Sam woke up to the smell of coffee, the sun was already shining through the window of their bedroom. She had to smile when she remembered why she was naked underneath the blanket, looking around the room she grabbed a panty and Jack's shirt, exiting the bedroom to join her fiancé in the kitchen.
Sam stopped to draw in the sight of him sitting at the kitchen island in only his sweatpants, reading the newspaper as if it was just another ordinary day.
Sneaking up to him she wrapped her arms around him from behind, caressing his chest hair and placing a soft kiss at the sweet spot unter his ear.
"Good morning!" she whispered and placed her chin on his shoulder.
Jack turned around on the barstool so that she could step between his legs. He pulls her head down to him to kiss her properly. Then he pushed up the t-shirt she was wearing, his old and worn air force shirt, and placed a kiss on her rounded belly as well. God, she had no idea how sexy that looked.
"Good morning you two!" he answered, his hand still resting on her bump. "Ready to get married today!"
"You betcha. But not before I had my first coffee." she said and leaned into him as much as possible so that she could reach his mug that was standing behind him on the worktop.
When she wanted to step back she found one of his hands on her butt and the other one at her spine, holding her in place to savor her warm body against his. To steady herself she grabbed the worktop with her left hand, the right one holding the cup of coffee she brought it to her mouth, emptying it in one swift move.
"Mmmh, as much as I like where this is going, Jack, we need to get ready. And I bet not long before Cassie gets up and I want to be showered by then."
"Ok, let's go and save some water." He smirked. "Then we can have breakfast all together."
By the time Cassie got up they were showered and had set the table.
"Morning sleepyhead!"
"Good morning, Dad!" she greeted him, placing a kiss on his cheek. "Where's Mom?"
"I'm here. Come on, let's eat. I'm starving."
"Morning! So strange to hear you say that, you've never been one for a big breakfast."
Sam smiled, Cassie was right. Usually she survives on a lot of coffee before lunch. But now, nearly 5 months pregnant and with her nausea gone she found herself hungry all the time. The joy of pregnancy.
"I know, I still am not. But the little one is."
So they sat down together, enjoying the last calm moments before the day started to get busy.
Sam was in the bedroom dressing in the white flowy dress she found in a little boutique she liked so much. It wasn't a maternity dress, but the fabric of the skirt was wide enough to fit perfectly around her protruding belly, stopping just above her knees. It was plain and simple, not showing much of her dekolleté but therefore it had a V neckline at the back.
When Cassie entered the room she was stunned.
"Wow Sam, you're beautiful!"
"Thanks Cass, can you close the zipper for me? I can't reach it."
"Of course, let me help you."
While Sam put on her earrings, Cassie grabbed for the necklace and put it on as well.
She stood behind Sam, searching for eye contact through the high mirror. Both women were smiling brightly.
"You're happy, Sam?"
"Very!"
"I wish Mom could see you right now." Gesturing at Sam's hands that were folded under her bump. "Let's get your parents married, little one!" she said while caressing the belly.
Jack nervously paced the hallway up and down. He looked handsome in his gray suit. He stopped abruptly when Sam exited their room, looking at his future wife in awe.
"Wow!" was all he got out and she blushed. "Let's get married. I can't wait to call you my wife."
When they got to the courthouse their friends and family were already waiting. The registrar greeted them and started with the officials.
"As I was told, the bride and the groom want to exchange their own vows. Please go ahead."
Sam and Jack stood in front of their friends, but they only had eyes for each other. So long had they waited for this moment. With a nod Jack encouraged Sam to start.
"Jack O'Neill, we've been through so much together and know ourselves inside out. There were days that I thought we would never get here where we are now. With this ring I'll take you as my man. I promise you to do everything that's in my power to make you happy. I can't promise that there won't be hard times anymore, but I promise you that we will handle them together, as a team. I always got your six. I've been in love with you for so long and I'm proud to call you my husband. I love you Jack."
With watery eyes she put the ring on his finger and beamed at him.
"Samantha Carter, you know I'm a man of few words and I really can't put into words what it means to me that you agreed to marry me. There were times I've given up on myself and when a certain archeologist showed up this was the start of something new. A way that led me to you. When I met that young eager captain ready to arm wrestle to prove herself I never imagined that one day I would get to call her my wife. It took us a while to get here, but we made it, Sam. I'm so thankful that you give me a second chance at being a father. I'm so much in love with you. I promise to love you till the end. I'll always have your six as well. I can't wait for you to share my name, but honestly... You'll always be Carter to me. I love you Sam. "
His voice broke and he decided now was the time to also put the ring on her finger.
"Now it's my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill. You may kiss your bride."
Under loud cheers from their friends Jack took a step closer to his wife, grinning like a fool. He gently placed his hands on either side of her face and her hands found their way around his middle. Lifting herself up on her toes she met his lips and sealed their marriage with a first kiss as husband and wife.
"I love you so much, Mrs. O'Neill!"
"I love you more!" She said and stole another quick kiss.
"Not possible!" he nudges her nose with his. It was the last private moment before they got pulled apart by their friend who wanted to congratulate them.
When they got back they found the food already placed by the caterer. Everyone took a seat and waited for Jack to say something.
"Ok guys, you know how much I like speeches, so, thanks for coming and celebrating this day with us. It means so much to us. And now, enjoy yourself."
As everyone was about to start to eat Daniel asked for their attention.
"Sorry people, we all know Jack's dislike for speeches, but I on the other hand..." That got most of them into loud laughter. "I can say that I met Jack at his lowest and honestly I'm not even sure how I got through to him, but I'm glad I did. I wasn't there for their first meeting, but boy I was told about that. Teal'c and I were there for the whole journey. Seeing them getting closer, being best friends and denying what they really felt. We saw them suffer, not being able to act like they felt. And please let me say we all drew out our breath in relief as soon as they were able to act upon those pent up feelings. And we all can see how that worked out." He pointed towards Sam's stomach and gained giggles from most of their friends.
"These two, and Teal'c, showed me what it's like to have a family. After years of being alone, I suddenly was part of something special. Not a team, a family. Thank you with all my heart for that. I'd like to toast with you to two of my best friends. Sam, Jack, I wish you all the best, lots of love and laughter. May your days be filled with happiness. I love you both, congratulations!"
By the end of his speech a tear escaped Sam's eye, she didn't realize how much their friends suffered with them, how happy they really are for them. She squeezed Jack's hand to regain control over her emotions.
There were several more speeches, by General Hammond, by Cassandra, who told everyone how unbelievable lucky she was to still have family she can count on and by Mark, who welcomed Jack in the Carter family and told him how proud his father would have been, because honestly Mark had heard about Jack from his father long before his sister began to speak about him.
The sun went down and when it was dark the lights hanging under the tent roof seemed like thousand little stars. Jack got Sam for their first dance and was happy when Cassie with Daniel and Mark with his wife stepped up to join them on the dance floor.
Afterwards it was time for the wedding cake. Sam had the upper hand while cutting it into pieces. Not that Jack fighted against it. He was proud of his confident and strong wife. They fed each other the first slice of the cake, remembering their cake testing not long ago. Both blushing slightly at the thought.
The first guests said their goodbyes, General Hammond and Cam shared a cab with Mark's wife and the kids.
Not long until only family was left. Cassandra, Daniel, Teal'c and Mark.
Cassie was sitting next to Teal'c immersed in a conversation.
Sam sat next to Daniel, her feet propped up in his lap, he was gently massaging her aching feet.
"So Sam, finally got the guy, huh?"
"You're ok with that, right Daniel? I know you and Jack have a special bond..."
"I'm more than ok with that. I'm happy that he finally can smile again. You make him happy, Sam. He's more relaxed than I've ever seen him. You two deserve it all and more."
"Thanks Daniel, I'm so glad you're our friend."
"Me too, Sam. I love you both."
Carefully watching his wife Jack leaned forward against the porch railing, smiling. Sensing movement behind him he quickly turned around to see Mark. He took the place next to Jack, also watching the remaining people.
"I haven't seen her so happy since she was a little girl." He told Jack.
"I like it when she's this relaxed."
"These two are good friends?" Mark motioned towards Daniel who hadn't stopped massaging Sam's feet, but moved it up the legs a bit.
"The best." Jack grinned. "Our science twins. They both have a passion for what they are doing. Sam in her physics and technology and Daniel in the archaeological department. He's like her little brother and she's the sister he never had."
"I'm glad Sammy got you all as her family. We're not seeing each other as much as we should, but I promise that will change from now on, Jack. Wouldn't want to miss my little niece or nephew growing up and not knowing his uncle."
"That would be appreciated, Mark.. You're always welcome. Thank you for trusting me with your sister. I promise I'll do anything within my power to keep her safe and make her happy."
Mark clapped Jack on his shoulders and started to walk towards Sam.
"Hey Sis, I'm going to go now. It's time to get to the hotel. You've got yourself quite a special husband I have to say. Congrats again. I love you!"
She stood up to embrace her brother in a tight hug. "I love you too Mark. Thanks for coming. That meant so much to both of us. Please don't make it this long until we see each other again."
"I won't, Sam. At latest when this little one is born. Can't wait to meet my niece or nephew."
"It's late," Cassie announced, "we should all share a cab and go to bed. Mark, I'm picking you up tomorrow afternoon to drive you back to the airport. Giving our newlyweds the opportunity to have the day just by themselves."
Finally alone at home Sam yawned as Jack sat down next to her. She placed her head on his shoulders as he put his arm around her. Only they both were left under the lights of the tent.
"Mrs. O'Neill, may I have this one last dance before we go to bed."
"You may, Mr. O'Neill."
They swayed to the soft tunes coming from the music box. When the song ended they remained on the dance floor, savoring this quiet moment.
"Come to bed Carter! It's late."
She took his hand, her eyes fixing his as she replied a firm "Yes, Sir!"
