Nicely done. Well written, and you capture the feeling of people that are doing important work - that cannot be delayed or handed off to "someone else".

Sam is doing important work - and yeah, she could get a re-assignment and follow a mommy track. But she doesn't work in selling real-estate or advertising the latest consumer gizmo. She is defending the planet against some pretty ugly customers...and if she fails, or her replacement does - Gracie, and a couple of Billion little girls like her, die in the flames of the failure.

That is why, she, and Jack, and other people like them - do what they do...and try to eke out a little taste of normalcy when they can. BTDT.

Wonderful story! I really enjoyed it! Very cute!

I like this story very much. It's sweet and family foundations being established. However, (not a bad however) I found myself aching for Sam and Gracie the whole time. Her child was growing up without her mother, without her being part of the traditions and only just joining it as a visitor. That's what Sam is here, a visitor. As she notices how long her daughter's hair is, there isn't a mother alive who wouldn't be re-evaluating her role. If Sam could connect with Cassie that quickly and be able to sacrifice her life for the girl she'd known for how long(?), then I think Sam would ask for reassignment. So, great story, but I think chapter 2(hint)could have Sam doing some soul searching about the need for the adrenaline rush vs "plain old motherhood".

Merry Christmas

I really enjoyed this, as seeing them as family together was perfect :)

Sweet and perfect.

Merry Christmas :o)

Loved the story. Thanks.

Great short story, keep up the good work

Very sweet Christmas fic. I really enjoyed it. :)

How about a sequel for next year with Sam still at home on maternity leave?

Happy Shipmas! Lovely story.

Always enjoy your stories but must admit I really don't like the thought of a mother who would agree to be apart that much from her young child for her career. Smacks of being selfish (and I'm a full-time working mom). Sorry - just my thoughts.