I’m back, Tina, and I see now it really is the end. I went back and reread from post #107 to next to last post. I loved them all and I don’t want this story to end…I just want to savor these before I move on to the end; therefore, I’m going to do that by quoting my favorite lines. Please bear with me here.

From Post #115 – [ Drats! the quotes aren't working...so I'm putting them in blue text! ]

[quote] Taking the gift from her hand, he remained on one knee in front of her, and her eyes filled with tears as she realized what he was doing. [/quote]

[quote] “This might seem too sudden, but I’ve finally realized that I should have done it ages ago, and I just hope that you’ll agree. I love you, Sue, and I don’t want to live my life without you in it. Will you be my wife?” [/quote]

This was so romantic…every girl’s dream proposal, Tina.

Page 9 – Post #126 – There was so much about this post that I loved.

[quote] Reaching for her left hand, Jack watched Sue’s face as he slid the ring onto her finger. It fit her perfectly, and the smile she gave him drew him onto the couch so that he could pull her into his arms. Holding her close for a moment, Jack heard her let out a sigh as she leaned against him. [/quote]

I absolutely loved the way Jack just held her after slipping the ring on her finger. With his proposal coming so suddenly, out of the blue like this, that was the perfect way for him to showing her how much he loves her. It is only natural she would have been overwhelmed by his proposal and the embrace is exactly what she needed to help her bridge the gap from wondering if he loves me’ to ‘I love you….Will you be my wife?’ As Tina2 has expressed time and again…THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!

After he holds her and she snuggles up to him, I can hear her dreamily ask that simple question about the letter. Then, I could feel her excitement begin to build, erupting with

[quote] “Probably better that it wait until another time, then,” she suggested, her eyes sparkling. [/quote]

Then Jack takes the lead and

[quote] Her eyes fluttered closed when he replaced his finger with his lips, and his arms tightened around her as he felt her quickly surrender to the kiss. [/quote]

I’m completely in a puddle of mush on the floor now.

[quote] They shared one more long kiss before Sue tucked herself against his side, one hand resting on his chest as the flickering lights from the tree bathed the room in soft color. [/quote]

This just keepts getting better and better.

[quote] Neither of them spoke as their breathing slowed, being content with simply holding each other, and Jack found his mind lingering over the evening’s events. In all the ways he’d ever planned to tell Sue his feelings for her, he had never imagined it being quite like this, yet this was better than anything he could have imagined. [/quote]

I was touched to tears by Jack’s thoughts here…I’m so very happy for him. This was simply perfect! Magnificent, Tina! I love this spontaneous Jack! Okay Tina, I just don't want to let go of these yet...so, I'm going to take my exhausted body to bed and have sweet dreams about this wonderful scene. I'll pick up the last two posts early in the morning. Night!

Lynn

Okay, I went to bed too early and, true to form, woke up and can’t go back to sleep for thinking about your story…so just have to finish it.

Page 9 – Post #134 – I have to laugh at Jack’s statement…it sounds as though he’s thinking about when he and Sue have a house and he’s going to have to decorate with lights. And with Sue’s subtle hint you just know it’s going to happen!

Now, that’s alright Jack…I’m sure Bobby and Myles would love to help you….on second thought, make that Bobby. I really can’t see Myles on a ladder stringing lights along the eaves? Aw, but then I see D and Davey to the rescue. I’m sure they have the expertise to help! But then this left me with that fuzzicilious feeling again! Ah, There is nothing like hope for the future with the man of your dreams! Again

Now, with regret, it is on to the last post. I have so enjoyed reading and rereading this past few posts…I just don’t want to leave them! Ah, but life does move on, and I agree, a sequel sounds like a great idea!

Lynn

Page 10 – Post #145 – Oh, now I’m just plain bawling so hard I can hardly see to type this. So many more jewels in this last post.And then, of course, there are those final words….A marvelous Christmas story Tina. One I just didn’t want to end. That’s why I stretched it out so. Thank you for sharing! Oh, and I’m soooo glad it didn’t end when I thought it had ended!

Now,I think I can go back to sleep and dream sweet dreams, so

Lynn

Oh drats. That, by the way, is not a comment on your writing, just about the fact that it's come to an end.

Love how you made this such a joy to read and yet kept it so simple. The things they were doing were the things we all do... no explosions, no death threats or murders, no terrorists. Especially the ending. Jack and Sue taking a walk in the snow to see Christmas lights and then coming home to a family get together. Makes me wish for some mistletoe... and a Jack.

Thanks for writing this Tina, it's been a pleasure to read. Don't be a stranger to the writing ranks, OK?

Tina

Tina, that was absolutely, stupendously, joyfully wonderful, from beginning to end!! I love the way Jack jumped right in on his return and made a beautiful Christmas for both him and Sue!!!

Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Joy

I can't believe this has ended so soon. I like everyone else, just absolutley adored it. I hope we'll get another story soon. Thankyou for sharing a great story with us!!!

Mistletoe is a wonderful, wonderful thing!~

Em

I agree with what was said by the simplicity in that we all could so easily relate to this story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am going to go read it again.

Tina, that was a wonderful story... Just perfect!!!


Marlene

I think Jack is getting the idea of this spontaneous thing, don't you?

Do we get to be privy to those?

This was a great Christma read, Tina!

kav

You know, I haven't had much time for reading these days, but I just had to read this one tonight. It was a perfect solution to a not so perfect day. Thanks for sharing it with us. It was fantastic!

Jill

Hi Tina!!

Congratulations for your story!!

So magical!!



Tere

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

<Happy sigh> ... I'm late catching up, but that was such a beautiful story. I've loved and enjoyed every post.

Thank you for such and entertaining read!

Fantastic Job Tina!!
It was so nice to have another story from you! Of course I loved the warm fuzzies between Jack and Sue....but I also loved how you brought out the Christmas spirit in Myles. Wonderfully Done!!

That was such a sweet story. I loved it.