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A Perfect Beginning

By Victorian Cowgirl

Part 3 – A Perfect Beginning

Around four o'clock the next day Sue was standing in front of her closet. Lucy was stretched out on her bed next to Levi. "Lucy, you have to help me decide what to wear. I don't want to be really fancy, but I don't want to be too casual either."

"Jack is going to love whatever you wear. I'm just glad you guys finally admitted there is something between you. Tara, Bobby and I didn't know what else we were going to do to get you together."

Sue came and sat down on the bed. "I'm glad too. I've never been as happy as I am right now. Is it too soon to admit that I love Jack?"

"Too soon? Girl, you've known each for over a year. You may not have been dating, but you know each other pretty well. Besides, you two are the only ones that need to worry about the pace of your relationship. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks."

"Thanks Lucy."

"You're welcome. Hey, I know exactly what you should wear." Lucy jumped off the bed and pulled a dress out of the closet. It was red, with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. "You always look great in red and this dress will have Jack drooling."

"I don't know. Don't you think it's a little bold?"

"Bold is what you want. You want to knock Jack's socks off. You should also wear your hair down. I happen to know that's how Jack likes it."

"How on earth do you know that?"

"Bobby told me how Jack reacted when you showed up in your evening gown at the scene when we were searching for that sniper."

Sue blushed. She definitely remembered Jack's reaction. At the time it gave her a little thrill to know that she could have that effect on a guy, especially that guy.

Sue was in her room putting the final touches on her make-up when Jack knocked on their door at five minutes to seven. Lucy answered the door and ushered Jack into the living room.

"Hi Lucy."

"Hi Jack, come on in. Sue will be out in a second. I'll go let her know you're here."

As Lucy stood in the doorway of her friend's room Sue was examining herself in front of a full-length mirror. When she turned in a full circle, she noticed Lucy.

Lucy signed, "He's here. You look great."

"Thanks Luc." Sue replied as she made her way out the door and into the living room.

"Go get'em girl." Lucy smiled and hung back as Sue entered the living room.

Jack had a look of awe on his face. As she came toward him, he met her gaze and held it. "Sue! You look beautiful!" He exclaimed, as he took her hand and kissed it gently.

"Thank you. You look pretty good yourself." She said as she took in the dark slacks, light blue shirt and navy sports jacket he was wearing.

They waved goodbye to Lucy as Sue clipped Levi's leash on him and they headed out the door.

As they entered Jack's apartment, Sue noticed that the lights were dimmed just enough so that she could still read his lips and candles were lit. Jack had set a small table for two in the living room. It was set with elegant china and crystal and in the center was a beautiful bouquet of fire and ice roses. Levi promptly made himself at home in the one chair that Jack had specified as not off limits.

Sue couldn't believe Jack had gone to so much work. "Jack, this is all so beautiful. You didn't have to go to so much trouble just for me."

Jack looked into her eyes. "I wanted to. I haven't had so much fun preparing for a date. Just seeing your reaction has made it worth the effort."

"You are an amazing man, Jack Hudson."

Jack smiled and gave her hands a little squeeze. "And you, Sue Thomas, are an amazing woman. Dinner is just about ready." He said as he led her to the table and pulled her chair out for her.

When Sue was seated Jack went into the kitchen. Sue noticed a single white rose lying next to her plate. It was tied with a delicate red ribbon. She lifted the flower to her nose and inhaled the wonderful fragrance. It was these small, simple gestures that endeared Jack to her. Like the times when he would take her hand and lightly squeeze or run his hand across her cheek.

Jack returned from the kitchen carrying two plates and a basket, placed them on the table and sat down across from Sue. "This is one of my favorite recipes. I hope you like it."

On the plate was chicken cordon bleu, with a variety of vegetables. Next to the vegetables was a baked potato cut part way through, so it looked like a fan. In the basket Sue found hot rolls.

After eating in silence for a few minutes, Sue remarked, "Jack this is absolutely delicious. I can't believe you did all this. Who knew there was a guy out there that could cook like this and I was lucky enough to find him."

"Hey, I'm the lucky one. I found a girl who can sing, dance and ice skate all without the use of sound."

Throughout the meal they shared childhood memories, stories about some of their cases and their friends at work. As they finished, Jack stood, "Are you ready for dessert?"

"I'm ready. I can't wait to see what it is."

Sue made a move to stand and help clear the dishes, but Jack put a hand on her arm. "You just sit right there. I can take care of the dishes."

Sue knew there was no point in arguing with him, and she really didn't mind being waited on. When Jack returned, he placed a small plate of turtle cheesecake with caramel sauce in front of her and returned to his seat. Jack was more interested in watching Sue than eating his own cheesecake. He marveled at how beautiful she was even doing something as simple as eating.

Sue noticed that Jack was frequently watching her. "Is there something wrong? Do I have food on my face or something?"

Jack blushed slightly. He didn't realize he was being so obvious in his appraisal. "No, nothing is wrong. I'm just more interested in watching my beautiful dinner companion than in my dessert."

It was Sue's turn to blush. She looked down at her plate for a moment then raised her eyes to meet Jack's. "Thank you, and in return I can honestly say that I have never had a more handsome dinner companion."

Jack slid his chair back, stood and went to the stereo. After selecting a CD, he turned up the volume so that there was just enough vibration in the floor that Sue could feel it, but not loud enough to disturb his neighbors.

He went and reached his hand toward Sue. "Will you dance with me?"

Sue took his hand. "I would love to."

As Jack took Sue in his arms, she touched her cheek to his and he tightened his hold around her waist. As they danced, Sue felt Jack's breath near her ear and realized he was singing. She pulled back just enough so she could read his lips.

"I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky. And I swear by the shadow that's by your side. I see questions in your eyes. I see what's weighing on your mind. You can be sure I know my part.

"Cause I, stand beside you through the years. You'll cry those happy tears. And though I make mistakes, I'll never break your heart.

"And, I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky, I'll be there. I swear by the shadow that's by your side, I'll be there. For better or worse, till death do us part. I'll love you with every beat of my heart, I swear."

Jack pulled her to him again and they swayed together. They were content to be together. As the song ended, Jack leaned in and kissed Sue gently. "I love you, Sue Thomas."

Without a moment's hesitation, Sue replied, "I love you too."

They both leaned in and shared a deep and rewarding kiss that expressed all the love they felt. As they broke apart, they gazed into each other's eyes and felt at home.

Jack led Sue over to the couch and pulled her down beside him. She leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I don't want this to end. Tomorrow we have to go back to work and enter the real world again. I don't know if I can hide my feelings from the rest of the team, especially Lucy."

Jack leaned up so she could see his lips move. "Hey, this doesn't have to end, and as for the rest of the team, they've been scheming since day one to get us together. I don't think we have to hide anything from them. Besides I know for a fact that it wasn't you who bought me at the auction. It was Lucy and Tara and they just used your name."

Sue looked shocked. "How did you know that it was Tara and Lucy? I didn't even know until that night."

Jack just grinned. "I have my sources. Anyway, I'm glad they did, I've been wanting to ask you out for a long time. Besides that, I really didn't want a date with Eleanor."

"I'm glad they did too. These last couple of days have been the most wonderful days of my life."

"I love you so much, Sue. You have stolen my heart and I hope you never give it back. This is just the beginning of our life together."

"A perfect beginning."

Jack pulled Sue into his arms and they melted into a kiss that said more than any words could ever describe.

The End

Song is "I Swear" by All-4-One & John Michael Montgomery