Seasons of Our Lifes Chapter 4: Spare No Expense, a stargate: sg-1 fanfic

artwork by fulinn28

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Title: Spare no expense

Author: Fulinn28

E-mail: fulinn28@ficwithfins.com

Website: www.ficwithfins.com (all of my stories can be found here)

Rating: G

Archive: SJD yes, Jackfic yes, SJFic yes, Fanfiction.net and Gateworld.net all others please ask.

Pairings: Jack / Sam, Janet / Daniel

Category: Romance, some angst

Season: none this is AU

Content Warnings:

Summary: Sam begins planning her wedding to Jack

Spoilers: None

Status: This story Complete. Part of a Series

Sequel / Series: Seasons of my Life Series, follows "All in the Family"

Size:

Disclaimer: "All publicly recognisable characters and places are the

property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions. This

piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes

and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Previously

unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the

author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental

and not intended by the author."

Authors Notes: All feedback and suggestions welcome and will be answered.

my muse has many more stories in store for us. This is a stand-alone

story, however I think it'll make more sense if you read the whole series.

The muse made this story to big to be included in "All about family" and

so had to have a story of its own. Thank you to my beta's Su Freund the best beta an

author could ask for! This story is so much better for their efforts and suggestions. All

remaining errors are mine and mine alone.

Seasons of my Life Series

Book 1 - A Reason to Hope

Chapter 4 – Spare No Expense

The hour or so's drive from Denver to Colorado Springs flew by for us. I don't remember ever seeing Sam so happy and excited. I laughed as she kept firing questions at me. I kept smiling at her, knowing that she wasn't really asking for my opinion, rather she was to excited and thinking too fast to keep it all bottled up inside.

I had finally got my courage up during our weekend in Denver to ask her to marry me. Much to my surprise she actually said yes. I pulled into the driveway of my house and Sam looked over at me. "Last chance," she said "you can change your mind, stay here watch TV, drink beer and I'll break the news to my dad that we're engaged".

"Nope," I replied with all the bravado I didn't feel. "I'll do it. I know I'm doing it a little backwards and all. I'm supposed to ask 'dad' first and then you but, well, I wanted to know you'd actually say yes first." I looked at her from the corner of my eye. "Uh, if his reaction isn't all that we hope for you'll, uhhh, smooth it over with him, right?"

Giggling she nodded her head. "Yes, Jack if dad blows his stack I'll smooth it over with him. But hey, remember, Selmak really likes you so you've already won half the battle!"

Great I thought 'dads' snaky little hitchhiker is my best shot at getting Jacob to accept me. However, I recalled that bleak time, sitting in the gateroom, that Jacob had come and sat with me. He had told me that someone was waiting for me that I couldn't give up. At the time I really thought he had meant Sam and I hoped for my sake that I was right. If I was then the battle was in fact won. Jacob already thought that Sam and I belonged together. If I was wrong, well, I was in for one hell of a tantrum from my future father-in-law.

I paced around Sam's house waiting for Jacob to arrive. Never one to stand still I roamed throughout her house, looking at the fine china cabinet that sat in one corner of the kitchen. Finally, I heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Peering out of the front window I saw the staff car deposit Jacob and an overnight bag on the sidewalk. A key turned in the lock and soon Jacob was entering the front hall calling out to his daughter.

I cleared my throat causing Jacob to look up and into the living room. Surprised, he looked at me and asked for Sam.

"Jack, where's Sam? I was expecting her to meet me." He asked his voice full of suspicion.

"Yeah, about that Jake, I told her I needed a few minutes with you first, so I dropped her off at my place."

"Ok, Jack, you got me. What can I do for you?"

"Jake, do you remember that time, back a ways, in the gateroom…you know our little talk?"

"Yes, Jack I remember just fine."

"Ok," I stammered and stuttered, "well you remember how you told me not to give up, that I needed to find someone to share a life with outside of the SGC? Well I followed your advice and I found someone and it's Sam and we're getting married." I let my breath out finally as I stopped talking, waiting for the rush of anger or the dip of the head indicating that Selmak had taken control of the host.

I got neither.

Jacob looked up at me and said "For crying out loud Jack, it took ya long enough!" as he stepped forward offering his hand to me.

I was rather amazed at his reaction and quickly grasped his hand in mine, speechless and not a little relieved.

Jacob's head dipped and, with a flash of his eyes, I knew that Selmak was now in control.

"Colonel O'Neill," the Tok'ra spoke in the deep resonating voice, "congratulations on selecting a mate. Samantha has done well with her selection"

"Thank you, Selmak." Now, don't get me wrong, I like Selmak, but she's still a snake living inside of Jacob's body and it freaks me out just a bit.

However, I was vastly relieved that Jacob was pleased that Sam and I were getting married. I did not want to be the cause of a rift in the family. It would be up to Sam and her dad to break the news to her brother Mark that his sister was marrying someone in the military.

"Hey Jacob, you want a ride with me over to the house? Sam's waiting." I asked Jacob.

Jacob looked up from where he was standing looking at the China Cabinet, "Did you know this was her mom's? It's always been her connection to her mom."

"I didn't know Jacob. I don't know where we'll live or what we'll do with all the stuff from the two houses, but I'll make room for this, for the things that are important to her." Jacob nodded his head, as if somehow my willingness to take the china cabinet was reassuring to him.

We got into the truck heading for my house. As I turned the corner on to my street, the front light was on in the living room and my heart beat started to trip just a little bit faster as I thought how nice it was to have someone waiting for me, someone who cared if I got home safely. I pulled into the driveway and she was already out the door to greet us.

~~~~~~

"Hey dad," I said with huge smile "Your timing is great, I assume Jack told you our big news?" She studied her dad with a little trepidation. How bad could it be? They'd arrived together with no obvious wounds.

"Great kiddo," Jacob answered her as he stepped up and pulled me into a hug "I'm very happy for you; you deserve to have a life outside of your work, no matter the importance of that work. Oh, yeah, Selmak wants me to tell you she thinks your choice in mates is a good one. I don't know why Selmak likes Jack but she seems partial to him."

"It's probably like with cats," Jack said to the father and daughter standing in his front yard. Jack's statement drew completely blank looks from both of them. "You know, they always head for the person who likes them the least. They're kinda perverse like that." Jack said assuming an air of innocence.

"Hmmm ok…" I said hesitantly, "anyhow… moving right along, I gotta head out. Janet called while you were gone and wants to meet me for a glass of wine."

"Hey that's great!" Jack said with glee "I could use a glass myself!"

"Hmmmm No." I said with a note of finality "you're not invited. You and Dad can stay here and bond, or something."

"Not invited?" Jack said with a hurt look on his face, "how can I not be invited? You wouldn't be engaged if not for me."

I giggled at his antics. "Jack, you'll be fine. How can I tell her all about the weekend if you're there? It'll stifle my abilities to repeat all the fine details."

"Fine details, huh?" Jack repeated, looking at me with raised eyebrows. The blush that rose in my face as those fine details came rushing back at me

I soon left heading out the door to meet up with Janet and spill all the details, while Dad and Jack settled in for an evening of male bonding over beer and sports.

*** Telling Sara ****

I awoke to sunlight streaming into my bedroom and a strange tingling sensation in my right arm. Oh I doubt I'll ever tire of waking in the morning to Sam in my arms, her head using my shoulder for a pillow. Of course this explains the pins and needles running up and down my entire arm.

I slipped out from beneath her, heading downstairs quietly so as not to wake the rest of our guests. As I passed by the other bedrooms I laughed to myself that most of the guests from yesterday's impromptu engagement party had stayed over. Janet and Daniel were curled around one another in one bedroom while Jacob slept in the other spare room. Teal'c had remained in a quite corner of the living room to perform his Kel'no'reem, while Cassie lay asleep on the couch. I smile fondly as I padded into the living room. A warm feeling of contentment filled me as I realized that I was surrounded by the oddest family a man could want. And I loved them all.

I brought in the morning paper and sat down at the kitchen table to read through the headlines on page one and the idiot "can you believe this" stories on the back page with my morning coffee. As I finished with the front page and began on the back, Sam slid into a seat across from me. She stretched her long legs out and tangling them with mine.

"You need to call her today." She said gently

I sighed loudly. "I know you're right. I'm just not sure how Sara is going to feel about it ya know. About me remarrying and everything."

Sam looked at me affectionately. "Jack I know you're nervous but she needs to hear it from you. I'm going to phone in the engagement info to the paper today. You know she'll be hurt if she learns about it from the paper."

I sighed yet again. "Ok, I'll call her see if she's going to be home. I promise I'll get it done today."

Breakfast after that was a loud and fun affair as the household began to stir.

"Hey Sam I'm going for a walk, I'll be back in a bit." I looked down into the living room knowing full well that no one would miss me. Sam, Janet and Cassie were surrounding the PC looking up information on florists, DJs and caterers. I sighed as I thought what a big deal this was for Sam; her first and, hopefully, only wedding.

By the looks of things this will be a much different ceremony from my first wedding. Sara and I married in a small civil ceremony with only her dad and best friend in attendance for her, while my best man – Charlie Kowalski stood up for me. I shook my head as I slipped out the door, automatically checking for my keys and cell phone.

I headed up the street, walking past the well kept homes, most of them showing signs of kids. I don't know why I bought such a big house in a family neighbourhood but I'm glad of it now. Perhaps somewhere deep inside I hoped I'd get another chance at life with a family. Eventually I passed all of the homes and headed into the surrounding countryside. Finding a nice rock to sit on, I pulled out my cell phone. Lucky for me the Government had provided me with a satellite enabled cell phone so they could find me no matter where I was on this earth. I hesitated a moment, then dialled Sara's phone number. I still remembered it after all these years.

It rang a few times and then she answered. "Hello?" came her voice, flooding me with memories of past times some happy some not.

"Sara? Its Jack, how are you?" I asked her, stalling for time.

"I'm fine, thanks for asking. Jack? Why are you calling? I haven't heard from you in months." Her concern caused me some guilt. Why hadn't I called her? Checked on her? Sure, we were divorced but not bitter. Somewhere along the line, with time, we had come to an understanding.

"Sara, would it be ok if I stopped by to see you? I'd like to talk with you." I asked.

"Sure, I'll be home all morning." She happily informed me.

I sighed to myself, hearing how much happier she seemed at the prospect of seeing me, when I was really going to tell her that I had fallen in love with someone else. It had been a hard road for me but, with Sam's help, I was looking forward to my future and maybe just maybe I'd learn to like myself again.

"Ok Sara, I'll see you in about an hour." I told her before hanging up and starting my walk back.

*** Sara's Home ***

I pulled up in front of the house that Sara and I had shared together and paused, hearing in my mind the sounds of a little boy playing in the yard. The sounds of a happy family echoed around in my memory, sounds that I sorely missed. I was not looking forward to this little visit but was determined to tell Sara as gently as I could. Sam had offered to come with me, but that also made me feel uncomfortable and so I turned down her offer.

Looking up I realized that Sara was standing on the front porch watching me. I shook my head and got out of my truck.

Walking up the sidewalk, taking the steps two at a time, I arrived on the porch beside her and accepted the hug she offered. Our arms about each others waist we headed back into the house. Once inside Sara poured coffee for us and I found a seat on the couch. Silence descended between us as we sipped our drinks. Finally, Sara asked "Jack, you asked to come see me so you need to tell me why"

Never really good at small talk, a more 'straight to the point' kinda guy, I took a deep breath and mumbled my reply.

Sara bent forward and asked me to repeat my self; I sighed but complied "I'm getting married." I cringed waiting for her anger to explode; to tell me how foolish I was to think that a second marriage would end any better than my first one had. Instead she said nothing, and then I heard the little gasp as she drew a breath in and the sob as she breathed out.

Not knowing what to do, I stood and wondered about the room, looking at the pictures displayed on the wall, before turning back to Sara and taking her in my arms.

"Jack, I'm so sorry. I'm happy for you, really I am. I just didn't expect this to be the reason you wanted to visit." Sara tried to explain to me between the tears.

"What did you expect? That I was going to ask you out?" I asked with an attempt at easing the tension. Utter silence followed my question and, with her in my arms, I couldn't see her face. But I knew, oh yes, now I understood that was exactly what she thought I wanted. I could have kicked myself as my smartass comment rolled out of my mouth before my brain had a chance to process what was happening. I think we both had harboured hopes that maybe with enough time we would find our way back into each others lives. Unfortunately as time moved forward I had found someone new who could share my whole life, both at home and in the military.

"Sara, I'll always care about you, but I thought we understood that we were finished." I looked into her eyes, kneeling on achy knees to hold her hands for a moment. "Please understand I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm trying to learn to live again, to find some joy in my life." I know it sounded like I was pleading with her, but I really felt bad that I had misunderstood her feelings towards me.

"I know, Jack. I'm glad you've decided to live again, to smile. I guess I had just hoped that when it happened you'd decide to give us another try." Sara wiped at her eyes trying to stem the flow of tears. "Go on, I'll be fine. She whispered "I don't think even I understood how much I had hoped we'd get back together. Now with your upcoming marriage, maybe I'll be able to move on as well. I may have started the process first, but I think you've come further than I have." Her smile, even through the tears, looked genuine to me and I felt a little better.

I stood up, pulling her along with me and we walked out into the bright sunshine. Turning, I gave her a gentle hug. "Sara, remember that I'll always care for you. If you ever need me, call. I'll be there for you. Ok?"

"Thank you, Jack. I hope you get all the happiness and joy you deserve. Congratulations!" Sara gave me a smile that I could almost believe in and a gentle hug. I got in my truck and headed across town.

Seeing a small convenience store ahead of me, I stopped and grabbed a diet coke. Not my favourite drink but it had begun to grow on me as Sam all but lived with one in her hand or on her desk. Sitting in my truck I pulled out my cell phone, calling Sam to tell her it was done. Sam answered on the first ring, relieved to hear from me. I told her about the visit and how bad I felt to dash Sara's hopes, but how relieved I was to be done with that chore.

I could hear lots of laughter in the background and figured the women were still hard at work on the plans. Sam filled me in on a few details but would give me the big picture when I got home. I hung up the phone after telling her that I was heading for the mountain. I was in need of a workout to dispel some of the nervous energy that was lingering from my visit with Sara.

*** planning the wedding ****

Dad stood in the doorway leading from the kitchen to the living room watching me as I leafed through some bridal magazines. We women had made a trip to the local bookstore for supplies and returned loaded down with magazines, sweet pastries and notebooks. Dad turned away heading for Jack's den in the back of the house, intending to watch some TV, when I sneaked up on him, putting my arms round his waist.

"Hey dad, how ya doing?" I inquired of my father. He had been very quite this morning.

"I'm doing just fine honey, just fine." He replied with a smile. "I wish your mother was here to see this day, she'd have been so proud of you." This statement brought a feeling of melancholy to both of us.

"Listen I know you've got a lot of planning to do down there and one thing I want you to understand is this. Spare no expense for this wedding. I want you to have exactly the wedding of your dreams. I don't know what Jack's thoughts are on this but do it up right and send me the bill. If you need anything from me you let me know, ok?" Dad looked deeply into my eyes, "I'm so proud of you."

I looked at my dad, tears shining in my eyes "Thanks dad. I'm having the wedding I've been dreaming of believe me. The best part is that I'm marrying the man I love. I guess I'd better head downstairs then."

I started to turn away when I felt something pressed into my hand.

"Use it, please, to pay for the wedding." Dad requested gently as I looked down at the American Express Gold card, "it has an unlimited credit line, honey get whatever you need."

"Dad, you have a credit card?" I questioned him. "You're not even getting paid are you?"

"Of course I am, I'm an Air Force Consultant!" He said with a huge grin. "Every two weeks like clock work a pay voucher is deposited direct to my account. When I'm here I buy something small, dinner or something, just to keep the card active. It's paid automatically every month out of my checking account. There's plenty of funds available, it's not like I have anything to spend it on!" He said with a laugh.

"Good point, Dad. Thank you for everything." And with that I bestowed a kiss on my dad's cheek and rejoined Janet and Cassie in the living room to continue the planning.

I joined Janet on the floor in the living room surrounded by magazines. "Ok," I said "What do we do first?"

Janet piped up "How about we go on a field trip and try on gowns? You can call Jack and let him know we are allowing him the honour of arranging the Chapel. By the time we get back he'll have that done and a date finalized and we can work on some of the other arrangements."

"I like that plan!" I giggled "Jack will be thrilled to learn we're allowing him to help us!"

I picked up the phone and called Jack on base, leaving a message to call me ASAP. Within moments the phone rang as Jack returned my call. I explained that he had two chores to accomplish for me (1) arrange for the Chapel at the Air Force Academy and (2) make the arrangements for the honeymoon. I giggled when he told me that he already had the honeymoon planned and it was to be a clothing optional vacation.

I shook my head still laughing as Janet, Cassie and I grabbed our coats and headed out the door, a list of wedding stores in Colorado clutched in my hand.

***

As soon as my bride to be and her assistants finally left the house, I was well aware that I had two missions to accomplish in order to feel that I was contributing to this wedding. I was in charge of booking the chapel and arranging the honeymoon.

I quickly got on the phone to General Kerrigan to start pulling some strings. I normally don't like to do that kinda stuff. As a Colonel I have the right to a lot of military privileges but I preferred to stand in line just like any other airman. However, this time I was pulling out all the stops, if necessary I'd call the President himself. Hopefully I wouldn't need to go that far.

General Kerrigan was very helpful when I explained what I needed. He was thrilled that Sam was finally getting married. He had kept an eye on her career over the years as she was one of the most promising cadets to pass throught the Academy He promised me he'd call over to the chapel on my behalf joking that he was only doing this so he'd get invited to the wedding. I made a note to check with Sam that the General was on the invitation list. I waited an hour to allow the General time to accomplish this favour. During that time I did a little investigating on the internet for the honeymoon spot. Happily I found a nice warm little place down in Mexico called Cabo San Lucas. A little more investigation and I had found the perfect hotel, adding a few activities and I was done!

I planned to keep the location a complete surprise for Sam. She wanted me to do the leg work, well ok hand over my credit card then she'd have to wait to find out where we were going!

I leaned back in my chair relaxed and at peace. When was the last time I had felt this content? I thought for a moment and realized that maybe the answer was never. Only with Sam was I able to fully share my life both the "outside" part of it as well as the work I do. Sam had the ability to understand me and love me as no other person ever had. I drifted into a light doze, dreaming of the future I planned to share with my bride.

*** The Invitation ***

Brigadier General Jacob Carter

United States Air Force, Retired

Requests the Honour of your presence

At the marriage of his daughter

Major Samantha Lynn Carter

United States Air Force

Colonel Jonathan Charles O'Neill

United States Air Force

Saturday, the sixteenth of October

At six o'clock

Cadet Chapel

United States Air Force Academy

end

to be continued in "The Sixteenth of October"