AN: so I wrote this like... over a month ago, and it didn't feel finished so I never posted it... but MiniGoat's comment reminded me about it, and I went to finish it, and low and behold, it felt finished! Guess I just needed to sit on it ;)

Epilogue

Jack stood in the locker room tinkering with a picture Carter didn't know he had. It was one Daniel had taken of her during their first official team night, the first time she began to seem comfortable around them. She was sitting next to him on his couch, grasping a beer in her hand and laughing at something he said. Her eyes sparkled like they did when she found some fascinated alien doohickey to mess with. He sighed and stuffed the photo back into his locker. Slamming the door shut he found himself face to face with Jacob Carter.

"Dad! Still here?" He said, cheerily to the older man.

"You know, Jack, that day makes so much more sense now that I know what happened."

"I suppose that could be said for most days and events Jacob. Exactly which day are we referring to here?" Jack was playing dumb.

Jacob gave him a significant look. "I know Sam is still upset about my part in this. But think of how it looked! She ran away from prom, after some kid attacked her, and I find her unconscious in the arms of a significantly older Air Force officer!"

Jack winced slightly at the phrase 'significantly older' but played it off. "Yeah, that must've looked pretty bad."

"It makes sense now though. You're possibly the only man alive who would protect my daughter's life so fiercely."

"Aw come on dad, you know Danny and Teal'c would've done the same in my place." Jack evaded, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Daniel and Teal'c aren't in love with my daughter." As Jacob said the words, Jack's eyes snapped up to meet his with a mixture of shock and fear that made the older man snicker. "Come on, Jack. I'm not a fool. The fact that you're in love with my daughter is probably the worst kept secret on this base."

"I really wish you'd stop saying that." Jack muttered.

"Don't worry Jack. I made sure we're alone. In any case, thank you for always taking care of my little girl, Jack."

"Always." Jack promised.

"I'm gonna hold you to that, you know."

"Of course you are." Jack smiled as Jacob turned to leave the room.

Suddenly Jacob stopped and looked back at Jack. "So how weird was it seeing her as a seventeen year old?" He threw back.

"Off the record, sir?"

"Come on Jack, you know it's always off the record with me. Although Selmac is intently eavesdropping."

"Sam is Sam, no matter what she looks like. Did make me feel like a bit of a creep though."

Jacob busted up laughing and left the room.