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Daniel Nicholas Jackson had been born at three-fifteen a.m. on July 5^th. He weighed in at seven pounds, three ounces, and was twenty-one inches long. Casey wasn’t sure whether to consider him a late anniversary gift, or an early birthday gift for Daniel.

Just as had happened with Emily, within four hours after the birth, there was no way to tell Casey had ever been pregnant. Her flat belly had been re-pierced when Carly and Teal'c had stopped by the house two days later to see the baby. She was disappointed that a way to keep her breasts producing milk hadn’t been developed yet, so Nicholas was taking formula the same as his sister had.

Daniel was sitting on the bed, pillows plumped behind him, his wife in his arms, and his son in hers. Emily was also in Casey’s embrace, and was thrilled to hold the bottle that Nicholas was sucking greedily from. He thought his heart would burst. He rested his chin on Casey’s shoulder. "Love you, Angel," he said softly.

"Love you too, my heart," she replied in kind.

"Thank you."

"For what?" she asked.

"For giving me two beautiful children," he replied.

She giggled. "Couldn’t have done it without you…beginning or end."

He grinned. "You have a point. But you did all the work, Case. You went through all of the pain. I can’t thank you enough for being willing to do that once, let alone twice."

"Daniel, I have wanted to give you children from the first time we made love…even when I thought it was impossible the desire, the need was there. I’m just glad…thrilled…that I could finally give you the family you wanted, that you deserve," she said softly.

His arms tightened around her. "I love you so much it hurts," he whispered.

"Right back ‘atcha, sweetheart," she whispered in return.

A  A  A  A  A  A

Daniel opened the door. Emily came running down the hallway, squealing her delight that he was home. He picked her up, hugged her tightly, then walked into the kitchen. Casey had Nicholas over her shoulder, and was stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce. "Hi, gorgeous," he said, leaning over to kiss her.

"Hey, handsome," she said, smiling up at him.

"So what did Doctor Montigue say about Nicholas?"

She smiled. "He’s healthy, he’s up to eight pounds, and his circumcision is healed perfectly." They had debated on getting their son circumcised, and had decided to follow Dr. Montigue’s advice. The good doctor had told Daniel that since he was circumcised, it would be much easier for Nicholas as he grew older, to be the same as Daddy. He also had informed them that most of the baby boys he had delivered, both mortal and Immortal, had had the procedure performed.

"Good. How are you?"

"I’m fine, my love." She looked at her daughter. "Emmie, would you like to help me make the salad?"

Emily nodded eagerly. "Help you, Mommee."

Daniel put her on the counter by the sink, then took his son into his arms. "Hey, Nicholas, how’s my boy today?" The baby looked up at him, recognition in his little blue eyes. He sat down at the counter, watched his Wife and daughter, cuddled his son in his arms, and sent a thank-you to every god he could recall. There was nothing more in the universe that he wanted, or needed. He could barely recall the lonely days, the empty nights of his existence before Casey. He was overjoyed that he had a family of his own, something he had never dreamed would happen…for years hadn't thought was possible. He had to close his eyes for just a second as such a feeling of happiness overwhelmed him. He knew that there were challenges ahead. He was fairly sure there would be some heartache and rough times ahead. That was just life. But as long as he had Casey by his side, as long as his children were safe and healthy, nothing, absolutely nothing, could get him down.

A  A  A  A  A  A

He held her tightly in the sweet afterglow of their lovemaking. His hand moved slowly up and down her back, the other gently caressed her neck.

"Penny for them," she said softly.

He smiled into the darkness. "I’m just thinking that I’m the luckiest man in the universe. I have a naked goddess in my arms, two beautiful children, I have it all, Case."

She smiled against the skin of his shoulder. "I’m just as lucky. I’m in the arms of a god, I have two beautiful children…I never knew it was possible to be this happy."

"Me, either, Angel." He hugged her tightly, kissed the side of her head. "Love you, My Star."

"Love you, My Heart."

"Sleep, Angel. Our son will be waking up in a few hours demanding to be fed."

She smiled again. "Yes, he will." She snuggled closer to him, closed her eyes, and let sleep take her.

He continued to smile into the darkness, even as sleep overtook him.

"It is almost time," the First said.

"Yes, it is," said the Second.

"This battle must be fought. There is another trial that they must endure first," the First reminded her companions.

"Will we be able to hold off the battle long enough?" asked the Third.

"We must. But The Chosen is strong. Soon, His Chosen will understand what she must do. Then, together, they will be able to stop the impending war among the Ancients," said the First.

"Will his task be completed then?" asked the Second.

"No. He will continue to do that for which he was chosen. He is Immortal. His Chosen is Immortal. The Chosen will battle for good, and to protect the Innocents many more times," replied the First.

"And if he wearies of this task?" asked the Third.

"Then we will find another to take his place."

"His son?" It was the Second who spoke.

"If we are very lucky," the First said.

The three Beings left the room, a small breeze the only sign of their exit. Casey stirred slightly, but didn’t wake up.

THE END

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