Before embarking on their shopping adventure, Cassie decided to ease into discussing wedding dresses with Sam. She knew that Sam wasn't the typical bride, so reaching a compromise was in order. They spent the morning flipping through bridal magazines, with Cassie pointing out various models that might suit Sam and Sam politely stating that they weren't her style. Cassie's patience was wearing thin. After grabbing lunch, they decided to hit the stores. Following several trials, Cassie was teetering on the brink of frustration. Sam had turned down everything.
However, despite Sam's reluctance, Cassie was determined to succeed in this pivotal task for the only member representing the Frasier family. She decided to tell Sam that she'd find her a wedding dress even if they had to explore otherworldly options. Sam blushed so intensely that Cassie thought a new shade of red had been invented right there and then. Disheartened, they decided to head back home, where they found Jacob engrossed in a TV show.
"Hello, ladies. Had a good time shopping?" Jacob inquired with a friendly smile.
Sam growled in frustration and stormed off to her office, slamming the door shut.
Jacob, taken aback, queried, "What did I do?" as he turned off the TV.
Cassie flopped onto the enormous couch. "It's not you; it's the whole dress thing," she explained.
"Oh..." Jacob responded, switching the TV back on.
"Your daughter is quite difficult," Cassie added, taking out her phone and checking her messages.
Jacob sighed. "She's not a fan of shopping," he stated.
Cassie hummed, her eyes glued to her phone screen.
In her office, Sam rested her head in her hands, her elbows on her desk, needing a moment to compose herself. She glanced at her phone and noticed two new messages. Slowly, she picked it up and opened it. Both were from Jack. With a tight heart, she opened the first one. It simply said, "Good luck. I love you. J." Sam smiled and opened the second one. "Call me when you're free. J."
Sam checked the time; it was past 1830. He should still be at his office, but she decided to give him a try. The phone rang a couple of times, and just as she was about to give up, he picked up. "Hi, Carter," he said, a little breathless.
"Hi, General," she replied with a smile, leaning back in her chair.
"Just give me a minute," he requested. She could hear him speaking in hushed tones, the sound of chairs moving, and his voice again.
"Okay, I'm alone. So, how was your shopping?" he asked, sitting on the couch in his office.
"I'd rather not talk about it," she admitted, closing her eyes.
Jack smiled. "That bad, huh?" he asked.
"Cassie is being accommodated, but..." Sam didn't finish the sentence.
Jack checked his watch; he still had another meeting before heading home. "You know, you could go gloriously naked, and I would love it," he said, grinning even more expansive.
Sam couldn't help but smile. "Oh, I know you would love that. I'm not sure my father would agree with you," she said.
Jack's smile faded. "Darn it, Sam, why did you have to bring Dad into such a nice image?" he asked, shifting on the couch.
Sam chuckled. "Just a reminder of why I can't appear naked at the ceremony, Jack," she said.
Jack sighed. "I'm sure you'll find a dress that you'll like," he said, trying to boost her spirits.
Sam let her head fall back into the chair. "You're far more optimistic than I am," she said.
Jack smiled and glanced at his watch again. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. I still have a meeting. I do love you very much, naked and dressed," he said.
Sam laughed again. "Me too, Jack, me too," she said.
They hung up, both feeling much better.
Sam and Cassie continued their quest for wedding dresses until Cassie had to return to her college. The mission was far from accomplished, but at the airport, Cassie promised to keep sending more pictures for Sam to review. Their farewell was heartfelt, leaving Sam alone once more. She was back to light duty, and the wedding was just a week away. Cassie had assured her that she only needed to tie up a few loose ends before heading to the cabin. Jacob had also briefly returned to the Tok'ra but promised to be on Earth for the wedding. Sam was now on the verge of a meltdown, and not even the constant phone talks with Jack seemed to alleviate her nerves. She hoped returning to the SGC would distract her from all the wedding and dress-related stress. She told herself this should be a wonderful experience, not days of stress and sleepless nights.
Daniel was shocked when he saw Sam at the base. The dark circles under her eyes, evidence of her sleepless nights, prompted him to grab her arm and guide her to a seat in her lab.
"Sam! What's wrong?" he asked with genuine concern.
Sam sighed heavily.
"I'm stressed," she admitted.
Daniel examined her closely. "Have you been sleeping at all?" he inquired.
Sam looked down and mumbled something he couldn't quite hear.
"Sorry, I didn't catch that," he said.
Sam looked up, her cheeks flushed. "Not much," she confessed.
Daniel ran a hand through his hair. "You look terrible," he remarked.
"Well, thanks, Daniel," Sam replied, feeling even worse.
"It's true. Does Jack know?" he asked with a suspicious look.
Sam blushed. "No, you're not ratting on me," she warned.
Daniel raised his hands in surrender but didn't make any promises.
"Daniel," Sam warned.
Daniel quickly exited the stool and began moving toward her lab door. Sam was now standing.
"Daniel, I swear I'll take you down myself," she threatened.
Before she could make good on her threat, Daniel turned and fled from her lab, his cell phone already in his hand. Once he was sure he was safe from Sam's potentially lethal hands, he dialed Jack's number and waited. When it went to voicemail, he left a message saying that he needed to talk to him about Sam, and then he went in search of Teal'c, hoping the Jaffa could provide some assistance.
After enduring several tedious meetings, Jack finally took a break to eat something. He noticed Daniel's message and immediately called back.
"Hi, Daniel. What's up with Sam?" he inquired as he took a bite of his sandwich. Jack had sensed that Sam's recent phone calls lacked their usual enthusiasm, but he had been preoccupied with the wedding preparations and hadn't given it the attention it deserved.
Daniel's voice conveyed his worry.
"Jack, I'm concerned about Sam," he began.
Jack stopped eating. "Why?" he asked, his concern deepening. "What's wrong?" He was kicking himself for not realizing sooner that something was amiss.
"She returned to the base today. She doesn't look good and admitted she hasn't been sleeping well," Daniel revealed, voicing his concerns.
Jack's reaction was immediate and robust. He nearly crushed the water bottle he had in his hand. "Damn it! Where is she?" he demanded.
"Probably in her lab. I'm in hiding. She threatened to harm me if I talked to you," Daniel admitted. Teal'c gave him an amused glance, but Daniel didn't care. He knew that Sam could inflict real pain when she wanted to, and at the moment, she was distraught with him.
"Okay, grab Teal'c and go make sure she eats something. I'll try to expedite my trip and get there as soon as possible," Jack said.
Daniel bit his lip. "Jack, she'll hurt me..." he protested.
"Quit being a coward, Daniel! Go with Teal'c!" Jack ordered, his frustration evident. He then hung up and tried calling Sam, but it went to voicemail. Jack cursed and left a message, urging her to call him immediately. He looked at his desk, prioritizing what was important and what could be postponed. He was urgently needed in Colorado Springs.
Daniel dispatched Teal'c ahead to Sam's lab, and they found Sam engrossed in her computer, intensely focused on her work.
"Colonel Carter?" Teal'c called out.
Sam looked up. "Hi, Teal'c," she greeted with a genuine smile. However, her smile vanished when she noticed Daniel accompanying Teal'c. She had heard Jack's message and wasn't too pleased, although she hadn't called him back.
Daniel wisely remained a safe distance behind Teal'c.
"We're about to have lunch and would greatly appreciate your company," Teal'c stated.
Sam bit her lip, fully aware of their intentions.
"Of course, you would," she replied, shooting Daniel a less-than-amused glare.
"We've missed your presence at the base," Teal'c continued, using his full Jaffa charm to persuade her.
Sam sighed. When he turned on the charm, it was challenging to say 'no' to Teal'c.
"Okay, Teal'c. I'll have lunch with you. Maybe I'll find something that Daniel is allergic to," she quipped, her smile carrying a hint of mischief.
Daniel swallowed hard. "Come on, Sam," he urged, staying close to Teal'c.
Sam chuckled. "Just kidding," she reassured, her smile now more sincere, although Daniel wasn't entirely convinced she was joking. Deciding to play it safe, he kept his focus on the food.
They proceeded to the cafeteria, with Teal'c and Sam walking side by side and Daniel maintaining a discreet distance behind them.
When Sam returned home that night, she discovered three missed calls from Jack. Setting the pizza box on the kitchen counter, she settled down and decided to return his call. Jack picked up on the first ring, his voice filled with concern.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey, sorry I missed your calls," she replied.
"Sam, what's going on? Please talk to me," Jack implored, already packing his things at his place.
Sam sighed. "I'm just exhausted, Jack. I haven't been sleeping well."
Jack paused his packing, worry in his voice. "Why, Sam?"
Sam felt the tears welling up, but she hastily wiped them away, not wanting Jack to hear her cry. "I don't know, Jack. I feel overwhelmed. This was meant to be a joyful time, and suddenly, everything started feeling too much... It's silly, I know. Our wedding is at your cabin, and we have just a few guests..."
Sam wiped away the tears that continued to fall. "I only need to find a dress, but..."
She closed her eyes, struggling to regain her composure. Jack held his breath, sensing that something serious was troubling her, even though he was miles away.
"I'm on my way to Colorado Springs, Sam. I'll be there in a couple of hours," he declared. Initially, he planned to surprise her, but her voice made him change his mind.
"What? Jack, don't... I'll be fine," Sam said, sniffling.
Jack heard her unspoken distress.
"Is that why you're crying, Samantha Carter?" he asked gently, sitting on the edge of the bed. Next to his suitcase lay the oval wedding ring box containing the platinum ring he had thoughtfully chosen. Since they had to maintain a low profile until the wedding, there had been no engagement ring exchange. Still, Jack had also purchased an oval Halo engagement ring with a platinum band and a diamond from Tiffany's. He intended to give it to her as soon as he arrived at her place. They decided to sell his house since it was too big and hers was enough for the two of them, and keeping three houses wasn't financially viable.
Sam had managed to clean her face once more. "I'm just tired, Jack," she reiterated.
"We'll discuss your exhaustion as soon as I get there," he promised.
Sam let out a sigh and bit her lip.
"Okay," she relented. There seemed no point in arguing further if he was determined to come.
"Would you like me to pick you up from the airport?" she asked.
"No, I've arranged a ride, so they'll drop me off at your house. Get some rest, and don't wait. I'll be quiet," he assured her.
"Okay," Sam agreed, her gaze shifting to the pizza. She figured she might have to reheat it, though her appetite was almost non-existent.
"I love you, Sam," Jack said, deliberately slow and tender.
"I love you too, Jack. Very much," she replied, tears starting to flow again.
"Please, go to bed early," Jack requested.
"I will," she promised.
They ended the call with those words, both yearning to be together already. Sam opened the pizza box and grabbed a slice without bothering to reheat it. Her hunger was secondary to her worry.
Jack slipped into Sam's home with the stealth of his black ops training, shedding his shoes and jacket at the entrance. He moved silently through the hallway, guided by the faint light left on, casting a dim glow throughout the house. As he approached the bedroom, he paused at the doorway. Inside, he could make out Sam's form, lying on her side with her back to him, apparently lost in slumber.
Jack swiftly removed the remainder of his clothes, keeping only his t-shirt and boxers. He then slipped into bed and inched closer to her, savoring the comforting warmth of her naked body. She remained undisturbed, a testament to her exhaustion. Jack gently kissed her neck and closed his eyes, drifting into sleep within moments.
The following morning, Sam's alarm rudely interrupted her rest. Startled, she reached to silence it, only to realize that a strong arm was wrapped securely around her waist and a warm body pressed intimately against her back. It was Jack. Slowly, she turned off the alarm, and as she looked at him, she found his eyes were already open.
"Good morning," he greeted her with a warm smile.
Sam didn't say a word. Instead, she cupped his face and kissed him passionately. One hand ran through his hair, and the other ran down his back, enjoying the feel of his back. She slowly started to take his T-shirt off. His hands ran down her back and over her ass, bringing closer to his aching groin. He moaned into her mouth as she thrust herself against him. Her hands moved from his head and back, down between them to begin to lower his boxers, stroking him gently as she did so.
"Sam!" he gasped, breaking the kiss.
She smiled wickedly back at him, slowly drawing his boxers down his legs. He stepped out of them, kicking them. He ran his hands over her hips, pulling her close and pressing his hardness into her abdomen. She moaned and writhed against him, running her hands down his back, over his bare ass, drawing him closer to her, then up and between them, and over his stomach. Hearing him groan with delight, she moved her hands slowly downwards to the inside of his thighs, deliberately skirting the place where he wanted her to touch the most. He broke the kiss.
"I missed you," he said softly.
Holding her gaze, he thrust into her hard, and she gasped with pleasure. He slowly started to rock, causing passion to flood her body as she gyrated against him. Every thrust brought them both a new wave of pleasure.
"Jack!" she cried, biting his shoulder.
Jack felt her start to tighten around him and knew that she was close, and he tried to hold back just a little longer. Still holding eye contact, he moved faster as she began to explode around him. He watched with pleasure as she finally gave in to the ecstasy, threw her head back, and cried out. With one final hard thrust, he sent her spiraling over the edge, her cries echoing around the bedroom and probably the neighbors next door. Jack followed mere seconds later, groaning into her neck.
"Oh, lord…Sam," he managed to gasp.
He rolled off her as she caressed his cheek and smiled. He kissed her gently. Since they first slept together, they felt right and natural. They continued to do so. Every time. He ran his hand up and through her hair, kissing her again.
"I'm here," he said.
Sam looked at him and hugged him tightly, hiding her face in his neck. Surprised, Jack held her, feeling her body trembling.
"Sam? Honey, what's wrong?" he asked concerned. He could feel his neck wet, which meant she was crying.
She didn't answer, pressing her body firmer against his like she wanted to melt the two bodies together. Jack's fingers splayed across the middle of her lower back, pushing her toward him.
"It's okay, I've got you," he said in a smooth voice as he held her firmly.
Sam's body started to relax, and the tears eventually stopped. She kissed his neck again, several times. Her hands gently moved to the nape of his neck, and she finally looked at him.
"I'm sorry, Jack," she said in a low voice.
He didn't let her go.
"What for?" he asked.
"For this little meltdown," she said, blushing.
Jack smiled and kissed her nose.
"I'm here for whatever you need, Sam. When you feel happy, down, angry, whatever. I've got you. Always", he said with determination and care in his voice.
Sam sighed and lowered her head to his chest.
Jack gently caressed her hair and asked the question lingering in his mind, "So, what's the problem, honey?"
Sam closed her eyes with her head nestled against his chest, wrestling with her emotions.
"I don't know, Jack..." she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been completely stressed about the dress, and my nerves are getting worse as the wedding day approaches."
Jack swallowed hard, his hand pausing on her head.
"Are you having second thoughts? Do you not want to get married anymore?" he inquired, his voice laced with concern.
Sam looked up at him immediately, her eyes filled with earnestness.
"No, Jack, it's not that. I want to get married. More than anything," she assured him, sealing her words with a kiss.
Jack felt a heavy weight lift from his chest, his heart beating with renewed hope.
"So, what's been bothering you?" he asked, tracing his fingers along her lower lip.
Sam cast her eyes downward and began to rest her head against his chest again. Jack, however, gently lifted her chin with his finger, urging her to meet his gaze.
"Tell me, Sam," he encouraged.
She bit her lip, struggling with her confession.
"It's the ceremony, Jack. It's everything. I don't know, but I'm feeling overwhelmed. I wish it could be just you and me," she finally admitted.
A warm smile spread across Jack's face.
"Samantha, why didn't you tell me sooner? I don't care about the ceremony or the guests. I only care about you, just you," he declared, cradling her face with his hands.
Sam blushed, her gaze softening.
"But my father, Cassie..." she began.
Jack pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
"Yes, they all love you and want you to be happy," he acknowledged, his mind already working on a new wedding plan.
Concerned about his attachment to his cabin, Sam gently probed further.
"But what about you, Jack? You love your cabin..."
Jack grinned, his eyes sparkling with affection.
"I do, but I love you much more, and that's non-negotiable. We're getting married with just the two of us, and I think I might have the perfect solution, Mrs. Carter-O'Neill," he added, his grin growing wider.
Sam's blush deepened. "Jack..."
He rolled them over on the bed, positioning himself on her.
"Listen to me," he began, outlining his plan. A radiant smile crossed Sam's face, the kind that only emerged when she was thrilled. And then, Jack knew that they would be just fine.