With a stroke of creativity from his resourceful secretary, Jack successfully extended the weekend by two days. The prospect of an extended getaway with his wife at the cabin left him enthusiastic and, admittedly, apprehensive. The cat was out of the bag now – he had laid bare his fears to her, uncertainties that he wasn't sure were grounded in reality or mere intruders in his mind.
They hadn't had sex since her return from the planet, leaving him wondering whether his concerns were valid or just products of his imagination. The time apart had taken a toll on him, physically and mentally, and the prospect of his performance in bed weighed heavily on his mind. It was a concern that had never haunted their relationship despite their age difference. Now, Jack feared it might become an issue.
In a moment of insecurity, he had chosen avoidance. He felt like a coward, a trait he rarely associated with himself. Yet, he couldn't deny the threat he perceived to his masculinity. Grateful every day for the moment she accepted his marriage proposal, Jack recognized the disparity between them. Despite her reservations about his black ops background, she consistently displayed courage in every aspect of their marriage.
He would go through hell for her, but she had actually been to hell and back, defying death to return to him. Jack counted his blessings daily, acknowledging that she was the brave heart in their partnership despite his reservations and insecurities. Though promising joy and closeness, the extended weekend also held the potential for confronting the fears that had momentarily driven a wedge between them.
On a day that stood out for its early arrival, Jack reached home sooner than usual, stumbling upon Sam immersed in her yoga routine in the garden. Opting not to announce himself, he quietly positioned himself in the kitchen, observing her through the window. Nearly having regained all her strength and muscle, Sam effortlessly moved through yoga poses that, Jack couldn't help but admit, accentuated her allure.
As things began to take an intriguing turn for him, Sam concluded her session and gathered her mat, heading indoors.
"Hey," Jack greeted, opening the door for her.
"Hi, what are you doing home so early?" she inquired, punctuating her question with a quick kiss on his lips.
Jack watched as she calmly went to the fridge, retrieving a bottle of water that she leisurely sipped.
"I'm done for today. And we've got ourselves an extended weekend. So, start packing," he announced, a smile playing on his lips.
Sam set the bottle down, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
"Really, Jack?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
He nodded affirmatively.
"Yes!" she almost shouted, enthusiasm evident in her voice.
She threw her arms around his neck without a second thought, almost pinning him against the fridge. The proximity of her heavy breathing and the sensation of her damp skin did things to Jack's body that he hadn't experienced in a while. He instinctively placed his hands on her waist, feeling the warmth of her body against his chest, the only audible sounds in the kitchen being their mingled breaths and the faint clinking of his medals.
Her fingers began to caress his hair delicately.
"Is this okay?" she asked, her eyes locked onto his.
"Very okay," he replied, his hands sliding down to her damp back.
"I've always liked you in your dress blues," she confessed with a smile.
Jack was well aware of that, and the fact that his pants were becoming uncomfortably tight served as a testament.
"I know," he admitted, his hands traversing down her back, pulling her closer.
Sam moistened her lips.
"And although I love this position very much, I need to shower," she said, lowering her head and gently stepping away.
Jack silently cursed.
"Of course," he managed to say.
Sam bit her lip to suppress a smile, patting him on the chest.
"And we have to pack, General," she teased, leaving the kitchen and a thoroughly flustered Jack behind.
The air was filled with anticipation as Jack and Sam packed for their extended weekend at the cabin. With a sense of efficiency born of military precision, Jack folded clothes and neatly organized essentials into a suitcase. Meanwhile, Sam moved between rooms, gathering personal items and ensuring they needed everything for a cozy and comfortable getaway.
"Did you remember the boxers?" Sam called from the bedroom, peering into the bag Jack was packing.
"Right here," he replied, showing them neatly folded. "I can also go commando like last time. You enjoyed."
She gave him a quick kiss and, smiling, left him to finish her case.
As they prepared, Jack couldn't help but notice the subtle change in Sam's demeanor. She seemed more vibrant, the burdens of past challenges slowly giving way to the promise of a rejuvenating break. He couldn't help but feel renewed gratitude for the moments like these.
As they finished up, Sam suggested, "How about we take a flight instead of driving? It would save us a lot of time, and I'd rather not spend hours in the car."
Jack considered her proposal, his mind already calculating the logistics.
"We could also use the beaming technology. It's quick and efficient, and you won't get tired at all," he suggested.
Sam shook her head, a determined sparkle in her eyes.
"No beaming. I want to start having a normal life, Jack. Besides, I'm feeling almost fully recovered, and a short flight sounds much more appealing than a long drive."
Jack admired her spirit and nodded.
"Alright, a flight it is then. We'll make it a quick trip."
They finished packing, ensuring they had everything they needed for a relaxing weekend. Jack couldn't resist a playful comment as they headed to the airport, "You sure you don't want to beam there? I could use some practice."
Sam chuckled, swatting his arm.
"No beaming, General. Let's do it the old-fashioned way this time."
On the plane, the couple settled into their seats, the excitement of the upcoming escape evident in their smiles.
Jack looked at Sam, "Ready for a peaceful weekend, Colonel?"
"Absolutely," she replied, her eyes reflecting the promise of tranquility and the joy of a well-deserved break. The plane took off, carrying them toward the serenity of the cabin and the adventure awaiting them.
As the plane touched down, Jack and Sam were eager to begin their extended weekend at the cabin. Jack had rented a sturdy truck for the occasion, a vehicle suited for the rustic roads leading to their retreat. After collecting their luggage, they made a pitstop at the supermarket to stock up on groceries, considering the cabin hadn't been used for quite some time.
The supermarket's aisles were filled with laughter as they picked out items for their getaway, playfully bantering about snack choices and essentials. Fully supplied, they resumed their journey, the anticipation of a tranquil escape palpable in the air.
"Too tired from the flight?" Jack asked concern etched on his face as he observed Sam yawning and stretching in her seat.
"Just a little, nothing I can't handle," she reassured him, interlinking her fingers with his.
They continued the rest of the trip in companionable silence, finding comfort in the simple connection of their hands.
Finally arriving at the cabin, Sam's eyes lit up with familiarity and affection. Since her first visit, she had fallen in love with the place. It surpassed all her imaginings from when Jack and the guys had spoken of fishing trips. The cabin held a special place in their hearts, a sanctuary where their relationship had taken root and flourished. It was where they had shared pivotal moments – talking openly about their feelings and finally opening the room door sealed for so many years, Jack's proposal on the deck bathed in a beautiful sunset, and their first night together.
Jack parked the truck and sighed, "Home, sweet home," a sentiment he always expressed upon arrival. Sam couldn't help but smile, sharing the sentiment entirely. The cabin was where they truly felt at home.
"Come on, let's air the place and make it feel more like home," Sam suggested, eager to start settling in.
She hopped out of the truck, and Jack chuckled, joining her to unload their belongings.
"Let the weekend begin," he declared, a sense of contentment in his voice as they stepped into the familiar surroundings of their cabin retreat.
As Sam diligently made the bed with fresh sheets and arranged new towels in the bathroom, Jack busied himself with the cabin essentials. He fired up the generator, setting it to work, and skillfully prepared the fireplace, soon transforming the cabin into a warm and inviting haven.
Once their tasks were complete, they found themselves on the deck, settled in foldable chairs, each cradling a steaming cup of coffee. Jack gazed at the serene lake, a sense of contentment paying over him.
"I'm glad we came," he remarked, his eyes tracing the still waters.
Sam, bundled up in a sweater beneath her heavy jacket to combat the dropping temperatures, smiled.
"Me too," she concurred.
Jack noticed her gaze fixed on a distant spot across the lake. Concern crept into his voice as he asked, "What is it, honey? Are you cold?" He began to rise, ready to fetch a blanket, but Sam halted him with a hand.
"No, I'm fine, Jack. I'm just thinking about the planet where I was stranded," she confessed slowly.
Jack swallowed, sitting back down.
"Oh, do you want to talk about it?" he inquired, reaching for her cold hand; they had left their gloves inside.
Sam leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes.
"I never felt so alone like in that place. So afraid. Of never seeing you," she admitted.
Jack tightened his grip on her hand, his concern deepening. They had never delved into the details of what she experienced on the planet beyond the routine debriefing. But he knew that Sam had let out many things from the report.
"I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner," he expressed remorsefully.
"You had no means how," she responded softly. "I don't blame you, Jack, so stop blaming yourself," she urged, opening her eyes and locking her gaze with his.
Jack swallowed hard.
"You disappeared, and I couldn't find you. I have to blame me," he asserted harshly.
Sam set her mug down on the deck and rose. Slowly, she straddled him, slipping her cold hands inside his jacket. Jack held his breath as her icy fingers touched his warm skin.
"It is a risk that comes with the job, Jack. We both know and accept it. Stop blaming yourself," she implored once again.
Jack held her by the waist.
"You're my wife, and I swore to protect you," he declared, his eyes darkening.
Her fingers began to move nearer his chest, feeling his warm skin.
"You did. You saved me. I would have died if you didn't show up," she spoke slowly.
"You DIED, Samantha!" he almost yelled, his grip on her waist unyielding, as if making sure she was indeed there with him.
She placed her forehead against his.
"I know, and it must have been terrible to watch, but I'm here, alive, and I love you," she reassured him.
Jack's hands shifted to her back, bringing her even closer.
"I almost lost you," he admitted with a trembling voice.
Sam finally rested her fingers on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat.
"Almost, Jack. Our lives have been like this since we started traveling through the Stargate. It's not ideal, no, but it is what we signed up for," she said gently, recognizing the weight of the years on his shoulders. She had seen how he had aged, the once-silver hair now almost entirely white and the wrinkles etched deeper.
"That's why we need to talk. Seriously," she proposed, her tone carrying a sense of urgency.
Jack's hands stilled.
"What about?" he asked.
Sam smiled as a shiver coursed through her body.
"Let's move this inside. I can hardly feel my toes," she teased, hiding her face in his neck.
Jack held her tight.
"Okay," he agreed.
Slowly, Sam extricated herself from the comfortable position in her husband's lap, assisting him in standing. They entered the warm cabin, leaving the crisp air behind as they prepared to broach a conversation that held the weight of their shared experiences and unspoken challenges.