Jack heard the van park in his driveway as he was in the kitchen preparing the dinner. He went to open up the door to meet his brother in law and his family for the first time.
Jack reached out his hand "Hi, you must be Mark, I'm Jack. Welcome!"
Mark took his hand and shook it.
"Hello Jack, yes I'm Mark and that is my wife Jessica." pointing at the woman next to him.
"Hi Jessica, it's nice to meet you." he greeted her and turned his attention over to the two little kids, kneeling down to their level he asked "And who are you two?"
Mark knew his kids are always shy with strangers so he didn't expect much interaction.
"I'm David and that is my little sister Lisa. Are you going to marry aunt Sam?"
"Hi David, hi Lisa. I'm Jack, and yes I'm going to marry Sam and very soon we'll have a baby and you two are going to be cousins."
Lisa nodded "Mom told us. And when you marry aunt Sammie you'll be uncle Jack then, won't you?"
"That's right Lisa. If you like to you can call me uncle Jack."
"Great!" both kids exclaimed and their parents exchanged meaningful looks. It hasn't happened often that their children instantly connected to someone. Maybe this Colonel was really the right guy for his sister.
"Come on, I'll show you the way to the backyard. Sam and Jacob are outside enjoying the sun."
It was a beautiful afternoon, everyone was relaxed and sat around the table on the terasse. They watched Jack play with the kids on the grass.
Mark who was sitting next to her sister nugged her shoulder.
"He seems to be a great guy."
"He's the best." not able to hide her happiness quickly the smile appeared on her face.
"That he is." Jacob agreed. "I couldn't think of a better match for Sam than Jack. After years in the field together they know their best and their worst side. And even if he is a big child by heart he's always able to ground her. He knows when to leave her alone to let her do your work and when to drag her out of her lab because she lost track of time again. They're good together."
Touched by her father's speech she had to whipe away tears. Damn hormones!
"I give up!" they heard Jack capitulate and saw him lying on the grass with the two kid lying over him.
Lisa and David screamed with joy. "Mom, Dad, we won!" they cuddled on the bench next to their mother.
"I think we deserve some drinks." he winked at the kids. "Anyone else need anything?"
"Nope, we're good, thank you." Sam said as Jack kissed her.
"I'll help you", Mark said. He wanted to use the opportunity to talk to Jack alone.
Inside Jack took two glasses of water for the kids and reached inside the fridge to grab the beers. He turned around to face Mark and handed him the beer.
"So, do I get your approval to marry your sister?" Mark was stunned that Jack addressed it instead of avoiding the conversation.
"Look, I know I'm not the guy you might have picked for your sister. Maybe a little to old, the military guy... She could do so much better than me, I'm aware of that. But she picked me and I'm never going to question that. I'm in love with Sam, for a long time now and I will promise I'll do anything to keep her happy."
"I can see why she chose you, Jack. You don't need my approval, but I'm ok with you becoming my brother in law. Dad told me you were great with kids and seeing you with David and Lisa I'm glad you'll be their uncle. In general they are very shy and don't open up to people in such a short time. If I didn't know more about you that would be enough. If you need help with the wedding, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you Mark, this means a lot to me. For the wedding everything is organized. It will be a small gathering. The caterer will also set up the chairs and the tables and decorations. So all we need to do is to say 'I do'."
They heard the back door open and then Sam entered the kitchen.
"What?" Jack asked jokingly, "making sure we haven't killed each other?"
She blushed "Something like that, yeah."
Mark pulled his sister into a warm, affectionate hug, a gesture filled with reassurance and love. As their embrace lingered for a moment, he spoke in a gentle and comforting tone, "You don't have to worry, sis. You've found yourself an amazing guy."
With a heartfelt smile, Mark reached for the glasses meant for the children and left the kitchen.
Jack put his arm around her shoulder "Come on, let's go outside."
"I love you, Jack."
"And I love you, Carter."
The day of the wedding had finally arrived. Everything was set up. The wedding arch stood at the end of the backyard, adorned with delicate flowers and lush greenery, creating an enchanting backdrop for the impending vows.
In front the rows of chairs for the guests were arranged. The caterer added a small wooden dancefloor.
As Jack and Sam prepared themselves for the wedding in separate rooms, the warm rays of the sun cascaded through the windows, casting a soft, golden glow on their faces. Their hearts fluttered with a mix of nervousness and overwhelming joy, knowing that this day marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Jacob was with Jack as they got dressed.
"You know, you were always like a son to me, Jack. In age maybe more of a younger brother, but I liked it from the start when you called me Dad. I'm very proud that you'll be my son in law. You're good for Sam, you're good together. Thank you for loving my little girl."
"Jacob, I don't know what to say. Thanks for letting me love her. I promise to do everything what's in my power to make her happy. Thank you Dad!"
Jacob stepped forward to wrap Jack in a fatherly hug. That's how Daniel found them.
"Uh mh, sorry, am I interrupting anything?"
"No, come in Daniel. The best man is alway welcome. I think I need to check for Sam anyway. See you at the end of the aisle, Jack."
"Yes, thank you Jacob."
Meanwhile in Sam's room. Janet was there to help her get dressed.
She didn't want to wear anything fancy, just a simple, short white dress that gently embraced her baby bump.
"You look beautiful Sam." Janet told her with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you Janet. No need to cry just yet." Sam winked.
"You know very well with all the hormones mixing up it's not in my control. At the end of the day I might look like a panda bear from all the crying."
"Yeah I know this feeling. But I might admit that I'm really jealous that you haven't experienced even a bit of morning sickness or queasyness. So thank God you at least got the crying part.
Laughter filled the room as they heard a soft knock on the door.
Janet opened the door and Sara entered. With Jack's consent Sam decided to invite her and her new family.
"Hi Sara, I'm glad you could make it. This is my best friend Janet."
"Hi Janet, I'm Sara. Hi Sam, I just wanted to make sure that you've got everything you need?"
"Yes I think so."
"So, something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?"
"Well I'm wearing my mother's necklace, so that's something old. Jack bought me these fitting earrings, so that's the something knew I guess. That's it, its not that we're the traditional wedding couple anyway."
"I thought so," Sara said and fumbled in her pocket for something. "just let me take care of the rest." She handed Sam a blue garter. "That's the something blue. Make sure he takes it off with his teeth, that's the tradition. And here," she hands her a hair clipper. "that is something I'd like to borrow you if you want."
"That's beautiful, I... I don't know what to say. Would you put it in my hair?"
By now every women's eyes in the room were filled with tears.
Jacob stuck his head through the door "Are you ready kiddo?"
"Just one more second to calm me down a bit, but please come in." she turned to hug Sara "Thank you for everything, Sara."
"Your welcome, don't be nervous. The right man is waiting at the end of the aisle. You're a very lucky woman, Sam."
She took Janet with her out of the room to give Sam and her father the chance for a last conversation.
They went outside, Janet stood next to Daniel and Jack in front of the wedding arch. Sara sat next to her family.
Their eyes met and engaged in a silent conversation. Within that gaze, there was so much conveyed. The love that had once connected them still lingered. She wanted to express how genuinely happy she was that he had also found a new love, and that he deserved to be happy. In Jack's gaze, there was gratitude, for they had managed to meet again without hatred or blame. And how glad he was that she had also found the love she so truly deserved.
Everyone was there, Teal'c and Annie, Daniel with Janet and Cassandra. General Hammond and his wife. Mark and his Familie and Sara with her family.
Jacob looked at Sam for a long time.
"You're so beautiful Sammie. Your mother would be so proud. Come on, let's get you married. I know your husband can hardly wait for you to show up."
Linking arms with him, they strode down the aisle. As Jack saw her for the first time it took his breath away. Not able to look somewhere else their eyes were glued at each other until she finally reached him.
Jacob gave her a fatherly kiss on the cheek and took her hand to place it into Jack's.
"I hereby give you my daughter. Watch out for my little girl, even if she's more than capable of doing it on her own."
"Thank you Dad, I'll always watch out for her."
The ceremony was short and beautiful.
They did their own vowes and Jack was the one to start.
"Samantha, I promise to love you and to value your friendship as a precious gift.
Today it's my honor to become your husband.
I look forward to raising our family and doing everything what's in my power to keep us safe.
I am yours utterly and have been since the moment we met.
I vow to love you and cherish you for all the days of my live.
Sam, do you take me as your husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
In sickness and health, in times of prosper and decline, in peace and turmoil, as long as we both shall live?"
"I do."
--
"Jack, it's clear to me now that everything in my live has led me to you.
I think back to all my choices and consider even the bad ones blessed, because if I had done even one thing different, I might never have met you.
I promise to love you and to challenge you to be everything I know you can be, to never be trapped in despair, to always see in yourself what I see in you, an amazing man, my husband, for whom I will always feel the greatest pride and admiration.
Jack, do you take me as your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
In sickness and health, in times of prosper and decline, in peace and turmoil, as long as we both shall live?"
"Yes, I do."
Sam and Jack held each other's hands, feeling the weight and significance of the wedding rings. Their eyes locked once again, brimming with emotions that words alone couldn't express.
With a steady breath, Jack spoke softly, his voice filled with unspoken years of love and understanding, "Sam, you are my rock, my partner, and my greatest supporter. Today, I offer you this ring as a symbol of my endless commitment, love, and devotion to you. With this ring, I promise to always stand by your side, to cherish and love you unconditionally, in all the days of our lives."
Tears of joy brimmed in Sam's eyes as she reciprocated, "Jack, you are my heart, my companion, and my soulmate. Today, I give you this ring as a symbol of my unyielding love, trust, and dedication to our shared journey. With this ring, I promise to love and honor you wholeheartedly, to stand beside you through both the joys and challenges that lie ahead."
Their hands trembled slightly as they gently slid the rings onto each other's fingers, sealing their commitment.
With their vows exchanged and rings in place, Sam and Jack stood before their guests, their hearts pounding in anticipation. As the backyard fell into a hushed reverence, they moved closer, their eyes locked in a tender gaze.
With a gentle smile, Jack cupped Sam's face, feeling her warmth beneath his fingertips. He leaned in, his breath mingling with hers, and closed the gap between them. Their lips met in a sweet, tender, and meaningful kiss.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Their connection felt electric, as if the universe itself reveled in their love. Their kiss spoke volumes, expressing their deepest emotions, promises, and hopes for a future filled with happiness and limitless possibilities.
As their lips parted, their friends erupted with cheers, applause, and joyful tears.
Everybody lined up to hug an congratulate them. The day went by too fast.
After a delightful dinner filled with laughter, toasts, and heartfelt speeches, Sam and Jack were finally ready to take the dance floor as husband and wife. The air was filled with the melodic strains of a romantic ballad, setting the perfect backdrop for this special moment.
As they stood there, hand in hand, Sam's eight-month pregnant belly pressing gently between them, their love for each other seemed to radiate around them. Jack gazed deep into Sam's eyes, his heart swelling with joy and adoration. He marveled at the incredible journey they had already been through and the miracle growing within Sam's womb.
They swayed together, moving in sync with the music, their bodies seamlessly intertwined. They didn't need elaborate steps or intricate choreography; their dance was a natural expression of the love and connection they shared.
With every sway, Jack held Sam closer, feeling her warmth and the gentle movements of their unborn child. He whispered sweet words into her ear, expressing his immense happiness she had brought into his life.
Their bodies moved to the rhythm, but their eyes never left each other. In this intimate dance, time seemed to slow down, allowing them to savor every precious moment.
As the song drew to a close, Sam rested her head against Jack's chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart. They held each other tightly, knowing that their love story was just beginning.
As the dance endet Sam turned around to search for Daniel, she found him and he only gave her a slight nod.
Sam took the opportunity to thank everyone for making their day so special.
"And while I don't have many single girlfriends I only need one tonight. I don't want to throw the bridal bouquet, I want to give it to a very special friend. She's always there for me when I need her and she deserves to get it." with the bouquet in her hands she walked towards Janet.
She handed her the flowers, wrapped her in a hug and turned her around to a kneeling Daniel with a ringbox in his hands.
Tears welled up in her eyes while looking down to Daniel.
"Janet, you're smart enough to know what this is all about, but I did practice a lot so please let me tell you what I need to tell you. After Sha're I thought I would never feel like this again. That I didn't deserve to feel like this again because I couldn't save her. But bit by bit you found your way to my heart. Every time I saw you it skipped an extra beat. I fell in love with you so easily, now I can't imagine a time without you. You and Cassie welcomed me into your family without a doubt. She is my daughter already and if you allow me to I will make her my daughter legally. I look forward to raising her and our baby together as the parents they deserve. Janet Fraiser, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Overwhelmed by his emotional speech the only word she could get out was a whispered "Yes!"
Their friends cheered over the proposal and the news of the baby as Daniel put the ring on her finger, kissed her deeply and threw Cassie into their hug.
In the background Sam and Jack stood silently watching their happy friends and family, absorbing all the joy. She layed her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Can this day get any better?" she asked "it was perfect. Thank you for everything, Jack."
"You're welcome. And yes, I know a way this day could get even better." he let his hand wander over her shoulder, down her back until he found her ass and squeezed it. "They could all call it a night and I finally could take my wife to bed."
Sam blushed and laughed wholeheartedly at the same time.
"Jack, your incorrigible. But you know we have to be quiet anyway. Did you forget that my father will sleep next door in the guestroom?"
"No I won't."
Both jumped at the voice behind them, they didn't expect Jacob Carter sneaking up on them.
"Dad!"
"What? You can't seriously think that I will sleep in a house with you two newlyweds. Obviously you did it before, but kiddo there are things a father doesn't need to witness." he hugged them with a smirk on the face." George offered me his guestroom and I'm willing to take it. Just wanted to say goodbye. We're leaving now. I'm very happy for you two. Good night."
"Thank you and good night, Dad."
One by one, her guests said goodbye. Janet, Daniel and Cassie stood by Sam to say good night while Jack was talking with Sara.
"Congratulations Jack, you have a wonderful wife and some really special friends."
"Thank you, Sara. Thanks for coming, that meant much to us. I know Sam respects you as her friend. And as weird as this is sometimes I'm glad to have you back in my live as our friend. You caught yourself a great man too, you know."
They stood in a tight embrace as Sam joined them. Taking the clipper out of her hair she handed it back to Sara.
"Thank you for the loan."
"I hope it brings you luck. Enjoy your first night as newlyweds. Thanks for inviting us."