'Kay, Pryrmntn, I'm jumping ahead of my posting schej just for you...

The Ring--Chapter Six

Somewhere, a phone rang.

"…Hello?" a male voice asked.

No answer except for breathing.

"…Hello? Althea? Are you there?" The man on the phone heard the other end drop to the floor and the sound of footsteps fade away. Then a faint conversation as the footsteps returned.

"—Mommy, someone's on the phone askin' for Theo or something. I answered and here it is—" Click.

Hector Delgado shook his head in amusement. His four-year-old nephew must have picked up the phone. He hung up and counted to ten before redialing. This time an adult answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Theo."

"Hey, Thor. Are you okay?" Althea Delgado Lewis sounded worried.

"I'm fine. I have leave and was calling to see if I could come for a short visit. I need to talk to you."

She could hear the smile in his voice. "Are you bringing anyone with you?" It was important to find out these things ahead of time.

"Uh, no. Just me this time. So, can I come?"

"Let me call Roger to see what his schedule is and I'll call you back. But go ahead and pack your gear," she laughed.

"All packed, Theo. Make the call quick cuz my flight leaves within the hour and the military waits for no man…"

The woman on the other end sighed dramatically. "And what if I had said no?"

"I already called Uncle to see if I could stay with him."

"Come on, then. Don't keep the plane waiting."

"Love you."

"Back at ya." Althea hung up the phone and dialed her husband to let him know they would be having a guest.

On his end, Hector hung up and grabbed his bag. He checked his watch. Time enough for a quick stop in the med ward. He hated leaving on such short notice but if he waited, a mission could come up and he'd be out of luck.

The nurse's station was empty so he left his bag next to the desk and went looking for a certain staffer. He found her in the nurse's room, working on another paper. Headphones prevented her from hearing his approach. He put his hands over her eyes and she nipped him.

"Ow, what did you go and do that for?" Shaking his hand, he pulled off the headphones only to realize the music was really loud.

I'Lee Springer leaned her head back and saw who it was. She grinned an upside down grin. "Sorry. You aren't the first person to do that to me today. I had to find a good defense."

He managed a hurt puppy look. "I might need a rabies shot. Know any nurses?"

"Puh-lease." She spun in the chair and wagged a finger at him. "Put your hands where they don't belong and you might get hurt."

Hector decided to let that one slide. He needed to tell her that he was going.

"Hey, I just got leave for three days so I'm going see Althea. Think you can survive without me?"

She snorted and clasped her hands to her chest. "Oh, what ever will I do? Probably the same thing I always do."

"Dream about me?" His eyes sparkled.

She rolled hers. "Get on with ya. It's like a mission. I'll see you when you get back. Go have fun with your cousin."

He leaned over to give her a hug. "I'll miss you," he whispered in her ear. He then took her hand and kissed her palm keeping eye contact the whole time. Slowly folding the fingers closed, "Keep that safe for me, will ya?" He winked and backed out of the room.

She heard his boots as he ran down the hall, pausing only a second before leaving the building. Sighing, I'Lee pressed her palm to her cheek. "Guess I will be dreaming tonight," she whispered.

Chula Vista, California

Inside the house, they heard a car door slam and a small voice cried out, "He's here! Unca Thor is here!" Footsteps pounded toward the screen door followed by a loud slam.

"Unca Thor!" The four-year-old threw himself at the tall, dark headed man.

"Hey, Jesse! How's my favorite nephew?" The sailor dropped his bag and caught the tyke in a big hug. He spun around until the small boy screamed in delight.

"Do it again!"

Hector set the boy down and tweaked his nose. "Let me say hi to your mom first, okay?"

Little blue eyes smiled up. "'Kay." He went running back into the house as Althea came out.

The dark headed woman was caught up in a whirlwind of her own as her cousin spun them both around. She laughed delightedly at his antics. This was the man she knew. "Hey, Thor." Her smile was overwhelming to him.

"Hey, Theo," he whispered, leaning his head against hers. He grabbed his bag and they went into the house. Stowing his duffel under a chair, he looked around familiarizing himself with the layout.

Althea observed from a mirror in the kitchen. He seems the same and yet not. Standing taller? He's definitely changed barbers. She narrowed her gaze, watching as Jesse came barreling back to his uncle. His eyes. It's his eyes. They're clear. A smile brushed her lips as the small boy was tossed into the air, squealing the whole time. He would make a good father someday. Such a big kid himself. The two headed up to Jesse's room and then back down to retrieve the bag. Out came the toys. "Boys, take the lightsabers out back, please."

"Race you, Unca Thor. Go!"

"Oh, no, you don't, small fry!" He hoisted the child over his shoulder as they disappeared into the backyard. More screams of laughter were heard along with noisy sound effects.

The dark headed woman turned to her dinner preparations. In short order, she had a baked potato bar ready to go with all the fixings. She was setting the table when a scene caught her attention. Hector was lying on his back with Jesse next to him. They were looking at clouds and guessing what they could be. So entranced was she, that her husband was able to ease up behind her and envelop her in hug.

"What are you looking so hard at?" He nuzzled her neck and she turned to kiss him.

"Hey, big, bad, sailor man. How's the shipyard today?" She giggled as Roger pulled her close and breathed in the scent of her hair.

"Still floating. Where's Jess?"

She indicated the window and they walked over to see what the action was outside. Jesse was currently dueling with his uncle who was hanging upside down on the swing set.

Roger shook his head and went to the back door to whistle. The four-year-old dropped his toy and ran to greet his father. Hector took his time dismounting from his awkward position. A son needed to have time with his father. It was a feeling that he missed. Dusting his hands, he picked up the two sabers and went to say hello.

The two men were civil enough, although Althea could barely keep from laughing at them. Roger tried hard not to be critical of Hector and his choices and in return, Hector just kept his mouth shut. It made for a quiet meal after which Jesse was whisked away by his father to be put to bed. Helping to clear the table, the sailor followed his cousin to the kitchen. They worked silently until Roger returned.

"Thanks for wearing him out. It usually takes thirty minutes to get him wound down."

"No problem. Glad to do it." Hector paused before addressing the naval captain directly. "He's a great kid, Roger. And you're good father." The sailor put his towel down and left a stunned couple in his wake.

Turning to Althea, the captain made a puzzled face. "What was that about?"

"I'm not sure, but I will find out and let you know." Her ocean blues twinkled at his chocolate browns. "But tonight, we'll let him be. Hector will talk when he's ready."

ringring

Althea was sitting in her home office, clearing her schedule. Roger had left bright and early for the Naval Base and Jesse was over at a friend's house for the morning. The dark headed woman took care of her emails and set some work aside to do later. She wanted to be available for her cousin. A noise from the door drew her attention.

Hector stood there with a raised eyebrow. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Making time for you, slug-a-bed. Do you always sleep this late?" It was ten o'clock.

"For your information, Theo, I have already been out for a run and eaten breakfast. I…I needed to think about some things." He ran a nervous hand through his hair.

"Well, come in and sit down, before you fall down." She grinned at him.

Grabbing a chair, Hector straddled it and faced his cousin. It was quiet for a few minutes as each studied the other, one seeing subtle changes and the other deciding what to say. The sailor spoke first, reaching for a box on her desk as he did so.

"So, how's business these days?" He opened the container and began searching through it.

"Fine." She reached for it but he pulled away.

"Hey, I'm just looking." The dark headed man turned his attention to the smaller pieces in the box, being particular about size and color.

Althea narrowed her eyes. He was up to something. "Seen any good movies lately?" That stopped his searching, if only for a moment. She tried again. "So, who's your new barber? I see you finally dumped 'Scissors' McCallahan." A slight pink hue crept up his neck but he didn't say anything. The woman tilted her head and studied her cousin.

Hector knew she was watching but he wanted to find the right pieces before talking to her. He tried to shut her out but the woman had radar and knew how to use it. It took great restraint not to over-react to her innocent questions. He almost didn't make it. Focusing, he found the all the parts and turned to ask his cousin a favor.

At the same time, she opened her mouth.

"I need…"

'I need…"

Immediately, Althea clamed up and motioned him to continue.

Setting the box on her desk, he placed a small pile of stones next to it. He then reached into his pants' pocket and pulled out an envelope. This too became a part of the small cache. Done, he rested his elbows on the back of the chair and his chin on his hands.

The dark headed woman blinked and tentatively picked up a stone. It was very small and blue. An unusual hue, not used often. There were about ten of them, all close in color, shape and size. She nodded. Pulling up another stone, it was green. Not typical emerald green. Same thing as the blue stones. Cutting her eyes, she noticed him staring out the window, lost in thought. The envelope was the biggest mystery. She used her letter opener to slit open one end and pulled out a piece of paper. On it was a simple design. She pursed her lips as she poured out the rest of the contents. Two rings came out. One was a solid sterling silver and the other a simple knotted ring made from two colors. Blue and green. A soft gasp escaped as she realized what he was going to ask her to do.

"What's her name, Hector?" she whispered.

"I'Lee Springer."

Althea bit her lips to hold back the flood of questions. She held up the silver ring. "Where did you get this?"

"Italy."

"And this?" It was the knotted ring.

"Brazil."

"And the design?"

"Something I was thinking about."

She smoothed the paper and took a second look. There were two lines that crossed and uncrossed in a soft wave motion. Taking a pushpin, she fastened it to her design board. While sorting the stones, she asked a few more questions.

"Size?"

He gestured to the knotted ring. "I bought two, just in case."

"You already gave her a ring?" What else haven't you told me?

"It was something I picked up that I thought she might like." He tried not to sound defensive.

Althea took a breath. It wouldn't do to frustrate him. "Does she wear it?"

"No, well, yes but not like a ring." A smile played about his mouth as he thought of how I'Lee had gotten around the jewelry regs.

"Spill."

"She looped onto her ID badge." He grinned then.

Oh, my. He's got it bad. Her heart threatened to overwhelm her with joy. Tears came unbidden and brimmed on the edge. Turning away, she steeled herself to speak calmly. "So, is this an engagement ring?"

"If she chooses me." There was a catch in his voice but a confidence as well.

If she doesn't choose you, I'll…I'll… The tears pushed forward and there was no stopping them. She whirled in her chair and hugged him hard. "I'm so happy for you," was her quiet exclamation.

Hector accepted her embrace and laughed at his cousin's emotion. "Hey, I haven't asked her yet."

"You big oaf." She popped him on the chest before reaching for the tissue box.

"So, can you do it?"

"For you, Thor, I can definitely do it."

ringring

The rest of the day passed in blur. Althea buried herself in her office, working on a more delicate version of the design. Jesse came home and spent the afternoon playing with his uncle, doing things he probably shouldn't and enjoying every minute. The two played Pirates, Soldiers, Space Attack, Cowboys and Indians, and every game the child owned. They were at the table coloring pictures when Hector noticed the time. It was close to six.

"Hey, Jess, help me fix dinner."

"Me?"

"Sure, buddy." He went to the refrigerator and looked inside. Grabbing a package of ground beef, an onion and some tomatoes, he turned to the small boy. "Put these on the counter for me."

"'Kay."

At the pantry, he spied the spaghetti. "Here you go, kiddo."

"'Kay. Unca Thor?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm too small to help in the kitchen."

"Nonsense. I need a helper and who else is going to help me?"

"Mommy can."

"Mommy is busy so we're going to do it."

"'Kay."

The sailor filled a pot with water and set it on the back of the stove to boil. He found a plastic bowl and handed the boy the spaghetti. "Here, can you break this for me?" Opening the package, he pulled a piece of the thin pasta out and broke it. Jesse nodded solemnly. "There you go." Carefully, the four-year-old took out a piece at a time and broke it. Hector turned to the process of browning the meat and onion. Adding a little red wine, some garlic, fresh herbs and the tomatoes, it was about done when he checked on his nephew. The bowl was filled with pieces of all lengths. The bag was almost empty and Jesse was very concentrated on his work. A little pink tongue stuck out to the side. The dark headed man covered his mouth so as not to laugh outright.

A car door slammed and he took the bowl and sent the boy to the front door to greet his dad. The water was boiling so he added the multi-length pasta and let it roll. Voices came from the entry and he took a peek to see Jesse talking a hundred miles an hour to his father. The pair strolled into the kitchen. Roger raised an eyebrow.

"Where's Althea?"

"She's busy with a project so I thought I'd do dinner."

From his perch on the captain's shoulders, Jesse chirped, "I helped, Daddy. I broke the skeddy."

"Oh, you did, huh? Was it hard to do?" The two left as the boy explained how he broke each piece.

Dinner was quiet. Althea took a break long enough to fix herself a bowl of the pasta with meat sauce and a slice of bread. Back to her office she went leaving Roger and Hector to talk to each other. Jesse made the meal lively recounting every last thing he did during his time with Unca Thor. Rolling his eyes, the captain just shook his head. The sailor shrugged.

Once the meal was over, the boy was whisked away for bath and bed, during which Althea made a second brief appearance to tuck her baby in. Hector began the clean up and was joined by Roger. The two worked in silence. When the last dish was safely in the dishwasher, the captain made coffee and motioned for his cousin-in-law to sit.

"So, what is this project that you have my wife working madly on?"

"A ring."

The brown eyed man choked on his drink. Clearing his windpipe, he spoke slowly. "I though you said a ring?"

"I did."

"It pretty serious?"

"Don't know yet. I still have to ask."

The captain nodded. "I wish you luck then. She military?"

"Sort of."

"How do you sort of be military?"

"Civy in the med ward."

"I see. When are you going to bring her here?"

This time, Hector choked. When he recovered, he looked squarely at the other man. "I thought for sure you'd give me the third degree."

"Maybe you finally figured out what you want. Is this something you want?"

The sailor shook his head 'yes.'

"Then, we'll be here for you. We may not see eye to eye but you are family. And I haven't seen Althea this excited since she found out she was pregnant with Jesse." His chocolate browns glinted with glee. "She's going to be up all night. What time do you leave tomorrow?"

"Flight is at 13:45." Hector paused. "Is she working on it right now?"

"Yes. Do you think she's going to let a little thing like sleep stand in the way of creating a masterpiece for her cousin?" Roger made a 'blinky-eyelashes' face.

The sailor was shocked. "Ewww. Stop it. Does she know you do that?"

"Where do you think Jesse came from," was the captain's dry reply.

"That was too much info."

"Get used to it."

ringring

When Hector awoke the next morning, there was small box on the table. He threw back the covers and sat up, switching on a light to see better.

It was a black ring box. He picked it up as if it would break and tried to slow his breathing. It's just a box. How hard could this be? Open it. Gingerly, he lifted the lid. Nestled in the black satin was a silver filigreed ring. It was his design modified for a woman. Inlaid were the ocean blue and forest green stones. They formed two lines that danced in an intricate wave pattern and intersected at a tiny anchor. In the small loop of the anchor was a tiny diamond. He picked it up and held it in his palm. It's beautiful. I hope she likes it. He kissed the ring and pressed his hand to his heart.

"I think if she doesn't like it, I'll have a real problem." Althea stood in the doorway, watching her cousin's reaction.

"She'll love it. It's just her. How'd—"

She shrugged. "When inspiration strikes, you run with it. Beside, I've been waiting a long time for you to find your hope and joy. I didn't want you to have to wait on a ring."

"What do I owe you for the stones?"

She tried to dismiss the offer. "I did it for you, Thor."

"I know, but I would have never found something like this in a store."

"Tell you what. When she says yes, you can buy your bands from me then. Deal?"

"Deal." He pulled her into a hug. "Thank you, Theo, for believing in me."

ringring

Andrews Air Force Base

The transport plane touched down and rolled across the tarmac. Once halted, the passengers disembarked in an orderly fashion. The mid afternoon sun was warm as several of the soldiers and a lone sailor walked to the little terminal. They checked in with security and began heading toward various quarters. The sailor walked across the base, content to dwell in his own thoughts. When he drew close to his quarters, he blinked, realizing where he was.

Inside, he greeted his parrot. "Hey Polly, are ya glad to see me?"

"Sailor boy is back. Awk. Wreck. Wreck." The green bird flew over and landed on his shoulder. After nuzzling his master's dark hair, a clawed foot began to dip down into the shirt pocket trying to grab the shiny objects there.

"Do you want to put my keys away?" The man grinned as the bird finally grasped the keyring and flew across the room. Polly shook the set and made it jingle.

"Keys. Cracker?" The bird returned and landed on Hector's outstretched hand. He gave him several crackers and some raisins. Sitting back on the bed, the sailor watched as his long time pet neatly demolished the food.

"What do you think, boy?"

The parrot cocked his head to the side and squawked.

"That's what I thought." Gently, he lifted the bird and set him aside. An errand needed to be tended to.

He pulled open the bottom left drawer and looked in the very back. In the corner was a small burgundy box. His hand trembled as he reached for it. Memories threatened to overwhelm him. With a thump, he sat back on the floor, just looking at the box. Closing his eyes, he pictured her laughing and dancing, moving away. He took a deep breath and knew what he had to do.

ringring

Late Afternoon, Somewhere in Virginia

A solitary figure stood before the black granite stones. He honored the first three with his silence. After a moment, he moved to stand in front of the last stone. The wind blew his hair and he knelt to trace the letters.

LOVED.

"It's been awhile. I haven't forgotten you. And I know you know that." He smiled to himself. "I wanted to tell you that I still love you and miss you but I'm okay."

He looked at the box in his hand before continuing. "I had bought you a ring. Been keeping it. But it's time for me to let it go. I know who I'm going to give it to and I hope you don't mind. She's someone special to me in ways I can't begin to understand. Just like you were. Only I didn't know how special you were until recently. She helped me to find that. And I think giving her this ring would be the best way for me to honor you."

He opened the box, revealing a simple gold band with three small seed pearls inset.

"I promise I'll be back soon."

With that he touched a kiss to his fingers and then to the granite. He stood and dusted off his knees before heading to the car. He left the cemetery and headed toward D. C. He didn't want to be late.

ringring

Washington, D. C.

It was a quarter to seven when he arrived at her apartment. Hector Delgado parked and went to the building entry. Up the stairs and to the left, he found the right number and rang the bell. Barking could be heard and a voice. "Down, Levi." The sailor was shocked but quickly hid his surprise when a beautiful black woman answered the door.

"Hello?"

Putting on a charming smile, he asked, "I'm here to pick up Sue Thomas."

A delicate eyebrow raised and he knew something was amiss. "Oh, really? And who might you be?" She took a step back and gave him the once over. Black slacks, light blue button down and dark blue jacket. Nodding to herself, she smiled waiting for his response.

He turned the tables on her by his own scrutiny. Winking at her, he knelt and called for Levi who came willingly and greeted him. "Hey boy. How ya doing?"

Lucy left the doorway and went to Sue's room. "Who is that?" she whispered.

"Who?" The blonde woman frowned at her roommate.

"The guy at the door is who. Who is he?"

Hector could hear the conversation and grinned as he leaned against the open door.

In her room, Sue glanced at the time and gasped. He's early. Lucy would have been gone in five minutes.

"Sue, tell me about him."

"Lucy, he's a friend of mine. I have friends you haven't met."

The dark headed woman raised her brows. "How many of them look like him?"

"Don't you have a date to get to?" There was exasperation in her tone.

"I have time." She crossed her arms.

"Yes, my friend is early and you are going to be late. Look." It was now seven o'clock.

At that, Lucy pointed and said, "You will spill, Sue Thomas. Have a good time. I think." She grabbed her sweater and ran past the man at the door.

"Nice meeting you, " he called as she hurried down the steps. He turned back to see Sue standing there, hands on hips, frowning.

"You're early."

He surrendered. "I didn't know you had a roommate. Is this going to cause a problem?"

Sue smiled then. "No. We're so wrapped up in our jobs that we tend to forget that each of us have lives outside the Bureau."

"Yeah, I know the feeling." He ducked his head. A pair of fingers tapped his chin. Looking up, he grinned. "Sorry. So, you ready to go? You look very nice." She wore a dark floral print with a deep rose sweater.

"Thanks. I'll get Levi and we can leave."

Sue gave him directions to the little Italian place where Myles had once taken her. The host seated them in along the back wall, where the table had a little lamp. The blonde woman adjusted the shade so there was more light. She watched the man across from her. He was more relaxed than she had ever seen him. She frowned to herself. That's not a lot to go on. Considering I've seen him in the worst possible scenarios. This is definitely better.

A waiter came and they placed their order along with drinks.

Hector had watched her watch him before she frowned. Curious as to why, he tapped her hand. "What are you thinking so hard about?"

"You," she blurted out before blushing.

He laughed. "I have that effect on people."

She nodded. "I'm glad to see you looking so at ease."

"Things are going pretty good right now. I'm back in the field. Have been for about two months. It's been hectic."

"Same here. One thing after another with our cases. Terrorists, murders, robberies. It seems like it never stops."

The two sat quietly until the food arrived. Once the waiter had them situated, Sue reached for Hector's hand. His eyes widened but he followed her simple motion and bowed his head. A quiet prayer and they began eating, slipping into a natural ease with one another. He told her about some of Polly's latest antics and she filled him in on Levi's bunny travails.

Tuning out the rest of the world, Sue watched as the sailor seemed to open up with the simple friendship. She smiled when he winked at her. The waiter came by and removed the empty plates and they sat just enjoying each other's presence. The blonde woman eventually asked what had been on her mind since his call earlier. "How are you really doing, Hector?"

He looked at her squarely, without a doubt. "Better than I ever expected to be." She took his hand again and he smiled at her touch. "I want to give you something."

Sue felt her heart clench, not from fear but from a combination of sadness and joy. She watched as he withdrew a burgundy box from his jacket. He opened it, taking one last loving look before turning the box toward her. Her eyes grew big.

"Oh, no, Hector, I couldn't…"

"Please, Sue. I want you to have this. It would mean a lot to me to know you have it."

Now, she understood the feeling. "But it's Mara's ring." He was sad but joyful at being able to let go of this final thing. She took the box and lifted it to the light. The gold gleamed around the three tiny seed pearls. "It's beautiful."

"It suits you." Taking the box, he asked, "May I?" Sue agreed and he removed the ring and slid it on her right hand. It fit as though it was made for her. She bit her lip to keep from crying and he came around to kneel beside her. "Hey, it really is okay." Tears rolled and he touched her cheek.

Suddenly, Sue closed her eyes and was inundated with emotions that weren't hers. In her mind, she saw Hector offering his light to another. This person had the light too and would offer to join his. When joy threatened to overwhelm her, his touch left. She opened her eyes to see him beaming. He had a second box and opened it to show her. Gasping, she took a peek at the exquisite ring nestled in the black satin. "Oh, my. That is…oh, my…I'm so happy for you!" She threw her arms around the kneeling man and pulled him tight. "Now, I truly understand."

ringring

Across the Dining Room

Jack Hudson was enjoying a night off. The caseload had been tremendous lately and it was rare to find the time to just breathe. He leaned back in the booth letting his head rest against the cushion for a moment. He would have liked to come here with Sue but she had a last minute call from a friend who was coming in to town. So, he brought his other best friend. Who was currently eating like no tomorrow.

"Got enough food there, Crash?" The brown-headed man smirked.

"Oh, you know me, Spark. Never met a meal I didn't find a reason to like."

"I seem to remember this one with some green clams…"

Bobby Manning paused in mid-bite and put his fork down. "You would remember that. Thanks a lot, mate." The self-imposed food stoppage lasted all of sixty seconds before he started again.

Jack just laughed. Stretching, he signaled for the check and noticed a movement across the room. His eyes narrowed as he thought he recognized someone. Sitting straighter, he took a sip of his drink and settled to where he could watch.

It looked like Sue but with all the heads and the light level it was hard to tell. The tall man across from her was holding her hand. He suddenly was next to her, touching her face. Jack raised his eyebrows. The man's back was to him so he couldn't see what he was doing but the woman was reacting in a surprised and pleased manner. When she threw her arms around the man, he turned away, looking down at his plate.

Bobby finished eating and put his napkin aside to find his friend interested in the linguine on his plate, only there wasn't any. "Earth to Jack. Hello? Sparky?" He waved a hand in front of the shorter agent's face.

Puzzled brown eyes looked up at the Aussie. "I just saw the strangest thing."

"Oh?" An eyebrow raised above a steel blue. "And what would that be? I mean, we see so many strange and wild things everyday."

"I think someone we know might have gotten engaged." His tone was one of confusion.

"Come again?"

"I'm not sure. The lighting isn't the best. It couldn't be her." Jack trailed off, talking more to himself than to his buddy.

"Jack! Snap out of it. What are you talking about?" The taller man was patient but this was getting bizzare, even for him.

"Is Sue seeing someone?" The brown eyes across the table desperately wanted to know.

"You mean, besides you?" Bobby raised a double brow. "Mate, did you order something stronger than tea that I don't know about?"

The shorter man waved vaguely toward the other side of the room. "I saw someone who looked like Sue. It looked like…maybe it's just the lighting."

The Aussie glanced around. He couldn't see anyone who resembled the blonde analyst or her golden retriever. However, he did see someone he recognized. Suddenly, it all fell into place for him. Grinning madly, he decided to give Jack a poke. "So, Sparky, am I not a charming enough date for you? What? Seeing Sue now, are we? Are you sure you weren't dreaming of what you'd really like to be doing? Seeing what you imagine you'd like to do?"

The look of pure shock on Jack's face was priceless. Bobby hooted with glee.

ringring

In the Foyer

Gales of laughter echoed out to the foyer where a keen set of ears perked up. Levi pulled against his lead and Sue stopped. She looked at Hector who shrugged. "Someone is laughing."

"Must be someone he knows." The blonde walked back to the entrance of the dining room. Among the booths, she noticed one very tickled Bobby Manning and his quarry, Jack Hudson. Smiling, she stepped back to the sailor. "It's Crash. He's with Jack. Would you mind if we went to talk to them?"

The dark headed man paused. He wasn't ready to meet Sue's significant other just yet. "How about you tell Crash I'm here and you go spend the rest of the evening with…" He waggled his eyebrows.

She blushed. Hector pulled her into a hug. Releasing her, he placed a kiss on her forehead. Sue touched his temple. "I do want to meet her."

He captured her hand and kissed the back of it. "I want her to meet you. I'll let you know."

Oh, I'll know. She watched him walk out the door before turning to re-enter the dining area.

ringring

Back in the Dining Room

Bobby saw her come in and took another shot at Jack. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he snorted. "See, Sparky, now you have me seeing things and I know I'm not drinking."

The other man narrowed his eyes. "Seriously, Crash, I—"

"Jack?"

Hudson's jaw dropped, sending the Aussie over the edge. Sue looked on in amusement as the tall man rolled in his seat while Jack did a fairly good imitation of a goldfish. When he found his voice, all that he could manage was a weak, "Hey."

"Mind if I join you?" She motioned toward Bobby's side of the booth. The blue eyed man straightened up as Sue pointed to the front door. It took him a second to get her drift.

"Oh, sheila, I think I've had enough fun with our man, Sparky, here. I'll leave him in your very capable hands. Later, Jack." Tossing a bill on the table, the Aussie whistled as he exited the restaurant.

Sue sat in the empty part of the booth, scooting over to the center. She motioned for Jack to join her and he smiled a shy smile. A glint caught his eye and he looked at her hand. He heart started to sink. It had been her. Her voice broke his reverie.

"Jack, I had a very good evening. Remember the memorial I attended a while back?" At his wooden nod, she continued. "Well, he's met someone and he's going to ask her to marry him. He showed me the ring and it was so beautiful. His cousin made it for him." It took a minute for the words to sink in.

"Wait, so that was you across the room?"

She shook her head 'yes.'

"And what is this?" His tone was gentle as he touched the ring on her right hand. Right hand!

Sue smiled prettily. "That's another story, one I'll tell you over coffee and ice cream." Her hazel eyes sparkled at him.

He drew in a deep breath. "My place or yours?"

ringring

Outside

"Crash, ol' buddy!"

"Wreck!"

The two men shook hands as they greeted one another.

"So, what were you up to in there?"

"Giving my best mate a hard time." Bobby grinned. "And you?"

"Needed to give something to Sue."

That earned a raised eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I gave her Mara's ring."

The Aussie stopped cold and turned. "You sure?" The question died almost as it started. His eyes narrowed as he studied the slightly shorter man.

Clear eyes gazed back and a peaceful look settled on the sailor's face.

"It's that little sheila, isn't it?"

A nod.

"Well, congratulations, mate. I'm happy for you."

"Hey, I haven't asked yet."

"Still, you've found someone and that's a lot, you know?"

"Yeah."

The two were quiet for a moment. Bobby broke the awkward silence. "You have a ring?"

Hector patted his jacket pocket. "Right here."

The taller man made the 'give it here' sign. A black box was handed over. He cracked it open and whistled low. "Aye, mate, that's a beaut. Custom made?"

"Althea."

"Too right. Nice job." He passed the box back. "When you gonna ask her?"

The sailor scratched his chin as he thought about it. "Soon."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Geez, Crash, I just got back into town today. Gimme a minute." He put the box in his pocket and turned. Walking toward his car, he grinned as Bobby pounded up beside him.

"Where are you going?"

"To ask her."

The Aussie froze, mouth open, as the dark headed man waved good bye and drove away. Wish you luck, mate.