REVIEWER RESPONSES

Vincesbabe- Glad you like the last chapter. I wanted the interaction between Jess' extended family and Sam to seem realistic. And I agree, Sam is and would be the dream boyfriend for any girl. He's got the looks, brains, and he's also sensitive when necessary. Plus he knows how to treat a girl right.

LorGilFan- Always nice to hear your words of encouragement. And I agree, it is like two superheroes trying to get a vacation. Thanks for the compliments.

Ghostwriter- Glad you liked it. Keep reading.

CHAPTER 11

Three Weeks Later… December 24th, 2001 Stanford University

And old, but fairly nice truck and a 1967 Chevy Impala roared onto the campus, both looking for the same building. The Impala, which was in the lead, suddenly came to a stop. The driver grinned as he recognized the couple walking along the sidewalk towards them.

He pulled into an empty spot, as did the driver of the truck, and got out. "Sammy!" he yelled out, to get the attention of the couple.

Sam turned around and groaned. He had hoped his brother wouldn't use his old nickname. But then again, when did Dean ever do anything he had asked, he thought with a rueful chuckle. Sam looked at Jessica and said, "Come on Jess, it looks like Dean and dad showed up earlier than we expected."

Jess looked over to where Sam was pointing and found two men walking over. One with short, military cropped, dirty blonde hair, and who looked about 22 maybe 23 years old. The other was a man in his early forties, with dark hair, like Sam's. Both were fairly well built and good looking, but not like Sam. "Well if I must," she said with a teasing grin.

Sam rolled his eyes and without giving her fair warning, picked her up and threw her over his shoulder as he walked over to meet his dad and brother. Dean looked like he wanted to laugh as Jessica was laughing and telling Sam to put her down.

John was watching his youngest son walk towards him and Dean, and then suddenly Sam had picked up the girl he was walking with and slung her over his shoulder. And she was laughing and asking him to put her down at the same time. Was this the girl that Dean had mentioned Sam was seeing? It certainly seemed like it.

As Sam finally approached where his dad and brother were, he put Jessica back on her feet and wrapped his arms around her waist as they stood facing his dad and brother. With a smile, Sam said, "Dad, Dean, this is my girlfriend and my partner, Jessica Moore. Jess, this is my dad and brother, John and Dean Winchester."

Before letting her boyfriend's family shake her hand, she turned and smacked his arm. "That was for acting like a little kid," she teased at his confused expression. Jessica turned to John and Dean, and smiled and held her hand out. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. Especially after hearing some of Sam's stories from your…trips."

Dean let his eyes drift over Jessica and he grinned. "You were right little brother, Jessica is a hottie," he said to Sam. Looking over at Jessica, he said, "It's nice to finally meet you in person Jess. And let me just say, you are so out of my brother's…ummpf, what was that for Sammy?"

Raising an eyebrow, Sam replied with a mischievous grin, "I hit you upside your head for assuming anything about Jessica. Besides, I know she was out of my league. But we chose each other."

John raised an eyebrow. Dean had failed to tell him that Sam had told Jessica about the 'family business'. Sam, sensing that John was about to ask some questions, spoke up, "Let's get to my apartment before we talk about the family business," he stressed the last two words.

Dean nodded in agreement. "You're right. This isn't the time or place to discuss this," he paused, "Sam, Jessica, why don't you guys ride with me and give me directions to the apartment?"

Sam nodded and the group got into the vehicles, Dean, Sam and Jessica in the Impala, and John in his truck. Pulling out, Dean followed the directions Sam gave him and five minutes later, they were all making their way to Sam's apartment.

As soon as the door was shut and the salt ward replaced, John asked the question that had been on his mind, "You told her Sammy?"

As John asked the question, Sam had taken a seat in the easy chair, Jessica sitting on the arm. "Dad," Sam began, "I met Jess when she was surrounded by three vampires. She saw me shoot and dust them. What was I supposed to do? Go all Buffy the Vampire Slayer on her and hoped she thought it was a trick of the light or that they were gang members on PCP?"

John sighed as he and Dean took seats on the couch. "I know, it's just…"

"We've had to keep the secret for so long. But dad, did you ever think that Dean and I would someday find someone to love, like you and mom?" Sam questioned. As Sam had said that, Jessica's eyes widened. She hadn't expected that. She knew they were in love, but she always wondered if it was the forever kind of love everyone talked about but never seemed to find.

"No, no I didn't son," John admitted. He looked up at Jessica and smiled slightly. "Now, why don't you tell Dean and me about you, Jess."

Sam and Jessica shared a look and chuckled. Boy, were John and Dean in for a surprise. "Go ahead sweetheart, why don't you tell them," Sam said, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He was finally going to be able to get one over on his dad and brother; this was going to be great.

"Well Mr. Winch…" she began when John interrupted. "It's John," he said with a smile as he waved for her to go on.

"All right, John, Dean. I know Dean knows this, but I'll tell you again," she began.

Over the next half an hour Jessica told Dean and John how she and Sam had met, and how he had saved her life. She also told them how after she found out about the things that go bump in the night and that Sam fought against them she wouldn't let him go without backup. Needless to say, Dean and John were shocked. There weren't a lot of women who fought the supernatural and those who did, only did so because they were psychics or natural 'good' witches.

John looked at Sam in shock. "And you're fine with her helping in the fight?" he questioned.

"Hell no," Sam snorted. "But Jess is one of the most stubborn people I know, present company excluded," he grinned, "I'll always worry, but I'd rather her be where I know she's at least somewhat safe, than have her following behind a few minutes later.

"Besides, I know that there have been four times in the last two months that she's saved my life by being able to finish an incantation or exorcism just before the spirit or demon was about to seriously injure or kill me. And other than the two of you, there's no one I trust having my back on a hunt more," he added.

John looked at Jessica and Sam in shock. He had not expected to find out that his son's girlfriend knew about the family business, nor had he expected her to actually help. Women hunters were extremely rare, and those he knew, were also psychics or Wiccans. To find one, who was neither, and was doing this to keep her boyfriend (who happened to be his youngest boy) was surprising.

Thinking over all the information he received, John just continued to stare blankly at his family.

Well, he did until the sound of Dean saying, "Sam, marry that girl," startled him out of his stupor. He chuckled at Dean's comment and couldn't help but agree with his assessment.

Sam and Jess both turned their heads towards John who was chuckling. Raising an eyebrow, Sam asked, "Dad, what's so funny?"

John waved off the question, answering, "Nothing son, nothing. It's just Dean's right. There aren't that many girls who could deal with what we do, or who would be willing to help like Jess here. You got a one in a million son."

Jessica blushed at the obvious praise that the senior Winchester was giving her. "Thank you, John. That means a lot," she smiled.

Sam was about to add something as well when Dean, wearing a shit eating grin on his face said, "All right, enough chick flick moments, it's Christmas, time to relax."

Sam groaned and shook his head, sending a look of apology for his brother's behavior to Jessica, who ignored it. Getting up from her spot on the arm of Sam's chair, she asked, "John, Dean are either of hungry? I have some leftover lasagna that I was planning on heating up in the oven, and there's more than enough for all of us."

"I'd love some Jess," John smiled slightly.

"Sound good," Dean agreed giving Jess an admiring look.

Sam, noticing the look Dean was giving Jess, bit his lip in an effort to stifle his laughter. He knew that Jess could handle herself when it came to Dean and could hardly wait to see what she would do to bring Dean down to size. Besides, he knew that while Dean may admire her from afar, his big brother wouldn't steal his girl. No, Dean would just give him a hard time.

Jess just raised an eyebrow and asked in her most innocent voice, "Dean, is there something in your eye?" As she finished, she headed into the kitchen to start the lasagna; leaving a slack-jawed Dean in her wake.

At her comments, Sam burst out into full fledged laughter at the look on Dean's face. "Oh, God, that was hilarious," he forced out as he laughed.

"All in a days work sweetheart," Jess called back from the kitchen.

John couldn't help but sit back and watch the dynamic between Sam and Jessica. They reminded him of when he and Mary had been dating. God he missed her. It may have been eighteen years, but the hurt was just as fresh as it had been when he found her pinned to the ceiling, her stomach sliced open just before she burst into flames. Silently, he prayed that what happened to him would never happen to the boys, that they would never lose the love of their life. And right now, it sure looked like that person for Sam would be Jessica.

Giving himself, a mental shake as Jessica walked back in and sat herself in Sam's lap, John asked, "So what exactly have you and Sam taken care of together and what has he taught you?" Well, he thought, they're valid questions. After all, if she's going to be around us, she needs to know how to protect herself.

"I've been teaching her the martial arts that Dean and I were taught when we were younger," Sam started.

"He's also been teaching me how to do wards, and how to deal with spirits, demons, poltergeists, and also how to cast protection circles and exorcisms. I usually help more on the research side; though," Jessica added with a smile, "He promised to teach me how to use the guns and knives, but said until I get good at hand to hand, they could wait."

John and Dean looked at one another and both nodded. "He's right," Dean said, "when dad was teaching us this stuff, it was research and the castings first while we learned hand to hand, then once we were good enough he began teaching us the weapons."

Sam, meanwhile, was just content holding Jess in his arms as she sat on his lap and listening and talking with his family. He smiled at the thought. This would be the first Christmas in the last thirteen years that everyone was together, and now he had his own girl to spend it with. So far, this was shaping up to be the best Christmas in his life.

"Sam?" he blinked as the sound of Jess' voice brought him back to the present. "You all right?"

He nodded, and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "I'm fine, Jess, just thinking about what a great Christmas this is so far," he admitted.

Jess beamed at him and was about to respond when the timer on the oven went off. "Sorry," she smiled apologetically as she went to put the lasagna in the oven. "You know, I don't think we ever told Dean or you dad for that matter about our last hunt," she called out, "you should tell them, there might be more of those things out there."

Sam, knowing she was right, then began telling his dad and brother about the hunt that he and Jessica had gone on the week before.

Flashback>

One Week Earlier…

"Damn it!" Jess cried out, frustrated as she sat, using the laptop and waiting for Sam to return with the information he had gotten from his interview with the family of the latest victim. It had been three hours and she had not been able to find a single hit regarding any paranormal activity in the house they were looking at. "Where the hell are you Sam?" she whispered. As she whispered the last word, she felt two familiar arms wrap themselves around her shoulders and she smiled. " It's about time. What took you so long?" she asked.

Sam, after he unwrapped his arms from around Jess, walked over to the other side of the booth and sat down. "All right," he began, "I went by the hospital to interview the latest victim, but she was already dead. So I wound up having to talk with the…" he stopped talking as their waitress walked up.

The waitress, a woman in her early forties, walked up, smiling. Seeing the young couple as they looked one another in the eyes was enough to nearly bring a tear to her eye as she thought about her own husband. "Welcome to the Perko's Café. My name is Joanne and I'll be your server today," she said in her naturally friendly manner. "Can I take your orders?"

Jessica smiled slightly at Joanne and answered, "I think we're ready, right sweetheart," she shot a glance to Sam, who nodded. "I'll have the chicken sandwich with fries and a glass of raspberry iced tea, thanks."

Joanne nodded as she wrote the order down, then turned to Sam, "And how about you handsome?"

Sam blushed slightly at the compliment. "I'll just have the Perky Club sandwich, onion rings and a glass of Pepsi, thanks."

"All right, I'll be right back with your drinks," Joanne replied as she headed towards the window to place the order and then get the drinks.

Once their waitress was out of the way, and once they were sure no one could hear them, Sam continued what he was saying. "As I was saying before we were interrupted, I had to talk to the family to find out what was going on," he paused, "Well, from what I found out, it sounded ike the victim had been possessed and was then forced to kill herself."

Jess raised a hand to her mouth. "God, she must've been in real emotional pain if a demon or a spirit was able to get a hold of her like that," she thought aloud. Sam nodded in agreement. Of course that was what he had been thinking as well.

"Sounds about right," he told her, "have you found anything about the house?"

Jessica shook her head. "No, there's nothing that sounds paranormal. So it's not the house. Maybe she had gotten possessed some place else," she began, thinking a loud.

Sam nodded, "It's completely possible. But now we have to figure out the who or what, where, when and how," he groaned, "This is going to be a pain in the ass to figure out."

Before Jessica could reply, Joanne, their waitress, had returned and placed their drinks on the table in front of them. "Here you go. Is there anything else I can get for either of you?"

Sam and Jessica shook her heads. "No thanks," they replied in unison.

Joanne grinned and walked back to get the meals of another customer. There was something to be said about a couple who was in sync enough like that to say the same thing at the same time.

As Joanne walked away, Jessica realized something and asked, "Sam, what if the victim wasn't the one possessed? What if the demon had been able to…"

"…use telepathy and implant suggestions in the minds of the victims," Sam finished with a wide smile, "You're brilliant, but what demon can do that? All the demons I've fought in the last eight years have had to possess their victims."

Jessica looked up and sighed, "I don't know Sam, but I've been looking information up and this is the fifth case this year where a person has killed themselves," Jess said, "Whatever demon it is, we need to hit it hard and fast." After sipping her drink, Jessica continued, "the only link I can find in each of the five cases is that the victims were all first born females of their generation, all were brunettes, and all were in their early twenties."

End Flashback>

"So," Dean interrupted, his own curiosity getting the better of him. Especially, being the avid hunter that he was, since he wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. "What was the demon you two went after?"

"It was a shadow demon," Jessica answered as she walked back into the room. "And Sam and I were able to not only stop the victim from committing suicide while possessed, we were able to exorcise her, well once Sam had her tied up."

Dean and John looked at Jessica surprised. They had expected that Sam may have taken her on hunts where they were just dealing with spirits and poltergeists, but taking her hunting a demon? Their minds nearly went blank in shock.

Well who could blame them? At first glance, Jessica looked like the All-American blonde haired blue eyed college girl. You would never suspect that she was a 'hunter', her image projected that of the typical horror movie scream queens who were murdered within the first half hour of the movie.

After hearing about the hunt, they had to radically re-evaluate their opinion of Jessica. Snapping out of his daze, Dean looked over at Sam and shot him "the look". The same "look that meant Sam had better listen to big brother Dean now. Sam nodded his agreement and after pressing a kiss to Jess' temple, followed Dean out onto the balcony. He stood there waiting for the lecture he'd been expecting and he wasn't disappointed.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Dean questioned him quietly. "I could see how she'd be helpful with spirits and the like, but demons, werewolves and vampires. Dude…"

As Dean trailed off, Sam spoke up. "What was I thinking? Dean, Jess has saved my life five times in the last two months. Besides, even before she became my girlfriend, right after I explained everything to her, she said she wanted to help. And God, I would give anything that Jess would just stay and wait here. But," he chuckled, "she's stubborn, beautiful, and smart and she would've found a way to follow me. I'd rather her be where I can keep an eye on her, than find out at the wrong moment; she's there, waiting in the shadows."

As he listened to Sam's little monologue, Dean had to admit his little brother had a point. Even though he only talked to Jess on the phone a few times, short though they were, he could tell Jess was one tough woman, who wouldn't take any guff from anyone; especially a Winchester. He could respect that. After all; Cassie didn't take any crap from him, and his dad mentioned that mom wasn't one to take any of his bullshit either. It figured that his little brother' girlfriend was going to be a strong-willed, intelligent, and beautiful woman.

Slowly, a smile made its way onto Dean's face. "You know little brother, you're absolutely right. If Cassie had…" Dean's smile faded at the memory of Cassie's reaction to being told about his "real" job, "reacted like Jessica did, then I think I would've asked her to come with us and trained her like you're doing with Jessica."

Placing a hand on his brother's shoulder, Sam replied, "I'm sorry about Cassie, I know how much you love her man. But I have to say it means a lot to me that you're approving of Jessica," he grinned slightly.

Dean raised an eyebrow, and then noticed the mischievous twinkle in Sam's eyes. "Really, I may have to hold back on that until I've seen Jessica fight hand to hand. Think she'd be up for a spar?"

Jess sparring? Sam started laughing. "Oh I think she wouldn't mind," he replied with a grin as they walked back in.

Seeing Sam's grin John grew curious and asked, "What's so funny boys?"

"Oh nothing," Sam replied, he looked at Jess, "Do you think you'd be up to spar day after tomorrow Jess?"

Jessica, curious as to why he was asking, replied, "Sure. You know I don't mind…" she paused as the reason for the spar entered her mind. "Dean wants to see what I can do?" she questioned slowly.

"Oh yeah," Sam answered as he picked Jess up out of the chair and sat back down, with her in his lap.

Dean rolled his eyes. "Of course I want to see your skills. You're backing my baby brother up," he grinned.

Jessica shrugged. "It's fine by me," however before she could finish, the timer on the oven went off. Getting up off of Sam's lap, she said, "Looks like lunch is ready. Come on if you want to eat."

The three Winchester Men all shared a glance before getting up off their respective seats and following Jessica into the kitchen/dining room.

The rest of the Christmas holiday had passed by without a hitch. And the morning after Christmas, well, let's just say that Dean was pleasantly surprised by Jess and the moves she used. When John and Dean had left to head up on another hunt in Washington State, Sam and Jess both said goodbye and told them they were welcome to stop and stay if they were in the area. All in all this had been the best Christmas Sam could ever remember. Well, at least Sam thought so since there had been nothing supernatural occurring within three hundred miles.

It was now New Year's Eve and since he had never been to San Francisco, Jess had decided they should take a break and head up to the sea port for a couple days and completely ignore the supernatural world. But the surprise was on Jessica. It wasn't bad, but it was something that she wouldn't have expected, at least not for another few months or even a couple of years.

The night before they left to head up to San Francisco, Sam had stepped out and placed a call to Jessica's father. Getting the go ahead, Sam had taken some of the money that he had saved up over the last couple of years from all his odd jobs and gone to the jewelry store and paid for a one-third karat princess cut diamond solitaire Now, as he waited for Jessica to come out of the bathroom he quickly pulled the small jewelry box out of his pocket and opened it up glancing once more at the ring.

He smiled slightly at the sight of the ring and then just as quickly as he had opened it, he shut the box and put it back into his pocket. Tonight was going to be a night to remember. He had made reservations for two at Fleur de Lys, which happened to be one of the most expensive and romantic restaurants in San Francisco. Sam was now, more than ever, thankful for the fact that the people he and Jessica had saved from the poltergeist at the beginning of the month forced him to accept the one thousand dollars they offered as a reward. At least now, he would have the cash to pay for the meals. The only thing left to do was get there.

Sam sat back down on the bed and sighed. He hoped that Jessica would say yes, and he had even dreamed it. All he had to do was hold out for another couple of hours. However, what he didn't know was that in the bathroom, Jessica was thinking nearly the same thing.

Jessica knew something was up when he told her to bring a "nice" dress and couldn't help but wonder what Sam was up, but all she got in response when she asked was a smile and a "You'll see." She accepted it, but grudgingly. She knew something big was going to happen tonight. She had a sneaking suspicion, but there was nothing to confirm it. So, as asked, she got dressed in her "little" black dress, and did her makeup and hair in such a way that she was sure Sam would lose his ability to speak, at least temporarily.

With one last look in the mirror, Jessica stepped out of the bathroom and into the hotel room. Sam was looking away from her, and with a clearing of her throat, she caught his attention.

Sam's eyes went wide in appreciation, and his jaw dropped and he went speechless. A few moments later, Sam smiled appreciatively and said, "Jessica, you look like…a Goddess."

Jessica blushed slightly at the compliment and smiled. "Thanks. You don't look half bad yourself," she replied, eyeing Sam in his dark charcoal grey suit.

With a smile that reached his eyes, Sam held open her jacket for her and after getting his own jacket on, held out his arm for her, "Would you grant me the pleasure of your company for dinner?"

"Always," came the reply.

With that, the couple made their way down to the hotel lobby and to their waiting taxi. The ride was quick and filled with a comfortable silence during the ten minutes it took to get from their hotel and to the restaurant.

After paying the cabbie, Sam exited the cab and held out his waiting hand to Jess and helped her out of the cab. Jessica was surprised. She knew that they were going to a nice place for dinner, but she never expected to be having dinner at Fleur de Lys. She turned and looked at Sam, "What are…" she started to say, but was stopped when Sam placed a finger over her lips.

"Just enjoy it," Sam grinned, "it's not often we'll be able to treat ourselves like this, besides," he added, "it is our two month anniversary."

Jessica's eyes widened in realization and she smiled. "Well, you're right. Think we could do something like this once a year?" she suggested as she burrowed herself into Sam's side as they walked into the restaurant.

"Oh, I think we can manage that," Sam replied as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Walking up to the front desk, Sam said, "Sam Winchester, I have a reservation for two at eight pm."

The maitre'd flipped open the reservation book and read the list of patrons with reservations for the evening. "Ah oui, Monsieur Winchester. Allow me to put your coats in the coat check," he said in French accented English. After taking their coats and hanging them in the coat check, the maitre'd said, "If you and your lovely companion would follow me, I will take you to your table."

A few moments later, the couple found themselves seated at a relatively secluded table. As they were sitting down, the maitre'd spoke in French accented English, "Your waiter will be with you shortly. I hope you enjoy your meal here."

Once they were alone, with only their menus, Sam moved his chair over so he was seated a little closer to Jessica. Looking up from the closed menu, Jessica smiled slightly and asked, "Honey, what are we doing here?"

Sam quirked an eyebrow and replied, "Nothing sweetheart, except enjoying a very nice meal and ringing in the New Year."

"Ummmhmmm," was the reply, "I believe that…not. I know you're up to something Sam Winchester," she added, a teasing tone to her voice, and smile on her face.

Chuckling Sam responded, "And what makes you think that," he took her right hand into his and pressed a chaste kiss to the back of her hand.

"Oh, I just know you…" but before she could get any further, the waiter showed up and took their orders.

For the next hour and a half everything went perfectly.

The dinner and appetizer were both cooked perfectly; though it's to be expected when the chefs were trained at some of the best cooking academies. Jessica smiled slightly at the meal that Sam had ordered. He may eat healthy but he was still a "steak and potatoes" kind of guy. Jessica on the other hand ordered the chicken parmesan and they both had placed an order for one of the supposedly 'to-die-for' chocolate desserts.

While eating, they both talked about the classes they were planning on taking the next semester and speculating on how long it would be before they had another hunt. As she mentioned this, Sam mock glared and said, "Now you've gone and jixed our streak of luck" though they both knew he had been somewhat joking as he gave her a half smile and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Just as she was about to reply to his comment, her cell phone rang. Inwardly groaning, Jess gave him and apologetic look and checked to see who it was that was calling. Looking at the caller id, she saw that it was her parents.

"Jess, who is it?" Sam asked, curiously.

"It's mom and dad," Jess replied, "I've got to take this call…"

"Go a head, I understand," Sam replied with a smile. Though he knew what they were calling for.

Jess flipped her phone open and answered, "Hi daddy, is there anything wrong with grandma…no, then why are you calling…uh huh, so it doesn't have to do with why Sam's been acting a little, anxious," she winked at Sam. "All right, all right," she closed her eyes and then sighed, "I'll call back later. Give my love to mom." When she looked up to ask Sam what was up, she was startled to find Sam kneeling in front of her. "S-s-s-sam, wha…" she couldn't speak because of the shock.

Sam looked up into Jessica's eyes, both were oblivious to the fact that now everyone with in hearing distance was watching them, "Jessica, I know that we have only been together for two months, but these last two months have been the happiest months of my life. You understand and accept all of who I am and what I can do. You are the only other person I would trust with my life, and you are the only person I have ever and will ever love," he paused, taking a breath, "Jessica Lee Moore, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?" As he stated the last sentence, Sam pulled out and opened the small jeweler's box revealing the engagement ring.