Both Sam and Jack sat in silence following Cassie's outburst. They glanced at each other then back at the little girl they had so much helped raise. They exchanged another look, seeming to have a conversation without words. Finally Jack nodded and looked back at Cassie.
"Cassie, you and…Sam, you two are the most important things in the world too me. Now I understand people being a little upset with me, and I know I deserve what I get for…the things I have done and allowed to happen in my life, but I will never, ever, allow someone to threaten you or Sam." He blew out a frustrated sigh and got up and walked to the window and stood with his back to them.
Sam and Cassie looked at him a moment before looking back at each other. Cassie moved closer to Sam. "Sam, I have been quiet a long time, even when you started dating the cop, but…"
Sam got up, cutting her off. "I know Cassie, and for your information, Pete is gone." She walked over to Jack, not noticing the smile of relief on Cassie's face.
Sam walked up to Jack and gently wrapped her hand around his. "Hey."
He looked at her and smiled. "Looks like out little girl has taken more from the Napoleonic Power Monger than we thought."
Sam chuckled. "Apparently."
Jack looked back over his shoulder. "I see some your attitude in her as well." He said.
"Oh you so know that is not all me." Sam retorted.
Jack looked back at her and smiled, then down at their intertwined fingers. He then looked back at her with a questioning look.
"Jack, did you mean what you said at my house?" Sam asked.
Seeing Jack's confused look, she clarified. "What you told that guy was his big mistake?"
She saw recognition dawn on Jack's face.
"Well…I…you know…" He stammered. He finally sighed. "Yes, Sam. It's true. I love you. I have loved you a long time. You and Cassie represent the sum total of everything that kept me going for so long. She because she is for all intents and purposes, my daughter and you…, well, I think you know. "
Sam nodded and looked deep into his eyes. "Jack, I love you too. I think we spent…I spent so much time trying to hold back and deny our feelings, I became afraid to…I mean…crap!" She said, exasperated at her inability to voice her feelings.
Jack grinned. "It's okay Sam. I know what you mean. And when this is done, I am going to shock you and agree to talk this out. I think we need to come to some kind of decision as to what we are going to do. We have waited long enough."
Sam wrapped her arms around him. "I look forward to it, Jack. More than you can ever know."
They separated as Cassie walked over to them. "About damn time."
"Cassandra Frasier watch your language." Sam warned.
Jack worked hard to keep a straight face as Cassie's face flushed. "Yes Ma'am."
Sam looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow, knowing him well enough to know he was forcing a straight face. He knew better to say anything.
Cassie took the moment to quickly add. "But is a true statement and you know it." Defiance in her voice.
Jack couldn't help it. He laughed. "Tell me that is not you and Janet in that."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Don't even try that one Mr. Never Miss a Chance at a Wisecrack."
"You're right, but we need to decide what we are going to do with her? Take her to the mountain?" Jack asked.
Sam looked at Cassie a moment. "It would be the safest place."
"No way! I am going with you guys." Cassie stated firmly.
"Cassie, this is dangerous. And we don't know exactly how it will go down. Neither Sam nor I are willing to risk you getting hurt." Jack stated.
"He's right Cassie. It is only a matter of hours or a day before someone comes looking to find out what happened to me, then the cat will be out of the bag. As much as General Hammond will try and keep a lid on it, somehow, I guarantee it will leak, and then you could be in danger." Sam added.
Cassie looked back at the two then her face became firm. "Look, first off, I love you both. You are my parents, and have been in my life for a long time. But you both know that there is no one on this planet with maybe the exception of Teal'c who can protect me as well as you can. I know that. But look at this from my point of view. The two people who I love the most are in danger, as well as two people who are my uncles in everything but blood. Whether you like you like it or not, I have strong feelings on that. And whether you like it or not, I am an adult, and I am capable of independent thought. I am going. That is not open to debate."
Jack's face struggled to remain expressionless but as he looked at Sam the edges of his lips turned up, indicating his fight to contain the smile. Sam sighed, and held up her hand. "Don't you dare say a word Jack. Not one."