Just a reminder, the bolded words are an English translation of an ASL conversation.

Sue whole being was focused on the man kneeling in front of her. Her hands trembled as she held them clutched tightly in her lap as she felt the sting of tears in her eyes. She bit her bottom lip as she tried to calm the butterflies swirling in her stomach. This is it, she thought.

“Sue, I love you with everything that I am. When you aren’t near me, I can’t breathe. You are my breath, my very heartbeat, my life. I have never felt like this before. When you almost took the job in New York, I realized I couldn’t breathe. I knew if you walked out of my life, I would never be able to breathe again. I never want to feel like that again. I want you in my life always, sweetheart. No more goodbyes until the day God calls one of us home years from now. Sixty years ago, Gramps proposed to Gran in a setting like this. Their love has spanned happiness and deepest despair. Yet, with each passing minute, their love grows deeper, from that day to this. That’s what I want for us, Sue. A love like theirs. A life like theirs. That’s why I wanted to recreate that night. I love you, Sue. Now and forever. Will you spend forever with me? Susan Marie Thomas, will you marry me?”

She watched as Jack reached over and carefully opened the box. He reached in and pulled out the most exquisite diamond engagement ring she had ever seen. Its generous center princess cut diamond glimmered like the moonlight on a calm lake. She lifted her gaze to his beautiful brown eyes and gasped at the mixture of emotions there. They were dark with desire, but tinted with expectancy and fear. She smiled tenderly, feeling the tears spilling over her lashes. “Yes, Jackson Samuel Hudson. Yes I will marry you.”

Sue sobbed silently as he slipped the cool platinum band on the ring finger of her left hand. It was a perfect fit, just like the love she had for him and the love she now knew he had for her. She felt his lips against hers in the tenderest of kisses. She snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, she smiled into the kiss as she felt his tears intermingling with hers against their cheeks. She tenderly pulled away from the kiss. She reached up and wiped the tears away from those chocolate brown eyes as a brilliant smile formed on his lips. He was hers, now and forever.

She felt herself being lifted to her feet. Jack pulled her into his arms and she felt her feet lift off the floor as he twirled her around. She felt the rumble in his chest and guessed he was whooping with joy. As he sat her back on the ground, she found herself surrounded by the tear streaked faces of Gran and Gramps, Bobby and Tara, and Donna and D. She waited for Lucy to pounce upon her hand, but frowned when her best friend seemed to be absent. “Has anyone seen Lucy?” she asked.

She watched as everyone glanced around, looking for the rotor among the group of friends. Sue realized that Lucy wasn’t the only one missing. “And what about Myles?”

*********
“Whoohooo. What do we have here?” Bobby’s Australian drawl penetrated Lucy’s kiss fogged brain. She opened eyes and gasped as she realized she was on her back with Myles passionately kissing her lips. She gasped when she realized she was kissing him back with equal ardor. She pushed him away, almost giggling at the groan that came from his throat. She looked around and felt the heat of a blush rising in her cheeks as she saw Jack and Sue and the rest of the team gathered around the stall where she and Myles has been hiding. She looked over at Myles and noticed the blush on his cheeks. She gave him a shy smile and felt the butterflies fluttering when he returned the smile with a wink.

She struggled to her feet, brushing the hay from her clothing. “Well, you see, it’s like this…”

“You see, we didn’t want to ruin Jack’s proposal and I felt a sneeze coming on…” Myles interrupted.

“Yes. And I knew I needed to do something to distract him…” Lucy chanced a glace at Myles and blushed deeper as she realized the passion still smoldered in his eyes. I guess I did a pretty good job of distracting, she thought.

“So you see,” Myles chimed in. “It was merely a reaction…”

“To a situation,” the team echoed in unison before erupting into laughter. Lucy was mortified as she gazed at her best friend. She managed a smile as her best friend gave her a gentle wink before extending her left hand for inspection. “Keep distracting him, Luce. And you just might wind up with one of these.”

More later
Kim

So now who was responding to an desperate situation

I can't believe Lucy (of all people) missed the proposal!

Two great posts to catch up on!

Jack snuggled with Sue on the couch as he watched the flames dancing in the fireplace. After spending the evening with their friends and family dancing across the barn floor while a jazz ensemble played familiar love songs, including the one from the bachelor auction, it was wonderful to spend some quiet time alone with his fiancée. Fiancée, Jack thought. I love the sound of that. Of course, I love the sound of “wife” even better. He gazed down at the beautiful blonde who proudly wore his engagement ring on her left hand. It had been a perfect evening. She had said yes, their friends were there, there was the hint of a new office romance on the horizon, he had held her in his arms while they danced, and they even had a wedding date. He smiled as the conversation played again in his mind.

“So, sweetheart? Just name the date and the place and I will be there,” Jack grinned.

“How about six weeks from this Saturday? I think that would be March 25.”

Jack stopped dancing and stepped back to look at here. He was dumbfounded to find the sincerity etched across his face. “You’re serious aren’t you?”

“You better believe it Hudson. I just need to get your grandparents to ask their pastor if the church would be free that Saturday.”

“You want to get married here?” He could hear the shock in his own voice.

“Yes, Jack,” she whispered. “In the same church where your grandparents were married 59 years ago. You aren’t the only one who wants a love like they have, darling.” Jack followed her loving gaze to his grandparents, dancing a laughing like couple of teenagers. “Beside, Jack. I have seen that church in my dreams every time I’ve…” her voice trailed off.

Jack smiled. He knew what she dreamed about. It was the same for him. “Me too, sweetheart. So March 25 it is.”

“Jack.” Her soft whisper brought him back to the moment. He looked into her hazel eyes, so filled with love it made his ache just to look at her. “I haven’t given you your Valentine’s present yet.”

“Oh, but you have, sweetheart. You have agreed to become my wife. What more could I want.”

He watched the blush rise in her cheeks and a tender smile caress her lips. He felt her soft hands against his cheeks. “I think you’ll like this,” she whispered before pulling him closer and touching his lips with hers. “Now just wait right here.”

He watched as she scampered out of the room. He had never felt more contented in his life. As he turned his attention back to the orange flames in the fireplace, his mind drifted back to the afternoon. He had made a small campfire and they snuggled together in front of it as they relaxed from skating. She had snuggled close to his chest and he closed his eyes, drinking in the silence. It was so nice to be able to hear the wind blowing through the trees instead of the blaring car horns of a busy D.C. street. “I wouldn’t mind living somewhere like this,” he whispered.

“Really, Jack?” Sue’s gentle question caught him off guard as he realized he had voiced his wish.

He reached over and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. He looked deep into her hazel eyes and saw them together, with their children, walking a snow covered trail deep in the forest. “Really. What do you think, Sue? One day, when we’ve had enough of chasing the bad guys, could you see yourself living somewhere like this?”

He watched as a small smile curled the corners of her lips. “No, Jack.” He felt his spirit fall to his knees. “I can see myself living here.”

Jack thought his heart would burst threw his chest as it swelled with love. He silently vowed that one day, in the not so distant future, he would give it all up; the job, the Bureau, and the city. He would ask his grandparents for a small parcel of land and he would build their dream house. He could work as an attorney and she could stay at home or work with him or whatever she wanted to do. Looking in her eyes, he knew they could both be happy living a rural life, raising their children and watching Levi run the fields chasing real bunnies, not stuffed ones.

The smell of her perfume wafting through the room brought him back to the present. He smiled as she settled on the couch beside him, holding three gifts in her lap. She held out a thin, flat package first. “Open this one, Jack.”

Jack diligently obeyed. He felt like a kid on Christmas morning. He eagerly tore the paper away as Sue’s soft chuckle caressed his ears. He lifted the book from his lap and held it out to Sue, “What’s this?” He saw the devilish smile on her lips. “And don’t say a book, sweetheart. I can see it is a book.”

Jack watched as the smile transformed from devilish to tender. She reached over and opened the cover of the book, revealing an aged photograph of a young couple. The young woman’s eyes were Sue’s. The young man was dressed in a military uniform from what looked like World War II. “It’s the story of my grandparents, Jack. My father’s parents.” Her voice was soft and tender to his ears.

He gazed at the picture. The love the couple shared shone through the tattered photograph. “Tell me the story, Sue.” He held his arms open and moved closer, nestling against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Papa was drafted in 1942. He and Granna were desperately in love with each other. But Papa couldn’t bring himself to marry her before he was shipped out. He didn’t want her to be a war widow. But he did want to seal his promise to her. But he was a poor college student without much money. The only thing he had of value was the pocket watch his grandfather had given to him at his high school graduation.”

Jack was mesmerized as Sue wove the love story of her grandparents. Her papa had sold the pocket watch to buy her granna an engagement ring. Jack’s eyes misted at the tenderness in Sue’s voice as she related her grandmother’s reaction. “She was so excited until she walked by the jeweler’s and saw Papa’s watch in the window. She realized that Papa had sold his greatest treasure to give her the sparkling ring she wore on her left finger. Without a thought, she went in the store and returned the ring in exchange for the pocket watch. She waited until they were at the train station on the day of his departure. He took her hand and started to kiss her engagement ring. He frowned when he saw it was missing. ‘Where is the ring, Polly?’ Granna’s eyes misted with tears. ‘I returned it, James. I returned it for this.’ She held his pocket watch out to him.”

Jack felt the tears on his cheeks as Sue related her grandfather’s reaction and the sweet words of love spoken by her grandmother. “Granna took his hand in hers and whispered, ‘I don’t need a diamond, Jack. All I need is a simple gold band, you safe in my arms each night, and the sweet gift of the hours to make a lifetime with you.’ So, that’s what Granna got. They were married on March 25, 1946. They had Daddy nine and a half months later.”

“Sounds like they had a love like my grandparents have,” Jack whispered. His voice was husky with emotion. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to find someone he knew he would share that kind of love with.

“They still do, Jack.” She handed Jack the second gift. “Before I left for D.C., Papa gave me this. He said it was to remind me of home until I found a home of my own. He said ‘When you find home, Susie. Give him this.’ I’ve found home with you, Jack.”

He leaned over and placed a tender kiss on her lips before he wiped the tears from his eyes. “You’re my home, too, Sue.” He reverently opened the gift. A warmth flooded his heart as he held the pocket watch by the delicate gold watch chain. He felt his chin quiver as he held it in his hand and read the inscription. A simple gold band, you safe in my arms each night, and the sweet gift of the hours to make a lifetime with you. He raised his eyes to see her tear filled eyes focused on him.

“Granna’s wish is mine, Jack,” she whispered.

Jack chuckled as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “Well, I wish I had known that before I bought the ring,” he teased.

“Jack!” Sue exclaimed before he felt her hand pop his shoulder.

He pulled her close and kissed the tip of her nose. “Now what about the last gift?”

“This is for our story,” Sue smiled as she placed the final package in his lap.

He tore the paper away and found a blank journal inside. “Now we can write our love story for our children,” Sue whispered as he felt her snuggle closer. “And, we can add the love stories of our parents and grandparents so our children can see the long line of love they come from.”

“That’s a wonderful idea, sweetheart,” Jack replied. He reached behind him and placed his gifts on the table behind the couch. “Why don’t we start on that love story right now.” He pulled her close and closed his lips over hers.

One more post to go!
Kim

Aww

caught up on 3 beautiful post loved jacks proposal
and loved granma and granpa playing waiter and waitress
but mostly loved myles and lucy getting caught making out
more soon please Kim Lin

This is it. This is the last post. I would like to thank you guys for taking the time to read this. Your replies were wonderful and brought a smile to my face each day. I wish for you this Valentine's Day, your own box of chocolates. I hope your life's chocolates are filled with nothing but the sweetest treasures and the richest, sweetest chocolates.

Again, thank you all. Happy Valentine's Day!

Sarah Anne watched the young couple snuggled together on the couch. She hoped she had given them enough alone time. But just in case she hadn’t, she cleared her voice loudly, chuckling as Jack scrambled to a sitting position, nearly knocking a stunned Sue to the floor. “I hate to interrupt, kids.”

“Oh, your not interrupting, Gran,” Sue blushed.

Sarah Anne chuckled as she moved to sit on the end of the sofa. Yeah right, she thought. “I can’t tell you both how happy I am for you. And that you would choose this place for this special day. You have warmed an old woman’s heart today.” She wiped a tear from her eye before she reached into her pocket.

“And I have one final charm for the bride-to-be.” She smiled at Jack’s puzzled look. “Oh come on, Jack. Don’t tell me you didn’t wonder why there was one blank link left.” She laughed as her grandson blushed. “I hope, Sue, this charm lets you know how much you mean to Whit and I.”

Sarah Anne held her breath as Sue gently opened the last chocolate box. Sarah Anne’s misty hazel eyes met Sue’s as a warm smile spread across the younger woman’s face. “It’s beautiful, Gran. I’m honored that you would bestow the title on me.” She handed the charm to Jack.

Sarah Anne watched as Jack swallowed the emotion rising in his throat. She had seen that look on her grandson’s face every time he was fighting to hold the tears at bay. He traced his fingers over the delicate words I love my granddaughter. “I love her too, Gran,” he whispered. Sarah Anne watch as her grandson’s gentle gaze caressed her newest granddaughter.

“Well, that’s just to prove that we do, too. I think I’ll go to bed now.” She stood up and gave each grandchild a gentle hug and kiss. “I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t stay up too late.”

**********
Whit watched as his bride entered the bedroom. He was amazed that after almost 60 years, she could still make his heart pound in his chest. He placed his book on the night stand as she climbed into bed beside him. “So, Big Fish. Did you tell Jonah the story?”

He heard Sarah Anne groan. “No, Whit. I’ve decided to let you tell that during your speech at the wedding reception.”

“Good. Just remind me to bring my fishing pole as a visual aid.” He chuckled as he caught her hand before it made contact with his shoulder. He saw the protest forming on her lips. He quickly lowered his lips to her, kissing her with the same passion he had all those years ago.

************
Sue trotted into the kitchen for one last drink of water before turning in for the night. Somehow, she had the downstairs bedroom all to herself. Lucy and Tara were sharing the girl’s room on the second floor and she assumed Jack was sharing the boy’s room with Bobby and Myles. Donna and D had the guest bedroom just down the hall from Gran and Gramps.

She stopped at the living room door and watched Jack spread the blanket over the couch. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of his bare chest. He was clad only in his pajama pants. She blushed at the butterflies that fluttered deep inside. She ventured inside the room and quickly wondered if she had made a mistake as Jack turned his eyes to sweep across her form. She felt suddenly self conscious as she realized her hockey jersey was a little shorter than she remembered. “What are you doing, Jack?”

She could see him swallow hard as his brown eyes swirled with desire. “Bobby and Myles are hogging the beds in the boy’s room. I figured I could stay in here tonight.”

You trust him, Sue, she told herself as she continued to watch him make up the couch. You know there is plenty of room in your bed for him. He’d be much more comfortable there than on the couch. “Jack,” she felt the catch in her voice and wondered if Jack would notice. “You can stay with me,” she whispered.

She watched as Jack moved across the room. She smiled shyly at him as she watched him take in a deep breath. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, sweetheart. I mean…it’s still six weeks until the wedding…and…well…well, you know.” Sue watched as he puffed out his cheeks and let the breath out slowly. “I just don’t think it would be a good idea.”

“I trust you, Jack.” Those were the only words she spoke, but she saw the understanding light Jack’s eyes. She trusted him to protect her heart. She trusted him to protect her beliefs. She trusted him to do the right thing. She could see the desire in his eyes fade to pure love. He was willing to be trusted.

“Okay,” he nodded. She watched as he reached for the empty journal. He tucked it under his arm before taking her hand.

She led him through the house to the bedroom. She smiled as he arranged the pillows to prop himself up. “What are you doing, Jack?”

He gave her a sly smile and wink. “I thought we’d start our love story.”

Sue smiled and slid under the covers, snuggling against his chest as he opened the journal and removed the cap from the pen. “I have the perfect way to start.” She smiled as Jack arched his eyebrows. “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.”

The End

Kim

Yup, I knew it! I knew you were going to make me cry! Three wonderful posts to catch up on. From the dinner, to the proposal, to Myles and Lucy kissing in the hay... it was all so beautiful.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us... I have to go look for some tisues, now.

WOW...that was wonderful....perfect....


~laura michelle~

Oh my Kim! What a beautiful, wonderful story! I can see an Epilogue or maybe a sequel? Thank you so much for giving us this awesome Valentine Advent!

Donna

Happy Valentines' Day to you too, Kim. Thank you for sharing this amazing advent story with us. It was an incredible journey filled with love and laughter. The watch, and the story behind it were so touching.

I am hopeful that you have a sequel planned since you have set the stage for one perfectly. You mentioned something about a certain date in March that we would all enjoy hearing more about.

Fantastic job.

That was magical, Kim ... Truly beautiful !!!

Kim that was A wonderful ending to A beautiful
story Lin

Very nice...beginning to end you had me again! This will be quite the story!

What can I say? It was beautiful from beginning to end. You have a wonderful talent for writing fuzzies. Thanks for sharing it with us!

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I'm teary, I'm grinning, I'm chuckling, I'm melting...

An absolutely beautiful story, Audiokim. Thank you for making my day fuzzier!!

thanks Kim for sharing! Loved this story very much!

I was right, Kim, I cried to the end!! Loved the proposal, and chuckled at Lucy and Myles getting caught kissing in the hay!!!

The gifts that Sue gave Jack are beautiful!! Such a wonderful tradition to keep up with the journal!! And, the watch made me cry harder!!!

I didn't miss that Sue's grandparents were also married on March 25th!! That makes it absolutely perfect!! The last line is perfect!! The whole story is perfect!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Joy

I was just playing catch up and I have to say that the journey was great fun. I loved the whole advent idea. Great job! Loved every moment of it!

i knew i shouldn't have worked today, i had 4 wonderfulposts to catch up with, all fabulously meltiilcious

cath

wow kim ...you deserve so much credit for this story, it's amazing. i think that you out did yourself.....it was beautiful...passioned....funny....but most of all filled with love. i'm sad that it ended...but i'm glad i read your story....very beautiful kim

I did tell you before that I think this story is just so fantastic from the very first word until the last. It was beautiful, breathtaking and sooooooooooo romantic. Any chance of a sequal - you know the wedding, the rural life all with gran and gramps too?????????

Beautiful Kim!!! I loved it!



Em

Awesome!

Ornella

I loved it from beginning to end. Sue will certainly never forget that proposal...and I guess neither Lucy or Myles won't either -- or maybe they will -- since they didn't see any of it! And of course, I guess we have the wedding to look forward to now, right? Maybe in time for the spring challenge?

kav

Thanks for a great story.
Terie

Just playing catch up on the last three wonderful, amazing, fabulous posts!

I loved it all, but just wanted to say this part especially touched me:


This Valentine Advent was an amazing journey from beginning to end!
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome talent with this wonderful, tender love story!
This story was truly a masterpiece!
A sequel would be great!

Tracy

It was a very beautiful story... from the beginning to the end!!

Thank you to let us know what was in your head!!

Kim: I truly enjoyed this story. Thanks so much for writing it and sharing it with us.

My daughter once went on a blind date where every other line the guy said was a quote from FORREST GUMP......to this day I think of that whenever I hear the 'life-box of chocolate' line. maybe your story will finally erase that recall and replace it with the romantic chocolate boxes.

I really loved the part where Sue was just about to the point where she was going to propose......but decided to wait him out. I'm sure she's glad she did.

Sarah Anne, Whit, Big Fish and Jonah......romantic icons.

thanks again and best of luck in the challenge.

Audiokim, I enjoyed this very beautifully written story . It made me laugh and cry (of joy).

I stumbled upon this story and i must say how great it was. It was really romantic... Had a smile on my face the whole time and moments when i just wanted to hug jack. I had my moments of wanting chocolate. Also loved Jack's grandparents. They are so cute and loving.
It times i thought i might need a fan due to jack being shirtless. And i love this little valentine advent. When he proposed I felt my heart skip a beat. As Bobby says Woohoo! Now that they are engaged i can't wait to read part 2

Aww so sweet.
Lol love his granny's spark...so much like sue. Love how jack/sue have two sets of rolemodels for the love they want to have.
Sweet gifts.
Lol loved the mini water war I play that all the time with my family except dad cheats...*pouts*
Love how their wedding is on the same day sue's grand parents got married in the church jack's got married.
Beautiful strory

That was so beautiful.



Hope ~