Chapter 12:

Sue officially felt like she was getting married once her parents arrived. The evening before they were supposed to go look at the house, the decided to go out for dinner with their daughter and future son in law. Jack and Sue sat side by side, holding hands under the table as they chatted with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Jack watched Sue with an amused expression on his face as her mother went on and on asking her how she was handling the pregnancy and dealing with what happened. Making sure that she was getting enough fruits and vegetables. Jack couldn't help but want to laugh, but didn't for his, and Sue's sake. He looked over to his future father in law and noticed him trying not to laugh too. They looked at each other, with a happy smile, understanding each other. Jack knew that things were going to turn out great.

Sue was thrilled that her parents were happy with Jack. Her mother didn't even question him on his past and if he had ever been married or engaged before. Sue had been expecting the third degree but she was very charming and happy to see him. Instead, she directed all her concern and energy towards Sue's pregnancy and how she was dealing with everything. Sue just rolled her eyes. She barely ate her food, knowing that her stomach couldn't handle both the Italian and her mother's constant battering. She kept her calm, squeezing Jack's hand in hers, knowing that at least she had him at her side.

---

The entire trip to the new house, Mrs. Thomas was talking about the baby and the house.

"Now Sue, you let your father talk with the realtor, he'll know what to do and make sure you're not getting ripped off." Sue just sighed. She was far to used to it to get really upset. She continued on, "Jack is such a great man Sue. I'm so happy for you – taking your baby as his own. It's a quality you don't see very often anymore."

"He loves me mom, and I love him. Ever since he found out about the baby he's done the right thing." Her dad just smiled. It was obvious to Sue that he really liked Jack, which made Sue feel quite at ease. "I already told you mom, that Jack made the decision to keep the baby."

"I know dear. I'm just saying I'm happy I'm getting such a great son-in-law. It's not everyday your only daughter gets married. So, are you going to take on his last name? And the baby too?" Sue hadn't really thought about it yet, things had just happened so fast. Sue Hudson. Sue liked how it sounded.

"I think so. There's no reason not too, and the baby too." Sue answered, reminding herself to tell Jack. She knew it would make his day.

"Well Hudson is a very good last name. Any thought of names for the baby?"

"Not yet mum, it's still early. Look we're here!" She exclaimed, as she looked at the beautiful house in front of her. Jack was already standing outside with the realtor. She hopped out of the car and went over to him and gave him a quick kiss. Sue's parents we're right behind.

"Everyone, this is Jacob Smith. He's a friend of our boss at work." Jack informed Sue's parents, as they all shook hands. Sue was enthralled with the outside of the house already. She almost wanted to take it then and there without having even seen the inside. It was a beautiful sunny yellow with white trim. There was a large veranda in the front with a bench swing. The grass was green and there were already flowers planted. It wasn't very big, but big enough for a family. The neighbourhood was quaint, and it was close enough still to work and some good schools. Jack could tell Sue was falling in love with the house. He leaned over, so only she could see.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm in love." She answered dreamily. Jack laughed.

"With me, or with the house – do I have competition now?" She laughed too.

"With both" She gave him a big smile as the realtor walked up the pathway to show them the inside. The layout was simple. Nice front entry, formal dinning room, kitchen, nook and family room. Up the stairs were 3 bedrooms, perfect for a family. One of them could easily be turned into an office. A bathroom, and then of course the master bedroom with ensuite. It was in good condition. There we're a few things Sue and Jack knew they would want to change around but other than that, it seemed perfect for them. Sue turned to her dad to see the look on his face. He smiled back at his daughter, noticing how radiant she looked. Sue knew that he was pretty excited about it too.

"Would you guys like a few minutes alone to talk about it? I can tell you this – it's a great house and will sell fast at this price. The current owners had to move suddenly because his job got transferred. They we're good people too. If you have any questions, just holler. I'll be outside in the back." They thanked him and walked into one of the rooms.

"Well?" Sue asked tentatively. She looked at her dad.

"It's not my decision." He said quietly. She turned to Jack, and noticed him smiling, already picturing what would be in the room in less than 8 months. She signed to him,

"What do you think?" He just grinned from ear to ear.

"I think its perfect." Then he turned to Sue's dad. "Do you think we're getting a good deal out of this?" He nodded and smiled.

"I think this is a great house. Nothing seems wrong with it at all. I'd take it before someone else does." Mrs. Thomas had been unusually quiet the entire time. Jack turned to her, wanting her to know that she was important in this decision too.

"What do you think Carla?" he asked. She looked at him, a little surprised that he had asked for her input.

"Something seems right about this house. It's just the perfect little house for a family. I guess we should tell them honey then, if they are getting the house." She turned to her husband.

"Tell us what?" Sue asked, with a confused look on her face. Jack didn't understand either.

"Well, as our wedding gift to you guys, we want to put the down payment on your house for you." Sue and Jack stood in shock for a few minutes, absorbing what they had just said. A few seconds later Sue was crying and hugging her father then her mother. Jack shook Mr. Thomas' hand and thanked him profusely too.

"I can't tell you how much this means to us." He said quietly.

"Just take care of my daughter and grandchild like I know you will," he answered with a smile.

---

Sue was slightly relieved when her parents finally left. She loved them, but their presence, especially her mother, could be a little overwhelming. She couldn't believe that they we're going to help them buy the house – she, nor Jack had expected it. It was a bit of a tearful goodbye, but a happy one knowing that the next time they would all see each other would be at the wedding.

Sue and Jack showed the picture of their soon-to-be home to everyone around the bullpen. They we're all thrilled. They would take possession in mid November. Jack was planning on selling his apartment and moving into the new house before Sue moved in once they we're married. He was going to start working on the babies room, just getting it ready until he knew whether he was having a little girl or boy, which would mean the construction would go into full throttle during Sue's last half of her pregnancy. Lucy was starting to think of people that could room with her in the apartment, now that Sue would be leaving in less than 2 months.

Sue barely even had time to think about the prison visit until a few days after her parents had left. She sat at her desk, taking a break from writing up transcripts from surveillance tapes, thinking about whether or not it was a good idea. She hadn't discussed it much with Jack since the night he had gotten home from his trip, but decided to bring it up that evening. Jack walked over to Bobby's desk, where he and D we're sitting discussing something.

"Hey – thing's have been a little hectic but I just wanted to thank the both of you for taking care of Sue when I was gone. I'm glad you were around when it happened." They both smiled

"It was no problem Jack. We're all here for you and Sue and the baby. Time heals all wounds, at least she talked about it with us." Jack nodded.

"Did she ask you about going to the prison?" Bobby asked him tentatively. Jack nodded. "I told her I didn't think it was a good idea."

"Oh – so she told you guys too. I don't know what to think. She thinks she needs this, and I kind of see her point but I don't want her getting all stressed out at the sight of them. Just the thought of them being around her again makes me want to be sick." Bobby nodded but D looked lost in thought. "What do you think D?" Jack asked his friend. He was silent for a few seconds before he spoke up.

"I think you need to discuss it with Sue. I see where you're both coming from, but Jack don't forget, Sue needs to be able to make her own decisions too. She's pretty smart, and she's handled herself very well since everything happened – a lot better than probably anyone else I know would. If she thinks she has the strength enough to go, maybe you should trust her on that and just be there to support her. Maybe it would help." Jack didn't know what to think but resolved to talk to Sue that evening. They had plans to go sign the final papers with the realtor, then hang out at his place and do a bit of cleaning, packing and dinner.

Myles looked over at the three men and looked slightly forlorn and left out. He had been touched with the card that Sue had given him of her first ultrasound, with a precious message he knew he would cherish forever. He had even been surprised when Jack had asked him to be a groomsman, but just figured that he was only asking because everyone else in the bullpen was apart of the wedding, and Jack, being a decent guy didn't want to leave Myles out. Sue noticed Myles sitting at his desk watching Jack, Bobby and D. She walked over to him.

"Hey Myles. How are you doing?" she asked with a smile. "I've missed your sarcasm lately." He couldn't help but smile back.

"I'm good, but I think the more pertinent question is how are you?"

"Oh you know, still pregnant But good too. I just wanted you to know how happy I am that you're going to be in our wedding. I wouldn't want it any other way." She said with a reassuring smile.

"Really?" Myles asked, before he could hold it back, regretting saying anything. Sue knew instantly how Myles was feeling.

"Myles – you're an important part of both mine and Jack's life. We may have had a rough start but you are one of my good friends and this is going to be one of the specialist days of my life and we both want you to be in the wedding and a part of our babies life." He smiled back.

"Thanks Sue." She signed back,

"No problem." It was one of the few signs he had managed to comprehend, in the past 3 years, but he then promised himself to learn more. Myles heard his name being called. He looked over to where the boys were crowded and walked over. Sue just grinned at Lucy.

"Hey Myles, I just wanted to let you know we're all going suit shopping for the wedding this weekend. Does that work for you? We're thinking maybe going out for pool afterwards." Myles felt a bit honoured that they wanted him to go along, but then again he was in the wedding.

"Of course, sounds good to me. As long as the wedding colours aren't pink." They all laughed. Sue said loudly across the room,

"I saw that Myles. I thought hot pink was your colour!" Everyone laughed. While the boys we're conspiring over at Bobby's desk, Lucy and Tara made there way over to see Sue.

"So, I hear you're signing the final papers today!" Tara exclaimed excited. Sue nodded with a huge grin.

"How's the roommate hunt going Luce?" she asked, knowing that Lucy had been asking around work to see if anyone needed a place to room. She smiled happily,

"Actually – I found someone great. She's going to move in with me in the New Year once the lease on her apartment is due." Sue looked at her curiously.

"That's great Lucy! Who?" Tara smiled.

"Me! I love your place now, and since I'm paying a ton to live by myself and Lucy needed someone, it just seemed like a perfect fit!" The girls all chatted excitedly about all the changes happening in their lives. Before they knew it, the day was almost over. Jack and Sue finished up their work and got ready to head out to the realtors office to finish the settlement with the house. Everyone wished them good luck as they walked out the doors to Jack's car.