Pairings: Sam & Jack
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, I just like interfering with the timeline!!!.. and because it's my timeline, i'll say and do what i please - so there!!!. (pout)!! LOL.
AU from the start of Season 9
Chapter 9
It seemed like only days had passed and it was already time for Jack to return to Washington. He had spent his days at Cheyenne Mountain and his nights in Sam's bed. It was lonely when she was off world, but fantastic when she was in his arms. Their nights together were spent in the company of friends and when they left, they spent their alone time together making love and talking about all the things they had to talk about. When Jack joined them for an off world mission, he behaved as he had promised. He was an observer, Carter was the leader of SG-1 and he felt so proud of her as he watched her in action. The mission wasn't terribly eventful, they weren't attacked by anyone, or anything. The night they spent off world they sat and gazed at the stars above and the multitude of moons. It was on this overnight excursion, that Jack said something that startled Samantha.
"You know Sam, you can see the stars like this in Minnesota"
"I remember what it was like after Dad died, it's beautiful there Sir, so peaceful, makes you realise that all the years we spent fighting to save the planet weren't in vain"
"Sir?" Jack queried
"We're on a mission General and even though I'm the lead of this team you do outrank me".
"I'm here as an observer Samantha, but I know you're a stickler for the rules, so I'll overlook it this time" but then continuing seriously. "I've been thinking seriously again about retiring up there. I don't want to go alone though, wanna come with?"
"To Minnesota?"
"Yeh to Minnesota".
"You're going to retire up there for good?"
"Not without you I'm not"
"You want me to come with you?"
"If you want to Sam, I do"
"Live in Minnesota?"
"When you're not off world, when you have leave, maybe we could get a dog and I don't know some more fish for the lake, maybe a couple of kids to go with the dog? What about it Sam, Marry Me?"
"Huh"
"Marry me Sam"
"Wow Jack, that's just I mean heck Jack, it's so sudden."
"Moving too quick for you? I understand it's been a roller coaster these past few months, what with Jacob and Washington and all that other stuff. But I want you to know that I've never been surer of anything in my life Sam. I love you; I want to be with you for as long as possible. Just promise me you'll think about it".
"I don't need to think about it, of course I'll marry you, in a heartbeat, but you obviously just can't leave Home-World Security immediately".
"Well Dah! I spoke to the President a few days ago, to gauge his reaction and find out what my options are. He wants me to stay in the job at least another six to nine months, and during that time, he'll be looking into suitable replacements. It's not going to be easy replacing me" Noticing the look on her face he snapped "don't look at me like that, you know what I mean! Sheesh. Anyway, Hammond was from Star Gate Command, I was from SG-1 and running the base, we both knew how things were done, we didn't step on any toes at the SGC, we left you guys to run it mostly as you saw fit, but now with the new rules in place with the oversight committee, it's going to be difficult to find someone who is going to look at the SGC the same way Hammond and I did".
"Jack, would General Landry take the promotion?"
"He's one of the replacements the President and I discussed, but then we have to find someone to run the SGC"
"Of course…"
They sat silently, Sam pondering her future, Jack pondering his, wondering really how long he would have to remain in Washington. Could you do it without her? He knew they were going to clock up some huge phone bills and frequent flyer miles in the next several months and he would miss her terribly.
They spent Jack's last night in the Springs out to dinner with friends. Cassie was visiting, as was Sam's friend Melinda. Daniel, Teal'c and even General Hammond had joined them for dinner. They had a great night and Jack was already feeling homesick. He had really missed these guys and after this visit, would come to miss them and appreciate them even more. They were his family. Except for Melinda of course, he still didn't' like her, she was too direct and because she wasn't military, he couldn't do anything about it. But he put up with her for Sam and Daniel, who it seemed, had become quite close with her.
After the pair arrived home, Jack took Sam's hand and led her out into the back yard, out under the stars. The sat silently together on the porch, neither wanting to start a conversation that would end in tears. Sam was already on the verge of crying, he was leaving tomorrow and she wouldn't see him again for another two weeks.
Holding out a small box to her, Jack began "Sam I'm leaving pretty early in the morning and I wanted to give you this before I leave".
Taking the box from him, Sam looked from his face to the box and back again. Could it be??. Did he really want to make it official already? "Jack?"
"Just open it Sam"
Her breath left her body as she opened the tiny box. Inside lay the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. The stone was the colour of her eyes and was surrounded by smaller red stones mixed with traditional diamonds. The shape was unmistakable, it reminded her immediately of the star gate with the wormhole engaged "Oh Jack" she gushed, it's beautiful, but you're sure, you want to make it official?"
"Of course I'm sure, only an absolute moron would pass up a chance to marry you".
She gently removed the ring from the box and handed it to him, without saying anything, she held out her left hand "you do it".
As he slid the ring onto her finger, he whispered the worlds "from this day forth, I take you Samantha Carter as my wife".
tbc..