” She asked twirling around. Daniel stood there admiring her body; he hadn’t caught himself looking at Vala that way before, but now he was, and he kind of liked it.

 

“You look good,” Daniel smiled as Vala grinned happily.

 

“Thank you,” she said looking at herself in the mirror. “Next!”

 

Daniel smiled and let Vala take the rest of the clothes from his arms; only to have the ones she was wearing moments later in his arms. Daniel couldn’t be surprised, nor could he be anything else but amused and enthralled with Vala.

 

Eight outfits later and a few other things from Mariposa, and close to six hundred dollars on hi Visa, Daniel walked out followed by Vala. He being the gentlemen carrying her bags as he watched her.

 

“The magazines say I need shoes. Where can we buy shoes?” she asked looking at Daniel. Daniel thought for a moment before he noticed some teens coming out of Aldo shoes.

 

“Right in there,” Daniel said as Vala grinned and pulled him into the store

 

“Daniel! Look at all these shoes!” Vala said excitedly looking around the store. “There’s so many to chose from!”

 

“That there is,” Daniel agreed. He knew that this portion of their shopping was going to take a while. He watched as Vala and the sales woman started to chat. Presumably about what type of shoes Vala should buy; or to be specific, he was going to buy.

 

“She with you?” a young man asked as Daniel nodded.

 

“Yup,” Daniel said with a small smile.

 

“Well it looks like you’re going to be here a while, have a seat,” the man said offering Daniel a chair.

 

“Thanks,” Daniel said with a grateful smile. Setting the bags at his feet he crossed his legs and watched Vala. Still in Sam’s jeans and her regulation boots; she looked comfortable with the saleswoman. He watched her try on everything from sandals, to sneakers to stilettos and knee high boots.

 

Once styles were chosen, there was the choice of colour. Vala looked like a kid in a candy store, her eyes wide and bright as she studied every pair of shoes that went on her feet.

 

“Daniel, what do you think of these?” she said walking over in a pair of black opened toe stilettos.

 

“They’re nice,” Daniel commented looking at the shoe. Her foot placed in them, and looking nothing like the Vala he had first met.

 

“Great! I think I found the shoes I want,” she said sitting down and taking the heals off.

 

“How many pairs?” Daniel asked looking at her as she put the shoes in their box.

 

“Well, only five,” Vala said. “I may need more once I’m allowed off base more.”

 

Daniel chuckled and shook his head standing up grabbing the bags, he walked over to the counter where there were three bags waiting. He handed over his Visa and looked at Vala, who just smiled sweetly and kissed his cheek.  Daniel couldn’t help but smile as he handed her the shoe bags.

 

“Come on,” he said after signing the receipt as the two left the store. “Anything else you need.” Vala nodded her head as she looked at Daniel. “What?”  Biting her lip Vala looked at Daniel. “No.” she nodded. “No, Vala.”

 

“Daniel, I promise in and out.”

 

Daniel sighed and nodded his head as he lead Vala down the mall. “You owe me.”

 

“You love me,” Vala replied walking into Victoria Secret. Daniel stood outside for a moment.

 

“Be a man,” he said to himself before walking in only a step or two behind Vala. One of the sales women saw him and walked right over.

 

“Why don’t you come and sit here,” she said walking Daniel over to where a bunch of boyfriends and husbands sat.

 

“Thanks,” Daniel said sitting down and putting the bags down.

 

“What did you do?”

 

“Pardon me?” Daniel asked looking at one of the guys.

 

“You’re carrying bags and in Victoria Secret,” he said.

 

“Yeah, she’s new to Colorado, needed some new clothes…” Daniel replied.

 

“You sleeping with her?”

 

“No, of course not,” Daniel said quickly as they watched the tall leggy black hair girl sift through the lingerie.

 

“Why aren’t you?” another guy asked.

 

“I don’t know,” Daniel replied as he watched Vala. One of the women was helping her and Daniel couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

 

A half an hour later and a large bag Daniel and Vala walked out of the store. “Is that everything?”

 

“Yup!” Vala grinned. “Sam bought me this shampoo, it smells of grapefruit!”

 

Daniel chuckled and lead her out of the mall. “I’ll believe you.”

 

“Daniel, thank you.”

 

“Any time,” Daniel smiled offering his arm, which Vala gratefully took and leaned her head on his shoulder.

 

 

CHAPTER 3:  There’s a Road

 

 He was sleeping.

 

Quiet good for being off world and the next thing he knew he was being poked.

 

“Daniel?”

 

“Hmm,” Daniel moaned at the whisper and another poke. Opening his eyes he looked over his shoulder to where Vala was sitting, her eyes puffy and cheeks red. Sitting up Daniel looked at Vala. “What’s the matter?”

 

“I…Its embarrassing,” she whispered as a tear slipped from her eye.  Daniel noted Vala’s posture and brought her into his arms.

 

“Hey, its okay,” he whispered, both being reminded of the time when they were trapped in the Ori galaxy. Kissing the top of Vala’s head Daniel rubbed her back in comfort. “You okay?”

 

Nodding her head and with a sniffle she nodded. “Yes.”

 

“Do you want to stay with me?” Daniel asked as Vala nodded and lay down in his arms. No signs of sexual need or flirtation, just simple need of comfort, and mutual love.

 

Vala wrapped her arms around Daniel, and rested her head on his chest. Daniel held Vala to him, comforting her. For a moment he was able to see past Vala’s tough exterior to see the hurt, scared woman that was buried under the woman that was seen by all.

 

“Daniel, I’m scared,” she whispered into chest.

 

“I’m here,” Daniel whispered back looking up to the top of his tent. All the feelings Daniel had been harboring over the past few years were running back. At first it was a sexual attraction, then during their time in the Ori Galaxy it turned into something a bit more, something of mutual respect and genuine affection; then he remembered the way he felt when she sacrificed herself. He felt lost. Then when she came back, sure there was the constant feelings of why me, but he grew to care for her, a lot. Hell he might even love her, but he didn’t know for sure.

 

He’d just have to see.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

“General, its just a movie night,” Daniel explained. “We’re just going to sit in my house and eat pizza, drink pop and beer and watch movies.”

 

“You are responsible for Vala Doctor,” Landry said as Daniel nodded.

 

“As always sir,” he replied.

 

“As long as we’re clear. Make sure you sign her out and keep a lock on her.”

 

“Yes sir,” Daniel said before he walked out of the office and headed to his own lab. Where he knew Vala would be.

 

She spent a lot of time there; usually on his desk reading her magazines and listening to music. That or laying on his couch watching TV. He didn’t mind as much as he fussed about it, it kept her out of trouble and calm. Plus he kind of liked hearing all about Vala’s adventures while watching TV. She had become addicted to Big Brother and Will and Grace. Learning early how to work the TVIO; whenever she was off world she could record her shows then convince Daniel to sit with her and watch them. He had to admit they were different and refreshing from what he normally watched on PBS.

 

“Daniel!” Vala said in excitement as she sat on his couch. “Look! Grace is getting married to Leo!”

 

“No kidding?” Daniel asked sitting beside her, his arm going around her shoulders. Vala leaned into his body subconsciously.

 

“Yes! Will is going to be upset,” Vala explained as Daniel laughed. He didn’t have the heart to tell Vala that this show was fictional; she was so enthralled with it anyway. 

 

Twenty-five minutes later, Vala turned off the TV and smiled brightly.  “So, did General Landry agree to let me go out tonight?”

 

“He sure did, though you are to stay with me at all times,” Daniel said as Vala grinned happily.

 

“That I can do!”

 

“You sure can,” Daniel chuckled. “Sam, Mitchell and Teal’c are going to meet us at my place around seven.”

 

“Does that mean you’ll take me to dinner?” Vala asked turning around and looking at Daniel.

 

“Why would you think I’d spend more money on you?” Daniel asked standing up and walking over to his desk.

 

“Because,” Vala said twirling her hair on her finger and giving Daniel a cute smile.

 

“How about we go and pick up the pizza?” Daniel reasoned.

 

“Deal!” Vala said with a large grin. “I’m going to go change.”

 

“Bye Vala,” Daniel said as Vala bounced out of his office. Daniel chuckled and started to organize his desk. He was looking forward to tonight, it wasn’t often that he and his teammates could sit around and watch movies, eat pizza and play random board games.

 

A he knew for a matter of fact, that Teal’c, Sam and Cam would leave after the movie, and leave him and Vala was alone. He was even nervous, he didn’t know where the night would lead, or if his emotions would over throw his brain.

 

Sliding his laptop into his bag, Daniel looked around his office to make sure he wasn’t missing anything. Landry had given them the weekend off, and he didn’t want to come back. “Right, book,” he said before pulling out a few books and stuffing them into his bag.

 

After Daniel had filled his bag with books and photocopies of tablets, just in case he got bored, he went off in search for Vala. She was probably in her quarters.

 

Knocking on her door Daniel waited until she opened the door, standing in jeans and one of the bras she must have bought the other week. Daniel looked over her, wearing a blue bra with black lace as a trim.

 

“That can’t be regulation,” Daniel said gaining his composer.

 

“Its prettier, don’t you think Daniel?” Vala asked as she closed the door behind him.

 

“I suppose,” Daniel replied as he watched Vala grin, turn around and pull on a pale green tank top. He couldn’t help but wonder if she had matching bottoms.

 

“Okay, I’m ready!” she smiled putting on her sweater and slipping on her flip-flops. Even though it was colder outside, Vala insisted wearing her flip-flops whenever she could.

 

“Okay, lets go,” Daniel said as Vala grabbed her purse-although had no wallet, but carried her base ID, her pase card, a hairbrush, mirror, and her new love, make-up. And as far as he knew, it had clothes.

 

The ride from the base to the pizza place to Daniel’s house was as usual whenever he took Vala out, filled with curiosity as Vala kept asking over and over again what everything was and why he stopped at every red light.

 

He didn’t mind so much, he was with her, and she kept him happy and amused, and even lately a bit aroused. Vala was tempting him, wearing tight curvy clothes.

 

Getting to his apartment building, Daniel and Vala carried in the pizzas and the two walked into the apartment. “Just throw the pizza in the kitchen,” Daniel said as he pressed the message button on his answering machine.

 

Hey Jackson, T needed my help with Stanley Carson Charlie, sorry can’t make it tonight!

 

Hey Daniel, Cassie called there was an emergency at school, I’m on my way to Nevada right now, sorry Daniel.

 

“Does that meant they’re not coming?” Vala asked listening to the messages.

 

“It sure does,” Daniel said pulling out a couple glasses from the cupboard.

 

“Can we still watch movies?” Vala asked hopefully.

 

“Of course, someone has to eat these pizzas,” Daniel smiled handing her a glass of juice. Vala smiled and grabbed the pizzas before she walked over and plopped herself on his couch.

 

“Well what are we watching?” she asked opening the box and taking out a slice.

 

“What do you say to a Disney movie?” Daniel asked as he plopped in the Atlantis DVD.

 

“Sure! Daniel, I think you’re going to have to buy me The Little Mermaid,” Vala announced as Daniel sat down beside her and his arm automatically went around her shoulders. Vala smiled at the gesture and leaned into his body a bit. She herself noticed the little things in Daniel that changed recently, it wasn’t a sexual thing, it was a soft subtle, caring kind of thing. She quite liked it better than the sex. It made her feel something that wasn’t meaningless, but a person.

 

By the end of the movie, Vala’s head was resting on Daniel’s chest and he had his arms wrapped around her. Looking up at Daniel she looked into his eyes and leaned up as Daniel leaned down. Their lips met for the first time, in a soft caress. Pulling back she looked at Daniel.

 

“That…was nice,” Daniel smiled softly.

 

“It was,” Vala agreed.

 

Daniel smiled at Vala and pulled her closer into his body, placing his lips to her hair. He planned to stay like this for a very long time.

 

 

CHAPTER 4:  Spend My Lifetime

 

“Daniel!” Vala giggled as Daniel’s lips attacked her neck. “We have to get going.”

 

“The meeting can wait five more minutes,” Daniel said muffled in Vala’s neck.

 

“Daniel,” Vala said pushing up off her. He only had his BDU pants on and got rather distracted with Vala walking around his quarters in nothing but her bra and pants.

 

“Okay,” Daniel said stealing one last kiss before he crawled off her. “But later.”

 

“When we get home,” Vala said crawling off the bed giving Daniel a kiss on the cheek before she pulled her shirt on.

 

“I’ll stay on base tonight,” Daniel said slipping his belt on.

 

“Daniel,” Vala said looking at him as she sat on the bed putting her boots on. “You don’t have to spend every night on the base, you can go home.”

 

“Vala,” Daniel said looking at the dark hair woman. “I don’t mind.”

 

“But Daniel,” Vala said standing up sliding her belt on. “You haven’t gone home for the night for a long time. You spend every night with me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind, I love sleeping in your arms.”

 

Daniel smiled in response and nodded.

 

“Okay, listen, I’ll figure something out,” he said before winking and walking out of his quarters.

 

“Hey! Wait for me!” Vala called running after him, the door slamming behind her as she ran up to him, jumping on his back.

 

“Vala, what are you doing?” Daniel asked as he braced himself to hold the woman.

 

“Nothing,” she said wrapping her legs around his waist.

 

Daniel just laughed and continued walking down the halls, getting looks from SGC personnel. Who wouldn’t get looks, he had Vala on his back as she chatted about what she watched on TV. It was odd for her being on Daniel’s back, but the together and talking, wasn’t out of the ordinary at all.

 

Walking into the briefing room with Vala on his back the pair was stared at by the rest of SG-1 and General Landry. Sam quickly bowed her head trying to suppress her giggle, Teal’c merely raised an eyebrow, General Landry stared curiously as Mitchell grinned.

 

Jackson, I didn’t know you liked…” Mitchell started before he looked at Landry and stopped what he was saying. “Rrriiiighhht.”

 

Daniel and Vala stared at the four before he dropped Vala, who fell on her butt.

 

“Owie,” Vala said standing up and rubbing her butt.

 

“Now that you two are here, we can start,” Landry said as Daniel and Vala walked over and took their seats. Under the table, Vala’s hand slipped over to Daniel’s lap and took his hand into hers.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

 

“Daniel…” Vala asked softly as she laid next to Daniel, her head resting on his t-shirt covered chest.

 

“Yeah?” Daniel asked as he turned the TV off and looked down at Vala laying on down his chest.

 

“I…” Vala stumbled.

 

“Me too,” Daniel smiled rubbing her arm. Grinning Vala leaned up and kissed Daniel.

 

Pulling away a bit, Daniel rolled over and on top of Vala before he went back to kissing her. Moving down her neck Vala moved her head giving him more access.

 

“Daniel,” Vala breathed.

 

“Hmm?” Daniel asked as he kissed his way down her collarbone.

 

“Are…we ready?” Vala asked before she felt Daniel’s hands slip over her stomach.

 

They hadn’t had sex once since they got together, their relationship was new and fragile. Neither of them wanted to ruin it by going to fast; sure they’d spend their nights together, sleeping in each other’s arms. Vala and Daniel had grown accustom to the kisses they shared, they were playful and loving.

 

“Hush,” Daniel said before he removed Vala’s tank top before his lips made a trail from her neck to her bellybutton. A hand made its way up over her stomach and captured one of her breasts, rubbing his thumb over her nipple he heard a gasp.

 

“Daniel,” Vala said with a heavy breath. “There’s no going back…”

 

“I only want to go forward,” Daniel said before he took her mouth with his own.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

“Does this mean we’re going on a date?” Vala asked as she stood in front of the mirror applying her blush.

 

“It means we’re going to ask General Landry if you can move off base,” Daniel explained as he put his belt on.

 

“And if he says I can, where am I living?” Vala asked turning around and looking at him.

 

“With me if you’d like,” Daniel replied hopefully as Vala grinned and walked over and placed her hand on his chest.

 

“I don’t have a bed.”

 

“You’ll just have to share mine,” Daniel said taking Vala’s hand and placing a kiss on her inner wrist. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

Vala smiled and laced her arm in Daniel’s as the two walked out of her quarters and down the hall.

 

“So, what are you going to say?” Vala asked stepping into the elevator.

 

“I haven’t thought it out yet,” Daniel shrugged. “I’ll figure it out.”

 

Vala gave Daniel a grin as the doors opened and an Airman stepped.

 

“Doctor,” he said nodding his head. “Miss.”

 

“Airman,” Vala smiled before she turned back to Daniel.

 

A few moments of silence and Daniel and Vala stepped off the elevator and walked down the halls to the General’s office.

 

“No talking unless I tell you,” he said as Vala nodded and he knocked on the door.

 

“Come on in Doctor, Miss Mal Doran,” General Landry said standing up as the two walked in. “What can I do for you?”

 

“Well sir, Vala and I were talking and we were hoping that you would approve her for living off base,” Daniel said formally.

 

“Excuse me?” the General said.

 

“Sir, don’t get me wrong, or anything, I know Vala hasn’t been reliable before, but she’s proven herself to be honest and stable.”


“I understand that but you look at it this way Doctor, the last off-worlder we let live off the base was involved in a murder case,” Landry explained.

 

“Sir, that was just Teal’c, and he was innocent, what about Cassandra Fraiser, she’s doing magnificent, a well rounded member of society, she’s learned and worked hard and right now she just finishing her degree in criminology.”

 

“I understand that, but where would she stay, who would watch over her.”

 

“That would be me,” Daniel replied. “I take care of her here at the base and off world, and it would make more sense if I go home she could come with me, get aquatinted with this world more. She seems to be staying here for the long run, I just thought that she’d like to see something other than these gray walls, and have a chance to wear all those clothes I buy her.”

 

Landry looked at Daniel and then at Vala. He’d have to talk to Walter, find out the real reason but he was not one to stand in the way of what was obviously love.

 

“On a trail run, one screw up and Vala is back on the base,” Landry said as Vala and Daniel smiled.

 

“Thank you sir,” Daniel smiled before he and Vala walked out. Closing the door Daniel looked at Vala and she squealed jumping into Daniel’s arms. Kissing him soundly on the lips.

 

“I’m going to have to pack,” Vala grinned letting go of Daniel and smiling. “I am spending my lifetime at your place.”

 

Daniel just smiled and kissed Vala quickly before he pulled her down the hallway.

 

 

CHAPTER 5:  And This Night

 

“What’s Christmas?” Vala asked as she sat in front of the TV watching one of the commercials.

 

“What?” Daniel asked looking up from where he was sitting on the couch reading his translations.

 

“Christmas, I’ve been hearing about it a month on television and I don’t know what it is,” Vala said looking over at Daniel, hair in pigtails and wearing one of his shirts.

 

“Well,” Daniel said placing his book down and taking his glasses off. Looking at Vala Daniel leaned back. “In most cultures, during the winter, in December, they celebrate religious holidays in which they remember their god. Christmas in particular is when Jesus was born by a virgin.”

 

“A virgin?” Vala asked looking at Daniel.

 

“A person that has never had sex,” Daniel said as Vala snorted. “Anyway, Jesus was born on Christmas, December 25th, so most Christians and Catholics celebrate his birth by giving presents. In other parts of the world, Finland one of the first, there was Saint Nicholas, he went around to everyone’s house and he filled old stockings with presents and treats. It has come rather commercial lately. Christmas was a time of giving and receiving.”

 

“I kind of like that,” Vala smiled. “What do I get for Christmas?”

 

“Well you can’t tell anyone or it wont be a surprise,” Daniel smiled as Vala got up and walked over sitting beside him. She had already made her presence known in his apartment, little things here there and everywhere. Her teen and women’s magazines placed along his books. She’d leave little trinkets she’d picked up from missions and little nic-naks she made Daniel buy for her.

 

“What do you do for Christmas?” Vala asked sliding under one of his arms.

 

“Well, I usually spend it with Sam, Jack and Cassie. Christmas was Cassie’s favourite time of year, so we’d do whatever we could to make her feel loved and special,” Daniel explained. “This year though, Cassie is stuck in Nevada, so the team just might get together anyway.”

 

“Well, I want Christmas,” Vala stated. “From what the commercials tell me, I’ll get presents!”

 

Daniel chuckled and kissed Vala’s temple. “Well, there are a few children’s movies on this week, why don’t you watch them.”

 

“I will!” Vala said grabbing the remote and hitting the guide button. “Is Santa Clause Came to Town a good one?”

 

“One of the best,” Daniel smiled slipping his glasses back on and picking his book back up. Vala cuddled into his side and watched the TV.

 

Daniel smiled at Vala and held her close as he continued his work, occasionally glancing up at the TV.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

Jackson! What are you and Vala doing for Christmas?” Cameron asked deciding that most likely the new couple would spend their first Christmas together; as he was going home to his Mom’s, Sam was going to spend Christmas with Jack in Washington and Teal’c was going to see his son’s grave. After Dekara was destroyed he had been distant.

 

“We’re going to spend it in,” Daniel replied. “Vala planned the day, we’re watching all the old movies, as that’s what she researched while watching TV.”

 

“Sucks to be you Jackson,” Mitchell joked.

 

“I don’t mind, she means well,” Daniel replied.

 

“Plus you’re stickin it to her,” He winked as Daniel rolled his eyes.

 

“I was going to propose,” Daniel said under his breath as Sam walked into the room.

 

“You bought a ring?” she asked, knowing what Daniel said.

 

“Wha?” Cameron asked looking dumbfounded.

 

“Yeah,” Daniel said digging into his desk and pulling out the velvet box. Sam took it with a large grin and opened the box to produce a simple pink diamond ring.

 

“You think she’ll like it?”

 

“Its gorgeous Daniel,” Sam smiled taking the ring out. “Its very Vala.”

 

“I hoped so,” Daniel replied as Sam handed the ring box back to him.

 

“When are you going to pop the question?” Sam asked sitting down on one Daniel’s stools.

 

“Christmas Day,” Daniel replied. “I’m going to stick it on a candy cane and put that on the box.”

 

“So she’ll open the box and see nothing?” Cameron asked as Daniel nodded.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

“Daniel,” Vala said shaking the sleeping man. “Daniel wake up. Its Christmas!” Moaning and yet not waking, Vala pouted and crawled on top of him. “Daniel.”

 

“What?” Daniel mumbled.

 

“Come on, its Christmas,” Vala said shaking his shoulder.

 

“Okayokay, I’m up,” Daniel said opening his eyes and seeing the woman straddling his stomach staring into his eyes. “Merry Christmas Vala.”

 

“Merry Christmas,” Vala smiled leaning down and giving Daniel a kiss. “Come on, presents!”

 

“If you get off me, we can go open presents,” Daniel said as Vala grinned and wiggled her hips. “Or have sex first.”

 

“Sex or presents,” Vala said as she stuck her fingernail in her mouth. “Presents and then sex!”

 

Daniel laughed and sat up, letting Vala fall back onto his legs. Pulling her up, the two got out of bed and walked into the living room. Vala loved the whole Christmas tree She had insisted that Daniel buy the real thing actual and decorated it with her. Made it sparkle with the lights and ordainments and then lay underneath were brightly decorated presents. Daniel started to question why he told her to watch all the movies.

 

“Now what I’ve learned is that we open stockings first?” Vala asked as Daniel nodded. He had someone on base sneak into his apartment and filled the stockings and put more presents under the tree. Vala like the innocent as she was (sometimes!) was convinced that Santa Clause was real.  After all, he was someone giving her pretty things all wrapped up with ribbons and bows. Daniel didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth.

 

“Santa came!” Vala said excitedly before she jumped towards Daniel’s fireplace grabbing the red stocking with Vala imprinted on it.

 

“I see that,” Daniel smiled sitting down on the couch as Vala handed him his stocking. After opening the stockings which were filled with little trinkets, socks, an orange and little things such as razors, shaving cream, and little every day things.


“Okay, what next?” Vala asked as she sat crossed legged on the couch.

 

“Why don’t you open your presents?” Daniel smiled as Vala grinned, kissed him on the cheek and bolted to the floor beside the tree. Daniel chuckled and he watched as Vala picked up each present and read the tag before she started to open the presents.

 

Sam had gotten her lingerie-he’d have to thank her for that later! Teal’c had gotten Vala Being American for Dummies, Cameron had gotten her a new game for her hand held game system-which caused a shriek. Walter and Siler came through with a subscription to Cosmo. Santa on the other hand produced clothing, a new play station (with games) and Will and Grace on DVD.

 

“Your turn!” Vala smiled handing Daniel his first present. Smiling Daniel took the presents as Vala handed them to him, reading the tag every time.

 

Sam had gotten him a book of tales, all involving Atlantis. Teal’c had given him the first season of The Nanny which he didn’t understand. Mitchell had given him the Karma Sutra-they were going to have to talk about that. Jack had sent him another season of the Simpsons, Daniel knew that was coming. Jack was slowly working on him.

 

“Daniel, there are still presents left,” Vala said picking them up. “To Daniel and Vala, Happy First Christmas From the Archaeology Department. Daniel they gave us a present.”

“Why don’t you open it,” Daniel suggested, he noticed the candycane with the ring on it sitting on the tree, sparkling.

 

Vala smiled and opened up the box and grinned pulling out Disney Monopoly. “Daniel! Look!”

 

Daniel smiled as Vala put the present down and handed him the one from General Landry. “Daniel and Vala, Merry Christmas General Landry and Caroline Lam.” Opening the bag Daniel produced a bottle of wine.


“Alcohol!” Vala grinned before she turned around and handed Daniel a box. “Colonel Carter helped me pick it out.”

 

“Thank you,” Daniel smiled opening the envelope and reading the card. My Daniel, thank you for all that you taught me and believed in me. I love the way you make me feel that I belong, thank you, Love Vala. “I love you too,” Daniel smiled opening the wrapping paper to reveal a book. Flipping it over he smiled brightly. “My book?”

 

“Its being published,” Vala smiled standing up, leaving her presents-but leaving the tiara that was in her stocking on- and sitting beside Daniel. “Do you like it?”

 

“Are you kidding?” Daniel asked as he flipped through his book. “This is the best present ever, thank you.” Daniel leaned over and kissed Vala soundly on the lips. “I can’t believe you did this. I even specifically told you not to touch my book and you did."

 

“It was good Daniel,” Vala replied as Daniel smiled and stood up putting the book down and grabbing the small black box. “Here, this is for you.”

 

Vala smiled a big smile and opened the box to fin a piece of paper. Picking it out Vala looked at Daniel before she opened the paper. “No matter how much you annoy me, and drive me bonkers. You also drive me crazy with emotion and I can’t help but love you. So no matter what, you’re sweet and on the sweetest piece of candy is something that will make everything even better in our lives.

What am I looking for?”

 

“Look at the tree,” Daniel smiled as Vala looked onto the tree, spotting the candy cane. Standing up she went and picked up the sugary treat and pulled the ribbon off seeing the pink diamond. Gasping she looked at Daniel as he stood up and took the candy cane. Pulling the ring off he dropped to his knee. “What are you doing the rest of your life?”


“I don’t know…” Vala said looking a bit shocked.

 

“Then marry me and we’ll do it together,” Daniel said as Vala stared at Daniel. Nodding her head he smiled and slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you.”

 

 

CHAPTER 6:  And You Are Mine

 

Vala looked up from where she was lying on Daniel’s desk and looked at him. “What?”

 

Daniel had been staring at her for a little while now, and he had this goofy little grin on his face.

 

“Just thinking,” Daniel smiled.

 

“Abbey gave me this magazine,” Vala said showing Daniel the Bridal Magazine she was reading. “There’s a check list.”

 

“Really?” Daniel asked looking at her. “What’s the first thing we were supposed to do?”

 

“Well,” Vala said getting off the table and sitting on Daniel’s lap so he could see the check-list. Wrapping his arms around her waist. Grabbing a pen she started.

“Right Away Announce Engagement.”

 

“Did that,” Daniel smiled as Vala checked off the box.

 

 “Select Wedding Date?”


“July 17th,” Daniel said as Vala smiled.

 

“Hire wedding consultant/coordinator… Colonel Carter is helping me.”

 

“Cross it out then,” Daniel replied taking his own pen and crossing it out. “Determine type of wedding: location, theme, # of guests, formality, time of day.”

 

“At the park,” Vala smiled. “In the afternoon.”

 

“And full dress,” Daniel added.

 

“Determine budget & how expenses will be shared…Daniel, I don’t have any money,” Vala said looking at him.

 

Daniel smiled at Vala and hugged her, placing his mouth next to her ear. “Don’t worry so much. I have it covered.”

 

Vala smiled softly and continued to read. “Buy a daytimer to keep track of appointments & events; Develop a record keeping system for payments. I’ll leave that for you.”

 

Daniel chuckled and nodded his head. “Create an approximate number guest list and decide if you will be inviting children or not. We’re working on that.”

 

“Yes we are,” Vala said.  “Select and reserve ceremony site. We’ve done that right?”

 

“Yes we have,” Daniel confirmed. “Select and book Officiant/Priest/Minister/Rabbi. We still have to pick one.”

 

“Select and book reception location,” Vala read. “Aren’t we just going to have the reception where the wedding is?”

 

“I think so, it’d be easier,” Daniel said as Vala marked that down. “Next one. Select and order bridal gown. Have you done that?”

 

Vala nodded. “I’ve been looking. I haven’t found what I like yet,” she said before leaning over and grabbing another one of her magazines. “Sam and I like this one, but I want something poofy,” she explained as Daniel nodded.

 

“Determine colour scheme,” Daniel said. “Red and white, right?”

 

“Pink,” Vala grinned as Daniel stared at her.

 

“Pink?”

 

“Pink,” Vala confirmed. “Teal’c said it was a pastel pearl pink.”

 

Daniel shook his head and took the pen away from Vala writing down the colour scheme. “Okay, next step is obtain, passports, visas, birth certificates, any documents need for travel and/or marriage licenses. Well, I’m sure that General Landry and the president can figure something out for you…”

 

“Why?”

 

“On earth, to be legally married we have to sign a piece of paper and we both have to prove that we’re who we say we are with ID,” Daniel explained. “We’ll get something for you, don’t worry about it okay?”

 

Vala nodded her head and looked at the list. “Daniel, its only seven months until the wedding.”

 

“Yup,” Daniel replied flipping the page over to reveal the next check-list. “Come on, we’ll finish this checking thing off later.”

 

“Where are we going?” Vala asked as Daniel stood up making her also stand in the process.

 

“Out, let’s go,” Daniel said with a smile as Vala put down her magazine and followed him.

 

“Daniel!” Vala called.

 

Daniel turned around and scooped up Vala in his arms. “What?” he asked playfully.

 

“Can we watch a movie?” she asked as Cameron walked up to the two.

 

“Do you two ever separate from the hip?” he asked as Vala smirked.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

 

“That’s it!” Vala shrieked stopping in front of the window. Placing her hands on the window she stared at the dress. Daniel stopped and looked at the dress.

 

“Which one?” he asked seeing three dresses in the window.

 

“That one,” Vala said pointing to the Alfred Angelo dress.

 

“Did you want to?” Daniel asked just as Vala walked into the store. He should have just given Sam his credit card. “Vala.”

 

“Daniel, its…its perfect,” Vala said softly as she stared at the dress through the glass.

 

“What size are you looking for?” a young saleswoman asked walking up to Vala.

 

Vala looked at Daniel and then at the woman and shrugged. “I don’t know.”

 

“Why don’t we find out and leave your fiancé to sit and read,” she said showing Daniel the sitting area. Daniel nodded and gave Vala a quick kiss on the cheek before he walked over and sat down.

 

“You’ve never bought a dress before?” she asked as Vala shook her head. “No, not in America.”

 

“Well, lets measure you,” she said taking the measuring tape from her neck.

 

“What’s the dress made of?” Vala asked as she was measured.

 

“ Its Silk Taffeta, with metallic embroidery on stretch net. It has cording, organza flowers, with crystal beading. It’s a two-piece gown with optional straps. And has a semi-cathedral train; that I can get converted into full cathedral train.”

 

“What about…my head dress?” Vala asked.

 

“Your veil is a little bit different. I’ll show you thought once we get you a size,” she smiled. “I think I have your size,” she replied walking into the back. Vala stood in the store and looked over at Daniel. Smiling she turned around just as the young woman with Alyssa on her name tag came out. “I put the dress in the dressing room.”

 

“Thank you,” Vala replied walking into the dressing room. Looking at the dress Vala ran her fingers over the fabric.

 

Several minutes later, Vala walked out of the room and Alyssa smiled. “That’s gorgeous. Did you want to try on the veil?”

 

“Please,” Vala said as she looked at herself. Alyssa smiled and held out a gold and diamond tiara. Vala’s smile got larger as Alyssa placed it on her head and hooked on the veil. “I…”

 

“Did you want to show your fiancé?”

 

“Yes,” Vala said as she lifted up the skirt and walked in front of the larger mirror.

 

“Your fiancée is ready for you,” Alyssa said as Daniel stood up and nodded.

 

“Vala, you ready?” Daniel asked.

 

“Yup,” Vala smirked as Daniel walked into the room. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Do you like it?”

 

“I love it. Vala you look absolutely gorgeous, radiating, beautiful…” he whispered as Vala smiled brightly and blushed.

 

“Thank you,” she whispered. “This is the dress.”

 

“That is the dress,” Daniel smiled before he turned to Alyssa. “How much?”

 

“Three thousand all together,” she said. “I have matching high heals I can throw into that price.”

 

“Do it,” Daniel said. “We’ll get it.”

 

Vala grinned and twirled around. “Daniel, I love you,” she said as she played with her tiara.

 

“Same here,” Daniel said before he turned to Alyssa, digging into his jacket pocket he pulled his wallet out and handed her his Visa. “Whatever she wants.”

 

“I knew you’d give me your card one day,” Vala winked as she twirled. “Daniel, darling, call Sam would you?”

 

“Sure,” Daniel said taking one last look at his bride-to-be and walked out.

 

“When’s the big day?” Alyssa asked as she pulled out a pair of shoes.

 

“July 17th,” Vala replied. “This July. He proposed on Christmas.”

 

“How romantic,” Alyssa smiled. “Are you having a big wedding?”

 

“Not too small or too big. The wedding party is small; Air Force thing.”

 

“Blue and ivory your colour scheme?”

 

“Well, it was going to be white and pastel pale pink,” Vala explained. “But I might change my mind.”

 

“Well, if you’re interested, I know an incredible company that customises men’s tuxes for weddings.”

 

“Thank you,” Vala smiled. Staring at herself once more Vala walked back into the dressing room and started to get changed. Being Vala, she left the tiara on and walked out with the dress on its hanger. Alyssa took the dress from Vala and walked with her.

 

“Give me just a moment and I’ll have this put in a bag for you.”

 

“Thank you,” Vala said walking over to Daniel, looping her arm into his. Leaning over she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you Daniel.”

 

“Anything,” Daniel smiled as Alyssa handed over the dress and the bag with the shoes and veil.

 

“Have a fantastic wedding,” Alyssa said as the two nodded and walked out of the bridal store.

 

“Lets show Sam!” Vala jumped as Daniel nodded and walked with Vala out of the mall.

 

“Hey,” he said getting to the car.

 

“What?” she asked cocking her head.

 

“You’re mine, you got it?” Daniel asked as Vala smiled a large smile and kissed him square on the lips.

 

“Lets go,” Vala smiled getting into the car. “Daniel?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Can you teach me to drive?”

 

 

CHAPTER 7:  Like You’ll Never Let Me Go

 

“Daniel?” Vala asked one morning as the two laid in bed at the base.

 

“Hmm?” Daniel asked looking away from his book. Vala took a breath and leaned against her pillows. “What is it Vala?”

 

“Are you nervous?” Vala asked. It was rare, very rare, that she’d admit she was weak, or even afraid, but she was.

 

Nodding her head Daniel set down the book and picked up Vala’s hand. “I am too.”

 

Smiling Vala turned back to the TV just as her show came back on. Daniel smiled, holding her hand Daniel picked up his book and continued to read. The two had fallen into a simple routine, like an old married couple. They even fought like a married couple, either way, the two had fallen into being together as a couple. They would spend the day working, then have dinner. Vala would tell Daniel all about her day and what new things she learned or where Sam took her (if she had the day off) then they’d watch the news and head to bed, where Vala would watch her show and Daniel would read.

 

Sleeping was an adventure. Vala preferred to sleep horizontal, her feet and hair off the sides of the bed; Daniel on the other hand was a bed hog. He’d spread full eagle across the bed under Vala snoring. They were the oddest sleepers and yet were completely comfortable.

 

By the time the alarm went off at 5:30, Vala jumped and fell out of the bed, Daniel rolled over and into a ball before he opened his eyes.

 

“Vala?”

 

“Floor,” Vala moaned as Daniel sat up and bent over and pulled Vala up to stand in between his legs. He kissed the exposed skin of her chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

 

“Maybe we should buy a bigger bed.”

 

“Hmmm,” Vala moaned leaning into Daniel.

 

“Okay, up,” Daniel said standing up and Vala leaned into him with a yawn. “Shower.”

 

“Kay,” Vala said before she trudged into the bathroom. Normally she would make a comment about Daniel joining her, but he knew first thing in the morning Vala was like a teenager, didn’t say much and wasn’t awake until she had showered.

 

Daniel walked blindly down the hall walking into a wall, he groaned. Stumbling into the kitchen Daniel stared at the people sitting at his table.

 

“Uh. Who let you in?”

 

“Daniel, I have a key,” Sam said with a smile handing him his coffee. “Teal’c and Cam are here to take you to pick up Jack at the airport and take you to get ready for tomorrow.”

 

“Most likely a bachelor party.”

 

“Bachelor party?” Daniel asked smelling his sweet coffee.

 

“Ya think we’d let you go into married life to Vala without one,” Cameron asked as he stood there eating his toast.

 

“I suppose not,” Daniel replied as Sam handed him his glasses. “You left a pair in here.”

 

“Always do,” he replied putting them on before he looked down to what he was wearing, a pair of X-Files boxers (bought online by Vala) and a t-shirt. “I think I’m going to put some clothes on.”

 

“You don’t have to on our account,” Cameron said cheekily as Daniel walked out of the room. Walking into the bedroom, Daniel set down his coffee cup.

 

“Morning,” Vala grinned walking over to Daniel, wearing her towel.

 

“Morning,” Daniel smiled kissing her. “The gang is here.”

 

“What?” Vala asked pulling back, loosing her towel in the process.

 

“In the kitchen,” Daniel said as Vala’s eyes widened and she bent down and grabbed the towel. Daniel made sure to take a look at Vala’s naked body.

 

“I need clothes,” she replied grabbing a tank top from the dresser, pulling it on she dug around her drawer pulling out a pair pink lace panties, pulling them on she looked at Daniel. “What?”

 

“Nothing,” Daniel said shaking his head as Vala threw him a pair of pants. “Thanks.”

 

A few minutes later, both dressed Daniel held out his hand to Vala who took it and the two walked out of their bedroom and back to the kitchen.

 

“Good morning ya two,” Cameron said popping his head out of the freezer Chunky Monkey in hand.

 

“Would you stop eating my food,” Daniel said taking the ice cream out of Cameron’s hands and putting it back in the freezer.

 

“You boy better get going,” Sam said giving Daniel his wallet and jacket. “Have fun.”

 

“Bye Daniel,” Vala smiled as Daniel bent down and quickly kissed her.

 

“Bye,” Daniel said as Cam and Teal’c dragged him out of the apartment.

 

“Make sure he’s on time Teal’c!”

 

“So,” Vala said looking at Sam who handed her a cup of coffee.

 

“We’re gonna get you ready for the wedding,” Sam grinned giddily. Vala smiled and looked down at her legs. Prickly from not shaving them in a while.

 

“What’s on the agenda?” she asked coming to the realization that she was getting married tomorrow morning.

 

“Running around,” Sam replied pulling out her agenda. Never really getting to plan her wedding, she took great pride and fun helping Vala plan hers.

 

Magazines and advice from her sister-in-law, Sam and Vala planned what they hoped would be the wedding of Vala and Daniel’s lifetime.


                                                                                                               * * * *

 

“Vala, I don’t mean to pry or anything, but what about your parents, shouldn’t they know you’re getting married tomorrow?” Sam asked as the two stood in the kitchen, Nair on their legs and stirring chocolate fondu.

 

“My parents…” Vala repeated. “My mother left my Daddy and I when I was young. Daddy married Adria shortly after. Mother said that’s why she left him, Daddy was in love with another woman, Adria. A horrible witch of a woman! When I left home, it wasn’t because I wanted to, it was because Adria kicked me out. She and Daddy started having babies, and she didn’t want me to influence the precious children. Daddy never stopped her from kicking me out, Daddy didn’t know, h wasn’t home when Adria told me to get out of her and her precious babies lives. When I left, I thought I’d go find my Mother, and that’s where I started stealing…and I haven’t talked to my Daddy since the day he left to go to the neighboring village. I suppose Adria told Daddy I ran away…”

 

“Why haven’t you gone back?” Sam asked looking at her friend with concern.

 

“Daddy would be very ashamed of what I was, a liar, a thief, someone who couldn’t be trusted. Daddy would say ‘Vala, I raised you better’,” Vala explained.

 

“But you’ve changed, we’re a better person,” Sam replied.

 

“My past is haunting,” Vala replied sticking her finger into the chocolate.  Sam nodded and decided to drop the subject. She’d have to do some intergalactic research tonight…this afternoon…as soon as she left Vala…or Vala fell asleep.

 

There was work to be done. “Rinse time!” she said as the timer went off.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

Jackson!” a very drunk Cameron called as the four men sat at the local pub. “You have to shoot at least one.”

 

“I can’t be drunk for tomorrow Mitchell,” Daniel replied as he took a drink of his water.

 

“You know Daniel, Mitchell is right, you have to shoot it,” Jack said as Teal’c merely nodded his head. Daniel sighed and nodded his head.

 

“Fine,” Daniel sighed taking the shot from Cameron and smiled before he downed it quickly. “GAH!” he said before his body shook.

 

“There we go!” Cameron said as he took a drink of his beer.

 

“You know Mitchell, this is the worst bachelors party I’ve ever been to,” Jack said as he took a drink from his beer.

 

“Ah me to!” Cameron said before he plopped his head onto the table.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

The next thing anyone knew the two stood at the alter. Eyes locked and everyone around them smiling. A sea of dress blues was the most prominent colour. They watched as they said I do and promised to love each other for the rest of their lives. Life was something else and both smiled lovingly at each other. Sure they started out as bitter enemies and evolved into mutual respect and then into friends, who formed a deep bond when they realised how truly close they were, and soon they fell in love. It was life and how odd it may be, and how many times they looked for love but didn’t find it, they finally did and with each other was a surprise to some and not to others.

 

 

Chapter 8:  I Loved Her First

 

“Do you want to dance?” Daniel asked looking at his new wife as she nodded and stood up. She looked radiant in her dress, hair pulled up off her neck and her tiara sparkled. Refusing to take it off of course!

 

“Now ladies and gentlemen the first dance as Husband and wife,” the DJ said as he watched the couple walked to the floor. Daniel took Vala into his arms as the music of a piano ran through their ears.

 

Like the sound of silence calling,
I hear your voice and suddenly
I'm falling, lost in a dream.
Like the echoes of our souls are meeting,
You say those words and my heart stops beating.
I wonder what it means.
What could it be that comes over me?
At times I can't move.
At times I can hardly breath.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
For a moment, there's no one else alive

You're the one I've always thought of.
I don't know how, but I feel sheltered in your love.
You're where I belong.
And when you're with me if I close my eyes,
There are times I swear I feel like I can fly
For a moment in time.
Somewhere between the Heavens and Earth ,
And frozen in time, Oh when you say those words.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
For a moment, there's no one else alive

And this journey that we're on.
How far we've come and I celebrate every moment.
And when you say you love me,
That's all you have to say.
I'll always feel this way.

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
In that moment ,I know why I'm alive

When you say you love me.
When you say you love me.
Do you know how I love you?

 

Daniel looked into Vala’s eyes at that precise time and they smiled at each other. “I do know,” Vala said as Daniel smiled and pulled out a blind fold from his pocket. “Daniel?”

 

“Trust me,” he replied placing it over her eyes. Sam smiled when she saw this and quickly walked to the door opening it up to a tall black hair man.

 

“She’s right there,” Sam said as he nodded and walked over to the couple and took Vala into his arms just as another song came on.

 

Look at the two of you dancing that way

Lost in the moment and each others face

So much in love your alone in this place

Like there's nobody else in the world

I was enough for her not long ago

I was her number one

She told me so

And she still means the world to me

Just so you know

So be careful when you hold my girl

Time changes everything

Life must go on

And I'm not gonna stand in your way

 

Reaching around, the taller man undid the blindfold and took it off as he looked at Vala.

 

But I loved her first and I held her first

 

“Daddy?” Vala asked looking wide-eyed.

 

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

 

“Hi my little Vala,” Tazia said kissing Vala’s forehead.

 

When she first smiled at me

 

“What are you doing here?” Vala asked as her father hugged her softly.

 

I knew the love of a father runs deep

 

“I heard you were getting married,” Tazia replied as he held his daughter. “I thought you were dead.”

 

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it still hard to give her away

 

“I’m not,” Vala laughed. “How’s Adria?”

 

I loved her first

 

“Don’t worry,” Tazia said kissing her forehead. “Your brother and sister send their love.”

 

How could that beautiful women with you

 

Vala smiled and hugged her father as the two stood there, moving very little the two were soaking up being together.

 

Be the same freckle face kid that I knew

The one that I read all those fairy tales to

And tucked into bed all those nights

And I knew the first time I saw you with her

It was only a matter of time

 

But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But its still hard to give her away

I loved her first

 

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

Someday you might know what I'm going through

When a miracle smiles up at you

I loved her first

 

Pulling away Vala looked at her father and took his hand. “I want you to meet my husband.”

 

Tazia smiled and followed his daughter. She’s always been like that, very demanding and he loved her for it. Vala was different from his other two children, Doria and Alaya. She was like her mother, very free spirited.

 

“Daniel, this is my Daddy, Tazia. Daddy, this is my Daniel,” Vala introduced happily as the two men shook hands. Daniel reached over to lightly touch Vala’s side as he winked at her.

 

Vala grinned happily, she never thought she’d see her father again, and now she had the two most important men in her life. Leaning into her father’s arms she held out to Daniel and held his.

 

“Is she a Princess still?” Tazia asked as Daniel chuckled and nodded.

 

“Oh yes, the ultimate. Every time she goes shopping we have to buy her a new tiara,” Daniel teased as Vala just smirked.

 

Tazia knew that it wasn’t the time to bring up when Vala left or what happened, he was just happy his little girl was alive and happy. She’d been gone for ten years, and after the first two, he believed her dead, and now here she stood, happier than she had ever looked when she was home.

 

Vala left her father’s arms and went into Daniel’s hugging him, silently thanking him and whoever else for bringing her, her father. Kissing the side of her head, Daniel held Vala closely as the three continued to talk, and each man got to know Vala a bit more.

 

 

CHAPTER 9:  Hopes and Dreams

 

Vala opened her eyes and groaned, holding her stomach she curled her body.

 

“Vala?” Daniel asked walking out of the bathroom looking at his wife. “You okay?”

 

“My tummy hurts,” she replied not moving.

 

“This is the third day this week,” Daniel replied sitting on the edge of the bed. “You want me to take you to the base to see Dr. Lam?”

 

“No,” Vala whimpered. Daniel sighed softly and ran his hand over the side of her face.

 

“You sure?” he asked again. Vala nodded her head before she pushed Daniel aside and scrambled out of bed running into the bathroom. Daniel followed Vala and quickly pulled back her hair as she threw up everything she ate in the past week. “Okay, we’re going to the doctors.”

 

Vala was going to protest but she allowed Daniel to pick her up, her black hair messy and in her pajamas. Kissing her forehead Daniel carried her out of their apartment and into the elevator. He had already put his keys in his pocket and left everything on base last night. Stepping into the elevator he smiled at his neighbor.

 

“Giselle, could you go lock my door?”

 

“Sure Doctor Jackson,” the thirteen-year-old girl smiled. She’d collect his mail and water the plants and check on the apartment whenever they were off world. Daniel would pay her and it was a good little job for the girl.

 

Daniel smiled and the door closed as he looked down at his wife. “Do you want to stand?”

 

“No,” Vala pouted as she burried her face into Daniel’s neck. Daniel held Vala to him as he waited for the elevator to reach the parking garage. It opened and Daniel walked out as Vala shivered. Hugging her he walked across the cold underground area to their SUV.

 

“I have to put you down,” he said as Vala nodded and dropped herself from Daniel’s arms as he pulled out his keys and opened the door. Helping Vala in he jogged over to the other side and climbed in himself. Looking over at her, she looked a bit better but he could tell that she wasn’t feeling well.

 

She probably just caught the flu, but because she wasn’t from earth, it was probably a smart idea for the two to get her checked out to make sure she wasn’t going to die or get worse. Plus he wasn’t one to want to be stuck with a grumpy Vala.

 

Driving silently to the base Daniel pulled into his parking spot and got out of the SUV before walking over and picking Vala up. Complaining she didn’t want to walk, Daniel understood and locked the SUV with its automatic lock and carried Vala inside the base, swiping both their cards, he glared at the airmen who looked at the two.

 

Finally getting to the infirmary, Daniel explained all of Vala’s symptoms to Carolyn who just smiled and nodded her head.

 

“I’m going to run a few tests, but if Vala would feel comfortable in your quarters than by all means,” she replied as Daniel and Vala nodded and Daniel kissed her temple.

 

“I got to go to work, let me know as soon as you know something Doctor?”

 

“Of course,” Carolyn smiled as Daniel left she turned to Vala. “Vala, I’d like to grab a blood sample, a urine sample and do an ultrasound.”

 

Vala nodded her head and yawned holding out her arm for the doctor.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

Vala laid, hands on her stomach as she stared at the ceiling of their quarters. Her upset stomach had settled with help from crackers and ginger ale.  She was lost in thought until she heard a knock at the door.

 

“Come in,” she said sitting up as Sam walked in with a smile.

 

“How you feeling?” she asked sitting down beside Vala.

 

“Better,” Vala replied. “Thank you.”

 

“Do you know what’s the matter?” Sam asked knowing that her friend had been ill for the past few days.

 

“Doctor Lam thinks she knows, it wont be confirmed until my labs come back,” Vala explained as Sam looked at her curiously. “She believes I’m pregnant again.”

 

Slightly shocked Sam’s mouth opened and shut. “Wha..agai…really?” she stumbled as Vala nodded. “Wow. I didn’t know you and Daniel wanted a family.”

 

“We never discussed it,” Vala replied.

 

“I know Daniel, he’d be thrilled at being a father,” Sam said with a smile.

 

“He would make a good one,” Vala smiled slightly.

 

“He would. Does Daniel know the possible diagnosis?”

 

“No, he had to go work,” Vala replied. “Doctor Lam told me to come back at ten…”

 

“Well its after ten,” Sam said. “I’ll go with you if you want.”

 

“Thank you,” Vala smiled gratefully as the two stood up and walked out of the quarters.

 

“You know, if you are pregnant, that means you and Daniel are going to have to move, a one bedroom apartment is too small for a family,” Sam grinned. She knew Vala loved to shop, any kind of shopping. House shopping would be entertaining, and then baby shopping. Oh Sam could NOT wait for that.

 

“A house? Like the ones in the magazines?” Vala asked brightly as Sam nodded. Vala squealed slightly and the two continued to walk down to the infirmary. Years ago, everyone decided it was easier if Daniel’s quarters were just on the same floor as the infirmary, and Vala just opted to move into that one.

 

“Ah Vala, I was just going to call you,” Carolyn smiled as the two women walked in. “Colonel Carter.”

 

“Doctor,” Sam smiled.

 

“Well?” Vala asked looking at Carolyn who handed her a folder with a nod. Vala opened the folder and started to read. Understanding little about human medical reports she pretended to know what she was reading until she hit the bottom where there was a positive symbol in the corresponding box to the pregnancy hormone. “I’m pregnant?”

“You are,” Carolyn smiled. “About two months from the ultrasound I took.”

 

“Wow,” Sam said looking at the picture, turning it upside down and on its side. “Oh, I see it.”

 

“I don’t,” Vala said.

 

“Well, I took a picture of your uterus, and that tad pole looking thing, is a fetus,” Carolyn explained as she pointed to the picture.

 

“The baby?” Vala confirmed as both women nodded. “I’m not having an amphibian am I?”

 

“No no,” Carolyn said. “Do your people ever get to see the baby growing inside them?”

 

“No,” Vala replied shaking her head as she carefully examined the picture. “The first sight anyone has of the babies are when they’re born.”

 

“Well,” Sam smiled. “We get to see them grow by taking pictures. And this is what a baby looks like at around, you said eight weeks?”

 

“About that yes,” Carolyn confirmed.

 

“Hmm,” Vala said as she continued to study. “Looks like a fish.”

 

“Why don’t I show you the evolution of a fetus sometime?” Carolyn suggested as Vala nodded. “I think you should probably tell your husband.”

 

“About what?” Vala asked putting the sonogram back into the folder.

 

“The pregnancy,” Sam grinned. “Daniel’s a daddy. Hehe Daddy Daniel.”

 

“Right,” Vala smiled. “Does that explain my upset stomach?”

 

“Oh yes,” the doctor nodded. “That would explain the nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, mood swings, fatigue…”

 

“I get it,” Vala said before she smiled. “Thank you.” Smiling at the two women, Vala turned healed and walked out. Sam quickly followed handing the Doctor back the folder as she caught up to Vala.

 

“Hold up there,” she said jogging up. “You okay?”

 

“Just fine,” Vala smiled. “The nausea is gone.”

 

“Are you going to tell Daniel?”

 

“Yes,” Vala confirmed. “Right now.” Sam grinned and walked with her friend to Daniel’s office.

 

“Good luck,” she said hugging Vala before she walked off in the opposite direction.

 

“Thank you,” Vala said before walking into the lab. “Daniel?”

 

“Hey, you feeling better?” Daniel asked looking at Vala, who wear wearing a pair of sweat pants and a black t-shirt.

 

“Yes, thank you,” she said walking around and sitting down on the chair.

 

“Well that’s good,” Daniel smiled before he turned back to his book. “Did Doctor Lam figure out what was the matter?”

 

“Oh yes, she figured it out quite easily actually,” Vala said as Daniel nodded. “I’m pregnant.”

 

“Well that’s good, as long as its not fatal or what not,” Daniel said not registering what Vala had said. A moment later his head popped up and he stared at her. “Preg..preg…pregnant?” Vala nodded her head. “How did that happen?”

 

“Well Daniel, when a man and a woman love each other….and even when they don’t.”

 

“I know, how it happens, but we’re pregnant?” Daniel asked looking at her.

 

“It seems so,” she said as Daniel stood up, walked over to her and brought her into his arms.

 

“I’m so happy,” he said kissing her head. “Thank you.” Pulling away he moved his hands to cup Vala’s face before kissing her on the lips. “Do we know how far along?”

 

“Doctor Lam said about eight weeks,” Vala replied as Daniel’s hand traveled down her body to rest on her stomach. “You’re happy?”

 

“Extremely.”

 

Vala grinned and looked at Daniel’s hand, which was protectively holding her stomach. “We made a baby.”

 

“We did make a baby,” Daniel chuckled. Vala laughed and leaned into Daniel.

 

“Did I not tell you that making babies was fun?” Vala asked cheekily as Daniel chuckled and kissed her forehead.  “You know what this means Daniel?”

 

“What?” Daniel asked.

 

“We get to shop for house!” Vala grinned brightly as Daniel sighed and shook his head. He was happy, extremely happy, and Vala would be Vala.

 

 

CHAPTER 10:  When the World Goes Still

 

"Daniel," Vala grinned as she and Daniel walked into the open house.

 

"You like it?" Daniel asked as he placed his hand on Vala’s back. She was now five months pregnant, and insisted that it was time for them to start looking for a house. Daniel just nodded in agreement, learning very early that disagreeing with Vala was not a good idea, as she was a raging hormonal mess.

 

"Its quaint," Vala replied. "How many bedrooms?"

 

"Three," Daniel said as he looked at the brochure. "All upstairs," he said.

 

"That sounds right," Vala replied looking around the large living room. "Daniel?"

 

"What is it?"

 

"Wouldn’t your piano look nice right over here?" Vala asked pointing to the corner of the living room.

 

Daniel smiled and nodded. Not many people knew that he played piano, let alone owned one, but when he and Vala started to see each other he let her in on his hidden talent.

 

"Daniel?" Vala asked again looking at her husband.

 

"What?" Daniel asked softly, Vala looked so vulnerable and he couldn’t be anything else but bemused by her.

 

"I like this place," she said with a smile. Daniel smiled and squeezed Vala. They had been shopping for a house and Vala would say no to a place within a matter of seconds after stepping foot in it.

 

"I’m glad," he smiled. "Did you want to go look upstairs?" Vala nodded her head and Daniel leaned over kissing her head. "We’ll have the master bedroom, the nursery for the baby and then an extra room. We can turn that into an office or a guest room."

 

"A nursery!" Vala grinned brightly. "Daniel, we have to shop for the baby."

 

"You’ve been reading too many magazines," Daniel teased, knowing quite well that Vala was very scared for this baby and how she and Daniel were going to raise their baby.

 

"Daniel, look," Vala smiled opening the bedroom door across from the master and looked around. Two windows, one a window seat and plenty enough room for everything he or she would need.

 

"Is this the house?" Daniel asked as he watched Vala walk around the room. She nodded and sat down on the window seat. "I’m going to go make an offer."

 

Vala waved as she looked around, mentally placing where she wanted things for the baby. Holding her stomach she smiled down. "Well love, do you like your room?" with no response from the baby inside her, Vala rubbed her stomach as a pain over came her. "Owie…" she moaned breathing through the pain.

 

Taking a breath she stood up and moved her way across the room before holding onto the doorframe and doubling over. "Daniel!" she called weakly as tears poured from her eyes. "Daniel…"

 

Daniel heard something or someone fall as he looked at the realtor before he sprinted up the stairs and saw Vala, on the floor and crying, holding her stomach.

"Vala!" Daniel said rushing over to his side. "You okay?"

 

"It hurts," she cried as Daniel fumbled around for his phone.

 

"Its okay," Daniel whispered as he dialed the base, ordering a medical team to the house. Holding onto Vala he placed his hand on her stomach. "They’ll be here soon."

 

"Did you need anything?" the realtor asked looking at the couple.

 

"If you could get the rest of the house emptied, air force security reasons," Daniel said as the woman nodded and walked down stairs. "Just hold on sweetheart."

 

"Daniel," Vala cried clutching her stomach.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

"Bed rest?" Daniel asked looking at Carolyn who nodded.

 

"The best thing I can prescribe. Not having her move or do anything strenuous should allow her uterus to expand to accommodate the baby."

 

"If it’s a problem, then why didn’t she experience it with Adria?" Daniel asked as Vala stared at her stomach in silence.

 

"I can’t tell you," Carolyn said. "What we can do, is take the baby, and pray that he or she lives in an incubator."

 

Daniel looked over at Vala and picked up her hand. "Vala?"

 

"I’ll do it," she said. "The health of the baby is important."

 

Daniel smiled softly and squeezed her hand. "Vala, that means you can’t get out of bed for four months."

 

"I know, but Daniel, the baby," Vala whispered.

 

"Four months shouldn’t be that bad, I’ll cut down here so I can be here for you," Daniel replied. "We’ll set you up at the apartment, and…"

 

"The house," Vala said softly.

 

"Don’t worry about it, we’ll get it, and all you’ll have to do is sit back, and the rest of us will get everything done," Daniel explained softly. He was slightly worried about Vala now, okay, well, very worried, and even more worried about his child.

 

Vala nodded her head and moved her hand over her stomach as she felt the baby move. Her eyes widened and she smiled, knowing that the baby was at the moment okay.

 

"That’s my boy," Daniel smirked.

 

"What if it’s a girl?" Vala asked with a smirk. Daniel just laughed and rubbed her stomach protectively. Leaning down he kissed her stomach and looked up at the blue eyed woman.

 

"Then she’ll look like you," Daniel replied as Vala smiled.

 

"Doctor and Mrs. Jackson?" General Landry said walking into the infirmary.

 

"She’s okay sir," Daniel said looking up, still holding his wife’s hand.

 

"I’m glad to hear that, and as of this moment I’m relieving Mrs. Jackson of duty, and you Doctor putting you on restricted."

 

"Thank you sir," Daniel said looking at the General.

 

"How are you feeling Mrs. Jackson?" Landry asked.

 

"Oh quite all right," Vala said. "Seeing how I almost lost my baby."

 

"Vala," Daniel warned. "She’s on bed rest." Vala smiled and yawned.

 

"And that’s the cue for both of you to leave Vala. Go," Carolyn said walking her father out of the room.

 

Daniel leaned down and kissed her nose. "I’ll be back here in a second if you need me."

 

"Okay," Vala smiled as Daniel ran his hand over her stomach before he walked out of infirmary.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 11:  Somedays Sometimes

 

"Vala," Daniel said walking into their bedroom, getting the house put together without her was a bit difficult but he managed and now his Visa bill.

 

"Yes?" Vala asked as she laid in the bed folding baby sleepers and placing them in a hamper for Daniel to put in the nursery.

 

"You’ve been shopping," he replied holding up the bill.

 

"Daniel, I lay in bed," Vala replied looking at her husband. "Besides the baby wanted them."

 

"Vala," Daniel sighed. "You maxed out my card."

 

"Sorry," Vala said softly.

 

"Its okay," Daniel said sitting down beside her. "What did you buy for the baby?"

 

"Well," she grinned grabbing the magazine and flipping through. "This bedroom set, the lady on the phone said it was perfect for both a boy or girl."

 

"Its pretty," Daniel said looking at the white wood. "And expensive."

 

Vala laughed and leaned back, her very pregnant stomach protruding. Daniel smiled and ran his hands over her stomach.

 

"Doctor Lam says I can come off bed rest really soon," she said happily. "I’m sick of sitting here!"

 

"I know you are," Daniel said sympathetically. "But you know it was for the better."

 

"I know," Vala smiled. "Daniel?"

 

"Vala?"

 

"Have you thought about a name for the baby?"

 

Daniel sat and looked at Vala. "I was thinking, that for a little boy we name him Eli."

 

"Eli?" Vala asked looking at him. "That’s an odd name."

 

"Your middle name is Estrilla," Daniel teased. "And for a little girl Annabelle."

 

"I don’t like Annabelle for a first name," Vala said sternly.

 

"Okay for her middle name then," Daniel said as Vala nodded her head. "What about you?"

 

"Well, I was thinking that maybe for a boy we name him Hugh, after Hugh Grant," Vala grinned. Being on bed rest she had come quite attached to movies, and movies that had Hugh Grant in them.

 

"Hugh?" Daniel asked as Vala nodded. "How about a middle name of Hugh?"

 

"I suppose I could live with that," she agreed. "And a girl I still don’t know. There are so many good names! I was looking on the internet, and found this web site with a large assortment of names, from all different races and counties and there are so many pretty girl names."

 

"There are," Daniel replied with a laugh.

 

"And I was reading this one magazine, and it says that we shouldn’t name the baby until he or she is born, but keep a list of names just in case!"

 

"That’s a smart idea. We don’t want to give my son a girly name."

 

"Help me up," Vala said as Daniel nodded and stood up, pulling his wife to her feet. Being allowed to walk for about an hour a day now, she usually waited until Daniel came home.

 

"Where are we going?" Daniel asked wrapping his arm around her.

 

"Baby’s room," Vala replied as Daniel nodded and walked with her across the hall. Opening the door he looked around at all the boxes.

 

"You didn’t?"

 

"No, I had our neighbor help me," Vala replied.

 

"Good," Daniel replied looking around. "You hungry?" Vala nodded her head with a bright smile. "Come on, let’s go grab some dinner."

 

Vala grinned and leaned over kissing his cheek. "Daniel?"

 

"Yes?" Daniel asked walking with Vala down the stairs.

 

"Happy Anniversary," she smiled.

 

"What?" Daniel asked looking at her with an odd smile.

 

"Its been four years since we first met," she grinned as Daniel laughed.

 

"Who would have thought four years later we’d be married with a baby on its way?" Daniel asked as Vala shrugged. "Come on sweetheart, let’s go get dinner."

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

"Eli Grant," Vala said as Daniel opened his eyes the next morning.

 

"What?" Daniel asked softly.

 

"If it’s a boy, Eli Grant," she replied. Daniel smiled and lifted himself up with his elbows and kissing her on the lips.

 

"You think to much," he teased as Vala laid herself back down. Daniel moved so that he was resting on one arm and his hand found its way to her rather large stomach. Feeling the baby kick, both smiled at the feeling.

 

"I wouldn’t talk," Vala smirked. "Your child has kept me up all night," she said rubbing her stomach lovingly.

 

Daniel smiled and rubbed her stomach with his thumb. "Well once he’s born we’ll both be up all night."

 

"That’s something to look forward to!" Vala smirked.

 

"Haha," Daniel said. "Did you want some tea?"

 

"Please," she said trying to stand.

 

"What do you think you’re doing?" Daniel asked standing up, he thought by standing Vala would lay back down.

 

"I have to pee," she replied as Daniel shook his head with a laugh and helped her up, giving her a kiss he walked out of their bedroom. Jogging down the stairs he walked into the kitchen and stopped.

 

"Again?" he asked staring at SG-1 who were sitting in their kitchen, as Teal’c was making scrambled eggs.

 

"We were hungry," Sam smirked.

 

"Why my kitchen?" Daniel asked grabbing the bathrobe sitting on the chair and putting it on.

 

"Because, we’re here to throw a baby shower," Mitchell smiled.

 

"Though Cam here insisted we’d all come first thing in the morning to set up before everyone else comes," Sam said taking a sip of her coffee.

 

"And so coming to my house, first thing in the morning, before we’re out of bed, and making breakfast for yourself is a part of a plan?" Daniel asked as the two nodded their heads and Teal’c turned around.

 

"Indeed. Scrambled eggs DanielJackson?" Teal’c asked holding out a pan.

 

"No thank you… I need to get Vala some tea," he said walking over to the stove, where the teapot sat.

 

"DANIEL!" Vala called walking slowly down the stairs, in nothing more than a sports bra and a pair of shorts.

 

"In the kitchen," Daniel called as he heard her walking. Rushing across the kitchen and out he went over and grabbed her arm. "What are you doing out of bed?"

 

"I don’t want to lay anymore," Vala whined. "I’ll sit on the couch," she added.

 

"Okay, come on. Guys we’re going in the living room," Daniel called and walked with Vala into the living room.

 

"Team?" she asked as he sat her down.

 

"What else is knew?" Daniel teased helping her down. "I’ll go get your tea."

 

"Thank you darling," Vala smiled.

 

Daniel smiled and walked into the kitchen, through the dinning room as the rest of SG-1 were cleaning up the kitchen and Sam was pouring tea. "I’ll take it to her," she replied with a smile before leaving the room.

 

"Sam, what are you doing here?" Vala asked taking the mug.

 

"Baby shower!" Sam grinned. "How are you feeling?"

 

"Fat, like a whale," Vala replied. "Doctor Lam says I’m retaining water like no other."

 

"You look like it," Sam agreed. "But glowing. You and Daniel got things ready for the little one?"

 

"Not yet, soon though," she replied.

 

"Well, if you need our help, just ask, and I’ll get Teal’c to put together the crib. He’s more capable than Daniel and Cameron combined."

 

"Well, I’ll take you up on that," Vala smiled rubbing her stomach.

 

"How’s she doing?" Sam asked, already convinced that the baby was a girl.

 

"Active," Vala smiled. "Daniel thinks it’s a boy."

 

"Of course he does," Sam smiled. "Siler’s got a baby pool going."

 

"Oh?" Vala asked with a smile.

 

"Yup," Sam grinned. "I have April 11th at 2:45am, and a little girl."

 

"We’ll do our best," Vala smiled as the boys walked into the room. The two women looked up and laughed as they took their seats. Daniel beside Vala, arm draped over hr shoulders and hand on her stomach, Teal’c in the middle of the other couch and Cameron on the floor. Something about being together, even in the morning felt right for the five, they were family.

 

 

CHAPTER 12:  How Do You Measure Love?

 

Vala sat down in her chair and sighed. She was due any day and in her opinion was bigger than an elephant and a whale put together. She retained a lot of water from being on bed rest, her feet and ankles were swollen to twice their size. Daniel was convinced that Vala wasn’t actually pregnant, just going through the very fat stage of menopause. Her mood swings were like someone channel surfing and he spent most of the time at the base. Which left Vala at home, trying to get ready for the coming baby, and very grouchy. By the time Daniel got home, she’d be too tired to bitch and just wanted to be held. Daniel made her dinner, and the two talked before she’d burst into tears asking to be held and comforted.

 

Sighing she turned on the TV and turned on TLC. "Bringing Baby Home," she said rubbing her stomach. "You’re going to come home soon aren’t you darling?" she asked her stomach as a pain ripped through her stomach. An oh too familiar pain. Grabbing the phone that was sitting beside her she quickly dialed Daniel’s pager and left the 911 message.

 

Attempting to stand, Vala held onto the sides of the chair and pushed herself up. Gasping slightly she managed to stand. Waddling to the kitchen, she picked up the other phone and dialed the next door neighbor.

 

"Hello?"

 

"Hi, its Vala…" she said breathing slightly.

 

"Its time?" Shannon, the teenager asked.

 

"Yes…is your Mom home?" Vala asked as she walked to pick up her bag.

 

"No, but I’ll take you," Shannon replied. "I’ll be over in a quick minute."

 

"Okay," Vala said hanging up the phone and grabbing her purse and keys. Taking the cell phone Daniel had bought ber she dialed his number again leaving yet another 911 on the pager.

 

At least with Adria she was kidnapped and didn’t have to worry about where her husband was.

 

"Mrs. Jackson?" the seventeen-year-old said opening the door to see Vala clutching onto the side table. Rushing over to her side, she took a hold of the woman.

 

"Just breathe. Come on, lets get you to the hospital."

 

"Great, thank you Shannon. I’ve been trying to reach Daniel, he hasn’t called back yet," she said as Shannon picked up Vala’s bag and helped the woman out of the house.

"Ashley, watch the Jackson house please!" Shannon called to her twin sister who nodded and ran across the lawns.

 

"Good luck Mrs. Jackson," Ashley smiled walking into the house.

 

"Thank you both, I hope this isn’t troubling you," Vala said as Shannon helped her into the car.

 

"Not at all, as long as you let Ashley and I babysit, its no problem at all," the teenager replied getting into her side. "Want me to call Doctor Jackson?"

 

"I’ll do it," Vala said hitting the speed dial again and paging a 911 to Daniel’s pager.

 

"How you doing?" Shannon asked pulling out of the driveway.

 

"Oh fine for now…it’s been what, five minutes since my last contraction?" Vala asked before she breathed through another contraction.

 

"Six," Shannon corrected driving just a bit over the speed limit towards the hospital. "You excited for this one?"

 

"Hmmhmm," Vala hummed nodding. "I finished the room, pink and yellow."

 

"It’s a girl then?" Shannon asked.

 

"I’m pretty sure, mother’s feeling," Vala smiled rubbing her stomach. "But you never know."

 

"It could be a boy, if it is, we’ll get Justin to paint it green or blue," Shannon smiled, she was always offering her little brother to the Jacksons’ disposal.

 

"Thank---oh god," Vala said as another contraction hit her body. "In and out," she coached herself. "Breathe…"

 

"We’re almost there," Shannon said turning the corner. "Did you want me to try Doctor Jackson again?"

 

"Please," Vala said handing the teenager her cell phone. "Its 1…"

 

"Got it," Shannon said pressing the speed dial. "911?"

 

"Yes…" she said through gritted teeth.

 

"Okay, we’re here," she said hanging up the phone. Parking, she climbed out of the car and ran around to help Vala out. "You okay?"

 

"Yup," Vala said holding onto Shannon. "We need to call Sam Carter…"

 

"Okay, what’s the number?" she asked walking with Vala into the emergency room.

 

"Number 2…Ask for Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter. Tell her its an emergency and Vala is in labor…"

 

"I will as soon as we get you admitted," Shannon said. Ten minutes later, Vala admitted Shannon stood outside of the hospital trying to get through to Samantha Carter. "Listen, I don’t care who you are, I need to talk to Samantha Carter, its about Vala Jackson, she’s in labor, Doctor Daniel Jackson’s wife."

 

"One moment ma’am," the airmen said as the phone started to beep.

 

"Colonel Carter."

 

"Colonel Samantha Carter?"

 

"Yes, who’s this?"

 

"I’m Shannon Ives, the Jacksons’ neighbor… Vala Jackson’s in labor and asked me to call you."

 

"Where is she?"

 

"CS Hospital," Shannon replied. "I got her admitted and she’s waiting for Doctor Jackson to come, we have yet to be able to get a hold of him."

 

"I’ll be there in a few minutes," Sam said before Shannon hung up the phone. Dialing Daniel’s pager again she left another 911 message before walking back into the hospital.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

"Daniel we need to name her," Vala whispered as she stared down at the perfect little girl in her arms.

 

"Hey there little girl, I’m your Daddy," Daniel said taking her from Vala’s arms. The little girl made a few noises and looked up at Daniel with her bright blue eyes.

 

Black fuzz on her head and unlike most babies, she was skinny. "You look like your Mommy. You need a pretty name like your Mommy."

 

"What are you thinking?" Vala asked softly looking at the two.

 

"Eva," Daniel replied. "It means Giver of Life."

 

"Eva Annabelle Jackson," Vala smiled as Daniel nodded his head.

 

"Welcome to the world little Eva," he whispered kissing her head.

 

"Daniel, let the others see her," Vala smiled as Daniel nodded and handed Eva to the nurse. Walking over to Vala he leaned down and kissed her head.

 

"Love you."

 

"Me too," Vala smiled leaning back on the bed. Resting her hand on her stomach, she smiled softly at Daniel.

 

"How you doing?" he asked.

 

"I have stitches," Vala said with a look. Daniel smiled softly and kissed her again.

 

"I know, I’m sorry," Daniel said rubbing her shoulder. "You can blame them on Eva."

 

"Or you," Vala replied looking at him.

 

"Or me," Daniel said with a chuckle. "I’ll go get everyone," he said as Vala nodded and closed her eyes. Daniel gave her a kiss on the nose before he walked out of the room. He was so incredibly happy at the moment. Well, happy wasn’t a strong enough word, he didn’t know a strong enough word to describe what he was feeling. Eva was his angel, his gift from all that gracious, and he knew he didn’t deserve her or Vala, but he had them, and he wasn’t letting them go.


Assilem's Note: Eva is pronounced Ev-Va not Eva like in Eva Longoria, just so you all know!

 

 

CHAPTER 13:  Have I Told You Lately

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:  from the song...Have I Told You Lately That I Love You-By Rod Stewart

 

Daniel looked down at the little girl lying in the bassinet. She was finally asleep and Daniel couldn’t stop staring at her. She was perfect, her skin was soft and pale, her hair fuzzy and black, her little belly moving slowly up and down as she slept. The first time since they brought her home from the hospital Eva looked peaceful and not screaming her head off. Of course she only screamed and cried when they weren’t paying attention to her. She was an attention loving little girl, much like her mother in that way. Eva made a soft sound as her arm moved over her head. Her little mouth opened and Daniel stared lovingly at her. God he loved Eva more than he could express.

 

Running his finger across her cheek he felt her soft skin and listened to her appreciated sound. Laughing softly he back up and walked out of the room leaving Eva to sleep. He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where Vala was standing.

 

"Hey," he smiled. "She’s asleep," kissing her head he wrapped his arms around her waist. "How are you feeling?"

 

"Better, thank you," Vala smiled pouring the hot water into her mug.

 

"When was the last time I said I loved you?" Daniel asked stepping to Vala’s side and looking at her.

 

"This morning," Vala replied. "Right before Eva started her hysterics."

 

"She is a little attention lover isn’t she?" Daniel asked lovingly.

 

"She is, but I love her," Vala whispered.

 

"I love her too, a lot more than I can express," he smiled rubbing Vala’s arm. "Both of you."

 

"I love you too," Vala chuckled.

 

"Come on," Daniel said tugging at Vala and pulling her towards his body.

 

"Daniel," Vala smiled as he pulled her out of the kitchen.

 

"Sssh," Daniel whispered bringing a finger to Vala’s lips. Vala smiled and let Daniel pull her into the living room.

 

Vala smiled and stepped into Daniel’s arms, cuddling into his chest she closed her eyes. "I missed you."

 

"Hey, no need to miss me, I’m right here," Daniel whispered rubbing her back.

 

"Daniel, Eva keeps us apart…" Vala mumbled. "She either wants me or you…"

 

"I want you," Daniel said moving his hands so they rested on her hips.

 

"Me too," Vala smiled kissing the shirt on his chest. "I’m just too tired."

 

"Me too, what do you say to a nap?" Daniel asked into her hair.

 

Vala looked up and nodded as Daniel gave her body a squeeze before he let go, taking her hand and leading her out of the living room and upstairs to their bedroom. Glancing at Eva asleep, the two fell onto their bed, Vala curled into Daniel’s arms, rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

 

"Loveyou," she whispered into his chest before her entire body shut down and she fell asleep. Daniel laid awake holding Vala to him. He kissed her head before he moved his head to look at Eva. Her only sound was the gentle snoring. She got that from Vala, who was snoring lightly on his chest. Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle at both his girls. They were his, both snoring and happy and both loved him. He could tell Eva loved him, she’d stare up at him with her bright blue eyes, open her little mouth and close it again. She stopped crying whenever he held her, and seemed to listen to him whenever he sat talking to her.

 

She loved Vala like no other, Daniel figured it was the whole mother-daughter thing. She’d cry first thing in the morning until Vala picked her up, stared at her with those eyes. She’s look so helpless without Vala; and loved being in her arms. She looked like Vala too, the mini version of Vala.

 

Eva had Daniel wrapped around her finger, incredibly tightly as a matter of fact. Anything she’d think or want, Daniel would do for her, making the little girl happy. Eva was his reason for living sometimes. She was special, and his little princess.

 

He heard Vala mumble in her sleep and grip onto his shirt, as she started to snore. Heh both his girls had the same little snore. To Daniel that was the most precious thing they had in common, something small and insignificant which would mean nothing to anyone else, but to him it was his life.

 

Closing his eyes, Daniel breathed in the sent of Vala’s hair as his hand lazily rubbed her back. He wasn’t exactly tired, but he knew Vala was exhausted. She’d be the one who would stay up all night with Eva, when she needed to eat, she’d be the one to sit up in the rocking chair, Eva firmly planted to her breast. Daniel stayed awake watching the two, but it wasn’t the same. He was used to getting one or two hours of sleep.

 

Just then, a shriek jerked Daniel out of his musings and he jumped as Vala’s eyes opened. "I got her," he whispered as Vala nodded her head and flopped down onto the pillows. Daniel walked over to the bassinet and picked up the screaming baby, quickly leaving the master bedroom. "Hey there bright eyes."

 

With Eva’s cry turning into the sniffles Daniel smiled down at her. "Did you want a story?" Without a response he settled on the couch and drew the blanket over the two. "Did you know Daddy is a very smart man? I bet you knew that though. You’re a smart girl. Daddy went to five different universities, all-starting when he was very young. Yup, Daddy started university, at Harvard when he was only fifteen. That’s right, only fifteen years older than you are. Then after I got one degree there, I decided I wanted another one, so I went to Emory, do you know where that is? Of course you do. Then I got accepted into both Yale and Princeton and decided to go to both. Then after that I decided that since I already had my Masters, I might as well get my doctorates, so I went to Duke. Do you know what Duke is darling?" With no response from Eva, Daniel looked down and the little girl was fast asleep on his chest, holding onto his shirt.

 

Chuckling Daniel rubbed her back and laid his own head down, closing his eyes. Yeah, Eva had him wrapped, incredibly tightly. He didn’t mind.

 

For the first time since Eva was born, Daniel started to realize that he was a father, not a stepfather, not an adopted father, not just a father figure, but a honest to god father. He was a Daddy. Smiling to himself, Daniel reviled in his life and how it turned out.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

"This way," Sam said climbing out of the SUV with Tazia, Doria and Alaya got out, as Air Force officers followed.

 

"Does she know we’re coming?" Doria, asked. Sam nodded her head at the woman. She looked so much like Vala is was scary. Alaya, the only boy of Tazia’s looked like him. Tall, dark haired, green eyes, and built like a body builder.

 

"I haven’t seen Vala since she left," Alaya said bitterly, being the only one of the two children who remembered Vala. He only being around seventeen, and Doria being around eleven or twelve.

 

"I don’t remember her," Doria said as Sam knocked on the door. After a few moments, the door opened and Daniel stood there, spit towel over his shoulder and he looked tired.

 

"Hi," he smiled. "Come on in." The party nodded and stepped in as Daniel led them into the foyer. "Vala is just feeding the baby, she’ll be done in a moment."

 

"Daniel," Vala said walking downstairs, Eva in her arms as she rubbed the baby’s back. "Daddy…"

 

"Vala," Tazia smiled as he looked at his baby girl, holding his baby girl.

 

"Alaya?" Vala asked looking at her little half-brother. The boy nodded his head and she reached for him, bringing him into her arms. "You’ve grown so much."

 

"You’re a Mommy," Alaya teased before he held out an arm and pulled Doria over. "This is Doria."

 

"I remember you," Vala whispered. "You were so little when I left…"

 

"I was one," Doria said with a shy smile. "What’s her name?"

 

"Eva," Vala smiled. Turning Eva to face her aunt and uncle the two gasped. "What?"

 

"She looks…"

 

"She looks like what?" Vala asked looking at her brother and sister.

 

"Like you," Tazia answered touching Eva’s soft now already black hair. Her bright blue eyes stared at the surrounding people and she started to tear up. Daniel noticed this right away and quickly walked over taking the little girl.

 

"Come on Princess," Daniel smiled. "Why don’t we go sit in the living room." Everyone nodded and he lead them into the living room where they all sat around. The Airmen stood in the entrance at full attention as they watched the family.

 

Eva was handed around and enjoyed time with her aunts and uncle. Sam held onto her a little bit longer than the rest, ignoring the world as she played with Eva’s toes. From the techno-babbling genius, Sam turned into a gushy woman who was too busy playing with Eva to notice any of the conversations.

 

Then again, as soon as Eva went back to Vala, she sighed contently and closed her eyes. She was happy, in her mother’s arms, the familiar warmth and love. Daniel scooted closer to his wife and rested a hand on Eva’s head, rubbing it slightly with his thumb. A weird family they were, but it didn’t stop them from being happy.

 

 

CHAPTER 14:  So Sparkling and So Bright

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:  So Sparkling and Bright (from the song Daddy's Little Girl by Michael Buble)

"And that is how we get clean. Yes it is!" Daniel smiled lifting the naked baby out of the bathtub. The baby sighed contently and looked up at her father with her big hazel eyes. "See we don’t need Mommy do we? We can get ready for bed."

 

The little girl made a few gurgling noises as Daniel wrapped her in a towel and placed a kiss on her head.

 

"We just need to be lotioned and powered and diapered and then we can have a story and a bottle and then sleep. You’re going to sleep all night, not wake Mommy and Daddy up every five minutes?" Daniel asked walking into the nursery.

 

Daniel had protested about how his wife had decorated the nursery. She did it all by herself, on a weekend when Daniel was off world. He came back, and his very pregnant wife (Who JUST got off bed rest) showed him the yellow and pink bedroom. At first he was shocked, saying that since they didn’t know what sex the baby was; which then she insisted that if it was a boy he’d just have to paint the room while she was in the hospital. Every day he came home there would be something else in the nursery, whether it be a shelf or a picture, and to Daniel’s surprise he actually liked the room. She had decorated it; repeatedly telling Daniel that she had a feeling the baby was a girl, and thus filled the room with stuffed animals and cute things.

 

Laying the little girl down on the changing table, he grabbed the baby lotion and smoothed it over her soft skin.

 

"You’re Daddy’s pretty little girl aren’t you?" the baby squealed and started flailing her arms about. "Oh what are you doing? What are you doing little one? You want to dance? Are you dancing for me?" Daniel asked as the little girl squeaked and allowed Daniel to take a hold of her feet, lifting her bottom up and placing a diaper under her.

 

"Diaper, that’s right, we’re putting a diaper on. Now were is the baby powder?" Daniel asked looking around the changing table for the powder. "You know what? Daddy is very happy you don’t have diaper rash any more? Are you glad about that?"

 

Eva blinked at her father and a smile spread over her face, showing her toothless smile. "You are! Wow!" With one swift movement Daniel had her diaper securely on. "There gorgeous darling! Now where’s the sleeper your Auntie got you? Mommy said it was here," Daniel said looking around before he picked up his little girl.

"Mommy, where’s the sleeper?" Daniel called walking out of the nursery.

 

"Right here," Vala smiled walked down the hall holding the sleeper in question. "You’re all clean," she said running her hand over Eva’s downy soft brown hair.

"We are, and we’re going to put our jammies on and have a bottle and Daddy is going to read us a story and we’re going to sleep through the entire night," Daniel said as Eva decided at that moment to make spit bubbles.

 

"She’s your kid," Vala winked before walking into the bathroom leaving Daniel and Eva.

 

"You are mine, right Princess?" Daniel asked before he walked into the room and laid the little girl back on the changing table. "Put your right foot here," he sang taking a hold of the tiny foot as the other kicked wildly. "Oh what’s this! You’re kicking! Stop your kicking, or I’m gonna tickle your toes, yes I will!"

 

Eva shrieked with laughter as Daniel tickled her toes anyway. Daniel smiled and slipped the other leg in her sleeper before he smiled and gave her belly a blow. The little girl let out a squeal as Daniel slipped her arms in their respective sleeves. "Gotcha! Ahhh," he smiled before zipping the sleeper from her ankle up. "There we go! Shall we go make a bottle now?"

 

Eva just yawned and her little hand took a hand full of her father’s shirt. "Okay, bottle time," he said walking out of the nursery and down the stairs to the kitchen. Eva in the crook of his arm he opened the fridge and took out a bottle before popping it into the microwave. "You’re getting sleepy aren’t you baby?" Eva just yawned and her eyes shut briefly. "Yeah, we’ll go, and Daddy will rock you to sleep."

 

The ding of the microwave changed Daniel’s attention and he grabbed the bottle, putting on its nipple, he carried his daughter and her bottle back up to the nursery, before he took a hold of a blanket and sat in the rocking chair.

 

"Here you go," he whispered giving her the bottle. Eva’s tiny hands wrapped around the best they could around the bottle and she started to suck vigorously. "Did you want a story, or did you just want to lay here with Daddy?"

 

Eva’s eyes fluttered shut and she let out a sigh. "See, we proved Mommy wrong, Daddy can put you to bed? Have I told you about when you were born? No, well that a good bed time story, isn’t it? Mommy tells me I should read you books, but she took all the good books away"

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

 

"Daniel," Sam said waking into Daniel’s office as the young man sat reading a book. "Daniel? DANIEL!"

 

"Huh? What?" Daniel asked looking up at the blonde.

 

"I just popped in to ask how Vala is?" Sam asked with a smile sitting down.

 

"She’s good; very moody," Daniel replied. "She’s due any day…"

 

"So that means you’d answer your pager then?" Sam asked with a grin as Daniel frowned at her. "Kidding. I’m gonna go work. I’ll call Vala later tonight. Pick you up for lunch?"

 

"Okay," Daniel replied before his nose went right back into the book. Sam shook her head with a laugh and walked out of the lab.

 

"Bye Daniel!" Sam called from the hall as Daniel just gave a random sound.

 

A few hours later Daniel’s nose still firmly planted in his book, and he was oblivious to the world around him. The beeper on his desk vibrating under papers.

 

"Daniel!" Jack hollered into Daniel’s ear as he threw up the book in fright.

 

"Jesus Jack! What is it?" Daniel asked looking at Jack, who was holding the beeper, his jacket and car keys.

 

"Wife. In Labor. Now," Jack said as Daniel’s eyes went wide.

 

"Why didn’t she page me!" Daniel asked frantically.

 

"She did. See, look," Jack said showing Daniel a pager as he dragged the man out of the office. "She’s at the hospital, Sam is with her. After the third page, she called Sam."

 

"I’m missing the birth of my baby!" Daniel said as he attempted to run down the halls, but was pulled back by Jack taking a hold of his jacket.

 

"Hold up there. She’s fine, just in labor. I’ll drive," Jack said walked beside the very nervous soon to be father.

 

"How could I not hear it?" Daniel asked hitting the offending object.

 

"On vibrate," Jack said pressing random buttons on the elevator. "Just breathe, we’ll get there in plenty of time."

 

Daniel nodded and paced the elevator.

 

Meanwhile at the hospital Vala laid in the hospital bed, sweaty and in pain. "Where’s Daniel?" she asked looking at Sam who sat next to her holding her hand.

 

"He’s on his way. General O’Neill called and said they should be here shortly," Sam replied squeezing her friend’s hand.

 

"He should be here," Vala replied taking a deep breath. "Oh god another contraction!" she said before she screamed and squeezed Sam’s hand.

 

"Breathe it," Sam replied trying to pry her hand away. "And let go of my hand."

 

"Dear god," Vala said as a tear slipped from her eye.

 

"I’m here!" Daniel said rushing into the room. "I’m so sorry, I’m here now. How are you doing? You want some ice?"

 

"I’m fine," Vala replied with a somewhat smile. "I’m glad you’re here."

 

"I wouldn’t miss this. My son would hate me," Daniel smiled brushing the sweaty hair off of Vala’s forehead.

 

"Or your daughter," Vala said as he breathing became more rapid.

 

"And here’s another one!" Sam said quickly removing her hand from Vala’s, right before another contraction hit her.

 

"Carter, come on," Jack said from the doorway.

 

"Yes Sir," Sam said giving Vala’s arm an affectionate squeeze and walking out of the room.

 

"I love you," Daniel said kissing Vala as he put his hand on her belly. "Lets get this show on the road."

 

Two and half-hours later, and SG-1 and half of the airforce pacing the waiting room.

 

"How long does it to have a baby?" Jack asked as he threw a tennis ball at the wall.

 

"Sir, you just have to be patient," Sam replied before she went back to her crossword puzzle. This waiting thing was getting to everyone.

 

Jack was annoying everyone with the ball repeatedly banging the wall. Teal’c sat reading a tabloid remarking on the lives of Britney Spears and Brad Pitt. General Landy sat in one of the chairs, reading his paper. Cameron of course sat playing his gameboy; he and Jack had switched about fifteen minutes ago.

 

Just as Jack was about to open his mouth again, Daniel walked into the waiting room, a smile plastered on his face.

 

"It’s a girl! We have a girl!" He smiled happily.

 

"Congratulations!" Jack smiled proudly standing up and shaking Daniel’s hand. "What’s the little one’s name?"

 

"We haven’t discussed that…" Daniel said standing with his scrubs on.

 

"What happened to you sure that you were having a son?" Jack teased as everyone laughed.

 

"I have a daughter Jack," Daniel said looking at his friend. "I have a daughter…"

 

"Congratulations Doctor," Landry smiled shaking Daniel’s hand.

 

"Thanks," Daniel smiled. "I’m going to go see her…and Vala."

 

An hour later, a number of people stood in front of the window of the newborns. Each pointing to other babies until Baby Girl Jackson was put into place.

 

"Look at her!" Sam said with a bit of a swoon. "She’s gorgeous."

 

"She looks like a tortilla," Jack commented looking at the little girl who was wrapped up in the blanket, a toque on her head and her red wrinkled face looking peaceful.

 

"I believe you are wrong O’Neill," Teal’c said, the first word since they arrived at the hospital. "She does not look like a tortilla."

 

"That’s right, she looks like Vala," Sam said looking at the little girl. "Can anyone make out what her name tag says?"

 

"Jackson," Jack said as everyone rolled their eyes and tried to read the nametag on both the cradle and wrist.

 

"I can’t make out what it says…" Cameron mumbled as everyone nodded in agreement.

 

"Eva," Daniel said coming up to his friends. "Eva Annabelle."

 

"That’s such a pretty name," Sam smiled hugging her friend.

 

"Thanks," Daniel said staring at his daughter.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

 

"See baby girl, Daddy loves you," Daniel whispered as Eva’s soft snoring. "That’s right, you just sleep baby," Daniel said standing up, cradling Eva. Removing her bottle from her mouth, Daniel walked over to the crib and placed Eva down, pulling the blanket over her body and ran his finger over her soft skin. "Goodnight Princess."

 

Looking at Eva one last time, Daniel walked out of the bedroom, holding the bottle in one hand and the baby monitor in the other.

 

"She down for the night?" Vala asked looking at Daniel as she stood wearing just a towel. Daniel looked at his wife and nodded. Even to a mother of a six month old baby, her body had gone back to its curvy self, granted a tad bit rounder, but still curvy. And he wasn’t complainging.

 

"Snoring away," Daniel smiled holding up the monitor. "Told you I could put her to bed."

 

"Daniel, Eva is six months old, she’s teething. Just give it a minute," Vala smiled before Eva’s cry filled the room.

 

"Is the ora-gel in the nursery?" Daniel asked as he walked out of the room. Turning on the hallway light, Daniel walked into Eva’s room. "What’s the matter?" he asked looking down, her sweet face turned beat red and her mouth wide open and wailing. "Your gums hurt don’t they?"

 

Eva stopped crying for a single moment before she wailed again. Daniel sighed and grabbed the baby ora-gel. He had to convince Vala that tequila and whiskey on her gums wasn’t such a good idea-even though it works wonders. "Say ahh," Daniel said before he stuck his finger in Eva’s mouth, rubbing the gel onto her gums. "There we go, that’ll help baby."

 

"Give her the teething ring," Vala said tossing Daniel the frozen piece of plastic.

 

"Thanks," Daniel smiled before he handed Eva the ring. "Eat this. It’ll help too."

 

"I’ll get the whiskey," Vala smirked coming up behind Daniel, wrapping her arm around his waist.

 

"Nono," Daniel said waving his hand.

 

"Okay," Vala smirked kissing his cheek. "Let me know when then darling?"

 

"She loves Daddy, she won’t cry anymore," Daniel said confidently.

 

"If you say so Daniel," Vala smiled looking at her baby girl. Eva was different in every way from Adria; for one she was conceived of Love-well an accident but love none the less. That and she wasn’t the leader of the most power obsessive ancient wannabes. Vala loved Eva, and she hated to admit it, because Adria was her daughter to; but she loved and cherished Eva more than Adria.

 

"Vala?" Daniel asked softly looking at the woman leaning into his arms.

 

"Huh? What?" Vala asked shaking out of her thoughts.

 

"Come on, Eva’s sleeping," Daniel said pulling Vala out of the room.

 

"Eva…" Vala smiled. "Daniel?"

 

"What is it sweetie?" Daniel asked as the two walked into their bedroom. They learned early that going to bed when Eva did they’d be able to get some sleep before she woke up with the sun.

 

"Thank you, for making me and Eva," she replied softly. Daniel smiled softly and bent down, touching her lips with his own in a gentle caress of a kiss.

 

"Always."

 

 

CHAPTER 15:  That’s a Beat

 

AUTHOR’S NOTES:  Thats A Beat (from Beat of Your Heart by Sara Evans Feat. Keith Urban)

Well, I should probably clarify why its still called a trilogy. There may be many chapters, but there are three main parts. 
Part One: The Chapters of Daniel and Vala getting together
Part Two: The Ones with The Little Child (ren)--Ooo Spoiler :P
Part Three: The Later Years

 

Daniel sat in his office and rubbed his temples. SG-4 had brought back a tablet that could reveal anything, he would rather be home with Vala and Eva. Vala was on half time, three days a week at home with Eva, and two and a half days on base. She was now walking and had a vocabulary of around ten words.

Taking off his glasses he rubbed his eyes. Daniel knew that if he went home, this tablet would just bother him to no end. He’d sit in his office, and Eva would come toddling in and he’d ignore her or tell her that "Daddy’s busy". It was better for him, and his daughter’s self esteem if he’d stay here and just get as far as he could.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

Vala smiled over at Eva as she leaned over and tickled her feet. "We’re going to go see Daddy." Eva giggled and Vala smiled as the taxi drove into the parking lot of the Mountain.

 

"Here we are ma’am," the cabbie smiled.

 

"Here you are," Vala said handing the man a twenty before she opened the door, unbuckling the seatbelt from Eva’s car seat/carrier. Taking the little girl out, she swung the diaper bag along with her purse over her shoulder and walked across the lot. Walking to the main gate she smiled at the airmen standing. "Vala Jackson."

 

"Pase card?" he asked as Vala nodded handing over Eva’s carrier to him.

 

"It’s in here somewhere," she said pulling it out in triumph. "See here! It says Vala Mal Doran Jackson."

 

"Thank you ma’am, you made proceed."

 

Vala grinned and took the baby before she walked into the mountain. Walking over to the secure section, she opened what everyone believed was the airmen’s security office. Inside she looked at two airmen and placed Eva down on the table. Pulling out her SGC ID card and handed to the airman. He swiped the card and held out the finger print detector. Vala rolled her thumb across it and ‘approved’ popped up on the screen. "Thank you."

 

"Have a good day ma’am," he said as Vala took Eva and walked through the large doors.

 

A few moments later, the doors opened and she walked into the halls of the SGC. Walking down the halls she smiled at a few airmen. It wasn’t until she reached the infirmary floor (where Daniel’s office still was) that she started getting stopped.

 

Eva was very popular amongst that entire floor and everything below. The women would go "aww" and smile and play with the little girl. While the men would go all mushy and talk babble trying to make the little girl laugh. Setting her down, Vala undid the carrier and picked Eva up. Placing her on the floor, the little girl smiled and looked down at her shiny black dress shoes. Wearing a new dress that Sam had bought her, the little purple dress with a black sweater decorated with little purple flowers.

 

"Come on sweetheart, lets go find Daddy," she said as Eva started to run as fast as her little chubby legs could carry her.

 

Vala followed Eva at a one step faster pace than normal. The little girl stopped at the end of the hall and turned around in a circle.

 

"Dada…" she said looking at Vala.

 

Vala smiled and pointed into the open door. "Right there. Go get Daddy."

 

Eva shrieked and ran into the room stopping when she saw her father. "DADA!" she yelled before running over to his legs. "Dada!"

 

Daniel looked down and a smile washed over his face. "Eva!" he laughed picking her up and lifting her over his head. "Look at you, you’re all pretty." The little girl just laughed as Daniel settled her on his lap. "Where’s Mommy?"

 

"Right here," Vala smiled from the doorway before putting the carrier on the floor. Diaper bag on it, she walked over to her family. "Hello darling."

 

"Hi," Daniel smiled. "What do I owe this pleasure?" he asked bouncing his knee so that Eva giggled.

 

"We got bored and Eva was very much wanting to see her Daddy," Vala replied moving Daniel’s papers to the side before she jumped up onto his desk. Daniel smiled and kissed Eva’s head.

 

"And we’re all pretty and everything aren’t we gorgeous Princess?" Daniel asked as Eva leaned her head onto Daniel’s chest. "New dress?"

 

"Sam bought it when she was in Washington," Vala replied. "General O’Neill is coming into town and invited us to dinner, I thought she should look good."

 

"Jack’s in town?" Daniel asked. "That bugger didn’t call me. Oh well, you get to meet your Godfather, he’ll take care of you. He’ll spoil you rotten there babygirl."

 

"Daniel, don’t spoil her, she’ll grow up to think love is material," Vala chided as Daniel chuckled.

 

"Don’t worry about it Vala," Daniel said as Sam and Mitchell ran into his lab.

 

"Ahah! There she is! We heard she was on base," Cam said walking over and taking his ‘niece’ out of Daniel’s arm. "Hi there, Squishy."

 

Eva smiled and flailed her arms before she squealed for Sam. Sam smiled and took the little girl.

 

"Hi Sweetie," she smiled placing the baby on her hip.

 

"Sam, why didn’t you tell me Jack was in town?" Daniel asked looking at Sam who just smiled.

 

"We just found out, Jack called this morning he’s coming in this afternoon," Sam explained rubbing Eva’s back.

 

"Ah," Daniel said before reaching for Eva again.


"Nono," Sam said hitting Daniel’s hand. "She’s going to stay with me. Aren’t you Eva?" Eva just smiled stuck out her tongue.

 

Daniel just laughed and waved at his little girl. He reached over and took Vala’s hand as the four talked, Cameron spent the time trying to convince Sam to let him hold Eva.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

 

"She’s so big," Jack said as he held Eva on his lap at dinner that night. The little girl loved her God Father, especially cause he gave her sugar whenever she looked at him with her bright blue yes.

 

"She is," Sam agreed.

 

"Well Spacemonkey, good thing she doesn’t look like you," Jack teased.

 

"Yeahyeah," Daniel mumbled. "But she’s mine."

 

"Good point there," Jack said looking down. "I’m gonna rename you Eva…Yes you’re now MiniMonkey, cause your Daddy is Space Monkey, do you like that?"

 

When Eva’s only response was to reach for Jack’s beer the four laughed. "Ah nono, that’s not for you. We’ll start you drinking when you’re two," he winked at the parents. "So Vala, how are you enjoying part time work?"

 

"Oh its fine," Vala smiled. "Nothing like going off world."

 

"You can say that again," Jack chuckled as he started to bounce his knee and Eva shrieked with laughter. The four adults turned to the little girl who was obviously an attention lover. When someone wasn’t paying attention, she’d make them pay attention. And they loved her for that.

 

 

CHAPTER 16:  Mr. Mom

 

"You have to go," Daniel said as he and Vala lay in bed, Eva in between them as he ran his fingers through her now turned black hair.

 

"Daniel, I can’t leave you and Eva," Vala replied softly as she ran her fingers lightly over Eva’s arm.

 

"Vala, this is a chance for you, you know you’re the only one that can do this," Daniel Explained. "Ev’ and I will be fine. I am her father."

 

"And I’m her mother," Vala whispered. Daniel sighed and looked at his wife. "I know, I have to…"

 

"You do," Daniel said. "And it’ll only be a week, and I’ll be here with Eva, and Teal’c, Sam, Jack and Cameron will be with you, along with SG-2 through six. These people will only listen to you…"

 

"I’ll be fine," Vala smiled. "I’ll miss her something awful."

 

"We’ll miss you too, but we can handle."

 

Vala smiled and closed her eyes, as she fell asleep. Daniel watched her and his daughter and silently wished and prayed that everything would work out.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

"Say byebye," Daniel told Eva as the little girl waved to her mother, as they stood at the ramp of the Stargate. Vala bent down and kissed Eva before she waved and then walked up the ramp.

 

"Bye darlings," she said walking through the horizon.

 

"Come on Eva, lets go work," Daniel smiled picking the two year old up and walking with her out of the gateroom. She smiled wrapped her legs as best she could around Daniel’s waist. Rubbing her back, Daniel walked down the halls.

 

""ork time," she smiled, not really comprehending that her mother wasn’t coming home for a little while. And Daniel was slightly afraid that she’d turn into a devil child when she realised the truth. She was Vala’s daughter and was quite a lot like her.

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

"Dada," Eva said as she sat on his desk, flipping through an Hans Christen Anderson fairytale pretending to read. "Dada."

 

"What sweetie?" Daniel asked looking at Eva.

 

"Me potty," Eva replied as Daniel nodded and stood up, scooping her into his arms and placing her on the floor. Eva smiled and ran out of the office as Daniel followed her down the hall. He halted in front of the bathroom door and looked up at her father.

 

"What?" Daniel asked.

 

"Me scareded," she whispered as Daniel smiled lovingly. He opened the door and lead Eva into the bathroom. She walked into one of the stalls and closed the doors as Daniel leaned against the counter. The sound of Eva’s sneaker hitting the floor made him chuckle.

 

The door opened and Diana Davison, one of Sam’s researchers, walked in. She stopped, turned around before looking at Daniel.

 

"Ummm, this is the ladies washroom right?" she asked looking a little uncomfortable.

 

"Yep," Daniel replied with a small grin.

 

"Uhh," she said nervously.

 

"Dada! ‘Elp me!" Eva called as Daniel shrugged and straightened up before he opened the door to the stall and bent down to Eva’s level.

 

Smiling at her, he did up the zipper and snap on her jeans and hit her bum lightly. Eva ran out of the stall and over to the sink waiting for Daniel, as he picked up her shoe, flushed the toilet and walked towards the sink, picking her up and setting her down.

 

"Shoe time," he said slipping her shoe on, as she stuck her hands under the water he had turned on for her.


"Tay," she smiled. "Hi!"

 

"Hi," Diana smiled before she looked at Daniel. "I didn’t know there were children on the base."

 

"There’s not, her mother is off world," Daniel replied. Picking her up, he winked and walked out of the bathroom.

 

"Dada?" Eva asked as the two entered Daniel’s lab. "’mead me ‘tory?" she asked.

 

"Of course," Daniel smiled. He loved that Eva loved to read, or at least loved stories. Eva smiled and shimmied her way out of his arms.

 

Daniel smiled it wasn’t too hard to take care of her by himself.

 

                                                                                                              * * * *

By the end of the week, Daniel was ready to pull his hair out. Day one with Eva wasn’t bad at all, she was used to spending a day with her father. But by day two without her Mommy, she was crying and throwing fits, she didn’t want to eat, or sleep she cried for Vala and Daniel had no idea what to tell her. During the days it was fine, but once night came, when she’d usually spend a couple hours laying in Vala’s arms Daniel read them a story was not there. It was just her and Daniel and she didn’t understand. Days three and four were a blur, Daniel spend the days home, trying to get work done, as Eva laid in her bed crying and screaming. Begging for Mommy to come back.

 

"Eva stop crying, there’s nothing to cry over," Daniel said rubbing his forehead as he stood in the doorway of Eva’s room. The little girl looked up at her father and sniffled. "Mommy is coming home today."

 

"Mommy?" she whispered as Daniel nodded his head.

 

"Yes Mommy," Daniel said. "You going to smarten up?"

 

"Yes," she said crawling off her bed and ran into Daniel’s arms. "’orry."

 

"What are you sorry for?" Daniel asked.

 

"Be-en bad," she whispered holding up her arms. Daniel sighed and picked her up and rubbed her back.

 

"Eva, you weren’t bad, you missed your Mommy," he explained.

 

"You not mad?" she asked.

 

"No, I’m not mad," Daniel chuckled. "Come on, let’s go do some work."

 

"We goin’ to work?" she asked reaching for his dog tags.

 

"Sure," Daniel said letting her down. "Go get your shoes on."

 

"Kay," Eva smiled running out of the bedroom and he heard her little feet hitting the stairs as she ran down them. Daniel smiled turned off Eva’s light and walked out of her bedroom. Walking across the hall he grabbed his wallet from his dresser before he walked out and joined Eva downstairs.

 

She sat on the floor trying to put her Velcro Dora The Explorer shoes on. Her jacket was on inside out and she looked quite frustrated. It could be that her shoes were on the wrong feet, but Daniel wasn’t about to discourage the little girl from getting ready by herself.

 

"Want help there?" Daniel asked bending down as Eva shook her head. "Okay, ask if you need it okay?"

 

"Tay," Eva replied as she watched Daniel slip his shoes in and grab the car keys. "Dada?"

 

"Feet," Daniel smiled as Eva stuck her feet out. Daniel took a hold of one and took the shoe off. "This one is for the other foot." Smiling he slipped the shoe on and grabbed the other putting it on and making sure the velcro was secure. "Okay up you get."

 

"Car!" Eva smiled skipping to the door. Waiting for Daniel to open it she waited until it opened and skipped outside. Daniel smiled as he watched his little girl run down the driveway. She stopped in front of the car and waited for her father to join her. Daniel jogged down and scooped her up, and opened the door to the back. Placing her in her boosted seat, he handed her a book and locked the door.

 

Daniel never thought he’d be a father, and now here he was, putting a two-year-old in a booster seat driving to the base so she could see her mother, who was returning from an off-world mission.

 

"And what now?" Daniel asked looking at her.

 

"Drive!" Eva said clapping her hands. Daniel grinned and locked and shut the door before he hoped into his side.

 

"That’s right," Daniel smiled. "You get smarter when you’re with Daddy."

 

"Dada," Eva laughed.

 

"Eva," Daniel teased. Reaching over he turned on the children’s station as Charlotte Diamond filled the car. "Let’s go see Mommy."

 

                                                                                                               * * * *

"Well," Dr. Lam smiled looking at Vala finishing the post mission exam. "I don’t know how I missed this."

 

"Miss what?" Vala asked concerned.

 

"Nothing to be too concerned about at this moment," Carolyn smiled. "Just a simple pregnancy."

 

"What?" Vala asked.

 

"Nothing to worry about at this stage, I just don’t know how I missed it," she explained.

 

"I’m pregnant?" Vala asked. "Again."

 

"You are," Carolyn said as the infirmary was filled with Eva’s squeal.

 

"MOMMY!" she yelled running over to Vala. Vala grinned and jumped off the bed, picking up the little girl.

 

"Hello my darling," she smiled hugging her tightly.

 

"Welcome back," Daniel smiled walking over and placing a kiss to her lips.


"I’m glad to be back," Vala whispered. "Oh look at you! You’re so big."

 

"No," Eva smirked.

 

"Did you have fun with Daddy?" she asked as Eva nodded her head. "You did. I bet that you guys worked a lot didn’t you?"

 

"No," Eva said shaking her head. "I cied."

 

"You cried?" Vala asked before looking at Daniel who nodded. "Oh darling."

 

"Someone missed their Mommy," Daniel said softly.

 

"I’m right here, never going to leave you," Vala promised rubbing her back and smiled at Daniel. Daniel smiled back and wrapped his arm around both of his girls. Little did he know it was soon to be three.

 

 

CHAPTER 17:  Collide

 

Daniel sighed and walked into his house. It was quieter than usual, he was used to walking in and Eva running up to him squealing "Dada!" But she wasn’t there, and he didn’t even hear her constant babble from any of the rooms. Frowning his brows he dropped his briefcase and keys on the hall table before he walked into the kitchen. Sighing with relief, he saw Vala stirring some contents of a pot and looked rather cute.

 

"Hey," he said walking up behind her. Placing a hand on the small of her back, Vala jumped lightly.

 

"Hello Darling," she smiled.

 

"Where’s Eva?" he asked kissing her cheek.

 

"Under her bed in protest," Vala replied. "Taste."

 

"Why?" Daniel asked taking a taste of the contents on the spoon. "That’s awful. What is it?"

 

"Over the baby," Vala started. "Cucumber and Parsley soup."

 

"I’ll go talk to her, and you….throw that out or something," Daniel said before he walked out of the kitchen.

 

Walking up the stairs he walked down the hall to Eva’s room and opened the door. Looking around he saw her favourite stuffed monkey’s hand from under the four poster canopy bed. Smiling inwardly he walked over and laid on the floor, lifting up the bed skirt.

 

"Hi there Princess."

 

"Bonjour," Eva replied. Daniel couldn’t help but smile; Eva only spoke French when she was upset. (Her French wasn’t that good but it was good for a two-year-old.)

 

"La mère m'a dit que vous êtes dérangé au sujet du nouveau bébé," Daniel replied as Eva’s brows frowned. Smiling he reached out his hand and pulled the little girl out. "You don’t need to be upset about the new baby Eva. You’ll still be my Princess."

 

"No," Eva said shaking her head.

 

"What do you mean No?" Daniel asked looking down at the little girl. "Eva you’ll always be my little Princess, just because Mommy is having a new baby, isn’t going to stop or change anything."

 

"Itch binda Baby," Eva whispered.

 

"Ich bin das," Daniel corrected softly. Eva liked to learn as many languages as she could, and was getting the hang of them faster than he thought. It amused him that she couldn’t tell the difference between any of them. "Don’t you want to be a big girl?" Eva looked up and nodded. Daniel smiled and kissed her hair. "Let the new baby be the baby, and you can be the big girl. The baby will even do what you tell it to do."

 

"Like Mommy and you?" Eva asked as Daniel chuckled.

 

"Sure," he smiled standing up, bringing the little girl with him. "Go see Mommy."

 

"Tay," Eva said before she scampered out of her bedroom. Daniel chuckled and stood up, grabbing her monkey and placing it on the bed. Smiling at the little girls bed, who was almost three, and had everything she wanted-with the exception of the Pony.

 

Shaking his head he headed down the stairs and into the kitchen where what he saw scared him slightly.

 

Vala had Eva on her hip and was walking around the kitchen getting the table set for dinner.

 

"Should you be holding her?" Daniel asked taking Eva from her mother and setting the girl on the floor.

 

"Why shouldn’t I?" Vala asked giving Daniel a look. Daniel’s face softened as he took her hand.

 

"I’m just concerned," Daniel explained.

 

"You don’t have to be, Doctor Lam says everything is fine," Vala said softly. "Don’t worry so much darling."

 

"Can’t promise a thing," Daniel winked as he looked at the soup still on the stove. "How about we don’t eat that?"

 

"Would you like to make dinner?" Vala snapped. Daniel sighed and rubbed her back. Damn mood swings.

 

"Vala, I didn’t mean it like that, but I don’t think Eva will eat that," Daniel said resting his chin on her head. "And I know that you’re having weird cravings, and everything…"

 

"Mommy," Eva sang trying to reach a drawer.

 

"What is it?" Vala asked turning around.

 

"Cayons?" she asked looking at her with big blue eyes.

 

"Of course," Vala said opening the drawer and producing a box of crayons. Handing them to Eva, the little girl smiled and plopped onto the floor where she had a colouring book.

 

"Come on, I’ll make dinner," Daniel offered holding out a chair for Vala. "You colour with Eva. Princess, come colour with Mommy," he said scooping the toddler up and placing her on Vala’s lap before brining the crayons and colouring book to the table. "Colour."

 

"Daniel," Vala tried to protest before Eva put a crayon in her hand. Smiling she started to colour. "Thank you."

 

Daniel winked before he walked over to the freezer in search for something quick and easy to make for dinner.

 

"What’s that?" Vala asked as Eva coloured in a butterfly.

 

"Butterfie," she smiled. "I like butterfies."

 

"You like butterflies?"

 

"Yup," Eva smiled. "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy."

 

"Eva, Eva, Eva," Vala smiled rubbing Eva’s arm as she continued to colour. Daniel smiled at his two girls as he pulled out a package of hotdogs. Wieners in macaroni and cheese, simple, fast and Eva loved. And if Vala REALLY wanted, she could eat the green goop, which reminded him slightly of baby diarrhea.

That night, after a bath, Daniel carried Eva into her bedroom and placed her on the bed. "Kay Princess, sleep time."

 

"Story?" Eva asked looking at him with pleading eyes.

 

"Of course," Walking over to her book shelf he pulled out a book and sat down on the bed. Opening an arm, Eva scooted her wait under his arm and laid her head on his chest. "Comfortable?"

 

"Yup," she said pointing to the book. Daniel chuckled and opened started to read. Finishing the book ten minutes later, Eva looked up at him and stuck out her bottom lip. "Again?"

 

"Once more, then you’re going to sleep young lady," Daniel winked flipping the book to the first page and started to read again. He felt Eva’s body relax against his, rubbing her back he finished the book and closed it. Attempting to move her, Eva’s eyes popped open and she looked at him.

 

"Dada, rub back," she whispered in a near plea, Daniel sighed, she had him wrapped around her little finger. Settling back down his hand spread out over her little back rubbing away all the pains and worries a two year old could have.

 

Twenty minutes later, Eva’s soft snore filled his ears and he, skillfully, moved Eva off his chest and onto her pillow. The toddler’s thumb went immediately to her lips and sat there as her body curled up into a ball. Smiling he turned off the lamp and walked out of her bedroom, leaving the door open he walked down the hall.

"She’s passed out," Daniel said walking into the master bedroom. Vala was laying in bed flipping through the channels of the movie network.

 

"That took a while," Vala said as she watched Daniel strip out of his clothes.

 

"Yeah, I know. She wanted me to read her another story, and then looked at me with those big blue eyes for a back rub."

 

"Sounds like her," Vala chuckled.

 

"Sounds like you," Daniel teased walking over to the bed sitting on the edge. "So I’ve been thinking."

 

"About what?" Vala asked as she laid back into the pillows and holding Daniel’s hand.

 

"Maybe we should find out the baby’s sex, so we can get his or her nursery painted and set up," Daniel explained as Vala looked at him. Rather shocked.

 

"You want to know?" she asked as he nodded. "We didn’t know with Eva…"

 

"I know, but I think it’ll be easier for Eva to adjust to him or her if she knew the gender," he reasoned. Vala sat and nodded her head.

 

"Okay."

 

"Okay," Daniel smiled leaning over he brushed her lips with his own. "Love you."

 

"Me too," Vala whispered.

 

"Scooch over," Daniel said pushing Vala over, she laughed and moved over to let Daniel lay down. His arm reached over and pulled her to him, her head resting on his shoulder as his finger moved lazily over her skin.

 

Smiling at the soft touch Vala let her body relax and her silent prayers came true.

 

 

CHAPTER 18:  Love Through Darkness

 

Daniel stood outside the hospital, Eva in his arms as the rain poured only inches from them. Eva was wearing her rain jacket and clung to his neck. He never imagined he’d be standing outside the hospital, where his new child, laid in critical care, hooked up to machines and life support, as his wife laid in bed, trying not to run out to see her baby.

 

Daniel’s hand ran over Eva’s back as if to soothe the little girl, though it was more to soothe him, and his pain of the fact that he might lose his child. Eva would never remember the baby, and for that he was somewhat grateful if the baby didn’t make it. He didn’t want his baby girl to feel sadness for a person she would never know or remember.

 

He had called Sam when they arrived at the hospital. Unfortunately, trying to get off base proved difficult, and now almost two hours later, Daniel saw as the other members of SG-1 came running through the rain, in the middle of the night towards the hospital.

 

"Come here EvaJackson," Teal’c said taking Eva from Daniel’s arms as he stepped under the cover from the rain.

 

"How’s Vala?" Sam asked rubbing Eva’s back.

 

"She’s ah, she’s okay, no complications with her," Daniel replied.

 

"Anything you need us to do?" Cameron asked.

 

"Yeah, give us back the night," Daniel said before he kissed Eva’s hair.

 

The night had been anything but good. Vala woke up, pain in her back and tears brimming in her eyes. Her arm went to Daniel as she shook him awake, tears freely falling down her face. The next thing they knew, Vala was laying in a bed, holding her stomach as she watched the doctors and nurses fight to save the life of their new baby.

 

"Daniel," Sam whispered taking her friend into a hug. "You know if we could change anything, we would…"

 

"She had no complications, everything was going smoothly, better than Eva’s," Daniel explained. "Then, the baby went into distress…there’s a hole in the heart, and in order to survive…"

 

"Did you name the baby?" Sam asked softly.

 

"Yeah, we did…" Daniel said. "Anastazia Janelle."

 

"A little girl," Cameron said as Daniel nodded.

 

"I gotta go see Vala…" Daniel said muttering. "Be good Eva."

 

Walking back into the hospital, Daniel walked straight down the hallways and to ICU.

 

"Daniel, would you tell them I need to see Anastazia? I’m her mother, she needs to be cared for…I need her."

 

Daniel brought Vala into his arms and rubbed her back soothingly. "She’s better off with the Doctors Vala…she’ll survive with them taking care of her."

 

"Daniel," Vala whispered holding onto him.


"She’ll be okay," Daniel whispered. "She has to be okay…"

 

                                                       * * * *

"How’s Danny and the girls doing?" Jack asked walking into Sam’s office, where she sat, Eva on the table colouring.

 

"They’re okay," Sam replied. "Anastazia should be coming out of surgery right now."

 

"What is it this time?" Jack asked ruffling Eva’s hair.

 

"Open heart again," Sam sighed. "They’re going to try and repair the hole in her heart."

 

"Baby is sick," Eva whispered. The two adults looked at the little girl and watched as she continued to colour with her crayons. "Mommy and Dada are sad."

 

"Mini-Monkey," Jack said picking up Eva, "Are you sad?"

 

"I don’t know Baby…Mommy and Dada know baby," Eva replied looking at her Godfather.

 

"Did you want to go meet your sister?" Jack asked as Sam opened her mouth to say something. The General held up a finger and looked at Eva. "Go see your sister?"

 

"Yeah," Eva said softly with a nod.

 

"Kay, Uncle Jack will try to get you in kay?" The little girl nodded and Jack grinned. "Come on, lets leave Auntie Sammy and go play."

 

"Ah! I’m supposed to be taking care of her," Sam said standing up and halting the older man from leaving.

 

"But I’m a General, I can do whatever I want."

 

Sam laughed lightly and followed Jack and Eva. Everything with Anastazia had dampened their moods lately, a hole in her heart at only seven months in the womb jeopardized her life. Eva knew something was wrong, she didn’t understand what, but she knew something.

 

                                                       * * * *

Walking into the hospital, Jack walked straight down the hall, Eva firmly on his back, as he went in search for his friend. Something about Daniel being more concerned over his family than his work, was a little bit weird, but it made Jack think, how much Daniel had changed. From someone who was more concerned about his work than anyone else, to someone who had two daughters, a wife, a house, a job, and cared more about his family than the world. Never did he imagine Daniel would be like this, a father for one thing.

 

Spotting Daniel sitting in the ICU, forehead resting on an incubator, one hand placed inside, while the other held onto Vala’s arm. Swinging Eva over his back, so that she fell to the side of his body. Adjusting her, the two walked into secure area as Daniel looked up.

 

"Jack," he whispered before a smile washed over his face. "Eva."

 

"Dada," Eva smiled reaching for Daniel, who walked over and took his oldest daughter into his arms. Smiling he kissed her nose and hugged her.

 

"Hello sweetheart," Vala whispered rubbing Eva’s back before she looked at Jack. "General."

 

"Thanks Jack," Daniel smiled resting his chin on Eva’s head.

 

"Anytime, Mini-Monkey wanted to meet her sister," Jack said gesturing to Anastazia lying peacefully in her incubator.


"You want to meet your sister?" Vala asked as Eva nodded her head. "Come on then sweetheart." Willingly going into her Mother’s arms, Vala walked over to where the baby was laying. Sitting down she placed Eva on her lap. "That’s Anastazia."

 

"She gonna come home?" Eva asked looking up as Vala nodded.

 

"Yup, with me, you, and Daddy," Vala whispered. "Can you say Hi?"

 

"Hi Anatasa," Eva whispered placing her hand on the clear plastic. Vala smiled as tears welled up in her eyes, placing a hand over Eva’s. "I call her Ana?"

 

"You can call her Ana," Daniel said from behind the two. Jack smiled at the small family as he slowly back out of the room and left.

 

"Mommy," Eva whispered.

 

"What is it sweetheart?" Vala asked as Daniel walked around and sat beside his wife, slipping his arm across her shoulders and gently rubbed the back of Eva’s neck.

 

"When Ana come home?" Eva asked as her hand went to the incubator’s side. Anastazia’s eyes fluttered opened and she stared at her older sister.

 

"Soon sweetheart, soon," Vala whispered with a smile as she let Eva lean down so that her head touched the plastic.

 

"I’m Eva," she whispered. "Dat is Mommy and Dada."

 

 

CHAPTER 19:  And I Want to Go Home

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE:  From the song: Home by Michael Buble

 

Vala walked into the livingroom and leaned against the doorframe as she looked at the sight on the couch. There lay Daniel, Anastazia lying on her belly against his chest, her little fists holding onto his shirt, as Daniel’s arm held her in place. The other arm curled around Eva as he held the little girl to his side.

 

They had brought Anastazia home only a few weeks ago, as the first snowfall of the year attached itself to the ground. Eva, usually loving the snow opted to spend her time inside, protesting that her little sister wasn’t allowed to play in the snow.

 

Smiling and not wanting to disturb the sleeping three, she placed the phone back to her ear. "Daniel is sleeping at the moment, may I take a message?"

 

"Could you please get him to call Casey Mattier?" the woman on the phone replied.

 

"Of course. Does he have your number?"

 

"He should."

 

"All right, goodbye," clicking the phone off she walked over to her sleeping family and bent down, placing a kiss on everyone’s head, she watched as Daniel’s eyes opened. "Hi."

 

"Hey," Daniel whispered.

 

"Having a good cuddle there Daniel?" Vala teased moving so that she sat besides his legs.

 

"Could have been better," he replied softly. "I heard the phone ring, who was it?"

 

"Casey Mattier," Vala replied. "Who’s that?"

 

"My foster sister," Daniel replied softly.

 

"She seemed confused when I answered the phone…You never had your sister come to our wedding."

 

"I didn’t let my foster family know," Daniel replied as he gently rubbed the baby’s back. From Vala’s hurt expression he continued. "It wasn’t like I didn’t want them there or want them to meet you, I just never got around to it."

 

"Its okay Daniel," Vala smiled as Anastazia started to stir. Reaching over she picked up the little girl from Daniel’s chest and smiled at her. "Hi Darling."

 

Skillfully, Daniel sat up, allowing Vala to move back into the couch and he moved Eva to his side, rubbing her back as to not wake her. Vala leaning back undid the button of her shirt as Ana found her way straight to the nipple and started to suck hungrily.

 

"She’s a hungry little girl," Daniel chuckled as he watched his youngest daughter.

 

"Much like her father," Vala winked as she gently rubbed Ana’s little arm as she ate.

 

"Hey," Daniel said in his defense as Eva’s eyes started to open. "Good afternoon Princess."

 

"Hmhmmn," Eva mumbled as she moved onto Daniel’s lap and cuddled into his chest.

 

Daniel smiled and leaned back. "So you going to call her back?" Vala asked glancing at the phone and then at Daniel.

 

"Sure," he laughed picking the phone up and dialing the number that he knew so well. Waiting for someone to pick up he smiled down at Eva.

 

"Hello?"

 

"Hi Case, its Daniel," smiling he turned to Vala.

 

"Hey you! I called, but this woman said you were sleeping."

 

"Yeah, I fell asleep with my girls," he told.

 

"Girls? Daniel, what girls?" Casey asked with a bit of confusion.

 

"My daughters, they were napping with me," Daniel explained as he smiled at the silence on the other end. "Case?"

 

"You have daughters? Since when?" she asked.

 

"Well, Eva was born four years ago," Daniel smiled. "And Anastazia is three months."

 

"Oh wow…." Casey said. "So you’re?"

 

"Married? Yup. Vala and I’ve been married for five years this September."

 

"And you didn’t let us know? I know we haven’t kept in touch for a while but…"

 

"I just got caught up in life," Daniel explained as he watched Eva climb off of him and over to the television. "With the wedding, and then shortly after that, Eva came along, then raising her, and then Anastazia came, and she had a hole in her heart, so that took over our lives and life just took over."

 

"Wow," Casey smiled. "I never realised that you’d get like married. You went to university when I was like, four?"

 

"Bout that yup," Daniel chuckled. "But I am married. She’s a wonderful woman, and I love her so incredibly much. We have our two daughters too, they’re our life."

 

"Sounds like you’re happy," Casey smiled. "I was actually like calling to tell you that I’m getting married."

 

"What? You’re a baby? You can’t get married," Daniel protested.

 

"Daniel, I’m twenty-eight," Casey laughed.

 

"When did that happen?" Vala smiled at her husband, as Ana finished eating and she gently pulled the somewhat sleepy baby off of her nipple. Standing up she adjusted Ana so that she was on her shoulder and she looked at Eva.

 

"Come Eva," Vala said softly as Eva looked up and shook her head. "What do you mean no?"

 

"TV," Eva pouted as she started to tear.

 

"You can watch it upstairs in Mommy and Daddy’s room," she said as Eva nodded her head softly and stood up.

 

                                                       * * * *

By the end of the week, the Jacksons were sitting in the livingroom of Daniel’s Foster parents. Apparently, Daniel had come from a rather large family, consisting of five children, and a few other foster children, and one or two with children of their own. The oldest being Jeremy, followed by the first set of twins Michel, and Joshua, then Daniel, then the other set of twins, Alexander and Owen, then followed Stephania, Cara and Casey who were taken in when they were still very young. Daniel loved that Beth and Gary had such large hearts to take in four children who had no where else to go. It was a large hectic house, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything, Jeremy was only five years older than Daniel was, and Michel and Josh were three when Beth and Gary took him in. Then a year or so later Alex and Owen came into the world, just before they quickly took in Stephania who was from the Maritimes of Canada when she was involved in a custody battle with her parents. When Cara and Casey were only toddlers, the Mattier’s took them in when they were found to be homeless and abandoned, when only Daniel, Stephania, Alex and Owen were left living with them.

 

"So Geek," Cara started as baby Anastazia was being passed around. "Why didn’t you decide to mention to us that you got yourself hitched?"

 

"I don’t know," Daniel chuckled as he bounced Eva on his knee. "Why didn’t you all tell me that you got hitched?"

 

"Same reason," the all replied.

 

"She’s gorgeous Daniel," Stephania smiled taking a hold of her niece. "Vala both the girls look a lot like you."

 

"It’s a good thing," Vala smirked.

 

"Hey," Daniel said swatting his wife. "So, why haven’t you guys gotten around to having kids," he asked, the younger ones, as Jeremy’s children were in their teenage years.

 

"Andrea and I aren’t having children," Michel replied. "I don’t even like my younger siblings."

 

"That’s not cool," Cara teased tossing a pillow at her brother. The rest of them chuckled and as his wife slapped Michel across the leg.

 

"So why Anastazia?" Isabel, Michel’s wife, asked as the little girl was handed to her.

 

"We named her after Vala’s father, and my birth mother," Daniel replied with a smile.

 

"How sweet," the girls smiled.

 

"Speaking of Mom, where is she?" Daniel asked not seeing Beth or Gary anywhere. Christmas in the cabin by the Great lakes was a tradition, and it wasn’t until Vala came into his life that Daniel missed one.

 

"Her and Daddy are coming in later today," Casey said from the spot where she was poking the fire.

 

"Just like old times," Jeremy smiled. "The family together finally for Christmas, they’ll be ecstatic."

 

"Do they know?" Daniel asked as leaned back, hugging Eva to him.

 

"Nope, it’s a surprise!" Stephania grinned.

 

"Good thing that Owen is a Doctor," Daniel teased as the door opened and in walked Jeremy’s two teenage daughters, Adelie and Zoey, and his wife Gabrielle.

 

"Come on kids," she called as Josh’s son, Jayden, Alex’s son, Nathaniel, and Owen’s daughter, Jaime, ran into the house. Jayden being the oldest of thirteen, followed by Nathaniel ten, and Jaime nine.

 

Stephania couldn’t have children, and she was fine with that. Cara’s husband already had children from his first marriage. Casey already decided that she didn’t want children as she was in her residency of medical school, and she didn’t want to be one of those mothers who worked to much and never had time for her children.

 

To what it looked like, Eva and Anastazia would be the babies of the family, and he was okay with that. Everyone was, they all missed the innocence that was still in the two Jackson girls.

 

"Hey Daniel," Gabrielle smiled leaning over and kissing his cheek. "When did you get in?"

 

"Bout an hour ago," Daniel smiled. "Gab, this is my wife Vala, our oldest daughter Eva and our baby girl Anastazia."

 

Gabrielle smiled and held out her hand to Vala as she shook it. "Pleasure."

 

"Same," Vala smiled softly, a tad bit shy around Daniel’s family. Eva, the incredibly attention hog, was extremely shy around the large family. Jeremy and his wife Gabrielle, their daughters Adelie and Zoey; Michel and Isabel; Joshua his wife Peri, their son Jayden; Owen and his wife Lisa their daughter Jaime; Alexander and his wife Sara, and their son, Nathaniel; then Stephania and Joe; then Cara and Harry; and then of course Casey and her fiancée Marc. Which came to a total of twenty-one people, plus the two more people coming later on. There were a lot of people to say at least, a lot more than Eva was used to, and an incredible amount of people than what Ana was used to, only ever being around a maximum six people at a time.

 

Vala smiled at the large family as they she was handed Ana back as the little girl started to cry. "Excuse me, she’s hungry."

 

"Here, I’ll come with," Daniel said standing up. "Eva, you wanna stay here?"

 

"Kay," Eva said sitting where her father just vacated. Daniel smiled and kissed her head as he, Vala and Eva walked out of the room. Eva looked around and smiled softly holding onto the pillow that Daniel had left her.

 

"Eva, do you go to preschool yet?" Sara asked looking at the four-year-old who nodded and started to regail them with tales from preschool in Colorado.

 

Leading Vala upstairs to their bedroom, he watched her sit down on the bed and pull her shirt up for Ana. Sitting beside his wife, Daniel leaned over and kissed her temple.

 

"Having fun so far?" Daniel asked softly.

 

"A little over whelming," Vala responded. "Anastazia seems a little scared."

 

"I know, she’ll get used to them," Daniel whispered. "You all will, I promise."

 

"Daniel, that’s easier said than done. Anastazia’s first Christmas and we’re in some obscure town of earth."

 

"Listen baby, I just want you all to love each other how I love everyone," Daniel replied as Vala nodded. "Besides, its good for them to know that they have a lot of family."

 

"It is," Vala smiled as Ana started to whimper. "Sssh, hush baby." Moments later Ana quieted down and closed her eyes.

 

"You know what Vala," Daniel said running his hand over Ana’s arm.

 

"Hmm?"

 

"I love you," he whispered. "Christmas with you and the girls anywhere, will always be the best time I could have anywhere."

 

"I’m glad," Vala smiled as the door opened and the two looked up to where Adelie stood with Eva in her arms.

 

"Grandma and Grandpa just pulled it, Dad told me to tell you guys to stay up here and come down in like fifteen minutes after we move into the kitchen," Adelie smiled before closing the door and running back down the stairs.

 

"Well now," Vala smiled standing up and walking Ana around the room.

 

"Come here," Daniel said picking up Eva, who was still dressed in her clothes from the flight. Walking over to her suitcase, he pulled out a pair of white tights and a white sweater, before setting her on the bed. "Lets change you."

 

"Red one?" Eva asked as Daniel smiled and pulled out the red plaid skirt. Quickly changing Eva and ruffling her black hair he kissed her forehead as laughing was heard downstairs.

 

"Shall we go?" he asked straightening his tie and looking at Vala who nodded. Holding out a hand for Eva and Vala. Winking he lead his wife and daughters downstairs and into the hall beside the kitchen.

 

"Jeremy hush your mouth," Beth replied as Daniel grinned and pulled them through the door knocking on the side.

 

"We’re not late are we?" he asked as Beth swung around and stared.

 

"Daniel!" Rushing over she pulled Daniel in a hug and kissed his head. "Oh my baby boy."

 

"Hi Mom," he smiled. "Dad," he added shaking Gary’s hand.

 

"Who’s this?" Beth asked pushing Daniel aside to where Vala was holding Ana in her arms and Eva by the hand.

 

"Mom, Dad," Daniel started walking back to his wife and children. "This is my wife, Vala, and our two daughters, Eva, and Anastazia."

 

"Wife? Children?" Beth stuttered. "Daniel!" Looking at her youngest son, she hit him upside the head before turning to the three girls. "Oh look at you all, so pretty."

 

"Thank you," Vala smiled as Beth reached over for Ana.

 

"How old are you?" She asked the baby who just gurgled.

 

"She’s three months," Daniel replied. "And Eva here is four."

 

"Three months and four! Daniel Jackson why didn’t you let me know about these angels?" Beth asked as she walked around carrying Ana in her arms.

 

"Long story," Daniel chuckled.

 

"Daniel let your mother be," Gary said before bending down to Eva. "You’re a cute little girl."

 

"Tanks," Eva said shyly.

 

"Jeremy, go get your mother and I’s luggage and take it up to the room, then I want all the boys in the backyard in ten minutes."

 

"Yes Dad," Jeremy chuckled before he walked out of the kitchen.

 

Ten minutes later, only the girls were left in the kitchen, Ana still in Beth’s arms, and Vala sitting at the kitchen table with Eva on her lap.

 

"So Vala, that’s an unusual name," Beth pointed out.

 

"Yes," Vala smiled. "I’m not from here, I’m from Australia." Years ago the Air Force decided that Vala was from Australia, given her rich accent and complexion.

 

"Sara, would you go to the pantry and get the flour."

 

"Sure," Sara smiled handing Adelie the spoon she had.

 

"Can we help?" Vala asked, feeling a bit useless as everyone else was busy making dinner.

 

"Nono, you’re still recovering from the baby, you just rest," Beth replied as she placed a baking sheet on the table.

 

"Eva darling, help Grandma with the cookies," Beth smiled.

 

"Kay," Eva said softly looking at her mother. Vala smiled and her and took Ana who was handed back.

 

The rest of the afternoon was filled with the making of Christmas treats and decorating cookies. Eva ended up with icing on her sweater but a huge grin on her little face, Vala couldn’t be mad.

 

By four o’clock the boys had returned with a rather large Christmas tree, and the family insisted on decorating it. Ana in bed just before dinner left Vala still feeling a bit out of place.

 

Daniel watched his wife all through dinner and noticed her being reserved. Helping Beth bring in the left overs her looked at her. "Mom, do you mind watching Eva and Ana for me?"

 

"Of course," Beth smiled. "Vala doesn’t seem to comfortable."

 

"She isn’t," Daniel said looking out the kitchen window. "She’s more distant than usual."

 

"She still recovering from the little one?"

 

"No, Ana was born six months ago," Daniel replied softly as Beth looked him strangely. "She was born with a whole in her heart, we didn’t know she’d survive, so we say she’s three months, because that’s her development."

 

"Oh that poor dear!" Beth explained. "Go tell your brothers to get in here, take your wife outside."

 

"Thanks," Daniel said kissing her cheek and walking out of the kitchen.

 

                                                       * * * *

"Daniel, this is beautiful," Vala whispered as she rubbed her arms.

 

"It’s where I used to come and think," Daniel replied as he wrapped his arms around her body and rubbed her arms up and down. "I wanted you to be the first one I ever brought here." Vala smiled and leaned back into Daniel’s embrace. "I know you’re a little, well, uncomfortable still, but I promise you, it’ll get better."

 

Silence between the couple lasted a few minutes, as they enjoyed their time alone on top of the roof of the house. Daniel’s arms securely around his wife, as she leaned into his body. His hands running slowly up and down her arms, keeping her warm. His chin rested on the top of her black hair, which was tied in a low ponytail.

 

"Merry Christmas Vala."

 

"Merry Christmas Daniel," Vala smiled as she leaned back and kissed him softly.

 

"Come on, let’s go inside before we freeze," Daniel said pulling Vala up and holding her tightly as they walked back to the attic window. Climbing through first, Daniel held his arms out for his wife and grabbed her before kissing her nose and brushing her hair off from the snow.

 

"I think we should take the girls out on a sleigh ride," Vala grinned.

 

"Tomorrow, we all go," Daniel chuckled as they made their way downstairs, and into the livingroom, where Beth say drinking tea and knitting, Gary sitting reading the paper, Eva laying on the floor colouring and Anastazia laying on her blanket sucking on teddy bear’s ear. "Bedtime Ev’."

 

"Tay," Eva said closing her book and putting her crayons away. Giving the two back to Gary she walked over to Daniel and held her arms up. Daniel grinned and picked Eva up as she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Night."

 

"Goodnight love," Beth smiled as Vala leaned over and picked Anastazia up with her blanket.

 

After getting both girls in bed and sleeping Vala and Daniel walked downstairs and sat on the couch opposite of Beth.

 

"How long have you two been together?" Beth asked looking up at Daniel and Vala.

 

Daniel smiled and looked at Vala before he turned back. "Seven years, we’ve been married for five. I ah, met Vala at work one day, and thought I’d never see her again, after that few days. Then she came back and we were together for about four months, and she was sent somewhere else for eight months, and then came back, and I haven’t let her go since."

 

"We got married a year after I came back," Vala smiled as Daniel rubbed her shoulder with his thumb lightly.

 

"We didn’t invite a lot of people, just some people from work, though Vala’s dress cost more than the wedding," Daniel teased. "Then a couple months after we got married, Vala got pregnant with Eva."

 

"Oh the first baby is always the greatest feeling in the world," Beth smiled. Vala looked at Daniel before lowering her eyes.

 

"Vala was pregnant before we had Eva, she was with another man, and lost the baby," Daniel explained. They had decided on telling everyone that her pregnancy with Adria didn’t last, it was true, she lost Adria, but they were expanding the truth.

 

"Oh dear, that’s horrible," Beth said softly.

 

Vala smiled softly and Daniel squeezed her body. "And then when Anastazia was born, we almost lost her."

 

Gary set down his paper and looked at his son. "What happened Daniel?"

 

"She had a hole in her heart, a slight heart murmur. Vala went into premature labor, and it stopped, but the Doctors pulled her to repair the hole. Took three surgeries but they think she’ll be just fine."

 

"She will be," Vala smiled.

 

                                                       * * * *

"Daddy!" Eva called as she sat on a horse, as Gary walked the horse.

 

"Look at you," Daniel smiled as he looked up from the patio where he sat, watching Vala and Anastazia play in the snow.

 

"Papa ride horsie wif me!" Eva grinned clapping her mitten-clad hands together. Laughing Daniel stood up and walked over to the horse holding out his arms for Eva.

 

"No, ride horsie," Eva said frowning her brows.

 

Chuckling Daniel nodded and pulled her toque down further on her forehead. "Daniel, I’m going to put Anastazia down for a nap," Vala called standing up, Anastazia in her arms and looking barely awake.

 

Waving to Anastazia Daniel turned to Gary. "Hey, do we still have the other Arabian, Korea’s calf?"

 

"Castiana? Yeah, she’s in the barn," Gary replied.

 

"I’m gonna take them out to the lake, do you think the girls would mind listening for Anastazia?"

 

"They’ll gladly," Gary chuckled. "Stay with her, I’ll go saddle up Korea."

 

"Thanks," Daniel smiled taking the reigns from him and waking Eva around. "Did Papa tell you the horse’s name?"

 

"Clarabel," Eva smiled. The Mattier’s had four horses, Castiana being the oldest and calmest of the four, then Clarabel who was around seven or so years. The last time Daniel had come to the cabin he was forced to assist in the birth of Clarabel, the last time he came in the spring to see the family.

 

"That’s right," Daniel chuckled. "You want to ride the horse with me and Mommy?"

 

"Yeah!" Eva smiled brighty. "Ana too?"

 

"No, Ana is too young, when she’s older okay Princess." Eva nodded as Vala walked back outside and smiled at the sight as Gary walked over with Castiana.

 

"Okay, here you go Daniel," Gary smiled giving him the other set of reigns. "You remember how to ride."

 

"Yup, we’ll be fine," Daniel smiled waving Vala over. "Come on love, we’re gonna go for a ride."

 

"Daniel, I don’t know how to ride," Vala replied shaking her head no.

 

"Its easy," he smiled taking Clarabel’s reigns and tying them to a tree. "Okay put your foot here," he said helping her foot into the stirup before he hoisted her up onto the horse. "See not scary right?"

 

"Says you," Vala said holding onto the saddle. "Just relax, the horse will do all the work, she’s really good."

 

"Okay," Vala replied relaxing her body as Daniel gave her the reigns and he took the two steps over to Eva and swung himself onto the horse, making to secure Eva to him. "Now what?"

 

"We start to walk," he said urging Clarabel to walk, and turning to Vala. "Come on." Laughing when Vala shook her head, he turned the horse around and took the reigns from her, flipping them over Castiana’s head and pulling her slightly as she started to walk at the same pace as Clarabel.

 

The afternoon spent walking through the snow was peaceful, quiet and almost perfect. Eva chatted until she decided she was sleepy and her body leaned heavily against Daniel’s, as her little head started to bob and when it finally fell backwards Daniel wrapped his arm around her to keep her steady.

 

"Time to go back," Vala whispered, finally having her own reigns.

 

"Yup," Daniel nodded turning the horse around and the two walked in silence back to the house. When they reached the house, the driveway was filled with cars, signaling that it was almost Christmas Eve dinner.

 

Climbing off the horse, Vala walked over and took Eva as Daniel placed the child in her arms. Jumping off the horse, Daniel gave Vala a quick kiss before he trudged with the horses back to the barn where one of his nephews was cleaning.

 

"Hey Bud, can you unsaddle the horses for me?"

 

"Sure Uncle Daniel," Nathaniel smiled taking the reigns before he walked out of the barn and back to the house.

 

Vala had already made it upstairs and laid Eva down, as she sat on the bed and started to remove her clothing. Closing the door, Daniel smiled and shrugged off his own jacket.

 

"You know Daniel," Vala started standing up and taking off her slightly damp pants. "I’m glad you made us come."

 

"Me too," Daniel smiled as he looked over at the playpen, Anastazia just beginning to wake. She was making slight murmurs before her eyes opened and she started to cry. Daniel walked over to her and bent over, before smiling brightly. "Good afternoon Sunshine."

 

Looking over at Vala he smiled and then bounced his baby. Yeah, he was glad Christmas time was spent with his family.

 

                                                       * * * *

Christmas day was filled with smiles and taking. Anastazia was the first to wake, she was hungry more than excited, the cry woke Eva up who realised it was Christmas. The little girl jumped out of her bed and climbed onto her father.

 

"DADDY!" Eva whispered excitedly. "Daddy! Its Crismas!" she said bouncing a bit on his stomach. "Santa came!" Daniel smiled as he saw the excitement in Eva’s eyes. Anastazia was now wide awake, sensing her sister’s excitement and small family headed down the wood stairs.

 

"You have to be quiet," Daniel whispered as they walked into the living room, already filled with the family. "Maybe not," he chuckled as he put Eva down on the ground and pulled Vala into his embrace.

 

An hour later, the fireplace was filled with wrapping paper, the toys for Eva and Anastazia were scattered around the living room as the older children played with their cousins. Vala held Anastazia as the little girl looked around with her big eyes, her first Christmas and she was still a bit confused as to what was going on.

The rest of the day was spent rather interesting to the Jacksons’ previous christmases. Usually spent playing with their children and then heading to Sam’s for dinner, was now spent with the entire family. The women spent the day in the kitchen baking, and the men out side getting the sleigh hitched up and the animals tended to.

Dinner was filled with chatter, Anastazia in giggles as she was passed over between the Grandparents and her parents. Eva sat between her parents attempting to talk to everyone at the table. Daniel watched his children, they were happy; he had never seen Eva so happy.

 

Even Vala seemed happier, she was getting to know his family, and generally looked like she was having a good time. To him that was the greatest thing in the world, his three girls, happy, healthy and loved.

 

 

CHAPTER 20:  Know the Road

 

From My Little Girl by Tim McGraw

 

 

Eva Jackson was scared. The five-year-old little girl sat in the kitchen as she stirred the contents of her bowl of fruit loops. Daniel was sitting holding his mug of coffee as he flipped through the newspaper. He was nervous. His little girl was going to school. A school on earth.

 

It was Eva’s first day of school, and the little girl was less scared than he was. He was scared out of his mind. Vala wasn’t doing much better either. She paced their house, trying to decide if Eva was ready for Kindergarten.

 

"She’s only five Daniel," Vala would protest nightly after they put Eva to bed, waiting for Anastazia to wake up for her midnight feeding. For the time Daniel would say she was ready, she was smart, but now he was just as scared as Vala.

 

"Okay, school time," Daniel said standing up as Vala stopped her pacing and looked over at her daughter.

 

"I don wanna go to school," Eva said looking at Daniel.

 

"Why not sweetie?" Daniel asked standing up and picking up Eva.

 

"I scared," she whispered Daniel chuckled. He was scared too, but school shouldn’t be so bad.

 

"I know you are. But you know what, big girls go to school," Daniel replied as Eva looked at him, with the same look Vala gave him when they were skeptical. "Go get your shoes on."

 

"Kay," Eva said walking out of the kitchen and into the hall. Sitting down she pulled on her black Mary Janes.

 

"Daniel, she’s not ready," Vala said stopping her husband and putting a hand on his chest. "She’s just a little girl."

 

"Vala, I’m scared too, but our little girl is growing up," Daniel said as Vala pouted, smiling softly Daniel reached up and cupped her face. "I’ll make sure she’ll be all right."

 

"You better, if anything happens to my little girl," Vala started as Anastazia woke up and started to wail.

 

"You ready to go Eva?" Daniel asked as he and his wife parted, each heading to a daughter.

 

Eva looked up and nodded as she sat on the floor and played with her shoe buckle. "I wanna say Bye to Mommy."

 

"Sure, we can do that," Daniel said helping his girl stand up as Vala and Anastazia walked down the stairs. "Mommy, someone wants to say bye."

 

Vala smiled and walked over to where Eva stood as she leaned down and took the little girl into a hug. "Byebye Mommy."

 

"You have fun at school darling," Vala whispered kissing Eva on her puckered lips. "I’ll have some soup for you when you come home."

 

Eva was going to a small private school that had been cleared by the Air Force for their first half human half alien child. She would be treated just like any other child, except for the fact there was going to be an undercover Airforce officer as her teaching assistant.

 

"Byebye," Eva waved as she and Daniel walked out of their house. "Dada?"

 

"Yeah Princess?" Daniel asked as he helped Eva get into the car and buckle her up.

 

"Is school fun?"

 

"Yeah, you get to learn, just like you do when you get to come to work with Daddy," Daniel explained as Eva nodded.

 

The ride to the school was filled with Eva asked questions about everything, and Daniel trying to answer them all. Just the thought of Eva not being in either his or Vala’s sight was heart wrenching. When they got there, Daniel noticed a group of parents and their children standing outside the front doors to the kindergarten classroom.

 

"Come on Ev’," Daniel said lifting the girl from the backseat and putting her to the ground. Eva immediately took a hold of his hand and squeezed it. Daniel smiled softly as he shoved his car keys in the pocket of his jacket.

 

Walking up to the group of people standing around he noticed that a few of the children were playing and yet most of them clung to their parents.

 

"You must be new," one woman smiled walking up to Daniel and Eva.

 

"Um, yeah," Daniel replied not knowing what the woman meant.

 

"My daughter Kristen went to pre-school here," she replied. "I’m Lisa Stevens by the way."

 

"Doctor Daniel Jackson, and this is my daughter Eva," Daniel introduced as the little girl clung to his side a little tighter.

 

"Please to meet you Doctor," Lisa smiled before she bent down to Eva’s eye level. "Hi Eva."

 

"Hi," Eva replied.

 

"Did you want to go and play with my little girl? She’s just over there, with the blonde hair," Lisa said pointing to the little girl who was drawing on the cement with chalk, bright blonde curly hair framed her face.

 

"Go on," Daniel urged as Eva walked tentatively over to the other children. "Eva’s a bit shy."

 

"That’s perfectly normal," Lisa smiled. "Why did you choose this school for her?"

 

"Best one around," Daniel shrugged. "I wanted to give her a good chance to become whatever she wants."

 

"A Doctor even," Lisa hinted.

 

"If she wants," Daniel shrugged as Lisa reached up and touched his arm.

 

"What kind of Doctor are you?"

 

"Uh…I have three doctorates actually. I’m an Archaeologist, Paleontologist and a Linguist, PHDs in all three."

 

"Oh wow," Lisa said, thoroughly impressed.

 

"I started to teach Eva French and German already," he said, getting the feeling that this woman would not leave him alone. Great he had a woman infatuated with him. He hoped she’d get a look at the gold band that was permanently glued to his finger. "I speak around 30 or so languages."

 

"So do you travel for work then?"

 

"All the time," Daniel replied. "My wife and I are both diplomats for the Air force."

 

"Where is your wife?"

 

"At home with our youngest," Daniel replied, he was really starting to get nervous with this woman. Just his luck the bell rang and the door opened. "Eva come here Princess."

 

Eva ran over to Daniel and took a hold of his hand as the pair walked into the school. Immediately regconising the woman that was to be the teacher's assistant.

"How's Janet?" Daniel asked walking up to Simon Well's wife, Sheryl?.

 

"Daniel," she smiled as the two hugged briefly. "Janet is doing just fine. How is the rest of the team?"

 

"Oh you know them," Daniel chuckled. "I didn't know you were the one who was assigned."

 

"The air force figured since I am a teacher's assistant and already know about everything, I would be a good canidate," she replied. Smiling Daniel looked at Eva who seemed a bit more comfortable knowing that someone she knew was going to be there.

 

Eva still didn't understand the concept that she wasn't really a human, and Daniel figured she was just too young to understand, and they'd tell her, and Anastazia as soon as they were old enough to understand.

 

"I'll give them that," Daniel replied before everyone was called to pay attention by the teacher. Half an hour later, the parents were asked to leave and Daniel looked like he'd ust been asked to kill someone.

 

"She'll be all right," Sheryl whispered as she guided Daniel out of the classroom. Digging into his pocket, Daniel pulled out his cellphone and dailed home.

 

"Hello?"

 

"Hey honey," Daniel said clear enough to let the onlookers knew he was a married man.

 

"Hi darling, how’s it going?" Vala asked.

 

"She's doing great, a bit nervous at first, but someone we know quite well seems to be the teacher's assistant," he replied. "Janet’s mother."

 

"Eva is all right though right? She’s not too scared, Daniel if she is, bring her right home."

 

"Honey, she’s fine. How’s the baby doing?" Anastazia had been teething quite mean lately and all she did while she was awake was either wail or chew on everything.

 

"Better," Vala replied as Daniel heard Ana giggle. A smile spread over his face. "Her molar came through."

 

"That’s wonderful," Daniel grinned from ear to ear. "Can I talk to her?"

 

"Sure," Vala smiled as she placed the phone to Anastazia’s ear.

 

"Hi sweetheart," Daniel smiled. "Mommy says your gums are all better, Daddy will be home soon."

 

Saying goodbye to both Vala and Anastazia, Daniel hung up and leaned against the wall of the school. A few of the women looked at him before turning away, while one of the men walked up.

 

"How old is the other one?" he asked.

 

"Thirteen months," Daniel replied.

 

"Girls?"

 

"Both," Daniel replied. "You?"

 

"Boys. Vicky is at home with Andrew, still crying I suppose," the other man replied. "So I brought Eli."

 

"Same here, Vala has Anastazia so I brought Eva," Daniel replied. "I’m Daniel."

 

"David," he smiled shaking Daniel’s hand. "Looked like you know Mrs. Wells."

 

"Yeah, I worked with her husband," Daniel shrugged. "Their daughter was named after a very good friend of mine."

 

David smiled and leaned against the wall next to Daniel. The two talked as they waited for the first day of school to be over. They decided that tomorrow shouldn’t be so bad, as the doors opened, the parents turned and walked back in as they were greeted by their children.

 

"Dada!" Eva grinned handing Daniel a picture. "Look!"

 

"Wow," Daniel grinned looking at the paper. "That’s beautiful Princess."

 

"Its family," Eva said. "Uncle Jack, uncle Tealc, Uncle Cam, Auntie Sam, Mommy, you, and Ana!"

 

"That’s gorgeous," Daniel smiled. "Ready to go home?"

 

"Yeah," Eva nodded.

 

By the time the two arrived home, Vala had lunch all set and Anastazia was sitting contently in her highchair with a arrowroot cookie in her mouth. Eva grinned and ran over to her sister, climbing onto the chair.

 

"Hi pumpkin," Daniel smiled kissing Anastazia’s brown fuzz.

 

"How was it darling?" Vala asked setting some ravioli in front of Eva.

 

"Good," Eva replied as she started to eat. Vala looked up at Daniel as he handed her the picture Eva drew. "I dew that!"

 

"Its very good," Vala smiled standing up and walking to the fridge, putting the picture on it, with the magnet that spelt Eva.

 

After lunch Eva found her way to the couch and laid down, still feeling that she needed a small nap every now and then. Anastazia was taking her nap, which left Daniel and Vala awake and sitting in the kitchen.

 

"Are you sure she’s going to be okay?" Vala asked looking at her husband.

 

"She’ll be fine, she liked it there," Daniel explained. "Honey, its just school."

 

"Its our first born growing up," Vala countered. "And soon boys are going to come into her life."

 

"Oh no they wont! I’ll beat them off with a stick!" Daniel declared.

 

 

To be continued…

 

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