A carriage ride.......!!! **sigh**

Joy

Bobby timing the kiss...I loved the carriage ride!

Bobby would be just the one to razz them about a kiss, wouldn't he?

Levi is doing a good job as a narrator.

I’m not posting twice a day, I don't have enough posts ready for that, I'm posting in the evenings for the next 4 days as my shifts have changed, instead of starting work at 8 AM I now start at 7 which doesn’t give me time to post before I leave the house. I am so not a morning person

Chapter 15

Eventually everyone had taken all the photos they wanted and we moved inside to greet the guests, as they shared hugs and kisses I held out a paw to greet everyone.

I don’t know about Jack and Sue but my paws were beginning to ache right about now and I wasn’t destined to spend the whole night dancing.

As we sat down to eat, Sue suddenly remembered she hadn’t fed me; as she gasped in horror and bent to apologise to me Jack grinned at her.

‘Had something else to think about did you Miss Thomas? Can’t imagine what would distract you so much that you would forget to feed your dog, ……….. just not good enough is it Buddy?’

He wagged a finger at her before turning to me, ‘never mind Buddy, I’ll find you something, we guys have to stick together don’t we eh?’

I thumped my tail as Sue slapped him on the arm and he disappeared towards the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with 2 foil dishes of meat, one of which he gave to me and the other he gave to Katie.

‘Can’t feed one and not the other,’ he explained noticing Sue’s raised eyebrows.

’So, tell me Sue, what was it you had to do that was so important that you forgot to feed the dog?’

She wrinkled her face up ‘dunno…….. I’m sure I was doing something really important, just can’t put my finger on what it was……… I’m sure it will come to me eventually………………….’ Grinning, he wagged his finger at her before pulling her close for a kiss.

Something told me there would be many kisses today.

As they ate, Jack signed ‘OK YOU?’ watching Sue nod, she was enjoying the day and it hadn’t been as scary as she had thought being the centre of attention.

Jack slipped me a few more treats while they ate; earning himself a few slaps from Sue which she followed up with a kiss each time so he figured the trade-off was worth it.

When dessert came they ignored everyone around them and shared one dish, 2 spoons, feeding each other, totally lost in the love they felt and gave……….

You're destined to have me crying tonight, Cath!!!

Joy

Levi finally got his well-deserved meal. I can understand why Sue forgot.

I guess Levi can forgive her this once!

kav

Aww how sweet

Me too

It's so sweet to see them so in love I really like these posts!!!!


Restie

advance notice, sorry unlikely to post this side of monday evening, my 13 1/2 hour working day is now 14 1/2 hrs, plus driving to and from which makes it almost 16 hrs, did one today have 2 more saturday and sunday plus some hours monday so just have time to read before hitting my bed

cath

will post extra when i get to it

As I offered on your other fic in the challenge, I could have a word with your boss since i live in England too. But I don't know if they will pay much attention to a barmy secondary school girl!

Jenny

Catching up on my reading. Wonderful couple of posts, Cath! Loved the carriage ride. Sorry to hear about the extension of your already insanely long work hours!

Tracy

Thanks to Nicole who beta'd this for me

Chapter 16

After they’d eaten, Sue’s dad stood to make a speech; it was brief yet heartfelt, as he spoke Deanne signed, Jack had his arm wrapped firmly around Sue as she leant her head on his shoulder.

‘Firstly I want to thank you all for coming today………….. it has been wonderful to meet so many of the friends which Sue has made since moving to DC. .........When she was growing up, her mom and I often wondered if she would marry and have children…….. not because we felt she shouldn’t but because she had been hurt by people through school and college…………..if she got married we wanted to know she would be loved and cherished so I guess we were a little protective of her………’ Sue raised her eyebrows at this, I think she was thinking ‘a little overprotective, dad?’

He laughed when he saw the look on her face, ‘I know what you’re thinking…….if we had tried to find her a husband with all the things we wanted for her………. he would have been like Jack……….. maybe a bit quicker to act………………..’

Jack turned red and began to mumble something about ‘not being that slow………..’ as most of those present sniggered at him, particularly Bobby.

‘…………….. as I was saying he would have been the man we would have picked for Sue……………. A friend who became much more to her……….. we know he will love her and cherish her…………. and we look forward to more Grandchildren……………’ Now it was Sue’s turn to blush, not helped by Jack winking at her……………….

‘Welcome to the family Jack…………………’ He pulled Jack into a bear hug, before raising a toast the ‘the bride and groom’.

Bobby’s speech was next and I could see Jack cringing as he stood………… but he was safe in the knowledge that if Bobby embarrassed him he could get his revenge when he married and he could send Bobby off and put me on as substitute Best Man.

‘I’ve been told by Sparky here that I must keep my speech short and must not embarrass him………………….however, I am going to ignore those instructions……….. keep it very long and very embarrassing……………………. And the first thing I am going to do is agree with your father-in-law………………… you were slow…………. If you’d gone any slower with Sue you would have gone backwards………………………..’

Jack pulled out a red card from his jacket, pretending to send Bobby off but Bobby just kept going………………..

‘I’ve known Jack for a number of years………. We met up at Quantico where we trained together…………….. we became friends and then became like brothers………..’

‘Yeah…………. You were the annoying little brother I could never get rid of…………’ Jack grinned as he interrupted.

‘Look Sparky, any more interruptions from the peanut gallery and I will stretch this out so long you don’t get a honeymoon……………………..’

Bobby stood behind Jack placing his hand over his mouth so he couldn’t speak as Jack signed ‘HELP’ to Sue but she chose to ignore him.

‘As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, Jack and I became brothers, after we left Quantico we joined the same team in DC and we’ve been through a lot together…………….. he’s been in my corner on more than one occasion when I’ve been a tight spot and I hope I’ve been there for him………………..’

Bobby pushed Jacks’ head forward and back, making it nod, ‘that’s what I thought……… glad you agree Sparky…………’

He finally removed his hand from Jacks’ mouth, much to Jacks’ relief as he’d been finding it a little difficult to breath.

‘………we’ve watched Jack and Sue dance around each other since she first arrived at the bureau and it has been painful at times………………… very painful…………. They’ve been ‘married’ at least 3 times and each time we thought they might admit their feelings………………but they finally did it………. And all I really want to say……….. and I think I speak for all the team and everyone here is ‘Congratulations’ and we hope and pray you have many very happy years together and lots of children…………….’

As he raised a glass he said, ‘here’s to you guys………and to your beautiful bridesmaids………’

As everyone raised their glasses I heard Bobby whisper ‘and a lot of fun practicing having children……………..’

I was glad Sue didn’t see him because I knew she was already worrying about tonight………… she and Jack’d had a long talk about their physical relationship but even now I knew she was worrying about it, not wanting to disappoint him tonight………

Very emotional speeches. Lovely cath.

More soon!

Jenny

I definitely love Sue's dad and Bobby's speech


Restie

I think you mentioned that this was the first time writing a wedding. You are doing a great job. Jack's father's and Bobby's speeches were great. More, please.

oops... Sue's dad made the speech.

Loved this line

Great post well done

Cath, those were great speeches - even Sue's father noticed how slow Jack was!!!

Joy

Great speeches!

I especially liked this part.



Great job, Cath!

Tracy

Caught up Cath. Sorry for getting behind. But I totally love Levi's POV. And the wedding is just beautiful. I'm a sucker for lovely J/S fuzzies like that!

Hope Sue doesn't worry too much...I'm sure Jack will be very understanding!

Chapter 17

Sorry, this is the only way I can think of to deal with this issue. I know most people have them making love for hours the first night they are together but I like to be different………………………………….

Flashback one evening at Jack’s

Sitting on the couch one evening Sue suddenly blurted out, ‘Jack………….. what if I’m not good enough…………. If I disappoint you…….. you know……..once we’re married………’

‘Disappoint me………..? How…….?’ He was fairly sure he knew what she meant, had been wondering when the subject would come up but as with everything connected to the wedding he was letting her go at her pace.

‘You know…….. if I can’t……….’ she began to mumble, turning pink as Jack watched her quietly, ‘I know we’ve talked to James about children……. Leaving it in Gods hands when they arrive………… but we’ve never talked about………. making love……. when I’m with you…….. when we kiss, I feel things I’ve never felt before…… emotions, sensations, longings…………… I don’t want to disappoint you…….. not be everything you want in a wife…….. when we………………….’ her voice tailed off.

‘You mean when we make love?’ he asked quietly, trying not to scare her.

Seeing her nod he continued, ‘Sue you will never disappoint me…I’m thrilled beyond words that you have never felt like this with another guy…… I’m scared too…………… of rushing you, hurting you………. Not physically but emotionally………….. disappointing you………………. Are you thinking we ‘have’ to make love on our wedding night……………?’

She nodded again, he could see tears forming in her eyes and took a deep breath. Knowing his signing wasn’t up to this conversation he hoped and prayed his words and gestures would be enough.

‘Sue sweetheart, we don’t ‘have’ to do anything we don’t want to, anything we’re not ready for…………. The wedding is at 10 AM………….. we’ll be dancing till midnight probably……… we’ll both be tired………. We don’t have to make love………. I won’t be pushing for it……….. we’ll have the rest of our lives to make love to each other……. I will be just as happy to go to sleep with you in my arms, knowing that we will be together for ever………………’

He took another deep breath, hoping she was following.

‘Sue……….. I want you to be comfortable, relaxed all day………. I know you’ve been worrying about whether you’ll manage being the centre of attention, will you cope with everyone talking to you and at you and I’ve told you…….. we’ll go at your pace, if you need space we’ll go outside for a few moments and it’s the same when we’re alone……. We go at your pace, whatever you’re comfortable with…………. however long it takes……….. I promise, you won’t disappoint me…………. I love you too much Sue…………………….’

‘But……… you’re……… more………………’ she ground to a halt again.

‘More experienced you mean?’

Sue nodded silently.

‘A handful of times with Allie a very long time ago…………….. and I regret it………… I wish I’d waited, I thought Allie was the one, but what I felt for Allie is nothing to what I feel for you…………………… I’m not experienced with you and we’ll be learning together, loving together……………….. what scares you most…………….. seeing me? Me seeing you? The actual act of making love?’

‘All of it Jack………… I’m sorry…………..’

Cupping her head in his hand he looked into her eyes, his dark brown eyes shining with love for her. ‘Sue……….. promise me one thing…….. you won’t let your fear spoil your day……… we have 2 weeks off for our honeymoon………. It doesn’t have to happen on our wedding night and we can stop at any time…………’

Even as he spoke Jack knew that would be easier said than done and he was longing to make love to Sue but there was no way he wanted her sad or worried on their wedding day, he would bet his life she hadn’t seen her dad or brothers without clothes for years if ever.

‘Promise?’ he pushed a little, trying to relax her, relieved when she nodded and lifted her head to kiss him before wrapping her arms around him as he hugged her tightly.

Moving apart she leant her head to one side, fluttered her eye lashes and asked, ‘so where is it we’re going for our honeymoon Jack…………..?’

‘That’s for me to know and tell you when we leave………….. you have all the information you need…………… summer clothes and your passport…………… it’s a surprise……….’ He grinned at her, having a pretty good idea what was to come.

‘I could always interrogate you……………..’ she smiled at him, watching his eyes light up.

‘You could try but you forget I’ve had hostage training……………….’ He answered, trying to sound casual.

‘So……………. might this work……………?’ she captured his lips, kissing him soundly and running her hands over his chest, feeling a deep sigh in his throat.

‘A good try Thomas but I’m not telling you,’ he explained as he came up for air, ’but you can try again if you want to………….. I won’t complain…………’

The following morning he walked out of his bedroom wearing only a pair of shorts, hoping that she would begin to feel more relaxed with him.

Saying nothing she appeared to understand and it certainly added a new dimension to their morning kisses as she ran her hands over his muscles, the sensations she invoked in him heightened.

He knew he’d meant the words he spoke that evening but already it was hard not making love to her…………….however, he’d made a promise and he intended to keep it.

Moving apart he headed for a very long, cold shower.

I think this is really loving and tender from Jack and I am sure Sue loves him for it even more !!!


Restie

Ditto!!! Jack is sooo sweet!!!!

More soon!

Jenny

To me this this conversation felt very realistic. By reassuring her like this, Jack is making a very positive move. It just seems fitting that Sue would be feeling nervous and anxious. She's not been down this road before.

Jack is being very patient with Sue and I find that so loving!!

Joy

I think it is definitely fitting that Sue is anxious and nervous about this and you captured that well Cath. And I think it speaks volumes of Jack's love for Sue that he is willing to go slowly and wait to make love no matter how much he wants to. That's so sweet!

He is very understanding...

thank you all for the feedback on the last chapter i was really worried about posting it and almost scrapped it

Chapter 18

Before moving to the dance floor for the traditional first dance, Jack spoke to the band leader, returning to Sue with a large folder.

Opening it she was thrilled to see words and music, ‘all the songs they are planning to play……….. if they have any special requests they’ll send us a copy of words and music…………..’ he explained signing as he spoke, before she pulled him close for a hug.

‘Thank you, Jack…………………’ she was speechless now, overwhelmed at his thoughtfulness.

‘No problem………. Just remember for every dance you have with another man you have to save at least one for me……………….’

‘You think other men are going to want to dance with me………I can be dangerous on the dance floor you know……?’ she was surprised; being deaf could be a handicap on the dance floor.

‘Your dad, my dad, 3 brothers, Charlie, Troy, all of the guys, Ted……………. your nephews………… Howie, Otis……………James, Davey, Billy………….. Guess I’d better make the most of this first dance…might be the only one I get…………….’ He smiled at her, his heart overwhelmed with love for her.

‘So what will you be doing while I’m being danced off my feet?’ as she smiled at him, he could hear his blood rushing through his head.

‘I guess I’ll be sitting here, sad and lonely…………….’ He tried to look sad but she wasn’t falling for it.

‘Yeah and how many women will you be dancing with, Hudson?’

‘I’ve promised my mom and your mom a dance……….. and I expect I can persuade Deanne, Carol and Helga to join me for a twirl around the floor………… but other than that I shall sit here and pine for my beautiful wife………………..’

She raised her eyes, grinning at the pretend look of sadness on his face, knowing he would be dancing with at least Tara, Luce, Donna and Amanda.

‘So are you ready for the first dance then Mrs. Hudson………?’ he held out his hand, surprised when she remained in her seat.

‘Which song are we dancing to, Jack?’

‘This one………… it’s called ‘Pray for me’ ……… I heard it a while back………..’ he showed her the words and music, watched as she followed it, singing it quietly to herself


Here is where the road divides
Here is where we realize
The sculpting of the Father's great design
Thru' time you've been a friend to me
But time is now the enemy
I wish we didn't have to say goodbye
But I know the road He chose for me
Is not the road he chose for you
So as we chase the dreams we're after

Chorus:
Pray for me and I'll pray for you
Pray that we will keep the common ground
Won't you pray for me and I'll pray for you
And one day love will bring us back around again

Painted on our tapestry
We see the way it has to be
Weaving thru' the laughter and the tears
But love will be the tie that binds us
To the time we leave behind us
Memories will be our souvenirs
And I know that thru' it all
The hardest part of love is letting go
But there's a greater love that holds us

Chorus
Michael W. Smith


‘When I heard it, I realised how much our friendship meant to me………..it gave me hope that we were meant to be together, that somehow God would bring us back………. That one day I would find the courage to tell you I loved you………………’

Tears brimming in her eyes, she whispered ‘love you, Jack’ and took his hand as he led her out to the dance floor.

The team were led in the ‘Chicken Dance’ by Myles and Bobby, all captured on video……… as were the looks of embarrassment on Jacks’ face as he cringed in a corner. Despite their best efforts they were unable to persuade him or Sue to join in, although Howie and Otis joined them as did Ted and Charlie…I hid under the table, there was no way I was joining in with a chicken dance………. If it had been a bunny dance I might have considered it……………

Bunny dance

Lovely part, Cath!!!!


Restie

How appropriate to use the song Pray for Me. It does indeed have special significance. I got tickled at Jack's mock pouting. Hey, I wonder if we could persuade Myles and Bobby to make copies of that Chicken Dance video.

I'm glad you didn't scrap it , Cath.
~~~~~
Another great post! Loved it! I love the song "Pray For Me"; of course I love pretty much everything by Michael W. Smith!

Loved the whole post, but this really cracked me up...




Tracy

Cath, so glad you didn't scrap that last post!! It was truly wonderful!!!

This post is cute and funny!! Jack pouting over Sue dancing with other men, cringing in a corner over the chicken dance!! I remember his reaction to it when Myles did it on the show!!

I love Pray For Me!! And, Levi is cute, being willing to do the bunny dance!!!

Joy

I love Michael W. Smith and that song!

That was a lovely scene betwen Jack and Sue and a downright hilarious scene with the chicken dance!


Hmm, what would a "bunny dance" look like?!

Chapter 19

Towards the end of the night Sue threw her bouquet, surprising everyone. Unable to decide whether to aim for Luce or Tara she had asked to have 2 small bouquets tied together.

Quietly she split them, throwing them so that Luce caught one and Tara the other…………………….

Jack quietly suggested to Bobby and Myles that they consider a proposal to their respective ladies.

I love weddings and I can’t wait for 2 more in the bureau.

Jack took most of the ladies for a spin around the floor; I don’t think Deanne or Helga had danced so much in their lives.
Charlie took them for a spin too, as did Troy……… in fact all the guys danced with them, even Myles who is definitely softening in his old age.

Watching Jack dance with her friends who are deaf touched Sue’s heart, showing that he totally accepted her and her world and was accepted by them.

Hours later having spent most of the evening dancing, after everyone else had left, Jack led her back to the dance floor where they swayed gently, holding each other tightly to a tune running only through their heads and their hearts.

I watched briefly noticing Sues’ head on Jacks’ shoulder, his head resting on hers before Tara took me home.

She’d sent Bobby on ahead, knowing he would come out with some joke if he saw them……….. I’m staying with Bobby but I’m looking forward to the time I will see them again.

Jack had explained to Sue and I that I wouldn’t be going with them, he wasn’t sure whether it would be dog friendly and I was happy to stay with Bobby for a while, he’d promised to take me running with him and I would still be going to work each day.

Sue was puzzled, unsure where I couldn’t go, using it as an excuse to try and find out where they were going but Jack remained tight-lipped.

I guess it could be a cruise……….. I’m not good with water and I wouldn’t get too many walks but I’m sure they will tell me when they return.

Levi, you aren't the only one who would like to know more about their honeymoon trip...

I am (im)patiently waiting


Restie

I love Levi's view of everything!! He loves weddings like we do!!!

I wonder where they are going on their honeymoon that Levi can't go??? Can't wait to find out!!!

Joy

That was so sweet of Sue!


Man, I wish I'd been there!!!






Great job, Cath! Look forward to more!

Tracy

Loved the dance scene. Beautiful. Levi, if you get any more clues about the honeymoon location will you share them?!

So where are they spending their honeymoon?

Me too!!!!!!!! But I'll try to wait patiently cath!!!

Chapter 20

At 2 AM they ambled up to the honeymoon suite hand in hand, Jack could feel the tension in Sue as she gripped him tightly, almost cutting off the blood supply to his fingers.

Opening the door he picked her up and carried her over the threshold, placing her gently on the bed before kicking his shoes off and removing his jacket, waistcoat and bow tie and breathing a sigh of relief before sitting on the bed beside Sue.

‘You know……. I don’t think I told you how beautiful you looked today Sue…….. I love you sweetheart, so much…………..’ he whispered before leaning in for a kiss as she kicked her shoes off and lay back on the bed, taking him down with her.

Taking his time he deepened the kiss, feeling her unbutton his shirt and run her fingers over his chest and back before trying to slide his arms out of the sleeves.

Coming up for air he shrugged the shirt off and cupped her head with his hands, eager to enjoy another kiss.

Planting small butterfly kisses along her throat he moved his lips down to plant kisses on the small area of exposed skin below her throat, running one hand down her back in light feathery touches until he reached the curve of her bottom.

Unsure what to do since she hadn’t tried to remove her dress or pulled away from him, he gently moved his fingers up to her head and continued the kiss, feeling her heart thumping rapidly against his chest and hearing little murmurs of excitement.

‘Sue……… you need help to get out of your dress?’ he asked quietly, trying to go at her pace and not scare her or push her into doing something she wasn’t yet comfortable with.

‘Unzip it………… I’ll change in the bathroom………..’ looking at him, she was grateful he was leaving her to take the lead, her passions beginning to overwhelm her she was still afraid he would be disappointed with her.

Returning from the bathroom having changed into a short, pale blue silky nightie, she noticed Jack had now discarded his socks and turned the bed back.

‘OK YOU?’ he signed as she snuggled into him, feeling the fabric brushing against his skin.

‘mmmmmmmmm……….. love you Jack’ she moved her head, initiating a kiss as he slipped his hand under her nightie caressing the smooth skin of her abdomen and back, waiting for any sign that she wanted him to stop.

Feeling her relax and hearing her moans of pleasure as he ran his fingers over her skin he wasn’t totally surprised to feel her unbuckling his belt and unzipping his trousers before sliding them down over his hips then stopping and returning her hands to his chest.

As he moved his hand higher he felt her go tense as her hands moved his away, ‘you wanna stop?’ he asked gently, hiding the disappointment as she nodded.

‘I’m sorry, Jack’ she whispered as he held her tightly.

‘It’s Ok………. I told you sweetheart……. We have the rest of our lives…….’

He slipped his pants off, leaving his boxers in place and pulled her closer feeling her lay her head on his chest, one arm draped over his waist………………..before falling asleep he kissed her gently on the top of her head, knowing it really didn’t matter.

I'm sooo glad Jack is being sooo considerate. it's just lovely!!!!!!

That was so sweet Jack was caring, loving but understanding and compassionate too.

oh jack!! so understanding!!?!?


can i have a jack cath!?!?

What a prince Jack is! .

Ivory, I like using the word "prince" to describe Jack. A knight in shining armor would work too. I hope some day I find a guy as patient and considerate as Jack!