A/N: Thank you guys so much for your constant reviews. I really appreciate them. After this chapter the story's going to be taking a ... rather different direction, but I'm going to be ending it when the Stargate comes into play - I'm not going to be going very much after that, except for my great idea for an epilogue. Okay, I think I've shared enough of my plan with you guys.

"I want to get married on New Year's Day," Sam said, seemingly out of the blue the next day as she sat with her legs crossed on Jack's bed in his room, helping him choose his outfit for the church services later that day. She was admiring how her new engagement ring sparkled on her hand.

Jack stuck his head out from the closet, looking rather confused, "What?"

Sam smiled, "I know you heard me, Jack. I want to get married next week."

"Sam," he started, coming fully out of his closet still only half dressed. He knelt in front of her, "We can't get married next week."

She stopped him before he could continue, "Why not? It could take us a total of two days to get the blood tests done and the marriage certificate. I don't want a big ceremony, Jack. That's not what matters."

Jack hadn't wanted a big ceremony either … but they couldn't get married right then. But, then again, he knew by now that he was wrapped around Sam's finger and whatever Sam wanted, Sam was going to get. "What matters, then, Sam?"

She brought him close for a kiss before pulling back to say, "That I love you. That's what matters."

Jack smirked at her, "So it doesn't matter that I love you, too?"

She cocked her head to one side before saying, "Yeah, that matters, too."

Jack slumped against Sam's legs, "Honey…if we get married we won't get into the Academy. It's in the regs that you can't be married or have children when you enter."

Sam kissed him again, "We don't need to get married this New Year's Day, silly…just one in the future." She took his face in her hands, making him make eye contact with her, "You don't have to give up your dream for me, Jack. You can be whatever you want to be. I won't hold you back."

Their next kiss was even more passionate than the previous ones, resulting in Jack finally pulling away and saying, "I want to be your husband, Sam. Nothing else matters."

Sam scrunched her face in a frown, "What about the Air Force?"

"Dreams change."

She looked at him dreamily, "I can still have my dreams come true without the Air Force, but I want you to be happy, too, Jack. We can wait."

Now it was Jack's turn to shake his head, but Sam put a finger to his lips to stop the onslaught of protests, "Jack, it's what I want. I want you to have a full military career. I want to be by your side every step of the way."

"What about your career?"

Sam shook her head, "I don't want a six year engagement, Jack. Four years is long enough to wait. I can go to any university I want to – as long as their physics department is top quality."

Jack grinned, pulling her down for a kiss again.

William gave their minister a small piece of paper before services, with a grin. Mr. Collins looked at the paper, read what it said with a smile then passed it on to the deacon in charge of announcements that day.

Mr. Spears stood at the pulpit, looking down with a smile at the O'Neill family and their soon to be daughter-in-law. "I have a special announcement today, from General and Mrs. O'Neill. They are both proud to announce the engagement of their son, Jonathan, to his girlfriend, Samantha Carter."

Sam shot a glare at William as there was a slight buzz of mumbling about the good and surprising news. "Samantha?" she mouthed. The General just shrugged, his attention reverting back to the pulpit.

Sam looked again at the list of colleges and the degrees they offered before her. It was impossible! There HAD to be at least ONE college other than the Academy that allowed her to get a Ph.D. in theoretical astrophysics in the state of Colorado! The closest thing she could find was the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs – it offered a Ph.D. in engineering. She didn't want to be an engineer, she wanted to be a theoretical astrophysicist and spout off words that no one, save about fifty people in the U.S., knew what they meant.

With a growl she closed the large index and went in search of Jack, hoping to find him talking with her father or brother. She needed to tell them all.

She was right on; all three of her 'men' were watching a hockey game on TV when she walked into the living room. "Jack? I need to talk to you," she said softly, getting his attention from the game.

"What is it?" he asked, walking with her into the freezing back yard.

"I want to go to the Academy after high school." Her voice was hesitant and firm at the same time, containing fear and longing.

He was silent for only a moment, making Sam re-think her goal. Maybe he wanted to start a family right away after he got out of the Academy? Maybe six years was too long for him to wait?

"I guess we should tell them we set a date, then," Jack finally said, easing all the fears Sam had floating around in her mind.

"You're not mad?" Sam whispered, elation and terror flowing through her veins.

Jack's kiss and warm embrace were his response. "I could never be mad at you," he said as he held her close, watching the snow fall in light, feathery flakes of cold. "I love you, Sam. I'll support whatever you want to do."

"I love you, too."

Belle watched them from the dining room table where she was coloring with her mother. She thought they were like a fairy tale: Aunt Sam was a princess in need of rescuing, and Mr. Jack was her knight in shining armor come to take her away to their own happily ever after. Her young mind thought of all the babies they would have for her to play with and help take care of, like Auntie Sam took care of her.

A/N: Well, I hope you guys will stay with me after this chapter - I HAVE A PLAN! But I'm in theatre so I've learned years ago to show, not tell...so you'll have to wait until I update again to find out more. I would like to hear your opinions, though.