Chapter 2

You know it, don't own it (wish I did though, or rather, owned R.D.A!!!). Everything belongs to GEKKO, Double Secret, MGM etc etc etc.

Spoilers: Threads – Season 8

It was a gorgeous day the day General Jacob Carter, USAF and Selmac of The Tok'ra were buried.

Sam was standing at attention. She refused to sit. She wasn't alone. She stood side by side with Brigadier General Jack O'Neill. Even though she had seen very little of him since her father died, he had been her rock. He had done everything, right down to the flowers on the coffin. As her father was lowered into the ground and the 21 gun salute sounded, Sam felt her knees buckle, but still didn't fall, because he was holding her up. His gentle touch, even at this terrible time, sending shivers through her body. She loved this man with all her heart and by god; she was going to fight for him!

Jack, who had his hand on the lower portion of Sam's back throughout the entire service, felt her give way and reached around her waist to keep her steady. A conversation he had a few days ago, replaying in his mind over and over again " Is the Air Force the only thing keeping you two apart? Rules and regulations? Because if it is, you're making a very big mistake"

Pete wasn't at the funeral, Sam had called off the wedding after her dad died. She couldn't share any of it with him. He wasn't the one she loved, he wasn't the one she wanted. It was Jack, it had always been Jack; It would always be Jack.

Sam felt Jack's arm reach around her waist and hold her up. She dared not look, because she knew if she did, the tears that had been so hard fought against, would win. Sam instead looked around at the crowd. There were many people there, even The President had put in an appearance. As the service drew to a close, Sam was handed the folded up United States flag. She took it and held it to her chest. As she turned to walk away, she was surprised to feel Jack's arm still around her waist. She had seen Kerry Johnson at the funeral and was a little perplexed at the open touching Jack was exhibiting, not only amongst colleagues but also in front of his girlfriend. Sam once again looked around and saw Kerry walking away, talking to another member of the military. She couldn't help but ask "Jack, shouldn't you be with Kerry"?

"No Sam, my place is with you"

"What about Kerry?"

"I had an interesting conversation with Kerry after your visit the other day. She asked me if it was just the rules and regulations keeping us apart and if it was, then I was making a big mistake. I couldn't answer her Sam, because she was right. And then when Jacob died… You know what he said to me before he died? He asked me to take care of you. I told him of course.. but you know Selmac saw through me years ago, she knew that I felt far more for you that I let on and Jacob saw it right at the very end. He wants you to be happy, he said I could make you happy".

Sam just sobbed, it took the death of her father to bring them both to their senses.

Sam followed Jack obediently to the waiting car. Daniel and Teal'c climbed in the front with Daniel driving. Jack sat in the back with Sam and as soon as the door was closed, she wrapped herself in his arms and cried her heart out. Maybe she did have a chance with this man after all.

The wake was at Jack's place, once again he organised everything. Sam just had to stand there and accept the condolences sent her way. Jack was never far away, always within earshot and never taking his eyes off her. Several hours later when everyone had left, Jack and Sam just sat on the couch exhausted. Neither spoke, Sam eventually sliding closer and snuggling up against him.