It had now been several months since their 'slip' and Christmas was coming up. Despite them being more honest about their feelings, both Jack and Sam hadn't really acted upon them. Even though they knew what the other felt about themselves, Carter absolutely refused to do anything more than the occasional light touches or the lingering smile and even the little-too-long stares. Of course she wanted more but work came first for her. She didn't want to be the reason why Jack would retire so whenever he'd bring it up, she shut it down right then and there. It had to be Jack's entire decision, not because of her. Did he really want to give up his career, with the stargate program and all of it just to relax at home and wait for Carter to come home from work? God absolutely not but he really did want to be with Sam as much as he loved his job.

Fuck. Wasn't Jack's first thought since he had been thinking about his life, decisions and especially the woman he's in love with. He wanted it all but he knew he couldn't have all of it. Jack knew that Sam would stick with him through thick and thin even if they continued on like this, both of them working together but acknowledging their feelings for each other but not acting upon them… Jack knew this couldn't continue forever and he wanted more with her.

"Hey Carter, any plans for Christmas?" The General asked his 2IC as she sat down across from him at a table in the mess hall.

"Well I might s-"

"I'm thinking maybe team night if everyone can make it. Wouldn't it be even cooler if it was at my cabin in Minnesota? We could skate right on my lake and play some hockey, warm up by the fireplace..." It was kind of clear that Jack was lost in his world of imagining it happening in his head but when he came back to Earth, he blinked and looked at Carter who was staring at him somewhat interested yet amused with a smile on her face. Jack hadn't even realized he had interrupted her.

"You know what, that's a great idea. Let's see if we can get the rest of the team together." Sam simply smiled even though she had already made plans to go see Mark and the kids. Although there was a chance that Carter would change her plans… Doubtful but possible. Jack's excited face was too adorable to say no to.

"Great! Excellent. I know Teal'c has no plans, he'll be there. Daniel… Shouldn't have any plans but I'll make it work. I'll buy all the beer and food." Grinning, Jack munched down on his fruit loops a little faster, all too eager to tell Daniel and Teal'c. It wasn't much longer before he was out the door and down the hall in search of the two men.

"Oh boy." Sam itched at her temple as she began to eat. What have I done?

By the end of the week, the rest of the team was onboard with this idea. Almost as soon as the General had gotten approval from the whole team, Jack set to making plans and grocery lists among items he'd need. He had even taken Teal'c out to get him to try on skates but he stoically raised his eyebrow at Jack when he had brought the skates out for him to try on.

"Hey T, try these on."

"I will not participate in this skating you speak of."

"Oh come on Teal'c it's hockey! You need skates to play."

"It does not seem wise."

"It'll be fun T."

"It is also unsafe."

Groaning as he set the skates down. There was no way to change Teal'c's mind once he had showed him hockey on Youtube. "Alright, alright fine. No skating, we'll find something else to do. Let's go." With that, both men left the sports store empty handed.

So, hockey or skating is out. Maybe I could bring back beer pong? I wonder what Teal'c would be like drunk…

As the week of Christmas went by, Jack loaded up his truck full of booze and food and some other stuff he thought they might need. Carter decided to catch a ride along with him to save gas and it meant she didn't have to try and navigate through the snow. They went up a few hours earlier than Daniel and Teal'c to unload the truck and warm up the place and set up a few Christmas decorations. While Sam was working on their small two foot tree that Jack had chopped from nearby and Jack was in the kitchen grabbing them a couple bottles of beer when Jack was interrupted by a phone call from Teal'c.

A few moments later Jack appeared as Sam finished up, accepting the drink from him. "So, Teal'c called, turns out that one of the teams needed Daniel off-world and Teal'c isn't exactly experienced for this sort of weather so he won't be able to make it either." Sighing softly, Jack seemed a bit disappointed, perhaps a little more than he normally would be.

"So it's just us, that's okay by me. Maybe it'll be a short mission and they can make it up in the morning or something." Sam shrugged, trying to cheer him up before nudging his arm. "Let's make something to eat and then figure out what to do after."

Taking a sip out of his beer, he headed back into the kitchen with Sam although in the end, they ended up dressing warm for the outdoors because Jack wanted to barbeque some burgers. Carter didn't want to leave him alone outdoors so she hung out with him as she watched the snow fall heavily. It was beautiful and calm yet it could be deadly. Carter had always admired nature and the science behind it and beyond. That was one of the reasons she had chosen her profession in theoretical astrophysics. While the BBQ cooked their meat, Jack found himself staring at her while she seemed lost in thought yet appreciating nature. As the sun began to set, it hit her face, leaving a beautiful glow on her skin, causing her crystal blue eyes to shine brighter than it had before, the gentle breeze causing the few wisps of her blonde hair to move. God she's beautiful.

"Hey… Carter."

A couple of quick blinks had indicated that she was out of her trance and listening. "I um… I have this tradition that we get to open one Christmas present early on Christmas Eve… So I'm not really sure if this counts as a present but I think it does." Now Carter was looking at him with full attention as Jack flipped the burgers quickly and poured beer on top of them before closing the lid of the BBQ to let it cook. "I've been offered a job out in Washington, Head of Homeworld Security." Jack paused to let her take in what she had just heard before continuing. "And I've decided to accept that offer."

So here it is! Chapter 4! I didn't think I'd keep writing this long, this was meant to be a short thing but I guess I made it long! What do you guys think so far? Should I continue? Thanks guys!