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RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2004 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > Christmas Challenge and Stories - 2004
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marlo29
Hi everyone. Since I'm done with my christmas preparation and my daughter is not arriving for another three days, I figured i would give that story a try. If I don't have time to finish it, I will post it in the work in progress later.

And a big thanks to everyone for my previous attempt.

Marlo




Wednesday, Dec 1, 2004

Late afternoon in the bullpen.


It was a very quiet day. Bobby’s latest paper plane design went flying over Jack’s head to land squarely on Myles’ paperwork. Myles gave Bobby a furious glance before tossing the plane in the garbage can where it got reunited with its predecessors. Everyone else was trying very hard not to laugh while putting their finishing touch on their last report.

“Jack”, interrupted Lucy. “Call on line 2.”

“Jack Hudson”, picking up the phone. A smile crossed his face. “Hi Buddy, I haven’t heard about you in a long time.”

Now everyone attention was turned toward Jack. He purposely ignored them.

“Believe me there was a perfectly legitimate explanation.” Now Jack was laughing. “NO! …Amazing would be more precise”, admitted Jack giving a quick look in Sue’s direction while flushing slightly at his buddy’s wisecrack. “She would? …A month already? …I would love too, but …No, it’s kind of quiet right now …I would have to check with her …Are you sure? …I will get back to you tonight.” More laughing from Jack. “OK, OK, I owe you. I will phone you back with our time of arrival …Yah, see you.”

The silent was so thick even Sue could hear it. They were all expectantly waiting for an explanation. Jack turned toward his computer to check the flight out of DC. Tomorrow night or Friday morning would be perfect. He cleared the screen as a plane hit him on the shoulder.

“WHAT!!!” he yelled more amused than anything else, a big grin on his face.

“Mate, out with it. Who was it?”

“A friend of mine”, before leaving his desk to walk over Sue’s. “If you don’t have any plan for tonight, could I take you out for pizza?”

Now all eyes were turned toward Sue. Even though her and Jack often went out for lunch or dinner, it was the first time it remotely looked like he was asking her out. Lucy was holding her breath. Sue smiled back at him and agreed. Jack stepped shortly in Garrett’s office before leaving with Sue.
Von27usa
Marlo29 it looks like youve got another winner here. I'm ready for more.
Kavi Leighanna
Okay, so I'm reading and I'm going, Bobby's childish and Myles is a prick (was going to use a different word but decided against it) and then I went... wait, I can't belive that's it!

*whispers* psst! This is the part where you go write more! clapping.gif thumbsup.gif bounching.gif
marlo29
Thursday Dec 2, 2004

When Sue got back from her walk with Levi, she was surprised to find Lucy already in the kitchen making coffee.

“Luce, it’s only 6:30. What are you doing up?” Sue’s hope of evading Lucy’s question just evaporated when she noticed the gleam in her eyes.

“That must have been a huge pizza. You were still not back when I went to bed at 11:30. I want every detail. To start with, have you come home at all last night?”

Sue blushed at the allusion. She had come home quite late, actually quite early this morning.

“It’s not what you think, Luce”, doing her best to seem offended, not that Lucy bought it. “OK, it’s …”

“What I think”, finished Lucy with a triumphant grin on her feature.

“NO! I didn’t spend the night with Jack.” They were both laughing now. “But he invited me to spend the week-end with him in Milwaukee.”

Lucy just gawked.

“Remember our undercover role at Callahan and Merced.” Lucy just nodded. They were still teasing Sue and Jack over the kiss. “Well, his lawyer friend James Buchanan, the one he switched identity with, he phoned Jack yesterday.”

“The was the secret phone call?”

“Yes, and James and his wife invited us for the weekend. Apparently his wife ran into a friend of Janice Clark …”

“Who’s Janice Clark?”

“Janice was the secretary who caught us in Hillary’s office …you know”, blushing slightly at the memory of her and Jack making out in the office. “Anyway, apparently his wife is curious to meet the woman her husband is supposedly having an affair with.”

“And? Are you going?”

“Jack didn’t give me a choice. He said he would drag me there screaming if he had to. James insisted. He and his wife are not going out much since the birth of their first child and they would really appreciate the company.”

“They have a brand new baby?”

“Yes, a month old, and he’s Jack’s godson. So I couldn’t say no”, not that I wanted to say no anyway, she added for herself. Not after the evening they spent.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning and we’ll be back Monday or Tuesday.”

“I’m so excited for you, Sue. You’ll have a great time I’m sure. So are you going to tell me what happened after pizza?”

“We went for a walk, then to his apartment. We had coffee, we booked our flights, phoned his friend, and then he drove me home.” Jack had hooked up her blackberry to the phone so she could follow the conversation between Jack and James. They were sitting side by side on his couch, as the conversation lengthened his arm came to rest around her shoulders, and by the time they hung up laughing, she was snuggling against him. He had taken both the phone and the blackberry and placed them on the table before wrapping both arms around her. She had closed her eyes, her head resting on his chest. She remembered him stroking her hair and kissing her forehead. When she woke up hours later, they were lying on the couch, his arms still holding her securely. She had lifted her head and met his big brown eyes sparkling at her. None of them had said anything. Words had not been necessary. They just got up, took their coats and drove into the night. He walked her to the apartment and placed a goodnight kiss on her cheek before leaving.

By lunchtime, everyone, including Myles, were done with their paperwork and nothing was in the forecast for the afternoon. So they all went for a long lunch together and by the time they got back to the bullpen, they decided it was a good idea to get the Christmas tree out of the storage room. The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating the scrawny little tree and avoiding Bobby’s inquiries about their coming weekend together.

Jack took Sue out for dinner and a walk with Levi but they got back early so they could pack.
lilsmoochiegirl
heheheh great.....wonder who it was? oh well.....wait anyone have some pocorn this is interesting. post mroe pleaseeeee.................Great! I found the popcorn laugh.gif
LizzyM87
Fantastic job!! hehe. There was quite a bit that Sue didn't tell Lucy... and with good reason. wink.gif Keep up the excellent work! Looking forward to their trip together. wub.gif
lilsmoochiegirl
oooo sooooooooooo good. sorry about that post earlier it got all messed up and I posted late but i didn't read your second post, sorry
Alice
You are very brave to start this late in the month! I really like what you've posted so far...you've got the interaction between the characters down so well. (And I also love your title!)
jbryse
I'm loving this! EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wubb.gif bounching.gif It's so good I'm speechless! Keep up the great job!
Sue'sJack
Marlo is Back bounching.gif bounching.gif bounching.gif bounching.gif clapping.gif clapping.gif clapping.gif I am absolutely in.... hehehe
cellogirl
Yay! bounching.gif bounching.gif bounching.gif Marlo's back!


Awesome start! Please add more soon thumbsup.gif
TinaLynne
Loving this so far, Marlo!! Thanks for the nice warm fuzzies so early in the story... wub.gif I hope their weekend away goes well!
marlo29
Friday, Dec 3, 2004

Jack showed up at 7:00. Lucy was still in her nightie and Sue was in the shower. He offered to make coffee while the girls were getting ready. Lucy left for work about the same time Sue, Jack and Levi left for the airport. Their flight was leaving at 9:55am and arriving in Milwaukee at 3:44pm but they had a 3 1/2 hours wait in Chicago. They took advantage of the break to exit the airport and give Levi some fresh Chicago air.

James was waiting for them at the airport. Same height and built than Bobby, but with short curly brown hair, friendly dark brown eyes and a Midwest accent. He gave Jack a firm handshake and Sue a huge hug.

“I can see I have great taste in woman”, he winked at Jack. “I’m the real J. Buchanan. Nice meeting you, Sue. And that must be Levi”, petting the dog. “Kate is bugging me for a dog. She may not let him go. Lets get your luggage and get out of here before rush hour hits.”

The normally forty-five minutes drive home took an hour and a half. Sue and Jack sat at the back while James was driving. Sue followed the conversation through the rearview mirror.

“You were right, Jack, when you said she’s an amazing woman.”

Jack and Sue glanced at each other before Jack answered that indeed she was, taking her hand and squeezing it. ‘I am glad you came’, Jack signed. ‘Me too’ she signed back.

They came to a lovely bungalow in the suburb. A tiny redhead woman with a squealing baby welcomed them. Kate had just come back from the doctor’s office, little Adam had a bad ear infection. James kissed his tired wife and took his son. Sue helped Kate to prepare a late dinner while James motioned Jack to follow him with the luggage to the guest room.

They had lasagna and ceasar salad and took turn trying to sooth the sick infant. Finally Adam fell asleep against Sue’s shoulder and his mom took him to bed. Sue had noticed the dark circles under Kate’s blue eyes and wasn’t surprised when she also went to bed shortly after. James gave them a key and excused himself. They would catch up tomorrow but he and Kate were tired because of their sleepless night with Adam.

Jack and Sue went for their evening walk with Levi in the neighborhood. Sue was holding Levi’s leash while Jack had his arm around her waist.

“You’re awfully quiet, Jack. Is something wrong?”

“No, just enjoying your company and some peace and quiet away from the little screaming machine.”

“He was loud, wasn’t he? I swear I could feel the house shaking.”

“Yah, but he looked very comfy on your shoulder.” Sue noticed the glee in Jack’s eyes when he said it.

“He’s so adorable. I think we should go back, Jack. I have a feeling we’ll be up early tomorrow.”

They headed back and only when he led Sue to the guest room did he remember the sleeping arrangement. Her gaze went from both their luggage beside the queen size bed to the cozy fireplace to him.

“I didn’t know James would assume more, but I promise to be a prefect gentleman and stay on my side. The bathroom is that door and you can go first.”
Von27usa
Another great post Marlo29, I cant wait for more. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Sue'sJack
oh Marlo as usual you nailed it good... great post.... I think Jack and Sue are going to experience being a family hehe with little Adam and letting James and Kate rest a bit ...... unsure.gif unsure.gif unsure.gif
Awesome great job!!!!
Carry on please
TinaLynne
I'm loving the situation that you've put Jack and Sue in---can't wait for some more!
LizzyM87
Ooh, fantastic job, marlo!! Lovin' it, absolutely lovin' it!! It was great to see how wonderful Sue was with the baby. Jack's gentle admiration of Sue is wonderful to see too. Looking forward to more soon!
marlo29
Saturday, Dec 4, 2004

The warmth was the first sensation that filtered through Sue’s mind when she woke up. Then the slow rhythmic beating against her head, and her hand, of its own accord, caressing his chest. She slowly opened her eyes, wondering how her dream could feel so wonderful.

“Hi sleeping beauty”, kissing her forehead. She recoiled but he held her back. “In case you wonder, I was good. You’re the one who ventured on my side last night.” She blushed profusely knowing he was right. She came to apologize but he placed his finger on her lips. “I am not sorry. I don’t recall having ever slept that good.” He brushed a lock of blond hair away from her cheek. “Sue, I …” He stopped, concentrating on something. “Adam is up and I don’t think he’s happy”, he said smiling. “Ready to start the day?” She smiled back at Jack. She could get use to that.

As long as he was in someone’s arm, Adam wasn’t too bad, but you could tell his ears were still bothering him. They talked about Sue and Jack’s job, James’ practice and Kate’s part time job. She was a speech therapist and worked, before her maternity leaves, four mornings a week at different elementary schools. She was in charge of early detection and intervention programs. Sue really liked the enthusiastic woman.

To give James and Kate an afternoon break after another sleepless night, Sue and Jack took little Adam for a ride in his sleigh. Levi dutifully walked beside the baby. It started snowing. Big white fluffy snowflakes. Adam woke up and cried. Levi got Sue's attention. She cradled Jack’s godson in her arms and his big brown eyes shined at her.

“You know Jack, he has your eyes.”

“That’s why he’s so gorgeous”, he exclaimed. “And that’s why you cannot resist him” he added mischievously.

“Jack!”

They walked for a couple hours, taking turns with Adam, and pulling an empty sleigh. Adam was creeping into their hearts as surely as they were breathing.

They had a nice dinner, played cards, and turned in early. The temperature dropped and Jack turned the gas fireplace on to warm up the bedroom, which was located on top of the garage. As Sue was settling on her side, Jack pulled her to him. The fireplace gave enough lights for her to read him.

“I still promise to be good but I wouldn’t mind falling asleep with you in my arms, not just waking up.” She snuggled against him, might as well be comfortable the entire night. He lifted her chin toward him. “When James asked me to be Adam’s godfather, he also told me I could choose his godmother. Would you be interested?” She gawked at him, stunned. “You can think about it, if you want.”

“Jack”, tears were coming down. “I would love it. Thank you. I love the little guy.”

He held her tight, stroking her back, kissing her hair. It just hit him like a light that suddenly got turned on after a long period of darkness. He was in love with her. He had been for so long.
marlo29
Sunday, Dec 5, 2004

Jack and Sue found Kate crying in the kitchen while James was feeding the baby. They had just received a phone call from the hospital. Kate’s mom had a stroke. It was her third one and the doctor didn’t expect her to survive it. She was Kate’s only family and she lived in Houston. James wanted to go with his wife but the baby couldn’t fly because of his ear infection and they didn’t want to leave him to strangers.

After talking it over during their morning walk with Levi, Sue and Jack offered to extend their vacation and take care of Adam. They would stay until James and Kate were back. Kate hugged Sue and Jack. Jack drove them to the airport in the evening, they had a red eye flight to Houston.

Adam was particularly good that night, the antibiotics had kicked in, and he was overly tired. They fed him around midnight. They moved the crib into their bedroom and Levi slept underneath it. They didn’t hear him until Levi jumped on Sue at 3:00am. Jack was fast asleep and she could feel the vibration coming from the crib. She got up and picked up Adam. He was wet and hungry. She took him to his bedroom, changed his diaper first then went to the kitchen to warm his bottle. The house was cold. She went back to her cozy room. She propped up her pillows, sat with Adam and began feeding him. She couldn’t believe Jack slept through all this and she was the deaf one. The dancing flame gave red shadows to Adam’s light brown hair. He finished his bottle quickly, but wailed when she put him back in his crib. She rocked him some more but he woke up as soon as he touched his crib. Tired, she lied down with him, cuddling him against her chest. She was facing Jack, the infant between them. Adam’s little fingers were tightly gripping her nightshirt. She fell asleep, her arm protectively wrapped around her little godson.
TinaLynne
Quite the picture of domestic bliss you're painting here, Marlo! What a way to show Jack and Sue what they could have to look forward to---I especially love how he pulled her into his arms and then asked her if she would be Adam's godmother. Very romantic and touching. Thanks for all of the posts, today!!
Sue'sJack
hehehe I knew it Great we shall see how Jack acts like a daddy :laughs: And like a hubby wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif Great cannot wait for more Marlo Brava clapping.gif clapping.gif clapping.gif clapping.gif
More ASAP Please...
LizzyM87
Aww, wonderful job! I agree. This is so picturesque! I love it. Jack and Sue really are good with Adam. Poor little guy! I hope Jack tells Sue about his "revelation" soon!! For some reason, I have a hunch that she wouldn't be too opposed to it.
ickleails
QUOTE(marlo29 @ Dec 19 2004, 06:27 AM)

The warmth was the first sensation that filtered through Sue’s mind when she woke up. Then the slow rhythmic beating against her head and her hand, of its own accord, caressing his chest. She slowly opened her eyes, wondering how her dream could feel so wonderful.



“ It just hit him like a light that suddenly got turned on after a long period of darkness. He was in love with her. He had been for so long.

beautiful- lots and lots of lovely, gentle, warm fuzzies!!!!!

wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif
mentor
This was an unexpected treat to wake up to this morning. And I can't wait for your next post. It's all very cosy, and sweet. But Jack's not going to get the godfather of the year award if he keeps sleeping through the baby crying! Tut, tut,tut! I think you've been single too long!
jbryse
THis is wonderful! I'm glad little Adam finally knocked some sense into Jack. tongue.gif Keep up the great work!
lilsmoochiegirl
awwwwwwwwww so cute wait till Jack wakes up */ grins micheiviously*
Woodstock-Girl75
i love it!!! JACK IS JUST THE BEST!!

wub.gif
Miss Kitty
Another story from Marlo! Yippii! *Dancing around the room!*
happy.gif
I've loved it so far. And I know I will love it from now on too.
marlo29
Monday, Dec 6, 2004

The longing in Jack’s heart when he woke up to the sight of Sue and Adam was overwhelming. Within reach was what he always wanted but also thought he could never get. He had been in other relationships and the idea of settling down had crossed his mind before but there had always been excuses. Wrong timing, wrong job, wrong place, wrong compromise, only to realize the only thing that had prevented it was that somewhere deep inside he knew he had not met the right woman …until now. One arm under her head, her hair spread on the pillow, her eyes closed, she had a Mona Lisa smile on her lips, she seemed so peaceful. Her right arm around Adam, her fingers slowly stroking his little back, not fully asleep, not awake yet. The only sound was Adam hungrily sucking his thumb. The little guy would be up soon. The clock said 6:45, an empty bottle resting beside it on the night table.

“How on earth did I sleep through his feeding”, he whispered to himself.

Sue’s smile bloomed. “You didn’t seem to have too much trouble”, she whispered back, eyes opened just wide enough so she could read him.

“Is that why you left me for the arms of another man?” teasing her gently.

She giggled quietly. “I like younger guy.” She stroked Adam’s cheek. “And his skin is so soft.”

He was amazed she could control her voice to a low whisper. How she did that was beyond him.

“If I shave” stroking his own beard, “would you give me a second chance?”

“Maybe …”

He got up but not before placing a kiss on her nose. “I will take Levi out and warm the bottle for Adam. I will be back in ten minutes.”

“Could you bring his medicine as well, please?” closing her eyes, enjoying her last few minutes of tranquility for the day.

As soon as he stepped out of the room, Jack felt the cold. It didn’t help he was wearing only pajama pants and no top. Heat, first priority, he thought. He found the control by the front entrance. The furnace kicked in. He opened the door for Levi and was welcomed by a foot of snow, and way more was falling. Levi hesitated, turning a puppy face toward Jack. “Out boy, I’m not going with you now.” Reluctantly Levi went outside but was back before Jack had time to close the door.

After he brought Sue Adam’s bottle, he went back to the kitchen to make omelets. He turned the radio on. They forecasted two feet of snow within the next thirty-six hours with gusty wind and cold temperature. “I guess we’re not going anywhere, anytime soon. I will phone the office later”, he thought, checking to make sure they had enough supply for the coming days.

They spent the day drinking hot chocolate and playing scrabbles on the living floor in front of the fireplace. Adam was on a blanket between them and Levi kept nuzzling him. Every so often Sue would throw a load in the washer. After dinner and many licking from Levi, Sue decided Adam needed a bath but when she tried to lower him in the tub with a bit of water in it, he would start screaming and screeching. She was pretty sure that was how his mom washed him, but even with Jack’s help, he wouldn’t cooperate. Levi ended up jumping in the tub instead. Jack was laughing so hard, she was wetter than Adam, another approach was needed. She kicked Jack and Levi out, cleaned the tub, ran water for a real bath and took Adam with her. The water wasn’t too hot for a baby. Her knees bent she rested him on her thighs and he happily let her give him a good scrub. The shower curtain closed, she called for Jack. He came in flicking the light switch to let her know. Her head popped through the curtain.

“Where’s Adam?”

“Here. Please, close your eyes and I will place him on the towel beside the tub. You can then take care of him.” He obeyed. He found the naked little boy on the floor. As he picked him up he wondered if he would know how to put the diaper on. “And I will be in here for a while. Have fun.”

Later, she found them in the living room, Jack giving him his last bottle before nighttime. He didn’t fuss when they lowered him into his crib. Jack and Sue followed him to bed.
lilsmoochiegirl
awwwwwwwww Jack and Sue make good parents wub.gif
LizzyM87
I totally agree! You've created such a beautiful picture of these three together! I love Sue's ingenius parenting there, and how well she works with Jack, on the job, and in the home. Please add more as soon as possible!! I am anxious to read more of this story. I am so totally and completely hooked!
mentor
Parenthood, must come naturally to Jack and Sue! I can't remember any ear infections resulting in domestic bliss in my household! Usually had the totally opposite effect! But I suppose this is fanfic land. Adam is a cutey though and the whole story is just so warm and cosy.

Looks like Jack has a plan! Eagerly awaiting next post.
TinaLynne
The two of them really are adjusting incredibly well to 'parenthood'! Looking forward to more, Marlo!
Kavi Leighanna
This has turned into a rather adorable story! Awesome work and the way they're interacting and adjusting to Adam is so cute! Can't wait for more! wub.gif melting.gif
ickleails
they are natural parents.!!
But this storm on the other hand may provide some intresting situations . tongue.gif
marlo29
Tuesday, Dec 7, 2004

Once again, Jack had slept through the three o’clock feeding. And once again, he woke up to find Adam cuddled against Sue. Except this time Levi was also warming up their feet.

“That bed is getting crowded”, he whispered, wondering if she was awake. She smiled before opening her eyes completely.

“He just doesn’t want to go back to his crib in the middle of the night, Jack. And I won’t fight with him. This is easier.”

“I am sure James and Kate will appreciate a lot”, not sure at all.

“We’ll just tell them it was your idea. Would you mind getting his bottle, pretty please?” She just gave him her most beautiful puppy face. He just stared at her, melting right down. Good thing there was a baby between them. He approached her and placed a tender kiss on her lips. To his pleasure she responded, but Adam chose this moment to cry.

“Jealous type, are we, Adam? I will be right back.”

Jack found the rest of the house colder than the previous morning. Last night he had turned the heat down, but this morning the furnace refused to kick in. Only after trying a few light switches did he realize they had a power outage. He turned the living room fireplace on before letting Levi out. The drifting snow covered the door halfway up. It was still snowing but not as heavily and the wind had come down. Very reluctantly, Levi went outside. Back in the kitchen, he put water in a pot and placed the bottle in it. He never liked gas stove but this morning it came as a blessing since the microwave wasn’t working.

By the time he made it back, Adam was trying to eat both his little fists. No power, he explained to Sue who just pointed to the blank alarm clock.

The dreaded phone call arrived late afternoon after Jack had spent most of it shoveling the driveway with Sue, Adam and Levi as an attentive audience. Kate’s mom had just passed away. For a while they had thought she would make it but at the end too much damage had been done. The funerals were Saturday and James asked if they could keep Adam till then. Jack said he would do his best to extend his time off. Nevertheless, James faxed him a guardianship letter in case they needed to fly back to DC with Adam. Garrett assured them both he wouldn’t call them back unless necessary. The bad guys were taking a break at the moment.

The power came back just in time for Sue and Adam’s evening bath and Jack’s shower. Like usual they went to bed right after Adam’s feeding, but sleep eluded them. Adam had just lost his last relative besides mom and dad. James’ parents had died in a car accident when he was in college. It had been a tragic semester Jack would have liked to forget. Kate never knew her dad, he had walked out when her mom was pregnant. None had siblings. They talked about their own family and their Christmas plan. Spending it together was not an issue, it was a taking. Since they were in Milwaukee, they decided to go visit Jack’s parents tomorrow if the roads were better. Through James and Kate bad luck, it made them appreciate what they had and they shared. What started as a heart warmed exchange slowly turned into something more as they snuggled closer. She became aware of his hand caressing her back, the heat emanating from his body. She traced the contour of his jaw.

“How much time have we lost, Jack?” she wondered.

“The past doesn’t matter anymore, only the present and the future we can build together.” He brushed his finger on her lips. “I love you more than anything.”

“I love you, too”, she responded, her lips meeting his halfway.

It was slow and tender, yet more passionate than they had ever experienced. They were very quiet, not wanting to wake Adam up, as they explored each other. In her eyes Jack could see the same love and desire that was reflected in his. None of them had planned it to go this far so early in their new relationship, it just happened. And afterward, there was no regret either, only love and joy as he rested his head on her shoulder, his hand across her waist. She was playing with his hair, her breathing becoming more regular. He lifted his head and rested on his elbow, not letting go of her. She was beautiful. He could get lost so easily in her hazel eyes. “Would you marry me?” he asked impulsively, not knowing a moment ago he was going to yet feeling it was meant to happen.

Her eyes widened, as her mind comprehended the question. He smiled at her reaction. “So? Would you marry me? No just because we made love tonight. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, wake up with you and fall asleep with you. I want to have children with you. Even if that means we need a bigger bed and that they crawl between us in the middle of the night. I want to share and experience our future together. I love you too much to ever let you go. So?”

Tears were glistening in her eyes. “Yes, Jack.”
TinaLynne
Wow, Marlo! I absolutely loved that post! Very bittersweet, with the news that Kate's mother had passed away, as well as the knowledge that the family has lost their last living relative. And then the passion between Jack and Sue, as well as his proposal--wonderful!!! wub.gif
ickleails
MARLO29- this is fab.
my eyes were glistening with tears with the sheer fuzziness of that last post. wub.gif
lilsmoochiegirl
awwwwwwwwwwww They're getting married!!! wub.gif melting.gif bouncing fire.gif
Woodstock-Girl75
I love it...hope jack and sue can see jacks parents!!!

clapping.gif
marlo29
Wednesday Dec 8, 2004

Jack decided there was definitely something wrong with his sleep pattern. Either Sue was lying and Adam never woke up at three o’clock, of course that wouldn’t explain why the little guy always ended up in their bed, or Jack was lost in an alternate universe during that feeding. Sue laughed, saying he was probably lost in dreamland but she was working on Levi to get him up instead of her.

The sun was shining this morning and the roads were plowed. After breakfast Jack phoned his folks. They were delighted and would be waiting for them. They left after the eleven o’clock feeding in James’ car. With a bit of chance the three hours driving trip wouldn’t take more than that and Adam would be good till they arrived. They packed for overnight, not sure if they were coming back tonight or tomorrow.

His mom was in the window when they pulled in. She hugged her son, before turning her attention toward Sue and the car seat she was carrying. Jack introduced his future wife and their godson. Suddenly they were surrounded by the rest of the Hudson’s clan, his dad and his two younger sisters. Hugs and kisses flew everywhere. The girls took the baby and Levi in the living room where little Adam started to cry. He had been so good during the trip but he was hungry and he didn’t know those strangers. Only Sue or Jack could quiet him down.

After Jack’s call, his mom made a special Christmas dinner to celebrate early since they might not make it back again two weeks later. Sue loved Jack’s family. His father was a charmer, just like his son. His sister Libby was a first year high school science teacher. Sue thought she probably looked younger than some of her students, and his younger sister Mel was in her second year of nursing school. They were all very considerate to Sue, talking in turn so she wouldn't miss out on anything.

It was Mel’s idea to bath Adam in the kitchen sink. After a couple hours, Adam had warmed up to his two ‘aunts’ who were spoiling him, giving Sue and Jack an unexpected break. Jack and his dad had gone for a long walk with Levi, leaving her chatting with his mom, while the girls were getting as wet as Adam. Sue could tell Jack’s mom was genuinely happy for them and made Sue promise to stop by whenever they were in the area. Though no date had been set, they talked about the wedding. Sue wanted something small and not too far down the road. His mom agreed, close family and close friend, the sooner the better. “And one of those would be great, too”, Libby added, pointing at Adam, which made Sue blush. Of course Jack and his dad chose that moment to come back in the kitchen. After watching a Christmas movie, the family went to bed leaving Jack and Sue alone for Adam’s last feeding. They shared Jack’s old room, Adam sleeping between them.
lilsmoochiegirl
awwwwwwwww this must be getting interesting. post more pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Kavi Leighanna
Awesome as the last few. Keep going!
TinaLynne
Very sweet ending to that post, Marlo..I'm amazed at how quickly you are getting this story posted. Either you've already got tons written or you're writing like crazy. Either way--I'm thoroughly enjoying this story!!
marlo29
Thursday Dec 9, 2004.

Surprisingly Sue had unexpected company at three o’clock. Jack’s mom made two hot chocolate, one for Sue and one for herself while Sue was feeding Adam.

“Thank you. I’m sorry if he woke you up.”

“Don’t be. There hasn’t been a small child in this house for a very long time. The truth being, I almost wish he was yours and Jack’s.”

Sue looked at her small charge, smiling. “The truth is I would welcome having one just like him anytime. Before James and Kate left us with Adam, I wasn’t sure …I knew I wanted children but I was afraid …because I couldn’t hear …”, choking tears.

Jack’s mom got up and wrapped her arms around Sue. After a few minutes she took a step back so Sue could see her lips. “My grandchildren will be very lucky to have you as their mother. You’re already doing a terrific job. Just look at little Adam.” The little infant was looking at her, his big brown eyes full of trust, his little fingers holding tight to her hand, finishing his bottle. “Please, don’t ever doubt that. It’s Jack I am worried about, he is just like his dad. I will have to give you some tips on how to get him up in the middle of the night.” They both laughed.

“Thank you.”

“I am glad to welcome a third daughter. Now, do you think Adam would let me burp him?” Sue handed her a blanket for her shoulder, then the baby. “It does bring back so many good memories.”

The morning went like a blur. Next thing they knew they were hugging and fighting tears while exchanging Christmas wishes and goodbyes.

They had barely made it inside the house when Garrett phoned. They were to take the first available flight back to DC. Because of the snowstorm and the rebooking of cancellation, the earliest flight they could get was leaving Milwaukee at 9:19 tomorrow morning arriving in Washington at 1:40pm. After Adam’s feeding they took him to the clinic to see if he could fly. The doctor gave his approval, his ears looked better, but reminded them to make sure he drank while take-off and landing. Jack phoned Garrett. They were to come to the bullpen directly from the airport.
lilsmoochiegirl
aw i'm glad to see Sue and Jack's mom gettin' along
Von27usa
Great job Marlo29, this story is precious!
Mulli05
this story is absolutely amazing.. Jack and Sue will make wonderful parents.. i'm so glad that little Adam was able to help them admit their feelings for each other. Who knew all it would take is a little baby! Keep up the wonderful work.
Melissa
marlo29
Friday Dec 10, 2004

When he opened his eyes, Jack expected to see Adam cuddling to Sue. Instead he stared at …nothing. He found them in Adam’s room. She was fully dressed, finishing Adam’s packing while the little guy rested on her shoulder with a full stomach. They had a late night again last night falling asleep long after Adam. He didn’t doubt she also got up at three, though now he knew his dad couldn’t either. He went to kiss her. She enjoyed the small break. Ninety minutes later they were on their way to the airport. They had a fifty minutes stop in Chicago, just long enough to go from one plane to the next. When they arrived in Washington, Adam was fussy, his feeding time had been mixed up and his ears hurt.

Jack entered the bullpen first. Garrett was waiting for them, the atmosphere was tense.

“Jack, where’s Thomas?”

“A few minutes behind, Ted”, Sue had stopped in the lunchroom to warm Adam’s bottle. Jack dropped Adam’s bag beside her desk. “What’s up?”

“A bomber, mate.”

Sue was feeding Adam as she came in. Every head did a double turn. Garrett raised an eyebrow.

“Long story”, explained Jack.

“Thomas, take a seat, please. We need you to look at a video taped two nights ago. Nobody else has been able to read it, that’s the reason of your return.”

She had to run it many times before it made sense. One man had a beard and the other a thick accent. They were hard to understand. The bearded one wanted the other one to blow a bank. Something to do with revenge. She put the bottle on the floor and placed Adam on her shoulder rubbing his back while keeping her attention on the screen. She ran it once more. Saturday, it was scheduled for tomorrow after closure. She could feel Adam relaxing in her arms, he was falling asleep. She kissed the top of his head. Garrett played a second tape recorded last night. The same two men. Payment was made. Bank of America on …Madison. Then he gave a number..
4796544

“Tara, run those numbers any way you can think of.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good job Thomas. Jack, familiarize yourself with the case. You may find something we missed. Bye the way, welcome back both …all of you.” He gave the baby one last look before going in his office.

D got their attention. Bank of America had eleven branches in the large Washington area, but none on Madison Ave. However one was located in front of the Madison hotel, and another one was a block away from Madison Community Park.

Tara waved. 4796544 was a disposable cell number originating from Virginia. She traced it back to a cheap hotel on the east side. Myles, Bobby and D left immediately with a back up team. The bearded man, Tim Long, was apprehended an hour later. He offered no resistance, rumbling about justice, equality and payback. They couldn’t tie him to the bearded man or any of the two banks. So two surveillance teams were put in place. SWAT was on alert. And the gang, except Lucy, was told to go get some rest, and report back tomorrow morning at 9:00.

Sue asked Lucy if she could come at Jack’s tomorrow and baby-sit Adam. She promised to be there. Jack and Sue then left with Adam under the curious gaze of their colleagues.
TinaLynne
Crazy times for Jack and Sue!! I'm sure the sight of the two of them playing Mom and Dad certainly threw their colleagues for a loop. I'm hoping you'll post some more tomorrow--loving this story, Marlo!
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