The air in their bedroom was filled with a tranquil stillness, interrupted only by the distant chirping of birds. The cozy, wooden walls exuded a comforting scent of pine.
As Sam slowly stirred from a restful slumber, she felt the warmth of the blankets wrapped around her, cocooning her in a sense of security. The gentle rise and fall of Jack's chest beside her hinted at his peaceful rest. The room held the lingering echoes of the night before, an intimate dance of shared laughter and whispered confessions.
With a contented sigh, Sam opened her eyes to find Jack awake, his gaze fixed on her. The quiet intensity in his eyes spoke of the deep connection they had forged. The tangled sheets and scattered pillows hinted at the passion and closeness they had shared in the darkness.
Their fingers found each other in the soft morning light, intertwining in a silent affirmation of their bond. As they exchanged tender smiles, the world outside the cabin seemed to disappear, leaving only the two in a tranquil bubble of shared intimacy.
A soft "Hey" escaped her lips, accompanied by a warm smile. As his fingers traced the curve of her cheek, he mirrored her expression. "Hey."
The air held a delicate blend of vulnerability and affection as they exchanged hushed words, revisiting the moments that had drawn them even closer. The cabin, embraced by nature, silently witnessed the enchantment of their connection—a haven where love flourished, much like the wildflowers just outside the window.
She initiated a tender kiss, capturing his lips with a gentle, loving touch. A contented sigh slipped from her as his warm hands glided across her back.
Breaking the kiss, she opened her eyes and locked gazes with him.
"What time is it?"
His nose lightly brushed against hers as he replied, "Not sure. Don't care, to be honest."
"I'm hungry," she confessed, her eyes tracing the contours of his face, from his softly wrinkled eyes to his nose, down to the firm line of his mouth.
He suggested, "How about I make us some coffee?" His warm breath caressed her neck.
"Just coffee?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.
His lips grazed her temple, and he playfully nibbled her earlobe.
"I can be persuaded to cook more," he whispered, adding, "Provided I receive the proper incentive."
A laughter bubbled up from her, and she planted a sleepy kiss on his shoulder before releasing him.
"I'm sold," he declared.
The mattress shifted as he rose. The curtains parted, allowing bright daylight to sting her eyes. Groaning, she turned away, burying her face under the pillow.
"Jack."
He put on some sweatpants and a shirt and left the bedroom laughing.
They shared a leisurely breakfast in the cozy kitchen, playfully savoring each bite and reveling in each other's company. Jack appeared transformed, and Sam's heart felt lighter as she observed her husband laughing at the table.
"You know how much I love it when you laugh," she remarked, a smile gracing her lips.
Jack finished his eggs, raising an eyebrow. "I laugh?" he teased.
Sam toyed with her wedding ring, pointing out, "Only when we're here, Jack."
He shrugged, shoulders lifting.
"I haven't had many reasons to laugh lately," he admitted, his expression darkening.
Sam reached for his hand.
"No, you haven't. And that brings us to our second issue," she broached, seizing the opportunity.
Jack stood up, collecting the dirty plates.
"Jesus, Sam, that's a real mood-killer for the morning," he grumbled, placing the dishes in the sink.
Sam bit her lip.
"I'm sorry. Do you prefer to talk later?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Jack placed both hands on the sink, taking a deep breath.
"Might as well get it over with and try to enjoy the rest of the weekend," he conceded.
He turned to face her, not exactly the spirit she had envisioned for their conversation, but she could adapt.
"Fine, let's go to the living room. I'm starting to get cold," she suggested.
Jack held her tight.
"I'll start the fireplace, and the heater should kick in within a few minutes. It'll warm up," he assured, kissing her forehead. She hid her face in his neck.
"Or we could just stay like this for the rest of the day," she proposed.
Jack smiled.
"My knees wouldn't appreciate that very much, I'm afraid," he said, giving her a pat on the ass.
She gave him a quick kiss and moved to the living room. He began to kindle the fireplace.
The crackling fireplace and the hum of the heater filled the cabin with warmth, but the atmosphere between Jack and Sam seemed to mirror the rising temperature. Jack leaned back in the chair with folded arms while Sam sat on the couch. They were in opposing positions, not a promising start. Fidgeting with her hands, Sam hesitated, prompting Jack to break the silence.
"Come on, Sam, this is your show; start it," he urged, his gaze unwavering.
She met his eyes.
"I'm not here to fight you, Jack," she cautioned.
His raised eyebrows spoke volumes, but he kept silent.
"What happened to me on the planet shook me profoundly. I've been around for years, but this was different, Jack. My priorities have shifted since we're married, and I'm older. I want different things—things I didn't appreciate as I should have, things I now realize are far more crucial than reaching the rank of General someday," she explained.
It was a longstanding debate between them. Jack narrowed his eyes.
"You don't care about your Air Force career anymore?" he asked cautiously.
Sam sighed.
"After this, no," she admitted sincerely.
Jack lowered his head, attempting to conceal his disappointment.
"You look disappointed, Jack," she observed.
Every muscle in his body tensed. There was no point in pretending; she knew him too well.
"I am. Your potential is phenomenal. It's a pity," he confessed.
Sam hummed.
"So, my happiness doesn't matter? It's just about not wasting my potential? Now you sound like my father when he wanted me to join NASA," she remarked, rising from the couch and walking to the window, gazing outside.
Jack released a low groan and ran his hand through his hair.
"It's not that, Sam," he insisted.
She continued to stare out the window.
"Of course, I want you to be happy, honey. That's all I want," he said, standing and moving beside her, his arms encircling her waist.
"But you'd rather I stay in the Air Force?" she questioned, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Like I said, you have the potential to be a great General if you wish. But if you prefer another path, I'll be right there with you, supporting you in any way I can," he assured.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Even if I just want to teach, Jack? Go back to research?" she asked, a hint of fear creeping into her voice. "Won't you be ashamed of me?" she added, her apprehension evident.
Jack gently took her arms, turning her to face him.
"What the hell are you talking about? How could I ever be ashamed of the most brilliant mind in the universe?" he questioned, bewilderment in his eyes.
She held his gaze, sinking into his deep, dark eyes.
"People will talk, and you're the Head of Homeworld Security," she explained.
Jack's nose brushed against hers.
"And you're my wife. That tops everything else, honey. I'm proud of you, whatever you decide to do," he said, a warm smile crossing his features.
Sam wrapped her arms around his neck and grazed her lips over his.
"I knew there was a reason why I married you," she said as she deepened the kiss.
Jack's hot breath fanned her face as he chuckled, "You know that for a genius, your taste in men continues to be terrible, don't you?"
Sam smiled.
"My taste in men is just fine, General. After all, I married the love of my life," she replied, kissing him again.
And with that, the discussion on the second topic ended. Now, they could enjoy the rest of the weekend and the challenges ahead. Always together.