I promised you a longer part, and then only posted a short one, so here - to make up for it - is another chapter.
What Fate Decrees - Part Twenty-nine
The morning light filtered through the blinds on to the bed. Jack had awoken early, as was his custom, to find Sam entwined with him and he lay still, not wanting to break the spell. How he'd longed for this, never daring to believe that she'd return his love, never until now. Content to just lie holding her, he smiled as she sighed in her sleep and snuggled in closer to him.
Her body stirred his yet again, and very gently, he started a trail of kisses from her face to her neck. Her eyes flickered open.
She smiled gently up at him. "I thought I was dreaming. I'm so glad it's real" She held him harder as if afraid he would disappear, as he continued the task of waking her fully.
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They lay together afterwards, just relishing being together, until eventually Jack caught sight of the clock on his bedside table and made a face. "Loath as I am to move, Cassie will be clamouring for breakfast shortly."
Sam snuggled in, yawning "Mm, I wouldn't mind something good to eat."
Jack looked down at her, the urge to do something else was strong, but he was also very aware of Cassie's presence in the house. Untangling himself with great reluctance, he eased out of bed, stretching cautiously.
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Sam watched Jack from beneath her lashes. Feeling rather like the cat that had the cream, she felt like purring as she gazed over his body. The bandages hid most of his chest and back, but what she could see she appreciated greatly.
Jack pulled on a pair of bottoms, his movements slow and a little awkward.
"You okay?" she asked with concern.
"Yeah fine, just a little sore," he admitted.
"I hope we didn't do any more damage to your ribs last night."
Jack gave her a smouldering smile. "Nope, I was really careful. I couldn't have explained away any damage to the Doc."
Sam laughed and sat up, holding the sheet modestlyand running a hand absently over the damaged area."Are you sure you're okay? I forgot about them."
"Really, I'm fine. Just wait until I'm better and then I'll show you the difference," he grinned.
Sam felt herself blush slightly. "I can't wait."
"Well you'll have to, and if you don't get your pretty little butt into the main bathroom Cassie will find you here."
Sam pulled a face. "Okay, okay I'm going," and as Jack went to wash in the en-suite she gathered up her clothes, what she could find anyway, and hurried to the main bathroom. When she finished showering she went downstairs to grab the rest of her clothes and finish dressing.
By the time she was ready Jack was sitting on the deck sipping coffee, another mug beside him on the table, waiting for her. She sat down and stretched out to take it, sipping from it gratefully. The sun was peering at them over the ridge bringing with it the promise of another beautiful day.
It wasn't long before Cassie joined them, happily making the plans for the day.
"Breakfast first," reminded Jack.
Cassie nodded. "Yep, you need feeding up, mom said."
Jack stood. "Right, let's head out and eat."
The morning passed happily, and after a good breakfast, they headed to the outskirts of town in Jack's truck to Cassie's favourite park. Sam had the pleasure of driving and found she like the huge truck.
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When they arrived at the part, Jack was happy to grab a nearby bench to rest, while Cassie and Sam clambered around on the assault course style equipment. Being free to watch Sam without having to guard himself was so good.
Sam and Cassie were laughing and trying to race each other across the monkey bars. Feeling thirsty he walked across to the ice cream vendor and got a couple of sodas.
Cassie jumped off the bars and raced across to him. Giving him a quick hug, she grabbed a quick drink before running back to Sam.
"It's so nice to see a father out with his daughter," said a voice next to him.
Half turning, Jack acknowledged the woman in the process of sitting down beside him, whose son was heading over to play on the equipment. Jack didn't bother to correct her; he was quite used to the assumption and kind of liked it.
"Cathy," said the woman, holding out her hand.
Feeling it would be churlish to refuse, Jack shook it. "Jack," he said gruffly and turned his attention back to watching Sam, only half listening to the woman's continued conversation.
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Sam was sitting at the top of the climbing frame catching her breath when she noticed the woman sitting beside Jack.
"Uh Cassie, who's that?" She flicked her head towards the two.
Cassie just shrugged. "No idea," she said casually. "The single moms always make a move on Jack," and she smiled. "But he doesn't bother with them," she added quickly, seeing Sam frown. "He's usually on here with me anyway."
"Oh," replied Sam, feeling a little self-conscious about quizzing Cassie. She began to climb down.
"Race you to Jack," called Cassie, and they both jumped from the bars and ran over, laughing.
Having fun?" enquired Jack, smiling at them as he handed Sam the unopened soda. Sam nodded and took a drink, eyeing the woman. She returned Sam's gaze with a polite smile.
'Hands off he's mine,' thought Sam, giving the woman a glare and chalked an imaginary point up as the woman turned away.
They didn't stay at the park for much longer and ended up at a mall for a late lunch so Cassie could browse through the toyshops. Sam thought she would be hard put to tell who enjoyed it the most, Cassie or Jack.
Jack had treated Cassie to the latest game with a promise to beat her as when they played it together. Cassie hugged Jack happily. Their laughter brought a lump to Sam's throat. She thought how good he was with children and what a marvellous father he must have been to Charlie.
They went to Janet's together to drop Cassie off, who pleaded that Jack start the game with her. Sam collapsed laughing on Janet's sofa, gratefully accepting a coffee. As soon as Jack and Cassie were out of sight, Janet pounced.
"So, how's things?" she asked, trying to look casual.
"Fine. Cassie's really enjoyed herself."
"I wasn't asking about Cassie. She always has a good time when she's with the Colonel, she adores him and he spoils her rotten."
"I'm fine," said Sam equally casually, trying to keep the smile off her face.
Changing tact slightly, Janet announced, "Ask me how my evening went?"
Sam looked at her quickly. "Evening?" she queried, "You left with Daniel and - oh did you … and?"
"We had a lovely evening actually, but nothing happened," Janet announced, smiling.
Sam blushed slightly, thinking how she'd thought Janet was after Jack. She was mentally kicking herself for the uncharitable thoughts she'd had about her friend.
"Sorry Janet, only yesterday I was thinking you were after someone else."
Janet gave her a shrewd look "Jack," she stated.
Sam nodded.
"Well it goaded you into being a jealous woman and doing something about it at last," said Janet.
A quick angry thought flashed through Sam's head and Janet picked up on her expression. "No, before you even go there, he didn't know a thing. If I draped myself on him he'd run a mile - not that I wouldn't mind draping on him." Janet smiled wistfully. "You know he's only got eyes for you."
Sam blushed and her eyes dropped to the mug she was nursing, knowing Janet was watching her.
"Did you two have a nice evening?" Janet emphasised the 'nice'.
Sam blushed even more. "Very nice," she said, looking up. "Extremely nice," she amended.
Janet sat up straighter. "Did you two erm...?"
"Make love?" finished Sam for her, and smiled lazily, stretching.
Janet jumped up, punching the air. "Yes!" she cried. "About time." Then she stopped and gave Sam a Hard stare. "I hope you watched those ribs."
"I was really nice to his ribs," smirked Sam.
Janet leaned in conspiratorially. "Was it good?"
Sam didn't answer; she just gave her a beaming, cat got the cream, smile.
Janet took that to be an affirmative and then parted with her own news. "I'm out tonight, well not so much out. I've invited Daniel over for dinner."
Jack came in then and must have heard the mention of his team mate. "Daniel's coming over for dinner?" he asked.
Janet nodded, smiling.
"Well, seeing as Doc's pinched my sitter, it looks like you're it again Sam." He grinned wickedly, sending a shiver down her back, then leaned over to Janet, smirking. "You can keep him till tomorrow, no problem."
Jack grinned as Janet went quite pink.
Sam laughed, it wasn't often Janet blushed and it also wasn't often that Jack got one over on the doctor.
"In fact Doc, I'll order him to stay," Jack continued, then he thought about it. "On second thoughts, Daniel never does what he's told so I'd better tell him to be in by eleven - that'll fix it," he laughed.
Sam stood, trying to hold back the laughter. "Well, if I'm not going to be home for another night I need some clothes. We'll have to stop by my apartment."
They made a quick farewell to Janet and Cassie. As she got back behind the wheel of Jack's truck Sam couldn't help smiling at the thought of spending more time with Jack.
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