TITLE: ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN. EPISODE 2.

AUTHOR: BARBS

EMAIL: barbssg1@yahoo.com

RATING: NC17 -- WARNING –EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT!!! IF YOU'RE NOT LEGALLY OF AN AGE TO DO IT, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T READ IT! I'M A MOM MYSELF AND I DON'T WANT ANY GUILT-RIDDEN SLEEPLESS NIGHTS!

SUMMARY: SAFE MISSIONS AREN'T ALWAYS SAFE; ACCIDENTS AREN'T ALWAYS UNPLEASANT

SPOILERS: NOTHING SERIOUS

ARCHIVE: SAM AND JACK,SJNC17, OTHERS PLEASE ASK.

DISCLAIMER: EVERYTHING THAT MAKES MONEY BELONGS TO MGM, GEKKO AND LOTS OF OTHER FOLK MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN ME. ONLY THE LOVE IS MINE, AND THAT IS FREE.

FILE SIZE: 124 KB

SEASON: FIVE-ISH, DURING DANIEL'S TIME.

NOTES: NOTES AS EPISODE 1 –YOU MUST READ THAT FIRST FOR THIS TO MAKE ANY SENSE! INCIDENTS THAT TAKE PLACE OUT OF SAM'S PRESENCE ARE INDICATED BY *** ***

THE POETRY IS USED ENTIRELY WITHOUT PERMISSION – SUE ME IF YOU LIKE, BUT THERE'S NOT MUCH TO BE GAINED BY IT!

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"Gee, she really is a sweetie – look how aware she is! I'll have to take her for her Apgar tests, but it won't take long. Have you thought of any names yet?" Janet was almost as excited as we were.

"Not really, we haven't had much chance to discuss it." I still held Jack's hand tight, as though he might disappear again if I let him go. He sat close to the bed, leaning into me, and he looked as exhausted as I felt. "When did you arrive? Why didn't you let me know? I've missed you so much." Unbidden, tears suddenly flooded over me, and he held me, and hushed me, and let me cry myself out.

"When Janet decided to induce the birth, Daniel came up to fetch me. We hit some rough weather and the pilot needed some persuasion to carry on, so we only just made it."

"Are you OK?" I asked, as his voice broke and his pallor deepened.

"Yeah, sure, just a little tired is all. Things have been a little quiet in my neighborhood over the last few months. How're you? Daniel said you've had it rough, but you did great." Despite his own obvious pain, his concern was all for me, and I loved him even more for it. "I'm fine now she's finally here, and you're here too…" I would have said more, but Janet came back in.

"OK, new parents, let's get you both settled; this way, Colonel, please."

"I'm not leaving Sam and the baby," said Jack, still mulish as ever.

"Sorry, sir, you play on my park, you use my rules. You need rest, rest and more rest. I've had your file faxed down from Vancouver, and their instructions are pretty clear! However, as a compromise under the circumstances, I've set you all up a family room along the corridor – you can get acquainted there."

My bed was wheeled along the corridor to a small side ward, where an empty bed stood alongside a crib.

"Right, Colonel, undressed and into bed pronto, and I'll check you over." Janet could be VERY assertive for a 5 foot nothing!

Jack obeyed meekly, a sure sign that he wasn't as fit as he would like us to believe. Janet checked his vitals, tutted over his blood pressure and pulse rate, and left us to doze, holding hands over the crib, while she went to collect its rightful occupant.

We were woken by Daniel's voice, apparently reading aloud, but quietly. The very new Miss O'Neill was lying peacefully in the crook of his left arm, watching him serenely with amber-colored eyes. She had a mop of tawny-blonde hair, and seemed to be listening intently as Daniel read in Greek from Homer's Odyssey.

"Daniel, what are you filling my daughter's head with?" Jack demanded with mock indignation.

"It's classical Greek, Jack, and she looks as if she understands every word."

"Yeah, sure, you probably just bored her to sleep with your rambling, I know how she feels!"

At the sound of his voice, our beautiful daughter looked at him, and if I hadn't read every child development book I could lay my hands on, I would have sworn she smiled at her cynical Daddy.

Daniel put her back in my arms, and immediately she sought my breast. " Seems to take after her Daddy in a few ways," I observed, smiling, as she took a firm hold and nursed steadily.

Jack grinned sheepishly, and Daniel wiped away a quiet tear as he watched us. "What are you going to call her?" he asked.

I shook my head as I kissed her brow gently. "Don't really know— sensible ideas welcome, though."

"Melissa – from the Greek, meaning honey-sweetness. She's obviously got a sweet nature, (one bit she didn't get from daddy Jack) and with that fabulous coloring, it'll be perfect."

I looked at Jack, who was still watching his daughter suckle, a dreamy, sleepy smile on his face. He leaned a little closer and stroked a gentle fingertip down her cheek. "I like that, yeah, I do. Hi, `Lissa."

As he spoke her name, she stopped suckling and turned her eyes as if to look at him, giving him that not-supposed –to – be smile again, before turning her attention back to dinner.

"Erm, she's not supposed to do that yet." Janet said from the doorway " She's much more aware than a new-born should be."

"Well, what else would you expect with two such exceptional parents?" Jack smirked proudly.

"I'd expect you to be resting, surely you don't want me to insist on sedation?"

"Nope" said Jack, and then we chorused together "And don't call me Shirley!"

With a huge grin, Jack kissed both me and Melissa, slid under the covers and was asleep in minutes. I had my first experience of diaper changing, and then we too settled down.

The next few weeks seemed to pass in much the same way. We ate, slept and relaxed together, and when Janet considered Jack fit enough, we moved into his house, to settle down to family life. Jack was undergoing a strenuous rehab.programme at the Academy hospital: even though his career seemed to be over, the USAF reckoned it owed him that much and more. He was regaining weight and muscle tone, but his left knee was treacherously weak, and Geoff, his PTI, was persistently, but unsuccessfully, trying to get him to accept using a cane. My heart ached as I watched him struggle with his exercises, but I knew that he would accept no sympathy, and contented myself with his joy in Melissa. She was a pleasant content little soul who took a huge interest in everything and everyone around her, and Jack adored her. He spent his resting hours lying on the couch with her propped up on his lap, and talked to her about everything from Abydos to Za'tarcs. She followed his every word with eyes that had darkened from amber to caramel, and looked so intelligent that if she had joined in the conversation I don't think I would have been surprised.

I was able to keep up with goings-on at the Mountain on my laptop, and worked at home when they needed me, with the frequent visits of Janet, Daniel and Teal'c topping up the intel and the gossip. I'd thought that Melissa might fret over Teal'c's different appearance, but she greeted him with the same gorgeous smile she kept for all favored friends, and he quickly became her favorite uncle, chuckling with delight when he held her in his strong hands.

After all the complications of my pregnancy, Janet had delayed my post-natal check-up for three months, and I'd begun to count the days! Although sleeping cuddled in Jack's arms was very cozy, it was nowhere as enjoyable as what we had shared at Camp Horizon, and I was longing for something more than a companionable hug. I was a little surprised that Jack hadn't mentioned it, but put it down to his considerate nature. Once Janet gave me the all clear, I sorted out my sexiest negligee, made sure that Melissa was well settled, and waited for Jack to lock up and join me in bed. I listened to the shower finish gurgling, watched the hall light go off, and as he walked to the bed to pick up his nightwear of t-shirt and shorts, I whispered seductively "You won't need those, Flyboy, tonight's the night." I was surprised when he put them on anyway, and slid into bed alongside me. He drew me into his arms and kissed me as lovingly as usual, but when I slid my hand under his shirt and began to caress his chest, he caught my wrist and pulled me back. "Sam, I'm sorry, but I had a tough session with Geoff today, and I'm really beat. Mind if I take a rain check tonight?"

I swallowed a huge chunk of disappointment and said lightly "Sure you can! I'll have to have a word with Geoff about wearing you out!"

The next day was Saturday, and Jack had no official therapy, so the two of us took Melissa to the Academy hospital hydrotherapy pool for a splash about. She loved the water, and swimming was great exercise for Jack, so it was a happy, if a little tired, O'Neill family that came home later that day, after grocery shopping and lunch at the diner. Jack took Lissa up for her nap while I put away the shopping and made coffee, waiting for him on the couch. He picked up his mug and went to the window, looking out at the untidy garden. "I've gotta get a hold on that before it runs riot. This time next year, Lissa will need somewhere to play."

"You don't need to do it now, Jack, you're not fit enough yet. We'll get someone in to sort it out." I said, thinking I was being helpful.

"That's the problem, isn't it? I'm not fit enough for anything!" He snapped back, his voice taut and hostile.

"Hey, what's brought that on? You're doing great for someone who's had such a serious head injury; none of the doctors in Vancouver expected you to recover at all. You've just got to take a little time." Janet had warned me to expect this reaction sooner or later, but I hadn't seen it coming. "Come and sit down, let's enjoy a bit of peace while Her Ladyship is sleeping." I patted the seat alongside me, and rather reluctantly he sat down.

I leant against him, and ran my fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. It had regrown to its normal cut and I loved the bristly feeling of it under my fingers. Jack pushed his head back onto my hand, seemingly enjoying the caress, but when I squirmed under his arm and slid my hand under the waistband of his pants, he jumped as though he'd been stung! "I think I hear Lissa, I'll go check on her."

I knew she hadn't made a sound, but he didn't come down from the nursery, and after a while I gave up waiting and did some chores.

So, a new pattern was set in our domestic lives. I would offer myself to Jack on a regular basis, and he would find endless new excuses to turn me down. Eventually he just gave up coming to bed until three or four o'clock in the morning, to be sure I'd be asleep when he finally joined me. He spent his days exhausted through lack of sleep, but wouldn't talk about it, or if he did, just said that he was fine and that I should stop hassling him. H made me feel like a bitch on heat!

I went through all the possibilities in my head, doing what usually worked for me, thinking the problem out. The first was that the once- in-a-lifetime moment at Horizon had been just that; I hadn't come up to the fantasy he'd been living with for all those years but now we'd got Melissa and he couldn't see an honorable way out. He didn't want me, plain and simple. The second was that my body had changed since I'd had Melissa, and it didn't appeal to him; he no longer wanted me, plain and simple. The third was that his injury had altered him in some way, and he didn't want anyone, plain and simple!

I did the only thing I could, and talked to Janet, knowing that Jack would hate me for it, but desperately needing help and reassurance. She laughed at my fears that Jack didn't love me, and advised patience, something I was rapidly running short of, but did offer to have Lissa for the weekend, to remove at least one of Jack's favorite excuses.

Jack was wary of my reasons for Lissa's absence, but enjoyed the meal I'd cooked and the wine I'd carefully chosen. We sat on the roof deck and watched the moon come up, and talked of everything and nothing, and as the stars took their places and the night grew cold. I said "Jack, let's make love, take me to bed, please?"

A hunted expression lit his eyes. "Oh, so that's what all this is about, I should have known, I walked right into it, didn't I?"

I hushed him. "Jack, I love you, I believe you love me, I just want us to express that love. I don't think it's an unreasonable request. I'm losing my self-respect as it is, don't make me beg."

With a strange sound in his throat that could almost have been a strangled sob, he got up from the deck and made his way carefully down the ladder. I followed slowly and found him lying on our bed as if asleep, arms folded over his head so that I couldn't see his face. I undressed quietly and lay down alongside him, pulling the quilt over both of us and putting my hand gently on the flat of his abdomen.

"Don't!" His voice was harsh and grating. I kept my hand where it was, and stroked the taut muscles.

"I said `Don't'!" he repeated savagely, grabbing my wrist so hard it hurt.

"Jack, for God's sake, talk to me! If I've done something wrong, or you just don't love me, then tell me. Anything will be better than living like this. Just tell me, please why you won't make love with me."

His grip on my wrist felt like the bone was breaking, but I wasn't about to let him see that. His answer, when it eventually came, was muffled, and distant, and infinitely sad. "I can't!"

"Oh, Jack, you can! We've always been able to talk, no matter what else was going wrong. I'd rather hear bad news than no news at all – just tell me and we can start sorting this mess out."

"No, we can't, Sam, you're not listening! I can't! It's can't, not won't! I can't make love to you! Now is that plain enough, or would you like me to borrow an F16 for some skywriting? `O'Neill is Impotent'. Should make quite a show in the sky over the Mountain!" His voice was raw with pain and anger, but now I understood his motives, and I was not going to let him provoke a fight so that he would once again have an excuse to storm off and leave me alone. I wouldn't fall for that one again.

"Jack, just try to relax a little, please. I can have no idea how you must be feeling about this, but I'm sure we can get through it, we'll just have to be patient, I'm sure that's all it'll take."

The torque applied to my wrist eased a little, but his voice was still harsh, and his laugh grim. "Oh, you're sure, then everything's OK! I've asked all the medics, hell, I've even gone to McKenzie voluntarily! He says it's all in the mind, but I'd put the problem a hell of a lot lower than that, wouldn't you? You're all full of sweet understanding now, but how's it gonna feel when we've lived like monks for six months, a year, five years? Do you really think you're gonna carry on lying next to a cripple who can't get it up when just about every straight guy in the SGC would happily scratch where it itches for you?"

Without a moment's thought I reached out my free hand and slapped his face hard! To say he looked shocked would be an understatement.

"You self-pitying son of a bitch! How dare you even suggest that I'd look elsewhere! For all those years that we held off, did I go anywhere else to get my itch scratched, as you so delicately put it? No, I didn't! It wasn't me, you bastard, who took up the offer of sex wherever, whenever and with whoever it presented. And don't think the offers didn't come, because they did. No, I managed to hold on, because the only man I wanted was you! So what makes you think I'd change my mind now? I love you, you stupid, stupid man!"

My white-hot anger finally ran out, and my post-natal hormones took over. I dropped my head to his chest and wept. Instinctively his arms closed round me and he rocked me as he would Melissa.

"Hush, honey, I'm sorry, it'll be alright now,ssh now, we'll be OK, we'll work it out, hush now!"

His voice was once more the Jack I loved, and the arms around me felt warm and familiar. My wrist felt bruised and weak, but I put my arms around him and held on for all I was worth. "We'll get through this, Jack, I know we will, not for Melissa or anyone else, but for us, because we have to be together."

He bent his head to mine and kissed the tears from my face "I know, honey, I know! I love you!"

Despite our disturbed night, we were at Janet's bright and early next day to collect Lissa from her sleepover. To be honest, neither of us liked to be apart from her for too long yet.

Janet looked a little flustered at seeing us so early. "You'll have to come in for coffee, I'm afraid she's been kidnapped!" Seeing our anxious faces, she hurried to explain. "Daniel and Cassie have taken her to the park for some air. Boomer needed his walk, so they've all gone together."

"What on earth got Space-Monkey out of bed and over here this early when we…. I mean SG1…. aren't on rotation?" asked Jack, taking no notice of my less-than-tactful nudge.

"He, erm, stayed over last night," blushed Janet prettily, "He does quite often now."

"He does?" Jack asked, puzzled, and then, slowly, the penny finally dropped and his face lit up. "Oh, I see, he does!" investing more meaning into the phrase than I would have believed possible.

As the strollers returned, Jack pounced gleefully. "Danny-boy! You've been hiding things from me! Come into the kitchen away from my daughter's tender ears and tell me the secrets of your carnal knowledge of Doctor Napoleon!"

Both Daniel and Janet went crimson with embarrassment while Cassie giggled and Melissa looked smug, as though she'd known all along but was too much of a lady to tell. Even Boomer looked as though he was in on the secret.

As Daniel opened his mouth to protest, or complain or maybe even to boast, my cell phone rang. "Carter? Yes, he is, sir, would you like to speak to him? No that's fine, I'll tell him, thank you. Goodbye, sir." I turned to Jack, "General Hammond would like to see you, as soon as is convenient."

"I guess that means now – I wonder what he wants? Don't think you've been saved by the bell, Daniel, I'll remember you still owe me! Can I take your car, Sam?"

"Sure, we can hang out here for a while, if that's OK with you, Jan? Just drive carefully, won't you?"

*** Jack drove steadily up to the Mountain; very aware that it was the first time he'd driven since his accident. He tried to drive through the first checkpoint, but much to his irritation found himself flagged to a halt.

"I need to see some ID, sir."

"But you know who I am, Watchorn!"

The young SF flushed, but stood his ground. "I'm sorry, sir, I need ID from any civilian entering this facility."

"Don't be an asshole, Watchorn, you KNOW who I am, open the damn gate."

"My directive states that all civilians need to be identity-checked and have their contact within the base confirmed before entry, sir."

"And whose signature is on the bottom of that directive, as base chief of security?"

"Erm, yours, sir!"

"So quit stalling and open that goddamn gate."

"I'm sorry, sir, I need some ID."

Resisting the temptation to get out of the car and deck the guy, Jack sighed heavily and handed over his driver's license.

"Thank you sir. I just have to contact General Hammond and let him know you're here."

After a word on the phone, Watchorn opened the barrier and saluted Jack through. He parked in a visitors bay and made his way slowly to the second check point.

"OK, Kirby, I've got my ID ready. Would you like a retina scan and DNA test too?

"No, that's fine, sir, but I'll have to get you an escort down to the General's office."

"Oh, in case I run amok, I suppose?"

"No, sir, in case you get lost! It's included in the security directive, sir."

"I've gotta have a word with the guy who wrote that thing." said Jack, getting a grin from his escort.

All through the maze of corridors and elevators, Jack was painfully aware that his escort was slowing his customary brisk march to allow him to keep up, and the knowledge both shamed and enraged him. He was not in the best of tempers as Hammond called "Come."

The burly General offered his hand. "Good to see you, Jack, how are you?"

Ignoring the handshake, Jack sat down. "Crippled and unemployed, but apart from that, just dandy, thank you, George."

Hammond took a long, long look at his former 2IC. "I wouldn't have believed self-pity was your style, Jack. You've got a lot to be thankful for, a lovely daughter, a woman who loves you, good friends, life isn't so bad, is it?"

"Don't judge just by what you see, sir. I liked my life just fine the way it was before all this."

"So you'd give up Sam's love and Melissa for command of SG1 and a sound knee? You're a bigger fool than ever I gave you credit for, O'Neill!" Hammond's tone was whiplash-scathing, and he gazed at Jack with scornful eyes.

Jack met his gaze for a moment, and then dropped his head into his hands. "That's not what I'm saying, General. I just feel so goddamn useless! There's no place for me anymore, and I can't get used to it; I guess I just wanna be in the Air Force!"

"Then it's a good thing I've got a post for you, isn't it?" said Hammond, a little triumphantly.

"With respect, sir, I don't want a charity job. I don't want to sit in the stores counting bullets and I sure as hell can't push paper round a desk all day."

"Just listen to what I'm proposing, son. Your security work here has always been first-class; that's something you can carry on with. I still need someone alongside me who can produce tactical evaluations from mission reports and debriefings, and I still need much more forward planning done on the Alpha and Beta sites. That will obviously mean some off-world work, but in non-combat situations. I've had your medical clearance from Vancouver and from the Academy hospital, and there's no reason why you can't be re-assed immediately." Hammond reached into his desk, taking out Jack's personal file, his medical discharge papers, his USAF ID, and lastly his SGC pass. "My exec. is so far behind with her paperwork that this little bundle hasn't been processed yet. Remind me to chew her out about that, sometime!"

He slid the ID wallet and pass across the desk. "What d'ya say, Colonel, ready to climb back on board?"

Jack reached out quickly. "Yes, sir! Thank you, sir! When should I report for duty?"

"I know you'll have some domestic arrangements to make, shall we say Monday week? I'll expect you at 08.00."

Jack stood, saluted smartly and made his way to the surface, waving his pass cheerfully at everyone he saw. ***

Jack's news brightened the day for all of us, and lunch at Janet's was a riotous affair. Jack was almost back to his old self, teasing Daniel, roughhousing on the floor with Boomer and tossing Melissa around until I was sure she'd be sick! When things quietened down a little, he turned to Daniel with a wicked leer in his eye and said, " Now, Danny, I believe you have something to say to me?"

Daniel sat on the couch, his arm around Janet as she snuggled against him. His face was serious, and his voice somber. "You're right, I have, Jack! It's about time you and Sam tied the knot – this Command needs a good party."

"Yeah!" yelled Cassie, setting Boomer barking and Lissa squealing. "I can be a bridesmaid!"

"Hold on, guys, there's been no definite decision made on this yet." I protested feebly, "Jack might not…….."

"Can I have two best men? Or three, if you count George? And you'll need more than one bridesmaid! And we'll need to contact Jacob! And arrange a honeymoon! We'll need to make lists; how about you do that on your computer? It'll be about the first really useful project it's ever done!"

I smiled and turned back to Daniel and Janet. "I think I'd better take my boy home, he's obviously over-excited and needs his nap! I'll let you know about the bridesmaid thing, Cass."

"OK, but no big flouncy bits, and definitely NOT girlie pink."

I drove home with Jack deep in thought alongside me.

"Jack, it doesn't have to be a big affair; I'd be just as happy with a civil ceremony, especially as you've done it all before."

"Yeah, but you haven't! Actually, Sara and I eloped, and from what I remember, our wedding took place in something that looked like a hybrid between a bus station restroom and a dumpster! And how could I pass up the chance to see Cassie in big, girlie-pink flounces? I'm proud that you're marrying me, Sam, and I want everyone to see!"

His simple, earnest words touched me deeply, and it was then that I really started to believe that we were going to be OK.

The phone was ringing as we stepped through the front door. "Jack O'Neill! Oh, hi, Jacob." Jack lifted an eyebrow quizzically at me. "This is a surprise, are the Tok'ra patched in to Bell America now? Yeah, I'm fine, thanks, and your beautiful grand-daughter can't wait to meet you. Here's Sam now."

I gave Lissa to her Daddy and spoke to mine for a minute or two, replacing the receiver to look at Jack in bewilderment. "He's here to give a lecture to the Academy and has squeezed out a little R and R, but he can only stay three weeks. He says if we were thinking of doing anything that he should see, could we do it before he has to return for a High Council meeting?"

"One for the spooky coincidence department or what?"

"Jack, we can't organize a wedding in three weeks!"

"Sure we can! How do you fancy the Academy chapel?"

"Not even you could organize a wedding in the Cadet chapel at such short notice! It's booked months, if not years in advance!" I was beginning to feel a little as though I was standing in the middle of a tornado, with life whirling giddily around me.

His deep brown eyes, deep enough to drown in, lit at the challenge. "Wanna bet?"

He took his cell phone from his jacket, sat down at his computer and with the phone to his ear, began typing faster than I had ever seen him type before. His movement was fluid and confident, and he was carrying on a phone conversation at the same time -- all this from a guy who professed not to know where the On switch was! I played with Melissa a while, feeling a little surplus to requirements as he typed, talked and jotted down notes, and when I said I was taking Lissa up for her bath, I don't think he even heard me. I hadn't seen him so focused since Camp Horizon.

When we came down again, he was still working but the frenzied pace has slowed a little and he had time to smile and take a fresh and sweet Melissa from me for a bedtime cuddle. She cooed and giggled as he gave her her supper, and he put her to bed as I tidied up a little.

"So, Mr. Wedding Planner, what progress have you made?" I asked teasingly.

"Two weeks on Monday, that's the 22nd, at14.00, followed by a champagne reception at the Officers Club for a select few, then a honkin' great party at the same location later that evening for many, many more. The reception will just be nibbles, but there'll be real food at the evening dance. I've called my folks, booked their flights and arranged for them to stay at Janet's. They'd like to meet you before, but there's no time. I've called Mark, they're going to use Daniel's apartment. I've arranged for an organist, but the choice of music is up to you. The Chaplain has agreed to waive the usual 90 day counseling, but he does want to talk to us together, so he's coming round tonight at 21.00. I've booked the Honor Guard for the Arch of Swords, the floral thingies inside the chapel will be taken care of, and I've applied for the EAL for parking. We'll have to check the Fpcon a little nearer the day, and warn folk about rice and confetti as we see them – anything else?"

I stared at him open-mouthed. I don't think I had ever, ever heard him say so much all in one go. "Jack, I can't possibly get married in two weeks, there's just too much to…."

He interrupted with a lazy, sexy smile. "Sam, you have to buy yourself a gorgeous gown, something to cover up the bridesmaids, choose some music and talk to the padre. Then, turn up at 14.00 on Jacob's arm, looking even more beautiful than usual, say ` I do' and then enjoy the rest of the day. What's difficult?"

Put like that, I couldn't see a problem either! "I'll have to change, Jack. I can't meet a chaplain wearing jeans."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me down beside him on the couch. "Marcus won't notice what you're wearing; he just wants to meet you and make sure you know what you're taking on."

"Well, anything I don't know after all this time must be pretty well hidden" I laughed.

"Yeah, OK, officer, you can search me if you must." Jack replied, holding his arms out wide. I took up his invitation and patted him down, but as I frisked him, he closed his arms around me and pulled my mouth to his. His kiss was hot, and deep, and sweet, as I'd remembered it from all those long months ago, and I kissed back, wrapping my tongue around his. For the first time since he came home, he didn't pull away, but eased back only a little to slide one hand to my breast. With the other, he tugged my hair gently to tilt my head away, allowing him to run his mouth down my cheek and across my throat. As he bit very gently on my collarbone, the thrill he created went right through my body.

Very, very gently, terrified of breaking the spell, I slid my hands under his shirt to the warm, firm flesh beneath. He sucked in a breath but stayed where he was, his only movement to shift his hand under my sweater and begin his caresses all over again. His fingertips were drawing lazy, mazy circles around my nipples, and felt like they were leaving a trail of fire. I copied his drawing, lightly making patterns on the skin of his back with my nails, and I could feel his smile against my throat. I tugged at his ear gently with my teeth, to get him to bring those wonderfully talented lips back to mine, and we kissed again, falling deeper and deeper into a bottomless well of passion ………….….. and then the doorbell rang!

We sprang apart, reorganizing our clothes like high-school kids caught making out by their parents, and Jack looked at his watch. "Damn him! Marcus never could be on time! He was always two hours late or an hour and a half early."

He opened the door to a tall, very thin man of about his own age, wearing a padre's uniform. They greeted each other with a warm hug, and I wondered idly about this man's place in Jack's past.

"Sam, this is Marcus Chase, he's the guy who's going to marry us. Would you like a drink, Marc?"

"A soda would be good, thanks, Jack." His voice was mellow and soothing, his smile warm and genuine, but his direct line of questioning threw me right off.

"So you two are in love and want to marry?"

"Erm, yes, that's right, we've known each other for five years, and our feelings just sort of, erm, deepened over that time. We know we need to be together."

"And did it not bother you that for most of that time Jack was your CO?"

"Of course, and that's why we held off, until a year ago, when I suppose things just got the better of us. Then Jack had his accident, and I had mine, and here we are."

Jack seemed to be an awful long time fetching that soda!

"And why is it important to you both that you marry, particularly in the Chapel?"

"Well, I suppose, for me it's a public statement, in a place that's special in my life, in front of God and all the people who matter to me, of the depth of my feeling and commitment to Jack; it will set a seal on our relationship."

"And what about the frilly dress and the flowers and all, where do they figure?"

Was that drink never going to arrive? "If it would make you happier about conducting our marriage ceremony, Chaplain Chase, I'll wear my fatigues and combat boots! As long as I come out as Mrs. Jack O'Neill, I don't really care what I wear!"

"How about I wear the frilly dress, Marcus?" Jack asked as he gave the man his drink and put a comforting arm around me.

The Chaplain took a long swallow of his soda before answering. "Nah, not with your legs, Jack! Anyway, Sam, I need your choice of music, and a couple of hymns, and if you want to include any readings, let me know about those too. I don't know if Jack explained, but the flowers inside the chapel will be done for you in white, so they shouldn't clash with anything else. We can go over the dressing rooms, parking and stuff at the rehearsal which I'd like to do on Friday the 19th at 19.00, if that's good for you."

We both nodded silently, and Jack jotted the date and time down on his pad.

"The only thing I want you to think about is that you are making a lifelong commitment before God! If either of you have the smallest doubt in your mind, you must say so now. Being honest now might hurt, but not as much as divorce would five years down the line." He looked at Jack with friendly concern in his eyes; he obviously knew about Jack and Sara, and I wondered if he knew why? His severe tone was a little scary, but when I looked into the honest-to- goodness love in Jack's eyes, the scariness vanished, and I shook my head firmly "No doubts at all, Marcus, not one!" and Jack added "Me neither, Marc, I feel as though this is what my whole life has been building up to, what I've needed for longer than forever."

"Then I'll say no more than God Bless you both, and I'll see you at the rehearsal. Let me know about the music, Sam." With a peck on the cheek for me, and a quiet word and another warm hug for Jack, he picked up his coat and left.

Jack came back from the door with a pensive, almost melancholy look on his face, and pulled me close as he sat down. "Marcus baptized Charlie – it was my first experience of a Protestant church. Then, by coincidence, he was sent out to the Gulf with my unit, and was there for me when I got back." I knew sketchy details of his captivity and escape, and could understand how important a friendship forged in those conditions could be.

"Then…." Jack broke, drew a deep breath and began again "Then, when Charlie died, Marcus conducted his funeral service. It'll be good to have him on side again for a happy occasion."

"I can't believe it's all really happening! After waiting so long, everything seems to be moving in hyper-drive."

"Blame Jake for the time-scale; we could afford to take our time if it wasn't for him and his High Council meeting. Still, sooner the better as far as I'm concerned."

"Yes, me too! Could you cope with Lissa for the day if I went shopping with Janet and Cassie Monday?"

"No problem! I'll get Teal'c and Daniel round and the four of us can play poker."

"Don't joke, Jack! She's already way too knowing as it is!"

I made supper and checked on Lissa before showering and falling into bed, still shell-shocked at the day's events. I was a little surprised and more than a little apprehensive to hear Jack come up immediately after me and take no time at all over his shower before tugging on his boxers and sliding under the quilt

"Sam, you still awake?" His question was hesitant and very quiet.

"Just about." I turned towards him. "Why?"

"Well, I seem to remember that we got interrupted earlier when Marc arrived, and I just wondered, y'know, if we could, sort of, take up where we left off. I know I can't, well, y'know, but I have vague memories of that night at Camp Horizon, and I seem to remember some things that you, well, that didn't, y'know, actually involve… but still gave you, y'know."

"That was a bit complicated, Jack, but I think I get the message. Come here, you idiot."

He dived into my arms and had my PJs off me before I could blink. Lying half across me, his stomach against mine, he smoothed his palms all around my breasts, squeezing my nipples lightly and touching his tongue to the tiny beads of milk that still appeared. Tucking his head under my chin, he sucked, licked, nibbled and bit all around my throat, my ears, my shoulders and my breasts, reducing me to a shivering heap of anticipation. I tried to touch him, but he moved my hand away with a gentle shake of his head, and then touched me softly. I had waited so long for him to touch me that way again! Just as at Camp Horizon, his touch was deft and sure, his aim was true and his delivery accurate. Proving the advantage of long, agile fingers, his driving rhythm stimulated me to orgasm like a jazz drummer whipping up a beat, and I came clutching his head to my breasts and straining my hips upwards to his hand. As I relaxed a little, he shook himself free and dipped his face to that moist place, cleaning me lovingly with his tongue while I writhed, protested and encouraged.

Finally satisfied, he stretched out alongside me and pulled me over to lie on top of him. He wore that sleepy smile, but I was anxious for him, as I could feel no evidence that he had even been erect. He seemed content enough; did I dare ask?

"Jack, I don't want to upset you, but what about you? That was fabulous for me, but did you get anything at all from it? It makes me feel really selfish!"

He stopped my mouth with a kiss. "Giving is great! You're happy, so I'm happy. It's a solution, isn't it? And it's early days, you said so yourself. Let's enjoy what we've got now, and hope for improvement!"

And on that positive and optimistic note, we slept!

It felt really weird that Monday morning, leaving Melissa with Jack. He was going to carry on with the invitations, by phone and Email, and he'd assured me that Lissa was going to help. Later my Dad would be visiting to meet his granddaughter, and the rest of SG1 would be coming to make up the card school.

Cassie was more thrilled by the prospect of a day off school than that of choosing dresses, and our expedition had to start off with a stop at BaskinRobbins to have any semblance of street-cred. After we'd prised her away from her double caramel fudge, we hurried to the Bridal Boutique before she could succumb to the strawberry shortcake! I had no idea what sort of dress I wanted, and was hoping that I would recognize it when I saw it. The Boutique saleswoman was a lot older than me, and Cassie wrinkled her nose in disdain. "What will she know?"

"Let's give it a try anyway." Janet said encouragingly, and marched us through the door.

Beth spoke kindly, making us all feel welcome and special. "No need to ask who is the bride," she said, looking directly at me, "You have the radiance and excitement about you that accompanies all new brides."

"Actually I think it's more like panic and desperation! This is a short-order wedding, and I've no idea what I want to wear."

"So the dress you choose must fit now, with no time for alterations?"

"That's about it, I'm afraid."

She trotted round me busily with tape measure and notebook, chatting and questioning as she went.

"How tall are you, Samantha? How tall is your groom? Will he be wearing a formal suit or a tuxedo?"

"Erm, Neither, he's in the military, he'll be in uniform."

"Blue or white?"

Oh help! Why couldn't I be somewhere modifying a naquadria reactor! I looked to Janet for advice.

"He'll wear whatever you want him to, Sam. Make the decision for him!"

"Blue then." I said firmly. Jack looked so devastatingly handsome in his dress blues.

"Good choice," Beth said, "Two of you in white at the altar might look a little like an orthodontists convention! I take it you do want white?"

"Well, actually, I thought ivory…"

Beth nodded approval again. "White can be draining for very fair skin like yours, ivory is much warmer. Now, you ladies help yourselves to coffee in the salon, and I'll be back in a jiffy."

She whisked away like a small enthusiastic cyclone, and we sat down to catch our breath. Cassie, of course, could only sit still for a moment, and was soon rummaging through the racks of bridesmaids gowns. From our seats we couldn't see her, but we could certainly hear her!

"Ooooh! Gross. Yuck! Please, you've got to be kidding! No way! That sucks! Eek, never! For cryin' out loud!"

Then things went quiet for a moment, and we could hear only Beth's gentle murmur before Cassie reappeared in the salon. Janet and I both took in a gasp of amazement, and Janet dived into her purse for a Kleenex. Our teen tomboy had been transformed into a princess! The ankle length gown was in cadet blue, the high waist gathered on a band of tiny seed pearls, and the same pearls decorated the square neckline and the close fitted bodice. The heavy satin draped Cassie's slender frame beautifully, and as she twirled towards us, she looked demure and graceful.

"Sam, call 911! Someone's abducted my daughter" Janet said, needing to laugh in order not to cry.

"Mom, Sam, may we have this one, can we, please?"

I looked again at my shell-shocked friend, and then back at Beth and Cassie.

"I have this gown in a size to fit your matron-of-honor, though it may need to be shortened a touch. That's only a moment's work." said Beth confidently. "Actually, Cassie has chosen well. This gown would complement the one I have in mind for you beautifully. Come this way, Samantha."

She took me into another fitting room, asked me to undress and gave me a half-slip to put on. "Now, close your eyes, my dear, and let me work around you for a moment."

She carefully stepped me into a gown and eased it upwards, zipping and adjusting as she went. As she fitted the strapless bodice around my breasts she undid my bra and tucked the straps inside the gown, and I felt warm satin against my skin. Moving in front of me, I felt her place something on my head, and gauzy lace fell to my elbows. Beth even lifted my feet to put on the shoes she had selected. After what seemed like a forever of prinking and preening, Beth was at last content.

"You may open your eyes, my dear."

As I looked into the full-length mirror, I understood what Janet had said about abduction! Major Sam Carter, USAF, had vanished and in her place stood Samantha, joyous bride-to-be of Jack O'Neill. If I had searched for eternity, I could not have chosen a more perfect gown! The sleeveless satin sheath fitted close around my bosom, showing the improvement Lissa had brought to my breasts, and the strapless neckline and the short fishtail train were edged with the same beading of pearls as Cassie's dress. Beth had gathered an elbow length lace veil onto a seed-pearl comb, and low-heeled ivory satin pumps completed the ensemble. I caught my breath and asked a triumphant Beth "How did you know…. what made you choose….?"

"Years of practice, Samantha dear. Come, show your attendants."

I nodded, but couldn't take my eyes off the mirror, turning first one way, then the other to see every angle of the new me, and wondering how Jack would react.

"Oh Sam!" was all Janet could manage before she began to cry. Even Cassie was speechless, a first for the Fraiser household.

"Come on, Jan, it can't be that bad! If everyone reacts like that, the chapel's gonna flood."

Janet went for the Kleenex again, and, after smearing her mascara all around her face, managed a choky "Oh, Sam, it's perfect, absolutely perfect!"

"I do have other gowns you could try." Beth offered, but I shook my head.

"No, Beth, you were right first time, this is the one."

The measurements for the alterations to Janet's gown were quickly taken and Beth assured us it would be ready for collection in a week's time. Cassie's eyes widened in amazement as I signed the credit card slip, but what the heck! I only intended to do this once!

Cassie took point round every shoe store in the mall, she and Janet arguing about heel sizes in each one. Eventually a compromise was reached so that Cass wouldn't tower over her Mom, and we moved on to florists. Freesias had always been my Mom's favorite flowers, and their sweet fragrance always brought her back to me so vividly, even after more than twenty years. I chose a cascading design in three shades of gold, and a similar, simpler style in white for the Fraisers. Jack would be wearing his medal honors, so buttonholes wouldn't be needed.

"People, my feet are killing me, I'm dying of thirst and starvation and I'm missing my baby, are we nearly done?"

"What about a wedding night negligee, and a going away outfit?" demanded Cassie, the never-ending retail therapist.

"I'll do that another day – I really have had enough! Let's go home and I'll fix us a late lunch."

"No way!" said Janet firmly, "I prescribe a brown bag! How many at Castle O'Neill?"

"Jack, Daniel, Teal'c, oh, and my Dad was popping in if he was free, so with us that's seven, I guess."

"OK, eight for safety! Cass, take my wallet, there's the deli, it's lunch for 8, desserts included, go for it." As Cassie raced gleefully away Janet said fondly "She's the catering expert, believe me! That reminds me, what about food for the reception?"

"Jack's organized it all – we'll just have to hope it's not pizza and ribs!"

We waited a few minutes more before Cassie came back staggering under a load that would not have embarrassed a small pack mule! We shared it out for the walk back to the parking lot, and giggled like girlies all the way home.

"Uncle Jack we've found just the right dresses, and Sam looks gorgeous. Her gown is a……."

Janet slapped a hand over Cassie's mouth before too many secrets were revealed, and they took our heap of goodies through to the kitchen, giving me a chance to take in the scene at the dining table. My Dad was sitting with Melissa on his lap and a huge pile of pennies in front of him. His poker skills had been honed on Air Force bases all over the world, and it seemed he had not lost the knack.

Jack reached up for a kiss. "It's so not fair. He's got Selmak AND Lissa helping him, and he's skinning us!"

"It is indeed true that MelissaO'Neill seems to have an acute grasp of the strategy of poker for one so young." said Teal'c, and I had to look twice to make sure he was joking.

"She's a bright kid, alright. She's way ahead of you at the same age, Sam." Dad's head dropped to his chest, and when he spoke again, it was with Selmak's voice.

"Samantha, your child has a rare and special intelligence which must be carefully nurtured if she is to find her rightful place in your world." Lissa eyed this new personality with interest.

"Jeez, Selmak, she's just a baby!" Jack was never at his most comfortable dealing with symbiotes, be they friend or foe. I took Lissa from Dad to avoid any arguments, "Wrap it up, guys, lunch is ready and those of us who've been working hard need nourishment now."

Over lunch Jack updated me with his progress with invites and the like, and I told him as much of our shopping trip as I could.

"Oh, and I've booked the honeymoon, 10 days in Maui, first class all the way, courtesy of Jacob."

"Dad!" I stared open-mouthed at my father, up to his chin in chicken Caesar salad.

"Come on, kiddo, you know I don't get fed like this very often!"

"Not the food, the honeymoon!"

"It's my wedding gift to you both. With two households, you don't need toasters or bed linen, and with Selmak's help I should outlive you both, so you may as well have your inheritance now."

As far as he was concerned, that was an end of it --- pastrami, quiche, bagels and chocolate cheesecake were all far more absorbing!

Two weeks went by faster than I'd ever known time to travel; there was serious research needed on the effects of wedding planning on the relative passage of time. I was by turns serene, frantic, elated, exhausted, frustrated and joyful, and sometimes several of these at once. Jack was relaxed and purposeful, easing back into life on the base as though he had never been gone, though still very ill at ease with his physical limitations. General Hammond had hinted that he would like me back on duty after our honeymoon, and Melissa had been booked into the Norad crèche, where Jack and I would be able to see her during the day

The wedding rehearsal was rescheduled to the Norad Conference room at the Mountain due to a last- minute Fpcon update drill, but Marcus assured us the wedding would not be affected, and he took us patiently through the ceremony, again making us truly aware of what we were committing to. There was a moment's awkwardness as we had to kneel for his blessing, but Daniel came forward and helped Jack to his feet so gracefully and so naturally that we knew it would be OK. The Entry Authorization List was done, the music was settled, everyone had been told not to throw confetti or rice…..we were ready!

"Oh, one more thing," Jack said, once everything had been done and dusted, "I've got something I'd like to say, as part of my vows. Will that be OK? And Daniel wants to read something for us too. Alright, Sam?"

Marcus spoke before I could. "Many couples like to personalize their vows –that's fine, Jack."

I never dreamt that my hard-assed CO would come up with such a romantic idea, just as long as it wasn't a Homer Simpson quote! Now I'd have to think of something!

"What is it, Jack?"

"Ooh," he said, rolling his eyes, "Heap big secret! Very Classified!"

I laughed at his ridiculous expression, and filed it away in the "One more thing to fret about" box.

And here I was! No more time for fretting, sitting in the limo in my lovely gown, watching Dad as he silently communed with Selmak. His dress blues still looked well on him, and I was proud to be on his arm. Cassie and Janet were waiting for us outside the Chapel, its seventeen gleaming white pinnacles spearing up into a cloudless azure sky. I was aware of someone taking photographs, and of the huge space of the terrazzo around us, but nothing seemed very real.

Dad asked "Is he here?" and Janet laughed a reply, and then it was time to go, the longest short walk of my entire life, the weight of the heavy satin gown ebbing and flowing around me, the glorious scent of the freesias bringing my Mom so close that Dad and I could hear her blessing.

I knew that the Chapel was full, that people were murmuring their approval as we passed. I knew that both Daniel and Teal'c were there as Jack's groomsmen, Daniel elegant in a semi- formal suit and Teal'c magnificent in his ceremonial robes. I knew that a delighted Gramma and Gramps O'Neill were minding a smiling Melissa, and that Janet and Cassie were following us to the altar. I knew that my Dad held my arm, and that his usually firm grip was trembling with emotion. I knew all these things, but all I saw was Jack.

From the moment I stepped through the door, his eyes never left me. I felt as though I was being drawn up the aisle, floating on a current of organ music and pulled to him by the power of his love. He stood straight and tall, half smiling, and as I reached his side, he stretched out a hand and said "Hey!"

I gave my flowers to Cassie, my hand to Jack, and the service began. From somewhere Marcus and Jack had gathered a choir to augment our families' efforts, and as we made our vows, their voices seemed to hang in the still air like motes of dust in a sunbeam.

Before pronouncing us man and wife, Marcus turned to me and asked, "Do you have special words to share with Jack, Sam?"

It had taken me a while to decide what to say, particularly as I had no idea what Jack had chosen, so in the end I'd gone for simplicity.

"This was written by Alexandra, Czarina of Russia." "I am yours, you are mine, of that be sure. You are locked in my heart, the key is lost, and now you must stay there forever."

Jack smiled down at me and I could have swum in the love in his eyes. "Ain't goin' nowhere!" he whispered, in a voice only I could hear.

"And now, Jack, do you have special words to share with Sam?"

"You betcha." came the reply, bringing a laugh from all present. "I guess most of you will know why I chose this. It's something by Lord Byron."

"Is there anything on earth or heaven that would have made me so happy as to have made you mine long ago? And not less now than then, but more than ever at this time. You know that I would with pleasure give up all here and all beyond the grave for you. I was and am yours freely and most entirely, to obey, to honor, to love and to fly with you when, where and how you yourself might determine."

The appositeness of his words overwhelmed me, and tears were very close for both of us as Daniel stepped forward. He seemed to make no effort, but his clear, ringing voice could be heard throughout the Chapel as he recited the poem he had chosen to end our wedding service.

" No speed of wind or water rushing by
But you have speed far greater. You can climb
Back up a stream of radiance to the sky,
And back through history up the stream of time.
And you were given this swiftness, not for haste
Nor chiefly that you may go where you will,
But in the rush of everything to waste,
That you may have the power of standing still –
Off any still or moving thing you say.
Two such as you with such a master speed
Cannot be parted nor swept away
From one another once you are agreed
That life is only life forevermore
Together wing to wing and oar to oar"

"And so, Samantha and Jonathan, having exchanged your vows, and given and received rings, I declare that in the eyes of the Lord and in the eyes of your world, you are husband and wife. Jack, you may kiss your very beautiful bride."

"Oh Yeah." Jack lifted my veil and leant gently towards me, but at the last moment before our lips met, he stopped and turned to the congregation.

"Excuse me! General Hammond, sir? Could you just look the other way for a minute --- this still doesn't feel quite right in your presence."

Amidst the laughter, Jack took my face tenderly in his hands and we shared our first sweet kiss as Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill before leaving the Chapel through the Arch of Swords onto the terrazzo.

There the dignity and ceremonial came to a very abrupt end! Someone had supplied Teal'c and Cassie with bubble guns, and we found ourselves swathed in clouds of rainbow-colored bubbles as we tried to get to the car. Jack had the smirk of a guy who had just carried off another successful prank, and I scolded him gently as we drove away. "You'll be sorry if anyone's expensive outfit gets ruined."

"For cryin' out loud….. Married for…." He checked his watch, "Fourteen minutes and thirty two seconds and you're nagging already."

It was only a short drive to the Officers Club, but we managed to squeeze in a lot of hugs and kisses before we had to greet our guests. We had restricted this part of the celebration to close family and friends, and it was wonderful to catch up, renew old ties and show off Melissa over drinks and excellent canapés. Lissa behaved like a princess, captivating the women and bewitching the men, and Jack's pride in ` his girls' shone like a beacon on a watchtower At 18.00 we drew this part of the event to a close to allow everyone a little respite before the evening dance. We all needed to change and have a breather, and Jack looked particularly pale and tired.

Shutting our front door behind us, I gave Melissa to Jack. "Take her for a nap while we change, Jack. Just unzip me before you go." I went into our room to undress, slipping on my robe and taking off my makeup before stretching out on the bed. I waited for Jack to come through to change, and when he didn't appear, I went into the nursery.

He had crammed his long frame into the nursing chair, and with Melissa cuddled close to his chest, was fast asleep, his cheek pillowed on her tousled curls. She held his finger tightly in one little fist and was sucking on it contentedly, still wide awake and smiling, but making no sound as she kept watch over her exhausted Daddy.

I put my finger to my lips and lifted her gently, changing her from her lovely gown to more practical rompers for the evening party. She held her arms out to Jack as I laid her in her cot but I whispered that Daddy needed to rest and she snuggled down in her sleeping bag, blinked like a little tawny owlet and settled off to sleep. I hoped I could re-settle Jack that easily.

"Honey, you need to change, let's get you comfortable."

His eyes opened immediately but remained unfocused, and for a brief horrifying instant my mind flashed back to the moments after his injury, but then he spoke, and everything was OK again.

"Hey, wife, I guess our daughter must have sung me a lullaby."

"It's been a big day, and there's more to come --- let's get you out of that uniform and we can get some rest."

The two hours sleep we managed seemed like two minutes, and almost before we realized we were in each other's arms for the first dance of the evening. Jack's arms were around my waist smoothing the fine linen of my party outfit, and my cheek was snuggled into the soft cashmere of his black shirt, teamed with smart cream chinos.

A lavish buffet had greeted our guests, and a cool jazz combo alternated with a small swing band to provide the music. All the musicians were friends and comrades of Jack's, going way back to his college days and beyond, and all had volunteered their services for the evening As General Hammond put me down after a very spirited tango, I made my way to where Jack was holding the attention of a small group in the corner of the bar. I was amazed to see Russo, Franklyn and the law firm. Franklyn was cuddling Melissa, enchanted by our gorgeous child, and in fact I hardly recognized her. She had lost weight, had her hair restyled and had obviously begun to take a real interest in her appearance

"Colonel O'Neill nearly died for me, Major Cart…I mean O'Neill, I couldn't let that go to waste. Sanchez and I are getting married in the fall, perhaps you'll be able to come to our wedding?"

"That would be great, Alicia, congratulations to you both! Jack, should we circulate a little?"

"See, kids? Henpecked already! Thanks for coming, and good luck for the future."

We drank toasts, hugged friends, accepted gifts and drank more toasts until the faces became a blur.

"Sam, I know he's not going to admit it, but I think maybe Jack's had enough. He looks really exhausted and he's still recovering, you know." Janet's voice was gentle and full of concern as we watched Jack talk to the leader of the jazz combo. I nodded my agreement, but before I could fetch him, he had been helped onto the small stage and someone passed him an elegant classical guitar with a contact microphone clipped to it. Plugging in to the combo's amplifier, he smiled lazily at me and nodded his readiness to the bandleader. I stood mystified as Joel stepped to the mike and announced, "This will be our last number, ladies and gentlemen, and to round off the evening we are returning to our original Academy line-up, with the one, the only, Jonathan O'Neill on lead guitar."

Daniel joined Janet and I to listen.

"Did you know he played, Daniel?"

"Well, there's always been a guitar in his quarters, but I've never seen him pick it up, let alone play it."

The band started off slow and sexy, and I recognized the piece even before Jack joined in. That wretched tune had haunted me throughout my adolescence, and then I'd hated it, but as Jack's long and sensitive fingers picked up the melody and his eyes held mine, it seemed the most romantic thing in the world. Jack never sang, but he breathed the words softly over the music he was making, and Janet and I clasped hands to keep back the tears.

"I love you, Samantha, and our love will never die.
Remember, Samantha, I'm a one-girl guy."

As the song ended he came back to me, we collected Lissa from Grandpa Jake and honorary Grandpa George, and amidst cheers and applause we made our way outside to where Jack's truck stood, swathed in streamers, balloons, tin cans and some very disreputable USAF boots! Lou Ferretti and Sly Siler stood alongside it, looking very pleased with themselves. We admired their efforts and Jack, smiling, took the keys out of his pocket.

"Oh, wait, there's something I've got to do." Taking my bridal bouquet from Cassie, who'd looked after it carefully all day, I tossed it into the crowd. I hoped the throw looked convincingly casual, but my aim was sure, and Janet had no choice but to catch it, blushing furiously and looking around for Daniel!

"My turn!" Jack said, and also turning to the crowd, he threw his truck keys to Teal'c. The big Jaffa smiled, put two fingers into his mouth and blew an ear-splitting whistle.

"I taught him that!" Jack said proudly, as the shrill blast brought Daniel around the corner driving my blessedly unadorned car.

Seeing Ferretti's crestfallen face, Jack grinned. "Better luck next time, Lou, Daniel isn't quite as savvy as me!" and with cheerful waves, we made our escape.

END FOR NOW, EPISODE THREE TO COME, FEEDBACK, ANYONE?