.... Who is he?Katinka
Full Version: My Knight In Shining Armor - Marlo29 - Option 4
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Valentine's Day Challenge 2006
.... Who is he?Katinka
This time I'm the one who is totally clueless 
! At least I know it is a friendly man who is happy to see Jack and Sue get married.... but who it is, I really don't know. So Marlene, it's up to you now. And if you would like to sell a vowel again: I'll take..........ehm..... R?
! At least I know it is a friendly man who is happy to see Jack and Sue get married.... but who it is, I really don't know. So Marlene, it's up to you now. And if you would like to sell a vowel again: I'll take..........ehm..... R?
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we didn't say that you could stop that post there...that is just sooo mean
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we didn't say that you could stop that post there...that is just sooo mean
Smart thinking Webgoof! Nice try!! Too bad you can't buy whole posts.. 
Buying a post. That is hilarious. Now I wonder who this stranger is?
Well if we can't buy a whole post can I buy an 'e'? I really wanna know who it is and I don't think there'd be too many complaints if we got a lovely wedding to read about (wink wink, nudge nudge).
An "R" for Katinka, an "E" for Jellybean, and a post for the rest of you
And it is -r -----r--- -a-- a--- ----- a- - -- --- -r-e--- a-- ----ea--e-
+++++
“This will be remember as the shortest wedding ceremony in history if Father Alistair beats the midnight deadline”, Monica commented merrily as she pushed Sue's wheelchair into the elevator reserved to medical personal, with Jack in tow.
Father Alistair was waiting for them. Soft music was playing in the background.
“You get to explain to our children why their mommy is wearing a nightgown on her wedding day”, she whispered to his ear as they approached the front of the little chapel.
“Wedding night, sweetheart”, he corrected her, grinning. “And you may not be wearing it all night”, making her blush profusely.
“Sue, Jack”, extending his arms as they stopped in front of him. “Welcome to all of you who gathered here tonight.” Only then did Sue and Jack notice they were not alone, the small crowd responding to the chaplain greetings.
They quickly glanced around seeing a few patients and nurses sitting on the benches. Sue gasped when she turned in the opposite direction, expecting to see her night nurse, Monica, as their witness. Jack followed her gaze to the man standing a few feet aside.
“It will be very hard for me to deny knowledge of your actions”, he teased them. “Glad you're okay, Sue”, hugging her after she approached him.
“I'm not sure how you got here, but thank you”, said Jack, unaware he was back from his romantic getaway with his wife.
“My pleasure, Jack. Make it quick, I promised my lovely wife I wouldn't stay too long”, smiling at the couple.
Jack recaptured his runaway bride and held her through the short ceremony.
His acting best man was ready to save the night and produced a vending machine ring with a fake pink diamond on it, when Jack surprised the chaplain by saying he had a genuine ring to slip on her finger.
He pulled his wallet out and retrieved a piece of red paper from a hidden slot. Carefully he unfolded the red heart with his name on it. He gently picked the delicate golden band that was wrapped in its middle.
“The ring belonged to my great-grandmother”, he explained, his voice quivering with emotion. “And was to be given to the special woman who stole my heart”, looking at Sue with love and passion. “I've been carrying it for a long time. This morning I wrapped your heart around it, knowing you would keep it safe until it finds its rightful place on your finger.”
'I love you', she signed, unable to speak, tears glistening in her eyes.
“I love you, sweetheart”, taking her hand, the beautiful heirloom fitting perfectly.
“With great honour I pronounce you, husband and wife”, announced the chaplain. “You may kiss your bride, son.”
And on the stroke of midnight his lips descended on hers, their hearts already joined for eternity.
And it is -r -----r--- -a-- a--- ----- a- - -- --- -r-e--- a-- ----ea--e-
+++++
“This will be remember as the shortest wedding ceremony in history if Father Alistair beats the midnight deadline”, Monica commented merrily as she pushed Sue's wheelchair into the elevator reserved to medical personal, with Jack in tow.
Father Alistair was waiting for them. Soft music was playing in the background.
“You get to explain to our children why their mommy is wearing a nightgown on her wedding day”, she whispered to his ear as they approached the front of the little chapel.
“Wedding night, sweetheart”, he corrected her, grinning. “And you may not be wearing it all night”, making her blush profusely.
“Sue, Jack”, extending his arms as they stopped in front of him. “Welcome to all of you who gathered here tonight.” Only then did Sue and Jack notice they were not alone, the small crowd responding to the chaplain greetings.
They quickly glanced around seeing a few patients and nurses sitting on the benches. Sue gasped when she turned in the opposite direction, expecting to see her night nurse, Monica, as their witness. Jack followed her gaze to the man standing a few feet aside.
“It will be very hard for me to deny knowledge of your actions”, he teased them. “Glad you're okay, Sue”, hugging her after she approached him.
“I'm not sure how you got here, but thank you”, said Jack, unaware he was back from his romantic getaway with his wife.
“My pleasure, Jack. Make it quick, I promised my lovely wife I wouldn't stay too long”, smiling at the couple.
Jack recaptured his runaway bride and held her through the short ceremony.
His acting best man was ready to save the night and produced a vending machine ring with a fake pink diamond on it, when Jack surprised the chaplain by saying he had a genuine ring to slip on her finger.
He pulled his wallet out and retrieved a piece of red paper from a hidden slot. Carefully he unfolded the red heart with his name on it. He gently picked the delicate golden band that was wrapped in its middle.
“The ring belonged to my great-grandmother”, he explained, his voice quivering with emotion. “And was to be given to the special woman who stole my heart”, looking at Sue with love and passion. “I've been carrying it for a long time. This morning I wrapped your heart around it, knowing you would keep it safe until it finds its rightful place on your finger.”
'I love you', she signed, unable to speak, tears glistening in her eyes.
“I love you, sweetheart”, taking her hand, the beautiful heirloom fitting perfectly.
“With great honour I pronounce you, husband and wife”, announced the chaplain. “You may kiss your bride, son.”
And on the stroke of midnight his lips descended on hers, their hearts already joined for eternity.
It's her dad!!! 
its her dad!!!
its her dad!!!
Wonderful wedding....love the ring, the "dress" .......the whole thing. Web....I'm not so sure......Dad???
Marlene? Do tell!Jill
QUOTE(webgoof @ Jan 30 2006, 03:18 PM)
It's her dad!!! its her dad!!!
its her dad!!! You reckon???
With all the a's and e's and r's??I know one person who knows....(Marlo, that would be your cue)
Wouldn't be D, would it?
Nah ... what was I thinking ...
Nah ... what was I thinking ...
QUOTE(marlo29 @ Jan 30 2006, 04:12 PM)
“The ring belonged to my great-grandmother”, he explained, his voice quivering with emotion. “And was to be given to the special woman who stole my heart”, looking at Sue with love and passion. “I've been carrying it for a long time. This morning I wrapped your heart around it, knowing you would keep it safe until it finds its rightful place on your finger.”
'I love you', she signed, unable to speak, tears glistening in her eyes.
“I love you, sweetheart”, taking her hand, the beautiful heirloom fitting perfectly.
“With great honour I pronounce you, husband and wife”, announced the chaplain. “You may kiss your bride, son.”
And on the stroke of midnight his lips descended on hers, their hearts already joined for eternity.
'I love you', she signed, unable to speak, tears glistening in her eyes.
“I love you, sweetheart”, taking her hand, the beautiful heirloom fitting perfectly.
“With great honour I pronounce you, husband and wife”, announced the chaplain. “You may kiss your bride, son.”
And on the stroke of midnight his lips descended on hers, their hearts already joined for eternity.
Marlo
You are witch!
GREAT STORY!!!!!!!!!! Now we are waiting for wedding night... Jack hinted something what looked very promisingly....
Restie
That was absolutely beautiful, Marlo!!! **heavy sigh**
I think it's D or Garrett!!!
Joy
I think it's D or Garrett!!!
Joy
QUOTE(suesfan @ Jan 30 2006, 07:44 PM)
That was absolutely beautiful, Marlo!!! **heavy sigh**
I think it's D or Garrett!!!
Joy
I think it's D or Garrett!!!
Joy
i agree with suesfan
Lovely wedding! 
On with the honeymoon!
Sairs
On with the honeymoon! Sairs
Remember how Sue's parents had gone on a vacation somewhere? And look:
QUOTE
Sue gasped when she turned in the opposite direction, expecting to see her night nurse, Monica, as their witness. Jack followed her gaze to the man standing a few feet aside.
“It will be very hard for me to deny knowledge of your actions”, he teased them. “Glad you're okay, Sue”, hugging her after she approached him.
“I'm not sure how you got here, but thank you”, said Jack, unaware he was back from his romantic getaway with his wife.
“My pleasure, Jack. Make it quick, I promised my lovely wife I wouldn't stay too long”, smiling at the couple.
“It will be very hard for me to deny knowledge of your actions”, he teased them. “Glad you're okay, Sue”, hugging her after she approached him.
“I'm not sure how you got here, but thank you”, said Jack, unaware he was back from his romantic getaway with his wife.
“My pleasure, Jack. Make it quick, I promised my lovely wife I wouldn't stay too long”, smiling at the couple.
True.......but wouldn't he bring her along to the wedding??????Jill
Thats what I was wondering....
QUOTE(Sairs @ Jan 30 2006, 08:48 PM)
Lovely wedding! On with the honeymoon!
Sairs
On with the honeymoon! Sairs
QUOTE
where their honeymoon is going to be and can we all come along...............
Quoting bobby in the episode the newly wed game ..................
QUOTE(marlo29 @ Jan 30 2006, 05:12 PM)
An "R" for Katinka, an "E" for Jellybean, and a post for the rest of you
And it is -r -----r--- -a-- a--- ----- a- - -- --- -r-e--- a-- ----ea--e-
And it is -r -----r--- -a-- a--- ----- a- - -- --- -r-e--- a-- ----ea--e-
too complicated for this time of the day...Marlene, can I buy another post?
You know what? Waiting on hold is an excellent way to catch up on a story! I am all caught up and this is very exciting with the almost midnight Valentine's Day wedding. The ring, the chapel, the whole megilla...
Ah, love!
And I don't think it is Dad.
Soooooo not a dad reaction to his child almost dying...knowhutimean?
My guess is D, since we know he is married. Not sure about Garrett...
Ah, love!
And I don't think it is Dad.
QUOTE
“It will be very hard for me to deny knowledge of your actions”, he teased them. “Glad you're okay, Sue”, hugging her after she approached him.
Soooooo not a dad reaction to his child almost dying...knowhutimean?
My guess is D, since we know he is married. Not sure about Garrett...
Hmm....could be....
Marloooo?? Care to reveal our mystery wedding guest?!
Don't shoot me, this isn't a post. I had a busy day, but I'm back home and have a few hours of free time so I'm 
, and as soon as the post is ready I will post it.
PS: At least one of you did guess right !!!
, and as soon as the post is ready I will post it.PS: At least one of you did guess right !!!
“Once I tell Donna, she will shoot me for not taking her with me”, D chuckled.
They had returned to Sue's room, D explaining that numerous phone calls had been waiting for him when he got home. Since he wasn't able to reach any member of the team, he decided to stop by the hospital instead, letting Donna deal with the nanny they hired for the week.
“I'm granting you medical and personal leave of absence. And when you get back …try to keep a low profile. The longer it takes for the brass to realize you're married, the easier it will be to convince them it isn't affecting your work.”
“And that's you best plan?” Jack said dubiously.
“No, but that's the only one I got so far with such short notice”, rolling his eyes at them. “So, please, stay out of trouble. I'll see you in two weeks and hopefully by then …Donna will have come up with a few good suggestions”, smiling wickedly.
Jack closed the door behind D, only to hear the first notes of their song rising in the dead of the night. Sue was waiting by the window, the city lights highlighting her blonde hair, and casting shadows around her.
“You are beautiful”, cupping her head for a lingering kiss as they bodies moved on their own accord with the melody. After one last song, he led her to bed.
“Would you get us an extra pillow, please”, she asked softly, her hands roaming his bare chest, leaving him no doubt as where he was spending the night.
“You get ready, I'll be right back.”
After quickly glancing around the room and not spotting what he was looking for, he opened the door. It wasn't like the nurse had never seen half naked men before, he rationalised, heading towards her desk without his shirt.
Sue stood up to smooth the sheets under her, only to find out she was sitting on Jack's discarded shirt. She took it to the bathroom with her.
They had returned to Sue's room, D explaining that numerous phone calls had been waiting for him when he got home. Since he wasn't able to reach any member of the team, he decided to stop by the hospital instead, letting Donna deal with the nanny they hired for the week.
“I'm granting you medical and personal leave of absence. And when you get back …try to keep a low profile. The longer it takes for the brass to realize you're married, the easier it will be to convince them it isn't affecting your work.”
“And that's you best plan?” Jack said dubiously.
“No, but that's the only one I got so far with such short notice”, rolling his eyes at them. “So, please, stay out of trouble. I'll see you in two weeks and hopefully by then …Donna will have come up with a few good suggestions”, smiling wickedly.
Jack closed the door behind D, only to hear the first notes of their song rising in the dead of the night. Sue was waiting by the window, the city lights highlighting her blonde hair, and casting shadows around her.
“You are beautiful”, cupping her head for a lingering kiss as they bodies moved on their own accord with the melody. After one last song, he led her to bed.
“Would you get us an extra pillow, please”, she asked softly, her hands roaming his bare chest, leaving him no doubt as where he was spending the night.
“You get ready, I'll be right back.”
After quickly glancing around the room and not spotting what he was looking for, he opened the door. It wasn't like the nurse had never seen half naked men before, he rationalised, heading towards her desk without his shirt.
Sue stood up to smooth the sheets under her, only to find out she was sitting on Jack's discarded shirt. She took it to the bathroom with her.
I thought it was D!! That's who I would have wanted to be at my wedding!! I'm glad he was there!!
As for the rest of the post, Marlo? **happy sigh**
Joy
As for the rest of the post, Marlo? **happy sigh**
Joy
those poor poor nurses.... 
Do they have Do Not Disturb signs for hospital room doors?Jill
QUOTE(Jill @ Jan 31 2006, 12:09 AM)
Do they have Do Not Disturb signs for hospital room doors?Jill
Mmhmm...how about a couple of inside locks for the door too
I knew it was D!
Beautiful, fantastic job! I can't wait for more!!
I think they better get a Do Not Disturb sign pretty quick!!!
Joy
Joy
What they really need is a 'honeymoon suite' plaque outside their door!! 
I've spent the last hour catching up..............it's been a romantic ride and I've melted so many times that the mop is no longer an option! I can't wait for more......there is the wedding night, after all, to get through!
Actually, it's a good thing that they are still in the hospital because when Jack sees Sue in nothing more than his shirt....well....he's liable to have another heart attack!!! Great job Marlo!
I kind of envy and pity the nurses!!!! Jack without his shirt...hmmm...I would imagine they have seen shirtless men before but Jack Hudson!!!!!! 
Me thinks they will be 
More please!!!!
Me thinks they will be More please!!!!
I think D has good idea... but I am not sure if Jack or Sue will be able to hold their hands away from each other
Can't wait for their first night as man and woman
Restie
Can't wait for their first night as man and woman
Restie
Jack shirtless 
Jo is gathering her things together to prepare herself to the wedding night
making a list as we speak
Jo is gathering her things together to prepare herself to the wedding night
making a list as we speak
Jack returned to the room, a pillow tossed under his arm and a sign in his hand. He affixed it on the door and grinned. QUARANTINE.
The music was playing softly and Sue was standing by the window. His breath caught in his throat at her sight. She was wearing only his dressed shirt, giving him full view of her long and slender legs. She was staring outside. He wrapped his arms around her, her back moulding to his chest, her head instantly leaning backward against him as his mouth found her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses along the creamy skin, his resolve for the night melting like snow under the warm summer sun.
“I promised the nurse I would get you to bed”, he murmured huskily.
“Really?” turning in his arms, a mischievous little smile adorning her lips. His only response was to hungrily capture her mouth, his hands roaming his thin shirt, feeling the warmth of her skin underneath it. He gasped when her wandering hands settled on his belt buckle, taking upon herself to make him comfortable for the night.
Clad only in navy blue boxers, he lay down with her. He loved this shirt, but on his wife the effect was alluring. He meticulously undid one button at a time, kissing every inch of the soft silky skin he discovered. He was setting her senses on fire. She began her own exploration, following the contour of his muscles, feeling him alternatively tense and relax under her touch. Every nerve, every fibre of his body was responding to her. When her fingers skimmed along the waistband, he took her hand into his, and placed it over his heart, pulling her to him …the contact of her bare skin against his …denting his already weakened restraint.
“Jack?” her voice only a murmur, but filled with confusion as he placed butterfly kisses on her forehead around her bandage, slowly moving down to capture her lips in a tender lingering kiss.
“I love you, Sue, more than everything”, staring deep into her lovely eyes, the love and desire reflected in them matching the one burning intensely in his heart. “I want to make love to you, to show you how much I love you …but not in a hospital bed”, smiling as her eyes widened with surprise. “You are my wife, the most precious gift God entrusted to me”, his fingers caressing her face. “I want to love you in the privacy of our home …slowly, tenderly, passionately …without any chance of interruption”, hoping he would be able to keep his promise and not ravage her like a madman the moment they set foot inside the apartment. “I want to share a shower with you afterwards, and love you some more under the water. I want you all to myself.”
He wiped a lonely tear as she smiled back at him, wanting everything he wanted.
“I love you, Jack”, she whispered as she settled her head over his chest.
“Sweet dreams, my love”, running his fingers into her hair, while his other hand caressed her back under his shirt, soothing both their feverish bodies. “Once we're home, I will make all of them a reality.”
“I'm counting on it, Jack”, her hand sensuously trailing down his chest to his boxer, his heart beating fast and furious under her ear.
'Forget about not ravaging her in the morning ...give me the strength to survive the night', he prayed instead.
She fell asleep at the sound of the music mixed with the steady comforting rhythm of her husband's heart.
The music was playing softly and Sue was standing by the window. His breath caught in his throat at her sight. She was wearing only his dressed shirt, giving him full view of her long and slender legs. She was staring outside. He wrapped his arms around her, her back moulding to his chest, her head instantly leaning backward against him as his mouth found her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses along the creamy skin, his resolve for the night melting like snow under the warm summer sun.
“I promised the nurse I would get you to bed”, he murmured huskily.
“Really?” turning in his arms, a mischievous little smile adorning her lips. His only response was to hungrily capture her mouth, his hands roaming his thin shirt, feeling the warmth of her skin underneath it. He gasped when her wandering hands settled on his belt buckle, taking upon herself to make him comfortable for the night.
Clad only in navy blue boxers, he lay down with her. He loved this shirt, but on his wife the effect was alluring. He meticulously undid one button at a time, kissing every inch of the soft silky skin he discovered. He was setting her senses on fire. She began her own exploration, following the contour of his muscles, feeling him alternatively tense and relax under her touch. Every nerve, every fibre of his body was responding to her. When her fingers skimmed along the waistband, he took her hand into his, and placed it over his heart, pulling her to him …the contact of her bare skin against his …denting his already weakened restraint.
“Jack?” her voice only a murmur, but filled with confusion as he placed butterfly kisses on her forehead around her bandage, slowly moving down to capture her lips in a tender lingering kiss.
“I love you, Sue, more than everything”, staring deep into her lovely eyes, the love and desire reflected in them matching the one burning intensely in his heart. “I want to make love to you, to show you how much I love you …but not in a hospital bed”, smiling as her eyes widened with surprise. “You are my wife, the most precious gift God entrusted to me”, his fingers caressing her face. “I want to love you in the privacy of our home …slowly, tenderly, passionately …without any chance of interruption”, hoping he would be able to keep his promise and not ravage her like a madman the moment they set foot inside the apartment. “I want to share a shower with you afterwards, and love you some more under the water. I want you all to myself.”
He wiped a lonely tear as she smiled back at him, wanting everything he wanted.
“I love you, Jack”, she whispered as she settled her head over his chest.
“Sweet dreams, my love”, running his fingers into her hair, while his other hand caressed her back under his shirt, soothing both their feverish bodies. “Once we're home, I will make all of them a reality.”
“I'm counting on it, Jack”, her hand sensuously trailing down his chest to his boxer, his heart beating fast and furious under her ear.
'Forget about not ravaging her in the morning ...give me the strength to survive the night', he prayed instead.
She fell asleep at the sound of the music mixed with the steady comforting rhythm of her husband's heart.
QUOTE(marlo29 @ Jan 31 2006, 04:16 PM)
“I want to love you in the privacy of our home …slowly, tenderly, passionately …without any chance of interruption”, hoping he would be able to keep his promise and not ravage her like a madman the moment they set foot inside the apartment.
'Forget about not ravaging her in the morning ...give me the strength to survive the night', he prayed instead.
'Forget about not ravaging her in the morning ...give me the strength to survive the night', he prayed instead.
Marlo, I loved the Quarantine sign!! I didn't think of that!!!
This quote is my favorite part of your post!! I was reading along, slowly melting to the floor, when I started laughing and fell on the floor instead!!!
Love it!!!
Joy
i love it ...................................
Absolutely perfect wedding night! Jack just showed he isn't any monster which is controlled only by his lust... I am sure their first love making will be amazing!
Marlo Thank you!!!
Restie
Marlo Thank you!!! Restie
That was incredible!!!!! I think I need a shower of the cold type.Jill
Cold shower anyone? 
That was just
QUOTE
QUARANTINE.
better then a 'do not disturb' sign!Perfect! I had to admit I was a bit apprehansive about Jack and Sue having a real wedding night in a hospital bed, and I'm glad you took care of it!
QUOTE(webgoof @ Jan 31 2006, 06:19 PM)
Cold shower anyone?
yes please
Awww...that was so sweet.... I loved the sign Jack put on the door, and I think it's very appropriate!! I mean, a guy with eyes like that and a smile like he has should definately be quarantined!! He's a hazard to the health of many females!!!
I'm glad they didn't have a 'real' wedding night at the hospital. Jack is right: home is so much better! I bet he can't wait to get home....
I loved the sign Jack put on the door, and I think it's very appropriate!! I mean, a guy with eyes like that and a smile like he has should definately be quarantined!! He's a hazard to the health of many females!!! I'm glad they didn't have a 'real' wedding night at the hospital. Jack is right: home is so much better! I bet he can't wait to get home....
Quarantine!! What a marvelous idea!
So, when will Sue be released??
So, when will Sue be released??
JULY … FIVE MONTHS LATER
“We are gathered today, not to mourn Gertrude Williams' departure, but to celebrate her amazing life. We …”
Sue zoned out of the reverend's eulogy. Auntie Gert's death had been unexpected, as unexpected as dying at the respectable age of one hundred and five could be, she amended herself. She owed the old lady so much. They all did, Sue reflected, those little red hearts turning their dreams into reality.
Tara and Bobby had to shorten their honeymoon in order to make it to the funeral. He was holding tight to his new bride who was laughing and weeping against his chest as the reverend reminded them of Gertrude's exploits.
Lucy was attending with Raymond, who went from neighbour to roommate, sweeping Lucy off her feet in a twirling romance. He had proposed, and they were in the process of choosing a date.
Sue leaned against Jack, who instantly wrapped his arms around her. “Tired?” he murmured to her ear. It didn't surprise him when she nodded. She was sleeping a lot lately. And he knew she needed it, the little culprit resting in his mother's womb, barely a small bump under his large hand.
She sighed contentedly, and momentarily closed her eyes. She could hear the birds singing in the trees, the breeze whistling through the leaves, and feel the sun on her bare arms. Auntie Gert would have loved that day, Sue mused.
“Love you”, her husband whispered, discreetly caressing her belly.
'Love you', she signed, before placing her hands over his. Peace enveloped her as the pounding of his heart made it to her ear. She smiled as she recalled the beautiful sound she heard only a few days earlier. The same strong beat than his dad, just twice as fast, was how she would describe her son's heartbeat.
Her mind drifted back to that fateful Valentine's Day. She still couldn't remember what motivated her to drive back to DC that night, except the inner feeling that it was connected with Jack. Fate gave her Jack, and a future to share with him. She was released from the hospital the morning of their wedding. When Jack took her home, he kept his promise and made all her dreams come true …and so much more.
“Cold?” he whispered, feeling her shiver at the memory.
“All warm and cosy”, she murmured, his arms tightening their embrace.
The service was progressing slowly, and she was ready to fall asleep. She lost her focus and memories resurfaced once more. Her mother had nearly fainted when she learned when and where her only daughter got married. Not that they told their parents right away. They waited after their honeymoon was over to visit both sets of parents, and announced the happy news in person.
Among their friends, only their close ones knew. And at the couple's request they kept it secret. Amazingly, the rumour mills had not picked up the news yet, but Sue had no doubt that with her new curves slowly showing, it was only a matter of time before the bureau became aware of their situation. Not that it worried them anymore. D was convinced that enough time had elapsed to prove the upstairs brass that married couple could work efficiently together.
“We'll offer our condolences to Tara, then I'm taking you home for a little nap”, tenderly kissing her, before leading her towards his best friend and his wife.
Tara was caught in an animated discussion with Lucy.
“Don't ask, mate”, seeing Jack's confused expression. “Something to do with the movers losing some ancient mirror that has been in Tara's family for generations.”
“Not the Valentine mirror?” exclaimed Sue, knowing how Tara loved that heirloom and its mystic characteristics …not that she believed in it herself, chuckling at the idea.
“Sue, it's not funny.”
“I'm sorry, Tara. It's a beautiful mirror. Are you sure it just wasn't misplaced?”
“Yes. I swear I saw it in her house when Bobby and I got back. Then the movers came, boxed her belongings, and delivered them to our house. But now I cannot find it.”
“We'll have another look, luv”, promised her husband. “We probably just missed it.” The basement of their new house wasn't that huge, but it was already full of junk, even without the possession they inherited from aunt Gertrude. He needed to clean it up. It would be his weekend project …for the next month or so, he sighed. Maybe he could get Jack to help him, and in return he could offer to give Jack a hand with the painting of the nursery.
As they walked back across the cemetery to their cars, a reflection on a tombstone caught Sue's eyes. She looked in the distance, over the grassy hill. She blinked before rubbing her eyes.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” worried about his wife's peculiar behaviour.
“Yes, no, I thought I saw …” shaking her head.
“We are gathered today, not to mourn Gertrude Williams' departure, but to celebrate her amazing life. We …”
Sue zoned out of the reverend's eulogy. Auntie Gert's death had been unexpected, as unexpected as dying at the respectable age of one hundred and five could be, she amended herself. She owed the old lady so much. They all did, Sue reflected, those little red hearts turning their dreams into reality.
Tara and Bobby had to shorten their honeymoon in order to make it to the funeral. He was holding tight to his new bride who was laughing and weeping against his chest as the reverend reminded them of Gertrude's exploits.
Lucy was attending with Raymond, who went from neighbour to roommate, sweeping Lucy off her feet in a twirling romance. He had proposed, and they were in the process of choosing a date.
Sue leaned against Jack, who instantly wrapped his arms around her. “Tired?” he murmured to her ear. It didn't surprise him when she nodded. She was sleeping a lot lately. And he knew she needed it, the little culprit resting in his mother's womb, barely a small bump under his large hand.
She sighed contentedly, and momentarily closed her eyes. She could hear the birds singing in the trees, the breeze whistling through the leaves, and feel the sun on her bare arms. Auntie Gert would have loved that day, Sue mused.
“Love you”, her husband whispered, discreetly caressing her belly.
'Love you', she signed, before placing her hands over his. Peace enveloped her as the pounding of his heart made it to her ear. She smiled as she recalled the beautiful sound she heard only a few days earlier. The same strong beat than his dad, just twice as fast, was how she would describe her son's heartbeat.
Her mind drifted back to that fateful Valentine's Day. She still couldn't remember what motivated her to drive back to DC that night, except the inner feeling that it was connected with Jack. Fate gave her Jack, and a future to share with him. She was released from the hospital the morning of their wedding. When Jack took her home, he kept his promise and made all her dreams come true …and so much more.
“Cold?” he whispered, feeling her shiver at the memory.
“All warm and cosy”, she murmured, his arms tightening their embrace.
The service was progressing slowly, and she was ready to fall asleep. She lost her focus and memories resurfaced once more. Her mother had nearly fainted when she learned when and where her only daughter got married. Not that they told their parents right away. They waited after their honeymoon was over to visit both sets of parents, and announced the happy news in person.
Among their friends, only their close ones knew. And at the couple's request they kept it secret. Amazingly, the rumour mills had not picked up the news yet, but Sue had no doubt that with her new curves slowly showing, it was only a matter of time before the bureau became aware of their situation. Not that it worried them anymore. D was convinced that enough time had elapsed to prove the upstairs brass that married couple could work efficiently together.
“We'll offer our condolences to Tara, then I'm taking you home for a little nap”, tenderly kissing her, before leading her towards his best friend and his wife.
Tara was caught in an animated discussion with Lucy.
“Don't ask, mate”, seeing Jack's confused expression. “Something to do with the movers losing some ancient mirror that has been in Tara's family for generations.”
“Not the Valentine mirror?” exclaimed Sue, knowing how Tara loved that heirloom and its mystic characteristics …not that she believed in it herself, chuckling at the idea.
“Sue, it's not funny.”
“I'm sorry, Tara. It's a beautiful mirror. Are you sure it just wasn't misplaced?”
“Yes. I swear I saw it in her house when Bobby and I got back. Then the movers came, boxed her belongings, and delivered them to our house. But now I cannot find it.”
“We'll have another look, luv”, promised her husband. “We probably just missed it.” The basement of their new house wasn't that huge, but it was already full of junk, even without the possession they inherited from aunt Gertrude. He needed to clean it up. It would be his weekend project …for the next month or so, he sighed. Maybe he could get Jack to help him, and in return he could offer to give Jack a hand with the painting of the nursery.
As they walked back across the cemetery to their cars, a reflection on a tombstone caught Sue's eyes. She looked in the distance, over the grassy hill. She blinked before rubbing her eyes.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” worried about his wife's peculiar behaviour.
“Yes, no, I thought I saw …” shaking her head.
I love how you are pulling this together.....Tara and Bobby, Jack and Sue...a baby...Aunt Gert/. So does the bureau know about Tara and Bobby's wedding???And what did Sue see????
Jill
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