Rain poured over the animal with seemingly aimed drops, causing the golden coat to become heavy and gilded. He moved slowly, limbs weak and body shivering. The dog's stomach held no food, adding to it's weary state, and though he could probably find some food in the town nearby, he chose to stay on the back road, away from people.

The last thing that he needed was to be found and brought back there.

Remembering the tight collar around his neck, the dog looked around, anxious to find something that would remove the identifying object. Seeing a tree's limb that lay close to the ground, he ran to it, ignoring the pangs of hunger.

Coming close, he lowered his head and aimed for the tree. Stepping forward, he felt the branch catch onto his collar.

He struggled back, hoping the binding leather would slip off with the wetness of his coat as a guide. After a moment of fear that he would remain caught in this position, he jerked back.

Off slipped the collar.

He puffed out a sigh and turned away from the hated object and looked around. The rain made it difficult to see anything, much less identify anything in the strange town, but he made the effort to do so anyway.

There were no signs, not that they would help anyway, to tell of the town's name or title.

It did not matter. He would continue on until... until what? Hunger burned his stomach and aches and shaking took hold of his small body. Where would he go?

Where could he go?

Forcing one paw in front of the other, the dog walked, ignoring the dashing rain drops and pounding thunder in the distance. The storm would worsen in a few moments, so where he could he go to find safety and possibly food?

He hastened his steps, sometimes tripping over his paws from weakness.

Finally, as the rain began to fall harder the clouds darkened, telling of a looming storm, the dog slowed and fell to the ground, too tired to continue.

Oh no! Is Levi in trouble? I can almost hear the whine coming from the dog as he lies there . . . I'm glad you're writing a challenge story, Tracy! Can't wait to see where this one leads!

Hmmm, I'm wondering how the title plays into this story, Tracy. That along with a heavy heart that this beautiful dog has been so mistreated he goes to great lengths to ensure he won't be identified.

Is this Levi when he was a puppy, before he was found and given to the service dog organization? ***sad***

Lynn

That's not good, not good at all!

Tere

Thank you



"Jack, come take a look at this!"

Abram Hudson slowly kneeled before the dog and sighed. The animal was certainly starving and had most likely been beaten before somehow arriving on this road. Dogs were not all-too common around the town of Riona, that is, except for pets, so this dog most likely belonged to someone nearby. To see an animal in such condition, and to know that one of his neighbors may have been the one to hurt him made Abram's stomach turn slightly.

"What is it, Dad?"

"A dog."

Jack's smile stiffened and fell. "Is it... dead?"

Abram shook his head. "I don't think so." He placed a hand on the dog's face and when it did not react, he continue to it's chest. "There's a heartbeat. Slow, but steady."

"Y'think he's been out here all night? During the storm?"

"I reckon so... his coat's wet and dirty."

"What can we do with him?"

Abram looked to their wagon and sighed. "We'll put him in the wagon and maybe nurse him back to health."

Jack nodded. "Does he have a collar?"

"No, nothing. It looks to me like he came from some kind of an abusive home."

Jack ran a hand through his hair and smiled. "Well, I've always wanted a dog."

Abram stood and looked at his son. "Jack, if the owner comes for him, we'll have to give him back."

"Why? If he was abused - I mean look at him, the dog hasn't eaten anything in weeks."

"We don't know that for sure. And anyway, the dog belongs to someone else... it's the right thing to do."

Jack covered his chest with folded arms and straightened to his full height, evening his size with his father, and said, "Then why should we bother taking it home? He might as well just die here... put him out of his misery."

Abram couldn't help but smile at his son's defiance. Jack was always a young man who did not want to see anything - or anyone get hurt. And, if there was any way in which he could help, he would do so.

Forget principle and the right thing to do. Abram nodded. "All right, if you're sure you can handle a dog."

"Dad, I'm almost 25 years old. If I can't handle a dog, I sure can't handle a girlfriend."

"Hey, now that is still being decided by your mother and me."

A side ways smile lifted one corner of Jack's pursed lips. "Thankfully, she doesn't doubt me as much as you do."

Abram waved a hand and looked back to the dog. "Come on, we better get him home before he wakes up."

well i think jack can do it...

You can do it Jack! poor doggy!

Tere

I was intrigued before . . . and now I'm VERY intrigued! I'm getting a strong sense of AU here! They're travelling by wagon . . . Jack's still living with his parents and he's 25 . . . his parents are still deciding on a girlfriend for him . . .

I have my suspicions, but I won't say . . . yet! VERY interesting!

Have you been an abused dog in an alternate life? Because you have the description downpat. Please tell me that no dogs were hurt in the making of this fanfic! And Jack in a wagon? At twenty-five? And his father's name is Abram? Hmmmm Can't wait for more.

kav

Welcome to the challenge, Tracy!! What a powerful start!! Your description is so vivid that I can see it as if it was happening in front of me!!!

Poor dog - at least he managed to get away from his abusive owner!! And, what luck to have Jack and his father find him!!!

I see a very interesting story coming - I can't wait!!!

Joy

I'm all a twitter (really! you should see it!) at your starting a challenge story, but this poor animal has me worried. And I can only theorize - though I won't post my theories for fear of embarrassment - about why at 25 Jack would need approval from his parent on him having a girlfriend. Or a dog.

Tina

I'm with Regina. I'm smelling AU here... and it's a wonderful smell. I just love your AUs Tracy! You bring the past to life with so very few words.

And now... I'm ready for more!

Lindsy

You both are correct This is indeed an AU. It's set sometime near the beginning of the 1900's, although everything within this story is completely fiction. So I hope you all enjoy reading, not learning



"How was your day, Sue?"

Sue Thomas stepped through the front door of the house and closed the door behind her, surprised to see her Mother standing directly in front of her, a smile on her face, and her hands quickly moving to question her.

"It was awful, Mother," she replied, removing her overcoat. "Mr. Gregory refused to allow me near even the front of the store out of fear that I would not hear a customer if they asked me a question, and he forbade me from working at the counter." She bit back the cruel remark that she so wished to speak, and instead said, "Perhaps it would be best if I simply stayed home with you. I could help with... something."

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. "Nonsense."

"But Mother -"

"No, no, you should be quite pleased with what I have to say!"

Sue squinted, unsure of why her mother seemed so happy. She straightened when a thought struck her. "Do you have news? From Father?"

"Yes."

Sue's grin widened. "What does he say?"

Elizabeth motioned to the couch and sat down. Sue followed. "He says that he will be coming home tomorrow, and that Jacob will be with him."

"Oh that is fantastic!" Sue said with exuberance. "What about Daniel?"

Elizabeth's smile faltered slightly. "Daniel won't be coming home with your Father, but he sends his regards."

"Why won't he be coming?"

"Apparently," Elizabeth stood, making sure to keep her face in Sue's sight. "He and Anna are becoming quite comfortable in their new home and he has no desire to come and see us."

Sue frowned and shifted. "But why? Daniel's always been so happy to come home."

Elizabeth sighed, then turned fully to Sue and smiled. "Because Anna is expecting their first child and he doesn't want to leave."

Sue jumped up. "Are you serious, Mother?"

"Yes, your Father informed me in his letter. He says Daniel won't go away from Anna for more than a moment without making sure she's all right."

Sue laughed as she threw her arms over her mother's small shoulders. "Oh, Mother, that is wonderful news!"

She stepped back, a smile still lifted her rose coloured lips. "May I tell Jack?"

"Well, of course. In fact, I think it would be very nice of you to bring him some lunch. It is time and the poor young man is more than likely exhausted from a day in the field." Elizabeth turned and walked into the kitchen, lifting the folds of her flowing skirt. Grabbing a basket, she filled it with a loaf of fresh bread and a small jar of jam. She turned back to Sue. "Here, take this."

"Thank you, Mother." Placing a kiss on her Mother's cheek, Sue hurried to the front door, where she dawned her overcoat, shoes, and bonnet.

Oh goody, goody, goody! Sue's taking the lunch bucket to JACK!!!!! And she has exciting news! And . . . and . . . and she's going to see JACK! Wait . . . I said that already. Anyway . . .

Um . . .could Jack's dad and Sue's dad maybe, um, maybe talk about arranging something? I mean . . . if they're doing the arranging ANYWAY, they may as well arrange for someone LOCAL, and if Jack's already on the premises, he may as well be in the running for Sue? Don't ya think??

. . . in case you've forgotten . . .

Ooooooooh... is Jack going to be all sweaty from working in the fields?

Sorry, was there something else going on in this post? Oh yes! We met Sue! And she's going to talk to Jack... who's all sweaty from working in the fields... I think he's going to need a wet cloth to cool his brow... and Sue could offer him her lap to use as a pillow so he can take a nap to energize himself for the rest of the day's work... where he's going to get all sweaty from working in the fields...

'scuse me while I flip the fan to "high"...

Tina

wow!!!

I don't have a fan , I wanna a fan!!!!

Tere

I have so many questions now. How well do Jack and Sue know each other -- for starts. And how is the dog doing? And is the dog Levi?...or soon to be christened Levi by Sue? And...and...and...

kav

So, Jack and Sue know each other?? How well?? I think Kav might have figured this out - IS the dog Levi?? Or, soon to be Levi???

Inquiring minds want to know all this and more!!!

Joy

I love the start of this AU and look forward to the answers to everyone's questions.

This story is going to be an attempted fluff piece, and since this is a first, I hope you'll all be able to bear with me



Nearing the Hudson farm, Sue looked over the large fields, in search for Jack. He, along with nearly two-hundred other men worked the Hudson fields, which were filled with hay and wheat, day and night for more than half of the year. Whenever rain would come, the crops would prosper, forcing the men to work more, but also rendering a greater crop. While many men were seen through the large areas, Jack was not found.

The road leading to the Hudson's house appeared and Sue quickly moved toward it. After a moment, she pulled into the trail that few people knew about. It led directly to the window of Jack's room. Jack had created the trail for Sue to find him easily whenever she needed him.

They came to the home and Sue pulled the horse to a stop. Sliding off, she untied the basket of food from the saddle and tied the horse to a tree nearby. Glancing into the open window, she noted that Jack was not there, which was an obvious conclusion.

Walking along the side of the large house, which was covered with rocks as siding, she looked through the trees that sometimes poked into her as she passed, and came to the edge where the Hudson farm operated. People occupied the area almost constantly, including men and woman, and often, food could be smelled coming from the kitchen would stood just inside the front door of the home.

Today was no exception. Smells of freshly baked bread, along with the sweet odor of spices and meat tingled Sue's senses. She considered walking into the home and complimenting Mrs. Hudson on her excellent cuisine, but instead decided to continue on her trek to find Jack.

She walked through the throng of men near the barns, smiling and nodding to each one who first gave the favour, and after spotting Mr. Hudson in the back yard, pumping water from their well with a handled contraption, she said, "Mr. Hudson."

He looked up and smiled. Turning to her, he ran a hand over his sweat glazed brow. "Well Miss Thomas, how nice to see you."

"Thank you, you as well. Is Jack around here somewhere?"

Abram chuckled as he dipped his head and pulled out a handful of water from the bucket seated by the well. Throwing the contents of his handsome face, he nodded toward the field. "He's working on the south field; should be taking a break soon, in fact." Looking to the basket, he added, "I'm sure he'd enjoy some of that food you brought."

Sue smiled. "All right, I will go make sure he doesn't work himself too hard. Thank you."


The south field proved to be much further than she had first envisioned, but thankfully, one of the men working nearby offered his horse for her to use.

Sue made her way to the forested area of the south field where she imagined Jack would be resting.

After a few moments, she came to the spot, and just had she had thought, Jack lay on the ground, a hand over his eyes, blocking the sun's golden rays. His shirt was soaked with sweat and drops beaded his face.

She jumped off the horse, gave it a gentle rub and led it to a shady area. The dress she wore proved to be most generous in keeping the sun's warmth - which was completely un-needed.

Walking silently within a few feet of Jack, she smiled. "Good morning, sleepy head."

Jack's eyes opened and he moved his arm. "Sue, you scared me." He smiled one of his customary lop-sided grin. "Hi."

Gathering the bottom of her skirt into her hand, she smiled and walked to a shaded area, near a small pond that lay inside the forest. "Hi, come over here, it's much cooler."

Jack nodded and stood. It was then that Sue noticed the few buttons that were unbuttoned near the top of his shirt, revealing the top of a firm and toned chest, one that had been earned through years of labour on the farm.

Pulling the baskets contents out, she looked to Jack as he came to her side and sat down. "I brought you some lunch."

"Thank you," he said with a smile as he gently touched her arm. "I appreciate it."

It still amazed her how a single touch of his hand would sent a jolt through her body, erasing all other feelings. "You're welcome." She paused. "I also brought some good news."

"Oh?" Taking a piece of bread which was now covered with a rich helping of strawberry jam, he nodded a thank you and continued, "What would that be?"

"My Father finally sent word today -"

Jack's eyes widened as he bit a piece of the bread. "It's about time."

Sue chuckled and dipped her head, pouring some jam onto her own helping of bread. "I thought the same. He said that he will be coming home soon, with Jacob."

"It'll be nice to see him again." His brow furrowed slightly. "And Daniel?"

When Sue gave no reply and realizing that she had most likely not read him, he touched her face. She looked to him quickly, a look of surprise and... desire? His voice became hoarse upon the sight. "And Daniel?" He asked, unsure whether to remove his hand or to let it stay upon her soft skin. It slowly sank to his side.

She cleared her throat and glanced away. "He won't be coming." A smile crept onto her face. "Because his wife is expecting."

Jack couldn't help but grin when she looked back to him. "Sue, that's wonderful!" He wrapped an arm around her, breathing in her beautiful scent.

"I know, I am so excited."

Without truly thinking, or perhaps banning the thought to enter his mind for fear that he would push it away, he pulled back and gently leaned forward, brushing his lips against her. He felt her smile against his lips and continued, slowly deepening as he cocked his head to the side, cupping her chin with a hand while the other stayed on the ground, keeping him from falling to the cool green earth.

Taking a breath, he reluctantly pulled back and opened his eyes. Hers slowly did the same and locked with his. Smiles filled their faces and he quickly dove back in, taking her face in both his hands and kissing her, hard. Her giggles erupted as she fell back to the ground.

His laughs soon joined hers. Hovering over her, looking into her eyes adoring love, he gently kissed her and sat back. "Thank you for the picnic."

Oh my yes... thank you so much for the, ummm... picnic, Sue. Seems Jack's parents actually have very little influence over whether he has a girlfriend!

Tina

Why do I have this anxious feeling that all will not go smoothly for our lovely young couple? Maybe it's just me . . .

Tere

I'm afraid I have to agree with Regina on this one. Cause I have the exact same feeling.

I'm too much of a giggling idiot to think about what Regina said. I think I'll just sit here contently and enjoy the image of Jack with his shirt slightly parted and sweat glistening off of him.... :drool:

Lindsy

I will never think about picnics the same way again!!! **sigh**

Now remember, ladies, Tracy said that this story was going to be an attempted FLUFF piece!! I think her attempt has been very successful so far!! So, we are going to think positive - Fluff and Fuzzies all the way!!!

Joy

Hi Tracy

I'm catching up on your story P1-5 - and had to laugh at Abram wondering if Jack, at 25, could "handle" a dog!

But what's with the "wagon"? Does Jack's folks have a farm? Is he visiting them? But...well, you have me

Oh, Regina...an AU story? And with a name like Abram...

I think I might be thinking the same thing you're thinking!

P1-13 - Now we're introduced to Sue and Jack is out working in the fields... so can we assume they are in the same community? Because if they are and its 1900, I think they would have arranged marriages! Oh, Regina and Tina, you just crack me up!

And I have my
running already! In fact, I'm shivering at the thought of a sweaty, shirtless Jack!

Be back in a jiffy to continue !

Lynn

P2-21 - Well, Jack wasn't shirtless, but the top two buttons undone has me undone!
This is really your first fluff story Tracy? Oh, that was an oh, so,
piece of fluff... congratulations on a job well done... now, I'm going to resume
my Jack!

Oh, and Regina, I'm usually the one who has those trepidations about a story, but this time I think it is going to be pure fluff!

You got that Tracy? I'm trusting you at your word there!

Lynn

Thank you! Yes, this will be my first no-angst (hint hint) filled story. It will hopefully be all fluff, except of course for the dog's past Sorry I didn't get a post in yesterday, I had an awful headache and no inspiration.

Memories are in italics



After the final piece of bread had been consumed and the jar of strawberry jam cleaned out, Jack lay back, resting his head on his arms and enjoying the cool of the shade. He looked to Sue, who was busy packing their picnic supplies, and smiled. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

The two had been friends for as long as Jack could remember. They had gone to school together and had gone from enemies to friends, and from friends to best of friends. If ever something happened in one's life, the other would be the first to know.

Then, one night, their relationship of best of friends collided with something so much more.

Sue's golden hair shimmered beneath the spotlight rays of the moon as she and Jack walked down their forested trail. At the end of the trail lay a swimming hole, which had become a favourite place for them.

"Wanna race?" Sue asked, glancing to Jack with a spunky smile. At just twenty-two, Sue had the determination and happiness of someone much older, someone who had not seen any hardships - yet even upon seeing many hardships, Sue managed to keep her joyous attitude throughout

Jack shook his head and looked ahead, trying to see the furthest, using the lantern light that he held. "Nah, I'm tired."

Sue's grin widened. "You're just afraid that a girl will beat you."

"I am not!" Jack replied, pursing his lips as to hide the smile that curved the corner of his lips.

"Are too!" Without another word, Sue dashed forward, not seeming to be in need of the lantern's guiding light. Instead, she followed the trail that had been used so often in their years together.

Chuckling, Jack picked up his pace, and before long, was directly behind Sue. The swimming hole was just a few feet ahead and Jack made a last attempt to get ahead of Sue.

Obviously, Sue thought the same and jumped forward, nearly landing in the water. "Sue!" Jack called out when Sue dissapeared into the darkness. He threw the lantern onto the ground and ran down the small embankment in search of Sue. "Sue, are you alright?"

Instead of hearing crying or any other response that would seem suitable to a young lady diving over the side of an embankment and landing in water, he heard laughing. Searching in the near darkness, he found her. She sat, knee deep in the water, laughing hysterically.

"Sue, are you hurt?" He asked, oblivious to the fact that she could not hear his questions.

She took his hands in hers and nodded. "Don't worry, Jack, I'm fine."

Jack sighed and squeezed her hand, then released them and stepped up the hill to find the lantern. Posing it over the side, he slid back down so Sue could see him. "You scared me."

She smiled. "Sorry, but I had to beat you. Now I can brag that I beat Jack Hudson in a race."

He shook his head, unaware of the cool water seeping into his clothes. "You got a head start - and you surprised me."

"Both of which gave me the opportunity to win." Standing, she said, "Go away, I have to change."

Smiling, he nodded. "Fine. But you still scared me."

Placing her hands on her hips, she chuckled. "I'm honoured, Mr. Hudson. It's so nice to know that you would care for a lowly girl such as me."

He stood and took her hands and placed them against his heart, which slammed against his chest in uneven motions - though if it was from the scare of from her dishevelled beauty, he wasn't sure. "I... You're not lowly."

Her smile slowly dissapeared, seemingly surprised by his actions and words. "Jack... I was joking."

Jack shook his head. "No, no... I know, but... I'm not." He had wanted to become her beau for so long, but he was afraid. But tonight, under these circumstances, he felt that it was the right time to ask. "Sue... I need you to..."

Her eyes moved quickly from his lips to his eyes, searching for something. "You need what, Jack?" Her voice was so soft, so quiet.

"I need you... to say 'yes'."

She smiled. "'Yes' to what, Jack?"

"Say 'yes' to being my... my beau."

"What?" Her hands dropped to her side.

"I need you, Sue, and I can't live without you. If you say 'yes', I'll go to your Father's home tomorrow and ask for your hand and -"

"Jack, do you hear yourself? Are you sure you know what you're asking?" Her voice was filled with pleas, almost as though she didn't want him to say what he did, because she might just believe him. "You're family wouldn't want you to marry a girl like me."

"A girl like you? What, happy, beautiful, kind... what's wrong with a girl like you?"

She glanced away, to the lantern, then slowly back. "I..." She nodded. "Alright. Yes."

"You mean it? Are you sure?"

Sue gently placed both hands on his face and nodded again. "Yes, Jack, In fact... I never thought you'd ask."

He couldn't help but laugh. Cupping her face in the same fashion as she, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her, finally tasting her sweetness. It became apparant to him that every sweet word that she had ever said were created by those lips, so it seemed only right that she tasted the same.

Tere

how sweet is that... i love it... jack is just a cuty pie.

I caught up on your story. I love the way you picture people in the past as you do. I can see the places in my head : wonderful job! And Jack and Sue together in this part of time : WOW!

I can see that whole scene acted out in front of me, Tracy!! Very well written!!!

I'm so glad Sue said yes, and I'm sure Jack is too!!! **sigh**

Joy

Fluff is good. Very good. Angst only gets in the way of fluff so keeping angst out and fluff in is...good. So Jack and Sue are engaged. Why are they so excited about her father coming home? And what about the stray dog? Is it all right? and....well, I guess there's no point in me asking questions...you'll answer them all in your own good time.

You know, that's all I can say right now. I just have no words.

Lindsy

Ladies, I will do my absolute best to make sure that no angst finds it's way into this story




"Thank you for today," Jack said with a smile as he took Sue's hand in his. His other stayed occupied with the reins of the horse that Sue had brought. He had chosen to walk back than to ride, as to spend as much time with Sue as possible.

She smiled and glanced to the farm ahead. "You're welcome." Swinging her arm in rhythm with his, she asked, "How much longer until the fields are done?"

He understood the subtle question within her question. "Well, the fields will be empty in about three weeks... and we can get married in four." Hearing her chuckle, he stopped and gently pulled her to him, uncaring of the men around. "Four weeks, Sue, and then..." She smiled and nodded, gently kissing him.

Stepping back, she said, "I'm so glad that my Father will be home in time to see us." She began hastening her step as to get away from the burning sunshine. "My Mom told him of our plans and he seems to be quite excited for us."

Jack nodded. "Good. Who knows, maybe if we can get some more hands here, we could get this field finished even faster."

"Don't work yourself too hard," Sue replied with a grin. "I don't want a dead husband."

He laughed and shook his head. "And my Father will probably not like a bunch of exhausted workers who are too tired to help get the food to ship."

Sue's smile faltered. "Oh I forgot about that, when are you le-"

"I'm not going. I'm sure one less set of hands won't hurt too much."

"Are you sure? I don't want to get you in trouble."

He squeezed her hand and smiled, squinting from the headache that was beginning, most likely caused by the sun's blinding light. "Don't worry, after the harvest, there won't be any work to do." He turned to her. "I'm all yours."



"Dad, what's wrong?" Jack asked when he saw his Father's face wrinkled with worry. Sue stayed behind, stroking the horse's blonde fur, as Jack walked to his Father's side. The farm's bustle had nearly completely died down as many of the men had gone to their homes for dinner.

Abram ran a hand through his hair. "The dog, he's gone."

"What? How did he get out of the barn?"

"Not sure," Abram said, shaking his head. "He must have dug his way out. I found a small hole... there's no way he could have gotten out though."

Jack glanced to Sue, then to his Father. "Let me just get Sue home and I'll help you look for him."

Abram shrugged. "Or maybe we should just let him go. The dog's probably too scared of humans to even let us near him."

Sue walked to Jack's side and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but did you say a dog?"

Jack nodded. "Yeah, we found a dog on the road this morning. He was out cold so we put him in the barn... he must have escaped."

"But that is no concern of yours, Sue," Abram said, smiling. "You're probably tired and want to go home."

"Oh, no, I'm fine. I want to help find him."

"Sue, the dog may be dangerous. He looked like he may have been abused, and dog's like that don't really treat humans too well after they escape."

Sue slowly nodded, then said, "But maybe he just needs to find someone to love and someone who will love him back."

Jack glanced to Abram and smiled. It was so like Sue to want to help anything that needed it. "Alright," he said with a nod. "I'll check the west road, Sue, if you want, you can check around here. Dad, you want to check the trails?"

Abram nodded and turned to Sue. "Be careful. If you find him, just tell us, he may hurt you if you try to touch him."

"Alright, thank you."

Grazing a kiss on her cheek, Jack stepped back and walked to the barn to find a horse.

So far, so good . . . I'm holding you to it, Tracy!!

They're getting MARRIED!!!! Yay!!!

But wait . . . what's with the headache? See, I'm looking for angst where there have been PROMISES made to avoid angst!! Oh, woe is me . . . I'm sure it's that batting eyelashes smilie that's made me nervous . . .

Oh... how wonderful! Sue will find Levi!!

Tere

After I snapped out of the Jack induced-trance that put me in, I did a little happy dance at the promise it holds! Jack... al mine, er, Sues. Sounds heavenly.

And no angst too!!

Tina

where did he go.... i hope he is okay.

Four weeks? That seems far too long to have to wait for them to get married.


Still... they're getting married!!! Whoo-hoo!

Lindsy

No angst...except for the dog's!!!!! I'm glad that nothing is going to stand in the way of Jack and Sue getting married. I was worried in the beginning that maybe Sue's father would have something to say about that!!! Now I have a feeling that Sue is going to have some special magic with this dog that neither Jack or his father had.

kav

I agree with kav - I think Sue is going to find the dog, the dog is going to fall in love with her on sight, and the dog will be Levi!!!

Joy

When Levi will see her he indeed will fall for her... as we all fall each time WE hear from Jack!

It seems that I always get stuck on Challenge stories. Let's hope that passes quickly

Just a snippet today.



The dog cowered beneath the large bush, wondering how long he could hide there without someone finding him. There were three voices among the others, and he had no doubt that they were looking for him.

Getting out of the barn had been an easy task, though how he had gotten there puzzling. He could only recall falling asleep in the storm but did not remember being brought to this farm.

He could smell the scent of food wafting from the home but dared not enter - it could be a trap. Knowing that the people around were looking for him, judging by their tones, the dog stayed hidden, trying to stay out of sight.

The booted feet soon seperated until only two remained, those of a woman. They slowly started to move toward him, as though knowing exactly where he was. He held back a whimper, not so much afraid of the woman, but of the followings - she may give him back to his previous owners.

The bushes began to part and the dog began to growl. He didn't want to hurt her, but he didn't want to go back.

"Shhh, it's alright." When the leaves were moved, a beautiful young woman appeared, her gentle eyes directed on him. His growling ceased. "It's alright beautiful," she whispered, her voice soothing and calm. "I'm not going to hurt you."

For some reason, he believed her.

"Why don't you come out and have some food?" When he made no movement, she stood and walked to the front door of the home and dissapeared inside, then returned a moment later. The smell of food thickened. She bent down again. "Here, doesn't this smell good?" She placed a bowl filled with meat just outside of the dog's protective layer.

His hungry stomach growled in protest of not eating the delicious smelling food. The woman continued to repeat, "I'm not going to hurt you."

After a moment of staring from her to the bowl, he slowly stood and walked out of the bushes, uncaring of the branches that scratched him. He emerged and isntantly placed his nose over the meat; it smelled just as good up close. After tasting it, he began to eat.

The woman didn't move toward him. She just stayed, kneeling, watching him eat and quietly saying, "You poor thing."

Though unsure why, the dog began to trust her, and by the time she took the bowl from him to get him more food, his tail was beginning to wag.

Oh, Tracy, that was so sweet! I just KNEW Levi would find a human worth trusting in Sue! Looking forward to more, and here's hoping the rest of the story just comes flowing out exactly like you want it!

And, Sue's Levi is born!!!

Joy