Jack and Sam departed from Washington, D.C., and returned to Colorado Springs with a sense of disappointment hanging over them. The answer they had hoped for from General Hammond took time to come. As they sat in the car together, the weight of uncertainty was palpable, and the strain on their relationship became increasingly difficult to bear. Being stationed at the base added to their frustrations, as both their homes were still in the process of being rebuilt after the explosions ordered by Vlad.

Jack had suggested renting a house so they could be together, but Sam had concerns about the potential implications, especially before they received an official answer from Hammond. She didn't want to take any chances that might jeopardize their future together, so they reluctantly decided to maintain some distance until the situation was resolved. It was a difficult choice, especially after their intimate night together, cuddling and savoring each other's presence.

Once they arrived back at Cheyenne Mountain, they knew how to keep their minds occupied and feelings in check. Sam immersed herself in her lab, determined to put her scientific expertise to work. She pulled out all the projects that had been left unfinished and started working on them relentlessly. The hum of the lab equipment and the intricate problems to solve provided a welcome distraction from the uncertainties of their personal lives.

Jack, too, adopted a similar strategy to keep his mind occupied and prevent himself from dwelling on the current state of their relationship. He approached the massive stack of paperwork on his desk, a never-ending chore that Walter, his trusty aide, constantly complained about. While he despised paperwork, he recognized that he needed to stay busy to keep his thoughts from straying to Sam and their complicated situation.

Sam and Jack threw themselves into their work, hoping their dedication to their professional responsibilities would help them weather the waiting game, even as they longed for the day when they could openly be together without any obstacles.

More than a week and a half had passed since General Hammond received Jack's request for permission to marry. As usual, Jack was called to Washington to speak with Hammond personally. The anticipation weighed heavily on him as he prepared for this meeting.

"I'm confident," Jack said to Sam, bidding her farewell in her lab, which provided some privacy away from prying eyes.

Sam, however, couldn't share his optimism. Her faith in the Air Force had waned over time, partly due to her actions. She offered a faint smile, concealing her doubts.

"Call me when you have some news," she requested, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She understood that things might not go as smoothly as they hoped, and she needed to prepare herself for any outcome.

Jack discreetly brushed his fingers over hers, keeping the gesture hidden from surveillance cameras. "I've got you on speed dial," he assured her, his eyes reflecting determination and affection.

"Have a nice flight, General," Sam wished, attempting to maintain some emotional distance. She knew the importance of keeping her composure, regardless of the outcome.

"Thank you, Colonel," Jack replied with a wink, leaving her lab and heading out of the base. He had a plane to catch, and the fate of their future together hung in the balance.

Jack entered General Hammond's office with a mixture of nerves and familiarity, having visited it more frequently in the past few months than Hammond's office at Cheyenne Mountain during his entire tenure as the base's commanding officer. He tried to maintain his composure and greeted his superior with a smile.

"Good morning, Sir," Jack said, closing the door behind him. General Hammond, seated at his desk as usual, reciprocated with a more formal tone than Jack had expected.

"Good morning, Jack. Take a seat," Hammond offered, prompting Jack to sit down. An uneasy feeling settled in Jack's gut as he detected the formality in Hammond's voice.

Jack cleared his throat, sensing that the news might not be what he had hoped for.

"So, I asked you to come here because your request to marry Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter has been thoroughly analyzed and discussed. As you can imagine, it was a surprise to many people. I can't say I was one of them," Hammond stated, and Jack blushed slightly in acknowledgment of Hammond's long-standing suspicion regarding his feelings for Sam.

Hammond cleared his throat, and Jack noticed the general's nervousness. This could have bode better.

"The request was denied," Jack blurted out, surprising Hammond. His frustration spilled out, and he muttered, "Sam was right. I was a fool to believe they would allow us to be together." He stared at his trembling hands, his commitment to the Air Force suddenly wavering.

Hammond's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Are you back? I don't like to repeat myself, Jack."

Embarrassingly, Jack apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir."

Hammond retrieved a document from his briefcase, and Jack realized he'd missed part of the conversation.

"If you had been paying attention," Hammond scolded, "you would have heard that although the top brass weren't thrilled with your request and put forward several obstacles, this time, General Vidrine and I were able to persuade the President that the future Head of Homeworld Security would ensure all of us a stellar job if he were allowed to marry the woman of his life. So, you have a 'go,' Jack. You and Samantha are allowed to marry by Presidential dispensation."

Jack's pallor changed as he accepted the signed document from the President of the United States. He looked at it in disbelief.

"I can get married to Sam?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

Hammond nodded, smiling.

"You can. It has to be a discreet ceremony, close friends and family only. That's the only requirement."

Jack's mind was already racing ahead. "Anything," he affirmed.

Hammond's smile widened.

"It is advisable that the marriage occurs after you assume your post here at Homeworld."

Jack looked surprised.

"How long do we have to wait, Sir?" he inquired.

Hammond leaned back in his chair.

"Four months, worst-case scenario," he informed him.

Jack sighed, reluctantly accepting the wait.

"I can live with that. Barely, but I can. I can't thank you enough, Sir," Jack said, his voice laden with emotion.

Hammond gave him a warm, supportive smile.

"You both deserve to be happy," Hammond offered. "Now you just have to tell Jacob."

Jack paled, realizing he hadn't considered this part of the equation.

"Oh crap," he mumbled.

"Oh, yeah," Hammond replied with a broadening grin.

As Jack left General Hammond's office in the Pentagon and stepped out into the bustling hallway, he wasted no time and immediately dialed Sam's number. She picked up the call, her voice wavering with a hint of unease.

"Hey," Jack said, putting his sunglasses on while he waited for his car.

"Hey," Sam answered.

Their voices were tense, reflecting how both felt about the situation.

"So, I talked to Hammond, and I've got some news, but I'd rather talk to you in person."

Jack was aware of the mounting frustration Sam might be feeling.

Her response was a resigned "Okay."

It was clear that Sam was bracing herself for what seemed like disappointing news from the Air Force.

Jack acknowledged the driver, who opened the car's door to him.

"I'll be at the base as soon as possible. We'll talk then. I love you, Sam."

Sam replied with another disheartened "Okay" before ending the call. Jack's heart felt heavy as he climbed into his car and drove toward the airfield, eager to see Sam and have this conversation.

At the SGC, Sam was doing her best to hold back tears in the presence of her teammates, Daniel and Teal'c. Jack's unexpected call came during their coffee break at the cafeteria. After hanging up, she sat there, staring at the table, her emotions barely contained.

"Is everything all right, Sam?" Daniel asked, concerned.

Sam couldn't keep up the façade any longer. She abruptly stood up, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Yeah, I need to go back to my lab."

She hastily left the cafeteria, leaving Daniel and Teal'c sharing concerned looks. It was evident that something was amiss, and worry hung over the situation.

When Jack arrived at the SGC, he wasted no time and headed directly to Sam's lab. As expected, he found her working diligently at her computer. However, her usual focused expression was replaced with one of someone mechanically performing a task. Jack quietly closed and locked the door, taking deliberate steps to ensure their privacy. He then moved to the surveillance cameras and discreetly adjusted their positions, angling them towards the ceiling. It should buy them some precious time before anyone from security becomes suspicious. Sam remained entirely engrossed in her work and hadn't noticed his presence.

"Busy, Colonel?" Jack asked as he moved closer to her.

Startled, Sam nearly jumped out of her stool. Jack quickly reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

"Relax, Sam."

Confusion flickered across Sam's face as she glanced at the oddly positioned cameras.

"What...?" Sam asked.

Before she could complete her sentence, Jack didn't leave room for further questions. He pressed his lips against hers, silencing her with a passionate kiss. He kissed her powerfully, crushing her lips, but pulled back briefly.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

She looked at him for a moment, lost for words.

"Jack, are you out of your mind? What on Earth are you doing?" Sam finally found her voice, her astonishment evident in her expression.

Jack responded by kissing her again, brushing off her questions. Sam forcefully pushed him away, her voice firm.

"STOP!" she demanded, her face a picture of confusion. Sam continued, trying to make sense of the situation, "What's happening?"

Jack, his excitement barely contained, couldn't help but share the incredible news.

"They've made a decision, Sam. We can get married," he exclaimed with an ear-to-ear grin.

Sam's eyes widened in disbelief, and she questioned, "What?"

Jack grabbed her hand, desperately wanting her to understand, "Hammond told me that the President gave us a special dispensation order. We can get married, Sam."

Still in shock, Sam couldn't immediately respond. She hadn't anticipated this news, and it left her emotionally unprepared.

"Sam?" Jack began to worry as she remained unresponsive.

"I'm trying to process it, Jack," she finally admitted, her voice low.

Jack held onto her hand, his concern growing.

"Okay. You don't seem happy at all," he noted, his grip loosening slightly.

Sam swallowed her emotions, her happiness mingling with a fear of it being too good to be true. "Are you sure?" she asked in a barely audible voice.

Taken aback by her reaction, Jack replied, "Yes," and loosened his grip on her hand.

"Ooh...okay," Sam said, still in disbelief. She didn't know how to react, and Jack's expressions made her feel like she was responding incorrectly.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, worsening the awkwardness.

"Why are you sorry?" Jack inquired, releasing her hand.

Clearing her throat, Sam explained, "Because I'm having this reaction," tears formed in her eyes.

Jack finally grasped that Sam was overwhelmed by the news.

He took a deep breath, cursing himself, and reassured her, "It's okay. I shouldn't have told you here. Shit, I've ruined this again…Why don't we go out for dinner and discuss it further outside of SGC?"

Trying to put herself together, Sam quickly agreed, saying, "Yes, please."

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed outside Sam's door, and a voice from security demanded to know if everything was all right.

"Yes, everything is fine," Sam replied loudly.

"Then please open the door immediately, Colonel," the voice instructed.

Sam rose and moved to the door, using her card to open it. Three armed airmen entered, looking around.

"General, Sir," they acknowledged as soon as they spotted Jack.

"At ease, men. Colonel Carter was testing some security protocols I asked her to. I forgot to inform you. Everything is okay," Jack calmly explained.

The airmen glanced at Sam and then back to Jack, nodding in understanding.

"Very well, General. Next time, please inform us. We were worried someone had breached security," one of them stated.

Jack accepted the responsibility, saying, "Yes, of course. My fault entirely."

As the airmen left, Sam readjusted the surveillance cameras. Jack moved close to the door.

"I'll see you topside at 1900," he said before leaving the room.

Sam's heart raced as she processed the whirlwind of emotions.

In the parking lot, Jack and Sam decided to leave the base in Jack's truck for the mysterious outing. Sam, unsure of their destination, opted for a casual outfit, donning jeans and a blue V-neck sweater, as the evening was still warm enough to forego a jacket. On the other hand, Jack stuck with his signature jeans and a three-button shirt.

Once inside Jack's truck, Sam couldn't contain her curiosity and questioned, "So where are we going?"

Jack kept his eyes on the road but couldn't help but let a small smile creep onto his lips.

"Curious, Colonel?" he teased.

Blushing, Sam admitted, "Yes." She stared out the window, a mixture of curiosity and nervousness swirling. It was a rare occasion for them to be out for a meal as just the two of them; their previous outings were always as part of the team.

Jack divulged, "Just a place I know outside Colorado Springs. So, we can be more relaxed."

Sam nodded, and Jack stole a glance at her. She sat with her hands tucked under her legs, gazing out the window. Seeing her so tense, Jack decided it might be time for a heart-to-heart conversation.

"Are you sure you are okay?" he asked, briefly shifting his attention from the road.

Sam stared outside, her voice soft, "I'm nervous."

"Me too," Jack admitted, trying to lighten the mood.

Sam smiled, saying, "I suppose things with us are never easy."

Jack chuckled, "I guess not. What's the fun in it?"

The atmosphere in the truck became more relaxed, and Jack felt they had accomplished their mission of breaking the ice.

After driving for several minutes and covering some miles, Jack parked the truck in front of an Italian restaurant. They didn't have reservations, but there were a few vacant tables in the middle of the week. Jack selected one near the window, offering a view of a nearby park, albeit limited by the encroaching darkness, which allowed only the glow of the park's lights to be seen.

"It's nice," Sam commented, her gaze exploring the cozy restaurant filled primarily with couples and families.

Jack agreed, "The food is quite good," glancing at the menu.

Curious, Sam raised an eyebrow and asked, "Come here often?"

"Sometimes," Jack replied, looking out the window. Sam blushed and started examining the menu, unsure whether she should inquire further.

Sensing her curiosity, Jack made it easier for her, gently placing her hand, "I like to come here alone, Sam. No dates."

Sam blushed even more and quickly clarified, "I didn't say anything."

"So that you know," Jack replied with a smile. Sam shot him a glance before putting the menu down.

As they placed their orders and waited, Jack continued the conversation he had started at the SGC, providing more details, "As I said, Hammond told me our marriage request was discussed and approved. They only require it to be a simple ceremony with family and friends, and it should take place after I take office as Head of Homeworld Security. That's more or less four months."

Sam listened intently, raising an eyebrow, "Four months?"

Jack started to play with his napkin and responded, "Give or take."

Concerned, Sam asked, her voice almost faltering, "What are we supposed to do during those four months?"

Jack's smile widened as he answered, "Well, my dear, I leave that to your discretion."

Blushing a deeper shade of red, Sam retorted, "You'll be in Washington, D.C., and I'll be here."

Jack looked at her, finding her blushing state adorable, and replied, "Theoretically."

Annoyed, Sam said, "Care to elaborate, General?" trying to control her temper.

Jack leaned forward and playfully noted, "You have plenty of accumulated leave. I'm sure I'll manage some extra days off between my move to Washington. You've never been to my cabin, Colonel."

Sam lowered her head to hide her smile, replying, "No."

"It's lovely this time of the year," Jack added, crossing his arms.

Sam pointed out, "We can't disappear simultaneously."

Jack discreetly moved his foot under the table, touching hers, and remarked, "No, but my successor is coming in two weeks. We can go then."

Surprised, Sam inquired, "Who is he?"

"Classified information, Colonel," Jack said with a smile.

Rolling her eyes, Sam muttered, "Asshole," just under her breath, but Jack overheard.

"That would be General Asshole to you. And I believe you already called me that," he responded with a wink.

Sam's blush deepened, and they were saved from further conversation by the arrival of the waitress, who brought their orders.

The dinner proceeded surprisingly smoothly despite Sam's jittery nerves and Jack's continuous struggle to restrain his overpowering urge to whisk her away to a nearby motel. Miraculously, they reached the dessert course with all their clothes still on. However, as they returned to his truck, the dynamic changed. Jack wasted no time, pulling her close and kissing her passionately.

She racked her nails over the nape of his neck as his hands pulled her head back, and he kissed her neck. She gasped and whimpered as he delicately nipped at her ear lobe and licked the line of her jugular, feeling her rapid heartbeat.

"Jack…" she whimpered.

"I want you," he groaned against her neck.

"Not here, Jack," she said, trying to make him stop.

But Jack continued with his hand in her hair; his mouth was on hers, hard and demanding, his tongue pushing between her lips. Sam managed to put her hands on his chest and pushed him.

"Jack!" she tried again.

"Okay…" he said, his lips resting on her neck, his breathing still too fast.

Sam looked around, but fortunately, the parking lot was deserted.

"We need to get back to the base," she said, kissing his head.

Jack looked at her.

"We need to fix this situation fast," he said with a smile.

Sam also smiled.

"Patience, General," she said, caressing his hair.

Jack growled and let her go. "Fine. You win again", he said.

They entered his truck and drove back to SGC, a deep sense of longing desperately hovering over them. It was getting more complex.