I love it!!!

Joy

Why do I not believe you?



Jack and his granddad are so alike it's uncanny. Makes me wonder if he looked exactly like Jack did when he was young.

That was just great! Can't wait for more!

yep i know it for sure now.......i love grampa whit

You can feel the love between Jack and his grandfather. That was wonderful, Kim !!!

And of course, I don't trust you a bit to keep it a quiet holiday ... wonder why???

grandpa is wonderful

cath

That's hysterical!!!!! Looks like Gramps and Grandpa have a full house of great grand kids...soon to be fuller????

kav

great two post.
i love jack's gramps.... sounds such a kid at heart.
update soon.

Awww, you guys are the greatest...even if you don't trust me!

“Can we take Levi with us, Uncle Jack?” Jordan asked.

Jack smiled at his youngest nephew. “Sure. But make sure you don’t let him chase rabbits too far, okay?”

“Don’t worry, Uncle Jack,” Austin replied. “I’ll keep my eye on them.”

Jack choked back a laugh as he watched his oldest nephew’s solemn eyes. There was a swagger to the eight-year-old’s step as he followed after his younger brother and Levi. He wore the mantle of responsibility with pride. Jack chuckled, seeing himself in the young man.

“Don’t worry Uncle Jack,” Anna giggled. “I’ll tattle if they get into trouble.”

He watched the dark curls bounce as the toddler bounded after her bothers. He shook his head and wondered if his children would be like that. He was sure they would have that same spark of life, after all, his Sue did. He chuckled as Levi rounded the corner of the house, three whooping children right behind.

*************
Sarah Anne watched the commotion in her front yard from the safety of the porch. Her heart was bursting with joy at the sight of the generations of her family laughing and playing with one another.

She had only thought she was blessed when she had her own children. Then, with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she realized what a blessing really was. The blessing wasn’t in having children or in raising children. It was in watching as each successive generation, seeing bits and pieces of herself and Whit in each small face, feeling the love they shared with each other and their children in the little hands that curled around withered fingers. As she watched Sue gingerly mount the stairs, she wondered if their newest great-grandchild would join them before Christmas was over.

A gentle smile crept across Sarah Anne’s features at the thought of Jack’s child being born in the Jackson house. She had brought each one of her children into this world in the downstairs bedroom that Jack and Sue would occupy on their visit under the watchful eye and gentle guidance of her loving husband. In turn, at least on grandchild was born in that same bedroom, again under the gentle guidance of their loving grandfather. So far, no great-grand had been born in this house. Perhaps Jack and Sue’s little bundle would be the first. Although Whit’s hands would not be the one to catch the little miracle as it entered the world, it would be under his loving and gentle guidance just the same.

Sarah Anne watched as Sue finally placed an unsteady foot on the porch. She stepped forward to help balance the mother-to-be, steadying her while embracing her in a welcoming hug. “How are you feeling, Sue?”

“Like a beached whale,” Sue groaned.

The older woman chuckled softly. She vividly remembered that feeling. “Well, once you hold your little one in your arms, all the memories of this feeling with vanish. You will be overwhelmed with such love and awe you’ll be willing to give it another go in a few years.”

Sarah Anne laughed loudly as Sue rolled her eyes. She knew what the young woman was thinking. She had thought the same thing when her grandmother those words to her. But she knew that Sue, like she, would find truth in those words. She felt sure that the love Jack and Sue shared would result in a few more little miracles over the years. “Well, Whit, why don’t you take Sue in and get her settled in her bedroom for a little rest. I’ll help Jack with the luggage.”

She grinned as Whit started to protest. “You know you can’t lift anything with that broken arm. Go on, do what I told you to do.” She gave him a playful swat on his backside as he disappeared with Sue through the screen door.

She watched as Jack followed his wife’s form as it disappeared into the house. She left the confines of the porch to help Jack wrestle the luggage from the trunk. She could see the lines of concern etched across his forehead. He’s so much like Whit, she thought. So protective of the woman he loves. Jack can be playful and fun, but is deadly serious when it comes to keeping Sue safe. She quietly wondered how many arguments this protective nature had produced and would produce. If Jack and Sue were anything like she and Whit, it would be several. But, she knew that each argument would end with the two wrapped in each other’s arms, apologizing for their stubbornness. “What’s wrong, Jack.”

“Nothing,” Jack replied. She watched as her grandson averted his gaze and blushed slightly. It was a sure sign her beloved grandchild was not being truthful.

“Don’t lie to me, Jack. It’s written all over your face.” She chuckled at the gaping expression Jack gave her. It did her heart good to know that she could still catch him off guard after all these years. “So what are you worried about.”

“Sue,” Jack sighed. “Or more precisely, Sue and the Polar Express that’s expected to arrive by Christmas Eve. I tried to convince her to postpone the trip, to wait until after the baby was born. But you know how tenacious she can be. So, I comforted myself in the belief that Gramps would be here, able to step in if Sue went into labor and we were stranded. But now…” His voice trailed off and Sarah Anne’s heart ached for the despair that edged his voice.

“Now you listen here, Jack. Sue is as safe here as she would be in some Washington, D.C. hospital.”

“But Gran…” She held up her hand to stop Jack’s words from tumbling out of his mouth.

“Don’t ‘But Gran’ me. I know what I’m talking about Jack. If Sue were to go into labor, Whit would not be able to bring the baby into this world himself. But, he most certainly could impart his knowledge and talk you through it.” She watched as Jack blanched, turning as white as a freshly laundered sheet.

“Me?” he choked.

“Yes you,” Sarah Anne knew how squeamish her grandson was. It was one reason he did not follow his grandfather into medicine. But she also knew, in an emergency situation, his adrenaline would kick in and Sue would be in good hands. “Don’t worry Jack, Gramps and I will be right there with you, if Sue goes into labor and if you can’t get her to the hospital. Those are two really big ifs, Jack. So don’t worry. We won’t let you pass out. And if you do, I happen to have a supply of smelling salts ready.”

She joined in as her grandson laughed, relieved that at least some of his concern and tension had melted away. She embraced him warmly before picking up a suitcase and heading into the house. “Now come on, let’s get you settled before the young hoodlums return with the Wonder Dog.”

More later
Kim

Sara Anne knows her grandson well.

You were so creative to come up with using the term Polar Express to describe a blizzard.

I love the sparkle and loving from Sarah Anne that just jumps off the page!!!

Joy

just got caught up on two wonderful post loved
jacks gramps and gran they are trully A wonderful couple more
soon please Kim Lin

Awww.....

why do I have the feeling there WILL BE two ifs?

[quote] So don’t worry. We won’t let you pass out. And if you do, I happen to have a supply of smelling salts ready.”

I love this part!!

I already love the Hudson family...they all seem so great

Kim, I am so loving everything about this story and you are doing a great job with it! I love that Jack is so protective of Sue.

Donna

This made me giggle. After such a long time being together, they still have the playfullness of their grandchildren. I'm sure Jack and Sue will be just like them when they're married for sixty years.

I defintly like Grams and Gramps....And Jack delivering the baby with Gramps help...priceless....


~laura michelle~

i love grams....she is very wise....and i loved jack's reaction...i would love to see how jack is going to bring his baby in to this world... i sure hope he doesn't faint

Gran just jumps off the page ... She's terrific !!! And I love her wisdom.

Beached whale Isn't that the truth!

Chapter 5

Sleep eluded Jack. He tried to count sheep. He tried to caress Sue’s silken hair until he drifted into a contented sleep. He tried holding Sue close, gently massaging their unborn child. Nothing worked. Every time he closed his eyes, he encountered the same dream, a dream that left him dripping in sweat and visibly trembling.

He knew it was just the stress of the trip. At least, he hoped that’s all it was. Come on, Jack, he chided himself. You know you don’t believe in premonitions. But the dream was so vivid, Jack reached for Sue each time he woke, gently rubbing her protruding belly to assure himself that she was still pregnant.

In the dream, he had to deliver their baby. Gramps and Gran were standing, looking over his shoulder as Gramps coached him through the birthing process. Each time he looked to see how much progress Sue had made, Jack would begin to pass out. Gran’s hand would wave under his nose, the stench of smelling salts permeating his fogged brain and rousing him. The winds outside were howling, yet he could hear Bobby’s insistent banging on the bedroom door. All the sounds were so distracting, he couldn’t concentrate, could follow Gramps instructions. Finally, he jumped to his feet and threw his hands in the air. “I don’t know nothin’ about birthin’ no babies!” he screamed. He turned to run, but the floor around the bed turned into quicksand, drawing him in. As his head slipped out of sight, he was bombarded with instructions that he couldn’t understand or follow. Then, he woke up, drenched in sweat and trembling from head to toe.

Jack get a grip, he told himself as he moved to a more comfortable position. He chuckled softly as Sue snuggled closer, sighing contentedly as she repositioned her head on his chest. He loved her so much it hurt sometimes. Wrapping his arms more tightly around her, he closed his eyes, willing his body to relax and clearing his mind of the lingering doubts. If something happened and Sue went into labor, Gramps would be there. Jack knew he could do anything as long as Gramps was by his side. If he couldn’t maybe Bobby or Myles could. Bobby or Myles. The thought jolted Jack awake. There was no way he was going to let Bobby or Myles see his wife in the state of undress she would be in when she gave birth. He sighed deeply, wondering how a simple dream could get his dander up like this. Closing his eyes again, he assured himself, Lucy and Tara will be here. Their women. They probably know more about giving birth than even Gramps. Breathing a contented sigh, he finally drifted off into a dreamless slumber.

More later
Kim

The mind of a man is so simple.

I feel bad for laughing at Jack, what with his wife being on the brink of childbirth and his sanity teetering, but I couldn't keep the laughter inside me this time.

Something gives me the feeling that Jack will have to know something about "birthin' babies".

poor jack... i'm sure that dream meant nothing... or does it?
for a moment i thought jack lost it when he said he'd leave it to bobby or myles. i didn't think jack would even let them touch her. i mean he trust them with his life and is glad that they are their to back sue up... but during child birth? doesn't seem like something jack hudson would do.
UPDate soon.

Poor Jack - I do believe he would much rather come up against a bad guy than deliver his own child!! LOL!!!

Joy

Poor Jack. Bless his heart. He's worked himself up into such a dither.

Great story! Can't wait for more!

Jack near panicky is actually funny!!!

For the record there is nothing wrong with home births as long as a profession is near by...

Poor Jack....it is kinda funny how his mind works...


~laura michelle~

jack is just hilarious

Why does Jack think that every woman is imprinted with the knowledge of the birthing process? You don't know what you're doing if you've never been through it before! Men's minds are so simple it's funny. I think he will do a very good job when the time comes, though. As long as he stays conscious, nothing will go wrong.

Absolutely love it Kim!!

I agree with the rest of you....why is it that men are so simple minded?

More soon please!!

BLT

I agree with you marlene you can just see it cant you Lin

poor jack...

jack is so cute and adorable

no wonder sue loves him........... and the rest of us

cath

Chapter 6

Sarah Anne chuckled as she heard the young couple approach the kitchen the next morning. “Jack, I’m not going to break. Will you turn me loose and let me walk down the hall by myself.” The irritation in Sue’s voice reminded her of how she was when Whit hovered too close.

“But Sue,” Jack’s voice was tender but pleading. Just like Whit’s Sarah Anne thought.

She grinned as the young couple entered the kitchen. Jack slid the chair out from the table and helped Sue sit. Sarah bit her lip to stifle the laughter as she watched a frustrated Sue blow the bangs out of her eyes and look at Jack with a hint of irritation in her hazel eyes. “Jack, why don’t you go see if Gramps needs any help this morning?”

Sarah Anne coughed back the laughter that threatened to spill over any moment as she saw the look of concern on Jack’s face and the look of total frustration on Sue’s. “Jack, he’s in the barn. I think he could use and extra hand this morning. Breakfast will be ready by the time you get back.”

“But Gran,” Jack protested, a protest that Gran quickly silence with her “you-had-better-get-out-of-here-now” look. “Yes ma’am,” Jack replied sheepishly. She watched as Jack walked out of the kitchen door to join Whit in the barn.

She could not hold the laughter at bay when Sue pursed her lips and blew out an exasperated breath. “Hovering a bit, is he sweetheart,” Sarah Anne chuckled.

“You could say that,” Sue frowned. Sarah Anne watched as the frown was replaced by a small smile and a chuckle. “I know he only has my best interest and that of the baby’s at heart, but he can be the most exasperating man I have ever met.”

“But you love him with all your heart and you wouldn’t want him any other way.” Sarah Anne finished, giving her beloved granddaughter-in-law a knowing wink.

**********
Whit Hudson chuckled as he watched his grandson make the trek from the house to the barn. “So, you were sent out here to give me a hand,” he grinned as Jack entered the barn.

“Yeah,” Jack replied with a sheepish grin.

“Hovering, too much are we son?” Whit handed Jack pitchfork and nodded towards the haystack and the empty feed trough.

“I guess you could say that.”

Now there is the understatement of the year, Whit thought as he looked lovingly at his grandson. “I know how you are feeling, son. I felt the same way when your Gran was pregnant with all four.”

“Really?” Jack’s eyes brightened. “I thought you’d be cool as a cucumber, being a doctor and all.”

Whit shook his head and chuckled. “No, Jack. Being a doctor gives you the knowledge you need to bring a child into this world. But, it doesn’t teach you how to detach your heart from the woman who holds it.”

Jack nodded his head. He knew exactly what Gramps meant. Sue was his whole world. He knew he really wasn’t concerned about Sue going into labor or the threat of the Polar Express bringing a blinding snowstorm that would paralyze the countryside. He knew Gramps and Gran could help him bring his child into the world and that his grandparents’ house was a safe haven in the worst of storms. What gripped his heart with fear was losing Sue or the baby. He knew giving birth was dangerous even in a hospital with all the proper equipment let alone in a house with a raging storm outside. If a complication arose that Gramps couldn’t handle and anything happened to Sue or their baby, he would never be able to forgive himself. If he lost Sue, he would lose his whole world.

Jack felt a rough hand on his arm. Turning, he saw the loving eyes of his grandfather staring back at him. He didn’t realize he had tears running down his face until Whit handed him a handkerchief. “It’s going to be alright, Jack. I promise. I won’t let anything happed to Susie-Q, that baby, or you.”

Gramps voice was soft and reassuring. Suddenly, the fear that had gripped Jack’s heart eased a little. He knew that his grandfather would do everything within his power to keep them all safe. To Jack, Gramps power was enough. Although he wasn’t a little boy anymore, in his eyes, Whit Jackson was Superman.

Whit smiled as Jack wiped his eyes and returned to filling the feed trough with hay. He had been able to alleviate some of his grandson’s fears. “So, Jack. When are your friends arriving?”

The shocked look on Jack’s face and the urgency with which he checked his watch told Whit that his grandson had forgotten the friends from D.C. “Oh no, Gramps, I need to get going. I have to pick them up at the airport in an hour.”

Whit laughed and placed his hands on Jack’s chest to stop him from dashing out of the barn. “Why don’t you let me go, Jack? You stay here with Gran and Sue. Keep an eye on those rambunctious great-grans. You’re in better shape to deal with them right now than I am.”

When Jack nodded in agreement, Whit left the barn and made his way to tell Sarah Anne. He wanted to go pick Jack’s friends up, that was true. But he had an ulterior motive. He wanted to go by the hospital and pick up the paperwork for a birth certificate, just in case.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, YA'LL
More Later
Kim

Whit is thinking ahead! Merry Christmas to you too Kim!

I think that Gramps' finally tuned doctor instincts are telling him something! And Jack in a tizzy is just tooooo cute!

kav

And maybe a few supllies too ... just in case

Hoovering and hoovering ... men don't get it sometimes

such a wonderful post, i'm drooling over cute jack here

actualy me drooling over jack is nothing new

cath

Oh, this is sooooo good! I love it when you write about Jack's love and protectiveness of Sue. I am so excited to read more, but I know we're all busy with Christmas this morning.

Thank you so much Kim for writing this stiry and Merry Christmas!

Donna

Granpa now dr gramps setting in just hope babe holds on now
till gramps is back to support jack and sue to deliver the baby more soon please
Kim and Have A very happy Christmas to you Lin

I think, down deep, we women love when our men hover - it's hard to remember that though through the exasperation!!!

Merry Christmas, Kim!!!

Joy

Well, at least Gramps is keeping a cool head about everything and he's thinking about the most minor of details. I hope Jack listens to the wise old man and relaxes. If the time comes, the time comes. There's nothing you can do about it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Sue was glad that their friends made it safely. Sitting with them around the dinner table, a feeling of relief washed over her. Maybe Bobby and Myles can keep Jack occupied for the next few days, she thought. Jack needed some distraction. Although Sue knew that Gramps had alleviated some of Jack’s fears earlier in the day, he was still hovering a little too close. She signed deeply, rubbing her back. The muscles seemed tighter than usual tonight.

Sue smiled as she watched the wicked grin cross Bobby’s face before she saw the words formed on his lips. “So Gramps or Gran, you wouldn’t happen to have any juicy Jack stories to share would you?”

“Bobby!” Jack groaned. “Gramps, don’t tell him anything. He’ll just use it against me.”

“Sparky, I’m deeply hurt that you would expect that I would do such a thing.” Bobby replied. Sue chuckled at the feigned hurt on Bobby’s face.

“Well, as a matter of fact,” Whit started. The devilish gleam in his eyes mirrored the one Sue had seen in Jack’s eyes on several occasions.

Sue sat back and watched as Gramps recounted tales of Jack Hudson as a young boy, each one a little more embarrassing than the one before. She laughed with the team, although she felt a little sorry for Jack as he blushed furiously and buried deeper into his chair. She reached over and took Jack’s hand in hers, giving a loving squeeze. Leaning over, she whispered in his ear, “It’s okay, Jack. You’re still my hero.” She brushed a light kiss over his lips and sat back, smiling at the joy radiating from his eyes.

***********
Jack watched as Sue yawned for the tenth time in the last thirty minutes. Concern washing over his face, he squeezed Sue’s had to gain her attention. “Tired, you” he signed, knowing she was really too tired to concentrate on his lips.

Seeing her weary nod, he leaned over and kissed her cheek gently. “To bed you go. I’ll stay and make sure everyone gets settled,” he signed. He rose from his seat and helped her from her chair, gathering her in his arms for a tender hug before kissing her lips with exquisite care.

“Good night, all,” Sue said as Jack released her from his embrace. He watched as the woman he loved waddled down the hall and disappeared into their room. He breathed a silent prayer that Sue could last just a few more days before she went into labor. So far, the weather was holding, now if Sue just would.

Jack made sure Tara and Lucy were settled into their room before he sent Bobby and Myles to theirs. Jack was stunned to see the concern gleaming in his friends’ eyes as they stood outside their bedroom door. Bobby was the first to break the silence. “Is Sue really okay, Sparky?”

“I think so, Crash.” Jack gave a weary smile. “I hope so,” he whispered as Bobby gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “But whatever happens, Gramps will keep her safe.”

Jack saw the uncertainty in his friends faces. “Hey, I know how it looks, Bobby and Myles. Gramps is down to one arm at the moment, but he can do more with one good arm that most men can do with two. If he can’t there is nothing wrong with his mind. He could definitely talk someone through the process if Sue were to go into labor. I trust him, guys.” Jack suddenly felt more confident than he had in days. He did trust Gramps. He trusted him to be there and keep his promise to keep Sue and the baby safe.

Jack grabbed a quick shower before slipping between the sheets to join his wife in sweet slumber. As he lay on his back, he felt Sue snuggle closer, intimately laying one leg over his while using his shoulder for a pillow. She laid her hand on his chest, snuggling as close as impending motherhood would allow. He sighed in contentment as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer. “I meant what I said,” she whispered in the dark. “You are my hero.” Jack leaned down and softly kissed her forehead before closing his eyes, his heart swelling with pride and a wide smile gracing his lips.

More later
Kim

so cute... Merry Christmas Kim!

Poor Jack - having to sit through his childhood stories!! But Sue always knows exactly what to say, doesn't she???

Joy

great post. Aww jack is so sweet
Happy holidays
UPDATE SOON.

I have a feeling Sue's hero worship is going to go up a notch before the end of this story!

kav

Such a lovely post! I am so enjoying this entire story! Can't wait for more!

Donna