A/N: Thank you SO much to everyone who reviewed Chapter 11!! To all you faithful people who have responded to every chapter, I REALLY honestly cannot thank you enough. Knowing you guys want to read more is what spurs me on to write more! So thank you all!!

Chapter 12: In which Sam and Jack contemplate perfection.

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Sam sat nervously in her car outside Jack's house, trying to psych herself up. Her feelings preceding their first date were a walk in the park compared to the rollercoaster of her nerves now. She was styled to perfection, in a floor length, strapless red dress, and discreet makeup, hair perfect. Stomach clenching a little with nerves, she paled. Was she really ready for this? Was Jack? Would he be everything she'd dreamed about? Would she be everything he'd dreamed about? Fear at disappointing him gripped her. She'd fantasized about them together so many times, had wished for it for so long, but facing the reality was terrifying. Taking a deep breath, she got out and walked to his door, trying desperately to convince herself that she'd misunderstood his purpose, that she was reading too much into his invitation, hoping it would steady her nerves.

As she reached a hand out to knock, the door opened before she even reached it, revealing a smiling Jack. Did she detect a trace of nerves in that smile? No, she must be imagining it... He wasn't planning anything to get nervous about... Was he?

"Hey there sweetheart," he said softly. Sam gulped as she saw his eyes darken appreciatively, taking in her appearance. His eyes rose back to hers, with soft smirk. "I was beginning to think I'd have to come out and get you. Come on in, I've got something special to do tonight," he smiled, reaching his hand out to take hers, brushing his lips against her cheek. Sam felt a blush rise in her cheeks as she followed him into the house, glad of the long dress covering her legs, which had begun to shake slightly as she contemplated the meaning of his statement. He sent her a quick wink as he led her out the back door, onto the deck.

Sam gasped softly, noticing the carefully laid out table, furnished with roses and candles, accompanied by gentle classical music from inside. She turned to Jack, smiling her approval.

"Jack, you really shouldn't go to much trouble for me. This is beautiful, thank you," she kissed his lips tenderly, conveying her gratitude far more effectively.

"It's only because you're worth it," Jack murmured. "And because I owe it to you, after giving up so much for me. Anyway, I told you, this evening is special." He smiled gently, stomach churning with nerves. He desperately hoped she'd receive him as he desired. Despite not being able to understand why, he knew without doubt that she loved him deeply, despite the gray hair and grouchiness. He should be confident, yes. He knew she would want to. He just couldn't quite convince his nerves of that. To disguise his inner turmoil, in true Jack O'Neill style, he attempted to lighten the thick atmosphere between them. "Come on, Sammie. You don't think I'd stoop to the cliché of candlelight and flowers without good reason?" He was rewarded by Sam's fond giggle. How he loved that sound; the only reason he'd ever ordered her not to was because she had no idea what it did to him inside...

"So, what is this good reason?" Sam inquired, turning her sparkling eyes to his. She knew he was making light of it all to make her more comfortable, and she appreciated it greatly. "What do I have to look forward to, Jack?" Her eyelids fluttered slightly, trying not to think too much about possible answers. Jack paused for a moment, masking his face with an assured smile.

"Not yet, Samantha. Dinner's ready right now, so take a seat." He turned to go inside to get the food, pausing briefly to look back at her. "After all," he said quietly, nearly-black eyes burning her with restrained passion. "Good things come to those who wait.."

Sam's breath caught in her throat, and she had to grab the back of the chair to steady herself. She felt her cheeks redden as her overactive mind processed Jack's loaded statement. She sat down heavily, hand pressed gently to her stomach. She desperately hoped she could make it through the meal without embarrassing herself, but the state her nerves were in, she just wasn't sure. All attempts at convincing herself that she had misconstrued Jack's invitation had just gone flying out the window, through the Stargate, far into another galaxy. Maybe in some alternate reality, somewhere, there was a Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter in exactly this situation, who had no plans for the evening further than spending it snuggled together on the couch, watching a film, entwined together. But in this reality, on this night, Sam faced the difficult to deny fact that she and Jack would be entwined in an entirely different, much more intimate manner. She swallowed thickly.

The meal, as always from Jack, was delicious. He had already learned exactly what things set Sam's nausea off, and conscientiously avoided them, which she was immensely grateful for. They chatted pleasantly, about anything and everything, steering away from serious topics of conversation, knowing that now was not the time. In reality, unbeknownst to the other, they each were only talking lightly because they were concentrating far more on watching the other's reactions, their expression, trying to read each others thoughts. It was impossible.

As their plates emptied, Jack began to fidget uncomfortably. He knew what he had to do, what he had invited Samantha here for. The moment was coming, and he knew he couldn't put it off much longer, couldn't continue to keep her waiting. His mind briefly wandered to when he'd taken this step with Sara... He was so young then. He had no idea what he was doing, how he should act, how she would respond. But now, even with age and supposed experience, he suspected he was actually even more nervous than that first time. He frowned minutely, desperately hoping Sam wouldn't notice his nervous state. He was acutely aware of the slight bulge in his trousers, the source of his surprise for her, and he fidgeted some more. She couldn't notice it, she couldn't. She wasn't meant to see it yet.

Sam finished the last of her dessert, sitting back with satisfaction. She looked up to find Jack's eyes on her, intense, as though he were contemplating something deeply. She drew in a breath lightly, realising that he meant to make his move very soon. She smiled faintly at him, licking her lips to remove all traces of cream, not missing the brief flash in his eyes.

"All done?" He asked, eyebrows rising questioningly. His voice cracked gently, sounding strained, his throat closing.

"Yes, thank you. I'm ready for whatever's next," she spoke softly, tensing in pleasure as his hand brushed hers as he took her plate, knowing that he had understood the quiet assurance behind her words. As he went into the kitchen, she stood up, pacing quickly to calm herself. She breathed deeply, resting her hand on the wooden railing for steadiness, looking out across Jack's garden. It was beautiful. He was a man who deeply appreciated true beauty in life, and she was very touched that he included her in that category, often feeling undeserving of his devotion.

Jack paced up and down his kitchen, giving himself a pep talk. It baffled and frustrated him. He could be completely confident when faced with danger, knowing and trusting his abilities. He could spur any soldier on, prepare them for whatever they had to face. So why could he not prepare himself, how could he feel so insecure about offering himself to the woman he loved more than life itself? Knowing she was waiting, he banged his fist on the counter several times, steadying his nerves. He knew he had to be confident for her, to assure her of his sincerity. He couldn't put it off any longer. This was it, the event that could cement their relationship and send them into pure bliss, together. He stepped outside, to all appearances brimming with confidence.

Sam's breath caught in her throat as she felt his presence behind her, sensed him still. His left hand came to rest on her arm, stroking it gently. She shuddered involuntarily as his warm breath tickled her ear gently.

"You're beautiful, you know," he whispered. She ducked her head modestly, smiling to herself. Sometimes she swore he could just know what she was thinking. Her left hand came to meet his, fingers playing together tenderly, entwining. She took deep breaths, eyes fluttering closed as Jack's lips began to trail feather-soft kisses along her bare shoulder.

"Mm.." She made a sound low in her throat, unable to respond coherently. The lips paused.

"And you know how much I love you..." The kisses continued, moving from her shoulder to her neck, turning into gentle nibbles, making Sam gasp. She squeezed his hand gently in response.

"Mm-hmm.. And you know I love you, too... So much, Jack." She felt his lips smile against her in response. His mouth continued it's journey as his right hand came to rest on her waist, pulling her gently towards him. His lips brushed the spot just below her ear, and he whispered to her.

"You know, Samantha, I've been thinking about something. I've been thinking about that decision we made, to wait until a perfect moment to make love to each other..." He paused to kiss her once more, closing his eyes, steeling himself for what he was about to suggest. Sam's body stiffened in anticipation. Holy Hannah, this was it... He was really going to do it. Jack O'Neill wanted her. She couldn't breathe. Remembering she hadn't yet responded to him, she nodded mutely. He continued, his low voice caressing her senses. "Well, I've been thinking about when that special occasion might be."

"Oh...?" Sam whispered, her voice faltering. Her right hand gripped the rail still, afraid to let go, a shiver running through her body as Jack's hands moved across her skin gently.

"Yeah. And something came to mind. I thought.. I'd like..." He paused, taking a deep breath. Sam held hers, unable to breathe. Jack rested his head on her shoulder, reaching into his pocket. Sam felt his arm come around her front, and frowned gently. Jack spoke softly into her ear. "What would you think to that special occasion being ... Our wedding night?"

Sam's eyes snapped open, gaze flying down to his hand in front of her. It contained a small box. She turned her head round to face him, gasping in short breaths.

"Jack! I.. I.. Are you.." She stammered, tears welling in her eyes as she gave him a watery smile.

"I'm saying marry me, Samantha Carter," he murmured, voice hoarse with unrestrained emotion. Sam gazed into his eyes, heart bursting. She didn't know what to think, what to feel, what to do, her entire being and thought was centred on the one simple fact that Jack O'Neill had just asked her to marry him. Suddenly his words and actions throughout the evening made perfect sense. She'd been wrong, so wrong, but so delightfully, wonderfully wrong. And it was a perfect idea.

"I.. I.. God, yes, Jack. Yes, yes, oh God yes.." She cried repeatedly as she turned into him, flinging her arms around him and holding him tightly, face crushing into his chest as emotional tears streamed down her face.

Jack clutched her to him desperately, blinking away tears. He buried his face in her hair, kissing her over and over, whispering his heartfelt thanks to her. After several moments, they withdrew slowly, exuberant smiles of joy plastered across their faces. Sam reached a hand to his face, gently wiping away the tears that had fallen there. He let her, not caring for a moment that she was witnessing him being so vulnerable. He wanted to be vulnerable with her, wanted everything about him to be hers completely, wanted to belong to her. He brought his hands between them, opening the little box.

Inside was a ring, the most beautiful that Sam had ever seen. The simple gold band was adorned with three gently sparkling blue stones that matched her eyes exactly, tiny diamonds spreading out from them. It wasn't overly extravagant or flashy, it was just... Perfect. She watched, enthralled, as Jack removed it, discarding the box on the rail, as he took her left hand in his own and slowly slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. They stayed like that, hands entwined, staring at the sign of the promise of their union. Sam broke the silence first.

"This is beautiful Jack... What a perfect idea. That was..." She paused for a second, overcome. "You're so incredible, you know that?" She chuckled. He smiled back at her.

"Ah, I wouldn't say that. It's only as much as you deserve, in fact you deserve a lot more, I'd say. You'll excuse me for not doing the whole going down on one knee thing... You know how my knees are these days..." He smiled, enraptured as she giggled at his lame humour.

"No, it was perfect. I wouldn't expect anything traditional from you, you know that. This was... So much better, Jack. I... I just love you so, so much."

"I love you too, Sammie... I really, really do."

They shared a smile, clasping each other tightly. And then their lips met in a searing, heartfelt kiss, pouring all the joy, love and excitement they were feeling into it. Neither could imagine anything more perfect than that moment.

TBC

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A/N: Phew! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I hope that little twist wasn't obvious. My intention was to kind of run with Sam's thoughts, as in everything pointing to the fact that they were going to sleep togther (they've waited long enough!!), so that you would be as surprised as Sam when he proposes. Hopefully if you read it back with hindsight, you'll be able to see that everything Jack said or thought does actually relate to the fact he was going to propose (including the bulge in his trousers - ring box!). Well, that was how I intended it anyway. Please let me know what you thought!!

Also, if there's anything you'd like to see in the story to come, just let me know and I'll work it in if I can. My ideas from this point on are very loose, so ideas for little interludes would be welcomed! Thank yoooouu:-)