My apologies for the delay. Real life has been a mess, but this chapter is finally finished!
The song being played at the reception is from the movie Shrek and was written by Dana Glover. No copyright infringement intended.
I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Jack and Sue had only been husband and wife for thirty minutes, but it looked as if they were about to experience their first marital spat.
"How many more pictures does the photographer need to take? It feels like we've been standing here for hours! This is ridiculous!," Jack groaned, rolling his eyes at his wife as they held another pose in the church's garden. "I mean, come on...she's taken at least fifty shots of us together, and probably hundreds of others when you consider all of the different combinations of our families and the wedding party she's already put together, not to mention the ones she took of me before the wedding even started! Shouldn't that be enough? This is taking forever!"
"Jack, Honey...," Shaking her head, Sue giggled softly at her husband's childish grumbling. "...just relax and be patient, okay? I'm sure she's almost finished. Besides, I asked her to take a lot of pictures of you in your wedding suit, since you look so handsome! And you know our moms will want a nice picture to put with our wedding announcement in their hometown newspapers...and a wedding portrait to hang in their living rooms...and more pictures to put in albums to show off to their friends since our wedding was here in DC." She gave him a sweet smile. "I promise there will still be some wedding cake left for you when we're finished here...and you're not missing anything else important..."
"I know that, but…" Taking her hand, he shrugged sheepishly. "I guess I'm just...I don't know...restless? Overly excited? Really happy? Maybe it's because I'm kinda having a hard time believing we're finally married! I've been looking forward to this moment for such a long time, and now it's actually a reality…so maybe I'm feeling giddy...and a bit antsy..." He pulled her into his arms and gave her a kiss. "I love you so much, Mrs. Hudson…and I'm so ready for us to start our life together..."
"And I love you, too, Agent Hudson. Now, smile pretty for the camera…" Pointing at the photographer, Sue smiled. "Maybe we can get a 'candid' shot of us kissing, too. Would you like that?"
Jack grinned from ear to ear. "You bet…" He made a goofy face before giving Sue a resounding smooch. "There you go...unless she needs twenty more attempts to get the picture right. I'd be glad to help her out with that…"
"That's okay…" Shaking her head, the photographer laughed. "I got it the first time. I think we're finished for now. I'll take some candid shots at the reception, but I've completed the formal pictures."
"Alrighty then..." Jack gently shooed the photographer away before his wife changed her mind about having more pictures taken. "So, Sugar...it's party time, right?"
"Right..." Sue cringed slightly as they made their way down the stepping stone path toward the Family Life Center. "I hope you're ready for all the over the top decorations that might be lurking inside. Since my mom was somewhat restrained with the chapel's decorations, the way she decked out the hall for the reception may be wild and crazy…"
As he rubbed Sue's shoulder, Jack shrugged nonchalantly. "No matter what it looks like, I think it'll be fine, Sugar. I'm sure she had fun decorating the place, and I promise, no matter how gaudy it might be, no one will give it a second thought, because they'll be busy eating cake and celebrating our wedding with us. And, anyway, it's not like we're gonna stay that long, right?" He waggled an eyebrow at her. "You know...maybe we could just skip the reception entirely and go straight to the honeymoon. I bet nobody would notice." Licking his lips in anticipation as he studied his gorgeous bride, he gave her a naughty grin. "After all, we've got better things to do than to hang out here, don't we?"
She blushed under his appreciative gaze. "I know what you mean, but it is our wedding reception, and we need to participate a little bit…you know, at least show up for a few minutes. My mom would be really upset if she went to all that trouble to make our reception wonderful and then we skipped it. Her feelings would be terribly hurt, and we'd never hear the end of it..."
"Yeah...you're right...and I guess my mom would be disappointed, too. Okay...I suppose we should make an appearance..." He kissed her cheek before nodding towards the hall's door. "...so let's be brave...and go inside…"
Oooooooooo
The guests were chatting happily with each other, sipping coffee or punch as they stood around in small groups, waiting for the guests of honor to arrive at the reception. After a few more minutes, the crowd burst into applause as the happy couple made their entrance. Gasping in surprise as she took in the scene, Sue turned to Jack. "Oh my goodness…"
The hall's ceiling had been lavishly swagged with several yards of glittering white and silver ribbon, with a mirrored disco ball serving as the hub where the billowing strands met at the ceiling's center. The sparkling orb was rotating slowly, reflecting flashes of light throughout the room to the beat of music playing softly in the background. Lengths of white tulle had been entwined with silver and white ribbon and were festooned in gathered garlands along the walls, held in place with fluffy white bows.
White and silver balloons had been arranged into tall twisting columns, which stood in the room's corners, and into large arches adorning the far end of the hall.
In front of the balloon arches stood three long tables covered with white damask cloths trimmed with silver ribbon. The ladies of the church's Ruth Circle were bustling around the tables as they put the final touches on the reception's impressive lunch buffet. White china plates, cups, and saucers, all banded with silver, sat on the first table next to crystal punch cups and tall glass tumblers. Gleaming flatware was wrapped in snowy linen napkins, at the ready for the guests to use as they helped themselves to the tempting array of food.
And what a grand array it was! Large crystal bowls filled with a sparkling red punch were standing on either end of the middle table. Large stainless urns holding coffee or tea bracketed enormous silver platters laden with various types of cold cuts, cheeses, relishes, condiments, and sliced bread, along with large glass bowls filled with fruits and berries. Next to the cold cuts sat trays holding assorted fresh vegetables and smaller crystal bowls filled with a variety of nuts and mints.
The highlight of the dessert table was the delicate wedding cake, but instead of a traditional multi-tiered confection, Sue and Lucy had chosen something they considered to be more practical. A half sized sheet cake, iced with ivory frosting and decorated with silver flowers, was situated on a silver pedestal, which was surrounded by several dozen cupcakes. Some of the smaller cakes sported dark blue frosting and were decorated with the number 23 piped in silver, and some were iced in ivory frosting and accented with silver sprinkles.
Smaller tables were scattered around the large open space, arranged in such a way that there was room in the center for people who wanted to dance. Covered with white damask cloths, the tables had centerpieces made up of tall crystal vases filled with lush bouquets of red, yellow, and purple tulips.
As Sue and Jack entered the hall, Carla rushed over to embrace them "Oh, Darling...I hope you like the way everything looks! I think it turned out rather well…"
"It's beautiful, Mom!" Sue beamed with happiness as she gave her mother a hug. "I love it!"
"Amazing…this is great!," Jack quickly agreed as he pointed to the buffet. "Look at all that food!"
"You can fix a plate in just a minute,..", Carla began, "...but first…" Turning, she waved at Sue's brother. "Go ahead, Billy…you're the emcee, after all..."
Rolling his eyes at his mother's use of his boyish nickname, he picked up a nearby microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen...let's hear it again for our newlyweds: Jack and Sue Hudson!"
The guests applauded happily as Carla led Jack and Sue to a table she'd set up for them. She produced two crystal flutes and after filling them with champagne, she gave them to the couple. "Now you two make yourselves comfortable. We have some formalities to get through before we start serving lunch…"
"Like speeches from our Best Man and our Maid of Honor." Bill chuckled as he handed the microphone to Bobby. "Go ahead, buddy…but remember, we don't have all day, okay?"
"Right. Trust me...I'll be brief." Grinning broadly, Bobby cleared his throat, nodding to the sign language interpreter before he began. "Ladies and gentlemen, you may not know this, but we've witnessed a miraculous event this morning. Believe it or not, our friend Sue, an attractive, intelligent woman, has for some reason chosen to marry my best mate, Jack." Laughing at his friend's slight scowl, he winked slyly at Denise as he continued. "I've seen Sue's courage many times while she's been with the FBI. She's worked undercover on several occasions...and as a real test of her fearlessness, she even pretended to be wed to Jack for a week, sharing a house with him as they did surveillance on a terrorist...and yet, even though she had a pretty good idea about what she was getting into, she decided to marry him in real life anyway, thus proving once and for all that she is the bravest woman I've ever known!"
The crowd laughed merrily at Bobby's joke. Grinning broadly, he gave Jack a thumbs up. "The truth is, you couldn't find a better mate than my man, Jack. Jack...or Sparky, as I prefer to call him...is a great FBI agent, a great friend, and an all around great fella who's smart, loyal, and courageous...and I can honestly say that he deserves a wonderful woman like Sue. So, here's wishing you both many, many years of happiness together. Congratulations, Jack and Sue!"
The crowd cheered happily in response. "Yay! Congratulations, Jack and Sue!"
Then it was Lucy's turn to speak. After composing herself a bit, she took the microphone from Bobby. "I first met Sue when she literally ran into me at the Hoover Building one morning, and we've been best friends ever since. As her best friend, I soon discovered that while she'd be teaching me sign language, I'd be the one who'd have the responsibility of teaching her 'dating' language." She giggled as she saw Sue's eyeroll. "That newly acquired skill quickly became a necessity! I knew as soon as I saw Jack and Sue together that she'd have the opportunity to use what she'd learned in that regard, because it was so obvious from the beginning...the two of them just clicked immediately, and I knew it would simply be a matter of time...and a very short time at that, or so I thought...before they were dating, and then they'd soon head over heels in love with each other. I knew the two of them were made for each other, even if it took them longer to figure it out than I thought it would. But, eventually, after a couple of years of working together, they finally did figure it out, and now, here they are, where they should've been all along...a happily married couple. I hope we all can be as happy as they'll be in their life together. So...best wishes to Sue and Jack...for many, many happy years together."
There was more hearty applause before Bill offered a toast. "Congratulations to the happy couple. Here's to Jack and Sue!"
Raising their cups, the crowd responded enthusiastically. "To Jack and Sue!"
Wearing a broad grin, Dimitrius called out, "Speech! Speech!" Seeing the groom's reluctance, he chuckled. "Come on, Jack...I've never known you to be at a loss for words before…"
"Oh, okay…" Setting his champagne aside, Jack smiled at his bride, taking her hand in his as he rose from his seat. "Sue and I are so happy that you're all here to share our special day. It means a lot to both of us to have everyone here as we celebrate the beginning of our lives together. Thanks for the prayers, the congratulations, and the good wishes. We appreciate it." Suddenly feeling awkward as the guests applauded, he shrugged slightly before sitting down again.
"Excellent speech, brother! Now...it's time to take care of some very important business…" Bill grinned, pointing at the buffet tables. "Let's get that cake cut so we can have some lunch. I'm starved!"
Oooooooooo
The reception was a grand success. After a lot of teasing and several corny jokes, the bride and groom had cut the wedding cake, and then it was time for lunch to be served. The guests were having a wonderful time, laughing and talking as they enjoyed their meal and the company of their friends. Sue's brothers had put a playlist of tunes together for the occasion, inspiring couples to take to the dance floor.
As Jack and Sue mingled with their guests, the bride chuckled when she pointed toward the dancers. "I made sure my brothers put the 'Chicken Dance' on the playlist. It looks like Myles is enjoying himself…"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure his date knows what to make of it.," Jack laughed as he watched Myles flap his arms in time with the music. "She's trying to keep up, though…"
"And she looks like she's having fun. That's the important part." Sue turned to Jack with a smile. "Are you ready to give it a try?"
"Nah...I'm not gonna do that crazy chicken dance. I don't exactly get along well with poultry, remember?" Hoping to change the subject, he nudged Sue's arm. "Who's that with Charlie?"
Sue giggled happily. "Oh...that's his new girlfriend, Eleanor." Seeing Jack's surprise, she explained. "It's kind of a long story. Henry needed to have some work done on his car, and Lucy suggested that he have Charlie look at it, so he took it by the garage. I guess while he was there, he met Troy, too, and, being the good pastor that he is, he asked both of them to visit the church, and when they did, both of them liked it. Charlie met Eleanor in the Mature Singles Sunday School class, and they hit it off immediately. Since then, they've been going out to dinner and to the movies...things like that. She's very nice, and they've been having a lot of fun together. He's been lonely for so long...and now that he has a new lady friend, he's a lot happier. I think she's good for him."
"Yeah, I'm sure she is. Well, good for him." Jack smiled as he watched Troy signing to his date. "And Troy met someone at church, too?"
"Yes. Her name is Laurie. She's one of the sign language interpreters for the church services. I think she may be the reason why Troy's been attending church on a regular basis."
Jack gave Laurie an appraising glance. "As pretty as she is, I'd say that's definitely a good incentive. I know someone who looks like that would influence me to be regular in my church attendance..."
Putting her hands on her hips, Sue gave him a pointed look before giggling. "Excuse me…you're a married man now, remember?"
"Um…yeah, of course I remember…" Seeing Sue's raised eyebrow, he quickly nodded at a table a few feet away. "Oh, there's Helga…"
They walked over to greet the elderly woman. Hesitating slightly, Jack smiled bashfully as he signed to her. "I guess you were right...we really do make a lovely couple...and now it's permanent..."
Helga was obviously pleased, nodding as she signed, "Yes, you still do! I'm so happy for you both!"
Sue signed in response. "Thank you. I'm so glad you could make it this morning!"
Grinning merrily, Helga signed, "I wouldn't have missed it for anything! I always knew you belonged together! What took you so long? I was afraid I'd pass away before this day arrived!"
Seeing that Jack hadn't caught all of Helga's statement, Sue giggled softly as she interpreted for his benefit. "She wonders why we waited so long to get married. She was afraid she wouldn't be able live long enough to see our wedding happen." She winked at him before she signed, "Well, you know...I had to work hard to catch him! He kept trying to get away!"
"Don't be silly…you never had to work very hard to keep his attention! He was always crazy about you!" Helga signed, waving off Sue's comments with a smile. "Best wishes on your marriage...oh, and don't forget...I want to be an auntie to your children…so you need to get busy and have a baby...as soon as possible..."
"Oh…" Sue smirked as she turned to Jack. "She says we need to have a baby…soon...so she can be their aunt..."
"Um…well…" Suddenly feeling awkward, Jack chuckled nervously. "We'll have to wait and see what happens in that department…"
He was relieved to be interrupted by Bill's announcement. "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please…"
Turning toward the emcee, the guests murmured softly, wondering what was going on.
"My new brother-in-law had a very specific song request for our playlist, and so...if the bride and groom will take their places on the dance floor, I'd like to play it for them now."
Surprised by Bill's statement, Sue couldn't resist teasing Jack. "I thought you didn't want to dance…"
"I didn't want to dance like a chicken...but I'm gonna dance with my new wife while they're playing our song…"
"We have a song? Really?" Sue laughed as Jack led her to the dance floor. "So is it Blue Hawai'i?"
"Nah...I think I'll leave that one for Bobby and Denise's wedding. You know he'll want to do an Elvis impersonation at their wedding reception…and that'll be the perfect song for them..."
After thinking things over, Sue shook her head. "But I can't think of anything else it could be. You haven't mentioned a song before now…"
He smiled shyly as he took her in his arms. "Well, this is gonna sound silly, but...remember the movie we went to see with Amanda and Ben a few months ago?"
Her brow furrowed as she recalled that evening. "It was Shrek, wasn't it? The cartoon movie about the big green ogre..."
"That's right...and you may not have noticed, since we were getting ready to leave, but there's a song at the end...it plays as the credits roll...and when I heard it, it just kind of stuck with me, because the lyrics reminded me so much of what I was feeling about you at the time…and I knew, if I ever did manage to convince you to marry me, that I'd want to have this song played for us on our special day..."
"So our song is from a movie about two ugly green ogres falling in love…" Laughing, she rolled her eyes at him. "Maybe I'm glad I can't hear it."
"I know it may seem weird to use a love song in an animated movie, but it's also a very romantic story, okay? They do fall in love, then they get married, and then they live happily ever after, right? Anyway, I think you'll like the lyrics to the song, no matter where it came from. Trust me, okay?" He signed 'okay' to Bill, and soon the soft notes of a tin whistle filled the room. "I'm gonna sort of 'sing' the words while we dance, so you know why I chose it…"
He began to dance, swaying slowly to the music, and she followed his lead, her eyes focused on his handsome face as he 'sang' for her:
There is something that I see
In the way you look at me.
There's a smile;
There's a truth in your eyes.
But in an unexpected way
On this unexpected day
Could it mean this is where I belong?
It is you I have loved along!
It's no more a mystery…
It is finally clear to me.
You're the home my heart has searched for so long,
It is you I have loved all along.
Sue's eyes filled with happy tears as she read his lips. "Oh, Jack...you're right...it's perfect...a wonderful choice to be our song…"
He sighed softly. "I'm so glad you think so…"
Over and over, I'm filled with emotion…
Your love rushes through my veins.
And I am filled with the sweetest devotion,
As I look into your perfect face…
It's no more a mystery…
It is finally clear to me.
You're the home my heart has searched for so long,
It is you I have loved all along.
Smiling tenderly, Jack pulled her closer. "That's exactly how I'm feeling right now. You know, the words 'I love you' mean a lot, of course, but what I feel for you is so much more…and I think that's what this song says...that you're my home...my life…my everything..."
She sighed softly. "I feel the same way, Jack...and I always will…"
It was an almost magical moment. The guests were enchanted as they watched the happy couple dance together, with eyes for only each other as the music continued to play.
"Oh, Bob…" Smiling at her husband, Carla dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. "I'm so happy for her. Doesn't she look beautiful? She's so thrilled to be married to Jack...and he's just as thrilled as she is…"
"Our little girl is gorgeous...just like her mother was on our wedding day." He gave his wife a hug. "You did a great job with the wedding and reception, Darling. I know she was very pleased with how everything turned out."
"Thank you. They both seem so happy, and that makes me happy, too…"
Bob nodded as he watched his daughter dance with her new husband. "I think they'll be happy for a long, long time…"
When the music ended, Jack and Sue shared a kiss as the guests applauded. As they stepped off the dance floor, John Hudson met his son with a handshake. "Good job, Jack. That song was a great choice..."
"It was just lovely, wasn't it, Johnny?" Colette smiled as she leaned against her husband. "I've always thought our son had a romantic streak...just like his dad." Seeing John's coy grin, she winked at Sue. "Enjoy it, Honey. Hudson men make great husbands."
Sue smiled as she patted Jack's arm. "I'm looking forward to finding that out for myself."
Lucy suddenly appeared at Sue's elbow. "I think it's almost time for you to leave if you want to get to the airport on time to catch your flight. Amanda has been handing out the bundles of bird seed, and Bobby is bringing the car around, so maybe you should get ready to throw your bouquet…"
"Oh! I didn't realize how late it was. Yes, let's get ready to do that." Sue giggled as she winked at Jack. "Do you want to throw my garter, too?"
He wore a wry grin as he pointed at her short skirt. "I'm not sure I want to retrieve it from under that dress in front of all these people...you know, in public…especially at a church...and I'm also not sure I want all of these guys to get an eyeful of my wife like that!" He bent down to whisper in her ear. "Maybe it'd be better if I look for it later...when we're alone…"
"You're so silly!" She laughed as she turned to her best friend. "Okay...tell Bill that we're getting ready to go…so he needs to announce that it's time for the bouquet toss..."
"Okay…I'll take care of it..."
A few minutes later, Bill picked up the microphone. "Calling all single ladies...our blushing bride is getting ready to throw her bouquet, so take your places. Let's see who'll be the lucky one…"
There was a lot of giggling and comical jostling as the women lined up on the dance floor. Sue stood a few feet from them, with her back turned toward them.
"Are you ready?," she asked over her shoulder. "I'm going to throw it on the count of three. Here we go...one...two...three!" Laughing, she gently tossed the bouquet and then quickly turned to see who'd caught it.
"Eleanor! Congratulations!"
Jack gave Charlie a playful nudge. "Looks like you'll be next in line for the altar, buddy!"
Charlie wore a broad grin as he watched his girlfriend chatting happily with Sue. "You know what? That's a great idea!"
"Well, good luck with getting her on board with that, okay?." Jack shook Charlie's hand. "And be sure to let us know what happens…"
"You got it. Hey, congratulations to you and Sue, Jack. I'm so happy for both of you…"
"Thanks!" Seeing Lucy waving at him, Jack grinned. "Oh...it looks like it's go time…talk to you soon..."
"Bye, Jack. You kids have fun on your honeymoon…"
"We will…bye…"
Jogging over to where Sue and Lucy were standing, Jack gave the maid of honor a comic salute. "Ready for my orders, General Dotson…"
"Ha ha…very funny." Lucy wore a broad smile as she pointed to the building's outside door. "Everyone is gonna line up on either side of the sidewalk, and then you two are gonna make a run for the car…"
Getting the signal from Lucy, Bill nodded. "Alright everyone…let's line up outside so we can pelt the newlyweds with birdseed…"
After waiting a few minutes, Jack peered through the door. "Okay, Sugar…our target is that limo. Are you ready? On my mark…three…two…one! Let's go…"
The couple laughed happily, scrambling inside the limousine as Bobby held the door open for them. "Don't worry about a thing, mate…I'll take care of your car…"
"Great. See you in a few days…" Jack tapped on the glass to alert the chauffeur. "Let's go…"
"Bye…goodbye…" Throwing handfuls of seed at the retreating couple, the crowd waved and cheered as the newlyweds drove off.
Oooooooooo
Brushing some bird seed from her hair before settling back in the car's luxurious seat, Sue let go a happy sigh as she nestled next to her husband. "We made it, Honey…"
"Yeah…we did, Sugar." After putting his arm around her, Jack patted her thigh. "Maybe I can look for that garter now…after all, that's one reason I rented a limo for us…so we can make out in the back seat. Now that we're married, that shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Laughing, Sue shook a finger at Jack. "Behave yourself! What would the driver say?"
"You forget how stealthy I can be…I bet he won't even notice what was going on…" Winking at her, Jack wore a merry grin. "Wanna demonstration?"
"Maybe later…" Pausing suddenly, her brow creased in concern as she glanced out of the limo's window. "Something's not right…this isn't how we should go to get back to my apartment…"
Feeling smug, Jack nodded. "Yep, I know. That's because we're not going to your apartment right now…"
"But we had it all worked out!," Sue protested. "We don't have time for sightseeing right now…we have to change clothes and get to the airport to catch our flight to Quebec…"
"Well, there's been a slight change in plans." He chuckled as she narrowed her eyes at him. "It's kind of a long story…"
"Then you'd better start telling it…"
"Oh, okay. See, I got a call from my grandmere several weeks ago. She wasn't too keen on my grandpere driving in the dark to pick us up at the airport in Quebec. He doesn't have very good night vision any more…."
"But we could take a cab…," Sue interrupted.
"I know, but she wouldn't hear of that…you know, us paying for a cab, since we're going to be her guests. She insisted that he would pick us up. She's a very stubborn woman…almost as stubborn as you. Maybe that's why I love you so much…you remind me of her…" Chuckling, he pretended to flinch as she lightly punched his arm. "The point is that I got to thinking…instead of rushing around like crazy on our wedding day just so we can catch a flight, why not take things easy tonight and then take the late morning flight tomorrow? Quebec will still be there, even if we arrive a little bit later than we planned…"
Sue frowned slightly as she thought about his statement. "Well…I guess almost anything would be a lot less stressful than trying to get to the airport tonight…but what about my suitcases?"
"Your dad picked them up after he dropped you off at the church this morning and put them in the back of the car…so we're all set…"
"...but you still haven't told me where we're staying this evening…"
He shrugged. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see…"
"Henry said husbands and wives shouldn't keep secrets from each other…"
"I'm pretty sure that doesn't apply to this kind of surprise. Now…" Putting a finger on her lips, he raised an eyebrow at her. "Just relax…we'll be there in a few minutes…"
"Hmm…" After studying her husband's expression for a few seconds, Sue shrugged. "Okay…but it better be good…"
"It will be…"
Their route took them to downtown Washington, DC. It was a beautiful afternoon, with a bright blue sky, but Sue was too busy trying to figure out where they were going to notice. Finally the driver pulled into the circle drive of an imposing building. "Here we are, sir…"
"Thanks." Jack pointed a thumb at the structure. "Well…what do you think?"
Sue gasped in surprise. "The Hay-Adams? Jack, we can't afford to stay here! Rooms are over 300 dollars a night!"
"I know…the honeymoon suite is even more! And then there's dinner on top of it…" Seeing her shock, he chuckled. "Relax! Director Chastain pulled some strings for me, and got us a nice discount, okay? And anyway, it's only for one night, and it is our honeymoon, after all." Helping her out of the car, he grinned happily. "Come on…let's go check in…"
The couple walked into the tastefully appointed lobby and approached the front desk. Clearing his throat nervously, Jack addressed the clerk. "Um…Jack Hudson…I…I mean we…we have a reservation for the bridal suite…"
Looking up information on his computer, the man smiled. "Let me see…ah, yes…Mr. and Mrs. Hudson. Congratulations, by the way." He handed Jack a key card. "Here you are…the elevator's over there. Room service closes at eleven this evening and will be available beginning at six tomorrow morning. I'll have Bentley bring up your bags. Would you like a wake up call tomorrow, Mr. Hudson?"
"I don't think that'll be necessary."
"Very well." The clerk nodded at the couple with a knowing smile. "If you need anything, please let me know. Enjoy your stay with us."
"I'm sure we will. Thanks." Taking Sue's hand, he nodded. "Here we go…the honeymoon suite awaits…"
Feeling a little shiver of excitement, Sue giggled. "Are you going to carry me over the threshold?"
"You bet…I've been working out in the gym every day to build up my strength…"
"Jack!"
Oooooooooo
"Oh…this is gorgeous…," Sue exclaimed from Jack's arms. He gently set her on her feet, and she walked over to take in the view from the room's large picture window. "Look…there's the Washington Monument…"
"I know…it's great, isn't it?" He embraced her tenderly. "But you know what? I think we can check out the view in more detail later. I've got other things on my mind right now…" He flashed a dimpled smile. "...if you know what I mean…"
Putting her arms around Jack's neck, Sue batted her eyelashes at him. "I know exactly what you mean." She nodded toward the suite's bedroom. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Pulling her close, he kissed her passionately. "I love you so much…"
After caressing his cheek, she took his hand. "Care to show me how much?"
"Oh yeah…" Sighing softly, he scooped her up into his arms again and carried her into the bedroom. "So very, very much…"
Oooooooooo
Three hours later, Sue came out of the bedroom wrapped in a fluffy white robe. "Who's on the phone?"
Wearing only some pajama pants, Jack turned to her with a smile. "I was ordering dinner. Steak and lobster, fresh baby asparagus with lemon butter, spinach salad, and chocolate mousse, and of course, a bottle of champagne and some strawberries for later…"
"That sounds expensive…and delicious." Smiling happily, she took his hand. "Come sit with me on the couch…"
They curled up together, arm in arm, each enjoying the nearness of the other in the quiet of their suite. After a few minutes, Sue whispered softly. "Are you happy?"
"I'm so happy…I can't even explain how happy I am." He ran his fingers through her hair. "You?"
"Yes…oh, yes…more than I ever dreamed I'd be. And just think…we'll get to be this happy for the rest of our lives…"
Jack laughed softly. "Well, I'm sure there'll be days when we aren't this happy…you know, when we wonder why we got married to each other…"
Sue made a silly face. "Probably so, but then we can remember how happy we felt today, right?"
"Right." He gave her a naughty grin. "You know, it'll be a while before dinner gets here. I wonder if we can find a way to kill some time while we're waiting…"
Giggling as she shed her robe, Sue ran her hands down his chest. "I was hoping you'd suggest that…"
Oooooooooo
After spending a week in Quebec, Jack and Sue had picked up Levi and a few groceries and were finally back at their own little white house.
"I had a great time on our honeymoon, but I'm glad to be home!," Sue exclaimed as Jack pulled the SUV into the driveway.
"Yeah, me, too." He nodded to the backseat to the dog happily wagging his tail. "Levi seems glad, too."
"I'm sure he is." Opening the car door, Sue hopped out and opened the door for Levi, who barked excitedly as he jumped down and began running around the yard, sniffing every blade of grass in sight. "Look at him go…"
"He can play for a few minutes while I get the bags inside, but then it's gonna be time for me to carry you over the threshold again…"
"Really? You've already done that twice…" Sue grinned as she nudged her husband with her elbow. "Are you sure you're not worn out from all that heavy lifting?"
He rolled his eyes as he got the luggage out of the car. "I'm fine! Come on…"
"Okay. Levi…here…"
As Jack carried Sue over the threshold of their house, they were both surprised at what they saw waiting for them. A balloon bouquet was attached to a bottle of champagne sitting in the middle of their kitchen table.
"Look…there's a card with it…," Jack said as he put Sue down. A grin spread over his face as he read the note before handing it to Sue. "Here…"
"Best wishes on your new life together. We've put together a little something to start you on your way. Check out the refrigerator and the pantry. See you soon. Love, Tara, Lucy, D, Miles, and Bobby." She shrugged in surprise. "Well?"
Opening the refrigerator, Jack laughed out loud. "It looks like they left some meals for us in here…" He walked over to the small pantry and checked it out. "...and some canned goods…some flour and sugar…even some dog food. I'd say they gave us a pounding. I left a house key with Bobby, so he probably let them in so they could put everything away…"
"A pounding?" Sue was obviously confused.
"Yeah, you know. They all contributed to our new life together by giving us a pound of sugar or a package of toilet paper or whatever they thought we might need. It's kind of an old fashioned idea…"
"But it's very sweet…and practical, too." Sue smiled as she put away the rest of their groceries. "Now we really don't have to leave home for a few days…we can concentrate on each other instead of worrying about going to the store…"
"Exactly. It's the perfect gift." Pulling her into an embrace, he kissed her. "Speaking of which, my darling wife…"
Sue chuckled as she caressed his cheek. "You read my mind, my sweet husband…"
"Shall we adjourn to our bedroom?"
"I believe we shall…"
Oooooooooo
It was after midnight when Sue woke up and found herself alone in their bed. Surprised, she pulled on her robe and went to look for her husband.
She found him standing in the kitchen, pensive as he gazed out into the darkness from the window over the sink. "Jack? Are you okay? It's late. Why are you still up?"
He turned to her, extending his arm so she'd embrace him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
She smiled sweetly. "I didn't hear a thing." Shrugging, she nestled under his arm. "But I've already gotten used to you sleeping next to me, and I missed you. So…what's wrong?"
"Oh…there's nothing wrong." He sighed softly as he studied her beautiful face. "I just…I don't know…I'm just sort of overwhelmed with everything that's happened lately. It's like I'm not sure I deserve it…" Seeing her confusion, he tried to explain. "You know, I'd never really bought into that whole idea that the Lord has a plan for everyone's life. I mean, how could He spend time worrying about me when there's so much else going on in the Universe? But now I think your dad and Lucy were right…that He meant for us to meet...that He meant for me to find you."
Clearing his throat, he continued in a halting voice. "Do you remember when we talked to that boy, Danny Abbas, after we closed that case?" Seeing Sue's uncertain nod, he continued. "I told him that you and I would help him out…"
"And we will…"
"Yeah, but I said that without even thinking about it. I just knew you'd be there with me as we worked through things with him." Struggling to find the right words, he paused. "It seems that ever since I met you, it's always been 'Sue and me'...it's so natural for me to think of us that way, like it was always meant to be, and not only because we love each other, but because we still have some work to do…to help others in some way, I mean…and that's part of God's plan, too…that's why He brought us together. I don't know…maybe it could be something for the FBI, or the way we raise our kids, or the way we help at church, but I feel like we have things we need to do…together…for the Lord."
Seeing the solemn look on her face, his shoulders sagged a bit. "I guess that doesn't make any sense, does it?"
Sue paused a few seconds, thinking over what her husband had said. "Actually, I think it makes a lot of sense. Separately, we both have our own skills and talents. Now that those skills and talents are combined…we'll be unstoppable, won't we? We can do anything the Lord calls us to do. I can't wait to see what He has in store for us!"
"Yeah, me, too." He grinned as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "And, you know, it doesn't hurt that the Lord gave me such a sweet, beautiful woman to share my life with…that'll make whatever I have to do for Him a lot easier…"
"And He gave me a brave, handsome husband…for which I am very grateful." She kissed him tenderly. "I love you so much…"
"And I love you, too…"
Sue sighed softly as she tousled his hair. "Good. Now, let's go back to bed. I'm tired…"
"Okay…" He chuckled as followed her to their room. "...but it may be a while before I let you go to sleep…"
She laughed merrily. "I think I can live with that."
Oooooooooo
It's no more a mystery…
It is finally clear to me.
You're the home my heart has searched for so long,
It is you I have loved all along.
Thanks for reading. Laura..
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