Ch. 10 Morning Promises

Sam studied Jack. There was a small smirk on her face. Obviously all those years of sleeping off world didn't mean a thing when he was completely zonked out. She didn't really care. It gave her an opportunity to just be with him.

During the night, Sam had shifted to lie next to Jack. Currently, her cheek lay on the cool pillow, inches from Jack's face. Her eyes drifted up to his hair. All the years of being tempted to touch it were in the past. Sam's hand moved up to his hair, gently running her hand through it. A smile crossed her face as she felt the texture between her fingers. This was way better than she'd imagined. Her hand rested at the nape of his neck as he stirred.

"Morning already?" he mumbled, rolling over, burying his face in the pillow.

Yeah," Sam answered, regret in her voice.

Jack heaved a sigh, then propped himself up on one arm. "Feel better this morning?" he asked.

Sam sank back on the pillow, letting her hand fall away from Jack. "Mmm. For now. How are you doing?" Today was the day.

Jack looked away for a moment, before settling his gaze on Sam. "I spent a lot of time thinking last night. A year, Sam. When a year's up, I'm quitting Homeworld Security. I'll retire for good."

"Jac-"

He quieted her, placing his finger on her lips. "I want to love you the way you deserve to be loved. We'll do this for a year, then nothing is gonna stop me from being with you. I can't wait anymore."

Sam nodded, blue eyes searching brown.

Jack's eyes traveled across her delicate features and he couldn't resist any longer. His fingers lightly trailed her jaw line until they reached her chin. He tipped her chin up and ran his thumb along her lower lip. Jack glanced up, meeting Sam's eyes. She didn't look scared or nervous. When her lips softly grazed his thumb, he knew it was all right to take the next step, one he'd been wanting to take for quite sometime.

He leaned down, finally capturing her lips with his own. The kiss was gentle and sweet. Jack pulled back slightly, still wanting to take things at Sam's pace. In response, Sam wrapped her good arm around his neck, bringing him near once again.

Their lips met for a second time, both more sure of themselves than before. The kiss wasn't needy or aggressive. It was passionate and loving, tender and adoring. At that moment, Sam had never felt more loved in her entire life. Everyday Jack would surprise her-make her feel more treasured and special than she ever had before. She was certain that Jack in full romance mode would probably be too much for her to handle…but she was willing to find out.

Jack's mind almost went to mush when he felt Sam's hand in his hair. This was way better than Sam jumping him in the locker room. She was a far better kisser than the alternate reality Sam. This kiss was a lot more satisfying than the time loop. This time, he had no reservations, and he was going to show her how much he loved her.

"Hmmm…" Jack mumbled when they separated. "A bit out of order, but that will do."

Sam shot him a perplexed look until it dawned on her what he meant. Then she smiled. The smile that went all the way to her eyes. The one that made her nose crinkle up. The genuine smile that stole his breath away. "Yes, well, let's not dwell."

Jack grinned, leaning down and carefully hugging her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "Love you."

"Lov-" She paused as a knock came at the door. Jack froze as Sam rested her hand on his back.

"Yeah?" she called, feigning sleepiness.

"Morning, kiddo. I don't want to disturb you, but don't forget Daniel and Teal'c will be here in about an hour," her father's voice penetrated the wooden door.

"Okay. Thanks, Dad. I'll be out in a few."

"Alright. And Jack, I know you're in there."

Sam and Jack held their breaths, waiting for an angry father to tear the door from its hinges. Instead, they heard him leaving.

"He's gonna kill me!" Jack moaned, rolling onto his back.

"No, he won't," Sam reassured him as she sat up. "He must really like you, Jack."

"He's going to think we…ah…you know…"

Sam rolled her eyes. "No, he won't. Just don't worry and be glad you're still breathing." She scooted off the bed and began rummaging through her dresser. Then she searched through her closet. Jack's eyes followed her the whole time. Finally she turned around, fresh clothing in hand, and gave him the look.

"What?" Jack asked innocently.

Sam shrugged, her face softening. "I don't know. It's kind of strange to have you watching me like that."

"If you don't like it, I'll stop. I was just making up for lost time, that's all. You know, all those briefings I sat through that would have been much more interesting if I could have just stared at you."

Sam blushed at his words. Well, she did like the attention. "Fine, then. Please continue with what you were doing," she smirked, swinging her hips for good measure as she left the room.

Jack groaned into his pillow. The year couldn't go by fast enough.

"Who wants the last glazed?" Daniel asked, holding up the almost empty doughnut box.

"I would, DanielJackson. Thank you," Teal'c said, picking out the last doughnut.

Daniel and Teal'c had shown up at Sam's with doughnuts and orange juice, knowing she probably didn't have the appropriate items for a going away breakfast. They'd been chatting and eating for the last hour or so. They all knew the car from Peterson would be there soon.

As the others began cleaning up their dishes, Jack wandered around Sam's house, making sure he had all of his possessions. He found his razor in Sam's bathroom, his shoes under the couch, and his T-shirt on Sam's bed. He packed his things and set his bag by the door. He peeked out to see if the car was there yet. Of course the USAF didn't know he'd just spent the night at his, well, with his, former 2IC. They just knew he'd be there with his friends that morning. Seeing nothing, he checked his watch. Any minute now.

Jack's shoulders sagged. He'd known this day was coming for a while, but nothing prepared him for the feelings of sadness and loss that were gnawing at him. Jack sighed. He had a job to do, and he was going to do it…for a year.

"All set?"

He turned to find his three closest friends behind him, along with the father of the woman he loved. They all knew. The only people in the world that knew he and Sam were together were standing in this hallway.

"Uh, yeah." He jammed his hands in his pockets. He looked them each straight in the eye, one by one, remembering them as they were now. As Sam had said, there were no guarantees in life. He didn't want to take his last few moments with them for granted.

"Guess we should go ahead and say our goodbyes," Daniel suggested. There was no need to be rushed when the base vehicle arrived. They shuffled around, not knowing who should go first. Teal'c stepped forward.

"O'Neill. I have learned much from you during my time under your command. Your presence will be sorely missed. However, I am sure you will do well in your new position as Head of Homeworld Security in Washington D.C." Teal'c bowed his head slightly.

"Well, that was a mouthful, T." Jack paused. "Thanks," he said, enveloping the large man in a hug. "And keep my science twins out of trouble," he grinned, nodding towards his bandaged up friends.

When Teal'c stepped back, Daniel was next in line. He didn't say anything, he just hugged Jack fiercely.

Jack returned the gesture, patting him lightly on the back. "It won't be the same without you, Daniel. I…I'll miss you."

Daniel straightened his glasses as he pulled himself away from Jack. "Me too. It took forever to break you in, but it was well worth it, Jack. Thanks. For everything," Daniel said sincerely.

"Yeah, you too. We'll be in touch, okay?" Jack responded, smiling tightly. This was a lot harder than he'd imagined. Especially when he turned to Sam.

"Well…"

"Well…" Sam moved forward, circling her arm around his neck, pulling him close. The others stepped back to give them some space.

"A year. I promise." Jack kissed her cheek, gently holding her.

"Okay. I promise I'll be here," she replied resolutely. Nothing was going to keep her from finally being with this man.

Jack's breath tickled Sam's ear as he leaned in, making sure no one else could hear. "Should we tell them we're kind of, sort of engaged? Together?"

She nodded. Letting go of Jack and reaching down, she grasped his hand. The couple turned to the rest of the group.

"Guys, um… We wanted to tell you that-"

"We're engaged!" Sam blurted out before Jack could finish. She smirked at him. That's what he got for telling her father. She saw shock, then pleasure, register on the faces of her dad and friends.

"Congratulations O'Neill, ColonelCarter. I wish you well and I am pleased you 'got your acts together'."

Jack shot a look at Daniel, who was doing a good job of looking innocent. Then, for the second time that day, he found an archaeologist stuck to him.

"Hey, Danny, you okay?"

"I'm so happy for you two!" he exclaimed, moving to hug Sam. "It's about time. If you ask me, you've acted engaged for years. Now it's just official," he beamed, supporting himself on his crutches.

"Thanks…Dad?" Sam asked, looking to her father.

A huge smile was on Jacob Carter's face. Huge. He enveloped Sam in a bear hug. "Finally, I know you're going to be happy. Now, I'd like a few more grandkids. What do you say?" he grinned teasingly.

"Well, uh, sure, Dad. Jack retires in a year an-"

"Don't worry, Jake," Jack told him, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "We're going to have lots of kids."

"Jack!" Sam cried, a flush creeping up her cheeks.

"Jack! Please!" Daniel moaned, putting his hand over his face.

"I for one will be thrilled when the young O'Neill's are born. I look forward to it," Teal'c bowed.

"Good luck keeping this one in check, Sam," Jacob chuckled, shaking Jack's hand. "Congratulations."

Jack hesitated for a moment before he embraced his one-day father-in-law. "Thank you." And he meant it. To have Sam's dad's approval meant a lot to Jack. Coupled with his friends' endorsements, he was on cloud nine.

"So, Jacob-"

"Jack, you can call me dad."

Jack cocked his head in surprise. Sam looked astonished as well.

"Wait a minute. He doesn't have to marry me before he can call you dad?"

"No," Jacob smiled. "He never did."

The End

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