The days at the Thomases' passed quickly and without incident causing Jack to slowly relax and brush off his earlier worries. They had all enjoyed the time together as a family and Sue had immediately fallen in love with her new sister-in-law and nephews. Everything was fine until the day they announced they would be leaving within twenty-four hours.
"What do you mean, leaving? Why can't you stay?" Carla Thomas wanted to know. Looking back and forth between Jack and Sue, she continued, "You told me that neither of you have to be at work for a couple more weeks, what's the rush?"
Jack saw Sue hesitate so he stepped in. "Emily begins preschool next week and we need to get home and establish a routine. Plus there are things I need to be doing for work even though I don't have to technically be there."
Carla listened to his words and then turned back to Sue. "Why don't you stay? You don't have to return when they do. It would give us a chance to do some more catching up."
Jack bristled at his mother-in-law's words, waiting to see Sue's response. To her credit, she looked startled at the idea. "Mom, of course I can't stay. I've enjoyed being home but I need to go back to Washington with Jack and Emily. I want to be there for her first day of preschool, to walk her into class, to meet her teacher," she explained with a shrug, "You know, do the mommy stuff I've missed out on. And I've got to decide about work."
"What do you mean?" her mother wanted to know. "You aren't seriously considering going back to the Bureau are you? Sue, you can't be serious," she exclaimed, horrified. "After what happened to you? You can't!" she huffed.
Sue straightened, crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Did you just tell me I can't?" she asked incredulously. "Because I can and I might. I haven't decided yet, but it will be my decision," she informed her.
"And what about Jack?"
"What about Jack?" Sue questioned, not sure about the turn in conversation.
"Aren't you going to consult him? You're not single anymore and you need to stop acting like it. These decisions need to be made with him, not on your own."
"I know," Sue bristled defensively. "I was wondering if you remembered, the way you invited me to stay here and let them return without me. And I will talk with Jack about my working."
"There is nothing wrong with you staying here without Jack and Emily. They know how to take care of themselves; they've been doing it for years. I just thought it would give you time to sort things out, you know, without any kind of pressure."
Sue looked at her mother with confusion. "What are you talking about now?"
"Nothing. Never mind," Carla said dismissively. "I'll talk to you about it later."
Jack stepped forward and put a light hand on Sue's shoulder to gain her attention before he spoke, directing his attention to his mother-in-law. "Carla, something has been bothering me since we arrived. When Peter told you that we had another guest, who did you think it might be?"
"I had no idea," she hedged, looking suddenly nervous. Sue watched the interaction between her mom and Jack and knew there was something she was missing.
"Sue, Emily, and I are leaving tomorrow, that's final. You and Peter are welcome to come visit us any time. Our door is always open for family. But we," he said, moving his hand between himself and Sue, "need some time together, at home, before we jump back into life full force. I think you can appreciate that."
Carla nodded. "I only want what is best for my daughter and granddaughter. For you too, Jack," she added, softening her tone.
"I know," he told her. "And what is best for us right now is to stay together and work on becoming a family. It's been good seeing everyone, but we've had no time at home alone since Sue has recovered."
