Star Gates Crossing
Chapter 3: Among the Stars
The bike was handling beautifully as Sam came around a sharp turn and continued driving through the hills north of town. She decided she wanted to go exploring and get to know the area better while she was putting the rebuilt motorcycle through its paces so she took one of the more remote roads heading away from civilization. It felt great!
For the first time in ages Sam felt free. It was just her, the bike and the road. All the layers of tension just seemed to peel away as she flew through the forest. To her it almost felt as if she were flying. And while she wasn't pushing the speed still she believed her troubles could never catch her out here.
She thought about her life just one week ago, working in a drab government office with grey walls and grey people. Her mundane job of checking other's scientific research for factual errors and omissions was about as far from her ideal of exploring space and discovering the mysteries of the universe as she possibly could be.
Then there was her personal life. Sam kept telling herself that she should be happy. She had what any woman should want. She was engaged to a great guy. Pete was funny and sweet. Sure he had his flaws, but Sam didn't expect any man to be perfect. And Pete adored her. Sometimes he was so complimentary and solicitous it embarrassed her. So why had she barely even given him a thought since she walked out on her job and the rest of her life and drove away? Shouldn't she miss him?
The steely sky was pressing down upon her as she continued to ride. Sam could tell there was a storm coming. She came to a turn off leading deeper into the woods. Sam had been out for some time and she was getting cold. She should turn back toward town. But Sam was feeling rebellious; so she veered onto this new path and drove on.
Speaking of rebellious, Sam hadn't called her father back since that first night or returned any of his calls either. He still didn't know where she was staying. Away from the constant officious interference and nattering disappointment of Jacob Carter, Sam was able to see herself and her own goals a little more clearly. She couldn't say for sure what she wanted to do next, but she was certain whatever it was it wouldn't satisfy her father, but from this vantage point she found she didn't care as much as she once did.
Sam must have lost concentration for a moment, or she just didn't see it, but her bike went over a patch of ice and the back wheel pulled out from under her. She did her best to retake control, but the rear of the bike spun out and she skimmed along the road at a crazy angle. Sam's only choice was to let go and plow into the snow bank beside the road as the bike skidded to a halt a few feet ahead.
Fortunately, she hadn't been going crazy fast when she wiped out or she would have been smeared across the pavement. Sam did an inventory of her condition. She hurt like hell, but none of her injuries seemed life threatening. The helmet she had borrowed from Siler protected her head and face. She wore thick gloves and a sturdy jacket so her hands and arms were alright. The legs were a different story. Her jeans were shredded and she could tell there would be scrapes and bruises all down the right side of her body.
She tried to pull herself up, but fell back down immediately with a shriek of pain. She wasn't sure, but her ankle could be broken. The bike had smashed down on it before she had let it go. One thing for certain, she wasn't going to be walking out of here.
She wouldn't be riding back to town either. Even if she could hold herself up, the bike was totaled. From where she sat she could see the front wheel was twisted and the frame was bent. Sam gingerly dragged herself over to where the bike lay and pushed it off the road as best she could. It took a long time because she had to take so many rest breaks. She sat panting for several minutes once that was done and tried to assess her situation.
She wasn't getting any reception on her cell phone, not surprising given the remoteness of the location. It wouldn't be dark for some time yet, but there was certainly a storm on its way and the nearby trees would not be sufficient shelter. She remembered a small emergency kit Walter had added to the storage bin on the back of the motorcycle before she left. She yanked out the compact case and went through it, piling items up on ground beside her. Basic first aid kit; flashlight; utility knife; duct tape; space blanket (Good she might keep from freezing to death, for a little while at least.); mini tool kit. Sam reached her arm into the compartment and gave it one last pass. Eureka! She pulled out a small plastic gun and two flares.
Loading the gun, Sam decided she would set off one now and wait a few hours to use the other one. She wasn't sure there was anyone in the area who would see it, but once the storm began her chances of being found would narrow considerably.
o-O-o
Jack finished loading the wood box and securing the cabin and its surrounds ahead of the storm. He was getting ready to go inside to warm up when he saw a red light arch across the sky. Jack recognized an emergency flare when he saw it. From the look of things, it came from somewhere near the turnoff leading up to his cabin. Whoever it was out there, Jack was going to have to find them soon. A light snow was already falling.
He hadn't gone far when Jack caught sight of a prone figure leaning over a mangled motor bike just off the side of the road. He pulled his truck over and walked up to the person wrapped in the silver blanket. Recognizing her, his pace quickened. Daniel had mentioned she was fiddling around with Siler's bike. Inwardly, he cursed her for a fool for taking the damn thing out for a joy ride on such a day. Outwardly, he showed no emotion. She was clearly hurt and he tried to keep the mood light.
"We've got to stop meeting like this." Jack leaned down and offered her a hand.
Sam tried to rise, but pain went shooting up her leg and she let out a yelp. She would have collapsed back to the ground, but Jack swept her up into his arms like she were a small child. He cradled her there for a moment as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She resisted the temptation to lean her head on his shoulder. She didn't want him to think she was some swooning damsel in distress.
Jack studied her pale face. He had the strongest temptation to bend his head and warm her cold lips with his own. After a momentary hesitation, Jack readjusted her weight in his arms, and holding her close to his chest he carried her to the waiting vehicle, all the while chiding himself for his errant thoughts.
He set her down gently beside the truck. Sam balanced on one foot, Jack's arm still wrapped securely around her waist; he pulled open the door and helped her into the cab. After making sure she was comfortable, Jack handed her the keys so she could turn on the heat as he went to retrieve the bike.
Jack heaved the mangled motorcycle into the bed of the truck then came around to the driver's side and got in. He pulled onto the road and they sped away from the scene of the catastrophe. The snow was falling in earnest now.
There was no conversation between them at first. Sam was concentrating on getting feeling back into her arms and legs. Jack kept his eyes on the road. After a few moments Sam pointed out that she thought they were going in the wrong direction. "Isn't the SGC back that way?" Sam questioned, pointing to the rear window.
"Yes," Jack supplied, "but my cabin is that way." He pointed at the road before them.
Noting the trepidation in her eyes, Jack explained that they were only a few miles from his cabin, where she could get cleaned up and warm and they could treat her injuries; whereas it was a much longer drive back into town. Moreover, there was a bad storm already brewing and it would be best for them to get inside as soon as possible to wait it out.
Sam could not fault his logic and she was in no condition to argue in any case. She was cold, hungry, sore and exhausted. Besides, she was intensely curious to see this place Jack O'Neill called home. So she laid her head back on the seat and closed her eyes to rest.
Jack saw her relax and breathed a small sigh of relief. He was afraid she had been getting ready to argue with him. If she only knew just how protective of her he felt. His emotions were all jumbled when he was around her and he could never bring himself to say much. He was certainly attracted to her, and not just because of her obvious physical beauty. He could tell she was brilliant, a genius who could hold her own in a conversation with Daniel or Jonas. He saw the way she interacted with Cassie, which was endearing. Janet and all his other friends in town had spoke of her in glowing terms. Teal'c had taken to her instantly, and Jack knew T was an excellent judge of character.
He was nervous bringing her back to his home. He wasn't sure how they would get along, but he hoped it would give him a chance to know her better. She had told him a little of herself that first night he had driven her into town. But no one in town could say why she had come, how long she would stay, or where she was going next. Not that Jack had been asking around, much.
o-O-o
Pulling up to the cabin, Jack reached over and gently nudged on Sam's shoulder, shaking her awake from her brief nap. Sam sat up and looked around. She observed a rustic wood structure in a clearing surrounded by evergreen trees. A weathered dock extended out over a frozen pond to the side of the building.
Jack came around to the passenger side door to lift Sam out of the truck. She would not allow him to carry her again and insisted on walking into the cabin, albeit leaning on him heavily, under her own power.
After getting her settled on to the couch, Jack returned outside to stow the motorcycle. Sam took advantage of the opportunity to study her surroundings. The interior of the cabin was larger than it appeared from the outside. The main living space consisted of a seating area, featuring a stone fireplace along one wall. The furniture all appeared to be handcrafted. It was comfortable and inviting. There was an open dining area directly behind the living room, and that led to a small kitchen. The appliances were older, but still modern. A hall led away in both directions. Sam guessed two bedrooms, one at either end. She imagined the longer hallway to the left also had a bathroom.
Sam had just finished determining the probable layout of the cabin when Jack came back in, a swirl of snow blocking the view out the door behind him. He hung his coat on a rack by the door and then helped Sam off with hers.
"I'll get a fire started. Then we can see about that foot." Jack set to work at the hearth.
Sam continued her survey of his living quarters. There were handmade pillows and quilts in traditional patterns scattered about the furniture. A chess set was arranged on the coffee table in front of her. It looked like Jack was in the middle of a game, with whom she couldn't guess. In a far corner Sam spotted a rod and reel. Sam was surprised to see a telescope set beside the fishing gear. It wasn't large, but it appeared to be a quality instrument. She would love to take a closer look at it, or better yet go outside on a clear night and take in the stars. She imagined the view from out here would be breathtaking.
Sam turned her gaze back to Jack working with the fire. His nimble hands skillfully coaxed flames from the stack of wood. As the blaze grew his handsome features were delineated by the fire's orange glow. Forcing herself not to stare, Sam's eyes travelled to the floor to ceiling bookshelf beside him. There was a wide selection of texts: books on biology, astronomy, physics, history, archeology, mythology, engineering, mechanics, and aeronautics. On one of the center shelves at just about eye level Sam spotted a complete set of the Heaven's Doorway series—all hardbound, first edition as far as she could tell. Maybe Cassie wasn't exaggerating when she said everyone around here reads these books.
Jack completed his work with the fire and came over to sit on the couch, gently laying Sam's injured foot on his lap.
"Let's take a look, shall we?" He unlaced her boot and pulled. He tried not to tug, but the ankle was clearly swollen and it took some effort to work it off. Sam clenched her jaw and refused to cry out no matter how much it hurt. Jack was impressed by her toughness; another thing to add to his mental list cataloging the wonderful qualities of one Samantha Carter.
He peeled off the sock and began expertly examining the injured limb. "Well, you won't need an ice pack." He smoothed his warm fingers over the frozen block that was her foot.
"I don't think it's broken." He concluded his examination but continued to softly rub the skin back and forth in long, even strokes.
Sam felt more than her ankle begin to warm.
"You can get yourself cleaned up; then we can wrap it." Jack absently continued his ministrations.
"Thanks," was all Sam managed to say.
"Sure, no problem," Jack replied. His hands were now messaging her calf.
Realizing what he was doing, Jack stood abruptly. "I'll go . . . I'll . . . be right back." He disappeared down the hallway.
Sam fell back on the cushions and took several slow deep breaths. She didn't know what Jack was thinking, but for her part she was wondering how long she could keep herself from jumping him. This thought absolutely terrified her. She had always been a very cautious person who moved slowly in her relationships with men. Relationship? What was she even doing thinking about a relationship with Jack? She was still engaged, at least for the time being.
Sam decided to get a hold of herself she needed to concentrate on the practical realities of the situation. She would get cleaned up. Jack would wrap her ankle. Then he could drive her back into town. Hopefully, the storm will have passed by then.
Several minutes later Jack returned, with a glass of water and ibuprofen. She gladly accepted. Now that she was no longer frozen, the throbbing in her ankle had become more acute.
He had also set her up with a towel and some clean clothes, a pair of sweat pants that would certainly be too big, and a Simpsons t-shirt that would drown her. But it was better than the tattered, dirty clothes she was wearing. He helped her into the bathroom where the shower was already running, filling the room with a warm, inviting steam. When he was sure she was alright to manage on her own, and no way was she going to ask for his help from here, he left her to it.
It took much longer than usual to complete her ablutions as she needed to be sure not to fall and kill herself hopping around on the wet floor on one foot. When she finally emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed and relaxed, although a little tired, her nostrils were hit with the pleasing aroma of tomato, basil and garlic. Jack had prepared a meal of spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. Sam's stomach rumbled in anticipation.
Jack noted Sam entering the main room just as he finished setting the table for dinner and moved over to help her to her seat. She thanked him and he returned to the kitchen to retrieve the food. He asked her what she would like to drink. When she asked what he had he went to the fridge and replied, "I have beer, and . . . beer."
"Beer sounds good." Sam chuckled. It's not like she expected him to have a bottle of champagne chilling in there.
They sat down and for a time simply concentrated on consuming their meal. Jack spoke first.
"I called Janet. She agreed with me that your ankle probably isn't broken. She said to wrap it and keep it elevated tonight. Try and stay off of it for the next day or so." Sam nodded as Jack took another bite of his food.
"She also asked me to tell you, 'I told you so.'" Jack's questioning glance called for clarification.
"She doesn't approve of motorcycles. She thinks they are all death traps." Sam supplied.
Jack gave a non-committal grunt then muttered under his breath, "They aren't the only things that can kill you." Sam wasn't sure whether that meant he agreed with Janet or not.
"I also called Daniel and let him know you'd be staying with me tonight."
"Oh?" A forkful of pasta hesitated half way between Sam's plate and her mouth.
"Storm," Jack replied.
Apparently, it had gotten much worse since she had begun her shower and the road into town was likely not passable. If it kept up like that it would be a couple of days before she could leave. Sam couldn't decide whether she was elated or terrified at the prospect of being stuck in a cabin alone with Jack O'Neill for several days.
Jack couldn't read her face when he gave her the news they would be spending some time together. He was thrilled, though there was certain to be some awkwardness; he wasn't sure she felt the same. Nevertheless, he pushed on as if this arrangement was the most blasé occurrence in the world.
"Daniel said he'd let Teal'c know you're OK." Jack paused a beat; then they both spoke in unison. "You know how he worries."
Sam gave him a delighted laugh and Jack thought he could listen to that sound all night.
After super Jack helped Sam back to the couch. He wrapped her ankle, trying to work more quickly this time so as not to get carried away as he had before. Then he propped her foot up on some pillows and tucked a quilt around her legs.
He asked if she liked chess and would she enjoy a game. Sam didn't want to destroy the game he already had up on his board, but Jack insisted that it was a game he and Daniel had been playing for weeks and he could put the board back together from memory when they were done. Sam agreed to a game and Jack brought the board within her reach, sat down on the floor beside her and reset the pieces.
They played quietly at first, but gradually they began to converse. They started with innocuous conversations about the people in town and their antics—like how Mr. Woolsey wanted Sherriff Mitchell to cite Vala for public lewdness when she was kissing everyone under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from a headband she was sporting at the annual Christmas tree lighting in the town square. Mitchell just stepped right under the garland and laid one on her. Vala was speechless for once and Woolsey marched away in a huff looking for Mayor Hammond.
They talked about how the preparations for Catherine's party were progressing. Teal'c had taken charge of the decorating committee. Vala was catering. Siler was getting the sound system set up; although he had a couple of mishaps that required Janet's ministrations. Typical Siler. Walter would DJ. Remembering the conversation Sam had overheard her first day in town she wanted to ask if would be at the party, but she thought better of it.
When Sam mentioned how much she liked the cabin Jack began telling her stories of his grandparents who had built and furnished it. That led to discussions of family. Sam spoke a little of her father, her brother Mark in California and the niece and nephew she had not yet had the chance to meet in person.
Sam asked Jack about his military service and he admitted to being in the Air Force for quite a few years, but he had retired several years ago. Most of his work was classified so it wasn't something he could talk about, nor did he care to. Sam understood, she had grown up around that kind of secrecy and it didn't bother her. She could see a haunted look in his eyes that she recognized from her father's earlier career, before he was promoted and began flying a desk at the Pentagon. She dropped the subject.
Jack asked Sam what she did for a living. Sam told him about how her childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, which had led her to a career in astrophysics. He asked if she'd been to space lately. Her face fell and she explained that she had worked for NASA's science directorate, but not at a very high level. The closest she had come to exploring the stars was in books. She pointed to the shelf on the other side of the room.
Jack asked if she had read any of the Heaven's Doorway books. She told him she loved them and he seemed really interested in her opinions of the plots, the characters and the scientific accuracy of the stories. Sam happily shared her views. She could explore this subject for hours, and Jack was wonderfully knowledgeable about it. She decided he must be a true fan.
It was getting late. They had played three games of chess. Jack won two. He was very adroit at strategic thinking. Sam thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and their conversation. She was loath to have the night end, but she could feel herself winding down. It had been a long day.
Jack groaned as he rose from the floor. "You can sleep in my room tonight." He exercised the kinks out of his back. "I'll take the spare room."
Sam hated the idea of kicking him out of his own bed, but Jack insisted. He helped her to his room and settled her on the bed. He resisted the temptation to leave her with a goodnight kiss. She thanked him for everything he had done that day. He brushed it off and left quickly.
After closing the door Jack took a steadying breath. It was feeling uncomfortably intimate in that room. She was so amazing. He had no idea. Getting to know her tonight he was surprised how much they had in common and how much he enjoyed her company. He could have sat up with her all night just talking or . . . . Jack nipped that thought in the bud. She was still a relative stranger, but he believed now he could also count her as a friend. That was a good start. Jack found himself hoping they could build from that.
Sam snuggled into the covers and breathed in the musky scent of Jack O'Neill. She wasn't sure she could sleep like this. She kept thinking of him here in this bed, lying beside her, his arms around her, his lips brushing her . . . . Sam tried to sober herself up before she got too carried away. They had had only one descent conversation. It was a little too soon to think about sharing a bed with the man.
Still, she had been surprised by how much they had in common. How easy it had been to talk with him once the ice was broken. She watched the snow blowing past the bedroom window. She found herself wishing it would continue falling, giving her more time here with Jack.
o-O-o
The next morning Sam awoke to Jack making pancakes. She offered to help be he insisted she sit down and rest her ankle. Her job, he said, would be to keep him company. When asked if she slept well Sam lied. In truth she had awakened from dreams of him more than once, and she was not about to admit that.
When asked why he was up so early Jack lied. He couldn't sleep for thinking about Sam so he had gotten up at first light. He told her it was to check the roads once the snow had stopped and see if they had any chance of getting back into town that day. They both hid their relief when Jack declared the road into town impassable. It would be at least another day before Woolsey sent a plow up that direction. Jack offered to make some calls to see if he could speed the process along, but Sam maintained she was fine sticking around another day, if he didn't mind the company. Jack happily agreed to the arrangement.
After breakfast, Sam won the argument to help with the clean up. Jack brought a chair over to the sink so she could sit and dry the clean dishes as he handed them to her. Then Jack put them away. They made an efficient team and everything was soon all neat and tidy.
Jack had a few things that needed to be done outside that morning like shoveling the walkway, clearing some fallen tree branches, refueling the generator and the like. He didn't want to leave Sam alone, but she told him that she hadn't finished reading the latest Heaven's Doorway book if he wouldn't mind loaning her his copy. Jack acquiesced readily. He set her up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, a dose of ibuprofen (while the pain and swelling in her ankle had lessened considerably from the night before the medicine was still appreciated), a comfortable fire and a good book. What more could she desire in place of his company?
Jack worked quickly. Still there was a lot of work before him and it was sure to take the better part of the morning. He was anxious to return to the house and recapture the closeness he had shared with Sam the previous night. He hoped it was not a singular magic that faded with the new day never to revive again.
Sam was swept away in her novel and the morning passed swiftly. When she looked up to see it was already past noon and Jack had not yet returned to the house she hit upon a plan. Laying the book aside she maneuvered her way toward the kitchen.
Just before one in the afternoon, Jack finally reappeared. He was tired and halfway between too warm from the exertion and too cold from the winter air. Entering the cabin he noticed the table was set and saw Sam hopping around the kitchen. He couldn't help smiling at the cozy domesticity of the scene.
"Hi," Sam greeted him with a smile of her own, "I made lunch."
"Should you be up?" Jack began unburdening himself of his cold weather gear.
"I'm fine," Sam insisted, "I think I was going a little crazy sitting around for so long."
Sam turned back to the stove, "Sit down; it's ready. You have impeccable timing."
"Yes, we've established that. How else would I manage to rescue you so frequently?" Jack took a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches from Sam and deposited them on the table.
Sam poured tomato soup into some bowls and Jack took those to the table as well. Sam raised a hand to forestall his assistance getting to the table herself.
They ate in companionable silence. Jack was far too hungry to carry on a conversation. When his appetite had been satiated he asked how she was feeling. She told him she had spent a very pleasant morning, and her ankle was feeling much better.
Jack told her all that he had done that morning and asked her if she wanted to go fishing later. Sam had never been fishing. She wasn't sure she would like it. She also thought that it was something you did in the summer, unless you were an Eskimo. Speaking of the pastime with near reverence Jack explained that fishing was a year round activity that was beneficial to the soul.
"Besides," he added, "there are no fish in my pond . . . none . . . where I fish . . . so, you can do it anytime."
Sam had no response to this logic. She told him she'd think about it.
"But first, wouldn't you like to eat some dessert." Sam rose from her seat and went to the refrigerator.
"There's dessert?" Jack smiled like a little boy at Christmas time.
"Naturally." Sam returned to the table with two bowls she had pulled from the fridge.
Jack looked down at the food and then back up at Sam, "Where did you get blue Jell-o?"
"I found it at the back of one of the cabinets when I was searching for something to make for lunch." Sam handed Jack a spoon.
"I have no idea how that got in there." Jack took a tentative bite. "I prefer the red."
Sam gave a disdainful snort. "The blue is definitely better." She raised a spoonful of the quivering azure gel to her lips.
Jack did not look like he believed her, but he continued eating.
They sat together on the couch after lunch and just talked. Their conversation roamed back and forth over many subjects as they discovered more things in common with one another. They were discussing astronomical phenomena when Sam suddenly asked, "Why do they call this place Star Gates Crossing anyway?"
Jack asked if she would be up for a little walking later on.
"Yeah, I guess. If it's not too far and I had some help." Sam replied.
"Good," Jack responded eagerly, "then there's something I want to show you."
Jack put on a movie then, A Christmas Story, and Sam leaned her head on his shoulder as they watched. He wanted to reach over and put his arm around her, but he was afraid if he moved it would scare her off. So he just sat there and enjoyed the warmth of her body pressed against his side and the scent of her hair.
o-O-o
Around dusk they bundled Sam up in the warmest clothes Jack could find for her to wear. It was all a little loose, but they managed to make it work. Jack put on his own cold weather gear as well and they left the cabin.
They walked a short distance along a path Jack had cleared. When they reached the end of the path they struck out through the woods. The snow drifts were not too bad given the tree cover, and Sam was managing alright. They moved slowly. He kept his arm firmly around her and in a few difficult places Jack simply picked her up and carried her.
They reached the crest of a hill and came out from the trees on a rocky out cropping overlooking a beautiful rounded lake. The water shimmered in the fading light. Sam looked around in awe and Jack looked at Sam.
He brushed snow from the top of a large flat rock and they sat down. Sam watched mesmerized as the stars came out one by one and were reflected in the deep blue depths of the lake. It was like there were two horizons, one above them and one below. The night was clear and Sam felt like the stars were so close she could almost touch them. This was truly a place, if any existed on earth, where you could believe a person could cross right into the heavens.
And it all looked so familiar.
"Shrouded in cold darkness;
Travelers through the ages reach for trails across the sky.
Closed are the gateways of an ancient race forgotten who walked among the stars.
In times of need and fury one portal stirs anew,
Calling forth the champions of godly struggle come to earth.
Crossing the horizon to brave new worlds unknown,
Worthy are and worthy prove those few chosen here to enter
This Doorway to Heaven."
Jack's rich voice rehearsed the opening lines of each Heaven's Doorway novel. That's when it clicked. Sam knew why she recognized this place. She knew why Jack had brought her here.
"You wrote those books." Sam declared with absolute certainty turning to face Jack. "You're RD Anderson."
"I don't believe it." Sam whispered to herself not in doubt, but wonder.
Jack shrugged like he could hardly believe it himself.
"This looks just like the gateway you describe in your novels." Sam turned her face back to the glittering sky.
"Yep." Jack adjusted his position and reached for Sam's hand.
"You're the reason I came here." Sam declared, wrapping her gloved fingers firmly around his and staring at him with fervid intensity.
"Excuse me?" Jack raised his eyebrows and tipped his head to one side in some confusion.
"Your books," Sam rushed on breathlessly, "I knew they were set somewhere in Minnesota. I wanted to see for myself if it really was as magical as you describe."
"What's the verdict?"
"It's better." Sam stood and stepped a couple of halting paces from toward the lake. She drank in the beauty of this place. "I know this may sound silly, but when I read your novels I feel like anything is possible. I feel like I could gate to the stars."
"I needed to get away from my life," Sam continued, "so I came here."
Jack walked up behind her and tentatively pulled her to him. Sam tightened his arms around her waist and leaned into him. Jack nuzzled her neck and whispered softly in her ear. "What's so terrible you thought you had to runaway to the other end of the galaxy?"
Sam stood still for a few moments enjoying the feel of Jack's breath on her cheek. Then she pulled away and reached into the pocket of her jacket. It was still there. She had not taken it out since her first night in Star Gates Crossing. Sam turned and held the small round object out for Jack to see. The facets of her engagement ring flared in the evening light.
"Normally people wear those on their finger." Jack felt like he had been punched in the gut.
"I don't think I want it anymore." Sam spoke tentatively.
"OK," Jack replied, not knowing what she expected him to say.
Sam shoved the ring back in her pocket and returned to her seat on the rock.
"Pete, that's his name, he's not a bad guy."
"But?" Jack sincerely hoped there was a "but" that would give him an opening to erase this Pete guy from Sam's heart forever.
"I don't think he really understands me. He has this idea in his head of the kind of life we're supposed to lead and I thought that's what I wanted too." After taking a shaky breath, it was clear Sam was trying to keep her emotions in check. She continued, "I hated my job. And Pete would be perfectly happy for me to quit and just stay home, take care of him. But I don't want my whole life to revolve around just one person. I want to do something important, something that matters."
"Have you told him this?" Jack couldn't believe he was offering Sam relationship counseling for this other man.
"He bought us a house."
Jack wasn't sure how to reply to this nonsequitur. "Well, that's nice."
"It's a beautiful house." Sam talked as if she was trying to make sense of it all herself. "In Colorado." She paused for effect. "He was offered a job there. He didn't even ask me about it, he just took all our money and put a down payment on a house." Her voice rang with angered disbelief. "He said he wanted it to be a surprise."
"It sounds to me like he doesn't really respect you." Jack already hated the guy.
"You're right. He doesn't." Sam spoke the words like she was realizing it for the first time.
"He's an idiot." Jack had no problem coming to that conclusion.
Because being critical of others wasn't in her nature, Sam offered an alternative explanation. "Maybe I'm just being selfish." Sam bowed her head and stared down at her feet.
"Samantha Carter. Sam." Jack ran a finger down her cheek and raised her eyes to meet his. "You are the most selfless, generous, kind person I've ever met." He cleared his throat and continued. "You are way smarter than anyone I know, even Daniel."
"I won't tell him you said that." Sam grinned. She was trying to sidetrack him, but Jack wouldn't be deterred until he had shared everything in his heart at this moment.
"You are a national treasure."
Sam was feeling uncomfortable, she had never been able to accept compliments easily and such effusive praise seemed too much.
"And did I mention you are totally hot."
Sam laughed out loud. Jack smirked knowing he had relieved some of her discomfort with that quip.
Sam quickly sobered. She reached up and placed her palm over the hand that still cradled her cheek.
"Jack. You are an amazing man." She stopped him before he could say something snarky. "I mean it."
There was only one thing for him to say. "C'mere."
Jack he pulled her body to him, with his free hand he wrapped his arm around her. His lips pressed down on hers. Sam was hesitant at first, but only for a moment. She opened her mouth to him and he tasted her with ardent desire. Their tongues tangled and teased as he entered and withdrew. Her hands cupped his face as she sought to keep his lips affixed to hers. She pulled on his lower lip and he closed the gap again. The kiss deepened, becoming more and more passionate with each passing second. Jack poured all his need and longing for her into this kiss and Sam felt she had never been so well and truly loved. She never wanted it to end.