Aw. What a special time for our favorite characters. I like this kind of story. We have so much tension and stress wherever we turn, it is nice to read a story where all is going well, especially at Christmas. It is almost cathartic.

What a wonderful post!! I love the gift exchange!!

Now, what else did Jack get Sue??

Joy

Yes, on to the rock!

Or - it could be a plane ticket for her to go to Wisconsin....or he to Ohio....or both to Las Vegas (to elope) or....or....or...

Alexandra, please come back and let us know what the gift is. There are some impatient people on the board who would appreciate knowing.

It was hard for Sue to fathom that it had been less than twenty-four hours before that she’d only dreamed of sharing this kind of closeness with Jack, yet now they were, and it was so overwhelming and wonderful that she wished they’d never have to stop. His hands moved to her waist, slowly moving up her body and sending tingles of pleasure flooding through her as he did. Wanting him to stop but at the same time needing him to go on, Sue began to feel almost dizzy with the desire she felt for him. Breaking the kiss, she gave him a smile full of regret. “If we don’t leave soon, we’ll end up missing our flights, and then we’ll really be stuck,” she told him softly.

“You’re right,” he agreed, though at this point he would have been perfectly happy to forget about flying home and just stay right where he was. “But before we go, there’s one more thing I want to give you.”

“Oh, Jack,” she protested. “The book was more than enough!” Smiling at her but saying nothing, he stood, walking to where his luggage sat. Reaching into one of the side pockets, he retrieved a tiny box before facing her again. Her eyes widened in surprise and she let out a soft gasp as she saw what he was holding. Before she could process what was happening or even speculate as to what the small box might contain, Jack was down on one knee in front of her, his eyes shining with emotion as they met hers. “Jack,” she breathed softly as he opened the box to reveal a generous diamond set on a white-gold band.

“Sue, I love you,” he began, taking hold of her trembling hands with his free one. “This last day has been like a dream come true for me, but I need you to know that I never intend for things to go back to the way they were between us. When we’re back in DC, I want everyone to know it. More importantly, I need you to know exactly how I feel about you.” Tears were streaming down her face as she watched him, but her smile spoke volumes. “I want you to be my wife and spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me, Sue?”

Yes, she signed, and the look of joy in his eyes mirrored the way she was feeling inside as she watched him slip the ring onto her finger. Standing, he pulled her into his arms and they shared a soft kiss before holding each other tightly. Sue couldn’t remember feeling this happy and content in a long time, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, her future no longer seemed full of unfulfilled dreams and uncertainty.

WOW! Very beautifully written!

They're getting married!!!!!

Wahooooo! .....


Sue needs to be sure she plants a kiss on Jack that will let the females on the plane know that he is taken.

I'm tellin' ya, once these two finally get started......they really get going! I can't wait to see how they are going to tell their families and the gang back at the bullpen! Hope you plan on continuing the story a little longer!

So beautifully written. You can't send them on seperate journeys now.

Karen

The man is slow, but boy, when he takes a chance, he's going fast!!! It's so fitting into this story, a Christmas proposal... I would really like for them to travel together, and visit both sets of families. I couldn't leave a guy this soon after a heartwarming and mindblowing proposal like this....

This is the perfect stay inside on a snowy day and warm up with a good read since I don't have a fireplace kind of story. Does that make sense?

Loving it,
kav

Jack noticed Sue’s grip on his hand tighten as they stepped into the airport. They’d arrived with plenty of time to spare, so they were just going to check in and then relax together for a bit before it was time for Jack’s plane to board. Spotting the ticket counter for Jack’s flight, the two of them walked over, Sue and Levi hanging back while Jack joined the line of people waiting to check in. Although the airport was bustling with activity, it wasn’t long before Jack had moved to the front of the line. He looked over and winked at her before taking his turn at the counter, and Sue’s heart skipped a beat as it hit her again that he was her fiancé now. So much had happened in the past twenty-four hours, and as she looked at the ring shining on her finger she could hardly believe that this was her life. Levi tugged on his leash, and she looked up to see Jack coming back toward her, a very frustrated look on his face. “What is it?” she asked as he stopped beside her, running a hand through his dark hair.

“Apparently, they overbooked when they were rearranging flights, and I’ve been bumped from this one.”

“Oh no! Can you get on the next flight?”

“I can, but it doesn’t leave until tomorrow morning,” he replied. “So unless there are some last-minute cancellations, I won’t be flying home today after all.”

Sue frowned. “You can’t stay here overnight.”

“I won’t do that. I’ll just stay with you until your flight leaves, and then I’ll drive back to DC.”

“And be alone for Christmas? You can’t. I just won’t go either.”

“No, Sue,” he said, taking her hands in his. “Spending this time with your family is important, and I’m not going to be the reason you miss that.” As much as he would have loved to have her stay, he didn’t want to start out their engagement by making her homesick for the Christmas traditions she obviously treasured. Next year, they could do some planning and start some traditions of their own. He smiled as he gazed at her determined expression.

“You’re important to me, too,” Sue insisted.

“I love you for wanting to do that, and I’m going to miss you, but you need to go.”

Sue narrowed her eyes at him thoughtfully. “I am going to go, but you’re going to come with me.” Jack raised his eyebrows at her. “We’re going to check and see if there are any seats available on my flight, and if there are, then you’re coming to Ohio with me.” She could tell by his reaction that he knew she was serious, but that he wasn’t altogether certain of her decision. And imagining her mother’s reaction made her doubt it was such a wise one, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she said firmly, taking him by the hand. Praying there would be an extra seat on her flight, Sue led the way to the ticket counter. When it was their turn, Sue immediately inquired about a seat for Jack, and he couldn’t help but admire her spirit. She certainly wasn’t one to back down easily, and he had to admit that he didn’t mind the idea of spending some time with the family that had raised her and learn more about her as a result. Her expression upon finding out there were available seats was a triumphant and joyful one, and Jack had to restrain himself from kissing her right there at the ticket counter. As they walked together to find their departure gate, he couldn’t help but think how funny it was the way things had worked out. He certainly never would have guessed the day before that he would be spending Christmas with his future wife and in-laws, but now that it was about to happen, he really wouldn’t want it any other way.

Yeah, they get to spend the holidays together. Now I have a big goofy grin on my face. This just keeps getting better and better.

What will Sue's mum say?????? Dare I ask!!!

Karen

This was one touching proposal. I think what made it so beautiful was its simplicity. This was their time and everything came together. The weather, the inn, and Ellen all played a part . This is a wonderful picture of a man in love proposing to the love of his life. Oh, as I was typing this, you posted.

So, Jack and Sue appear to be bound for Ohio. Wonderful. Just as it should be.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback!!

As she scanned the airport for her family, Sue couldn’t shake the slightly uneasy feeling in her stomach. She certainly had no regrets as far as inviting Jack to come with her, but she was still a bit uncertain about how her family would react to the news of their engagement. After all, it was not as though they had been dating and her family knew it was even a possibility. Using her blackberry, she’d called after they’d checked in to let her parents know what was going on, and she’d been relieved when it was her father who’d picked up. He’d been very understanding when she’d explained the situation with Jack’s flight and had no problem with him joining them. After she told him what time they would be landing, he’d said he would come and meet them, and he’d also told her there was someone else who was very eager to see her and would probably tag along. She was pretty certain it wasn’t her mother, since she would be in the middle of dinner preparations, but she had a sneaking suspicion she knew who it might be, although her father wouldn’t give away the surprise. Pulled from her thoughts by Jack reaching for her hand, she looked up into his smiling eyes.

“So, do you think I’ll pass muster?”

“Excuse me?”

“With your family,” he explained. “I may have met your parents before, but it wasn’t as a future son-in-law. And with your brothers there…well, hopefully I’ll be acceptable,” he said with a wink.

Not sure if he was fully kidding or not, she didn’t hesitate to assure him. “Oh, Jack, you have nothing to worry about. They’re going to love you!”

“Once they get over the shock of our engagement?”

“Well, that might be a little bit of an issue with my mom, since she’ll think I was keeping this hidden from her,” Sue admitted, rolling her eyes. “But she won’t have a problem with you, believe me.” She smiled as she remembered the first time her mother had met Jack. She had definitely implied that she approved of his presence in Sue’s life and hoped that he was more than just a friend. Of course, Sue had denied there was anything other than friendship, which had been the truth at the time. She’d seen the disappointment in her mother’s eyes, and she’d wondered why she could never be good enough for Clara Thomas. And she imagined that after her mother had gotten over the surprise, she’d probably enjoy saying, ‘I told you so’. Before Sue could give it another thought, a tiny blonde streak flew out of the crowd, headed straight for her.

Jack took Levi’s leash from Sue and then watched as she leaned down to scoop up the small girl who was clinging to her legs. It was obvious that the child adored Sue and that the feeling was entirely mutual. Moments later, they were joined by Sue’s father and another man who Jack presumed to be one of Sue’s brothers. He stood back for a moment as hugs were exchanged, and then Sue introduced him to her brother James and his daughter Kimberly. He’d gotten warm welcomes from her father and brother, while Kimberly had shied away. James had commented that when Sue was in the room, Kim only had eyes for her auntie, so Jack shouldn’t be offended. As they were leaving the airport together, Jack couldn’t help but think, so far so good. It wasn’t that he’d been worried Sue’s family wouldn’t like him, but as far as meetings went, this was more nerve-wracking then most. He just hoped that they would be met with a warm response when they shared the news of their engagement, because he knew that as independent as she was, Sue wanted and needed approval from her family just like anyone else.

I'm sure Jack will win everyone's approval ... including little Kimmy

I somehow have this funny feeling that Jack is gonna be blown away by how receptive Carla Thomas is.

I like the respect and love that Sue and Jack are showing to both sets of parents.

Isn't there a saying that if a woman wants to know what it will be like to be married to man, she should watch how he treats his mother, for that is just how he will treat her?" I'm not married, but that sounds like it has truth to it.

Well, so far, so good!! I think Jack will be fine!!

Ivory, I've heard that saying too, and I think it has a lot of truth in it!!

Joy

Come on Jack....what mother wouldn't want you as their son-in-law? Can't wait to read more!!!

“You’re just in time for dinner,” Sue’s mother said with a smile as they stepped into the warmth of the house. The smell of home-cooking assaulted Jack’s senses and his mouth watered. In a flurry of excitement he was introduced to Sue’s other two brothers, two sisters-in-law, as well as a nephew and another niece. Obviously very excited to see Sue, they also seemed pleased that she’d brought a guest, and Jack was sure that when they heard the good news, their reactions would ease Sue’s apprehension. Even her mother had welcomed him with a happy smile, but as the two of them walked together to put their luggage in their rooms before dinner, Jack still sensed a little tension from Sue. She showed him where he’d be sleeping, in the former room of one of her brothers, before taking her luggage to her old bedroom across the hall. Thankfully, not everyone would be staying overnight, so him staying there wasn’t much of an inconvenience. After depositing their luggage, they met back in the hallway, and Sue gave Jack a weak smile. Taking her hands in his, he pulled her to him, hugging her tightly. At first he thought she might resist, but then he felt her relax against him as he ran a soothing hand along her back.

Reaching for her chin, he tipped her head up, forcing her to look at him. “It’s going to be fine,” he said softly. “They’ll be surprised, but they’ll get over it, and then they’re just going to be happy for you.”

“I hope so.”

“Whatever they say isn’t going to change anything between us. I’ll still be here when it’s all over.” If any of her doubts had to do with him, he needed to make sure she knew she had nothing to worry about in that department.

“I know that,” she said with a smile, an attractive flush coloring her cheeks. “And I know we need to tell them before someone notices my ring…it won’t be long before that happens.”

“You’re probably right,” he acknowledged. “So…are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied. “I know it’ll be fine, but I can’t help being a bit nervous. I’ve never brought anyone home to meet my family before, let alone a fiancé.”

“I can’t say I’m disappointed to hear that,” he told her with a grin. Sue smiled and shook her head at him, and he was relieved to see that her mood had lightened.

Putting a hand on the small of her back, he pulled her close again, kissing her softly. For just a moment, Sue was able to forget that she was standing in the hallway of the home where she’d grown up with three rowdy older brothers and that someone could happen upon them at any moment. Instead, she lost herself in a kiss that was full of promise for the future and a feeling of being cherished that was beginning to chase away the loneliness that had been in her heart for so long.

What a wonderful post - and wonderful descriptions!

I'm . I think they'll be very happy for Sue, especially when they see how much they love each other ...

Good for you, Jack. As Sue has just demonstrated, when a woman feels cherished, nine times out of ten her heart is yours.

This is a very beautiful love story you have going here.

I have to agree with flip, wonderful descriptions. I also like the poetry of the line at the end about the loneliness of her heart. Hard to put into words but you manage it.

Good job.

I'm a smiling puddle (I'll have to check with Marie - can puddles smile??)!! I seem to be on a puddle kick again!!

I just know Sue's family is going to be happy for her, although I don't expect smooth sailing at first with her mother!!

I love Jack and his support!!

Joy

As they sat at the table with her family, Sue suddenly experienced the same feeling she’d had when she was in school and was about to do an oral presentation in class. She knew it was silly to feel that way among her family, but she couldn’t shake her nervousness, and she knew that she needed to do the same thing she’d used to do back then: just take a deep breath and plunge in head-first. After her father had said the blessing and everyone had begun to eat, Sue reached for Jack’s hand, gaining courage from the love she saw in his eyes. “Jack and I have some news,” she said loudly, garnering the attention of everyone at the table. Trying not to focus on any one set of eyes for too long, Sue continued, “This morning, Jack asked me to marry him, and I said yes.” Looking into Jack’s eyes for a moment before daring to look back at her family, Sue was relieved to see nothing but excitement and happiness on their faces. With the exception of her seven-year-old nephew, Aiden, who seemed determined to make quick work of the food on his plate, dinner was momentarily forgotten as everyone stood to congratulate the happy couple. Aiden’s sister Laura, who had just turned four, shyly asked Sue if she would get to be a flower girl in the wedding, and Kim piped up, demanding to be included, too. Until that moment, the planning of the wedding itself hadn’t even crossed her mind, and all she could do was laugh and hug them both.

When he wasn’t shaking hands or accepting hugs of congratulation from Sue’s family, Jack was perfectly content to simply admire his future wife as she basked in the attention she was getting. He wondered how he ever could have doubted that she would want to be with him. Still, he knew that regretting the past wouldn’t get him anywhere, and he was just grateful for the fact that he’d finally acted. He’d always known that he’d be happy, but he never could have guessed just how much so. Jack was sure he saw tears in the eyes of Sue’s father, and her mother was the most enthusiastic one of all. Sue was beaming as they sat down again and Jack had to push back the desire to lean over and kiss her. He settled for being able to hold her hand whenever the opportunity presented itself, and he delighted in her shy, slightly self-conscious smile. Glad that she’d decided to get their announcement out of the way, now all he wanted to do was focus on enjoying their first Christmas together; what was sure to be the first of many more.

*sigh* And we're moving happily along...I just love it!

I think Jack should find some mistletoe and camp under it with Sue. And of course, Sue needs to go home with Jack...it's only fair.

Your posts make it so apparent how much Jack loves Sue! I'm so glad that her family was not only supportive, but enthusiastic about their engagement. Can't wait for the "tell Jack's family" scenes and "tell the gang at the bullpen" scenes. It really is a fantastic story Alexandra!!!!

It was hard to believe it had barely been twenty-four hours since Jack had told Sue that he wouldn’t mind trying a new Christmas tradition, and now, he was doing just that. He certainly hadn’t expected his words to be put to the test so quickly, but so far, he was enjoying being part of the Thomas family’s Christmas. After dinner he’d rolled up his sleeves and made Christmas cookies with Sue and her nieces and nephew, while Levi had lurked nearby, ready to dash into the room if someone happened to drop something. Like Levi, Jack was beginning to feel right at home, and he was glad that such an unexpected turn of events had led him to end up here. Even Kimberly, who was pretty possessive of her auntie and had been a little standoffish at first, was warming up to him quite nicely. He’d managed to make her giggle as they decorated the cookies together, and Sue had given him a smile that had sent warmth surging through him. The children were good distraction, really, since he knew it would be most inappropriate to take her in his arms and ravish her in her parents’ kitchen. She’d changed before dinner, and even though she was now wearing one of her mother’s aprons over her red blouse and long black skirt, Jack found her irresistible.

Once they’d put the finishing touches on the cookies and Sue was removing her apron, Laura tugged on her arm, looking up at her hopefully. “Will you please teach us some Christmas signs, Auntie Sue?” The other two piped up, and Sue gave Jack a look that told him there was no way for her to refuse. He smiled as he watched her showing her captive audience signs for ‘Christmas tree’, ‘Santa Claus’ and ‘reindeer’, among others. He even found himself joining in with the kids to try and copy the signs, and he found it amazing how quickly the kids caught on to the signs after seeing them just once. They continued until Sue’s mom came in to the kitchen, exclaiming over the cookies, and Jack turned to Sue with a sheepish grin as the children rushed over to show their grandmother the cookies they’d each decorated.

“I guess I’m not exactly your star pupil, huh?”

“Oh, you’re not so bad. You just need a little more practice. I’d be happy to show you the signs again later,” Sue assured him.

“A private lesson? You mean, I’ll actually get you all to myself for a while?” he asked with a wink.

Sue felt herself blushing as he slipped an arm around her waist. “That could be arranged,” she replied. As much as she was enjoying the time spent with her family, some alone time with Jack sounded more than appealing. Her blush deepened further at the rather wanton thoughts flooding her mind, and her mother chose that moment to turn to her and Jack, as the children ran from the room.

What a great family scene - making cookies, learning Christmas signs, giggling and laughing!!

Alone time with Jack?? Absolutely irresistable!! Now, Carla, don't say anything about your daughter's flushed cheeks - after all, she is in love!!!

Joy

Much in the holiday spirit, and you worked into the story without having to explain the bit about learning sign... what a nice way to deepen her character without having to narrate it.

Jen

The announcement was beautiful ...so glad everyone is so happy.

And the cookie scene ... delicious, in every sense of the word

The children are wonderful, eager to learn and be a part of their aunt's life! I hope mom Thomas can behave herself, although a little smart remark might be just the thing to let Sue and Jack know she approves of the engagement!

This is one of the most wonderful and romantic stories on the board! Alexandra, I really hope you will be writing more after the Christmas Challenge is over!

Just a note about Sue's mom....I know that a number of people have written her mother's name as 'Carla' in their stories, but a friend of mine has the book, 'Silent Night', and in it, Sue's mother's name is mentioned as 'Clara', so that's what I'm going with here. Thanks so much for the great comments on the first part of the scene! Here is the rest of it...

“Darling, are you okay? You look a little flushed.”

“I’m fine, Mom,” Sue replied, not able to hide her impatience as her mother placed a hand on her forehead.

“You don’t feel feverish,” Clara said with a frown.

“That’s because I’m not,” Sue assured her, casting a helpless look at Jack.

“Well, if you’re sure,” her mother relented. “I was thinking that now would be a good time to sing some carols if you’d be willing to play some on the piano for us. Jack, have you heard Sue play?”

“No, I haven’t yet,” he replied. “I’d love to, though.” His hand moved from her waist to her hand, a movement that didn’t go unnoticed to Clara, but Jack kept holding on. There was an obvious strain in the relationship between mother and daughter, and he was going to give Sue his support, even if it was only by holding her hand.

“Of course I’ll play. Don’t I always?”

“Good! Before we get started, I’m going to pour the eggnog. Would you two mind helping me carry it in?” They agreed and watched as Clara began pouring the eggnog she had prepared earlier. She handed the first tray of drinks to Jack.

“I’ll see you in there,” he told Sue. She smiled and nodded, and he walked out of the room, leaving her alone with her mother for the first time since they had arrived.

“He’s a very nice man, Sue,” Clara said, when her daughter had met her gaze again.

“Well, I sure think so,” Sue agreed.

“I’m surprised you never mentioned you were seeing him, though.”

“It all happened pretty fast,” Sue admitted. “We’ve been friends for a long time, but neither of us really saw this coming.”

Clara nodded her head, a thoughtful expression on her face, and Sue felt herself bristling, suddenly certain that her mother was preparing an emotional onslaught of some sort. “You don’t have any other news to share with me, do you?”

“No…isn’t this news enough for you?” Sue felt as though she’d been slapped, and she couldn’t believe that her own mother would question her like this.

“Of course! But with this being so sudden, I just couldn’t help but wonder…”

“There’s nothing to tell you, other than the fact that we’re engaged. He makes me happy, Mom. Why can’t you just be happy about that?”

“Oh, Sue, I am happy for you. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

Her mother did look genuinely apologetic, and Sue bit back a retort on the tip of her tongue. “It’s fine,” she said crisply, picking up the second tray from the counter. Not knowing what else to say to the woman who had given birth to her, yet had never seemed to be able to understand her, she turned and left the room.

Well, pfffft! Clara! What a way to dash the excitement.

Well, I must say that Clara has stayed true to form here. Guess she never will change.

Clara is trying so hard to be nice, but did she really suggest what I thought she did?? Why can't she just be happy for Sue??

Joy

*sigh* Will Clara ever figure it out and just be happy and supportive of her daughter??? I'm almost sorry Jack left the room, but I have a feeling that convo would have happened anyway, just another time.

Looking forward to more!!!

ack -- it is so painful to watch those two dance around their relationship. It's time for mom to let go and just celebrate the wonderful daughter she raised and have confidence in sue's ability to conduct her life exactly the way that's best for her!

And Jack and Sue fluff? The fluffiest!!!!

kav

Although she hadn’t said a word about it, Jack had sensed a change in Sue’s mood from the moment she’d walked into the family room, her mother close behind. While she’d played the piano beautifully and done her best to put on a happy face, there was a troubled look in her eyes, and he was glad when he finally managed to get her alone. Her two oldest brothers didn’t live too far away, so they had gone home for the night, taking their wives and children with them, and would return in the morning for a Christmas brunch. Without the children around, it was easier to slip away, and when the last of them had departed, Jack decided they needed to do just that. Even Levi wasn’t shadowing them as he took Sue’s hand, leading her up the stairs and ignoring her questioning look. Exhausted from their trip as well as all of the romping he’d been doing with the children since they’d arrived, the dog had fallen asleep by the fireplace. Jack didn’t say a word until he and Sue were at the top of the stairs, well out of her family’s earshot. “Your room or mine?” he asked as they stopped in the hallway.

“Pardon?” Sue said, raising her eyebrows.

“For my private lesson,” he replied, a rather mischievous look in his eyes.

“Oh. Well…any room will do.” Her heart pounded as her gaze met his, and she suddenly ached to feel his arms around her.

Since her room was the closest, Jack opened the door, pulling her inside. Only waiting as long as it took for the door to close behind them, he brought his hands to her face, caressing the softness of her skin for a moment before pressing his lips to hers. She let out a soft moan as their kiss quickly deepened, and it only fuelled the fire that threatened to burn out of control inside of him.

When they finally parted breathlessly, she looked at him in surprise. “I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” he told her. Instead of answering, Sue wrapped her arms around his neck, plundering his lips and smiling into their kiss as she felt him respond eagerly. It was wonderful to just lose herself in him, and she began to feel her irritation at her mother slip away, overpowered by her passion for the man whose touch caused ripples of feeling that spread throughout her body.

Moving his hands from her back to her waist, Jack delighted in the soft sounds she made as he slowly worked his way up her body until he was cupping her face again. Gently breaking their kiss, he moved his lips to her neck, exploring and tasting as her responses urged him on. As much as he wanted to sweep her off her feet and onto the bed nearby, he knew that would only make it more difficult to stop, as they would inevitably have to do. Finding her lips again, they shared a few more soft kisses before he pulled away slightly, the happiness in her eyes making him smile.

“I guess we’ll have to postpone the lesson for another time,” he said, grinning widely at the slightly guilty look on her face.

“We kind of got distracted, didn’t we?”

“Just a bit. But I know where to track you down when I want that private lesson.”

Sue laughed, but then her eyes turned serious again. “Will you come to midnight mass tonight?” she asked.

“I’d like that.”

“Good,” she said with a smile.

“You ready to go back downstairs?”

“Well, we don’t have to be there for awhile yet…do you mind if we just stay up here for a bit longer?”

“I won’t argue with that,” he said, running his fingers up and down her back. He seemed to sense that she just needed him to be with her, and she was so thankful for that. All of her life, she and her mother had engaged in a battle of wills, and sometimes she just didn’t feel strong enough to deal with it. But now, with Jack there by her side, she felt like she could do just about anything. Tomorrow would be their first Christmas together, and she wasn’t about to let anything overshadow the happiness of the occasion. She knew she’d have to let go of any anger she felt toward her mother right now and just enjoy the holidays, surrounded by those she loved.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she told him softly, her fingers caressing his neck as his deep brown eyes looked into her own.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he replied. Pulling her closely again, he hugged her tightly, closing his eyes as the depth of his feelings for her washed over him, along with a supreme gratitude that she’d come into his life. He knew that no matter where he went in the world, the happiest place he would find was anyplace with her in it.

That was a perfectly -worthy post! *sigh* I love seeing them together like this!!!

Private lessons

I think they need to schedule those regularly to dwarf the effect of her mother ! :whistle:

Three days later…

As she stood just inside the bullpen, she was relieved to find that she was the first one there. Lucy had gone to grab them some bagels and would be in shortly, and Sue was glad to be able to enjoy a moment alone before everyone else began filing in. Even though she was eager to share the news of the engagement with the rest of the team, she wanted Jack to be there with her. She had this vision in her head of Tara loudly noticing the ring, and everyone overhearing, and that wasn’t how she wanted it to go. Smiling to herself, she wished she wouldn’t worry about such small details, but she just wanted this to go perfectly. With the exception of her mother jumping to the wrong conclusions, everyone else in their lives had responded so warmly so far, including Jack’s parents. Jack had called them on Christmas morning, sharing their news and promising that he would bring Sue over to meet them as soon as he could. Although she got butterflies in her stomach just thinking of that meeting, she had to believe that it would be just fine, because Jack would be right there with her.

After spending a wonderful Christmas together, she and Jack had flown home the next day. Lucy was already at their apartment when Jack had helped her up with her luggage, and they had told her their news just moments after they’d stepped through the door. Her response had been pretty much what Sue had anticipated, with tears and hugs and exclamations like, ‘It’s about time!’ Even though there was no reason to think that the rest of the team wouldn’t have a similar reaction, she still hoped it would be something that she and Jack could share together. Feeling a gentle hand on her shoulder, she turned and found herself face to face with the man in her thoughts. Without so much as a hello, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a kiss that was passionate, yet gentle.

“I’m glad to see you, too, but I thought we weren’t going to do this at work?” she said breathlessly once they’d reluctantly parted.

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“You didn’t?”

Jack looked up, and Sue followed his gaze to find a sprig of mistletoe hanging over the doorway. She laughed out loud as their eyes met, and threw caution to the wind as she leaned into him again.

Okay -- now's the time for everyone to come walking in.

kav

Woot! Gotta love that mistletoe!!!...Almost as much as I love your story.

Alexandra, you're story is FABULOUS!

And a biggie happy smilie. Very nicely tied together. The mistletoe was a cute twist.... you had me going for a couple sentences there.

Jen

Jack and Sue underneath the mistletoe caught in a passionate kiss would be one fun way that the team could find out that they are a couple now. Really enjoying the story Alexandra and can't wait to read more!

I have a grin on my face from reading your post.

You left them in the middle of a kiss. I would say that you had better come back soon with more, but Jack and Sue may be just as happy if you didn't rush. The rest of us, however, ...

There was a hunger in her kiss that made Jack want to lift her into his arms and carry her into the boardroom, locking the door behind them. He knew it was going to take every ounce of restraint to work with her every day and keep his hands to himself, but he didn’t want either of them to have to transfer, so he was determined to find an arrangement that would work for everyone. Just as he was thinking they should probably stop before someone else walked in, his ears perked up at the sound of a low wolf-whistle. Gently breaking his connection with Sue, he turned to find Bobby, Tara and D standing behind them, all three grinning from ear to ear.

“If I had known all it would take was mistletoe, I would have hung it up two years ago instead of waiting until now!” Bobby declared.

“The mistletoe was my idea,” Tara added.

“And a very good one at that,” Bobby said, with a grin he directed at Tara. She shook her head at him, a smile on her face, and turned her attention back to Sue and Jack.

“I’m so happy for you two!” she exclaimed, giving each of them a hug. Myles and Lucy approached the group; Myles wore a curious look on his face while Lucy had a knowing grin.

“I realize we were all out of the office for a few days, but I didn’t expect to come back to such a happy reunion. Maybe we should take time off more often,” Myles declared.

“As glad as I am to see you, Myles, we’re not that happy to be back at work,” Bobby informed him.

“We’re just happy because the mistletoe seems to have done its intended job,” D explained with a grin.

“Oh, really,” Myles said, looking toward Jack and Sue, standing rather closely together under the mistletoe. Sue could feel herself blushing under the close scrutiny and was grateful when Jack took her hand, leading her away from the others and into the bullpen.

“The mistletoe, huh?” Lucy asked with a chuckle. The group of them followed Jack and Sue inside, where Myles turned a suspicious eye on Lucy.

“Wait a minute…why aren’t you more excited? Jack and Sue were just caught kissing under the mistletoe. You should be ecstatic.”

Lucy looked at Jack and Sue expectantly, and they locked gazes, knowing that this was the moment of truth. “There’s actually more to this than just some mistletoe,” Jack began, taking Sue’s hand in his again as everyone looked at them curiously. “I asked Sue to marry me on Christmas Eve, and she said yes.”

A stunned silence filled the room for a moment as they all took in the news; even Bobby just stood there with his mouth hanging open, and Jack wondered for a moment if he had been wrong in assuming that they would be happy over the news. His doubts vanished in the next second, when their co-workers began whooping and clapping, their excitement rivalling that of Sue’s family.

As Tara exclaimed over Sue’s ring before giving her another big hug, Sue felt so lucky to have such wonderfully supportive friends. She and Jack both knew that they might run into issues with the higher-ups, but it was nice to know that they would have a group of people backing them every step of the way. The events of the last few days were a dream come true, and she couldn’t help but think that the Lord really did work in mysterious ways, finally bringing her and Jack together under such unusual circumstances. While she wondered what their future held, she knew that everything would turn out the way it was meant to, all in good time.

***The End***

That's just for you, Alexandra, and for the wonderful story you presented us with. I am so sad it is over, but I'm looking forward to more stories from you to us!!!

Merry Christmas!

Kudos to you, Alexandra - this was fuzzy from start to finish and a joy to read.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us!! Can't wait to see more from you!!!

Joy