She slumped down on her couch in pure emotional and physical exhaustion. The funeral had been today, and she had seen one of her dearest friends put to rest. The news of his passing had been a complete and utter shock everyone. Myocardial infarction probably due to the large amount of stress that came with the job over the years. Since she had heard that news, she had been in a sort of daze. Now, she stares down at the envelope in her hand.

A lawyer had presented her with the envelope after the funeral, stating that it was part of his last will and testament for her to receive it. She could only imagine what that envelope could contain, and she hadn't quite found the courage to open it until now. She took a deep breath and ripped it open as quickly as possible, figuring it would be like a band-aid and would hurt less that way. Much to her surprise, it was just a letter.

Sam,

Over all my years of service, you were the nearest and dearest to my heart. Somehow, despite our differences, we had etched our way into an eternal friendship. We fought side by side, laughed side by side, and cried side by side. Daniel and Teal'c held a special place in my heart, as well, but with you it was different. Our bond was so deep that we didn't even need words to communicate what we were feeling. I have no doubt that I loved you, Samantha Carter, and I hope, at some level, you held some love for me, too.

However, if you are reading this, then you have just attended my funeral. In a way, it breaks my heart because I promised that I would be there for you always. Although I might not be able to keep that promise physically, know that I am with you in your memories. You are a brilliant woman, way smarter than I could of ever hoped to be, and you have a beautiful personality when you let others see it. I have no doubt that you will find someone to love you as much as I have, and know that when that happens, I will be smiling for you.

Take care of yourself. Be careful to watch you six. Don't let the stress of the job ruin your chance at having a personal life and always listen to your heart.

Sincerely,

Gen. Jack O'Neill

That was all it took for the floodgates to open. She couldn't stop the overwhelming grief from completely washing over her. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. They were supposed to have gotten that chance at that happily ever after. After everything they had been through,didn't they deserve at least that?

She heard the knock on the door, but she didn't have the strength left to get up and answer it. However, whoever it was must have been determined and found that she didn't lock the door behind her, because she heard the door creaking open.

"Oh, Sam."

She felt his arms wrap around her in support, and she had to admit, the contact was actually quite comforting. She couldn't bring herself to say anything, though. The tears were still too strong. It was him who did the talking, and what Cam said was the most shocking of all.

"A lawyer gave me a letter from Jack after the funeral today. I thought it was a little strange because I hardly knew the man, but I read it anyways. In it, he gave me very clear directions that I was to take care of you always because he would no longer be able to. He told me to get my six over here right away because he knew you would need me to. He must have really loved you, Sam."