Interruptions

Chapter Twenty-Six

The next day dawned bright and sunny. Sam said good-bye to Jack before being whisked away by Vala and Cassie to get ready for the wedding. The wedding. Her wedding. Hers and Jack's. Sam grinned to herself.

They arrived at Cassie's place, where Sam's dress was being kept. Sam was in a bit of a daze as she followed Vala and Cassie inside. She sat still for most of the morning as a hairdresser did her hair and makeup. The wedding was at 1400 hours, and by midday, Sam's hair and makeup were done. All that was left to do was for her to get into the dress and go to the wedding.

"Nervous, Sam?" Cassie asked.

"Not really." Sam replied. "It seems a bit surreal. But I'm not nervous."

"I'm so happy for you. And Jack." Cassie smiled. "For years I never understood why you and Jack just wouldn't get together. Everyone could see that you two were perfect for each other."

Sam smiled in return. "It was complicated."

"Love shouldn't be." Cassie replied.

"It wasn't so much the love that was complicated." Sam said. "It was more the military. Ranks, working conditions. It just wouldn't have worked."

Cassie sighed. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter now. It's all worked out!"

Sam stood and gave the younger woman a hug. "Thank you. For everything you've done for me."

"It was nothing." Cassie replied. "I should be thanking you. You saved my life and gave me a home, and a family."

They remained in the embrace.

At 1:15pm, Sam started to get into her dress. With Vala and Cassie's help, she laced up the back and had the dress on properly. Then came the veil, and jewellery. She wore long earrings and a silver bracelet. Finally she slipped on her shoes, and they were ready to go.

Teal'c arrived with Cameron in the limo to pick them up. Vala and Cassie were wearing their dresses; they were blue and floor length. They had thin straps over their shoulders and low back lines.

Cam smiled at Sam when he saw her. "You look fantastic Sam." He said.

Sam smiled shyly. "Thanks, Cam."

Teal'c gave a rare smile. "You are most beautiful Samantha." He said, sounding a little more emotional than normal.

Sam lay a hand on Teal'c's arm. "Thank you." She said.

"Well, shall we go then?" Cam asked.

They all slid into the limo and began the drive to the wedding venue. It was being held in a park, close to the SGC. It had been specially closed for the wedding, and set up with chairs and a lectern. There was an aisle down the middle, lined with flowers.

Jack was standing with Daniel at the front, in front of the minister. He was fidgeting with the cuff links of his shirt.

"Jack."

"Hmm?"

"Stop it." Daniel said.

Jack stopped fidgeting and looked expectantly at the other end of the aisle.

"Don't worry. They'll be here soon enough." Daniel said.

The chairs had all been filled, and there were even people standing. It seemed to jack that he and Sam had many, many friends. Even the president had decided to attend. He was getting curious stares from many other guests. Most the staff of the SGC were in attendance, including Hank, Carolyn Lam, Walter Harriman and Sergeant Siler. There were also many people SG1 had come into contact with over the years. And many of the Atlantis staff had come back to Earth for the wedding of their ex-leader, and the man who'd given the 'yes' for the Atlantis expedition in the first place.

Jack watched as a limousine wound its way to the park. It stopped at the end of the aisle.

"This is it." Daniel muttered.

The music started, and from out of the limo stepped Cassie and Cam. They began to walk together down the aisle. Next came Vala. Daniel grinned when he saw her. Finally, Teal'c, in his tux, stepped out of the car, and leant a hand to Sam.

Jack's breath hitched as he saw his bride. She gave him a shy smile, and placed her hand in the crook of Teal'c's arm.

Jack looked at her. Sam was simply breath taking. Her hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders, and her dres… the dress. It showed off a lot of skin, and was tied up around Sam's neck.

Time seemed to slow down as Jack watched Sam walking towards him. Her eyes were bright and excited, and slightly nervous. Jack imagined his eyes looked similar, though not as blue.

Teal'c and Sam finally reached Jack and Daniel, and Teal'c took Sam's hand. He gave her a tender look, smiled, and gave her hand to Jack. Jack grinned at Teal'c, then looked down at Sam.

"You look… perfect." He whispered.

She smiled. "So do you."

They turned to the minister, who smiled at them."

"Well, I was told not to start with 'dearly beloved,' so instead I'm going to say, welcome. It's really good to see so many people here to witness the joining of Jack and Samantha in marriage." The minister smiled down at Sam and Jack. "So, we'll begin."

Sam didn't hear much of what the minister said after that. She was too busy staring at Jack. Then they got to the vows. They'd written their own, deciding it would be more special. Jack went first, producing a piece of paper from his pocket.

"I wrote mine down, otherwise I'd muddle it up and end up promising to be sick, and take care of you when you're healthy."

Sam laughed, as did everyone else.

"Okay, Sam. I sat down to write my vows. To decide what to say to yo that would make you still want to marry me. But I didn't know what to say. I could promise to be with you through sickness, and in health, but I do that anyway, and I'm not about to stop. I could promise to be faithful, but there's no way in hell I would ever want anyone but you. I could promise to provide for you, but I know that you're self sufficient and very independent, and won't want me cramping your style. So simply, I promise you myself. I will be there for you whenever you need me; I'll look after you, if you want me to, and I'll give you freedom if you want it. And I promise to love you. Totally and unconditionally. Forever."

Sam had teared up during this. "Thank you." She whispered. "I suppose it's my turn. I've never had much luck in relationships. They've never lasted long, and before I met you, I began to think that maybe I wasn't meant to be in a happy relationship. But then I met you. When I first met you, you were my commanding officer, and logically, I shouldn't have felt anything about you, other than respect. But we clicked, and I knew I'd found my soulmate. And no matter how long we waited, I always knew I'd never again meet anyone like you. For a while it seemed hopeless, and at other times it seemed like something might happen. But now, that's all in the past, and we're here, today, getting married. And I'm never going to leave your side. I promise to always be there for you and to always love you. I'll never stop. You're my best friend Jack, and I promise to be yours. For the rest of our lives."

Jack smiled tenderly at Sam. His tough exterior had fallen away, revealing the emotional man behind the facade.

Next came the exchanging of the rings, then…

"It is my pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife." The minister said, smiling broadly at them. Then to Jack he said, "You may kiss your bride."

Jack delicately lifted Sam's veil over her head, then leant forward to press a kiss to her waiting lips. He cupped her face in his hands as they kissed.

"I love you." Sam whispered between kisses.

"I love you too, Mrs O'Neill." Jack replied.

"Oh that's going to take a bit of getting used to." Sam muttered. She grinned at Jack. "Husband."