Tangled Threads (Ch 20-22)

Tangled Threads (Ch 2o–22)

CHAPTER 20

Jack slammed his truck into park before resting his forehead on the driving wheel. Letting out a deep sigh, he suddenly felt every one of his 53 years.

After returning from Washington, he stopped off briefly at the SGC to check in with Colonel Reynolds before making his way to the surface and climbing into his truck to drive home. He hadn't even changed out of his dress blues - he just wanted to get home and get away from anything work related as quickly as possible.

Reaching over to the passenger seat, Jack picked up his service hat and flung his jacket over his right shoulder as he jumped out of the truck.

Once he stepped over the threshold, he made a beeline for the front room, draping his jacket and hat over the arm of the sofa, before sitting down heavily in the adjacent armchair.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt with his left hand, while loosening his tie with the other and let out a growl of frustration as he ran a hand over his face.

"Argh!"

Leaning back in the chair, he cast an eye around the room whilst his long fingers drummed something unintelligible on his thighs. After a few minutes he jumped up and made his way into the kitchen, snatching a beer from the fridge. He was just about to take a long swig when he froze, the bottle resting against his partially open lips. Closing his eyes, Jack sighed and set the bottle on the worktop.

Maybe he'd feel better once he had a shower and changed into civvies.

Or not.

Jack was sitting back in the armchair in jeans and a maroon round neck shirt, idly picking at the label on his untouched bottle of beer and found himself still as annoyed as he had been leaving Washington. He glanced over his shoulder at the clock on the wall and sighed when he saw it was 1645.

He didn't know what to expect during his two days in Washington, but Jack knew it wasn't going to be pleasant. The place was full of big brass, delegates and politicians; not exactly a selection of Jack's favorite people. The only saving grace, he thought with a wicked smirk, was that on this occasion, Kinsey wouldn't be anywhere in sight.

Yet as his time in DC came to an end, even that little bright spot hadn't helped Jack's mood.

He, along with Hammond, had met with the President and Joint Chiefs and discussed the events of the last few weeks as well as successfully confirming the elimination of the Goa'uld and Replicators. Jack also gave a status report on the SGC and its officers before talks turned to other matters. Matters Jack hadn't been prepared for, and matters he didn't want to know about.

Arguments had arisen, tempers had flared and ultimatums had been issued. The only thing that had stopped Jack from storming out of the Pentagon and catching an early flight home, was Henry Hayes.

Despite being involved with politics - and having a questionable taste in running mates - Jack knew the President was a good man. He had spent time in the Air Force himself when he was younger, so he was more sympathetic to the Stargate Program and its officers, unlike a lot of other high-ranking politicians floating around. The man had also taken time out of his schedule to attend Jacob's memorial service personally, because he had wanted to, not because he felt he had to.

Still, it didn't alter the fact that Jack had yet to calm down from his proposition and as he reverted his attention back to his beer, he instinctively tightened his grip on the bottle, debating whether he should drink it or not.

"Dammit," he growled a minute later before slamming the bottle down on the small coffee table, ignoring the splashes it made on the wooden surface.

Making his way into the hall, he grabbed his keys off the side table and slammed the front door behind him.

He didn't really want to accept what the President and Joint Chiefs had told him, but then again, he hadn't been given much choice in the matter. Even when Hayes and General Hammond pulled him to the side for a 'quiet word', he was still seething and it took a while for him to realize what exactly they were telling him.

Or not telling him, depending on the way you looked at it.

Jack frowned as he turned down one street, then another, trying desperately to forget about the last two days. He knew Carter, Daniel and Teal'c would recognize something was bothering him as soon as they saw him, but he was determined to hold off their concern and questions for the time being.

After all, Sam's family were heading back to San Diego in the morning, and he had promised the kids he would see them before they had to leave. It was only then, when he pulled up to the kerb, he realized where he was.

***

"Look at this one, Auntie Sam!" Jo exclaimed happily, pointing to a photograph. "Grandma Katherine was so pretty!"

Sam smiled softly as she looked at the photo of her parents on their wedding day. It was a black and white print with the two of them standing in front of the chapel. Her dad was standing behind her mom, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist whilst hers rested on top of his. They were both wearing matching smiles, and even from the photo, you could see the love they had for each other clearly expressed in their eyes. For Sam, however, what made the photo even that more special, was the fact that her parents were totally oblivious to the camera. They only had eyes for each other, with her mom looking at her father over her right shoulder, and him returning her gaze.

Jo's voice pulled Sam from her thoughts, and she glanced down at her niece sitting beside her on the floor.

"You look just like her," the little girl whispered, wonder filling her voice.

Sam felt herself blush at her comment, and was about to respond when she heard a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," she murmured as she placed the photo album carefully onto the coffee table, leaving it open at its current page. Ignoring the various pops and cracks coming from her body as she got to her feet, Sam ruffled her niece's hair before heading to the door.

"Sir! You're back!" Sam greeted him with a smile, before realizing she sounded a little too happy to see him.

"Carter."

Sam frowned. She immediately knew something was bothering him and began to panic as to the reason. Was it because of Washington? Was it because of her? Had he bumped into Agent Johnson whilst he was in DC? Had he realized their talk the other night wasn't what he really wanted? Was it something else?

She shook her head in an effort to rid her mind of the sudden rush of thoughts and blushed slightly when she noticed the General was still waiting for her to let him in, a befuddled expression on his face.

"Oh. Sorry, Sir. Come in," she mumbled, stepping aside.

Closing the door behind him, Sam jumped slightly when she saw he was still standing close, rocking nervously on his heels and his hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans. An uncomfortable silence feel between them; both wanting to say something or reach out to the other, but both unsure as to who should make the first move. Finally, it was Sam who broke the silence.

"How was Washington?"

"Just peachy," he hesitated.

Sam grimaced. "That bad?"

"You have no idea, Carter." Jack murmured, running a hand along the back of his neck.

"You okay?" he added after a beat.

"Fine, Sir," she smiled softly.

"Good. Did you take my advice," he asked, observing her closely as she ducked her chin to hide the blush now creeping across her face.

"Yes, I did. It was good advice, Sir," she finished quietly.

"Excellent!" he answered with his best Simpsons impression. "You see, I do have good ideas now and again," he stated proudly.

Sam giggled. "Yes, Sir."

Jack gave her a pointed look before returning her smile; all traces of their earlier unease gone. He had just started to speak again when Jo rounded the corner.

"Auntie Sam? Do you have... General Jack!" she squealed, running towards him and flinging herself into his arms.

"Hey kiddo," he grinned, as he caught her and settled her on his hip.

"Auntie Sam said you were away on a trip."

"That's right."

"Was it fun?"

Ignoring Sam's undignified snort, Jack answered. "Uh... not really, no. I had to work," he added at Jo's confused look.

"Oh. Work is boring!" Jo claimed dramatically, making Jack smirk.

"Tell me about it," he muttered, tucking her on the chin. "So, did you have fun when I was away?"

"Yes, Sir!" she giggled, nodded feverously at Jack's question. "Auntie Sam took us to the zoo!"

He threw his 2IC a lopsided grin. "The zoo, eh?"

At her shrug, he turned back to Jo who was now reciting her experiences of the trip.

"...but they had lots and lots of other animals too. The monkeys were funny... daddy said I should've been in there with them though," she stated with confusion, causing Jack to chuckle. "The penguins were my favorite. I even got to feed them!" she beamed. "And Auntie Sam bought me a present! Do you want to see it?"

Jack hadn't time to reply before Jo wriggled out of his hold and bolted down the hallway.

"She's missed you, Sir," Sam said with a shrug as she walked past him towards the kitchen.

"Not you?" he asked, feigning hurt as he followed behind.

"Always, Sir," she threw over her shoulder with a grin.

As the General took a seat at the table, Sam felt his eyes on her as she set about making coffee. After a few moments, Mark's voice could be heard coming from down the hallway.

"Sam? Is everything okay? Jo bounded into the room, raving about something between you and Ja..."

He trailed off as he entered the kitchen, realizing the source of his daughter's sudden adrenaline rush.

"Jack! Sorry, I didn't know you were here," he apologized sheepishly.

Jack dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "I just arrived," he shrugged.

"Coffee, Mark?" Sam asked with her back to the two men.

"Sure," he replied, taking the seat opposite Jack.

She listened to the two of them make small talk when Liz entered a few minutes later, Ben and Beth close behind.

"General!" Liz greeted with a smile.

"Liz, Ben, Beth. You guys good?"

A chorus of 'Yes, Sir' went up from the kids who scrambled to the two free remaining seats, while Liz walked over to help Sam.

"You survived your trip okay, I see?" Liz turned smiling at him.

"Just about," he grimaced, casting a quick glance at Sam. "And it's Jack."

Sam caught his eye and knowing he didn't want to go into details about his visit to Washington, quickly changed the subject.

"Where's Jo?" she asked, looking around the room.

Liz rolled her eyes. "She's checking her appearance in your bedroom mirror."

Sam's laugh reached Jack's ears, causing his eyes to widen in pleasant surprise, before narrowing in suspicion. He was just about to question her about it, when Jo skipped in.

"What do you think, General Jack?"

His head swiveled around to the girl and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped. Jo was now standing beside him, grinning that mega-watt Carter smile and sporting a new outfit as she peeked up at him from underneath a pilot hat designed as a penguin - which came complete with beaded eyes, ears and a beak. The earflaps hid some of her wild curls, while the long tassels had a pom-pom on the end, falling to her stomach.

Jack's eyes then moved to the t-shirt she was wearing and he let out another laugh when he saw a cartoon duck smiling back at him, with the phrase 'You quack me up!" underneath it.

"I think you look great, Jo," he answered, the amusement evident in his voice. He turned to Sam with a smirk. "Who knew your aunt had such a quirky sense of humor?"

Rolling her eyes, Sam met Jack's gaze and soon they found themselves staring at each other, neither willing to break the connection and both unaware of the look Mark and Liz were sharing.

"Why don't you guys head into the front room and I'll help Sam with the coffee?" Liz suggested, clearing her throat quietly.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Sam turned to Liz with an embarrassed smile but neither of them spoke as they finished making the coffee.

***

The two women faltered as they entered the front room and glanced around when they noticed how quiet everyone was. Ben and Beth were sitting on the floor looking through a pile of papers, while Mark was in the armchair just behind him. He was pointing at one of the pages - a cutting from an old newspaper - and talking about it quietly to them. Jack was sitting at the far end of the soda with Jo leaning on her knees and resting against his left side as she pointed to a book resting reverently in his lap.

Sam swallowed hard at the sudden lump in her throat. Even from where she stood, she knew what he was looking at. He glanced up as Sam approached and her eyes widened at the look on his face. It was one she hadn't seen before, but it was soon replaced with a concerned frown and then an amused smile.

"You thirsty, Carter. Or is one of those for me?" he asked, pointing to one of the cups she was clenching in her hands.

"Oh. No. I mean, yes. I... here you go," she stuttered as she reached him the nearest coffee.

Her skin felt like it was on fire as Jack's fingers brushed against hers and she felt her blush deepening with every second his touch remained. Nodding his thanks, Sam cleared her throat awkwardly before sitting down beside Jo.

She watched her niece tell the General about her grandparents and her own amusing stories behind a few of the photos from the album in front of him, when Jo suddenly jumped up from the sofa and ran towards Sam's bedroom.

Jack raised a brow at Sam, but a shrug of her shoulders told him she had no idea as to the sudden departure either, nor did Liz or Mark who had started to gather up the empty cups and take them into the kitchen. When they left the room, Jack looked over to Ben and Beth who were still sitting on the floor and looking through various photographs, when he reached over and gently tugged on Sam's hand.

"C'mere," he whispered, jerking with his head that she should move closer to him.

Immediately, she obeyed his request and settled against his side, whilst he lifted his left arm and stretched it around the back of the sofa to pull her close. He rested his chin on her blonde hair and sighed. They stayed like that for a few moments before Sam felt Jack's chest vibrating underneath her.

"You look just like her," he mumbled softly into her hair.

"Hmm?"

"Your mom. You look just like her," he repeated, pointing to the open photo album in front of them; specifically, the photo Sam had been studying earlier with Jo.

"Everyone says that," Sam answered, sitting up slightly to look at him. When she did, she noticed him looking wistfully at the photo. She was thinking about what to say when he spoke up.

"She looks happy. They both do," he added with a small smile. "She would be very proud of you."

He saw her eyes glisten and the faint blush on her cheeks, so he pulled her close to him again and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, just as Liz and Mark walked back in.

Giving Sam a gentle knock with his shoulder, Jack removed his arm from around her, but left it resting along the back of the sofa as Sam shifted slightly to put a little space between the two of them.

"I bought you a present from the zoo, General Jack!" Jo called as she entered the front room, carefully carrying it in her small hands.

"You did?" Jack asked before clearing his throat and repeating the question in a considerably lower tone of voice. "You did?"

"Yep!"

Coming to a stop in front of Jack, she grinned as he reached out and took the item from her. It was about the size of a baseball glove and wrapped neatly in dark blue tissue paper. Arching a brow, Jack turned it over and asked if he should open it. Met with an enthusiastic nod of the head from Jo, he grinned and started to unwrap his present.

"Auntie Sam helped me pick it," Jo added as Sam lifted her onto her knee.

Looking at the two Carter's beside him, Jack turned his attention to the gift and laughed. In his hand was a khaki-colored bucket hat, decorated with bug-eyed, cartoon fish, as well as a bag of gummy candy snakes.

"Do you like it, General Jack?"

Turning to face Sam, he noticed her eyes twinkling in amusement at Jo's question. Smirking, he pulled the hat onto his head.

"It's great, kiddo. Thank you."

***

Clearing away the last of the empty pizza boxes in the kitchen, Sam sighed and returned to the front room, content to collapse into one of the armchairs and just watch her family interacting.

She allowed herself a small smile. Family.

Daniel and Teal'c turned up on her doorstep at precisely 1800 hours, with Teal'c carrying numerous boxes of pizza and Daniel carrying a six-pack of Guinness and a PlayStation.

Now, Daniel was lying sprawled on the floor playing Snakes and Ladders with Jo and Beth, while Teal'c was sitting cross-legged on the floor playing Space Invaders with Ben. She shook her head; trust the General to phone the guys and get them to pick up his games console from the base before they left.

To her left, Liz was sitting at the end of the couch nearest Sam and was watching Teal'c with a mixture of fascination and amusement as he happily annihilated the various aliens in the video game. At the other end of the couch, was the General - beer in hand - in a deep conversation with Mark. She couldn't hear what it was about, and as Mark's laugh echoed around the room, she wasn't quite sure she wanted to know. Glancing around, she noticed the two men had also gained everyone else's attention as well.

"You were barred?" Mark asked, eyes wide with disbelief as he tried to contain his laughter.

Sam grinned. Even now, SG-1 still got a kick out of the O'Malley's story.

"Oh yeah," Jack replied. "Your sister even managed to make a few bucks from some poor, unsuspecting guys at pool before we had to leave. How much did you make again, Carter?" He asked casually, taking a sip of beer.

"250 dollars, Sir. Double or nothing."

Mark's jaw dropped open. "Now I remember why I stopped playing you."

At Sam's snort, Jack turned his focus back to Mark. "How much did you lose to her over the years?"

"I stopped once I lost my car," he grumbled.

"Oy!"

"You're not one to talk, Jack," Daniel interjected from his spot on the floor.

"Excuse me?"

"Doctor Jackson is correct, O'Neill. Was there not one time when you lost a considerable amount of money because you thought it prudent to gamble on whether or not Colonel Carter would choose to go on a scientific expedition through the Stargate?"

"The Light, Sir." Sam supplied, at his frown.

"Oh. Yeah. That... Beer anyone?" Jack asked before getting up and heading into the kitchen, missing the amused glances between the rest of the adults in the room.

"Well, you'll have to accept my apologies, but I've a few things of the kids still to pack up before we leave, so I'm going to have to leave you all for a while," Liz smiled, while Mark got up from his seat to help his wife. He asked Sam if she would mind keeping an eye on the children whilst they finished packing, and she was just about to answer when Jack cut in as he reclaimed his seat on the couch.

"No, I'll watch them."

Sam frowned. "Sir?"

Turning to look at Sam, a smug smile spread across his face.

"You've got packin' to do!"

She tilted her head to the side and raised a brow at Daniel and Teal'c only to frown when she noticed they were deliberately avoiding her gaze. Turning her attention back to the General, she fought the urge to roll her eyes as he took a deliberately long, slow swig of beer.

"Am I going somewhere, Sir?" she asked, shifting forward in her chair.

"As a matter of fact you are, Carter."

"Care to tell me where. Sir," she added belatedly.

"Fishing."

"Fishing?" she repeated slowly.

"Yep."

Sam tried not to scowl at his relaxed, yet smug demeanor and opened her mouth to respond but as she locked eyes with him she thought better of it, and Jack was convinced he saw it in her eyes, the second realization dawned for her.

Trying to keep the amusement from her voice, she folded her arms in front of her chest and spoke.

"And I suppose you happen to know just the place?"

"I do. I know this great little place in Minnesota, where the bass grow that big," emphasizing his point as he opened his arms wide, causing Sam to smile.

"Really?"

"Oh yeah! Land of sky blue waters, loofahs..."

"'Ya sure you betcha snookums' and mosquitoes," Sam finished with a laugh.

Jack nodded once and watched Sam carefully for a few seconds as she regained her composure, while Liz and Mark exchanged a confused look.

"That... sounds like fun, Sir."

The General's eyes widened briefly in surprise as she finally accepted an invitation up to his cabin. His mind started racing; he had hoped she would say yes, and his gut instinct told him that on this occasion she would - yet he still wasn't prepared for when she said yes. She had said yes, hadn't she?

"Uh... Was that a 'yes', Carter?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Sweet!"

She rolled her eyes at the shit-eating grin now plastered on his face, even as he took another sip of beer.

"When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. After we leave your family back to Peterson. We'll be there for a week. And -" Jack added, raising a finger seeing Sam was object to object. "I've already spoken to Reynolds. He's going to hold the fort down whilst we're gone, and since there were no major disasters with any of your science geeks last week..." He smirked at her glare, "Your lab is on lockdown for another week," he finished with a shrug.

Sam sighed loudly and let her eyes roam over the General's face. She could see the hope and excitement in his features the second she had accepted his invitation, but as the seconds went by, she noticed the doubt start to creep in. Doubt that he thought he'd overstepped the mark by keeping her away from her work for another week, and essentially ordering her as to how she was going to spend the free time she now had as a result.

She suddenly cocked her head to the side.

"There are no fish in your pond, are there?"

Jack smirked into his beer. "That's for me to know, and you to find out, Carter."

Shaking her head, Sam caught the quick, knowing smile Liz sent to Mark before returning her attention to the General.

"You're on, Sir."

"Good!" he exclaimed, as he set his bottle down on the coffee table and clapped his hands together.

He carefully settled onto the floor beside the Jo and Beth and with a lazy smile, quipped; "Now, Go. Pack!"

***

CHAPTER 21

***

"Good morning, campers!" Jack grinned as Sam opened the door to him the following morning.

"Morning, Sir."

"Ah, ah!" Jack retorted, holding up his right index finger as he slipped past Sam into her house.

"Let's get one thing straight, Carter," Jack drawled as he turned to face her. "I don't wanna hear the word 'Sir', 'General', or any other sort of honorific that suggests I'm your Commanding Officer come from your mouth for the next week. Understood?"

Sam narrowed her eyes and regarded him warily before shaking her head and smiling.

"Is that an order, Sir?" she challenged.

"Funny, Carter. Real funny. And just for that, yes, it is."

She snorted at his affronted expression, but resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

She eventually relented. "Okay, but -" she said, holding her hands in the air in a defensive gesture. "After eight years... it might take time to get used to."

Jack nodded once, and started looking anywhere but Sam to try and stop the boyish grin threatening to break onto his face.

"Your family almost ready?" he asked as he headed towards the front room.

"Yes, Si... Ah, Jack," she corrected quickly as Jack spun around to face her.

"There's coffee in the kitchen, I think Mark's in there. I'll finish giving Liz a hand and then we can leave."

Sam flashed the General her mega-watt smile before heading back to the bedrooms. Jack's eyes followed her and as soon as she was out of sight, he entered the kitchen.

"Mark."

The younger man jumped at the sound of his name.

"Jack! Do you always sneak up on people like that," he asked once he regained his composure.

Jack smirked. "Years of practice. Is that coffee?" he added after a beat, pointing to the cup in Mark's hand.

He moved to get himself a cup when he cast a glance at the younger man, and then the empty doorway. Taking a sip of coffee, Jack cleared his throat.

"Listen Mark, there's something I wanted to ask you..."

***

"Come in!" Liz called, as Sam knocked lightly on the bedroom door.

Opening the door wide, Sam couldn't help but swallow hard at the scene which greeted her. Liz was closing the cases, while the kids were all helping in their own little ways and Sam was hit with a sudden twinge of sadness. She really didn't want to say goodbye to her family yet.

After the team left last night, Sam hadn't been able to get to sleep as her mind raced over the events of the last week and the week yet to come. She realized then, in the silence and darkness of the night, just how much her family had helped her with the last few days, even if she hadn't noticed at the time. That was immediately followed by the thought that Sam had actually needed and allowed her family to get close enough to her to help. She had let her guard down and allowed a few cracks to show in the soldier that she was.

Her father's death had sparked something inside of Sam. Something she didn't know she'd had before, which was why she found her thought processes changing more and more frequently throughout the past week.

She was now thinking less about her work and more about the things that really matter in life. The things she had denied herself for so long.

Companionship. Family. Love.

Her brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew had not only filled some of the void and loss in Sam's heart, but also those of Daniel, Teal'c and the General. She let out a small smile as she thought of them; she would miss her family greatly once they left, but knew her other family would be there to pick up the pieces if, and when, she fell.

"Are you okay, Sam?" Liz asked, frowning slightly.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," she answered with a strained smile.

Liz sent her a look clearly saying she didn't believe her, but continued moving the suitcases from the top of the bed. Sam took one of the cases from her, whilst the kids picked up their coats.

"The General's here, so whenever you're ready to go..."

"General Jack's here?" Jo asked, throwing her coat down and darting out of the room before Sam had a chance to answer. Turning to look at Liz, both women shook their heads before laughing.

"She's going to miss him," Liz said as she walked around the side of the bed.

"I think the General will miss her too."

"He's good with kids," Liz said fondly.

Sam stiffened before offering a small smile.

"Yeah, he is," she whispered.

Liz cleared her throat awkwardly, knowing not to push the issue.

"Are you looking forward to your trip?"

She smiled as Sam turned and rolled her eyes, before grinning.

"A week fishing... in a pond with no fish. I can't wait," she finished with a laugh.

"Oh, I'm sure the General will make it more interesting," Liz winked before laughing at the deep crimson blush spreading across Sam's face and neck.

"Liz!"

"What?" Liz asked innocently. "All I meant was that he'd keep you company."

Sam studied the other woman closely and noticed the all-too-innocent look on her face.

"Relax, Sam," Liz said as she went to move past Sam. "Just take it easy when you get there... and everything will fall into place," she finished cryptically as she carried her case into the hallway.

***

"General Jack!" Jo grinned, as she skidded to a stop in front of him.

"Morning kiddo!"

"Are you here to take us home?"

Jack chuckled as he ruffled her hair. "Not today. I'm just helping your aunt get you to your flight."

"Oh. Are you still taking Auntie Sam fishing?"

"Yes, I am. I've tried to get her to come fishing with me for a long time now, so she's not getting out of it that easily."

"How long?"

"Uh..." Jack cast a quick glance at Mark before answering. "I first asked her five years ago, but she said no."

He watched closely as Jo appeared to be making calculations in her head. It was definitely like watching a mini-Sam at work.

"Oh. That's like, forever!" Jo exclaimed with horror. "When I turned five, daddy said I was getting really old!"

A chuckle escaped from both men at her answer.

"Why did she say no?"

"Uh..."

"It's complicated, sweetie," Sam said as she entered the kitchen, looking slightly flustered.

"Why?"

"Jo, perhaps you should go and grab your coat," Mark suggested, gently pushing the little girl out of the kitchen.

"'Kay," she sulked.

She was just about to leave when she swung around, loosening herself from her father's grip and made her way back into the kitchen, where the General was sitting.

"Can I go fishing with General Jack and Auntie Sam?"

Mark and Jack smirked. "Not this time honey, you've got school, remember?" Mark asked, raising a brow at his daughter.

Jo pouted, only for a wave of excitement to cross her face seconds later.

"Can I go next time?"

Mark blinked at her forwardness and all he could do was open and close his mouth as he thought of an answer. He got as far as 'Uh...' when Jack answered.

"Next time. If you're mom and dad agree, that is," he added with a wink.

Sam stared at him in confusion but from the blank expression on his face, knew he wasn't going to elaborate on his answer. Instead, she watched Jo grinning like a Cheshire Cat as she gave Jack a hug and ran out of the kitchen.

"I'm sorry Jack, Jo shouldn't -"

Jack waved a hand to dismiss Mark's apology, when he cast a quick glance at Sam. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

"Here, Carter. Can you get the kids sorted with my truck? I just need to check a couple of things with Mark before... before we leave," he shrugged.

He threw his keys and she caught them swiftly, studying the General closely as she did so. He wasn't giving anything away, nor was her brother and she frowned at them both before turning and starting to leave.

"Okay," she mumbled before giving them one last suspicious look over her shoulder.

***

"So, Carter... you ready to hit the open road?" Jack quipped over the hood of his truck, both officers having just said goodbye to Sam's family.

"Yes, Sir!"

"Caaaarter!" Jack whined, causing Sam to wince.

"Sorry," she mumbled apologetically.

"Yes, well..." he trailed off, with narrowed eyes as he slid into the drivers seat, quickly followed by Carter into the passenger seat.

It was a 14-hour drive to Jack's cabin from Colorado Springs, but once he pulled onto the highway leading out of the Springs, both of the truck's occupants were over their initial nerves and discomfort. They soon found themselves relaxing, enjoying each other's company - uninterrupted and unguarded - for the first time.

Sam shared some of Jo's antics over the last few months with the General, as well as stories of her and Mark from when they were younger. They also shared conversations about Cassie and more general topics like music or television. Conversation came to them easily, as did the jokes, laughs and Jack's childish suggestions for '20 Questions' and the License Plate game.

As the first few hours passed, and despite her protests over the long journey still ahead, Jack refused to let Sam drive his truck, insisting it was her vacation and therefore she should vacate from any positions of responsibility. It was only after playfully arguing over the General's use of the word 'vacate' for the best part of an hour, that Jack took the nearest exit to stop for lunch.

The discussions continued to flow naturally for the couple as they enjoyed their meals, and again when they returned to the truck.

That was, until Sam brought up the topic of Daniel and Teal'c.

She was looking out the passenger window when she suddenly spoke.

"So, are we meeting the guys at your cabin?"

Jack frowned. "Huh?"

Sam cast a quick glance over to him, before she answered.

"Daniel and Teal'c."

As he continued to frown, Sam sighed.

"Well, I just assumed you were picking them up after we left Peterson, but you didn't. So I thought that maybe Teal'c and Daniel were going to follow behind us... but you haven't mentioned it, and they're nowhere in sight," Sam finished with a shrug, returning her gaze to the window.

Jack continued to study the road ahead, risking one tiny peek over at Sam before he shifted - somewhat unsuccessfully - in his seat.

"Uh..."

"They are coming, aren't they?" Sam asked, turning to face the General.

"Yeah! Of course they are," Jack hesitated. "It's just..."

He tilted his head to the side as he thought of what to say. Waving his hand vaguely in front of him, Jack mumbled something incoherent.

"What was that?"

Sam pursed her lips in an attempt to hide her smile as the General's discomfort grew.

"They won't be joining us today."

"Oh?"

Jack's head snapped around to face Sam at her overly surprised tone.

"Yeah," he answered slowly.

She turned away to look out the window. "Why's that?"

"Uh..." Jack frowned. He had no idea where this conversation was going. Or where he wanted it to go - just yet.

"Daniel said he wanted to finish off a translation or something first since he can't bring it with him, and Teal'c... well, out of the two of them, Teal'c's the only one who's been to the cabin before, so..."

"Oh. When will they be joining us?"

Jack winced. "Wednesday."

Now it was Sam's turn to snap her head around.

"Wednesday? That's two days from now!"

Crap.

Jack felt himself pale at her voice. It wasn't that he had the week at the cabin planned out, but Daniel and Teal'c - mainly Daniel - had insisted the two of them should head up to the cabin early, and Jack - being Jack - decided it would be easier not to argue with the archeologist on this occasion.

Hell, who was he kidding.

Jack would be the first to admit he just wanted to get Sam up to the cabin by herself for at least one day. He had something important to talk to her about, and he felt he'd be able to do it - or at least be more willing to try - the fewer people there were around to eavesdrop - like Daniel.

An irrational wave of panic suddenly swept over Jack as he replayed Sam's response over in his mind. Had he somehow misread her intentions and she actually didn't want to visit his cabin, let alone spend some time with him? And now here she was. Alone. With him. At his cabin. For two days. Two long days.

"Is that a problem?" Jack hedged carefully.

"No! I mean..." Sam blushed slightly, before smiling. "No, it's fine. A little surprising, but..."

Jack let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"Hey! You know Spacemonkey and his rocks," Jack quipped, trying to lighten the mood... and tame his palpitations.

"Can we talk about something other than... work," he suggested a moment later, glancing in his rearview mirror.

Nodding her head, Sam agreed.

"Sure. What did you do to my nieces and nephew?" she asked nonchalantly after a beat.

"Excuse me?"

"They were all sporting the same smug smile when they left your truck at Peterson - and they were all directed at me."

"They were happy to see you?" Jack shrugged.

Sam threw him an unamused glare, causing him to stiffen slightly.

"Uh uh. Not with those smiles," she said, shaking her head. "The last time they smiled at me like that, was when I played a practical joke on Mark."

"Really? What was the joke?"

"Stop trying to change the subject!"

"I'm not!"

Sam rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop the grin on her face. He really could be so childish at times.

"What makes you think I said something to them anyway?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent, but failing miserably.

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Well, for starters, Jo almost squealed the base down when she jumped out of your truck. When she ran over to me, she launched herself into my arms and said - and I quote -" she added, holding up a hand, "'General Jack told me a secret', before she started giggling."

"Oh. Yeah... I got nothin' Carter. Sorry," Jack shrugged. He avoiding meeting her eye, but Sam could swear she saw the glint in his eye as he 'concentrated' on his driving. He was so busted.

"Can we talk about something else again?" he asked.

Sam snorted softly, before narrowing her eyes. She tilted her head to the side.

"What did you want to talk to my brother about?"

***

CHAPTER 22

***

"Huh?"

"I know you know you heard me."

"Uh, Carter..."

"Sam."

Jack frowned. "What?"

"You want me to call you Jack, right?"

"Yeah."

"So... you can call me Sam?"

"Okay," he answered slowly.

"Good. So?"

"So... what?"

"Jack!"

The exasperated tone Sam used as she called his name made her CO's eyebrows shoot up his forehead so fast, it would have made Teal'c jealous, but if truth be told, Jack quite liked the sound of it and was having a hard time trying not to smile - or concentrate - as a result.

"Sorry, what was that?"

Sam sighed. "What. Did. You. Want. To. Talk. To. My. Brother. About?"

"That sounds awfully close to insubordination, you know," he challenged as he tried to think of something to tell her.

"Fine, Sir. Is that better?"

Jack couldn't help but shake his head and laugh. "You've been hanging around me far too long, Car... Sam," he corrected himself as he continued to concentrate on the road ahead.

Sam smirked. She knew he was deliberately avoiding her question, which - naturally - only served to heighten her curiosity further.

Eventually, he spoke.

"Can we not talk about... that, either?" he asked, waving his hand around.

Sam's brows knitted in confusion, but before she could ask why, Jack continued.

"Please?"

She snapped her mouth shut, before nodding in agreement.

An uncomfortable silence fell between them and after a couple of minutes Jack looked over at Sam, closed his eyes briefly and sighed.

"Look, Carter, why don't you get some rest. It'll be another five hours or so before we stop for something to eat again."

"Yes, Sir," she mumbled.

"Sam -"

She turned to look at him and was surprised at the various emotions playing across his features. He ran a hand over his face.

"I promised you we'd talk once I got back from Washington, right?"

Seeing her nod slowly, he continued.

"Okay. I'm not going to do that whilst I'm driving a truck," he said, looking pointedly over at her.

Tilting her head, she met his eyes. It was only for a second, but it was all they needed to carry out one of their conversations. She knew exactly what he was telling her, without saying anything. He would tell her what she wanted to know later.

"Okay," she whispered.

Jack nodded once and his features softened.

"Good. Get some rest, Sam," he ordered gently as he observed her from the corner of his eye.

She turned her body away from him to face the passenger window and shut her eyes against the emotions surging through her body. Hurt. Confusion. Apprehension. She fought to clear her mind and allowed the gentle hum of the engine to lull her to sleep.

***

"Sam. Sam!"

Sam shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent and causing Jack to grin.

Off-world, she was an incredibly light sleeper - you had to be. But back home, was another story, as Jack was finding out.

"Sam, wake up for me," Jack said softly as he continued to lightly shake her shoulder.

Getting nothing in return, Jack leaned back into his seat and sighed.

"Alright, you asked for it... Carter!" he barked.

Sam jerked upright in her seat.

"Sir?"

As she quickly glanced around the truck, Jack watched in amusement as her brows furrowed deeper and deeper in confusion.

"What the... Sir?"

Blinking, Sam shook her head and looked down to find her limbs tangled up in a woolen blanket. Glancing up at the General, she was met with a shrug of his shoulders.

"You've been asleep for the last four hours. I thought you might be cold."

Sam started at his quiet confession. "Oh. Thank you," she smiled softly, before blushing. "I didn't mean to fall asleep for so long."

She ducked her chin as Jack waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

"Eight years of not sleeping has a habit of creeping up on you, Carter," he smirked before opening the drivers' door and jumping out of the truck. He turned around and ducked his head back in.

"Let's eat!"

By the time Sam had registered his words, the General had opened the passenger door and was casually leaning against it waiting for her.

"What time is it?" Sam asked as she stepped out of the truck.

"A little after 1800," he replied lightly, making his way across the parking lot to the small diner.

Sam glanced around the diner with a small smile, as she idly followed the General and their waitress to a booth tucked away in the far corner. She slid around one side of the table, sinking into the overstuffed leather seating, as Jack moved to sit at the opposite side.

Having taken their drinks order, the waitress left them alone and they fell into a comfortable silence. Sam's eyes once again roamed the small, but homely diner, with its rustic decor with the occasional, vintage movie poster framed and hanging on the wall. A number of the other booths around them were filled with families relaxing, enjoying the food and company, and again she found herself smiling. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts, she only realized the General was watching her when she caught his eye a couple of minutes later.

He tilted his head to the side as he studied her, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The small wall lamp at their booth cast a dim light over them, which - at a fancy restaurant in town, would be considered romantic - but here, only helped to add to their casual surroundings.

Focusing back on Carter, Jack noticed how the occasional strand of her tousled blonde hair caught the light and shone brightly, giving her a pure, radiant look. As clichéd as that sounded to Jack's ears, it was true.

She still looked tired, granted, but he knew the brief rest she'd had in the truck had helped her more than she probably noticed. He leant back into the seating and rested one arm on the table, his long fingers gently drumming along to the faint mix of country and soft rock music playing in the background. He tried - and failed miserably - to hide his enjoyment when he noticed the faint blush creeping across Carter's face at his open scrutiny.

"What are you smiling at?" she asked, with a bemused expression on her face.

He remained smiling. "Nothin'."

He knew by her expression that she wasn't buying his answer, but before she could question him on it further, their waitress returned with their drinks and took their food order before leaving them again.

"This is nice," Sam smiled, gesturing to the diner after taking a drink. "It reminds me of the time my parents took Mark and I on a road trip and we stopped off at one of these for something to eat... before Mark and I killed each other," she grinned.

At Jack's raised brow, she continued. "It was one of the few times my dad had leave, and Mark and I were going through the 'camping' phase," she shrugged.

"Dad was stationed at Edwards at the time, so we travelled along the west coast for the week. It was the last holiday we had before... before my mom died," she added quietly, diverting her gaze to the table.

"I'm sorry."

Sam nodded at the General's quiet apology, and took a deep breath to bury the sadness she had conjured up for herself.

Feeling in control of her emotions, she smiled gratefully as she looked at Jack and noticed for the first time since they'd arrived, that the dim lighting in the diner only helped to accentuate his tall, muscled frame and highlight his rugged features, making him look even more handsome than usual. She felt herself blush the second the thought crossed her mind and reached for her diet soda to hide her embarrassment.

They continued to talk over their meal and deliberately attempted to keep the conversation light, until Jack remembered something Sam had mentioned that morning.

"What did you mean about Cassie earlier?" he asked suddenly.

Sam swallowed her mouthful of steak at his non sequitur. "What?"

"Earlier. You said Cassie was having a hard time."

"Oh." She reached for her drink again and took a slow sip. Once she set the glass down, she ran her fingers around the rim.

"Stop stallin' Carter. What's going on?"

She sighed softly at the concern showing on his face.

"She said it's nothing..."

"And yet, she did tell you about it," he cut in softly.

Sam nodded. "At dad's wake. She says she's still missing Janet a lot, and... she's just finding it difficult to get over her loss, and being away from all of us, juggling her studies and a job... I was thinking of heading out to Nevada for a while. Spend some time with her," Sam finished quietly.

She was studying her food, she didn't notice the brief look of panic on Jack's face before he quickly schooled his features. He cleared his throat.

"How long?"

Sam continued to poke at the remains of her steak when Jack reached over and covered her hand with his. She forced herself to meet his gaze.

"How long where you thinking of staying in Nevada?"

"I don't know. Maybe..." she faltered as she frowned in confusion. Shaking her head slightly, she tilted her head to the side.

"I thought you didn't want to talk about anything work-related?"

Jack quirked a brow at the unspoken challenge in her question. He knew she knew he'd said as much earlier and was now using it against him to avoid answering his question. Oh yeah, she'd definitely spent way too much time around him.

He opened his mouth to respond when he thought better of it and snapped his mouth shut. As Sam watched him closely, she could see him thinking over an answer, but when she saw something akin to realization show in his eyes, she wasn't expecting the words that left his mouth.

"Did you happen to mention this to Hammond?"

"Sir?"

They winced simultaneously at her slip up.

"Sorry."

Jack shook his head. "It's alright. Just answer the question."

She shrugged. "Umm... yeah, I did actually," she admitted, thinking back to the conversation she'd had with him after Cassie. "Why?"

"No reason," he answered quickly. "Interesting, though," he quipped.

Sam frowned in confusion. "What?"

"Nothin'."

Jack shot her his best innocent look before shrugging, but as he leant forward to reach for his root beer, Sam noticed the ever-so-slightly smug look on his face.

"The sly old dog," he muttered into his drink.

***

Ever since leaving the diner, Sam couldn't help but notice the change in Jack's mood. It wasn't that he'd been grumpy or overly quiet beforehand, anything but. He had only made her feel relaxed and at ease from the moment they had left her family at Peterson; but now... well, now he seemed too happy. Too happy for the usually gruff General O'Neill, and it put Sam on edge because she couldn't explain why he was suddenly so cheerful.

She thought back to the last time she'd seen him this happy, and deduced it was just after the whole 'time loop' incident. Daniel had asked the then-Colonel if he'd ever been tempted to do anything crazy during the loops... and he'd looked straight at her.

Sam swung around to face him, and as if he knew exactly what she was thinking about, Jack grinned and pulled up outside a convenience store. Glancing out the window, Sam was saved asking the obvious when Jack answered.

"I just need to stop for a few supplies. Daniel and Teal'c will bring the rest in a couple of days. It's about another hour to the cabin from here, if you want to stretch your legs."

With that, he slid out of the truck, leaving Sam gaping after him.

He was definitely far too happy, she conceded as she followed him at a more leisurely pace into the store.

***

It was pitch black, and a good hour after midnight by the time they arrived.

Finally pulling off the narrow dirt track, Jack brought the truck to a stop at the side of the cabin. He shut off the engine and as he looked across at Sam, he found himself grinning. Even in the darkness of the truck, he could see the child-like excitement in her eyes at her finally being here for the first time.

"Shall we?" he asked, chuckling slightly when she nodded fervently in response.

Jumping out of the truck, Jack stood back and allowed Sam to make her way up to the cabin. She hesitated slightly as she reached the top of the steps and Jack could see her attempting to discern what was beyond the end of the wooden structure. She made a move to investigate but changed her mind at the last second, instead taking a deep breath and glancing up to the clear night sky.

Jack followed her gaze and as he observed the thousands of stars shining unadulterated like tiny diamonds, he also noticed the full moon shining above the lake. He was struck with an idea.

Despite the illumination from the moon, it was still difficult to make your way safely around the cabin in the dark of night. Fortunately for Jack, he knew the cabin and the surrounding area better than anyone.

Shoving one hand deep into his pocket, he walked over to Sam and took one of her hands in his free one.

"C'mon," he murmured, giving her hand a gentle tug.

He carefully guided her around the side of the cabin, stopping before he reached the deck that overlooked the pond. With a pleased smile, he turned to look at Sam, who was trying her best to see around him.

"Close your eyes," he whispered.

She gave him a bemused look, but before she could say anything, Jack continued.

"Do you trust me?"

Receiving a nod in return, Jack nodded once himself, then spoke again, just as quietly as before.

"Close your eyes."

Sam did as she was told, and Jack let go of her hand. She was about to open her eyes to see where he was when she felt a pair of hands sneak around her and come to rest on her hips, making her jump.

"Keep 'em closed, Carter," he smiled as his lips hovered dangerously close to her ear. Her skin tingled as his breath came into contact with the side of her neck, and she felt his smile widen as she helplessly shuddered against him. He flexed the fingers resting on her hips before tightening his grip as he gently pushed her forward a half dozen steps.

"Okay. Stop here," he instructed.

After a beat, he added; "Now, open your eyes."

Jack felt Sam take a sharp intake of air rather than heard it, as she stepped back, flush against his chest. Not that he minded. In fact, before he realized what he was doing, his arms were circling her waist in a loose, but secure hold from behind, whilst her arms were resting atop of his, the tips of their fingers intertwined.

"Jack," she gasped quietly.

He leaned forward slightly to catch a glimpse of her face and he watched as she took in the sight before her.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, the awe evident in her voice as well as her eyes as she studied the moonlight reflecting on the still lake as well as illuminating the treeline on the far side of the water.

As she stood in Jack's arms, the only sound she could hear was their breathing, and she sighed contentedly. It was at that very moment, that Jack thought his heart was finally going to fail him as Sam let down her defences and displayed her honest appreciation and love for the cabin. His cabin.

"I knew you'd like it," he remarked smugly, causing Sam to turn her head to the side, a look of guilt flashing in her eyes.

"I'm sorry it took so long," she whispered.

He shrugged lightly as his gaze dropped to her lips before darting back up to her eyes.

"You're here now. It was worth the wait," he finished as he returned to look at the landscape in front.

His response was so quiet Sam thought she had imagined it, so she turned to face Jack slightly more.

"I'm glad I came," she smiled as he glanced down at her.

Their noses were now millimeters apart and Jack felt Sam stiffen in his arms when she saw how close they were standing. Their breathing quickened, and his eyes involuntarily darted back to her lips for a second. When he met her eyes, he saw her giving him permission to continue. She turned fully in his arms, her hands coming to rest on his chest. He reached up and lightly ran his fingers over the side of her neck before cupping her cheek and he slowly dipped his head, never breaking her gaze.

The next thing Sam felt was the warmth of Jack's lips against hers as he kissed her gently. She sighed against his lips, her eyes closing of their own volition, but she didn't have a chance to respond as Jack pulled away, and rested his forehead against hers.

"As much as I'd love to stand like this all night," Jack sighed after a minute, "I really need to fix up the cabin."

Sam let a small chuckle escape before nodding her agreement. She pulled back from him and shivered at the sudden loss of body heat. Seeing her tremble, Jack jerked his head back towards the cabin.

"C'mon, let's get you inside. You can enjoy the natural beauty in all its splendor when it's daylight."

***

Sam's eyes widened as they returned back to the den and she smiled. It was the smile that lit up her entire face and the one Jack loved, but hadn't seen anywhere near often enough for his liking.

The entire cabin - indoors and out - was distinctly Jack. From the wooden floor and walls throughout and the large open fireplace in the den; to the homely kitchen and dining area and the rustic decor in the master and guest bedrooms.

After ordering Sam to sit on one of the overstuffed and well-loved couches in the den, Jack handed her a beer while he made his way over the fireplace and set about using the fire to get some heat circulating through the rooms. A few minutes later and Jack leant back on his knees before nodding in satisfaction.

"Alright Carter, I've just a couple more things to do around here," he gestured vaguely around him. "You can drink your beer and relax, or call it a night if you're tired," he finished as he straightened.

"I think I'll finish my beer and admire the cabin for a while longer if that's alright," she said smiling.

A half hour later Jack entered the den with a beer in hand and stopped short in the doorway when he caught Carter sleeping soundly on the couch. Allowing himself a small smile, he walked over to her and pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and tucked it around her.

Throwing a few more logs in the fire, Jack settled into the armchair by the hearth and watched the woman sleeping peacefully in front of him. It was the longest Jack had ever spent with a beer, but when he had finally finished, he set it down on the table and moved over to Sam. In one swift motion, he deftly picked her and the blanket up from the couch, making it to the doorway before she stirred in his arms.

"Sssh, Carter. You're okay. I got you," he murmured softly until she relaxed back against his chest.

Moving into the guest room, he carefully laid her on the bed and tucked the blanket around her as sleep overtook her once again.

"G'night, Carter," he whispered as he closed the door to the bedroom behind him.

***

A/N: For Chapters 23 – please click here. Thank you!