The Unforgotten Love

Author's Note: Despite the fact that I have written fic for Criminal Intent and Special Victims Unit, this is my first attempt at writing a fic for the original "Law & Order".  So please, be nice and try to review my short fic.

He had to be dreaming this day, but his gut kept telling him that this was no dream, but blissful reality. He loved it.

He was standing at the altar of a big church, dressed in a great looking tuxedo with a rose pinned to his lapel. He could see out into a sea of faces, all shining and happy. In the back of the church he could even see Adam standing there, happy and proud. The church was beautifully decorated, all covered with lilies and roses, her favorite flowers.

When the music started, the doors at the back of the church opened wide and there she was… a vision of absolute beauty. She was immaculately clad in a gorgeous white silk dress, a veil covering her face. He could still see her dark brown hair and the strand of Mimikoto freshwater pearls around her neck. He could even see her smiling as she walked down the aisle towards him. She was absolutely glowing, she was so happy. And it made him happy to know that he was the one causing her happiness.

A little thrill raced through him when she reached his side and her smile grew.  They took each other's hands, exchanged rings and when the minister said, "You may now kiss the bride", he wasted no time in lifting her veil, taking her into his arms and kissing her deeply, murmuring "I love you, Claire Kincaid."

"It's Claire McCoy, now, remember Jack?" she murmured back with her beautiful smile.

That's when the echo began:  "Jack? Jack?"

Jack McCoy awoke with a start, lifting his head from his desk.

Serena Southerlyn was standing in the doorway of his office, looking at him worriedly. "Jack, were you here all night?"

"Oh, Serena…I must have been dreaming." He said. "I'll be with you in a moment."

When Serena left, Jack opened a drawer and pulled out a strand of pearls that he kept there… Claire's pearls.

I still love you, Claire…wherever you are…