I didn't want to leave everyone upset with Daniel, so I'm posting another chapter today. There's quite a bit of story left to tell, and a lot of it is already written. I'll update fairly often. I'm attempting to stay canon compliant, so don't hate me. You all remember seasons 9 and 10.

Jack was excited. He wasn't going to deny it. While, he still wasn't thrilled with the idea of not seeing Sam everyday, he'd certainly been thinking about upside of her transfer. Heck, he thought about it all the time. They were behaving. They made sure they weren't ever alone. With Teal'c gone, that meant Daniel was constantly being used as their buffer. He didn't seem to mind. Jack knew his friend was going to miss Sam, too.

They were almost there. In 2 days, Sam would officially be out of his chain of command, and in 3 days, 6 hours, and approximately 10 minutes, they'd be in his truck headed for the cabin. This time, it would be just them for a whole week alone in his favorite place on earth, heck, his favorite place in the galaxy. Jack couldn't hardly wait and he really couldn't believe his luck. The woman of his dreams wanted him as much as he wanted her.

He was whistling some random tune, when Sam walked into his office. "Whistling, sir?"

Caught, Jack just grinned, "seems I've found something whistle worthy."

Sam blushed and laughed a bit before handing him her report. "Well, I'm glad you think something is worthy of whistling." She smiled and started humming as she left the office. Jack couldn't stop grinning. He was hum worthy! Samantha Carter thought he was hum worthy. Life was good.

Still relishing this new realization, Jack was a little surprised when the red phone rang. "General O'Niell," he answered.

"Jack, it's Hayes. How are you doing this afternoon?"

"I'm good, Mr. President. How are you today, sir?"

"I'm good, Jack. Listen, I need you to come to Washington next week. We've got some big things to discuss. I'll see you Tuesday morning at 9."

Jack sighed. This wasn't part of the plan. He would only get to spend 3 days with Sam at the cabin, but how do you explain to the president of the United States that you'd much rather hang out with the beautiful blonde who you shouldn't technically have feelings for instead of meeting with him, the leader of the free world? "Of course, Mr. President, I'll be there."

Suddenly, Jack didn't feel much like whistling. He didn't feel much like finishing the pile of requisitions in front of him either, so he made his way to Sam's lab. She was filling a cardboard box when he arrived. He closed the door behind him with a pensive look on his face. "Closing the door, sir," Sam frowned.

"I just got off the phone with the president."

"Is he rescinding my orders?"

"No, nothing quite that bad, but he needs me in D.C. on Tuesday. That's going to seriously cut our trip short. I'm sorry Carter."

"It's the job general," she sighed, "we'll still have a few days together and you are coming to see me in 6 weeks. Well make it work."

"Yeah, but it's not going to be easy, is it? One crisis with the gate, one big project needing your attention, a call from the president, and we are going to have to rethink our plans every single time, Sam. Can we do this?"

"Yes, we'll figure it out. I want this. You want it, too. We'll find a way," Sam smiled softly and Jack knew she was right. He'd trusted her in the field to pull off the impossible more times than he could count, and she'd never let him down. This would be no different.

Jack decided flying might be the better option since their trip was going to be cut short, so he booked them for an early morning flight on Friday and they got a rental for the final hour's drive to the cabin. There were lots of touches in the airport. They were little touches, nothing inappropriate for public places. He'd taken her hand in his as they made their way to a Starbucks for a couple of coffees and pastries for the air. She rested her tired head on his shoulder as they sat in the little waiting area beside their terminal. It felt normal. He'd expected the transition to be a whole lot more awkward after so many years of regulations standing between them. As he sat on the plane with Sam sound asleep beside him, Jack thought back to the night before when they finally had a moment alone.

The going away party had just wrapped up at O'Malley's and Jack was walking Sam to her car when she stopped suddenly and turned to face him. He knew it was coming but it didn't make it any less sweet when she tenderly kissed him chastely on the lips. Jack immediately put his arms around her and kissed her thoroughly. Finally, breaking for air, Jack heard her moan softly. It was definitely his new favorite sound, and he was determined to hear it as often as possible. They stayed in each other's arms for just a moment before saying their goodbyes. Looking beside him at the sleeping beauty with her head resting against the window, Jack realized she'd probably slept as little as he had after their brief encounter. Life was suddenly really, really good.

They stopped for groceries on the way to the cabin. It felt really domestic shopping with Sam. They'd grocery shopped together before but this was way different. They weren't planning for the team this time. It would be just them, and Jack couldn't get over the anticipation of 3 whole days alone with a Sam he could kiss. Oh, he wasn't going to rush things. Kissing her was enough for now. He didn't expect things to be more physical this weekend, but kissing Sam was something he intended to make his primary objective for the next few days.

They finally arrived at the cabin at just after noon. "You go ahead and take your stuff to your room and freshen up a bit. I'll get the groceries put away and we'll have a little lunch."

"Sounds great, Jack," Sam said as she grabbed her carry-on and headed into the house.

Jack put away the groceries and grabbed his bag from the rental. He opened the door to his room and started to set his duffle bag on the bed then he saw it. Her bag was sitting on the dresser. Her bag was in his room. Wait, was that the shower in the master bathroom? Holy crap, Samantha Carter was taking a shower in his on-suite! Jack's head was spinning. Was she planning to sleep in here with him? They hadn't really discussed this possibility. He just assumed they'd be taking things slowly. His mind was still reeling with possibilities when the woman of his dreams walked out of the bathroom.

"Hey, did you need the shower? There's plenty of hot water," she said as she towel dried her hair.

"Uh, no, I'm good. So, your bag," Jack paused and stared at the blank look on Sam's face, "it's in here."

"Is that problem?"

"Oh, no. I just didn't expect to see it here. Don't you want to take things slow?"

Sam laughed, "Jack, don't you think 8 years is slow enough?"

"8 long years," Jack amended, taking her into his arms. "Are you sure about this?"

"More sure than I've ever been in my life, Jack." That was all he needed to hear and suddenly he was kissing Sam. Lunch was forgotten as they got lost in each other's arms.