"One Word" by FloBee

TITLE: One Word

AUTHOR: FloBee

RATING: NC-17

CATEGORY: S&J

WARNINGS: Sexual acts

DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are not my property. I'm just borrowing their likeness'.

ARCHIVE: S&J Archive, Heliopolis, all others please ask

SUMMARY: On their Wedding Night Jack hears a song and remembers.

FEEDBACK: Yes please! Feeeeeeeeeeedbaaaaaaaaack...drool...

SPOILERS: COTG, 100 Days and probably a few more.

SONG: You Had Me From Hello by Kenny Chessney

"You Had Me From Hello" By Kenny Chesney

One word, that's all you said
Something in your voice caused me to turn my head
Your smile just captured me
And you were in my future far as I could see
And I don't know how it happened, but it happens still
You ask me if I love you, if I always will, well
You had me from
Hello, and I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes, you owned me
It was over from the start you completely stole my heart
And now you won't let go, I never even had a chance you know
You had me from
Hello
Inside I built a wall so high around my heart I thought I'd never fall
One touch you brought it down,
the bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground and
I swore to me I wasn't gonna love again the last time was the last time, I'd let someone in, but
You had me from
Hello, and I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes, you owned me
It was over from the start you completely stole my heart
And now you won't let go, I never even had a chance you know
You had me from Hello
That's all you said
Something in your voice caused me to turn my head
You had me from hello
You had me from hello
Girl I've loved you from hello.

****************

The sun was slowing setting over the Mississippi River, Jack O'Neill stood on the veranda of the hotel watching it's slow decent. He was waiting for his bride of 12 hours to emerge from the bath. He still could not believe that Dr. Major Samantha Carter was now his wife.

He walked back in to the room and switched on the radio looking for some soft music. The notes of a familiar song caused him to pause.

"One word that's all you said something in your voice caused me to turn my head."

Jack thought back to the day almost 5 years ago when he and Sam first met.

"She is transferring from the Pentagon." He looked up and in walked this tall and stately blonde.

"Captain Samantha Carter, reporting for duty, Sir". Snapping a smart salute, he returned the salute and was looking into the clearest and bluest eyes he had ever seen. And then she smiled.

"Your smile just captured me and you where in my future far as I could see."

"And I don't know how it happens, but it happens still You ask me if I love you, if I always will, well"

Jack's thoughts drifted to the meeting that day, how she stood up to him and took Kalwalsky and Ferretti's jibes and gave as good as she got. Her determined look. And the arm wrestling comment still made him smile.

"You had me from hello, and I felt love start to grow the moment that I looked into your eyes, you owned me It was over from the start, you completely stole my Heart and now you won't let go, I never even had a chance, you know, you had me from hello.

As the melody and lyrics played softly, he thought of the day about a year ago, he had finally taken her up on her challenge. It was at one of their weekly poker nights. They had always been flirting with each other on missions and during downtime, but it was always playful under the watchful eyes of others.

But this particular night, Daniel had developed a very bad headache brought on by his allergies and he and Teal'c left Jack's house almost as soon as they had arrived.

"Sam, why don't you stick around, we can play cards or maybe watch a movie." Jack asked.

"Sure, what movies do you have?"

"Well I have some old westerns and a couple of horror films, why don't you look through them and see if any catch your fancy and I'll go get us a couple of beers."

Sam rummaged through Jack's collection of tapes and found a copy of Jerry McGuire.

"Hey, I never saw this, I love Tom Cruise!"

Jack laughed and said.

"Cassie gave me that for my last birthday, I have no idea why. We might as well watch it. I never saw it either."

Sam grinned at him.

"I can tell, the wrapper isn't even opened. Not a nice way to treat a birthday present."

"Tom Cruise doesn't really do it for me, reminds me of Daniel, too cutesy." Sam laughed at his comment.

"So I guess you're more the Sly Stallone type"

"Oh you" and he grabbed her and started to tickle her. Sam squirmed and squealed in his grasp.

His face was inches from hers and they stopped and looked into each other's eyes and they both pulled away realizing where this might lead.

"Let's watch the movie," Jack said and they settled back on the couch to watch.

After the film was over Sam said,

"I never realized what a cut throat business the sports world could be."

"Yeah, I guess it can be pretty rough, getting the bucks for those jocks." Jack grinned. Ya, know I was going to try out for a pro hockey team."

'Really? What happened?' Sam asked.

"I hurt my knee, really dumb, I was wrestling with a buddy, just goofing around and I caught my leg under a bench and wrenched my knee. Really messed up the cartilage. So, that ended my chances at the pros and I joined the Air Force instead. Pays not as good, but I'm glad it went like it did"

Sam started giggling.

"What, you think it's funny I blew my chance to be rich and famous?" Jack grinned

"No, no, not that at all, it just seems that you and wrestling have this love hate relationship."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the first time we meet, I challenged you to an arm wrestle, now I know why you never accepted! Didn't want to get hurt again!"

"Oh, really Major, how about right now! I think I can beat a girl!"

"You're on Colonel, just let me call Janet and tell her to get a bed ready!" Sam laughed.

The opponents faced each other across the coffee Table.

"Ready to get you tail beat Major?"

"Not hardly Sir, but I am ready to beat an old man!"

They locked their arms together and stared at each other, each trying to fake the other out.

"Okay, we go on three, One..two...three!" Jack yelled.

Jack was momentarily surprised at how strong Sam's grip really was, he was going to try and go easy on her not wanting to hurt her, but found he really had to exert some energy if he didn't want her to pull his arm down immediately.

Sam was ready, she knew Jack would try to go easy on her and she wanted to let him know in no uncertain terms that she was no push over, so she went with full force to get his arm down. She felt the change in his grip immediately and knew they were going to have an interesting contest.

Jack was concentrating hard at keeping his leverage, so when Sam started to talk, he looked up shocked.

"Sir, do you think we could maybe place a small wager on the outcome of this little contest?"

"Umm, sure Carter, what did you have in mind?"

"How about the winner has to spend the next whole down time we get doing what the other wants?"

Jack arm was beginning to get tired. "What do mean, anything the other wants?"

Sam was trying to keep her arm balance by hooking her leg around the leg of the table, it was getting tougher to keep Jack's arm from pushing hers down. That put her foot right beside Jack's.

"What I mean is doing what the other likes, for instance you have been trying to get me to go wall climbing for the last 3 months, if you win, I have to go."

"You're on! Can't wait to see you in that harness. Hey, is this just for one day or for the whole time we have off?"

"Oh, the whole time we have off, which means if I win, you have to go to that science exhibit I've been reading about, for starters."

Sam's eyes where twinkling mischievously. She was now more determined to beat her Colonel, she had a few things coming up that she would love to drag him too. One being an `N Sync concert she'd gotten roped into taking Cassie to see. She chuckled just thinking of Jack with all those screaming teenage girls.

"What's so funny?" Jack asked, getting more then a little nervous, he never realized just how strong Sam was. He has known that she was capable of taking care of herself when it came to a battle, but he was more then a bit surprised at how much stamina she had. She was not even tiring.

Sam was thinking she had to do something drastic cause her arm was beginning to get tired, she could feel her muscles straining. She shifted her weight and her leg touched Jack's foot and she got any idea. She slipped off her sandal and slowly moved her foot towards Jack's leg. Since it was summer he was wearing a pair of cut off jeans, which made her plan that much easier. She let her toes touch Jack's foot for just a second and then moved it quickly. He looked up at her face, which she keeps completely devoid of emotion. When he was once again concentrating on the task before him, she moved her foot back to his, but this time just let it rest against his. Again he looked at her and again her face showed no sign to her actions.

After awhile, he ignored the foot resting against his, but then Sam began moving her toes up and down his calf.

"Um, Sam?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"What are you doing?"

"Doing, Sir?"

She slowly moved her foot up towards his thigh, her foot brushed so close to him, and he gasped and completely forgot the contest. Sam felt his arm slacken and drove his arm straight down to the table.

"I WON!!"

"YOU CHEATED!"

"I did not! I utilized my opponents weakness!"

"Oh, now you die Major!" and with that Jack leaped over the table and tackled Sam to the floor and began to tickle her. Sam started pushing against his chest with her fist to get him off but she was laughing too hard and then they were nose to nose and lips to lips and Jack looked into her eyes and leaned in as Sam lifted her head to meet his lips.

The kiss was electric, neither one was prepared for the jolt they felt. They stared at each other, breathing heavily.

"Um, maybe we should get up now"

"Yes, maybe we should"

They both started at the same moment "Look........" and then laughed

Jack said "Ladies, first."

"No, you go first this time."

"Uh, Sam, you know or maybe you don't, that I think you are one of the smartest, wittiest and most beautiful women I have ever met."

"Wow, you think I'm beautiful?"

"You are, don't you know that? And from the first minute I laid eyes on you I've had to wage a battle with myself to remember that you are my subordinate and to keep a professional distance, but as the years have gone by, it's become more difficult and I find that I want to know you better. Not just as my team mate or fellow officer or even as a friend. I know that already and like what I see. What I want is to know Samantha, the woman, but I didn't think you'd ever be interested in me as a man......"

Sam raised her hand against his lips to still the Words.

"Jack, you can be so dense at times, don't you realize that I've felt the same way, still do. When you were trapped on Edora, why do you think I changed the laws of physics? It was because I knew I would be half empty without you , so I would have made a pact with Sok'ar to bring you home to me."

Jack started to say something, but Sam said, "No let me finish, if we have any chance at all this needs to be said."

"I was hurt by your reaction to being rescued and so jealous of Laira, that I wanted to crawl in a hole and die. I had thought we were getting closer, but then when I saw you with her, I thought, why would he want a geek like you, he doesn't even like scientists, he's just been stuck with you for the last three years and making the best of things. I thought back to the night before the disaster when we were watching the shooting stars and your comment when I tried to explain the phenomena. Remember what you said, "Carter, don't suck all the fun out of things" and I thought to myself that what he thinks of you. And right after that, the Makepeace saga, and I know that you where under orders, but the things you said and did just seemed to reinforce that you didn't think of me as any thing more then a soldier. After we found out about the traitor, and that you were just play acting to protect us, I decided that I would just be satisfied with being your 2IC and your friend. To bury these other feeling and never let you know how I felt."

Sam looked straight into his warm brown eyes and continued taking his hand,

"But Jack, I can't anymore, I want to know you, the man, see if these feelings that have been simmering under the surface can grow and blossom into something more."

Jack pulled her into his arms,

"Oh Sam, I'm so sorry I hurt you, that was the last thing I ever wanted to do. When I was trapped on Edora, for the first few monthsI just moped around, I felt lost, disjointed, and alone. Laira took me in, left me to myself at first, but then she said what I knew, I was there, I wasn't going home and life goes on. Do you know what I said to her?" Sam shook her head slightly. "I said that there were things in my world that I just would never be able to forget. I meant you, when I thought of home, your face was the first thing that came into my mind, your smile, the way your eyes light up when your happy. The way you always laughed at my lousy jokes even though you knew they were bad. But, after awhile, I had to come to terms with the realization that I would never get back to earth and this was going to be my life, so the night before Teal'c broke through, there was a celebration of renewal and I had too much to drink and when we......."

Sam placed her fingers against Jack's lips.

"Jack, you don't have to tell me."

"No, I do, cause you were right, we need to get things out of the way if we stand any kind of a chance. That was part of the problem with Sara and me, we never talked things out, just buried them, never resolving things so that we could move on. I don't want that to be us. I want us to be honest with each other, so that we can trust each other, the way we do when we're working. Neither one of us doubts the other for a second. That's what I want here too." He kissed her and said, "Let me go on"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The radio continued playing as Jack remembered what he said next.

Inside I built a wall so high around my heart I thought I'd never fall One touch you brought down the bricks of my defenses Scattered on the ground And I swore to me I wasn't gonna love again The last time was the last time I'd let someone in, but

"Laira and I went back to the house, she told me that Garrin was staying at a friends for the night. She also told me that she wanted a child, my child and then she kissed me. I was pretty drunk, and I was attracted to her and grateful for all she had done for me. I had also decided that I was there for the rest of my life, so I took her up on her offer. The next day, Laira was going to get rid of my uniform, but heard you speaking to Teal'c on the walkie talkie. Sam, she told me, she didn't have to, she debated about it but she's a good person and couldn't do it. I jumped out of the chair so fast and raced down to where the gate had been, started digging with my hands, I was so happy. When I saw Teal'c face, man, that was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. It took us awhile to get the DHD and the Gate back together. In that time as happy as I was to be going home, I saw that Laira was just as unhappy that I was leaving. I felt guilty. When you finally came, I was so torn up with guilt that I walked away from you and asked Laira to come home with me. I asked her because I knew she would say no. But I didn't realize how cold and ungrateful I must have seemed to you. And I hurt you. If I live to be a thousand, I'll never be able to show you how sorry I am."

Tears filled Sam's eyes, she took Jack's face in her hands and kissed his lips, eyes, and lips again.

"I forgive you, I did a long time ago."

"Sam, I think we should take it slowly, not rush into anything. I can only speak for me, but judging from your reaction, I think it's safe to say you feel the same. I could easily sweep you in my arms carry you to the bedroom and make love to you, but I want more then just a one night stand, I want us to get to know each other as Sam and Jack, move to that moment, when it's right and perfect. It might be in a day or a month, but I want us both to have no doubts or regrets. We still have a lot to discover about each other."

****************************

On their next down time, Sam still made Jack pay his wager, she dragged him to the science exhibit and even though he would never admit it, he had a good time. With Sam explaining some of the more intricate projects, it was fun. The next day, she showed up at his door with Cassie and her friend Kelly in tow. They spend the day at the mall shopping, pulling Jack into every shoe store, boutique and record store they could find. Again, he had a great time, although he pretended he hated every minute of it. When they made their way back to the car, Jack loaded down with the spoils of the day. Sam said, " Ok, guys you ready?" and the girls squealed. Jack looked at Sam and said.

"Ready? Ready for what?" Cassie and Kelly dissolved into giggles.

"You'll see" Sam pulled out to the parking lot and on to the highway.

"Aren't we going home?" Jack asked, just a bit apprehensive.

"Not quite yet, Colonel, one more part of the wager to be paid"

They drove into the Pepsi Arena and Jack groaned.

"Oh, no...I am not going to sit through an 'N Sync concert!"

"Yes, you are!" Yelled Sam, while Cassie & Kelly pulled him all the way to the gate.

Cassie and Kelly where ecstatic during the concert. Sam enjoyed it too, not as much as the girls who where arguing who was the best looking JC or Justin, but she did like their music. Jack on the other hand was surrounded by hundred of screaming and jumping teenage girls and by the time they left for home had a massive headache.

They dropped the girls off at Janet's and then drove to Jack's house. Sam was laughing all the way back to the house. Jack looked like he just fought off a battalion of Jaffa's all by himself.

When they pulled in the drive Sam waited till Jack got out of the car. When she made no move to follow, he said,

"You're not coming in?"

"Not tonight, I have one more day to our wager and I need my rest," She chuckled.

"Oh God, what more can you have in mind"

"You'll find out tomorrow, pick you up at 11."

She leaned across the seat, grabbed his collar and kissed him.

The next morning Jack woke up early, he did a few things he had been putting off out in the garden to kill time as he waited for Sam.

"Jack, where are you?"

"In the back Danny."

"Mornin' Jack, enjoy the concert?" Daniel grinned.

"You knew and you didn't tell me!" Jack exclaimed. He grabbed Daniel and rubbed his head with his knuckles.

"Oww, stop, that hurts!"

"Yeah, well so do my ear drums!"

"Sam swore me to secrecy."

"What does she have planned for today?"

"Can't say" smiled Daniel, "but I think you're gonna like it."

Daniel stayed for a few minutes longer and left so Jack could get ready before Sam came to pick him up.

At exactly 11 AM, Sam's car pulled into the drive. Jack came out and climbed into the car.

"Ok Major this is your last day to torture me, so you better enjoy it!"

Sam just chuckled, "Oh I don't know about that Colonel, you might lose another bet to me and them I get to torture you all over again."

"No way, next time we make a bet, I'm gonna stack the deck so I can't lose, and remember "Payback is a bitch." He grinned that classic O'Neill grin at her.

They drove for awhile just talking and enjoying the day, Sam had the top down on her Sebring and the weather was more then cooperating. The sun was warm but not overly hot and a gentle breeze was blowing.

"So, are you gonna give me a hint on what we are doing today, or is the trepidation part of the torture." Jack asked.

"We're almost there, and I think your going to be surprised, but you gonna have to trust me."

Jack looked over at Sam,

"Trust you? Should I be nervous?"

"Just trust me ok?"

"Ok"

"Alright, we are almost there, I want you to shut your eyes and promise not to peek or else I'll have to get the blindfold out."

"Well, bondage can be fun." Jack wagged his eyebrows.

Sam just laughed, "Maybe later, if you're a good boy."

"Ok shut your eyes and don't open them, promise?"

"I promise." Jack shut his eyes and relaxed against the seat. He trusted Sam with his life a thousand times, so he wasn't really worried she had something dangerous planned.

He felt her make the turn off to an exit ramp. She made a quick right turn and continued on for about 1/2 of a mile and then made a stop, probably a light, and then a left turn. They had been driving for about an hour and he was getting bored, for the last 20 minutes he had his eyes closed so he didn't even have the passing scenery to occupy him. Jack decided that if he couldn't see, he'd at least be annoying, so maybe she would relent and tell him where they were going.

"Mommmmm, are we there yet?" he whined. "Come on I'm tired, can we stop for ice cream? Huh'huh"

Sam just laughed, "Not gonna work Colonel, you can whine all you want."

They continued on for another 15 minutes and then Sam turned into what had to be a parking field. He heard her pull up to the ticket gate and heard the machine spit out the time ticket and then continue into the field. After a while, Sam found a spot to park and pulled the car into the space and after putting up the top and windows, shut the engine off.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Nope, not yet. Just a bit longer."

She got out of the car and came around to the passenger side and opened the door.

"Come on, hold on to my arm."

"Sam, I feel ridiculous."

"Jack, you promised."

Since the night they had their talk, Jack had asked Sam to call him by his name when they were off duty. It was difficult for her at first, but was coming more and more easily now.

`Ok, Ok, but it better not be another teeny booper concert, cause I swear I'll......."

"I promise you it's not." Sam said giggling "Oh, by the way, how's your ears."

They walked arm in arm and Jack knew that there were a lot of people around. In a few minutes they were at some kind of an entrance and Sam let go of his arm to give the attendant their tickets. She grabbed his hand and steered him through the crowds and down a staircase.

She stopped and turned to him and said "Ok open your eyes."

They were standing on the landing of the section 130 in Coors Field right behind home plate.

"Wow, the Rockies!!! And they're playing the Cubs today!"

Jack grabbed Sam and kissed her.

"I don't believe you. This is great! How did you get these seats, they're awesome."

Sam was still reeling over the kiss, and took her a second to form her answer.

"I have a friend who works for the PR firm that handles the Rockies and called in a favor. Still mind the torture?"

"Mind?! I'm in shock. I figured you where gonna make me go to some science thingy again. I never expected this!"

"Well, I love baseball and haven't been able to get to a game in a long time. So we are doing what I like, just happens you like it to."

It was a great game. Jack was torn between rooting for the Rockies or his hometown team but he enjoyed every minute of it. Sam enjoyed watching Jack more then the game, he was like a little kid, his face was filled with excitement, he looked more handsome then ever. No worry lines or stress, just pure enjoyment.

After the game, Jack bought Sam a Colorado Rockies cap and a T-shirt.

"Ok, now it's my turn, dinner is on me, wherever you want to go." Jack said.

"Well how about that new steakhouse? I heard it's pretty good."

"Steakhouse? Wow, you're great, I was sure you were gonna drag me to that Thai place you love."

Jack drove to the restaurant which was as good as everyone said. They had a leisurely dinner sat and talked for hours. They talked about everything from when they were kids to what their favorite colors where, everything except the SCG or regulations. That was one subject they didn't want to explore feeling it would ruin an otherwise perfect day. After dinner Jack drove back to his house and parked the car in his garage.

"Would you like to come in for a bit?"

"I'd love to."

Sam had plans for the end of the evening.

They went inside and Jack turned on the CD player.

"Would you like a glass of wine or something?"

Sam smiled at him and walked slowly towards him, she put her arms around his waist and nuzzled his neck.

"I like a little "or something" she breathed against his ear. Jack moaned.

"Sam, what going on? I thought we were going to take this slow?"

"Jack, I know how I feel and I think I know how you feel, so why wait any longer."

Sam drew her tongue around the inside of Jack's ear making him shudder. Sam grinned at his reaction. She pushed him towards the couch and gave him a shove down. She licked her way down his jaw, across his chin down to his neck. When his shirt hindered her way down, she grinned up at him and placed her teeth around the first button and bit down. Jack's eyes opened wide and his breathing became more erratic.

"Oh, god, I think I'm in trouble."

Sam slowly and methodically removed each button with her teeth, when she got to the last button, she nipped Jack's navel, causing him to practically jump off the couch.

"Do you have any idea how long I've waited to bite your stomach?"

"No, I mean bite my stomach? Why?" I mean, ohhhhhhhh" Jack gasped as she nibble some more.

"I've wanted to do this since that bitch Hathor tried to make you her first Jaffa."

Jack was having trouble drawing breath, and no way could he construct thoughts into words. He had dreamed about Sam making love with him a long long time and this far surpassed any dream he ever had. He knew he needed to gain some control back, but it was as if Sam could read his thoughts.

"No, not tonight, tonight I'm in command." She growled She moved her hands along his sides and down his outer thighs moving them slowly up his inner thighs and across his very tight groin. She paused at the button and slipped it free, her fingers stoking him through the material. She proceeded to lower the zipper as if in slow motion. With each inch exposed she'd slip her hand inside to caress the skin being exposed. She slipped her hands inside his boxers and brought them along with his pants down to his knees. At this point Jack had has enough and wanted to touch her, but she was not having any of it, she grabbed his arms and placed them under her thighs, he was totally at her mercy and she had none!

"Colonel, where is all that Black Ops training I keep hearing about?" Sam's grin was wicked.

"Sam, you're driving me insane!"

"That's my plan, flyboy, drive you right over the edge, crash and burn"

She moved her body along Jack's rubbing herself against him in a slow seductive dance all her own. She moved her mouth over his and demanded entrance, her tongue moved against his in an imitation of things yet to come. She stoked her tongue against the roof of his mouth, along his teeth. All the while gyrating her hips against his. When the need for oxygen forced her to break contact with his mouth. She moved her lips downward to his neck, to his collarbone, and gently suckled.

"Hey, you're gonna leave a mark." He yelped,

Sam chuckled, "Branding you, personal property of Major Samantha E. Carter."

"And besides the only one who will see it is Janet, and she won't tell."

In the back of Jack's head, he wanted to ask what the "E" stood for, but with Sam arousing him like she was, he didn't really care if it stood for Elmo. Jack could not ever remember being this aroused before, not with Sara, or any other woman he had ever known.

Sam continued her exploration of his body, now sucking on one of his nipples, while her fingers played with his navel. As each moment passed Sam was getting wetter and wetter, she didn't think she would be able to draw this out much longer. She moved down his body, stopping to circle his navel with her tongue, cupping his bulging sac with her hand, while stroking his hard length with the other.

Jack moaned, "Sam, let me touch you, I need to touch you."

She lifted up and released his hands that were trapped beneath her thighs and calves. As soon as he was free Jack reached up and ripped her blouse open sending the buttons flying across his living room. He tore her bra open and pulled her chest down to his mouth. He kissed her and suckled her, not knowing what to touch first. He was fumbling with the zipper of her slacks, so aroused his movement's jerky and unsteady.

"Whoa, let me help you." Sam said, getting up and slowly peeling her shirt off and then her hands moved to her pants, lowering them at a rate that seemed like it stretched for eternity.

"You are so beautiful." Jack lifted her up into his arms, "let's move this to the bedroom."

When they got to his bedroom, Jack gently laid Sam on the bed and moved on top of her. For a moment, they just stared into each other's eyes, each seeing both the uncertainty and the love that was there.

He lowered his head a captured her lips, this kiss held the promise of all things to come. It was slow and deep, touching their souls.

His hands began an exploration of her body, moving from her hair, to her neck, breasts, waist, and hips. He caressed her stomach and move down to her core. He slipped a long tapered finger along her fold and found her wet and pulsating. He moved lower to kiss her center and flicked his tongue against her nub. Sam's hips flew up and he grinned as he threw his other arm across her middle to hold her down, and then he proceeded to drink the nectar that was uniquely Sam. He slipped one finger inside her and massaged her, slowly he added another, and when he felt her tightening he added one more. Sam's screamed his name as she came. He slowed his assault and moved up to capture her lips again.

"Jack, I want you inside me."

"My lady's wish is my command"

He moved into position and pushed against her, penetration was slow and easy. He felt her heat surround him and it was like heaven, he began to rock slowly at first, but Sam needed more and quicken the pace. She wrapped her legs around his waist and met each of his thrusts. They moved together in a perfect rhythm, their movements becoming quicker and deeper. Jack watched Sam's face, which was transfixed by ecstasy, her closed, her lips moist and slightly parted. As Jack felt he was close to the edge he said,

"Baby, open your eyes"

Sam opened her eyes, which with passion had turned a deeper shade of sapphire and looked into the deepest darkest passion filled brown eyes she had ever seen. Looking into each other's eyes they transcended the bonds of earth and reached heaven.

Jack shifted so he lay by Sam's side and as they both lay in the post-orgasmic haze, he ran his fingers across her breasts.

"Wow, that was incredible." Sam said still a little breathless.

"Incredible seems too mild a word for what we just shared, you are incredible!" Jack said.

"Yeah I guess reading all those trashy novels paid off" Sam giggled. "I was a little nervous, it's been awhile for me. And I didn't have all that much to experience to begin with. Good thing I like to read and have a vivid imagination."

Jack propped himself up on his arm, "I for one am very glad you have imagination. What did you mean, been awhile?"

Sam blushed a very pretty shade of pink, "The last man I was with was Jonas, that was five years ago, and there was only one other before him. I didn't date much in high school or college too involved in my studies and also a little shy."

Jack was surprised, but pleased, he figured a beautiful woman like Samantha would have had guys banging down her door.

He leaned over her and took her face in his hands and kissed her gently. He got a gleam in his eye and grinned at her and asked,

"Can I borrow those books?" They both dissolved into a fit of laughing and then kissed once more And settled down to sleep, a contented happy smile on both their faces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the next few months they fell into a pattern. When they were not off world, the team would gather at Jack's house at least twice a week instead of the usual weekly get together. At first Jack and Sam saw each other alone once a week, going to dinner and a movie and then back to Jack's house, but gradually that increased and Sam was spending at least 3 nights at Jack's house.

At the SGC no one would have known that they were anything more then co-workers and good friends. They made sure that they maintained a professional demeanor on base at all times. Even though at times, Jack would have to be reminded. When they were off world and in a situation that did not call for them to be on constant alert, they would sneak off for awhile. They thought that they were doing really well with keeping the change in their relationship from Daniel, Teal'c and Janet until one night at the weekly poker game, when Sam was ready to start her usual "I'll stay and help you clean up" bit. Daniel turned to them and said,

"Ok I'm tired and before you start your song and dance routine, we're gonna say goodnight and we'll see you both in the morning."

They had plans to take Cassie to a county fair and were going to meet a Janet's early the next morning. Jack looked at Daniel,

"What are you talking about Danny-boy?"

Janet jumped in at this point,

"Hey, you guys are great, anyone who doesn't know you would not suspect a thing, but you're forgetting, we do know you. We have seen you through some tough times. Did you really think we won't notice the change in you?"

Sam looked at Jack,

"Guess we weren't as discreet as we thought."

Teal'c answered, "No, Major Carter, you are correct, both you and O'Neill were most discreet. It is only because we know you both so well that we can discern the difference in you."

"What Teal'c is trying to say in his own inimitable way is that you are both happy, really happy and it shows" Daniel said.

Jack put his arms around Sam. "Well I'm glad you know and are ok with it. Really bothered us to keep it from you."

"Sam, it's late and if I want a ride home, I better go with Daniel, BUT, that doesn't mean you're off the hook, I want details. You and I will go to lunch while the boys entertain Cassie at the fair. And by the way, it's on you for trying to pull the wool over my eyes." Janet laughed.

"Okay, you're on. We'll go to the Land's End. It's right by the fair grounds."

Janet's eyebrows went up in a perfect imitation if Teal'c.

"Wow, I have to give you a guilty conscience more often, Land's End is the most expensive seafood restaurant in town. I've been dying to try it."

"Well it's on Jack, so we might as well splurge." Sam laughed at the look on Jack's face.

"Hey, no fair, then I get to come too."

"Nope, girls only. We have things to discuss."

After their three friends left, Jack and Sam cleaned up and went into the bedroom.

"Man, what a weight off my head, we don't have to keep coming up with all these excuses any more." Jack said as he undressed.

"I agree, it was bothering me not telling them, felt like I was lying to them."

"And we get the extra added bonus of you being able to spend the night without having to worry that Daniel is gonna show up early in the morning and catch you here. Come to bed, I'm cold." Jack said.

"Oh you liar, you are not! You're like a furnace, you just want to have your way with me." Sam giggled.

"So, get over here and let me have my evil way with you,"

He reached out and pulled her on to the bed and started tickling her. They played for a few minutes until Sam was breathless with laughter and then Jack lowered his head and captured her lips and passion flared.

The next morning, Jack woke to find Sam already up. He lay in bed and listened to the sound of singing. Sam was in the kitchen. He grinned at the thought. She was a source of constant surprises. First, she had a lovely singing voice and enjoyed serenading him when they were cuddling on the couch. Second, she had fibbed when she said she couldn't cook. Well, that had caused a slight disagreement between them. The first time Sam had said she was going to make dinner for them, Jack mentally prepared himself for a barely palatable meal thinking he could stop at McDonald's on his way home, but when he arrived at her apartment, he was astonished to find a gourmet meal worthy of a 5 star restaurant.

"I thought you said you couldn't cook?" He asked.

Sam just shook her head, "Typical male, doesn't really listen."

"What are you talking about, when we where on Shavadi, you said you couldn't cook, I distinctly remember that."

"No, Jack, I said, "I DON'T cook. Big difference."

"Samantha, that's semantics."

Sam grinned, whenever Jack called her Samantha, he was annoyed.

"No, JONATHAN, it is not semantics, I said I don't cook, never said anything about not knowing how."

He grinned as he thought about how she won that round hands down, she just looked at him and said

"Fine, if it upsets you so much I just won't cook anymore." After the meal he just devoured, there was no way he was going to not get more. So, he apologized.

"I'm sorry Sam, I am just surprised, pleased, but surprised. Why didn't you want us to know you had this extraordinary talent?'

"Jack, I know you respect my abilities as a solider and scientist, but when I was a young officer I had this real jerk for a CO, he constantly belittled all the women in his command, saying things like you should be home baking, stuff like that. Well I decided that I was going to put that part of me away. I was a career officer and if doing things like, cooking and sewing, yeah I can sew too, would make me appear weaker, then I just wouldn't do those things again. Yes, I know that was an irrational decision, but I was young and determined to appear tough. Able to take whatever was dished out to me. In fact, I had a falling out with my grandmother, who I was very close to, over this decision."

"Why, what happened?"

"It was Christmas and we were going to spend the holidays with my Mom's family. Dad and I. When we got there grandma asked me to make the my special fish sauce, but I said no, and told her that I didn't do that anymore. She asked me what I meant and I told her of my decision. She said that I was being untrue to myself and if I had to bury a part of who I am to fit into a job, that maybe I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. Well I got angry said some pretty harsh things to her and then didn't really say two words for the rest of the visit. After we left I always made an excuse why I couldn't come back to visit. I told myself she was wrong and I was right, but the truth is I was the one that was wrong. I can do these things, do them well and denying I can is a lie. I realize now that if by doing these things some one thinks I'm just a weak female, well, they are the ones with the problem. The people who know my abilities won't think any less of me and those are the ones that matter. Took me awhile to figure that out."

It was their first argument, but it was quickly ended. He lay there for another minute listening to Sam in the kitchen, then decided to get up and get some of that great breakfast he was sure she was making. He headed off to the shower.

In the kitchen, Sam was singing and making omelets and homemade biscuits. The coffee was all ready. She was just about to go wake Jack, when she heard the shower turn on. "Good, he's up, no tug of war this morning." She thought. It amazed her that when they were off world on missions, Jack was the first one up, but when they where home, it was like pulling teeth to get him out of bed. He'd just burrow deeper under the covers and say five more minutes. While she was preparing to set the table, the phone rang. She debated for a second as to whether or not to answer it, but then thought, it's probably Janet confirming plans.

"Hello"

"Jonathan? Oh I must have the wrong number." Said the voice on the other end of the line.

"No, this is Jonathan O'Neill's number, who is this?"

"Oh, this must be Samantha! I'm Helen, Jonathan's mother."

"Oh, Jack's mentioned me?"

"Mentioned you? My dear, you're all he talks about." Helen O'Neill laughed. "It's nice to finally get the chance to talk to you, is my son around?"

Sam wasn't sure what to say, she wasn't too comfortable with telling Jack's mother that he was in the shower, so she answered,

"He just ran out to get the paper. He should be back in a minute."

"I have been asking Jonathan, when he was going to bring you to Chicago to meet me, but he said that you both have been going on assignments and didn't know when you would get some leave. But, I am dying to meet you, I haven't heard Jonathan this happy in a long time and I think you the reason why."

"Well, he makes me just as happy if not happier. You raised a wonderful son, Mrs. O'Neill."

"Helen, please Samantha. I'm sure we're going to be very good friends."

Jack walked in to the kitchen just as Sam said, " I would like that Helen.'

He mouthed to her, "My Mom?" She nodded her head and put her finger to her lips to tell him to be quiet.

"Here's Jack now, he just drove up from getting the paper." Sam yelled out, "Jack your Mom's on the phone."

Jack was covering his mouth trying not to laugh at Sam, she was blushing and he realized why. He took the phone from her, giving her a quick kiss on her nose.

"Hi Mom, just got in, Yeah, had to pick up the Sunday paper."

He wagged his eyebrow at Sam and she punched him in the arm giggling.

"How you doing? Anything wrong, just talked to you day before yesterday." Jack listened and his face went white, Sam looks on in concern.

"What, what's wrong" she mouths to him.

"But.... but Mom, I don't think that's such a great idea right..no, oh course I want to see you. No, Sam would love to meet you too, it's just... Ok.... Ok...I'll pick you up a week from Tuesday. See ya then, yes Mother, I love you too. Bye."

Jack turned and put his head on Sam's shoulder, "She coming here. She said since the mountain won't go to Mohammed....well you know the rest. What do I do now?"

"Do? Nothing of course, just make sure the guest room has clean sheets."

"But, she coming here, to meet you!"

"Oh, I see, and you don't want her to meet me is that it?" Sam looked hurt.

"No, no, it's just that she and Sara never hit it off, I'm just a little nervous."

"Why didn't they like each other? I met Sara, she seems like a nice woman."

"Well I think it had something to do with us eloping and Sara saying it was none of Mom's business and expecting me to back her up, which I did, so of course Mom got really upset that I sided with Sara, even though I tried to explain. It had been her and I since Dad died and we were really close. For awhile it was really uncomfortable, but after Charlie was born, I guess they sort of like buried the hatchet and things were better."

"Well, since I have no plans of running off with her son to elope. I think we're safe." Sam laughed. "Anyway, I had a nice little chat with Helen. Seems she knows all about me. Wonder how?" Sam smiled and Jack got red in the face.

"So, ok I might have mentioned you in passing." He grinned.

"A week from Tuesday, ok, that gives me some time."

"Some time for what?"

"Well to work myself into a state, calm down, work myself up again, and then calm down again. If I time it just right, with a little luck I'll be in the calm stage when Tuesday comes."

Well, don't go to pieces cause I'm gonna be nervous enough for both of us."

They spent the next day cleaning up Jack's place cause they knew they would be off world for at least three days and then on base for another two and wanted to have things in order for when Helen came. As was her habit the night before reporting for duty Sam would go back to her apartment, water her plants and get ready for the coming workweek. In the morning Jack made his usual stop at the coffee shop and picked up coffee and donuts for them, and met Sam in her lab where they would sit and talk for a while before each would begin their assigned tasks. It was the best part of the day for both.

The mission off world to P5X989 was more intense then anyone had anticipated. Instead of spending 72 hours there, they were forced to spend 5 days since The indigenous population were more advanced then first suspected and were willing to share their knowledge, but only with SG1 being present since they felt most comfortable with them. By the time they arrived back on earth early Saturday morning, between the de-briefing which was exceeding long due to the amount of information brought back and the intensive medical testing since they were off world for a longer period then normal, it was late Monday afternoon by the time they were able to leave the base.

Jack was frantic; his Mom would be arriving in less than 24 hours and he wanted everything to be perfect for her first meeting with Sam.

Meanwhile, Sam was not in much better shape. She had wanted to make a good first impression on Jack's mother and was planning a shopping trip with Janet to update her wardrobe, which mainly consisted of jeans and T's. She wanted to get a simple dress, something a bit more feminine. Now she would have to go herself and just pick up whatever.

They both left the base planning to drop Sam's car off at Jack's, grab a quick bite, go to the mall, then grocery shopping and back to Jack's to finish setting up. They were both glad that they did most of the clean up the day before they reported for duty a week ago.

Sam pulled into the drive and got out of the car, as she was making her way to Jack's jeep a cab pulled up in front of the house. A very attractive woman stepped out.

Jack hit his head on the steering wheel, "Shit, shit, shit! She's here."

The look on Sam's face was one of pure horror, but she quickly masked it and put on a pleasant smile. Jack turned off the engine in his jeep and got out of the car.

"Jack, get that look off your face!" Sam hissed.

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"Jonathon Charles Patrick O'Neill! I raised you better than that, is that the way you greet someone!"

Sam hid her face behind her hand so that Jack wouldn't see her chuckle, but Helen saw it and smiled.

"Hello Mom, how are you? Now what are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you till tomorrow." Jack leaned over to give her a kiss.

"Well, when I spoke to you on the phone and told you a week from Tuesday, I was looking at the wrong month on the calendar. I tried to call you, but you are never home. I must have left at least 10 messages on that damn machine. So when I got off the plane and you weren't there I decided to take a cab"

As Jack and Helen were speaking, Sam was studying the woman before her. Helen O'Neill was a very attractive woman, with the brightest green eyes Sam had ever seen, she could see why Jack was so handsome. As she and Jack stood talking Sam realized that she was a tiny thing only standing just above 5 feet. Jack towered over her. Sam heard her name and that brought her back to the conversation.

"Sam, this is my Mom, Helen O'Neill."

"It's so nice to meet you Mrs. O'Neill"

"Sam, thought we decided, its Helen and it a pleasure to finally meet you too. Jack did not exaggerate when he said you were beautiful. In fact, he understated it." Sam blushed. " You two were going some where when I arrived?"

"Um, yeah, we were just going to pick up some groceries, as we were away on assignment all last week and there is not a scrap of food in the house." Jack answered.

"Well, why don't we get this luggage inside, and then you can go to the store, while Samantha and I get to know each other."

Sam looked at Jack with a look that screamed "Please don't leave me!" But once they got the luggage situated in the guestroom, Helen would broach no argument from Jack. Sam was amazed to see how compliant he was. It was also pretty funny to see this tough as nails, 6'2" solider cower before a little tiny 5' middle aged woman. She could also see where he got his strength of will from.

Once Jack had left for the market, Sam and Helen went into the kitchen. Sam had suggested the living room, but Helen said the kitchen was cozier. Sam made them some coffee.

"Sorry, there's no milk."

"Oh that's fine, I drink mine black anyway."

"Jack does too." Sam smiled. "Me, I have to have lots of sugar and cream in mine. I have a very big, very sweet tooth."

Helen could see that Sam was nervous, so she decided to put her at ease. She had made the mistake of starting off on the wrong foot with Sara and didn't want to make the same mistake twice. That had caused years of tension between her and her only child, forcing him to choose between his wife and his mother.

Sam was puttering around the kitchen, Helen reached out and touched her arm.

"Samantha, come sit down."

When Sam sat, Helen smiled at her and began,

" I'm sure Jonathan has told you that Sara and I were not exactly the best of friends." Sam nodded her head. "Well that is true, but some of that was my fault. Jonathan had been stationed overseas for about two years, and when he was finally stationed in the states again, they sent him here to Colorado, so I only got to see him for about a week before he left again. It was almost another year before I got to see him again. He came home for Christmas with Sara. Now I was aware that he had met a girl and was in love with her, but I wasn't prepared to hear that he had married her. I always dreamed about my son getting married in a church to a girl he was madly in love with and sharing that special day with him. So when they announced that they had eloped to Las Vegas, needless to say I was upset. And when I voiced my disappointment, Sara said it was none of my business, it was their lives. Well I guess my Irish temper flared. It was a terrible beginning. Jonathan and Sara left after a day. Jonathan had tried to smooth things between us, but we were both so stubborn neither one would give an inch. I really didn't leave him much choice. He chose his wife, which is how I raised him. But it still hurt. When Charlie was born, I realized that I had to swallow my pride if I wanted to have any part of my grandson and son, so I did, I apologized to Sara and she accepted, more for Jonathan and the baby, I think, but we were never close. She never forgave me for my harsh words. I don't want to make the same mistake again. I can see that Jonathan is crazy about you and he's happier then he's been in a very long time. He is almost like his old self again, and I know that you have a lot to do with that."

Tears filled Sam's eyes as Helen was speaking. She realized that like with her Jack's happiness was one of the most important things in her life.

"Well, Jack makes me just as happy. We've only been together a few months, but I've loved him for a long time, I fought it cause he's my commanding officer and this sort of thing is frowned on. And I really didn't think he was interested in me, I'm a scientist and he is not too fond of scientist. But, we both were fooling ourselves. He was away for awhile on an assignment, and I missed him so much, I couldn't stand it. When he got back, there were some rough moments, but after awhile we just drew closer to each other. I think I loved him even before I met him." Helen eyebrow went up. Sam smiled.

"I had read a report he wrote about a mission that had to do with a project I was working on, I was so intrigued by his report, that I got a friend in personnel to get me his service record, well inside was a picture of Jack, something in his eyes just captured me. When I found out that I was being assigned to his team, I was like a schoolgirl. When I finally got to the briefing, I was so nervous and Jack was so antagonistic, I became defensive and I thought he was a jerk, so I challenged him to an arm wrestling contest."

Helen burst out laughing "Oh, I would have loved to see the look on Jonathan's face!"

"I quickly revised my opinion and he appreciated me for the officer I was and we became close friends. I think we were always attracted to each other, but the regulations and our own uncertainties keep things at bay. Then one night when we were to have our weekly poker game, Daniel, another member of our team, had a headache and left early. Jack asked me to stay, so we watched a movie and one thing lead to another and he took me up on the arm wrestle, which I won. After that we just got closer and closer and our relationship changed. I was so nervous at the thought of meeting you, wanted to look my best, instead of something that the cat dragged in."

After that they talked as if they had known each other for years. When Jack got back from the market, he heard laughter coming from the kitchen. He walked in and Sam was sitting at the table doubled over with laughter. She looked up at him as he came in and laughed harder.

"MOM, you didn't tell her the fire engine story? Tell me you didn't!" Helen and Sam only laughed harder. It seems that when Jack was 3 years old he threw a tantrum, because he was told he couldn't be the fire engine, only a fireman. He screamed and carried on for hours while his hapless parents tried to explain. Finally to shut him up, they agreed that when he got big, he could be a fire truck.

Sam thought that was the funniest thing she had ever heard and could just picture a little Jack throwing a fit. Even now at 44 he could still throw a pretty good tantrum.

While Helen went to unpack, Sam and Jack put the groceries away. Jack was watching Sam, trying to gauge her reaction to his mother. Finally Sam had enough.

"Jack, relax, your Mom and I hit it off beautifully, she is an amazing woman. After all she raised you and is still sane." Sam added with a laugh.

Jack grabbed her and started to tickle her, "I'll give you sane." The tickling soon turned into a kissing session, after all they had been off world and on the base for over a week and had no time to be alone.

>From the door of the kitchen, Helen stood and watched for a few minutes, she was really happy that Jack had found love again. There was a time that she was frightened she would llose her only child along wit her only grandchild. She knew Jack was suicidal after Charlie's death and was powerless to help him. She had no idea what brought him around on that mission he went on, but she would say a prayer of thanks for whom or whatever turned him around. She also knew that his relationship with Sam was bringing back the Jonathan she remembered. The one would who smile that patented "O'Neill" smile, the same smile as his Dad. She decided that she had better make her presence known before things got out of hand. She cleared her throat and smiled cause Sam and Jack jumped apart like two 15 year olds.

After sitting and talking for awhile, mainly about Jack's exploits as a child, Jack said, "Ok, that's about all the embarrassment I can take right now, what do you say I take my two favorite girls out to dinner."

They stopped at Sam's apartment so she could change and then went out for dinner. By the end of the night Jack breathed a sigh of total relief. It was obvious that Helen really liked Sam and the feeling was mutual for Sam. Even though he wished his Mom would let up on the little Jack stories. Sam, however, thoroughly enjoyed the evening. She would enjoy teasing Jack for many months to come, with the stories Helen supplied. And she really found Helen to be a warm woman and knew that they would be very close friends, if not more.

After dinner Jack drove Sam back to her apartment after dropping Helen at his house. They were both a little disappointed not to be able to spend the night together, after all it was a whole week since they were able to make love, but they both agreed with Helen staying with Jack it would be awkward to say the least. He walked her inside and stopped at the door.

"Coming in?" Sam asked

"Just for a minute. We haven't had a minute alone since we left the base and I've been aching to hold you."

He moved forward and engulfed her in his arms. They melted into each other and before long clothes where being removed. When Sam's hand moved to his belt buckle, Jack pulled back.

"Babe, as much as I'd like this to continue, Mom's gonna be wondering where I am. God, I feel like I'm 16 again with a curfew!"

Sam chuckled, " Well, I can attest to the fact you are not 16, no 16 year old could do what you do to me." She walked him to the door and kissed him again. "Good night, sleep well."

"I don't think I will, not without you. Oh, by the way, would you mind entertaining my mother for a few hours tomorrow? I have something I need to take care of on base."

"No, not at all, I'll just pump her for some more little Jack stories. You were a real handful. And anyway, I really like her and this will give us time to get more acquainted."

"Thanks, and you have enough ammunition against me, no more little Jack stories! I was just very rambunctious as a child."

He kissed her one more time and started for home. During the course of the evening Jack had decided it was time to talk to General Hammond. He was so pleased that Sam and his Mom really hit it off. He could not go through another scene like with Sara. That was messy. Caused many heated arguments between him and Sara and him and his mother. And now there was only one more thing that stood in the way of their relationship moving forward. He also wanted to do this alone. He knew Sam would want to be with him to face any consequences, but he wanted to do this alone. He had a few cards to play. So, he was going to talk to him tomorrow. When he finally reached home, he was surprised to find Helen still awake.

"Mom, what are you still doing up? I thought you'd be asleep already?"

"Oh, I think I'm too tired to sleep and any way I wanted to spend a few minutes with my favorite son." She smiled

"Mom, I'm your only son. You want a cup of coffee?"

Jack made his way into the kitchen. He found a pot of coffee and Helen had made some cookies while he was at Sam's.

"I see you've been busy." He laughed.

"Well you always did like cookies and milk before bed."

"Still do." He took out the milk and poured himself a big glass and a cup of coffee for Helen.

"Jonathan, I really like Samantha, she's good for you." She hesitated for a second and Jack got a little worried. "Mom, what is it? Something you don't like?"

"No, no, nothing like that, oh dear, this is harder then I thought it would be."

"You know you can tell me anything, Mom. What is it?"

Helen took a deep breath and continued.

"Let me ask you something, if I were not here tonight, would Samantha have gone home?"

Jack's head snapped back, of all the things his mother might have asked that was the last thing he would have possibly imagined. He debated for a moment as to tell the truth or lie, but he looked at her and answered one word.

"No."

"Jonathan, I realize that you are a grown man and Samantha a grown woman, there is no reason for you two to alter your time off just because I'm visiting. I don't want you to feel you have to hide anything from me."

Jack grinned, "And this coming from the president of the Rosary Society."

Helen laughed and gave him a playful smack.

"Well just don't go spreading it around Chicago that I approve of pre- marital relations. I'd never live it down. You're a grown man and I can't treat you like my little boy anymore, even though to me you always will be." She got up and kissed him on his head.

"I think I'll be able to sleep now that I got that out of the way."

Jack told Helen he had an errand to run in the morning and that Sam would be by to take her out shopping and he'd meet them for lunch at the mall.

Jack didn't sleep that night, thinking about his up coming talk with the General. He thought about all the things that could go wrong, but knew he had to do this. He was up early and at the base by 7 AM. The General hadn't even arrived yet. He made his way down to the mess hall for a cup of coffee, too nervous to even think about breakfast and saw Teal'c sitting at SG-1's usual table reading the paper. He walked over and sat down.

"O'Neill, I had thought you were off base for the next few days?" Teal'c asked. "I believe you mentioned your mother would be visiting."

"She is Teal'c, she arrived yesterday, a day early I might add. I need to see General Hammond."

Teal'c looked at Jack and his eyebrow rose. "You are going to tell him about yours and Major Carter's relationship." It was a statement, not a question.

Jack looked surprised, "Yes I am, how did you know?"

"Well, your being here with your Mother visiting, tells me that the meeting between the two went well, and the next step is to inform the general of the change in your relationship, so that it may progress to the next level."

Jack looked at Teal'c stunned. And then he laughed.

"Teal'c don't ever try to tell me you do not understand humans, cause man, you have us down pat."

Teal'c smiled, " I wish you well O'Neill, I am sure things will work out the way you hope."

Jack got up from the table. "I hope so Teal'c, cause if they don't... well, let's not go there." With that comment he left the mess in search of the general.

Major General George Hammond sat in his office looking over the night time reports. It had been an uneventful night. He heard a knock on his door and called out for the person to enter. He was more than a bit surprised to see Colonel Jack O'Neill enter. SG1 was on stand down for the next 5 days and he knew that Jack's mother was in from Chicago for a short visit, so he was the last person he expected to see walk through his door at 7:30 in the morning.

"Colonel, what can I do for you? I thought you'd be visiting with your mother?"

"Well, Sir, I am, umm, but you see, the reason she came out to visit, umm..."

"Colonel, what's the problem? Get to the point."

"Yes Sir, I have been seeing someone for the last few months and Mom wanted to meet her, so that's why she's here."

George smiled to himself and thought "Ah, here it comes, and about time too! I've been waiting for this for three long years!"

"Well, Colonel, do I know this person your involved with?"

If it was at all possible Jack stood straighter then he had been, much to the general's amusement.

"Yes Sir, you do, it's Major Carter."

There it was out. Jack waited to here the explosion he was sure was coming. Instead, he heard chuckling.

Jack looked at the General stunned.

"Sir, did you hear me? I'm having a relationship with a subordinate."

"Yes, son I heard you and all I have to say is, It's about time." Jack looked at the general and sank into a chair looking totally confused.

"Son, I knew this day was coming since the moment she gave you what for in the briefing room. Figured you had met your match. What I can't figure out is how you two managed to ignore your feelings for so long? You both are two of the most stubborn individual I've ever seen."

"General, not meaning to sound like a smart ass this time or look a gift horse in the mouth, but what the hell do you mean? Isn't this totally against regulations?"

Again the general smiled to himself, "Been waiting for this one too!" His face was stern as he focused on Jack's face.

"Colonel O'Neill, you are a senior ranking officer of this facility, do you mean to stand there and tell me that you have never read the regulation book for the SGC?"

Jack squirmed, he had always meant to, but never quite found the time, figuring it was just like the Air Forces regulation with minor adjustments.

"Well, Sir, no I haven't."

General Hammond reached in his drawer and tossed a copy to Jack.

"Colonel, I expect you to know every word of that book, by the time you return to this base for duty. And I will personally be quizzing you on it. Do I make myself clear?"

Jack gulped and said, "Yes Sir, you do, but I still don't understand about the non-frat rule."

"Jack, we are a highly classified operation and most personnel assigned to this base are on permanent assignment. We can't have people coming and going as in the outside military. So, it was decided that the rule had to be relaxed a bit. After all, who else can these young people socialize with if not each other and since there are both male and female, it stands to reason there will be physical and emotional attraction between some. We don't want to lose highly trained personnel, so we rewrote the rule. As long as a professional demeanor is maintained while on duty, both on world and off, personal relationship are permitted. Now, mind you we don't encourage them, but we don't forbid them either."

Jack was speechless, which caused the general to laugh out loud.

"Jack, I have been waiting for this day for awhile now. Believe it or not I'm not blind. I saw the attraction between you two since day one. In fact, I have a bet with Jacob as to how long before you two would wake up and smell the coffee, and you just won me that bet!"

"Glad to be of service. Hey, you mean Jacob knows about me and Sam too!" Jack exclaimed.

"Well, he knew there was an attraction, he just didn't think you'd move on it for another 3 years. Boy, am I glad he was wrong."

"So, am I."

After talking with the general for a few more minutes and finding Teal'c to let him know the outcome of the conversation, Jack left the base and drove to the mall to meet Sam and Helen. When he spotted them coming out of a men's clothing store, he rushed up to Sam, picked her up a spun her around while planting a kiss on her lips.

"Jack, what's got in to you? Are you crazy?!"

"No, I'm not crazy, I'm happy! I just finished talking with General Hammond and found out that the SGC has it's own set of rules and regulations and we are not going to get court marshaled or have to break up the team."

"Really?" her face lit up with happiness, but immediately after her face changed to one of annoyance.

"I thought we were going to discuss talking to the General "together"?"

"Yeah, well. Can we talk about this later?" he whispered.

"Ok, but I want details and you're not off the hook either." She whispered back.

They then turned their attention back to Helen who was watching the whole exchange with a grin on her face.

"Oh Jonathan, I think you have met your equal." She thought with a chuckle.

Later that night, Sam gave Jack a tongue lashing for not confiding in her, but once he explained his reasoning she relented, just a bit.

"Ok this time, but from this point on all major decisions are to be made together. Understand O'Neill?"

Jack grinned and gave her a mock salute. "Yes ma'am."

The next day Jack decided to have the rest of the team over with Janet and Cassie to meet Helen. Over the past three and a half years she had heard a lot about all of them and was eager to meet them. They spend the evening laughing and talking having a wonderful time. The doorbell rang as Helen was making her way from the kitchen; "I'll get it" she called out.

"Oh my god!" Jack jumped up and found Helen and Jacob hugging each other and Martouf looking totally confused.

"Mom?"

"Dad?" By this time, everyone was in the foyer with stunned looks on their faces. Sam and Jack just looked at each other. Sam stepped forward and hugged her father "Dad, what are you doing here?" Jack turned to his mother. "Mom, you two know each other?"

Jacob and Helen just laughed.

"Jack is your son?"

"Sam is your daughter?" TThey asked at the same time and just laughed harder. Jack leant over and whispered to Sam. "Are we in the twilight zone?"

They all moved back into the living room and Jacob explained how they knew each other.

"Helen and I met on a cruise about 5 years ago and.." he stopped in mid sentence grinned and said.

"Oh this is too good!" laughed and asked Jack to use the phone, Jacob turned to Helen and said.

"Don't tell them another thing, I have a surprise!" and strode out of the room.

When he returned he looked like the cat who swallowed the canary. They all wanted to know what he was up too, but he just grinned and said to be patient. They sat around talking, Jacob introduced Martouf as a colleague to Helen. After about 20 minutes the doorbell rang again, Jack moved to answer, but Jacob stopped him.

"Helen why don't you get the door." Helen looked at Jacob, but went to get the door. Helen opened the door to find General Hammond standing there.

"George!!!! Oh my god, George, what a surprise!"

"Helen? What are you doing here? Oh, no, don't tell me your Colonel O'Neill's mother!"

The look on Jack and Sam's faces send Jacob into a fit of hysterics. George came into the living room.

"Jacob, you dog, you could have warned me, what a great surprise!"

Jack groaned, "Tell me I died and am in hell. This can not be happening!"

After everyone had pretty much got over the shock that the older generation where well acquainted, Jacob went on to explain how it came about.

"About five years ago, I persuaded George to come on this cruise for older single people, his wife had been gone a few years and I thought he needed to start getting out. Well we met these two lovely ladies at our dinner table the first night out and we became fast friends, in fact, George and I have met Helen and Sylvia on that same cruise every two years since then."

"Yes, we are just due for another next year, although I have to tell you Sylvia won't be coming, she got married again about a year ago." Helen said. "Sorry, Jacob you were just too slow." She poked him in his ribs, laughing.

Jack looked at Sam who was grinning, cause she realized the same thing he did. If Jacob was paired with Sylvia, that meant the general was with Helen. Jack put his head on her shoulder and groaned.

"Jack, are you ok?" Daniel asked with a twinkle in his eye, cause he also picked up on Helen's last statement and was having a hard time keeping a straight face.

Jack glared at him, "Yes Daniel, I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed, the term "small world" has taken on a whole new meaning."

Jacob, Helen and George talked about old times well into the night.

At some point Jacob pulled Jack and Sam aside, "The reason I came tonight, is George sent a message, said I owed him 50 bucks, which meant you two had finally come to you senses and were together. When I arrived he also mentioned that your Mom was visiting and I thought it would be nice to met her and surprise you two." He laughed. "And I certainly did, more than I could have ever imagined. But, I want you to know that you have my blessings." He turned to Jack and said

"You take care of my baby girl, she's the most precious thing to me." Jack smiled and said,

"To me too. I will look after her always."

Before he left with Jacob and Martouf, George had a dinner date with Helen the following Thursday night. He was really glad to see her again and was looking forward to a pleasant evening renewing their friendship. Jacob promised Sam he would be back as soon as possible for a longer visit, so he could find out the details of how he lost his bet to George.

After everyone had left and Helen went to bed, Jack and Sam made their way to his bedroom. Sam had felt a little strange staying over but Jack had told her about the conversation he had with Helen that first night.

"Can you believe they know each other? And General Hammond has a date with my Mom? My MOM! I don't even want to think about them on that cruise. He just better behave himself." Jack ranted.

Sam had undressed and was sitting on the bed watching him pace back and forth. When she finally had enough, she got up and pulled him over to the bed and pushed him down.

"Let's see if we can find something else for you to think about, shall we?"

She slipped her hand inside the waist of his boxers.

Jack groaned as her warm hand slipped lower.

"Ah, Sam, oooohh, maybe we put this on hold, Mom's in the next room."

"Oh, lets see if you can put that stealth training to use and be very very quiet."

She said as her hand brought down his boxers and she started to travel southward. She slowly nibbled her way down his chest to his stomach pausing to play at his navel for a bit and then continued downward till she reached his hardness. She brought her mouth around him and grinned as Jack hissed and grabbed a pillow to muffle himself.

"Sam, your gonna kill me here."

She brought him to the brink, then her own needs flared and she moved up and straddled his hips, reaching out to pull the pillow from his face, she lowered herself slowly unto him while kissing him deeply to hide any sounds either of them might make. Knowing his mother was in the next room gave their lovemaking a forbidden air it adding some additional excitement. Jack turned them over so Sam was beneath him and whispered.

"Let's see how quiet you can be."

He moved one hand in between their joined bodies and began stroking her, she was already so close, the touch of his fingers against her bought her over the edge. She opened her mouth to scream his name, but Jack knowing her so well quickly covered her mouth with his and swallowed her scream of passion.

"Open you eyes, love."

He whispered against her lips as his stokes became faster and harder and he brought them both over the edge once more while kissing deeply and looking in each other eyes.

They lay in the afterglow of their lovemaking for a few minutes.

"Wow, that was incredible. Nothing like a little forbidden fruit to sweeten things up." Sam laughed.

"I can't believe you, my mother is in the next room!" Sam lifted her head off his chest and looked at him with raised eyes.

"Like she doesn't know what we do in here. Speaking of which, your reaction to the fact that your mother might be dating is a bit surprising, after all Jack, she's been alone a long time now. What is it 30 years?"

"Well, yes she has, but she's my MOM for Christ's sake!" Sam pinched him.

"And just how do you think you came to be? Osmosis?"

"Ewwwww, I don't want to even think about that!"

"You sound just like Cassie!" Sam laughed "Like Cassie? What are you talking about?"

"When we came out of the closet so to speak about our being together, Janet and I decided that I should tell Cassie about us, so one day while we were shopping I did."

"What did you say?"

"Well, we were in this store and Cassie wanted to buy this key chain for her at the time boyfriend...."

"Cassie has a boyfriend?"

"More than one..stop interrupting"

Jack rolled over to this side. "But she's a baby!"

"She's a young lady, almost 15 now, Janet was right about not telling you, you are soooo over protective. Do you want to hear the rest of the story or not?"

"Yeah, but I'll talk to Janet about Cassie tomorrow." Sam just rolled her eyes.

"Ok, if you insist. So I thought that was a great opening, I had saw that great pocket knife I gave you and said to her, "Maybe I'll get this for my boyfriend." Well, she started squealing and when we got out of the store wanted to know everything. So, I told her that it was a secret cause we could get in trouble if the wrong people found out. Cassie, being the smart girl she is immediately said "It's Uncle Jack, your seeing Uncle Jack." She was so happy and excited. Then she got thoughtful after a few minutes, so I asked if something where wrong. She got all red in the face and looked away. So right away I knew what she was thinking. Cassie, I said, Uncle Jack and I care very deeply for each other and we are grown-ups. Well she looked at me with those big brown eyes of hers opened as wide as they could be and said "But, you're old! Especially Uncle Jack!" Then she said she was sorry and begged me not to tell you, so you better not ever say a word or you're dead! I had a hard time keeping a straight face, guess we do seem too old for sex to kids. Especially you.!"

Jack grabbed Sam and started tickling her.

"Old, old I'll show you who's too old."

"Jack, stop your mothers going to hear us" Sam said in between giggles.

"As, you pointed out she knows what we do in here and we'll just see how quiet you can be while I torment you!"

With that he started to kiss his way down her body till he reached the apex of legs and then buried his head between them for a frontal assault that left Sam breathless. They made love again before falling into a contented sleep.

Helen's visit flew by. Jack couldn't remember the last time he had had such a relaxed and fun visit with his mom and was grateful that their old relationship, which had always been a close one, was back. The only slight flaw to the visit was the Thursday night George took Helen out. Jack was acting like an overprotective father, until Helen took him aside and reminded him that she was a grown woman and his mother and he had no right to question her actions. If that wasn't enough, he got more or less the same speech from Sam with the added threat of nights on the couch if he didn't cut it out and in her words "Grow up". But the clincher came from the General himself, a gentle reminder that he had the power to make his life absolutely miserable starting with maneuvers in the Arctic zone for the next month. After that Jack calmed down and left what was to be to be. After all, he hated the cold.

Sam and Jack saw Helen off with the promise to come to Chicago at Easter time, so she could show off her handsome Colonel son and his lovely lady to all her friends.

On the ride back from the airport, Jack was grinning thinking about his Mom's departing words to him.

"If you let this one get away, I'll know I raised an idiot, and I know I didn't do that!"

With those words she kissed him once more and boarded the plane.

"What's so funny?" Sam asked.

"Just mulling over some last minute advise from Mom."

Gonna share?" she asked.

"Soon" was all he said and leaned over a kissed her cheek.

For the next few months things returned to normal for SG-1, well as normal as anything can be for SG-1. They went on missions; got shot at by unfriendly natives, captured by irate System lords and discovered a few pieces of technology along the way. Just the run of the mill for them.

On every downtime they would play poker, go on outings together and Jack and Sam would find time to strengthen their growing relationship. They went to Chicago on a short leave as they promised Helen and she showed them off to all her friends. Jack also found out that General Hammond had visited a few times over the last couple of months. But, he was all right with it, as long as Mom was happy; who was he to be upset.

One night while lying in bed after having made love Jack casually mentioned that he was going to New York for a couple of days with Daniel. Daniel had mentioned an exhibit on ancient Egypt that he wanted to see. Some of the pictures showed possible Gou'ald influence.

"Really, you never mentioned that you were going with Daniel?"

"Yeah, the General felt it might be a good idea for one of us to go with him, just in case that Gou'ald thing pans out, and I got elected."

He held his breath hoping she would buy the cover story and let it drop.

The real reason they were going to New York was to get a ring for Sam. Jack had begged Danny to come with him, as an archeologist Daniel knew something about gemstones and he also knew more then a few reputable geologists in New York. Jack wasn't totally ignorant when it came to jewelry, but he wanted something very special for Sam and figured Daniel knew much more then he did and would be happy to help him out. So when this Egyptian exhibit came along, Jack saw the perfect opportunity for him and Daniel to go to New York without arousing too much suspicion. The timing was perfect. They had been together almost a year and Jack had a special night planned. All he needed was the ring.

************************

"When are you two leaving? And how long will you be gone?" Sam asked trying not to sound upset. It was different when they were assigned to different teams, which sometimes did happen when her expertise was needed by another SG team. This was not an assignment and the first time they would be apart when they where not on duty. Logically, she knew that she shouldn't be upset, but emotionally, it brought back the memories of his time on Edora. Since that time and their finally admitting their feeling to each other Sam hated to have Jack more than arms reach away from her. <"Guess I really am just like any other female"> she thought.

"We're leaving Tuesday morning and should be back by Friday evening. Gives Space Monkey enough time to wander around the museum and see all the rocks they have." Jack chuckled.

"Too bad I have to go with SG-7 back to P8X-765 for those negotiations. We could have made a long weekend out of it."

"Yeah, too bad" Jack said feeling more then a little guilty. He had talked General Hammond into sending Sam and Teal'c with SG-7 even though he knew she hated that planet with their male dominate society, but he needed to be sure she would be able to get away. And her expertise on naquada and its uses would really be help with the negotiations even if she had to relay them through one of the male members of the party. But it would be worth it, he'd make it up to her, he promised himself

Monday morning they made their way back to the base, Sam was unusually quiet on the ride. Answering any question Jack might ask with a one-syllable response. At the beginning of their relationship, they decided that while on base they would be Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter, nothing more, so they decided that they needed a spot that would mark the beginning or end of the base. There was a lovely old oak tree about 15 meters from the base entrance. Once you passed it the base gate was out of sight. So they marked it as the spot where off duty they became Sam and Jack and on duty Colonel and Major. This morning right before they would pass the tree Jack pulled the jeep over and stopped the engine.

"Ok Samantha, what's wrong?" Sam looked at her hands.

"Nothing is wrong."

"Samantha Elizabeth Carter, I know you too well now for you to try that. Something is bothering you and I'm not moving this car until you tell me what it is."

Sam looked at Jack with tears in her eyes.

"It's so silly, stupid really."

"Sam, if it's bothering you it's not stupid, now tell me."

"I'm gonna miss you,"

Jack was stunned. "Miss me? I'm only gonna be gone a few days and it's not like it's the first time we've been separated."

"Oh yes it is, before it was on duty, for a mission. This is different. See, I told you it was silly, but I can't help it, I keep thinking about Edora,"

Now Jack was speechless. He had no idea that time was still so troubling to her.

"Sam, I promise you, I'm not leaving, just going to be with Daniel at a boring exhibition. And I thought we put Edora behind us, buried a tree on it, along with one on Martouf and the one on Narim."

That got the hoped for response, she smiled.

"Yes, we did, at least I thought we did, but I realize I don't like to have you more then an arms length away from me. Bet you never thought you'd be stuck with a jealous female did you? Well neither did I, kind of surprised myself."

"Sam, that your jealous, pleases me to no end. It tells me that you really do love this old soldier, but there is nothing to be jealous of, unless of course you know something about Daniel I don't, in which case you'd better let me know now, cause I would hate to kill the kid."

Sam laughed out loud at that. "No, your honor is perfectly save with Daniel."

He turned her in his arms and looked straight into her eyes and said

"Now listen to me Samantha Carter, I have never been so much in love with anyone as I am with you. Not Sara, not Laira or anyone else. You make me whole, fill apart of me I didn't even know was missing till you filled it. You complete me."

He kissed her with all the passion and feeling inside of him and any small doubt Sam had vanished at that moment never to be seen again.

Jack saw SG-7 off on their mission, telling them in his typical sarcastic way, to play nice with the natives and bring home souvenirs, making Sam smile. He watched as they all stepped through the gate and stayed till the gate disengaged then went off to set the rest of his plan in motion.

He headed straight for the infirmary spotting Janet at her desk he walked up and immediately started fiddling with one of the test tubes there.

"Colonel, with what's in that tube, I wouldn't fool around with it too much."

He placed the tube back very carefully and grinned at Janet.

"Hey, Doc you ready for your assignment in operation "Sam"?" He asked.

"I sure am, I can't wait, she will be so surprised. How did she take you going to New York?"

"At first I thought fine, but boy was I wrong, that Edora episode really threw her for a loop, thought we talked it all out, but she needed some reassurance."

"Well, Jack, you weren't here to see what she put herself through to get you back home, I did. So even though you heard about it, you can't really imagine and then all that other stuff right after, yeah I guess her confidence might need a few boasts ever once in awhile."

"Well, she's ok now, but I have to find what I'm looking for this time, cause I won't put her through this again. I feel bad, when all I want to do is find the most special ring for her."

"You couldn't find any here that you like?"

"Nothing special enough, and Daniel knows this guy in New York who handles one of a kind jewels and he owes him a few favors, so we're gonna go check them out."

"Well, tell me what you need me to do and I'll have everything all set for you."

Jack told Janet what he wanted done, where, how and when and then went off in search of Daniel.

Daniel was in his lab, well actually, under his desk in his lab, when Jack found him.

"Uh Danny, lose something?"

"Oh Jack, yeah, I lost the paper with Mike's address and telephone number."

"Daniel! You better find it fast. Our plane leaves in an hour!"

"Here it is! " Daniel yelled.

Jack grabbed it out of his hand, "It will be safer with me. " Come on get packed and let's get out of here. Daniel, I'm warning you now, you loose the rings at the wedding and you are a dead man, and this time it will be for keeps!

They arrived in New York late Monday night, made their way to the hotel and settled in. Jack couldn't sleep and kept Daniel up all night with ceaseless chatter. Which was totally unlike Jack. Daniel remembered thinking at times he wished Jack would talk a little more, now he'd just wished he'd shut up so he could get some sleep.

"Danny, do you think she'll say yes? Oh what am I saying of course she's gonna say yes." Jack was asking and answering his own questions.

"Do you think your friend will have what I want? I mean I really don't know what I want, but I will as soon as I see it."

Daniel finally had enough. He got out of bed picked up the water pitcher went out into the hall to the ice machine filled the pitcher up with ice, came back in the room added some cold water to the ice and set it down on the night stand between his and Jack's beds.

"Jack, do you see that pitcher?" Daniel asked.

"Yeah, Danny I see it, you thirsty?"

"No, Jack, I'm not thirsty, I'm tired, very tired and would like to get at least 4 hours sleep before you start dragging me around the city looking for the perfect ring. Jack, if I hear one more word out of your mouth tonight, that pitcher of ice cold water will be over your head. Do you understand?"

Jack blinked at Daniel and just stared, he had never heard Daniel use that tone of voice before.

"Uh sure, Danny I got you, but you wouldn't dare do..."

"Jack, I wouldn't press my luck if I were you. Good night."

Jack took one look at Daniel face and decided that he wasn't kidding. He said "Nite Danny."

"Urggg" growled Daniel. Jack turned over and tried to sleep finally closing his eyes as the sun began to rise. He hadn't been this excited since he was a kid waiting for Christmas morning.

Jack was up, dressed and sitting on the edge of Daniel's bed when the wake up call from the lobby finally came. He waited for Daniel to answer the call and finally make a move to get up before he spoke.

"Morning, camper how'd you sleep?"

Daniel opened one eye, and then looked over for the water pitcher.

Jack in a move of self-preservation, had dumped it out as soon as he got up out of bed.

After Daniel had showered and dressed, they went down to get some breakfast. All during breakfast, Jack continued with his questions and answers. Daniel was amused; he had never seen Jack like this in the 4-1/2 years that he'd known him. In a way it was refreshing to find that the rough and ready military man was just as unsure and scared as the rest of the human race. It was rare that Jack ever let this side if his personality show and never concerning his emotional life. But Daniel knew how much he loved Sam, and inside he was worried that a young, beautiful, smart woman like her could really love him back. They were really the perfect pair, both shy and insecure in their own ways but together they completed each other.

After breakfast they stopped at the museum to see the exhibit, after all, this trip way paid for by taxpayers dollars. And it was quickly evident that none of the findings had any Goa'uld influences.

Since Jack didn't want to piss Daniel off, he patiently followed him around the museum while Daniel owed and awed after this exhibit and that exhibit, trying to explain the significance of each one to Jack. He nodded his head up and down trying to look like he was really interested. Meanwhile, a small crowd had formed around Daniel fascinated by his knowledge and explanations of the pieces. After about 2 hours Daniel took pity on Jack, figuring he'd paid him back for keeping him up last night and said his good byes much to the regret of his impromptu tour group.

"Well, that was fun. Been a long time since I had people hanging on my every word." Daniel said.

"Danny, what are you talking about? I always hang on your every word, ok granted, your usually hanging over a cliff or something too, but I do hang on." Jack answered with a grin.

"Oh come on, let's go see what Mike has for us." They made their way down to the Diamond Exchange at47th Streets and 5th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. When they arrived at Mike's shop, they found he was called away to pick up a shipment of stones that had arrived that morning and wouldn't be able to see them until after 5 o'clock that evening.

Daniel groaned to himself. <"Oh no, now how am I gonna keep him busy for the next 5 hours!"> Jack looked at Daniel, "Now what?"

"Well, why don't we look in some of these other shops, maybe get and idea what you want." So they spent the next hour roaming from one store to another. And then they had lunch at Lindy's Delicatessen and got tickets for a play for the next night.

"Ya know Danny, we have got to come back here with Teal'c. Maybe we can bring him to F.A.O. Schwartz, he can play with all the toys."

"You mean you can play with all the toys, Jack." Daniel laughed.

"And Sam would absolutely love to come back to New York. Did you know her Mom was born here?"

"No, I had no idea" Daniel said.

"Yeah, I was kind of surprised too, but she told me her Mom was half Italian and was raised in "Little Italy" right here in Manhattan. Sam spent a lot of summers with her great-grandmother here."

"Danny, what time is it?" That was the twentieth time Jack asked the time in the last hour.

"Jack, it's five minutes later then the last time you asked me. Would you please get a grip! Thank God, you're not like this on missions. You'd drive us all nuts! Mike said he'd met us at five, until then we just have to entertain ourselves."

"Hey Danny, what do you say we go a find some souvenirs to bring back. Let's go into Sak's."

They roamed around Sak's and picked up a baseball hat for Teal'c. A really funky bag for Cassie, some very sexy French perfume for Janet (Daniel's idea).

Jack also decided that he wanted to get himself a new dress suit, since he hadn't had one since 1984 and wanted to look special for the night he asked Sam to be his wife. After driving the salesman crazy, Daniel finally persuaded him to get a really nice charcoal gray suit that fit him like it was tailored especially for him.

Then Jack insisted that they get something for Daniel, after all he was putting up with him. So after a short argument Jack got Daniel to agree on a really cool leather jacket that Jack insisted on paying for. Then they went up to the formal wear salon. Jack wanted to get Sam a knock out dress. Something short, low cut and sexy. They walked in and looked around, not a dress in sight.

"Are we in the right place?"

"May I help you gentlemen?" asked a saleswoman.

"Yes, where are all the dresses?" Jack asked.

"Sir, this is a specialty salon, models wear the dress out for viewing, perhaps if you tell me what you have in mind, I might be able to show you something."

Jack just looked at Daniel who was trying his best not to laugh and not succeeding very well.

"Well, umm, I want to purchase a cocktail dress for my fiancée, something sex...um nice." Jack said.

The saleswoman just smiled having picked up on the 'sexy' comment.

"Do you have a particular color in mind?"

Jack thought a minute, "Yes, Sapphire blue."

The saleslady showed them to two very comfortable looking chairs and disappeared for about 10 minutes.

"Jack, I think this might be just a bit out of your price range," Daniel said.

"Don't worry about it Danny, how much can a little dress cost?"

The saleslady reappeared and behind her was a tall stately brunette wear an incredible dress of blue silk. It came down to her ankles and draped across her body in a swirl. Although it was very pretty, it wasn't what Jack had in mind. Model after model came out and while all the dresses where lovely, they were not what Jack envisioned. When he was about to call it a day, the saleslady said,

"I have one other dress to show you, it's not blue, but it is something I think you'd like."

After a few minutes, a very tall slender blonde who very much resembled Sam came out wearing "the" dress. It was the color of lilacs. It was long sleeved and off the shoulder. The bodice was very tight form fitting with very small crystal like beads scattered across it, the skirt flared out slightly stopping mid thigh. The color, style everything about the dress was perfect and since the model did look like Sam, Jack knew she would be gorgeous in it.

"This is it, we'll take it!" Jack exclaimed. "And I'd like the accessories to go with it."

After giving the woman Sam's sizes, they moved to the register. "Ok, Mr. O'Neill, that will be $4,724.89."

Daniel started choking. "What!?"

Jack was a little taken aback, but said, "It's ok Danny, I got it covered."

After they left the store, Daniel turned to Jack.

"Uh, I didn't know the Air Force paid their personnel so well. Maybe I should join up."

Jack just laughed.

"No, Danny-boy, if you're looking for the big bucks the military is NOT the way to go."

"Well then..." Daniel started.

"Let me explain. When I decided to retire, after the Abydos mission, I had accumulated a fair amount of vacation, leave time, that I never took. So, I got a nice little sum, and I gave it to this friend of mine to invest for me, well he did more than all right. Before I knew it he tripled the original sum and then tripled that. I took some of it to live off of in addition to my pension and he kept on investing the rest. So, between dividends and my paycheck, I guess I'm doing ok. Didn't have much time or anyone I really wanted to spend the money on, so it was just sitting there earning interest. Now, I get to spoil Sam and I'm gonna enjoy every minute of it."

Daniel smiled, "Yeah right, you're dumb, as dumb as a fox." Jack laughed.

"Well, can't let out all my secrets now, can I?"

"Lets go see if Mike is back."

They walked over to 47th Street and Mike's store just as the clerk was locking up for the evening.

"Excuse me, we have an appointment with Michael Sloane." Daniel told the man locking up.

"Oh, are you Daniel Jackson? Mike came back about an hour ago. He said he'd meet you and your friend later tonight for dinner at your hotel. Oh, and he said don't worry he'll have a few things to show you."

"Great, all I want to do is buy a ring, it's easier to get an audience with Sok'ar!" Jack looked so downhearted. He really wanted to have the ring finished by the time they left on Friday.

Daniel said. "Don't worry, Mike is really good, he'll have a bunch of stones with him, and no one will even be the wiser that he's carry around millions of dollars in precious gems. If he doesn't have what you want, it doesn't exist. Believe me."

They made their way back to the Plaza hotel and their room. By the time they both had showered and changed, it was time to meet Mike Sloane for dinner. They made their way down to the restaurant and Daniel spied Mike sitting at the bar talking to a long legged beauty.

"He never changes, there he is." Daniel guided Jack over to a tall dark haired man with the blackest eyes Jack had ever seen.

When Mike spotted Daniel, he jumped up and grabbed him in a bear hug.

"Doc, you son of a bitch, you are a sight for sore eyes. Where the hell you been hiding yourself? Seems like the earth opened up and swallowed you." Daniel returned the hug.

"Well, you wouldn't be too far off Mike, I've been working on a project for the government and been kind of out of touch."

"You? Working with the government? Never thought I'd see the day."

"Yeah, well this is too good a job to pass up. Let me introduce you to my friend, Colonel Jack O'Neill. He's the one who's looking for the ring. Treat him right, he's like my brother. None of your shenanigans."

"Ok, Doc, ok, let's eat first and then I'll show you what I have. And Colonel, if you don't find anything in this group, I have others at the shop to show you, but I think you'll like what I have."

They had dinner amidst much laughing as Mike told stories about Daniel on the digs they were on together. Michael Sloane seemed like a very open and carefree individual and by the end of dinner Jack felt like he knew him for years. Finally, the time had come to look at the stones Mike had brought with him. They moved up to their room where there was more privacy.

"Jack, remember the light in here isn't the best to show off stones, so if you see anything you like tomorrow I'll show it to you under a jewelers light when you pick out the setting."

He opened his brief case and unfolded a black cloth. Inside where more diamonds then Jack had ever seen. He took out two more cloths, one contained sapphires, the other emeralds with a few rubies.

"You walk around with all this stuff? Man, and I thought I lived dangerously." Jack said.

Mike chuckled, "The trick is to look inconspicuous, if you look like you're carrying something of value, then you have a problem."

Jack was scanning the different cloths, when he saw it. Just what he was looking for. He reached out a picked up a beautiful 2.8-carat radiant cut diamond. It sparkled with a light from within.

"Put the others away, this is it, just what I wanted."

Mike took the stone from him, "You have an excellent eye, thought you didn't know much about diamonds?"

"I don't, just knew what I wanted and when I saw that stone I knew I found it. I guess it's a good one."

"Oh yeah, it's more then good. This is a class D stone, one of the finest qualities. Its color is D-1 which is the highest. A S12 clarity rating for this stone, no inclusions visible to the naked eye. And the cut is near perfect 58-faucets. Its weight is almost 3 carats. But, even with the deal I can give you it's expensive."

"How expensive?"

"Well the stone alone will run you about 30G's"

Jack gave a low whistle. "Wow, but you know what, I don't care. I love this stone."

"Well, I tell you what, I won't charge you for the setting or any side stones you might need, as long as they're not too big."

"Great Mike, now there is only one problem, I need to have this done by Friday."

"That's not a problem, but I want you too really feel comfortable about this stone, tomorrow, before you come to the shop, go into one or two of the other shops in the area and ask them for names of appraisers, one who preferably is also a gemologist."

Daniel piped up then. "I know someone he can bring the stone to, Mike."

Mike smiled at Daniel, "Knew you were here for a reason."

After agreeing to meet at Mike's shop the next day, the boys went to bed. Daniel was lying there thinking about Jack and Sam, and his own life. He was tired of being alone and longed for what his two best friends had found together. He had been getting closer to Janet in the last few months.

Once Jack and Sam's relationship was known to them, the excuse of trying to find away to get them together was gone, but he still found himself seeking out her company and she did the same with him. Nothing had ever been said, but he knew he was more than attracted to her and he thought she might feel the same. Today in the store he just had to get her the perfume. The scent reminded him of her and he found himself missing her.

It had been over a year since Sha're had been killed and longer than that since he had been with his wife. He felt guilty, but knew Sha're would not want him to grieve forever. Closing his eyes, he decided when they got back he'd explore a possible relationship with the petite brunette doctor.

The next morning they met Mike at his shop and closed the deal for the ring. Daniel brought the stone to another friend of his who was an expert on rare jewels and who gave the stone his highest rating. Jack was more then satisfied. Even though the ring would be expensive, it was worth more then he was paying for it. Mike promised that the ring would be ready by Thursday afternoon, so they had two days to see New York. As it was baseball season, Jack dragged Daniel to a Yankee game. Lucky for Daniel the Mets were on the road or else they would have gone to see them too.

They also went to a few more museums, the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. At night they went to see a play and had a really good time. It had been awhile since the two men had just hung out together and each missed the others camaraderie.

*****************

Meanwhile, back in Colorado, Sam had returned from P8X-765 with SG-7. Negotiations had gone very well. The team returned with some

interesting technology and no one was injured, not even a scratch. She reported to the infirmary for her post mission exam. Janet suggested that since Jack would still be away for 2 more days that they have a girl's night out. Sam didn't feel like going home to an empty apartment so she readily agreed.

She had gotten very use to being with Jack every night that she didn't think she could go back to being single again. They made plans to get Cassie and go to dinner and a movie when they left the base that evening.

Janet had taken care of all the things Jack had asked her to do, save one. She had to find a way to keep Sam away from her apartment until Friday night. Just when she was going to give up. Cassie came up with the perfect plan. "Aunt Sam, my friends and I were wondering if you would come with us to the Science Museum on Friday? They're having an exhibit on blackholes in space and you know so much about it, we would ace the test we're having on Monday. Would you come, please?"

"Sure I'd love to come, I just have to be at the airport to pick up Uncles Jack and Daniel by five, it will be fun."

Janet, Cassie and Sam made plans to go shopping the next day and then Sam left for home. Cassie got up to clean up the cups from the coffee table and brought them in the kitchen where Janet was loading the dishwasher.

"Thank you Cassandra." Janet said kissing Cassie on the cheek.

"Mom, I maybe a teenager, but I do listen, I heard you talking to Uncle Jack on the phone last night, figured you could use some help getting Aunt Sam out of the way for the day. Uncle Jack is going to ask her to marry him, right, right? Come on you can tell me, I promise I won't breathe a word. This is soooo romantic."

Janet smiled at her 14-year-old daughter, "Yes, he is and he wants everything just perfect. If any one would have told me just two years ago that Jack O'Neill was a romantic, I would have had them committed, but the man sure has surprised me."

The next day the girls spent the whole day shopping. They had a wonderful day and Janet also convince Sam to purchase a very daring negligee for her reunion with Jack. It was peacock blue, the bodice of the gown was a delicate lace and the long skirt was satin with a slit the went all the way up to the hip. Sam couldn't wait to see Jack's reaction. As they were leaving the store Sam started giggling. Janet looked over at her friend.

"Want to share? What's so funny?"

"Oh, I just spent $100 on something I'm going to wearing all of two seconds. It will take me longer to put the gown on, then it will for Jack to take if off." The two women laughed.

"Oh, anxious is he?"

"He will be once he see this nightgown. And to tell the truth, I'll be just as anxious, I really miss him and he's only been gone a few days. How did I ever make it through those three months?"

Friday finally came and the first thought that popped in to Sam's head when she opened her eyes was "Jack's coming home today."

She picked up Cassie and her friends and was off to the museum. Janet had called late the night before and said she was called back to the base and wouldn't be able to go with them. So now she had the whole day to get things ready for Jack.

The exhibit was very extensive and Cassie and her friends asked Sam a million questions. Cassie was determined to keep Sam occupied, so she would have just enough time to drop her friends off, bring her home and dash to the airport. She had to make sure she would not be able to stop at her apartment at all costs.

By three-thirty Sam was really getting antsy. Jack and Daniel's plane was due to land at 5 o'clock and she really had wanted to stop home to shower and change clothes. But now, by the time she got all the kids to their respective homes, she would barely have enough time to make the airport before the flight landed. Just as Cassie and Janet planned.

After finally dropping Cassie off and getting away from Janet, she was finally on her way to pick up the boys. She debated for a second about stopping at her apartment to at least change clothes, but the traffic report said that traffic going towards the airport was heavy and she didn't want to wait one more second to see Jack than she had to. As it was she was barely going to make the airport before the flight landed.

She finally arrived at 5 minutes after 5. She parked the car and ran to the terminal. After checking the arrival board and finding the flight had been delayed a half hour, she made her way to the ladies room to freshen up just a bit. By the time she was finished she was calmer and the flight was at the gate. She made her way over to the passenger exit ramp and scanned the crowd for the face she most wanted to see.

They spotted each other at the exact same moment. Jack broke into a run and they collided into each other, their lips meeting before their arms where fully around each other.

Daniel walked up to them and after watching for a few minutes, cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Hey, what about me? Don't I get a hello too?"

Sam and Jack broke apart and Sam leaned over and kissed Daniel on his cheek.

"Glad you're back, did you have a good time?" Sam lowered her voice just a bit, "Were there any Goa'uld influences present?"

Daniel looked blank for a second.

"Um, no, not really,just some very interesting Egyptian artifacts."

Sam had her arm around Jack's waist as they walked towards the baggage claim.

"So, what did you guys do once you found out that it was a wild goose chase."

"Um, well I really wanted to be sure, so we made an appointment with the museum curator to study the manifest, just to be sure they didn't have anything that was not being shown. Took a couple of days to set that up." Daniel lied.

Jack did his best to hide his grin. Daniel never ceased to amaze him; he came up with that story without missing a beat.

They got the bags and dropped Daniel off at apartment before heading to Jack's.

"Jack, can we stop at my place first? I'd really like to change before we go out to dinner." Jack was ready for that request.

"Let's go back to my place, you can change into the present I bought you. And then we'll go to dinner at Antoine's and stop at your place so you can pick up a change of clothes for tomorrow. Although, you probably won't need any clothes, cause I'm not planning to let you out of bed long enough." He pulled her closer to him.

" I really missed you, hate sleeping alone now."

"I know, me too. You bought me a present? What is it? Is it in one of those bags?" She was like a little kid at Christmas.

"You'll just have to wait till we get home to see." He chuckled.

When they got to the house. Jack brought all the bags into the bedroom. Sam was following him like a little kid, trying to peek in the bags.

"Come on let me see."

She tried to reach around him to get to the loot. They wrestled for a few minutes falling onto the bed laughing. Jack had Sam pinned under him, her arms held at her sides. He stopped and looked into her eyes and slowly lowered his head to capture her lips in a mind- blowing kiss. Sam felt his tongue against her lips and parted her lips to give him entrance. They kissed slowly, sensually, exploring each others mouth as if it was the first time they had ever kissed. When the need for oxygen finally forced their lips apart, Sam reached to remove Jack's shirt from his pants.

"Babe, I have something special planned for tonight, lets put this on hold till later, cause if we start, we're not leaving this room tonight."

"And that would be a bad thing?"

"No, not bad, just want to see you in your presents and show you off. I have plans for this evening, now move that adorable butt into the shower and when you come out your presents will be on the bed."

"Well, I hope your one of my presents and that you're unwrapped."

Sam threw a kiss over her shoulder as she made her way into the bathroom.

After taking a bath, Sam wrapped herself in a towel and opened the door to the bedroom, on the bed was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She also found all the accessories right down to a small evening bag. She dressed carefully doing her hair and makeup a little more then usual. She opened the bedroom door and stepped out.

Jack was standing at the fireplace when he heard the door to the bedroom open. The most breath taking sight he had ever seen in his life stood there. His Samantha. She looked incredible. The dress was lovelier on her than on the model and it fit like it was tailored to her. She walked over to him and stopped in front of him admiring what she saw.

He wore the suit Daniel had talked him in to buying and from the look in her eyes he knew he owed the Space Monkey a debt of thanks.

"You look incredible, so beautiful." Jack whispered.

"Well, you look absolutely devastating, do you realize this is the first time I've ever seen you in a civilian dress suit? If I knew you were going to look this fantastic I would have made you get one sooner." Sam countered.

"Thank you so much for my presents, they are wonderful, never realized you had such wonderful taste in ladies dresses." She teased him.

"I have many hidden talents you've yet to discover." Wagging his eyebrows at her. He handed her a crystal champagne glass.

"To us, and a the beginning of an unforgettable evening."

After drinking the champagne they left for dinner. Antoine's was "the" most exclusive restaurant in Colorado Springs. The atmosphere was romantic and the food top rate.

"If I knew I'd get this kind of treatment, I would have sent you on a trip a long time ago." Sam teased Jack. She had become quite the teaser since she started seeing Jack. She always had a marvelous sense of humor, but was always unsure of telling a joke or teasing, so many people perceived her as being very serious, which was far from true.

"Well, I missed you and I wanted to show my girl off in all her finery. I'm proud to have you on my arm, whether your wearing fatigues or a designer original."

They sat holding hands and talking for a bit, then Jack suggested going to a club that had dance music. They danced to romantic love