Going into this chapter I thought, it would be longer, but it wrote itself. This is the last chapter. I will have an epilogue. Also, just as a fun fact, the fireworks show described started back in 2003 and went until 2017 its the only fireworks show I've ever seen at Disney, will not count my most recent experience as it was a nightmare of walking around in a circle for 10 minutes to view the last 5 minutes of it... I want to thank many of you who have written reviews and followed and favorite any of my stories. If you missed it, I recently did a one-shot "The way it could have been." It's surprisingly NOT Jack/Sam, but if you'd like to take a look. I will be working on a Law and Order SVU fic for a while, but I am sure another SG-1 story will come to me soon enough. If there are ANY loose ends, you notice let me know, and I will be sure to add something into the Epilogue. Thanks again.
When the guys got back later that night, Deb and Sam laughed as they brought back specialty donuts and cupcakes. Sam didn't think this was why the guys went out, but maybe Jack needed time to tell the guys, and she had already told Deb. Deb was trying to be supportive no matter what Sam said and helped her with a pros and cons list of each outcome. Sam's biggest fear was marrying Jack O'Neil to find out they couldn't work it out after all this time. But Deb brought up pretty good arguments along the way. She mentioned the fact that they already had trusted each other, they worked well with each other. They both had admitted to their feeling of one another numerous times. They've seen each other together in alternate universes. They have always cared for each other. The more Deb talked, the more Sam had eased into the idea of marrying him. She barely confessed to herself that she had thought about a lot. She wouldn't let Deb know that, though.
When they finally went in for the night, Jack looked stared into Sam's eyes and kissed her lips. She sighed in the contentment of it all.
"I'm so sorry." the words fell out of his lips again, but this time Sam had enough time to find the right words.
"I know, I know that this was you're way of protecting me, protecting us, and I know you didn't mean to leave me in the dark, but damn it, Jack, you should have told me day one that marrying you was going to be part of the deal if we wanted this to work!" Sam explained.
"I know, but I didn't want to ruin it before it has even begun, and for that, I was selfish bastard," Jack admitted.
Sam smiled.
"You know, I don't know how I would have handled it being on the other side, but I understand wanting to at least try to see where it was going before you flat out would tell me no," Sam stated.
"Really?" Jack asks.
"Indeed," Sam says, imitating Teal'c.
Jack smiles and holds her tight, feeling a little bit better about the plan he, Daniel, and Teal'c had come up with.
With that, the two of them go ready for bed, knowing tomorrow was their last full day in Orlando, their last full day together, for at least a week, and this rocky start to the relationship was only going to leave doubt in both of their minds something Jack didn't want. He fell asleep fitfully as Sam held on to him. Jack was just hoping that everything would be okay.
The following day, with hardly any sleep, Jack wakes up to his heart beating fast in his chest, looking at the clock and calculating how much time he had with Sam, how much time until fireworks at Magic Kingdom, how much time until they boarded the plane home. Time, he didn't think about it much after Charlie had died, no reason too, really, but now that was all he could think about, and for the first time in a long time, it mattered.
Jack hadn't been suicidal not for a long time, and the Stargate gave him a new meaning for life, but he thought for a long time it wouldn't matter if he died, just another statistic. As time went on, he learned he loved his group and loved SG-1 more than he thought he would. He was close to many men throughout his time in the service, and some of the best men he ever knew died, luckily none under his command, but it didn't make it hurt any less. He knew every time walking through the gate was a risk, but over the years, he had tried to negate the risk as much as possible. Now with Sam, he didn't want the chance at all, but he knew Sam got a rush just by going out, and he would never pull her away from what she loved. He wanted more than anything to protect, but they had the most dangerous job on the planet.
Jack wasn't sure if loving Samantha Carter was a blessing or a curse, considering the amount of trouble they found themselves in.
Jack looked over at Sam bright-eyed and moving along quickly, already making her way to the bathroom before Jack could even consider moving out from under the covers.
The group had made their way over to Magic Kingdom early for Breakfast at the Crystal Palace. Teal'c filled up on Mickey pancakes, and the group had discussed everything they had to do on their last day at Disney World.
The first go-around of Magic Kingdom let them do most of what they wanted, so they decided to revisit their favorite rides, take a trip on the train station and get as many pictures as possible to commemorate the occasion.
Sam looked at the castle in awe; there was something different about this place, and although when first planning out the trip to "The Happiest Place On Earth." she didn't believe in the saying, she was coming to realize why so many people held Disney World so close to their heart. She felt different here, more accessible. She was able to play like a kid again, and she was able to watch children and adults alike fill with glee when visiting their favorite characters or riding their favorite rides. It was amazing to see everyone interacting happily with one another. It reminded her that getting out of your element leads you back to yourself, and she was grateful for it.
Sam wasn't sure she would ever be back to Disney World, not that she didn't enjoy her time, but this break was a rare one, and soon enough, she and the rest of her team would be back at work, fighting the good fight trying to save all these people who enjoy their time on Earth. She shook her head out of the hole it was digging of the 1000 things she'd have to do once she got home. They watch the morning parade and then stand in line at Space Mountain. The whole group decided to make fake shocked expressions as they went down the steep hill. They take the train around the park, surprised that it's more than just a mode of transportation and a ride itself, talking about dinosaurs and US history. Talking about the history of Disney, and then talking about each stop and all its attractions. When they made a complete loop around, they had been hungry for lunch, and Daniel insisted on getting Dole Whips. Although not a lunch, they found that getting the large frozen pineapple to treat was more than enough to keep them going before finding another snack to munch on.
The day had been filled with finding photographers getting pictures together in front of the castle and show of the Haunted Mansion. They rode the ride and got the picture of the ghost hitching a ride out with them. They decided against Splash Mountain but did stand in line for Peterpan's flight. The older rides seemed to bring out the kid in all of them, and they were enjoying their time, but as it always seems, the darkness of night was approaching, the park was closing early because of the time of year it was. The fireworks that night technically started as the park closed. It was 9 pm, and the whole group was happy, but knowing their time was ending, they allowed the exhaustion from a week of running around in the sun to sink in. Jack had found them a perfect place for watching fireworks. The group had stood there a while before the fireworks began.
Sam didn't notice Daniel wander off as the lights dimmed for the presentation.
The voice rang out throughout the park, Tinkerbell came down on a wire starting the show, and the castle turned beautiful colors. The narration was beautiful, just like the last time she heard, but this time she felt the words about wishing upon a star and making your dreams come true. She had wanted to on countless stars before going to them. She looked around at all the people. A song started, and the castle came to life. Jack was holding her hand. As the second part of the show, the fireworks portion began, Jack got down on one knee.
Sam looked at him confused, and Sam asks if he is alright.
She noticed a flash of a photography light go off, and Jack smiled.
"It depends on you. Samantha Carter, I wished for a lot that I couldn't have, and I thought for sure this time would never come to be. I thought for so long that we would just be at a distance. You have shown me so much this past year and opened my eyes to just how much I love you. Samantha Carter, will you do me the honor of marrying me?" Jack asks.
Sam smiled at him pulled him a little too quickly, causing the man to be dizzy.
"I thought this day would never come, but now it's right here in front of me. Of course, Jack, I'll marry you. I love you too." Sam stated.
Teal'c clapped, Daniel screamed for joy, and Deb whistled out as some other spectators clapped.
Jack gave Sam a ring that, with the help of Daniel and Teal'c, they found last night after going to the 3rd store. The diamond was oddly shaped and flat but so faceted it made the stone look a lot bigger than it was. It didn't stick out and would be perfect when she was working. It wouldn't get snagged on anything.
Sam looked down the ring, she had once worn another round on that hand, and suddenly that didn't feel like too long ago. She hoped that this marriage followed through, that in 6 weeks, they wouldn't have doubts. Jack O'Neill was her hold out, and she had gotten her to wish. The Fireworks were blasting overhead, but she wasn't looking at them, only at her soon-to-be husband, Jack O'Neill. Her heart fluttered, her hand felt heavy, and she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. This was right, and this was everything she could ever imagine. She had forgotten about the photographer who had been taking pictures the whole time. They said congratulations and gave them a code to use to get their pictures online.
Sam finally looked up at the sky as the firework finally started. Jack had his arms wrapped around Sam, and they both made wishes that they'd never let go.
The End.
As I said, there will be one more chapter thanks again for your kind words.
