Chapter Warnings: None

I still don't own anything about it... There's sadness and gladness in this chapter.

Changes

A few months later…

Sam and I have managed to keep our relationship hidden successfully, maintaining our military identities. A lot has happened though, in the space of weeks Jacob and Selmac went from OK to passing away and Sam is still grieving deeply. It was a shock, we knew Selmac was older, but we didn't realize he was so close to the end or that Jacob would choose to go with him.


I am waiting for the right moment to propose to Sam, but first I need to visit Jacob's grave here on Earth, I mean it's a gesture, one I feel I want to make… to ask his permission so to speak.

"Hi Dad… okay if I call you dad?" I say as I lay some carnations on the ground. "I want to ask you if it's okay to ask Sam to marry me and I know your gonna find words hard but a sign would be good enough…" I say and suddenly a piece of paper blows past, I read it. It says: 'do the right thing, send her flowers…' Well it's a typical florist's marketing scam but good enough for me.

"Thanks dad." I say and stand up. Then walking to the other side of the cemetery, I kneel by my son's memorial. "Hey Charlie… I know I've been busy lately I just I guess I haven't thought… anyhow son, I'm getting married to Sam, remember the lady I told you about when I visited you here before, well she and I are gonna be married and maybe have a kid or two… one day anyway, but I want you to remember I love you and I hope wherever you are, whatever you are doing now…that you're happy."


I arrive home Friday night to Jack's smiling face and a huge bunch of red roses. He leads me to the dining table where he has presented a wonderful meal and lit several candles; it's beautiful.

"Wow!" I exclaim.

'so gorgeous how was your day?"

"Great, well this has made it better."

"Good." He kisses me delicately brushing my lips with his own.

"What's this in aid of?"

"can't I take care of the woman I love?"

"Of course you can… who is she?"

"Hey! I love you and you know what day it is, the anniversary of the first time we met."

"I know and I love you too." I kiss him again. I can't seem to keep my hands off of him.

"Hey come and sit down for a minute?" He says gesturing to a chair; he moves it for me to sit down.

Then to my surprise he knelt down on one knee.

'Samantha Carter, will you marry me?"

I can't quite get my breath, trying to get my mouth… my brain to work.

"Yes, Jack, yes I will marry you." I say more sure than ever before about my feelings for him.

He places a sapphire/ diamond engagement ring on my ring finger.

"You know I never thought this possible, us together… engaged!"

"I know, neither did I, but we are and we can be together forever."

'So how many realities are we together in?"

"Who cares this is our reality…" he takes me into his arms, his powerful embrace strengthening our relationship. "Thanks for making me the happiest man alive." He whispers.


We get married under a rose arbor; I stand waiting for George and Sam.

Teal'c, Daniel, Cassie are our witnesses.

As she glides down the path the sunlight shines around her, giving her an aura of gold. She looks positively radiant.

I walk slowly down the path General Hammond beside me.

Seeing him I feel my face light up with a brilliant smile. I feel delirious with love. This is the best day of my life.

As we reach the end of the aisle, George takes my hand and places it in Jack's.

"Take care of her."

"I will sir." Jack said smiling at me.

"General Hammond, thanks for being here." I give him a peck on the cheek.

"Call me George today and I wouldn't miss it for the world… Now go on go get married."

I walk with Jack toward the clergyman who stood beneath the arbor.

"We are gathered to celebrate Sam and Jack's desire to be joined in a singular commitment to one another for their entire lives…

Will you Samantha Carter take Jonathan Jack O'Neill to be your husband?"

"I will."

"Will you Jonathan Jack O'Neill take Samantha to be your wife?"

"I will."

"Now I believe you wish to say your own vows. You first Sam."

"I love you Jack and I need you to know that I will always be there for you whatever happens… I have loved you from the moment we met and I will love you until I can no longer love."

"Sam. I love you with my very soul; I will always be there no matter what. Thank you for this opportunity."

"Now if you could exchange the rings…"

"Sam this ring is a symbol of my love for you, my hopes for the future and my eternal devotion."

"Jack this ring represents my love for you, my hopes for the future and of the empathy I have for you."

"I am delighted to proclaim you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride."

He kisses me then puts his arms around me.

"I hope I never go back to Kansas." Jack remarks softly in my ear.

'Don't worry Dorothy this is home." I laugh quietly. "Plus you don't own any ruby slippers."

"You know this how?" He waggles his brows and I laugh.

"Jack!"