This is getting better and better. Can't wait for the big revealing!

ditto! The four parent reaction would be priceless!

He sat his back to the wall waiting for Sue to give him Abigail who was happily kicking water while lying on Sue’s lap.

“Jack”, she repeated for the third time, blushing as she realised his attention wasn’t on Abigail but on her.

“Yes, sweetheart”, not diverting his eyes from her alluring curves.

“The baby?” holding her up.

“Yes”, picking her up in a towel. “Would you require my services as well?”

“Maybe”, sinking in the bubbles while giving him an enigmatic smile.

Her feeding time wasn’t before another hour, he mused while putting her diaper and pyjama on.

“You know, angel, a little nap before your next bottle wouldn’t be a bad idea”, picking her up from the change table and carrying her to the crib. “It would give daddy a chance to join mommy in her bath”, smiling at the possibility, only to see his hope shatter when he lowered her down the mattress and she complained loudly. “Does that mean no?” cradling her in his arms and sitting in the rocking chair. “Wouldn’t you like a little brother?” giving her a pink pacifier on which she sucked eagerly. “You cannot be hungry already, can you?” kissing her forehead. “You’re gorgeous, did you know that? And you look a lot like your mommy”, not that it was possible, still Abigail did look a lot like Sue. Jack knew his mother would see a resemblance right away and wouldn’t question Abigail’s legitimacy. “Grandma Hudson will be so thrilled to meet you. She never had any little girl to cuddle”, he whispered to her, wondering how he would announce the news to his parents …or Sue’s parents. “And I bet you’ll win your grandma Thomas’ heart in a second too”, brushing her little cheek. “It’s me she’ll probably want to strangle …”

“Who will want to strangle you?” having read his last remark. “Or is it a father-daughter discussion?” smiling at them from the doorway.

“Your mother”, he answered. “Sue, we could tell…”

“No, Jack”, sighing deeply. They had talked about it already. They agreed to tell their families they kept their relationship and the pregnancy a secret because of the repercussion at work. “My mother would feel compelled to set the record straight. I prefer facing her wrath than risk losing our daughter”, coming to sit on his lap, close to Abigail. “And I’m not really lying to her, Jack. Abigail was born out of wedlock.”

“Still …your mother shouldn’t be thinking I got you pregnant before I marri …” She was gazing at him with her eyebrows raised, challenging him to continue as she placed his hand over her belly. “I seriously need to slip that ring on your finger before baby number two arrives, don’t I?” sliding his hand inside her pink terry robe.

“Unless you want my mother to strangle you for real”, she teased him.

“Message received”, leaning for a kiss. “Maybe I should head for a cold shower …or a run”, Levi whining by the door.

“Run?” frowning at him, only to have him gesture towards the doorway where Levi was eagerly waiting. “But we just went out”, she observed.

“I guess he still has some unfinished business”, giving her Abigail. “Better now than middle of mass. I’ll be back in half hour.”

The rental car parked in the street as Jack exited the building …veering in the opposite direction.

The rental car was veering in the opposite direction huh? :whistle: Interesting addition Marlene! Can't wait to see what happens next!

Wahoo! I can't wait to find out how you have the parents find out, Marlene. I hope the big reveal won't be too revealing!

I thought also

Let the party begin

do I see a comedy of errors unfolding??

Can't wait to see how both sets of parents find out about the latest developments!!! Marlo, I love the picture of the little, happy family you are setting here. And I can't believe Sue can still thing straight; I loved her reaction to Jack's “Still …your mother shouldn’t be thinking I got you pregnant before I marri …” Hate to break it to you, boy, but you already might have done that....again!!!!

The Hudson family is developing nicely.

Let's hope baby Abigail can melt her grandparents hearts, so that there isn't too much of a fall out when they arrive.

Sairs

See Jack run. Run Jack quick. .....Mummy has a key!

Uh-oh!!!!! They have a key to Jack's place, don't they?

kav

This is great! The rental car has me a little worried.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

I need a smiley peeking out between his fingers!


Jill

Marlo, I just caught up on your story!! I just love your stories!!! *sigh*

I love the way Jack and Sue just fell into the family thing! And, into each other!!! I agree that Jack needs to marry Sue quickly before another little one makes itself known!!

Well, the first parents have arrived - must be the Hudson's!! Jack is out running, and Sue is going to have to face them by herself!! I can't wait!!!

Marie - I'm writing down the new puddle list!! I'm so glad puddles can sigh!!!

Joy

Wow what a story to come back to after christmas.

Angela

Oh my....I'm almost afraid to imagine the fireworks ahead! It'll be interesting to see if all the parents buy their story....

Hoping for more story soon!!

Jo is waiting impatiently for more...

I so don't know what to expect of the reaction from Sue's parents....will they be happy for them or will they give Sue and Jack the third degree

This will be very interesting to see the reaction from both sides. I think I have Mrs. Hudson figured out but Mrs. Thomas.... I don't know about her

Marlooooooo...when ya comin' back? We need to know about the parents!

Oh, boy..........I can just hear Mrs. Thomas now!!!! I'm on my way to the store, think I may pick up some ear plugs! Anyone else need some?

Sorry guys, I was baking today.

+++++

“Now that Jack is out, let’s get his present in the tree. You’re not really hungry, yet, are you?” the infant quiet in her arms. “You just wanted attention”, her nose rubbing against the little one. She took her in the living room and retrieved a red envelop from her purse. “We’ll see how keen a special agent’s sense of observation really is”, chuckling as she hid it between branches of the tree near the top, only a hint of red still visible. She had bought him hockey tickets for a January game, secretly hoping Jack would take her along instead of asking Bobby. “You know what, Abby? If daddy wants to have a night out with uncle Bobby, it would be fine with me. You and I could spend a quiet evening home”, sitting on the floor while admiring the tree. “Home”, she repeated, liking the sound of it. She fingered the gift Jack left for her, a dreamy look on her face. He already gave her everything she ever dreamed of.

+++++

“I’m certain it was Jack”, she told him, knocking for the third time.

“Jack doesn’t have a dog”, he argued, though he had to admit the young man leaving the building away from their car looked like his son. “Maybe you’re right. Let’s wait for him inside”, opening his wife’s purse, only to get slapped gently.

“Steve!” rolling her eyes. “Don’t go messing up my purse”, looking for the key herself.

‘Messing up your …’ staring in disbelief at the clutter in her purse.

The key turned in the hole and they heard the click of the lock as it disengaged. The door creaked when they opened it. They came him. The couch concealed Sue from their view. They hung their coats in the closet by the door, Irene putting her purse on the nearby coffee table. The official paper caught her eye immediately. She gasped

“Steve …look”, handing it to him. “Abigail Faith Hudson”, she read in shock.

“Jack and Sue had a little girl …on Saturday …no, Friday …21st was Friday”, trying to comprehend the implication.

“I knew I heard a baby”, excitement building rapidly as she advanced further into the room.

“But Jack would have …”

“Steve”, her eyes getting misty as she gazed at the blonde woman and the newborn infant lovingly cradled in her arms. There was an inner beauty radiating from her. No wonder her son fell in love with her, she mused, mystically drawn towards them. She recalled Jack telling them once she was deaf. Irene didn’t want to startle her. She knelt down as she approached them.

Sensing a presence, Sue turned around, and gaped, her eyes widening in alarm, instinctively backing away while tightening her grip on Abigail.

“It’s okay, honey. I’m Irene Hudson, Jack’s mom”, her deep brown eyes smiling at Sue. “We didn’t mean to scare you. We knocked …sorry”, knowing it was a lime excuse in the circumstances.

Sue lifted her head at the use of the ‘we’ pronoun and saw Jack’s dad. A smile spread to her face. She knew what Jack would look like in thirty years, except for his eyes that Jack obviously inherited from his mom.

“Hi, I’m Steve …Jack’s dad.”

“Sue Thomas”, unsure what else to say.

“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you”, hugging Sue warmly. “And is she the surprise you and Jack had for us?” eyeing her new granddaughter with love. “Abigail is it?”

Sue’s eyes widened. How did Jack’s mom …Jack’s dad brandishing the birth certificate grabbed her attention.

“You and Jack shouldn’t let official documents lying in the apartment”, he observed with a grin, depositing it on the table before approaching them. “Welcome in the family, darling”, the older Hudson kissing her on the cheek, and sitting on the floor with them.

Sue was trying to come up with some greetings of her own, but her voice was failing her as tears were threatening to spill from her misty eyes.

“It’s okay, honey, no tears”, said Jack’s mom with kindness. “Whatever reason you and Jack had to keep her secret is not important”, she assured her.

“With Jack, it’s bound to be work related”, mumbled his dad, only to have Sue chuckle. “I knew it”, shaking his head, while smiling at Sue.

“May I?” Sue nodded. “Oh my God, you’re so tiny”, holding the infant. “And so gorgeous. You’re grandma’s best Christmas present, sweetie pie”, and lifting her head towards Sue, she added “Thank you.”

Awwwwwww.....

That was so sweet - and Sue didn't lie! In fact, she didn't say a word once the Hudsons got there.

Now, where is that Jack?

<KB2 lets out the breath she was holding> Okay, one set down, one to go...

That went well. Can't wait to see what Sue's parents have to say

Flip your emoticons are killing me!!!!

And I agree with you -- Sue didn't say a single untruth...and I love Jack's parents.

kav

I still don't know about all of this........deception just isn't my game....but Sue and Jack seem to know how to play it.


Jill

Me either, Jill. The truth has a way of making itself known - sooner or later.

I got the earplugs.......cuz I'm almost positive Mrs. Thomas won't be very quiet about the news!

You just gotta love a (grand)ma like that, don't you?!!! Can't wait for your next post!!!!

And Marie, I don't know about Mrs. Thomas and earplugs...as soon as she sees Abby she'll forget everything (I hope....)

I hope so too...but I'm not so sure...

In preparation for takeoff, the flight attendant buckled up facing the first class passengers. She noticed the pale teenage girl in row three near the window, wearing an upscale private school uniform.

Probably upset to miss Christmas Eve with her family, surmised the attendant, wondering if there was some special treat in the cupboard that would draw a smile from the teenager.

The girl sighed as she watched through the window. The lights from DC were fading quickly, and soon they would be over the ocean, darkness engulfing them. Her parents would be so upset when they learned she was expelled and coming home for good, not just for the holidays. They would probably sent her to another fancy boarding school in Italy or Spain, paying her way into it, which was fine with her. She couldn’t wait to turn eighteen and be free to do as she pleased.

She wondered what they would have done if she hadn’t taken care of her little problem, guessing they would have solved it for her, and cut her allocation as a result. No child of them would ever be allowed to bring shame on the family name. Not that she planned it that way, but fate gave her the opportunity she needed. She was shopping downtown when the storm hit and the buses began running late. In her haste she took the wrong one and ended up in front of a huge building. There were so many of them in Washington. She was Irish not American, she never paid much attention which building was which. But she entered it to warm up. It was packed with people coming and going, announcement of closure on everyone’s lips.

The washroom was deserted. A huge cramp, much worse than the little ones that plagued her since she woke up that morning, tore at her inside …followed by another one …and another one. To relieve them she just pushed and pushed holding on to the side of the counter.

She knew she was pregnant but according to her own calculation she had another month, maybe even two before she had to deal with it, and she was not even showing. Not that people would notice since she was slightly overweight to began with. No one ever noticed her …only that guy ever did, and once he got what he wanted she never heard from him again.

The slimy thing just appeared between her leg and she held it with disgust. What was she supposed to do to detach it from her? She put it on the counter, digging through her backpack. She had scissors, and a pair of brand new running shoes she just bought. She took the lace off and tied the cord before cutting it, just like she saw in the movie. She quickly cleaned herself …only to expulse that bloody mass. She threw it in the garbage with the scissors, paying no attention to the wiggling infant on the counter until it began to wail. She couldn’t have someone barge in on her, she was in enough trouble already. She put it in the garbage can and pushed piles of paper towels over it until it stopped making noises, before hurrying outside.

Like usual, no one paid attention to her when she left the building to hop on the first bus that stopped. Eventually she made it back to her dorm to learn her overnight flight home to Ireland was cancelled …so she slept … relieved her nightmare was finally over and no one would ever know about it.

that post made me so mad and so sad at the same time!!

Wow. That is so sad. Thanks for the insight though.

Marlo....I'm just catching up.....The meeting of the Hudson's and Sue...priceless...flip is right....no untruth's there.....now the Thomas's...they're a whole different ball game.

The last post.....the emotions are so real. I agree....

That was so sad... How could parents do that to their daughter! I guess the teenagers actions were inevitable with the little we now know about her parents...

I loved the way it all worked out with Jack's parents!! They are such lovely people!! Now, if it would just work out that great with Sue's parents, especially her mother!!!

Sad about Abigail's birth mother - she's now on her way to Ireland - I don't imagine we will ever hear anything else - or will we, Marlo???

What a story! Can't wait for more!!!

Joy

Abby's birth mom is just breaking my heart.

Like kiddo said...one set of parents down...

but WHY does everyone always think the worst about Sue's parents; her mom in particular who knows.....maybe they're just as excited as Jack's parents, maybe even more Besides...Marlene IS the writer and with her you never know what to expect ( in a good way that is *grin* )

How sad to read what Abby's birth mom has been going thru

Okay - here we go again.....

My heart breaks for the teenage girl - feeling unwanted and continuing the cycle, not wanting her child. I don't condone what she did, but it is entirely conceivable that Abigail's adventure began in such a way.

Wonderful writing, Marlene!

How sad. A mother in desperation.. Thank you Marlene for giving us the background on Abigail. It's good to finally know what happened.

Anxiously waiting for more

That was a tough scene to read, and I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you to write it. You did a very good job, though, and it was a realistic scene.

Hoping for more of your story soon.

Poor kid. Wonderful flight attendant.

The teeneager...She's pale. Is she okay?

Jill

poor girl, I hope she will be ok .....

Thanks, marlène for the insight

diito!

Please don't tell me this girl will try and reclaim little Abigail! This is so terrible.......Sue and Jack will be devastated!

Don't worry Marie....surely Marlene works under the "finders, keepers, losers, weepers rule". Please say you do Marlene...

Well that answers one question -- and being Irish is a big plus for any baby!

kav

Marlo - Finally back from Christmas vacation and WOW!!....what an amazing story to come back to! I love how everyone (so far!) immediately rallied behind them. Talk about changing your life in one weekend! Can't wait to see how the story is going to end. PLease post more and soon!

ps - loved that you gave us insight into the mother and showed us that she had really left Abby for dead and won't be coming back! Congratulations Abby...you found yourself two amazing parents!

I don't think I've ever heard it worded quite that way before ...

+++++

“Jack assembled the furniture by himself?”

Not quite believing it, Steve inspected the crib thoroughly.

“He did follow the instructions”, replied Sue as she finished changing Abigail’s diaper.

“THAT is even more impressive”, quipped his mom.

“I resent those implications”, coming in the nursery with Levi, signing it for Sue as she turned towards him.

“You should be proud”, she teased him. “You’re still able to impress your parents”, smiling devilishly at him.

‘Funny you’, he signed before kissing her and picking up his little daughter. “Were you good for mommy, angel? Did you get to meet Grandma and Grandpa?” approaching his parents and hugging them. “What brought you here?”

“We came for the surprise”, said his mom. “Here, sweetie pie”, taking her from Jack. “Grandma will take care of you while mommy gets your bottle”, going to sit in the rocking chair. “You’re grandma’s little treasure …yes, you are”, cooing softly.

“You didn’t really think she would simply wait very patiently for your visit, did you?” whispered his dad.

“I heard that”, she warned her husband.

“And I read that”, said Sue, chuckling, before getting Abigail’s bottle and letting Jack’s mom feed her. “Did you have a nice run with Levi?” leaning against him.

“I did, but Levi changed his mind halfway, so we kind of walked/jogged back”, running his fingers in her hair. “I guess you met my parents.” She nodded. “Are you guys staying for a while?” looking at them, wondering how much Sue told them.

“Yes, we booked a hotel room…and no argument, Jack. You have no room here for us …which makes me wonder …are you going to paint this room? I could help you with it”, offered his dad. “We just need to move the furniture out for a day or two, time for the paint to dry.”

“Of course, Jack, you could have thought about it before the baby was born”, observed his mother.

“Yes, well …we were not expecting Abigail for Christmas”, the truth leaving a sour taste in his mouth that he didn’t expect, his expression not escaping his mom’s scrutiny.

“We gathered that much”, smiling at the surprised expression on both Jack and Sue’s face. “Jackson Samuel, I raised you, remember. I don’t believe you could have kept Sue and Abigail a secret for nine months …you love them too much”, reading him like a book. “And I’m pretty sure I can safely apply the same argument on Sue.”

“Mom, it’s …”

“Listen, children. Your dad and I can see that for whatever reasons …”

“And we trust you had very good reasons”, interrupted Steve, agreeing with his wife.

“You made a choice regarding Abigail”, continued Irene. “By doing so, you gave us a brand new granddaughter to love”, gazing tenderly into the gorgeous little blue eyes. “The rest isn’t ours to question.”

I love Jack's parents.......they are so realistic......and they accept things just the way they are. Wise, too! And the comment about the furniture! So parent-like!

Jill