CHAPTER 18

Breakfast was a light mood, everyone talking about the competition and when Sue was young and competed. Food was passed all around the table from person to person, resembling a Thanksgiving Day feast. There was everything you could possibly want with your meal. When everyone was done, left over's were packed away and dishes done. Jack offered to help with the dishes. Sue and Jack washed and wiped the dishes while the others got ready for their day. Lucy had made plans with a new "friend" she'd met at the coffee shop, and Sue's parents were going to head home in a few hours. When Jack thought it was safe, he dropped his towel on the counter, and took Sue in his arms. Sue was visibly nervous, more about her parents catching them in a compromising situation rather than being in Jack's arms. She was finding herself wanting to be in his embrace more and more. Sue's hands wrapped around Jack's neck as he whispered to her about making plans for the evening. Sue said she'd made plans with Lucy since they really hadn't seen each other for a while. Jack was disappointed, but understood. Sue, being curious, asked what plans he had in mind. Jack answered that he was thinking about dinner at his place, maybe a little dancing, a movie… he smiled and raised his eyebrows suggestively. Sue blushed at what he was thinking. Jack leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Sue responded in turn, but was taken aback when Jack all but pushed her away. It was then, she realized her mother had entered the room and caught them in the tender kiss. Jack's face was a deep crimson, and it didn't take long for Sue's to mirror his.

"So, that's how you got him to help with the dishes?" Carla said with a twinkle in her eye. She smiled as she began to turn away. "Wish I had thought of trying that on your father years ago…" She said playfully as she walked back out of the kitchen. Sue smiled shyly at Jack.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"I'm never going to hear the end of that… you know that right? She's going to be calling me every day to see if we're a couple or not…" Sue said pretending to be annoyed at the forth coming events.

"That's a good question, actually." Jack said

"What's that?" Sue asked.

"Are we a couple?" He asked.

Sue looked at him hopefully. "I'd like that." She said softly.

"Me too." Jack admitted. "I think we should definitely talk about it later." He said kissing her quickly.

Carla and Bill were ready to leave for home. Jack and Bill carried the bags to the car. Lucy had said her goodbyes and headed to get ready for her day. Sue and Carla stood near the window watching the men load the luggage into the trunk. Sue smiled fondly at the thought of her dad and Jack getting along so well.

"Wonder what they're talking about?" Carla asked.

"Not really." Sue giggled. "I could just read their lips if I wanted to know." She said with a smile, turning away from the temptation to do just that.

"Does he know?" Carla asked.

"Who know what?" Sue asked as if she didn't have a clue as to what her mother was suggesting.

"Does Jack know you're in love with him?" She answered.

"Mom!" Sue scolded.

"Well?" Carla continued to press Sue for information.

"No. We haven't talked about it." Sue finally admitted.

"Don't wait too long Honey, he's a prize. If you don't scoop him up, someone else will." Carla warned.

"I know." Sue answered a bit sad.

"What's wrong?" Carla pressed.

"The rules are getting in the way. We can't date. I wish we could, but…" Sue said allowing her voice to trail off.

"You can't help who you love." Carla said, giving Sue a tight hug. "Call me if you want to talk."

"Thanks Mom. I'm really glad you came for our competition, thanks. It was good to have you in my corner in the stands, even if I didn't know you were there at first." Sue said, hugging her mother one last time before they headed to meet the men at the car.

"Jack? Once piece of advice?" Bill said seriously. Jack looked at him. "Don't wait too long. I've heard a few names come across my dinner table of gentlemen who were interested in courting my Sue." Bill said with a raised eyebrow. Jack smiled knowing exactly who and what Bill was referring to.

"Does this mean I have your permission to date your daughter Sir?" Jack asked sincerely.

Bill extended his hand to Jack. They shook hands as the girls were joining them. Bill hugged sue tight and whispered "I love you Darling" as soon as she could see his lips.

"I love you too Daddy." Sue said giving both one last hug.

"Have a safe trip." Jack called out.

"Call me when you get home. Drive safe." Sue said as they got into the car. Bill ducked his head into the car and he called to Jack.

"Oh, Jack- YES!" He laughed and they drove off. Jack smiled and Sue noticed.

"What did my father say?" Sue asked.

"Nothing." He answered with a guilty smile.

"My mom didn't say anything, I could see her lips- what's up?" Sue asked turning to look at him. She raised her eyebrow as Jack took the offensive and began trying to tickle Sue.

Jack heard a car pull up behind him. He turned to see Lucy drive up to the curb.

"Hey Luce…" Sue said.

"Hi." She said, a bit down.

"Didn't you have a lunch date with John?" Sue asked.

"Did is the operative word." Lucy said.

"Did he cancel? Jack asked.

"Rescheduled- to tonight." Lucy said looking guilty at Sue. "Do you mind if we reschedule?" She said to Sue.

"No, that's fine. How about tomorrow night?" Sue suggested.

"Sounds good. I'm going to take a nap." Sue and Jack looked at her curiously. "He isn't picking me up until 8:00. It's going to be a late night." Lucy said as she walked up to the apartment.

"Do you have any plans for the day?" Jack asked Sue.

"None." She answered.

"Want to take a walk in the park?" Jack asked.

"Sounds like fun." She said. "Hey Luc!" She called out, Lucy turned around. "Can you send Levi down so we can take him to the park?" Lucy signed back "Yes"

A few minutes later the trio were walking around the park. Levi seemed to bin enjoying the casual stroll.

"So… are you going to tell me what my dad said to you?" She asked.

"No." Jack said in a teasing voice. She playfully slapped his arm. "Hey!" He protested.

"He reached down and took Sue's hand in his, entwining his fingers with hers. They walked and talked for a good hour about everything except the one thing that was weighing on both their minds: them as a couple.

Levi came across a friend at the fenced in area for dogs only. Sue took him off his leash and let him run free with the little poodle buddy. The canine friends played tug a war with a rope toy, then chased after balls and Frisbees being tossed around the grounds. Jack and Sue sat on the bench just outside the fence watching as Levi jumped around playing, just being a dog. Sue had a big smile on her face, even giggling as he played. Jack watched her intently, smiling at the little girl that giggled along with her dogs' happiness. He didn't get to see that part of Sue that often, she kept it guarded, hidden from most people. She suddenly realized he was staring at her. She slowly turned toward him.

"Can I help you with something Agent Hudson?" She asked coyly.

"Oh yes, but all in good time my love." He said smiling, making her blush.

"Should we get Levi and take him home? He looks like he's getting pooped, and I don't relish the idea of carrying him home!" Sue said with a giggle.

"Yeah, it looks like his girlfriend left anyway." Jack said as he helped Sue from the bench. Sue called to Levi and clipped his leash back to his collar and the three began to walk back toward the apartment.

"What's that?" Jack asked, looking into a thicket of trees and bushes.

"What?" Sue asked curiously.

"That- over there." He said as he pointed. Sue squinted, but didn't see what he was pointing to. "Come here…" Jack said as he gently pulled her by the hand. Jack led her just into the thick park of the woods to the back side of a large tree.

"Jack what were you seeing?" Sue asked, very curious.

"Right here." Jack said as he leaned Sue against the tree and kissed her full on the lips. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his body against hers, stirring the passion within her, and successfully deepening the kiss. As Sue began to feel herself giving into the kiss, she melted into Jack's arms. Sue could feel her head begin to swim from the passion and lack of oxygen. Both desperately needed air.

"Jack…" Sue said, gasping slightly. "That wasn't fair." Sue said smiling and leaning up for another kiss.

"Maybe not, but it was a lot of fun." Jack said with an evil grin.

The pair continued their stroll through the park. Once back at the apartment, Sue gave Levi some much earned food and water. The couple noticed Lucy was sound asleep. They left a note for her that Sue would be at Jack's and they left for his place.

Jack broiled some porterhouse steaks steamed up some corn on the cob, and Sue made macaroni salad and onion potatoes. They were both too stuffed to even move after dinner. Jack thought maybe a movie would be a good idea. Sue thought taking a walk to the bakery was a better one.

The evening air was warmer than usual for this time of year, but had early spring crispness to it. The newly formed couple decided to leave Levi home and take a casual stroll toward the bakery. Jack helped Sue on with her coat, as they passed through the door, his hand landed in its usual spot on her lower back. Once on the street, Jack moved his hand to around her waist. Sue wasn't used to such an open display of affection. Jack felt her tense with his arm around her. He casually moved it and took her hand in his. They walked slowly in silence down the street. People gathered here and there along their path. Families were just getting home from their night out to the movies or the area restaurants. The little children being carried up to their beds by dad, some with ice cream still smeared on their sweet smiles. Young lovers who were just beginning their evening out on the town, all mingling around town. Sue smiled at the thought that not one of them looked twice as she and Jack walked down the sidewalk holding hands. Sue leaned into Jack, putting her arm around his back, pulling him close to her. Jack smiled at her gesture. He moved his arm back around her, holding her close enough to smell the fragrance of her perfume.

They had walked for a mile or so when the bakery finally came into view. The last lingering scent of fresh baked breads and goodies lingered in the air, becoming stronger as they inched closer.

"I love Miller's." They both said, then laughed together. Jack held the door for Sue as they entered the sugary sweet eatery. They decided to walk to the ponds edge and enjoy their dessert with a fresh cup of coffee before heading home. They sat quietly as they snacked on the goodies, each trying the other's delectable treat. The pair sat watching some wild life finish up their day and head back to their nests. The night air was getting a bit nippy almost back to seasonal temperatures. Jack noticed the steam from their hot drinks was thick like the fog sitting over the pond. Sue shivered a little as she sipped her coffee. Jack put his arm around Sue's shoulder for both warmth and the romance of it. He felt her tense once again.

"Everything OK?" Jack asked.

"I'm fine. Dessert is delicious, thank you." Sue said trying to cover for the odd reaction.

"You sure?" Jack took her hand in his, nearly forcing her to look at him. "Sue?" He took her by the chin softly rubbing his hand on her cheek. She smiled at him.

"I guess I'm just not used to genuine affection." She said sadly. Jack took her hand in his, gently rubbing his thumb over hers.

"Do you remember when we first went to the rink to skate, and you made fun of my "moves" on the ice?" Sue smiled fondly and nodded yes. "You never answered my question about some boy trying the same moves on you…" Jack asked open ended.

"No. No boy ever tried those moves on me on the ice." Sue said sadly. "Most boys didn't bother with me. None were really willing to try to talk to me. If they had, they would have realized as long as they looked in my direction, we could get to know each other." Sue said, her eyes welling up. Jack pulled her into a hug. She snuggled into his chest, fighting back the tears, determined not to let them fall. She refused to give in to old memories and hurt.

"I'm so glad no one changed the directory." Jack said out of the blue, as he placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Sue laughed at him, in spite of herself.

"What?" Sue said surprised.

"If maintenance had changed the directory in the lobby, you wouldn't have walked into the bullpen and up to me demanding an opportunity that you had earned, not a token one the FBI had given you. If you had never walked into the bullpen, I never would have met you. If I had never met you, I wouldn't have fallen in love you. Hind sight being what it is, that could have been the saddest day of my life." Jack said kissing her softly on the lips. "Fate…" Jack whispered.

"God's way of showing us our future without us knowing it…" Sue said smiling shyly at him. She leaned into his embrace and kissed him. It was soft, sweet yet passionate. Jack backed away just enough for her to read him.

"I love you Sue Thomas. I have since that day in the bullpen." Jack said just as his lips descended upon hers again. She smiled into the kiss at the thought that the love of her life had just admitted his feelings for her. Sue shivered again. Jack thought it was time to head home. He took his coat off and wrapped it and his arm around her shoulder. They walked back to his place lost in each others embrace.