From This Moment

Title: From This Moment

Author: Suz W.

Spoilers: Between Seasons 8 & 9

Feedback: Always welcomed and gratefully appreciated!

Old Stories Referenced: “A Side Order of Life”

Rating: R, S/J Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Sexual Situations, Violence and Action/Adventure.

Summary: Sam and Jack take a trip like no other, taking their relationship to a whole new level.

Disclaimer: All publicity recognizable characters and places are the property of MGM, Sci-Fi Productions, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended.

Copyright: The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Copyrighted on May 12, 2008 by Suzanne R. Whitmarsh.

Author’s Notes: This story follows “Just Believe”. It will begin a whole new era to my series, which will encompass the last two remaining seasons for Stargate SG-1. And I may extend the series to include this recently past season of “Atlantis” since Sam was on it full time. The poem used in this story is entitled “The Journey” and is written by Maura Penders. I hope you will continue to enjoy reading the stories I put out, and want to again thank you for all of your devotion!

Dedication: This story is dedicated to Renee. Thank you for your devotion and for “nagging” me to keep putting the stories out (wink and smile!). It’s always wonderful to hear your thoughts on the work I do!

The morning sunlight filtered in through Jack’s kitchen window, hitting the ring on Sam’s finger and making it sparkle wildly. Catching her eye as she stood there drinking her first cup of coffee for the day, she held out her hand and stared at it. It had been a week since Jack’s proposal, and she still couldn’t believe that her dream of having him in her life forever was actually coming true.

Having just mixed together a box of cinnamon streusel crumb cake for breakfast, she opened the oven door and put it in to bake for 15 minutes. Picking up her cup of coffee again, she made her way out of the kitchen and into the living room. Placing the cup down temporarily, she grabbed the white afghan off the back of the couch and wrapped herself up in it. Moving over to the doors leading out to the deck, she stood at the windows and stared out onto a snowy landscape as she sipped on her steaming cup of coffee.

Overnight, temperatures had dropped below zero, freezing the area with bitter cold conditions that only sealed the snow and layered ice already on the ground. Looking through the tempered glass, she involuntarily shivered as the cold irradiated off of it, brushing the skin on her face with its icy fingers. Frost had created beautiful patterns at each corner of the glass, and long, thick icicles hung precariously off of Jack’s roofline, catching the sun as it rose in the sky and returning a beautiful array of colors that danced off a nearby wall.

Every inch of her body wanted to just crawl back into bed and cuddle against Jack all day, but she knew that if she did, she’d never get anything done…and she had a lot to do, especially since their trip was only a few days away, and there was one person that she really needed to talk to if everything was going to go according to plan.

Standing there lost in thought, she failed to hear Jack’s quiet approach until his arms came around her from behind and he tenderly kissed the side of her neck as he pulled her against him. His voice was low and husky when he finally spoke up. “You know, there are a lot better ways of getting warm besides wrapping yourself up in a blanket.”

Smiling to herself, she pulled Jack’s arm tighter around her as she leaned back into him. “Believe me, I’ve considered it. But,” she said, turning in his arms to face him as she moved her arms around his neck, “if I allow your imagination to take over, we’ll never get anything done today. Besides, I want you to save some of that imagination for the honeymoon.” Moving her head forward, she found his lips and held them in an enticing kiss before finally letting them go.

Jack shook his head as he grinned at her. “Now that’s not very fair. You can’t kiss me like that and then not expect me to want more.”

Sam softly laughed as she kissed the tip of his nose. “Who said I didn’t want more? We just can’t spend the whole day in bed…I do have plans to finalize before we leave…and you have some things to get done as well.”

Jack sighed. “I know…it’s just so much more fun when I get to ignore all those duties nipping at my heels…especially if it involves the company of a beautiful woman.” Kissing her back, he finally forced himself to release her and step back before he got them both into trouble.

Sam smiled at him and took his hand. “Come on. I’ve got breakfast going.” Walking with him into the kitchen, she let go of his hand as he took a seat at the table while she went over to the oven to check the progress on the crumb cake. “Frankly,” she said as she dug out an oven mitt from the drawer, “I’m surprised to see you up so early. Weren’t you up late working on paperwork?”

Jack groaned. “Don’t remind me…I swear changing posts in the military can be harder then trying to get through basic training.” Yawning, he went on. “Besides, I have to run by the base for a few hours this morning before I meet with the realtor.”

Sam carried over a cup of coffee to him. “Well, you are handing over the reins to someone who only found out about the existence of the Stargate program yesterday. I think it’s safe to say you’re going to have some paperwork involved…but the good thing is you’re passing it onto his shoulders.”

Jack smiled at her as he watched her pull the crumb cake out of the oven. “See, that right there is just another reason why I love you so much…you always manage to find a positive spin on things.”

Sam laughed. “Not always, but I try my best.” Cutting the crumb cake, she went on as Jack got up and began gathering the plates and silverware they’d need. “How did Landry take it anyway? I never had a chance to ask you.”

Jack gave her a half grin. “Maybe that’s because you were too busy focusing on certain parts of my body when I got home.”

Sam blushed slightly as she smiled. “I missed you…besides, I had been working out the details of our trip all day…so let’s just say you were on my mind.”

Jack got the butter out of the fridge and then moved over and quickly kissed her neck. “I didn’t say I was complaining.” Pulling himself away before he got too distracted, he went on. “As for my meeting with Landry, it went well considering I completely blindsided the man. I think the last thing he expected from my spontaneous visit to his house was an old friend spinning tales about wormholes and aliens with snakes in their heads.”

Sam joined him at the table with their breakfast. “I’m assuming he took the job?”

Jack nodded. “After some serious talks and a little convincing, it appears he has taken the bait. Besides, I think it helped him along when I mentioned that his daughter was already working there.”

Sam gave him a confused look. “Who? Have I met her?”

Jack spread some butter on his crumb cake. “Actually, you know her quite well…it’s Dr. Lam.”

Sam showed her surprise. “Really? I didn’t know her father was a general in the Air Force…but then I guess I never really asked.”

Jack waved her off. “Don’t worry about it. I doubt she would have even brought him up. Their relationship has been strained for years. I guess Hank is hoping that having more time together will bring them a little closer.”

“Ahh.” Sam took a bite of her cake. After swallowing it, she spoke up again. “Does she know yet?”

“No,” Jack said with a little sarcastic laugh, “but if she quits, it won’t be my job to find her replacement.”

Sam nodded in agreement. After a moment, she broke the easy silence. “So are you still prepared to sell everything?”

Jack sighed and sat back. “It makes the most sense. I doubt I’ll be using my truck or my bike much up with the big city folk…and the house…is just a house.” Looking over at Sam, he studied her for a moment and then reached out and took her hand. “Besides, one day we’re going to have a home of our own, and that will mean more to me than this house ever could.”

Sam squeezed his hand in return and smiled. “And it’s a day I’m looking forward to.” Leaning forward, she connected with Jack’s lips in a simple but loving kiss.

Sighing contently, Jack sat back and took another bite of his coffee cake. “Have you made a decision about your place yet?”

Sam glanced over at him and shook her head. “I’m not sure. Since accepting that position in Nevada, my focus really hasn’t been on the house. I guess I figured I’d rent it for a while until I have time to deal with it.” Hesitating for a moment, she spoke up with a hint of amazement in her voice. “It’s hard to imagine…in a little over two weeks, you’ll be in Washington, I’ll be at Area 51, Teal’c will be at Dakara, and with any luck, Daniel will be heading to Atlantis. It’s a lot to take in.”

Jack smiled at her. “Ah, but you’re forgetting the most important change…you and I will be husband and wife.”

Sam returned his smile. “I was talking about the changes at the base, General. As for you and I getting married, there’s not a chance of me forgetting that. It’s all I seem to be thinking about.”

Jack gave her one of his sexy half grins and took her hand again, this time pulling her onto his lap. “Now that’s a statement a groom likes to hear from his beautiful bride-to-be.” As Sam started to lightly laugh, he absorbed her laughter with his lips. Kissing her passionately, they found their body heat increasing along with their heart rates as the kiss went on.

Sam, completely engulfed in how he was making her feel, wanted nothing more than to allow what was happening to continue, but she knew that if she did, neither one of them would accomplish anything. Using all her will, she pulled back and broke the kiss, placing a hand on his chest. Trying to catch her breath, she smiled at him, knowing her cheeks were flushed. “As much as I love what’s happening here, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “You know what, Carter, there are some days I love your brain, and other days where I hate it.” Giving her a smile, he released her and sat back. “Alright…what’s up?”

Sam took her seat again and began picking at what was left of her breakfast. “It’s about Cassie. I want to tell her about us. It would mean the world to me to have her standing by my side when we get married. I guess since Janet can’t be there, asking Cassie to come would be the next best thing.”

Jack leaned forward and took her hand. “Sam,” he said with his voice gentle and his features soft, “you don’t have to ask my permission to tell her. “Cassie’s a good kid, and I’m not worried about her telling anyone about our relationship. It would honor Janet and her memory to have her there with us.”

Sam smiled at him as she relaxed her shoulders. “I knew you’d understand.”

Jack squeezed her hand. “Are you going to go see her today?”

Sam nodded as Jack released her hand. “Yeah…I don’t suppose you want to come with me, do you?”

Jack sighed. “Trust me, I’d love to come with you, but I’ve got several debriefings at the base that I’m scheduled for, and it wouldn’t look very good if I started playing hooky on some of my last days at the SGC.”

Sam smiled at him as she stood up with her dishes in hand. “Well, in two days we’ll be on our way to the North Carolina coastline, and then all you have to do is focus your energy on us, a little adventuring, and of course, saying ‘I do’.”

Jack stood up and followed her into the kitchen. “And of course that infamous wedding night,” he said, putting his dishes down and wrapping his arms around her. “Let’s not forget about that.”

Sam smiled and kissed him lightly. “Believe me, I won’t.” Laughing out of pure joy, she kissed him again, this time with a deeper intensity that they both felt.

Holding onto her as Sam continued to kiss him passionately, Jack swept her up off her feet and blindly made his way out of the kitchen and down the hallway he knew so well to his bedroom. Placing one knee on the side of the bed, he laid her down in slow, decisive movements as he began kissing her neck.

Stretching out in a sexy movement, Sam reached up for Jack and began pulling off his white undershirt just as the phone rang. Jack shook his head as Sam hesitated. “Just let it ring…whoever it is can wait.” Pulling his shirt off the rest of the way for her, he brought his body down on top of hers and began to kiss her chest as he moved the robe off her shoulders with his hands.

But just as he was making his way down to her abdomen, the phone began to ring again. Growling low under his breath, he sat up and reached for the receiver next to the bed, barking out his frustration to the person on the other end of the line. “What!?”

Jack listened for a moment and then rolled his eyes, glancing at Sam as she turned on her side and hid her face to keep from laughing at Jack’s expression. “Walter…Walter, calm down. Just give them some doughnuts and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Hanging up the phone, he sighed and then looked down at Sam, who was now grinning up at him. Jack crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you making fun of me, Colonel?”

Sam began to laugh. “I’m sorry…I can’t help it if I think you’re adorable when you’re mad.”

Jack studied her for a moment before suddenly pouncing on her. Knowing her tickle spots very well, he proceeded to make her squeal for a few minutes before finally giving up after she began pleading with him to stop. Both now slightly out of breath, Jack, who was still on top of her, kissed her lips. “You know, any arguments we have are not going to be very fair if you find me cute when I’m mad. It’ll just make me out to be the bad guy.”

Sam ran one of her hands through his hair. “Well, maybe we won’t have that many disagreements.”

Jack sat up and shook his head. “Carter, with our history, we’re going to have plenty of them.”

Sam sat up as well and curled her arms around his neck. “Well, then I guess the makeup sex will be that much better.”

Jack grinned at her. “I think that’s guaranteed.” When he began homing in on her lips again, Sam placed her hand against his chest and pushed against him.

“Whoa…down boy. From what I heard on the phone, it sounds like you’re needed elsewhere. We can’t have Walter beating down your front door only to find me here.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Apparently, some off world delegates have made an unscheduled visit and are demanding my attention…something about a dispute they can’t settle.”

Sam grimaced. “Sounds…thrilling.” Glancing at the clock, she sighed. “Well, I need to get going anyway. I told Cassie I’d pick her up around 10 am for a little one on one girl time.”

Jack got out of bed and stepped into the bathroom. Turning on the water, he came back out a moment later, stripping off the rest of his clothes as he did. “Well, I’m assuming you’re going to take a shower…care to join me? I’ll wash your back if you wash mine?”

Sam smiled and shook her head as she stood up and moved towards him. “You’re incorrigible.” Kissing him deeply, she then took his hand and led him into the bathroom as he smiled at her in triumph. “I guess Walter can wait for a few more minutes.”

Later that afternoon, Cassie and Sam opened the door to Cassie’s house and hurried inside out of the cold. Each of them held several bags from their trip to the shopping mall, all of which were for Cassie. Sam watched with pride as the 17 year old dropped her bags, unbundled herself from her winter gear, and then plopped down on the couch looking exhausted.

When Cassie glanced over at Sam and noticed her watching her, she frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?”

Sam shook her head and smiled as she took her coat off and walked over to join her. “Nothing…it’s just…your mother would be so proud of you. Graduating high school early, taking on volunteering, being accepted to college…and she would have loved spending a day with you like we just shared.” When she could feel her voice choking up, she blinked several times and looked away as Cassie reached for her hand and snuggled in close to Sam’s chest.

Cassie’s voice was soft when she spoke. “I really miss her, Sam.”

Sam nodded through a blurry vision. “I know you do, sweetie…we all do.” Taking a moment to collect herself, she sniffed and wiped at her eyes before trying a more cheerful tone. “Hey…how about we make some hot chocolate? Maybe we can find an old movie on T.V…and there’s also something I want to talk to you about.”

Cassie sat up and looked at her with a slightly concerned expression. “Sure thing…is everything alright?”

Sam nodded and smiled as she got up. “Everything’s perfect.”

Ten minutes later, they were settled back on the couch. As Cassie flipped through the channels, Sam spoke up. “So, where are your grandparents?”

Cassie answered without taking her eyes off the television. “More than likely with the attorney. Since I’m going to be leaving for college in a few weeks, they’re moving forward with the sale of our house.”

Sam furrowed her brow. “So soon? Are you okay with that?”

Cassie shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll be staying in the dorms anyway, and I figured when I’m not visiting them, I can always come back and stay with you.”

Sam adjusted her position on the couch. “Um…yeah, that’s one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.”

Cassie turned her attention to Sam. “What’s going on?”

Sam put her cup of hot chocolate down on the coaster next to her. “Well, quite a bit actually. I’m not sure where to begin…so I guess I’ll start with my job. I’m leaving the SGC.”

Cassie was visibly surprised. “What! Why? Where are you going?”

Sam held up her hands. “I’m still going to be apart of the Stargate program, but an opportunity has come up for me in Nevada that I don’t want to pass up.” She proceeded to tell her what she knew of the job, carefully explaining what she thought Cassie would understand.

When she was done, Cassie took a moment and then answered. “Honestly, Sam, that’s great and all, but it doesn’t sound like you…at least not how I see it. Why now?”

Sam hesitated. “Well, there are several reasons…and let me just work through them briefly before you explode with questions.” When Cassie nodded, she went on. “For one, Jack is leaving the SGC as well. He’s been promoted to head up the Homeworld Security program that General Hammond was running. Besides the base getting a new general, SG-1 is also disbanding. Daniel wants to spend some time in Atlantis, and Teal’c feels he’s now needed with the free Jaffa while they establish some sort of government at Dakara. I guess I just didn’t feel like the SGC was for me anymore.”

Cassie took it all in and then nodded. “Wow…those are big reasons. I guess I can buy all of that, but…”

Sam tilted her head to the side. “But what?”

Cassie shrugged. “I guess it just seems like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

Sam smiled. “I would have expected nothing less from you.” Taking a breath, she went on. “Yes, there is another reason…and it’s a pretty big one.” Taking Cassie’s hands, she looked into her face, holding her tone firm and serious. “But if I tell you what it is, you can’t tell anyone else, okay?”

Cassie smiled. “Sam, I’m basically one big secret. I think you can be assured that I’m very good at keeping them.”

Sam nodded and sat up a little straighter. “Okay…here goes. Cassie, Jack and I…well, we’ve been seeing each other as more than coworkers and friends for a long time now…basically for years.”

Cassie stared at her without much change in her expression. “And this is supposed to surprise me how?”

Sam’s jaw dropped. “Janet told you?”

Cassie answered right back. “No…but it would have been nice for her to tell me about it…and you for that matter!” Huffing a little, she went on. “Look, Sam, you guys have put up a valiant effort, but it’s been obvious for a long time that you two are in love…or least it has been to me.”

Sam cringed. “Really? We were that obvious?”

Cassie smiled at her. “Don’t worry…I’m a teenager…love, dating, guys, that whole thing…it’s kind of me right now. I have no doubt the people you work with are completely clueless.”

Sam shook her head and lightly laughed. “Okay, smarty pants, but I bet you didn’t know that Jack just asked me to marry him?!”

Cassie’s face lit up and she squealed with delight. “Really?! Oh, Sam, that’s wonderful!!” Reaching out, she hugged Sam tightly. “You guys belong together…I’m so happy for you!”

Sam held onto her hug. “Thanks, sweetheart. That’s great to hear.”

Cassie pulled back, her face flushed with excitement. “So, where is it?”

Sam looked confused. “It?”

Cassie rolled her eyes and jumped up on the couch with her body. “The ring, the ring!! I’m assuming he gave you one?”

Sam smiled and reached under her shirt, pulling out her dogtags. And there hanging delicately next to Jack’s grandmother’s ring was her engagement ring, sparkling beautifully as it captured the light. Sam glanced at Cassie. “I know it’s strange to see it around my neck instead of on my finger, but Jack and I still have to keep our relationship a secret for a little while longer.”

Cassie looked a little disappointed. “Even with your new job?”

Sam nodded. “We both just feel that it would look a little strange to everyone if we suddenly got married right after we both leave our positions at the SGC where we were supposed to be nothing more than coworkers.”

Cassie fingered the ring. “It’s a beautiful ring, Sam. I just hate that you’re going to have to wear it around your neck. It really sucks that you can’t just be allowed to love who you want.” Releasing it from her fingers, she watched as Sam looked at it for a moment before placing it and her dogtags back underneath her shirt. “So how long are you guys going to wait before getting married?”

Sam looked up at her and smiled. “Well, that’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about. Jack doesn’t want to wait…and neither do I, so we’re going to actually be getting married in a few days.”

Cassie’s face lit up again. “Really!? A secret wedding?! That’s so romantic!” Bringing both legs up Indian style on the couch, she gave Sam her full and completely undivided attention. “So…tell me all the details…and do I get to come?”

Sam grinned at her. “Of course you can. Actually, there’s still one more reason for me telling you this.” Taking a breath, she went on. “If you’re mom was still alive, I’d be asking her this…but since she isn’t, I can’t think of a better person to take her place than you. Cassie, I want you to not only come with us, but I want you to be my maid of honor. I’ve always thought of you as almost a niece since your mom and I were so close, and it would mean so much to both Jack and I to have you at our sides when we pledge our love to each other.”

Cassie, who now was discreetly wiping at a stray tear, smiled and shook her head. “Oh, Sam, I love you, and it’s an amazing honor to me that you feel as you do and that you’re asking me to come with you. So yes, of course I’ll come! I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Sam and Cassie embraced, sharing tears and smiles from a moment that caught them both off guard. And in that moment, Sam felt more closely connected to Cassie than she ever had been, and in a way, she felt like Janet was there with them as well, watching over them and smiling. “I love you too, Cassie,” Sam said, releasing her from the embrace and looking into her eyes. “I’m always going to be here for you…Jack and I both will…I hope you know that.”

Cassie shook her head. “I know. It’s just so good to have you back. Even though your clone fooled us all, I always had the feeling something wasn’t right with you…I mean her.”

Sam nodded. “It’s good to be back.”

Cassie shook off the temporary silence that followed by speaking up again, this time in a more exuberant tone. “So, tell me all the details! Do you need help planning anything?”

Sam readjusted her position on the couch and sat back. “Well, since Jack asked me only a week ago, I haven’t had too much time to prepare, but since this is a ‘secret wedding’ as you put it, there isn’t that much to do.” Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she went on. “Jack really wants something simple but romantic, and so when he suggested the beach, we started looking at places that would give us the romance but without the crowds. We had thought about California, but most of their beaches are very public and tend to draw crowds year round. So then we looked at the east coast, and after some thought, we’ve decided to get married in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.”

Cassie’s face suddenly held recognition. “That’s where the famous run of lighthouses are that I read about, isn’t it?”

Sam nodded. “Yep…and after calling in some favors, Jack has managed to get the national park service to close off to the public the shoul that the Cape Lookout lighthouse sits on for a day. We’re even going to be allowed access to tour the lighthouse. The shoul itself sits about 3 miles off the coast of Beaufort, North Carolina, so it will be totally secluded. Harker’s Island is the closest piece of land, but no one will be allowed over to the lighthouse.”

Cassie had a glassy look in her eyes. “Wow! That sounds incredibly romantic. Who else is going besides me?”

“Just my dad and Teal’c. They’re the only other ones who know about our relationship.” Hesitating for a moment, another thought entered her head and she went on. “Oh, and didn’t you and Janet get certified in diving a few years ago?”

Cassie nodded. “Yep…I even got the advanced training for open water diving,” she said proudly.

Sam smiled. “Good because after the wedding, Jack also got us special access to dive with a small group of people to where the ship the Queen Anne’s Revenge lies. It’s nearby where we’re going to be and should be really interesting. They only found the ship about ten years ago and are still in the process of recovering artifacts. Only about 50 people are allowed down to the site each year.”

“Hey,” Cassie said excitedly, “I remember reading about that ship. They think that’s the flagship for Blackbeard the pirate! Oh cool…wait till I tell my friends about this!” Looking at Sam, she quickly reassured her. “I mean tell them about diving to the ship…I can can’t I?”

Sam smiled. “Of course you can. Jack and I completely trust you, which is why I’m telling you about us…which apparently was also not that big of a secret to begin with.”

Cassie smiled. “Well, you’re engagement was, so that is awesome. When do we leave anyway?”

“The day after tomorrow,” Sam said. “I’m sorry it’s not much notice, but Jack and I have been so busy trying to make this happen that I never found time to tell you until now.”

Cassie stretched back on the couch. “No problem. Since I’m done with high school, I really don’t have to worry about missing any classes.”

Sam smiled at her. “I know I’ve already said this to you, but I’m so proud of you for pushing yourself and graduating early. That’s an incredible accomplishment. I’m amazed you don’t want to take some time off.”

Cassie thought for a moment. “Well, now that you mention it, maybe I could delay it until the fall. Do you think I could come with you to Nevada? It would be so great to be able to spend some real time together. I know you’ll be busy at work, but I could get a part time job somewhere while you’re working…plus, you’re going to be lonely without Jack around.”

Sam listened carefully as she spoke. “But I thought you were already registered with your class schedule and suppose to move into the dorms soon.”

Cassie waved her off. “I’m sure my grandparents can talk to them, and I bet I’m not the first early graduate of high school who suddenly decides to take some time off.” Moving in closer, she clasped her hands together as she looked at Sam with pleading eyes. “Come on, Sam, please? It would be so great!”

Sam smiled and shook her head. “You know, it’s not exactly easy to say no to you when you make everything seem so sensible.” Sighing, she continued. “Personally, I would love to have you stay with me for a while, but you need to talk to your grandparents first and make sure they’re okay with it. After all, they’re the ones who are helping to put you through college.”

Cassie grinned broadly. “Oh Sam, it’s going to be so great! I know they’ll say yes!”

Sam glanced down at her watch and was surprised to see how late it had gotten. Standing up, she smiled at Cassie as she stood up with her. “Alright, kiddo, just make sure you give them the choice, okay?”

“I promise!” Throwing herself into Sam’s arms, she gave her a big hug.

Pulling back, Sam ran a hand over one side of Cassie’s hair, pulling it back off her shoulder. “I need to go. I’ve got a few more places to go before heading back home. I’ll call you tomorrow with more details of the trip and when we fly out, okay?”

Cassie nodded. “Okay.” As she walked to the door with Sam, she spoke up. “Thanks for everything, Sam…from asking me to stand up with you for your wedding to letting me live with you for a while. I’ve been doing the best I can, and while I know my grandparents have been doing their best, it’s been hard without Mom. I guess I’ve just been feeling kind of lost.”

Sam turned and faced her, a serious look on her face. “And I’m so sorry that I was gone for so long. I know my clone didn’t reach out to you, and it’s just one more part of my life she managed to hurt.”

Cassie shrugged. “It’s not your fault. I’m just glad Jack found you in time…and I’m really sorry for everything you had to go through.” Reaching out, they embraced again, this time for an extended period in which nothing was said, but everything was felt.

Later that night, Sam was in sound asleep in her bed when she felt a warm arm come around her chest. Being carefully pulled against a body, Sam turned her head as someone planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Blinking and squinting in the darkness, she smiled and cuddled closer, unable to see his face, but knowing his touch and his form so well that she had no doubt Jack was beside her.

“Hey,” she said sleepily. “I thought you had to stay at the base tonight?”

Jack’s voice was low and soft. “The base doesn’t offer such wonderful accommodations.”

Sam yawned and turned in his arms to face him. Finding his lips in the darkness, they kissed lovingly for a moment before Sam spoke again. “How was your day?”

Jack let his head fall back on the pillow in a dramatic display. “Boring as Hell. How was yours? Did you talk to Cassie?”

Sam laid her head on his chest and snuggled closely. “As a matter of fact I did. We had a great day and I broke the big news after we got back to her house.”

Jack kissed the top of her head and began running a finger up and down the soft skin of her right arm. “And how did she take it?”

Sam responded softly. “She wasn’t a bit surprised. She might not have been expecting the engagement, but she certainly wasn’t surprised by the fact that you and I had been seeing each other.”

Jack chuckled to himself. “I guess I should have known she was smart enough to see through things.” Pausing for a moment, he went on. “I take it she’s happy for us and is coming with us for the wedding?”

Sam sat up and propped one elbow on the bed, supporting her head with her hand. “Yes she is…to both questions. And…”

Jack turned his head more towards her. “And what?”

“Well,” Sam said, “it appears I’m going to have a roommate for at least my first few months in Nevada.” Taking her time, she explained to Jack what that meant, along with all that had been said between her and Cassie.

When she had finished, Jack blew out a breath and smiled. “Well, I have to give her credit. I never would have thought about setting something up like that, but honestly, I’m relieved that the two of you will have each other. I’ll sleep a little better at night knowing that you’re not totally alone.”

Sam began tracing mindless patterns on Jack’s bare chest. “But we aren’t going to be apart too long are we?”

Jack moved his head forward and placed a feather-light kiss on her lips. “I plan on flying to Nevada every weekend unless my schedule has a conflict. But I can’t imagine what those pencil pushers in Washington could have me doing that would be more important than spending time with my beautiful wife.”

Sam smiled and sighed contently as she laid her head back down on top of his chest. “Your wife…I love those words. I just can’t believe it’s actually going to happen.”

Jack smiled to himself as he held her a little closer. “We’re going to make it happen, Sam. And then I’ll spend the rest of my life as the happiest man in this galaxy.”

“I’m going to love you forever, Jack,” Sam said, her voice sounding sleepy once again as her eyes closed and she began to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

Jack kissed the top of her head once more as he closed his eyes. “Just as I’m going to love you…always and forever.”

Three days later, in the hovering grey light of a night that was passing and a day that was dawning, Jack stood on the beach of the shoul that held the Cape Lookout lighthouse. The air was cool and held a salty taste, but to their great fortune, the weather was mild, with a nighttime temperature that had only dropped down into the low 60’s. And the day that was dawning, one of the most important and special days of his life, was predicted to climb into the mid-70’s. It was weather that North Carolina sometimes experienced in the winter, and for such a special day, Jack was grateful they were getting to see it for themselves.

Looking out over the face of the still dark ocean, Jack couldn’t believe that he and Sam had finally reached this moment…their moment…something that could never be taken away from them, no matter what life threw at them. With the waves breaking 15 feet off shore, Jack closed his eyes for a moment and listened to the quiet sounds of the ocean as the water sang to his soul, calming the butterflies that were plaguing his stomach.

Jack, Sam, Cassie, Teal’c, and Jacob had arrived in Beaufort the day before and had spent the day getting settled into their rooms. Jack had reserved a bed and breakfast suite for himself and Sam, along with separate rooms for everyone else, but sticking to tradition, Sam had spent the night with Cassie in her room just down the hall. After meeting with the minister who would marry them, the group had spent the rest of the evening enjoying a wonderful dinner of local seafood. And after saying goodnight to Sam, Jacob and Teal’c took Jack to a local bar to enjoy a few rounds of drinks to top off the night in a fun, traditional bachelor’s way.

But none of them had stayed out too late. Since Sam and Jack had made the decision to be married at sunrise, Jack and Teal’c found themselves on their private ferry over to the lighthouse at 0530 hours. Sam, Cassie, Jacob and the minister were to follow thirty minutes later and make final preparations inside the lighthouse keeper’s home.

Looking down at his black tuxedo, freshly pressed and dry cleaned, Jack smoothed out a corner of his jacket as Teal’c approached him. Wearing a small smile, which was unusual for Teal’c, Jack eyed him suspiciously. “What?”

Teal’c nodded. “I have never seen you look quite so unsteady, O’Neill.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “I’m just a little nervous, okay? I just hope I remember everything I’m wanting to say to her.”

Teal’c bowed his head. “You will do fine...of this I am sure.”

Jack blew out a breath. “So, any sign of them yet?”

Teal’c responded promptly. “I was just coming to inform you that they have arrived and are currently inside the house. The minister should be out shortly.”

Jack looked up at the two story house that was settled comfortably beneath the black and white checkered lighthouse. It was a weathered white, trimmed with multiple windows, nine of which decorated the front of the house and faced the ocean. Two red chimneys complemented each end of the roofline, and a small porch stretched the length of the house. Both structures had seen their fair share of history, with the very first lighthouse, no longer standing, dating back to 1812.

After a few more moments of silence passed, Teal’c quietly spoke up. “It should be a beautiful day, O’Neill.”

Jack blinked and looked over at Teal’c, offering him a more relaxed smile. “It will be, my friend…a day to be remembered forever.”

Thirty minutes later, Jack, with Teal’c standing to his left side and the minister to his right, looked anxiously at the front door of the house. Behind them, the ocean sparkled softly in multiple colors of red, orange, yellow, and pink, as the sun slowly made its approach on the horizon. Light had been cast on the front of the house, spotlighting its weathered panels and old glass windows.

Inside, Sam took another cleansing breath to try and calm the nerves running zigzags through every inch of her body. “You look beautiful, Sam. You remind me of your mother on our wedding day,” Jacob said, a hint of memories flashing through his eyes. Standing in front of the door, taking one more moment to reflect on the day ahead, Sam smiled and looked over at her father.

“Thanks, Dad,” Sam said with a gentle squeeze of his arm that was linked through hers as she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Picking out her dress required the opinions of several people, and making the final decision had been a nightmare. In the end, it was Sam who made the final choice, choosing a simple white silk gown that was sleeveless. It was fitted to her curves, and billowed out at the waist. She wore a beautiful coat of lace over it, which was long in the sleeve and went the length of her gown. It snapped in the middle at her waist with a simple pearl clasp. Her hair had been curled and pulled back, emphasizing her beautiful bone structure and bright blue eyes. Small, white flowers had been intricately woven throughout her hair, and she carried a bouquet of red roses and white lilies.

“It’s time, kiddo…are you ready?” Jacob asked, looking at his daughter with pride.

Casting a glance over at Cassie, who was standing next to the door, Sam smiled at her and nodded, giving her the signal that she was ready.

Cassie, grinning happily, opened the door, allowing the light from the new day to filter into the house. As Cassie stepped out, Sam and Jacob waited for a minute before finally taking those first steps towards Sam’s new future. As they made their way out onto the porch and down the short flight of stairs, Sam could feel the butterflies in her stomach exploding.

And Jack thought that he was never going to breathe again. When he saw Sam coming towards him, he began to wonder if he was really marrying an angel. Every part of her sparkled in the early morning light, and he suddenly found himself wondering how he had gotten so damn lucky. When Jacob and Sam finally reached him, he took her hand in his as Jacob gave away his only daughter to his careful keeping. He swore to himself at that moment that he would spend the rest of his life making her as happy as she made him.

Squeezing her hand, he smiled at her and whispered softly as the gentle breeze churned around them. “You look incredibly beautiful.”

Sam squeezed his hand in return, uniting their eyes for a moment as she smiled back at him with deep emotions in her face. Mouthing the words ‘I love you’, they finally turned and faced the minister, who patiently stood waiting with a soft, knowing smile.

“We are gathered here today to witness the union of Samantha and Jonathon in holy matrimony.” The minister’s voice continued on, steady and sure, as he read through the expected beginning passages of the ceremony. The minister himself was a man that Jack and Sam had only just met upon arriving in Beaufort. Jacob had arranged his services before they got there, and both of them had taken an instant liking to the old man with kind, steel blue eyes. His manner and wit told them both that the man’s personal history was long and complex, full of experience in all matters of life, and they had enjoyed spending a few hours with him the day before. He had listened to their plans and offered his advice only when asked, which to both of them seemed wise and sure.

When it came time for the vows to be recited, Jack and Sam had chosen to write their own. Lovingly, Jack took both of Sam’s hands in his and faced her, taking in a long breath and releasing it before he began to speak. “You know I’m not the best at expressing my feelings, especially in front of witnesses. So when we decided to write our own vows, you definitely presented me with a challenge. But it was a challenge I readily took on, and so now, in front of family and friends, a small gathering though it may be, I want to express to you how much I love you and what you mean to me.” Jack paused for a moment and gave her a nervous smile. But his eyes were filled with love, and Sam returned his smiled, tears already forming in the corners of her eyes. Jack cleared his throat and continued, softening his voice. “I found a poem that I felt not only defined our upcoming lives together, but would also tell you how much I love you.” Jack nervously cleared his throat once more as Sam squeezed his hands with affection.

Now we will feel no rain

For each of us will be shelter to each other.

And now we will feel no cold

For each of us will be warmth to each other.

Now there is no loneliness.

We are two bodies but there is one life before us and one home.

When evening falls, I’ll look to you and there you’ll be.

And I’ll take your hand and you’ll take mine

And we’ll turn together and we’ll look to the road we traveled to reach this—

The hour of our happiness.

It stretches far behind us, and our future lies ahead—

A long and winding road where every turning means discovery

All the hopes, new laughter, shared tears.

The adventure has just begun.

As Jack finished the poem, though she didn’t think it possible, Sam found herself loving him even more. As he gazed at her lovingly, she wiped at her tears and took a breath. “From the moment we met,” Sam said, beginning with a quiver in her voice, “I knew my life would be changed forever. Following you through our adventures these past eight years has been one incredible journey. And right from the start, you captured my heart. Your courage, strength, compassion, wit, and charm are just a few of the qualities that make you the man that you are…the man I fell in love with. You’ve challenged me, surprised me, and kept me on my toes. Until you, my life was encompassed in a room basically consisting of study and research, lacking the color and flare that you now bring to it. You found the door to my heart that no one else ever could, and you broke down the walls, showing me a world so much more exciting and beautiful than I ever thought it could be…simply because you’re in it. So today I give you my heart, my love, my soul…for the rest of my life. You are my best friend, my soulmate, my protector. I will love you, now and forever.”

As Jack held onto both of her hands, Sam drew strength from them to continue to stand. All she wanted to do was fall into his arms and become lost in them. His eyes, now rimmed with tears over what she had just said, searched hers for a passionate moment, and the only sounds that serenaded them were that of the ocean as it gently lapping against the shore, the seagulls as they cried out and occasionally circled overhead, and the gentle breeze that whispered against their skin. The sun, now breaching the horizon, was filling the sky in a brilliant array of colors that only God could paint.

As Sam and Jack released one hand, they turned back to the minister, who, along with Cassie, Teal’c, and Jacob, was smiling at them. After a moment more, he spoke up. “I now give you these rings to exchange as a symbol and token of your love…and of the promises you have made to each other.” Looking at Jack, he held out Sam’s ring.

Taking it, Jack repeated the words as the minister instructed. “I, Jonathon O’Neill, take you, Samantha Carter, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” Slipping the ring carefully on her left ring finger, he looked up at her and smiled as she wiped at a tear with her free hand.

Giving Jack’s ring to Sam, the minister instructed her in the same manner. “I, Samantha Carter, take you, Jonathon O’Neill, to be my lawfully wedded husband.” As she continued to speak the rest of the repeated phrase, she slipped Jack’s ring onto his finger and felt an enormous emotional rush over what was happening. Only in her dreams had she imagined such a moment, and until her recent rescue, she had all but given up on ever achieving it. With tears streaming down her face, she finished the last part of her vows with a voice that was cracked with emotion.

Continuing to hold onto each other’s hands, Sam and Jack saw nothing else but each other as the minister closed the simple yet beautiful ceremony. “What God has joined together may no man put asunder. Samantha…Jack…by the power vested in me under God and by the state of North Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Smiling with the rest of the group, he looked at Jack. “You may kiss your bride.”

“Nice.” Jack smiled broadly at her as he took her in his arms and their lips joined. Dipping her slightly, they enjoyed the magical moment as it enveloped them amid clapping and a cheerful yelp from Cassie. Breaking the kiss, they hugged each other and then turned to those celebrating with them. Reaching for her father, Sam and Jacob embraced warmly as Jacob kissed her on the forehead and then held her face in his hands, looking into her eyes with pride. “I’m so happy for you, Sam. You and Jack have something that few people ever find in this life. And no matter how separated you might be over the next few years, you just hold onto that love and it will see you through.”

Sam smiled at him through happy tears. “I will, Dad…and thank you so much for being here today. It means everything to me.”

“As it does to me,” Jack said, joining them.

Jacob nodded and put a firm hand on Jack’s shoulder. “You’re a good man, Jack, and I’m proud to have you as a son-in-law.”

Jack smiled as they gave each other a short embrace. “The feeling’s mutual, Jacob. And I promise you that I’ll spend the rest of my life making Sam as happy as she can be.”

Jacob looked at Sam and then responded. “I know you will…and I’m going to hold you to that promise.”

Jack saluted him playfully. “Yes, Sir.”

As Jack and her father continued to talk, Sam walked over to Teal’c, who was standing nearby. Looking up at him, she smiled and then embraced him as his arms came around her. “Thanks for everything, Teal’c. If it wasn’t for you, I’m not sure we’d be here today. I know you helped Jack hold onto hope when everything seemed lost to him, and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Teal’c smiled genuinely at her. “You are most welcome, Colonel Carter. I am truly happy for both of you.”

After more congratulations were received from Cassie and the minister, the group enjoyed a beautiful catered breakfast on the beach that Jacob had arranged since a reception wasn’t in order. After stuffing themselves with everything you’d ever find on a breakfast table, Sam, Jack, and Jacob walked the minister to his awaiting ferry, thanking him for all he’d done for them on such short notice.

And after changing clothes, Jack, Sam, Teal’c, Jacob, and Cassie enjoyed the rest of the day together, lazing casually on their private beach. After making a small sand castle, Teal’c, ever curious, found himself challenged and amused at such a task. Deciding to build their own masterpiece together, the rest of them watched as Teal’c and Cassie created just that. It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, reminiscing on old times, and discussing what the future could hold. After sharing a picnic lunch together, the group walked up the shoal, only to come across a pair of wild horses that had been rumored to live on the island.

Hand in hand, Jack and Sam watched as the two horses frolicked playfully at the water’s edge and then moved up to a nearby patch of sea grass, munching on it slowly as they kept a careful eye on their observers just down the beach from them.

Cassie’s voice came in a low whispered tone. “Oh, they’re beautiful! I wish we could ride them.”

But Jack just shook his head. “Hopefully these two will never have to endure that. They’re free just as their spirits are. It’s a privilege to see them this way.”

Teal’c nodded solemnly. “It is indeed, O’Neill.”

After watching them for a few more minutes in peaceful silence, the group quietly turned and headed back down the beach, leaving the horses to their day. Arriving back at the lighthouse, they found they had just enough time to tour it before the close of the day.

The tour of the lighthouse proved to be fun and uneventful. Cassie decided promptly after reaching the top that it would be the one and only lighthouse she’d ever tour, especially if they all required so much stair climbing. The view was spectacular and provided a great vantage point for the rest of the shoal.

Sam and Jack held back for a few minutes as the rest of the group headed back down the stairs. When they were alone, Jack turned and took Sam in his arms, holding her close.

Giving her a gentle kiss, he smiled softly as he spoke up. “So, Mrs. O’Neill, what’s going through that beautiful head of yours?”

Sam smiled and kissed him back. “Well, for starters…that I love my new name…and two, that’s it’s been a perfect day.”

Jack nodded. “That it has…and it’s not over with yet.”

Sam eyed him carefully. “And just what do you have up your sleeve this time, Mr. O’Neill?”

Jack laughed quietly. “Now if I told you that, it wouldn’t be a surprise now would it?!” Quickly kissing her again, he went on. “But I will tell you that we’re not going back to the mainland…at least not tonight. I managed to sweet talk the nice folks who own that house down there to let us stay overnight.”

Sam couldn’t help but smile. “Really? Jack, that’s wonderful!” Kissing him softly, she spoke up again. “What about our trip for scuba diving to the Queen Anne’s Revenge?”

Jack responded promptly. “We’ll join the others in the morning. Our first class doesn’t start until 0900 hours.”

Sam nodded. “It seems rather pointless to be required to go through classes, especially since we all have the proper training.”

Jack gave her a half smile. “Well, it is a major archeological find that is still under excavation. Frankly, Daniel will have my head if he ever finds out we did this without him.”

Sam put her arms around Jack’s neck and smiled sweetly. “Well, maybe you can use some of your charms and well placed connections to get him a souvenir as a peace offering.” Kissing him softly, she went on. “Besides, he never has to know. After all, it looks like it’s going to be a while before he finds out about what happened this morning.”

Jack nodded, still smiling. “Hey, I’m all for holding off Daniel’s wrath. Besides, for all we know, he may already be boarding a ship for Atlantis. Once he gets that transfer, he’ll have his hands full with a whole new mess of ancient things.” Glancing out one of the many windows in the lighthouse’s tower, Jack nodded his head towards the stairs. “Come on. We’d better go join the others before they come back up looking for us.”

Taking her hand, Jack led Sam back down the winding staircase to the base of the lighthouse where the others were waiting for them. As they approached, Jacob eyed them carefully with a muted smile. “So,” he said, looking directly at Jack, “are we set?”

Jack nodded. “Yep, and your ferry should be waiting.”

Cassie looked from Jacob to Jack. “Aren’t you two coming back with us?”

Jack reached out and gently tousled the top of Cassie’s hair. “Sam and I are going to stay here for the night, but we’ll be joining you in the morning for our trip to the QAR.”

Cassie pretended to look perplexed for a moment and then suddenly smiled and let out a girlish giggle. “Gotcha.” Reaching out, she took both Jacob and Teal’c’s hand. “Come on you two…these lovebirds need a little alone time.”

Sam scolded her playfully. “Cassie! A little tack please!”

Cassie shrugged. “What? I think it’s pretty obvious to all what happens after you get married!”

Jacob shook his head and steered Cassie in the direction of the door. “Alright, let’s get going. There’s only so much a father wants to think about.” As they walked to the door, Teal’c gave Sam and Jack a small smile and then bowed his head before following Jacob and Cassie.

Ten minutes later, Sam and Jack stood on the shore, waving to Jacob, Cassie, and Teal’c as their private ferry pulled away from the back of the shoal. Once their boat was out of sight, Jack took Sam’s hand. “Come on, Mrs. O’Neill…you’re surprise awaits.”

Leading Sam back towards the house, the two of them enjoyed a quiet stroll in the light of the fading day. The sunset over the ocean brought softer yet just as spectacular colors as the sunrise had, and as the sun dipped below the opposite horizon and the last few rays of light faded from the sky, the twinkling stars made their debut in the new night sky as the moon, held in a perfect crescent, began rising into the sky’s darkened depths.

Entering the house, Jack immediately turned her towards the stairs that led upstairs. Sam hesitated and looked at him. “Jack, I thought the upstairs was off limits.”

Jack gave her a small smile. “Only because that’s what you were told. But when I arranged to use this house to help you get ready, the couple who lives here off and on was kind enough to lend me the upstairs to make our night that much more special. I guess you could say I appealed to their romantic side.”

Sam smiled and drew him closer, squeezing his hand. “You’re the romantic, Jack O’Neill.” Kissing him, they stood there momentarily absorbing the moment and in the feel of each other’s lips. Finally drawing back, she tugged gently on Jack’s hand. “So, are you going to show me what you’ve done?”

Jack smiled and held out his hand in a gesture towards the stairs. “After you.”

Walking up the stairs behind Sam, Jack took her hand when they reached the top and led her into the main bedroom of the house. Opening the door, soft candlelight met them from all angles of the room. The bed, which was huge and antique, was made up with soft off white cotton sheets and topped with an enormously overstuffed down comforter, fitted with a matching off white duvet cover. Pillows were piled up against the large cherry oak headboard, and soft pink and brilliant red rose pedals had been strewn across the surface of the bed itself.

The bed faced the windows that overlooked the ocean, and directly in front of those windows, a cozy table had been set up with champagne chilling on ice, crystal glasses, and two dinner plates, both concealed by silver covers. And next to the table, a beautiful wedding cake, half the size of normal ones, had been placed on a linen-covered cart, with more food underneath it. And in the opposite corner of the room, soft music floated out of a small CD player, filling the room with romantic tunes.

Sam, stunned by the beauty and thoughtfulness of the room, stood in place and took it all in. After a moment, she looked over at Jack with misty eyes and smiled. “Jack, it’s beautiful. How did you ever get this done?”

Jack gave her a sly smile. “Well, as much as I’d like to take credit for this, the caterer really gets the thanks. I told them what I wanted, so when we were out walking the shoal, they slipped back over and got the room ready.” Pointing at the food, he continued. “Dinner should be still hot. I think they left right before we exited the lighthouse.”

Sam shook her head in disbelief. “I just can’t believe it! You’ve thought of everything…even a wedding cake.” Walking over to it, she stood in front of it and took in every detail.

Jack moved over to her and put his arms around her from behind. “Well,” Jack said, speaking softly, “you deserve the best, and since I couldn’t give you the full wedding of your dreams, I tried to make up for it as best I could.”

Sam turned around and smiled up at him as her arms came around him. “You don’t have anything to make up for. This was a dream wedding…and this night…is going to be perfect. You never fail to amaze me, Jack O’Neill.”

Jack kissed her softly. “Just as you have never failed to confuse me, Samantha Car…I mean Samantha O’Neill.” With her light laughter, Jack smiled and then kissed her again. “Come on. Let’s eat before it gets cold. Besides, we have other things to do before the end of this night.”

Sam gave him one of her secret smiles as she looked at him through her lashes. “And I’m looking forward to it.”

Over the next few hours, they enjoyed a romantic meal consisting of filet mignon, delicate pasta, vegetables, and warm, soft bread. Drinking on the champagne, they toasted to each other and then talked about what the future could hold. After dinner, Jack took her hand, and together, they cut the first piece of the wedding cake, which was a butter-flavored cake with a raspberry filling in the center and a white, buttercream icing on top. Feeding it to each other according to tradition, they both then scoured down another piece.

And as the crescent moon took precedence in the night sky above the dark ocean, Sam and Jack made sweet love, serenaded by the gentle sounds of the rolling ocean coming through the open windows. Though their lovemaking was just as powerful as it always had bee, it was also different…more special…and afterwards, they laid in each other arms taking in the ultimate, perfect love that surrounded them.

Sam, spooned happily against Jack under the sheets, watched as her ring caught the reflection of the fading candlelight, its facets sparkling wildly. Sighing softly, she spoke up. “I wish we could stay here forever.” Turning over in his arms to face him, she began tracing a line over his jaw as she went on. “The world seems so perfect right now…no dominating Goa’ulds or other enemies to worry about…no worries over what people might think if they see us together…and there’s not half a country between us.”

Jack watched her in silence for a moment, reflecting over what she had just said as he watched her expression become more serious and a little sad. “Hey,” he said, his voice soft but serious, “we’re not going to be separated forever. I’m going to hate this just as much as you will. At least you’ll be kept busy with all those gadgets at Area 51…I’m going to have to endure basically nothing but paperwork and meetings. And you’ll have Cassie for the first few months…that should hopefully make it easier.”

Sam cuddled in against his chest, taking her finger from his jaw to his chest. “I know…but it’s not the same. After what happened to me…” Sam sighed with a shaky breath and then went on. “I guess I just don’t want to waste any more time.”

Jack took his hands and moved them to her face, pulling it back so he could look into her eyes. “I’m going to see you as much as I can…I promise. If I can’t see you every weekend, I’ll be on the first chartered flight to Nevada the second my schedule allows for it.” Despite the smile she gave him, Jack took notice of the small tear that was trickling down her right cheek. Bending his head down, he used his lips and gently kissed it away. “I love you, Sam, and nothing or no one is going to be able to keep me from you for too long.”

Sam gave him a small nod and then settled her head back on his chest. From that point on, nothing else was said…nothing else needed to be said. Holding on to each other as Jack gently stroked her hair, the emotions shared between them were enough. Jack had to once again suppress the anger he still held inside of him over what had happened to her. Sam was the same, yet she was different…much more fragile than he had ever known her to be. And he didn’t blame her. The fact that she had survived something most people never would have was a miracle in itself, and he had made amends with the fact that her scars would always be there.

But from the moment they’d known she was going to be okay, Jack had made a personal promise to himself to help her heal and to protect her with as much of himself as he was able to give. He had also prepared himself for the fact that at least for the first part of their separation, he was going to be worried sick about her. But the assurance that she wouldn’t be traveling through the Gate helped him tremendously, along with the unexpected blessing of Cassie’s presence, at least for the first few months.

And so they drifted off into a peaceful slumber together, fading out the dying candlelight and the melodic sounds of the oceans waves as they gently crashed on the shore. A new day would soon be dawning…the first of their newly married lives…taking them one step closer to their impeding separation, but one step closer to their permanent reunion when the world would finally know the truth of their storybook romance.

The next day had dawned early for Sam and Jack, who, after making love one more time, forced themselves to abandon their private world for a reality they could not put off. Arriving back on the mainland, they met up with Cassie, Teal’c, and Jacob for a quick breakfast at their B&B before heading to the site of the first class for their underwater adventure to the QAR.

According to history, the Queen’s Anne’s Revenge, or QAR, was the rumored flagship for the famous pirate nicknamed Blackbeard. The ship, named after the War of the Spanish Succession (also known in the Americas as Queen Anne’s War), traveled from the west coast of Africa to the Caribbean, attacking and looting ships.

After ransoming Charleston harbor in May 1718, Blackbeard refused to accept the governor’s pardon and instead ran the QAR aground while attempting to enter Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina. He transferred supplies to a smaller ship, leaving his flagship to sink into the shallow waters offshore from what is now known as Fort Macon State Park.

The shipwreck was discovered in 1996, and since then, a major excavation has been underway to recover artifacts in hopes of not only preserving history but proving that the sunken vessel is indeed the famous flagship. And since it is still an ongoing recovery effort, only small groups of people are allowed to dive to its ruins every year, guided by a private diving company.

In order to ensure that each group of divers has the full exposure to not only the ship itself but the history behind it, the diving company requires that each group participate in a series of classes that take place over two days, with the dive happening after that.

And so for the first day, Sam, Jack, Jacob, Teal’c, and Cassie learned about the ship itself, how it was laid out on the ocean floor, and even visited the growing museum of artifacts that had already been recovered, cleaned, cataloged and put out for display.

The second day of their adventure had been scheduled with a morning practice dive, followed by the actual dive to the QAR in the afternoon following an extended break for lunch. The group had elected to eat lunch at a quaint café near the bed and breakfast where they had been staying. After dropping off their gear in their respective rooms, they walked to the café together. With enough time for lunch and even a bit of shopping, they found themselves at the end of the meal casually enjoying random conversation and the people watching that usually went with it.

After a sustained but easy silence, Teal’c suddenly looked over at Jack and spoke up. “O’Neill, did you recognize the man sitting towards the back of the room we were gathered in? He was wearing a black hat and had on a black leather coat over a white shirt.”

Jack, who was sitting next to Sam, his fingers casually strung through hers on the table, looked over at Teal’c with a perplexed look. After thinking for a moment, he answered him. “I might have glanced at him…but no, not really. Why?”

Teal’c hesitated for a moment before answering. “I am not sure. He seemed very familiar to me, and I caught him on several occasions looking in your direction…and more specifically at Colonel Carter.”

Jack gave him a small smile. “Well, she is a beautiful woman, T.”

Sam slapped him playfully on the arm as a light blush appeared on her cheeks. “Jack!”

Cassie giggled as Jack looked over at her and gave her an innocent look. “What? Aren’t I allowed to say things like that about my wife?” Glancing over at Teal’c, whose serious expression had not changed, Jack looked back over at Sam. “Do you know who he’s talking about?”

Sam thought for a moment. “Yeah, I do, and I practically ran into him exiting the bathroom yesterday, but I didn’t recognize him.”

Jack looked back at Teal’c and shrugged. “I don’t know, buddy. Maybe he’s just an extreme people watcher.”

Teal’c adjusted in his chair, giving Jack a less than amicable look. “Perhaps.”

Jacob cleared his throat and finally spoke up. “Well, now that the classes are over, we probably won’t have to worry about seeing much more of him. After our dive this afternoon, we’ll be heading home tomorrow morning.”

At the mention of having to go back to their regular lives, Sam and Jack suddenly dropped their casual smiles. But Jack quickly reached over and took Sam’s hand, squeezing it in reassurance. Taking a moment, he finally spoke up with determination in his voice. “Well, we don’t have to worry about tomorrow until we get to it.” Knowing everyone at the table understood what had suddenly made Sam and Jack so tense caused looks of sympathy to be cast their way.

Glancing at his watch, Jacob tried to offer a small smile in order to shake off the sudden bad glimpse of their upcoming reality. “We probably should head back to the B&B for our gear and then be on our way to the pier. We certainly don’t want to miss this dive.”

Laying money down for the check, Jack stood up, with everyone else following his lead. Taking Sam’s hand again, he pulled her close and gave her a quick kiss and a discreet smile. Talking in a low voice that only she could hear, he spoke up, looking directly into her eyes. “We’re going to be okay. Let’s go enjoy this afternoon. And don’t forget…we’ve still have tonight. I love you.”

Sam smiled back at him. “I love you too, Jack.”

Following the others out of the restaurant, the group made their way back to the B&B that was just up the street. After parting ways temporarily to gather the gear in their individual rooms, they found themselves back in front of the place where they’d been staying approximately ten minutes later.

Fishing out the keys to the rental car, Jack spoke up. “Alright, kids, let’s get going. Does everyone have their I.D.’s? We really don’t want to have come this far and not be allowed to actually get to dive to the QAR.”

After a moment of everyone double checking, Sam spoke up. “That’s strange. I could have sworn I clipped my I.D. to my gear.” Thinking for a moment, she shrugged. “I guess it must have fallen off when I dropped it off before lunch.” Giving a quick smile to Jack, she continued. “Go ahead and load the car. I won’t be but just a minute.” Leaving her gear with Jack, she retraced her steps back into the Bed and Breakfast.

Climbing the short flight of wide stairs to the second floor, Sam moved down the hall and arrived at her room a moment later. Taking her key out of her pocket, she unlocked the door and entered. Spotting her badge lying on the floor where her gear had been, she left the door open as she moved away from the entryway.

But Sam hadn’t made it two feet before the door behind her suddenly slammed shut. Jumping at the unexpected sound, she started to turn around, but within the blink of an eye, a strong arm came around her chest, roughly pulling her against someone about her height. Without any warning or time to react, a white cloth was painfully pushed against her nose and mouth as she suddenly found herself struggling to breath.

Fighting with all her might as she attempted a throaty scream, she found her vision and strength beginning to waver as the chloroform on the cloth began to take effect. As it did, the man hold her suddenly spoke up into her ear. “Don’t worry, Colonel Carter. I want you somewhat lucid as you take your final breath.” His voice was deep and full of hate.

Colonel. He knew she was in the military…but how? She and Jack had made no reference to their professional ranks except for the connections that Jack had used to set up their private wedding ceremony. But before she had any more time to think about it or put up any more of a fight, he suddenly pushed her forward with a great surge of strength.

Taken by surprise and out of control, Sam’s body slammed against a nearby wall, banging her forehead violently against it. With her head now spinning, she collapsed onto the floor. Laying there dazed and unable to focus on any one thing, Sam only had a moment to catch her breath as she stared at the ceiling before the man took hold of her arms and yanked her to her feet.

Pushing her into a nearby chair, he pulled her arms behind the back of it, binding her hands tightly with handcuffs. But even with the cold metal cutting into her skin, she continued to try and struggle, kicking out blindly with her legs as the effects of the small amount of chloroform she’d inhaled began wearing off. But before she had much of a chance to make any progress, the man took hold of first her left ankle and then her right, zip-tying each of them a leg of the chair.

“Now,” he said, taking her chin painfully between his fingers, directing her to look at him for the first time, “I just want you to know one thing before you die…Pete may not have to balls to exact any kind of revenge on you for breaking his heart, but I have no problem with it. I’ve done nothing but watch my bestfriend wallow in self pity since you gave back that damn ring, and now low and behold, not only do we happen to cross paths on this little diving trip, but I come to find out that you’re a newlywed!” Moving in closer to her face, he practically growled out the next sentence. “Last time I checked, Colonel, officers in the same branch of the military weren’t allowed to have a relationship, let alone get married.”

Sam blinked hard as she finally found her vision clearing. Not recognizing the man, she yanked her head back out of his grip and quickly responded. “I don’t know who you are but there are a lot of things you don’t know. Pete…was not in my life as much as you think! You have to understand…” But before she had a chance to finish her sentence, the man reached out and slapped her hard against her right cheek. The pain stung and burned as he ripped off a piece of duct tape and pressed it over her mouth.

The man then moved behind her and took her head in his hands, holding it tightly as he hissed in her ear. “Oh, I understand plenty! I understand that you’re a liar and a slut and are not worthy of any man, especially Pete. Now your new husband can suffer from losing you!”

Before Sam could even think clearly, the man released her head. And only a breath later, a clear plastic bag was suddenly thrust over her head and pulled tightly against her face. Unable to breath, her mind and body began to struggle as instinct, fear, emotion, and moments from her life took hold of her. Her lungs were now burning, screaming for air as her eyes began to tear up, her mind unwilling to believe that after all she had been through, this stranger was going to end her life after all of the times she had escaped death.

And then the man spoke again, chilling her bones. “Don’t worry, Colonel, this won’t take long. We can’t have your death pointing directly to a murder…suffocation always throws the coroner for a loop. Who knows…they might even just rule it a heart attack.”

As she began to see stars before her eyes and blackness started to take hold of her consciousness, the bag around her face suddenly loosened as a familiar voice filled the room. “Get the hell off my wife!” Jack, who had entered silently, had come up behind the man and now had him in a neck hold. But as she tried to breathe, the bag just sucked into her nostrils, occluded what little air she had now available to her. She could hear the two men behind her struggling, but she had no way of knowing what was going on.

A loud crack suddenly sounded behind her as someone threw a punch. Moments later, one of the men impacted the wall. And before she had to wonder another minute, the bag was suddenly ripped off her head. Jack moved around to where she could see him as Sam teetered on the edge of consciousness.

“Sam! Come on, baby, breathe!” Removing the tape over her mouth, Jack reclined her head and opened her mouth. Plugging her nose, he administered a big breath of air to help her lungs along. As he did, Sam finally began to cough and gasp for big breaths of air. “That’s it, Sam, you can do it!”

Just then, the man impacted Jack from the side, forcing both of them to the ground in front of her. As she regained the full use of her consciousness, Jack and the man rolled several times before finally stopping, with Jack on the bottom and the man on top. Trying with all her might to at least get her arms up over the back of the chair, she watched in agony as the man hit Jack several times with his fisted hand.

Jack pushed with his hands against the man’s face and neck, trying to dissuade his efforts. Suddenly getting enough distance between them, Jack managed to bring up his left knee enough to hit him in the ribs and gut, distracting him long enough for Jack to get in a good punch to his jawline, sending the man over his right side.

Rolling in the opposite direction, Jack regained his footing and stood up quickly just as the other man did. Sam, still watching helplessly, shouted out a warning to Jack, whose back was still to the stranger. “Jack, watch out!”

Jack whipped his body around just in time to see the man pull a pistol out from underneath the bottom part of his right pant leg. Lunging forward, Jack impacted the man as he took aim, pushing both of them against a nearby wall. Having grabbed hold of the hand with the gun, the two men fought for control of it.

Sam, now terrified because she was unable to see where the gun was pointing, pulled at her cuffs, not caring if she tore her flesh. Watching Jack struggling brought fear to her heart, and in her mind, she imagined the gun being pointed directly at Jack’s chest, with the man’s finger on the trigger.

Just then, the door to their room burst open as Teal’c came through it in a rush of motion. The noise caused everyone to jump slightly as the man struggling with Jack looked over briefly. And with everyone’s next breath, a muted gunshot rang out through the room as Sam cried out. “NO!”

Both men stood stark still for a moment before the man who’d attacked her finally slumped to the floor in a heap of paled, bloody flesh. Jack, breathing hard, stepped back from the body and looked over at Teal’c, nodding his silent thanks. Taking in a breath to steady his nerves and his beating heart, Jack turned and looked over at Sam, who face was crumpled with emotion as tears of relief now ran down her face.

Jack, moving over to Sam, spoke up quickly to Teal’c. “See if you can find the cuff keys on that bastard.” He then reached into his back pocket and pulled out his pocketknife. Opening the blade, he quickly cut the bonds from her ankles. Putting the knife down, Jack reached up and carefully placed his hands on either side of her face. “Hey, it’s okay…he dead…he can’t hurt you anymore.” Just then, Teal’c, who had found the key in the man’s pocket moved behind Sam and quickly unlocked the cuffs, freeing her hands.

Practically falling into Jack’s arms, Sam held onto him for dear life, her body shaking as it tried to release all the adrenaline that it had built up. “I thought he had shot you…and I couldn’t do anything to prevent it.” Sobbing quietly into his shoulder, Jack sat on the floor with her in his lap, rubbing her back as he kissed the side of her head.

Jack spoke up carefully, trying to conceal his still fresh anger at what he’d come across when entering their room. “I’ve faced a lot worse than him and lived to tell about it…as you well know. I wasn’t about to let someone like Miller kill me.”

Sam looked up at him, wiping at her eyes as Jack briefly looked at the small cut on her forehead. “You knew him?”

Jack nodded. “More like finally remembered him.” Taking a breath, he went on. “Teal’c, Daniel, myself, and your…clone…had gone for a little fun in the sun at a water park in Williamsburg when we inadvertently met Detective Miller.” Taking a few minutes, he told Sam about the trip and what had happened after the bomb had gone off. “He seemed like a perfectly nice guy. I really don’t know why he had it out for you.”

Sam swallowed and spoke up. “I think I do.” Looking at Jack, she went on. “He told me he was Pete’s bestfriend. I guess when he came across us on this trip, he decided to take it upon himself to enact some kind of revenge in his name…especially since he found out we were newlyweds.”

Jack temporarily balled up his fists in an angry realization and then relaxed them as he pulled her against him. “God…I am so sorry, Sam. If I’d known…if I’d taken Teal’c’s concern over the man he’d seen watching us…” Looking up at Teal’c, he went on. “I’m really sorry, T. I shouldn’t have blown you off like that.”

Teal’c tilted his head as he stood there. “There is no need for apologies, O’Neill. I did not recognize him until after you did.”

Jack lightly stroked the back of Sam’s hair as she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m just grateful that you got hungry after Sam went back to get her badge. I don’t want to even imagine what would have happened if you hadn’t.”

Sam sat up and looked at him. “How did you know I was in trouble?”

Jack gave her a weak smile and then responded. “I went with Teal’c to make sure he didn’t clean out Mrs. Conner’s cabinets of food. We couldn’t find her in the kitchen, but when we opened the pantry door, we found her tied up on the floor. She told us a man had entered the kitchen, taking her by surprise. After threatening her life, she told him what room we were staying in. She also said that after she told him what he wanted to know, he’d knocked her unconscious. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been out, but I would bet anything he broke into our room after we left for lunch and made sure your I.D. badge was detached from your gear so you’d have to come back up to the room for it.”

Sam felt a shiver run over her spine as she ran a hand through her hair. Suddenly it became clear to her just how lucky she was that fate had intervened. Trying to stand up, Jack held her back. “Whoa…where do you think you’re going?”

Sam gave him a small smile. “I’m okay, Jack…I’ve just got a headache and am a little sore.” Thinking for a moment, she continued. “Where are my dad and Cassie?”

Jack nodded towards the outside. “As Teal’c and I were heading back into the B&B, Cassie spotted an ice cream parlor and decided she wanted some. Since we had a little extra time, I told Jacob to take her. They’re probably just getting back to the truck.”

Sam looked from Teal’c to Jack. “I don’t want my dad or Cassie to worry about me. Please don’t tell them about this.”

Jack looked at her for a moment. Telling Jacob and Cassie about what had happened would do no good and would only bring more attention to their situation; it was going to be hard enough giving a plausible story to the police without accidentally mentioning the Air Force. And like Sam, Jack saw no need in worrying them about something that was hopefully over and done with.

Sighing quietly, he nodded. “Well there’s no way in hell you’re going diving today, and I’m not leaving your side.” Looking up at Teal’c, Jack went on, directing his speech to him. “Go on without us. Just tell them that Sam’s got a headache and I’ve decided to stay behind and spend some quality time with my wife.” Smiling at Sam, he continued. “You’re dad’s a smart man…I think he’ll get my drift.”

Standing up, he helped Sam carefully to her feet and then looked back at Teal’c. “I’ll call the police. We should have things settled by the time you guys get back. Oh, and if the instructors ask about the other guy, you know nothing about him.”

Teal’c nodded. “Indeed.” Moving towards the door, he turned around. “I will check on Mrs. Conner before leaving and will inform her that all is well.”

Jack, holding Sam in a comfortable embrace, replied. “Thanks. And you can tell her to be expecting the authorities soon.” After Teal’c simply bowed his head in their direction, he opened the door and left the room, leaving Sam and Jack a private moment before explanations would have to be made.

“Now,” Jack said softly, pulling her back slightly so her face turned up to his, “how are you really? And no fibbing just to pacify me…I was scared half out of my mind when I saw what he was trying to do to you. I wanted to break his neck as soon as I got my hands on him, but then I had that little nagging side of me that kept telling me to find out why he was so intent on killing you.”

Sam gave him a small, reassuring smile. “I’m fine…really, Jack. Definitely shaken up a bit but I’ll live…” Thinking for a moment, she went on. “Of course, if you hadn’t come in when you did…” Involuntarily shuttering, Sam moved back into Jack’s embrace as he protectively wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

Standing there in silence, holding each other, Sam and Jack tried to put behind them another moment in their lives that had almost permanently separated them. After a while, Sam sighed quietly and spoke softly against Jack’s chest. “Are we always going to be living on the edge…risking our love and our lives? Even here, even where we are supposed to be just another couple starting our lives together, danger and death still follow us.”

Jack closed his eyes for a moment and tried to find the right words to say. “I don’t know, Sam, I don’t know.” Lifting her chin with his finger, he looked into her eyes once more. “But I promise you I’m going to do everything in my power to give you a happy and peaceful life. One day we’ll have it…we just have to get through the next few years.”

Sam gave him a small nod and a smile. “I love you, Jack.”

Jack cupped her face in his hands. “And I love you, Samantha.” Bending his head, he kissed her softly, holding onto the kiss to sooth both of their souls and to reassure them that they’d made it through another hurdle in their lives together.

Pulling back, Jack pushed a stand of hair behind her ears. “Now, I want you to lie down and rest. I’m going to call the police and then get something to clean up that cut of yours. And you’d better be thinking of a good excuse for it because that’s something your dad won’t miss.” Walking her over to the bed, he helped her recline onto it. Then, using a spare blanket from the bed, he moved over to Miller’s body, took another long, disgusted look at it, and then covered it up. After phoning the police, he cleaned up Sam’s cut and put a bandage over it. Her wrists had bright red marks from where the cuffs had dug into her skin, but since it was the winter season, he figured the marks would be easy enough to conceal with a long-sleeved shirt.

Finally, he sat down on the edge of the bed to wait for the authorities, deciding that their story to the police would be of a random break in from a nut job that had been stalking them over the last few days and had a sick fantasy in killing. The fact that he was a detective would be discovered with his name, but this wasn’t the first time they’d run into the dark side of the law.

The only concern he’d had was the use of their real names. A simple background check or random story in the newspaper would spell too much trouble for them personally, so before phoning the cops, Jack had made a quick phone call to a friend who owed him several favors.

And after only five minutes, they both had a fake alias they could fall back on…Mr. Bryan O’Connell and Mrs. Stephanie O’Connell…a married couple who lived on the open range of Montana and had nothing out of the ordinary on their records. Living off a modestly earned income from odd jobs, no one would have any reason to suspect that they lived anything but textbook normal lives.

And as the first of the police sirens could be heard, Jack and Sam both felt their new fake names would come in handy more than once during their new lives together. If anything, it gave them a small fantasy they could live off of until their own “real” lives found that eventual unison they were both working towards.

One week later, Sam and Jack were sitting in her car at the backend of the airport parking lot in Colorado Springs that was only half filled to capacity. Night had just settled in, and temperatures were predicted to drop into the single digits with a fresh layer of snow due to begin falling just after midnight.

Having just turned off the car, Sam kept her hands on the steering wheel for a moment as she stared out of the windshield. Jack, noticing her lack of motion, turned and studied her. Her profile was darkened from the interior of the car, but there was enough light to see that her bottom lip was trembling as she swallowed hard.

“Sam…” Jack said, reaching out for one of her hands.

Sam just shook her head. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice mimicking the tremble that had been in her lips. “I don’t want to let you go. I just want to turn the car around and keep driving…driving until we can’t be separated.” A single tear suddenly appeared on her cheek as she hastily wiped it away.

Jack reached out and cupped her left cheek with his hand, turning her face to him. “Hey,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers, “we’re going to get through this. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to say ‘screw the military and their rules’, but we’ve come this far…with any luck, a few more years will pass by quickly.” When she offered him a small smile and a nod of her head, he went on, taking her hand and kissing it softly. “And I’ll be out to see you this weekend. And who knows…I might even be able to escape by Friday.”

When she seemed a little more at ease, Jack released her hand, took a breath, and opened his door. Stepping out into the cold air, it awakened his senses as he reached into the back seat for his bag. He couldn’t believe how fast the week had gone. After convincing the police in North Carolina that the killing in their room had been in self-defense, they had managed to walk away without any other complications, and had even managed to keep what had happened from Jacob and Cassie.

Arriving back in Colorado, Jack and Sam had spent their days during the past week making final arrangements for their new lives. Jack had met several times with Landry at the base in order to educate him on all he’d need to know in order to fully take over as General of the SGC. He had set up everything with the realtor that would be handling the sale of his house, and he had also turned over his truck and motorcycle to a friend who would be taking care of selling them for him. The military had arranged for movers to come pack and move his belongings to Washington about the middle of the week so that everything would be ready for him when he got to his new townhome on Sunday.

After saying goodbye to her father, who was headed back to the Tok’ra home base for a while, Sam and Cassie had spent their days packing what things they would need. Unlike Jack, Sam had decided to hold onto her home for the time being, unsure if she was going to want to stay permanently in her new position. Plus, it gave her and Jack a place they could meet with little worry over who would be watching.

The home in Nevada that the military was providing for her was to be fully furnished, allowing Sam the freedom to leave her house in Colorado basically untouched. They were scheduled to leave a day after Jack did, choosing to drive out there so they could enjoy some scenic tourist spots along the way.

But the nights over the past week had belonged just to Sam and Jack. After the day’s affairs had been settled, Mr. and Mrs. O’Neill spent hours in each other’s arms, making love, talking about the future, and sometimes just holding each other as they listened to a crackling fire that would be burning in Sam’s fireplace. But as the week came to a close, their love making became more intense, more urgent, as their souls became aware of the pending separation that was to happen by the end of the weekend.

Jack moved around the car and opened the door for Sam, helping her out. Setting down his bag, he drew her into his arms and held her close, protecting her from the cold air that bit at their skin. Knowing she couldn’t walk him to his plane for fear someone would see them, Jack took an extra minute to just hold her close, taking in the warmth from her skin, her touch, the fragrant smell from her perfume, and the beating of her heart.

With his heart hurting in his chest to the point he thought it would burst, Jack finally pulled back and looked into her eyes, which were wet with tears. Cupping her face, he kissed her. “Be sure and drive carefully tomorrow. I’ll call you later tonight when I get in and get settled…and I’ll see you this weekend. Okay?”

Sam nodded, her throat swelling with emotion to the point that it made it hard to breathe. “I’m going to miss you ever minute. Good luck getting your new job started.”

Jack gave her a weak half smile. “I’ll get ‘em in line by the end of the week.” Not sure of what else to say and not wanting to drag out the inevitable, he kissed her once more. “I love you.” Squeezing her hand, he then painfully let it go. Picking up his bag, he turned and began walking towards the terminal, moving towards his new future while walking away from his heart. Trying to contain his tears, he picked up the pace slightly as he took a steadying breath. He wanted nothing more than to turn around and look back at her, but he knew if he did, he wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Sam stood there in the cold, her arms wrapped around her chest as her body shivered more from the emotion that was running through her body than the wind that was biting at her face. Watching Jack walk further and further away from her was more torturous than she had imagined it would be.

Trying not to cry, she was watching his form disappear into the night’s shadows when she suddenly realized something she hadn’t told him. Unable to wait until later, she sprung forward and began sprinting towards him, calling out his name as she ran after him.

Hearing her voice, Jack turned around and saw Sam running towards him at full speed. Dropping his bag, he picked up her momentum and began running back to her. Moments later, they were in each other’s arms, breathless as Sam spoke up. “I forgot to tell you I love you…I love you…I love you.”

Jack consumed her lips with a fiery passion that swept them both up as their tongues and lips explored every inch of the other’s. Standing there in the cold dark, they took little care if anyone saw them kissing as the world dropped away for a few precious moments.

Finally, now breathless from passion, Jack pulled away and smiled at her. “I love you, Mrs. O’Neill. I’ll see you soon.”

Sam, wanting to put on a brave front for him, returned his smile. “I love you too, Jack.” This time, she turned her back and began walking away to her car. When she finally reached it, she turned around as she opened her door and looked in the direction he’d been…but he was gone, the shadows having finally consumed him from her view.

Getting into her car, she shut the door and sat there for a moment, taking in the emptiness and silence around her. And then finally, she allowed herself to cry. Sitting there alone, she cried as her new reality finally took hold. In her mind she knew that Jack would keep his promise and they would see each other often and talk on the phone even more than that. Families went through much longer periods of separation than theirs, but the fact that they had to continue to keep their marriage a secret, along with their love, made her heart hurt worse.

After a few more minutes, she finally dried her now swollen eyes, took a breath, and brought her car to life. Pulling out of the parking lot, she headed home, knowing that Cassie was waiting. With Jack’s departure and their own slated for the next morning, Cassie was going to stay the night, and Sam had promised her that they would watch a movie with a big bag of popcorn. It was a welcomed distraction that would help pull her through the night.

Driving home, it suddenly hit her how close her new reality now was. After closing up her lab at the base, she was getting ready to spend her last night at her house before driving to Nevada. And though Jack wouldn’t be with her physically, her heart would carry him, just as she knew his heart would carry her. And though everything was going to be new and completely different from what she was used to, the change was welcomed. As the minutes passed and the more she thought about it, she found herself excited for the new adventures that lay ahead and pulled strength from that excitment.

For each day that passed would bring her that much closer to having Jack in her arms forever, never to be separated again…and she knew that perspective would help bring her through as each new day dawned without him.

Next Story-----> "Home Is Where The Heart Is"

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