Sam and Jack touched down in Washington D.C., their hearts still brimming with the emotional experiences from their recent tropical paradise wedding. Eager to return to their townhouse, they had one day left before Sam had to report to the SGC.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Carter-O'Neill," Jack beamed, swinging open the front door. Sam entered, embracing him and planting a loving kiss on his lips.
"Well, thank you, Mr. O'Neill," she replied, her fingers lightly grazing his chest.
As they settled in, their cells started buzzing with messages.
"Looks like we were missed," Sam remarked, scrolling through the notifications.
Jack, meanwhile, let out a weary sigh and excused himself to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a quick shower. Care to join me?" he invited.
Engrossed in her messages, Sam replied, "In a second," and made her way to their bedroom more leisurely. By the time she sat on the edge of the bed, she was immersed in a series of messages from Cassie. Jacob hadn't taken their impromptu wedding and escaped very well. He was pretty upset that their original wedding plans at the cabin had been canceled, and he had returned to the Tok'ra. Sam sighed and set her phone aside.
"Oh boy," she mumbled, undressing before joining Jack in the shower.
During their dinner, Sam and Jack engaged in a heartfelt conversation about Jacob's sudden departure, prompted by Daniel revealing that they had canceled the wedding at the cabin and had eloped instead. Sam wore a troubled expression, and Jack, having cherished the blissful days of their honeymoon, couldn't bear to see her so distressed. He comforted her as he savored the last bites of his lasagna.
Jack reassured her, "Your father will understand in time."
Sam had barely touched her food, absentmindedly poking at it. "I suppose," she replied, her spirits subdued.
With a gentle touch, Jack grasped her hand, adorned with engagement and wedding rings. Sam had chosen to wear them both in Washington, D.C.
"Honey, please look at me," he implored. Sam slowly raised her gaze, and her eyes met his.
"He'll eventually come around, Sam. When he returns to Earth, we'll have dinner with him," Jack said with a comforting tone.
Sam nodded and squeezed his hand. Jack, still holding her hand, guided her to her feet.
"Come on, let's settle on the couch and get cozy. You have to leave tomorrow morning, and I want to cherish my time with my wife," he said with a warm smile.
Sam couldn't help but smile in return. The couple spent the remainder of the evening nestled on the couch, the TV playing some shows in the background, though neither paid much attention. Their focus was on each other as they exchanged kisses and made up for the impending time apart.
In Washington, D.C., as previously discussed, it fell upon Jack to inform General Landry about their recent marriage and the unique situation it presented. While initially surprised, Hank Landry handled the news rather gracefully and extended his congratulations to Jack. However, he clarified that Colonel Carter wouldn't receive special treatment due to her marital status. Jack assured him that neither he nor Sam expected preferential treatment.
With that matter settled, when Sam later appeared at General Landry's office to report back to duty, she was met with a somewhat amused commanding officer.
"I believe congratulations are in order, Colonel," Landry remarked with a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Sam tried to suppress her blush but knew she likely failed.
"Thank you, Sir," she replied.
Hank Landry, already aware of the situation, decided to enjoy a bit of light teasing.
"So, do I have a Colonel O'Neill back on base?" he inquired, observing the now blushing Sam.
She cleared her throat.
"No, Sir. It will continue to be Carter," she asserted.
Hank nodded in acknowledgment.
"Colonel Carter, SG-1, is officially back on the roster rotation. Expect an assignment," he informed her.
"Yes, Sir," Sam replied before being dismissed. She made her way to her lab, and not long after, Daniel joined her, displaying the enthusiasm of a curious puppy.
"So, tell me everything," he probed as he sat on a stool.
Sam gave him an amused look, causing Daniel to blush.
"Well, not everything, of course. You know what I mean. I don't want details on that... I was speaking about Jamaica, the resort, you know what I mean…"
Sam chuckled.
"Fine," Daniel said, crossing his arms, eagerly awaiting her response.
"It was beautiful, Daniel. We both had a wonderful time," Sam said, her expression filled with fond memories.
Daniel glanced at her hands and noted, "I see you're not wearing anything on your finger."
Sam blushed.
"No. I've placed both rings on my dog tags. It's safer and doesn't attract unwanted attention," she explained. "I wear them in D.C., though," she added.
Daniel nodded thoughtfully.
"So, was Dad furious?" she asked, choosing her words carefully.
Daniel sighed. "That's an understatement. I think he was more disappointed than furious in the end," he confessed.
Sam bit her lip and admitted, "Yeah, probably."
"I tried to explain that you weren't feeling well and it was too much pressure, but I don't know if he quite got that. I suppose you'll have to talk to him," Daniel suggested.
Sam nodded and expressed her gratitude by affectionately grabbing his hand.
"What are friends for?" he responded with a smile. "But don't ask me again. Next time, ask Teal'c," he warned.
Sam smiled in agreement. "Deal," she said.
In the gate room, the chevrons lighted up as the Stargate activated. General Landry immediately went there and asked what was happening.
Walter announced, "Incoming wormhole! We're receiving the identification code of Jacob Carter, Sir".
Landry gave the order to open the iris, and Jacob stepped through the Stargate.
The sound over the comm announcing they had an unscheduled off-world activation alerted Sam, who was in her lab typing. So, she had no idea when she hurried to the gate room that she would meet her father there. She rushed to greet him, but the encounter was awkward and filled with unspoken tension. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Jacob left Sam and went to General Landry's office, where he discussed some Tok'ra matters with the general.
Later, Jacob decided to visit Sam's lab, and it was here that they finally found a moment to have a conversation. There was an air of discomfort in the room as they both realized the need to address the elephant.
Jacob began, his tone heavy with disappointment, "Sam, I can't help but feel hurt that I wasn't present at my only daughter's wedding."
Sam, her expression reflecting the mixed emotions within her, tried to explain, "Dad, I understand that you're disappointed, and I'm sorry you couldn't be there. But Jack and I decided to have a private ceremony because I felt incredibly overwhelmed. We just wanted a moment for ourselves."
Though still hurt, Jacob saw the sincerity in his daughter's eyes.
"I wish you had talked to me about it, Sam. We're family, and I wanted to be there for you. Instead, I had to be told by Daniel."
Sam nodded, her voice filled with regret, "I know, Dad. I should have talked to you, and I'm sorry. It wasn't about not wanting you there but finding a way to make the day special for us. Please understand."
Jacob sighed, his disappointment softening, "I understand, Sam, and I want what's best for you. I wish I could have been a part of your happiness."
Sam moved closer to her father and reached out to squeeze his hand.
"I love you, Dad and your presence means the world to me. I hope you can forgive us for this one choice."
Jacob managed a small smile, finally breaking the tension in the room.
"I love you too, Samantha, and I can forgive you... this time."
They shared a heartfelt moment, the father and daughter bridging the gap between them, understanding and forgiveness prevailing in the end.
Sam's call had alerted Jack to Jacob's unexpected visit to the SGC. Although Jack's schedule was usually jam-packed, he was determined to be there and face Jacob in person. He had informed General Hammond and the President that his trips to Colorado Springs might increase due to his marriage to Sam, and they had agreed, understanding the importance of family for the new Head of Homeworld Security. After all, Sam's transfer request had been denied, which kept her at the SGC. Thus, Jack found himself at the SGC, slightly nervous about the upcoming meeting with Jacob. He might be a Major General, but in this context, he was first and foremost Sam's husband, which made all the difference.
Dressed in his sharp dress blues adorned with numerous medals, Jack couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension as he navigated the familiar corridors of the SGC. He had been informed that Jacob would be in Sam's lab, and he made his way there with anticipation and unease.
As Jack entered the lab, he spotted Jacob alone, who turned to face him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. They exchanged a nod of acknowledgment, and Jack decided to break the ice.
"Jacob," he began, his tone respectful but with a hint of vulnerability, "I know it's been a while since we've had a chance to talk face to face."
Jacob regarded Jack, his eyes thoughtful.
"Indeed, it has, Jack. You're looking quite impressive in that uniform.
Jack managed a modest smile.
"Thanks, Jacob. Unfortunately, now I have to wear this every day."
The two men stood in a somewhat tense silence, the weight of their respective roles and history hanging in the air.
"Where's Sam?" Jack asked, looking around for his wife.
"She went to the cafeteria just now," Jacob told him.
Jack cleared his throat and spoke earnestly, "I want you to know, Jacob, that I understand your disappointment about not being at Sam's wedding. We both wish you could have been there, but we decided on a more intimate ceremony."
Jacob's expression softened, and he offered a small smile.
"I appreciate that, Jack. It was a tough moment for me, not being there for my daughter."
Jack nodded. "I can't pretend to understand what it feels like to be a parent in that situation, but I do know that I love Sam more than anything. Our decision wasn't about excluding you but finding a moment for us, given the circumstances."
Jacob's gaze held a mixture of understanding and acceptance.
"I can see that, Jack. And I trust that you love my daughter and care for her."
Jack's response was filled with sincerity.
"I love Sam more than words can express, Jacob, and I'll always do my best to make her happy."
Jacob extended his hand, and Jack shook it warmly.
"In that case, we're on the same page. I want Sam to be happy."
Jack smiled, the tension finally dissipating.
"So do I, Dad. So do I."
As they continued their conversation, the two men found common ground and shared their commitment to Sam's happiness, bridging the gap as they looked forward to the future as a united family.
Returning from the cafeteria with water and cake for her father, Sam was surprised.
"Jack?" she exclaimed as she entered her lab and spotted her husband there.
"Hi, honey," Jack greeted her with a warm smile. Sam blushed deeply and nearly fumbled with the items in her hands. Seeing her distress, Jack quickly stepped in and took the water from her.
"Sorry," he whispered.
While observing the scene, Jacob had to stifle a chuckle at their awkward interaction. Sam glanced at her father and then at her husband. They both seemed relatively unscathed, leading her to believe their earlier conversation had gone well. She asked cautiously, "So, is everything all right?"
Jack exchanged a glance with Jacob and then replied, "Yes. We've talked. Now we can have a nice dinner with your father and the guys and celebrate the wedding here," he said with a warm smile.
Sam looked from one man to the other in her lab.
"Are you okay with that, Dad?" she asked, her concern evident. "Would you like to have dinner with us, Daniel and Teal'c?" she inquired a note of hesitation in her voice.
Jacob smiled, genuinely pleased.
"Sure, sweetheart. It should be pleasant," he responded, his gaze shifting to Jack.
Jack swallowed nervously. He hadn't quite liked the smile on Jacob's face, wondering if he was as forgiving as he had seemed or was biding his time for retribution.
"But if you have to go back to the Tok'ra, we understand, Dad," Jack said with a friendly smile, relieved to have an escape plan. He genuinely meant it.
Jacob, however, returned his smile and replied, "No, Jack, I'm fine. I can stay."
Jack swallowed once more, feeling a bit trapped. At least he had Teal'c watching his back. And Sam. She wouldn't let Jacob harm him. They were married now, after all. Jack silently wished they could have dinner at the SGC. He'd feel much safer there.
The dinner occurred at O'Malley's, their favorite bar and restaurant in Colorado Springs. The atmosphere was warm, and the group had gathered to celebrate the wedding of Sam and Jack discreetly. There was an air of camaraderie and contentment as they settled at a long table, sharing stories and laughter.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Jacob couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Jack throughout the evening. He tossed friendly jabs at him, intending to make it known that he would protect his daughter with everything he had.
As the conversation flowed and plates of delicious food were passed around, Jacob couldn't resist another playful dig at Jack.
"Jack, I've got a pretty impressive list of contacts in high places and across the galaxy. If you ever hurt my little girl, you might find yourself assigned to some very 'interesting' missions," he said with a sly smile, causing the others to chuckle.
Jack, well aware of Jacob's jesting, played along.
"I'm just hoping for a long and happy marriage, Dad. No need to call in any favors."
The others joined in the laughter, and Teal'c, watching the exchange with his usual stoicism, spoke up, "Indeed, O'Neill, it would be unwise to incur the wrath of Jacob Carter."
Daniel, the peacemaker, said with a smile, "Let's focus on the positive tonight, shall we? We're here to celebrate Sam and Jack's wedding."
Sam, who had been mostly quiet during the banter, looked at Jack affectionately.
"I'm grateful for all of you. This means a lot to us."
The dinner continued with unity and joy as they celebrated the newlyweds, shared stories of their adventures, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a reminder that, despite their challenges in their line of work, they were also a close-knit family who would always be there for one another.
Jacob, showing significant consideration, decided to spend the night at the SGC to give the newlyweds some much-needed privacy. Jack was immensely grateful for this kind gesture, appreciating the chance to spend their night together as a married couple without interruptions.
After their late dinner at O'Malley's, Jack and Sam were exhausted and went straight to bed. Jack had an early flight to catch, but they cherished every moment they managed to spend together, even if it meant simply cuddling in bed. This night was no exception.
As they settled into bed, Sam was nearly asleep when she felt Jack's comforting arms wrapped around her. Jack closed his eyes and gently nuzzled her neck, savoring the scent of her shampoo. They found a sense of peace and contentment in each other's arms that allowed them to drift off into slumber within minutes. Their love, now fortified by their marriage, would carry them through the challenges and joys of their shared future.