Upon her return to the SGC, Sam appeared to have regained her usual composure. This transformation remained on the notice of Daniel and Teal'c as they assembled in the cafeteria for breakfast. Sam hadn't had the chance to eat at home due to various activities with Jack, making her tardy.
"Sam, feeling better?" Daniel inquired as he took a sip of his coffee.
Sam flashed a genuine smile. "Yes, much better," she responded, reflecting her improved mind. After Jack's arrival and their heart-to-heart conversation, she felt everything had fallen back into place. She had never felt happier, though she decided not to share that detail with Daniel.
Meanwhile, Teal'c was enthusiastically enjoying a stack of pancakes.
"I am pleased that you have returned to the path of happiness, Colonel Carter," he remarked, finishing one of the pancakes.
"Thanks, Teal'c," Sam replied, sipping the last of her coffee.
Daniel was about to continue their conversation when he noticed Jack entering the cafeteria, and suddenly, everything made sense. His gaze shifted to Sam, who blushed and lowered her eyes.
"Hey, guys, Carter," Jack greeted them as he settled down with his tray.
"Hi, Jack. Didn't know you were here," Daniel remarked, glancing at Sam, who continued to focus on her tray.
"Just got here a little while ago," Jack replied as he started eating his cereal.
"Colonel Carter's happiness has improved significantly with your presence," Teal'c observed while attacking another pancake. Sam and Jack blushed this time, and Daniel fought hard not to burst into laughter.
"Right," Jack managed to say.
Turning to Jack, Daniel couldn't resist his curiosity.
"So, wedding preparations?" he asked, looking at Jack since Sam remained engrossed in her tray. Jack felt her leg gently against his under the table.
"Yes and no," Jack replied, much to Daniel's exasperation.
"That is so enlightening, Jack. I'm amazed that you still have a job at the Pentagon," Daniel commented, sighing.
Jack grinned mischievously.
"Precisely because of that," he said, his smile growing wider. "It confuses the hell out of them," he added, making Sam smile as she bit her lip to stifle a laugh.
Daniel set his coffee mug down.
"I believe you. I have years of practice dealing with it," he remarked.
They continued their breakfast and light conversation. Eventually, Sam mentioned that she needed to return to her lab, leaving the three men alone. Daniel decided to confront Jack, kicking him under the table.
"Okay, start talking. What's going on with Sam?" he prodded.
Jack finished his coffee and leaned back in his chair.
"Don't worry, Daniel. We've talked. Everything is fine now. I'm going to speak with Landry. There's been a change of plans, but we'll explain later. How about dinner at her house?" he suggested.
Daniel and Teal'c accepted the invitation, and Jack got up to leave as he had some business to attend to.
The day had rolled by just like any other, with Jack's routine visits to Sam's lab, but today, he was unusually well-behaved. As the evening sun descended below the horizon, the four left the mountain and headed to Sam's house for dinner. They opted for a cozy Italian meal, stopping by a local restaurant to pick up some takeout. Gathered at Sam's home, Jack felt it was time to share the news he and Sam had decided upon that morning.
As they savored their Italian dishes, Jack glanced at Sam, their fingers intertwined, and decided to broach the subject. "Alright, guys, we'd like to talk to you about something," he began.
Daniel, with a mouthful of half-eaten spaghetti, stopped in his tracks. "Oh?" he inquired, raising a curious eyebrow.
Jack continued, his grip on Sam's hand growing tighter.
"We've decided to make a change regarding the wedding," he revealed.
Teal'c raised an eyebrow, and Daniel swallowed the last bit of pasta.
"Oh," Daniel uttered again.
Jack pressed on. "There won't be a wedding at the cabin anymore," he declared, holding Sam's cold hand.
This piqued Daniel's curiosity even more. "Why?" he inquired slowly, looking at Sam, who appeared somewhat uneasy.
"Because that's what we both want," Jack responded, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
Daniel picked up on the tone and acquiesced, saying, "Fine with me," with a warm smile.
"Indeed," Teal'c added, enjoying his lasagna.
"After we return, we can have a get-together when Jack is here," Sam suggested, finally finding her voice in the dinner conversation.
Daniel took a sip of his beer and, with understanding, said, "It's your wedding, Sam. We understand."
Jack gave Sam's hand an affectionate squeeze, expressing his gratitude.
"So where are you going for the ceremony? Or is that a secret?" Daniel asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.
Jack exchanged a knowing glance with Sam, who nodded in agreement. "Jamaica," Jack disclosed.
Daniel responded approvingly, saying, "Very friendly and warm. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time".
Teal'c chimed in with a hint of a smile, "Indeed. I trust you will appreciate the extensive stretches of sand and sunshine, O'Neill, just like off-world." Jack shot him an unamused look, and Sam stifled a laugh.
"Sure, Teal'c," Jack responded, "but it won't be an off-world mission, I promise." Sam couldn't help but grin.
After finishing the last of his beer, Daniel asked, "When do you leave?"
Jack cleared his throat and answered, "Actually, that's one of the reasons I spoke to Landry today. We're leaving in three days. We decided to move things up a bit. So, in case Jacob arrives, Daniel, you'll have to break the news to him."
Daniel's face paled. "Me?" he protested.
Sam clarified, "We'll send a message to the Tok'ra before we leave, but he might not respond in time. Please, when he comes through the Stargate, just let him know there's been a change of plans, and I'll talk to him as soon as we return from our honeymoon."
With a dramatic sigh, Daniel exclaimed, "So, you're off to Jamaica, leaving me alone with Jacob Carter!"
Teal'c glanced at him and asked, "Do you require protection, Daniel Jackson?"
Daniel shot Teal'c an irritated look. "I don't know. Do I?" he replied, directing his gaze at Jack and Sam, who tried their best not to burst into laughter.
"Fine," Daniel conceded with a smirk, "at least bring me back a souvenir." He crossed his arms and pouted, injecting a touch of playful jest into the conversation.
After their two friends had bid them farewell, Sam and Jack found themselves nestled on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. Sam's hand rested gently on Jack's chest, and she broke the silence with a heartfelt "Thank you."
Jack tilted his head to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.
"See? I told you they wouldn't mind," he reassured her, his affectionate tone conveying his love and understanding.
Sam closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the moment. "You did," she acknowledged, her voice filled with gratitude.
Jack, still concerned, gently inquired, "Do you feel better now?" He held her tighter, wanting nothing more than to ease lingering worries.
Sam nodded, shifting her head to rest against his neck. "Yes, I do," she admitted, her voice soft and sincere.
Jack couldn't help but offer a triumphant grin. "Well, then, mission accomplished," he declared, his eyes filled with affection.
Sam whispered, "I love you," with a heartfelt smile," before pressing a tender kiss to his neck.
Jack chuckled playfully, his smile unwavering. "Good, because we are about to get married," he teased, their shared happiness palpable.
Sam smiled against his neck and nestled herself more comfortably against his muscular frame.
"I think you just want to see me in a bikini," she playfully accused.
Jack playfully grabbed her waist, shifting his body to lean in closer on the couch.
"Of course, I want to see you in a bikini. And without one," he admitted with a mischievous grin, leaning in to start showering her with affectionate kisses. His hand smoothed downward over her belly and left thigh, causing her goosebumps.
Sam couldn't help but smile as Jack's lips met hers, the unspoken words and warmth between them concluding the conversation for the evening.
Jack planned to catch a non-stop flight from Washington D.C to Montego Bay, Jamaica, specifically at Sangster International Airport. He had arranged to stay in a Luxurious Over-The-Water Bungalow at a resort, where they would celebrate their honeymoon and exchange their vows. Jack had selected an adults-only resort, exclusively designed for couples, to ensure they could make the most of the five days they would spend there, even if their plans didn't involve leaving much of their room. Their packing was kept light, and the topic of wedding attire was left untouched. Jack didn't mind if she chose to wear a bikini and a sarong for the wedding; he was content with beach shorts.
Nonetheless, he tugged some light grey linen pants and a button-down shirt into his bag, just in case. He intended to wear a t-shirt and shorts, loafers, and flip-flops during their stay, as they only brought a carry-on each. As for Sam's packing, she had yet to disclose her choices, so Jack kept his luggage light, anticipating they would spend most of their time without much clothing.
Once Jack and Sam had decided to exchange their vows at the same place as their honeymoon, a wave of ease washed over her. Instantly, she knew precisely what she would wear for the ceremony, banishing any lingering doubts or anxiety. From her closet, she retrieved an aquamarine blue boho-style maxi dress, a gift from Cassie that had remained unworn, and placed it in her bag. Alongside the dress, she packed bikinis, shorter skirts, a selection of tops, and some shorts. Sam also included a sarong, a thoughtful birthday gift from Janet, who had yet to see the light of day. In addition to a pair of flat sandals and her trusty flip-flops, even though she planned to go barefoot for the ceremony, Sam packed the satin nightgown she had purchased with Cassie and an array of new lingerie. Remarkably, her bag was ready in under thirty minutes.
After calling Cassie and explaining their decision, Sam felt the weight of guilt returning. As she ended the call, she found Jack standing there, arms crossed, a questioning expression in his eyes. "What's on your mind?" he inquired slowly. "We agreed on this, Sam. She'll be okay," he reassured her.
Sam nervously bit her lip and sighed. "She sounded disappointed on the phone, Jack," she said, closing her eyes briefly.
Jack remained steady and unmoved. "She loves you. She'll understand once she has time to think about it," he said confidently.
Sam continued with her eyes closed.
"Samantha?" he called softly.
She opened her eyes and looked at him in silence.
"We discussed this. It's just us now. We can make it up to them later," he said, moving closer and taking her left hand in his.
"I know," she replied softly.
Jack began to stroke her hand gently. "I understand we're not doing this traditionally, and I'm perfectly fine with it. But I have something for you," he said, slipping his other hand into his pants pocket.
Sam looked at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her confusion evident.
Jack retrieved a small Tiffany Blue Box tied with a white satin ribbon. Sam gasped when she saw it.
"Jack! What have you done?" she exclaimed, placing a hand over her mouth. He handed her the box, and she cautiously took it, her hand trembling. She looked at him and the box simultaneously as she unwrapped it. Inside, there was a black ring box. Sam glanced at him once more.
"Open it," he gently instructed.
Sam swallowed and opened it, revealing the exquisite oval Halo engagement ring with a platinum band, a diamond chosen by Jack.
"Oh, it's beautiful, Jack," she said, her voice filled with awe.
Jack extended his hand and touched the box. "May I?" he asked.
Sam nodded, and he took the ring, carefully sliding it onto her ring finger. He then kissed it tenderly. "Perfect," he remarked.
Sam blushed deeply. "It's lovely, Jack. Thank you," she said, gazing at the ring.
Jack smiled warmly. "You're beautiful," he declared, his eyes brimming with love and joy. No jewel could outshine her in his eyes.
Sam blushed even more profoundly and clutched his hand, holding it tightly. "I love you so much. You know that right?" she asked, suddenly feeling vulnerable.
Jack kissed her softly on the lips. "Yes, Sam. I know," he affirmed.
Sam inquired, "What time is our flight?" Her gaze never left his.
Jack grinned. "We have three hours, so we don't have time for what you're thinking. We should leave for the airport in about ten minutes. That's when the taxi I called will arrive. But I promise we'll have plenty of time for that once we get to the resort," he assured, planting another affectionate kiss on her lips.
Sam blushed even more but returned his kiss. They were kissing passionately on the couch when the taxi arrived, and they reluctantly had to depart for the airport.
