Chapter 9

Daybreak was just peaking over the horizon, and showing through the drapes of Jack Hudson's bedroom. Sue opened one eye, lifting her hand to block the sunlight from blinding her. The other eye slowly opened, focusing on her surroundings. With no effort on her part, Sue's lips began to turn up on the corners. She looked to her side at the empty pillow and sadness filled her heart. She fell back onto the bed and stared at the ceiling falling into deep thought. Sue swung her legs off her bed, and quickly took a shower.

The bright morning sun shone through the dark clouds that had filled the night sky. The overcast morning was beginning to show promise for a beautiful day after all. Sue drove through the busy streets of the city until she came to a little church just on the outskirts of town. The area was quiet, not much going on at that hour of the day. The neighborhoods were starting to come alive with the sound of families waking from their slumber.

Sue walked from her car up the stairs to the church doors. Birds were sitting high in trees, and on the peaks of the church singing their "Good Morning" songs. Sue reached for the handle, but was surprised to see it was locked. She tried another, it too was locked. An elderly gentleman with a wrinkled brow and hair as white as newly fallen snow approached her calling out to her. He was nearly at Sue's side when she was startled by him.

"Oh, I'm sorry Miss. The church isn't open yet." The gentleman said, glancing as his wrist watch.

"Would you happen to know what time it does open?" Sue asked, anxious to get inside and talk to God.

"In about 15 minutes, but since you're here, and you don't seem the type to wreak any havoc, I guess I could let you in now." He said with a slight chuckle. He edged his way to the door, and took a key out of his pocket. Moments later, the door opened, and he allowed Sue inside.

"Thank you." Sue said simply, and walked inside. Sue looked around, taking in the sight of the church. The church was quiet, consoling. She walked slowly toward the front pew, touching each bench with her fingertips as she passed by. She finally seemed to find one that spoke to her, and she sat. For a long minute, she closed her eyes and prayed, asking God for the guidance she so desperately needed. She folded her hands and put them in front of her face, deep in thought.

The elderly man walked beside her, softly tapping her on the shoulder. He sat in the pew in front of her. "You seemed troubled. Anything you care to share?" He asked. His smile radiated through her, making him trustworthy.

Sue smiled at him, tears filling her eyes. "I have a big decision to make." Sue said, looking up at the Crucifix above the alter.

"Life changing?" the gentleman asked.

"Definitely." Sue said, smiling at him.

"Good changes?" He asked.

"It could be." Sue answered. She drew in a deep breath, and slowly let it out. "I have to decide on a marriage proposal." She said again. She and the older man smiled at each other.

"Ahh... I thought it might be something else." He said, blushing just a bit.

"Oh... no..." Sue said, smiling, understanding what he had been hinting about. "There's a man, someone very special to me. We only just started dating... but we've known each other for over 5 years, been friends, best friends for most of that..." She said, blushing as she gushed over Jack. Her new friend smiled with understanding.

"Does he feel the same?" he asked, taking Sue's hands in his, patting it grandfatherly.

"Yes." She said smiling wide. "He said he does." Sue admitted blushing.

"Sounds to me like you two were meant for each other, like you're supposed to be together. What's the problem?" He asked, confused.

"We work together, there are rules... And, we... we just started..." She began.

"Just started... what? Just started loving each other? Just started wanting to be more to each other than just friends?" The man began to smile.

"No... we just started changing from friends to 'more than friends'... "Sue said blushing a dark red.

"Oh..." He said a bit surprised. "Well, sometimes the transitioning stage can be a bit awkward. He said chuckling.

"I guess I'm nervous about things changing so fast." she admitted.

"I would exactly say 5 years is fast..." He said, both laughed. "You didn't ask for it, but if you want my two cents worth..." He old man began. Sue smiled fondly at him.

"I think... if two people start as friends, and it turns to love, then it's meant to be. You and your friend have stayed on the platonic side of things all of this time, and now you've decided to cross that line; I think it's worth it." He said softly.

"It's just so fast... so soon." Sue whispered.

"Marriage isn't something to be entered into lightly. It is forever." The man said slowly. "I see so many couples come in front of me who are just getting married because it's what's expected of them, not what's truly best for them, and they don't last. It's a good thing that you're hesitating, thinking it through." He said, patting Sue on the forearm.

"Wait... you said 'in front of you', what did you mean by that?" Sue asked.

"Well, I would love to chat more, but it's nearly time for my next service. You're welcome to stay..." He began, but looked at her "But I have a feeling you have something else you need to tend to first?" He smiled at her as he rose. He slipped his coat off his shoulders into the crook of his arm, revealing his collar. Sue smiled, thanking him, realizing how he was so easy to speak with.

"Thank you... I might see you later this afternoon." She said, as she started for the door. The Reverend started to the front of the church.

"I have an opening at 1 for a wedding..." He said chuckling as he walked away. Not being able to hear his comment, Sue skipped off from the church and headed back to Jack's place.

Sue managed to make her way back through the morning traffic, and crawled back into bed before Jack had awoke for the day. She pulled the blanket up to her chin and closed her eyes tight, praying her deepest thoughts and desire to God, asking once again for His guidance. She drifted off to sleep, if for only a minute. In that briefest hint of splendid peace, Sue began to remember her chat with the Reverend from the little church just outside of town. She was drifting toward the front of the church, more people had arrived. She felt her heart fill with love as she saw Jack standing in the front of the main aisle, a smile bigger than she'd ever seen on his lips. She smiled back at him, tears began to roll down her cheeks. She lifted her hand to wipe the waterworks, but her hand was blocked by a thin layer of material- her veil. Just then, Jack's fingers wrapped around her own, pulling her toward him. With his free hand he signed to her "I LOVE YOU". Sue smiled and moved into Jack's embrace.

Just then, Sue's eyes fluttered open. They began to focus on the room and her surroundings. Suddenly, there was a hand waving through the open door.

"Come in Jack, I'm awake." Sue called toward the waving hand.

"Good morning." Jack said with a smile as big as the Lincoln Memorial. "Breakfast?" He asked.

"Sure." She answered, patting his bed, for him to sit. "That was some night last night... a lot to take in all at once." She said at barely a whisper.

"Yeah." Jack answered, looking like he was nervous where she was headed with her comment. "I meant it though, every word." He added.

"Every word?" She asked smiling, finally looking at him.

"Every." He whispered leaning into a kiss. "I want you to marry me Sue... today..." Jack said looking her in the eyes.

"This is crazy Jack.. the craziest thing I've ever even considered doing." Sue said.

"Is that a yes?" Jack asked with hopeful eyes.

"Wonder what time that shop on Massachusetts Ave opens..." She said nearly giggling. Jack's eyes opened wide, nearly as wide as his smile was and he pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionately. The passion began to build between the two as their lips moved with one another's. Jack pushed forward, more into Sue's embrace, as he did, his socks began to slip on the bare floor, causing him to press Sue down toward the mattress. As his weight pressed against Sue's body, she instantly felt her body begin to react to his. She allowed the passionate caress continue for another long moment, then broke the enchantment, and pushed him away.

"You're killing me..." Jack groaned.

"And, you're going to have to wait to continue that thought..." She said, biting her lip. "I have a dress to buy." She said smiling.

"We should go to the town hall first..." Jack hinted.

"Yeah..." She said giggling as she planted a quick kiss on his lips.

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As the sun peaked through the blinds in Lucy's room, she felt icicles meeting with her warm toasty toes.

"AHHH!" She squealed. Her eyes sprung open, wide open! "Myles! What did you do, stand outside barefoot?!" She yelled, pulling her feet as far away from his as she could get them.

"Well, I was trying to be romantic and bring you some fresh muffins and coffee from the bakery on the corner..." He said, feigning hurt. "I- I thought... perhaps, we could spend a wonderful morning wrapped in each other's bodies while we got crumbs in your sheets... but, if I'm not going to be appreciated for all I try to do..." Myles said, in the most over dramatic way possible. Lucy couldn't help but begin to laugh hysterically.

"OK... over the top, even for you!" Lucy said laughing.

"Let's see what else I can be 'over the top' about..." He said in the sexiest voice he could muster as he pulled the covers over their heads and began to make noises under the covers that sounded like he was devouring Lucy.

Lucy crept from beneath the covers and lunged off the end of the bed. "Oh, don't think for a minute that you're going to bring home that kind of breakfast and I'm not going to get a nibble of it before you do of me!" Lucy said giggling.

"Well, on that note, bring me some of that too!" Myles joked. Lucy carried over the box of goodies and then the two cups of coffee he'd brought. The two snuggled against each other as they nibbled on the yummies.

"This is nice." Lucy said turning to look at Myles.

"Yeah, it has been..." Myles said.

"Myles, we should talk about us. I mean... this weekend has been great, but did we start something or has it just been a great weekend?" Lucy asked matter-of-factly.

"Uhh... to be honest with you Luce... I haven't had time to think beyond this weekend." He said. Realizing how badly it came out, he quickly added. "I would like to continue beyond this weekend. See where it takes us." He said. Lucy smiled at him, admiring his honesty. "I mean to say... who knows what could happen, we could venture to, say, maybe a dinner date on Wednesday?" He said smiling. Lucy smiled back at him.

"I'm serious Myles..." She said staring him deep in the eye.

"So am I." Myles said, putting his food down. "Lucy, I haven't been this happy, satisfied in a long time. Not since we were together before, and I ruined it." He said, letting his thoughts trail off. "Anyway... if you're willing, I would like to at least try for a normal, special relationship..." He said.

"I would like that." She said leaning into his kiss. Myles surprised her by feeding her a piece of coffee roll rather than kissing her again.

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The mid morning rays of sunlight beamed into Tara's bedroom window, sprinkling their glow upon her and Bobby. Tara rolled out of bed, and down to the kitchen to put a pot of coffee on. She started to toast some frozen waffles, and make some scrambled eggs. Just as she was pouring some orange juice Bobby's groggy head shown from around the corner of the staircase.

"Morning Luv." He mumbled, kissing her temple.

"Good morning." She said back to him. "It's not much... but it's pretty good tasting, if I do say so myself." Tara said proudly.

"Smells delicious." Bobby said, taking a sip of the OJ. Tara pointed to the table, for him to sit. Once he had, she served him. First were the drinks, followed by a bowl of fruit, then the eggs, and ..."Hot from the toaster..." She announced bringing a plate of waffles. "Hope you don't mind, but I haven't gone shopping in a few weeks..." She said pitifully.

"It's wonderful." He said, snagging her by the arm, pulling her to his lips and kissing her.

The two sat and chowed on breakfast, sharing small talk.

"Looks like another nice day... what do you have planned? Bobby asked.

"Nothing really... usually Sunday's are for rest, catching up with a good novel, and my laundry." She said making a face. "What about you?" She asked.

"Well, first and foremost, a run... after that... probably a couple of beers while I watch the basketball game." Bobby answered. "Care to join me?" He asked.

"Maybe..." She said taking another bite of her waffle.

"Maybe what?" He asked.

"If you don't mind watching the game here, so i can catch up on the laundry... "Tara suggested.

Bobby leaned into Tara's smile and kissed her. She got a sad smile on her face.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I don't want to go back to work tomorrow, I guess." Tara admitted.

"Why not?" Bobby asked.

"It's been a really great weekend." She said, smiling at him.

"Yeah, it has been rather nice, hasn't it?" He said teasing back at her. "What do you say... we grab some brunch at that little diner in town, and dinner in Georgetown? We'll make a night of it. Something to remember our weekend by." Bobby said.

"Ummm... not really hungry for brunch..." Tara said confused.

"Something wrong Hun?" He asked.

"Just wondering what happened to watching the game with a couple of beers and my doing laundry..." Tara began.

"Uhh... I just thought we could, you know, go out, have a great night..." Bobby said.

"Oh." Tara said as she hurried from the room, nearly in tears "I'm going to do some laundry..." She said, her voice breaking as she scurried down the hall to the laundry cubby next to her bathroom. Bobby knew instantly that he'd screwed up. He curled his hand into a fist and banged it on the counter, kicking it at the same time, mumbling under his breath something about him being a drongo. Bobby took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he started toward the sobbing coming from the end of the hall.

"Tara... Tara?" Bobby started. She tried to wave him off, and continued to sort her pile of dirty clothes. "I'm so sorry..." Bobby whispered as he approached her, putting his hands on her shoulders. She was sobbing so hard, his hands shook when they touched her. He turned her, and pulled him into his embrace, holding her tight as her tears flowed. "I'm such an idiot. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Bobby whispered into her ear as he kissed the side of her head.

"No. I'm the one who's sorry. I don't know why I got so upset. I shouldn't have." Tara said, sniffling and wiping her eyes. "I shouldn't have assumed anything. It's not like we talked about anything. It's not like either of us said anything about us beyond the weekend." She took a deep breath, getting slightly angry with herself more than anyone else. "Hell, it's not like we ever thought of a weekend... since the other day, it's pretty much been a 'here and now' thing, right? So, why would I assume it would be more?" She asked, pulling herself away from his hold, stuffing laundry randomly into the washer.

"Tara..." She ignored him. "Tara!" He said, taking her hands out of the washer, and pulling her back into his embrace. He pulled her chin up and looked into her eyes. "You couldn't be more wrong." He said as he leaned into a soft kiss, which Tara pulled away from practically before it started.

She pushed the buttons, slammed the cover down, and half haphazardly pushed the door closed to the closet and brushed by Bobby.

Bobby walked to her, close to her. He didn't touch her, just stood behind her, their skin barely touching. "Luv... I'm sorry." He took a deep breath. "I never meant to hurt you." He whispered. "You're right. We haven't talked about anything, and we need to." He paused. He saw her shoulders soften just a bit, and he knew it was ok to continue.

"I don't know what got into me this weekend. I haven't been able to resist you. I don't want to resist you." He smiled his trademarked, dimple filled smile down at her. "I love you Tara. That shouldn't be a secret- not to you anyway..." He leaned into her caress. Their lips touched, and the sparks flew. He deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her tight to his body.

"You are hard to resist." Tara said laughing.

"Good." He said, placing a sweet peck on her lips once more. "Hun, I want to see you, date you... I want us to be together. We'll figure things out at work, but for right now, I want us to be together." He said seriously. "Today, I want to have a nice night out on the town before we have to hide our feelings for each other." He said, explaining is thoughts.

"Oh..." Tara said, embarrassed by her reaction, and her actions. "Would you be OK with a compromise?" She asked. He looked at her and winked.

"What did you have in mind?" He asked.

"What would you say to, a walk through the park, then a bag of popcorn, a pizza from Bill's Place, and the football game? The Redskins are playing..." She said lifting her eyebrows suggestively.

"I like that idea." He said. "Can I ask why you don't want to go out on the town?" He asked.

"I'm tired..." She said, blushing with embarrassment. "I just want to chill out... Is that OK?" She asked. He nodded and kissed her on the temple.

"Is that the only reason?" He asked cautiously.

"Would it be such a bad thing to want to keep you to myself for one more night?" Tara asked. Bobby smiled as he took a step toward her, wrapping his arm around her waist putting his lips on her neck, working his way up to her jaw, then to her lips. His tender touch was more than Tara could resist.