A/N: Because I'm devoting tomorrow to writing, not posting.

Sam fingered the knee length dress she wore. It was one of three that were suitable for church, and the one with the highest neckline. Sam looked at herself in the mirror, a new, blaring red scar visible beside her left breast. She would always bear the mark of what Carrie had done to her – physically and mentally.

The shrink she'd been spending time with wasn't helping her that much. All she did was look at Sam and try and get her to open up. How the hell was she supposed to open up about something she knew very little about?

Sure, she knew Carrie's motives now, but that didn't change the fact that she didn't know Carrie's logic in coming up with her murderous plans. Everything was about logic for Sam – it had to be. Ever since Belle was dropped off at their house and Pamela died days later, Sam had to just let go of her emotions and focus on logic. That was the only reason she'd survived the events. She'd been going on autopilot for years.

There was a knock on her door and Sam turned as Belle walked in. "Mr. Jack's here," the little girl said blankly.

Sam motioned for her to come closer and enveloped her in a hug, "How are you, Belle?"

The little girl shrugged, "Grandpa says that I don't have to go with Daddy and Mommy, but I don't want to miss them again."

Sam sighed, "What do you want to do, Belle?"

The little girl looked down, "I want to stay with Mommy and Daddy … and I don't want to leave you and Grandpa."

Her aunt smiled at her warmly, "Everything will be fine, Belle. Sometimes we don't always get what we want, but in the end everything will be fine."

Mark looked at the young man dressed in a suit with a harsh gaze. "So, you and my sister, huh?"

Jack raised his eyebrows in an overly obvious manner, "Yep."

"How old are you?" Mark leaned forward, ignoring the glares both his wife and father were sending his way.

"Eighteen," Jack said, his face blank and his gaze steady. He revealed none of the anxiety he felt, but just took it all in stride. The weight of the sling his left arm was in still weighed heavily on him, but the young man didn't let that deter him from his objective of winning this battle of wills.

Mark raised his eyebrows, "What are your intentions toward my sister?"

Jack looked back at the older man, half of him wanting to say something really outrageous while the rest of him wanted to say the truth. "Colonel Carter, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"After you answer my son's question," Jacob said, wanting to hear the answer more than Mark and Dee did.

Jack's chocolate brown eyes met Jacob's; "Strictly honorable, Colonel. I would never do anything to hurt Sam or her reputation."

Jacob searched Jack's eyes, trying to find if there was any falseness in what he said. Jacob found none. With a nod, he said, "Alright, let's go. We'll talk in the study."

With the study door closed, Jacob waited for Jack to begin the conversation. Instead of talking, Jack pulled something out of his suit jacket pocket: it was an engagement ring.

Jacob looked down at it, then back up at the hopeful/fearful expression on Jack's face. "When are you going to ask her?"

"I was hoping to get your permission first, Colonel," Jack asked, his eyes flickering up to Jacob before resting again on the band.

Jacob sat on the edge of his desk, his eyes never leaving Jack's face, "Are you going to tell her how we met?" He asked, thinking back to his first day when he'd come across a group of young men trying to break into a building. Jacob had successfully stopped their attempt, but he had been shocked beyond belief to see one of the young men appear in his house with his daughter only a week and a half later.

Jack nodded, "I'm going to tell her about the gang. Sir, I want you to know that I'm not a part of that anymore. Ever since Sam and I started … I couldn't be a part of it anymore."

Jacob found no lie in Jack's face and he nodded, once, "Tell her. If you tell her about what happened, then you not only have my permission but my blessing. She's happy with you, Jack. Don't screw that up, son."

Jack put the ring back in his pocket, "I don't intend to, sir."

"Call me Dad."

A small smile played on Jack's face, "Thanks … Dad."

All throughout the service Sam sat between Jack and Priscilla in the pew, not really listening to the minister's sermon, but trying to appear like Jack's close proximity did not do what it was doing to her heartbeat. Her dress was a plain, gray button up, that fit her perfectly and went perfectly with the black pumps she was wearing.

Jack was convinced that with her hair up in that barrette she looked like a goddess, but when he told her so she just blushed and said he was exaggerating. He was positive that he wasn't.

Finally, the congregation rose to sing the last hymn and hear the closing prayer. Helen turned to Sam and smiled warmly, "Are you staying for dinner, Sam?" She and William knew of Jack's intentions toward Sam and were doing their part in the little scheme.

Sam smiled back, her chest beginning to feel tight and she knew it was past time for her medications, but considering they were in her purse, she thought she could spare a few more hours with the family. "Sure, Helen, I'd love to."

William grinned at Sam before turning to his son, "Good. That's good. Come on, campers! Let's get a move on before Mr. and Mrs. Salling decide to kidnap Sam from us!"

Jack drew in a deep breath as his family left the hall and began the drive home, Priscilla opting to ride with Joel, Jack and Sam to keep the young woman company and 'safe from the yucky boys'.

A/N: So? Did I earn any pennies and dimes and nickles?