Here it is folks! THE FINAL CHAPTER!!!

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Jack groaned as he untangled himself from Sam, then moved to help her stand.

"Really, shouldn't you be translating some runes or something?" Jack shot out of the corner of his mouth at the stunned Daniel, never taking his eyes off of Sam, whose face was bright red with embarrassment.

Daniel shrugged and looked around awkwardly. "Well, you know…decided to come down here for a bit of a break…find this…does this mean you two have made up?"

Jack shook his head slightly. "Is it obvious?"

Daniel winced. "Oh Jack, Hammond wants to see you. Something about your letter of resignation…"

Jack and Sam stared at him until Jack rolled his eyes and grabbed Sam's hand, practically dragging her to General Hammond's office.

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"Absolutely not, Colonel. You have an obligation here, with the SGC. What could have possibly come up in such a short amount of time?" General Hammond seemed to be against the idea.

Jack leaned forward, shifting his weight to the balls of his feet. Sam was standing beside him.

"Well, sir, I figure I should've retired long ago anyway."

"But why?"

Jack gave one of his famous devilish grins and reached out and snatched Sam, wrapping his arms around her and dipping her back, kissing her as he had done so many years before. Vaguely, he could hear Hammond's sharp intake of breath and laughed mentally.

"That's why."

Sam was released, rather reluctantly, from his grasp. After a few tries, she managed to regain her footing, with the help of a desk corner.

General Hammond leaned back in his seat, beady eyes scrutinizing them carefully.

"Sir, I understand I disobeyed orders in the process of rescuing Sa-…er, that is, Major Carter, but I believe that-" Whatever Jack was going to say was cut off by General Hammond raising a hand for silence.

"I don't recall that, Colonel. Your orders were to carry out a rescue mission for Major Carter, during which your own life was at risk. You returned her safely. I see no problem here."

Sam looked up sharply. "Thank you Sir."

"However…if there is any argument, any quarrel between the two of you, I will be forced to step in, do you understand. Your new…" he paused here. "relationship is not to affect your judgment or your daily routine here. Is that clear?"

Jack saluted. "Crystal!"

(In a park off base)

The pair was sitting on a park bench, Jack sprawling while Carter sits with her legs crossed. Jack broke the silence.

"The first night you were gone, I didn't think I'd be able to get to sleep. Well, I finally did. I had nightmares, Sam. I could see them torturing you, hurting you…" his voice seemed to waver a bit. He turned on the bench to face her. "I'm sorry I left you. I couldn't…I should've done something more."

Sam looked deep into his dark eyes, her own bright blues gleaming.

"You never left me. For a while I thought you did, but you were always there with me, always comforting me. You didn't leave me Jack. You saved me."

Jack reached out to cup her face in his hand, pulling her closer.

"I love you Sam."

She smiled, wistful, and moved to get closer to him.

"I know. I love you too."

He leaned in and kissed her gently, grinning only slightly at the chorus of "awws" that were released from fellow parkgoers. Suddenly, Jack broke the kiss and smiled.

"I think…we should get some ice cream."

Sam giggled a bit at his sudden, childlike exterior.

"You go ahead. I'll catch up in a minute."

Jack stood and bounded away, flashing glances over his shoulder and nearly bowling over a lady walking a six-pack of dogs.

Sam sighed softly and leaned her head back, closing her eyes and allowing a relaxation she hadn't felt in months wash over her.

What she had said was true. She did love him, more than she had ever loved anyone before. Despite her misgivings, Jack had been her touchstone throughout her torture. It was the thought of his face that had saved her. His voice had roused her senses. His arms had carried her home. His lips had…well, she wouldn't go there.

Despite their resistance, love had, inevitably, it seemed, won them over. Yes there would be risks. But having him with her, knowing he would be there to wrap his arms around her at night seemed to put her at ease. He loved her. Right now, that was all she needed.

Sam opened her eyes as a small tickle traced its way from her forehead to her chin. Pink blossoms were falling from the sky. Extending her hand, Sam caught one as it fell. It was small, fragile, but Sam could see its beauty. The fine aroma surrounded her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace much like Jack's own. Sam stood. Maybe she could never tell him how much he meant to her. Perhaps it was something she could never fully express in words. Maybe it was something best left for her alone. Sam smiled while she tipped her hand and let the blossoms fall to the ground, stepping over them to where Jack was waiting with two cones and a wide smile. Intertwining her arm with his, all the while watching the petals fall, Sam realized that this was all she needed to make her happy. She could find a way to tell him, even if it took forever and a day.

Presently, she began to speak.

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And that's all! Phew! Rereads Six-pack of dogs??? Where did that come from? Well, I hope you enjoyed. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! Thanks for sticking by this story!!!!!!!! WOOO I'm excited! I hope you guys will continue to check out my stories! Until next time…trekkie out! Okay, No! How about…stick around, we'll be right back? No…….I got it!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it! -Love, T!