Sam woke still kind of groggy and wondered if it had been all a dream. No, not just the night in Jack's arms but the whole marooned on a distant planet thing. But no, there she was naked and pressed against him and she could feel him stir. He usually got out early on these hot days, before the sun seared everything in its path, before the dump reeked with the stench of rot and decay. He took her hand and held it above her heart while letting his fingers trail softly in the valley between her breasts. It was still cool and lying together was so comfortable.
"What do you say we make this permanent."
"You want to stay here? Have you lost your mind? Don't you want to go home?"
Her voice rose as did she.
He pulled her back down into him arms.
"No, that's not what I meant. What do you say to us getting married?"
Now she was sure he had a screw or two loose.
"Hand me the phone, I'll call the caterers."
"Wise ass. I mean just the two of us, now." His voice was deep and serious and it scared her a little.
"You mean as in 'for better of for worst'."
"Yeah. I need you to know, Sam, that I don't need you."
He felt her stiffen.
"Shit, I've fucked it up already. What I'm trying to say is that I've manager to live on my own and can continue to do so…but I don't want to. I want you in my life. And I'm not just talking about here. And yeah, for better or for worst, although I think we did that part and might have to do it again. I think in this deal I'll get the better and you'll get the worst."
"For richer or for poorer" she said, her voice a little quizzical, still not sure he was serious.
"Everything I have is yours, Sam, everything."
"In sickness and in health" Sam found tears welling up thinking of the times he had moved heaven and earth to find her and then sit with her till she awoke and knew that she was safe. She had done the same for him.
"Forsaking all others" he said softly but firmly. She tried to stifle a sob
"I'm sorry… it was all my fault." He said while his thumb stroked and caressed her cheek.
"Love, honor, cherish" were whispered against her temple as he slid his arms around her.
"Till death…" she continued.
"No." Jack said.
"No… stronger than death." He said to her as he rocked her in his arms.
"Stronger than death." This he knew for a certainty.
She knew that he loved her but feared, that when or if they returned, everything would fall apart.