Part 2
Disclaimer and other information in Part 1
Sam had always imagined there was only one thing on Earth that could make her leave the SGC; Jack O'Neill. She was right, but not in the way she had anticipated. She sometimes day dreamed about leaving to get on with a 'real' life, one that involved Jack and kids, the whole relationship and family thing. Often, she wondered whether her work at the SGC was worth the sacrifice. She loved her job, but she also loved Jack. It was enough to confuse anyone, and tear them apart.
She guessed that, now, both her problems had been solved. She'd lost everything she loved. Except her family; they were still there. However, she was closer to SG-1 than she had been to her own family for years, despite her reconciliation with her brother. This would also mean that she'd see a lot less of her father, who was the one member of her family she was closest to. This bothered her.
However, she would learn to live with it. She couldn't go on like that at the SGC. Seeing Jack each day merely served to remind her of what she'd lost. His loss was the most devastating to her. Never before had she truly realised quite how much he meant to her. Sure, she knew she loved him, but the lack of him in her life left a gaping hole that the SGC and the rest of the team would not fill alone. She understood that now. If only she had the option, she knew what she would choose.
A few years ago, she had chosen otherwise. She had decided to keep it in the room. Jack had wanted that too, although she wondered whether he would have chosen differently if she'd given him an alternative. Neither wanted to give up the SGC; it seemed more important. Now she had no choices or alternatives left open to her.
She imagined herself older; a hard, bitter and friendless old maid of a Colonel or General, grumpy and morose. It was entirely possible that she'd end up with a horrible nickname like the old witch or dragon. The vision horrified her. She didn't want to become that person.
Despite all that, she had a fantasy that Jack would turn up at her brother's and beg her forgiveness, plead with her to go back, to the SGC, to him. She would disparagingly shut the door in his face and show the bastard that she wouldn't stand being treated like that. She would steadfastly refuse to talk to him, damned if she was going to show him that she cared. It was a dumb fantasy and it was never going to happen.
However, when Jack turned up at the front door, Sam was in precisely that bloody minded kind of mood. She refused to see him, speak to him, or acknowledge him. Her brother was under strict orders to deny him entrance to the house.
Jack thought, disconsolately, that Daniel had been right; it was him she was pissed with. He hated himself for being so stupid, and for hurting her that badly. He fully deserved her wrath. If only he could talk to her, just for a moment. He refused to budge from outside of the house, kept calling. However, his hope of persuading Sam to do anything positive concerning him was vaporising rapidly.
Sam was surprised by his sudden arrival on the doorstep. She hadn't truly believed that he would come here. She figured Hammond had sent him and he was doing his duty. She was too mad at him, too broken up, to face him.
Mark was unhappy about having to fend O'Neill off for her; he wished his wife were there as she would be better at it. She and the kids had gone away for a few days. Jane was pissed with Sam and her total failure to communicate with them. Sam had just sat mostly silent and exuding unhappiness. Jane was worried about the effects her morbidity was having on the children. Even they had failed to break through to her.
He knew nothing about what was going on, she hadn't spoken of it, but he did not like being in the middle of it. It wasn't fair of her to do that to him. He told her so, that she ought to talk to O'Neill; get it over with and get rid of him. O'Neill was certainly persistent and Sam was being obstinate. He had hated that about her when she was a child.
Jack leaned against his rental car and watched the house. He was getting increasingly depressed. Any confidence that he might persuade her to forgive him was waning and he hadn't started out with much of it in the first place. He kept having imaginary conversations with her in his head. If only he could get an opportunity to test out those fantastic lines he was creating in his mind.
When it started to rain he ignored it. It became quite heavy, and he still stood there, not getting into the car for shelter. He was getting very wet. Sam looked out at him from the upstairs window. Why wasn't the ass getting into his car? He'd catch his death of cold. He was drenched from head to toe and he continued to stand there, staring up at the house. Stubborn bastard.
Daniel's' words kept playing through Jack's mind; foolish, and stubborn. He laughed to himself. Well this was certainly just about the most foolish and stubborn thing he'd ever done. He was soaked to the skin, and cold. Cold in California? Go figure.
When Sam's face poked around the opening front door he was amazed. All the fantastic lines he'd rehearsed vanished as the door opened.
"I guess you had better come in!" She called.
Grateful, he walked up to the doorway and into the house, shivering when the sudden warmth hit him.
"You idiot!" Sam admonished him. At least she was talking to him now. That counted for something.
She led him to the bathroom, searched out a couple of towels, found some clothing that probably wouldn't fit properly, then told him he could take a shower to warm up if he wanted to. Every time he tried to speak she told him not to say anything.
Mark discreetly left them to it, taking the car to a friend's house. He definitely did not want to play piggy in the middle any longer. He was in the way in his own house and he hoped Sam sorted something out quickly.
When Jack walked into the living room, Sam laughed. The shirt was too tight and pulled at the buttons; the sleeves were too short. The trousers were also far too tight, and the hems waved around his ankles. Jack was happy to be the clown, maybe it would loosen Sam up a little.
Then she shut down again and asked him coldly if he would like a cup of coffee. He nodded his agreement.
"Can I sit down, Sam?"
She indicated a chair away from her own seat. He chose a closer one. When she walked in from the kitchen, she did a double take that he had sat there, but she returned to her previous seat anyway.
Initially there was silence between them. It was uncomfortable. Then Jack broke it.
"I don't know what to say to you Sam. I had all these great words rehearsed in my head, and they've gone."
"How about starting with 'I'm sorry', Jack?" He was as surprised by her use of his name as he was by the words. It couldn't be as simple as that.
"Of course I'm sorry Sam. You're right, I'm an idiot. Why is it that you care about such a jerk?"
"I don't know."
At least she acknowledged that she cared. It was a start. Jack breathed a sigh of relief. While he was in the shower, his depleted confidence had returned a little. She had let him in. Once he had his foot in the door he had a chance. Sam, meanwhile, had considered that the way she was behaving would just continue her along the path of ruining of her whole life. She determined to hear him out.
"Thanks for letting me come in. I guess I haven't got the sense God gave a goose...
"To know when to come in out of the rain, sir?" Sam finished.
A faint smile lit his face a little, but he felt slightly downhearted when Sam didn't respond further. He sipped his coffee, still not talking. Sam was getting impatient. What the hell did he come here for if he didn't want to say anything? Eventually, she said precisely that to him, in an aggravated tone.
"I really don't know what to say Sam. How to persuade you to forgive me, to come back to us; to me."
"What makes you think you can say anything that will do any of that Jack?" Jack swallowed hard at her words.
"I never meant to hurt you Sam. Millie. It was a mistake; she was a mistake. I thought I'd already lost you; the part of you that might care about me."
"But you did hurt me, you son of a bitch!" The vehemence with which she said it was like a slap in the face for Jack and he flinched. "What do you mean about having lost me already? What the hell are you talking about?"
So Jack explained it to the best of his ability, just as he had to Daniel. Her reaction was almost identical.
"And you took that as a bad sign? God you're an ass!"
"I know it. I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it Jack."
"Then what would you have me do or say Sam? I'll do anything. Anything you want." He leaned over and took her hand, but she pulled away.
"You flaunt the woman in your life, right in front of me? How do you expect me to feel? You never even mentioned her to me. It was cruel and insulting!"
"I know. But you've got to understand Sam. I didn't think you cared about me anymore. We were just good friends. I thought that's what you wanted. I was lonely, depressed. I desperately needed... someone. I needed to feel something again, and have someone feel something for me." Sam looked at him and saw something of that desperation in his eyes. "Goddammit Sam, I needed sex! A man can't live without it forever."
"You didn't even think to ask me." Sam's voice came out small and weak and Jack was surprised at her response.
"You made it perfectly clear that other things were more important to you. And, let's not forget those pesky regs of course."
"You're trying to push the blame on me? You think I pushed you away? You think I would have rejected you?" Jack merely nodded a response and Sam continued, "maybe you're right."
She had to accept that there was some truth in that. For example, he'd often asked her to his cabin and she always said no. They'd treated it as a bit of fun but maybe underneath it had hurt him. She hadn't dared to go, knowing full well what would happen if she did. It wouldn't have been fishing, that's for sure.
"I'm not trying to push the blame on you. I'm trying to explain. God Sam, this is hard for me."
She knew that was true. Jack wasn't very good at expressing his emotions. Neither was she. What a pair! Another long silence followed. Jack had lost it again, but knew it was for him to do the running, to find the right words.
"Sam, it's over. Millie and I are finished. I ended it that night we were in the bar. I guess it never really got started. At least not for me. I always wished she was you."
Sam's heart fluttered at that statement from him. He was incredibly open, for Jack. She envisioned him fantasising that it was her, not Millie, who he was having sex with. That thought pleased her, and she would never know how close to the truth it really was.
She thought of what he'd said about feeling something again, his loneliness and despair. She recalled that, even in the bar that night, she hadn't wanted to begrudge him some happiness, despite the circumstances. Her own selfishness had completely taken her over.
Jack sighed and continued, "I guess I kept hoping that you'd open the door to that room we shut all our feelings in so long ago, but you never did. Sam, if you are never going to be able to forgive me, tell me now. Don't let me continue making a fool of myself. I love you. It's not a lot to offer you, but it's all I've got."
The magic words. He'd said the magic words! Sam couldn't believe she was hearing them from him. She knew Jack well enough to know that those three words were not something he would say unless they were heartfelt. He meant it. He loved her. Was it enough? It was one hell of a start. She wasn't sure how to react to it; was struck dumb by the earnest confession.
When Sam failed to react to his words Jack thought there was nothing more he could do or say to persuade her. His heart broke all over again. He couldn't stay here any longer, making an ass of himself. He'd bared his soul and it wasn't enough and he had nothing left to give anymore.
"I guess I'd better be going then." He got up and moved towards the door. "I hope you have a happy life Sam, with that Nick guy."
Sam leapt out of her seat.
"No Jack, don't go!" This time she took his hand and it warmed him considerably. "I'm never going to have that happy life with Nick, Jack. He's out of my life, was never really in it. I only did it to spite you; show you that you weren't the only man on this planet. I love you Jack. I'll always love you."
Jack thought his heart would burst through his chest, it beat so hard and rapidly within him. He smiled at Sam and lifted the hand holding his, raising it to his lips. Then he took her in his arms and held her close. The kiss started slowly but rapidly kindled a fire within them. They both needed oxygen, so they had to stop eventually.
"Sam, come back to my hotel with me. Stay with me."
He looked into her eyes to gauge whether he was going too far, too quickly, but could see that she wanted it too. So she packed, leaving a note for her brother to say she was gone, thanking him for his hospitality, and they went back to the hotel. They had a laughing fit as they walked through the lobby; people looked at them askance because of Jack's ridiculous attire.
Jack made love to her slowly and deliberately. He didn't want to rush it; wanted it to be special. Sam had been right about him, he was amazing. She had never had sex like it with anyone in her life before. He left her totally satisfied, then started all over again.
She was awed by his energy and what he could do to her body. He was pretty good for an old man, and she joked with him about that, while they lay in each other's arms. As soon as she said it, she knew she had said the wrong thing. The look of hurt that briefly displayed in Jack's face told her that. He loosened his hold on her. Although Sam didn't know it, Jack had always secretly harboured fears that the age gap between them was too wide; particularly now he was beginning to look so much older - feel it too, sometimes. Sam reached up her hand to lovingly caress his face, kissing him softly on the lips.
"Jack, I didn't mean anything by it. I was kidding."
"I am too old for you, Sam. You can't deny it and neither can I."
A look of concern now crossed his features, as if he were suddenly worried that he was all wrong for her, and this realisation would come to her any second now. Sam could feel his fear about their ages.
"If I thought that for a minute, do you think I would be here with you? I have wanted this to happen between us for so long that I've almost forgotten what I felt before we met; before I realised what I felt about you." She continued to caress him, trying to give him comfort and make her feelings plain.
"A bad habit you can't break, huh?"
Although his tone was jocular, she could see in his eyes that he meant it. She didn't know or understand why he had such a lack of self-esteem, but she sure hoped that she could help to cure it; she'd do her damnedest to try.
"No, Jack, not like that at all. A good habit that I never want to break again."
The passionate kiss she initiated, as soon as she had spoken, led to her taking him somewhere much more intimate than that. Afterwards, she could see none of that fear in his face anymore; just contentment and joy.
At first, she had been nervous. She knew that Jack must be far more experienced than her. For a start, he'd been married for ten years, and before that, who knows? She suspected he'd had quite a lot of women before he fell for one of them. It worried her that she might not please him or he'd be disappointed in her. However, she found herself responding to him and he released something in her that she had never realised existed. It was a revelation.
A comparison to the recent sex Sam had had with Nick was not even possible. That was like the ham fisted fumblings of a couple of inexperienced teenagers when contrasted with this. She had been accurate in assuming that she wouldn't need to tell Jack what to do to please her sexually. There was no need to fake it with Jack O'Neill.
Jack thought her equally amazing. For a start, she was beautiful. Her body was gorgeous, fit and well toned. She was responsive and wanted to please him as much as he wanted to please her. She was athletic and adventurous and willing to experiment. Somehow, she had the knack of finding all the right places to set his body on fire. He felt well and truly alive for the first time in a long while. Sam stimulated him and he felt something again; he felt everything. He was happy and content.
They stayed in the hotel room for most of the next day too. In the end they thoroughly exhausted themselves and could do not more. He took her for dinner that night in a good restaurant, which had been highly recommended by Daniel before he came. Daniel had said he should take Sam there, if he got the chance. Well, he got the chance, and he took it. The ambience, food and service were all good and they spent a wonderful evening together.
At one point he said, "Shouldn't this first date have come before the sex part? I always wanted to do the right thing with you Sam. Three dates, then the rabid sex." He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and Sam laughed.
"You don't think we waited long enough?" She retorted and Jack took her hand over the table and squeezed it, smiled dazzlingly, then followed that with a cheeky wink.
Sam shivered delightfully at that look and briefly wondered what he had been like when he was younger. No doubt gorgeous, totally sexy and irresistible. She was happy with him as he was, though. She loved his almost totally silver hair, the maturity. Although, with Jack, you had to take the immaturity as well.
They copulated like a couple of rabbits again that night, and sank into glorious oblivion in each other's arms. Jack woke up with Sam's hair tickling his nose. He gently brushed it away and lay looking at her. He wanted to wake up with her hair tickling his nose like that every morning. Sam stirred and he kissed her forehead.
"Morning beautiful." She opened her big blue eyes and kissed him on the nose.
"Morning old man." She smiled, winking at him suggestively, and captured his heart once again.
Although he knew he'd have to report to Hammond, and go back to the SGC all too soon, Jack didn't want to come back down to Earth quite yet.
"Breakfast in bed, or do you want to get up and go out?" He asked.
"Bed." She muttered, succinct, but to the point.
Jack manoeuvred the phone into the bathroom. He wanted to order something special without Sam knowing. Then he had a shower. By the time he came out, Sam was more awake. Her hair was mussed and he thought she looked very sexy like that. He wanted that sight to greet him every morning for the rest of his life.
When breakfast arrived there was a bottle of champagne and a single red rose on the tray. Sam's eyes widened.
"What's this? I'm sure they don't come as standard." She asked.
Jack picked up the red rose and handed it to her with a brief kiss.
"Because I love you Sam."
She was thrilled. So romantic; it was totally unexpected. It wasn't the only thing that had been a complete surprise to her. Everything had astonished her, ever since Jack had turned up at Mark's door. She pulled him to her for a more passionate kiss.
"Hey!" he exclaimed when he surfaced for air, "I'd love you for breakfast, lunch and dinner Sam, but the food will get cold." His smile showed his hunger for something other than food.
"So, Jack. Champagne for breakfast? That's a little decadent don't you think?"
"Ah! Well Sam, before we open it I need to ask you something." She looked him in the eyes curiously and saw all of his feelings written there. "Marry me Sam. Will you marry me?"
Sam's heart did a back flip and she sat there gaping at him open mouthed.
"I know this is probably dumb, way too soon. This thing with us has only just started. But I...I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That's never going to change." When she still didn't respond he continued, increasingly nervous, "I know I haven't got a lot to offer you Sam. You could do a whole lot better then me..." he tailed off, unable to fill the silence anymore.
He was beginning to regret his decision to propose. What had he been thinking? He expected her to be practical, in proper Sam Carter fashion, and say that they should wait, take their time, that he couldn't expect her to make a decision like that so soon.
Instead she said, "Yes Jack. I'll marry you." Then she grinned and kissed him, affectionately. God, how did he get so lucky?
He popped the champagne and they sipped some happily, chattering and laughing. Then he made love to her again. The breakfast congealed on the plates, uneaten.
Afterwards, they held each other lovingly for a while. Then Jack decided he had no choice but to get practical, and brought their feet firmly back onto terra firma again.
"Sam. I'm gonna have to call Hammond and tell him what's going on." She looked at him askance, raising and waggling her eyebrows in a near perfect imitation of him, and he laughed, imagining Hammond's reaction if he called to tell him he was having mad passionate sex with his second in command. "I don't mean that! I mean you. The SGC."
"Jack, we can't get married while you are still my CO."
"I know."
"So, maybe my transfer request should stand. It's a way out Jack."
"No! There is no way I am letting you screw up your career for this Sam. It's not worth it. I'm not worth it."
"God Jack, you're worth a lot more than you think."
Until now she had never fully appreciated Jack's sense of self worth, or lack of it. He was better than that, deserved more, and he didn't even know it. His words tore at her heart and she caressed his face lightly with her fingers, staring up into his eyes. Then her lips lightly brushed his cheek and she whispered softly in his ear.
"I love you Jack. You're worth everything to me."
It was such an intimate thing that it almost meant more to Jack than everything that had happened between them over the last couple of days. The insides of his stomach churned excitedly and he kissed her softly on the lips. This wasn't a moment for passion; it was a moment for love.
"Sam," He whispered tenderly, "you can't ever know how much it means to me that you say that. I still can't let you go through with it, though. You love the SGC; your friends are there. Do you think I would have let you go even if this had never happened between us? I would rather have retired and never seen you again, even though it would have broken my heart.
"It's me that should go, Sam. I'm so near the end of my useful career anyway. Can you really imagine me staying around the place as a desk jockey once they ground me from gate travel? That can't be too far off, you know? I'm not young anymore. My knees play up; my back gives me trouble. You aren't getting much of a bargain if you marry me.
"Besides, Hammond, Daniel and Teal'c would never forgive me if I let you leave the SGC! And I could certainly live without those scum sucking Goa'uld and their pesky Jaffa playing their little games with my body every so often. I could do with some bits of it remaining in tact. I need to have something left for you to come home to when you're leading SG-1!" he laughed quietly and she got caught up in his laughter. Jack could always turn almost anything into a joke.
She held him close, awe struck by his obvious love for her.
"Jack, you love the SGC as much as I do. I can't have us living with regrets and recriminations somewhere down the line."
"And what exactly did you think I had in mind when I asked you to marry me Sam? That you should be posted somewhere else, miles away? That we'd only get to see each other on high days and holidays? Don't you think I haven't been thinking about it? The time's right. I should have done it a couple of years ago, but we weren't ready. I'm more than ready now. Are you?"
"Jack..." To silence her protest, he kissed her again.
"No arguments, Sam. Anyway, I can stay at home and raise the huge number of kids we're gonna have. I could be the perfect house husband; running around cleaning up the mess while you take the team through the gate and kill those bastard Goa'uld quickly so you can come home to me!" he hesitated and then added, "You do want kids, don't you?"
"What would you say if I told you I didn't?"
Sam was in earnest and Jack's heart almost stopped beating. He should never have taken such a thing for granted. It was her that had to bear them, even if he raised them. She would have to give up gate travel while pregnant, be stuck in the lab doing experiments that doctor's were sure would not be detrimental to the health of their baby.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed..."
He saw the look on her face and realised she was worried that he wanted the children, more than he wanted her. How could she think that? He loved her more than anything; the events of the last few days, few weeks even, had taught him that valuable lesson, before it was too late.
"I love kids, you know that. Sure, I'd love more of my own. But if it's just you and me, Sam, that's fine by me. It's you I really want, above everything else."
"Actually, I'd love kids Jack. Really I would."
She smiled up at him but, before she could say anything more, he kissed her again, then started to do things to her that drove her wild with desire for him. They made love in the tenderest way possible then, afterwards, he called the SGC and told Hammond he was bringing Sam back with him; arranged their flight, and took care of everything.
When they eventually got back to the mountain, Jack immediately went to Hammond's office to report.
"So you managed to persuade her to come back, Colonel. Good job." Hammond congratulated him.
"Yes sir, but I think you should, um, take a look at this." Handed the General an envelope and Hammond looked at him curiously. "I'd like retire Sir, as soon as you can replace me. That's my application."
"Jack...?" Hammond looked surprised and was about to open his mouth to say something.
"This is for real, sir. You aren't going to persuade me to stay. I can't stay as leader of SG-1 anymore." He swallowed, bracing himself for what he was about to say, "I'm getting married... to my second in command, Sir."
Then he winced slightly, worried what Hammond's reaction might be. Technically speaking, he and Sam had been breaching the regulations over the past few days. Her transfer had never been approved so she was still his second.
Hammond got up from his desk and reached his hand out to Jack.
"Congratulations son, I'm happy for you both."
So that Hammond didn't jump to any conclusions, Jack explained hastily,
"General, I want you to know that Sam and I... we never did anything unbecoming officers before... well, until the last couple of days, that is." He winced again.
"I don't think I'll be putting you up on charges, Jack, if that's what you're worried about." Hammond smiled and Jack thought he detected a low chuckle with the words.
"Actually, sir, I was more worried about Sam, her career."
"Jack..."
"Sir, if my position was different, if I was retiring for different reasons, I'd be recommending that she take over as leader of SG-1. I know I'm not in a position to suggest that anymore but, well..." he shrugged.
"Well, you've sown the seeds, Colonel, as if it wasn't something I'd consider anyway. So, I'll take it under advisement." He smiled at Jack. "There will be no black marks against Major Carter's record over this, Jack. You came straight here, told me about it. You've even retired. I don't think you need to beat yourself up about anything. I would prefer that you reconsider your retirement, though, Jack. You don't have to leave the Air Force."
"Can you imagine me pushing paper around for the next few years? Give me a break." Then as an afterthought added, "Sir."
"That wasn't what I had in mind Colonel O'Neill. Will you agree that I hang on to this for a couple of days while I make some calls?" he waved the envelope at Jack.
"Yes sir." Jack wondered what he could possibly have in mind but didn't press it. If Hammond wanted to tell him, he would. "Um, sir. You should be aware that, if you hang onto that, two of your officers are going to be in severe breach of regulations over the next couple of days." Jack smiled, hoping Hammond would take it well, and he did. This time, his chuckle was more obvious.
"Ok, Jack. Have it your way. I am relieving you of command of SG-1, effective immediately." Jack nodded.
"Yes Sir." Knowing he was dismissed, he turned to leave the office but Hammond stopped him.
"Congratulations, again, Jack. Pass my best regards on to Sam for me would you? You're a very lucky man."
"Don't I know it, sir?" Jack's parting grin could have powered the Stargate for a week.
He left to find Sam, knowing she would be with the rest of SG-1 somewhere, and found them all closeted in Daniel's office. When he walked in, he had a very serious and sorry look on his face.
"Well, I've been relieved of my command of SG-1 effective immediately." He made it sound as if was a punishment.
Daniel and Teal'c were both opened mouthed with surprise while Sam moved immediately to his side.
"What happened? Is he going to press charges?" Jack laughed in response.
"No actually. He sent his congratulations, by the way." Sam smiled and hit him lightly on the arm as a reprimand for him winding her up.
"Congratulated you? On what, Jack?" Daniel said, concerned for his friends. He was unable to bear the suspense any longer. Sam had steadfastly refused to say what had happened in San Diego, waiting for Jack to arrive. Jack beamed at him.
"Oh, didn't Sam tell ya? We're getting married."
Daniel's face was a picture.
"Married? Wow... congratulations!"
He gave Sam a huge hug and peck on the cheek, genuinely happy to see this day come. He turned to Jack and shook his hand, then smiled joyfully and took Jack in his arms to give him a hug too.
"No pecks on the cheek, Daniel, ok?" Jack sniggered and Daniel tutted his disapproval at his sarcasm.
Teal'c was also smiling, very broadly for him. He did that a lot more these days. His smile was now very human, where once it had seemed so alien. He lightly took Sam's arm, then pulled her into his massive arms and embraced her affectionately. It was not a typical Teal'c response to anything and Sam was delighted by it. Then he stepped over to face O'Neill and bowed to him slightly, a smile still on his face.
"I am extremely happy for you O'Neill. The time is now ready."
"That's 'the time is right' Teal'c." Jack corrected, returning Teal'c's smile and clapping him on the arm.
The next thing Jack did surprised them all, because he took hold of his lover and kissed her passionately right there in front of them. That was an eyeful for the SFs if they were watching the monitor. What the hell? It would give them something interesting to look at for a change. When they stopped, Daniel and Teal'c were both still smiling madly. Then Daniel sobered.
"Um, Jack... What's this relieving you of command of SG-1 business?"
"Well, Danny boy," he loved calling Daniel that as he knew it irritated the hell out of him, "it looks like you're going to have to break in a new team leader after all." He explained the salient points of his conversation with Hammond for all of their benefits.
"You're sure that's what you want Jack?" Daniel asked, again concerned for his friend.
"I'm sure I want Sam more than anything Daniel." Then Jack pulled him slightly to one side and said quietly. "Thanks for everything. This might never have happened if not for you."
He knew that, were it not for Daniel's intervention, both he and Sam would probably still be separate and miserable. Daniel had spurred him into action, something he would always be grateful for, and never regret. Daniel nodded his appreciation of Jack's thanks, pleased that he had played a part in making his friends so happy. They so obviously were happy. Although he was concerned about the consequences for SG-1, he knew that this could never have happened if both of his friends stayed on the team. So he was thrilled for them and their joy. The consequences could wait.
"Hey Sam, can I be a bridesmaid?" Daniel joked, prancing around the room in a poor impersonation of a woman. They all laughed.
"You'd look great in the dress, Daniel but I had something else in mind. I hope you'll agree to be my best man." He hadn't consulted Sam but knew that she would want that too. As if to confirm her approval, she squeezed Jack's arm and leaned in to kiss his neck lightly.
"Jack, I'd be honored." Daniel replied seriously, feeling genuinely honored that Jack had asked him.
"Well, let's face it, Teal'c's gold tattoo wouldn't match the outfit," Jack quipped "so who else was I gonna ask?" Daniel feigned wounded feelings at the comment.
"Then it appears that I will have to play the role of bridesmaid." Teal'c said, with a trace of a smile on his lips and his eyebrows reaching the ceiling.
"Is he joking, Sam. Can you tell? I can never tell." Jack jested in return.
The camaraderie between them felt good. It had been lacking since that night in the bar when he'd turned up with Millie. Jack was going to miss that, but they would always be his friends and that gave him some comfort. No regrets, he thought, Sam's worth giving it all up for.
He knew that the hardest part would be waiting for her to come home safely to him; dreading that she might not return one day. He would learn to live with it. If Sara could do that for him, he could do that for Sam. There were hundreds of people out there with partners, sons, or daughters in the armed forces that had that worry every day. Hell, you couldn't even walk on the street anymore without some potential danger. Life was life, and too short to waste.
Later that day, Hammond summoned Sam to his office. Apart from extending his congratulations personally, he also made her temporary leader of SG-1 pending a permanent replacement. He thought Sam was probably overdue to lead her own team, and for promotion. A Lt. Colonel as leader of his premiere team suited him fine. Certainly Dr Jackson and Teal'c would prefer Major Carter. It caused the least disruption, Sam deserved it, and Jack would be as proud as a peacock. Hammond thought it was the best solution all round.
He didn't just take O'Neill's word for Sam's abilities; he had seen her turn into a leader in front of his own eyes. She would have to learn to put the leadership first and the science second, but he believed she was already well on the way to that. He hated to lose O'Neill, but if it had to happen at all, then the time was right.
He wondered how O'Neill would react to the idea of a permanent job training recruits at the academy, and helping to select potential candidates for the SGC. Hammond felt it could be the perfect job for Jack, if he was no longer in the field. He could continue working, and still be involved with the SGC. It neatly took care of the little problem of him and Sam working in the same command. They could certainly use a man with his kind of experience; it would be a sad day when they lost all of that expertise from the Air Force. He settled down to make some calls.
Later, the members of SG-1 went out to celebrate Jack and Sam's good fortune. Afterwards, Sam went back to Jack's place and never really left. When they arrived, Jack opened a draw and took out a small box.
"Sam, close your eyes." She obeyed and he opened the box, taking out the contents and undoing the clasp of the necklace that had been within. He walked over to Sam and closed it around her neck, then led her to the nearest mirror, eyes still closed. Facing her towards it, he bent and gently kissed her delicate neck, then whispered in her ear.
"Open them, Sam."
Sam gasped when she saw the necklace he had placed around her neck, then smiled radiantly and turned towards Jack, kissing his lips lightly.
"Jack, it's beautiful!"
The necklace was a delicate, but densely linked, silver chain. Attached to it was a solid outer circle and, fixed within, a large diamond. It was connected in the middle of the circle by some fine bars of silver that looked a little like the rays of the sun.
When she looked closely at the circle, she realised it had glyphs around the outside of it; they were Earth's co-ordinates. It was elegant, simple, probably expensive, and had obviously been custom made. He could only have got it for her and she wondered how long it had been sitting in his draw, waiting for the opportunity to be placed around her neck.
"Think of it as an engagement gift. In lieu of a ring... for now." He looked a little embarrassed, shifting uncomfortably on his feet, looking for all the world like a bashful child.
"Jack, it's stunning. Had it long?" She grinned at him cheekily and Jack blushed.
"I...um...I. Oh hell! I've got it made a couple of years ago." He replied, looking even more uncomfortable. "I was waiting for the opportunity, I guess." He shrugged shyly, then grinned lopsidedly.
Sam thought she had never loved him more, or seen him look so handsome.
"Took your time then." She moved closer to him. Encircling her arms around his tall, lean frame and nuzzling into his neck. Jack returned the compliment, enclosing her within his arms.
"The time is right."
And he was correct in that. The time was right; the time was right now.
************
Epilogue:
A few days later, he took Cassie engagement ring shopping with him. Then he and Sam went for a candlelit dinner and he proposed all over again. He said he wanted to do it right this time, and even got down on bended knee in the restaurant, which had them both in fits of hysterical laughter, rather spoiling the romantic mood he had been trying to create.
A couple of months later, Jack and Sam were married in a small, low key ceremony. Daniel carried out his duties as best man to perfection. Jacob was unable to come to the wedding because of yet another crises with the Tok'ra. Although the obvious choice to give her away might have been General Hammond, Sam chose Teal'c, and he was sincerely thrilled and honored. They had one hell of a job finding a suitable hat for Teal'c, to conceal the gold emblem on his forehead.
Secretly, Hammond was pleased as it gave Teal'c so much pleasure. He had a lot of time for Teal'c, respecting him immensely. Jacob was disappointed, if not a little angry, about not to be able to be there to give his daughter away, but he thought Teal'c a fitting choice. However, the irony was not lost on him that his daughter, who had once been blended with a Tok'ra, and whose father was one, was given away by the ex-first Prime of Apophis, one of the Tok'ra's greatest enemies.
Sam got her silver oak leaves and became the permanent leader of SG-1. As anticipated, Jack always worried when she was on a mission. He hated not to be there but learned to accept it, eventually; he never got used to it though. A small part of his heart was forever with the SGC and SG-1, and it pulled at him sometimes. He would tell Sam how he felt about it; no hiding, or recriminations. He always considered that she had been worth that sacrifice.
When Sam ultimately got her star, Jack was delighted. He was so proud of her, and teased that at least one member of the O'Neill family had managed a promotion to General. She was respected by her staff and never got to be known as either the old witch or dragon, something that satisfied her immensely.
Jack revelled in his new role at the academy; it wasn't out in the field, but it was the closest thing he was ever going to get. He still had access to the SGC and, as well as training recruits at the academy, participated in testing those young officers selected to try out for the Stargate programme.
His access to the SGC meant that Sam never had to hide anything from him about her work and that was a great comfort. Of course, in later years, when Sam herself was no longer there, she had secrets she could never share with him. Of all people, Jack understood that, but it saddened him, nonetheless.
The marriage wasn't perfect, what marriage is? There is no happily ever after. They had their share of ups and downs, and blazing rows. Both of them could spark at each other like a couple of roman candles. They vowed never to leave one and other in the morning with unresolved angry words between them. Sam's job was too risky to want to leave either of them with life long regrets; Jack had enough of those to contend with. The best part was when they made up, creating sparks of a totally different nature.
Jack and Sam had three children. Jack became a part-time house husband and adored them all, enjoying every minute of the time he was able to give them.
John, the eldest, was a bit of a handful when he was a kid, with trouble at school and the like; never anything too serious, but still worrisome. He bucked up his ideas, though, following his father and mother's footsteps into the US Air Force, and became quite the unsung hero, just like his old man. Jack never saw his own son become the second O'Neill to get a star; in fact, he got two stars. John knew that the old man would have been proud of him.
The middle one, Janet, went on to become a doctor, like her namesake. Sam found that gratifying and knew Janet would have been thrilled. Janet was always the little goody, goody. If truth were told, it was just that her mother and father never found out about most of the things she got up to behind their backs. She was too subtle and careful to get caught doing anything dumb, putting her two brothers to shame; sometimes deliberately so.
George, the youngest, and named for General Hammond, was the real tearaway of the family; just like his father could have been if he hadn't been forced to rethink his life and join the Air Force. George was constantly in trouble with the police and it caused Jack and Sam a lot of heart ache. They were both bitterly disappointed and upset when he ended up in court, sentenced to jail time for joy riding in someone's automobile. They feared for his future prospects, and that he would go onto a life of crime.
In jail, George learned about art, having been totally uninspired at school, and found the one thing he wanted to do. When he came out, his mother and father supported his artistic ambitions as much as possible, while he took a long series of dead end jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, and to the surprise of everyone, he started selling his work, making money from it, which turned into big bucks. In the end, he became quite collectable.
When the Stargate became public knowledge, at last, Jack became a national hero and, ultimately, part of folk lore. He would grumble about the hassle of it but Sam knew that, deep in his heart, he felt flattered and honored that his role in saving the world so many times should spark public interest so keenly.
He died peacefully in his eighties. Although she had always known that, left to nature, he was likely to go before her, Sam was still largely unprepared for it, and devastated. Time might heal all wounds, but Sam loved and missed him to her dying day.
The End
Constructive criticism appreciated.
Sam had always imagined there was only one thing on Earth that could make her leave the SGC; Jack O'Neill. She was right, but not in the way she had anticipated. She sometimes day dreamed about leaving to get on with a 'real' life, one that involved Jack and kids, the whole relationship and family thing. Often, she wondered whether her work at the SGC was worth the sacrifice. She loved her job, but she also loved Jack. It was enough to confuse anyone, and tear them apart.
She guessed that, now, both her problems had been solved. She'd lost everything she loved. Except her family; they were still there. However, she was closer to SG-1 than she had been to her own family for years, despite her reconciliation with her brother. This would also mean that she'd see a lot less of her father, who was the one member of her family she was closest to. This bothered her.
However, she would learn to live with it. She couldn't go on like that at the SGC. Seeing Jack each day merely served to remind her of what she'd lost. His loss was the most devastating to her. Never before had she truly realised quite how much he meant to her. Sure, she knew she loved him, but the lack of him in her life left a gaping hole that the SGC and the rest of the team would not fill alone. She understood that now. If only she had the option, she knew what she would choose.
A few years ago, she had chosen otherwise. She had decided to keep it in the room. Jack had wanted that too, although she wondered whether he would have chosen differently if she'd given him an alternative. Neither wanted to give up the SGC; it seemed more important. Now she had no choices or alternatives left open to her.
She imagined herself older; a hard, bitter and friendless old maid of a Colonel or General, grumpy and morose. It was entirely possible that she'd end up with a horrible nickname like the old witch or dragon. The vision horrified her. She didn't want to become that person.
Despite all that, she had a fantasy that Jack would turn up at her brother's and beg her forgiveness, plead with her to go back, to the SGC, to him. She would disparagingly shut the door in his face and show the bastard that she wouldn't stand being treated like that. She would steadfastly refuse to talk to him, damned if she was going to show him that she cared. It was a dumb fantasy and it was never going to happen.
However, when Jack turned up at the front door, Sam was in precisely that bloody minded kind of mood. She refused to see him, speak to him, or acknowledge him. Her brother was under strict orders to deny him entrance to the house.
Jack thought, disconsolately, that Daniel had been right; it was him she was pissed with. He hated himself for being so stupid, and for hurting her that badly. He fully deserved her wrath. If only he could talk to her, just for a moment. He refused to budge from outside of the house, kept calling. However, his hope of persuading Sam to do anything positive concerning him was vaporising rapidly.
Sam was surprised by his sudden arrival on the doorstep. She hadn't truly believed that he would come here. She figured Hammond had sent him and he was doing his duty. She was too mad at him, too broken up, to face him.
Mark was unhappy about having to fend O'Neill off for her; he wished his wife were there as she would be better at it. She and the kids had gone away for a few days. Jane was pissed with Sam and her total failure to communicate with them. Sam had just sat mostly silent and exuding unhappiness. Jane was worried about the effects her morbidity was having on the children. Even they had failed to break through to her.
He knew nothing about what was going on, she hadn't spoken of it, but he did not like being in the middle of it. It wasn't fair of her to do that to him. He told her so, that she ought to talk to O'Neill; get it over with and get rid of him. O'Neill was certainly persistent and Sam was being obstinate. He had hated that about her when she was a child.
Jack leaned against his rental car and watched the house. He was getting increasingly depressed. Any confidence that he might persuade her to forgive him was waning and he hadn't started out with much of it in the first place. He kept having imaginary conversations with her in his head. If only he could get an opportunity to test out those fantastic lines he was creating in his mind.
When it started to rain he ignored it. It became quite heavy, and he still stood there, not getting into the car for shelter. He was getting very wet. Sam looked out at him from the upstairs window. Why wasn't the ass getting into his car? He'd catch his death of cold. He was drenched from head to toe and he continued to stand there, staring up at the house. Stubborn bastard.
Daniel's' words kept playing through Jack's mind; foolish, and stubborn. He laughed to himself. Well this was certainly just about the most foolish and stubborn thing he'd ever done. He was soaked to the skin, and cold. Cold in California? Go figure.
When Sam's face poked around the opening front door he was amazed. All the fantastic lines he'd rehearsed vanished as the door opened.
"I guess you had better come in!" She called.
Grateful, he walked up to the doorway and into the house, shivering when the sudden warmth hit him.
"You idiot!" Sam admonished him. At least she was talking to him now. That counted for something.
She led him to the bathroom, searched out a couple of towels, found some clothing that probably wouldn't fit properly, then told him he could take a shower to warm up if he wanted to. Every time he tried to speak she told him not to say anything.
Mark discreetly left them to it, taking the car to a friend's house. He definitely did not want to play piggy in the middle any longer. He was in the way in his own house and he hoped Sam sorted something out quickly.
When Jack walked into the living room, Sam laughed. The shirt was too tight and pulled at the buttons; the sleeves were too short. The trousers were also far too tight, and the hems waved around his ankles. Jack was happy to be the clown, maybe it would loosen Sam up a little.
Then she shut down again and asked him coldly if he would like a cup of coffee. He nodded his agreement.
"Can I sit down, Sam?"
She indicated a chair away from her own seat. He chose a closer one. When she walked in from the kitchen, she did a double take that he had sat there, but she returned to her previous seat anyway.
Initially there was silence between them. It was uncomfortable. Then Jack broke it.
"I don't know what to say to you Sam. I had all these great words rehearsed in my head, and they've gone."
"How about starting with 'I'm sorry', Jack?" He was as surprised by her use of his name as he was by the words. It couldn't be as simple as that.
"Of course I'm sorry Sam. You're right, I'm an idiot. Why is it that you care about such a jerk?"
"I don't know."
At least she acknowledged that she cared. It was a start. Jack breathed a sigh of relief. While he was in the shower, his depleted confidence had returned a little. She had let him in. Once he had his foot in the door he had a chance. Sam, meanwhile, had considered that the way she was behaving would just continue her along the path of ruining of her whole life. She determined to hear him out.
"Thanks for letting me come in. I guess I haven't got the sense God gave a goose...
"To know when to come in out of the rain, sir?" Sam finished.
A faint smile lit his face a little, but he felt slightly downhearted when Sam didn't respond further. He sipped his coffee, still not talking. Sam was getting impatient. What the hell did he come here for if he didn't want to say anything? Eventually, she said precisely that to him, in an aggravated tone.
"I really don't know what to say Sam. How to persuade you to forgive me, to come back to us; to me."
"What makes you think you can say anything that will do any of that Jack?" Jack swallowed hard at her words.
"I never meant to hurt you Sam. Millie. It was a mistake; she was a mistake. I thought I'd already lost you; the part of you that might care about me."
"But you did hurt me, you son of a bitch!" The vehemence with which she said it was like a slap in the face for Jack and he flinched. "What do you mean about having lost me already? What the hell are you talking about?"
So Jack explained it to the best of his ability, just as he had to Daniel. Her reaction was almost identical.
"And you took that as a bad sign? God you're an ass!"
"I know it. I'm sorry."
"Sorry doesn't cut it Jack."
"Then what would you have me do or say Sam? I'll do anything. Anything you want." He leaned over and took her hand, but she pulled away.
"You flaunt the woman in your life, right in front of me? How do you expect me to feel? You never even mentioned her to me. It was cruel and insulting!"
"I know. But you've got to understand Sam. I didn't think you cared about me anymore. We were just good friends. I thought that's what you wanted. I was lonely, depressed. I desperately needed... someone. I needed to feel something again, and have someone feel something for me." Sam looked at him and saw something of that desperation in his eyes. "Goddammit Sam, I needed sex! A man can't live without it forever."
"You didn't even think to ask me." Sam's voice came out small and weak and Jack was surprised at her response.
"You made it perfectly clear that other things were more important to you. And, let's not forget those pesky regs of course."
"You're trying to push the blame on me? You think I pushed you away? You think I would have rejected you?" Jack merely nodded a response and Sam continued, "maybe you're right."
She had to accept that there was some truth in that. For example, he'd often asked her to his cabin and she always said no. They'd treated it as a bit of fun but maybe underneath it had hurt him. She hadn't dared to go, knowing full well what would happen if she did. It wouldn't have been fishing, that's for sure.
"I'm not trying to push the blame on you. I'm trying to explain. God Sam, this is hard for me."
She knew that was true. Jack wasn't very good at expressing his emotions. Neither was she. What a pair! Another long silence followed. Jack had lost it again, but knew it was for him to do the running, to find the right words.
"Sam, it's over. Millie and I are finished. I ended it that night we were in the bar. I guess it never really got started. At least not for me. I always wished she was you."
Sam's heart fluttered at that statement from him. He was incredibly open, for Jack. She envisioned him fantasising that it was her, not Millie, who he was having sex with. That thought pleased her, and she would never know how close to the truth it really was.
She thought of what he'd said about feeling something again, his loneliness and despair. She recalled that, even in the bar that night, she hadn't wanted to begrudge him some happiness, despite the circumstances. Her own selfishness had completely taken her over.
Jack sighed and continued, "I guess I kept hoping that you'd open the door to that room we shut all our feelings in so long ago, but you never did. Sam, if you are never going to be able to forgive me, tell me now. Don't let me continue making a fool of myself. I love you. It's not a lot to offer you, but it's all I've got."
The magic words. He'd said the magic words! Sam couldn't believe she was hearing them from him. She knew Jack well enough to know that those three words were not something he would say unless they were heartfelt. He meant it. He loved her. Was it enough? It was one hell of a start. She wasn't sure how to react to it; was struck dumb by the earnest confession.
When Sam failed to react to his words Jack thought there was nothing more he could do or say to persuade her. His heart broke all over again. He couldn't stay here any longer, making an ass of himself. He'd bared his soul and it wasn't enough and he had nothing left to give anymore.
"I guess I'd better be going then." He got up and moved towards the door. "I hope you have a happy life Sam, with that Nick guy."
Sam leapt out of her seat.
"No Jack, don't go!" This time she took his hand and it warmed him considerably. "I'm never going to have that happy life with Nick, Jack. He's out of my life, was never really in it. I only did it to spite you; show you that you weren't the only man on this planet. I love you Jack. I'll always love you."
Jack thought his heart would burst through his chest, it beat so hard and rapidly within him. He smiled at Sam and lifted the hand holding his, raising it to his lips. Then he took her in his arms and held her close. The kiss started slowly but rapidly kindled a fire within them. They both needed oxygen, so they had to stop eventually.
"Sam, come back to my hotel with me. Stay with me."
He looked into her eyes to gauge whether he was going too far, too quickly, but could see that she wanted it too. So she packed, leaving a note for her brother to say she was gone, thanking him for his hospitality, and they went back to the hotel. They had a laughing fit as they walked through the lobby; people looked at them askance because of Jack's ridiculous attire.
Jack made love to her slowly and deliberately. He didn't want to rush it; wanted it to be special. Sam had been right about him, he was amazing. She had never had sex like it with anyone in her life before. He left her totally satisfied, then started all over again.
She was awed by his energy and what he could do to her body. He was pretty good for an old man, and she joked with him about that, while they lay in each other's arms. As soon as she said it, she knew she had said the wrong thing. The look of hurt that briefly displayed in Jack's face told her that. He loosened his hold on her. Although Sam didn't know it, Jack had always secretly harboured fears that the age gap between them was too wide; particularly now he was beginning to look so much older - feel it too, sometimes. Sam reached up her hand to lovingly caress his face, kissing him softly on the lips.
"Jack, I didn't mean anything by it. I was kidding."
"I am too old for you, Sam. You can't deny it and neither can I."
A look of concern now crossed his features, as if he were suddenly worried that he was all wrong for her, and this realisation would come to her any second now. Sam could feel his fear about their ages.
"If I thought that for a minute, do you think I would be here with you? I have wanted this to happen between us for so long that I've almost forgotten what I felt before we met; before I realised what I felt about you." She continued to caress him, trying to give him comfort and make her feelings plain.
"A bad habit you can't break, huh?"
Although his tone was jocular, she could see in his eyes that he meant it. She didn't know or understand why he had such a lack of self-esteem, but she sure hoped that she could help to cure it; she'd do her damnedest to try.
"No, Jack, not like that at all. A good habit that I never want to break again."
The passionate kiss she initiated, as soon as she had spoken, led to her taking him somewhere much more intimate than that. Afterwards, she could see none of that fear in his face anymore; just contentment and joy.
At first, she had been nervous. She knew that Jack must be far more experienced than her. For a start, he'd been married for ten years, and before that, who knows? She suspected he'd had quite a lot of women before he fell for one of them. It worried her that she might not please him or he'd be disappointed in her. However, she found herself responding to him and he released something in her that she had never realised existed. It was a revelation.
A comparison to the recent sex Sam had had with Nick was not even possible. That was like the ham fisted fumblings of a couple of inexperienced teenagers when contrasted with this. She had been accurate in assuming that she wouldn't need to tell Jack what to do to please her sexually. There was no need to fake it with Jack O'Neill.
Jack thought her equally amazing. For a start, she was beautiful. Her body was gorgeous, fit and well toned. She was responsive and wanted to please him as much as he wanted to please her. She was athletic and adventurous and willing to experiment. Somehow, she had the knack of finding all the right places to set his body on fire. He felt well and truly alive for the first time in a long while. Sam stimulated him and he felt something again; he felt everything. He was happy and content.
They stayed in the hotel room for most of the next day too. In the end they thoroughly exhausted themselves and could do not more. He took her for dinner that night in a good restaurant, which had been highly recommended by Daniel before he came. Daniel had said he should take Sam there, if he got the chance. Well, he got the chance, and he took it. The ambience, food and service were all good and they spent a wonderful evening together.
At one point he said, "Shouldn't this first date have come before the sex part? I always wanted to do the right thing with you Sam. Three dates, then the rabid sex." He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and Sam laughed.
"You don't think we waited long enough?" She retorted and Jack took her hand over the table and squeezed it, smiled dazzlingly, then followed that with a cheeky wink.
Sam shivered delightfully at that look and briefly wondered what he had been like when he was younger. No doubt gorgeous, totally sexy and irresistible. She was happy with him as he was, though. She loved his almost totally silver hair, the maturity. Although, with Jack, you had to take the immaturity as well.
They copulated like a couple of rabbits again that night, and sank into glorious oblivion in each other's arms. Jack woke up with Sam's hair tickling his nose. He gently brushed it away and lay looking at her. He wanted to wake up with her hair tickling his nose like that every morning. Sam stirred and he kissed her forehead.
"Morning beautiful." She opened her big blue eyes and kissed him on the nose.
"Morning old man." She smiled, winking at him suggestively, and captured his heart once again.
Although he knew he'd have to report to Hammond, and go back to the SGC all too soon, Jack didn't want to come back down to Earth quite yet.
"Breakfast in bed, or do you want to get up and go out?" He asked.
"Bed." She muttered, succinct, but to the point.
Jack manoeuvred the phone into the bathroom. He wanted to order something special without Sam knowing. Then he had a shower. By the time he came out, Sam was more awake. Her hair was mussed and he thought she looked very sexy like that. He wanted that sight to greet him every morning for the rest of his life.
When breakfast arrived there was a bottle of champagne and a single red rose on the tray. Sam's eyes widened.
"What's this? I'm sure they don't come as standard." She asked.
Jack picked up the red rose and handed it to her with a brief kiss.
"Because I love you Sam."
She was thrilled. So romantic; it was totally unexpected. It wasn't the only thing that had been a complete surprise to her. Everything had astonished her, ever since Jack had turned up at Mark's door. She pulled him to her for a more passionate kiss.
"Hey!" he exclaimed when he surfaced for air, "I'd love you for breakfast, lunch and dinner Sam, but the food will get cold." His smile showed his hunger for something other than food.
"So, Jack. Champagne for breakfast? That's a little decadent don't you think?"
"Ah! Well Sam, before we open it I need to ask you something." She looked him in the eyes curiously and saw all of his feelings written there. "Marry me Sam. Will you marry me?"
Sam's heart did a back flip and she sat there gaping at him open mouthed.
"I know this is probably dumb, way too soon. This thing with us has only just started. But I...I want to spend the rest of my life with you. That's never going to change." When she still didn't respond he continued, increasingly nervous, "I know I haven't got a lot to offer you Sam. You could do a whole lot better then me..." he tailed off, unable to fill the silence anymore.
He was beginning to regret his decision to propose. What had he been thinking? He expected her to be practical, in proper Sam Carter fashion, and say that they should wait, take their time, that he couldn't expect her to make a decision like that so soon.
Instead she said, "Yes Jack. I'll marry you." Then she grinned and kissed him, affectionately. God, how did he get so lucky?
He popped the champagne and they sipped some happily, chattering and laughing. Then he made love to her again. The breakfast congealed on the plates, uneaten.
Afterwards, they held each other lovingly for a while. Then Jack decided he had no choice but to get practical, and brought their feet firmly back onto terra firma again.
"Sam. I'm gonna have to call Hammond and tell him what's going on." She looked at him askance, raising and waggling her eyebrows in a near perfect imitation of him, and he laughed, imagining Hammond's reaction if he called to tell him he was having mad passionate sex with his second in command. "I don't mean that! I mean you. The SGC."
"Jack, we can't get married while you are still my CO."
"I know."
"So, maybe my transfer request should stand. It's a way out Jack."
"No! There is no way I am letting you screw up your career for this Sam. It's not worth it. I'm not worth it."
"God Jack, you're worth a lot more than you think."
Until now she had never fully appreciated Jack's sense of self worth, or lack of it. He was better than that, deserved more, and he didn't even know it. His words tore at her heart and she caressed his face lightly with her fingers, staring up into his eyes. Then her lips lightly brushed his cheek and she whispered softly in his ear.
"I love you Jack. You're worth everything to me."
It was such an intimate thing that it almost meant more to Jack than everything that had happened between them over the last couple of days. The insides of his stomach churned excitedly and he kissed her softly on the lips. This wasn't a moment for passion; it was a moment for love.
"Sam," He whispered tenderly, "you can't ever know how much it means to me that you say that. I still can't let you go through with it, though. You love the SGC; your friends are there. Do you think I would have let you go even if this had never happened between us? I would rather have retired and never seen you again, even though it would have broken my heart.
"It's me that should go, Sam. I'm so near the end of my useful career anyway. Can you really imagine me staying around the place as a desk jockey once they ground me from gate travel? That can't be too far off, you know? I'm not young anymore. My knees play up; my back gives me trouble. You aren't getting much of a bargain if you marry me.
"Besides, Hammond, Daniel and Teal'c would never forgive me if I let you leave the SGC! And I could certainly live without those scum sucking Goa'uld and their pesky Jaffa playing their little games with my body every so often. I could do with some bits of it remaining in tact. I need to have something left for you to come home to when you're leading SG-1!" he laughed quietly and she got caught up in his laughter. Jack could always turn almost anything into a joke.
She held him close, awe struck by his obvious love for her.
"Jack, you love the SGC as much as I do. I can't have us living with regrets and recriminations somewhere down the line."
"And what exactly did you think I had in mind when I asked you to marry me Sam? That you should be posted somewhere else, miles away? That we'd only get to see each other on high days and holidays? Don't you think I haven't been thinking about it? The time's right. I should have done it a couple of years ago, but we weren't ready. I'm more than ready now. Are you?"
"Jack..." To silence her protest, he kissed her again.
"No arguments, Sam. Anyway, I can stay at home and raise the huge number of kids we're gonna have. I could be the perfect house husband; running around cleaning up the mess while you take the team through the gate and kill those bastard Goa'uld quickly so you can come home to me!" he hesitated and then added, "You do want kids, don't you?"
"What would you say if I told you I didn't?"
Sam was in earnest and Jack's heart almost stopped beating. He should never have taken such a thing for granted. It was her that had to bear them, even if he raised them. She would have to give up gate travel while pregnant, be stuck in the lab doing experiments that doctor's were sure would not be detrimental to the health of their baby.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed..."
He saw the look on her face and realised she was worried that he wanted the children, more than he wanted her. How could she think that? He loved her more than anything; the events of the last few days, few weeks even, had taught him that valuable lesson, before it was too late.
"I love kids, you know that. Sure, I'd love more of my own. But if it's just you and me, Sam, that's fine by me. It's you I really want, above everything else."
"Actually, I'd love kids Jack. Really I would."
She smiled up at him but, before she could say anything more, he kissed her again, then started to do things to her that drove her wild with desire for him. They made love in the tenderest way possible then, afterwards, he called the SGC and told Hammond he was bringing Sam back with him; arranged their flight, and took care of everything.
When they eventually got back to the mountain, Jack immediately went to Hammond's office to report.
"So you managed to persuade her to come back, Colonel. Good job." Hammond congratulated him.
"Yes sir, but I think you should, um, take a look at this." Handed the General an envelope and Hammond looked at him curiously. "I'd like retire Sir, as soon as you can replace me. That's my application."
"Jack...?" Hammond looked surprised and was about to open his mouth to say something.
"This is for real, sir. You aren't going to persuade me to stay. I can't stay as leader of SG-1 anymore." He swallowed, bracing himself for what he was about to say, "I'm getting married... to my second in command, Sir."
Then he winced slightly, worried what Hammond's reaction might be. Technically speaking, he and Sam had been breaching the regulations over the past few days. Her transfer had never been approved so she was still his second.
Hammond got up from his desk and reached his hand out to Jack.
"Congratulations son, I'm happy for you both."
So that Hammond didn't jump to any conclusions, Jack explained hastily,
"General, I want you to know that Sam and I... we never did anything unbecoming officers before... well, until the last couple of days, that is." He winced again.
"I don't think I'll be putting you up on charges, Jack, if that's what you're worried about." Hammond smiled and Jack thought he detected a low chuckle with the words.
"Actually, sir, I was more worried about Sam, her career."
"Jack..."
"Sir, if my position was different, if I was retiring for different reasons, I'd be recommending that she take over as leader of SG-1. I know I'm not in a position to suggest that anymore but, well..." he shrugged.
"Well, you've sown the seeds, Colonel, as if it wasn't something I'd consider anyway. So, I'll take it under advisement." He smiled at Jack. "There will be no black marks against Major Carter's record over this, Jack. You came straight here, told me about it. You've even retired. I don't think you need to beat yourself up about anything. I would prefer that you reconsider your retirement, though, Jack. You don't have to leave the Air Force."
"Can you imagine me pushing paper around for the next few years? Give me a break." Then as an afterthought added, "Sir."
"That wasn't what I had in mind Colonel O'Neill. Will you agree that I hang on to this for a couple of days while I make some calls?" he waved the envelope at Jack.
"Yes sir." Jack wondered what he could possibly have in mind but didn't press it. If Hammond wanted to tell him, he would. "Um, sir. You should be aware that, if you hang onto that, two of your officers are going to be in severe breach of regulations over the next couple of days." Jack smiled, hoping Hammond would take it well, and he did. This time, his chuckle was more obvious.
"Ok, Jack. Have it your way. I am relieving you of command of SG-1, effective immediately." Jack nodded.
"Yes Sir." Knowing he was dismissed, he turned to leave the office but Hammond stopped him.
"Congratulations, again, Jack. Pass my best regards on to Sam for me would you? You're a very lucky man."
"Don't I know it, sir?" Jack's parting grin could have powered the Stargate for a week.
He left to find Sam, knowing she would be with the rest of SG-1 somewhere, and found them all closeted in Daniel's office. When he walked in, he had a very serious and sorry look on his face.
"Well, I've been relieved of my command of SG-1 effective immediately." He made it sound as if was a punishment.
Daniel and Teal'c were both opened mouthed with surprise while Sam moved immediately to his side.
"What happened? Is he going to press charges?" Jack laughed in response.
"No actually. He sent his congratulations, by the way." Sam smiled and hit him lightly on the arm as a reprimand for him winding her up.
"Congratulated you? On what, Jack?" Daniel said, concerned for his friends. He was unable to bear the suspense any longer. Sam had steadfastly refused to say what had happened in San Diego, waiting for Jack to arrive. Jack beamed at him.
"Oh, didn't Sam tell ya? We're getting married."
Daniel's face was a picture.
"Married? Wow... congratulations!"
He gave Sam a huge hug and peck on the cheek, genuinely happy to see this day come. He turned to Jack and shook his hand, then smiled joyfully and took Jack in his arms to give him a hug too.
"No pecks on the cheek, Daniel, ok?" Jack sniggered and Daniel tutted his disapproval at his sarcasm.
Teal'c was also smiling, very broadly for him. He did that a lot more these days. His smile was now very human, where once it had seemed so alien. He lightly took Sam's arm, then pulled her into his massive arms and embraced her affectionately. It was not a typical Teal'c response to anything and Sam was delighted by it. Then he stepped over to face O'Neill and bowed to him slightly, a smile still on his face.
"I am extremely happy for you O'Neill. The time is now ready."
"That's 'the time is right' Teal'c." Jack corrected, returning Teal'c's smile and clapping him on the arm.
The next thing Jack did surprised them all, because he took hold of his lover and kissed her passionately right there in front of them. That was an eyeful for the SFs if they were watching the monitor. What the hell? It would give them something interesting to look at for a change. When they stopped, Daniel and Teal'c were both still smiling madly. Then Daniel sobered.
"Um, Jack... What's this relieving you of command of SG-1 business?"
"Well, Danny boy," he loved calling Daniel that as he knew it irritated the hell out of him, "it looks like you're going to have to break in a new team leader after all." He explained the salient points of his conversation with Hammond for all of their benefits.
"You're sure that's what you want Jack?" Daniel asked, again concerned for his friend.
"I'm sure I want Sam more than anything Daniel." Then Jack pulled him slightly to one side and said quietly. "Thanks for everything. This might never have happened if not for you."
He knew that, were it not for Daniel's intervention, both he and Sam would probably still be separate and miserable. Daniel had spurred him into action, something he would always be grateful for, and never regret. Daniel nodded his appreciation of Jack's thanks, pleased that he had played a part in making his friends so happy. They so obviously were happy. Although he was concerned about the consequences for SG-1, he knew that this could never have happened if both of his friends stayed on the team. So he was thrilled for them and their joy. The consequences could wait.
"Hey Sam, can I be a bridesmaid?" Daniel joked, prancing around the room in a poor impersonation of a woman. They all laughed.
"You'd look great in the dress, Daniel but I had something else in mind. I hope you'll agree to be my best man." He hadn't consulted Sam but knew that she would want that too. As if to confirm her approval, she squeezed Jack's arm and leaned in to kiss his neck lightly.
"Jack, I'd be honored." Daniel replied seriously, feeling genuinely honored that Jack had asked him.
"Well, let's face it, Teal'c's gold tattoo wouldn't match the outfit," Jack quipped "so who else was I gonna ask?" Daniel feigned wounded feelings at the comment.
"Then it appears that I will have to play the role of bridesmaid." Teal'c said, with a trace of a smile on his lips and his eyebrows reaching the ceiling.
"Is he joking, Sam. Can you tell? I can never tell." Jack jested in return.
The camaraderie between them felt good. It had been lacking since that night in the bar when he'd turned up with Millie. Jack was going to miss that, but they would always be his friends and that gave him some comfort. No regrets, he thought, Sam's worth giving it all up for.
He knew that the hardest part would be waiting for her to come home safely to him; dreading that she might not return one day. He would learn to live with it. If Sara could do that for him, he could do that for Sam. There were hundreds of people out there with partners, sons, or daughters in the armed forces that had that worry every day. Hell, you couldn't even walk on the street anymore without some potential danger. Life was life, and too short to waste.
Later that day, Hammond summoned Sam to his office. Apart from extending his congratulations personally, he also made her temporary leader of SG-1 pending a permanent replacement. He thought Sam was probably overdue to lead her own team, and for promotion. A Lt. Colonel as leader of his premiere team suited him fine. Certainly Dr Jackson and Teal'c would prefer Major Carter. It caused the least disruption, Sam deserved it, and Jack would be as proud as a peacock. Hammond thought it was the best solution all round.
He didn't just take O'Neill's word for Sam's abilities; he had seen her turn into a leader in front of his own eyes. She would have to learn to put the leadership first and the science second, but he believed she was already well on the way to that. He hated to lose O'Neill, but if it had to happen at all, then the time was right.
He wondered how O'Neill would react to the idea of a permanent job training recruits at the academy, and helping to select potential candidates for the SGC. Hammond felt it could be the perfect job for Jack, if he was no longer in the field. He could continue working, and still be involved with the SGC. It neatly took care of the little problem of him and Sam working in the same command. They could certainly use a man with his kind of experience; it would be a sad day when they lost all of that expertise from the Air Force. He settled down to make some calls.
Later, the members of SG-1 went out to celebrate Jack and Sam's good fortune. Afterwards, Sam went back to Jack's place and never really left. When they arrived, Jack opened a draw and took out a small box.
"Sam, close your eyes." She obeyed and he opened the box, taking out the contents and undoing the clasp of the necklace that had been within. He walked over to Sam and closed it around her neck, then led her to the nearest mirror, eyes still closed. Facing her towards it, he bent and gently kissed her delicate neck, then whispered in her ear.
"Open them, Sam."
Sam gasped when she saw the necklace he had placed around her neck, then smiled radiantly and turned towards Jack, kissing his lips lightly.
"Jack, it's beautiful!"
The necklace was a delicate, but densely linked, silver chain. Attached to it was a solid outer circle and, fixed within, a large diamond. It was connected in the middle of the circle by some fine bars of silver that looked a little like the rays of the sun.
When she looked closely at the circle, she realised it had glyphs around the outside of it; they were Earth's co-ordinates. It was elegant, simple, probably expensive, and had obviously been custom made. He could only have got it for her and she wondered how long it had been sitting in his draw, waiting for the opportunity to be placed around her neck.
"Think of it as an engagement gift. In lieu of a ring... for now." He looked a little embarrassed, shifting uncomfortably on his feet, looking for all the world like a bashful child.
"Jack, it's stunning. Had it long?" She grinned at him cheekily and Jack blushed.
"I...um...I. Oh hell! I've got it made a couple of years ago." He replied, looking even more uncomfortable. "I was waiting for the opportunity, I guess." He shrugged shyly, then grinned lopsidedly.
Sam thought she had never loved him more, or seen him look so handsome.
"Took your time then." She moved closer to him. Encircling her arms around his tall, lean frame and nuzzling into his neck. Jack returned the compliment, enclosing her within his arms.
"The time is right."
And he was correct in that. The time was right; the time was right now.
************
Epilogue:
A few days later, he took Cassie engagement ring shopping with him. Then he and Sam went for a candlelit dinner and he proposed all over again. He said he wanted to do it right this time, and even got down on bended knee in the restaurant, which had them both in fits of hysterical laughter, rather spoiling the romantic mood he had been trying to create.
A couple of months later, Jack and Sam were married in a small, low key ceremony. Daniel carried out his duties as best man to perfection. Jacob was unable to come to the wedding because of yet another crises with the Tok'ra. Although the obvious choice to give her away might have been General Hammond, Sam chose Teal'c, and he was sincerely thrilled and honored. They had one hell of a job finding a suitable hat for Teal'c, to conceal the gold emblem on his forehead.
Secretly, Hammond was pleased as it gave Teal'c so much pleasure. He had a lot of time for Teal'c, respecting him immensely. Jacob was disappointed, if not a little angry, about not to be able to be there to give his daughter away, but he thought Teal'c a fitting choice. However, the irony was not lost on him that his daughter, who had once been blended with a Tok'ra, and whose father was one, was given away by the ex-first Prime of Apophis, one of the Tok'ra's greatest enemies.
Sam got her silver oak leaves and became the permanent leader of SG-1. As anticipated, Jack always worried when she was on a mission. He hated not to be there but learned to accept it, eventually; he never got used to it though. A small part of his heart was forever with the SGC and SG-1, and it pulled at him sometimes. He would tell Sam how he felt about it; no hiding, or recriminations. He always considered that she had been worth that sacrifice.
When Sam ultimately got her star, Jack was delighted. He was so proud of her, and teased that at least one member of the O'Neill family had managed a promotion to General. She was respected by her staff and never got to be known as either the old witch or dragon, something that satisfied her immensely.
Jack revelled in his new role at the academy; it wasn't out in the field, but it was the closest thing he was ever going to get. He still had access to the SGC and, as well as training recruits at the academy, participated in testing those young officers selected to try out for the Stargate programme.
His access to the SGC meant that Sam never had to hide anything from him about her work and that was a great comfort. Of course, in later years, when Sam herself was no longer there, she had secrets she could never share with him. Of all people, Jack understood that, but it saddened him, nonetheless.
The marriage wasn't perfect, what marriage is? There is no happily ever after. They had their share of ups and downs, and blazing rows. Both of them could spark at each other like a couple of roman candles. They vowed never to leave one and other in the morning with unresolved angry words between them. Sam's job was too risky to want to leave either of them with life long regrets; Jack had enough of those to contend with. The best part was when they made up, creating sparks of a totally different nature.
Jack and Sam had three children. Jack became a part-time house husband and adored them all, enjoying every minute of the time he was able to give them.
John, the eldest, was a bit of a handful when he was a kid, with trouble at school and the like; never anything too serious, but still worrisome. He bucked up his ideas, though, following his father and mother's footsteps into the US Air Force, and became quite the unsung hero, just like his old man. Jack never saw his own son become the second O'Neill to get a star; in fact, he got two stars. John knew that the old man would have been proud of him.
The middle one, Janet, went on to become a doctor, like her namesake. Sam found that gratifying and knew Janet would have been thrilled. Janet was always the little goody, goody. If truth were told, it was just that her mother and father never found out about most of the things she got up to behind their backs. She was too subtle and careful to get caught doing anything dumb, putting her two brothers to shame; sometimes deliberately so.
George, the youngest, and named for General Hammond, was the real tearaway of the family; just like his father could have been if he hadn't been forced to rethink his life and join the Air Force. George was constantly in trouble with the police and it caused Jack and Sam a lot of heart ache. They were both bitterly disappointed and upset when he ended up in court, sentenced to jail time for joy riding in someone's automobile. They feared for his future prospects, and that he would go onto a life of crime.
In jail, George learned about art, having been totally uninspired at school, and found the one thing he wanted to do. When he came out, his mother and father supported his artistic ambitions as much as possible, while he took a long series of dead end jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, and to the surprise of everyone, he started selling his work, making money from it, which turned into big bucks. In the end, he became quite collectable.
When the Stargate became public knowledge, at last, Jack became a national hero and, ultimately, part of folk lore. He would grumble about the hassle of it but Sam knew that, deep in his heart, he felt flattered and honored that his role in saving the world so many times should spark public interest so keenly.
He died peacefully in his eighties. Although she had always known that, left to nature, he was likely to go before her, Sam was still largely unprepared for it, and devastated. Time might heal all wounds, but Sam loved and missed him to her dying day.
The End
Constructive criticism appreciated.