Their second day at the cabin was spent opening the other cabin and letting it air out, while Jacob worked on Sam's knee. By the time Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c returned, Sam was walking around without the limp and looking happier than Jack'd seen her since the accident. He really didn't want to break it to her that she wouldn't be getting her commission back.

He watched her swinging her legs as she sat on the dock. He couldn't help smiling as she sent the ball sailing through the air for Rico to retrieve. Cassie's laughter echoed out over the lake, filling his heart with love for his "niece". He couldn't believe that a year ago she'd been the lone survivor of an entire planet and had almost died herself.

"Hey, Sam, could I talk to you?" he asked as he approached her from behind.

"Sure, pop a squat." She grinned patting a spot on the dock next to her. Cassie gave her a pat on the shoulder and stood to join the rest of the guys getting lunch ready.

"So, what's up?" she asked as he sat down next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"Dad fix everything?" he questioningly gestured towards her knee.

"Yessir, good as new." She smiled up at him, but he could see the thoughts running behind those eyes.

He sat for a moment, wondering how he was going to bring it up.

"Jack," she said softly, gripping his hand. "Dad told me. It's okay."

"Rea-lly?" He cocked his eyebrow at her and looked questioningly in her direction. "I mean you're okay with it?"

"Well, no, not really. But if I got my commission back, my place on SG-1, can you really say we'd be able to go back to the way we were?" She scootched closer to him, seeking his comfort.

"Hell no. I've got you now and I never want to let you go. I love you, Sam. I can't go back to the way things were, ever." He wrapped both arms around her, pulling her close to him and kissed her softly, letting all his feelings flow through his lips.

"I love you, too, Jack. I could never go back to being just CO and 2IC. We've waited too long as it is." She relaxed in his arms smiling delightfully at the thought of spending a lifetime with the man who held her so securely.

"That's good to know," Jack laughed. "C'mon, it's lunch time, let's see what the boys have cooked up."

A/N: Okay thanks here's another one. i would like to say taht my "big brother" is actualy my best friend and he's always sitting right here lol. thanks y'all!