He looked at the clock, three in the morning. Why can't I sleep? He grabbed a beer out of the fridge, a Guiness, put on his coat, and went out on the back porch. It used to be so much easier to enjoy the stars. He couldn't stop thinking about Sam. It was a cold night but Jack was sweating. He often dreamt of her, and he couldn't stand the pain of waking up in the morning, turning over, and saying 'Good Morning' to an empty space. If another eight years were to pass, would it still be this way? They were obviously crazy about each other, but unwilling to act on those feelings. He felt like a coward. That he cared about Carter "A lot more than I'm supposed to," was a huge understatement. He loved her, and he trusted her with his life. As those years dragged on, the nights became colder and lonelier, and he had considered going back to Sarah. He did not know if he would have been able to live a life with her, because he was constantly reminded of Charlie. He stood on the porch and watched the sun rise. He closed his eyes and felt its warmth. He would go into work today. She would be there. She would go with him, this time, fishing. Fishing, he realized how unappealing that would seem to someone like Sam. It was possible that she actually believed that they would be fishing. He put on his uniform, green because it was Tuesday, and jumped into his truck.

"Dammit!", She couldn't figure out what was wrong. Every simulation ended the same. It couldn't be right. There was one man that could help. She hated to remind herself of him at this time, but she did. He was so damn smart it was beyond annoying. God's gift to Canada my ass. She buried her face in her hands, and pulled back her hair, which had grown nearly to shoulder-length, sending blonde curls bouncing in front of her eyes.

"Don't cut it."

It was Jack, thank God.

Maybe he decided to stay at the SGC instead of taking his fishing trip.

"Sir?"

"Don't cut it. It looks great."

Thanks, Sir" She was beginning to wonder what it was that he came for.

"You know, Sam, I've been thinking, and, you know, maybe I don't have to go fishing, this time."

He had gotten her hopes up. She had no boyfriend or fiancée to hide behind, to use an excuse.

"Where would you go, Sir?", Her voice was hopeful, and filled to the brim with anticipation.

"Well, I was thinking about going skiing. You know, we live in Colorado, I always want to get as far away from the base as possible, but I dunno, I kinda feel that I need a change."

"Have fun, Sir."

"Yeah, well it won't be…alone."

"Is that an invitation?"

"I dunno, is that a yes?

"And you didn't make another bet with Daniel?"

"Maybe."

She smiled, and the mood turned unusually flirtatious, even for Sam and Jack.

"I love to ski."

"With those legs-" She stifled her laughter.

"So yes?"