Chapter 15:
Sue lay awake thinking about everything that was happening in her life. It was past midnight, but since she was getting nowhere by lying in bed, she decided to get up and keep packing quietly, as to not wake up Lucy. She looked in her mirror, and turned sideways. There was definitely a little bulge. She had tried on her wedding dress, that day when she had arrived at the bullpen frantically after her 3rd month appointment. It had fit fine; the seamstress had done a wonderful job of keeping it slightly loose at the stomach, but not noticeable. She sighed in relief that her dress still fit, and she couldn't help but feel excited now actually being able to see that there was a life growing inside of her.
Jack on the other hand, loved the fact that she was starting to show. Often, she would fall asleep on the couch in the new house, and he would love to touch her belly and talk to the baby. He knew that she was feeling a little insecure about it, but to him, it just made her more beautiful. The visit to the prison had seemed to help her, though she didn't talk about it much. She just told him that she was glad she went and at least now, she knows they won't get out and she could move on with her life. She had seemed happy, minus the occasional mood swings, which would temporarily make her set off at the smallest thing. She would chat happily with Lucy and Tara about the wedding or baby plans. They were even starting to discuss names. Jack couldn't help but think that maybe she wasn't telling him everything, but resolved to let it go and let her come to him when she was ready.
Jack couldn't believe that his wedding was in a week. Everything was set; the house was ready for when they got back from their honeymoon. Most of Sue's stuff had been moved in, and the rest they would take care of when they got back. He opened the door to the baby's room. He had posted a sign on it reading – Caution, Do not enter. Dangerous. Operation Baby Hudson in effect. The room had been stripped down; new flooring was going to come in. Jack was even getting the windows made bigger so more sunshine could filter through. It was perfect. Jack loved to just stand in it, and picture what it would be like in half a year.
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"You look beautiful!" exclaimed Lucy. Sue swirled around in her wedding dress, in one of the rooms of the church. She had been up since dawn, getting her hair and makeup done and getting dressed for their early wedding. The snow was falling lightly, but the sun was shining. Her bridesmaids were helping her with her jewellery. Lucy, Tara and Donna all looked radiant in their blue dresses, all of them with white flowered bouquets.
Jack and the boys were getting into their suits, and helping a nervous Jack who couldn't seem to button up anything, or would drop anything that he held. Bobby grinned at the anxious groom.
"Jack – it's Sue. You've known her for almost 4 years – there's nothing to be nervous about." Jack glared at him, but then smiled.
"Yeah, but it's not the same. I'm getting married Buddy. Just wait until it's your turn." He looked at the clock on the wall, and noticed the time. "We'd better get out there." Jack said, with a smile that did not fade the rest of the day.
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Jack thought he was going to have another heart attack when Sue walked down the isle. He had never seen anyone look so stunning and beautiful in his entire life. Sue's mother was crying quietly, and even her father looked teary eyed as he gave his daughter away. Jack stood with Sue, hand in hand, amazed that he was actually about to marry this woman. He mouthed,
"I love you." He could already see the tears of joy, forming in her eyes when she whispered back,
"I love you too."
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Sue got out of Jack's car to look at her wonderful new house. It seemed even more beautiful since when she had last seen it, a week earlier. Jack took her hand, and they walked inside. When they got in the front entry, he turned to her.
"You've got to close your eyes." She looked at him curiously, wondering what this was all about. She smiled, and conceded. He guided her into their family room, and tapped her on the shoulder, signalling she could open them up. When she did, she saw all her friends and a big banner that said "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hudson!" Soon, Sue was sitting on the couch, laughing and crying with Tara, Lucy and Donna, catching up on their last week.
"How was Canada?" Tara asked excitedly.
"It was great – we took tons of pictures, I'll show you when we get them developed. I have so many stories to tell you!" They sat down on the couch and Sue started to tell them the story of her in the French restaurant getting completely confused when the waiter would speak French and how Jack was going crazy trying to understand and translate at the same time. They were all laughing. Jack stood over with the boys, who watched the women for a few moments before they turned to Jack.
"So, how's married life mate?" Bobby asked with his usual grin.
"Awesome. It helps when you've got the best wife." Bobby just rolled his eyes,
"I'm glad you guys had a good time. It must have been nice having a week off. Nothing much happened at work over Christmas." D said. Jack nodded,
"It's been oddly quiet at work for the last few months. I guess we'll get hit with something big before we know it. Thanks so much for the surprise party – I know Sue is thrilled, especially because she never had the chance to really have a wedding shower, though from what I've heard – I think the girls are planning a surprise baby shower." Myles laughed,
"By the way, all the gifts are on the dining room table." Jack looked at him curiously, but then smiled and went over to Sue.
"We got presents!" He said with a grin that reminded Sue of a small boy on Christmas morning. They all got up and went into the dining room to open the gifts. Most of them were great gifts for the house, things their friends knew they needed. Myles had jokingly given them a picture of himself to put on the wall. They were all laughing at the joke, when Myles said,
"Well, that's not your real present. One second," and he rushed out the door. Sue looked at Jack curiously, wondering what Myles had gotten them. He came in with a large, but flat wrapped package. Sue and Jack opened it. It was a beautiful painting that matched perfectly with their wall colour. It was one that Sue actually liked, which was funny because hers and Myles taste of art normally clashed.
"Myles – it's beautiful!" Sue exclaimed, as she went over to hug her friend. He blushed slightly at all the attention, as everyone was shocked at the thoughtful gift coming from Myles. It fit perfectly in the living room over the fireplace. The rest of the evening carried on, Jack and Sue sat happily on their couch with their friends. Once everyone had left, they cuddled up in their usual position.
"I can't believe they did that, it was so nice of them – and that painting from Myles!" Sue said, with a yawn.
"Well, they have all been trying to get us together for 3 years, and now look at us. Married and expecting a baby." Sue grinned.
"Mrs. Sue Hudson. It's going to take some getting used to. At least now I have more money in my bank account."
"Hey! That money is for all 3 of us, not just for your shoe shopping addiction. Just because we have a joint account now doesn't mean you can spend all our money!" he said jokingly. She laughed.
"Think of how many shoes I could buy…" She yawned again.
"You should get to bed. Come on," and they went upstairs. Sue fell asleep almost instantly, cuddled up next to Jack. Jack lay awake for a bit, completely content with his life. He had a beautiful wife sleeping next to him, a baby on the way. They were in their new house. Everything was perfect. Their honeymoon in Canada had only made them closer. He snuggled up next to his wife, kissed her on the forehead as she slept and rested his hand on top of hers, resting on the swell of her abdomen. Then Jack closed his eyes and thought no more.