A Prayer for Every Year
December 20th
They'd fallen asleep after dinner together in bed, his arm wrapped around her waist possessively and her hands curled around his shirt. When Sue woke the next morning she stretched languorously against Jack and grinned, remembering fondly the night's events. The ring he gave her was simple, a beautiful small diamond bordered by two smaller rubies. She loved it to bits not only because of what it looked like but also what it represented. It represented his love and devotion and her reciprocation of those emotions. They drove into work together both laughing and joking as they entered the bullpen. It was the least they could do with the case, which was apparently taking a toll on Jack. The eyebrows went up as they entered, Sue laughing happily at something Jack had just said. Neither said anything, however, at least to their coworkers. Work went about as normal until around lunchtime when Tara stood up happily presenting her news on the case. She handed out papers to all of the team, Sue instinctively taking the page with her left hand. Bobby stopped Tara before she got too far into it.
"My goodness Sheila! Is that a nice rock or what?" Sue blushed and shrugged. However, the damage was done. The case was forgotten for a second as the fussing over Sue's ring began. She gave no information, knowing as well as the rest that if she mentioned Jack they could be in more trouble than either of them wanted. They at least wanted to be the ones to tell Garrett rather than the scuttlebutt. Which was why part of her was more than excited to see Ted Garrett walk through the bullpen doors looking for an update on their case. He walked right into the interrogation of Sue Thomas.
"What is all of this commotion?" he asked. Sue grinned shyly as they all pulled back except Lucy, who held up Sue's hand in triumph. Garrett's eyebrows rose.
"Engaged, Thomas?" Sue nodded, her cheeks reddening.
"Who's ring?" he asked without preamble. Instantly, reflexively, her eyes darted to Jack who came to stand beside her. His arm wrapped possessively around her waist.
"Mine, sir." He swallowed reflexively as Garrett eyed them carefully.
"Keep personal out of professional," he said. "Now about this case…"