DITTO TO JOY!!! YESSSS!

Tere

He finally has someone he can trust. What a difference that will make!

Are we going to find out who mistreated him so? We never knew in the series, and I think they deserve to have some repercussions rain down on them!

Tina

The poor thing. But he has nothing to worry about. He's among friends now.

Lindsy

Levi, you just find a true friend in Sue... and there are some more in Jack and his folks...

Yep -- he's found a new set of humans who know how to care and respect their animals. Perfect.

kav

A few more non-angsty-fuzzies



"Levi, sit."

The command was immediately obeyed, and the young woman quickly handed the dog a treat and rubbed his golden head. "See, Jack?" Sue asked, standing. "He's already learned so much."

Jack lifted his cowboy hat, ran a hand along his forehead and placed it back. He nodded and smiled. "I have to hand it to you, you've got that dog just about trained perfectly. I'll be we could get lots o' money for him when we sell him at tomorrow's auction."

Sue's eyes widened in horror. "Jack, you wouldn't -"

He stepped forward, smiling, and took her hands in his. "You're right, I wouldn't. I'm just kidding." Jack looked to the dog which seemed to be grinning. "He's a nice looking dog."

Sue looked to her faithful companion then to her fiance. "He's beautiful." She released Jack's hands and knelt in front of the Golden and smiled. "You are such a good dog, Levi." Sue had named the dog nearly immediately after finding him over three weeks ago. The dog had completely lost it's fear under Sue's guidance and love. Now, the two had become inseparable. In fact, her presence at the Hudson farm was now a norm - and Jack was not complaining.

The sight of her every day caused Jack's heart to swell with pride and joy. Pride because he would soon be married to the most beautiful woman in the country - or possible, the world, and joy because he would soon be married to that same woman. In fact, day by day, he found it more and more difficult to keep himself away from her. He found himself craving her nearness.

He even began to envy the dog.

Touching her shoulder, Jack waited until Sue looked to him, then said, "You know, I could use some training too. Or just, you know, some of that sweet-talking."

She straightened and smiled, placing her arms around his neck. "Well, I'm not really sure what to do about that. Because, I don't know what to say."

"Hmm," he mumbled, running a finger down her jaw line, then burying his face in her neck. Slowly pulling back, he whispered, "You could say that I'm the luckiest man on earth."

Her flustered eyes sought his. "I'm the luckiest girl on earth."

He smiled. "You could say that I'm going to marry the most beautiful woman."

"I'm going to marry the most handsome man." Her fingers tendered twined together and tickled his neck, playing with strands of his dark hair. He nearly shivered beneath her touch.

His voice became husky as he came yet closer, just about touching his lips to hers, but staying just a breath away. "You could say that I'm about to kiss the most -" Her lips touched his before he could finish. Laughing, he picked her up and turned in circles, reveling in her laughter and smiles as she pulled back slightly, keeping her eyes on his as he slowed and came to a stop, lowering her body to the ground.

"I could say that -" Levi's bark broke her sentence. Looking down to the dog, Sue smiled. "I think he's getting tired of our games."

Jack shrugged, glanced to the dog, who sat, staring at the two humans, then back to Sue. "Well then, maybe we should play our game somewhere else." Taking her hands in his, he tugged her toward the barn, but she stood firm, grinning.

"Jack Hudson, you only have less than a week to wait."

He stepped forward and kissed her. "I don't think I can wait." Seeing her smile, he admitted, "Alright. But just a week. Because, I swear, Sue Thomas, if you make me wait anymore... well, who knows what could happen?"

She placed a hand on his chest. "Just one week. I promise."

Levi boy, you interrupte them just at the right time... if you haven't who knows what could have happened...!
Think positive Jack : One week!!!

Just one week!

Levi you rock!

Tere

I love non-angsty fuzzies . . . !

And . . . Yes, Sue, you are . . .

Jack seems to be having difficulties with his patience all over the board! Personally, I would think it would be Sue! One look from 'those eyes' and oh my...

Tina

Patience is a virtue I still don't have... and if I were Sue, I'm not quite sure I would want it.

Lindsy

Levi is almost to wonderdog level!!!

Less than a week - be still my heart!!!

Joy

Ah, who needs a patient Jack?

kav

Just a wee bit of angst in this post but it'll be gone by the post's end




"I got Jacobs to look over the crops yesterday and he said that they'll be good for removal by Friday," Abram said as he ate pieces of warm chicken. He looked to Jack. "If we get it all off by Monday, you're wedding can be on -"

He stopped abruptly when the sounds of hoof beats and wagon wheels drifted through the evening air. Jack stood and walked to the window. A large carriage approached, two white horses guiding it. "Uh, Dad, someone's here."

Abram also stood and went to his son's side, then walked to the door. Sending an apologetic smile to his wife, he hurried out. Jack did the same.

An older man, one dressed quite well, stepped from the carriage and gave a smile that seemed anything but genuine. "Good day, Sir."

Abram nodded slowly, eyeing the man suspiciously. "Good day. What can I do for you?"

"I'm sorry to disrupt your dinner but I believe that's my dog over there."

Jack's eyes widened. He looked from the stranger to Levi, who suddenly began barking and pacing, pulling against the rope that held him near the barn. The stranger's dark eyes looked from the dog to Abram, then Jack. "Thanks for taking care of him but I'm just gonna take him home now."

Abram glanced to Jack and back. "What's your name, Sir?"

The stranger's brow twitched. "Name's Charles Montgomery, and that is my dog."

"Are you the one who hurt him then?"

Jack looked from his Father to Charles and wondered why his father was testing the obviously untrustworthy man.

Charles took a step forward and lowered his head. "I didn't hurt that dog."

Abram straightened. "Then I wonder who did." He slowly reached into his back pocket and took out his leather pouch. "How much do you want for him?"

Charles' mouth dropped open. "He aint for sale," he quickly said, anger seeping into his voice. "Now let me just take my dog and I'll leave."

"How much do you want for him?" Abram's jaw set and his determination set in. Jack nearly pulled out his own money pouch to add to his Father's payment, but when Abram produced a handful of silver coins, he left his pouch where it was.

"Give me my dog."

Abram took a step forward, nearly closing the gap between the two. "That dog is not leaving here. He deserves a good home..." He grabbed Charles' hand and stuffed the money into it. "And he is staying. Now you go find a stack a hay to beat up."

Charles' eyes did not waver, yet his features turned to those of a defeated man. He slowly took a step back, glanced to the barking dog, and silently turned away, back to his wagon.

Jack went to his Father's side. "Thanks, Dad."

Abram sighed. "That poor dog needs a family, not an owner."

"Sue will be glad to hear that he's ours now."

Turning and looking at Levi, Abram replied, "Well, I'm sure it will make a nice wedding gift." Placing his money pouch back in his pocket, he smiled. "Now, I think we have some food left waiting for us."

I hope we don't see THAT guy make a reappearance! I really like Abram . . . like father, like son! Great post!

WOO-OO! Levi's staying!
Sue will be so excited and thankful to both Abram and Jack!

Yes Charles, go find a haystack to beat up. No more hurting living beings. And be thankful Abram and Jack are good people and didn't decide to give you a taste of what you gave Levi...

Tina

what a way to go Mr. Abram!

Tere

Whoo-hoo! I love a man who stands up for animals!

Lindsy

Phew -- though paying him for Levi was too generous. They should have given him a taste of his own medicine! But that's the perfect wedding present for Jack and Sue.

kav

I love how Abram handles things!!!

Joy

The hand on Sue's arm told her of morning and the light pouring through the cotton curtains echoed the fact. Even with her eyes closed, she could see the brightness. She couldn't help but smile.

Today, the most wonderful day of her life, she would marry Jack.

Time had flown since his proposal and yet, at the same time, it had crawled to unbearable measures.

Sue turned slowly and took the hand in hers. It's rough texture was definitely not her mothers, which was the usual person to awaken her.

Her eyes fluttered open and locked onto her Father's smiling face. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, sitting up and throwing her arms around his neck.

Joseph laughed and pulled back, "Your Mother tells me that I got here just in time."

"Yes, you're just in time." Her smile widened. "Is Jacob here as well?"

"He sure is, and he's waiting for you downstairs."

Immediately, Sue pushed the blankets back and jumped from her bed, picking up a shawl on her way out the door. Joseph followed slowly behind..

"Jacob!" Sue screamed as her brother took hold of her waist and swung her in the air. "You look wonderful!"

He gave a dimpled grin. "You don't look so bad yourself, little sister." Setting her down and glancing to Elizabeth, he added, "I think Jack will be pretty happy to have you for a wife."

Sue placed a hand on her brother's arm and looked to her Father. "I am so happy that you will be here for the wedding." Her smile faltered. "It's just too bad that Daniel won't be here too."

Suddenly, from behind her, a voice said, "Yeah, it is too bad."

Jacob touched Sue's arm and motioned behind her. Looking back, Sue screeched with delight as Daniel came to her side and pulled her into a hug. "Daniel! I can't believe you're here too!"

"Well you can believe it." He stepped back and washed his eyes over her. "Sue... a year has been too long."

She nodded. "Yes, it has. But it is so good to see you. And where is your beautiful wife?"

"She stayed home. Her Mother volunteered to stay while I came here for your wedding. After talking with her, we decided that it would be best that I come."

Sue quickly went back into his arms. "Well I am so glad. This is going to be the best day of my life."

I'll dance at their wedding!

kav

And I'll sing! (Never said you'd want to hear me, just that I'll sing. )

Tina

WOOHOOO!!!

Tere

Ready to dance, Tracy!

Lindsy

I'm so glad for her that everyone was able to make it on time for the wedding!
The more... the merrier!!!

I haven't read many AUs prefering the 'original' setting, but I have to say that I am really enjoying this story.

Can't wait to read about the wedding.

- RSL

I made it just in time!! Their wedding day - I'm almost as excited as Sue is!!!

Joy

Thank you all for reading

Here is the outside of my chosen church:



And the inside:





The bouquet was simple, yet picked with perfect care. Elizabeth had wandered through her garden and the Thomas' field in search of beautiful flowers, mainly those of white and pink. Roses, tulips, and wildflowers accented the bouqet and their perfume-like scents wafted into the small backroom of the church.

Sue's shaking hands seemed to completely ignore her orders to remain still as she tied her stray bangs behind her ears. Her Mother helped by handing the pins to her daughter and chuckling at the sight of her shaking body.

"I was nervous on my wedding day, as well, Sue," she said, smiling.

Sue gave a small smile, watching her reflection in the long mirror. "I'm not so much nervous... just... afraid."

Elizabeth chuckled. "There's little difference, dear."

"I think there is. I'm not nervous about the wedding, I'm just afraid that Jack... that he'll maybe become bored with me... with my deafness."

Her Mother's hand took Sue's. "Sue, Jack loves you for you are. Not for who you could be or what you do or do not have. You have a wonderful heart and he knows that."

"He has a wonderful heart too."

"I know that, which is why your Father agreed to your marriage."

Sue's face showed her question. "Dad agreed?"

"Mhmm." Elizabeth nodded and smiled, turning away to pick up the veil before saying, "You may be grown up, but your Father still gets a say in your life."

Sue smiled. "And Jack asked him?"

"Yes. He's a fine man, Sue. I know you two will be happy together."

"Oh I know, he's wonderful... and I can't wait to be his wife."


I'm afraid this is cut quite short (more to come) but I have a job 'appointment' today so I have to go very soon. I would truly appreciate any prayers as I am very nervous!

Very sweet! I loved the pictures, too! Good luck with your appointment! Already said a prayer for you!

Sue will calm down as soon as she looks into Jack's eyes!!!

Love the church - it's exactly as I pictured it!!!

Good luck, Tracy!!!

Joy

I hope the appointment went well!

Sue would be right at home in that church. Simple and beautiful.

Tina

Your mom is right Sue, listen to her!



Tere

Sue will forget about everything except her perfect husband-to-be when she sees him...even her fears.

Since your job appointment is probably over by now, I hope it went well and that you got the result that you want out of it... (fingers crossed and prayer said!)

Thank you for your prayers and comments! I suppose the appointment went well I went in to hand in my resume and ended up having an interview, which was kinda scary, but I think I've got the job. We'll see soon




Sue's hands found his face and intertwined with his dark hair, his kisses causing her to loose her sight as her eyes drifted closed. She relied on the strength of his body as he slowly lowered her onto the mattress, his own arms wrapped around her back. Jack's body shook with gentle excitement as he lay his bride atop the bed, then slowly straightened and looked at her beautiful face.

"I love you, Sue Hudson," he signed slowly, as though afraid he would spell the name wrong."

She smiled and sat up, taking his hands in hers. "I love you too, Jack."

His hands went to her neck where he gently caressed as he sat beside her on the bed. She fought to keep her eyes open against the sleepy motions and his soothing scent. "Are you ready?" he whispered, lowering his hands. "You can still back out." His smile caused Sue to nod.

"Just let me think about that, Mr. Hudson."

Jack smiled and watched his wife stand from the bed and walk to the window of his bedroom. She turned back. "What do you recommend?"

"I could give you a home."

Her grin widened. "I have a home."

He stood. "I can give you love."

"My family loves me."

He immediately closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. "Not the same," he muttered with a sideways smile before kissing her softly.

She reveled in his closeness, his gentleness. His love for her was evident in the beat of his heart, the curve of his lips, the smile in his eyes... she had no doubt that this man would love her forever. Jack guided her back to the bed, then laid down, Sue still in his arms. He kissed her gently, softly, then passionately, like a husband should. He could barely understand why God had given Sue to him, an unworthy man completely undeserving of this perfect woman.

He could only thank God for his merciful blessing.



Levi lay next to the warm fire, enjoying the heat on the cool evening. His best friends, Jack and Sue, sat near him, talking like children to the baby sitting atop Sue's lap. They giggled and spoke to the young one, loving like parents should. For some reason, Levi felt left out. He had witnessed the loving of his masters to each other and to their daughter, and he envied their love.

Love had been invisible in his former home, and now, it was abounding.

Suddenly, from behind him, the bushes moved, causing a stir among the night birds and horses nearby. Levi immediately stood, as did Jack. More movement, then, slowly, a golden dog appeared, walking from the leaves as though it were finally home.

Levi quickly went to the dog to see if it was friend or foe. The dog's lick and wagging tail told of it's friendly manner. Levi's heart beat wildly at the possibility... could this be the friend he had waited for?

The beautiful dog looked at Levi through brown eyes, curious, yet caring. Among other animals, he had only seen animosity, but this dog's eyes held none. She slowly took a step forward and touched her nose to Levi's, groaning quietly.

Levi glanced to his masters and saw their smiling features. He knew this was the one. He turned back and nudged his head against the golden's neck, telling her that she was welcome.






I know the ending is a bit cheesy, but I hope you enjoyed the story and I'm very thankful to all who read!

Hey, cheese is one of my favorite foods . . . but this wasn't cheesy! It was beautiful! Thank you for sharing a sweet story of love and committment, and for giving Levi a girlfriend in the end! What a great way to conclude the story! A new baby, and a girl dog!

Good luck with the job!!!

Nice challenge story!
thanks,
Terie

Wonderful story Tracy!!! I love the last part, when Levi finds his one

Thanks!

Tere

Tracy, I don't think this ending is cheesy at all, it's perfect!! You've given us a story full of love and commitment!! And, you have ended it beautifully with Jack and Sue starting their family, and have filled Levi's life with even more love with his own companion!! It can't get any better than that!!!

Thanks so much for sharing once again!! And Congratulations on the appointment and interview. I'm sure you got the job!!!

Joy

Hey, cheese is one of my comfort foods. And any time I can get comfort food with no calories, I'm all in!

Jack and Sue have been through so much on this board over the years, and it was nice to see them have such an understanding of where their hearts lay, right from the beginning.

Thank you for joining the challenge, and good luck with the job!

Tina

You concluded that story perfectly for everyone's taste.

1) Jack and Sue are happily married

2) They have a baby girl to love

3) They love Levi and he love them too

4) Levi has his girlfriend

What can we want more than that???

Thanks for sharing, Tracy

I enjoyed this story, thanks for sharing it!

That was a lovely story Tracy!
And I am happy for Levi...he truly deserves a friend ;0)
Josy

Love how sweet and tender Jack was with Sue.

How precious to have them with their baby girl


And you gave Levi a girlfriend

Cheesy...NO WAY!!! I love it! Thanks Tracy, great story.

Thank you to each who has read and/or commented! It's very appreciated

I forgot to add the final word count, so here it is: 6563

Also, I wanted to thank you for your prayers and well wishes with the job - I got it!

Tracy

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE JOB, TRACY!!!

Tracy, I'm so happy to hear you got the job!! I knew you would!! Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the word count - it is greatly appreciated!!!

Joy

Tracie, that was an excellent ending...and Levi with the potential of having a lady love himself. Perfect.

kav