jack jack you need test done before you can say you cant have children and maybe you should also tell sue shes the love of your life as shes not a mind reader but jack sues just told you her thoughts so go for it tell her now i need nmore Cath so i know the answers so more soon please
Lin

WOW I wasn't expecting that revelation. Can't wait for the next post to see Sue's response, but I hope she throws her arms around Jack and tell him how she feels and that it didn't matter and she mean't every word of what she said.

That was a powerful post, Cath!! I never thought about this being Jack's reason for hesitating!! Well, now, in his oh, so adorable way, he has declared his feelings!! I just hope Sue caught on as to what he was trying to say!!!

Joy

My heart just broke for Jack considering the way he just unknowingly put his heart and soul on the line Jack you need to be tested there still may be a chance.

Now if Sue doesn't get how much Jack loves her now...I vote for Levi to bite both of them.

Poor Jack , and how brave he is to tell Sue, but Jack, you have to do what Sue's saying: trust the woman you love, and don't worry she will choose fine

I was reading about mumps, the cases when a male that had mumps coudn't have kids are rare, about the 30%, hope Jack is in the other 70%

Looking forward for the next!

Tere

he should take some tests.... and wow ... well at least now she knows... not the he planned it i guess, but well atleast she will know now.

Has Sue caught on? Please tell me she's caught on!!!! And idiot man -- you're carrying on over this without really knowing, aren't you? ( oh my gosh, did I just call Jack an idiot? ) I've never done that before....learningtosign, you've sunk to me to a new low!!!!

kav

Chapter 21

‘You’ve lost me Jack’ she whispered, her heart daring to hope that she was the one he wanted to be with. As she waited for his response she was oblivious to Levi engaging in a happy dog dance. ‘If I were Howie I’d be high-fiving myself right now’ he huffed excitedly.

‘You said everything I wanted you to say Sue and it made me see how selfish I was being…… not only can I not sign as well as I want, I may not be able to give you children…….’

‘You want to be with me? As in date and marriage?’ her soft tone almost broke him as he nodded and bit back the tears, grateful he could blame it all on the aftermath of a dog bite and painkillers.

‘Since you stormed in to my office and demanded a new job……’ his hand reached out to caress her hand. ‘I don’t deserve you Sue……’

‘No? so maybe I don’t deserve a guy who’s made so much effort to be a part of my world, a guy who’s treated me with respect, as an equal, as someone who is capable not incapable, a guy who’s never once tried to fix me. A guy who can be incredibly frustrating at times when he’s in protective agent mode but who always puts my safety above his own. A guy who is warm, generous, funny, caring and gentle…….. maybe I don’t deserve that guy, but he’s the one I want Jack……. and if we can’t have our own children then we can adopt…….’

‘You’re serious? You really want to be with me? Even after this?’ he saw Levi looking at him in confusion as his voice went up a few notches, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

‘Yes Jack….. there’s only been one man for me….. I made a mistake dating David. I thought you were with Allie and happy with her. I tried to forget about you, tried not to dream about you at night…… I’m so sorry Jack.’

‘You have nothing to be sorry for Sue. You can date whoever you want….. or you could, but not now……… Sue, will you do me the honour of going out with me……. with a view to becoming my wife……. and the mother of my children, however we come by them……. please?’

‘I might be difficult to date, Hudson’ she teased as her heart threatened to explode with pleasure.

‘We’ve dated for four years, or at least that’s what I told myself we were doing……. and we’ve been married three times……. I think we’re old hands at this’ he chuckled.

‘All those dates and only ever one kiss? I think we went wrong somewhere……..’

‘Then may I have the pleasure of beginning to put things right Miss Thomas?’

‘I think I might enjoy that’ rising to her feet Sue headed to the couch smiling as Jack joined her and wrapped his arms around her.

Sighing as the two of them cuddled together on the couch, a tangle of arms and legs and ‘snuffly noises’ as Levi opted to name them the dog curled up on the chair Jack had long ago allocated as his, convinced that his two favourite people were on track to become a happily married couple.

Trailing her hand over his smooth, muscular torso Sue fought to breathe, his shirt was wide open, not that she knew how that could possibly have happened and his hair was mussed up. One kiss had quickly turned to two and at around number 10 she’d stopped counting, knowing only the thrill of all her dreams coming true. While it was undeniably hot and sunny outside it was pretty hot inside the apartment too right now.

Putting things right had never been so much fun and her only regret was that it had taken so long to get to this point.

‘Sue….. if you rethink this and you want to opt out of ‘us’ I want you to tell me, I want you to be honest……. I don’t want you to stick with me out of a sense of duty ……..’

Sighing softly Sue caressed his cheek, ‘I don’t want anyone else, Jack. I love you, only you. Now and forever’ her lips brushed his as her hands trailed through his hair.

Waking up much later with Sue wrapped tightly in his arms Jack sighed, his painkillers were long overdue judging by the way his back was complaining but he wasn’t going anyplace. Not now he’d faced his fears and realised his dreams.

He trailed his hand through her hair, delighting in the soft, silky feel before gently kissing the top of her head.

As Sue snuggled closer and caressed his torso Jack groaned, every nerve ending on fire, his body reacting to her touch in a way it never had with Allie or Jessica.

‘I love you Sue’ he whispered huskily, grinning as Sue murmured softly.

Slipping off the couch Jack grabbed some painkillers and pulled the covers off his bed before carrying Sue through to his room. Making sure she was comfortable he grabbed a blanket and returned to the couch where he snuggled down and fell asleep, under the watchful eye of Levi who was happily anticipating a life with his two favourite people. The only fly in his ointment right now was the apparent lack of puppies.

YES!!! WOOHOO!!!!

Tere

At last hes told sue and then her senseless now he needs the test but i really cant wait to find out Cath
Lin

That was absolutely beautiful, Cath!!! **sigh**

I love Levi's thoughts, especially about the absence of puppies!!!

Joy

You know, when I read this, I could almost hear the irritated tone in her voice starting out, and then melting into loving tears. Beautifully written!

Oh that was so beautiful - and I'm sure they won't miss out on a puppy or two!

That was so cute! I was laughing at Levi's last thought .

yeah i was laughing to...i'm clad everything is fine now...and some how the puppies will come..i know they will.

Chapter 22

Woken by the phone and Levi licking him and jumping all over him happily Jack sighed softly and shoved the dog off before grabbing for his cell, ‘Hudson……’

‘Morning, did we wake you?’

‘Yeah, sorry mom, late night…….’ Jack chuckled, imagining his mom rolling her eyes as she always did whenever he slept in late.

‘Are you taking your painkillers? Not trying to be too tough are you?’ Elizabeth Hudson teased him gently.

‘I am tough, I’m a man…… and an FBI Agent’ Jack chuckled, scratching Levi behind the ears.

‘I’ll admit you’re one of the few men I know who don’t get man-flu every year’ Elizabeth agreed, ‘your dad and I have a flight booked for tomorrow…… we land at 4 pm…..’

‘Ok, I’ll pick you up…….’

‘Sure you can drive? After a general? We don’t want to be spending the next two weeks in the hospital……’

‘Sue’ll know….. if I can’t drive I’ll ask Sue to drive……..’ he paused waiting for the inevitable.

‘You’ve finally talked to her?’ Elizabeth held her breath, guessing things had gone well….. if they’d talked.

‘Yes, we talked…. last night….. get your glad rags out mom, you’ll be coming to a wedding….. very soon…….’

‘You set a date?’ she squeaked before covering the phone and shouting for her husband.

‘No, not yet but I’m not hanging around….’

‘Jack I’m so happy for you, she’s a lovely girl…. we’re looking forward to meeting her again…… we could stay away if we’ll be in the way…..’

‘You won’t mom, Sue won’t be around in the day so we can see the sights or whatever…..’

Hearing Sue enter the lounge Jack turned and smiled tenderly at her; her hair was all mussed up and she looked gorgeous. He couldn’t wait till they were married and he’d have the honour of waking up beside her and holding her in his arms as they fell asleep.

‘Morning beautiful’ he whispered sending her sense reeling as he followed up a kiss with a shy smile and sexy wink.

‘Mom, I’m gonna have to go, Levi needs a walk……. I’ll explain tomorrow…… love to dad….’ he closed his phone and hauled Sue in to his arms before kissing her into oblivion.

‘I should go Jack……. some of us have to work…..’ she sighed.

‘I’ll ring D, tell him you’ll be late……. Levi needs a walk and you need food….’ losing herself in the dark brown eyes Sue sighed, convinced she would always be putty in his hands, not that she wanted to be anyplace else.

‘Go on then’ she smiled, earning another gentle kiss before he pulled away.

Waiting for Sue to freshen up Jack swallowed antibiotics and painkillers, talking softly to Levi as he did so.

‘I thought maybe we could go visit the dog, see how she’s doing?’ he suggested having run the idea past Levi who, judging by the way his tail wagged, thought it was a wonderful idea.

‘We don’t have to…..’ she smiled, snuggling in to him as they walked.

‘You want to though, don’t you?’ he chuckled, knowing where her heart lay.

‘I do………. but you might set her off…… imagine……. a female immune to the Hudson charms…… that’s a first……..’

‘Only one woman I want to charm, and she’s right here’ he murmured, signing as he spoke.

‘That’s good because I don’t want any other woman falling for you….’

‘Maybe, to stop that happening, we should think about getting married…… very soon’ he whispered huskily, pulling her round to face him so she could read him.

‘How soon?’ she swallowed hard, as much as she loved him and wanted to be with him, her head was spinning with the speed at which things had moved. Ok so it was the stuff of her dreams but a part of her wanted to wait a while before they talked marriage.

‘I’m rushing you aren’t I?’ he sighed, ‘I’m sorry sweetheart……… I guess I’ve spent so long dreaming of marriage to you….. forget I mentioned it…..’

‘I’m sorry hun……. I do want to marry you, I suppose I simply want some time as a couple, doing all the coupley things…..’

‘Coupley things?’ he grinned, ‘is that a word? Ok, we’ll have more time as a couple……. how long do you want as a couple before I can pop the question?’

Losing herself in his sparkling eyes she sighed softly, ‘a year?’

‘You want us to date for a year?’ he squeaked, ‘how long an engagement do you want?’

Levi stopped what he was doing which was chasing around trying to catch a couple of squawking birds and raced to sit beside Sue, his head resting to one side as he listened in. Like Jack he couldn’t believe she wanted to date for a year: that was 7 years in his life and he waited with bated breath for her answer to his next question.

‘A year or so?’ she suggested.

‘Another year?’ he squeaked.

‘You don’t think it’s too short? Two years?’ she suggested lightly.

‘Are you teasing me Thomas?’ he asked uncertainly. Aware things had moved quickly he’d hoped the fact that they both wanted marriage meant she didn’t want to wait too long.

‘You don’t think it’s too soon?’

‘No…… as I said I’ve viewed every dinner, take-out, movie, deaf event, evening walk as a date…….. I know you’re the one for me. If I had any doubts then they evaporated last night…….. if you want to wait then I guess I can too……’

‘Well in that case, maybe I could change my mind…… so long as we continue to catch up on the goodnight kisses………’ she chewed her bottom lip nervously and he realised just how big a deal this was for her. If they rushed in to marriage there would be people who would assume they were having to marry or who would imply that she’d trapped him because she was ‘handicapped’.

As the morning sun beat down on them and Levi ambled off to play with a friendly spaniel Jack worked on catching up on kisses.

Hearing Jack whistle for him Levi galloped over, jumping up at them both as the three of them headed home for breakfast.

‘Sue…. before we marry………’ he blushed furiously as he tried to find the words he needed. ‘Do you want me to have the test…… so we know whether we can have children……..?’

‘No…….. because it doesn’t matter…. it won’t make a difference to how I feel about you……. I love you hun and I want to be with you whatever…..’ she squeezed his hand gently, sending butterflies crashing in his stomach.

Levi sighed as the pair of them cuddled together on the couch and started ‘making up for lost time’ as Sue called it.

‘Another dog would be good’ he huffed, ‘someone to play with while these two are playing together.’

that was fantastic I hope they get to keep wolfie just for levi cant wait to find out cath
Lin

Wonderful Cath!!!

Tere

I'm so glad you put this part in. It WOULD be a big deal to Sue, and I can imagine she would be so torn between wanting to be with Jack, once and for all, and not wanting to damage their reputations. Not something to be taken lightly. When it comes right down to it, your reputation is really all you have. It makes me love Jack even more to know he's thinking of her feelings through all this!

I agree that they shouldn't rush into marriage, but I think a year of dating and a year's engagement is a little long!! Maybe Jack's mother can help them work this out!!!

I love Levi's feelings about getting another dog so he can have some company!!!

Joy

I know it was a few post back, but I just love this line.

Glad they are moving along and I'm sure God will give them the children they want, one way or another.

I think I got to read three posts in a row and it was hysterical fun. I think I've been thinking in dog thinks all this time because I'm really bonding with Levi!

That was one of the first lines I read this morning and it had me in stitches. So Levi -- I really think you've captured him perfectly. Simba says to tell you that you are a dog whisperer and if you ever come to Canada he has a few things he'd like to get off his chest so would you please come and translate for him.

Well, dogs do have acute hearing and I guess that's what it sounds like, but it's not very romantic, Levi!


Even the wonderdog couldn't make puppies that fast -- well, he couldn't make them at all so he's just going to have to be patient.
Oh -- I wonder if...well we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?

I'm loving this, cath.

Kav

Pssst. Yeah, down here...shhhhhh, don't let on that you see this, kav'll have a fit. Listen this is Simba and I just wanna say that you're some dog whisperer and if you ever come to Canada I have a few thingsI'd like to get off my chest so would you please come and translate for me? There are some things my humans don't understand. Like Squirrels and barking at the garbage truck and peeing on every corner and stopping the boys from playing street hockey by stealing their ball (I mean every dog knows you don't let your pups play on the road!) and...well there's lots more that kav doesn't understand...she's got a heart of kibble but just a lot of fluffy undercoat upstairs if you know what I mean.

Okay, I know I'm not supposed to notice Simba's little note at the bottom of Kav's post, but I had to comment on how very amused it made me this morning!! It pretty much made my day!!!

Joy

Not so sure about the dog whisperer, my dog would love me to understand why she feels the need to whimper at next door's cat lying on the shed in the sun, in his own garden just because she can see the shed from the window!!

Chapter 23

‘Hi, I bought you some visitors’ Sue smiled as Jack greeted her warmly when she returned from work. He’d spent the afternoon wrestling with his decision about the tests.

‘Hey, come on in……..’ after a brief fuss of Levi jack settled himself on the couch, Sue beside him as the team, D and Donna ambled in.

He and Sue had called in at the vets, to check up on the dog which Jack had called Defor much to Levi’s disgust. To his delight the dog had licked his hand and wagged his tail happily and the vet had pronounced himself very happy with her progress.

‘We drew a blank on an owner, we’ll keep her a couple more days then send her to a pound…… she’s a nice dog so we won’t have a problem homing her’ Doug smiled as Defor and Levi snuggled together, ‘I think Levi would be very happy if you took her Sue…..’

‘Sorry buddy’ Sue smiled, ‘but there’d be no room for us if she moved in…..’ Levi whimpered sadly at her words and he snuggled closer to the big dog who licked his face.

‘I think Levi is smitten’ Jack chuckled, ‘I thought Katie held your heart buddy….. could you keep her a few more days? I think I might know someone who’d take her….. I’ll pay the fees…..’

‘Sure’ Doug nodded, accepting Sue’s payment for the bill so far.

‘Care to share Hudson?’ she asked as they dragged a reluctant Levi out of the vet’s, ‘this must be the first time he’s not wanted to leave…….. usually he’s dragging his heels to go in not to come home’ she sighed.

‘Hey buddy, when you become a Hudson, you have to become a one-woman man, no flirting with other females’ Jack chuckled.

‘Glad to see you say that’ Sue smiled, ‘I’d hate to have to fight them off…….’

‘No chance……. I haven’t looked at another woman for four years….’ she wanted to mention Jessica and Allie but could see in his face that he meant what he’d said. He’d not looked at either of them the way he’d looked at her over the last couple of days.

‘So, who do you think might take her?’

‘Mom and dad…… we had dogs for as long as I can remember……. I think she’d do ok with them…..’ he smiled.

Sue quirked her eyebrows ‘are you sure? I’m not being rude but they must be getting on, she’s a big dog, she’ll need lots of exercise…….’

‘I know but we have huge grounds……. she could get loads of exercise just fetching a ball and they have another dog so she’d have someone to play with……’

‘Huge grounds? You live in a Myles type mansion?’ she asked softly.

‘Nope, just a few acres. It was my grandparent’s house. They died when I was 10 and we moved in……. mom had so many good memories of growing up there…. it has a stream running through it, loads of trees which I fell out of more than once and a couple of tree houses….. we had a horse too, mom taught me to ride on him….’

‘Hear that buddy? And you get to stay in DC with us’ Sue grinned, ‘he’ll be packing his bags and heading back to Wisconsin…..’

‘Sounds wonderful’ Levi agreed ‘but I’m staying here with you two…….. although the occasional holiday up there sounds like a plan……’

‘Jack, good to see you’ Bobby slapped him on the shoulder eliciting a yelp of pain from the dark haired agent and a filthy look from everyone else present.

‘I wish I could say the same about you too Crash’ he sighed, ‘to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?’

‘We wanted to see you were doing ok’ Donna smiled, ‘we’ve picked up takeout……’

‘Sounds good, I’m starving’ Jack’s smile hid the disappointment he felt at having to share Sue for a while.

‘So, how were the dates?’ he asked softly as they ate pizza and fries.

Uncertain as to whether Jack and Sue were an item the girls were a little reticent as they talked about the two dates they’d shared so far.

Levi listened attentively while casting begging glances at Jack who threw him crusts of pizza both men oblivious to Sue’s soft sighs of protest.

‘So, how are you doing?’ D asked as they cleared away and Sue brought out the ice cream she’d picked up on the way home.

‘Well I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to play golf so good again………’

‘I hate to tell you Spark but you never could play golf…….’ Bobby yelped as Lucy dug him in the ribs.

‘I’m ok, sore but getting there’ Jack smiled, ‘off for a week, desk bound for another week then see how it goes…. doc doesn’t think it will affect my shooting ability but I have to be sure before I’m field fit……’

‘You’ll be bored to tears’ Tara murmured, glancing at Sue whose face was impassive.

‘No, mom and dad are coming down; it’ll be good to have some time with them without having to race off to work every morning.’

Lucy glanced at Sue and sighed, she’d hoped that Jack might want to spend time with Sue but it looked like turtle boy had pulled his head deep inside his shell.

Levi huffed softly and wagged his tail slowly knowing that the two of them had opted to keep things quiet for a while simply to have some privacy. While Jack was happy to have people know Sue was the one who’d endure the teasing comments and probing questions from their friends.

‘I thought they’d never leave’ Jack sighed closing the door as Bobby and Lucy ambled down the stairs hand in hand.

‘Aren’t you the bad host’ Sue grinned.

‘I’m an excellent host Thomas, but some people outstay their welcome…. and I wanted some alone time with you before you have to go home…..’

‘You do?’ she chuckled, backing away from him, ‘and here I thought I’d leave right about now……….’

‘I don’t think so, Thomas…….’ his eyes were dark, smouldering with desire and all rational thought flew from her head.

Feeling the couch on the back of her legs Sue dropped suddenly, her legs no longer able to hold her up as he closed the distance between them.

Sitting beside her Jack wrapped his arms around her and dipped his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss which left her breathless and wanting more.

You know, the only downside to reading stories one post at a time is what I've highlighted in the above quote . . . We get to just that point (see above), and then , we have to wait to continue the fuzzies!

Wonderful post, wonderful story. I'm glad Jack's taking care of the other dog, and wonder what his parents will think? Should be interesting!

Oh I like the idea of Jack's parents taking the dog....if they're driving I hope they bring an SUV -- or a truck...maybe a caravan?! I don't get this bit though, Should I know the significance of that name?

kav

defor as in 'D for Dog'

cath

I wonder what Jack's parents are going to think about taking Defor (clever name, Cath) home with them!! Levi has a good idea though - go visit often!!!

Jack was so cute - enjoying his friends visit but unable to wait until they left!!!

Joy

wonderful im hoping jacks mum and dad will have the dog if not maybe jack and sue should keep her cant wait to find out Cath
Lin

Glad to know that the dog will not be alone!

Tere

Bad host? No, just some ulterior motives. I don't think Jack's parents will object.

I'm glad Jack isn't upset at the dog, although i think Levi would rather have her stay in DC. Great job keep it up!

Chapter 24

‘I should go……..’ he knew she wanted to stay, her whole body and the longing tone in her voice letting him know.

‘You could stay…. I can ring Lucy, tell her you’ve fallen asleep on my couch’ he suggested softly.

‘Can I change my mind?’

‘About what?’ he looked at her blankly wondering what he’d missed.

‘The marriage……..’

‘You don’t want to marry me?’ Levi looked between the two of them, his doggy heart breaking for Jack who looked broken.

‘No…… I mean yes I do……. I do want to marry you Jack……. I don’t want to wait a year or more…….. I love you and I want to be with you in every sense…….’

‘I thought you’d decided you didn’t want me any longer…….’ he blinked back the tears which had threatened to spill out as he contemplated a life without Sue.

‘Call Luce while I go get my bag out the trunk’ she smiled.

‘What are you doing?’ Sue stared in amazement at the couch which now had a pillow and blanket in place.

‘I ….. ummm ……. I ……’ he stumbled.

‘If I’m sleeping alone then I may as well go home……..’ she picked up the pillow and headed to his room leaving Jack and Levi staring in amazement at her retreating back.

‘Are you joining me or should I just head home?’ Sue stuck her head through the bedroom door. She’d changed in to the running pants and sweatshirt she kept for any late nights at the bureau and cleaned her teeth before sliding in to bed and waiting for Jack.

Rolling her eyes when he didn’t appear she headed for the lounge spotting him sitting on the couch patting Levi.

His jaw dropped and he nodded silently murmuring softly to Levi who opted to sleep on the couch for the night.

Shrugging out of his shirt and in to a pair of running pants Jack wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

Her hand caressed his chest delighting in the smooth, muscular skin which trembled at her touch.

‘I love you’ she murmured softly causing his body to shiver at the sensations her arm breath evoked.

‘LOVE YOU SAME’ he signed, planting a tender kiss on her head.

Her kiss was gentle, no evidence of the hot, passionate kisses they’d shared on the couch which was a relief to both. He wasn’t sure he could hold back tonight if things got hot.

‘Goodnight hun’ with one final, brief kiss Sue snuggled close and fell asleep wrapped in his arms.

How sweet was THAT? Absolutely loved when Jack thought she was backing out of the engagement . . . loved when she told Jack to call Lucy while she retrieved her bag . . . loved when they fell asleep in each other's arms . . . VERY nice way to go to sleep! And to wake up!

Beautiful post Cath!

Tere

Just beautiful, Cath!!!

Joy

That was wonderful so pleased sues decided to stay cant wait for more Cath
Lin

I'm sure that Levi would act the proper chaperone... though he has been talking about puppies a lot lately!

kav

Chapter 25

‘Mom, dad……….’ Jack hugged his parents tightly as the five of them met up at the airport. While Sue stood back, a little shy to be meeting them again Levi had no intention of taking a backseat. He was very happy to see them and fully intended to make them a part of his pack.

‘I think Levi is happy to see you too’ Jack chuckled as the dog wuffled his excitement and licked them in a warm greeting.

‘Good to see you too buddy’ while his mom hugged Jack Sam bent to scratch Levi behind the ears.

‘You remember Sue of course’ Jack turned Elizabeth’s attention from wanting to check him over to the young woman who stood uncertainly in the background.

‘Sue, it’s so wonderful to meet you again, I can’t tell you how happy Sam and I are that he’s finally asked you out’ Elizabeth smiled warmly at her, hoping to set Sue’s mind at rest, remembering the day she met Sam’s parents as a girlfriend rather than just as a friend.

‘Good to meet you too Mrs Hudson……’ Sue found herself hauled in to a bear hug as Sam watched them and rolled his eyes heavenwards.

‘Call me Liz…..’ the older woman smiled, moving back a little so Sue could read her easily.

Sue nodded her thanks, not only for the warmth of the greeting but for the effort they went to in ensuring she could read their lips. Every time they met the two of them asked her to call them Liz and Sam and each time she’d drifted back to calling them Mr and Mrs Hudson, anxious to give them due deference as the parents of her boss.

‘I’ve booked a table at Patrice’s,’ Jack grinned aware that his mom would insist on cooking every evening she was down. She did so each time she visited, making extra and stocking up his freezer so he could eat ‘something other than those microwave meals’.

‘And I’m cooking, I doubt you have a thing in your freezer’ Liz chuckled.

‘He has more than he did’ Sue grinned, she’d eaten a number of times with them when they visited, reading stories of young Jack which made her laugh and Jack groan with embarrassment.

‘The one thing he could never learn was how to cook’ Liz teased, earning herself a dark look from Jack.

‘I can make bacon and eggs, toast and waffles…… I can squirt chocolate sauce over a dish of ice cream…….. I make good coffee...….. and I do a mean microwave meal’ he protested, grinning at Sue who rolled her eyes.

‘So, how’s the dog?’ Sam asked as they headed to Jack’s apartment. Levi lifted his head at the question keen to see Wolfie again.

‘She’s doing good, she’s really sweet natured’ Sue smiled from the driver’s seat. They’d taken time before leaving to adjust the small mirror so she could read their lips more easily and Jack was signing anything she couldn’t read.

‘I thought we could go see her later’ Jack suggested, knowing his parents would fall in love with her.

‘Sure’ Sam agreed, ‘but first I need a decent mug of coffee, the stuff they serve on planes is almost as bad as the stuff they serve in hospitals.’

‘Hello darling’ Liz knelt beside Defor who greeted her like an old friend, wagging her tail furiously before turning to Sam who rolled his eyes. Jack hadn’t mentioned anything to his parents about taking the dog but he knew where his wife’s heart lay and he knew that there would be three of them returning to Wisconsin.

‘What will happen to her?’ Liz looked up at Doug who chuckled at Sue.

‘We’ll wait till I remove the sutures then she’ll go to the pound and wait for a home. I tried to persuade Sue to take her but she’s right, in an apartment she’d take up too much space. She needs a place with plenty of space to run……’

‘You don’t think she’d attack anyone again?’ Sam murmured.

Doug shook his head, ‘no she’s shown no sign of temper and she could have taken my hand off more than once. I’m convinced it was because she was hurting; from the state she was in I’d say she was shot a couple of weeks earlier. Jack inadvertently touched her wound and she reacted as any of us would if we were hurting and thirsty and hungry……. she’s a real sweetheart…’

‘Sam?’

Sam sighed at the question and rolled his eyes as Jack chuckled, ‘yes my love?’

‘We could take her……… couldn’t we?’

‘What about Buster?’ Sam murmured.

‘How is she with other dogs?’ Liz asked and Jack recognised the steely determination in her voice. Steely determination was a trait shared by the two women in his life.

‘Well so far the only dog she’s had regular contact with is Levi… not because we don’t trust her but because some of our other patients are frail and she could easily hurt them through her sheer size but she’s great with Levi…… take her for a walk if you like……….’

‘You couldn’t get attacked by something small could you?’ Sam teased as Liz and Defor walked happily beside Sue and Levi.

‘I would have preferred not to be attacked by any size dog’ Jack groaned quietly.

‘She’s hooked you know. When she’s not been talking about you and Sue she’s been talking about that dog, telling me Buster needs a playmate…….. personally I think Buster would be just as happy lying out in the sun enjoying some piece and quiet.’

Jack grinned, Buster was their boxer dog, so laid back he was almost horizontal, ‘he might enjoy some company. I know Levi has had fun visiting her……’

As they lapsed in to silence Sam wondered how to bring up the future.

wonderful so pleased jacks parents love sue jaust as much as jack does it seems but most of all they are going to take wolfie home cant wait for more Cath
Lin

Good Cath!!

Tere

You have such a talent of threading humour in your posts that I find myself bursting out laughing when I read -- which is disconcerting to my dogs...and the bunny foo foo munching among the ferns outside my window.
I love how you think like a dog...um, that's a compliment.
I have never heard that expression before, but it's an apt description and I want a dog like that. Mine always seem to be on the side. Don't know why.

kav

Oh, yes, it's quite clear that Buster is going to get a new playmate; and who knows, possibly the love of his life!!!

Joy

Exactly how I pictured Jack's parents. Those are lucky dogs.

Finally caught up!!!!

Loving it Cath!!!!

Em

Chapter 26

‘You and Sue have talked marriage son?’ Jack nodded at the question.

‘Yeah, we’ve not set a date but soon I hope……. she says she’s ok with us maybe not having children but ……’

‘You think you want to know beforehand?’ Sam asked quietly.

‘I do, I want to give her the chance to back out if it’s bad……..’

‘You think she would? From what I’ve seen and heard of Sue she’s not about to back out………’

‘Maybe….’ Jack sighed.

‘Sue,’ Liz stopped and touched the younger woman on the arm, ‘you and Jack?’

‘Yeah?’ for some reason Sue was overwhelmed with concern that Liz and Sam had a problem with her and Jack as an item.

‘Sam and I are very happy to know you’ll be joining the family….. have you set a date?’

Sue shook her head as Levi listened intently. He wanted nothing more than his two favourite people to be together. ‘Soon I think…….’

‘And you’re ok if you can’t have children?’ Levi pricked up his ears, ‘no puppies?’ he squealed.

‘Yes…… we can talk about adoption……’

‘It can’t have been easy though…….’

‘There was no decision to make’ Sue smiled, ‘the alternative to a life with Jack and no children was a life alone and that wasn’t a bearable option…… I think he wants to take a test……’

‘He’s said that?’ Liz asked softly, smiling as Sue shook her head. ‘If he does, and I don’t know that he does it won’t be because he doubts your love it will be because he wants you to know before the two of you marry….. he’ll want to give you all the facts and give you the chance to walk away………’

‘I won’t, I want to marry him……. children are a blessing not a right …… I want to be with him……..’

‘I know, I can see that and I truly believe Jack knows that but I know my son. He couldn’t bear to think that you might want to walk away later….. that would break his heart more than if you walked away now……’

‘Some times he thinks too much’ Sue chuckled softly, ‘I’ll talk to him…… let him know I’m not going anywhere……..’

‘I’m glad he was able to tell you, I know he’s been afraid for too long……..’

‘Of me?’ Sue whispered.

‘Of being rejected, his dad and I knew he was falling for you the day he met you…… oh his words said you were friends but his face, his eyes told us he wanted much more…… he’s never mentioned the problem until he started to talk about you…. and he’s afraid of letting you down, of not signing well enough……..’

‘He does great, I wish he’d believe me when I tell him how good he is….. everyone at deaf club says he does great……’ Sue sighed.

‘Do they tell him that or you?’ Liz asked.

‘Me…….’ Sue admitted, ‘I’ve talked to a couple of friends about whether mixed marriages can work……. I’ve worried about Jack finding me too much like hard work, worried he might get fed up with me……. Carole who was married to a hearing guy thinks they can work, Deanne and Helga who are both single tell me he’s crazy about me and we should have been married years ago….. they all tell me that he’s great at signing……..’

‘Perhaps they could tell Jack, build his confidence’ Liz suggested, ‘he lacks confidence at times, languages weren’t a strength at school and he doubts his abilities…… I know you’ve talked marriage and having that undercover marriage helped him see what it would be like to spend a lifetime with you but I know him well enough to know that he will probably always doubt his abilities to use your first language. I know he’s a tough FBI agent but he lets personal doubts cloud his mind sometimes…..’

‘We don’t see that often’ Sue murmured, ‘he always seems so in control whatever the situation. I can’t remember the last time we saw doubt or indecision …… you know I don’t think we ever have…..’

‘He hides it well….. he goes home and thinks about stuff, runs scenarios through his head……… goes out to buy donuts or coffee, does his thinking and doubting when no-one can see him……’ Sue nodded quietly now understanding why he refused Lucy’s offers to buy the donuts or coffee but went himself.

‘When he was little he hid everything, or tried to…. he was bullied for a while by a couple of boys three years older than him: teased, pushed around, money and dinner stolen that kinda thing, nothing physical….., but he never told us, his eyes showed there was something wrong but when we asked he’d shrug and say, ‘I’m good’…… he can be frustrating like that…..’ Liz smiled, guessing Sue had already learned that fact.

‘Did he ever tell you?’

Liz shook her head, ‘never…… Allie told us…she’d tried to persuade Jack to tell us, you know why he wouldn’t? Because the kids doing it had bad homes and he didn’t want them in trouble with the school or their parents… he knew the parents would beat them up. Sam went down the school and raised merry hell…he found a teacher to mentor them, they both ended up in jail for robbery years later… when he opted to join the bureau we were so scared, not that he’d be killed, although that was a concern but that his sweet, gentle heart would be broken by what he saw……. that he’d no longer be the man we loved. Somehow he’s hung on to that……..’

‘He’s very special, Liz. You and Sam did a wonderful job of raising him but I can see where he gets his caring heart from…….’ Sue chuckled as Defor bounded over, almost sending the two of them flying.

A wonderful, wonderful job raising him

Em

Great talk to Jack's parents Cath!!

Tere

Well, they did a wonderful job raising him, but I think Sue brought back that special spark at just the right time in his career. Who knows -- without her influence he might have become jaded with so many aspects of his job. So I think they've been a good combination for our Jack...and of course, Levi too. He adds the comic relief to life.

kav

Good talk between father and son, and Liz and Sue!! They have raised Jack very well, and Sue has added what he needed to feel complete and successful!!!

Joy