Good news and bad news. Bad news is that this marks the end of an era. Good news is that I've figured a way to keep writing, if very slowly (i.e. posting once a month or so). So, happily I will get to finish this story and probably write some others :). As for this one, as a reward for this being late (and a consequence for my poor planning) you get a long chapter! The next one will be a bit in coming.
Sue sighed contentedly, relaxing deeper into the bubbles as she soaked in water that was just cool enough. She smiled as she thought of her husband, who had dropped her off right after work at the apartment. "Sweetheart, go on in and take a hot bath and relax. I need to get some stuff set up for this evening that I've forgotten. "He blushed and looked a little ashamed. "I'll be about an hour yet."
So with an assurance of her understanding and a gentle kiss, she took leave of his car, fed Levi, and settled for a few minutes in a hot bath. Or at least it was supposed to only be a few minutes. When she checked her watch she saw that 30 minutes had passed, and with a sigh levered herself out of the tub, dried off, and threw on underclothes, and started taking care of her hair. Jack had asked if she would like to go out to celebrate their six month anniversary, and she had happily agreed. They didn't often get to go out so much, with work taking off and not slowing down, preparing for the little one, and searching for a house; they were excited that they had this chance.
But as excited as Sue was, she was exhausted. Supporting a small human growing inside of you wasn't a piece of cake, and she had pushed herself hard in the last case to try to stop a terror attack on an outdoor concert. Turning her thoughts to the evening ahead, she tried to pick something out to wear. She gave a sigh when she saw the options hanging in the closet; Lucy had helped and they were all classy and pretty, but Sue still had to admit she felt fat regardless. Jack constantly assured her that she was still the most beautiful woman in the world, and his eager attentiveness at night indicated that he meant it, but still... She shrugged and figured that Jack wanted to take her out, so she would go. Choosing a royal blue dress, she slid it on and selected a pearl necklace with the pearl earrings Jack had given her for Christmas the previous year. Just as she finished brushing her hair out and adding a light curl, Levi alerted her that Jack had entered the apartment.
Jack himself was tired after the long week, but he really wanted to be able to take Sue out and make it special for her. He had set up reservations at one of the swankier restaurants in the area and...a few small other things that he wanted to surprise his wife with. My wife. Jack thought, a broad grin lighting up his face as he walked up the stairs to his apartment. He still found himself in disbelief that he was finally married to his darling Sue. Add on that she was carrying their child, and he was over the moon. Not even his own exhaustion could keep him from showing Sue how much he loved her, appreciated her, desired her, wanted her by his side more than life itself.
He opened the door and found himself greeted by a madly wagging tail. "Hey there, buddy." Jack laughed as Levi rubbed against him like a cat. "You just saw me, you little fuzzball. Go get Sue." He followed after the dog as he padded away towards the bedroom. Jack opened the door and let Levi go in to alert Sue first before he walked in. He stopped in his tracks, a broad grin covering his face even though his lips went a little dry. He never got over how beautiful she was, and approaching 6 months pregnant didn't take away from her beauty at all. "Hi." He said, slowly starting to walk over to her. "You are...so incredibly beautiful."
She blushed under his gaze as he soaked in her beauty and dropped her eyes. "It's really nothing great..." She said shyly.
Jack reached her and swept her into his arms. "You really have no idea how lovely you are. Even after all this time." He said, grinning slightly as he shook his head slowly. Instead of continuing talking, he kissed her, drawing her deeper until he was supporting her to keep her on her feet. Sue exhaled shakily, smiling up into his eyes. "Persuaded you yet?"
"Hmmm..." Sue effected a pensive look. "I'm not sure..." She said, a teasing glint in her eye.
Jack gave a slight grin and lowered his lips to hers again, relishing how she responded and clung to him. When he finally released her, she snuggled into him. "Thank you, Jack. I really appreciate how much you do to take care of me."
"It is truly my pleasure." He said with a grin. He took a step back. "However, I need to get a quick shower and change into a suitable suit." He said with an expectant grin.
Sue simply rolled her eyes at his word play and left to get Levi settled for the evening before she and Jack left. Levi settled into his bed with a huff, flopping over as Sue fluffed his fur. When she stopped, he looked up at her with a 'Why did you stop?' look, causing her to laugh. "Jack's right. You are a lovable fuzzball." She said as she patted his head before straightening with a small groan, hand on her back. Babies growing inside of you were heavy! She sighed and picked up Jack's shoes from just inside the door and placed them on the mat set to keep the snow from being tracked onto the carpet, then began washing dishes that were left in the sink from that morning.
She jumped slightly as Jack stepped up next to her with a drying towel and began on the dishes in the drying rack. "Couldn't just sit down and relax a little?" He asked with a small smile.
She blushed. "There's too much to do to just sit down."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "And what about when we buy a house? This is only a one bedroom apartment, darling, and you are still not letting anything wait. I want to help you, but I can't if you always beat me to it."
Sue blew out a breath and turned to face him. "You do so much for me already. I don't want to ever want to presume or take you for granted." She said, dropping her eyes and drying her hands on a towel.
His hands appeared and took the towel from her and put it down on the counter, then lifted her chin. "I know. But I want to help you. I know your heart; I know that you won't take advantage of me, especially since you are aware of it. Now will you please take it easy? For me?" He asked pleadingly.
She sighed and grinned at him. "Alright. You ready to go eat?" She asked him.
Jack laughed. "Let's go." He said. Helping her into her wool overcoat and placing his hand on the small of her back, they walked out the door, leaving Levi gnawing on a bone as he watched them leave.
It was a romantic evening that Jack had set up at a local seafood restaurant, lowered lights with candles on the table with some of Sue's favorite flowers in the centerpiece. She giggled as Jack solemnly moved the flowers to the side slightly, as they were making communication difficult. Sue sighed as the salad was taken back. "I can't believe that we've already been married half a year." She said.
Jack smiled. "I wouldn't trade it for the world. Even as the dynamic changed at work, it's brought the entire group together. I don't know who D is going to bring in though when you take maternity leave."
Sue shrugged. "I wouldn't sweat it. D's good at choosing someone."
"But they won't be you. I wish I could be there all the time for you..." Jack said, a slightly wistful look on his face.
Sue smiled warmly at him. He was so excited for the child to be born, and she shared that excitement. "You will be able to be there to help me afterwards. Don't worry, dearest. I'll be okay for a few weeks leading up to it."
Jack laughed. "Yeah, James wasn't terribly keen on me taking off for four weeks, but D, bless him, managed to talk him around."
"We owe so much to that man..." Sue said. They had both grown much closer to D over the last 4 - 6 months. He was the only other married man in the group (so far), but more so because of all the strings he pulled for them. They did start having dinner with Gans' on a fairly regular basis; they alternated who made the main course and who made dessert. In these little meetings, D became less of a father figure and more of a close friend, passing on and receiving advice. D was one of the main forces that had opened the management chain for Jack as quickly as it had, but recently had been walking around with a secretive smile when he looked at the newlyweds.
The main dish came to them around that time, and they dug in. "I heard some interesting news while I was running my errands today." Jack said.
Sue raised an eyebrow as she worked through her fish. Jack simply raised his own eyebrows and grinned. Sue shook her head and chewed faster. "I don't understand why you do that. What did you hear?" She asked sarcastically after she swallowed, a small grin on her face.
Jack laughed. "I got a call from the real estate salesman." He slowly took another bite of fish, leaving Sue becoming increasingly frustrated and anxious.
"Aaaaand...?" Sue asked impatiently, heart beating quickly.
"They had some information on the house we were looking at." He said evasively, but the grin he had at his beloved's expression was stealing over his face.
"Jack..." Sue said warningly, knuckles white on her silverware.
He laughed, then said excitedly. "We have it for twenty-five grand under asking price!"
"Oh my gosh!" Sue said, a hand clapped over her mouth and tears welling in her eyes. "I can't believe it..."
"We can sign this Friday." Jack said, placing his hand over the hand she left on the table. They had been looking for a house and had found one that met everything they wanted. It was quite large, if not particularly fancy. A five bedroom, four bathroom house with an enclosed garage, large (unfinished, but open) basement, and full attic with over 25 acres had not come cheap, but it was in good repair and fitting for the size of family that they were hoping to have. "Now we can be in debt for the next twenty years." He winked at her, causing her to giggle.
"Just get a promotion and that won't be a problem." Sue said back teasingly. She sighed and ate automatically, mind running as to what they would do with the house once they signed. It didn't do any good until the documents were signed, and there was still so much to do and prepare for and-
His hand closing over hers drew her attention back to reality and she came to the realization that she had picked her plate clean in the meantime. Jack's eyes were worried. "Are you okay? You seem bothered, and I thought..."
"It truly is wonderful. There's just a lot to plan." Sue reassured him.
His mouth formed an exasperated line as he gazed at her. "Darling."
She protested. "Jack, we only have so much time before the lease expires-"
He put a finger on her lips to silence her, then stood. "Dance with me?"
She couldn't help but laugh softly and rise with him. He held her as close as her swollen stomach allowed and spun her slowly around the dance floor. "Just celebrate tonight." He whispered, staring into her eyes. "Don't worry. Just celebrate."
She burrowed her head into his chest, tucking her head under his chin and swayed with him, letting him lead her. I'd follow wherever you lead me...so long as I'm by your side.
There had been much rejoicing in the bullpen the next morning as the gang heard about it. "Well, now you're completely anchored down; a lifer, some would say." Bobby laughed. "What a Christmas gift."
"Congratulations, you two." Myles said, grinning at them. "Tell me, does it resemble the house you two played at being married in?"
"Nah, it s a little bigger than that." Jack said. "It's outside of DC proper, so the commute is a little longer. But our kids will get to play outside and enjoy the fresh air."
"Little bigger?" Tara asked, eyebrows raised as she looked at pictures on her computer. "Just how many kids are you planning on having?"
"Listen up folks!" D said, striding into the room. Everyone sighed and looked over at him.
"Let me guess, yet another case?" Myles said, a little disgruntled. The others shot him a look; Sue's was knowing. She knew why Myles desperately wanted Christmas off this year, even if he hadn't told anyone specifically why; the questions and favors he had asked her made it abundantly clear.
"Nope, I used a little leverage and our group isn't on duty this Christmas." D said happily.
Jack asked the question they all had. "On duty? Since when aren't we on duty?"
D's grin grew wider. "It's something James wants to start establishing inside of our department. We have one team on call for serious cases. Routine stuff get's handled around vacation. We're going to try it this year and Lane's group pulled the short straw. Or rather, it was pulled for them. You all can go home and not be worried about being called in unless something major occurs which they are somehow too incompetent to deal with on their own."
"Lane's group is solid." Jack said, a grin spreading over his features. "They should be able to handle anything that comes in over the holiday itself. Hot dog!"
Sue was looking a little confused. "So we have off over Christmas if we so choose?"
Lucy's eyes were dancing. "Yup! Where are you and Jack going for Christmas? I looked at your calendars and you two are taking off day after tomorrow."
"We're heading to my parent's house this year since we went to Jack's last year." Sue said. "Where is everyone else going?"
Lucy was heading to the Hudson household to visit with Jerry, Bobby was taking Tara with him to Australia to introduce her to his mother and cousins, and Myles was heading to the Thomas household too. D was doing as he always did; Christmas would start at his place with the kids, then they would all go to his parents's house for New Years if they could manage it.
"But for now, all of you should get back to work to see if you can put a few more behind bars before you break for Christmas. Bobby, Myles; I want you to take the list of cold cases that we got from Greg's group; they figured they needed a fresh eye, so we have traded cold cases. Jack, Tara, Sue; I want you three to interview the three candidates who've gotten this far. I want your thoughts and reactions. We need to bring someone in soon to get them up to speed for when Sue has the baby. Let's go folks!" D said with a smile. "Only a few more days till Christmas!"
"They just keep getting younger." Jack remarked as he and Sue drove towards Ohio.
"Or maybe you keep getting older." Sue teased him.
"Nah, I mean we had a choice between three of the greenest pups that I've seen yet. I mean, come on. A 24, 22, or 21 year old. In this business? Do I really need to tear down their optimism, introduce them to the darkest people humanity has to offer on a daily basis?" Jack asked, a somber expression covering his face.
"Oh, Jack. Myles and Bobby aren't that bad." Sue said, trying to lighten him up.
Jack simply raised his eyebrow. "Don't you remember what it was like the first time you saw a murdered corpse? The first time you saw someone die?" Jack asked. When Sue looked at him, he shifted his gaze back to the road. "I remember holding you to offer some sort of comfort. Now I get to rip that youthful joy from yet another kid. And focus on teaching him how to stay alive. I don't care how smart you are. Doctorates only do so much."
Sue remained silent for a few minutes as Jack brooded. When she spoke, her voice was soft. "But I also remember how much the group banded together to take care of me during those times. The deep and abiding strength that came from each of you when one of us hit a weak spot. I remember the hope that you and everyone else gave." She took his hand and kissed it. "It hurt to be stripped of youth, but you become stronger because of what this group is."
Jack sighed. "You think we made the right choice with the youngest pup?" Sue simply raised an eyebrow. When Jack saw it, he sighed again. "I know, stupid question since we all decided that."
"He'll come up to speed. He's certainly bright enough. And his personality is colorful enough, yet kind enough, to fit in nicely. Give him a chance." Sue said, caressing his shoulders.
Jack finally laughed. "Here I am, comparing him to you. I should know better. Well, when the new year comes, Alexander will be one of us, for better or worse."
Sue simply rolled her eyes and patted his hand. Conversation turned to less intense topics, and eventually Sue sacked out for the rest of the journey.
"This feels familiar...Darling, wake up. Wakey wakey Sue. Sue..." Jack said as he gently shook his wife.
She blinked as she looked around at the familiar surroundings and grinned tiredly. "Ah...Ohio."
"Yeah, you make even this land look beautiful." Jack said with a grin as he opened the back doors to let Levi out and snag the luggage.
"Hey!" A voice came from behind him. "It's beautiful even without my sister here." Christine said , giving him a hug.
"When you close your eyes." Jack said agreeably, turning back to give his wife a hand out of the car.
"Be nice." Sue scolded him. Jack simply smiled brightly, looking entirely unrepentant. "Hello, sister mine." Sue said, giving her sister a hug. "I can't believe you haven't stopped by for dinner at some point in the last three months."
"You were always busy!" Christine defended herself as Myles walked up.
"And you were always with Myles." Jack said with a wink at the man. "Shall we go see your parents, love?" Jack asked Sue. When she nodded, he let her and Christine lead Myles and himself in. "And just how did you manage to catch up to us?" He asked Myles.
Myles gave a cocky smile. "You should know I have my ways of getting from point A to point B quickly."
Jack raised an eyebrow as they walked up onto the porch, following the sound of happy squeals and lavished attention on his wife. "But I was driving 10 over speed limit, and you still made up an hour. I know I'm traveling with a pregnant woman and we had to make more stops, but not that much."
Myles simply grinned and greeted the lady of the house with a courteous bow before he let himself be crushed by a hug. He grinned over Bernadette's head at Jack, and Jack couldn't help but marvel at how different Myles was from before he met Christine. Maybe different wasn't the right word...changed but the same. He didn't have much time to ponder it as Bernadette pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. "Hello Jack! Welcome back-"
"Uncle Jack! Uncle Jack!" Cut over anything else Bernadette had to say as Patrick cannoned into Jack's legs, causing him to stagger. Myles caught him, and Jack picked up the little fellow.
"Careful there, Patrick. You could knock someone over that way." Jack said seriously, fighting to keep a broad grin off of his face.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Jack." Patrick said, truly contrite.
Jack ruffled his hair and let his smile grow over his face. "So are you keeping busy? Have you been a good boy?" Levi barked, thinking it was him that was 'a good boy', causing a roar of laughter. Conversations flowed as Jack let himself be drug outside by Patrick, laughing as he snagged 'not-yet-Uncle-Myles' too to go play with them. Sue was cornered by her mother and sisters. After they had eaten dinner, the two couples paired off for a moonlight walk. Jack grinned as he saw the normally suave Myles struggle with his boots and trip over his own feet.
"Nervous?" Jack muttered in his ear as they were getting suited up against the cold.
Myles looked over at him in poorly concealed surprise. When Jack simply raised an eyebrow, he shrugged. "Yes." He said simply.
"Good. There would be something wrong with you if you weren't." Jack said with a grin. He patted his co-worker on the shoulder and left to go help Sue with her overcoat. Myles looked after him for a few seconds, then turned back to Christine to help her with her coat, receiving a broad smile in return.
"I've missed you." Christine said as she snuggled closer to Myles as they walked along the road towards the outskirts of town. "I know you've been busy, but I still missed you."
"As hokey as it sounds, it was the thought of taking the time to be with you that kept me running through during the last few months. I'm sorry I didn't have as much time to spend with you." Myles said softly. "I missed you too."
They walked in silence for several minutes, enjoying the crystal clear night sky, the quarter moon providing plenty of light to walk by. Christine looked up at him. "You've been quiet lately."
Myles stared straight ahead, nodding slowly. He opened his mouth, closed it, then spoke thoughtfully. "I think I've realized just how much I love you." He glanced down at her as she looked a little surprised. Myles never stinted in letting her know how much he cared, but he was never a big one on vocalizing it. "I've realized how important you are in my life." He continued walking with her, arm tightening around her waist. She stopped and tucked herself into his arms, letting him hold her. "And I've realized that the very thing that I've prayed for so long for...is finally in my arms." He said, a little softer than usual.
She turned her face up and kissed him softly. "I love you too, Myles. I was jealous of my sisters for a time...that they had what I wanted. Now I have it too, and I wouldn't give it up for the world."
Myles grinned at her and then began walking with her again. "I felt the same when I watched Jack and Sue." He winked at Christine. "Though, as nice as she is, I'm thrilled I got the sister."
Christine laughed at him. "And now we walk along, day before Christmas Eve." They continued meandering down the street, taking in the lights and warm houses along the street as they passed. Here was a blow-up Santa with reindeer, there as house that was more lights than house, a car was emptying of people to shouts of joy from those on the front porch, there was a snowball fight among younglings.
Myles reflected on the deep seated joy that he had this Christmas time. Previously he had hated Christmas; commercialized to where you had to "buy" the love of family that already had everything, no joy of God to be found, the child-like happiness scorned; it was a dark, dismal place at the Leland household each Christmas. He never really expected it to be different, even though so many had told him that it was a time of joy.
Then he had met this brown haired beauty who had opened his world to a happiness he hadn't known before, and through her influence in opening himself further to God, a joy he hadn't known before. Christmas now figured to be bright, cheerful, and happy; a time of joy and rejoicing. All because God saw it fit to put her back into his life, and more than that, as a potential spouse.
Spouse. The word was one that held both apprehension and happiness. Apprehension because he didn't want to make the same mistakes as his parents, and also marriage was hard. He screwed up with Lucy (God had brought great joy to him even through his error), and he really didn't want to screw anything up with Christine. Sue had taken him to task for his worries, but he couldn't help it; and in his worries he found an even deeper desire to live the vows he would take, and a deeper understanding of his own weakness and need for divine help.
Happiness though because of the thought of spending each an every day with Christine. Would it be hard, at times uncomfortable? Of course. But he would do everything for her, and in that self-sacrifice he would serve her and their family. To have a family too! He never said it to his co-workers, but he desired a family as much, if not more, than each of them. Christine and he had discussed the possibility of marriage, but now...tonight was going to be special. He had obtained her father's blessing, and, with Sue's help, had plotted and planned. Now...
They both walked up the stairs to a gazebo that was set in the middle of the town park with a great view of the town square, lighted and decorated for the upcoming feast. "I always love it here, especially at night. Susie and I would come here often just to look at the town at night, particularly in winter..." Christine said a little dreamily.
"I can see why. Though I find the most beautiful sight is the one right next to me." Myles said softly with a sidelong glance at Christine. She blushed and ducked her head. He lifted her chin with a gentle finger and smiled. "You still don't believe me, do you?" He chuckled and shook his head slowly. "I have come to love you, even more than myself. And that," he said with a grin, "my co-workers will say is a miracle." Christine giggled.
Myles' expression became serious and he locked eyes with her. "I want to live out my life with you." He paused and waited for the look of understanding to dawn in her eyes. He slowly sank to one knee and pulled out a little velvet box. "Christine Thomas, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?"
She sucked in a breath and blinked rapidly for a couple seconds as a broad smile crossed her face. She leaned down to him and whispered, "It is my great and undeniable joy; yes, I will marry you Myles Leland." And kissed him. When they separated, he placed a silver band with a lovely diamond, small diamonds running up the sides, on her finger. She looked at it and her smile simply grew larger. "The sign of our love and devotion for each other, Myles. I wear it with joy and pride." She said.
Myles just took her back into his arms and held her, heart slowing down to a reasonable level and a broad smile pasted on his features as he held her close. She agreed to be his bride; his darling wife for the rest of his life. He couldn't have asked for more. "Shall we go back and share the news, my lady?" he asked.
She gave him a dazzling smile. "It would please me very much, gentle sir." She replied, taking the arm that he offered her as they walked back towards the Thomas Household.
Of the proposal scenes I've written and read, I really like this one the best. Just a nice simple and joyful experience; in my mind, how a guy should. And yes, I'm throwing a little shade from PA to OH. It's like a big brother teasing the little brother ;). Even if we have Philadelphia...