Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I had forgotten about Shanahan. How the hell could have I forgotten that the beautiful woman I was just making out with, is actually engaged to be married to another man?! Stupid, O'Neill. Carter is already scrambling up and off me and I feel bereft without her. I quickly sit up as well, grabbing the pillow next to me to cover my erection. "Pete? What are you doing here?" she's asking him, all the while distancing herself from me. She goes to him and tries to move him into the kitchen; I know to make it easier for me to leave. He's not having it though, and shakes her hand off his arm. "What I thought I was doing here is coming to comfort my fianc? after the death of her father. Coming to help her make all the funeral arrangements. Help her with the wake. I just didn't expect to walk in first thing in the morning and see her making out with her commanding officer." He turned to look at me and boy if looks could kill. "What's the matter, O'Neill? Can't get your own woman so you make the moves on one that's already spoken for"
"Pete! How dare you?" Sam cries out, somewhat in my defense. She's right in front of him now and if Paul had any sense he'd leave. "How dare I?? I'm not the one sleeping with her commanding officer. While she's engaged"
I'd heard enough then. I stood up and moved quickly to stand in front of Shanahan, gently moving Carter to the side. "I suggest you leave and leave now. You call yourself her fianc? but yet where were you yesterday when we were burying Jacob? Where were you when she was balling on the couch after the wake? After she had put on the strongest face I'd ever seen her wear?" I moved just a touch closer, hoping to intimidate the man. "And just for the record, we never slept together, at least not in the sense you're talking about. I'd better not ever hear you claim that to anyone ever again. I will not let you slander Carter's name and reputation"
The younger man didn't back down, but I did see the fear dancing in his eyes. I turned to look at Carter, silently asking her what she wanted me to do. I nodded when I got my answer and moved to grab my cover and my jacket. "Carter. I'll see you later. If you need anything, just call me." She nodded in response and I moved past Shanahan to the door and only then did I look back to her. She was still staring towards me and I silently mouthed the words 'are you sure you're okay?', needing confirmation. She nodded ever so slightly again and satisfied, I left. The drive home didn't take much time but I don't remember it. The whole way there, I kept thinking of how wonderful it felt to wake up with Samantha Carter in my arms, kissing my neck. I'd never felt like I do when I'm with her, with anyone else. Not even Sara. Sure, I loved her and always will. She is after all the mother of my child. But what I feel for Sam...nothing can describe it. The Stargate program may have saved my life, but Samantha Carter sustains it. She's the reason I go on everyday. I decide that its time to shower once I get into the house. The hot water feels great on my muscles, somewhat cramped from sleeping like we did, but I'd wouldn't change it, even if I could. Sam needed it and to be honest, I did myself. It was hard losing Jacob. I truly did see him as "Dad". Maybe not mine in the true sense of the word, but "Dad" nonetheless. I finish my shower and dry myself off, slipping on a clean pair of boxers. Still tired from the last few days, I crawl into my bed and start to relive this mornings activities.
End Chapter 3