Disclaimer in chapter 1
Title Have you every really loved a woman song by Brian Adams
other songs used: After All by Peter Cetera
sequel to To get me to you
I slept most of the way to the chapel, but Jack woke me before we got there. As I had slept, I dreamt of what Teal'c had said about children before I nodded off. Our children! Wow, what a thought. We never really discussed children, but I think Jack is open to the idea. I know he'd be a great father and certainly deserved to have another chance at being one. Ever since the Jolinar incident, I was told that it would be difficult for me to conceive. It was something I had accepted long ago, but now this changed everything. I'd have to talk to Janet and see what our chances really were at conceiving naturally. It was amazing how my life had changed within 2 days. I celebrated a birthday, was proposed to, was getting married within a month, and now I was thinking of having children with Jack. Life could change so quickly.
We arrived at The Chapel in the Hills and were surprised to see Dad and General Hammond there. I gave Dad a big hug and kiss and asked what he was doing there. Dad explained that he wanted to come along to see where his baby girl was going to get married. General Hammond said he decided to come along so that he could visit with his friend. We all walked to the office and were greeted by the owner, Steven Mathews. He explained that a wedding was taking place in 2 hours, but we had time to roam the grounds to get the feel of the place before that ceremony started.
We started to discuss the wedding. The day that was available was Saturday, April 30th. Mr. Mathews asked what type of wedding we wanted to have. I looked at Jack and told him that we had just gotten engaged yesterday and that we hadn't really discussed what type of wedding we wanted. He understood and promptly proceeded to call the wedding coordinator to the office. He said that she would be able to show us the grounds and the chapel and help us with ideas for our special day. They had a variety of packages, but he told us that he recommended the sunset wedding package.
"Ms. Carraway is great. She'll get a feel for what you want and will be able to help you select what suits you both.. She can give you a tour of the Chapel and the ballroom before the wedding party arrives. They have actually chosen the sunset package. The view of the sunset is incredible from the chapel. The back wall of the chapel is made of stain glass. It is one of my most popular packages. With you coming at this time, you will be able to get a first-hand look at what I'm talking about. George here has given me a brief background on your relationship. I'm a sucker for a happy ending."
I looked at Dad and he smiled and told Mr. Mathews that money was no object. He wanted the best for me, and he didn't care about the cost.
"She's only doing this once, so I know it will be worth every penny. Right Jack? She's only doing this once?"
"She better only be doing this once," Jack said a little too quickly.
We laughed and he grabbed my hand and gave me a kiss. A woman appeared at the door and Mr. Mathews introduced us to the wedding planner, Julia Caraway. She had been planning weddings for 10 years. She asked if everyone wanted to come along for the tour. Everyone chimed in yes except for General Hammond, who opted to stay with his friend.
As soon as we walked back outside, we were stunned at how beautiful the grounds were. Daniel said he imagined this was what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. Flowers were growing all around and the grass was lush and green. Janet and Cassie had walked over to where there were beds of roses and that had been intertwined in a gazebo. They were in awe of how beautiful and romantic the setting was and wanted to explore more of the grounds. Teal'c had made a comment that it reminded him of a special place that he and his wife had visited before the birth of Ryac. He said that being here brought back those wonderful memories.
I could hear water running. I looked around till I saw a small creek with a bridge crossing over it. Jack came up behind me and put his arms around me.
He whispered that it looked like the dozens of planets that we had visited. "Trees, Trees and...did I mention trees? I'm just waiting for us to run into some ruins for Danny, and for you to pull out your soil sample kit."
I laughed and told him the place was spectacular and that we should give the General lots of thanks when we met up with him again. Dad motioned for us to come with him. We left Cassie, Janet, Daniel and Teal'c to explore the grounds, but I asked Janet to stay close by. I knew that I might need her help. She said no problem and that she'd be by the chapel and would meet us there in a little while.
Dad asked if I had wanted an outdoor wedding. I told him that it would be nice, but I had to see what Jack wanted. He then asked if I had gotten anything else accomplished for the wedding since we were short on time. I informed him that I had found my dress. I pulled him away from Jack and described it to him. He smiled and said he couldn't wait to see me in it. I kissed him on the cheek and told him that I would take him to one of my fittings if he was on Earth.
Jack asked what we were conspiring about and dad said he was trying to talk me out of getting married. He told him that he had a nice guy back on the base for me.
"I'm sorry Jacob," Jack replied, "but this lady is off the market. Why don't you try and find someone for Anise or Siler since you seem to be playing matchmaker."
Julia then told us that if we were interested in an outdoor affair, she would show us a few places it could be held. She showed us the gazebo by the creek and suggested that for a small intimate ceremony. She then brought us to a clearing by a beautiful pond with lilly pads wearing bright pink blossoms floating on top of the water. She suggested this site because of the backdrop of the mountains and the wonderful shade that the huge oak tree provided. Jack asked if there were any fish in the pond and if I would mind if he fished while the ceremony was being performed. I shook my head and pretended to be mad at him. He raised his arms in protest and said he was only kidding.
"An outdoor wedding would be ideal for this time of month," Julia informed us. "The last outdoor spot that I can show you is on Blush Hill. Blush hill overlooks the valley below and the spot has a huge tree on it. The tree has these beautiful blush-colored flowers on it, and that's why we call it Blush Hill. It's really a beautiful setting."
Jack said that Mr. Mathews suggested a wedding at sunset and Julia smiled.
"He must really like you guys. He doesn't usually let us plan weddings so late in the evening. He only lets us plan a few of these a year, and that's with at least a one year's notice. You'll see what I mean when we get to the chapel."
I asked who was getting married today at sunset, and she said that it was two staff members of the church. Mr. Mathews was picking up the tab for them as well. They had met at work and fell in love.
"They were going to have a simple ceremony at city hall until he found out about it and offered to pay for everything. He treats us all like family here, so they jumped at the chance to get married in the Chapel. As you can see, this is a very special place. The views are spectacular, the grounds are breathtaking, and wait till you see the Chapel. It makes you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. If I had a choice on wedding packages, I would choose the sunset package."
I was getting excited and asked if we could go see the chapel. She nodded led us that way. We met up with Daniel, Janet, Cassie and Teal'c. Cassie came running up to me and said that this place was the most romantic place she'd ever seen to have a wedding at. There were gazebos with flowers and a horse drawn carriage with two white horses.
"You've got to see the horses Sam. And the carriage! You've got to get the carriage to bring you up to the chapel. It would be so romantic," Cassie said.
I told her we'd see them later. Julia unlocked the door and led us into the chapel.
The chapel was on the edge of the mountain, and you could see the valley below. The view could be seen from everywhere in the chapel. The sun was starting to set and the rays of light bounced off the stain glass in different angles, giving the altar an almost surreal effect. The Chapel had cathedral ceilings with cherry wood beams that gave it a rustic feel. The pews were set up in a v shape that gave the chapel a more cozy effect. The Chapel was decorated with roses, lilies, and other types of flowers that gave the most exotic scent. Each pew had a bouquet of flowers with white satin and tulle tied around the ends. There were candleholders with all sizes and types of candles behind the altar. Julia explained that the candles would be lit and as the sun set behind the chapel. They would illuminate the chapel, giving it an intimate setting. She also explained that there were candles all around the chapel, and there would be candles illuminating the aisle, but those were still being set up.
Julia also told us that everyone in the attendance would be given a candle to light at the end of the ceremony so when we walked out of the church, we would have the light of everyone's love to guide us.
I thought that was a beautiful way to have all our friends and family participate in this special day. Jack took my hand and I looked at him with a smile and tears in my eyes.
"Julia, I think we'll be doing the sunset package. Isn't that right honey?" Jack said, smiling at me.
I nodded yes and he wiped away a tear from my face. Cassie said that this was going to be the most romantic wedding she'd ever been too. Janet was wiping tears away from her face as well, and Daniel wrapped an arm around her. Dad cleared his throat and I turned to him. He was smiling and said that we had chosen wisely and that he couldn't wait to walk me down the aisle.
Julia looked at her watch and said we didn't have much time left before the wedding started, but did have time to check out the ballroom.
"Like I said, the chapel is beautiful. This is a great package and all your friends and family get to participate. The ballroom is already decorated, and we could do the same style for you unless you had something different in mind. Have you decided on a photographer or a florist yet?"
I nodded no and she touched my arm and said to leave it all up to her.
All I would had to do was tell her what I wanted and she would do all the work.
"That's what I'm paid to do Sam, so don't worry yourself with any of the details. Now what about the dress," Juila inquired.
I told her that I had found my dress that afternoon in town at Ruth's shop. She smiled and said that Ruth had the most beautiful gowns.
We arrived at the ballroom and were again amazed at the beauty and the elegance in front of us.
The room had tables and a dance floor in the middle. A large table was situated in front of a huge window with a backdrop of the mountains. I let go of Jack's hand and started to roam around. The tables were all set for the reception. The middle of each table held a hurricane lamp with a white candle inside. All around the base o it were smaller rose-shaped candles that were floating in water. Rose petals were strewn on top of the table to contrast the white tablecloth. A huge chandelier hung in the middle of the room, and white silk and pink tulle had been tied to the middle of it, and had been hung in each corner of the room, making it seem as if the room was actually enclosed by a gigantic tent.
Janet came up to me. "This is so romantic, Sam. If I was getting married, this is where I'd want to have it. I looked at her and then at Daniel who was standing behind her with a smile on his face. "You might not have to wait to long Janet." I motioned to look behind her and she turned around and smiled at Daniel, who held out his hand and whisked her away. Cassie was excited and ran over to Jack and gave him a big hug and said she couldn't wait until April 30th.
Dad smiled and came over to me, letting me know that he loved this place. I nodded in agreement and he kissed my cheek and went over to talk to Julia on what needed to be done and how much of a deposit needed to be put down.
I looked around some more and could see the servers starting to get ready. The D.J. was starting to set up on the stage. I turned around and found that everyone had left me behind. I walked to the middle of the dance floor to get a better view of the main table when the music started to play.
It was a familiar song, but I couldn't place the title. I closed my eyes and felt someone come up behind me. I smiled, picking up the familiar after- shave scent that I knew so well. Jack placed his hands on my hips and leaned down to my ear. "May I have this dance?"
I turned around and went into his arms. He held me close and began to sing along with the music:
To really love a woman
To understand her - you gotta know her deep inside
Hear every thought - see every dream
N' give her wings - when she wants to fly
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
You'll know ya really love a woman
When you love a woman you tell her
That she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her
That it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really
- really really ever loved a woman?
To really love a woman
Let her hold you -
Til ya know how she needs to be touched
You've gotta breathe her - really taste her
Til you can feel her in your blood
N' when you can see your unborn children in her eyes
You'll know ya really love a woman
When you love a woman
You tell her that she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her
That you'll always be together
So tell me have you ever really -
Really really ever loved a woman?
You got to give her some faith - hold her tight
A little tenderness - gotta treat her right
She will be there for you, takin' good care of you
Ya really gotta love your woman...
Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
Ya know ya really love a woman
When you love a woman you tell her
That she's really wanted
When you love a woman you tell her that she's the one
Cuz she needs somebody to tell her
That it's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really
- really really ever loved a woman?
Just tell me have you ever really,
Really, really, ever loved a woman?
Just tell me have you ever really,
Really, really, ever loved a woman
I was so moved by the lyrics in the song that Jack had just sung to me. God, how I loved this man and the way he makes me feel.
"Jack, that was beautiful song. I love this side of you. But how did you get the D.J. to play it?" I asked.
Jack shrugged his shoulders and told me. He had gone up to the D.J., whose name was Shawn, and asked if he had the song in his collection. He told him if he would play it right now for him he, would hire him for our wedding. Shawn ask what day were we getting married and checked his calendar and said he was available and that he would be more then happy to play the song for him.
"So, I killed two birds with one stone. I'm one up on you for our little contest," Jack said with a smirk on his face.
"Don't think you've won mister. I still have some songs up my sleeve. We're just getting started," I said with a smile.
"I know, Sam, but I'll always find a better one. Come on! Just give up. You know I'm going to win this. It's the O'Neill stubbornness at it's best, and I won't give up."
I rolled my eyes at him and started to giggle. He took me by the hand and introduced me to Shawn. He said he was glad to help Jack out with his little dance and said that if there were any other songs that we wanted to play at our wedding to let him know. He suggested we go through his list of all the songs in his library and pick out our favorites. He took our phone numbers and gave us his card and said he need to get back to setting up, but would call us later to get together and go over what we wanted.
We walked out of the ballroom and informed Julia that we had hired Shawn. She said that he was a great choice and that she was going to suggest him to us anyway since he did most of the weddings for her.
"We still have to get a photographer, caterer, invitations, and a florist. For the photographer, I would suggest Rudolfo, except I know he's already booked for your date."
I looked at Jack and he squeezed my hand. Reassuring me we'd find someone, even if it was Daniel with a camera. I laughed out loud and everyone turned to see what was so funny. I waved them on ahead and they said they'd meet us back at the office.
We stopped at the gazebo and I put my arms around his waist and leaned up to kiss him. Then I saw a flash and we both turned around to see who it was.
Julia was standing next to a man with a camera. She introduced him as Rudolfo's assistant, Richie. She raved that he took great photos and even though he was still new to the business, he was good and available for our date. Richie said he hoped we didn't mind him taking our picture, but he said we looked perfect in the gazebo and even offered to get us a copy of the photo. We looked at each other, smiled and told him he was hired. Julia was please and Richie gave us his card and said to contact him tomorrow so we could get together on what shots we wanted taken. Jack asked if he could beg for a favor and Richie said sure. Jack wanted a picture of everyone that was with us since they were all in the wedding party. I kissed him and said I knew there was a reason I was going to marry him. He said he thought it was only for his boyish good looks. I laughed as we called everyone over to the gazebo to take the picture. After the photo, we went back to the office. Janet said that since we had everything under control, they were going to get going since she had to be at the SGC early tomorrow. Teal'c went along with them for a ride back to the SGC.
We finished the paperwork and Dad suggested we go to dinner with him and General Hammond. I asked if we could sneak into the chapel to get the full effect of the ceremony. Mr. Mathews said okay and led us there.
The whole chapel was illuminated in candlelight and it did give it a more intimate setting. Everyone in attendance had a candle and it was very beautiful. I started to tear up and Jack grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. We snuck out before the ceremony was over. Arriving at our cars, Dad bowed his head to let Selmak speak.
"Samantha, Colonel. I am so happy for both of you. Your father is speechless. He loves you very much. I hope you both share the same love that he shared with your mother, Samantha. That is one of his strongest emotions and I feel honored to share it with him"
I smiled and said thank you. Then my dad was back and he looked into my eyes and pulled me into a hug. He said that he was so happy for us and that seeing the ceremony just now made him realize that his little girl was all grown up and that he was losing her.
I started to cry and said he wasn't losing me, but that he was gaining Jack. He pulled away from me. "You're supposed to make me feel better, Sammie, not worse."
Jack protested and said he was hurt. I started to laugh and shook my head. I let go of my dad and went over to Jack.
We told Dad and the General we'd meet them at O'Malley's and we got into Jack's car and head back to town. I had my head against his shoulder and told him that the ceremony we had seen was beautiful and I couldn't wait till it was our turn. Jack said the ceremony was okay, but ours would be beautiful since I would be the bride. I started to chuckle and leaned in to nuzzle his neck. He reminded me that we were having dinner with my dad and the General and he wanted to be able to walk into the restaurant. He said we'd have plenty of time tonight.
I started to fiddle with the radio and came across one of my favorite songs. When the chorus came up, I started to sing along.
After All the stops and starts,
We keep coming back to these two hearts,
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall.
After All that we've been through,
It all comes down to me and you.
I guess it's meant to be,
Forever you and me, After All.
Jack turned to me and smiled. "Good one, but I'll find a better one. The night's still young."
I kissed him again. We arrived at the restaurant and had dinner with Dad and the General. Jack was talking to General Hammond and I was lost in thought. Dad asked what I was thinking about, and I told him about our little song contest. He shook his head and said that we had enough to worry about without doing that. We decided to leave Dad and the General alone to talk. I told Dad I'd see him tomorrow before he had to go back and he gave me a hug and kiss.
Driving home, I was going over the list of vendors Julia had given me and asked Jack if he wanted to come along with me while I went to each vendor. He said if I wanted him to he would, but he really didn't want to.
"Alright. I won't drag you to them, Jack. But remember, it's your wedding too."
He smiled and took my hand and gave me a soft kiss, muttering that he would make it up to me. He said he loved me and that he was going to show me how much tonight.
"I'm gonna have to do it inside, though. I think we gave the neighbor's enough to talk about yesterday."
I started to giggle and said fine. We got home and walked hand in hand into the house. I told him that this was really going to happen and we were going to be man and wife.
Jack stopped and pulled up my chin. "I'm gonna make you happy everyday of your life or my name isn't Jack O'Neill."
I reached up and pulled him down and kissed him. We never even made it to the bedroom. What I wasn't thinking about that night was that life could be cruel, but we were about to find out how cruel it could be.