Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Jack looked at the clock, it was almost dawn. Thoughts of Sam and everything she had said to him had filled his head all night and he had slept very little.

His cat jumped up on the bed, lay down beside him on her back and stretched. The cat purred as he rubbed her tummy. After a few minutes, she turned over on her side. Something outside caught her attention and she jumped off the bed. Jack watched as she put her front paws on the window sill, straightened her back and stretched her neck. She stood completely still, staring at something in the trees.

"Curious, aren't you? Just like your namesake."

Just as he started into the bathroom, he glanced at the piece of paper on top of the dresser where he had left it the night before. He picked it up and looked at the phone number as the thought came to mind that he should tear it into tiny pieces and forget that Sam had ever come here. He stared at it a moment longer then walked into the bathroom.

--

Sam jerked awake, threw back the covers, put her feet on the floor and gripped the edge of the mattress. Her heart beat rapidly as she realized she had been dreaming about Jack and the day they had argued about her wedding at his house.

After taking a warm shower and getting dressed, she wondered what she could do today. The hotel room felt claustrophobic and she knew she couldn't just sit there, waiting for a call that might not come. She needed something to keep her busy so she wouldn't dwell on Jack.

She went downstairs for breakfast, stopped at the front desk and inquired about different things to do in the town. The man at the desk told her where an arts and crafts fair was currently taking place. He also mentioned a movie theater, shopping mall and antique shops. When she said she would like to get some exercise, preferably outdoors, he told her about some hiking trails and their location.

After breakfast she got into her car and followed the directions. She realized the hiking trails were not far from Jack's cabin and Bev's diner.

She found a parking space, locked the car, put the key in her pocket with her cell phone and took off up a winding trail. She walked for a good while, taking her time and occasionally stopping to look at the scenery and breathe the fresh air. She finally came to the crest of the hill, overlooking the valley below. Sitting down on a large rock to admire the beauty, it wasn't long before she remembered why she had come to this town. Feeling a chill, she pulled her jacket tighter around her. She drew her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around her legs and laid her head on her knees. The tears started again but she quickly fought them, not wanting to cry any more.

She sat there for a long time, contemplating what her next move would be if Jack didn't call. She knew she would soon have to return to the Springs and check on her house. The thought ran through her head to take General Hammond's offer but she quickly dismissed it.

She had enough money to live comfortably for a while so she could take her time about deciding what she wanted to do next.

The sun was getting higher in the sky. Feeling too warm, she stood and stretched, then took off her jacket and draped it around her shoulders. It felt good to be active again. She took her time as she followed another trail which led back to the parking area.

She followed the directions to the fair. The place was quite busy as she wandered around and found some gifts for Daniel and Teal'c.

She came to a booth with handmade quilts. Looking closely at the fine detail of each, she ran her hand along the smooth fabric as a lady sitting inside the booth greeted her.

"Hello."

"Oh, hi. These are beautiful."

"Thank you. I make them and sell them here every year. There are different sizes, designs and colors so feel free to browse."

Sam looked at several until she came to one with an intricate circle design with pretty colors. The woman helped her pull it off the rack and Sam paid her for it. The woman thanked her as she put the quilt into a large bag and handed it to her.

Sam stopped at several more booths but the quilt was getting heavy so she returned to her car. She looked at her watch to see that it was almost one o'clock and she was getting hungry. The thought came to mind that she would drop by the diner and sample one of Joe's pies.

She pulled into the parking lot and went inside. A teenage girl led her to a booth just as Bev came out of the kitchen, carrying three plates of food. After placing the food on the table in front of her customers, she glanced up and saw Sam.

"Hi, Bev."

"Sam, you're back. What you been up to today?" she asked with a grin as she sat down across from her.

"Went hiking on the trails not far from here, went to the fair and bought a beautiful quilt."

Bev grinned. "Woman in her late 60's?"

"Yes. You know her?"

"She's a friend of mine. She's very talented and does extraordinary work."

Bev looked up as the door opened and her eyes grew wide, then looked back at Sam.

Seeing Bev's expression change, Sam turned to see who she was looking at, then quickly turned back around and closed her eyes. "Oh no" she whispered.

Jack saw Bev and smiled, then noticed who she was sitting with and the smile suddenly faded.

"Oh for cryin' out loud" he mumbled as he stuck his hands in his pockets.

'Now this should be interesting' Bev thought as she glanced at Sam, then stood and walked toward Jack.

"Jack, it's so good to see you."

"Hey, Bev."

Bev could see the tension on Jack's face. "Come on. You can sit over here." As Bev walked toward Sam, Jack hesitated for a moment then followed. Bev started to seat Jack in the booth next to Sam but as he came closer to her, he stopped and she looked up at him.

"Carter. Fancy meetin' you here."

"Hello, Jack" she said shyly.

"You two know each other?" Bev tried to ask innocently and she saw Sam glare at her, knowing darn well that they knew each other.

Jack frowned. "Uh, yeah, we know each other."

"Well, in that case, why don't you sit with Sam and you can eat together."

Sam glared at Bev once more but Bev ignored her and Jack slowly sat down across from her.

"I'll get menus." Bev turned to leave, looked back over her shoulder and winked at Sam.

Jack and Sam gazed around the diner, avoiding eye contact.

Bev returned, handed each a menu and set down two glasses of water. "Now Sam, don't forget, you have to try a piece of Joe's pie. They're really good, aren't they Jack?"

Jack glanced up at her. "Yeah, they're very good."

"Take your time. Be back in a few minutes."

Bev made a beeline for the kitchen.

"Joe!"

Joe quickly turned around and looked at his wife. "What?"

"You know that woman I told you about that came in here yesterday, the one that's in love with Jack O'Neill?"

"Yeah."

Bev grinned. "She's back and just guess who came in a few minutes after she did."

"And you put them at the same table, didn't you?"

"I certainly did."

"Now Bev, don't you go interfering in their lives. It's none of your business."

"Oh Joe, for heaven sake, what's wrong with giving them a little push?"

Joe shook his head and turned back to his work.

Sam and Jack stole glances of each other over the tops of their menus until Sam laid hers down and picked up her purse. "I'll leave, Jack. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Jack reached over and put his hand on her arm.

"You're not making me uncomfortable, Sam." His eyes softened as he slowly removed his hand from her arm. "I don't have any problem with us eating lunch together since we've done it dozens of times."

"Not under these circumstances."

"Please. Stay."

She put her purse down and placed the napkin back on her lap, but couldn't bring herself to look at Jack.

Bev watched, thinking what an attractive couple they would make. She gave them a few more minutes, then came back to their table.

"Okay. What'll it be?"

They gave Bev their orders, then Jack picked up a glass of water and took a sip. "So, you met Bev."

"Yes. I went for a drive yesterday afternoon and I hadn't eaten all day so I stopped here. Bev and I chatted for a few minutes."

Jack nodded his head. "Bev has a good heart."

About that time, Joe walked up beside them and he and Jack shook hands.

"How are you?"

"Fine, Joe. Just fine."

Joe looked at Sam. "Want to introduce me to this pretty lady?"

"Joe, Samantha Carter. This is Joe, Bev's husband."

Sam held out her hand and smiled. "Please call me Sam. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

"Sam and I used to work together."

"You were in the Air Force with Jack?"

"Yes, he was my CO for several years."

"Several years? How on Earth did you put up with him for several years?" Joe teased.

Sam grinned. "Oh, we had our moments but I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world."

Jack grinned and stared at her.

"Gonna be here long?"

Sam glanced at Jack. "I'm not sure. It . . . depends."

"Well, you're welcome to eat here any time. Bev loves to talk with our customers so feel free to drop in."

Sam smiled. "Thanks, I'll remember that."

"We still on for poker next week, Jack?"

Jack nodded his head. "Wouldn't miss it."

Joe put his hand on Sam's shoulder. "You know, Jack usually wins when we get together with some friends to play poker but I enjoy his company so I don't mind too much" he said with a wink.

Sam smiled. "He has a great poker face. You never know what he's thinking."

Jack stared at Sam wondering how she would react if she knew what he was thinking at that moment. He wanted to pull her off the seat, wrap her in his arms and kiss her senseless.

Bev came with their food and Joe turned to face her. "Bev, give Sam a piece of pie, on the house."

"Joe, that isn't necessary" Sam protested.

Joe smiled. "Any friend of Jack's is a friend of mine."

Jack looked up at Joe. "You've never given me a free piece of pie."

"No, don't guess I have. But since it's my diner, Jack, I can give away free pie if I want to."

Sam and Bev started to laugh as Jack put up his hands. "Okay, Okay."

Joe chuckled as he walked back to his kitchen.

Bev left them alone but watched from behind the counter as they picked at their food, noticing that conversation between them was sporadic at best.

Sam nervously pushed around the food on her plate with her fork. "Have you uh . . . have you given any thought to what I said yesterday?"

'That's all I've been thinking about' Jack thought as he sat up straighter. "Yes but . . . I'm not . . ."

"You're not . . . what?"

"I'm not ready to talk about it yet. You showing up here was such a shock and you telling me that you love . . . it'll take some time to figure out what I want to happen or don't want to happen."

Sam nodded her head and Jack could see the pain in her eyes.

"I'm not giving you the brush-off, Sam. I'm just not ready to talk about it. It's only been one day and . . ."

"I understand and I'm not trying to rush you. I just . . ."

Bev could see Sam biting her lip and Jack looking miserable so she thought now would be a good time to interrupt.

"Okay, you two. How about that slice of pie? Sam, what's your favorite?"

Sam looked up at Bev and she could see tears in Sam's eyes.

Sam cleared her throat. "Uh, apple, I guess."

Jack glanced at Bev. "I'll have the same."

"Two slices of apple pie comin' up. How about some coffee to go with the pie?"

"That would be good" Jack answered and Bev walked away.

Jack leaned across the table. "Just give me some time to think, Sam. Okay?"

"Sure" she whispered as she clutched the napkin in her lap and they sat in silence.

Bev returned with the pie.

Sam picked up her fork and put a bite in her mouth. "Oh my, this is delicious."

Bev grinned. "I told you. Enjoy every morsel."

Bev glanced at them occasionally as she went about her work. 'Maybe the longer they sit here the more likely they will be to talk' she thought as she carried the coffee pot to their table.

"More coffee?" she asked, trying to prolong their time together.

"No thanks" they both answered.

Sam looked up at Bev. "The meal was wonderful. Please tell Joe the pie was delicious but I need to be going. Could I have my check please?"

Bev quickly wrote down the total and handed Sam her check.

"Please come back, Sam. I'd love to get to know you better."

Sam tried to smile. "Thanks."

Sam stood up and looked at Jack as their eyes met. "Bye, Jack."

"Bye, Sam."

Jack watched as Sam paid the cashier, then stared at her as she got into her car and drove away.

Bev sat down across from Jack.

"You love her don't you? No, let me rephrase that. You're in love with her."

Jack frowned.

Bev grinned as she clasped her hands on top of the table. "Yeah, I thought so. Look Jack, I know I have a way of butting in sometimes where I'm not wanted, but I'll be honest with you."

Jack looked into her eyes.

"Sam and I talked yesterday. She walked in here and although she and I had never met, I could tell by the look on her face that something was wrong and I told her so. I sat down with her and we started talking. She said she had left the Air Force and I happened to mention that Joe and I had a friend who had retired from the Air Force and when I mentioned your name, she almost choked on the water she was drinking. That's how I found out that you two know each other. She told me about the regulations that kept you apart all those years, about her marriage to the wrong guy and losing her baby. She said she told you how she feels about you. She's so scared you won't forgive her."

Jack sighed. "I had such high hopes that Sam and I would one day be together but that isn't how it turned out. It hurt when she married Pete, Bev. I knew she was making a mistake from the moment she told me she was engaged."

"Why?"

"Everything that Sam and I did for the Air Force was classified. Pete was a cop. When he and Sam started dating, Sam couldn't tell him anything about her job. His curiosity got the best of him and he ran a background check on her. Instead of backing off and letting it drop when he could find very little information on Sam, he . . . well let's just say he got involved in something that he shouldn't have, he stuck his nose in where it didn't belong. He didn't trust her. The day before their wedding, Sam and I had a fight. I tried to tell her she was making a huge mistake but she wouldn't listen, and from what she told me yesterday, he didn't trust her the whole time they were married. Now she shows up here telling me she loves me and asked me to forgive her. I don't know if I can."

Bev patted Jack's hand.

"I'm sorry. You're both hurting. Yes, she made a mistake. We all make mistakes in life, Jack. Some of those mistakes can be corrected and others we just have to accept them, let it go and move on. But sometimes life gives us a second chance and this is yours and Sam's. Anyone could see that Sam is so in love with you, she's nuts about you."

Jack put his hand to his mouth and stared at the table as tears moistened his eyes.

"You know, when Charlie died and you and Sara divorced, I worried about you. When you were at your cabin, you would come in here and we would talk. I could see how miserable you were and I was hoping that something good would happen to take away that guilt and misery you were feeling. Well, it did. Sam came into your life. You lost Charlie and divorced Sara. Sam's marriage unraveled and she lost her baby. You both deserve some happiness. I know you have your pride but don't let it keep you apart. Life is too short, Jack, to not take advantage of a situation and make something wonderful from it when you have the chance. You didn't see the sadness in her eyes when she told me she hurt you. She deeply regrets it. Do you really want to live without Sam? I have a feeling you two would make each other extremely happy."

"I loved Sara, I really did, Bev, but Sam is different. She knows me so well, better than Sara or any other woman ever has. But trusting her . . . that's something else. I have to give some serious thought to this. I don't want to make any hasty decisions."

"You're right. This shouldn't be a hasty decision but think of it this way. Picture the rest of your life. Is Sam in that picture? Do you want her to be? Can you see the two of you sharing the rest of your lives and growing old together or are you going to let this opportunity pass you by? Please, for both your sakes, find it in your heart to forgive her."

Without waiting for a response, Bev squeezed Jack's hand, stood up and walked away.

TBC