As soon as this case is over? Then, I sure hope Sophie shows up when she's supposed to.

He sure is planning on Sophia being on that train tonight, isn't he? So, why am I doubtful?

I'm with you. Knowing marlo, you're probably right.

Keep posting Marlo, this is great!!!!

**Sigh**

Joy

wish i had a jack

hoping this case is over real soon but i have a feeling it won't be

cath

If Sophie isn't on that train, I will go search for her ...

Sophie, come out come out wherever you are

He He!!! I'm just sitting here with a girly grin on my face. I just caught up on this story and I love it!
Plus - I was thinking that maybe Sue should let Jack pick her sleepwear... I bet he has really good taste . And just so you know - I am not at all opposed to a bit of an early honeymoon. Love it!!!!

Em

When the case is over??? HAH. Marry her anyway...and then solve the case!!!

Jill

Isn't that always the case with maro's stories?? When Jack said after the case, I'm thinking that it's gonna end up before the case is over!

We can only hope. And bribe with chocolate. He he he!! Great post Marlo29, sooo romantical!!! It's not an actual word but me thinks it describes this perfectly!!!

Jenny

Awwww, another proposal. What a guy!!!

So lovely, so romantic, so jealous!!!

Karen

It was soooooo romantic.... I can't wait to read more.... about their wedding, wedding night

WONDERFUL STORY, Marlene!!!!


Restie

You, guys, are sooooooo suspicious !!!! On the other hand ...

+++++

Between walking along the Champs Elyssée, admiring the pyramids outside the Louvre, and stopping by Notre-Dame, Jack had a feeling they would be running out of time for shopping.

Impressive was a weak word to describe the cathedral, Jack thought. That 12th century people could build such a magnificent monument was ...

“It’s beautiful, Jack”, Sue reverently murmured by his side. They were inside Notre-Dame, surrounded by more gold than he had ever seen. He felt very humble to be standing in the middle of the main vault. She was looking up at the stain glass. They couldn’t have picked a better day, the sun was brightly shining through the splendid windows.

They wanted to visit the towers but the line up was already too long. They knew they couldn’t risk missing Sophia’s train. Jack promised they would come back later during the week. She acknowledged, and once outside they took one last look at the church. The gargoyles protecting the towers seemed to stare back at them, daring them to hold their promise.

“Almost two hundred years”, he whispered in wonder.

“What, Jack?” looking at him.

“That’s how long it took them to build it”, placing his arm around her waist and leading her to their car. “Can you imagine? The ones who set the first stones never got to see it finished.”

“Nor did their children ... or grandchildren”, she mused out loud, leaning against him.

They rode in silence. He held her hand, stroking the golden ring on her finger. It fitted her perfectly. He still hadn’t mentioned to her he extended their stay at the hotel, just in case it fell through. She would laugh if he told her he didn’t want to jinx it. The more he reviewed the case in his mind, the more convinced he became that all the events were simply a series of miscommunication. He sighed.

“Sophia will be there”, noticing the small tremor in his arm. “It’s the only logical place for her to be, Jack.” He took her hand to his lips. She felt the moisture brushing along her skin, sending her nerve-endings in frenzy. How could such an innocent touch bring her so much pleasure?

“I hope so”, because if she wasn’t they were back to square one ... No, worse, he thought, square zero. They would get the tape from the gift shop at the Louvre and study it ... assuming there was a camera. Maybe she would be with someone they could identify ... assuming she was the one who used her credit card and it wasn’t stolen ... though they might be able to identify the thief ... which would ...

“There’s a parking over there”, she pointed to him, halting his musing. “We’re early, Jack.”

“Maybe she will be early, too”, he observed, after carefully squeezing between two cars.

The train station was crowded. They found her gate ... and waited.

yup and i'm waiting too and not very patiently either

i can see you lurking down there so i'm hoping for a post when i wake up tomorrow

cath

Hmmm... If I remember the Louvre as we were rushed through it in less than an hour, the only gift shop was right in front of the main entrance and I don't remember seeing any cameras. Then again, we were a little rushed and I wasn't really looking for one....

I sure hope Sophia shows up, but somehow, I get this feeling.....

Would it be possible for them to get married in Notre Dame?

me three ... How about I wait for her and Jack and Sue could continue sightseeing

i'm also waiting..... is there a new post already

I'm sorry Marlene for not having posted comments in a while but I started my new job this week and let me tell you, it's hard to go back to work when you spent 6 months on vacation!

I love the turn the story took this week! A wedding in Paris would be absolutely romantic!

But I guess it won't be that easy! I guess Sophia won't be at the gate???

Anyway, if she is, she should be invited to go to the wedding! After all, if she hadn't been there, Jack and Sue wouldn't be in the City of Love!

I can't wait for more! A whole weekend at home to read! "

So happy to see you posted! I guess I'm sitting around with everyone else... waiting.
Are you there yet?

Em

Im also waiting and hopeing that sophia
arrives soon and they can get married and have
a few weeks honeymoon in the romantic city of love

lin

Well Marlene.......saying it was crowded at the station was an understatement!!! You've got us all there, too! Um.......someone needs to get off my toe!

Jill

Sorry, Jill, that was probably me!!!! I'm there too!!! Can't wait Marlo29!!!!!

Jen

and..................................????

Why do I get the feeling she's not there!!!

Karen

Hey Marlene...can you feel the suspicion in the air?? Stop it all of you! She will be there and we will have a lovely wedding! (Or am I just fantasizing?)

So, they are waiting... I am waiting too...


Restie

Right, time for a general conclusion:

We are all waiting.

Please post soon Marlo29!!!

Jen

Yes ... It's tickling me!!!

+++++

They were sitting on a bench, and from there, they had a full view of the people lining up at the gate.

“Our daughters won’t be allowed to travel by themselves”, he muttered under his breath, scanning the passengers.

“Really?” chuckling at his reaction. “How about our sons?”

“Boys are different”, he replied, not catching her rising brow.

“You’re right, Jack. A girl wouldn’t have mixed up the conversation the way those two boys did”, she remarked. “And a boy probably wouldn’t have thought to call his mom at all”, daring him to argue with her. “So I agree with you, our daughter should always accompany her brother to keep him out of trouble.” He opened his mouth and closed it. It so wasn’t what he meant and she knew it. “Or were you trying to make another point?” smiling sweetly at him.

“I ... I ...” He could recognise a losing battle when he saw one. “I absolutely trust you. I know you’ll do a great job raising our children.”

“Thank you, Jack”, she replied with laughter in her eyes. “And you don’t have anything to worry about, I will even make sure our sons are not afraid to read a map”, she quipped, before returning her attention on the crowd.

‘Funny’, he signed in front of her eyes.

“You deserved ... Jack!” catching a glimpse of a young woman resembling Sophia. “Come!” grabbing his arm and forcing him to follow her. “Sophia?” she called, her eyes glued on a red and blue backpack.

The train station was noisy, very noisy. Jack doubted the woman walking in front of them could hear them. With the huge bag it was hard to tell if it was indeed Sophia. He accelerated the pace.

“Sophia?” grabbing her arm.

The young woman turned instantly to face him.

“Lâchez-moi, monsieur”, she yelled, her elbow connecting with his midriff as she yanked her arm free.

“Sorry”, holding an arm up, while trying to catch his breath.

“Je devrais appeler la police”, snorting at him like he was some lunatic.

Sue noticed the people slowly gathering around them, staring.

“We’re sorry”, Sue sounding sincerely apologetic as she came to Jack’s rescue. “No Sophia”, pointing at the young woman and shaking her head negatively at the same time in the hope the woman would understand Jack made an honest mistake. It seemed to work because she rolled her eyes and left, and the crowd dispersed.

“Not my finest moment”, wincing as he took a deep breath. “Good hit, though. Remind me to teach that one to our daughters.”

“A bit lower would have been even more effective”, a voice chortled behind them.

And who is that doing the chortling? Is it Sophia? Or did one of their team mates arrive?

NEED MORE>>>>>>>>>>

please let it be sophia lin

Oh, Marlo, who's tickling who now???

Was that Sophia???

Joy

I see you down there Marlo, are you posting? I hope so! Great story, keep up the good work!

Jennie xx

Sophia? Yes? Ok - On with the wedding!!!!!!!!
So excited ou posted. Waiting for more!

Em

Turn around and say "Sophia! Would you like to be in our wedding???"

Jill

I sure hope it's Sophia, also, instead of some stranger standing in the crowd or something....

MARLO!!! We need answers! please???

sounds like a comment bobby would make

cath

YEAH!! That better be Sophia because I'm in the mood for a wedding! How 'bout all of you? (i.e. - Don't give someone with Marlo's creative talents ideas......duh!)

WhooooHOOOOooo......did I mention I'm excited for the wedding!

Jack abruptly turned around, startling Sue who followed his gaze.

“Sophia?” both exclaimed at the same time.

“Small world. What are you doing here? Are you lost?” she asked seriously, not quite prepared to have Jack and Sue laugh at her question.

“Sorry, Sophia”, Sue apologizing for their behaviour. “It’s just ...” looking at Jack for help.

“We’re here to investigate your disappearance”, Jack finished, grinning at the irony.

“My what?” her eyes widening in confusion.

“Let’s have a seat, and we’ll explain”, Jack offered, leading them towards a quieter area.

“I thought Brad’s voice sounded strange because the line was bad”, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I was talking to Parker and he didn’t tell my mom I was spending a few days in Paris. She must have been worried sick”, sighing loudly after Jack related the chain of events.

“Why didn’t you call your mom instead?” the question plaguing Sue from the time they learned about the call on the cell.

“I tried but the line was busy, so I dialled her cell instead. I meant to call her again later but Miranda wasn’t too ... keen about me making more long distance.” Miranda wasn’t too keen about lots of things, Sophia recalled. One night at her apartment had been more than enough for Sophia to realise that Miranda had changed. “And calling collect cost a fortune, so I was going to call tonight from the camp. I’m very sorry for the trouble I caused.”

“You’re safe and it’s all that matters”, Sue reassured her.

“Antoine is still picking me up, isn’t he?” the thought suddenly crossing her mind.

“Yes, but we’ll make sure”, Jack said. “Give me a moment to call my team first.” Saturday morning in DC, Jack figured his best friend would be at home.

“Hello”, came a distinctive female voice.

“Tara?” What was Tara doing answering Bobby’s cell, Jack wondered.

“Hum ... Hi Jack”, her hesitation not escaping Jack. “What’s up?”

“Where’s Bobby?”

“In the show ... busy”, quickly correcting herself. “Do you have a message?” glad Jack couldn’t see her flustered expression.

“We found Sophia ... not that she was lost or anything”, he quickly added for the benefit of the two women staring at him. “She’s fine. She will call her mom shortly. It was a huge misunderstanding.”

“So the case is closed? It had nothing to do with the kidnapping ring in London?”

“Case closed”, he confirmed. “Sue and I will fly back sometimes next week. Have a good ...”

“Next week?” she interrupted. “Why? What’s going on?” her eighth sense on alert.

“If we fly back first class tonight, Randy’s wrath will be terrible and he’ll never reimburse our expenses, so we’ll wait until we find affordable flights”, he reasoned logically, grinning at Sue who rolled her eyes.

“But you’ll have hotel expenses to ...”

“Good day, Tara”, hanging up before she could find more holes in his story.

“That sounded lame even to my ears”, Sophia commented amusingly.

“You didn’t hear that, young lady”, Jack insisted before dialling a second number. “Benoit, Jack Hudson here. We found Sophia and she is on her way to camp.”

“So de mademoiselle was never rayly missing, was she?” Jack could hear the laughter in the inspector’s voice. He had no doubt the police department would have a field day with the story.

“No, she wasn’t”, Jack admitted.

“Good, I ope she enjoys er stay in France. I will be waiting for you.”

“Nine o’clock, right?”

“Oui, monsieur. And do not be late”, he warned before cutting the communication.

“I will explain later”, he mouthed for Sue as he saw her frown. “Now, for you, young lady”, offering his cell to Sophia. “First, you call Antoine.”

Sophia was almost positive she heard a sigh of relief in Antoine’s voice. Jack and Sue’s visit probably worried him despite her message to him that she would be there. In a way she felt grateful that so many people cared enough about her to be worried.

“Good, now you get on that train”, Jack told her sternly, “and call your mom.”

“But your phone?” she argued.

“You can keep it. There’s around a hundred minutes left on it. Have a nice chat ... and don’t yell at your brother.”

“You’re asking a lot”, smiling mischievously at them.

“You have a great time, Sophia”, Sue wished her, approaching her for a hug that Sophia wholeheartedly returned.

“And if by any chance a member of my team calls”, his eyes sparkling as he gazed at his future wife, “tell them we’re on our honeymoon and don’t want to be disturbed.”

“You want me to tell them that?” suspiciously eyeing them. “If you insist”, grinning as they both nodded. “I have to go”, having heard her train. “Thank you very much.”

They watched until they were sure Sophia stepped inside the train. She waved at them from her window seat before they saw her place the phone to her ear.

“I love cases with happy ending, Jack”, as relief washed over her. “So, what is going on at nine o’clock?” holding on to his arm as they walked back to their car.

“At nine o’clock tonight, you will answer OUI to the priest when he asks you if you want to take me as your husband.”

“We’re getting married tonight?” stopping dead in her track and staring in amazement at him.

“Didn’t I promise to marry you as soon as the case is over?” grinning at her radiant expression. “Benoit arranged it for us and he is waiting in a charming little country church to serve as our witness.”

“But ... but ...” He arched his brow and waited for a coherent objection. “I ... I need a dress”, she blurted out.

“You’re perfect just like you are”, he insisted, wrapping her in his arms. “And it’s not like you would be wearing it for very long after the ceremony”, he whispered huskily, passion and desire gleaming in his eyes. She blushed under the intensity of his gaze. “I love where your mind is travelling, my love”, only accentuating the nice shade of red rising on her face. “We have the honeymoon suite for the week”, he added. “So you’ll have time to share all your fantasies with me ... and much more.”

His lips brushed hers ... softly ... teasingly ... a tender promise that would be fulfilled throughout the night.

~~~FIN~~~

Brava Marlo! Brava!! That was so sweet! and it leaves room for a short sequel or epilogue if you are so inclined!!! (I know we wouldn't object! and notice I did say short...I know how busy you are!) Another job well done!!

Marlo29, that was amazing!!!!! Could we possibly have an epilogue, or a short sequel, or even a long sequel if you're up to it???? Pretty please!!!!

Great writing!!

Jen

Très bien [okay that is it for me and french ]

lovely story

Simply wonderful.


gracie

bravo marlene great ending loved the
storie please write another one soon lin

So it was all a big misunderstanding! Well.....not all! AND they are getting married tonight!!!

Wonderful story yet again, Marlo. I know I am pushing, but any chance of an epilogue/sequel?......

Another wonderful story, Marlo! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

noooooooo it's over .....it's really over that's not funny.

amazing marlo good job loved every bit off it. thx

That was just beautiful. I love what they told Sophia to do if a member of the team calls. I can just picture their confused faces. Yes, I think a nice epilogue would do nicely, but your ending was perfect.

A big misunderstanding that ended in a blissful union!!!

Beautiful as always, Marlo!!

Thanks for once again sharing with us!!!

Joy

Wonderful, Marlene, I knew things will work out for them, I loved the little B/T hint and I'm glad Jack and Sue will have fun in Paris...

Beautiful ending. I loved it! Thank you so much for the great read!!!

Em