Two roads diverged in the woods, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. ~ Robert Frost

Something’s missing. That was the first thought that urged Sue to wakefulness. She blinked, the tiny bedside lamp on the hotel nightstand blinding her for just a moment as her eyes worked to focus. The world outside the curtained window was still dark. She snuggled closer to Jack, feeling the cold sheets by her side. It’s not something, but someone, she thought, wondering in the same instant how she would survive not falling asleep and waking in Jack’s arms once they returned to D.C. Good reason for a short engagement she mused as she sat up on the edge of the bed.

She furrowed her brow as she looked around the room, searching for the man who held her heart. The bathroom was dark. His familiar figure was not standing in front of the window. The flickering of light caught the corner of her eye. She watched as the bluish gray light flickered against the bedroom wall. It was the familiar glow of a television set in a darkened room. Quickly, she padded across the bedroom floor and into the living room. Jack was reclining against the back of the sofa, feet propped on the coffee table. Passing an end table, she flipped on the lamp, illuminating the dark room in the soft glow. She smiled warmly, but hesitated to move further as Jack turned to glance at her.

“I thought you were asleep.” He moved his feet and scooted over on the sofa, opening his arms in invitation.

Sue quickly moved to sit beside him, half turning to rest against the arm as she sat down, making it easier to see Jack’s face. She trembled as his fingers brushed against her cheek as he moved a strand of hair behind her ear. “I woke up and you weren’t there.” She noticed the uncertainty in the brown eyes and her heart fell. Is he regretting this, she thought as she fingered her engagement ring. Her eyes roamed his face, silently asking for reassurance. “What’s wrong?”

Jack sighed. Moving closer so he could twirl her hair around his finger, the soft silkiness bringing him comfort. “I couldn’t sleep. Too many things running through my head. I figured it was better to get up than to toss and turn, disturbing you in the process.”

“Jack, don’t feel that way. You could never disturb me.” Sue smiled shyly, knowing that once they were married that wouldn’t be so. But it would be a disturbance she would relish each and every time. “Besides, I’m always here when you need to talk, even in the middle of the night.”

Jack nodded. “I’ve been thinking about a couple of things.” His brown eyes glowed with a love that shone through the uncertainty, easing the anxious butterflies in Sue’s stomach. “And they both involve you.”

“Me?”

“Yep,” he smiled the lopsided grin that made her heart thunder in her chest. His hand moved from her hair to her cheek, gently cupping it against the warmth of his palm. “One more directly than the other.”

“Why don’t you start with the indirect one,” she suggested, hoping it would give her time to control her rampaging heart.

“I’ve been thinking about John’s offer.” Sadness mixed with the excitement of a new beginning in his eyes. “Not that I don’t think D will somehow find a loophole. Or that the whole working together thing matters anymore now that I know I’ll be spending the rest of my life with you,” he grinned, leaning forward to brush his lips against hers in an all too brief movement. “But I just think, maybe, the new job with the Justice Department might be something I’d like to try.”

“Why, Jack?” It wasn’t a question asked out of surprise or disappointment. It was a question meant to prompt him to really think about what he was saying. “Why does this job as an attorney appeal to you now when the thoughts of being chained to a desk never appealed to you before?”

Sue’s voice was soft and filled with kindness. Her hazel eyes silently assured him that whatever the reason and whatever decision he reached, she would stand beside him and support him. Jack ran his hand through his hair and closed his eyes to compose his thoughts. “I never said that I didn’t like the idea of being chained to a desk,” he sighed, opening his eyes to see the fleeting look of surprise that crossed her face. “If I wanted excitement all the time, I would have remained on the S.W.A.T. team. I don’t crave excitement, darling. I crave the feeling I get when I know I’ve helped someone; when I know I’ve made a difference. This new job would let me do that. It would allow me to help those who aren’t given a chance in school or the workplace because they are different. And it would be nice to have more reliable hours, especially if we are blessed with little Hudsons one day.”

Sue couldn’t hide the soft smile that grew on her lips as she read Jack’s hope for children. She had secretly dreamed of brown eyed babies and toddlers since the undercover marriage for the Dessa case. “I’d like that, Jack,” she whispered.

“What?” he winked. “The more regular hours or the little Hudsons?”

Sue chuckled, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. “The little Hudsons, Jack. If that’s what you want.”

“More than anything,” Jack whispered, moving closer. His heart leaped to his throat at the love twinkling in Sue’s eyes. It was mixing with the look of contentment and joy that took his breath away. “Well, almost anything,” he winked, gently kissing her burning cheek. “I want to be married to you more than anything,” he sighed.

Sue smiled, reaching up to caress his cheek. “But Jack, I wouldn’t want our marriage or dreams of children to make you change jobs just for…”

Jack placed his lips against her lips. She shivered at the tingling sensation the simple touch sent through her body. “The more regular hours are just part of it, darling. I’ve watched D struggle for years, missing ball games and ballet recitals because of the job. I vowed a long time ago that the job would never come before my family. And this way, it won’t.” She blinked back the tears that threatened to obscure her view of the man who had just stolen her heart all over again. “But that’s not the whole reason, Sue.” The twinkle in his eyes dimmed slightly as they darkened as the seriousness of the world settled in. “This trip made me think of how different things could have been if someone had stood up to Hitler; if laws had been passed to protect and keep him from carrying out his plan. That’s what this job would allow me to do that, sweetheart. It would allow me to take a stand, with others to stand with me.”

“Sounds like your mind is made up,” Sue whispered, her heart swelling with pride and love for the man who worked so hard to make a difference. She smiled as he nodded slightly, looking away. Her gentle fingers reached and touched his chin, slowly turning him back to face her. “Well whatever you decide, I’ll support you. You know that right?” Once again he nodded, tears shimmering in the chocolate depths. She gave him her best cheeky smile. “But what does this have to do with me?”

“I was wondering if you would agree to be my analyst.”

Sue chuckled at the uncertain way he peaked at her from beneath a heavily furrowed brow. “Well, let me see.” She leaned back and studied him, her palm cupping her chin as her index finger bumped against her lips. “I’ve agreed to spend the rest of my life with you. I’ve agreed to have a family with you.” She paused, loving the way he started to squirm under her scrutinizing gaze. “I guess I could stand agreeing to work for you.”

Jack pulled her to him, hugging her warmly as his lips caressed the softness of her blonde hair. All my dreams are coming true, he thought. He gently allowed his lips to leave the silken strands, migrating to the skin of her temple, then across her forehead to the other temple. He slowly drug his lips across the skin of her cheek, skimming her lips as he journeyed to the other side, smiling against her skin as she moaned softly, “Jack.”

He ease away, smiling as her eyelids fluttered open, a saucy look greeting him the hazel depths. “What, darling.”

“You said you were thinking of two things. What was the other one?”

Jack sighed, once again reaching to brush the blonde hair from her cheek. His hand lingered there, fingers drawing gently patterns against her skin from cheek to earlobe. “Going back to D.C. and having to carry you back to your apartment. About not being able to wake up with you in my arms until after our wedding. I’m going to miss that when we leave.”

Sue stood up and took Jack by the hand, pulling him from his seat. She smiled softly as she moved around the coffee table, Jack following behind. “So am I,” she whispered. She tugged him towards the bedroom, walking backwards as the brown eyes twinkled with unspoken promises. “I say we don’t waste any more time talking when the bed is calling for one last night of snuggled together sleep.”

More later
Kim

I love how they're moving forward, adapting with their new life.

Wonderful, Kim

So sweet...and everything will work out Jack don't worry!

i love his reasons for taking the new job

cath

I am catching up.

Kim, that was masterful. The quotes you used were inspiring. The responses to the question asking, "Where was God?" were incredibly moving. The new position that Jack has been offered was fitting on so many levels. The reunion between this brother and sister was like seeing beauty come forth from ashes. This is a story that touches the heart.

I definately like his easons for accepting the new job... as long as it's not just Sue who works with him. I mean, why break up such a great team?

Jack's words have persuaded me that he should take the job John offered. I thought I would be disappointed if Jack took the job. But, Kim, with your words you have depicted exactly how God works in the lives of people to steer them down the path He has laid out for them. Jack's passion is that what he does with his life will make a difference. As I read this, I realized that God was opening a new door for Jack, redirecting the focus of his work passion, and it all started when Sue stormed into his life those few years ago. A beautiful analogy, Kim, woven into this very powerful story.

Lynn

This new job is perfect for Jack!! It will take him out of the line of fire at a time when he needs to be safe for his family's sake!! I knew Sue would support him and go with him!!!

Now, hopefully Jack will think about bringing the whole team with him!! They are all pretty much at a crossroads and would probably like to be in a safer environment!! I know Donna would jump with glee!!!

Joy

jacks perfect for the job along side sue they could do wonders
but couldnt they just marry before going home
Lin

So cute!!

I like these conversations between them, they´re strong basement for their life construction.

Bravo!!

Tere

Compromise and support are some of the key essentials to a lasting and loving marriage...way to go Jack and Sue

Joy has a point, Donna would LOVE a new, safer position for D. I really gotta work on this aversion to change I have... change can be good... change can be good... change can be good...

Tina

This is the final post. Thank you all for going on this journey with me. Your replies have been wonder and most appreciated. Once again, thank you all.

[size=2]Your journey never ends. Life has a way of changing things in incredible ways. ~ Alexander Volkov[/size]

The world was alive with color. The sky was the crystal clear blue of a spring day with puffy white clouds floating on the jet stream like bolls of cotton. The purples and reds and yellows of the spring flowers around the base of the ancient elm were vibrant, the sweet aroma wafting into her nostrils on the whispered breeze. She couldn’t hear Kelsey’s laughter as she pushed the cherub higher and higher, but she would see the merriment of the child reflected in Karl’s eyes as he stood just outside the circle of flowers.

She looked just beyond Karl, her eyes misting with tears of joy as over the small rise came Ingrid and Marion, John, Candace and Baby Karl, Sue and Jack, wedding bands glistening in the sunlight, and then the rest of the team, each one smiling and laughing, waving and signing in greeting. She felt joy bubbling up from the depths of her toes, pushing away the darkness; the hate and fear and grief that had surrounded her heart for more than sixty years.

She shivered as she felt some unseen hand touch her on her shoulder. Turning, she watched the backs of the gray soldiers marching away from her, color pushing into the white, black and gray world of her nightmares. She felt the ache of sadness wrapped inside the blanket of happiness as she saw her parents and her sister standing in the doorway of their house, dressed as they were sixty years ago. Her father lifted his hands, signing a gently. “Well done, dear one. You have done your job. You have brought together two souls destined to be one. You have found your brother and been embraced by his family, embracing them in return. And most of all, you have reminded the living. Through your strength in the face of despair, through your courage in the face of fear, you have shown them what it is like to survive. Now show them what it is like to live.”

She felt a warm hand on her arm. She turned to see sapphire blue eyes, clouded with tears of joy as a smile more brilliant than the sun grew on Karl’s face. “Welcome home, Helga.” He opened his arms, closing them around her as she stepped into his embrace.

Helga’s eyes drifted open slowly, the muscles of her face aching from the ever present smile that bloomed the minute she saw Karl, alive and well after more than sixty years. She breathed a contented sigh as she stretch as much as the confining airplane seat would allow. Her eyes slowly drifted around the cabin. Sue and Jack were cuddled together across the aisle. Sue’s blonde head was resting against Jack’s shoulder as his head rested against hers. The engagement ring twinkled in the dim light of the night flight that was taking them back to D.C. It won’t be long now until they’re happily married, she mused, knowing they had purchased matching wedding bands in a small jewelry store in Munich before they boarded the flight. In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised if they were married before they returned to work on Monday. Returning to leave again, she mused, knowing that Jack and Sue had spoken to John about taking the job he had so graciously offered. She couldn’t help but wonder and pray if the rest of the team would be joining them. Time will tell.

Her eyes drifted to her best friend sitting in the aisle seat. The blue eyes were hidden behind heavy lids as Ingrid’s head bobbed forward to rest on her chest. Helga’s heart swelled with pride and love as she thought back on all the times her dearest friend had pushed and cajoled, forcing her to move forward instead of dwelling in the past. She would be forever grateful to the little girl who had stood by her side, growing into adulthood and pulling her along for the ride.

Helga felt the hand clutching hers. She turned to see Karl sleeping peacefully, he and Marion in much the same position as Jack and Sue. When she tried to pull her hand away, he only tightened his grip further, refusing, even in sleep to let go of the sister he had grieved for over the years. Now that they had found one another again, she knew he would never let go.

Her eyes traveled further down the row, lingering on the nephew she was only beginning to know. She could see the family heritage etched in his face even in sleep. In John’s hands, along with my dear Jack and Sue, the family legacy is safe.

Helga sighed as she leaned back in the seat, closing her eyes for a little more sleep before the plane landed in D.C. She had started the journey to put to rest the memories that had haunted her dreams. In return, she added to her family, knowing that happy memories would take the place of the sad ones with plenty left over. Papa was right, she thought, thinking of the dream she had just before awakening. I have reminded the living. I’ve shown them how to survive. Now I’ll show them how to live.

The End…for now.

Kim

Yet another beautiful story Kim! I feel blessed to have read this!

Another tearful post with this beautiful ending, Kim. I, too, feel blessed to have been able to read this most amazing and powerful story. Thank you for sharing.

And does that "for now" mean there will be a sequel?

Lynn

that was beautiful kim a wondrrful ending, hoping there might be a sequel lurking in your head

cath

Two exquisite posts to catch up on! I love how you ended with Helga's thoughts and observations and that her dream brought her closure. This was an amazing story, Kim.

kav

Thank you for taking us on this journey with Helga as she faced this very difficult anniversary. As you can tell from my comments, I was touched by the story. Thank you for writing it. I do hope that you may be planning for a sequel.

I know it was quoted before, but I just love it.

Wonderful journey, Kim! Thanks!!!

<--Happy tears

Another happy ending so brilliantly crafted by you Kim. I love how you handled such a terrible ordeal and made it a great experience for everyone involved. Sometimes you must take the bad with the good and sometimes the bad leads you to the good.

Wonderful job!

I'm so elated over everything turning out so well for Helga!! And, then if you add all the other wonderful things that have happened in your story, I'm over the top!!!

Kim, this story carries such a powerful message, and you have done a wonderful job of getting that message across!!!

Thanks for sharing once again!!!

Joy

Great story!!! And awesome ending!

That was an amazing story Kim! I loved it!

Hear to hoping that there is a sequel in the mist!

that was beautiful with such a wonderful ending I loved this story from start to finish sequel soon please pretty please Kim
Lin

Congratulations Kim. You took a difficult subject and handled it with grace, dignity, and love. Helga and Karl's pain and suffering were horrible to live though, but in the end, they were made stronger for having gone through it and they've now taught the next generation to remember. If we don't learn fromt the past, we're destined to repeat it.

Thank you for sharing your talent and heart with all of us, we're in your debt.

Tina

Kim, once again you have delivered an amazing story to us. This has been an exceptional read with the history included. Emotion packed and tender hearted. Loved it.

Bravo!! Bravo!!
Wonderful!! Helga you're strong woman!!!

I'm glad that Helga found her family, aside Jack and Sue!

I'm looking forward to read the sequel!

Tere G.

Wonderful story!!!
thanks,
Terie

Kim,

I fell behind in your story right from the start, but today, I started my marathon catch up session. I hope you know I am completely hooked and I’m really enjoying getting to read as much as I want.

8/23 Post 17



To live with the guilt that you family had been taken there because of you would be so incredibly hard to bear.

Scheming Helga is just terrific.

8/24 Post 28



Truly poetic expression and so powerful.

Very intrigued about John and how he’s going to play into all this. I have an idea. I can’t wait to see if I’m right.

8/25 Post 37



Oh, I can so see this happening. That time in a relationship when every word hold a world of meaning. You captured it so well.

And then, you built on it with this!



8/26 post 47


Since the rest of the post already made me have tears in my eyes, this line did me in completely.

8/27 Post 57

Have I said yet how much I’ve enjoyed the quotes you’ve selected for each post. They are perfect.

John’s father’s guilt makes the whole thing seem to relevant to today. Sometimes it’s so easy to think of this horrific time in history as being done and over, but you’ve made it real and alive again.

8/28 Post 67

I was right! Karl is Helga’s brother! I was already elated then you had Jack and Sue declare their love for one another. Now, I can have sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet dreams.

I’ll do more catching up tomorrow.

Wonderful ending to a beautiful story! My day is certainly brighter now!

Kim, I finally finished and I have to say I am nearly speechless. This is an incredibly powerful yet truly heartwarming story. You captured the horror of the time Helga lived through and showed the strength of the survivors. There were so many wonderfully written and beautiful passages that I had to stop quoting them if I wanted to ever finish. My Kleenex box is empty, but my heart is full. Thank you, again, for sharing your incredible talent with us.

so glad helga wasn't alone even before she got jack and sue to come. glad helga found karl alive and well. aww jack and sue being her adopted grand kids and jack proposing to sue. hmm the job would be important and safe...maybe the others could join up so the team isn't truly broken up. very touching stry.

This story moves me to tears whenever I read it. Thank you for sharing it. Kat

Wow, Yesterday I found this story and today I finished reading it. It was so gripping and stunning written. So full of emotions which are so beautiful written. I ran short an Kleenex tissues but my heart is full of pride for the many lives that were lost between '40 and '45. They gave their lives for ours. That is truly heartbreaking we may never forget them. May they rest in peace and in tranquility.

Kim, you finished your story with " the end.. for now..." that means a sequel is something to look forward to? I truly hope so.

This story is really beyond

Difficult to read through tears. An exceptional story that left me with a lot to consider. The most important being how fortunate I am in so very many ways. Thank you.