46

Sam and Cassie went back to the supermarket to get snacks.

"Sam, how many trolleys do you think we will need?"

"Two each"

"Ok"

They went through the shop and tossed in chips, dip, toilet paper, paper napkins, nuts, sweets for the kids as well as other snack food.

As they went down the last aisle Sam picked up three bottles of aspirin. She knew that there would be few people crashing at Jack's place for the night. They reached the counter and started checking their purchases out.

Once everything was paid for they left and put every thing in the back of the truck and headed back to Jack's. When they arrived she tooted on the horn to let him know that they had returned. A couple of the guys still in the backyard came out to help.

"Hi guys, all the snacks are in the back."

So they helped Sam and Cassie carry everything inside. Sam saw Jack on the cordless phone and when he saw her he smiled. Once they had everything sorted out, Jack had finished on the phone.

"Is everything alright, Jack?"

"Yep; so what goodies have you gotten for everyone?"

"The usual."

"Cool, come and have a look out back."

Jack grabbed her hand and they went out to his backyard to see tables and chairs everywhere, the flood lights and the two refrigeration units.

"Wow, you guys have been busy."

"Yep"

Jack was standing behind her and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I can't believe that this is happening, it's like a dream or something."

"It's not a dream Sam, it is for real."

"I know, after this we will have to start planning for our wedding."

"True, knowing the gang will want to help out."

"True"

"Who were you talking to when we arrived back?" She turned to look at him and he gave her a kiss.

"Hammond; he has a surprise for us tonight but he did tell me what it is."

"Oh, ok"

"Sam, I have to leave on Wednesday for the Alpha site for few days; to get something's sorted out there."

"Oh, so we only have tomorrow then?"

"Yeah, I've got memos to read about what has been happening on the Alpha site, as well as get packed and set the time record for the Simpson's." Sam giggled and put her head on his chest.

"And, hopefully, spend some time with me before shipping out" Sam moved her head so she could look at him and smile. He leant down and gave her a kiss.

"Gee didn't you two get enough smooching while you were away?" Dixon said and the others laugh.

"No, we still have a lot of catching up to do."

"Yeah, I bet"

They heard a truck pull up and Jack went to find out who it was. As he rounded the corner of the house he saw Jim hop out of his big truck.

"Hi, Jack I have everything here; can you give me a hand."

"Sure, hang on" Jack went around the back to round up the help.

"Hey guys, we need some help with the meat and salads."

Twenty guys headed around the front and helped move all the meat and salads to the two refrigeration units. In a few minutes both the meat and salads were put away.

Jack and Sam thanked Jim and invited him and his family around for the barbecue. He accepted and then left to head back to the shop.

As Jim was pulling away, a van pulled into the drive. Sam recognised the man from the liquor store who was dropping off the rest of the drinks that they had bought a couple of hours earlier. The guys helped out with the drinks distributing them between Jack's fridges, as well as in the two refrigeration units.

After everything was put away, they sat down and talked. There was even music playing in the background. An hour later people started arriving and Sam and Cassie began putting the snacks out, while Jack sorted out the drinks.

Everyone was talking and laughing, having a good time. An hour later the barbeques were all fired up and they shoo'd Jack away when he wanted to help. Sam was standing on the patio watching everyone there having a good time. Jack walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, putting his head on her shoulder.

"Hey, are you ok"

"Yeah, just thinking" he chuckled

"When do you stop thinking Sam?" they moved so they could look at each other.

"You know what I'm like Jack."

"Yeah, I know."

They kissed and then there was a knock on the front door, so they went inside to answer it. When Jack opened the door, he was shocked to see who it was that was standing there.