Thank God I can now stop biting my fingernails, pulling out my hair and hiding behind the couch!!!

Love Bobby's teasing of Jack!! Now, I with Restie, can't wait to hear how Sue is going to explain all of this to Jack!!!

Joy

I'm glad Bobby and Myles are safe too.... Bobby, you're such a tease...stop picking on your best mate.

You tell him Jack!!!! ... claming what "belongs" to you hehehhe

such a beautiful ending of this post

I'm so glad and relieved that everyone is safe and sound .... Marlo

At dawn, the same doctor came to examine her. Sue moaned when the bandage was removed from her forehead.

“I'm here, sweetheart”, reassuring her by rubbing her hand inside his, hoping she would recognise his touch since her eyes were closed.

“Jack …head …hurts”, she whispered, sighing softly, hovering between dream and reality at the sound of his voice. He squeezed her hand, letting her know he heard her plea.

“With a nasty bump like this, young lady, it wouldn't be normal if you didn't suffer a headache”, the doctor informed. “I will prescribe a painkiller. It should ease down the pounding”, examining the stitches he made. “The scar shouldn't be too apparent. If I can say so myself I did a very good job.”

Jack smiled. Scar or no scar, she was the most beautiful woman in the entire world. He wondered if the doctor knew he was gloating in front of a deaf woman.

The doctor addressed the nurse, leaving her with his instructions, including Sue's transfer into a private room.

Jack watched, wincing with Sue as the nurse cleaned her wound, Sue's fingers tightly squeezing his hand.

“Almost done, sweetheart”, taking her hand to his lips, amazed by how natural it felt. She relaxed under his touch. “What happened to her other hand?” he addressed the nurse, the doctor not having made any allusion to it.

“Not sure. The paramedic said it was already bandaged when they pulled her out of the wreckage. I figure there's no harm into making sure it has also been properly taken care of”, exposing her palm. “Where did you cut yourself, Hun? It had to be a very sharp object.”

“Glass …window”, she murmured laboriously, the memory fading as she voiced it.

“Sorry, Hun, but it will sting again”, keeping her patient's fingers elongated as she tended the wound.

Jack cupped her chin, gently turning her head in his direction. She observed him through two narrow slits, and forced a brave smile on her lips, her contorted features not fooling him. He gently wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

“You'll be fine”, he promised, smiling.

“Jack …explosion …Bobby …Myles …” she whispered as images shuffled briefly through her mind before vanishing completely.

His eyes widened in surprise. How could she know? Unless …somehow she must have overheard …overseen him talk to Bobby.

“Bobby and Myles are safe and sound”, he reassured her, his fingers caressing her cheeks. She closed her eyes, trying in vain to recapture the memories. “You rest, sweetheart”, he whispered.

“Jack …hear”, her eyes suddenly opening in alarm.

“Shh”, placing a finger on her lips. “Nobody was injured. I promise to explain later.” He replaced his finger by his lips to stop her from arguing, surprising both of them. The kiss was lighter than a caress, still he gave her the key to his heart. He grinned when he realised he left her speechless, with a nice shade of pink on her pale features and stars shining in her eyes.

“The room won't be ready for a few hours”, announced another nurse from the doorway.

“Thank you”, said their nurse. “Well, Hun, how about sending that hunky guy of yours home for a shower while I finish removing all those tubes and wires, and give you a little sponge bath to freshen you up?”

“I will hurry and be right back”, seeing the wisdom of letting the nurse do her job, and giving her the privacy she deserved. “Would you like me to bring you something?” Sue nodded, smiling shyly. “Tell me”, smiling back at her.

“You …and chocolate”, flustered by her own candour.

“I'm delighted to know you have your priorities straight”, he teased her, his heart beating wildly.

“If she had, she would have said chocolate …then you”, quipped the nurse, shaking her head in disbelief, making both of them chuckle.

Very sweet scene........but she said she can hear?????


Jack, you missed that!!!

Jill

I like the nurse!.... But it sounds strangely like you said Sue could hear Jack.

Did Sue really mean she could hear Jack???

That was a very beautiful scene. Jack is so loving!! Sue is one lucky lady!!!

Joy

hehehhe what a funny nurse...she sounds a bit like Lucy hehehe

why don't ya leave the chocolate..I think only Jack would do too altho both are delicious

How about Jack feeding her chocolate - or better yet, chocolate covered Jack!

I'm glad the agnst-o-meter can be put away, Marlene. Wonderful scenes!

Sue can hear Jack??

Flip just at the thought

Yes, a girl after my own heart.

Beautiful post. Can Sue hear everything? I've got to know.

Mmmm...chocolate

Looking forward to the rest marlo! Great job!

Marlene, where is more? I was good and stayed away ALL night long only to come back this morning to NOTHING! PFFFFT! What's up with that? I was at least expecting to see a chocolate covered Jack!

If Jack isn't willing to dip himself, Sue can always have this response!

But if he is....LOOK at what might happen.....

Flip, you are hilarious!!!

Marlo, surely with that inspiration, we'll see a post soon?

Marlo, I sure hope you're posting cause I had the most weird dream that I am reading one of your stories and it had such a sad ending, I woke up and told myself that it's impossible that Marlo will ever do such a thing .
But that story simply stopped my heart several times, so I really hope you're writing something happy!

Flip & chocolate Give Jack a chance to buy some !!!!

PS: I sleep in on Saturday morning !!!

+++++

A bright sunshine in a clear blue sky welcomed him when he exited the hospital. His step was bouncy as he walked to the parking lot on this chilly Valentine Day morning. But the smile on his face was enough to keep him warm and cosy. She loved him, she told him, maybe not consciously, but nevertheless, in his book it counted. And by the end of the day he would make sure she knew how much he loved her in return.

Stopped at a red light near a strip mall, he saw his first opportunity of the day. The store wouldn't be opened yet, but he knew the owner went through his inventory early every morning in the back room. And coincidently, the owner owed him a favour or two. It took less than ten minutes for Jack to find what he was looking for in the store and pay for his purchase. He was even given a nice box to place his gift in it once he got it washed.

After a long hot shower, Jack called Tara and Lucy to reassure them. They were worried sick, having no idea where Sue disappeared. They would be driving back as soon as the road conditions improved.

His cell interrupted his wrapping endeavour.

“A short report, mate”, began Bobby. “I'm hitting the sack in five minutes. I need my beauty sleep.”

“I'm listening, Bobby.”

“One of the suspects talked, gave us Rothman's hideout. We apprehended him, he's in custody. Myles and I will complete the paperwork later this afternoon and transfer the evidence to the D.A. office …unless you want us to hold on to him a little longer?”

“Nah, they can have him. Case closed. Nice work.”

“Thanks, mate. I'll stop by the hospital later.”

With the Rothman's case out of the way, he could actually afford a few days off, maybe even a week, his smile growing wider as he finished tying a white bow over the red paper.

He created the second opportunity, knowing exactly where he would be stopping. He didn't recall the last time he shopped in a toy store, but it woke up the little boy in him. He contemplated the huge assortment when a little curly blond lad bumped into him. His mother apologized profusely after securely grabbing his hand into hers. Jack watched them vanish in the next aisle. Would their son inherit his mother's golden hair, grinning as he pictured the little toddler in Sue's arms. He shook his head. They were not dating yet, and he already had her giving birth to their first child. 'Slow down', scolding himself. 'You don't want to scare her away.'

He forced his attention back to the shelves in front of him. Way too many choices, he sighed.

Conveniently, his third halt required only a small detour. It smelled delicious inside the little shop. He selected each one individually, knowing she liked them dark and creamy.

A few hours later, he entered her private room.

can't wait for more...........jack's cute pictureing his little one with sue and in her arms ...............



can't wait for more........................

*happy sigh* I have a wonderful mental image now... Jack appearing, laden with gifts. Sure hope Sue is feeling better. And we still have some questions lingering out there.

Hope you have plenty of time to today, Marlo!!

Sleeping in is woderful...and I appreciate the fact that things are looking way better then in my dream...

So glad that everything seems to be okay and looking up for our couple, but questions keep popping up. Maybe we'll get our answers soon.

Awww waiting patiently for more

Awwww...dark and creamy Jac..um, I mean chocolate!

Wonderful continuation, Marlene. Can't wait to find out what all Jack bought for his Valentine.

OMG! Sue can HEAR! OMG! I am so stumped at how she knew it was Jack's voice and all! That's crazy! I cannot wait for more, this is fabulous!

What she said.. this is amazing. I am definitely shocked!!

Well technically you had plenty of dates with Sue, Jack. I love it that you're already thinking of the future and I can't wait till you tell Sue about wanting her to be in his life forever...not just as his colleague, but as his life partner.

You've got me wondering about the first gift. Have to wash it? At your house, that would be a dog!

Okay....enough jokes. On with the story.

Jill

Boy, am I spoiled or what? haha. I just got to read ALL that in one sitting! I guess it pays to play catch up. haha. But, at the same time you get going, and going, and pretty soon you run out of story!!! It's a heartbreaking moment, Marlene. So, please cheer me up and post more VERY, VERY soon. D

P.S.-- I am absolutely loving this! You had my heart skip so many beats and me holding my breath so many times! It's crazy, how one accident prevented another. The timing: perfect. I love it all!!

More, please!!

And flip, I'd take a chocolate-covered Jack any day... but of course, you've gotta have the vanilla ice cream on the side.

I don't think Jack needs to worry about scarying Sue. He's used up all the taking his time he needs to for the century. Can't wait to see what he bought.

I'm pleased everyone's safe and well... I wonder what Jack has bought? I'm sure they will be perfect when you reveal them.

Looking forward to more,

Sairs

Urg! Can't believe I forgot about this one. -goes to catchup-

He peeked between the packages in his arms trying not to bump into the bed. She was sleeping, her chest slowly rising up and down under the awful blue hospital gown.

While she rested he took it upon himself to decorate her room.

He would probably alienate the nurse, but the water pitcher made a perfect vase for the combination of red roses, and pink and white carnations he chose for her. He placed the bouquet on the small dresser by her bed, a Valentine Baby Bear with LOVE embroidered on his belly sitting against the pitcher.

Under the window was a ledge large enough to accommodate balloons and a few more Valentine stuffed animal. Between the balloons, Jack lined up a white and grey rabbit holding a red heart with the word MINE on it, a husky dog with SWOON BY YOU engraved on the bone shaped tag hanging from his collar, a polar bear showing a banner with BE MY VALENTINE written on it, and a black kitty cat hugging a white pillow with KEEPER OF MY HEART stitched in bright shiny red letters.

Running out of room, he left the box of chocolate and the gift on the tray table.

He banged his knee on the railing as he sat on her bed, a yelp involuntary escaping his lips.

Sue stirred in her sleep at the thump that shook the bed and resonated in the room.

He gazed at her. With her golden hair spread around her face on the white pillow, she looked like an angel. He brushed a curl away from her cheek. She moaned under the innocent touch. “I love you, Sue”, he whispered. “More than you can ever imagine”, his fingers tracing the contour of her face.

“Love you, Jack”, she repeated softly like the first time, his touch and his words awaking her senses.

“Am I in your dreams, sleeping beauty?” he chuckled. “Because you certainly are in mine. You've been for a long time”, sighing contentedly. Slowly she opened her eyes. She wondered if he could hear the pounding of her heart. “Did you have sweet dreams?” smiling lovingly at her.

Emotions choke her. His voice was husky and tender at the same time, more sensual than in her wildest dreams.

“Jack”, she murmured, tears flowing down her cheeks.

“What is it, sweetheart? Are you in pain? Do you want me to call the nurse?” the concerned expressions on his face mirroring the high-pitched intonations of his voice.

She shook her head, smiling through her tears. Every nuance of his voice was music to her ears. He was staring at her in confusion, baffled by the myriad of emotions crossing her features.

“I can hear, Jack”, she revealed. “I can hear the sound of your voice.”

Wow, beautiful post! Sue can hear! Wow!

Sairs

That would be the most beautiful thing ever.

-cough-

No, but think about it. You love this person so much, and finally you can hear their voice. A puzzle put together and finally you had all the pieces.



Anyways, woah. I was so much more behind than I thought. What a head trip. I loved it.

Wow! What a twist! I can't wait to see where you go with this. Isn't fanficland wonderful???? Oh the possibilities!

Sue can hear!!!

Please ma'am, can we have some more?

All caught up...awesome job, Marlene.

Cannot wait for more.

Chocolate-covered Jack with vanilla ice cream....yum! I better get back to my or I will be in big trouble. Thanks for the welcome diversion.

speechless

kav

Wow!! I wasn't expecting that one! Sue can hear!! I wonder if this is a temporary fix or if somehow the head injury cured her? They never did find out why she went deaf. Either way...she gets to hear Jack say "I Love You" and that is just fantastic! Can't wait to read more!

<--- that would be me right now ....

so if she overheard Jack, then....

Love Jack's little surprises!

Now, let's see what Jack has to say about Sue's surprise!

Jill

Oh my! I can only imagine what that would be like. I'm so glad those are the words she's hearing.

whoa.........just caught back up. Wow.............that's all I can say!

WOW!

More please!

I can't believe I missed this story before!!!! This is absolutely brilliant! Marlo, I think it was very clever to have Sue see into the future, but into the past at the same time...wow....!!!!

I guess she can really hear now! I can't wait to find out if this is temporarily, as part of the whole future/past-idea, or that the crash caused it... hurry back please!!!!

this post made me cry ............. my brother came into the room to see what happened to me when i yelled "yes" of a sudden that started him..................i am wondering if this is a dream ..........cause if it its not then i yelled out for a good reason............can't wait for more. ................but still if she can hear and read lips as well wow.........




Marlene ..............

His eyes widened in surprise. Did she say what he heard? She was biting her lips in anticipation, her hand tentatively reaching for his chin, timidly brushing the freshly shaved skin with the tip of her fingers.

“Did you mean it, Jack, when you said …” the words died in her throat, doubts creeping into her mind. He prevented her from removing her hand, taking it to his lips instead, kissing every digits before pressing it against his cheek and covering it with his own. He smiled reassuringly, and he saw the fear in her eyes subsiding.

“When I said I love you?” realising she responded to him all along. She nodded hesitantly. “Let me show you”, leaning towards her. He ran his fingers into her hair, cupping her head, bringing her closer. Her lips were soft. Her hand moved to his chest, and her lips parted, giving him access to what he sought. His free hand encircled her body, careful of her I.V. line. He had forgotten about hospital gown not fastening at the back, and inadvertently slid his hand under the fabric. She shivered at his contact on her bare skin, deepening the kiss at the same time. He caressed her softly, his fingers tracing her spine before taking the scenic route and exploring her back, as he felt her hands roaming his bare chest, her bandaged hand scratching his skin only to have her fingers soothing it a moment later. “I love you”, he murmured, nibbling on her lips as much needed air enter their lungs. He felt her lips stretched into a smile, and pulled away to gaze at her. “I knew you would get some colour back eventually”, he teased, only accentuating the crimson shade on her face. “And to answer your previous question”, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Yes, I meant every word …I love you, Sue Thomas.”

“I figured out that much”, she murmured, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“Really? No wonder you’re making a fine FBI agent, sweetheart”, teasing her. “But just so we understand each other perfectly”, fingering the curve of her nose down to her lips. “Maybe I should add that I’m planning on repeating those three little words to you every day …for the rest of my life”, holding his breath for her reaction. He wasn’t disappointed when her eyes widened in absolute delight, and a face lit up with the most dazzling smile. “I take it you agree with my brilliant plan?” his smile matching hers.

“That would be …acceptable”, she conceded mischievously, able to feel the pounding of his heart under her hands.

“Acceptable?” he repeated in disbelief. “Only acceptable?” She was laughing softly. “Let me show you acceptable, Ms Thomas”, capturing her lips one more, giving her no time to object, as she willingly lost herself in his arms.

“Agent Hudson!” a stern feminine voice bellowed, startling the two lovers who instantly broke apart. “What on earth do you think you doing? Resuscitating her?”

It was so romantic and I was all mushy gushy and then

AGENT HUDSON!!!

Oh my gosh! So funny!!! haha.

And those fuzzies.... whoooooweeeee!!!

While I was reading it I turned into a puddle , BUT...soon there came an end to it because SOMEONE interupted them

Interuptions are sooooooooooooo overrated...