yay----hi, Sue! Kate's advice, if difficult to follow is so true- treasure yourself too, so you can take care of those who need you

i'm so glad she's awake pfff you had me pretty scared there for a minute

She is awake!!!

Woohoo!!!

Sam

“Jack,” Sue said softly, tears filling her eyes as she watched the man who owned her heart fight to regain control of his emotions. “Jack, I’m okay. Everything is going to be just fine.”

Jack eased himself onto the edge of the bed. Gently, he gathered her into his arms, inhaling her scent. He placed light kissed along her cheek, finally capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.

“Easy there, Sparky,” Bobby said, a broad smile on his face. Instinctively, he pulled Tara closer, placing a kiss on her cheek.

“Well if you’re not a sight for sore eyes, D said, a smile on his lips. He crossed the room to the bed, he placed a kiss on Sue’s forehead, giving Jack a pat on the arm.

Bobby and Tara continued into the room, followed by Myles and Lucy. Bobby bent a place a light kiss on Sue’s cheek. Tara gave her a gentle hug. Myles squeezed her hand. Sue couldn’t help but notice the mistiness in Myles eyes and his lack of a sarcastic response.

Lucy was the last to move forward. She gave Sue a hug and kiss. Stepping back, she let go of her emotions. Tears spilled down her cheeks. Pointing a finger at Sue, she said, “Don’t you ever do anything like this again. If you do, I’ll make Jack hold you while I throttle the living daylights out of you.”

Sue gave Lucy a warm smile and chuckled lightly, “Don’t worry, Lucy. I have no plans on a repeat performance any time soon.”

“Well, well, well. I think someone forgot to invite us to the party,” Kevin said, a broad grin on his face. He stepped aside, allowing Kate and Deanne to enter.

Sue gave a small cry of astonishment. “How did you know?”

“D called me and I called Kate,” Kevin said simply, taking Sue’s hand in his.

“We were on the next flight out, no questions asked,” Kate said, reaching around Kevin to touch Sue on the arm.

“I am so glad you are okay,” Deanne signed.

“Thank you, everyone,” Sue said, wiping tears from her eyes. “Thank you for being here and taking care of my Jack.” She gazed into Jack’s eyes. Her eyes were brimming with love and adoration for the man who wore her wedding ring.

Jack gazed into Sue’s eyes. She amazed him every day. She had a way of making him love her more deeply every day than he had the day before. His eyes were filled with love and security as he gazed at the woman who wore his wedding ring.

“Okay,” Kevin said, grasping Sue’s hand. “Why don’t we all grab hands and give our thanks to the One who has restored Sue to us.” Each family member bowed as Kevin began, “God, thank You for restoring Sue to us. You have restored our faith in miracles. Amen.” They held hands for a moment longer, Jack and Sue in their midst. Each one silently thanked God for restoring the light of their family. They had seen that light flicker and almost go out, casting shadows into their hearts. But the flame that was Sue’s life held on, brightening minute by minute, chasing the darkness away.

That was a special moment. When is BObby gonna propose? I loved the prayer too. Keep it up.

This was beautiful!

Yes! Loved the reunion and the prayer of praise at the end.
thanks,
Terie

That was beautiful!
kav

yea I am so happy Sue is ok

Dianna

beautiful

cath

An upliftling and beautiful post

That was lovely Kim!

Sam

So sweet!

Em

Sunday, November 19

Sue was sitting in the pew next to Jack. Kevin had arranged for a short service in the hospital chapel for Sue, Jack and the rest of the team. It was a day of celebration. Sue had been spared and would be discharged from the hospital in a few short hours. Sitting there among their family, Sue and Jack felt immensely blessed. Jack cradled Sue against his shoulder, waiting for the service to start. Sue gazed at Jack’s face, surprised by the serenity that she saw there. Jack had always been calm, in most situations at least, but this was different, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Jack, feeling her looking at him, turned to face her. He gave her a loving smile and feathered a light kiss on her lips, hugging her closer.

Kevin stepped to the pulpit, smiling broadly at the FBI team members he now thought of as family. “We are here today to celebrate miracles. We have witnessed firsthand this week that God still does provide miracles where there is faith. We faithfully put our trust in God that he would keep Sue safe and we have been rewarded with her presence with us today. That’s what we have to do each day, put our faith in God that he will provide the miracle, big or small, that we need every day. Some of us are struggling with issues in our love lives. Struggling to know if taking that next step is the right thing. I am here to assure you that God will show you the answer. You just have to be willing to listen. Jack and Sue can tell you that from experience. I gave them that same piece of advice not so long ago. I am here today to give you all that same advice. Trust God, he will provide the miracles. Now I believe Jack has something he would like to say.”

As Jack made his way to the pulpit, Tara and Bobby looked at one another. The comments Kevin had just made echoed in their hearts. It was the answer they had been looking for. Bobby reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box he had been carrying. Silently, he opened it, taking the ring and placing it on Tara’s left ring finger. His look silently asked the question he could not voice. Tara gazed into his eyes, then back down at the diamond sparkling on her finger. With tears in her eyes, Tara nodded slowly, bringing a broad grin to Bobby’s face. He gently feathered a kiss across her lips. It was not the kind of kiss he wanted to bestow on his fiancée, but it would have to do for now.

The words were not lost on Myles and Lucy either. Myles now knew that he would make it his life’s work to get Lucy back. Lucy let a little piece of her anger towards Myles’ past indiscretions fall away from her heart. It was a small start in the healing process, but it was a start.

Jack cleared his throat, trying to squelch the emotion that threatened to steal his voice. “I had an experience this week that has changed my life for the better. Sue has always had a deep, abiding faith in God and what He could do. I struggled to find that same faith, always falling short, relying on Sue to fill in the void,” Jack stopped for a moment, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “On Wednesday, I almost lost Sue. Not only did I almost lose Sue, I lost my faith. She wasn’t there to fill the void this time and my faith wasn’t strong enough to bridge the gap, or so I thought,” Jack stopped again, watching as his wife wiped tears from her eyes. Jack fought to stop the tears from spilling from his eyes, but failed miserably. Jack wiped his eyes and continued. “Kevin, Kate and Deanne brought me to my senses. Deanne presented me with a mustard seed. She quoted me the story of mustard seed faith from Matthew. She said for me to hold onto that mustard seed faith, that it would be enough. Boy, was she right. Not only did that mustard seed faith bridge the gap but it brought me to my knees to ask God for a miracle, not only ask, but expect to receive that miracle. And there she is, sitting right there in that pew, alive and on the road to a full recovery. God not only restored my wife to me, he also restored my faith, allowing it to grow a little bit.”

Jack’s speech left them all drying there eyes. He made his way to Sue, gathering her in his arms and kissing her gently. Sue gazed into the eyes of the man who held her heart. “So that’s what is different about you,” Sue said quietly. God, Thank You for giving Jack to me. Thank You for giving Jack the faith and strength he needed. Thank you for everything, Sue breathed her silent prayer heavenward. Sue felt safe and secure, surrounded by her faith, the encircling arms of her beloved husband and the love of her family.

WOW! So beautiful.
thanks,
Terie

That was really beautiful. Bobby's proposal wasnt what I thought it would be but it is all good now. Keep it up. You are doing a wonderful job Kim.

wow what a wonderful post

cath

That was uplifting, incredible, beautiful..... absolutely, definitely, undoubtedly PERFECT.

Thank you.

Jen

This post made my heart soar as Jack talked about his restored faith. It was moving to see how Sue had noted there was something diffferent about him.

That was a perfect time for Bobby to slip the ring on Tara's finger

That was lovely

loved Bobby's proposal..perfect timing.

Em

Sue sat on the edge of the hospital bed, waiting for the doctor to arrive with her final release papers. Jack was busy packing the overnight bag. They were both anxious to get home. The team was coming over to cook dinner for them this evening. Sue notice movement at the doorway and looked up. She was surprised to see Dr. Kavanagh standing in the doorway. Dr. Kavanagh was her gynecologist. “Sue, I know you are ready to go home,” she said with a smile, “But we have one more test we want to run before you leave.”
Jack moved to stand beside Sue, his heart frozen with fear. He took Sue’s hand in his and asked, “What kind of test? There isn’t anything wrong, is there?” His brow furrowed in worry.

“No,” Dr. Kavanagh said, trying to restrain the smile that pulled at the corner of her mouth. “I wouldn’t say that there was anything wrong. We just want to double check something before you go. Jack, you can come with Sue, if you wish.”

The nurse entered the room with a wheelchair, as if on cue. Sue eased herself into the chair. Jack took her hand and walked beside her as the nurse wheeled her down the hall. Jack looked at Sue and saw her face tight with fear. He squeezed her hand, suppressing his own fear as her eyes searched his. He gave her a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to be fine,” he said, glad that she couldn’t hear the quiver in his voice.

The nurse helped Sue up on the table, getting her settled just as Dr. Kavanagh came in. Jack stood next to the table, near Sue’s head. He laced his fingers with hers noticing the tremble in her hand. The nurse place the ultrasound gel on Sue’s stomach as the ultrasound technician wheeled the ultrasound machine over. Dr. Kavanagh took the hand piece and ran it across Sue’s stomach, watching the computer screen intently. She turned and looked into the worried faces of the couple, a smile growing on her lips.

“It’s actually a little early for this, but we wanted to make sure before you left the hospital,” Dr. Kavanagh said, turning the computer screen so that Sue and Jack could see the image. “But according to the blood test, Mrs. Hudson, you are pregnant. According to the ultrasound, I would say that you are about six weeks pregnant.” Dr. Kavanagh pointed to a small mass in the middle of the screen that looked to be just about the size of a mustard seed. Dr. Kavanagh could help but laugh at the look on Jack and Sue’s faces.

Jack’s mouth was hanging open in awe. Sue was quietly crying, her eyes never moving from the screen. Slowly, Jack turned to face Sue, the tears shining in his eyes. “A baby,” he whispered. Sue smiled at him through her tears. “A baby,” she confirmed.

“I guess we both have mustard seed faith growing inside of us,” Jack said, taking Sue into his arms and kissing away her tears. “It looks like yours will be joining the family in about eight months.”

Sue kissed Jack gently on the lips, her heart was filled with so much love for her husband and their unborn child that she felt it would burst. Then a small glimmer of fear started to form in her head. Turning back to Dr. Kavanagh, she asked, “Will the trauma I have been through hurt the baby?”

Dr. Kavanagh’s eyes clouded for a moment before she answered. “Sue, I am going to be honest with you. There is a risk that the effects of the blood loss and medications could effect the fetus. There is really no way to know until a problem arises. We will monitor you closely, though. Of course, we could always terminate the pregnancy, if you want.”

Sue shook her head. She started to speak, but Jack brought his fingers to her mouth to stop her. “Dr. Kavanagh,” he said, his voice clear and confident. “That is not an option. Sue and I have faith that God will provide us with the strength to face whatever happens, but we will see this little one brought into the world. After all, there are no miracles for those who have no faith in them. To terminate this pregnancy would be like losing our faith in God and what he has planned for us.” Jack smiled down at his wife, knowing in his heart that their love and God’s grace was strong enough for them to face anything.

Dr. Kavanagh smiled, “I thought that is what you might say. As a physician I had to give you all the options. Call my office next week to set up your first appointment. Once the nurse gets you cleaned up, you can go home.” Dr. Kavanagh took Sue and Jack’s hands in hers, squeezing them. “You will not only be in my care as a physician, you will also be in my prayers.”

Yah!!!!!!!!! A baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO good. All things work out for the best I suppose. Keep it up.

Well, we have yet another miracle occuring. You conveyed their wonder and surpise at the news so clearly. I liked her gynecologist.

Lovely fuzzies, kim

kav

Love the wonderful picture of their future.
thanks,
Terie

woohoo they're pregnant

cath

YES, they are going to have a BABY!!!!!!

Sam

Awww a baby

Later that evening, Sue and Jack sat together on their couch in their apartment. Kevin, Kate and the rest of the team would be arriving soon with their celebratory dinner. But for now, it was just the three of them. That thought made Jack smile. He sat there, holding his wife in his arms, as she held their baby inside her. His hand traced small circles on her arm, feeling contented and peaceful.

Sue looked up at Jack. She had never such warmth and love in his eyes as he gazed back at her. That sappy grin that had been on his face since he saw their baby on the ultrasound was still planted firmly on his face. She never knew she could love someone as much as she loved Jack. “A penny for your thoughts,” she said, reaching up to caress his cheek.

“I was just thinking. In about 71/2 months, we will be sitting here, on this couch, holding our baby. It makes me weak in the knees to think about it. I love you so much. I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you. When I thought I had lost you,” he paused drawing in a deep breath as tears rolled down his cheeks. “When I thought I had lost you, I just wanted to curl up and die. The light of my life went out,’ he smiled down at her through his tears. “Then I saw you smile at me again. That light was rekindled and is burning brighter than ever. I love you Susan Marie Thomas Hudson.”

“And I love you, Jackson Samuel Hudson. I promise, I will never put you through that again. I will either stay in the surveillance van or back in the bullpen. I don’t ever want to be the cause of the pain I saw in your eyes when I first regained consciousness. I’m sorry,” Sue said, reaching up to pull Jack’s lips to hers. Jack kissed her gently, at first. Sue pressed harder and Jack responded. He eased down beside her on the couch, pulling her close. He wanted to make love to her, but knew it was a little too soon after her ordeal. He groaned as he deepened the kiss. He would just have to be satisfied with holding her, at least for the next few days.

This is not a story post. I just wanted to say thank you for all of the encouraging replies you guys have sent my way. They are truly appreciated. I have somewhat of a dilema, however. I am quickly approaching the word limit for this challenge. I can end the story, satisfactorily in one more post. That will leave some of the story lines hanging. I was just wondering if you guys would follow a sequel in Works In Progress. If it isn't good enough, let me know and I will end the story and move on.

Thanks for your input.
Kim

One, I loved this last post so cute. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! ANd as for a sequel to this, I would gladly read it. I love your style. Keep it up. Love ya Kim.

Love the story - please dont leave us hanging

I for one would love to read the coninuation of this story as a sequal

i'm definately up for a sequel

and that last post was wonderful, loved the tenderness

cath

A baby!! This is great news!!

off course we will follow you to wip, you go and write yourself a nother master piece

I would definitely read a sequel to this. I think you could tell by my comments that I have been enjoying this very much. Superb job.

Please continue with your wonderful story,
thanks,
Terie

Hanging story lines!! oh well, sequels can be better than the original.

how's that for a challenge!! b/c this original is pretty great!

write on, read ever.

I think that a sequel is a good thing. I always love to see a good story continue.

Dianna

I'm definitely up for a sequel!!! Great emotion filled posts Kim. I love it!!!

Jen

Thank you all for the wonderful replies. They helped alot. I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I will be starting a sequel in WIP in the next few days. Thanks again! Kim

Levi’s wet nose on his hand woke him from his slumber. Sue was snuggled close, sleeping peacefully in his arms. It took him a minute to realize that the doorbell was ringing. That would be the family, he thought, kissing Sue gently on the lips, rousing her from her slumber. Her eyes slowly flickered open, gazing into the warm brown depths of her husband’s eyes. “They’re here,” he said, placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

Sue slowly sat up, her body still aching from the events of the past few days. Jack got up and made his way to the door. He opened the door and ushered the food bearing friends inside. Sue rose slowly, turning to greet them.

“Sit down,” Lucy signed. “We will take care of dinner. You and Jack just relax.”

Sue smiled at her friends and willingly obeyed. Jack joined her on the couch, pulling her into a loose embrace. The team made quick work of their kitchen duties, setting out a fabulous meal. Just before they sat down for dinner, Bobby stood, taking Tara’s hand in his.

“Tara and I have a little announcement to make,” Bobby said, clearing his throat to continue.

“Well, what is it Crash?” Jack asked, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

“Yeah, Spit is out already,” Myles quipped.

Bobby blushed slightly, “Tara has consented to be my wife.”

The room erupted into cheers. Jack, Myles, D and Kevin pounded Bobby on the back. Sue, Lucy, Donna and Kate pounced on Tara’s ring.

“It’s beautiful,” Lucy said, tears of joy mixed with tears of jealousy filling her eyes. She felt so happy for Tara, but at the same time, she felt jealous and a little left out. She was the only woman in that house that wasn’t involved with someone. This caused a small pain in her heart. She longed to love someone and be loved by someone the way the other women in the room were. She turned her eyes from Tara for a moment. As she gazed around the room, her eyes locked with Myles. He was staring at her with a strange look on his face. It was a look of happiness, mixed with…longing? Could he possibly be longing for her? Not willing to think about that for the moment, she turned her attention back to the ring on Tara’s left hand.

Jack made his way over to Sue, pulling her away from the group. “Shall we tell them, or should we wait?”

“I think we should tell them. I don’t want to overshadow Bobby and Tara’s joyous announcement, but I think letting them in on our little secret might help them move passed the events of the week. Do you think that would be okay?”

“I think it would be perfect!” Jack said, taking Sue into his arms. He kissed her lightly on the cheek, then turned to face the rest. “May I have everyone’s attention?”

The group stopped their small talk. Bobby move to take Tara in his arms. D slipped his arms around Donna’s waist. Myles and Lucy stood within a whisper of each other, not quite touching, but almost. Seeing that he had their full attention, Jack continued.

“Since it seems to be a night of sharing life-changing announcements, Sue and I have one we would like to share,” Jack pulled Sue tighter into his embrace, placing one hand on her still flat stomach. “Sue and I found out something just before we left the hospital…”

Lucy gasped, “Sue, you are going to be okay, aren’t you? There hasn’t been a complication from the surgery?” she asked, her face twisted with concern.

Sue blushed prettily and chuckled, “No Luce, it’s nothing like that. In about 71/2 months, Jack and I…”

“Are going to have a baby!” Jack interrupted.

The couple was soon surrounded by the rest of the team. Jack got several “Atta boys” and punches on the arm. Sue got round of gentle hugs. It was so perfect. What had started out as a nightmare on Wednesday morning had ended in an unbelievable reality on Sunday.

As they gathered around the table preparing to sit down to a wonderful meal and evening of friendship, they grasped hands. Kevin prayed in a clear, strong voice, “God, thank You for the wonderful meal that friends, no, more than friends, family has prepared. Thank You for friendships that go beyond the work realm and personal realm into the realm of true family. Although we are not related by blood, we are family of the heart and soul, united stronger than some related by blood. Thank You for showing Tara and Bobby the future You have planned for them. A future that they are to share as husband and wife. Thank You for the miracle of Sue’s life and the miracle of life that is growing inside her. Keep them both safe in Your loving embrace. Finally God, thank you for faith, the faith to believe that miracle still happen. There are no miracles for those who have no faith in them. If that is the case, then this room if full of faith, enough faith to face whatever You have in store for us, as long as we face it together. Amen.”


The End…For Now

beautiful end

can't wait to read your WIP

cath

beautifully written, well done!

Wonderful story, kim and I'll be looking for you in wip -- you can't leave Lucy sad like this for long!

kav

Kevin's prayer was beautiful. How close these folks have become.

I am looking forward to your next story. You have presented several possible story lines here.

Loved it can't wait for the sequel.

Dianna

THe end for now? Are you crazy?! Keep this up. I love it.

Loved it!!!!
thanks,
Terie