Note from the author.

Usually I don't do this except for at the very beginning or the very end of a fic, but I thought I'd respond to a couple of the reviews I've gotten.

First off, thank you all who reviewed.  I'm glad you're enjoying the story.  It's been a rough one for me since I'm trying to keep it relatively angst and smut free.  LOL!

Secondly, Yes, the original ballet, first choreographed by the Russians was called 'The Nutcracker Suite'.  (Before that is was a book titled 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King'.)Since then there have been several different variations of the show including 'The Nutcracker', 'The Nutcracker Sweet', 'The Nutcracker Sweets', and even 'The Hard Nut', which was choreographed by Mark Morris (If you ever get a chance to catch that show and aren't offended by men in tutus and point shoes I suggest you see it.).

Thirdly, and lastly, just a little background on that lovely little bittersweet story of Charlie's school play; that was actually a part of my childhood.  Yes, the play was that awful.  I was drafted as the Sugar Plumb Fairy since I was the only kid in the grade who did ballet.  I still can't listen to the music without hearing those awful lyrics.  Tchaikovsky was so not meant to have lyrics put to his music.  LOL!

Ok, now onto the story.

 

Chapter 3

Sam had just put the finishing touches on her make-up and put her earrings in.  Standing back from the mirror she observed her work.

Not too bad.  She thought to herself.

It wasn't often that she went out of her way to try and look nice, so this was a nice change for her.  She had even treated herself to a shopping spree for a new dress and shoes. 

Just then there was a knock at her door, and knowing it would be Jack she called out to him to come in as she gathered her purse and coat.  With her back still turned to him she plucked her coat from the rack in the front hall and then turned.  She was awe struck by the man in front of her who was even more handsome than usual in a black suit with a black tie complementing a silver-gray dress shirt. 

Jack was apparently just as awe struck as he was still standing there with a gaping grin spread across his face.  He showed no shame at all in taking in the beauty of Sam in her burgundy-red strappy dress with the sheer beaded black overlay. 

Taking her coat and helping her slip into it Jack cleared his throat.  "You clean up pretty well Major."

"You didn't do too bad yourself Colonel," Sam said coyly as she began to button her coat.

"Well, now that we've gotten all of the formalities out of the way for the evening, is it ok with you if tonight we're just Jack and Sam?"

"I suppose I could use a night off from the military, 'Jack'," Sam answered with a grin.

"Great.  Then your ride awaits my lady," Jack said with a sweeping gesture towards the front of the house.

Sam peered out her front door to see a black stretch limousine sitting in the road in front of drive way.

"Oh Jack.  Isn't that a bit much?"

"Hey, if we're gonna do this we might as well do it in style."

"Well, if you insist," Sam said with as much of a sound of tolerance as she could muster up; while at the same time she was grinning from ear to ear.

Having said that Sam slipped her arm through Jacks and they headed down the walkway towards the limo.  The chauffer was waiting at the door for them.

"Sir, Ma'm," he addressed them as he opened the door to let them in.

"You remember where we're going?" Jack asked.

"Yes Sir,"  The chauffer replied.  "We should be there in about 20 minutes.  Until then make yourselves comfortable."  Pointing he continued to say "The music and light controls are up here and there is chilled Champaign and glasses in the cupboard over there."

As Sam was already cozying herself inside the warm limo Jack thanked the chauffer and climbed in after her.

Once closed inside and on their way Sam decided it was time to begin the small talk.  But what came out was "My gosh Jack, you've really outdone yourself."

His reply was simply "only the best", accompanied by a smile that was defiantly indicative of something more than just being happy to be on a night out with a friend.

"Hmmm.  So, Jack, where exactly are we going?"

"Now that my dear Samantha, is a surprise, so you'll just have to wait." 

After a brief silence he struck the conversation up once more.

"Champaign?"

"Before dinner? … Well, I suppose one glass wouldn't hurt."

After the cork was popped and the drinks were poured, a level of comfort began to settle between them and conversation flowed freely.

*********

Occasionally Sam looked out the window of the limousine to see the beginnings of a light snow starting to drift down upon the scenery passing by, but she was genuinely surprised when the car pulled up to their destination.  Which happened to be only the newest and classiest restaurant in town.

"Jack, when you said only the best…."

"Ah," he held up a hand to stop her.  "This is my treat and don't go spoiling it by over thinking things.  Just enjoy yourself." 

"Can I ask you one question?" Sam queried as she took his arm after exiting the limousine.

"Only one," Jack chided.

"How on Earth did you manage to get reservations here on such short notice?"

"Never underestimate me Miss Carter.  I have friends all over the place," he replied with a grin.

Sam just shook her head.  "You never cease to amaze me."

********

Dinner went over well, with top-notch service and an exquisite array of foods; not to mention the company that they were both enjoying very much. 

Courses came and went, and soon it was time to return to their awaiting limousine and head off to the ballet.