Friday, Dec 24, 2004. (Part 1)

They enjoyed a lazy morning in bed with Adam, since they would probably be up till the wee hours of the night at Myles. It was snowing outside, big white fluffy snowflakes swirling in the sky with mild temperature and no wind. They took Adam in the snugli and Levi for a long walk in the park. Jack was throwing a stick at Levi who was delighted to bring it back in exchange for a dog biscuit. They found a frozen pond where kids were skating and playing fun hockey. They watched them for a while. Both wondering if next winter was too early to get Adam his first pair of skate, until Jack came to the conclusion that if he could learn to walk, he could learn to skate at the same time. Sue figured she’d have to keep an eye on both of them, not sure of the logic behind the statement. They came home with rosy cheeks, warmed hearts, and empty stomachs. A fact that Adam didn’t let pass unnoticed. Sue took Adam in her bath but finished it by herself. When she came out an hour later, smelling like spring flowers, her hair cascading down her shoulder, wrapped only in a bright yellow towel, she looked like an angel. Jack couldn’t resist the temptation of taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately. There was an irresistible twinkling in her eyes, she was glowing.

“Do you think we could be late for our engagement party?” he teased her.

“Depends on how much ammunition you want to give Bobby”, teasing him back.

“I figure with the last three weeks he probably has enough for a semi-automatic machine gun by now, and he doesn’t even know half of it.”

“No, he doesn’t”, with an enigmatic smile on her lips. “So …are we leaving?”

The ring of Jack’s cell broke the spell. “I guess we will be leaving, but I will take a raincheck”, before answering. “Hudson.”

“Hi Jack, I hope I didn’t interrupt.”

“No”, thinking, maybe. “We’re getting ready to leave for Myles.”

“Just wanted to let you know we will be stopping by but not before 1am, so wait for us. I have a few trips to the airport to make tonight.”

“Your kids still haven’t arrived?”

“One did, two are in the air as we speak, their plane have been delayed and the fourth one is God knows where, but I am sure he will phone eventually, specially if he runs out of money.” Jack was laughing. “Anyway, good luck tonight. My best to Sue.”

“Thanks Ted and we won’t leave till you show up.”

“Good.”

Jack turned to see Sue in the doorway with Adam. She had her shiny midnight blue dress that followed the curve of her body perfectly with her hair down and was smiling radiantly. Whatever concerns she had been having in the last couple days seemed to have vanished. He was glad. They packed Adam’s bag with bottles, diapers, change of clothes and drove to Myles.

I have a feeling I know why Garrett has to stop by the airport, and I'm thinking it has absolutely nothing to do with his kids!! I hope I'm right Also...have an inkling about what might be bothering Sue...could be the same reason why she's 'glowing'...

I can't wait to read the rest of this, Marlo!

Hmmm...I agree with you Tina I bet I'm thinking the same thing you are...


Please add more soon

Friday, Dec 24, 2004. (Part 2)

They parked on the street in front of Myles’ house. Lucy was getting out of her car. Tara and Myles were in the kitchen taking food out of the oven and placing it on the table. After the church service they would serve a cold buffet, but for now there was ham, chicken, sausage cocktail, salads, vegetables, cheese, buns … enough not to go hungry till midnight. Bobby was acting as your evening friendly waiter. He served Lucy a glass of red wine, Jack took a beer, and Sue a glass of orange juice, having agreed with Jack that only one of them should be drinking. They gathered with their plates and drinks in the living room. The logs in the fireplace were crackling, and the conversation was light. Once everyone had emptied their plates and little Adam was comfortably cradled in Sue’s arm with his bottle, Bobby asked for attention. He surveyed the room. Sue was leaning against Jack who had his arm around her shoulder. Lucy and Tara had their feet tucked underneath and were sharing the long couch. Myles was in a big chair, the closest to the fire, making sure there was always wood burning. Bobby moved a coffee table in front of him and took the sheets of paper on it.

“Now Jack and Sue, I know I haven’t been quite myself lately and I didn’t tease you as much as you deserve, but I will make it up to you tonight.”

“I am so happy I’m not in your shoe, Jack”, exclaimed Myles.

Jack was just shaking his head and Bobby hadn’t even begun yet.

“Now I am doing it mostly for your kids, so you know how to deal with them when they reach teenage years. If Adam could pay attention it could become handy one day, so he doesn’t make the same mistake than his old man.” Jack could see the others were already grinning. “I will demonstrate the normal order of love life, then Jack and Sue’s idea of it. First, boy meets girl”, and he showed the picture of a boy and a girl with a big number 1 on top. He put it on the coffee table facing Jack and Sue. “Second, boy dates girl”, picture of a couple eating pizza with number 2 that he placed beside the first picture. “Third, boy and girl fall in love”, a heart with number 3 followed on the table. “Fourth, boy and girl get married”, a ring set with number 4. “Fifth, boy and girl go on honeymoon”, a beach with a sunset with number 5. Jack and Sue couldn’t help smiling, Lucy and Tara were laughing so hard. “Sixth, boy and girl move in together”, a house with number 6. “And finally, boy and girl have a baby”, a baby picture with a number 7. The pictures were lined up in order on the table. “That is what it should look like.”

“That was …”

“Enlightening”, finished Sue for Jack.

“Yah, too late but enlightening”, concurred Jack, smiling. It expected worse from Bobby.

“Oh, mate. That was only half of it”, reading Jack’s mind. “Now, your idea of a normal love life. See, I am not even sure how to begin yours since you fell in love at first sight before you even knew who Sue was. So I will start with boy and girl fall in love”, and he took the number 3 and begun a new line up below the previous one. “Then boy meets girl, by then you at least knew each other's name”, number 1 coming second. Lucy and Tara were folded in half, laughing. “Adam came next”, and he took number 7 and placed it third.

“No, no …that is not fair play”, argued Jack.

“So you are not arguing the first two”, replied Bobby. “You really fell for Sue the first time you saw her, didn’t you?”

Sue was looking at him with curiosity. Jack knew when he was overmatched. “I …confess I did”, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“I did, too” she whispered to his ear, smiling.

“I knew it, mate. Now I need your help with what came fourth”, and he held two pictures, the beach and the house. “We know you moved in together on your return from Wisconsin”, placing number 6 down. “But where did the honeymoon begin? Once your were back”, placing number 5 next to 6. “Or back in Wisconsin”, moving number 5 after the baby. Myles was grinning widely as well. “So mate?”

“You are dreaming, Bobby, if you think I will answer that one”, smirking while he actually remembered how it started in Wisconsin. Sue was turning a new shade of bright pink.

“If I recall, wasn’t there a big snowstorm while you were in Wisconsin”, observed Myles. “Weren’t you snowed in for a couple days? Without power?”

“How did you keep warm?” inquired Tara, her voice shaking from laughter.

“So we all agree, honeymoon fourth, then moving in together fifth”, Tara, Lucy and Myles nodding. “Sixth”, holding the rings. “You marry her”, placing number 4 at the end. “Let’s review Sue and Jack’s love life, you guys went 3, 1, 7, 5, 6, 4. And you completely skipped number 2, dating.”

“OK, that is pathetic”, exclaimed Myles. “You should think about starting all over again, guys.”

More laughter from everyone, including Sue and Jack. Poor little Adam started to cry. Sue took his empty bottle and placed him on her shoulder. Jack was stroking his head. He calmed down, sucking his thumb.

“Jack, can we make sure that Bobby never meet my brothers?” she joked. “You may not survive the encounter.”

“Actually, right now, eloping sounds like a good idea.”

“No way, mate. As your best man, I am not letting you off the hook. I am working on your wedding speech.”

Jack burrowed his head in Sue’s hair. Between Sue’s brothers and Bobby, he was doomed.

You had my laughing with that last post!!

Keep it up, its exactly what bobby would do, too!

merry christmas

laura

Bobby is such a troublemaker!!! Thanks for the light-hearted post, Marlo. I love it when the team gives Jack and Sue a hard time I'm looking forward to reading the ending to this after Christmas!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

LOL Jack is in trouble! :laughs:


Looking forward to more

Friday, Dec 24, 2004. (Part 3)

The church was filing rapidly. Sitting together in the same row, they all joined the children choir singing Christmas carols. The service was beautiful, and toward the end the minister invited the eleven lucky couples to the front. Jack gave Adam who had been resting on his shoulder to Lucy hoping he wouldn’t wake up. He took Sue’s hand, their eyes met, reflecting the same love and desire, and that irresistible twinkling. After a few words, the minister gave his blessing. Jack took a delicate diamond ring out of his coat pocket and slipped it on his bride’s finger before kissing her. The congregation cheered. Adam quietly outstretched his little arms in their direction as they returned to the bench. ”Good boy”, whispered Sue, reaching out for him, Jack’s hand secured around her waist. Their friends gazed approvingly.

Simple yet beautiful!

Wonderful job, Marlo.

Absolutely wonderful! Can't wait to see how this all turns out!

Marlo I am in awe of your abilities. It is such a wonderful story. I think I understood the Marine segue. I will be anxious to read your conclusion. Have a very Merry Christmas with your daughter and the rest of your family.

Saturday, Dec 25, 2004.

They met back at Myles. Adam and Bobby were hungry. They all gathered in the kitchen to warm the bottle up and take the food out of the fridge, exchanging Christmas wishes as they bumped into each other. His back to the wall, a wailing baby in his arms, Jack smiled as Sue came to him with the bottle. He wished her a Merry Christmas, and leaned forward for a tender kiss who rapidly turned into something more. Bobby’s hands on both their shoulders brought them back to reality.

“You will smother that poor baby”, joked Bobby. “Plus, your ten seconds are up. For more you need to step out of here.”

“To where?” as soon as he said it, Jack winced. Bobby was grinning like a child. Sue was staring at him wide eyes. The others went from astounded to highly amused. “Someone tell me I didn’t say that out loud”, he begged.

“Jack, you just gave Bobby the perfect excuse for round two”, confirmed Myles who was tremendously enjoying himself tonight.

“Oh, mate, I am adding that one right now to my wedding repertoire. By the way”, biting in his sandwich. “Has anybody else noticed that Jack can not keep his hands off his lovely bride for more than a few seconds at a time?”

“And vice versa”, observed Tara who was standing very close to Myles herself. “Only Adam is remotely keeping them in line, and the little guy is losing ground.”

“Yah, got worse since he started sleeping in his crib, sheila.” Sue was blushing again and Jack was just kicking himself for allowing Bobby the chance.

“What am I missing?” asked Myles, puzzled. The others were grinning widely.

“The baby used to sleep between Jack and Sue …until they bought him a crib”, explained Tara. “Of course we are only speculating as why they would do such a cruel thing to Adam?” making a sad face.

Jack came to say something but Sue placed her hand on his mouth. “You have done enough damage in one evening, Mr. Hudson”, which sent the others into laughter. Adam pushed his almost empty bottle away and started crying.

“Sorry Adam”, said Tara.

“He’s wet”, stated Jack, grabbing the bag beside the table. Sue followed him into the washroom, thankful for the interruption.

“Mate, I was in a row when you disappeared on me, you realized that, didn’t you?” ten minutes later in the living room.

Jack’s comeback was cut short by the doorbell. Myles answered. Garrett came into the living room followed by two very haunted and exhausted people who just stared at the group. Sue walked to them with Adam, placing the infant where he belonged, in his mother’s arms. The two women hugged each other. Sue took a step back, Jack’s arms wrapping around her from behind. She turned her head to him, he had tears in his eyes as well. She leaned on him as he tightened his grip. James was holding his wife and son in a solid embrace. Garrett surveyed his team, he couldn’t find any dry eyes. Lucy was hugging her knees on the couch, tears flowing freely. Myles was trying to maintain his composure without much success while attempting, with his arms around her, to console Tara. Yes, thought Garrett, definitely need to keep my eyes on those two. Bobby was leaning on the wall nursing what looked like not his first drink of the evening, drowning whatever sorrow he had.

“Thank you”, said James hugging Jack and Sue. “For everything you did for Adam.” They just nodded, none trusting their voice at the moment. “We will stop by your place later in the afternoon. Kate and I just need some rest right now.” Jack went to the kitchen to grab Adam’s bag and car seat.

Garrett congratulated Jack and Sue on their engagement and wished everyone a Merry Christmas before leaving for the hotel with the reunited family.

It took a while for everyone to regain control of their emotions. Myles let go of Tara first, only realizing now the position they were in. Jack was still holding tight to Sue. Bobby went to them and placed a friendly hand on their shoulders.

“Will you guys be OK?” obviously concerned for them.

“Adam’s still our godson, Bobby”, reminded Sue to everyone. “We didn’t lose him and he gained his parents back. That was the perfect Christmas present.” Her eyes were shining through the tears and a beautiful smile was broadening. Jack was gazing in adoration at his bride.

“Ready to go home?” kissing her tenderly. She acquiesced as the doorbell rang once more.

Myles answered and let a distraught woman in. Bobby stiffened as he saw her. She stopped within reach of him. “I am sorry”, she said in a small voice. “Do you think we could talk things over, Bobby?” Bobby’s heart was aching, a sign that he was still in love with her, he guessed.

“I am willing to try”, he answered honestly.

“I know a place where we can grab a coffee”, she replied, smiling.

“Sounds good, Darcy. You’re driving, I had too much to drink.” Turning to Myles. “Thank you for the evening, it was …” No words came to him that could describe the evening they just shared. They left, followed by Jack and Sue and finally Lucy, Tara insisting on staying a bit longer to help Myles clean up.

They rode back in silence, it was too dark for Sue to read Jack’s lips. It was still snowing and the streets were slippery. Jack kept his eyes on the road, only occasionally glancing in her direction for a fraction of second. A couple times, she caught herself looking over her shoulder on the back seat. She had been ready to quit her job to stay with Adam, it could now wait a bit longer. Jack’s hand moved to her thigh. She took it in hers. He spelled two letters, O–K. She looked at him and took his hand to her lips, kissing it. “I’m fine, Jack. It will take some getting used to not having Adam around.” He nodded, quickly turning for a smile. “I was going to give you your Christmas present in the morning, now I’m thinking … if you are good, I might just do it when we get home.” He knew she was teasing him. In her hand, he spelled more letters, M-E-G-O-O-D. She laughed. “No, you’re not, but I love you anyway.” He squeezed her hand and didn’t let go until they got home.

Once inside, Sue quickly took her coat off and kicked her boots. Jack took her in his arms but she wiggled out. “Give me ten seconds, I really need to pee.”

Sue found Jack in the bedroom, leaning over the crib, his back to her. The night table lamp was on, his tie was on the floor and his shirt was out of his pants. She came behind him and hugged him. His shirt was unbuttoned, her hands went roaming over his chest. “My turn to ask you if you are OK?”

He turned around, an unmistakable longing and sadness in his eyes and hugged her back. “Yes. I have everything I ever wanted right here in my arms. I love you, too.” And he kissed her tenderly, his hands searching for the zipper of her dress. She stopped him, and took his hands in hers. He gave her a puzzled look.

“I did promise you a Christmas present, Jack.”

There were a few gifts under the tree with his name on it, but they could wait till morning. “I would rather take that raincheck you owe me, and unwrapped your lovely person. I …badly need you right now.”

She had that irresistible twinkling in her eyes. “Jack, if at this precise moment in time God could grant you a wish, any wish, what would it be?” She was lovingly and trustingly waiting.

“A child with you”, his heart answered, even before his mind registered it. Not that it surprised him. Adam had brought the best out of him. “Definitely a child, our child”, he repeated, placing his hands alongside her face and stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. “If you are willing, maybe we could be …working on it. Give God some help”, smiling. She smiled back at him, her heart pounding so hard. She wrapped her hands around his neck.

“You won’t need to work too hard, Jack”, she responded laughing. “He has already granted it.” His eyes widened as his mind processed the information. “In eight months, we will need that crib again. Just pray my brothers don’t do the math.”

“Or Bobby”, he replied, beaming. “You can give me that kind of present as often as you wish. I will love every single one of them”, kissing her passionately, the tiny life growing inside her healing his heart.

“Merry Christmas, Jack.”

“Merry Christmas, my love.”

FIN

MERRY CHRISTMAS from CANADA

And thank you for all the wonderful feedback

Marlene

WOW! that is so touching, everything about it was brilliant, a perfect christmas love story!
i hope to read more of your work in the near future.
WELL DONE
Baa

Sidenote: Its not quiet christmas in the US but here in the UK it is, so just to wish everyone on the board, wherever you are, scattered around the globe, a peaceful, happy and joyful christmas. Enjoy your time with family and friends... then come back and continue all your wonderful stories! lol I'll be waiting

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wow, Marlo, thanks for the wonderfu story. It was beautiful. I love the nurturing side of J/S that it brought out for each other and as parents.

Another beautiful story Marlo29, thanks for sharing it with us.

Thanks for sharing that lovely story Marlo. It was a great Christmas story.

That was absolutely perfect. I loved every single bit of it. This story will always be one of my favourites. You are an amazing writer. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the New Year.
Melissa

Just caught up what a great ending to a heart warming story just perfect for Christmas.

Well done I'm definately becoming a Marlo fan!

That was absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am hoping for a sequal Marlo!!!!! This was such an awesome story!!!!! Allthough I'm sad it's over!

Thanks for such a beautiful ending to your story, Marlo. Both of the things I was hoping would happen did, and I thought it was just perfection! I was hoping the whole way through that Kate and James would make it back to their son, but it was just the last little while, as you've been throwing hints out that something is up with Sue that I've been hoping they would be blessed with a child of their own. Your delivery of this part was brilliant!

I know that was an awfully large piece to quote, but I just loved it and couldn't decided which part to quote, so I did the whole thing! What a perfect way for her to tell him about their baby! That last line was just beautiful. Wonderful work, Marlo!

I ditto TinaLynne -- the tiny life growing inside her healing his heart -- that was beautiful. And a happy ending all around. An absolutely beautiful Christmas story.
Kav

Marlo, I just got back from NY last night and am catching up on all the stories I've missed. This was amazing. I was shocked to see you start it so late and couldn't imagine how you could finish it. You rock girl! I was able to read it all in one sitting so I didn't have to wait which was quite the treat for me!

I just couldn't stop reading! Everything I was hoping for you made happen and more. I love how you brought the Marines in and their leave no one behind motto, even if they had to stretch it a bit.

Such an emotional bitter/sweet, everyone wins in the end story. Did I tell you I loved it?

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas visit with your daughter and family. I felt so bad for poor little Adam not feeling well after being with my grandsons, 3 of the babies sick with the cold, ear infection things. Poor babies, you just want to make them all better. I love how you had Sue and Jack figure it all out. Great job.

I cant believe what a great writer u are. I am basically new to the boards and have spent the last couple weeks reading all the finished stories just trying to get caught up. the other ones that u have writen that I have read so far have been great. this story was no expection, absoulty wonderful!!! you are so creative with your stories, and this one even made me want to cry, it was so emoational and well written. you are such a wonderful writer, I hope i can find more that u have written. keep up the excellent work!!!

Great Christmas treat! I wish I had found this site before the holidays... A VERY belated "Merry Christmas" to all!!! (Now I want to put up a tree and make gingerbread men!)

I loved this story! so happy and sad and funny at the same time!

This story was full of contradiction for me... I wanted Adam to stay with Jack and Sue but on the other hand I wanted his parents will survive this horror “trip” and will be able to raise their little son... You solved it perfectly!!!! Adam has his own parents and Sue and Jack are expecting their own little Hudson...

btw Sue’s brothers were priceless!!!!!

FOR THIS STORY, Marlene!!!


Restie

this was lovely.

it's hard when you're trying to catch up on all the stories, i'm still reading so much i miss some

cath

That was an amazing story. I am totally blown away. No wonder you won the award. You have made me look forward to Christmas now. I am at a loss for words now.

that was wonderful lin

That was so sweet! lioved the ending. I knew Sue was pregnant, especially at the staff chirstmas party. I love your stories Marlo! I can't get enought of them.

aww so sweet
lol love how adam cried when eleanor tried to get close
lol bobby's time line of romance vs. jack/sue's
glad james and kate are alive...just sad they had to give adam up...but since he's their god son i guess they really don't
aww she's pregnant and they can have a child of their own.

awesome stry.