Ok, this is last post, so I just wanted to thank you all so much for the wonderful comments and for taking the time to read my story. This was the first full-length fanfic I wrote, so I was a bit nervous about posting it and you've all just been wonderful!
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The park lamps provided just enough light for Sue to read lips, while the two small oil lamps in front of them, which Sue had first mistaken for candles, provided a romantic atmosphere. Catching her looking at them, Jack explained, "Oil lamps. We would have used candles, but these are less likely to be blown out by a breeze."
Sue nodded in understanding. He had made sure everything was perfect.
They spoke of everyday things like family and friends as they ate their prepared meal, laughing at the dogs' antics as they explored the surrounding park. The night air was unseasonably warm for February. The grass held a deep shade of green and flowers seemed to be debating whether or not to make an appearance soon. A slight breeze blew, sweeping Sue's hair around her face playfully. She lifted a hand to calm it.
She's never been more beautiful, Jack thought as he adjusted the blanket on her lap. He sent up a silent prayer that this magical night would never end.
As they finished their picnic, sipping from glasses of Howie's merlot, Jack pulled out a small rectangular box. "I've got something for you," he said tentatively. "I hope you like it."
Sue's eyes widened with delight and curiosity. Gently taking it in her hands she began to slowly peel the wrapping.
"Just tear it .... please," an impatient Jack said with a nervous laugh.
She did as he asked although she hated to ruin the lovely paper. Opening the lid of the box, she let out a tiny gasp. "Oh, Jack, it's so beautiful! Thank you!"
"You like it?" he said with relief.
"I love it!" she whispered lifting the delicate chain of white gold. On it was a small cross, which Sue held in her hand, tears gathering in her eyes.
"Turn it over."
She did so, feeling the etching on the smooth surface. "You had it engraved." Holding it next to the lamp, she read the tiny letters in flowing print. "With love, Jack," she mouthed the words to herself before looking back up at him.
"I, um, wanted you to remember who gave it to you," he said softly with a sideways grin, unsure of his choice of words.
"Oh, Jack, how could I ever forget," she cried, the built up tears spilling over.
Still holding the precious gift in one hand, Sue wiped away at her tears with the other. "I have something for you too." She reached into the tote bag she had brought along with her, pulling out a light brown stuffed bear with a red bow tied around it's neck and two smaller pink ones attached to its ears. Between its hands it held a plush heart which read 2007.
"I thought Mr. Huggles could maybe use a Mrs.," she said smiling coyly.
"Perfect," Jack said as they laughed together.
Looking down at the necklace in her hand, she held it out to him. "Will you help me put it on?" Not needing to wait for his answer, she turned to face the other direction, lifting her hair.
Carefully, Jack slipped the chain around her neck, noticing the softness of her smooth skin as he brushed it with his hand. Sue could feel his breath tingling the back of her neck as he worked to fasten the delicate clasp. She closed her eyes as the sensation sent an exhilarating shiver down her spine.
Slowly, she turned back to face him, reaching to touch her new treasure. She looked at Jack with expectant eyes.
"Beautiful," he said and signed it at the same time, afraid his voice would fail him. Sue was able to take his breath away, like no one else had ever done.
When she had been set to move to New York, he'd made the decision to tell her how he felt, but since she had decided to stay, he'd found himself slipping back into their comfortable, yet unsatisfying friendship. He valued that friendship as he knew she did, but he wanted more;
needed more. How long would he have until the next job opportunity came along or another David or Jonathan swept her off her feet? He had ached to show her how he felt about her, but fear had continued to hold him back; fear of harming the friendship they had built.
He watched her in the soft lamplight as her golden hair fell around her face in gentle curls. She looked like an angel. Jack loved her with a
true love he had never known was possible and in that moment he knew that he could live with nothing less than knowing they were building a future together.
Leaning in, just inches from Sue, he looked into her eyes, seeking approval to move forward. Finding the same look in her eyes, he closed the gap between them; lips meeting and souls dancing as they allowed themselves to fully enjoy the unrestrained moment. It was a kiss that stopped time yet ended all too soon for the both of them.
Sue pulled back slowly, eyes still closed, while a smile settled on her freshly kissed lips. Things would be different now. No longer a stolen kiss on an undercover assignment, this one had been intentional, undeniable, and simply wonderful.
There's no going back. Sue found the thought both frightening and exciting.
Not realizing she had spoken out loud, she opened her eyes to see a satisfied smile spread across Jack's face. He knew full well what she meant and he couldn't be happier.
"Who wants to go back?" he said before capturing her lips once again.
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FIN