Katrina has to be an angel!! She knows all about our team and where they are headed!! Kim, that was so beautifully written that it gave me goosebumps!!!

Okay, Jack and Sue are on first watch!! Evidently D is in on Jack's plan, which I'm almost sure Law is right about - a wedding!!!

Can't wait for more!!!

Joy

Of course you're not the only one excited Jack! Look at me

Em

Katrina is spooky!

I think everyone is excited Jack, what was the plan again??

Sam

I wonder what is Jack's plan...care to tell us anytime soon Jack??

Kim,

Great story, can't wait to see how Jack's plan collides with the teams and then the team's reaction to him and Sue!!!

Soph

Ok I am ready for the party what's the plan?

Dianna

Jack stood in the doorway of the room he and Sue would be using for surveillance. The computer and camera were still in the corner where he had left them earlier in the day. Jack watched as Sue gazed out the window. The moonlight filtered through the translucent curtains and shimmered in her blonde hair. She was so beautiful, it took his breath just to gaze at her. What did I do to be so blessed? Running his fingers through his hair, he let out a ragged breath. He glanced at his watch, checking to make sure the alarm was set. One more hour. He smiled as he entered the room.

Sue turned from the window to watch him enter the room. She had felt him watching her from the doorway. Although, she couldn’t hear him, it was as if her inner most being knew when he was near. There was a sudden feeling of complete happiness that washed over her whenever he was near. Maybe it was because, as Katrina had said, they were ordained to be together. The sight of his muscular form silhouetted in the doorway took her breath away. She smiled as she held her arms out for him.

Jack closed the door softly before traversing the room to enter her arms. Pulling her tightly against him, he inhaled the scent that would forever be Sue. He placed a light kiss on her forehead before leaning down to capture her lips with his. He moaned as her tongue played timidly with his. He explored her mouth with all the eagerness of a first kiss, despite the fact that they had kissed so often over the past few months he had lost count. With Sue, each kiss was like the first…fresh, tender and filled with the hope of a long life together. Breaking the kiss, he listened to her shallow breathing as he fought to bring his own under control. “I have been wanting to kiss you like that since Katrina called us to the table.”

“Really, Jack?” Sue sighed as she ran her fingers through his hair. The love and desire she saw in his eyes took her breath away. Seeing him nod, she smiled, “Me, too.”

Jack eased himself to the floor, settling his back against the bed. He reached for Sue’s hand, pulling her down to sit between his legs, her back flush against his chest. He held her in silence for a few moments, just enjoying the feel of her in his arms. He took one hand and gently ran his fingers through her hair. Closing his eyes, he drank in the feel of the soft tresses of blonde hair flowing through his fingers. “What did you think about what Katrina said?” he heard her ask.

Opening his eyes, he moved slightly so she could better see his lips. “About us?” Seeing her nod, he began. “I think, if I ever had any doubts about our relationship, they were permanently erased when Katrina said our union had been blessed and ordained by God. You can’t get a much higher seal of approval,” his chuckle joining with Sue’s gentle laugh.

“I guess you’re right, Jack. Did you have any doubts?”

Jack saw the worry in Sue’s eyes as she waited for his answer. He gently caressed her cheek. “Not about you or the love I feel for you. But yes, I had doubts about my ability to be the kind of man you deserve, Sue. What about you?”

Sue reached up and gently traced the features of Jack’s handsome face. “Not about you. Jack, you are a wonderful man, never doubt that. I love you with my whole heart, but I did doubt my ability to be the kind of wife you deserve. I was afraid that you would tire of having to sign when I am too tired to try to read your lips or that you would start to resent the accommodations you will have to make because of my deafness. But, what Katrina said erased every doubt or fear that I ever had. I know you will cherish me until our days end.” She gently kissed his lips as his eyes misted with tears.

Jack sighed as he reluctantly moved Sue from his embrace. “I guess I need to get this stuff set up.” He rose from his place on the floor and moved to the corner. He turned on the computer and connected the video camera. Confirming an internet connection, he typed in a web address and waited. He smiled to himself as the video feed started. He heard the alarm on his watch go off as the two couples floated into view on the computer screen. Turning from the screen, he returned to his position on the floor and pulled Sue back into his arms. He heard Sue gasp as she focused on the computer screen.

“Mom! Dad! Mr. and Mrs. Hudson!” Sue squealed. Turning to Jack, she arched her brow. “Jack, what’s going on here?”

Jack heard the grandfather’s clock down the hall strike twelve. He smiled as he reached up removed the red scarf from Sue’s neck. He then carefully opened the clasp of the necklace. Holding it away from her, he withdrew the engagement ring and then fastened the necklace in place around her neck. He stood up, pulling Sue to her feet. He gently settled her on the edge of the bed before kneeling on one knee. “Sue, I arranged all of this so that our families could share in our joy.”

Jack took Sue’s left hand in his. Holding the engagement ring poised over her ring finger, he continued, “Sue, you have worn this ring hidden against your heart for three months. It is now officially November 1. We no longer have to hide our relationship from the world. Will you now wear my ring where the world will know you are mine?”

He saw her eyes pool with tears as she whispered “Yes”. With trembling fingers, he gently slid the ring into place. As she leaned down to kiss him, he gently stopped her by cupping her chin. “Wait, there’s more.”

“More? Jack how can there be more. You asked me three months ago to marry you and I said yes. You just asked me again and I said yes. What more could there be?”

Jack chuckled softly. “Just remember the word yes as you listen to the rest of my proposal. I want you to marry me tonight. Sue, I don’t want to spend another holiday, another year, another month, another day or another hour without you as my wife. I know we have discussed a December wedding, but I want to wake up with you tomorrow as my wife. Sue, will you marry me tonight?” Jack held his breath as he waited for her reply.

“Jack, how can we possibly get married tonight? There are so many plans…so many things to get done. Besides, I want our families to be there.” Sue glanced at the computer screen and saw her mother smile. Sue gasped as she read her mother’s lips. “Oh, Jack. Did Mom just say that she and Daddy are here in Washington, D.C.?”
Jack nodded slowly. “Yes Sue, your parents and mine are settled into one of the finest hotels in Washington. I have talked with our pastor and he will marry us tonight. The church is ready and decorated. The cake and refreshments are in the social hall at the church. The photographer is waiting. The tuxes, bridesmaid’s dresses and wedding gown are at my apartment. All that is needed for the perfect wedding is for my bride to say that she will marry me tonight. Sue, will you marry me tonight?”

“How did you know which bridesmaid’s dresses and wedding gown I wanted?” Sue smiled. She had already made her decision, but she wanted to see Jack squirm just a little more. He’s a little too cocky for his own good.

“Tara’s not the only one that can hack a computer,” Jack grinned. He knew he was wearing down her resolve. “I just chose the gown and dresses that you have viewed the most on some of the bridal websites. Now I am going to ask you one more time before I haul you kicking and screaming to the church. Sue Thomas, will you marry me tonight?”

Gazing into the smoldering dark pools that were Jack’s eyes, Sue gave into her tears. “Yes, Jack. I’ll marry you tonight.” Sue felt herself lifted to her feet as Jack pulled her into a passionate embrace. She felt his lips trailing kisses along her cheeks before capturing her lips with his.

“Jack,” she murmured into the kiss. Feeling him moan against her lips and move his kisses to her neck, she smiled. “I don’t think we need our parents to witness all our joy.” She laughed as she felt Jack groaned.

Jack pulled away slightly and gazed into the laughing hazel eyes that belonged to his bride. “I think you are right.” Releasing her from his embrace, he trailed his hand along her arm, capturing her hand in his and led her to the computer. “Bye guys. We’ll see you at the church in about an hour, okay?” Without waiting for a reply, he reached over and hit the exit button, ending the video feed. Turning back to Sue, he captured her waist with his arms, pulling her to him. “Now, where were we?”

More later
Kim

Yay!!!!!!! THis was great Kim!!!!!!

kim that was fantastic Im glad its a wedding
that jack had planned cant wait for more lin

You said it all!

Talk about a man with a plan. Zounds.

Loved it. I can't wait to see the teams reaction to the engagement/wedding

Dianna

can you tell i'm happy?

cath

Jack's plan is downright shiver inducing!

I love determined Jack!!!!!

i knew it.....i knew it i'm so happy
they are going to get married today.....o my can't you just see the team's faces when they tell them he proposed 3 months ago, and that they are getting married today. i can

I love how Jack takes care of details!!!

Joy

Pant...

Pant...

Pant...

FINALLY caught up. This is just magical Kim!

Jen

Woo Hoo!!!!

Em

Jack can be very thorough when he wants to be, can't he?
kav

D checked his watch. It was just about time. He had promised Jack that he would be up at 12:15. He gazed at his team and smiled. Bobby had Tara backed into a corner and was tenderly caressing her cheek as she smiled up at him. He watched as Bobby lowered his head and captured Tara’s lips, Tara’s arms reaching to encircle his neck. Myles and Lucy were sitting on the sofa. They weren’t touching, but their hands would occasional encounter one another as they talked. He saw Myles finally take Lucy’s hand in his. He smiled as he noticed that Lucy didn’t pull away. These people were more than his team, his co-workers, they were his family. And, his family was happy.

D considered telling the team that he was going up to get Jack and Sue. Seeing how deeply entranced they were, he decided to exit quietly. He sauntered up the stairs and down the hall to the room where Jack and Sue were sequestered. He knocked gently and waited for a reply. He grinned as Jack opened the door with a blushing Sue on his arm. From the disheveled look his friends wore, D assumed Jack’s plan had worked. “Are congratulations in order?”

D had never seen a bigger grin on Jack’s face. He watched a timid smile grow on Sue’s lips as well. “Well, I just have one thing to say. It’s about time!”

D stepped forward and hugged Sue, giving her a gentle peck on the check. He clasped Jack’s hand, giving it a heartfelt shake. “Let’s go tell the rest of the team.”

Sue stood on the first floor landing next to Jack. She snuggled her left hand into his hand. She felt him give it a reassuring squeeze as he pulled it behind his back to hide the glimmering diamond residing on her ring finger. She glanced around the room. She sighed as she watched Bobby gently caress Tara’s cheek before capturing her lips with his. She smiled as she watched Myles intertwine his fingers with Lucy’s as they seemed to share a private joke. She was about to marry the man of her dreams and suddenly, all seemed right with the world. She felt Jack nudge her. She turned to him. “D’s talking,” she saw him say.

“Okay, people. Can I have everyone’s attention? I have a little announcement to make,” D’s voice drawing everyone’s attention to him. “As of midnight, November 1, 2006, the no-dating policy at the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been abolished.” D placed his fingers in his ears as the shouts of the team reverberated around the room.

“WhooHoo,” Bobby whooped. “Guess that means Sparky can finally make his move on Sue. You have no more excuses, mate,” he shook his finger at his best friend.

Lucy squinted her eyes and gazed at Jack and Sue. A slow smile spread across her lips as she noted the sheepish grins they wore. I think Jack is holding Sue’s hand behind his back, she mused. “Well, if I’m not mistaken, I would say Jack has already made his move.” She grinned as Sue blushed a pretty shade of pink.

Jack cleared his throat. “Well, you know what they say. ‘If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.’” He grinned at this team, only to be greeted by scowling faces. Turning to face Sue, he took his free hand and gently caressed her face. “It just so happens that, in this case, I got to do both.” Leaning forward, he brushed his lips gently against hers as he heard the team sigh in contentment.

“Our little plan worked,” Tara squealed as she elbowed Lucy. “I told you it would. Operation Couple United was a complete success.”

“That’s not exactly true,” Sue laughed. “You see, Jack and I have a little confession to make.”

“That’s right,” Jack continued. “You see, Sue and I have actually been dating for four months. D gave us a heads-up on the rule change. Instead of forcing us to waste more time by waiting, he gave us permission to go ahead and begin dating, as long as we were discreet.” Jack chuckled as he scanned the shocked faces of his friends. Bobby was slack-jawed while Tara beamed. Myles worked his mouth silently while Lucy looked as if she would faint. You ain’t heard nothing yet, he grinned.

It took only a moment for the shock to wear off as the team started to talk excitedly, a million questions hurled in their direction. Jack held up his hand in mock surrender. “Wait guys, you didn’t let me finish.”

“You mean there’s more?” Tara exclaimed.

“Most definitely,” Jack beamed. “Three months ago, I asked Sue to marry me and…”

“I said yes!” Sue shouted. She pulled her hand from Jack’s and holding it out so the team could examine the brilliant diamond solitaire that resided there.

“You mean you have been engaged for three months and you didn’t breathe a word of it to me?” Lucy cried.

Sue noted the look of disappointment that filled Lucy’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Luce. I wanted to tell you so many times. But we promised D. I couldn’t go back on that promise. Do you forgive me?”

Sue held her breath until she saw the saucy gleam return to her best friend’s eyes. “Sue, I’m so happy for you right now, I would forgive the devil himself.”

Sue’s eyes filled with tears as she watched Lucy wipe the tears from her eyes. She moved down the stairs to meet Lucy. She was quickly enveloped by two loving arms as Lucy hugged her close. Sue soon found herself receiving congratulatory hugs from Tara, Bobby and Myles. She felt a warm hand at her waist. Turning her head, she gazed into Jack’s loving eyes. Her heart warmed at the beaming smile he gave her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled close.

D cleared his throat again to regain his team’s attention. “Guys, I have another announcement. This one, however, may not be as well received.” He gave a sly wink to Jack and Sue before continuing. “Since Jack and Sue became engaged before the rule was officially abolished, I’m afraid that Sue Thomas will no longer be a member of the unit.” He mentally ducked as the team threw daggers at him with their eyes.

Myles raised himself to his full height. He cleared his throat and, in his best Harvard voice protested loudly. “That is a mere technicality. As the announcement of their engagement was made after the abolition of the rule, then I believe it only fair that Ms. Thomas be allowed to remain on the team.”

“That’s okay, Myles,” Sue smiled sweetly. “I knew when I accepted Jack’s proposal, Sue Thomas would no longer be a member of the team. It’s a consequence I will gladly accept.” Sue’s lips brushed a light kiss on Jack’s cheek.

Before the team could protest further, Jack interjected, “Let me explain. You see, I have just asked Sue to marry me tonight. So, you see, when we return to work, Sue Hudson will be joining the team.”

Sue felt the vibrations of the team’s shouts as she and Jack were quickly surrounded by the team. She was hugged and kissed by each team member while she watched Jack’s back being pummeled by the guys. She had never felt more accepted or loved.

“Did you say tonight?” Lucy squealed. “But what about a church wedding? What about your parents?”

Jack chuckled and pulled Lucy into a friendly hug. “Don’t worry. I have been planning this for weeks. Our pastor is marrying us in the church. Our parents are in town and will meet us at the church. You girls’ dresses and our tuxes are in my apartment, waiting for us to pick them up. Everything is all arranged.” Jack glanced at his watch. “But we do need to get moving.”

“Just one question, Mate,” Bobby replied. “Isn’t it a little unorthodox to get married at this time of night?”

Jack chuckled. “Well, Crash. Nothing about our relationship has been orthodox. Anyway, people who elope get married at this time of night all the time. We just happen to be having a church wedding instead of running off to a Justice of the Peace.”

“But why tonight, Jack. Why not wait until Saturday?” Tara questioned.

“Because,” Jack began, drinking in the beauty of his fiancée’s eyes, “I have waited too long to make Sue mine. I don’t want to waste another moment of our lives by waiting. And what better day to marry an angel than All Saint’s Day.” He leaned down and captured Sue’s lips in a passionate kiss that left the team without doubt as to the love he and Sue shared.

Tomorrow, the wedding! You are all invited.
Thanks for hanging with me.
Kim

THis was great Kim, what time is the wedding so I can make sure to be there on time?

o wow

Oh I'm all in a dither, I don't have anything to wear to the wedding! How about this? Too exhuberant? or this I might over heat how about this It is Halloween after all!

kav

Lovely

That was so well played by Jack, and actually a most appropriate time for a wedding given all the facts. They all have so much to celebrate.


The idea of being married on All Saint's Day is neat.

Ooh, Kav I'm dithering too. I have a cool orange dress but it's too cold here to wear it! Kim, LOVIN IT!!!!

Jen

kim that was just WOW
loved it the family the team become loving that sue
and jack are together engaged and now about to
become husband and wife just
cant wait for the wedding lin

I just bought a new little black dress to wear to a wedding in December... But I'm totally wearing it early! I'm so excited for the wedding!!!!

Em

I gotta find my dancing shoes!

Kim, I love the way the announcement to the team went!! I know Jack and Sue have to feel pretty good about being able to keep their team in the dark - it couldn't have been easy!!!

I'm ready for a wedding!! I have my dress and my dancing shoes!! Oh oh, I have to do my hair - oh never mind, I'll just fluff and go!!!

Joy

great planning by jack

can't wait for the wedding

Loved that post and I am totally ready for the wedding.

Dianna

[i]Chapter 11[/i]]

Sue gasped as she peaked into the sanctuary of the church before joining Lucy, Tara, Mrs. Hudson and her mom in the Bride’s changing room. Jack had really outdone himself. The sanctuary was aglow with hundreds of candles. Roses and mums adorned the windows and altar. It was breathtaking. Jack must have been planning this for weeks, Sue mused.

Sue gently fingered the satin bodice of the wedding gown Jack had lovingly chosen. Somehow, he had chosen her dream gown. It was an ivory satin strapless gown with a flowing train. The veil was simple, but elegant and framed her face to perfection. Her eye’s misted as she gazed at the image reflected in the full length mirror. She felt like a princess.

She smiled as the image of Lucy and Tara floated into the mirror beside hers. Lucy and Tara were gorgeous in the deep autumn burgundy dresses. Sue noticed the moisture in her friends’ eyes as they gazed at her reflection. “Don’t guys,” Sue warned. “If you guys start, I’ll be a sobbing mess by the time I reach the altar.” She gently touched their hands as they rested on her shoulders.

“You look beautiful,” Tara whispered.

“I think I need to put 911 on standby. Jack is going to have a heart attack when he sees you,” Lucy beamed.

“Thanks, guys,” Sue murmured.

******************

“Steady there, Sparky,” Bobby said.

Jack’s hands shook as he attempted to fasten his cuff links for the fifth time in as many minutes. “I’m getting married, Bobby. Can you believe I’m getting married?”

“You’re not getting cold feet are you, Mate?”

“Are you crazy? I have dreamed of this moment since Sue stormed into my office almost four years ago. I knew the minute I looked into her hazel eyes that I was a goner. In that one instant, she made me feel more complete that any other woman ever had. I’m marrying Sue today, Crash.” Jack beamed.

Bobby looked at his watch. “We had better get in there. It’s about time.”
“I did give you the rings didn’t I, Bobby?” Jack asked, nervously patting his pockets.

Bobby had a saucy reply at the ready, but quickly swallowed it when he saw the panicked look in Jack’s eyes. He reached into his pocket and withdrew the velvet box containing the matching gold wedding bands. “I have them right here, Jack. Now just relax Mate.” Bobby clapped Jack on the back as they headed into the sanctuary.

***********************

Sue gazed at her reflection, checking her make-up one last time. Her eyes misted as she saw her father’s image reflected in the mirror. She rose from her seat and moved to stand by him. Wrapping her arms around his neck like she had as a child, she hugged him gently. “I love you, Daddy.”

Edward Thomas waited until his daughter’s eyes focused on him. “I love you, too, Baby Girl.” He felt his eyes mist with tears. His baby girl stood before him as a radiant bride. Where have the years gone? he mused. He felt her gently wipe the tears from his cheeks.

“What’s wrong, Daddy?” he heard her say.

“It’s just an old man being silly,” he said as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “You’re not my little girl anymore. It seems like only yesterday you were just a little thing standing on my shoe tops as we danced across the floor. Now, your all grown up. You’ll be dancing on Jack’s shoe tops now.”

Sue chuckled quietly. “I bet Jack hopes I don’t dance on his shoe tops.” She watched her father’s lips curl into a gentle smile. Still, his eyes were clouded with a mixture of joy and sadness.

He felt like he was losing his little girl. She had confided all her fears and joys to him. He had been the only man in her life since she was born. He knew that Jack would be taking his place in a lot of ways. Still, he knew he would always hold a special place in her heart. He watched a tear trickle down her cheek.

Edward gently wiped the tears from his daughter’s eyes. Offering her his arm, he asked, “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

He grinned at her reply. “Most definitely, Daddy.”

************

Jack stared at the doors at the back of the sanctuary, willing them to open and reveal his beautiful bride. He heard the organ music change to the Wedding March as Tara drifted through the doors. He heard Bobby gasp as Tara came towards them down the aisle. He watched as Lucy slowly made her way down the aisle behind Tara. He heard Myles clear his throat as Lucy neared the altar. Finally, he heard the organ crescendo as the back doors opened to reveal a vision in ivory.

Jack’s heart hammered in his chest. Sue was breathtaking as she seemed to float down the aisle on her father’s arm. Jack struggled to remain upright as his breathing became ragged and his knees threatened to buckle. He heard Bobby whisper in his ear, “Breathe, Sparky. Breathe.”

Sue felt the tears burning her eyes as she gazed at Jack waiting for her at the altar. She could see that his brown eyes were moist, but they were filled with the love that told her how special she was to him. He was so handsome standing there waiting for her. If she didn’t know that her mother would have a conniption, she would have raced down the aisle and into his arms.

Pastor Fred watched the young couple with amusement. Over his career, he had joined numerous couples in marriage. With each one, he had felt a moment of trepidation as the couple stood in front of him. A strong marriage took a lot of hard work. He always feared that the couples would not be up to the task as the trials of life battered their relationship. Watching Mr. Thomas place Sue’s hand in Jack’s, he felt nothing but a calm assurance that this couple would be up to any challenge that came their way. He knew that they would survive each test and emerge on the other side of each battle a stronger couple, their love growing with each passing day.

“Dearly beloved,” Pastor Fred began. “We are gathered here tonight to join together in holy matrimony Jackson Samuel Hudson and Susan Marie Thomas…”

Jack gazed into those hazel eyes as he recited the vows he had composed just for Sue. “Sue, I promise that I will be with you always. I will laugh when you laugh. I will cry when you cry. I will offer you comfort when the world becomes cold and unfeeling. I will hold your hand as you bring our children into the world. I will hold it again when we watch them walk into school for the first time and again when we see them exit in their graduation regalia. I will hold you in my arms as they walk down the aisle of a church and pledge their love to another and when you hold our grandchildren on you knee. When we come to the end of our days, I will gather you against me and fall asleep, only to wake in Heaven with you still in my arms.”

Sue reached up and wiped the tears from Jack’s eyes as she recited the vows she had composed just for him. “Jack, I will be with you always. I will be your shelter when the storms of life rock the world. I will laugh with you in the good times and cry with you in the bad. I will share each milestone of life with you, knowing that I will always be safe and secure in your arms. When we come to the end of our days, I will fall asleep curled in your arms, only to wake in Heaven still in your arms.”

A golden head peered over the balcony railing, watching the ceremony proceeding below him. His tail wagged as he saw Jack placed the wedding band on Sue’s finger. He stifled a bark as Sue placed the wedding band on Jack’s finger. He smiled a big doggie smile as Pastor Fred pronounced them man and wife. He sighed contently as he watched Jack gently kiss Sue, sealing their union. Finally, he thought as he heard Pastor Fred say, “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Hudson.”

More later
Kim

i was ,elting beautifully until the last paragraph about levi watching then i statrted

the whole post was wonderful though

cath

You made it so easy to sense each of their feelings as the big moment came. I liked the reaction of their pastor.

Mr. Thomas's thoughts were moving:

I am glad to know I am not the only one who cried.... This was most beautiful Kim.

that was beautiful so full of
pleased they are finally one forever and always
but oh so sad at the end with levi
cant wait for more kim lin

Such an awesome post! And I'm so glad you included Levi. I was hoping you would.

Beautiful......simply beautiful.

that was so beautiful, really amazing....and that scene with sue's dad well that just made me cry beautiful

I was going to post a nice gushy reply - talking about how sweet that last post was and how I've finally caught up to everyone else...

And then I saw Flip's avatar and now I'm jdkfdaksldfhneruiewoiifdjdfsjdsksdjkdskdsjksfds.

What a lovley wedding, I am so happy that Levi was there.

Dianna

Kim, I have got to learn to not read your posts at work!! You have me crying like a baby (in happiness, of course)!!!

Then I caught a glimpse of Flip's new avatar, and now I can't breathe either!!!

Simply beautiful!!!

Joy

Great wedding and lead up, so nice that Levi was there.

Soph

Flip, i thought your last avatar was worthy, but honestly, where so you find these things?!?!

Fnatastic wedding Kim, the wonderful atmosphere was just radiating from the screen!!

jen

I was going to reply but I got distracted by Flip's avatar. Loved that Levi was there, but a little sad too. But the wedding was beautiful -- and Sue's dad perfect.
kav

Kim - that was incredibly beautiful Thank you for including Levi!

Em

This is a short post. I am nearing the end of the story and should finish it by this weekend. Thanks for all the replies, they are wonderful and wonderfully motivating! I have a tendancy to not include kleneex warnings because sometimes I'm just not sure how the scene will play in your minds. However, I am going to throw in a kleneex warning for this little post. Thanks again for all the replies!

It wasn’t until the reception that Sue realized just how many guests were in attendance. She couldn’t believe the number of friends and family who attended the wedding at such an unusual hour. In addition to their parents, her brothers and sister-in-laws and Jack’s sister were there. She had been enveloped in a brotherly hug by Troy. Charlie offered she and Jack some grandfatherly advice on a long, loving, lasting marriage. Deanne and Helga had hugged her. She smiled as Helga signed, “I told you once before, you two make a handsome couple.”

Jack beamed at his new wife as he watched her speak to each well-wisher. He marveled at how, even at this late hour, she made each one feel special. He never left her side, keeping his hand at her waist as they made their way from table to table. He did tense slightly as Sue stopped to thank David for attending. Although he knew that Sue was now his wife, the green-eyed monster reared it’s head as David gently kissed Sue’s hand. Jack pulled her closer in a possessive gesture. “Thanks for coming,” he replied coolly. Now get out of here, he thought.

Taking Sue by the hand, he led her to the middle of the dance floor as the band started the song they had danced to at the bachelor auction. He pulled her into his arms in a sweeping motion that would have caused Fred Astaire’s jaw to drop. He gazed into those hazel eyes that held such desire…a desire he knew had been saved for only him. “How are you feeling, Mrs. Hudson?”

“Truly and deeply loved,” she sighed. “Thank you, Jack. Thank you for working so hard to make this so special. We will definitely have an interesting story to tell our children and grandchildren. How many people do you know that have a church wedding at 2:00 on a Wednesday morning?” Her beaming smiled lit her whole countenance as Jack held her in his arms.

“I just can’t believe how many of our friends and family came,” Sue said.

She gazed deep into Jack’s chocolate brown eyes. They were brimming with unshed tears and a love so deep and abiding that it made her shiver. “They came because they love you, Sue. You have touched so many lives since you came to D.C. Especially mine. I love you Sue Hudson.” She leaned towards him as he lowered his lips to capture hers in a chaste kiss.

As they twirled around the dance floor, she gazed into the faces of the friends and family gathers along the edges. They were all there…all the important people in her lives, save one. Levi. The thought of her beloved companion caused the tears that had threatened all evening to crash down her cheeks. Feeling Jack’s eyes on her face, she gazed up into his concerned face.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Jack’s heart was breaking as Sue’s tears trickled down her cheeks. He released her hand from his and reached up to wipe the tears away.

“Jack, I am so happy. I just wish that…” Jack heard her voice trail off as it tightened with emotion. “You wish Levi were here.”

As Sue nodded, Jack’s own eyes misted with tears. “So do I, sweetheart.” He pulled her gently against his chest. “So do I,” he whispered into her hair.

More later
Kim

Yeah that deserves some tissues...but so beautiful. I really enjoy your stories Kim. What do you have planned for us next?

i needed a tissue or two, beautiful wedding reception, hope they get a little glimpse of levi to know he's there and happy

cath

What a beautiful love these two share.

I loved Sue's answer when Jack asked her how she was feeling. "Truly and deeply loved."

It was clever to show Jack's reaction to David when he encountered him at the reception.