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For the next few weeks, both Sam and Jack were very busy. Sam had begun extensive work on the larger X-303 that was currently under construction and Jack had been hired by Hammond to help train new recruits.

Jack loved his new position. He had the luxury of holding the title of colonel, without any of the disciplines. He could call the general George. He could wear civilian clothes, and most importantly, he didn't have to report every single move he made in a written statement. Oh yeah, Jack definitely loved his new position!

Claire continued to watch the twins while Sam and Jack were working, but Jack went straight to Sam's house everyday after work. They had all fallen into a routine that they were all very comfortable with.

The long-awaited third date was still elusive. They had been out many times as a family, but no date with just Jack and Sam.

Jack had planned the third date on several occasions, but each time, something came up and the plans were canceled. It was the most recent cancellation that really got the cogs whirring in Jack's head.

Sam had been called to Area 51 for an apparent emergency with the new X-303. After flying there and figuring out what was wrong with the ship, Sam called Jack and told him she wouldn't be home until sometime Saturday evening, depending on when she could get a flight back.

Jack assured her that he and the kids would be fine and hung up, his plan already coming to form. After conspiring with the two-year olds, Jack called up Janet and talked her into babysitting the little munchkins for the weekend.

Once all plans were in motion, Jack boarded his flight to Nevada.

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By 1700 Saturday, Sam was beyond cranky. Two days fixing a mistake that never should have happened , especially with the people they had working on this project, had definitely put Sam in a bad mood.

After finally getting the engineering back where it should have been, Sam changed back into her civilian clothes and, ordering her subordinates not to do anything else to wreck her weekend, stomped off to her plane.

At the airfield, Sam was a little surprised to see a small, private plane waiting to fly her home. Normally, she was put on whatever military flight was headed to Peterson. "Are you sure this is my flight, sergeant?" she questioned the officer who had driven her to the airfield.

"Yes, ma'am. My orders were to deliver you to this plane. I don't think there are any other flights heading out tonight."

Sam creased her forehead in surprise. "Well, thank you, sergeant," she told him, grabbing her bag as she hopped out of the jeep. Just being out of the X-303 hangar, improving her mood.

Sam walked over to the plane. "Colonel Carter," the pilot standing at the door greeted. "My name is Capt. Grant and I will be your pilot this evening. Please, come on board."

Sam smiled and shook the pilot's hand before stepping aboard the small plane. The plane was quite elegant inside. Instead of the standard-issue seats, this plane had recliners and a large sofa. There was an entertainment center with a television and a small wetbar in the corner. "Wow!" Sam exclaimed, taking in the room. "What did I do to deserve this?"

"You were born," a warm, loving, familiar voice whispered in her ear behind her.

She wasn't surprised he snuck up on her. He had always been good at doing that. Sam turned around with a huge smile on her face. Any sign that her last two days were hell, completely wiped away. "What are you doing?" she asked, walking into his arms.

"I'm romancing you," he said with a smirk before covering her mouth with his own. Before long, they pulled away, nothing but love reflecting in both their eyes.

"Why all this, Jack? This plane must have cost a fortune."

"Nah, Grant's an old buddy of mine. He owed me a favor," Jack replied, pulling Sam to his chest and wrapping his arms tighter around her waist.

"But, why? I could've gotten a regular flight home," Sam asked, her cheek pressed up against his chest.

"We're not going home."

"What?" Sam gasped, lifting her head off his chest to look at his face. "Where are we going?"

"Surprise."

"Jack, no surprises. Please, just tell me!" she whined. "What about the kids?"

"Taken care of. Janet's got them for the night."

"The night? Jack! Where are we going?"

Jack smirked and, setting his hands on her shoulders, turned her around and led her over to the sofa. "Not telling," he teased.

Sam tried to be angry with him, but it was no use. He was wonderful, and whatever he had planned, she knew she would love it. Not to mention, what he was currently doing to her neck, was enough to forgive anyone!

It didn't take long before the plane landed and Sam stepped out to a neon-world. Yup! Vegas.

"Las Vegas, Jack? Were you planning on having us elope?" she teased.

"Uh, no. Not tonight, anyway," he replied, grabbing her lightly and leading her to their awaiting ride.

Again Sam was surprised when Jack led her over to a limousine. Before she could open her mouth to question him again, Jack covered her lips with his finger. "Not telling," he announced with a smirk.

Just then, the chauffeur opened their door and Jack gently nudged Sam to get inside. "Sir," the chauffeur greeted.

"Frederick, right?" Jack asked the man.

"Correct, sir. To the hotel?"

"Yes," Jack answered before getting in the limo himself.

As the limo started up and began driving, Jack pulled out a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. "Tonight is all about you, Samantha," Jack announced in a sultry voice.

Sam, knowing all of her questions were going to go unanswered, smiled lovingly at the man before her and accepted the proffered wineglass.

It wasn't long before the limousine came to a stop and Frederick opened their door to the outside.

Sam stepped out to a large four-star hotel. "Jack, tell me your idea of a third date isn't to lock us up in a room all night?" Sam teased, hooking her arm around Jack's.

"Hmm, as tempting as that is, no. This is where we will be sleeping tonight, but for now, we're just here to get ready for the evening."

Sam wasn't expecting to get even that much information, so she was quite happy with his answer.

As they walked into the lobby, a young man approached them almost immediately. "Colonel O'Neill, your room has been prepared as you requested. This must be Mrs. O'Neill?"

Sam opened her mouth to respond, but Jack set his hand on top of hers and answered quickly. "Yes, this is Samantha, Lance. And, our goal tonight is to make her as happy as humanly possible."

Lance smiled and extended his hand in greeting. "It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. Anything you need, just call for me, my name is Lance."

"Thank you, Lance. It's nice to meet you," Sam replied, shaking the man's hand, still quite curious at what Jack had planned.

Jack smirked, he knew he was driving her crazy. Slipping Lance a twenty dollar bill, Jack lightly pulled Sam over to the elevators and proceeded to the top floor.

Sam immediately noticed the button Jack pushed and the key he had to put in the elevator to give them access to that floor. "Jack? The suite? Isn't that a little too expensive?"

"Nothing's too expensive for you, Sam," Jack returned, wrapping his arms around her and capturing her lips in a sizzling kiss, the best way he knew to get her to stop asking questions.

A moment later, the elevator dinged as the doors opened to the luxurious hotel suite. The place was bigger than Sam's whole house. "Oh, Jack!" she exclaimed. "This is too much!"

Jack wrapped his arms around her from behind. "No, it's not. You are worth so much more than this, Sam. You mean everything to me, and tonight, I'm going to do my best to give you a little of what you deserve."

Sam was speechless. She didn't know where this side of Jack O'Neill came from, but she really was looking forward to the evening, even if she didn't think she deserved all the praise Jack was bestowing upon her.

Jack started guiding her over to the large French doors, obviously leading to the bathroom. Opening the doors, Sam was hit in the face with warm steam. Looking inside, she saw a huge circular tub, overfilling with bubbles and several candles burning all over the room. "Jack?" she started again, but was cut off.

"Nu uh! Sam, I don't want to hear it." He let go of her waist to check the time on his watch. "You've got one hour. Enjoy your bath. Your clothes are in the dressing room through that door," he told her, pointing to the door on the other side of the bathroom. I'll be back for you in one hour, make sure you're dressed and ready to go," he finished with a grin before indulging his mouth in the softness of her neck and shoulder one more time.

"You're not joining me?" she asked, already pulling off her shoes.

Jack moaned. "As much as I would love to join you, and trust me, I would really love to, I have to finish preparing our evening. You, enjoy the bath, the candles, the bubbles, relax, have another glass of wine, and I'll be back in an hour. Okay?"

Sam gave him a small smile. "Okay," she answered and kissed him one more time before he left her alone in the bathroom. Taking off all her clothes, Sam settled into the bath. It was quite warm and soothing. Before she knew it, all her muscles started to relax, helped slightly by all the wine Jack was pouring her since boarding the plane back at Area 51.

After half an hour, Sam reluctantly pulled herself out of the tub. Drying off, she slipped on a bathrobe and headed to the dressing room. The dressing room had a large vanity with more beauty and hair supplies than Sam had ever seen in one place before. There was a white suede chair sitting in front of the vanity and on the hook on the wall was the most beautiful red dress Sam had ever seen. Below the dress were matching shoes and on a small table beside the shoes, was a box. Sam walked over and opened the box. Inside was an assortment of underwear, lingerie and panty hose, along with an envelope. Sam picked up the envelope, noting her name printed across the front. She opened the letter and began to read.

Dear Samantha,

Cassie and I have packed this care box for you. As you can see, it is various underwear for you to wear under your new dress. Jack had turned bright red when we entered the lingerie store here in Chicago, so Cassie and I did all the shopping for your personals. We both hope that you are happy with what we picked out. You should know that Jack loves you very much. He suffered through a whole day of shopping to find you the perfect dress, shoes, and accessories. I know you know Jack as well as I, and he would not voluntarily do an hour of shopping, let alone a whole day.

Whatever happens on your date tonight, remember this, Jack loves you, and he is doing all this to show you exactly how much. So, with that said, Cassie and I want to tell you to enjoy yourself tonight!

Your friend,

Sara

Sam reread the letter two more times in disbelief. Not only did Jack's ex-wife write her a letter telling her to enjoy her date with her ex-husband, but Jack had started planning this night way back when he was in Chicago? Sam was stunned.

Still slightly in shock, Sam walked over to the dress and fingered the fabric as she memorized every detail of the beautiful gown. He was doing all this to show her how much he loved her. Sam's heart ached with love and tears of joy began streaking down her face. Fumbling around in the dressing room, Sam finally managed to recompose herself and after fixing her hair and applying her makeup and undergarments, Sam slipped on the gown.

It was gorgeous. And, she was absolutely stunning in it. After putting on the earrings and necklace she found in a jewelry case on the vanity, Sam slipped on the heels and headed out of the dressing room, five whole minutes before her time was up.

Stepping out, Sam took in the sight of Jack O'Neill, standing in front of her, dressed in an expensive suit, looking absolutely breath-taking. In his hand was a single red rose.

"Samantha, you are absolutely stunning," he drawled out, his smirk ever-present on his face.

Sam smiled. "You, Jonathon, are stunning as well," she replied, walking up to him.

He handed her the rose. "Are you ready?" he asked gently.

"Yes," Sam answered with a twinkle in her eyes.

Jack smiled and took her hand, leading her out of the room and on to the start of their date.

Leaving the hotel lobby, Sam wasn't even surprised to see Frederick waiting there with the door already open. "Frederick," Sam greeted with a smile as he helped her into the limo.

Once Jack was in, he poured her another glass of wine.

"If I drink much more of this, I may not remember this night tomorrow," she warned him.

Jack grinned. "Well, we definitely don't want that!" he teased before setting the glass aside.

They chit-chatted as the limo weaved through traffic until it finally reached it's destination. "Where are we?" Sam asked, looking out the tinted window at a large building.

"Nevada Opera House," Jack announced just as Frederick opened their door.

"Opera? You're taking me to the Opera?" Sam asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Jack replied, stepping out of the limo behind Sam. He reached out and rested his hand at the small of her back. "I remember you commenting about the opera years ago to Danny."

Sam let a small smile play at her lips as she remembered that conversation. "My mom used to take me to the opera. She loved it."

"I know. I remember you telling Daniel," he whispered in her ear as they reached the doors. They walked inside. There were people all over the lobby waiting for the show to start. Everyone was dressed up just as much as Jack and Sam, some even more so.

"What are we seeing?' she asked, looking around the elegant hall.

"One of my favorites."

"One of your favorites?" Sam asked with a suspicious smirk. She knew he listened to opera music when he was alone, but she also knew he would never openly admit to it.

"Yes, well, I had a mother too," he teased.

Sam let out a small laugh.

Jack stopped talking and grinned. "I love you," he told her, looking in her eyes with so much love.

Sam smiled and stepped closer to Jack. "I love you too, Jack O'Neill," she whispered before kissing him lightly on the lips.

Before long, a man came out and directed everyone to their seats. Sam was surprised when they were led to the balcony. "Jack? Aren't the balcony seats the most expensive."

"Hmm, I don't know, are they?" he replied, not answering her question. They sat in their seats and Jack fiddled with the opera glasses, to Sam's amusement, until the curtain was raised.

When the opera was finished, Sam looked over at Jack. He was slightly hunched over, and was that drool pooling at the corner of his mouth? Grinning, Sam lightly nudged him, "Jack, Jack, the show's over," she cooed into his ear.

Jack opened his eyes, taking in the sight of his beautiful love so close to him. "What'd I miss?" he asked, a sleepy smirk spreading across his face.

"When did you fall asleep?"

Jack rubbed his hand over his face. "Uh, I don't know. When did the curtain raise?" he joked as they made their way out of the balcony section

Sam laughed and pushed Jack in the arm with her body, getting a glare from the older couple walking behind them.

"This was great, Jack. Thank you," Sam told him, a jubilant smile on her rosy cheeks.

"It's not over yet," he replied, taking her arm and guiding her toward their awaiting limo.

"It's not? What's…"

"Eh, eh!" Jack cut in, waving his finger at her.

Sam shook her head in amusement before climbing in to the limo.

Jack joined her seconds later after speaking quietly to Frederick and they were once again, on their way.

Before long, the limo came to a stop, and Jack and Sam were helped out. Before them, this time, was what looked to Sam as a large hall. "Where are we now?" she asked, taking Jack's arm.

Jack shrugged. "We've gotta eat," he replied, his eyes dancing in merriment.

Sam creased her forehead. "This doesn't look much like a restaurant," Sam tried.

"Ah, well, looks can be deceiving." Jack opened the door and they moved inside. Ahead of them was a long corridor, still holding her arm in his, Jack led them down the corridor to a man standing at a podium.

"Good evening, sir," the man greeted. "And, what are your names?"

"Colonel Jack O'Neill and Colonel Samantha Carter," Jack told the man.

"Ah, yes, right this way, then," the man announced after scanning the paper on the podium. He walked over and tapped on the large, ornate doors to the left of the podium. Seconds later, both large doors began opening. Inside was a giant hall with elegantly set tables all around the room. There was a stage with a band playing soothing music and more men and women dressed in expensive attire.

Sam looked up at Jack, a bemused look on her face. Jack waited until they were seated at their table before explaining. "This is a charity ball. All proceeds tonight go to the lymphoma foundation." Jack took her hands in his. "I will never be able to get that desperate look of yours out of my mind. The day SG-3 showed up at the tokra base and told us your dad was dying. I know we saved him, but there are so many others…"

Sam squeezed his hands, a tear escaping her eye and rolling down her cheek. "Thank you," was all she said, the look on her face said everything else for her.

Jack reached his thumb up from her hold and wiped the tear from her face, passing her a look of his own.

The rest of the night was perfect. Their food was delicious and when they had finished eating, Jack escorted Sam to the dance floor. They danced for hours, both completely happy and content in each other's arms.

It was the wee hours of the morning when they finally returned to their hotel suite. The night so perfect and romantic, Sam still felt like she was walking on clouds. Just as she heard the door click behind Jack, she turned around and pinned him to the door. She gently attacked his lips with passion. Jack's hands came up and around her waist, pulling her completely into him. "Third date," she breathed in between kisses.

"Bedroom," Jack replied, picking her up and carrying her to the adjoining bedroom. The night continued on to be perfect. This time, there was no worry or doubt in their minds and they made love like they should have been doing years ago.

Completely spent after their love-making, they collapsed into oblivion in each other's arms.

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The next morning, Sam woke up to Jack's smiling face. "Morning," she rasped, a smile already spreading across her face.

"Good morning," Jack replied. "I love you," he added.

"I love you, too."

Jack reached out and captured her left hand from under the covers and pulled it out. He settled it on Sam's stomach and slowly caressed her fingers with his own. Looking up and into her eyes, he slowly slipped a ring on to her third finger. "I'm not asking for today, or even a year. But, someday, when you're ready, I want you to be my wife, officially, because you already are in my heart."

Sam's throat had gone completely dry. Her eyes had both pooled with tears that were now escaping down her cheeks as her face scrunched up, a sob of complete bliss wanting to escape. Knowing that no coherent sound was going to come out of her mouth, Sam wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down on top of her.

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Eighteen Hours later, they were back home sitting on Sam's sofa. The twins had been excited to see them, asking question after question about their trip and what they did and why they did it. After pizza, ice cream and baths, Jack and Sam tucked in the little munchkins and curled up together on the sofa.

Sam was snuggled into Jack, toying with the ring on her finger. "I would have, you know," she quietly stated.

"Would've what?" Jack sleepily asked.

"Married you today."

"Too tired today, maybe tomorrow," Jack teased.

Sam giggled.

Jack sat up a little on the couch. "Do you like the ring?"

"I love it! It's beautiful!"

Jack took her hand in his and played with the ring on her finger. "The large diamond represents our love for each other. And, the two on the sides, they represent what our love created…against all odds," he finished, his voice dropping dramatically.

Sam felt the tears welling up in her eyes again. "That's beautiful," she told him.

He hugged her to his body. "It's the truth."

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