To be read slowly, absorbing each emotion, visualizing each movement, every face—and with romantic music playing in the background. Definitely needs romantic music!

XXXXXX

THIS DANCE

He's waited so long. Dreamed, planned, wished for this moment. Imagined what it would feel like... To be able to hold her in his arms—no hiding, no guilt, nor fear of breaking the rules. To say 'I love you' openly and truly, no matter who may be listening. To touch, and cherish...

So many years of wanting, needing—hopeless yearning.

And at last here they are, with all their friends—their family—around them, smiling, cheering them on, gifting them with their blessings:

George, beaming as if they are his own children.

Daniel, misty-eyed and, for once in his life, genuinely speechless!

Teal'c, strong and proud as always, with such joy for them radiating from his countenance.

Cassie, tears pouring down her cheeks, expressing equal parts happiness and pain. Pain at the absence of her mother who'd been so dear to them all. Happiness that these two people she loves most in the world can now, finally, be together.

Mark and Stephanie, with their children Richard and Alison—both nearly grown-up now.

Dozens of others are here, too, all gathered to wish them well. Showering them with smiles and hugs and toasts. Laughter and congratulations ring through the assemblage.

His eyes are only for her. Romantic music, sweet and familiar, swells all around them. He takes her left hand in his own, tracing the smooth gold band that shines on her heart-finger, and raises it gently to place a soft kiss there. Slowly he draws her to her feet and places his hand on her waist, and finds himself frozen for an instant, entirely captivated by the sensation of her satin-clad litheness against his palm. After a long moment he lifts his eyes to meet crystal blue with deep dark brown.

Leaning forward, he brushes her lips with his, and then lays tiny kisses across her cheek until he can softly sing into her ear the words of the song;

"Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together it feels so right.
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?"

~H.E.A.~

XXXXXX

I was listening to Anne Murray singing 'Could I have this dance' when the idea for this story occurred to me. The song was a number 1 hit on the country music charts in 1980. Always been one of my favorites. If you want to hear it, just search youtube for Anne Murray Could I have this Dance.