Chapter 2

The party was in full swing now that Sam and Pete had arrived. They mingled with the guests, mostly friends from the SGC, and hovered over trays of hors d'oeuvres and other delectables. Jack stood in the corner with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his beer bottle white knuckled, watching them all as they merrily ate, drank, and paused for the occasional toast.

He grimaced and thought wryly that Janet should be here. Damn but he missed that woman, and he knew that she would totally object to the current situation. Not that she would keep Sam from any chance at happiness, but she knew how he felt. As much as he had complained about her doctor's orders and her big needles they had actually formed a strong bond of friendship. She was probably the only person he could have talked to about this. Raising his bottle he made his own private toast to Janet and the downed the rest of its contents.

Not wanting to participate in the festivities Jack wandered into the kitchen to retrieve another beer from the refrigerator. Daniel was in there arranging another vegetable platter.

"Hey Jack, how's it going?"

"Just peachy Danny boy," Jack replied with a fair amount of sarcasm.

With his voice teetering on the air of caution Daniel questioned, "You really think you need another one of those Jack?"

"Why the hell not! It's a party. I'm celebrating."

"Sure Jack, whatever you say," Daniel quipped as he picked the bottle up off the counter and put it back in the refrigerator.

"I'm gonna call you a cab, ok."

Not wanting to bother with arguing over his ability to drive Jack just gave in and replied, "Fine, I'll wait outside".

At that he turned on his heel and exited the kitchen.

As Jack made his way through Daniel's crowded house he passed by Pete who was talking to some Airman whose name he couldn't quite remember. Pete looked up with a smile on his face and questioned, "Leaving so soon?"

Forcing a neutral expressing Jack looked Pete in the eye and replied, "Well Pete, we don't all have the day off tomorrow. I've got a mountain to run."

Then he firmly slapped him on the back, just enough to make the man wince, and bade him congratulations as he continued walking through the room.

Once closer to the door Jack saw Sam talking animatedly with Lt. Siler.

With all the bravery his drunken mind could muster up he walked up to her, eyes practically piercing her soul and he kissed her on the cheek.

Stunned she just stood there with her eyes wide open, inhaling what smelled like a whole keg, and listened to Jack's gruff voice as he pulled away, "Congratulations Samantha. I hope you're very happy with what you've settled for."

In an instant Jack was gone and Sam was left in the middle of the room looking like a fish out of water and all eyes were on her.