"Nervous?" Daniel grinned at him.
Jack glared at the same time as he pulled his collar for the tenth time. How come it had gotten smaller? It must have shrunk in the wash. "No", he answered shortly. "Why would I be?"
"Oh I don't know. Maybe because you're getting married in about half an hour to the woman you've secretly been in love with for years."
He glared again. "I wasn't."
"Yes you were O'Neill. We were all aware of your feelings for Samantha Carter for some time."
Now his glare was turned to Teal'c – the traitor. "Okay fine – but -"
"But what Jack?" Daniel grinned even more widely, enjoying the fact that Jack – who was the bravest man he knew, except maybe for Teal'c – looked scared to death.
"I'm not nervous."
"Of course you're not. You're just-"
"Frightened", Teal'c contributed. "It is natural for a bride groom to be frightened before his nuptials", Teal'c explained. "His life is about to change and will never be the same. He now has another person for whom he is responsible – not just her life, but her soul as well. He knows that a relationship is difficult at best, and maintaining one while in a position of much authority will take much work and fortitude."
Jack was staring at Teal'c, unblinking. Where he'd been nervous before – now – oh God, his DAMN COLLAR WAS STRANGLING HIM!
"Uh Teal'c – I don't think that helped." Daniel was no longer smiling, but was looking at his friend with worry on his face. "Uh – are you okay Jack?"
Jack closed his eyes and took some deep breaths. Sam was strong and competent and didn't need him to look after her, he told himself. He wasn't going to screw this up – not like he'd done with Sara. But Teal'c was right, a relationship was difficult and he and Sam had tough jobs and they lived a long way apart and – hell – maybe he'd made a mistake. He should have left things as they were and not tried to be together. It could only end in disaster.
"O'Neill?"
He opened his eyes to see his two friends directly in front of him, worried looks on their faces.
"I am sorry", Teal'c told him softly. "I did not mean to upset you. You and Samantha Carter are soul mates – you will bring one another much joy and contentment, of that I have no doubt."
"Yeah Jack – we're just teasing you know. We're all happy for you and we know you're doing the right thing. You two belong together."
"I – she's – god, what was I thinking?" Jack said, putting his hands through his hair. "She can do a million times better than me."
"Don't be ridiculous", his friend told him. "You're perfect for one another. You balance each other. Both of you are military and like –" Daniel waved his arms around "military stuff – I mean you think that way. But you're also really good for her."
"Good for her?" Jack looked at him askance. "How? She's way smarter than me, she's younger and gorgeous and she has half the men in the universe salivating all over her – and most of them are way smarter than me."
"You make her laugh", was all Daniel said, as if that was enough.
… and maybe it was. Jack suddenly remembered many of the times, when things got really bad, that he had made her laugh – or giggle, his favorite. He knew she could get so involved in her work that she'd forget to come up for air, unless he made her. He thought of that look she got – which he was positive was for him alone – that combination of affection, attraction and – okay, so maybe it was irritation – but it was directed solely at him. And then there was her smile, and her laugh and her eyes – which looked at him with deep intensity. And he couldn't forget the many things she did to him – and for him when they were in bed – whoa! Stop that Jack or you're really going to embarrass yourself.
He sighed. "You really think this is the right thing to do?" he asked his friends.
"Yes", they both answered in unison. "And you know us Jack – if we didn't we'd let you know."
There was that of course. Daniel at least would tell him to his face if he was being an idiot. Teal'c would raise his eyebrow – hey, come to think of it he hadn't seen the eyebrow in a while. He glanced as the Jaffa, and almost laughed when the eyebrow immediately went up. So okay – he was being an idiot now.
He sighed again. "I know – I'm being an idiot but -"
"But she's special and you suddenly doubt that you deserve her." As he often did, Daniel hit the nail on the head.
"Yeah", he answered softly.
"Well, I can tell you that right now she's probably thinking exactly the same thing!"
"What? That she's special and I don't deserve her?"
Daniel rolled his eyes. "No Jack – you know damn well what I mean. She adores you – she always has and really, you know her better than anyone. Do you really doubt that she's regretting this – or that she will regret this? If I know you, I figure you're determined to make sure she never does regret marrying you. I predict a very long, happy marriage for the O'Neills."
"I do as well", Teal'c added, nodding sagely. "I also believe that you will be blessed with beautiful children who will enrich your lives greatly."
"Either that or kill me!" But this time Jack was grinning. His collar no longer felt as if it were strangling him and his heart had slowed to a more normal pace. He was surprised at himself – and a little ashamed – to have experienced a panic attack. Up until that moment he'd been nothing but happy and excited. Why it would have hit now he didn't know. Oh well – better now than at the altar!
Teal'c and Daniel looked at one another, still concerned over their friend. They had rarely, if ever, seen him in that state and it surprised them both. "You okay now?" Daniel check in with his friend.
"Yeah – thanks" the General nodded. He slapped both men on their backs. "I'm fine – don't know what got into me."
"Oh – pre-marriage jitters", Daniel laughed. "Just like all those sweet young virgins used to get. Hey – maybe that's it", he teased. "He's scared of his wedding night! Well don't worry Jack – remember, just lie there and think of mother England!"
Teal'c was frowning. "I do not believe that to be the reason Daniel Jackson. The fact that Samantha is pregnant with O'Neill's child precludes the possibility that O'Neill will be a virgin on his wedding night. Besides that-"
"Okay, okay Teal'c", Jack interrupted, not sure whether to laugh or to be embarrassed or insulted. "I think Daniel was teasing." It was only when Teal'c turned to look at him that Jack did laugh. "Teal'c, you fraud you – you were pulling my leg."
"I don't know about that O'Neill, but I assure you – I never doubted for a moment that you were no virgin."
"Yeah well, let's change the subject okay? I think my sex life is not something I really want to be discussing with you two and especially not just before my wedding."
"No – I believe you should leave that conversation for Samantha, after the wedding", Teal'c nodded.
Daniel choked back a laugh at Jack's pained expression. At least now the man wasn't terrified so he and Teal'c had done their job. "That's good", he added, "Because I really didn't want to have to give him the 'facts of life' talk."
"Will you two – stop!" Jack laughed. "And I'm sure your 'talk' would be most interesting. If I know you Daniel, I'd end up hearing about the mating habits of the ancient kumquats or something. Now come on – it's time to get to the chapel."
It was as they were leaving the hotel room that Jack heard Daniel mutter 'kumquats! They're a fruit Jack!"
He was suddenly totally calm. From the doubts and terror of a few minutes ago, to the calm and surety of now felt like he'd moved into a totally new universe. Or maybe – and here he smiled – to an alternate reality. That thought made him remember their meetings with a couple of those realities – and the fact that he and Sam had been together in those as well. Maybe there were cosmic truths. They were clearly meant to be together – so this was the right thing to do. He hadn't really doubted it – or only for a brief moment – no, this was definitely the right thing to do.
He looked at the few people sitting in the pews in the tiny chapel in Vegas: George Hammond, Hank, Mark and his family and Walter. He grinned. How could they not invite the faithful Sergeant? Mind you, he'd threatened the man with all sorts of hideous consequences if any of this got out – or was used to solve some kind of SGC bet.
He then thought of the people who were missing; first of course was his son. Although if his son were alive, he probably wouldn't be here, which gave him a strange, and not very pleasant feeling in his gut. He quickly moved on, not wanting to examine that one in any depth. Next he thought of his own family – his parents, gone for many years, his sister Margaret – someone he'd lost touch with years ago. He wondered if he should try and find her. Then there was Janet – his little power-monger. He missed her terribly and knew there'd always be a hole in his heart for her. He also knew Sam felt the same. There were others of course; Kawalski – who'd been best man at his first wedding, Cromwell – he no longer felt bitterness towards his former friend, just regret that he'd never had the chance to tell the man he forgave him. There were many other men and women who he'd lost – but he put them away for now.
There were others, still alive, who would be disappointed not to be here, but Jack and Sam decided that they'd have a reception and invite those people. For now – this was just for the few who were closest to them. Now was a time for joy, not for sadness. He spared one quick thought for his son, hoping that if Charlie was aware somewhere, whether in heaven or someplace else, that he'd be happy for him. With that he turned his attention to the door leading into the chapel. The music has started and soon he'd see the love of his life.
Sam's niece came in first, dressed in a pale yellow dress, holding a small bouquet of white flowers. She was followed almost immediately by Cassie, the young woman also dressed in yellow and looking mature and beautiful. Jack realized he'd have to keep a closer eye on his adopted daughter. The young men were going to be swarming!
Finally – the person he'd been waiting for for years. His breath hitched and he only stopped breathing when he felt Daniel's hand on his back. She was – more than he deserved.
It was Daniel's elbow in his ribs that made him close his mouth – and smile. How could he have been so lucky as to have this woman love him? She was simply – beautiful. The two bridesmaids stepped aside and suddenly she was here – in front of him, looking serene and beautiful and - happy. He reached out blindly and took her hand and pulled her forward. He wanted nothing so much as to lean forward and kiss her.
Again it was Daniel who managed to pull him back – to the delight of the guests. Jack gave a sheepish grin and stood beside her, her hand in his. The minister began to speak.
It was all over so quickly he barely registered what had happened. All he knew was that they were married – he had finally done it. He was married to Samantha Carter – genius, soldier and national treasure – and she was his! Damn it – he'd just won the lottery!
"I love you", she whispered as the minister continued to speak a few final words.
"You may kiss the bride" the man said – and Jack did.
When he finally came up for air, the minister, who was laughing openly, introduced them.
"Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill."
Their guests clapped and stood – and suddenly there were hugs and congratulations all around. Jack could barely speak – he still couldn't believe that she'd married him. He – Jack O'Neill – major screw up, ex black ops – with more secrets and crap in his life than anyone could imagine – he'd won the most beautiful woman in the galaxy as his!
"You okay?" she whispered worriedly. So far he hadn't spoken, except to say his vows.
"Oh yeah", he answered simply, a grin suddenly appearing on his face. "More than okay."
"You're quiet", she commented, relieved that he was happy.
"Just thinkin'", he told her.
"You? Thinking? What about?" she grinned back.
"Uh uh, no sarcasm Mrs. O'Neill", he told her. "I was thinking that I'm the luckiest man in the whole world and that I can't believe you actually married me."
"Really?" she smiled even more broadly. "That's exactly what I was thinking."
He feigned surprise. "That you can't believe you married me?"
She laughed. "No you idiot – that I can't believe you married me?"
This time he didn't have to feign surprise. "What? Why would you possibly think that?"
"Because – you're a national – heck, a galactic hero. You could have any woman you wanted and instead you chose me."
"You two are crazy, do you know that?" Daniel had sneaked up beside them, with Teal'c on their other side. "You deserve each other – and you love each other. Can't you just accept that?"
Jack pulled back slightly from his wife and regarded her carefully – while she did the same. "You know, I think Danny has something there."
"And I think you might be right. Let's just agree that we both got very lucky and leave it at that."
"Thank God!" Daniel muttered.
"Indeed", repeated Teal'c.
They all went to dinner after the ceremony at a lovely Italian restaurant. Sam had arranged a private room for them all and it was lovely. There was also some music to dance to for a short while, which topped the day off perfectly.
"So – where are you two going for your honeymoon", someone called out. "And don't tell us you're going fishing!"
Everyone laughed and Sam looked at Jack. "Well – are you going to tell me now?" she asked. He'd promised her a wonderful honeymoon, but he hadn't given her a clue as to where it was going to be. He simply smiled and took another bite of his dinner.
"It's a surprise", he finally told everyone. "We'll take pictures."
There was a collective 'aw' and then everyone went on to enjoy themselves. It was then that the music had started, so Jack asked Sam to dance.
"You're really not going to tell me?" she asked him.
"No, not yet at least. Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough."
"You're sure it's not somewhere in the Caribbean?" she asked. She'd been trying to ferret it out of him all week, with absolutely no luck. When he didn't answer she let out a groan of impatience. "How can you keep it a secret?" she asked, frustrated.
He raised his brows at that. "Well, since I pretty much keep secrets for a living, it isn't too hard."
"You're not supposed to keep secrets from me", she reasoned. "I have clearance!"
"Not for honeymoon destinations."
"Aaargh. What if I don't pack the right clothes", she reasoned.
"Sam, this is our honeymoon. You won't need clothes."
"Jack O'Neill", she laughed. "Are you telling me you're not going to let me go out at all?"
"Oh, you can go out – just not with clothes."
Her eyes grew big and round. "It's not a nudist colony is it?"
He laughed out loud at that, making everyone turn their heads. "No, not a colony anyway. If you want to go around nude the whole time well I'd be fine with that."
She just shook her head and laughed and then leaned forward so that her head rested on Jack's – her husband's - chest. "I wish my Dad could be here", she said softly. She felt Jack pull her closer and kiss the top of her head.
"Me too, although somehow I suspect he is here."
"Jack?" she leaned back slightly so that she could see him. "Don't you have any relatives you wanted to invite?" He hadn't spoken much at all about his family, other than to tell her that his parents were both dead. He'd mentioned having some cousins, but had not given her names or told her anything about them. She was curious, but also wanted to respect his privacy.
"Not really", he said softly, pulling her forward once more. "I kind of lost touch with most of them after my parents died. I had a couple of cousins I was close to as a kid, but our lives went different directions."
"I see", she stated calmly, feeling rather sad for him. "That's too bad." She left it at that, knowing that if he wanted to tell her more he would. As it was they had Daniel and Teal'c and Cassie and George and her family. She smiled – she was his wife and she was happy. What more could she possibly want?
