Thank you so much for reviewing! I never expected this kind of tremendous support... it was... amazing!
This is the final chapter of Christmas in the Infirmary... and I am not planning on an epilogue. (Gasps... did I just say that?)
Anyways, thank you again for all your lovely reviews, to you for taking the time to reading this, and to Warm Tea for beta'ing this story so patiently!
Hope you like this chapter!
Sam was humming, still in her dress blues and excited from her promotion as she checked her desk for new messages. Colonel O'Neill had gone with General Hammond to escort the President on a base tour. She was about to leave when Jacob hurried in, annoyance, frustration, and dismay written across his face. "Sam, bad news."
"Hi dad, good morning."
"Sorry, good morning. Now, we've got a problem... or, Selmak and Ihave a problem."
Sam gave him a curious glance. "What?" She demanded.
He took a deep breath. "The Tok'ra High Council is giving us three more days and then we have to report back."
She stared at him. "I thought-"
"So did I," he interrupted. "Sam, we could be gone months..."
"So it's... now or... later."
Jacob frowned. That had sounded eerily like her CO. "Yes."
Dismay flashed across her face. "Dad, we can't pull off a wedding in three days... especially not with all the people you are insisting we
invite."
Jacob nodded. "I understand... if you remember have some one tape it for me?" He said rather coldly. "Excuse me."
"Dad!" She protested. "I never said-"
"You're right... it was too much to ask."
"What's going on?" Jack asked appearing in the doorway.
"Dad has to go back in three days," she began. "The Tok'ra need him to start his mission sooner then planned."
"Tired of us so soon dad?"
Jacob bowed his head and Selmak spoke. "My host has no desire to leave. However, it is imperative that this mission be completed-"
"And you are the only one who can do it?" Jack interrupted incredulously. "Right..."
"No," Selmak admitted. "There are others who could... they are few however and I volunteered for the mission... at Jacob's urging. We have been making plans for months- to change them would be disastrous."
"What exactly are you talking about?" The Colonel demanded.
"I can not tell you."
"Of course not," he muttered.
Jacob took control. "Jack, I would... but you're better off not knowing."
Jack shrugged. "So what's the problem?"
"Set up a wedding in two days?" His fiancée asked incredulously.
"Sure, why not?"
"But we have hundreds of guests to invi-"
Jack shushed her and looked her in the eye. "If everything gets worked out... are you okay with getting married in three days?"
She nodded wordlessly.
"It's settled… cake?"
Å
Jack's offer of cake being declined, he set to work on the telephones. Two hours later, everyone of significance that both Jacob and George thought was absolutely necessary, was invited and accepted by the majority.
Daniel and Teal'c left for a dozen planets, issuing formal invitations to various allies. All accepted eagerly- especially Jonas. The Kelownian man returned with the two men to Stargate Command, the ever present smile on his face.
"Welcome home Dr. Jackson, Teal'c," General Hammond said warmly. "Mr. Quinn, it's nice to see you again."
"And you too General Hammond," Jonas said quickly. "I've missed this place."
"We missed you too son. Will any more be arriving from your planet?"
He nodded. "A delegate will be arriving the day before the wedding…. If that is agreeable?"
"It's fine."
"Jonas!"
The man smiled wide. "Major Carter, Colonel O'Neill."
"Lieutenant Colonel," she corrected with a grin as she embraced her former team member. "How've you been?"
"Fine!" He said brightly. "Never better."
"Jonas has a girlfriend," Daniel teased.
Jonas blushed.
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's her name?"
"Kianna," Teal'c informed them.
"Pretty?" Asked Jack.
Carter whacked her fiancée gently. "We've missed you."
Jonas nodded. "Me too…" He turned to Daniel. 'How are my goldfish?"
Daniel gave him an apologetic glance. "I uh… killed two… Walter is watching them now."
"Oh," Jonas said, his smile not faltering. "Do you think I could take them back to Kelowna?" He asked, automatically looking at Carter.
"Kianna would like to see them."
"I'm sure we can work something out," she assured him. "Hungry?"
He gave her a boyish smile. "A little."
The Major laughed. "C'mon, we'll go to the commissary… all of us," she added catching sight of Jack's face. He brightened and the five moved away.
Å
"You invited MAYBOURNE?"
"Yes Jack," Daniel said patiently. "He's been a good… something."
It was late and they were all tired- excepting Jonas of course.
Sam thought absent-mindedly that it didn't seem like she had been promoted only that morning. It felt like it had happened days ago.
Jacob had been absent most of the day- 'shopping' was all that General Hammond would say.
As if she was psychic, Jacob appeared in the doorway, several garment bags and other accessories in his arms.
"Sam," he began in an excited voice. "I thought… well… maybe you would want to wear this for your wedding."
Sam slid off her stool- curious what he had bought. It didn't seem like her dad to shop for her wedding dress for her. She unzipped the bag then froze.
"Oh dad…"
Jack looked over and looked incredulous. He had seen that dress before… in a wedding photo of Sam and himself of a different reality.
Carter pulled the dress out. "How did you find it? I always assumed mom got rid of it."
"That was your mother's dress?" Daniel asked.
She nodded. "I always hoped…" She trailed off. "What do you think Jack?"
The ex-Colonel nodded vigorously. "I like it."
She hugged her father tightly. "Thanks dad."
Jacob, looking embarrassed yet pleased, hugged his daughter back and then released her. "Teal'c, here…. It's your tux."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Thought the guy said another week or so."
"He… was most helpful after a while."
Carter gave her father a reproving look, which he ignored.
Jacob finally noticed Jonas. "Quinn! Haven't seen you in a long time!"
"Yes sir," Jonas agreed promptly. "It's been over a year."
Daniel yawned which had everyone departing for his or her rooms.
Å
"I have placed more money- this time on the eight- which is the day, is it not O'Neill?"
Jack shook his head, exasperated. He had gotten up early, suddenly remembering the fact that Teal'c no longer had won his bet- the wedding now taking place on the eighth instead on the twenty-fifth- and had gone to tell the Jaffa so.
Teal'c calmly ignored him, devoting himself to his very large breakfast. Jack decided there was no use arguing and joined him in eating. Jonas appeared followed by Jacob. Between the four of them, and Jonas's fondness for the food, they managed to make a large dent in the pancake supply
Daniel stumbled in at eight and grabbed the coffee pot. After two cups, he managed to say good morning without yawning.
To Jack's surprise, Sam didn't show up. Excusing himself from the party, he went to her quarters.
Taped on the door was a large sign.
NO ONE ALLOWED ADMITTANCE EXCEPT SELF, JACK, MICHAEL SHANKS, AND RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON.
Jack chuckled and knocked. No one answered. He slid his card and found the room empty. A note was on the table.
Jack,
Janet and I are going shopping. See you this afternoon.
Sam
He smiled and left.
Å
"Sam, I LOVE IT!"
Cassie, ever enthusiastic, had instantly agreed to join the hunting for bridesmaid dresses. She was even more flattered when she found out that she was to be 'maid of honor'. So, with two ladies, one Jennifer Haley, and a MasterCard, she set out to find them all the perfect dresses.
And she succeeded. A flowery print was found that all three women liked. The dresses were sleeveless and nearly reached the floor. Cassie was openly overjoyed with hers while Janet and 'Hailey' were more quietly pleased.
The Colonel dropped down at a table inside the Mexican restaurant Janet had chosen and sighed. "We have everything, right?"
Jennifer Haley nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"Good… I think I need a drink."
Cassie giggled and patted her aunt's hand. "Only two more days and then you'll be on your honeymoon."
Sam perked up, causing all three women to burst out laughing.
Å
"Chocolate."
Jack grinned at his fiancée. She had returned from shopping and they had headed off to look at cakes with Jonas in tow. The Kelownian man had expressed an eagerness to see yet more of Earth culture and Jack had been agreeable to his tagging alone.
"Let's go people!" He called. Jonas tore himself away from the magazine he had been reading while waiting for them to finish picking 'the' cake out and stood up, looking mournful. Jack finally stuffed the magazine in the younger man's hands and tossed a 5 to the clerk who looked like he could care less.
Å
They returned to the SGC to find the infirmary a mess. Beds, equipment, everything that could move were being taken out for the wedding. Jonas agreeably decided to help while Jack decided his time would be better suited bothering Daniel.
Sam went off to find Teal'c to explain to him his duties as Best Man. There would be a rehearsal the next day but she knew the Jaffa didn't want to look like a fool.
Not that he would.
Tomorrow being the last full day before the wedding; people were panicking slightly... including Sam.
Jack wasn't worried- he knew everything would come together. Just then General Hammond called him and informed him they had to find room to sleep tomorrow's 28 off world visitors.
Grumbling, he dragged Daniel along with him- the archeologist rather reluctantly.
Å
"I'm not tired."
Jack stared over his fiancée who was poring over a report. "Sam, it's 0200... Everyone is tired."
She took a sip of coffee, rubbed her eyes and continued reading. "Today is the last day I have to do anything- tomorrow is our wedding and I'm leaving for two weeks."'
The man ran a hand through his hair. "How'd you know?"
"Bribed Walter," she mumbled absently.
Jack saw her eyes close for a brief second.
"That's it," he said decidedly.
"What is?" Sam asked, not looking up.
Jack strolled over to her and in a lightning fast move had her over his shoulder. His knees protested but he headed down the hall.
"Sir!" She protested. "Put me down. NOW!"
"Not your commanding officer... don't have to call me sir."
"Jack!"
Once in the elevator and they were moving towards her floor, he finally lowered her. She stepped back, looking rather ruffled.
"Still mad at me?"
She turned her back on him. He grinned and moved closer. "Samantha..."
She shivered slightly.
He placed her hand on her back and slowly started massaging it. She tried to stiffen but couldn't.
He was grinning with the success of his plan when she spun around and kissed him. As the elevator doors opened, she darted out. "Later
Jack."
The door closed, leaving Jack O'Neill grinning foolishly.
Å
"Daniel, aren't you coming?" Jack asked, appearing the archeologist's doorway later that day. After a long night of sleep, he was feeling well enough to carry yet another person out of the room- if it came to that.
Daniel looked at the clock. "Where? What's happening at 1:00?"
"Rehearsal."
He nodded. "Be there in a minute..." He trailed off. Moments later, his arm was seized and he was being pulled down the hall.
"Jack, let go of me, I'll come!"
The elevator opened. Sam stepped out and laughed at the sight before her. "Forced to drag more people around?"
"Rehearsal."
Sam's eyes widened. "I forgot!"
"I know you did... now... let's get down there."
The SGC was ready for the wedding- Halls were decorated, the infirmary almost finished- several rows of chairs still had to be set up- and the quarters for the guests found and readied.
Guests were expected to start arriving around 1600 and continue till around 1300 the next day- the wedding was at 2:00.
Jack arrived at the infirmary, the two scientists in tow. Teal'c nodded approvingly and Jonas merely smiled. Janet and Cassie were flying around, directing people here and there.
Once Sam walked in, she found herself attacked by two young children.
"Aunt Samantha!"
"Auntie Sam!"
"Phil? Elizabeth?" She said astonished. "What are you doing here?"
"Sam."
Samantha Carter looked up and saw her brother drawing near, a rather sheepish look on his face.
"Mark?"
Her brother nodded. "I... was... anyways; dad got me clearance to go on here so." He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry Sam... I should've made this my top priority."
To her horror, she felt tears threatening to come. "I... it's all right..."
"No, it wasn't," he said frankly. "I was being a jerk."
"But why-?"
"Pete... he was my best mate and you... you dumped him for some guy that probably wasn't worth you..." He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry Sam."
She gave him a watery smile. "I'm just glad to see you."
He squeezed her shoulder. "Come on… get on with the rehearsal."
She nodded and wiped a few stray tears away. "Okay."
Å
The rehearsal went well. After a little talk with Jack, she found that her fiancée, her father, and General Hammond had all worked together to get Mark to come to his senses. He had already felt ashamed of his answer to his sister and once he received clearance, though partial, there was no problem.
At 3:24, the first 'activation' was heard. The Kelownian representatives had arrived soon followed by several people from the Land of Light. During the next two hours, nearly all of the expected guests poured in- excluding the Tok'ra and a few other races.
Sam realized this was her last day as an unmarried woman and she had intended to make the most of it.
However, several women interfered with her plans.
Å
Carter walked quickly down the halls. Janet had summoned her to an emergency meeting in her quarters, and she had quickly obeyed.
Standing outside the door, leaning casually against it, stood Cassie.
"Hey!" Sam greeted. "Is your mom in there?"
"Yeah, mom's in here… do you need her?"
"She paged me," the Colonel explained. "Can I go in?"
Cassie slowly moved. "Okay… 1, 2, 3…"
The door was flung open and several people called: "SURPRISE!"
Carter, utterly shocked, stepped in to find the room decorated with white crepe paper and matching balloons. "What is this?" She demanded.
There were a dozen women or so. Cassie, Janet, Haley, Mark's wife Carolyn, Chloe, Haley's friend, several scientists and other female members of SG teams, all smiling widely. A table was covered with boxes and gift bags- the floor with bell shaped confetti.
"What is this?" She repeated.
"It's a bridal shower silly!" Cassie called.
"We were going to have it later," Lt. Satterfield said shyly. "But you changed your plans!"
Å
Jack leisurely strolled to Daniel's quarters. Daniel had called him and asked him to meet him there A.S.A.P. He knew it wasn't that urgent so felt like annoying the man a little.
He knocked on the door and heard a 'shh'. The door opened.
"Jack! How nice of you to come!" Daniel said sarcastically. "Get lost?"
"A few times."
Daniel rolled his eyes and gestured for Jack to enter. "YO!" Came several voices.
"Oh for cryin' out loud," Jack muttered. "What's goin' on?'
"Party!" One of the SG-3 marines called clapping him on the back.
"Peachy."
Å
Sam was touched. The party was wonderful, the people were having a good time… and she was too.
"Presents!" Cassie called. "Gather 'round everyone!"
With a few stifled giggles, she was obeyed. Sam opened the first one gaily then froze.
"Cassie!"
What was in the garment box was some lingerie… black lingerie.
Amid laughter, Sam slowly opened her other presents. A few that hadn't known Sam very well bought her a pretty blouse or something of the sort. The rest of her friends bought her similar gifts to Cassie's.
Å
Jack laughed at the goofy gifts the guys had gotten him- including size 54 Sponge Bob Square pants and "How to survive your first year for Dummies."
The guys left at 11:00, and Jack thanked Daniel. A little curious as to his former 2IC's fate, he headed towards her quarters.
Å
Sam hugged Janet good bye, bundled up all her presents then trudged down the hallway to her elevator. She could only hope no one would see her… especially Jack, a hope that was promptly shattered as she crashed into him moments later.
"Carter? What are you doing here?"
She sighed. "Returning from a party sir."
"You too? The guys threw me… got some funny stuff. You?"
"Hilarious stuff… excuse me."
She turned around and slipped, sending lingerie everywhere. Jack stared at it for a moment, turning redder and redder. Carter managed to turn even a deeper shade of red.
"I uh… sorry sir," She began scrambling around and stuffing it in the box. "I uh…"
He silently helped her pick it up. "Carter," he said in a queer voice. "It's Jack."
They burst into laughter.
Å
Once safely depositing Sam in her room, Jack returned to his.
The memory of Carter's bright red face made him burst out laughing then sighed.
He couldn't wait until tomorrow.
Å
"Incoming travelers!"
Jack forced himself up at that announcement, hoping fervently their alien guests hadn't awakened yet. His experience with early rising aliens was that they were cranky- and he didn't want to have to deal with them.
As he entered the control room, completely dressed, he saw several Tok'ra milling about… including Garshaw, the Tok'ra High Council, and Anise.
"Oh brother," he muttered under his breath.
Sam entered the room behind him, in her blue BDU's. Jack instantly swung an arm around her as Freya edged towards him. Upon seeing Sam, the Tok'ra backed off, looking disappointed.
She looked around brightly. "Where's dad?"
"Here," Selmak said from behind her. "Garshaw…"
'She' continued to greet them separately before allowing Jacob to take control. He directed them to the V.I.P room, which was turned into a general room of sorts.
Sam sighed after they left. "Every time I see that woman, I-"
In a familiar bright light, she disappeared. Jack and General Hammond exchanged glances then said simultaneously. "Thor."
Å
Finding herself on an alien ship was starting to seem routine. "Thor," she greeted. "How are you?"
"I am fine. I hear that you and O'Neill are to be joined."
Sam smiled at his choice of words. "Yeah, I suppose so."
His black eyes looked thoughtful. "Many happy returns Major Carter."
"Colonel," she corrected.
"I am sorry. Congratulations Colonel Carter."
"Thank you." She stood there for a minute before speaking. "Oh, did you want to come? Colonel-Jack I mean would kill me if I didn't ask you… I mean, not really kill me but-"
"I am afraid to do so would be impossible. I do not 'blend in'."
Carter had to acknowledge the truth in that. "We could fix that."
Thor barely inclined his head. "Then I accept."
Å
Sam was discretely beamed down outside the same shop she had bought the tuxes at. To her surprise, the man seemed afraid of her, finding her the size she needed and hurried her out of the shop.
"Wonder what dad did to him," she wondered aloud as Thor beamed her back to the ship.
"Were you talking to me Colonel Carter?"
"Oh no Thor. Here."
Twenty minutes later, she was returned to the SGC safe and sound. She refused to give an explanation, insisting they would find out later.
Å
Jack stared in the mirror. He was getting married in an hour. He was dressed, groomed to perfection by Daniel who was acting like a nervous mother.
For cryin' out loud, he was nervous!
"Have the ring?"
"Indeed." Teal'c said with a slight incline of his head.
"All set?"
"Indeed."
"Nervous?" The groom questioned.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow.
"Just checking," Jack mumbled.
"Everything will be fine O'Neill."
"Yeah… I hope so."
Å
"Sam, will you stay still!"
The woman obediently stilled. "Sorry Janet, I'm just-"
"A case of nerves," Cassie said sagely. "Best postpone the wedding!"
Sam gave her a disdainful glance. "Funny Cass. Really."
"I know."
"Aunt Sam, you look BEAUTIFUL!" Elizabeth insisted. "Doesn't she Phil?"
The teenage boy, allowed in the room since she was dressed, nodded. "Not ashamed to call her my aunt."
"Thanks Phil," his aunt said giving a grin. "It's good to know."
He ducked his head. "It's nothing."
Carolyn poked his head out the door. "Come on kiddos… let's get seats. The room is filling up frightfully fast."
The 'kids' left after a few complaints. Cassie was dressed and finished her hair. Jennifer Haley was dressed and ready to go, contentedly watching everyone else rush around. Janet's hair was done but she still had to change her dress. Haley offered to put Sam's veil on while Janet got dressed. The doctor gratefully accepted and by 1:45, everyone was ready.
There was a knock on the door. Cassie opened it.
"Why, it's Grandpa!"
"Hi kid, is Sam decent?"
"Course she is!"
"Can I come in?"
She nodded. "Mom, Jenny, me… let's skedaddle!"
They laughed at her but followed her out, leaving Sam and her father alone.
"You look beautiful Sam."
"Thanks dad."
He stared at her a moment longer then gave her a careful hug. "I'll wait outside, come out when you're done."
She nodded and he slipped out. She was about to leave when her cell phone rang. She hesitated then answered it. "Carter."
"Sam? This is Pete."
Her jaw dropped. "Pete? I tol-"
"Just listen… please. I just wanted to say…" There was a long silence. "Congratulations. Really. You deserve the best."
"Thank you Pete," she said sincerely. "You do too."
He gave a small laugh. "Whatever… okay, I have to go, I just wanted to say congrats… bye."
She hit the 'end' button and dropped it on the table. She was going to get married.
Å
Jack adjusted his bowtie. 1:59… all 250 chairs were filled…
"O'Neill!" Came a whisper. "O'Neill!"
"Thor?" Jack said quietly searching the crowd. "Where are you?"
Teal'c gestured to the 'small kid in the front row'. The 'kid' lifted his hat, revealing large black eyes. Jack resisted the urge to laugh. Sam had outfitted him in tux, gloves, hat, shoes, everything. It was nearly impossible to believe it was Thor… he had to resist yet another chuckle. For an alien who never wore clothes, he was wearing much more clothing than any other wore. The hat was huge…
The music beginning made him jerk his attention back to the infirmary doors. Two Airmen, Bert and Ernie, opened them. Cassie, looking pretty and demure, went first, followed by the doc and Haley.
Then Sam with her father.
His throat constricted as he saw her. God, she was so beautiful.
Å
General Hammond watched as the two came closer and closer to being married. After seven years, they deserved to be happy.
Å
Daniel smiled as Jacob released his daughter and she took Jack's hand. The pastor, preacher, whatever you wanted to callhim, began: "Dearly beloved…" They looked happy. His two best friends deserved it.
Å
Teal'c watched with satisfaction. He and Cassandra Frasier had much to be proud of. He barely glanced at her and she gave him thumbs up. He knew her thoughts were identical.
Å
"Do you, Jonathan O'Neill, take Samantha to be your lawful wedded wife? To love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, until death
do you part?"
"I do."
"And do you…"
Sam answered her mouth to say "I do," but was cut off by a loud bark. She looked down and smiled as Toto ran as fast as she could to her owners. She plopped at her feet and wagged her tail wildly.
"I do."
"Then by the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife… you may kiss the bride."
Jonas grinned widely at the completion of his first Earth wedding.
Cassie summed up the majority of her friend's feelings by remarking loudly. "And this all happened 'cause they had to spend Christmas in the Infirmary."
Again, the support for this story has been tremendous! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I hope I didn't let you guys down... (hopeful smile)
Well, please, REVIEW!
PLEASE?