lovely meltilicious posts

cath

I love it!!! So Valentiney ... is that a word?

And I love the song!



Em

K' second to last post. The last one will be up later tonight. Thanks for all your comments.

Tuesday, February 13th

Tuesday went by slowly for Tara and Sue. Nothing but paperwork loomed in front of them and they didn’t have the distraction of Jack and Bobby. The guys had left just after coming to the office. They had another “assignment” to take care of.

Sue was sure that he was planning something, but she couldn’t figure out what. Tara had shared her suspicions that their last “assignment” didn’t have anything to do with work.

As they were preparing to leave, Sue put on her best pouty face. “I’m going to miss you. Can’t you at least tell me where you’re going.”

He kept his expression blank as he shook his head. Sue knew him well enough to tell that his jaw was twitching, trying to hold back a smirk. She also noticed a twinkle in his eye.

Sue decided to try a different tactic. She very slowly slid a finger up his chest. “Can’t you give me a little hint?” She whispered in his ear.

Her breath on his ear was almost his undoing. He needed to leave before she totally broke his resolve and he told her everything. He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her thoroughly. When he broke away he didn’t say a word, just grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. On his way out her tugged on Bobby’s arm and the two men left the bullpen.

Tara hadn’t been any more successful with getting information from Bobby. Both men remained silent as they left. “I wish I knew what they were up to.” she told Sue.

“I do want to know and then I don’t.” Sue replied thoughtfully. “My gut tells me that it has something to do with gala and we will find out tomorrow night, but the curiosity is killing me.”

Tara shrugged her shoulders in defeat. “Well, I guess it’s time to deal with that pile of papers on my desk. She plunked down in her chair and faced her computer.

Sue did the same and tried not to think about Jack and his “assignment”.

For dinner that night Jack and Sue opted for Chinese take-out at his apartment. They watched a movie and snuggled on his couch. Levi had made himself comfortable on the floor by their feet. When the movie was over Sue didn’t want to move. She was quite comfortable wrapped in Jack’s arms.

Jack touched her cheek to get her attention. “I know tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, but I have one more gift for you before then.” He reached behind them to the table and handed her the now familiar card and white box with a red ribbon.”

She opened the box to find a heart charm that was identical to her others. It was engraved with the words “EVER AFTER”. She took her necklace off and hand it to Jack, so that he could add the new charm while she read the note.

“Valentine”
And even if the sun refused to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart until the end of time
'Cause all I need is you, my Valentine
You're all I need, my love, my Valentine

My Valentine,
These are the last words of the song, but I have so much more that I want to say. I
hope I can continue to express my love for you daily and with more than just words.
I love you, Sue Thomas and this is the beginning of our Happily “Ever After”.
Love Forever, Jack

By the time she finished reading the note, her vision was blurred by a constant stream of tears. Jack replaced the necklace on her neck and turned her to face him. He tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks and enveloped her in a hug.

“Thank you, Jack.” she whispered. “I love you.”

Jack pulled back so that she could read him. “I love you, too.” He captured her lips in a kiss that was as tender, as it was passionate.

He moved them both so they were stretched out on the couch. They fell asleep in each others arms, content know that they were together and where they were meant to be.

* * * * *

For his and Tara’s date that night, Bobby had chosen to have dinner at the same little Italian restaurant they had been to the week before.

When they pulled up in front of the restaurant, Tara gave him a quizzical look. “Why here, Bobby?”

He didn’t answer until he had taken her hand and helped her from the car. He kissed her knuckles softly. “I thought, what better place to celebrate our one week “anniversary”, than the exact spot where we began our journey of love together.”

Tara was totally in awe of the man before her. “Who knew my tough Aussie had such a romantic side. If I love you so much already, but you just keep giving me reasons to love you more.”

Bobby placed his arm around her shoulder and led her into the restaurant. “Well, I hope I can continue to give you reasons, because your love is my reason for living.”

After they had finished their meal and they were enjoying the soft music coming from the bar, Bobby placed a single red rose on the table. The rose was tied to the top of a long velvet box with a card underneath it.

“Is this another reason for me to love you?” Tara asked, referring to their earlier conversation.

“I hope so, Luv.”

Tara untied the rose from the box an lifted it to her nose to inhale the sweet fragrance before she set it aside. She carefully opened the box to find a breathtaking gold and diamond necklace of three interwoven hearts.

“Oh, Bobby! It’s gorgeous.” She ran her finger over the hearts.

Her reaction to the gift was all he had hoped for. “The hearts do have a meaning, but you’ll have to read the card to understand it.”

She gave him a quick smile and opened the card. Just like all the previous ones, it had a candy heart inside. This one was white and read “3 Wishes”.

My Forever Love,
If I had “3 WISHES”, I would:

1 - Wish to love you for eternity
2 - Wish to be loved by you for eternity
3- Wish for our love to last through eternity.

I Love You!
Yours Forever, Bobby

Tara came around the table and wrapped her arms around Bobby’s neck. “Bobby Manning, I think I can help you fulfill those three wishes.” She kissed him tenderly. When Bobby deepened the kiss, she melted into his arms and they were lost to a world where nothing existed except the two of them.

TBC...to the end

I am floored by the sweetness of these 2 guys!

Just caught up on your flurry of posts! I love the way you have incorporated the valentine candy words into your story. And romantic Jack and Bobby Great Valentine reading for me!

kav

WOW....very sweet....


~laura michelle~

that was beautiful love how sue tried
to get the information from jack even tara
tried from bobby but cant wait for whats
to come more soon Lin

So touching and sweet.

Here's the Last Post, with 15 minutes to spare!!!

Wednesday, February 14th - VALENTINE’S DAY

The night of the Gala arrived and Sue was putting the finishing touches on her make-up. As she stood in front of her full length mirror she gave herself a final inspection. The bodice and skirt were a magenta colored material covered in little mirror-like circles, when she moved they caught the light and made the whole dress shimmer.

The material hugged every curve until about mid-calf where the skirt flared slightly. The cap sleeves were made of a chiffon in a dark magenta. Chiffon was over-laid on the bodice and gathered into the center with a rhinestone pin. The chiffon on the bodice was also gathered to the center of the back and hung loose in a semi-train down the back of the dress.

Sue wore her hair down with it pulled away from her face with two small rhinestone clips. On her ears she wore a pair rhinestone earrings that matched the hair clips.

Lucy stood in the doorway of Sue’s bedroom and watched her friend inspect herself. “You look fabulous.” she commented, when she caught Sue’s attention.

“So do you, Luc.”

Lucy spun around for Sue’s inspection. She wore a simple black evening gown. The bodice was a black and silver brocade of roses. The skirt was plain black satin that hung to her ankles. Her long black hair was pulled up into a fancy twist held by a rhinestone clip.

Lucy caught Levi as he came barreling into the room and straight toward Sue. “Doorbell.” Lucy explained. “It’s probably Jack. I’ll answer it.”

Lucy opened the door and let Jack into the apartment. “You look pretty tonight, Lucy.” he said.

“Thanks Jack, but I’m not the one you will be looking at all evening.”

To punctuate her statement, Sue entered the living room. Jack felt his throat constrict and his heartbeat quicken. She was a vision. Jack used his hands to speak the words he couldn’t get past his lips. “Beautiful, You.”

“Thank you.” she signed in return. She had never seen Jack look so handsome. Sure she had seen him in a tux at the Children’s Auction, but there was something different about the way he looked tonight. Maybe it was the fact she loved him and he knew it.

He helped her place her wrap around her shoulders and offered his arm. “Shall we?”

“Certainly. We’ll see you there, Lucy.” She waved to her roommate as Jack led her out the door.

When they reached the street, Sue was shocked to see a sleek black limousine parked at the curb. She turned questioning eyes to Jack.

He made a sweep of his hand towards the limo. “Our coach awaits, my love.”

Once they were settled inside, she turned to Jack and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I can’t believe you got us a limo.”

“Well, it’s not just for us. Bobby and Tara will be joining us. We are headed to Tara’s right now to pick them up.”

“That’s even better. What a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day, being with the love of life of my life and wonderful friends.”

“I must admit that the limo was a purely selfish gesture on my part. I want to focus all my attention on you tonight and I couldn’t do that if I was driving. When I mentioned the idea to Bobby he offered to pay half.”

* * * * *

At her apartment Tara was pacing back and forth in her living room waiting for Bobby to arrive. It wasn’t that she was nervous, but that she was excited. When she heard the bell it took her less than a second to open the door. Before her stood her tall Aussie looking very handsome in his tux holding a single red rose. She ushered him in and shut the door.

Bobby stared in awe at the beauty before him. “You look exquisite, Miss Williams.” He presented her with the rose.

“Thank you, Mr. Manning and might I say that you fill out that tuxedo very well.”

Tara’s dress was a royal blue sequins with cap sleeves and a high collar. Beaded fringe hung from the sleeves and over a cutout section in the upper part of the bodice. The satiny fabric showed off her figure to perfection. Her hair was pull up with several ringlets hanging loose to frame her face.

Putting her wrap over her arm she accepted Bobby’s offered arm and allowed him to lead her down the stairs at the front of her apartment and to the waiting limo.

The gala was being held in the Capital’s rotunda, so they were checked through security at the entrance. Once inside, the two couples admired the décor. Typical Valentine’s symbols were scattered around the room. Three large video screens were placed around the rotunda and were showing clips from every romantic movie ever made. A live band was set up on a raised platform between two of the screens.

As the evening progressed everyone enjoyed themselves. As the face of the F.B.I for the night, the team met with many senators, congressmen, and lobbyists. Bobby and Tara along with Jack and Sue were taking a break at the table they shared with Myles and Nora, JP and Lucy as well as D’ and Donna.

Sue sighed. “I can’t believe how many people we’ve talked tonight. I hope all this hob knobbing is worth it for the bureau.”

“No kidding.” Tara replied. “If I have to make nice with one more senator’s wife, I’ll…” she left the rest unsaid.

“Well, I think that will be it for the hob knobbing. The rest of the evening is ours.” Jack stated. He pushed his chair back and offered is hand to Sue. “May I have this dance?”

“Of course.” Sue took his offered hand and let him lead her to the middle of the dance floor. As he took Sue in his arms he signaled to the band leader.

The three video screens changed from movie clips to a picture of a beautiful sunset. As the music started, words appeared over the picture and Jack pulled back so Sue could read his lips.

“I know you can’t hear the music, but I want you see the words of the song we are dancing too. Even though I didn’t write them, these words come from my heart.”

Our love is unconditional, we knew it from the start.
I see it in your eyes, you can feel it from my heart.
From here on after let's stay the way we are right now,
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

Because of the position of the screens, Sue was able to read the words of the song as they danced. She was so blessed to be loved by such a wonderful and caring man. No one had ever done anything like this for her.

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,
And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.
As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,
So let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.

I cross my heart and promise to
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine.

And if along the way we find a day it starts to storm,
You've got the promise of my love to keep you warm.
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine,
A love as true as mine.

As the words on the screen faded away, the band continued to play, but with no words being sung. A soft spotlight illuminated Jack and Sue on the middle of the dance floor. Jack pulled away from Sue and took her hands into his.

“Sue, I love you with all that I am. I am a better man because of you. Tonight I cross my heart.” He drew an ‘x’ over his heart, “I promise that I will do all I can to make your dreams come true.”

Jack fell to one knee and pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. “Sue Thomas, will you marry me?”

The only sound that was heard in the rotunda of the Nation’s Capital at that moment was the soft music of the band. Sue couldn’t stop the tears that ran unheeded down her cheeks. “Yes Jack. Yes, I will marry you.”

Jack stood and placed a simple princess cut diamond ring on Sue’s finger, then wrapping his arms around her waist her lifted her off the ground and spun her in a circle.

When he put her down, he sealed their engagement with a lasting kiss. As applause rang throughout the room, their kiss continued and deepened. Two souls that were drawn together over three years ago finally found their place.

About fifteen minutes later, when the excitement of the engagement had quieted, the dancing resumed. Bobby and Tara joined the others on the dance floor. Bobby motioned to the band leader and the music began. Tara’s gaze met Bobby’s when she recognized the song. Strains of “For the First Time” carried over them. Their song. The song Bobby had played for her the night they expressed their love for each other.

Bobby pulled Tara closer as the song continued. This was so right, they were so right. When the song ended, the rotunda was once again silent. Tara looked around them and realized they were in the middle of the room and were being bathed in a soft white light. Tara’s eyes widened as she realized what was happening.

Bobby smoothly went to one knee and took Tara’s hands in his. “Tara Williams, you are my life, my future, my eternity. I am so blessed to be loved by you. I hope I can always be worthy of that love. Tara, my love, will you marry me?”

Tara dropped to her knees and flung her arms around Bobby’s neck. “Yes! Yes! Definitely Yes!” She shouted and the sound echoed throughout the rotunda.

Bobby stood and pulled Tara up with him. He slid the white gold ring with a emerald cut diamond onto her finger and kissed her soundly. As their kiss continued, the band began to play.

I did everything I could to get you here tonight
Without telling you why
Now girl if you only would, please hold out your hand
Just close your eyes
I’ve been dying to ask you one burning question
Will you be mine?

From here to eternity
I’m asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, Ill always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I’m willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and Ill always be
From here to eternity

I saved a year for this ring
I cant wait to see
How it looks on your hand
I’ll give you everything that one woman needs
From a one woman man
I’ll be strong Ill be tender a man of my word
I will be yours.

From here to eternity
I’m asking you to share your life with me
Now and forever I guarantee, Ill always stay by your side
I promise my love to you
I’m willing and able and ready to
Whatever you need
I am here for you, and Ill always be
From here to eternity.


THE END

Thanks for Everyone who has Commented. I've had fun writing this.

The last to songs were "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait and "From Here to Eternity" by Michael Peterson. 2 of my favorite love songs, along with the 2 I used in earlier posts.[color=#CC33CC]

Beautiful songs !!! Perfect for the story !

Glad you finished it in time

Now i can go to bed and have sweet dreams ... Good night!

Wonderful....that's very sweet of the guys...


~laura michelle~

Nicely done...2 proposals and 2 accepting the proposal and all under the deadline, very nicely done!

Hey -- maybe this is the key -- we have to give Jack and deadline 'cause when we do he always comes through! Wonderful ending to a lovely romantic story.

kav

This is a beautiful story from start to finish!! Loved the songs, absolutely loved the charms and the notes were soooo romantic!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

That was wonderful. They are engaged! "From Here To Eternity" is my favourite Michael Peterson song. (It's on my playlist on the computer, I like it so much). And it's just the perfect proposal song.

Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

fantastic 2sets of proposals both with the right answer
YES with wonderful songs to match the couple its meant for beautifully
Lin

That was wonderful from beginning to end!

Kim

That was perfect from A to Z...

What a lovely story.

Donna

Beautiful story VC! I loved it!

Em

Thanks for sharing this story. I truly enjoyed it.

I once learned to sign the words to the George Strait song. "I Cross my Heart" so it was really fun to have it included into your story. besides, you're right. It's a great love song.

thanks again.

This was really sweet and cute for both couples.

aww so sweet
loved all the gifts and the 'assignments' jack/bobby went on for their girls.
yay they're both engaged. so cute.

That was sweet.



Hope ~