Ok all...I am going to attempt to write a christmas story. Every post is likely to be straight off the top of my head so i do apologize if it seems jumpy at all. I hope you all are going to like this!

Yay, a new Christmas story! Looking forward to it!

Here is the first little installment!

Christmas was coming up quickly and it was thursday night. Sue was at home packing all of her stuff up for her trip the next afternoon to her parents house in Ohio. She needed to go into work for the morning but then Garrett was letting them all off at lunch to head home. Sue didn't feel like driving all the way to ohio alone so she decided she would take the train and then she could enjoy the scenery the whole way instead. Her train left at 1:00 the next day, and Lucy was gone already to her grandmothers, so that left Jack driving her to train station. She was kind of excited because she didn't want to say good bye to him at the pen.

As she continued packing Levi alerted her to someone at the door. She went to the door and opened it. It was Jack.

"Hi. What are you doing here?"
"Came to see if you wanted some dinner?" He said to her as he held up a pizza box.
"Sure! I am always hungry for pizza!" She said with a hint of laughter in her voice. "Is that really all you drove over here for? To bring me pizza?"
"Maybe...can't a guy come visit his partner for christmas?!"
"well yeah but i mean...we have all day tomorrow to celebrate christmas..."
"I know but i knew lucy was gone already so i just thought it would be fun. Just relaxing and talking about things other than work for once."
"I know what you mean."
The two friends sat and ate theri pizza and just caught up on their lives. IT had been a long time since the two of them were able to just sit and chat with each other.

Sorry guys, this is all i have time for for now, remember it is off the top of my head! lol

Hoorah -- an new Christmas story!!!! And a train ride. It can't get better than this...unless Jack joins Sue for Christmas!

kav

interesting start

cath

Any chance Jack will join Sue on the train? Please????

Em

A train ride - together perhaps? This is showing a lot of possibilities already.

Great start! It's nice to see Jack and Sue so comfortable together.

oh jack must go on that train...and he will , won't he???

Maybe Jack could share the train ride

Yay! Another Christmas story!! I really want to see what you have in store for Jack and Sue.

Jill...can you come back here? I know you are doing this off the top of your head but I want to see where you are going with this. Thanks

The next day at work everyone was busy getting everything finished for the long weekend that they were going to have. It was kind of a nice day as there were no new cases that they had to deal with for the weekend and it was Christmas after all in 2 days. It came around to the noon hour and everyone was saying merry christmas and their goodbyes as they left the pen.
"You be careful on that train now, okay? I don't want to see anything happen to you, it's a long ride and you never know who might be in the next room. And one of us can't come get you if something happens."

"I know Bobby, thank you, I will be careful and it's not like its a very long trip, it is shorter than going by car." Sue replied to him.

"I know just be careful and have a wonderful christmas and i'll see you when you get back."

"YOU READY?" Jack signed for her.

"Yeah, let me grab my bag."

"I got it." Jack bent down to grab her bag and they walked out of the pen as they finished they're goodbyes.

"The car ride was prety silent, as neither knew what to say. It was only a week that they were going to be gone...

They arrived to the train station and Jack got out to grab her bag from the back seat.

"I'll walk you in."

"Oh Jack, it's fine i can get it, i'm sure you want to be heading to your parents anyways."

"Oh well actually, I'm not going home for christmas. I have a lot to do and it just didn't fit into my schedule to drive all the way there and everything."

"Oh, i see."

The two walked inside as Sue checked in and got her ticket. They walked over to a couple of seats and sat down to talk before she left.

"So what are you going to do if you're not going home?"

"Oh well Donna invited me over to their house, so I'm gonna have dinner with them."

"Jack, I'm sorry it didn't work out for you to go to your parents, it must be hard. I know i could never not spend christmas with my family, I'd miss it too much no matter how crazy it can be."

Yeah but i have something better planned for this christmas. Jack thought.

Soon Jack heard them call for boarding of the train to Cincinatti.

"Well i guess we better get you on that train. Have a safe trip, call me if you need anything or just if you get bored, okay?"

"Thanks Jack, I will, and I'll be fine. It's not too long of a trip."

"I know, I just worry about you. All alone on a train for how long with who knows who else might be on this train."

"Jack, i'm fine i promise, but thank you for your concern. I better get going."

He pulled her into a hug and said good bye as she got on the train.

As soon as she was out of sight he ran, as he had somewhere he needed to be.

Sorry this is so short, i will have more soon....

I have a feeling I know where you are going with this!

Interesting beginning! I have to admit I thought he was going to get on the train to chaperone her? I'm curious as to what he's up to! Can't wait to read more!

Hey guys, Sorry it's kinda bits and pieces. It's finals week right now so it's kinda stresseful and i don't have much time to get this done, especially since i am writing off the top of my head. I will post more ASAP! Thanks for the kind words so far!

curious to know if he's getting on the same train or driving to ohio?

cath

just caught this story Im wondering If
jack is going with sue hope he is not just to protect
her but to tell her how much he loves her hopefully
more soon please Lin

Hey guys...here's a little bit more for the day, I'm not sure when i will get more up because i have finals for the next 2 days so possibly some tonight...thanks for all of the wonderful comments.

Sue put her bag in the overhead compartment of the box she and Levi had to themselves. She was hoping to just enjoy the scenery the whole time. She was thinking about Jack and how sad it was that he was going to be home for the whole christmas vacation by himself. She felt bad and wondered if she shoulc have offered to stay back with him...no why on earth would she do that, he was a grown man who decided not to go visit his parnets, he obviously doesnt mind being left alone.

A few minutes later as the final boarding call was placed one of the conductors stepped into her box.

"Excuse me miss? I have a huge favor to ask of you. I am so sorry if this is an inconvenience but we are asking some of our single riders to double up so I was wondering if you would be able to switch rooms for the ride today? We have a few people with families who don't have a room yet. I am so sorry, we are just so full today, it being the holiday and all."

"That is totally fine. I don't mind at all, as long as I'm with someone who doesn't mind being with a dog."

"Oh I'm sure that will be no problem maam. Thank you so much for your kindness. If you go down 3 rooms there is one on the left with only one person in it if you like?"

"Okay, thank you." Sue grabbed her bag and left the room as the famliy with 4 young children scrambled into the room.

As she reached the door of the room the conductor pointed her to, she saw a man in there that was hoisting his bag up to the rack. She knocked and opened the door.

"Excuse me, i'm sorry i was wondering if i could share-" She stopped her words as the man turned around "What are you doing here?"

"Hmmm, well I didn't have anything to do for christmas, so i thought i would go to Ohio with you."

"But Jack, you said you were staying home for christmas?!"

"So i told a little lie."

"But why are you going to Ohio, Who's there that you want to see?"

"You."

"Jack-I-what do you mean me?"

"Sue, I wasn't able to go home for christmas so who better to spend it with than one of my best friends."

"Thanks, i think."

'I hope I'm not going to be intruding. I mean i will stay at a hotel in town but I would like to have dinner with you on christmas."

"Sure Jack, that will be totally fine. And you don't have to stay at a hotel, 2 of my brothers rooms will be empty as they live near my parents. So you can have one of them."

"Sue, I don't want to intrude. I mean, your mother may not like the fact that you have an unexpected guest."

"Jack, whether my mom likes it or not you are staying with us. No reason for you to pay for a hotel room when my parents have 2 empty bedrooms you can use."

"Well thank you Sue. I really appreciate that, and I am so glad that you're not mad."

"Mad, why on earth would I be mad? I was feeling so terrible that you were staying home for christmas instead of going out of town like the rest of us."

"Really?! Thanks Sue, and I'm sorry you were worried about me." Jack said with a chuckle.

Perfect!!!! I am so glad Jack is going with Sue

Em

me thinks that Jack has alterior motives!

First of all, Jill, I'm excited to see a story from you!!!

So, Jack is going to Ohio with Sue on the train!! Oh, the possibilities!!!

Joy

so much potential for fuzzies here

cath

Hum ... possibilities, possibilities ... can an avalanche stopped the train???

Oh we need a train smilie!!!!!! This just isn't the same at all!

kav

Kav, I found train smileys!!!





Jen

ALL ABOARD!!!! CHU CHUUUUU..........(sp?)

I love the train smilies! And thanks for all of the encouraging words. I'm not sure when i will get some more up, i have finals all day today but if not today for sure i should on thursday...i hope...i dont wanna say i promise tho becuase i will be going home for break tomorrow and i dont know if ill have compter use at home...thanks again!

Here's another little post for you guys!

They talked for a while and then they eventually both fell asleep.

Jack awoke about an hour later to see Sue shivering in her sleep. He looked around for a blanket and layed it over her. "God, she is so beautiful." He said to himself out loud. He layed his hand over her cheek for a minute before he placed a soft kiss to her forehead.

After he did that, she moved slightly and mumbled something.

Jack couldn't really hear what she said, but he imagined what he wanted her to say.

He went back over to his bag and pulled out a sweatshirt for himself. He sat back down on his side of the car and just watched her as she layed there peacefully asleep.

"God, give me the strength to tell her how much i love her. I cannot go on in my life without her, God, I want her with me every step of the way, Lord, Please help me come up with the words."

With that he layed down and fell back to sleep.

He awoke some time later to see her looking out the window. He got up to stand by her and placed his hand to her shoulder.

"Good morning sleepy head, i thought you were gonna sleep all day."

"I probably would have, but i noticed we weren't moving any more. What's going on?"

"I dunno i thought it was just a stop along the way, but we've been here for about 10 minutes now."

"Hmmm, thats strange, i'll go see if i can find out what's going on."

"Okay, come tell me as soon as you know."

"I will." He said with a smile as he opened the door to walk out.

He returned a few minutes later. With the answers he needed.

"Well, looks like we'll be here for at least another hour or so."

"What's going on?"

"There was a heavy snowfall earlier and they haven't gotten it cleared from the track yet. A lot of the towns folk are snowed in as well, so all of the plows are tied up. It will be a good hour before anyone can get out here to clear it."

"Oh, I better call my dad so he doesn't worry."

"Can I ask you one thing quick before you do?"

"Sure."

"Are you gonna warn them I'm with, or am i a surprise?"

Sue chuckled, "I think I'll wait till we get there to tell them. It'll be more fun that way to see my mothers look on her face."

"I guess that works."

Sue called her father and let him know their situation. She also said since she didn't know when she would get there that she would just take a cab home, which would give them a little more time to prepare for her mothers reaction.

You are such a tease Jill!

I wonder if Sue's mother is going to be or when she sets eyes on Jack.

kav

she liked him the last time they met so hoping she likes him this time round

cath

I can't wait to see the look on Sue's mom's face either!!!

Joy

If I surprised my mom by bring Jack home I think she'd

Em

caught up on two smashing post,
more soon please
Lin

Sue's mom's reaction should be good...

~laura michelle~

I'm sorry all, I have trouble getting a computer to work at home so right now all i can do is say thanks for sticking with me and there will be a post soon...i hope...as soon as i get it typed that is...Thanks again!

Hey guys, heres another little post for you! Have a great Christmas!

Jack went to talk to the conductor as Sue called her parents to let them know she was going to be late. When jack came back she asked how it went.

"Well they don't need any help right now because they don't want anyone to get off of the train. We just have to wait for the plows to come to clear it off."
"For real?! O well, I guess that gives us plenty of more time for us to talk and figure out what we're gonna tell my parents."

"Yes, it does. So what do you want to tell them?"

"I dunno Jack. I mean, it's not like we can't just tell them the truth. I mean you oculdn't go home for christmas, thats all, so we could just tell them that."
"YEah but somehow I don't think you're parents will believe that."
"Why wouldn't they?"
"Because...I kinda told them I had a boyfriend and that's why i wasn't going to stay for that long, becuase i wanted to get home to him."
"Oh, okay, well i mean, it's not like they would get suspicious, i mean just tell them he went home and i was coming with because you have a big heart and didn't want me to be alone for the holidays."
"That would work except...Please don't get offended or anything when i tell you this, but...as soon as i told my mother i had a boyfriend, she immediately thought it was you. I couldnt tell you why she thought that, but she did, so thats what she thinks now, if i show up with you and you're not really my boyfriend what do i tell her?"

"Well, we could fix this problem easy enough."
"Oh, we could, could we?"

"YEah, we'll pretend we're dating while we're at your parents house. It shouldn't be that hard, I mean really, pretending like I'm dating a gorgeous girl like you, would never be a struggle."
"Jack, I couldn't ask you to do that. Besides i never really said we were dating, but i didn't deny it either i guess."
"Sue, It's not a problem, besides its not even for a whole week. We're just dating, its not like we have to get married."

"I suppose you're right. Are you sure you wanna do this Jack? I mean really you don't have to."
"I know, but i want to. For you, i mean after all i am you're partner and what are partners for?"

"They're for back up Jack, not for pretend dating."

"And that's what i'm doing. backing you up in front of your parents."

Sue rolled her eyes as jack laughed at the thought.

No sooner than Jack left to go get some food, did the train conductor let everyone know, that the plows were there and they would be on their way shortly.

He came back to tell Sue what he found out, and she was relieved yet dismayed at the same time, as she wanted to get out of the train, but she really didn't not want to face what was at home.

Nearly 3 hours later, they were getting into a cab, to bring them to Sue's childhood home.

"I cannot believe we're almost there. I don't know if I'm more excited, or nervous."
"Don't be nervous, everything will be fine, whats the worst that can happen?"
"My mother figures out that we aren't actually dating."
"that will not be a problem."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Becuase, i know that i can be convincing, if you can."
"Okay, Jack, I'll take your word on that, beucas ei have no idea how you will do that."

"Trust me."

"Uh-huh."

A few minutes later "Well, here we are. My home sweet home." SUe said as she pointed out the window for Jack.

"YOU ready for this?"

"AS ready as I could be. Are you ready to put on the act of you're life?"

"YEs, if anybody can fool Carla Thomas, I can. I'm charming, and good looking remember?"

"Sure." Sue rolled her eyes as she gathered her things.

Jack jumped out of the cab and ran to her side to open her door.

"Here you are darling."

"Jack, please, a little less acting."

"Sorry. You ready?"

"HE asked her as he grabbed their bags from the trunk.

"Yes." She replied as she saw her mother and father coming out of the house to greet them.

"Sue, darling, we're so glad you're here. And you brought Jack home with you. It's so good to see you both."

"Hi mom, are the boys here yet?"

"They'll be here tonight. Let's get you inside, its freezing out here."

"Hello son. How are you doing?"

"Just fine sir, and yourself?"

"Good. I thought you oculdnt be with us this year, Jack, as you were going home."

"YEs, but i decided to surprise Sue and come along anywyas. I didn't want to be away from her for that long."

"Oh i know how it is to be young and in love."

"Yes sir, She is the love of my life." Jack said as he smiled with wishful thinking

So cute... and This should be most fun to watch!

Well, at least Jack can say out loud what he really thinks - Sue IS the love of his life!!!

Joy

hoping and praying that wishful thinking becomes reality before long

cath

Blissful sigh -- we know that wishes at Christmas time can come true!

kav

So cute! This is going to be a fun "undercover" for Sue and Jack.

Hey all! I am back with some more to this story! Hope you all will enjoy! Thanks for all the encouraging words as well!

Jack and Sue's dad brought their bags to their rooms and then the 4 of them went to the kitchen to have dinner.

They all sat and ate while Carla asked Jack a lot of questions.

"So Jack, what exactly are your intentions with our daughter?"

"Oh, well-" Jack started

"Mom?! That's for Jack and I to know."

"Honey, I don't want you to get upset, but i am your mother so i should know what this young man intends for my daughter."

"It's okay Sue, I don't mind answering, i mean if thats okay with you?"

"Jack, we don't need to-"

"Sue-" Jack said with a smile

"Okay, whatever."

"Well Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, I am totally in love with your daughter, and though it hasn't been long that we have been seeing each other, i feel like i've known her my whole life and have every intention of spending the rest of my life with her."

"Jack, you don't have to-" Sue said quietly hoping he would be the only one to hear.

"Sue, wait, don't say anything" Jack said as he turned in his seat to look her in the eyes "Now isn't when i was planning on saying this, but it's the oppurtunity i was looking for. Susan Marie Thomas, will you marry me?"

"Jack, I, I don't know what to say- I mean I was not expecting this as all-"

"Well, what do you say, I mean i know its soon, but i love you, Sue!"

"Jack- I love you too! Yes i will marry you!"

With that jack leaned over and kissed her and then remembered that her parents were right there, so he stopped.

"Well congratulations you two!" John Thomas said of his daughter and soon to be son-in-law.

"Dad, if you don't mind would you let us be excused?"

"Of course honey," He laughed.

Jack and Sue went up to her room to talk.

"Jack, that was relaly sweet of you and relaly good acting, but i mean, you didn't have to go that far, what are we gonna do when it doesn't actually happen, what will my parents say?!"

"Sue wait-

"No, Jack, i mean i relaly appreciate this but we have to fix it. and I mean kissing me too?!"

"Sue, stop. I meant every word i said out there. I didn't want to tell you this way, but i felt like the time was right and so i said it. I have loved you since the day we met, Sue. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Susan Marie Thomas, will you be my wife? for real this time."

"Jack, what...why...are you kidding me?

"No, I'm not kidding at all. i relaly mean every word, I love you!" he said again as this time he pulled a ring out of his pocket.

"Well Jack Hudson, this is awfully sudden, especially since we really aren't even dating, but to tell you the truth, I love you too! For as long as you have loved me! I would love to marry you Jackson!"

"Really?!"

"Well i just said yes didn't I?" Sue laughed

"I love you so much!" Jack finished as he leaned in to kiss her.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that was a bit quick, considering how long they've been dithering

cath

That's my Jack -- man of action!

kav

Hehe! So cute

Em

Wow! That was fast!

caught up once again boy they are moving very fast
hope they get marred just as quick cant wait for more
Lin

Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

"Jack...you were planning this all along?!"

"Ha, well, maybe, I mean I did happen to bring this ring with me now didn't I?"

"Oh Jackson Hudson, you amaze me sometimes."

"I know, but would you let me do this properly?" He said as he got down on one knee and opened the box "Susan Marie Thomas, will you marry me?"

"Yes, of course, Jack! Oh, it's beautiful!" She said as he slipped the delicate ring onto her finger. "Thank you, Jack, I love it, and I love you!"

"I love you, too, baby girl. But lets go back out there and see who just arrived, I have a feeling it's your brothers."

"What do you mean?"

"Well the door bell just rang and I heard a couple of people come in."

"Oh, lets go, I miss them so much!"

Jack and Sue went out into the living room and as soon as the rounded the corner she was enveloped in a big hug.

"It's good to see you too, Mike."

"How's my favorite little sister, I've missed you."

"I know, I missed you too. Mike, this is my fiance, Jack. Jack this is my oldest brother, Mike."

"Good to meet you." Jack said.

"Sis, when exactly were you planning on telling my you got engaged?"

"Right now, because it just happened right now." Sue said as she leaned into Jack.

"Well alrighty then."

Sue looked up to the door to see her sister-in-law Kristy walk in with a little boy in her arms.

"Kristy, hi. And my goodness Jeremiah, you are getting so big."

"I know, he's so big i can hardly carry him anymore, and hes not the only one who's getting big." Kristy said as she set the little boy down and took off her jacket.

"Oh my goodness, my neice certainly is growing too." Sue said as she touched Kristy's belly.

"Well we don't know if its a girl for sure yet." Mike said as he came to take Kristy's jacket from her.

"Yes, but i can be hopeful can't I?!" Sue said as she turned to Jack.

"Oh, Kristy, This is my fiance Jack. Jack this is Kristy and my nephew Jeremiah."

"Nice to meet you both."

"Well lets all get into the living room and relax a bit." Carla said as she re-entered the room.

A while later, Sue's other brothers came, Steve and Andy, with their families. Steve's wife Jodi and their boys Tim, Justin, and Alex and Andy's wife Carrie.

Hey guys, sorry this is all I have for now, I have to head off to church. thanks for all the encouragements.