Reversal of Fortune: Part 20 (Epilogue)
By
Gemsong

Daniel was ready to sleep. He was slouched on the couch, his sock clad feet on the coffee table and his glasses pushed up on his forehead. It had been a very long day. A faint smile touched his lips. But had been a very good day all the way around.

Thanksgiving day. Daniel and Jack had been asked to spend it with General Hammond and his family. Teal'c, Sam and Janet with Cassie had also been invited. Along with Hammond's daughter, son in law and grand daughters it was a crowd. An additional surprise was the inclusion of Julia Mathers.

Hammond was able to get her assigned to the SGC under Janet and the woman worked hard to prove her worth, not only to Janet, but to the people who gave her a second chance. Jack was thrilled to see her.

While the adults worked on helping with dinner, the children had played. Jack had a wonderful time with Kayla and Tessa with Cassie keeping them all busy and out of the way. Good food and good company had equaled a good time for all.

Jack had fallen asleep in the car on the way home and Daniel wasn't surprised. The little boy had worn himself out. And just by being the happy 6-year-old he was. No strange powers or knowledge came out during the course of the day.

On the downside, the nap in the car had given Jack his second wind. Or was that his third or fourth. Daniel opened one eye. Jack was kneeling beside the coffee table making motor sounds while driving his miniature car up and down Daniel's sock covered foot. Daniel enjoyed watching Jack just being Jack. He really should put him down for bed considering how late it was.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"It will be Christmas next month," Jack said.

"That's right," Daniel replied.

"Cassie reminded me of something I said when I was big," Jack said.

"Which was?"

"Christmas would be a good time for it."

"A good time for what?"

"The O'Neill rule."

"Which one?"

"All kids should have a dog."

Both Daniel's eyes snapped open. "What?"

"A puppy for Christmas would be a good gift and will satisfy the O'Neill rule," Jack said logically.

Daniel considered maiming Cassie for this. "We'll talk about this later, Jack," Daniel said. He was smart enough not to agree to anything as tired as he was. "How about you get ready for bed?"

Jack ran his car up Daniel's pant leg and parked it on his thigh. "Okay Daddy," he said and bounded away to thump his way up the stairs. He paused half way. "Daddy?"

Daniel tilted his head toward Jack. "What, Jack?"

The face that looked at him smiled angelically. "Julia is really pretty is she not?"

Daniel covered his face with his hands. "Jack! For crying out loud!"

FINI

A/N: For all my list sibs who encouraged me, poked me, cheered me on and gave CPR to the plot bunny I thank you. I may come up with a "Day in the Life" type of story around Little Jack in the future, but for now, the main series is done. Thank you all.