Dear Santa,
The only thing I want this year is courage…courage to tell those people around me how much they mean to me and how important they are in my life. Oh, and could you bring my friend Billy a new skateboard.
Thanks,
Jack
“Did you make sure to tell Santa about my skateboard in your letter Jack?” Billy asked trying to peek at the letter.
“You bet I did,” Jack replied, carefully folding the letter and placing it in the envelope. “I’m sure that you are going to get that skateboard now. I mean, two requests on your behalf…how could Santa turn you down.” Jack smiled down at the little boy sitting next to him. Billy’s smile beamed back at Jack before he turned back to his own letter and began writing with deep concentration.
Jack was glad that he was able to get off the afternoon to come down with Sue to the Children’s Hospital. Sue, Lucy and Tara had been volunteering here for months before they were able to get the rest of the team to come in and help too. Everyone had been surprised when Myles showed up for “Reading Time,” but he seemed to enjoy himself as much as everyone else. Jack had been disappointed when he had to miss last week’s club because of a meeting he had to attend, but Sue said she had something he could do to make it up to the kids.
“What do you have in mind?” Jack had asked as they drove to an interview.
“Well,” Sue replied smiling mischievously, “I’m taking off the afternoon next Thursday to help with the Christmas party they are giving the kids. Nurse Williams had mentioned that they need some extra help.”
“Well count me in!” Jack answered. “It’ll give me a chance to see Billy and the rest of the kids before the holidays.”
Sue gave Jack a million dollar smile that made his knees go weak. “Perfect! I’ll tell Nurse Williams I have found her Santa Claus!”
“Santa Claus!” Jack whined, “Sue, I don’t want to be Santa Claus. Can’t I just help with the party?”
“Jack, they really need someone. The guy who normally plays Santa is going out of town to see his daughter and new granddaughter for the holidays. You’d be perfect Jack and it would only be for an hour or so.” She had said the last part with that little pout in her voice that Jack couldn’t resist.
“Alright, I’ll do it, but you’re gonna owe me for this one,” Jack replied as they pulled up to the building for the interview.
“I’m sure we can come up with something,” Sue said with a wink as she got out of the car. Jack could barely breathe for a moment before quickly unbuckling his seatbelt and running to catch up with Sue at the door.
“Jack…..Jack” Billy’s voice broke Jack from his memory and he once again looked down at the boy. “I’m all finished with my letter. Will you help me write the address on the front of my envelope?”
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to help with that Billy,” Sue said appearing over Jack’s shoulder. “Jack just got a message and he has to go back to work.”
“Really Jack,” Billy replied sadly, “you really have to go?”
“I’m sorry I do buddy,” Jack said placing his arm around his shoulders, “but I’ll be back on Tuesday for “Reading Time” and you can tell me all about Christmas and the great things you got.”
“That’ll be great Jack!” Billy said giving Jack a huge hug.
Sue didn’t want to interrupt the touching moment, but she knew that Jack had to get into his costume to make his grand entrance. “Come on Billy, let’s check over that letter so that we can get you over to the table for your snack. I heard we are going to have a special guest stopping by in a little bit.”
“O.K., see ya later Jack!” Billy said has he turned back to his letter. Sue quickly replaced Jack’s spot and started to help Billy with his envelope as Jack headed for the door. He paused for a moment as he reached the doorway and looked back at Sue and Billy. Sue was gently rubbing circles on Billy’s back and helping him spell words on his envelope. They had meet Billy 3 months ago when he had been admitted for his first round of chemo. He had looked much weaker then. He still had no hair, but looked stronger and had a little bit more weight on his small frame than he did the first time. The doctors feel that this last round of chemo should be it and Jack couldn’t have been happier about it. Whenever the team got down about something they would think about Billy’s strength and determination and realize that they’re day wasn’t that bad at all.
Sue looked so at ease with Billy and never once faltered in her ability to make him smile. She’ll be a great mother someday. Jack thought to himself. She’ll be a great mom to our kids. Jack smiled and allowed himself one last look before heading down the hallway to the locker room.
**************
Jack already had on his heavy red pants and black boots when he heard the door to the locker room open. He tucked in his t-shirt and peered around the lockers.
“I just came in to see if you needed any help,” Sue said somewhat shyly.
“Actually, I’m having a hard time figuring out how I get this belly to stay on,” Jack replied holding it up against him.
“Silly, you have to tie it around your neck and your back,” Sue said making her way over to Jack. Jack put the “belly” over his head and Sue stepped behind him. He could feel her hands gently pulling on the strings to make it tight enough to keep the belly up, but not tight enough to bother Jack. Sue bent down and picked up the heavy, white-trimmed jacket. “Here you go,” she said as she held the top of the suit out for Jack to slip into. As soon as his arms were through, she moved around to the front of Jack and tenderly pulled the suit together and began to button it. Jack stood there transfixed by the beauty that stood in front of him and couldn’t help but think he would rather have her “un-buttoning” his clothes instead.
“All done,” Sue said as she lightly tapped his round belly. “All you need is your hat, beard, and glasses and the transformation will be complete.”
“Could you stay until I get everything else on?” Jack asked quietly. “I don’t want to have my hat on backwards or something like that.”
“No problem Jack.” Sue made her way over to the benches by the lockers and sat down.
Jack had a hard time getting the beard and Santa hat on without any of his dark hair showing, but finally he won the battle and added his wire-rimmed glasses to complete the look.
“How do I look?” Jack asked as he came around the corner of the lockers.
“Did you say something Jack?” Sue asked. “I can’t see your lips well-enough with that beard on to tell if you were talking to me or not.”
“How do I look?” Jack signed.
“Well…” Sue said as she stood and made her way over to Jack. She put her hand on her hip and used the other to motion to spin around. Jack smiled and slowly turned in a circle for her. “I think the kids are going to think that Santa himself has come to see them! You look great Jack. Thanks again for doing this, I know the kids are going love you. Now, don’t forget to talk with a low voice so that they don’t recognize you.”
“I know!” Jack signed.
“We better get going,” Sue said and without thinking grabbed Jack’s hand and headed for the door. They breezed into the hallway and ran into Nurse Williams.
“I was just coming to get you,” she said smiling slightly as she noticed Jack holding Sue’s hand. “Are you ready for your grand entrance Santa?”
Jack squeezed Sue’s hand lightly before letting go to sign, “You bet!”
Sue appreciated the fact that Jack was signing for her because she couldn’t read his lips with the large, white beard. She knew however, once he got in the room, he wouldn’t be able to sign anymore or he would give himself away. She smiled at Jack before heading down the hall with Nurse Williams. Sue walked into the room ahead of them and took up a spot helping to pour cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows.
Nurse Williams walked into the door and made her way over to a large chair that had been set up by the Christmas tree. It wasn’t until then that Sue noticed two of the younger, prettier nurses were dressed in elf costumes and were arranging presents under the tree.
“Boys and Girls, can I have your attention please,” Nurse Williams said loudly. Everyone in the room turned towards Nurse Williams and they waited anxiously for her to make her announcement. “I have a very special guest that has traveled a long way to come and see all of you. Let’s give him a warm welcome boys and girls.” The children seemed to lean towards Nurse Williams in anticipation. “It’s Santa Claus!”
Jack made his way into the room waving to everyone and pausing every so often to hold his belly. Sue assumed he was saying “Ho, Ho, Ho.” He made his way over to the chair and sat down continuing to wave the entire time.
“Alright boys and girls,” Nurse Williams continued, “everyone will get a chance to talk to Santa tonight. We’ll come up a table at a time. Meanwhile, you can enjoy your hot cocoa and continue to work on your ornaments for your parents. Let’s start with table 1.”
The children who could walk by themselves quickly got into line, while nurses helped those in wheelchairs. Nurse Williams took her spot at the front of the line to take pictures of every child on Santa’s lap. One by one the children sat on Santa’s lap, telling him their wishes for Christmas in hushed whispers and giggles. Jack would even get up and gently pick the weaker children out of their wheelchairs to sit on his lap. After they had taken their picture with Santa, the children would be helped off of Santa’s lap by one of the elves and taken over to the Christmas tree to get a gift. It was around the 8th child that Sue started to notice that the “elves” were rubbing Santa’s arm lightly and bending down awfully low to help the children out of his lap. Oh, she noticed…..and she didn’t like it at all!
******************
Sue knew it was wrong, but by the 15th child and the blatant flirting going on, she decided to “listen in” on the elves’ conversation by the tree.
“You know Kari,” the blonde nurse whispered, “I’m almost always on duty when he comes in for ‘Reading Time’ and he always smiles at me. He has the most gorgeous smile I’ve ever seen.”
“Oh he has a lot more than just a gorgeous smile Amy,” Kari replied. “Have you checked out the rest of him? He’s absolutely yummy.”
Sue almost dropped her ladle when she read that comment and knocked over a couple of the empty Styrofoam cups. Sue quickly replaced the cups and apologized to the young woman waiting to be served her hot chocolate. By the time she was done serving the young lady, Sue looked up to find that Amy had moved back to Jack’s side while Kari helped a child pick out a gift. Her eyes moved back to the brunette elf she now knew as Amy and watched her interaction with Jack.
“Merry Christmas sweetheart,” Amy said as she helped the little girl off of Jack’s lap. “If you walk over to the other elf by the tree, she’ll give you a wonderful surprise.”
“Merry Christmas Santa!” she yelled before turning to go to the tree.
“Merry Christmas Molly!” Jack replied.
“You know you’re doing a fantastic job with them,” Amy said while once again lightly rubbing his arm.
“Well, it’s the least I can do,” Jack said looking to see who was coming up next. “I mean it is Christmas after all. And they’re kids….what’s not to love?”
“I agree,” she said giving Jack a wink, “what’s not to love.”
Sue wasn’t able to read what Jack had said to Amy, but she sure got the meaning of Amy’s comment to Jack and she needed to back off! She watched as Amy helped another child off of Jack’s lap and walked him down to the Christmas tree.
“Merry Christmas Shawn!” Kari said jovially as she handed the little boy a brightly wrapped box and then turned her attention back to her friend.
“Could you be a little more blatant with the flirting Amy?”
“Hey,” Amy replied, “he doesn’t seem to mind one bit! As a matter of fact, I think I know what I want you to get me for Christmas and it doesn’t even need to be wrapped!”
“Oh come on you don’t even want a bow?” Kari giggled as Amy turned to walk back to Jack with a smirk on her face.
The longer Sue watched Kari around Jack, the more jealous she found herself becoming. Sue was almost seething as she watched Kari lean over and whisper something in Jack’s ear. She was so engrossed in trying to see what she was saying, she missed Nurse Williams coming up to the table.
“Sue,” Nurse Williams said calmly lightly touching her arm, “I just called the last table so Jack should be done pretty soon. Would you mind helping me clean up the hot cocoa pot and the table?”
“Oh, not at all,” Sue replied. They gathered up the materials and took them into the kitchen. Sue helped wash the hot cocoa pot and a few other dishes while the others got the rest of the food put away.
“Thanks again for coming,” Nurse Williams said giving Sue a hug. “You and Jack have been a God-send.”
“Well, it’s for the children and we were more than happy to do it for you.” “Some more than others,” Sue thought to herself.
Sue and Nurse Williams made their way back into the banquet room where Sue was stopped dead in her tracks. Amy had the digital camera fixed on Jack and who should be sitting on his lap but none other than Kari. She had her arm around Jack’s shoulders and was leaning WAY too close to him. Jack seemed to be enjoying himself too. “Merry Christmas to you SANTA!” Sue whispered to herself. “Umm, do you need any help getting the children back to their rooms?”
“That would be very helpful Sue,” Nurse Williams replied. “I was just going to go over and thank Jack and……”
“Oh you go ahead, I’m going to help with the kids.”
Sue made her way over to one of the nurses nearby, asked what room the child went to and literally sped out the door pushing the wheelchair. Nurse Williams made her way over to Jack where Kari was finally getting off of his lap.
“Thanks again Jack,” Nurse Williams whispered so that none of the children could hear, “I think that Santa Claus was the bit hit of the party.”
“It was my pleasure,” Jack replied, “actually I had a lot of fun hearing what all the kids wanted for Christmas. It gave me some ideas for my niece and nephew. Uh, have you seen Sue, I was going to ask her to help me with my costume?”
“Oh, she’s helping transport the children back to their rooms,” Nurse Williams declared as she checked around the room for what needed to be done.
“I can help you Jack,” Kari purred as she ran her hand down his arm.
“Uh, thanks anyway,” Jack said as he subtly moved away from her, “I think I can get it.” Jack looked around the room one more time for Sue and then made his way to the door. He stopped in the doorway and turned back to exclaim, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!” And with that, he disappeared down the hall.
*****************
Jack waited patiently on the bench in the locker room for Sue or Nurse Williams to tell him that all the kids had been returned to their rooms. The Santa suit had been really hot and he had gotten quite sweaty by the end, so he had taken a quick shower before getting dressed. He was thankful that the locker room had showers and towels at his disposal. Jack felt refreshed and in good spirits as he waited for Sue. He stayed in the locker room for almost 20 minutes before finally deciding to head down to the banquet room to find Sue. As he stepped outside, he nearly ran into Kari and Amy.
“Hello again, ladies,” Jack said politely with a smile. “You haven’t seen Sue around have you?”
“Sorry,” Amy replied, “we haven’t seen her in a while.”
“You look like a new man,” Kari murmured as she pointed to Jack’s damp hair.
“Yeah, I took a quick shower,” Jack replied. “You wouldn’t believe how hot that Santa suit can get.”
“Oh, it looked hot,” Kari said with a subtle wink.
Jack almost did a double-take towards Kari when he realized that she was winking at him. Not in a million years! Jack thought to himself. “Well, thanks again for all the help. I better find Sue so that we can get back to the Bureau. We still have some work to get done today.”
Before he could move an inch, Sue appeared from around the corner. Jack immediately noticed the slight scowl that appeared on her face. Sue walked briskly towards them with a smile that seemed forced.
“Jack,” Sue said stiffly, “we need to get going if we’re going to make it back in time for the meeting with D.”
“You bet! Happy holidays ladies,” Jack said as he quickly made his way to Sue’s side and started walking down the hall. Sue didn’t say anything to him, but walked immediately to the elevators and pushed the button.
Jack touched Sue’s arm to get her attention, “Thanks for inviting me to come today Sue. I had a lot of fun.”
“Yeah, it looked like you did,” Sue responded somewhat tersely. Before Jack could reply, the elevator doors opened and even though it was quite full, Sue made her way into the cramped space. Jack squeezed in next to her just before the doors closed. Sue bolted out of the elevator as soon as the doors opened on Level 1 of the parking garage and headed towards the car. Because she was in front of Jack, it made it impossible to have a conversation. It was at this point that Jack started to think that something was up.
“What time are we supposed to meet with D?” Jack asked as he unlocked the car doors.
“He wanted to meet with the team around 4:00 p.m. so that we would be done by 5:00 p.m.” Sue answered quietly. “Tayna has a concert she’s singing in tonight and he has to leave the office by 5:30 to get there on time.”
Jack tried to respond, but Sue had already slid into the passenger seat and was buckling her seatbelt. He swiftly got behind the wheel and fastened his seatbelt. Before starting the car he turned to Sue, “Is there something wrong Sue?”
“I’m just a little tired Jack,” Sue replied, “We better get going or we’ll be late,” she said before turning towards the passenger side window.
*********************
Back in the bullpen, the team was busily working on paperwork that needed to be done before the New Year. The team had been given an entire week off and everyone was planning on spending time with their family and friends. Lucy was finishing up some forms for Randy Pitts that had to be done in triplicate, while Myles was putting away files that had been piling up on the corner of his desk. Lucy smiled as she overhead the conversation coming from the hallway.
“So what are you doing for the holidays, koala boy?” Tara asked.
“Well, I don’t really have enough time to head down under, so I’m going to head to Jack’s parent’s house in Wisconsin with him,” Bobby replied. “Then I’m planning on coming back to D.C. and just laying low for a couple of days. Maybe even catch a movie or two. What about you luv?”
“I guess you could say that I’m gonna be laying low here in D.C. too. My folks are actually taking a cruise to the Caribbean and my sister and her family are doing Christmas with her in-laws this year,” Tara said shyly, looking down at her folders. “We’re all going to get together and celebrate Christmas after the New Year.”
Bobby took in Tara’s expression and grinned, “Maybe we could see one of those movies together when I get back. I’m only going to be in Wisconsin for 3 days.”
“That would be fun Bobby,” Tara responded.
“Stop right there you two!” Lucy exclaimed from her desk. “Look up!” Lucy smiled with glee as Bobby and Tara looked up to see that they were standing under the mistletoe that she had hung earlier. “Well, don’t just stand there, you know the tradition!”
Bobby couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on his face as he leaned down and kissed Tara sweetly on her cheek. “Merry Christmas luv!”
“Merry Christmas Bobby.” Lucy couldn’t help but notice the look that was shared between the two before they continued to their desks. Hmmm….maybe I have another couple I can play cupid with! Lucy thought.
“Hey guys,” D announced as he walked in the door, “have Jack and Sue made it back yet?”
“No,” Lucy replied, “but Sue told me they probably wouldn’t be here until almost 4:00 p.m.”
“While you’re here D would you mind looking over these files with me,” Myles asked looking up from his desk. “It’s from the Mitchell case that we worked on last month. I’m not sure what can be discarded and what needs to be sent to the prosecutor.”
“Not a problem Myles,” D said pulling a chair up to Myles’ desk. “We can work on these until Jack and Sue get here.”
**************************
The ride to the Bureau had been totally silent and it was driving Jack nuts. What on earth is she upset about? He thought. Jack was still unbuckling his seatbelt when he heard the passenger door open and close. He caught up to Sue just as the elevator doors were opening. By the 2nd floor, everyone else had gotten off and Jack and Sue were alone.
“Thanks again for a great day Sue,” Jack said warmly. “I thought maybe I could repay you with dinner tonight.”
“I’m sure I don’t want to get in the way of any of your plans for this evening,” Sue replied abruptly.
“I…I don’t have any plans other than having dinner and I was hoping you would join me,”
“Oh, I’m sure you would rather have dinner with Kari or Amy,” Sue snapped, “I wouldn’t want to be a third wheel.”
“Who are Kari and Amy?” Jack asked completely dumbfounded.
“Don’t play games with me Jack! You know….the lovely elf helpers you’ve been flirting with all day!”
“I wasn’t flirting with them! They were flirting with me!” Jack said defensively.
“Yeah right Jack….I’m sure that they are available for dinner if you are desperate for company,” Sue clipped before heading out the elevator doors. At first Jack was mad and then it hit him. She’s jealous! She thinks that I was….wait if she’s jealous then she has feelings for me and that means….Jack broke himself out of his own thoughts as he rushed out the elevator doors just before they closed to catch up with Sue.
“Sue, wait a second,” Jack said turning Sue towards him.
“Just drop it Jack!” Sue replied before turning to walk through the doorway.
“A-ha! Caught you!” Lucy exclaimed happily, “look up you two!”
Sue and Jack looked up simultaneously to see the mistletoe hanging above. Sue closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath not wanting to deal with Lucy or with Jack. Sue opened her eyes to see Jack moving towards her; his dark brown eyes peering into her own. Before she could do anything, Sue felt his lips on hers. After nothing more than a brief moment of bliss, she went to pull back, but found Jack’s lips following hers. Sue stepped back trying to break the kiss, but found herself pushed backward, trapped between Jack and the doorframe. At first she tried to resist reacting to the beautiful torture being assaulted on her mouth, but as she felt Jack’s hand slowly run up her arm and cup her cheek she couldn’t resist any longer. Sue slowly raised her hand to Jack’s neck and gently threaded her fingers through his dark hair. She could feel Jack smile against her lips before slowly running his tongue over her lower lip begging for entrance. Jack pulled Sue even closer as she opened her mouth to him, allowing their tongues to duel languidly with each other until the need for air overtook them both. Jack pulled back slowly and peppered several soft kisses on Sue’s lips before lightly pressing his forehead to hers.
Sue was almost afraid to open her eyes. She was afraid that it was all a figment of her imagination. Could Jack really have kissed her with that much passion? Suddenly, she felt a finger under her chin and Jack raised her chin up towards his face as he pulled back enough to look into her eyes. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open and her breath was taken away from the love that shone in Jack’s eyes. She placed her hands against the doorframe behind her to steady herself in order to focus to read his lips.
“I wasn’t flirting Sue,” Jack said smiling, “as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one woman in the world that I want to spend any time with at all and I’m looking at her. Having you in my life is the best Christmas present I could ever get.”
“I feel the same way Jack,” Sue said as tears of joy threatened to fall from her eyes. “I have for a long time.” Jack’s smile grew even bigger as he leaned in to give Sue another kiss.
“Uh-hum!” Jack heard through the fog of happiness in his mind. His eyes grew wide with embarrassment as he remembered where he was. Jack shrugged his head towards the bullpen and Sue’s look of embarrassment joined his as they slowly turned towards their teammates.
Everyone in the bullpen was staring at them with the biggest grins either of them had ever seen. “I knew it! I just knew it!” Lucy shouted with glee!
“Well a Merry Christmas to you mate!” Bobby smirked, “You know Tara, I might be able to see those movies with you sooner than later. I have a feeling my Christmas plans might be changing.”
“Well, I couldn’t think of a better reason for changing your plans Bobby,” Tara replied literally bouncing in her seat.
“A bit excessive on following through on the tradition in my opinion,” Myles quipped, “but it definitely got the point across.”
“You guys just couldn’t give me time off during my vacation could you,” D said shaking his head from side to side. “I mean now I’m going to have spend time writing a proposal to get rid of a certain obsolete bureau policy. Thanks a bunch you two!”
“I’m sorry D,” Jack said as he pulled Sue against his side, “I just couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Are you kidding?” D replied, “we’ve been waiting for this forever. We’re just glad that you finally come to your senses.”
“I have,” Jack said wrapping his arms around Sue, “and I’ve never felt happier. It’s going to be the best Christmas ever, isn’t it sweetheart.”
“Yes…Yes, I believe it is,” Sue said as she lightly kissed Jack on the lips.
The End
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
that was wonderful loved it from start to finish 
Poor Jack...he didn't know what he'd done wrong! But, the best part, of course, was the great use of mistletoe to get Jack out of his long-lived turtle mode. That was a deliciously 
kiss. A perfect way for him to dispel Sue's jealousy and, finally, show her he loved her. 
)!! I loved getting to read the whole story at one time! Fantastic job!!!
I was melting after reading that mistletoe kiss, but thankfully, Myles broke the spell or I'd be a useless blob 
Amazing!!!! Seriously - Mistletoe is the best!!!!! 
Great story. 