20
Sam was out back putting artificial roses over the archway for the wedding when Jack walked up behind her and kissed the side of her neck. She quickly turned around to see who it was. She smiled when she saw Jack; he pulled her closer and gave her a kiss.
"Hey, no kissing until after you're married" Cassie said grinning.
"I can't help it."
"Jack, you waited eight years: I'm sure a few more hours wouldn't kill you."
"Ok."
Jack gave Sam one more kiss before going to see what the others were up to.
"Sam, I'm glad that you two are finally getting together."
"Yeah, same here."
They continued to get the rest of the stage arranged until lunchtime. They all went downtown for lunch and then Cassie, Janet and Sam went to the beauty parlor to get pampered. They went to Subway for an early dinner, since the show started at 1900 hours. They arrived back at the school just after 1800 hours to get ready for the play. Sam was sitting in her dressing room when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in" the door open and it was Daniel.
"Hey, are you ok? You were real quiet during dinner."
"I'm just worried about Dad."
"Cassie has a back up plan just in case; you know that?"
"I know."
"So don't worry about it, every thing is going to be fine."
"Thanks Daniel."
"We have a full house tonight."
"Don't remind me."
"I better get ready myself, see ya" then he left, closing the door behind him.
When the show started, Sam took off Pete's engagement ring and put it in her make up bag. Then she headed out on to the stage, where the curtain was down. She could hear Cassie talking into the microphone to the audience.
"Welcome to tonight's play. My name is Cassie Fraser for those of you who don't know me. This play is about two Air Force officers who decided to get their act together after eight years of dancing around each other. For the ones who don't understand the Air Force rules, they do not permit any relationships between officers in the same line of command. This play is about the two officers who have finally decided to act upon their hidden feelings after all these years. The actors in this play are real and they would be performing as themselves. With the money that was raised from the tickets sold for tonight's show my class trip will be able to happen. Thank you all and I hope you all have a good evening; now on with the show" Cassie moved to the side as the curtain started to rise.
It showed Jack sitting behind his desk in his BDU's, when there was a knock on the door.
"Come"
The door opened and Sam walked in with a folder in her hand. Jack looked up and smiled and she returned the smile.
"Carter, what can I do for you?"
"My report sir"
"Ah, yes, another lovely report for me to read."
"Sir, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I was thinking."
"About what sir?"
"Retiring."
"Why, I thought that you loved your job?"
"I do but you know me and paper work."
"Yes, I know, but that's not it is it sir?"
"No; you know that I'm not getting any younger, Carter. Sam can we talk, I mean not on the base, perhaps dinner tonight"
"Sir?" Sam looked shocked.
"Please, just you and me."
"Ok, what time and where?"
"How about 1900 hour; I'll pick you up at your place and dress nicely."
"Ok, sure sir."
"Ok, I'll see you then."
"Yes sir."
"Dismissed" then she left his office, closing the door behind her.
Jack sat there looking at the door, and then he opened the drawer and pulled out a letter and put it down in front of him.
"Eight years, I'm not going to wait another day longer" then he picked up the red phone and pushed a button.
"Hello, White House, whom do you wish to speak to?" the audience could hear both sides.
"I want to speak to the President please, this is General O'Neill."
Then Jack picked up a pencil and started playing with it.
"One moment General O'Neill"
Then they head two clicks on the phone and the National anthem playing and then the phone clicked.
"General O'Neill, this is a surprise to hear from you; what can I do for you?"
"Sir, I want to retire"
"What, why?"
"Personal reasons, sir"
"Does it have to do with Colonel Carter?"
"Ah yes sir, it does."
"Do you love her?"
"Yes sir, I want to marry her but I know we can't do anything because of the regs."
"Does she know that you want to retire?"
"Yes, so are you going to permit me?"
"Talk to her and see what she has to say before you decide to do anything else."
"Ok: we are going out tonight for dinner."
"At least it is a start. Please call me tomorrow if you still want to do it and I'll let you retire."
"Thank you sir" then they hung up. Jack stood up and walked out the door with the letter in his hand and then the curtains closed. Cassie went out on the stage while everyone behind the curtains got the next scene set up.