The parts of the posts in italics are flashbacks.

Dear Santa,

So how have you been? How is Mrs. Claus? Is Rudolph okay? My brother said he had a nose job but I hope that’s not true. I like his red nose and you wouldn’t make fun of him, would you Santa, just because he’s different? The song says the other reindeer did – but I’m hoping you put a stop to that. I know what it’s like to be teased and made fun of. Will you tell Rudolph that I love him just the way he is please? I’d write a letter to him myself only I don’t think reindeer read. Do they Santa?

Momma says I shouldn’t be greedy so I’m only going to ask you for one thing and it’s not just for me. It’s for Momma and my brothers as well. One gift for the whole family. That’s not greedy is it?

So what I really want for Christmas this year more than anything else in the world is my Daddy. Can you bring him home for Christmas, Santa?

Yours most hopefully and sincerely…
Mary Alice Capono

plop. plop. The water spots grew larger as they soaked into the lined notebook paper, smudging and blurring the childish scribble. Ellen quickly wiped the remaining tears away with trembling hands. She hadn’t meant to pry into the innermost thoughts of her children, but she needed to be prepared for Christmas morning, stocking in a supply of batteries and other accessories for any last minute toy ideas her children might have shared with the jolly old elf. She had expected that. After all, at least one of them usually snuck in some last minute item that would leave them disappointed if the batteries were not supplied. But what she didn’t expect was this.

She tenderly refolded the letter and placed it back into the envelope addressed in the same childish scribble. Mary Alice. That wonderful, hopeful, gentle child, she thought. A child who had to bear more disappointment and sorrow over the last fourteen months than any child should.

She sighed as her gave drifted from the letter in her hand to the white oak bed with its peppy pink Barbie comforter and the teddy bears and baby dolls that adorned the pillows while their young owner was either at school or at play. Her eyes continued to drift, taking in the desk and bedside tables, the pink fake fur butterfly chair and the assortment of toys and books that were scattered here and there, on bookcase and toy box, in neat, orderly piles. Nothing much had changed in this room since it was redecorated as part of her fifth birthday present. No, the room hadn’t changed, but the little girl that called this room her own and the family who adored her sure had.

Ellen closed her eyes against the wave of tears that threatened to fall once more, images of the last fourteen months gathering and assaulting her from all sides. Fourteen months ago, they had all been together. Fourteen months ago, Tony had been there. Fourteen months ago, they’d been a family. Fourteen months ago…

“Come on, sweetheart. Blow out the candles.”

Mary Alice stepped forward and filled her five year old lungs with all the air she could. She blew and blew, the candles flickering and dying in the gust one by one, with a little help from a beaming Tony. Tony had just completed yet another deep cover assignment, but was home. For now. He was so driven to capture the bad guys, doing anything and everything, legal or not, to do his job that he often didn’t spend more than a few days at home before embarking on another assignment. It was a wonder that they’d been able to have a child at all, let alone three with a fourth currently growing safe and protected beneath her heart. Ellen gently rubbed her hand over her expanding waistline as Matt, the nine year old protector fended off the tiny fingers of two year old Chad who was giggling wildly as he tried to swipe his chubby fingers through the chocolate icing on the birthday cake. Mary Alice, the softhearted birthday girl stepped between them, both brothers stopping immediately as their eyes shone with adoration for the little girl who was the apple of the family’s eyes.

She sighed as she felt Tony’s strong arms wrap around her and pull her against his chest, his hands lovingly caressing their unborn child. “Happy?” His breath was warm against her cheek as he whispered.

“Very.” She laid her hands on top of his, her fingers fitting perfectly between his as the little one inside moved gently beneath. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

But that was fourteen months ago. That was before…

“Get out!” Her raised voice mixed with the wailing of two week old Kyle in the crib.

“Ellen…”

“No Tony. Not this time. Not ever again. I’ve shrugged off the way you manipulate and use people for your own gain for the last time. You’ve crossed the line Tony. Get out.”

“Nothing happened, sweetheart. I just needed her ability to read lips for the case. Nothing more.” He at least had the decency to look appropriately sheepish as he continued. “I had to keep her off balance, sweetheart. Kissing her, dating her, it was all just a ploy to keep her unsettled and confused enough so that gallant Jack couldn’t convince her to back out. But it never went any farther than that. She’s not the kind of girl who would have allowed herself to be swept into my bed. And I’m not the kind of man who cheats on his wife.”

“Oh. Really. But you are the kind of man who conveniently forgets to inform his undercover partner that he’s married with a family. She’s deaf, Tony! And, from what I’ve heard you used her insecurities about fitting in and her confusion over her feelings about Jack to nearly knock her off her feet. It’s deplorable. It’s despicable. I don’t know who you think you are, Tony Capono, but you are the kind of man who would cheat on your wife if it advanced your career or your standing in the eyes of your superiors. And you don’t care who you hurt in the process. Just look at this mess you’ve created. From what I’ve been told, Jack and Sue’s blossoming relationship took a major setback. And our relationship is over. Now GET OUT!”

He had hung his head, tears glistening on his cheeks. But for the first time, his downcast eyes and teary apologies had no effect on her. She’d had enough. She could manage on her own. And she did until…

“Tony. It’s Mary Alice.”

Joseph Genochio, a Mafia boss Tony had rubbed the wrong way early in his career, had taken out his promised revenge on the family, kidnapping Mary Alice. A high speed police chase along the Beltway had ended in a violent crash, leaving Genochio and one of his associates dead and Mary Alice with a traumatic brain injury. With a four month old baby, Ellen couldn’t do it on her own. And Tony was there, supportive and loving, relieving her at the hospital and moving back into the house to help care for the children.

And he wasn’t the only one there to offer support. It poured in from family and co-workers as the hours turned into days and then weeks as Mary Alice struggled to recover from the assault to her brain. Even Jack and Sue had come to offer support and a sympathetic ear. She was amazed by the compassion in Sue’s heart and the loyalty of Jack, even to a man who had almost ruined his chance of happiness with the blonde analyst. As Ellen started to apologize for Tony and his behavior, offering sincere regret for any dissention he might have caused between them, she was offered a shy smile by the couple. Sue’s left hand moved from Jack’s to reveal a generous diamond twinkling on the third finger. She was quickly assured by the chocolate eyed agent that, although the experience had been painful, it had also shown that the love they had kept hidden from one another so long was strong enough to endure.

That was eight months ago. Since then, the pieces of her life slowly started to fall back into place. First, Mary Alice’s progress was amazing. She was able to walk, although it was slow, and talk, although it was slurred and labored, by the time her sixth birthday rolled around. She had been an invited guest to the biggest wedding in the history of the FBI as Jack and his soul mate Sue joined their lives for eternity.

And through it all, Tony was there, supportive and loving. Slowly, she reopened her heart to the man who would always own her soul, old feelings stirring to life as they sat on the sofa and watched their children play. Although he moved out again the week after Mary Alice’s birthday, he continued to visit every day. They grew closer, talking and sharing like they’d never done before. One day, she realized, the heart she had reopened to him was his once more. She wanted the marriage to continue. She wanted to feel the way he made her feel. She wanted her life back. She wanted Tony. She was planning to ask him to move back in. The second chance he had always begged for her early Christmas gift to him. She was going to tell him the minute he returned from the latest undercover assignment. But that had been two months ago.

At first she had not really been that concerned. But when he missed Kyle’s first birthday, she knew something was wrong. The entire time they had been together, not once had he not been home for important events, birthdays, anniversary, Christmas. Even if it were only for a few hours, he was there. When she contacted his supervisor at the FBI, she was told he in deep cover, but was making regular contact. Two weeks later, when she’d still not heard from him, she’d been told he had missed some of his routine updates. Then, just a few days later, there was no news. None. And no one seemed to know where he was. He’d vanished.

She, like the little girl who scribbled the letter to Santa expressing the desires of her heart, wanted him home for Christmas. She sighed, her heart heavy as the realization grew. It would take a miracle to make this Christmas wish come true. But hope started to grow in the midst of despair as she recalled words spoken by a very compassionate young woman. “It there’s ever anything Jack or I can do for you, just let us know.”

More later
Kim

WOW!!!! heartbreaking, but real....I loved it...can't wait for more Kim!!!

Kim has entered the challenge. I just don't know how you do it, Kim...write multiple stories at the same time!

And Wow! What a start! You've taken a slimeball character from the show and made me actually like him and be afraid that something has happened to him! And given him a very loving and supportive wife! And a cute little 6-year-old daughter that has been through so much trauma in her young life who just wants her daddy back for Christmas. The introduction to Ellen, Mary Alice and the boys was perfect! I feel like I really know them! I'm eagerly looking forward to Jack and Sue and the team helping to find Tony and returning him to Ellen, Mary Alice and the boys.

And then, you not only had Jack and Sue engaged, but you MARRIED THEM OFF IN THE FIRST POST! I'm beside myself....thinking of all the fuzzies we can be privy to! There will be fuzzies, right?

Lynn

Wow! What an interesting approach Kim!

Sheesh-o-pete... I've managed to write like... a chapter and a half since I started posting my story and you're writing THREE??

AT THE SAME TIME??

I don't know whether to admire you or wonder about your sanity, so I'll just do both.

And what a hook for this story! Tony, of all people. You know, I still haven't seen but a little bit of that episode, but I still have this deep seated dislike for the man. It's going to be very interesting to see how, or if, you create any sympathy for him. (Not that you couldn't if you wanted to, I just don't know if you want us to 'feel' for him. Of course we already feel for his family.)

So, I look forward to this trip... me thinks it will be rocky and maybe treacherous at times, but at least you've got Jack and Sue already together, so I'm hopeful for some touching fuzz-filled moments as well!

Tina

What an incredible idea for a story. You have me actually liking Tony. I am going to enjoy this tale as we learn more about Ellen's Christmas Miracle.

WOW! What a begining! I seriously can't wait to see how this stroy will unfold, PLEASE post again soon!!!!!

Tina, you aren't the ony one who questions my sanity at time. There's me, myself and I. They all three question it on a daily basis! I'm glad you all enjoyed the beginning. I'm going to try my hardest to post twice a day. Here's the first post for today. Once again, the parts of the post in italics are flashbacks.

Angels and bells, red and gold glass ornaments, handcrafted treasures and finely crafted blown glass spheres and figures interspersed amongst the green branches lit by white lights adorned the corner of the apartment near the window. The tree, like their lives, was a perfect combination of his and hers, making it all the more elegant and special. Beneath the tree, packages were already gathering, grouped according to wrapping paper which corresponded to who the gift was for. The ones wrapped in the shimmering red wrapping paper and topped with gold bows of various shapes and kind were for the parents, both his and hers. Others, wrapped in paper sporting whimsical reindeer sporting red noses and adorned with curly-cued bows were for nieces and nephews, his and hers. Still more wrapped in paper striped red and white like a candy cane and tied with green ribbon were from her brothers and sister-in-laws and his sister and brother-in-law. Then there were the ones wrapped in blue paper with silver snowflakes and white snowmen without further adornments were for friends, both at work, at home and in Ohio and Wisconsin. Finally, special presents just for him were wrapped in gold paper and tied with red bows, signifying “the treasure I found when I found you,” she’d told him. Hers would soon join his, wrapped in a similar fashion, although not as precisely as the others were. And one day, there would be yet one more stack, ones bought and wrapped for their children, the ones they would create themselves in the love that had overwhelmed him from that first day.

Jack slowly squatted down in front of the Christmas tree, carefully examining the packages of various shapes and sizes. Each one was wrapped neatly, quite unlike the presents he had given in the past. He wasn’t much of a wrapper, opting instead for decorated bags and boxes instead. Sue, on the other hand, was a wrapper most extraordinaire. It was yet one more talent his wonderful wife possessed. Yet one more thing those graceful hands of hers were able to do. He felt the desire build from the pit of his stomach as his mind wandered to other things the delicate softness of her hands could do. Shyly bold and gently demanding, they could set him on fire, reducing his brain to mush incapable of coherent thought with the slightest touch.

Their union had been more than three long years in coming. Denied feelings, misunderstandings and miscommunications leading them down a path that, at times, had seemed to be separating them instead of leading them towards one another. But the false starts and missteps, the forward movement followed by retreat had all been part of a grand design. A grand scheme meant to prove to two people insecure in the way they saw themselves and in the way they thought others saw them that their love was meant to be; strong enough to endure whatever life threw their way. So, once he took the step of telling her his true feelings one rainy afternoon in the park across from the apartment they now shared, he knew there would be no retreat. For either of them. Closing his eyes as the fire crackled in the fireplace beside him, he thought back to that day ten months before.

It had been a week since the New York scare. A week since he’d nearly lost her for good, not to a bullet or another man, but to place hundreds of miles away. A week since he decided his life needed to change…

Why did I say that, he thought as Sue bolted from the car despite the rain that pounded against the windows. She had Levi out of the back and was sprinting towards her apartment across the park before he could release his seatbelt. It was yet another argument born out of his need to keep her safe. But his callous words had hurt her more deeply than a sniper’s bullet would have. They’d been in this spot before, in the end, both apologizing and forgiving, walking away side by side. But something told him this time would be different if he didn’t do something about it. This time, unlike all the times before would end differently. And although they would apologize and forgive, they’d simply walk away. Away from one another and the life he only lived in his dreams. That is if he didn’t do something.


Bolting from the car, he chased after her, catching up before she’d made it halfway across the park. He grabbed her by the arm and swung her to face him, her eyes squinting against the assault of the raindrops and the anger he’d glimpsed when she first turn to meet his gaze. “Let go, Jack! The discussion ended in the car.”

“Not this time Sue.”

“Let me go, Jack! I’m tired and soaked to the skin. I just want to go home.”

“Not this time Sue. Not until you’ve listened to what I have to say.”

“That’s a little hard to do, Jack. I’m deaf remember.”

The icy anger in her voice and the biting sarcasm of her words nearly had him release her. But his resolve to finally have everything out in the open, regardless of the consequences was too strong. “Then let me show you.”

He lowered his head, capturing her lips and swallowing her gasp of surprise as he pulled her close against him, wrapping her in his arms. He held her tight in the circle of his arms, gently but persistently moving his lips against hers, begging for understanding and acceptance. His hear soared as her arms slowly slipped upwards over his drenched jacket, hesitantly moving over and shoulders before coming to rest at his neck, fingers timidly playing with the hairs on his neck as her lips slowly parted beneath his, like a flower seeking the comforting warmth of the sun. He eased away, lifting one hand to wipe the raindrops from her face. His lips curled into a lopsided grin as her hazel eyes slowly opened, all trace of anger replaced by confusion mixed with desire, a healthy dose of love running beneath it all.

“I love you, Sue. I have for a long time. I should have spoken up sooner. But, like a fool, I let my sense of honor overrule my heart. You’d worked so hard to get to the position on the team, I didn’t want my love for you to force one of us off the team. I didn’t want it to ruin your career. But I think, in some ways, it has. I don’t want to argue over cases and who’s right and who’s wrong any more. I don’t want to fight about your need to prove yourself and my need to protect you. I want to argue about what color comforter will go with the new paint on our bedroom wall. I want to fight whether to watch a hockey game or a romantic comedy while we cuddle together on our couch in our home. I want a life away from the Bureau, Sue. I want a life with you.”

Her smile blossomed, engulfing him in a warm glow that made the rain disappear. “I love you, Jack.”

Two months later, they were in the same park, the day and their spirits much lighter…

He’d planned it down to the last detail; the date, the time, the atmosphere, even the weather. Lucky for him the One in charge of the weather had agreed with the plan and provided the weather he’d requested. It was a pleasant evening as he stepped out of his car and hurried up the sidewalk towards her apartment. He tugged at the cuffs of his tuxedo jacket and nervously fiddled with his black bow tie as he waited for Sue to answer the door. He owed Lucy’s grandmother big time for getting her out of the apartment tonight. He was nervous enough about the evening without being bombarded by questions and comments by the well meaning friend. He picked at a piece of lint on his pants as he waited, lifting his eyes at the sound of the door opening. She took his breath away in the red gown she’d worn to the Batchelor Auction more than a year before. It seemed to be the most appropriate attire for the question he had in store for her before the end of the evening.

A few minutes later, she was on his arm, a smile permanently etching his face as he led her from the apartment building. She glanced at him, confusion crinkling her brow as they walked past his car. He chuckled gently as her soft voice reached his ears. “Where are we going, Jack?”

He turned his face slightly, making his lips more visible to her. “You’ll see.”

His smile broadened and his heart warmed as a soft gasp escaped her lips. He nodded to the waiter as they approached the small table placed carefully in the middle of the park. It marked the exact spot where his declaration of love had finally flowed from his lips. He gently removed her hand from his arm, keeping it in his as the waiter held her chair and he eased her into the cushioned sheet. “Jack…” she whispered.

He pressed her fingers to her lips, smiling gently. “Just wait, Sue.”

And she did, through the salad and the main course. Then, just before the dessert was placed in front of them, he made his move. He leaned forward so the lights from the flickering candles would better illuminate his lips. He reached for her hand and drew it into his. “Sue, I love you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Tears shimmered in her eyes as he rose from his seat and slowly lowered himself to one knee in the grass wet with evening dew, his free hand reaching into the pocket of his tux jacket. He released her hand briefly as he opened the velvet box to reveal the glittering diamond inside. Her eyes widened with surprise and delight. Regaining her hand, he continued. “Two months ago, in this very spot, I found the courage to say those three little words that echoed in my heart from the moment you stormed into my office. And low and behold, you had the courage to say them back to me. And now, in this same spot, I want to ask you a question that will change our lives forever, Sue. I want a lifetime with you. Will you share your lifetime with me?” Tears slipped from her eyes as he blinked backed the moisture that blurred her image in his own eyes. “Marry me?”

“Yes,” she whispered. The ring slipped effortlessly onto the third finger of her left hand. Lips touched, demandingly sweet as two hearts merged, offering promises of a future they’d both only dared dream of.

The twinkling white lights on the tree reminding him of the diamond that sparkled on her finger. Even Myles had been left speechless when they made their announcement and showed off the ring the next morning in the Bullpen. But their joy had been tempered by the new of Mary Alice Capono’s accident. Despite the way he felt about Tony, he was one of their own. When his family hurt, the FBI family at large hurt. He and Sue had discussed it and both felt that they needed to visit the Capono family. Not so much for Tony, but for Ellen and the children. They had heard that the marriage was on the rocks over the undercover assignment Tony and Sue had worked on. And Sue felt obligated to extend her apology to Tony’s wife, setting things right if she could. They had both been surprised by the reception they received.

“Sue, Jack. Thank you both for coming.” Ellen’s eyes were hollow, fatigue and concern bending her shoulders slightly.

“How is she?” Sue asked, concern shimmering in her eyes.

“Better. Not out of the woods, but better.” Ellen’s eyes had lowered briefly, lifting again to reveal tears glistening in the dark gray-blue depths. “I’m so sorry, Sue. You too, Jack.”

He had glanced at Sue, the shock and surprise he felt mirrored in the hazel depths of her eyes. “Sorry?” He asked, unsure why she was apologizing to them. “Ellen, there’s no way you could have predicted that Genochio would take Mary Alice. And you certainly couldn’t have predicted…”

“I know that,” she whispered, a hint of anger in her voice. “That’s not what I’m apologizing for. I know what Tony did on that assignment, Sue. And I know how much it hurt you.” She nodded towards him “And Jack. I know you two were getting closer and that Tony’s – behavior caused there to be…”

“It’s okay, Ellen,” Jack interrupted. He smiled softly as he released Sue’s hand, his gaze washing over his fiancée with adoration and love. “I’ll admit that it was hard for me to watch Tony using Sue like that. And I know it was hard for Sue to see how manipulative he was until it was almost too late. But she did see. And I was still there. It just proved that our love can withstand anything.”

Sue held out the hand he’d released, the diamond catching the light emitted from the fluorescent fixture overhead. “It made us grow closer, Ellen,” she replied, glancing shyly at him with devotion and love mingling in her gaze. “Closer than I ever imagined possible.”

As they addressed the invitations to their wedding, they both agreed that Ellen Capono should be invited. She needed to see that she truly had nothing to apologize for. Plus, after the weeks spent at the hospital and rehab center, she needed a break. A little happiness in the midst of the weeks of sadness. Of course, Jack had an ulterior motive. He wanted someone in the Capono family to witness their nuptials. That way, Tony would know it was hands off where Sue was concerned. Although he was a little shocked and miffed that the agent had the gall to actually accompany his wife to the wedding, he didn’t let it mar the excitement and beauty of the occasion.

In the anteroom just off the altar area of the church where Sue had prayed for guidance over the New York job and met an angel in Deanne, Jack waited for his cue to take his place at the altar to wait for his bride. The nerves built to a frenzy as the minster opened the door and told him it was time. But they quickly abated, replaced by a rush of love and desire as the organ swelled and the back door opened, revealing Sue on her father’s arm, a graceful beauty in white strapless gown, cathedral train and veil. Like she’d done so many times before, she took his breath away.

His hands trembled as he signed the vows he’d spent hours writing and practicing with either Helga or Troy or Deanne, all three friends willing to offer help and guidance until he had them down perfectly. They trembled again when she slipped his ring on his left ring finger. And once more when he slipped her ring on her left ring finger. Tears blurring his vision throughout the ceremony from the moment she started down the aisle. As he signed his vows and when she signed hers. And then again when the minister pronounced them man and wife, presenting them to the world for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Samuel Hudson. His lips still tingling from their first kiss as husband and wife.

Following the reception, they returned to their apartment for their first night as man and wife. Lucy had moved out earlier in the week, becoming Tara’s roommate. When the decision was made that Sue and Jack would keep the apartment that she and Lucy had shared, she had teased that they’d need that second bedroom before she would. Of course, he hoped to have a house before they were blessed with a child of their own. Still, it was nice to be able to share this apartment, no longer fighting the urge to accompany her inside the building instead of watching from the sidewalk as she entered and started up the stairs to the apartment.

It was nice to share some of the other things that now belonged to them. A grin curled his lips as scenes of the honeymoon and evenings after filtered through his mind. The way she responded to his touch. The way her touch ignited a flame like no other woman ever had. The way she called his name, her voice thick with passion and desire as she…

“Not trying to sneak a peek there are you, Sparky?” He started at the soft sound of her voice. He jumped to his feet, the sheepish color of embarrassment heating his cheeks as he turned to meet her hazel gaze, twinkling merrily at him from beneath the arch of the hallway. Her blue robe was tied tightly at her waist, the towel in her hand gently drying the moisture of her shower from her hair that was a darker honey color from the water. Peaches and cream mixed with vanilla wafted across the room, hitting him full force with the aroma that was so perfectly Sue.

“Never sweetheart,” he grinned as he stepped away from the tree and approached his stunningly beautiful wife. He glanced over his shoulder, happy to see Levi settled on his pillow for the night. He’d been walked and fed and seemed content to leave his master and mistress alone for the rest of the evening. When he reached her, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close against his chest, the warmth of the skin beneath the robe quickly heating his already burning desire. “I was just thinking back over the last ten months. Thanking God for you. And waiting to unwrap the greatest gift I’ve ever received.” He tugged the towel from her hands and flung it to the floor. With one hand, he eased the collar of her robe to one side, his other hand tugging gently at the belted waist.

“Oh really,” she whispered, her desire apparent in the huskiness of his voice. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her fingertips brushing lightly over the dark t-shirt he’d donned after his shower until they came to rest in the edge of his hair where it met his neck. “And what gift would that be, dearest?”

She moaned as his lips brushed against the base of her throat. Slowly he trailed upward, tongue alternating with teeth and lips until he found the fleshy part of her delicate earlobe. She arched against him, a sharp intake of air whistling between her teeth as he nipped and soothed before pulling back slightly so she could see his answering declaration. “You.”

“Jack.” He swallowed the rest of her words as his lips took possession of her, building the frenzy he knew matched the one burning low in his middle. Tongues played a well rehearsed game of cat and mouse while hands explored skin that was familiar yet still wildly exciting. Just as he bent to lift her into his arms and carry her to the bedroom to continue their foray, the doorbell rang.

Moans of regret mingled together as he and Sue fought to see who would be the last to break the contact the kiss offered. His heart thundered in his chest as her breath came in panting puffs against his cheeks as he rested her forehead against hers. “Doorbell,” he whispered when Sue’s eyes finally fluttered open. He grinned as their voices mingled with the same suspicion. “Lucy or Bobby.”

The bell sounded once more. Jack rolled his eyes as he disentangled himself from the warmth of Sue’s arms. Muttering ways of getting rid of two nosy friends who had the uncanny ability of picking the most inopportune times to interrupt as he stomped across the apartment to answer the door. “I thought once we declared our feelings and exchanged rings, they’d get the hint that we just want to be left alone,” he huffed as his hand reached first for the lock and then for the doorknob.

More later
Kim

Oh poor Jack, doesn't he realize that in fanficland he will never go uninterrupted?

kav

There is something neat about the idea that they started their married life off in the apartment that Sue and Lucy shared. I chuckled at Jack's irritation about being interrupted.

Oh,

Thank you for the fuzzies so soon, Kim! A proposal...a wedding...an evening at home! Even with the interrupion, that was way more than I expected. Devinely dreamy!

And I agree with Ivory. I've always loved that apartment and knowing that Jack and Sue are now together there...perfect. They have the perfect life. And I'm not going to let that suspicious side of me win out this time that whoever is at the door might signify something harmful to create angst for them. I'm just going to savor each and every word on this cold, snowy Sunday afternoon and not be concerned with who is at the door and the message he/she is bringing.

Lynn

What a post! Keep up the good work Kim!

just caught this one kim and its fantastic cant wait for more
Lin

Ellen sighed, once again questioning her decision to approach Jack and Sue at home instead of the next day at the Bullpen. In one way, it had been a decision made in haste, in the intense rush of need to fulfill a child’s Christmas wish and, in doing so, fulfill her own. In another, it had been a calculated risk, knowing it would be easier to talk with the couple in the privacy of their home instead of the Hoover Building. Here, in their apartment, she wouldn’t have to worry about unwanted ears listening in. After all, she knew what she was doing, asking their help, should they accept, could have repercussions for their careers. The FBI was very territorial. Stepping into another team’s case, without invitation, often led to reprimands, suspensions and, in very severe cases, termination. She should know, Tony had received his fair share of reprimands and suspensions, always tiptoeing around termination. Perhaps it would have been better if he had reached the point of termination, regret for the thought mixing with the regret of not begging him to end his career years ago. If she had and if he had listened, life would be so different for them. They would have avoided the arguments of the past few months. Mary Alice would have avoided the struggles she was still enduring from the kidnapping and accident. And she wouldn’t be here, asking two people who had every right to hate her husband for help.

You can’t live your life on the ‘what if’ plan, Ellen, she berated herself. She lifted her hand, her index finger once again pressing against the small lighted button by the door. A small flicker of disappointment stirred deep within her stomach as she realized the couple was probably not at home. She was still glad she’d tried, knowing that the slight knot of disappointment lodged in the pit of her belly would help deal with the larger disappointment that might eventually come. Just because she asked for help didn’t mean they’d grant it.

And she wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t. Tony was reckless and dangerous. He could have easily gotten Sue killed on that undercover assignment. And it had almost ruined the budding relationship between Jack and Sue. She knew that Jack had a strong dislike for Tony even before that case. The repercussions of the case only strengthened that dislike. Still, he was an honorable man. And Sue was a compassionate woman. She knew they’d both listen, regardless of their final answer. That gave her hope. And right now, that was all she had. Hope that Christmas was still the season of miracles. She and her family could use a big one.

She stared at the door, sighing as it remained shut tight. Her shoulders drooped as she turned to walk back down the hallway to the exit. They just weren’t home. Standing there in the well light hallway outside the door decorated with a tasteful green wreath sporting silver and blue accents and ribbon with the soft strains of Believe echoing from beneath the neighbor’s door wouldn’t make them materialize. She’d just have to wait until the morning.

She turned at the cracking whoosh of the seal of the door breaking as it swung open. Irritated brown eyes met hers, quickly softening with surprise as Jack ran his hand through his hair. Seeing the faded Wisconsin t-shirt and well worn faded navy blue checked flannel lounge pants with well defined muscular bare feet sticking out from beneath the frayed hem, she once again questioned the soundness of the decision to visit them at their apartment. “Ellen. What a surprise! Won’t you come in?”

She nodded and stepped across the threshold into the apartment as Jack stepped back, clearing the door. To say she was an unexpected interruption would be an understatement. He was use to it being Lucy or Bobby or even Myles or Tara on the other side of the door, but he never expected the wife, or was it ex-wife, of his nemesis. That’s a little harsh, Hudson, he admonished himself at the title he chose for the undercover agent. He took in the woman waiting in the foyer as he closed the door. She looked tired. Maybe dejected would be a better word. Of course with everything she’d endured over the past several months, it was little wonder. Still, there was something different, a more severe droop to her shoulders or maybe a deeper furrow to her brow that had not been there before.

He came to stand beside her, extending his hand towards the living room. “Won’t you make yourself at home?” His eyes quickly swept the room for his wife. Finding her gone, he assumed she’d hurried down the hallway to their bedroom to put on something a little more appropriate for company than the bathrobe he was trying to remove before they were interrupted. “Sue should join us in a minute.” He nodded towards the intimate arrangement of chairs and sofa around the crackling fire. One eyebrow met his hairline as she hesitated, her discomfort palpable as she considered which seat to take. She opted for the leather lounger with the sage green throw folded across the back that sat angled towards the sofa. He waited out of habit formed by loving and living with Sue until she had settled her purse beside her on the floor and once again focused her eyes on him before he spoke. “Can I get you something to drink? Soda or juice? Coffee maybe?” She shook her head and the silence seemed to settle in the room like an unnerving fog. He found himself wishing Sue would hurry.

As if sensing his uneasiness, she chose that moment to arrive. The light in the room seemed to intensify as she gracefully moved to greet their visitor, warm smile bathing her face in a serene glow. He swallowed hard, dragging in a ragged breath as her presence, although clad in flannel lounge pants that were a match to his and the hockey jersey whose mate resided on his side of the closet, caused a surge of desire that made their little interlude before the doorbell rang seem like a greeting in a crowded airport. Her voice, sweet and airy broke the silence of the room, causing his heart to swell with love at the compassion it held for the woman whose last name still left a bitter taste in his wife’s mouth. But Ellen’s not to blame, Jack, he reminded himself as he moved to join his wife.

“Ellen, how wonderful to see you again,” Sue replied, extending her hand to the woman sitting by the fire. “What brings you out this way?”

Some of the doubt abated as Sue’s warm personality filled the room. Ellen hesitated, waiting until Sue was seated on the sofa, Jack joining her and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. The way her shoulder fitted against his, they way their sides touched from ribs to knee seamlessly, it was as if they were made for one another. Even with the distance an audience placed between the couple, there was an intimacy that amazed her. Not so long ago, she’d thought that about Tony and herself. But now, looking back and comparing what they had to what Sue and Jack shared, it was painfully clear that there had been chinks all along. But they were chinks she was now willing to learn how to fill if she were given the opportunity to. Her heart ached to be snuggling on the sofa at home with Tony the way Sue and Jack were doing.

She swallowed quickly, swinging her thoughts from the what could be to what was. Tony was missing. She was here to ask for their help to make a little girl’s Christmas wish come true. Needing time to gather her thoughts, she reached for the letter sticking from the side pocket of her purse. Her fingers gently caressed the edges of the envelope, her eyes wandering slowly across the childish scrawl, gathering strength from Mary Alice’s dream. She raised her eyes, smiling sadly at the couple whose intense gaze have not left her since they settled on the sofa. “I know this is a lot to ask. Especially considering the history here. But I need your help.”

More later
Kim

that was great Im sure jack and sue will help her and the children even if jack dosnt like him so more soon please Kim
Lin

I had a suspicion it may be Ellen at the door. She couldn't have made a better choice then to ask this loving couple, who are seated together on the the couch, for help.

You certainly have been busy. What a great story, it has to be great if Jack and Sue are already married Can't wait to see how it goes and if you can redeem Tony at all.

Don't we all wish that Ellen?

Okay, my seat belt is buckled; I'm ready for this ride, Kim!

Lynn

Two posts to read... almost makes me glad I was too busy to take more than a peak at the boards today. How many times have you provided toe curling fuzzies to send me off to have sweet dreams? Way too many, and not nearly enough! The story of Jack's declaration of love (I ADORE rainy day, desparate kisses!) and then his proposal... just magic. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Hope you never tire of hearing that from me!!

Tina

Gee, talk about interuptions, I think it just took me two hours to read this post.

I'm so glad you started this Kim. I love it. Nice Christmas fuzzies.

Yup, so many interuptions, I see you have posted again before I finished this.

Poor Ellen. I'm glad she has Sue and Jack to turn to. But I have to say, I'm concerned with the trouble this could lead them too. Looking forward to more.

Tony shivered as he watched the wharf rats running back and forth between the packing crates stacked to the ceiling in the warehouse. Sleek black and as bit as his size 10 foot there was a picture of his life somewhere in their antics. Always hurrying here and there, running roughshod over anyone who got in the way. Not yielding as long as he was the king rat. Squeaking and spitting and barking at all those who got in the way, forcing them to bend or move aside. He was invincible. Or at least he thought he was until that day eight months ago.

“Tony. It’s Mary Alice.” His heart fell beyond his chest as he listened to his wife’s voice on the other end of the phone, as filled with tears and disappointment and hurt and pain as he knew her blue eyes would be if he were sitting there face to face with her. His little girl. His precious little girl was fighting for her life in a hospital in D.C. and he was clear across the country, beginning yet another undercover assignment, working to bring down another man like the one whose actions just might take his little girl from him.

Images of her bouncing brown curls and big brown eyes came rushing in as he listened to the medical details his wife was so valiantly trying to give. Her giggles echoed in his mind as he watched her twirl in her little pink tutu. “Daddy! Higher! Higher!” her squeals of delight joined the giggles as images of the swing set in their favorite D.C. park swirled, little feet held horizontal to the ground and little fingers gripping tightly to the blue plastic covered chain. “Tony, I need you to come home.” His wife’s trembling, cracking voice interrupted his thoughts.

“I’m on the next flight.” He hung up the phone and sank to his knees. Tears flowed down his cheeks, as first silent sobs melted into guttural ones that bent him double from the weight. He tried to catch his breath but couldn’t, realizing for the first time in his life, his breath was in D.C. It always had been and would forever be. Not even when Ellen had thrown him out of the house after that fiasco with Sue Thomas did he realize just how close he was to losing everything. Although that little undercover assignment had almost cost him his career, he never realized that his cavalier attitude towards his life and the lives of others could actually cost him anything. But hearing that his little girl was hanging by a thread after someone he’d taken down sought their revenge was the wake-up call his life needed.

For the first time in his career, he walked away. Leaving the job for someone else to complete as he boarded the plane from L.A. to D.C. He did something during that long flight that he’d not done in a long time. He prayed. And not just for his Mary Alice. Not just for his beloved Ellen. But for Sue and Jack and all the others he’d hurt as he climbed over the bodies in a race to be at the peak of his career. And, for himself. For guidance on how to turn his life around and become the kind of man he’d always promised Ellen and himself that he could be. For a second chance to make up for all the pain he’d caused the woman whose blue eyes haunted him awake or asleep. For a chance to make a difference. By the time he got back to D.C., he was more at peace than he’d been in a very long time. He’d reached a decision. One that became easier with each step he made down that hospital corridor. One that was etched on his soul the moment he entered the pediatric ICU unit and saw his little girl lying so helplessly on the hospital bed with tubes running here and there and the mechanical release of air from the ventilator by the bed. Once more, as he watched the territorial fight between the wharf rats, he was transported back to a different time and place.

She looked so helpless lying there. Once his gaze landed on her tiny body, head bandaged with white gauze and eyes closed gently as if she were only sleeping, it never left her. He eased across the room, his hands gripping the side railings of the bed for a moment as he gazed down at her. His hand trembled as he reached to touch the bruised cheek. He bent close, almost touching her ear with his lips as his hand drifted from her cheek to the tiny hand, tenderly brushing the scraped knuckles with his thumb. “Hey princess. Everything’s gonna be okay now. Daddy’s here sweetheart. And he’s not leavin’ you until you’re all better. I’m here baby. Always.”

And he had been. Staying at the hospital while Ellen went home and rested, spending time with the boys then returning to the house to take care of the boys while she took care of Mary Alice. Even after Mary Alice was released, he remained at the house, happy to offer all the help he could. Feeling the excitement as he felt the icy walls that had formed between Ellen and him began to melt.

Of course, he moved out again once Mary Alice was stronger. But still, he continued to drop by every day, often staying for dinner and hanging around to help clean up afterwards. He finally had the life he knew he wanted back within his grasp and he was going to do everything he could to make it work the second time around. The time had come to act on the decision he made during that long flight from L.A. to D.C.

He raised his hand to knock on his supervisor’s door. Hearing the muffled “Come in,” from the depths of the office, he opened the door and stepped across the threshold. Tom Sullivan half rose from his chair and extended his hand. Tony took it, shaking it warmly as Tom gestured towards an empty chair. “Tony. Take a seat. How is Mary Alice?”

“Better. Getting stronger every day.” It was one of the first real smiles he’d given since that horrible phone call.

“That’s good news, Tony.” His supervisor eyed him carefully. “Now what can I do for you?”

“I want to give it up, Tom.” Eyebrows flew upwards to meet the non-existent hairline. “Not just the undercover stuff. All of it. I want out of the Bureau Tom. My family needs me. And I need them more than I need this job.”

“I’d like to help you out, Tony,” Tom began. His bent elbows rested on edge of the paper strewn desk as his fingers drummed against one another. “But I can’t. Not now.”

“What do you mean you can’t help me out?” Tony felt the anger rising in his chest, the volume of his voice matching the rising heat that spread upwards. “I’m not asking for permission. I’m telling you. I’m finished!”

“Not yet you’re not Tony.” His supervisor’s warning glance and halting hand stopped the furious retort building on his lips. “Look. I’ve gone to bat for you more than a few times. And, because you’re so good at what you do, you’ve gotten by with lots of stuff other agents would have been terminated for. Now you owe me, Tony. You owe the Bureau.”

“I don’t owe the Bureau a damn, thing, Tom. And you know it!”

“Ah, but you do, Tony.” Tom sat back in his chair. Tony clenched and unclenched the fits by his side as he fought the urge to wipe the smugness off his supervisor’s face with a good hard right to the jaw. “You see, we’ve kept you close to home all these months because of your little girl. Now that she’s better. It’s time you went back into deep cover. Then once this case is finished, you can leave the Bureau.”

“And if I refuse and leave anyway?”

The smug smile morphed into a sneer. “Then you’ll be walking right into a jail cell. We have enough evidence on you from that little case with Sue Thomas to put you away for a long, long time. And that’s not counting some of the other misadventures you’ve had over the years.” He pulled open the file drawer on his desk and reached inside, pulling out a file the size of two volumes of the D.C. area white pages. “And it’s all right in here, dating back some twelve years. Any questions?”

Tony dropped his head, the anger washed away by the remorse of a life he’d allowed to spiral out of control. “No sir.”

“Good. You leave tomorrow.”

So that’s how he found himself standing guard in the middle of a warehouse in Maryland while a Russian Godfather and an Italian American Godfather and some of their associates sat behind the closed office door, discussing the union of their two organizations. He was disappointed in himself at how easily he had stepped back into the lifestyle he was struggling to leave behind. It took the death of an undercover cop from Baltimore’s Organized Crime division at the hand of the Mob boss once his cover was blown to bring him to his senses again. Unfortunately, it had also forced him even deeper into cover, forgoing contact with the outside world. He’d even missed Kyle’s first birthday, something he vowed when Matt was born to never allow to happen.

And now it looks like I’ll miss Christmas, he groaned. The sounds of the meeting breaking up behind the closed office door kept his thoughts from drifting too far in the direction of despair. Still, he knew it would take a miracle to get him out of this. As the door opened and he took his position behind Nick Giantonio, Mob boss of one of the biggest organized crime families in the country, he lifted a prayer for just that thing. A Christmas miracle.

More later
Kim

Kim,
This captivating story is so in keeping with tenets of the show. It is beautiful to witness the metamorphosis that Tony is going through as he develops into the man that he has always wanted to be. I somehow sense that by the end of the story, we will no longer feel like calling him a sleaze ball.

Ah, this makes me yearn for the show's return.

This is absolutely spell-binding. I love this idea. It is such a picture of Christmas. Redemption and giving and forgiving.
thanks for sharing this wonderful plot with us,
Terie

You had me weeping at the sadness of Tony’s life and yet also for joy at his realization that family means more to him than even his job and his prayer for a second chance. What a joyous experience for him. And then, b/c of his past offences he is forced to go back undercover. But you showed just how far he had come, since returning to DC to be with Ellen, by his reaction to Tom’s order: The old Tony would have wiped Why do I think we are going to witness the true “miracle” of Christmas, not only for Mary Alice, but for Tony and also for Jack and Sue as they become the vessel for this special blessing! What a story to look forward to Kim.

Lynn

I think the family needs a Christmas miracle, wonder what will happen next...

Kim, I just caught up on your story, and it's already awesome!!!

At first, I wasn't sure if wasting a Christmas miracle would be right (that doesn't make me sound very charitable, does it?)!! Now, I am rethinking that initial reaction!!!

Kim, you have made Tony so real in just a few posts!! He still gives me the shivers, but there just might be a chance for him after all!!!

I love that Jack and Sue are married, and I thoroughly enjoyed being brought up to date as to how that came about!! I can just see Jack checking out the gifts under the tree and thinking about his Sue in the process!!!

Can't wait to see where this journey is going to take us!!!

Joy

wonder if jack and sue will be able to get him home for christmas if they do decide to help more soon please kim
Lin

Sue leaned against the door after Ellen left. Her eyes quickly drifted to the living room. Jack had returned to his seat on the sofa and was gazing into the fire. His shoulders were slumped and, even in profile, she could see the muscles in his jaw tightening and loosening. She knew what that body language meant. Her husband was torn, his kind heart wanting to give Mary Alice her Christmas wish pulling him in one direction. His loyalty to the rules of the FBI, both written and unwritten, pulling him in another. And his complete dislike of the man at the center of this whole thing pulling him in yet another. He didn’t need her to pull him in yet another direction, perhaps causing him to snap. In the years since they had been partners in the field and the months that they had shared a life outside the Bullpen, she had learned when to push and when to simple wait for him to come to her. Tonight, she needed to wait. He would talk when he was ready. He would ask her opinion when he was strong enough to hear it. And she would be there, ready to offer and ultimately support whatever decision he made, whether she agreed wholeheartedly or not. It was one of the things she had already figured out by the time they went to the premarital counseling sessions required by Reverend Sykes.

She eased across the floor to the back of the couch. She smiled sadly as his fingers ran back and forth along the edges of the envelope Ellen had left. She placed her hands on his shoulders, tenderly massaging away the tension she found knotted there. She felt a familiar rumble beneath her fingers, knowing it was from the moan of pleasure as he moved his neck from side to side, allowing her better access to the areas that were the most tense. Her fingers tingled from the contact of skin against cotton. Just knowing the hard angles and soft skin that were covered by the faded material of his t-shirt heightened the fluttering of desire that was an almost ever present sensation when Jack was around. His hand covered hers, gently lifting it from his shoulder and tugging until she walked around the end of the sofa and sat down, cuddling in behind him, her chin resting on his shoulder, her hands beginning the slow motions of a massage to the muscles of his upper chest.

They sat there, staring into the fire for how long, Jack didn’t know. The smooth motion of her fingers and hands over his chest was not only maddeningly exciting, but sensually calming. He knew she was there. And would always be there, offering whatever he needed when he needed it, even if it were complete silence like she offered now, allowing him to come to terms with everything before offering her opinion.

He drew in a deep breath, turning to face his wife. He reached for her hands, tugging them into his lap and holding them gently in his hands, his thumbs running mindless shapes over the silky smoothness of her knuckles. He gazed into her hazel eyes, the love and compassion in the depths giving him the strength to begin to sort through the myriad of emotions. “It’s just not fair, Sue.”

“What’s not fair, darling?”

Her voice was calm and serene, once again offering exactly what he needed. “This whole thing. It’s unfair of Tony to be a position where he can’t come home. It’s unfair that he allowed himself to get into that position. It’s not fair that Ellen used Mary Alice’s letter as to try to draw us into this mess. It’s just unfair.”

“Tony’s just doing his job, Jack. And Ellen’s just trying to make her daughter’s Christmas wish come true.”

“I know that!” His words came out more sharply than he intended. Not for the first time, he was glad she couldn’t hear the timbre of his voice. Unfortunately, he always seemed to forget how well she read facial expressions and body language. The raised eyebrows and tension that radiated from her arms to her fingertips said she’d “heard” exactly the way he’d said it. He couldn’t help but grin as her hands remained firmly in his. Not so long ago, she’d have been jerking them away and firing back some angry retort. But not anymore. She, just like he, was in this marriage for the long haul. And that meant listening even when the words were harsh and “hearing” the threads of compassion, commitment, devotion and love that ran through it all. “Sorry, sweetheart.” Her small smile encouraged him to continue. “But that doesn’t make it any easier.”

He fought the urge to jump to his feet and begin to pace. His need to pace as he sounded things out was one of the hardest habits he needed to break. Sue couldn’t follow the conversation if he was constantly on the move. So he ordered himself to remain still, although his right leg did begin to jiggle. “After all. This isn’t our case. And you know how territorial some of these supervisors and team leaders get.”

“That’s true, darling. But you know, it never hurts to offer help.”

She had a valid point. It wasn’t one he wanted to hear, but it was a valid point. He gazed deeply into her hazel eyes, his brow furrowing as he studied the twinkle of decision he saw there. “You think we should at least look into this, don’t you.”

“Yes, Jack. I do.”

“Why? After everything Tony did during that undercover assignment. After all the things we’ve learned about him since then. Why do you want to do this for him, Sue?”

“Not for him, darling. For Mary Alice.” His heart warmed at the compassion in her eyes. Her hand slipped from his, reaching up to feather her fingers through the hair at his temple before tracing the contour of his cheek and jaw with fingertips. She rested her palm against the side of his face, between chin and cheek. “That little girl deserves to get what she wants for Christmas if we can give it to her.”

He shook his head slightly, but she could see the anger in the chocolate brown depths being edged out by the kindness in his heart. “Let me ask you something, Jack. If the roles were reversed. If I were in Ellen’s shoes and you in Tony’s. And it was our little girl who wanted her Daddy home for Christmas, wouldn’t you want me to do whatever it took to bring you home? Even if it meant asking Tony and Ellen for help?” That hit home, she could see it in the way the moisture rushed to his eyes. “I know you don’t want to do it for Tony, Jack. And to be honest, neither do I. But if we need to do this. We need to do this so that first Christmas we watch the wonder of the Season twinkling in our firstborn’s eyes, we won’t regret the sadness that will be in Mary Alice’s eyes if her Daddy’s not home on Christmas morning.”

Jack sighed. As usual, his wife was absolutely right. They did need to do this. For Ellen as well as Mary Alice. And, although it was his daily prayer that Sue would never be in her shoes, he’d want someone to help her like they would help Tony’s family. Of course that doesn’t mean I have to like it, he groused as he reached for the phone.

“What are you doing, Jack?”

Jack rolled his eyes at Sue’s innocent smile. “You know what I’m doing. I’m calling Ellen. I’ll talk to Tom Sullivan in the morning.”

More later
Kim

Now that is what I call good communication.

Jack and Sue are so right for each other. I would quote my favorite lines, but there are just too many, but my very favorite is Jack wanting to give up pacing b/c it impedes Sue from reading his lips. There is so much more to marriage than sex and you have portrayed that beautifully, Kim. This is what true and lasting love is all about!

Lynn

Kim, you're starting to crack through my dislike of Tony... I hate when you do that. (not really ) And poor Jack... he's just like all of us (if all of us were gorgeous and could make hearts stop with a look), he knows the wisdom of Sue's argument, but it still makes you gulp when you swallow the truth.

Tina

I have to agree with Tina...you are creating sympathy for the man we all loved to hate. Hopefully Jack and Sue will be able to help his family.

kav

Well, I'm also getting a glimmer of sympathy for Tony, even though he did put himself in this situation because of his earlier actions!! But Sue is right, they would never forgive themselves if they didn't at least try!!!

Joy

-that was great but I can see jacks just doing it for tonys wife and little girl just hope they get him home for her more soon please Kim
Lin

Thank you all for reading. You are the best!

Ellen stared out of the French doors that led to the back patio. A soft fall of snow had started just as she turned into the driveway, adding another layer to the snowfall that had been marred by children’s feet and dog’s paws. It made everything look fresh and new, erasing the scars of the past without fuss or pain. She only wished the scars of life could be covered as easily.

Thoughts of past scars and fresh beginnings brought images of Tony to mind. His dark hair falling haphazardly over his eyes. Dark eyes that lit with a smile before his lips ever took their upward journey. A spirit that could be, in turns, sweet then bitter. This was the man she had loved. The man she married. The father of her children. The man who irritated her to no end. The one she hated with all the passion in her heart. And now, the man she fell herself in love with all over again. A man she wanted by her side this Christmas and all the Christmases to come. Gazing into the night sky spotted with white flakes that slowly fluttered to the ground, she sighed. “Tony. Where are you?” she whispered as she let the curtain fall from her fingers, watching for a moment as it fluttered before falling into place before turning to walk back into the chaos of the toy-strewn living room.

She shook her head, an exhausted smile tugging at one corner of her lips. How her mob could destroy the cleanliness of the living room in less than a minute amazed her. And how ears that could hear the whisper of birthday surprises exchanged between adults failed to hear the simple command to clean up astounded her. She placed her hands on her hips as her eyes slowly drifted around the room, a plan of attack forming in her mind. She bent and picked up the bright yellow dump truck at her feet. This was followed by the baby doll that she tucked beneath her arm. Then the coloring books and picture books. She was halfway across the room, clearing a path as she went when the phone rang. Too far the toy box, with no piece of furniture within arm’s reach, she dropped the load in her arms to the floor, grateful for the carpet that muffled the clatter. Sprinting around the pile at her feet, she grabbed the cordless phone of the tall mahogany sofa table that had been a treasured family heirloom since Tony’s grandparents stepped off the boat at Elis Island, immigrants for war torn Italy in 1945. “Hello,” she answered breathlessly.

“Ellen? It’s Jack.” Her heart soared. “I can’t make any promises, but Sue and I will see what we can do about getting Tony home for Christmas.”

Tears welled in her eyes, thickening her voice to the point she had to wait before she could speak. He hadn’t promised. But she really hadn’t expected him to. In their line of work, there were no guarantees. “God bless you, Jack Hudson. You and that wonderful wife of yours.”



When Sue finished in the bathroom, she softly padded down the hallway to the bedroom she know shared with her husband. She smiled wistfully, wondering if the joy and wonder of knowing that Jack Hudson was hers would ever fade and silently praying that it wouldn’t. She found him reclining against the headboard, his well defined, muscular chest and arms bare to her eyes; the rest was covered in the sheets and quilt. He was holding Mary Alice’s letter in his hands, his furrowed brow and tight lips that revealed the tiny dimple in his cheek revealing that he was still struggling with the decision they had made. His brown eyes lifted to follow her as she entered the room and closed the door before moving to join him in the queen size bed that had once been his alone. Although the twinkle of desire and love was still evident, uncertainty and irritation swirled into the mix.

“Why are we doing this Sue?” she read just before she slipped beneath the covers beside him. She sat at a slight angle leaning her left shoulder against the headboard so she could better follow his lips. “After everything he’s done. Why am I willing to help Tony Capono out of this predicament?”

She placed her palm against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heart against it reassuring. “Because you’re a good man, Jack Hudson. Because you’ve got a heart too big and compassionate to let a family suffer because of the mistakes of the father.” He covered her hand with his, gently curling his fingers to encase it. His chest rose deeply and fell slowly, something she recognized as a sigh. There was more bothering him than just the decision he’d made. Something that went deeper. “What is it Jack?” An irritating shrug followed. “Talk to me,” she whispered.

Chocolate eyes, misty with the moisture of fear and uncertainty gazed at her. There was a slight quiver to the chin just before his lips began to move. “Do you ever wonder if what happened to Tony and Ellen will happen to us? I mean that these jobs of ours will come between us? Drive us apart? Because if you think it will. If you think I could become a Tony Capono, then I’ll give it up, Sue. I’ll give it up because I couldn’t bear…”

Her lips trembled, tears slipping slowly from the corners of her eyes as she pressed her fingertips gently against his lips, stemming the tide of words. She shook her head slowly, her heart swelling with more love for the man by her side than she thought possible. “It won’t happen to us, Jack.”

“But how do you know?” The irresistible little boy inside asked.

“Because you are asking these questions, darling. Because you are not and could never be Tony Capono.” A mischievous smile grew slowly on her lips. “Because I’ll pummel you if I ever even think you are headed down that path.” She popped his arm gently with her balled fist, giggling as he playfully keeled over in the opposite direction, laying there as if mortally wounded.

She leaned over him, her lips hovering just above his as his gaze, no longer filled with trepidation traveled down from her face in a long, delicious sweep that left her cheeks ablaze with embarrassment and her stomach curling with the anticipation of the passion that was as wonderfully touching as it was insatiable. “Now let’s stop thinking about tomorrow,” she purred. “Stop thinking about work and Tony and Ellen and Mary Alice and what they need from you and concentrate on what I need from you.”

He chuckled softly, desire rushing over him in a tidal wave that left him breathless and drowning in the depths of her hazel eyes. The letter fluttered to the floor as he released it from his hands so he could touch the soft skin that fanned the flame of his growing passion. Barely touching the sensitive flesh that covered her, he began to tease the spaghetti strap of her nightie off first one shoulder then the other. The hazel eyes darkened to an almost black as her breathing became as erratic as his own. “And what would that be, my dear Mrs. Hudson?”

“This,” she whispered as her lips captured his. Her hands began their own slow, sensuous journey from chest downward, sheets and quilt falling away beneath the gentle movements of her hands. He was on fire. He was sure the smoke detectors would be sounding any minute as the flames of her touch licked at his skin. Lips opened and tongues tasted before he moved to roll her on her back, his teeth and tongue starting at the edge of her lips and trailing downward over cheek and chin to neck and shoulder then further on. With the eagerness of newlyweds and the gentleness of lovers that would love a lifetime and beyond, they journeyed towards the oblivion that was the union of their souls.

More later
Kim

Well now, I've found yet another reason to be thankful you writing three stories at once (besides the sheer joy of getting to READ three at once). With three, we have three times the chance for wonderful, sweet dream inducing posts like this one!


Oooooh, I can see him doing that.. very 'Jack'.

Tina

that was wonderful now as long as they are going to be alright and
jack and sue dont have to go undercover for tony thats fine now they can only try to get him home for christmas and without them losing there jobs but knowing sue and jack they would do anything for a child cant wait for more
Lin

That was wonderful. I loved how Sue reassured Jack that he could never be like a Tony Capono.

Kim, I've just found this and I just have to say that it's already a masterpiece, though I still cannot fathom how you can write so many wonderful stories at the same time. In fact, I won't even try to figure it out, just sit back and enjoy this.

:looks around for something to munch on: Hm... I don't have any cookies to nibble on yet... I might have to work on that today...

I love how Sue was able to set him straight. As if Jack Hudson could ever stoop to Tony Capono's tricks. Definitely not -- especially with Sue ready to pummel him at the first sign of trouble! And the way she distracted him from his worries....

kav

Tony was exhausted by the time his head hit the pillow of the pullout sofa bed that had been his only place of rest for the past two months. The tiny apartment over the Chinese restaurant in a more run down area of Baltimore’s warehouse district barely large enough for that. A hot plate, a coffee maker, a single sink and a refrigerator barely large enough to hold a six-pack made up the tiny kitchen. A bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower barely big enough for him to turn around in stood behind the door directly across from entrance. A table that held the fifteen inch television and the sofa; that was the extent of the apartment. It tiny compared to the bachelor’s apartment he rented in D.C. after Ellen threw him out. It was a closet compared to the home he once shared with her and wished with all his heart to share again. But it would do, for no more time than he stayed there.

He was on duty most days, staying in a room just off Giantonio’s bedroom and switching out with one of the other bodyguards every two hours during the night. During the day, he was no more than two steps behind the mob boss at all times. Getting so close and going in so deeply had cost him the luxury of reporting in to Sullivan every few days, but he was hoping it would get the assignment finished sooner. This tiny room was just a respite for days like this. Days after he’d pulled double shifts and was rewarded by having the day off.

It was nice to stretch out here, in the silence of the room that he knew held not listening devices. Here, he knew if he spoke her name in his sleep, no one would hear. He could truly relax into the peaceful slumber he needed. Of course I’d rather be on my way home, he thought as he closed his eyes, his body beginning to relax into sleep. Home, even if it meant his apartment in D.C. would at least mean he’d be there for Ellen and the kids for the holidays, just as he’d always promised. He had broken so many promises over the years. Promises he should have kept, not letting his job, his ego, his drive to be the best get in his way. Instead, he’d left them with disappointments and a string of broken promises. After Mary Alice’s accident, he’d vowed never again. Yet here he was, in a dingy apartment the size of a cracker box Christmas less than two weeks away and no end in sight to this blasted assignment. He’d really hoped that last night’s meeting would have given up the information he needed to end this case in time for him to be home for Christmas. But it hadn’t. All he could do now was hope and pray that something would break that would get him out of there by Christmas. Tears fell on his pillow from beneath his closed eyes as he felt the weight of his job breaking those promises once again.



Jack eased the car through the D.C. morning traffic as he watched his wife out of the corner of his eye carefully applying the finishing touches to her make-up. Dodging potholes and stalled cars was his punishment for causing her to be late and not able to finish her morning rituals in the privacy of the apartment. A slow grin eased across his face as images of how he’d occupied her and made her late this morning tickled his senses. If driving ten miles per hour under the speed limit, waiting for an approaching car to pass so he could swing gently into the other lane to avoid another manhole cover was the price he had to pay for the feel of her soft skin in the morning, he would gladly pay it for the rest of his life.

“What’s with the Cheshire Cat grin this morning, Sparky?” Sue’s sultry voice invaded his thoughts.

He turned slightly, moving his eyes from the road to drink in the freshness of the sunlight in her hair before reluctantly dragging them back to the traffic in front of him. “Just thinking about how wonderful it is to wake you up in the morning.”

“Well, tomorrow you’d better start about an hour earlier,” she blushed. “If we keep running late like this…”

“If we keep running late like this,” he interrupted, gathering her hand in his. “Then the powers that be will just put it off to the effects of a happy marriage.”

Sue groaned and rolled her eyes, chuckling softly before her brow crinkled into the frown that drove him to distraction with ideas of how to smooth away the wrinkles and rid her of the stress that put them there. Unfortunately the confining space of the car on the busy streets of D.C. was not the place to try some of those ideas. Maybe later today, when the office is quiet…

“Jack, you know as well as I do we’re being scrutinized at work.” Her voice, filled with concerned wisdom, once again broke into his thoughts. “The Director and Assistant Directors have already bent the rules to the breaking point to keep us in the positions we’re in. They can’t afford to have the other agents and analysts complaining about our tardiness.” She couldn’t hide the shy grin that accompanied the deepening blush. “You and your wake-up calls are going to get us called right out of the Bureau.”

He was glad that the traffic light chose that moment to go from green to red, allowing him to ease the car to a stop and turn to face her more directly. He gazed into her hazel eyes, allowing his heart to speak from his heart, reinforcing the words flowing from his lips. “Let it, Sue. I wouldn’t trade all the promotions and commendations in the world for the way you make me feel when I wake up to find you sleeping in my arms; the way my wake-up calls that send ripples of pleasure through your skin. I wouldn’t trade falling asleep and waking with you and all the love we share in between for anything in this world. Let the Bureau throw us out. There are other jobs in the world.” His grin increased as he closed his eye in the Hudson wink that left her flustered and mumbling. “Jobs that don’t frown on people indulging in things that keep the marriage a happy one.” He swallowed her protests as his lips grazed over hers before capturing them with a searing heat that made him wishing he could throw the car in reverse and spirit her back to the sanctuary of their apartment. Blowing horns and the building traffic behind the car that had sat there through two changes of the lights had other ideas though.

More later
Kim

I love the way you are writing about Jack and Sue's marriage.
That was a great line.

Kim, you have me melting all over my chair, desk and floor with the way you write Jack and Sue!! I'm going to have to turn on the airconditioning!!!

Okay, you have pushed me a little further into feeling sorry for Tony!! I really hope he makes it out of this assignment in one piece!!!

Joy

that was wonderful and how sue and jacks marriage is so beautiful
and if the worse comes to the worse im sure you could become A lawyer with sue as your assistant cant wait for more Kim
Lin

Jack and Sue's happiness makes me swoon. She is so lucky to have a loving husband like him. Why can't there be more Jack's out there in this world?

Mary Alice shuffled into the kitchen, her left leg dragging slightly as she crossed to the table. Ellen turned away, facing the window until she could control the tremor in her voice and the brightness of unshed tears in her eyes. She sniffed softly as she heard her little girl slid into the chair. “Good morning, princess. Where are your brothers?”

“Ma-tty i-s in the ba-th-r-oom. Ch-ad i-s in the b-ed. He-s st-ill sle-ep-ing. S-o is ba-by Ky-le.” The words were still halting, slightly slurred and slow, but at least they weren’t the garbled sounds of a few months ago. Every day she got a little stronger, a little more sure. Not for the first time, Ellen prayed that her baby girl’s Christmas wish would be granted.

“Morning mom,” Matt smiled as he trotted into the kitchen. She turned in time to see the nine year old bend to brush a kiss on top of his sister’s head. “Morning, munchkin. What’s for breakfast?”

“Eggs and bacon with OJ to drink,” Ellen said, forcing a smile as she placed Mary Alice’s plate in front of her. She popped Matt’s hand, a stern frown softened by the gleam in her eyes admonishing him. “Leave your sister’s breakfast alone. Yours will be up in a minute.” She turned back to stir the eggs scrambling in the skillet. “While you’re waiting, why don’t you go get Chad up? But let Kyle sleep. He’s fighting a cold.”

“Sure thing, mom.”

When she didn’t hear the scramble of sneakers across the black and white tile floor, she turned to glance over her shoulder, an admonishment at the ready. It faded quickly as her chin quivered slightly. Mary Alice was having a hard time grasping her fork, the left handed child refused to use her right hand. Tears filled with pride prickled her eyes as she watched Matt slowly pick the fork up and place it in his sister’s hand. Holding it in place, he took his other hand and gently curled her fingers around the handle before lowering it to her plate scooping up some of the eggs. He gazed into her dark eyes, smiling gently. “You got it squirt?” A painful slow nod was followed by a warm smile. Matt removed his hand, keeping it close to hers until she made it to her mouth with the first fork full. He smiled as the eggs slid inside and she returned her fork to her plate and slowly loaded it with another bite.

“Tha-nk you, Ma-tty,” she grinned.

He gave her a wink and a smile, ruffled her hair and trotted off down the hallway to roust Chad from the bed. He was becoming a young man before her eyes, always taking care of his brothers and sister. Helping her out in any way a nine year old could once she’d thrown Tony out. But as brave as he appeared on the outside, she knew he was missing his father as much as Mary Alice. Maybe more. Although he’d never say anything, not wanting to see her cry. But she’d watched him cry, alone in his room when he thought everyone else was asleep. Her brave, strong boy, so much like his father in looks, but so much like her in heart.

“Mo-om-my?” Mary Alice asked. “Di-d y-ou ma-il our let-ters to San-ta?”

“Yes sweetheart, I did.” Ellen smiled softly. But it paled in comparison to the brilliant glow that flooded her daughter’s face.

“Go-od. Th-a-t m-ean-s Dad-dy wi-ll be ho-me for Chri-st-ma-s.”

The excitement in her voice caused Ellen’s heart to break. As much as she wanted her little girl’s wish to come true, she didn’t want her to have her hopes dashed either. Better prepare her just in case, she thought as she crossed to the table and sat down in the chair Matt had vacated. She reached over and brushed the dark bangs form Mary Alice’s eyes. “Sweetheart. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want for Christmas. Sometimes we ask for things that not even Santa can get.”

“Bu-t brin-g-in-g Dad-dy ho-me i-sn’t one o-f th-ose thi-ngs, Mo-om-my. I kn-ow it-s no-t. Sa-nt-a will ma-ke s-ure he-s ho-me for Chri-st-ma-s. An-d i-f he ca-n’t G-od will.”

Ellen smiled sadly at her little girl, gently caressing her cheek with the knuckle of her index finger. “I hope so, baby.” She wished she had the faith her little girl possessed. Perhaps that’s what she should pray for. The faith to believe Tony would be there, by her side, on Christmas Day.

More later
Kim

that was wonderful but I really hope jack and sue can pull it off for the little one without them becoming involved with this deep undercover that tonys in as its really not fair on them cant wait for more Kim
Lin

Tony may have been a stinker at times, but he and Ellen sure produced a winner in Matt. What a great kid.

Tina

What a tender glimpse into this lovely family. Little Mary Alice is tugging at my heart strings. It's funny, but young Matt somehow reminds me of a young Jack.

Matt brought tears to my eyes with the gentleness toward his sister!! And, Mary Alice is so brave for a little girl!!!

Joy