After her father died Samantha Carter had made a decision. As much as she longed for a life outside this mountain, including a family of her own, she wasn't ready to make compromises. She had lied to her Dad about being happy, that's one thing she regretted. But she wanted him to be able to go without having to worry about her.

Earlier that day she discovered that the General was seeing someone. She had made up her mind to finally tell him what she felt. Ready to fight for it. But then his girlfriend stepped out of the door and her heart stopped for a few seconds. The call about her father saved her from that awkward situation.

When the General found her in the observation room to support her and put his arm around her it just felt so right. She knew then even when she was too late and Jack O'Neill had moved on, she couldn't be happy with Pete. She would never feel for him what she felt for Jack. And when he promised her 'Always' she felt hope.

That was why she was now sitting beside Pete on the bench in front of the house he had bought. He, not them. And that was the breaking point for Sam.

"Why are we here, Sam? What do you want to talk about?"

"Us, I...ahm...I wanted to talk about us. I can't go on like this. Pete, this isn't going to work."

"What do you mean? What isn't working? Sam, you're confusing me."

"I'm not as happy as I should be, Pete. I thought I was, but I'm just not." She took off her engagement ring and gave it back to him.

He was startled. "What? Sam?"

"I'm sorry, Pete!"

"Sorry? I don't understand. I moved here. We're planning a wedding. I bought a house for us. Fuck Sam, you said 'Yes'. I thought we were happy."

"I know." She sighed, "I thought so too."

"Then what did I do wrong?"

"Nothing, Pete. It's not about what you did."

"Fine, explain it to me. Tell me why!"

"I just realized as much as I wanted this to work out, I wasn't in it with all my heart. Pete, you're a nice man, you have so much love to give, you deserve a woman that feels exactly the same for you. It's just not me."

He looked deep into her baby blue eyes. Trying to understand what just happened.

"As much as I would like to think this has something to do with your Dad, it hasn't. I know he didn't approve of me, but it's because of him, isn't it?" he was brave enough to ask.

"Him?" she asked back.

"Don't play dumb, Sam. I have eyes you know. It's the General, right?"

"Pete, there are regulations against this. Nothing ever happened. Fraternisation isn't allowed, that much you should know."

"I know it's not allowed, but just because something is forbidden doesn't mean they can stop you from feeling it. Just be honest with me."

Tears were glistening in her eyes and he knew he was right.

"Sam, as much as I hoped I would be the man that would make you happy for the rest of your life with a bunch of kids and all, I still want you to be happy. I wish you all the best. I'm not mad, maybe just a little disappointed. So, you're going to finally get the guy you love?"

Sam sighed. She didn't deserve the understanding Pete gave her, neither did she deserve his support.

"It's not that easy."

"It isn't?" he asked.

"I'm still in the air force, it's still not allowed. And...and he's seeing someone." she nearly whispered.

"The first problem could be solved quickly, don't you think? You just have to decide if your career is still worth more to you than finally being happy with the man you love. You can still do your job as a civilian, they won't let you go completely."

"I thought about that too." She admitted, still a bit surprised that talking about this with Pete was so easy. "But do I have the right to ask him when he's moved on himself? He's happy and I don't want to make it uncomfortable for him."

"Bullshit Sam!" Pete said, "I saw this man looking at you. He's head over heels in love with you. I think if you asked him to retire years ago he would have done it in a heartbeat."

She looked up to meet his eyes.

"Go Sam, get the guy. Don't let anything stop you and don't ever let him go."

They both stood up and hugged each other goodbye. "Thank you, Pete. For everything."

"Bye Sam!"

And that's why Sam found herself standing in front of Jack's door a second time that day. Trying to work up the nerve to knock.

She still stood there contemplating what to do as the door opened. In a heartbeat she was wrapped in his strong arms.

"Am I too late?" she asked carefully.

"Never!" he answered and kissed her softly.