Jack was in the kitchen, sorting through the fridge to decide what they could bring to the cabin when he heard the front door open.
"Honey, is that you?" he called out.
Sam appeared in the doorway, drenched and removing her soaked blazer. "It's me," she said, water dripping from her hair and clothes.
Jack looked at her, horrified.
"Jesus, you're soaking wet! Let me get you a towel," he said, quickly heading to the laundry room. He returned with a clean towel and handed it to her.
She had already started unbuttoning her wet shirt when Jack handed her the towel, albeit slowly.
"Or you could stay like that a little longer," he added with a grin, his eyes drifting to the shirt clinging to her body and her wet hair, giving her a suddenly very sexy appeal.
Sam grabbed the towel. "So, you want me to stay wet and catch pneumonia?" she asked as she dried her hair slowly.
Jack snapped out of his daze immediately. "No, of course not. Here, let me help you," he said, vigorously massaging her shoulders and arms with the towel.
Sam started to smile. "I can dry myself just fine, Jack," she said, feeling his hands linger more on certain parts of her body than others.
"You can't get pneumonia," he said, smiling.
Sam allowed him to help her dry off. "I need to take a hot shower. Where's Grace?" she asked.
Jack cleared his throat and stepped back. "In her room, selecting the clothes she wants to take. Basically, her entire closet," he announced.
Sam bit her lip to stifle a laugh.
"Well, we aren't going to have nice weather like last time," she said. She had checked the weather forecast while at the Pentagon. It was late October now. "The forecast for the coming days is rain and temperatures around 55°F."
Jack crossed his arms. "So, hot weather," he teased.
Sam shook her head. "I'm going to shower," she said, tossing him the wet towel.
Jack cleared his throat. "Need a hand?" he asked hopefully.
"Thank you, General. The Academy taught us how to shower all by ourselves," she said with a wide smile.
Jack threw the towel back to her. "Smartass," he said with a smile.
Sam picked up the towel and left the kitchen, smiling.
Sam stopped by Grace's bedroom before showering and covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Her daughter's room looked like a Miss America dressing room, with clothes scattered everywhere. Warm coats hung on hangers, scarves, and boots were strewn about, and Sam lost count of the shirts piled on the bed. Jack hadn't been kidding—Grace had emptied her entire closet. Deep in thought, Grace was still deciding what to bring.
"Hi, Grace," Sam greeted from the doorway.
A pair of excited blue eyes turned around and met her with a wide smile. "Mom!" she practically yelled. "I need help," she said, pointing to the piles of clothes.
Sam smiled. "You know your father wants to take the SUV, but do you need all your clothes, sweetheart?" she asked as she entered the room.
Grace suddenly noticed her mother's wet and half-dressed state. "Why are you all wet?" she asked.
Sam pointed to the windows and the sound of heavy rain falling. "It's raining outside. Haven't you noticed?" she asked.
Grace went to the nearest window. "Oh," she said, seeing the heavy downpour. "No, I've been too busy," she admitted.
Sam ran a hand through her wet hair. "I can see that. Grace, I'm all wet and starting to get cold. Let me shower and change, and then we can look at your clothes," she offered.
Grace looked at her and nodded. "Sure, Mom," she said.
Sam kissed her forehead and went to take a hot shower.
When Sam entered their bedroom, she wasn't surprised to see her husband sitting on the bed, adjusting the pillows behind his back. "Why did I have the feeling that you would be here?" she asked, closing the door.
"Because you're a genius and always think ahead?" he replied, smiling.
Sam gave him a warning look as she undressed her wet clothes. Jack watched her openly, his eyes following her every move.
"So, you're not even trying to disguise it?" Sam asked as she dropped her skirt.
Jack shook his head. "Nope. Hot, wet wife getting undressed for a shower? Front-row seat," he said with a grin.
Sam laughed and tossed her wet, lacy bra at him. He caught it effortlessly with one hand. "I like where this is heading," he said, still smiling.
"I'm heading to the shower," she replied, turning her back to him and walking toward their bathroom.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "What about the rest? You're not naked yet," he pointed out.
Sam's laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the sound of the shower starting. Jack groaned and crossed his arms, leaning back against the pillows. He could wait. She would have to return, and this time, she would return wrapped in a towel. His smile grew at the thought.
After a few moments, the water shut off, and Jack's anticipation grew. He imagined her stepping out of the shower, steam swirling around her, her skin warm and slightly flushed from the heat. He could almost feel the soft touch of the towel as she dried off, the anticipation of her return building with each passing second.
Finally, the bathroom door opened, and Sam emerged wrapped in a fluffy white towel. Her damp and loose hair cascaded over her shoulders. Jack's smile widened as he took in the sight of her.
"Feel better?" he asked, his voice a mix of genuine concern and playful interest.
"Much better," she replied, her eyes sparkling. "Thanks for the bra catch, by the way. Nice reflexes."
"Always ready to help," he said with a wink.
Sam walked over to the bed, her towel slipping slightly as she moved. She sat beside him, and he reached out to tuck a damp strand of hair behind her ear.
"You know," he said softly, "we could take a rain check on sorting out Grace's clothes. Maybe enjoy the quiet for a bit, Doctor Carter?"
Sam leaned in, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "I think that sounds like a great idea, General O'Neill."
Jack's heart raced as she moved closer, her towel slipping more. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. The outside world faded away as they enjoyed their stolen peace and intimacy.
Grace eventually got bored of waiting for her mother. When she noticed her parents' bedroom closed door, she knew there was no point in sitting around waiting—it could take a while.
So, she decided to have a snack. Going to the kitchen, she opened the fridge and surveyed the options. Grace spotted fresh strawberries, a tub of Greek yogurt, and a honey jar on the middle shelf. Her eyes lit up as she imagined the combination. She grabbed the strawberries, yogurt, and honey and then moved to the pantry, where she found a bag of granola.
She set everything on the kitchen island and started preparing her snack. She washed and sliced the strawberries, their sweet scent filling the air. She spooned a generous amount of Greek yogurt into a bowl, drizzling it with honey until it glistened. Finally, she added the strawberries and sprinkled the granola for a satisfying crunch.
As she enjoyed her snack, the kitchen became her sanctuary. The rhythmic pattern of rain against the windows provided a soothing backdrop. Grace savored each bite, the creamy yogurt and honey blending perfectly with the tart strawberries and crunchy granola.
After finishing her snack, Grace felt more relaxed and decided to make the most of her time. She thought about the necessary packing and figured she could start organizing at least. Returning to her room, she began sorting through the piles of clothes, setting aside the essentials, and putting back the items she knew she wouldn't need for the trip. Her mother was right, and she didn't need all her clothes.
As she worked, she hummed The Simpsons' tune, the earlier frustration melting away. The kitchen snack break had recharged her, and she felt a sense of accomplishment as the chaos in her room transformed into neat piles of packed items. By the time her mother emerged from the bedroom, Grace had made significant progress and was ready for the next step in their preparation for the cabin trip.
Sam sent Jack to the living room with a warning glance before reentering her daughter's room. Their little break had taken longer than expected, and she was still flushed, trying to compose herself as best as possible.
"Sorry for the delay, honey," she said, noticing Grace putting away some of the clothes across the dresser.
"It's okay, Mom. I decided I don't need so many clothes anyway," Grace replied as she closed a drawer.
Sam observed that the piles had decreased significantly.
"Oh! That's good because I remember you still have some clothes there, right?" Sam asked, trying to recall the remaining items.
Grace paused as she approached her closet with more clothes. "Yeah...some coats, boots, and a few sweaters," she said softly.
Sam noticed her daughter was hesitating, her clothes still clutched in her arms.
"What's wrong, Grace?" Sam asked gently.
Grace slowly turned to her mother, her eyes a mix of concern and vulnerability. "Are you sure you want to go to the cabin, Mom?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Sam swallowed hard. Clearly, she wasn't the only one with mixed feelings about the cabin.
"I think we need to go, Grace, but if it makes you uncomfortable, we can talk about it and find another place," she said, her tone reassuring.
Grace held the clothes tighter. "No, I want to go. I want to make sure you want to go," she said.
Sam nodded, trying to ease her daughter's mind. "I do, honey. I want to go," she said.
Obviously, they would need to talk about what happened at the cabin, and Sam needed to share her feelings. "Now, what can I do to help with your packing?" she asked, changing the subject.
Grace finally put the clothes in the closet and pointed to a neatly folded pile on her bed. "I need your opinion on these. Should I bring them or not?" she asked, biting her lip.
Sam looked at the various pieces. "Very well, why don't we look at your chosen and see if they're appropriate for the weather? It's going to be cool and rainy," Sam said as she picked up a blue sweater.
Grace sat on the bed next to her mother, and for the next hour, they carefully selected the clothes Grace would bring to the cabin. They discussed each item, considering the forecasted weather and their activities. As they packed, they chatted about their plans, and Grace shared some of her memories and thoughts about the cabin. Sam sensed the subtly underlying tension but played along.
"At least this time, you won't be wearing crutches, Mom," Grace reminisced, packing a thick flannel shirt that Sam had folded.
Sam smiled. "No, I won't. It will make things a lot easier."
Grace nodded, her apprehension melting a little. "I'm sure things will be much better this time, Mom," she said.
"Absolutely," Sam agreed, tucking a pair of jeans into the suitcase. "We'll make new memories."
By the time they finished, Grace's suitcase was neatly packed with everything she needed for the trip. Sam felt a sense of accomplishment and relief, knowing they were closer to addressing their feelings about the cabin.
"All done," Sam said, zipping up the suitcase. "You did a great job, Grace."
Grace smiled, hugging her mother. "Thanks, Mom. I'm looking forward to this trip now."
Sam hugged her back tightly. "Me too, sweetheart. Me too."
Although Sam felt a twinge of guilt for asking the Haileys to take care of Carmen again so soon, the smile on Walter Hailey's face reassured her that she wasn't imposing. She realized she was doing him a favor.
"Of course, Carmen can stay with us," he said, already looking around for the black furball.
"Thank you so much," Sam replied. "I'll grab her things and bring her over. Thank you again," she said, heading back to their house.
Inside, Grace was saying her goodbyes to Carmen, gently instructing her to behave and not tear apart the Haileys' house again. She carefully placed Carmen in her carrier and closed it.
"I talked to her, Mom, but I don't know if she's going to listen to me," Grace said with a shrug.
Sam swallowed to avoid a burst of laughter and picked up the carrier. "I sure hope she does. My Christmas list for the Haileys is already more than a page long," she sighed heavily.
Grace giggled and helped her with the rest of Carmen's things.
The Haileys welcomed Carmen with open arms, especially Walter, who immediately took her out of the carrier and began talking to her about his stamp collection and his latest additions. Wendy rolled her eyes with a smile.
"At least now he tells her about the stamps and not me," she said. "I hope you have a nice vacation," she wished Sam.
"Thank you so much for this. And please call me if anything happens," Sam asked.
Mrs. Hailey shooed her away with a laugh. "Go and enjoy your time with your daughter and the General. We'll be fine with this small panther," she said.
Sam and Grace waved and headed back to their house. As they walked, Sam felt a sense of relief and gratitude. She was grateful not only for the Haileys' kindness but also for the opportunity to spend some uninterrupted time with her family. This vacation was a chance to reconnect and create new memories; she intended to make the most of it.
When Jack entered their bedroom, Sam was closing her bag. He gently closed the door behind him, and she looked up, surprised by his unexpected presence.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Jack shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression serious as he regarded her.
"Look, I know we have a lot going on right now, with the cabin and everything," he began, his tone cautious. "But Cassie called while you were in the Haileys with Grace. It's about Thanksgiving. She usually spends it with us."
Sam slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, sensing that this conversation was about to become more serious. "Go on," she prompted gently.
Jack took a deep breath, his brow furrowing slightly. "She called to tell me that she isn't ready to come this year," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "I told her that I still love her, but if she can't figure out her feelings regarding us—regarding you and me—it's best if she stays away for now."
Sam swallowed hard, the news hitting her like a weight on her chest.
"Jack, I don't want to interfere with her relationship with you and Grace," she said, her voice laced with a pained expression.
Jack approached the bed, his heart aching at seeing her so distressed. "You aren't," he assured her, his voice firm and loving. "We're a family, Sam, and Cassie has to learn to respect that. She might need time or never come to terms with it. It's all up to her."
Sam bit her lip, her eyes downcast. "I still feel bad about it," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jack sat beside her, taking her hand in his and reassuringly squeezing it.
"Me too, but Cassie is an adult and is responsible for her actions," he said, his tone resolute. "She knows she can always count on me, but I won't let her hurt you ever again. If she accepts us, she's welcome here. If not, she stays in Philadelphia."
Sam squeezed his hand back, feeling the strength and determination in his grip. "Okay," she said, her voice steadier now, comforted by his unwavering support.
Jack smiled, sensing that the heaviness of the conversation was starting to lift. "Now, with that settled, I have a crucial question for you, dear wife," he said, his tone turning playful.
Sam looked at him, a hint of alarm in her eyes. "What?" she asked, bracing herself for whatever was coming next.
"Is the SUV enough for Grace's bags, or do I need to rent something bigger?" he asked teasingly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sam couldn't help but smile, a soft laugh escaping her lips. She playfully patted his shoulder.
"We'll be fine, General," she kissed his cheek. "But if Grace hadn't downsized her luggage, we would need a moving truck."
Jack chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. "As long as we're together, I don't care how many bags we have to haul," he said, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
At that moment, despite their complexities and challenges, the promise of home and the strength of their bond made everything seem a little bit easier.
After knowing that Grace had reduced significantly the number of bags, Jack was adamant about taking the SUV for their trip to the cabin in Minnesota. Given that they planned to stay for at least two weeks, the spacious vehicle accommodated all their gear and ensured a comfortable journey. Sam agreed since her last experience with the beaming wasn't very good, suggesting they could take turns driving and only stop for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. The sooner they arrived at the cabin, the better.
They left Washington, D.C., early in the morning, the sun just beginning to rise over the Capitol. The city streets were quiet, starkly contrasting to the bustling days they were used to. Jack took the first shift behind the wheel, and they made their way out of the city, the familiar skyline gradually giving way to open highways.
The landscape began to change as they drove through Maryland and into Pennsylvania. The urban scenery faded into rolling hills and lush greenery. Grace sat in the backseat, earbuds in and a book in her lap, occasionally looking up to take in the changing view. Sam navigated, monitoring the GPS and providing updates on their progress, although Jack had insisted he didn't need it.
"I know the way like the back of my hand," he had said with a confident smile.
She, however, gently told him that she would need the GPS since the only time she had been to Silver Creek Lake was via beaming technology.
"You're right, honey. I'm sorry," he said, feeling utterly foolish for his oversight.
Their first stop was at a quaint diner just off the highway in western Pennsylvania. The place had an old-fashioned charm, with checkered tablecloths and friendly staff. They stretched their legs and enjoyed a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, fueling up for the long drive ahead. Grace relished her hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Back on the road, Sam took over driving. They passed through the expansive farmlands of Ohio, the golden fields of corn and soybeans stretching out as far as the eye could see. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. Jack dozed off in the passenger seat, and Grace switched from her book to a sketchpad, drawing the passing scenery.
Indiana greeted them with its flat terrain and endless stretches of road. They made good time, stopping briefly at a gas station for a quick refuel and snacks. Sam returned the keys to Jack, who was refreshed and ready for his turn. Grace picked out some chips and a soda while Sam grabbed a coffee.
Illinois brought them through Chicago, where they navigated the bustling traffic and towering skyscrapers. The city was alive with activity, but they were eager to keep moving. The SUV hummed steadily as they left the town behind, entering the quieter, rural parts of the state.
By the time they crossed into Wisconsin, the sun was beginning to set. The sky transformed into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. They decided to push through the evening, making one last stop at a roadside diner for dinner. The comfort food and warm, cozy atmosphere recharged them for the final leg of their journey.
As night fell, the temperature dropped, and they continued into Minnesota. The roads were darker and less populated, lined with dense forests and occasional glimpses of wildlife. Sam and Jack chatted quietly, the hum of the tires on the road creating a soothing backdrop. Grace had fallen asleep in the backseat, wrapped in a blanket. They encountered some rain, but fortunately, just a few showers ceased as they neared their destination.
Finally, they turned onto a narrow, winding road leading to their cabin. The trees formed a canopy overhead, and the headlights illuminated the path ahead. They arrived at the cabin well past midnight, the crisp night air greeting them as they stepped out of the SUV. The stars overhead were dimmed by rain and clouds, yet they still offered a stunning contrast to the city lights they had left behind.
Jack unloaded the luggage while Sam gently woke Grace, who sleepily stumbled inside. The cabin was just as Sam remembered it—cozy, rustic, and inviting. Her brain was too tired to think about the unpleasant things. Sam and Jack quickly settled in, setting up the beds and unpacking essentials.
"Do we have everything?" Jack asked as he locked the front door.
Sam had just exited Grace's bedroom, where she was fast asleep.
"Enough for this night, yes. Let's go to bed", she said, her eyes barely open.
Jack kissed her and guided her to the more oversized bedroom. "Let me introduce you to your new sleeping space, Doctor Carter," he said, closing the creaking door.
As they finally crawled into bed, exhaustion from the long journey gave way to a sense of peace. Sam let her head fall on the pillow, her arm around Jack's waist as they snuggled on the bed together. The rain resumed just as they settled in, providing a soothing soundtrack. The trip had been long, but it had also been a chance for them to reconnect and anticipate their time together in this serene, beautiful place. The adventure at the cabin awaited, and they were ready to embrace it.
Sam woke up with a pleasant sensation spreading from her stomach to her breasts and neck. She blinked and opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was an unfamiliar wooden ceiling. Turning her head on the pillow towards the window, she noticed it was already daylight, but the white curtains letting the light in were unfamiliar, too. Her heartbeat quickened despite the beautiful sensations coursing through her upper body, and she tensed—she really tensed. Suddenly, her husband was looking at her with a worried expression.
"What's wrong, Sam?" he asked, his brown eyes searching hers.
Sam swallowed as her mind started to clear. She remembered they were at the cabin—the cabin. She was in his bedroom—now their bedroom. Panic began to set in. She closed her eyes and gripped his arm tightly.
"I need a minute," she managed to say, her breathing becoming rapid.
Jack, however, knew the signs too well by now. "Okay, I'm here. You're safe. Just breathe," he said softly, holding her hand.
Sam focused on his voice, trying to calm down. After a few minutes, her breathing slowed, and things began to feel normal again. She slowly reopened her eyes and found him still watching her with concern.
"Hey," he said, not moving.
"Hey," she replied, wetting her dry lips.
"Feeling better?" he asked, gently caressing her cold arm.
Sam nodded. "Sorry," she said.
Jack kissed her shoulder tenderly. "You know you don't have to apologize, ever," he said, his lips brushing gently against her skin.
Sam swallowed. "I didn't recognize the room but remembered where we were. At the cabin," she said truthfully. There was no point in lying. They had to talk about it.
Jack gently stroked her dark hair. "I suspected it was something like that," he said.
Sam took a deep breath, feeling the tension slowly ebb away. The unfamiliar surroundings triggered her panic, but Jack's presence anchored her. They lay together, the sound of rain outside providing a soothing backdrop as they navigated this moment of vulnerability and reassurance.
"We need to talk about what happened, Jack. I need to talk about it", Sam said slowly, her hand resting on his chest, along her head.
His heartbeat increased as he continued to stroke her hair.
"Okay, let's talk. Maybe we should eat something for breakfast, and then you, Grace, and I can talk about the cabin and what happened the last time we were here. What do you think?" he asked softly.
Sam lifted her head and looked at him.
"I'd like that, Jack. I'll try to be as honest as I can," she said, her eyes lowering momentarily before she looked up again. "Because I want us to move forward, and right now, I'm uncomfortable. I'm still stuck in what happened back then," she confessed.
Jack silently cursed, his frustration evident. He kissed her forehead tenderly.
"So, we are definitely having that talk. You need to feel comfortable everywhere we are, honey. We are a team, and more importantly, we are a family. You are no longer alone, Samantha Carter. And you never will be if I have any say in the matter," he said, his eyes brimming with love for the woman beside him.
Sam felt a surge of emotion at his words. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her past pressing down on her and the warmth of Jack's unwavering support.
"Thank you, Jack. It means a lot to hear you say that," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Jack pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her securely. "We've been through a lot, Sam. And what happened here involved all of us, so we'll face it together. You don't have to carry this burden alone."
Sam nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's just...sometimes it feels overwhelming. I'm scared of dragging you into this mess."
"You're not dragging me anywhere I don't want to go," Jack said firmly. "I'm here because I love you. And love means standing by each other, no matter what."
Sam let his words sink in, feeling relief and fear. She knew she had to confront the past to move forward, but the thought of opening up ultimately was daunting. "I don't want to let you down," she admitted.
"You could never let me down," Jack assured her. "We'll take it one step at a time. We've got all the time in the world."
Sam rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The rhythm was calming, grounding her in the present. She realized that with Jack by her side, she could face anything. "I'm ready to try," she said softly.
"That's all I ask," Jack replied, kissing her head. "We'll get through this together. The three of us."
The rain patrolled against the window as they lay there, a gentle reminder of the storms they had weathered and those they would face. But Sam felt a glimmer of hope with Jack's arms around her and his love as her anchor. The path ahead might be challenging, but she no longer walked alone. She remembered Jack's proposal as if it had happened just moments ago: share one umbrella and face whatever storms come their way together. One umbrella, and only one.