I'm so so sorry... I really thought I had this posted weeks ago!
Enjoy!
M.
Chapter LX
July 27, 2005
Underground Sanctuary
"Ashley, where were you all day?" Sam asked as her sister joined them.
"Oh, you know. I had to run some errands," Ashley said, plopping herself in a seat. She stretched her neck from side to side before she sighed. "You can work now, Jana. Mom made sure I wouldn't be so jumpy," she said to the girl that approached her.
"That I did," Helen grinned, entering the room.
"Mom, you are still not getting ready," Sam shook her head, noticing Helen was still wearing the same outfit she had that morning.
"I'll be ready on time, Samantha. Stop worrying. I came to pick Doctor Frasier and Cassandra. Are they all finished?" Helen asked.
"Yes, we are. Well, we are still missing the gowns that go with the looks," Janet grinned.
"Then let me take you to them," Helen smiled. "Ashley, call me when you both are ready to be there."
"Will do, mom."
"Is she seriously not getting ready?" Sam asked nervously. Ashley chuckled.
"As if you don't know your mother, Samantha," Ashley grinned.
July 27, 2005
Jack's Cabin
"I can't believe this is the same place we've been before!" Daniel said, looking at the surroundings.
"I know!" Jack said, standing beside him. "Don't you think there are way more chairs than people?" Jack wondered.
"Better having extra ones, I guess," Daniel shrugged.
"Hmm…" Jack frowned. As far as he knew the Doc rarely did something uncalculated.
They were at the back porch, looking towards the deck. There was a platform set on there, to make the floor even, it was made of beautiful shiny wood, and they divided the space into two by a red carpet. To each side, there were a few scattered chairs for the guests.
White flower with green leaves arrangements ran beside the carpet.
There was a metallic structure placed too. They covered each column of it with green leaves and more flowers. As a ceiling, hundreds of Christmas lights were hung from a middle beam and mixed with strings of shiny beads. The crystal-like things were reflecting the rays of the sun, sending thousands of small rainbows all around the place.
Jack couldn't help but wonder how they would look once the lights were on and the skies dark.
They placed the altar at the end of his own deck. A smaller open up gazebo sat around it, sharing the same elegant arrangements that covered the place.
"It's kinda magical," Daniel added. "Sam's going to love this!"
"I sure hope so," Jacob said, joining them. "You have no idea the work that's behind all this."
They heard a car driving up and parking outside.
"They are here?" Jack asked. His heart beating wildly at the notion that it might be Sam finally arriving. Ready to tie the knot. He couldn't help the smile as they walked to the front.
"Hey guys," Janet called getting down of one SUV. Cassie jumped down and rushed to hug Jack. Erika, who drove that one, smiled at Kate.
They were all surprised when another SUV parked as close to the house as possible. Helen got out from behind the wheel. So, Jack was sure she was going to usher them all away to allow Sam to get inside without him seeing her.
"Finally!" Nikola huffed. "Now, you can deal with Kate."
"Hey! I resent that! Doc! I'm so glad you're here! Finally, someone who can control Vlad!" Kate grinned.
"I'll take things are business as usual, then," Helen grinned. "General, I've brought the guests you are missing."
"The guests?" Jack frowned, looking around. Teal'c, Hammond, Daniel had been there for hours. Janet and Cassie had just arrived. He couldn't think of anyone else she would know about. Helen smiled.
"Samantha wanted all her family here. I thought you would want that too." She said Jack's eyes widened.
"You didn't!" Helen grinned.
"I had to. I wanted it to be perfect for both of you." She said and nodded towards the car. "They are quite eager to see you, General."
Jack took a deep breath, turned around to look at Helen. She grinned, a smile that was so much like Sam that he couldn't help but smile back. He opened the front door of the car then and gasped while people got out of the other vehicle.
"Mom! Dad!" Jack said. Then looking behind his mom and leaving everyone who knew him astounded by those words. Hammond ushered everyone inside the tents to give Jack some privacy. Only Helen and Nikola remained. "God, guys! I can't believe you're here! Wait, let me help you, mom."
"I can take it from here, Jack," a woman said behind his back, and Jack turned around, surprised.
"Brianna?"
"I heard my baby brother was getting married! I couldn't miss it, right?" The woman grinned. Jack hugged her tightly. He noticed then it wasn't only his sister, but his brother was also there.
"Holy cow, Doc!" Jack grinned, astounded.
"Family is important, General. No matter if you are months old or about to turn two-hundred-seventy-six," Helen smiled knowingly. "You are about to join mine, the least I could do was finding yours."
"I agree with her, Jack." His mom said. "Although I'm only seventy-four, child."
"I've said so before Mrs. O'Neill, Helen will do," Magnus said.
"So, when do we meet your wife-to-be?" Jack's dad asked.
"I don't know. Doc? Any idea on the schedule?"
"Well, I have to go inside and check, General. You know if Kate moved the things into the room?"
"All I know is that I got all my stuff settled in the guest room. Kate kicked us all out of there so she could move things in… Whatever that means. I guess you are good to go."
"I'll see you soon," Helen grinned. "Please, anything you need, Mrs. O'Neill, Mr. O'Neill, ask Kate or William. They both will able to help you. That goes for you too," she smiled at Jack's siblings.
Helen wasn't as far away inside the house when Jack's mom scowled at her son, "Jack, if that's the mother, how old is the girl you are marrying?"
"Oh, boy!" Jack shook his head as he walked his mom towards the tents.
"Don't worry, Mrs. O'Neill. Samantha is old enough to marry your son. I'm Nikola, Samantha's father. Well, biological, at least." Nikola grinned.
"Are you sure? You also don't look old enough to have a daughter old enough for my son. He is really old, you know?" She added the last part in a whisper. Nikola chuckled.
"General, your mother is delightful!"
Inside the house, Helen walked to the room and found Kate had got some space freed. She set her things aside making space for what she would need to get herself ready before she called Ashley.
"Mom, we are good to go. Is everything settled there?"
"Yes, come in."
Soon, Helen was standing in front of her two daughters and smiled brightly at them.
"Mom! You aren't ready yet!" Sam said with widened eyes. Helen chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"I'll get myself ready, Samantha. After I let your guests know they need to get ready." She walked out of the room and outside towards the tent.
"Well, Samantha has finally arrived. So, I'll appreciate it if you can all get into your rooms and get yourselves dressed up." She grinned. "That goes for you too, General."
"All right, all right! I get myself into a suit," Jack rolled his eyes playfully and walked inside, following Helen. He stopped in front of the door of the guest room. "Doc…"
"Yes?"
"How did you?" He trailed off.
"Find them? They are not so difficult to find, General. Your sister was the trickiest one. With her being all the way out in Thailand. But your parents have lived all their lives in the same small town, and your brother only went as far as two blocks away from them."
"But I've never mentioned having a family."
"You didn't. I'm sure you'd know I would find out… Besides that you kept going to the same small airport at least once a year, and keep calling to the same number in Thailand, helped." Jack flinched for a second. What the Doc wasn't saying was she knew his movements, and she wasn't afraid to track him down if needed. "Relax, General… You'll be family now." She added as if she had read his thoughts.
He sighed. Maybe it was time for him to finally laid his worries about her future mother-in-law to rest. Taking away the stalk-ish feeling, it was nice to know someone else would go to that extent for him. "Thank you, really."
"It's my pleasure, General. I like to take care of my own. Now, we really need you to get dress, and I really need to get myself fixed before Samantha freaks out on my appearance once more."
She waited until Jack entered the room to open the door to the main one. "Now, Ashley… Get dressed. I'll get ready, and then we help you with your gown, Samantha."
True to her word, it only took Helen five minutes to fix her makeup, and less than ten to fix her hair in a beautifully messy bun that brought up her features, and a blink of an eye later, she was asking Ashley for help to zip up her dress. A beautiful olive strapless A-line dress. A thin glittering belt clung to her waist before the dress flowed down in a lovely tulle.
To Sam's surprise, Ashley was wearing a tightly fitted red dress that just as she'd imagined brought up her eyes and looked perfect on her.
"Whoa, guys, you look…" Sam said in awe, "and it really didn't take you that long, mom."
"Well, when you reach the two hundred, and you are forced to live the Victorian era twice, you learn to do a thing or two with your hair." Helen joked. "Come on, undress, Samantha, so we can help you."
Sam quickly got rid of the robe and pants she was wearing, and Helen frowned for a second. "I was absolutely certain I had left a garter belt along with those in the bathroom." Sam blushed. "Can you fetch them, Ashley?"
"Mom, really… It isn't necessary." Sam blushed. Helen grinned. Ashley already had gone and returned before Helen answered.
"Trust me, Samantha. Those dresses look lovely, but when you have hours on them, you want the right pair of stockings on."
"Okay, you win!" Sam said. Grabbing the garter belt from Ashley's hand. Then she slid the stocking up her legs. All the time, muttering something under her breath that made Helen smile.
A radio crackled then. "Boss, come in." Kate's voice took over as Helen picked up the radio she had left along with her things.
"Yes, Kate?"
"The priest is here."
"Priest?" Sam frowned.
"Thank you. Can you lead the General and the guests to the patio?"
"Sure, Doc."
"Get me, Doctor Fraiser and Cassandra."
"Got it."
There was a knock on the door minutes later, as Helen was securing Sam's veil. Janet poked her head in and gasped.
"Oh my God, Sam! You look beautiful!" Janet said, and Cassie pushed her inside because she wanted to see it too.
"Gorgeous, you look gorgeous!"
"You think he'll like it?" She asked, biting her lower lip.
"Sam, you could wear a potato sack, and he still would love it." Cassie pointed out. "That's so much better, though."
Sam's dress was of a delicate white satin that started right on her bust before it pooled down in an A-line skirt. However, from her shoulders and right to her waist, the satin bodice was covered by a beautiful lace that she knew had been embroidered by Debra Carter herself for her own wedding. A thin silver belt complemented her attire. The changes Iov had made to her mom's dress only made it more perfect for Sam's eyes.
Ashley grinned. Another knock later, Nikola and Jacob joined them inside the room that was starting to look cramped.
"Samantha, you look…" Nikola said, taking a deep breath. He wasn't sure what he could say that would make justice to what he was seeing. He walked close to her, placed a kiss on her forehead, and whispered, "I love you, my child," in his mother tongue.
Helen gulped, knowing Nikola for so long, she knew that the sentiment laced with words spoke in his mother tongue was the most honest and profound that he could muster. Knowing that Sam was the only other woman he had ever told I love you in Serbian made her heart skip a beat. As if feeling her thoughts, Nikola searched the room for her, and they both took a deep breath, emotions running deep between them. He walked close to her. "I'm not sure if I deserve this happiness. But, thank you, my love." He also said in Serbian before he kissed her cheek.
At the same time, Jacob just stood there looking at her in awe. He couldn't believe the child he adopted had grown to be such a beautiful woman. He couldn't believe he had something to do with it.
"Oh, Sammie. Your mom would be so proud of you," Jacob said, placing a kiss on her cheek. Sam smiled softly, "You think so, dad?" She asked with a trembling voice and unable to find his, Jake just nodded.
"Well, enough sentimentalism already," Nikola said, clapping his hands then. "Let's get you married!"
"Niko," Helen added with a warning tone.
"I'll behave. You know I'll do."
"We'll see you out there, Samantha," Helen said and walked away.
"Whoa! Ashley, you look amazing," Will said as he spotted them walking towards the back porch.
"Thanks, Will. I'll be outside, mom."
"Helen, you…" he tried to find words but couldn't.
"You don't clean up bad yourself, Doctor Zimmerman," she said, pecking his lips. "Let's go. There's a wedding that needs to start."
The sun was starting to set, the lights on the ceiling were turned on. There was even a string quartet that Jack hadn't noticed before. When Doctor Magnus came out from inside the house, Jack's heart started to beat wildly in his chest. This was it.
She grinned and nodded in approval when she saw him on his dress blues instead of the suit that was supposed to combine with Teal'c and Daniel's ones. Helen and Will walked up to the front row and sat quickly.
On Jack's side, his mother, father, sister, and brother waited anxiously to meet for the first time the woman he was going to marry. General Hammond also sat there. On Sam's side, Helen, Ashley, Will, Henry, Erika, and the Carters were all waiting.
Jack took a deep breath as he saw Cassie walk down towards him. Her lavender dress and the small bouquet in her hands, making her look like the woman she had become. Jack smiled at her.
Inside the house, Sam felt her heart about to explode. Nikola was about to walk Janet out, and Jacob offered Sam his arm. Then, he looked to the front to see the man who was responsible for her existence.
"Nikola? You think all three of us would make through that door?" Jacob asked. Janet smiled at Jacob as she let go of Nikola's arm and walked down the aisle by herself.
"Come on. We all know you wouldn't be here if there weren't for him," Jacob said, as Sam looked at her dad, surprised by his actions.
"Are you sure about this, Samantha?" Nikola asked.
"Yes!" Sam chuckled happily as she took Nikola's arm too. Helen's eyes twinkled with unshed tears when she saw the trio walking down the aisle.
Jack's eyes wouldn't leave Sam's. Sam wasn't sure what was happening all around her, she only had eyes for Jack. It wasn't until the priest had asked them the question, and Daniel had to shake Jack so he would listen that they came out of their bubble.
"Now, I pronounce you, husband and wife. You might kiss the bride now, General O'Neill."
Jack took a step closer, figuring that her dress would not allow him to go as close as he wanted. Raising his eyebrow, he smiled, and her eyes widened for a second, but before she could complain, Jack had dipped her low and was kissing her senseless. Of that, she would never complain.
There were cheers and claps from the people who knew how much they fought to reach to this point. There were happy tears from the O'Neill's noticing their son was truly happy after all he had been trough. Helen was ecstatic of having managed such a feat.
"Well, allow me to introduce you, General and Colonel O'Neill." The priest grinned.
From the side, confetti popped up, adding more color to the already colorful setting. The couple walked down the aisle, and it was only then when Sam noticed the people on Jack's side and her brother on hers.
"Mark?" she said as she passed by him, and he grinned brightly.
"So, why did we walk out if all of them are over there?" Jack asked as they got to the end of the aisle, only to notice their friends and family remained behind, already chatting loudly among themselves. So they shook their heads amusedly and walked back to the other end.
"Helen," the priest said, touching her shoulder.
"Father Jones," Helen grinned. "It was such a beautiful ceremony."
"Thank you, I've signed the license and left it with, hm, Kate?" Helen nodded. "She said you'll take care of the rest?" he wondered.
"Indeed. I will, thank you, father."
"It was my pleasure. I need to go now."
"Have a nice evening, father."
"Okay, so… Why a priest?" Will asked curiously beside her.
"General O'Neill's family is from a catholic origin. Mine too, but not since my father. I was raised catholic at some point, William." She pecked his cheeks.
"You… A catholic?"
"Well, let's just thank God it will be a long while before I go to hell," she joked.
At the same time, the newlyweds reached Mark and his family.
"Mark, I can't believe you're here!"
"Well, let's say there was a lot of pressure for us to come. But I'm glad we did."
"Mark, this is Jack O'Neill, my husband."
"We already met when we first arrived," Mark said.
"Dad introduced us, Sam," Jack added, embracing her from behind. "Thank you for coming, Mark. I know it means a lot to her."
"Jack!" His mom called, and he flinched.
"Can we catch up later?" Jack asked. "I kinda need to introduce you to some people, Sam."
"Some people?" Sam frowned in confusion, but Jack turned them around and pointed to his family. "Who are they?"
"Come, I'll introduce you." Jack grinned, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Sam, meet my mom Anne O'Neill, my dad Jerome O'Neill. That's my twin sister, Brianna, and that over there is my brother Johnny." Sam blushed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all, Jack has…"
"Not mentioned us at all," Brianna said.
"I did. Right?"
"Yeah, he did."
"Before or after you set the date?" Johnny grinned.
"Well," Sam blushed. "I kinda knew about you all. I dug his information out," she blushed. "But he didn't mention you until a few days ago."
"Don't worry, that's our Jack," Anne said. "Child, are you sure you are old enough to be married to him?"
"Mom!" Jack whined, and Sam chuckled.
"Yes, ma'am. He is only sixteen years older than me," Sam grinned. Brianna's eyes widened.
"Wait, if you are thirty-five… How old was your mother when she had you?" She wondered.
"I was old enough," Helen grinned behind them. "Sorry to interrupt you all, but we need to move our gathering to the venue."
"The venue?" Sam frowned.
"Indeed. So, when you are ready to go, Erika will drive you." Helen said, pointing towards Erika, who waved back.
"Are you sure she is your daughter, and you aren't just toying us around?" Brianna asked.
"Nikola and I have very good genes," Helen grinned. "But I will need to remind you that our parentage cannot be mentioned during the party."
"Yes, why?"
"No one knows I'm adopted back home…." Sam said.
"Oh, of course." They all nodded in agreement before they walked towards Erika.
"Isn't it risky for them to know you are my mom?" Sam asked as Jack walked his family to the car.
"A bit. It's a controlled environment, Samantha." Sam raised her eyebrow at this. "Nikola, Will, Ashley, and I are sitting on their table. Trust me, it won't get more controlled than that. Besides, I'm sure the guests have seen weirder things than me."
"Okay, if you say so. Wait, where are we going?"
"Back to Colorado," Helen grinned. "And them?" Sam asked as she noticed Ashley walking towards the two cars that were already about to leave. "Ashley?"
"Not really, we are taking the long route."
"But how?"
"What if you stop asking, and we start moving?" Helen grinned.
People piled up quickly in the waiting SUVs. In both the Carters and the O'Neill's one, a harmless sedative had them out halfway to the entrance they used.
July 27th, 2005
Minnesota South Entrance.
The convoy of black SUVs entered the farm at almost full speed. Henry took over as the driver for the Carter's SUV. All the vehicles had someone from the Sanctuary behind the wheel. All of them knew how to drive full speed without endangering themselves or their passengers. They got to the underground gate in a little less than an hour when the usual route was of almost two.
"So, what now?" Jack asked as Ashley parked the SUVs in which they were traveling.
"Now, you guys will take the sphere to the Colorado entrance, while I teleport our sleeping ones. No worries, they will be still out by the time we start moving." Ashley grinned as she walked down.
The group made a funny image at that point, waiting on the green grassy side for a gate that made no sense in the open landscape to open for them. There were men in dress blues and dark suits, and women in high heels and elegant gowns all standing around black SUVs that had no relationship with the landscape they were in. If someone were to snap a picture and publish it, it would be one of the weirdest images they could photograph.
Shaking her head at the odd image they made, Ashley started her task of teleporting adults and kids to the other side. She took her time because they should appear to be in the same spot as they were when they fell asleep. By the time she was done, Helen had radioed to let her know they were on their way up.
Soon they were on their way to the venue. As they approached the hotel, Jacob and Erika made sure anything that would be suspicious, including time in watches and cellphones was fixed. They left the antidote for the sedative out in the air, and their passengers woke up.
"Mom, what exactly did you do?" Sam asked from the back seat where she and Jack were.
"Well, I spoke with both of you about your dream weddings. You both seemed a bit conflicted about having to choose between a small one with family and friends, and a big one with all the people from your base. "Thus… We did both. I hope it's all right."
"You what?"
"Mom…" Sam sighed. "You didn't need to. The one we just had was perfect. I even met Jack's family!"
"I know I didn't need to. I wanted to. My only hope is you two are happy in this new adventure you are starting together."
"Holy Hannah! Mom, if I could move enough, I would hug you right now."
"Then save it for later," Helen grinned.
July 27th, 2005
The Cliff House, Colorado Springs.
The staff of The Cliff House was ecstatic when they got the news that they would be celebrating another party under the Bancroft family orders. All of them had the memories of the party they had back in February burned in them forever. Lovely guests and excellent tips that each had received had been greatly appreciated.
The hotel ballroom wasn't big enough for the number of people that would be involved. The hotel itself was completely booked for the same party. A few days early, someone had sent people to set up tents around the place.
It wasn't like anything the staff had seen before. The tents were complete with AC units. Once those were settled, a horde of people arrived to start the complicated process of decorating the considerable space. Tables and Tiffany chairs were rolled down and set up. The day before the party, the space was filled with green plants and lights.
Finally, earlier that day, the green was filled with white flowers that included roses, orchids, and tulips. Tables were set with black tablecloths covered with white ones. They placed golden under plates along with silverware and what many would consider a glass too many. They accommodated centerpieces along with small candles that would give an extra touch.
People were already filling the tents, and there were only a few tables that remained empty. The ones that belonged to the guests of the previous ceremony. Silence fell when they spotted General Hammond, Teal'c, and Daniel, along with Janet and Cassie. Behind them, a group of people they didn't know also entered and found their seats.
Helen and Will had remained behind. She took the chance to get them to sign the license that she in the glove compartment. And then the foursome walked to the party.
They stopped at the entrance, and Helen smiled.
"Go ahead. It's your party." She said. Jack offered Sam his hand, and they walked in. From somewhere in the room, someone announced.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you, General and Colonel O'Neill." The room erupted in cheers that surprised both Jack's family as much as Mark's family. "General and Colonel O'Neill will delight us with their first dance." The voice announced.
Spotlights turned on, showing them a dancefloor. Once Sam was secured on Jack's arms, and they started swaying. A mix of petals and pale confetti fell from the ceiling, and Sam laughed at it. Jack couldn't help himself and kissed her, which only brought even more cheers out of the people who were waiting for years to see that happening.
Jack's parents were the first to retire for the night, not before they get to know Sam a little better and having her promise they would visit soon. Mark was the next one. The kids were already asleep in their places. He kissed Sam's cheek and wished her a life of happiness.
Soon, all those who remained were the ones that mattered the most. Helen and Will, along with Sam and Jack, were dancing to a slow piece of music. Nikola had taken Janet to the dance floor and was making her laugh with his antics. Daniel had Cassie. While Jacob and Teal'c observed the picture displayed in front of them.
"This was a good day, huh, Teal'c?"
"Indeed."
Soon, Cassie dragged Teal'c to the dance floor, while Daniel danced with Sam. Jack took the chance to rest, sitting by Jacob.
"Dad…" Jack grinned, grabbing a glass of wine that one of the poor waiters was still serving around. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"You know, Jack… I was so scared of Sam finding out she wasn't my daughter, and now I can't think of any day I've seen her happier in my life."
Jack followed Jacob's line of sight and smiled. Sam was now dancing with Nikola. Daniel looked terrified as Helen took the lead. While Will was the one dancing with Cassie and Teal'c had ended up half bent with Janet in his arms.
"It's a good time to be alive, Jacob."
"The best one."
"Then… What is it?"
"I just wondering where do I fit now…" Jacob confessed.
"You fit in however way you want to fit, Jacob." Jack grinned. "I used to be terrified of the Doc. I treated her, her family, her friends and all she represented awfully. She never took it out on me, she simply smiled and allowed me to find my way. She won't kick you out of Sam's life, Jacob."
"I sure hope she won't."
"She won't. Trust me. Heck, that woman went completely out of her way to get my parents here. To get Mark here. You think she would do that if she didn't want you guys around?" Jack asked, but they stopped talking as Helen approached them.
"You think I could dance with the father of the bride?" Helen grinned, and Jacob felt he could fit.
"Sure thing, ma'am. But I take the lead," Jacob grinned.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Helen grinned.
Sam plopped herself over Jack's lap then, and he huffed at the added weight. She laughed and kissed him.
"So, what's going on?"
"Nothing that can't be solved, honey."
Soon they are all seated around a table, decorations were half gone by then, and the background sounds belonged to people taking things apart.
"So you're going to Las Vegas?" Cassie asked.
"Yup."
"And you to DC?"
"That's right."
"And when are you seeing each other?" She asked in dismay. Nikola chuckled.
"Well, since Helen took her time to organize all of this. I took my time to arrange your gift," Nikola grinned.
"You mean more than this?"
"Of course!"
"We know that if someone could make this marriage work without any intervention, it would be the two of you," Helen smiled.
"But?" Jack inquired.
"We also agreed that we have the means to avoid it." Nikola shrugged.
"I don't think I am following," Janet said.
"That's because you've never seen it, Doctor. They have." Helen grinned.
"What have we seen?"
"The transport bay?" Sam asked with widened eyes.
"Exactly. I knew she took after me," Nikola grinned proudly. "The one in your house is already set, Samantha. We only need the General to confirm his address so we can set it."
"I thought it was limited range." Sam frowned.
"What is the transport bay?" Daniel asked.
"It's like their version of the rings. More similar to the Asgard beam. What about the range?" Sam said, all at once.
"Well, we've managed to set it up in a way that will work between the top and the hollow Earth. You will need to take the spheres and maybe the rails to get to each other, though."
"Until we can come up with a better plan, at least," Helen grinned. "Once we set the transport bays, it will be around twenty minutes for you to reach the underground cabin."
"We are still working on a version that will allow direct transport from a pre-defined origin."
"Wait, you mean to tell us you have something similar to the Asgard beam that you want to make work like the gate does?" Daniel asked.
"That seems to be the plan," Will grinned.
"It might take a while," Helen added.
"Twenty minutes till the cabin, you said?" Jack asked.
"Give it or take, yes."
"Mom! That's twenty minutes less than our usual commute!"
"Is it?" Helen asked. "Well, I guess it's not as bad as we thought it was, Niko."
"But we can always improve it," he grinned, taking a sip of his wine.
"It's almost five am, what do you all say if we call it a night?"
They walked out of the tents and towards the front-desk where they waited to get the keys of rented rooms. Sam stood behind, standing next to her mom.
"Mom, with all of these emotions. I'm not sure I can sleep," Sam whispered. Helen raised her eyes and found Will's, she smiled.
"Honey, you are wearing a garter belt on your wedding night. I'm sure you won't sleep at all," Helen grinned mischievously. Then Will raised his hand, showing her the key. "Good night, Samantha. Have fun," she winked before she walked towards Will.
Jack turned around then, only to find that Sam was blushing and looking at him with darkened eyes. He wondered what had happened since the moment he turned around to ask for the key and then. He walked to her, and she grinned.
"Ready for sleep?" Jack asked, looking at her.
"No."
"Want to go for a walk?" He offered.
"No." She grinned
"Care to share what you are thinking?" He smiled.
"I think that you look sinfully good in your dress blues, and I can't wait to get to our room."
"Sinfully good, huh?"
"Yes, sir!"
July 28th, 2005
The Cliff House, Colorado Springs.
Helen stretched in bed with a lazy smile on her face. Will brought her body close again and placed a kiss over her shoulder.
"I have to add July 27th as the longest day we had," he sighed contently. "Especially when it seems it hasn't ended yet."
"William, you knew the moment I locked eyes with you downstairs that we wouldn't be sleeping at all. I don't remember you complaining about it before." Helen grinned.
"Well, you do present a rather gorgeous incentive to keep awake, darling." She laughed. "Where are you going?"
"To the shower. Breakfast should be ready by now and I'm quite sure the O'Neill's will be there since I believe they hadn't had the pleasure of sharing such a strenuous night with you." She said over her shoulder as she walked towards the bathroom.
"Are you coming, William?"
Will rushed to the bathroom, following her like a lost puppy. "I'm totally whipped," he sighed the moment he entered the room.
"And is that a troublesome for you?" She smirked.
"Not at all…" He whispered before he kissed her, and they got lost in each other once more.