It was a week ago already since her father had died and it was quiet around the SGC for the first time in years. Sam sat in her lab, analyzing the latest tests of Dr. Lee as Daniel entered.

"Thank god you still have coffee!" He exclaimed and immediately reached for the hot liquid, having brought his own cup with him. Sam smiled, it was quiet at the moment, but some things would never change.

"Serve yourself! How can you already be out of coffee?" Sam quickly glanced at her watch. "It's only 1400."

"No, for someone who has worked through the night, 1400 is already late."

"Why, Daniel? We've got all the time right now, why work through the night when we have the whole day to do the things? There aren't any missions scheduled right now."

Daniel fell silent for a moment before he answered with a sorrow filled voice.

"Sha're died exactly 5 years ago today. I don't know why it's so hard for me on this day especially. I mean I miss her all the time, but this day seems to make me feel it more."

Sam closed her eyes, a wave of regret washing over her for not having considered it sooner. She reached out to him and placed her hand on his forearm in a comforting gesture.

"Oh Daniel, I'm so sorry! I'm a really shitty friend. I didn't remember."

"That's alright Sam, life goes on. And when I'm looking at your worktop I start to believe you're finally focusing on something else, not just work."

He brought attention to the multiple magazines clearly containing wedding stuff, glad for the change of topics.

"Yeah," She sighed. "I'm finishing the tests here for Dr. Lee, but on the other hand I have to go through all of this because I have to decide what I want. I left Pete planning the wedding nearly alone, that wasn't fair of me. I didn't know there were so many options. Why can't we just go to the courthouse and sign some papers?"

"That's what you want? I always thought if you finally find the right guy you want to shout it from the rooftop and celebrate this relationship with your friends."

"On earth we don't have 5 days of celebration with the whole village, Daniel." Sam smirked at the thought of a younger Daniel marrying Sha're who came as a gift. "It's difficult now that Dad isn't around. He was going to walk me down the aisle, I can't do this without him. At least not in a church. And I wanted to wear my mother's dress, that's not working too. It doesn't feel right, you know? We're trying to move the wedding to the hotel we're having the party at. They have a really nice area outside, perfect for weddings."

Daniel wasn't sure how to approach her, so he talked about it with Jack, who made clear that Sam should be respected in her decision to marry the cop. But it wouldn't be Daniel if he didn't have something to say to this. So later on nobody could accuse him of not trying.

"And you think making compromises is the right way to start a marriage?"

"Daniel!" Her answer came in a warning tone. "I'm not making compromises, I'm going to marry the man I love."

"But not the one you're in love with!"

She fell silent, not sure how to reply to this. All that she would say sounded like she was just settling for someone. But that wasn't true. She'd never feel for Pete what she felt for Jack, that's the truth, but she was happy with him. Marrying him didn't feel like a compromise, it felt right.

"No Daniel, but you and I both know that's never going to happen. Sure you talked to him too."

"Yes, I did." He replied sadly.

"Then can you please close the topic and help me choose a color for the decorations."

Half an hour later they had worked through all the things that were still open, decided what flowers she wanted and made an appointment to look for a wedding dress. She knew she was late for this, but as she decided against wearing her mother's dress last minute, she had to try anyway.

"I asked General Hammond to give me away. He has known me since I was born, so at least it feels like family."

"That's a great idea, I can imagine he'd love to do it."

"Yes, he also said that Dad had asked him to do it if he couldn't make it."

"Now you just need the right dress and you're ready to become Mrs. Shanahan."

"Carter!" She corrected him. "I'm going to get married, but I'm keeping my name. I have worked so hard for my reputation, I'm not going to change my name now."

He just nodded, understanding. Not daring to acknowledge that this might be yet another indication of her reluctance to fully commit to someone.

Time seemed to fly by, and on a warm summer day, friends and family gathered to celebrate the union of Sam and Pete. The garden was beautifully arranged, with chairs lined up for the guests, creating a serene aisle down the center. At the end of this path stood an arch adorned with delicate white roses, where the bride and groom would soon exchange their vows.

Pete was already waiting in front with Sam's brother next to him. Mark was his best man. Sam chose Cassie to be her maid of honor, who was at the moment welcoming the guests. Jack, Daniel and Teal'c took their seats next to Penny and the kids, who were delighted to have Jack nearby, talked animatedly to him, telling him all about their latest adventures.

He saw George Hammond walking up to Cassie, who then was walking towards them. She leaned towards Jack and whispered to him to please follow her.

"Is something wrong, Cass?"

"No, I don't think so, Dad. She just asked me to get you."

They stopped in front of a door and she motioned towards the handle. Jack stepped forward and knocked two times before he carefully opened the door.

Sam stood in front of a lengthy mirror, his gaze captivated by her reflection as she watched him enter the room. She wore a flowing ivory dress - elegant but unpretentious. Its simplicity accentuated her natural beauty.

He stepped behind her, his hands in his pockets, locking eyes with her through the mirror.

"Wow, you're beautiful, Carter!" He told her bluntly. She closed her eyes, trying not to blush, but failed completely. When she opened her eyes again, she recognized he hadn't moved, nor had his eyes.

"Thank you!"

"Dad would have been so proud of you."

"I hope so!" By now her voice was barely a whisper.

"George gave me these." She pointed towards the earring she was wearing. "They were Moms, Dad wanted me to wear them today."

Jack moved closer to take a look at them, this time not through the mirror, this time his face was so close to hers, she felt his breath in her neck.

"They shimmer blue, depending on the light." He noticed. "Let's see, you've got something old and something blue in one piece, your dress is clearly something new, so what's missing is something borrowed, right?"

She was surprised that he even thought about something like that, she obviously hadn't. Maybe if her mom was still alive she would have put more thoughts into it. Her eyes filled with tears at the thought of her parents. Jack took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. Carefully she caught the tears that were trying to escape her eyes and ruin her makeup.

When she wanted to return it to him he stopped her.

"If you want you can borrow it. Then you have everything you need."

She was about to thank him as she stopped to take a closer look, an embroidered engraving caught her attention.

"CTO?" Sam read out loud, not able to make sense of those three letters. She was still looking down at the item in her hands as he whispered: "Charlie Tyler O'Neill. My mom made it for him when he was born. Ever since he died I have it with me. I'll need it back, but for today it's yours."

A lump formed in her throat, rendering her speechless. She struggled to find the words to respond, while his own emotions held him captive, leaving them both enveloped in a profound silence.

Finally finding his voice again he spoke: "Well, you were asking for me? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Cautiously tucking away the handkerchief, very aware of the importance of this piece, Sam swallowed and turned around to look at him. "First of all, thank you! I know what this means to you and I will return it to you safely."

"I know you will!"

Gazing down at his hands, she gently clasped them in her own, her thumb softly tracing the contours of his fingers. Each stroke seemed to linger, a tender gesture that echoed the unspoken emotions between them. Her fingers grazed the fabric of his dress blues jacket, a silent testament to their secret, forbidden connection - an aching reminder of what lay between duty and desire.

"Sam…I…if you don't stop this now, I may kiss the bride before the wedding."

"Then do it!" She demanded while she leaned in to cradle his face in her hands and place a passionate kiss on his lips. All her feelings for him lay in this kiss. It was still forbidden, yet it felt like a fleeting moment of freedom—the last opportunity to embrace this stolen kiss before she got married.

When they came up for air, they smiled at each other.

"Your husband-to-be is a very lucky guy, Colonel Carter!"

She laughed softly, her tongue playfully grazing her lips as if savoring the lingering taste of him.

"I'm sorry! I just needed to do this."

While she bit her lower lip a grin appeared on his face.

"Now we're even."

"What?"

"Time loop!" That's all he said.

"Oh no you haven't!" She couldn't believe it.

"Oh I did, it was comparably impressive."

The room was silent for only a brief moment before they erupted into laughter, breaking the tension and transforming the atmosphere into something lighthearted and warm.

"Come on, let's get you married before they wonder where you are."

Outside General Hammond and Cassandra were waiting for them. Jack hugged her a last time, telling her how beautiful she was, before he made his way back towards his place.

Sitting down next to Daniel he wondered why Daniel handed him a tissue.

"Goldie red just isn't the right color for you!" He told his friend, pointing towards his lips. Jack fortunately hadn't enough time to blush as the music began to play and Cassandra stepped outside to walk down towards the arch, followed by General Hammond, who proudly held Sam's arm, walking her towards her future.

Pete's gaze was fixated on Sam, utterly captivated by her beauty. It was the first time he laid eyes on his bride, and a radiant smile graced his face, making him feel like the luckiest man alive. Sam, filled with joy, returned his smile warmly. As she walked down the aisle, she stole a quick glance at Jack, who responded with a subtle nod, a silent endorsement of his blessing.

They opted for self-written vows and Pete was the one to begin. He took her by the hands, losing himself in her blue eyes.

"Sam, I want to spend my life with you. I want to stand by your side every day and show you how wonderful you are. I want us to laugh together and cry together, to walk the path that lies ahead of us as a team.

I promise to be there for you and to stay by your side. I promise to support you and help you whenever you need me. I promise you the space you need to feel free and unconfined.

I want to remind you every day just how much I love you. I will love you until the very end. I look forward to every single moment we will experience side by side.

Sam, with this ring, I take you as my wife and promise to be there for you as a friend and partner, in good times and bad."

"Pete, today I stand before you, pledging to give my very best to nurture and cherish our marriage. I promise to grow and learn alongside you, to embrace challenges together, and to work towards realizing our dreams.

I vow to greet each day with respect and appreciation for you, loving you for exactly who you are.

Today, I offer you my heart and my promise to walk hand in hand with you, wherever this journey may lead us.

With this ring, I take you as my husband and promise to be there for you as a friend and partner, in good times and bad."

They put on the rings as a sign of their marriage and when it was finally time to kiss the bride, Pete didn't need any further prompting. He closed the gap between him and his wife, leaned in and kissed her softly, cherishing this moment.

Their friends cheered and offered wishes for a bright and joyful future.

After dinner Sam and Pete opened the dance floor with their first dance as newlyweds. Daniel, Teal'c and Cassie lingered at the bar as Jack joined them. All observing them silently.

When the dance ended Cassie had managed to persuade Teal'c to dance with her. The Jaffa could never say no to anything the young woman asked for.

Daniel also made his way towards the dance floor, asking Sam for the next dance.

"It was a beautiful wedding, Sam. I wish you all the best for your future, I hope you know this!"

"I do, Daniel. Thank you, for being this annoying, good friend you are!"

She quickly hugged him before they continued their dance.

Meanwhile Pete settled on the bar stool next to Jack, both now observing their friends. Slowly Jack turned towards him, giving him a beer to toast with him.

"Congratulations, Pete!"

"Thank you, Jack!"

"I don't need to give you the speech, do I?"

"What speech?" Pete pondered.

"The 'if you ever hurt her, the planet is not big enough for you to hide' speech!"

Chuckling, Pete answered: "No, I don't need that speech. I know very well that if I'd do something to hurt her, I will have an entire military base going after me. But only when Sam's finished with me. Jack, I won't ever do something to hurt her, at least not deliberately. I'm aware how lucky I am that she said yes and I won't risk that, I promise."

"That's all I wanted to know. You're okay if I steal your wife for one dance?"

"Go ahead, in fact I know she's looking forward to it."

That moment little Lisa approached her new uncle with the request to dance with him. "And you're next, General Jack!" She announced before leading Pete to the dance floor.

The music changed and Daniel thanked Sam for the dance as Jack walked slowly towards her.

"Hey Sam, care to risk a dance with your boss?"

"I'd love to, Sir!"

They stepped closer together, their presence almost magnetic. He took her right hand in his left, while his right arm found its place gently between her shoulder blades, mindful not to let it wander any lower. As the music started to play softly, their bodies began to sway in sync with its melody.

"I saw you talking to Pete."

"Yes, asked him if I needed to give him the speech, but it turned out he knew exactly what was coming if he ever hurt you."

"I'd kick his ass." She joked and Jack laughed.

"That's what he said too."

A long moment drifted by in silence, each of them savoring the warmth of the other's presence and when the song ended he embraced her for the last time that night.

"Congratulations Sam!"

"Thank you Jack!"