A/N: So after being asked to write a sequel to "That's mistletoe, Carter" I had to do some thinking. I'm not American, I know nothing about how it goes and what it takes there to make a Presidential party – I know just movies and tv-shows and we all know how accurate those can be sometimes. Honestly – if you have an idea let me know, I'm really interested :oD

However I used to work in event-marketing agency and we were organizing for example these huge parties for companies and city districts, mayors and so on… so I took my experience and all I knew and came up with this Presidential party and this whole story. Forgive me :o))

Timeline: Set after the end of season 8 – specifically after my story That's mistletoe, Carter

Spoilers: Up to the end of season 8 – plus my story That's mistletoe, Carter

Beta: None… all mistakes are mine

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :o)

FIREWORKS by Isobel

It was the end of December kind of early in the morning when Sam was waiting at the airport. She was dressed comfortably – and finally warmly as well. She was nervous – waiting for her brother and his family to arrive. Oh yeah, they were coming to Washington DC. Her stomach did a somersault again. She was going to be sick, really sick. She still wasn't sure this was a good idea. Not at all.

It was the 30th December and they would be staying for a few days. Jack arranged a suite with two rooms for them in small hotel nearby his place. They thought it would be better to do things this way. Sam knew Jack had his plans – including shopping, Presidential party, private party, fireworks… she had a reason to be nervous!

During the last week she was having a nice time, of course she was –she was with the man she loved, alone, not bothered by anything – intergalactic crisis, crazy aliens, devices going wild… nothing. Her only problem was a bit of a confusion from being so overwhelmed by the situation she found herself in. But that was to be expected – especially now.

She had a beautiful Christmas with Jack. They did so many things together, maybe possibly created some holiday traditions to keep on for the next years, they had fun and it was absolutely lovely.

They also called Cassie – she was more than just thrilled about the fact that Sam had come to DC. Daniel was just smirking behind her, they could tell. She was also happy that her Christmas package for Jack had been used. Jack refused to tell her details but Sam promised she would tell her later. And that made Jack tickle her and blush. Daniel kept on laughing through that.

Yesterday in the morning Jack surprised her – a lot. Being awaken by a kiss? That was beautiful. Breakfast in bed? That was even better. Seeing rather sleepy cuddly Jack in the morning? Perfect, that was just perfect. He just finalized everything around the planned party. He was sure they were about to have a nice time. And he had something on his mind.

"So… I was thinking. I need to stop by the mall and buy … things."

"Things, Jack?"

"Yeah! Come on, this house is … it's not ready for visitors! I want to finish, at least a bit, the guest bedroom and I need some supplies."

"Jack, they are not staying here…" She told him – reminded him. That was something neither would survive, she was sure of that.

"But they will be over and it's better to be ready. I have my plans so just…"He shrugged.

"I'm not saying anything…" she smiled at him. He was actually cute – wanting to have things ready because of her family. He had to be nervous too – it was her brother coming after all.

"But I was thinking – you wanna go with me?"

"Why?"

"You could use some clothes… not that you wouldn't look hot in mine but still…"

"Jack, how would I pack them?" She asked. And he looked at her almost sheepishly, smiling shyly.

"You wouldn't." Was his simple answer. And left her confused there for a moment.

"What?"

"You can keep your things here."

"Here as in…?"

He got up from the bed and opened some of the drawers and wardrobe doors. She noticed they were empty of course but…

"Jack?"

"It's not like we're moving in together but I thought that you'd be staying here anyway, right? When you're in DC I mean. So you can keep your stuff here, whatever you want and need."

Sam had to blink to get rid of those few happy tears in her eyes. She got up as well, hugged him and kissed him. After some time they were both grinning, obviously very happy.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but you're sweet, Jack."

And really, he was about to protest. But he settled for "God, woman!" and another kiss.

"So… you coming with me?"

"Absolutely yes."

So now she had her things in the house – in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, by the door. And while walking through it, it really seemed like they were living there – together. And what surprised her was the warm feeling spreading through her body. It was her home and she loved it. One moment after another she was becoming more and more sure about her decision. This was right. This relationship was all she really needed.

On their way back from the mall she also arranged clothes for her brother and his family. They were going to the Presidential party after all! She still couldn't believe Jack had really done it. Before she could say something, he called the White House. He was actually patched through to the First Lady!

Sam heard familiar voice calling her name. Her niece was running to her, smiling. Oh so they were there. She hugged her and kissed her cheek. Soon the rest of the family appeared.

"Hey, sis…"

"Mark… how was the flight?"

"You kidding, right?"

He said, grinning. Jack refused to tell her the details but by the looks of it she would say it was either first class or something like that – some perks for sure. Jack pulled some strings to get them the tickets – she knew it.

"So, you ready to go?" Sam asked after exchanging hugs and kisses and getting all the luggage.

"Sure…"

"Nice. Come on." And she took them to the parking lot. It was a bit tricky to get a car but she managed. They couldn't use Jack's one – he would get it in few days, sadly. But to her amusement – it would be with a driver. She would love to see Jack getting used to that!

"So… where's he?" Mark asked, obviously still a bit unsure about the whole boyfriend business.

"Jack?"

"Yes, Jack."

"Running some errands but we were thinking about having lunch together?"

Mark looked around and saw all his family members nodding in agreement. It was settled then.

"So I can leave you till then or you can just unpack and we go for a little walk around the city and meet Jack for lunch. Oh and on the way back we can pick up your dresses and suits."

"I will wear a suit?" David asked suddenly. He seemed to be excited.

"Yes, of course."

"Well dad said we were going to a party here but he didn't say where…" David supplied. Sam looked at her brother questioningly. He just shrugged.

"I wanted them to be surprised…"

"He didn't even want to tell me…" Megan told Sam. And she was shocked … and really anxious to see their faces later.

"Well then I won't spoil the surprise. And I gotta warn Jack not to tell you." She said, grinning. Oh this was going to be fun!

And so they found their way to the little hotel and got all settled in. Sam called Jack and updated him on everything. He said he would meet them for lunch later. And for the first time ever he ended the call with "love you". He didn't give her a chance to respond, he didn't know why but he just ended the call. He should have seen her watching the phone in her hand, eyes wide and big smile on her face. Well he was grinning too. They were getting used to it. And it felt nice – being a real couple.

Not so long ago, however, Sam just couldn't stop thinking about it. Actually it was in the evening, the day before yesterday, yes, on the 28th. Irony, huh? Was it really possible for them to make it through and be a couple? One part of her wanted nothing more and the other one was really worried. She went up to Jack's roof to think. And he, concerned, found her there. Of course he did.

"Hey..."

"Hi..."

"What are you doing here, huh? Trying to get sick?"

"Would it be a reason for me to stay in DC with you?"

"No, most probably not..." He answered her, sadly. But he just enveloped her in his arms, his front pressed to her back. They were standing there, looking into the night.

"Sam... what's going on?"

"I'm scared." She decided to be honest. She really could be right now, there was nothing to hide. Not so long ago she started to believe in Christmas magic so maybe now it was the perfect time to do something about the happiness. She wasn't ready to give it up, not after just finding it. So telling him the truth was the only option. And when she felt his hold on her getting tighter, she knew she had done the right thing - she had said the right thing.

"Of what?"

"Losing you..."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Jack, let's face it, okay? We've been ... we haven't been..." And she really couldn't finish the sentence.

"It's been years, I know." He admitted.

"Yes, it's been years and so much had happened during that time and me being here just seems so unreal."

"Does it?"

"No. I mean... yes."

"Huh?" He knew he sounded stupid but he was seriously getting lost. Well of course he could guess few things but still - it would be the best if she could tell him.

"Sam... just tell me." He pleaded then.

"What if we can't be together. What if it doesn't work, hm? What's gonna happen, what are we going to do? So much time had passed so what if this is just an exception because it's Christmas and we've been lonely and..."

"Hey hey, stop it, okay?" Jack told her. He wanted to turn her around so he could be looking into her eyes but she was gripping his hands placed around her so fiercely that he couldn't.

"I'm not saying this is gonna be easy, Carter. It won't. It won't be just normal long-distant relationship."

"Nothing is normal when it comes to us."

"Yeah, you're probably right about that... anyway, we made it so far and ..."

"And?"

"And after working with you for years I learned something."

"What did you learn?"

"You never give up."

"So...?"

"So because I'm not giving up either we actually might have a chance to make it through all the fights and disagreements and me sleeping on the couch and you hating me and all..." She smacked his arm after that but it made her laugh anyway. What was he saying meant future - unpredictable and crazy future - but spent together.

"I meant what I said earlier, Sam."

"What was that?" She asked, half-seriously, half-playfully.

"I love you."

"Jack..." And that was the last straw. He turned her around and placed his hands onto her cheeks, making her look him into the eyes. Soft caress of his thumbs on her skin made her realize even more how much she cared about him.

"You're here."

"I am."

"That's all I need to know to be sure we will make this work. You came, Carter, you came all the way here." And right there Sam would swear she had never seen more emotions in his eyes. Maybe few times but... wow. She had fallen for him all over again right there on that spot.

"We are not going to celebrate your birthday because you asked me not to. But you're leaving in few days and who knows when we will see each other again. So when we do, will you do me the honor and go out with me?"

"Dinner?"

"Date, Carter, real date. No uniforms, no ranks, no work, no regulations. Just you and me and some really awkward moments..." At that she could just giggle. And it made him smile. She knew it would. As usually - as always.

"We already shared meals and dinners during the last few months..."

"True, we did. So were we dating?"

"I don't know."

"Yeah, me neither."

"I think we were trying to assess the situation."

"What?"

"You know, trying to see if we can have a relationship outside work."

"Oh... and what do you think?"

"As you said, I'm here." She said and kissed him softly. She buried her face into his chest and let him hug her, hide her deep in his arms.

"So... Carter, are you interested in dating me?" He tried and it made her giggle - yet again.

"Yes, I am."

"Nice... and will you do me the honor and go out to dinner with me once we can?"

"I will." She said but couldn't help herself, she had to ask."What about till then?"

"What do you think?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, you're the genius here... so what do you think?"

"I think I need more pleasant memories to help me through the time before I can see you again."

"Carter!"

"What?"

"Nothing... just still not used to this side of yours."

"Complaining?"

"No, not at all..." He answered, grinning, before tickling her and kissing her.

Later she apologized for being that emotional. She also asked him for forgiveness and patience - they indeed had issues to deal with and things to talk about but she believed that they would both need lots of time. She wanted to take it step by step with as little pressure as possible but with no holding back. And that was something he could do.

That evening when she was again in his arms, he kept on holding her, caressing her hair and her skin, touching her. He just loved being with her and truth to be told, she did too. And right there she could believe in Christmas Miracles again, in all the magic. She was officially dating Jack O'Neill after all!

When she kissed him then, later, she also made it clear that she was more than ready to cross the last line – the one they'd been able to keep absolutely clear for all those years. She really wanted more pleasant memories! When he realized she had been serious about that part, he had to smile. And people were saying he was the impossible one, huh…

Yes, so then the morning after when she awaken by a kiss, she was really happy. And the day continued with her clothes being put next to his – turning his house into their house, well, partially. Soon it would probably be their home. She knew they were not celebrating her birthday – she really didn't want to, but she couldn't think of a better way how to spend the day.

Now she was taking her brother and his family for a little walk around the area. And she was already looking forward to the promised lunch. Sometimes she felt like being 17 again – not being able to make it through her day without being in touch with her boyfriend. Well, who could blame her?

Jack had been trying to figure out what exactly to do with the guest bedroom for a long time. At first he thought he was having enough time but with this situation…

There was another room in the house but he wanted it to be Cassie's room. He couldn't imagine having a house without that. So when he was arranging things about his stay in DC, he asked the real estate agent to find him nice house on the right outskirts of the city with accessible roof, garden, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two smaller bedrooms, another bathroom, living room and kitchen. The rooms weren't big but they were nice. The price was reasonable as well. Besides he sold his house in Springs so… no, money wasn't the issue – not at all.

So – who would be sleeping in the guest bedroom? Visitors, of course. So – neutral colors, lots of wood and yeah, it should be warm and welcoming. Hopefully he did a good job. He was quite satisfied! It needed some additional touches but he was kind of hoping that he would finish those with Sam – later, anytime.

He had his house full of many things now – including snacks and sleeping bags, movies… he was getting ready for having some quality family time. For that reason he also a bottle of Scotch ready. If Mark Carter was anything like his father, then having him with whole family over along with Sam would be interesting. And actually, he couldn't wait!

Meeting them briefly at the funeral didn't count, not at all, not really. Besides – he was there as Jake's friend and as Sam's CO and friend. Here he was just a man loving Samantha Carter meeting her family.

He took a shower then, shaved and realized that this evening he would be wearing a suit. A suit! Well, it was probably better than his dress-blues. He would be wearing those almost daily very soon. He had a suit of course, he just didn't have a clue what would be Carter wearing! She didn't want to tell him. Probably little payback - she was surprised to hear the details about the party!

When he called the White House to ask about the possibilities, he got right through to the First Lady. Apparently she wanted to talk to him. She was concerned about him coming alone. So she was very happy to hear that he would not be coming alone in the end after all. Well, he suspected she was having something up in her sleeve. She could be tricky sometimes, a bit sneaky and very creative.

"No, Ma'am, don't worry, I have … a date actually."

"I'm glad to hear that! But you probably didn't call just to tell me that."

"No, I didn't. I wanted to ask about bringing somebody else as well."

"Who that would be?"

"Two adults, two children and I am sure you are interested in meeting them."

"Keeping secrets, Jack?"

"Wouldn't dare to, Ma'am." He teased her. He could hear her laugh a bit on the other end of the line.

"All right Jack, let's make a deal…." And she told him about her idea. And he had to give her credit – she was one smart lady!

She also told him that he was not coming in dress-blues. And that his date and the little family he was bringing should be properly dressed as well. Her secretary mailed him the details then. And both he and Sam were surprised! She didn't think it was a good idea to do it – bringing teenagers there to that and actually going there. But Jack hugged her and gave her some good points to think about.

"Let's see… you, wearing some really beautiful gown, your family absolutely astonished…"

"Me and you, both nervous and anxious with President and First Lady breathing at our necks..."

"Come on, we will probably just see them once or twice…"

"Jack…"

"It's gonna be okay, I promise. Besides – we can always leave if we want to."

"Promise?"

"Promise." And he sealed the deal with a kiss.

Maybe he was supposed to be nervous about the whole thing but he was just looking forward to seeing Sam all dressed up. But firstly there was lunch. And meeting the family.