Well, this is it: the final chapter! Thank you so much to Snowgirl01, and others who have enjoyed it and begged me for more chapters. When I first started posting this story, I wasn't even sure what all it was going to contain though I knew the gist of what I wanted. But God helped me and it came together nicely. I had so much fun writing this story, and I hope to write more down the road! I have never written a fanfic story this long with this many chapters before! Ever! Thank you, everyone for your support.


"Hey, guys?" Lucy chuckled and raised her eyebrows as she read the message on her phone. All the guys looked up uneasily. Lucy was using the tone again. "Adam Kinsey says hi."

"Oh." Jack muttered.

"Well, actually," Lucy corrected herself, "Amanda told him who she was and that she knew us, and he told her to say to us, 'Don't shoot the messenger.'" The guys all just rolled their eyes.

"Jessie! What is this?" Steve huffed, shoving an 8x10 photo into Jessie's face. They were in the back kitchen at BBQ Bob's.

"Oh, it came, huh?" Jessie smiled, looking at the picture. "Great." He slapped it and headed toward the dining area.

"Jess, what is this...this concoction you whipped up?" Steve asked gruffly.

"Our new special, buddy." Jessie said casually.

"What new special? I didn't hear anything about a special!"

"Sure you did. When I told Lucy I'd come up with a dish to serve here in her honor. Weren't you even listening?"

"I was preoccupied at the time." Steve sighed, remembering that he'd been to wrapped up in gloom having to say good-bye to Tara. He still felt a bit down when he thought of how far away she was now.

"Yeah." Jessie teased.

"That's beside the point." Steve spoke up again. "What exactly is this called?"

"I call it the a Dotson Lu salad." Jessie said dramatically.

"What salad? I don't see any lettuce in it!"

"Right there. See? Those little green, scrunchy strands?"

"Uh-huh. It says here, that it includes curry chicken tenders, shaved steamed vegetables, and rice." Steve explained dryly. "And gracefully layered with Teriyaki sauce!"

"Exactly." Jessie shrugged.

"Jessie, that's a Chinese dish!" Steve declared in exasperation.

"That's why it's called a special." Jessie replied cooly.

"Jess, in case you've suddenly suffered from amnesia, this is a BBQ joint the last time I checked. You don't cross-match palette cultures here!" Steve exclaimed. "It's against nature."

"Steve, come on." Jessie said innocently. "Look around you." They'd entered the dining area. "Look at all Lucy has done for us. I mean, the framed origin story on the wall: everybody reads it when they first come in. And I haven't seen one of them leave once they have learned of where we started."

"Not yet." Steve rolled his eyes.

"And that slogan she came up with!" Jessie's eyes lit up. "Works like magic! In fact, it's put us not only in the headlines, but also on the map."

"What map?" Steve asked.

"The internet." Jessie explained. "Now when you type in recommended food joints in LA, guess who is in the top six of this area!"

"All right," Steve rubbed his temples. "Granted, she's pretty inspirational. But that still doesn't explain why you came up with an egg fu young mess of all things to disown us. I mean, look at that mess. It doesn't even look appetizing! Why couldn't you have dreamed up something more imaginative? Like...a dessert?"

"Maybe put it on the dessert menu?" Jessie asked timidly, trying to hide his teasing smile. He sure did enjoy pushing Steve's buttons.

"Ohhh!" Steve groaned.

The team had been back in DC for five days now and quickly dove back into the swing of things. Jack was allowed to come back to work, but after an appointment with his personal physician and his cardiologist, he was to avoid raids for at least two more weeks. Lucy was still a bit edgy, but being back at home and in their familiar, welcoming bullpen environment, Sue noticed that Lucy was quickly improving. She sat down for longer periods of time, and started asking less about where Sue was going every time she left the room. Ted was relieved to being personally working with his team again. The team all missed their new friends back in the sunny state, but all in all, it was so good to be back home!

Lucy looked up at Bobby as he hobbled into the bullpen toward his desk. Tara also noticed that he was limping, and stared at him curiously. "Morning." Tara greeted.

"Ladies," Bobby politely nodded, but gritted his teeth. He finally made it to his desk and let out a large sigh of relief as he plopped down into his chair. Levi trotted happily over to him. "Hey there, mate." Bobby smiled and rubbed his pal's ears.

"Don't tell me you're still suffering from a touch of overdue jet lag." Myles quipped.

"Nah." Bobby casually shook his head.

"Hey, you forgot this." Jack grinned as he entered and tossed a cane to the Aussie who quickly gripped it and shoved it behind his chair.

"A cane?" Myles curiously raised his eyebrows.

"Okay, what's this all about?" Lucy asked sneakily, rising from her seat, so did Sue, Tara, and Dimitrius.

"Nothing." Bobby said quickly, trying to avoid the issue.

"Oh? It's not every day an FBI agent walks into his work place with a bum leg." Lucy stated.

"Didn't you hear?" Dimitrius spoke up cheerfully.

"Hear what?" Sue asked.

"Jack and Bobby car-pooled this morning. Seems that Agent Crash decided to try his wings at roller-skating through his apartment building." Dimitrius said smugly.

"You what?" Lucy snickered.

"Did he say you were roller-skating?" Sue added. Bobby just stared at his legs.

"He was coming down the hall yesterday when he crashed into the apartment manager!" Jack teased, obviously enjoying himself.

"Oh, you didn't!" Tara's eyes widened.

"Did he really?" Sue and Lucy gaped.

"I was just trying to see if I could cut down on pressure time getting around on wheels instead of being a flatfoot." Bobby said defensively. "Thought it might come in handy when chasing bad guys, you know?

"Oh, and if that's not enough," Dimitrius continued, "the manager is suing him for two hundred dollars. Apparently, he didn't see the humor in the situation."

"Well, speaking personally for someone who has his own battle scars which speak for themselves, I don't blame the poor, victimized manager at all." Myles said dramatically.

"So, Crash here decides to take the back halls that aren't so well traveled." Jack spoke up. "And he was doing beautifully, till he took a wide turn right before a flight of stairs!"

"Oh! Are you okay?" Sue asked Bobby.

"Ah, sure. It's nothing, ya know. Just a..." Bobby shrugged.

"Just a twisted, bruised, and swollen ankle." Jack smirked with his arms folded.

"You shouldn't even be here." Lucy said.

"Oh, it'll go away in a few days." Bobby protested.

"Well, I really don't think skidding on wheels is your thing." Tara commented. "I wouldn't try it again if I were you."

"Well, look at the bright side, Crash." Myles remarked. "When we christened you into our little family, we chose a name that really suits you." Bobby glared.

"All right, can we just get to work?" He grumbled.

"I suppose Jack knew what he was talking about when he said that you earned every letter of it." Sue joked and Bobby pouted for sympathy. Jack smirked at her and they shared a fist bump.

"See? I was right after all." Myles said proudly.

"About what?" Everyone asked cautiously.

"I told you that Doctor Sloan was a bad influence!" Myles answered in a know-it-all tone.

"Just be glad Howie wasn't there!" Jack interjected and everyone laughed...except Myles, who cringed and groaned painfully.

Jeffrey White's trial was very speedy, with all the clear evidence, testimonies, and his full, unlamented confession brought to the court's attention. The verdict was unanimous.

"Is it true?" Amanda asked Mark as he entered the doctor's lounge. She and Jessie had been watching the news on television. Mark listened to the report before replying.

"Yes, I'm afraid it is." Mark sighed heavily, grabbing a cup of coffee. "Jeffrey White was executed last night."

"Well, I'm sure a lot of women's families aren't too sorry to see him gone." Jessie remarked quietly.

"Not to mention the law enforcement." Amanda added. Mark nodded in agreement.

"I'll say." Steve's voice spoke up as he stepped in. "The press has been after us ever since he was captured, and they're trying to weasel the FBI agents' names out of us. I'm just letting Chief Masters handle it."

"Mph." Amanda grunted. "You know, it's a real shame about what caused White to do what he did." She remarked wistfully.

"Oh, I know!" Mark agreed solemnly. "Wish things could've turned out differently."

"Yeah. Women can drive you nuts." Jessie remarked casually.

"Ahem!" Amanda grunted loudly. "You know, there are times you fellows drive us crazy too!"

"If only White hadn't chosen the wrong path." Mark said.

"Aw, come on, guys." Steve grumbled. "After the grime he caused, I wouldn't feel too sorry for him. It's not like people didn't try to reach out to him. Some people you can't help until they ask for it."

"You're right, Steve." Mark said sadly.


2 Weeks Later

Jack and Sue were driving back to the office after questioning a witness. It was a cloudy, humid day and they were currently passing through one of the nice neighborhoods. Sue just looked out the window, observing the familiar streets of DC, noticing the many different people, and wondering what each one's own personal life story contained in uniqueness. Even Levi contentedly gazed around at the familiar streets. Jack, however, was very silent, and just kept driving along. Then his ears picked up on a song playing from the radio. He only slightly recognized the voice, but it was the lyrics that grabbed his attention about the singer making many mistakes in his life but that none of it hurt as much as losing his true love. Jack listened very closely, struggling to keep his eyes on where he was driving, but he hung onto the song as it continued.

Sue glanced over at Jack and was greatly taken aback to see that he had tears in his eyes! Debating whether she should give him a moment or try to console him, she then thought that maybe his previous injuries were flaring up again. "Jack? Are...are you okay?" Sue asked gently.

Jack gritted his teeth. "I..." He gulped.

"Are you hurting? Do you need some of your pain medication?" Sue asked worriedly.

"N-no. It's not that." Jack grunted, but he couldn't weep and properly drive the car in a safe direction. He pulled the car over to a curb and drew in a deep breath. Sue watched him closely, and his body language was startling her.

"Jack! Are you all right?" She asked again. "Do you need me to call for help?"

"No, I'm fine. Really." Jack shook his head and bit his lip to try to get his bearings. He turned off the car motor. Sue could sense a sudden, overwhelming urge of something incredible about to happen, only she was afraid that Jack was in the stages of having another heart attack. She pulled out her cell phone, preparing to dial for help when Jack firmly gripped her wrist and pulled her arm down from her ear.

"Jack, I think you really need help." Sue said sadly.

"Sue, no. I have to tell you something." Jack said seriously. His eyes were filled with ache, and Sue braced herself for whatever it was he was about to tell her.

"I'm listening." Sue said softly. If you're leaving the bureau, Jack, because of health issues, please, PLEASE promise you'll stay around here so we can see you! So...we can be together! Sue thought to herself.

"You remember us explaining how we found you when Jeffrey White was holding you and Lucy hostage?" Jack began, having trouble getting these words out. Those moments were painful for him to relive. Sue nodded and Jack tried to continue. "Sue, I...when I saw you lying there in that picture, and we all gave you up for dead, I..." Jack choked and Sue read his lips intently, "I...I felt like the best thing in my whole life was gone...forever! And I would never get it back! I thought it was over. There...there have been so..." Jack gulped hard and Sue gently touched his hand with hers, just like so many times in the past. "There have been so may things that I've always wanted to tell you, always wanted to say to you, and when I thought you were gone forever, I felt so wrung with guilt for being silent instead of saying the things I should've a long time ago!"

"Things?" Sue raised her eyebrows. Her heart started racing, but she tried to convince herself that Jack was only going to greatly compliment her on what a good friend she had been to him, though in reality her heart yearned for him to say more than that! "What things do you mean?" She asked as calmly as she could.

"Just this." Jack hung his head. "I...I'm sorry this isn't the elaborate, attractive way I'd always planned, but...I can't hold it back anymore." Then Jack held his head erect and gazed directly into her soft brown eyes. "I love you." He said confidently.

Sue stared at him wide-eyed, and though she couldn't hear a thing, she could easily feel her pounding heartbeat sensation that vibrated through her chest and ears. She blinked and began to hyperventilate. Did he...did he just say...did he say what...her thoughts raced in a million different directions. "W-what?" She squeaked. It was the only thing she could get to come out of her mouth. "What did you say?"

"I love you." Jack whispered, with tears in his eyes.

Sue gasped and didn't realize that she was shivering. "Y-you...you do?" She whimpered excitedly with tears in her eyes.

"Yes, I do." Jack nodded. "I know I'm no door-prize, and I'm no super agent. I'm not a global box-office Casanova. I don't have much to offer, but...Sue Thomas, I love you, more than I can put into words. And...should anything happen to one of us again, I didn't want it to go by this time without you knowing that I will always care about you, that I will always love you. I know I've been a jerk at times, but..." Sue cut him off. She was laughing and weeping at the same time.

"Oh, no! No, no," Sue whimpered. "Jack, you...you're the finest man I've ever met. You have a heart of gold that, that storybook celebrities can only portray. I'd never trade you for any of them." Sue gulped hard to choke down the tears, then she looked directly at him and signed with her fingers as she murmured, "I love you too!"

Jack's heart overflowed with an electrical, warming surge that he'd never, ever felt before not even when he'd first met Sue. He smiled widely, the smile that Sue adored. And to him, she had never looked more radiant, not even back at the beach at Dr. Sloan's house! Jack gripped her hands firmly and brought them up to his face and kissed the top of them. Sue smiled so happily. Then Jack released her hands and reached down into his pocket. He pulled out a small blue jewelry box and opened it. Sue's heart skipped a beat: it was a gorgeous, glimmering golden, diamond ring! Sue covered her mouth with her hands and Levi eagerly wagged his tail. He barked enthusiastically. "Oh, Jack!" Sue's eyes bugged out.

"This isn't the way I'd always planned," Jack chuckled, "but, Susan Thomas? Will you marry me?" He asked earnestly.

Sue sobbed and laughed heartily. She brushed her strands of long, blonde hair from her face and sniffled to get a grip on herself. Then she held her head erect and clearly spoke. "Yes." She murmured. "Yes! I would be honored, and very proud to be your wife...Jack Hudson." Sue said passionately, her smile gleaming brightly. Jack thought he would explode, and his heart actually did give him palpitations.

"Th-thank you." He smiled and gently slipped the ring onto Sue's finger. It was a perfect fit. Sue was beside herself as she gazed at the thoughtful gift. Levi thundered into rapturous barking.

"Oh, Jack. It's beautiful." Sue sighed. "Thank you." Then Jack did something he'd never done before. He outstretched his arms, freely offering them to her. Sue sniffled again and buried herself into his embrace. It was unlike anything they'd ever felt before!

When they broke away after what seemed like an eternity, Jack whispered. "Someone once told me that sometimes we just have to take initiative and step up to the plate." Sue nodded.

"Someone once told me that the words you can read through each other sometimes just need to be said." She agreed. Jack grinned. He had a pretty good guess of who that someone had been, remembering with fondness the jovial, wise, but eccentric doctor with the twinkling blue eyes. After another wondrous hug, Sue asked, "Did Lucy know about this?"

"No." Jack shook his head. "She didn't know a thing!"

"Are you serious?" Sue raised her eyebrows.

"I would've gladly told her," Jack explained defensively. "It sure would've made this a whole lot easier." Sue giggled at his remark. "But you know Lucy, she would've tipped you off."

"She'll never forgive you." Sue teased.

"Hey, what's the worst that can happen?" Jack shrugged casually. He took her to a special restaurant to celebrate.

When the two of them returned to the office, Jack and Sue walked inside hand in hand. Everyone noticed it and stared. Levi was barking. Then Jack stole his arm around Sue's shoulder, but before he could even speak, Sue held up her left hand, showing off the ring and Lucy? Lucy screamed "YES!" at the top of her lungs, jumping out of her seat.

"NO WAY!" Bobby exclaimed and everyone gathered around their favorite couple who had now made it official. They all celebrated that night at Sue and Lucy's apartment with all their dear friends including Charlie, Lucy's grandmother Alice, Amanda with her dad and Togo, and many others.

"Agh!" Mark stewed in frustration, for the sixth time. His shoulders sagged. Steve walked into the den.

"Still trying your new phone?" Steve asked. "Haven't you figured that thing out yet?"

"Call me 'old school' all you like, but I personally prefer the good old fashioned cell phone." Mark sighed. "It has the numbers and the people you want to talk to..."

"And those you don't want to talk to," Steve quipped.

"I just can't understand this text-messaging gadget for the life of me."

"It's very simple, Dad." Steve smirked. Mark held up his hand in a halting motion.

"And if you don't mind, right now I'd prefer not having it explained to me." He said, then his phone rang. "Mark Sloan." Mark answered.

"Hello, Mark? This is Sue Thomas." Sue responded softly on the other end.

"Sue?!" Mark gasped. "Well, hello! How are you?"

"Oh, great. Couldn't be better." Sue murmured.

"Glad to hear it. How's Jack?"

"Good, he's doing great. Much better than when we first got back here."

"That's good news."

"Yes." Sue agreed. "Oh, and I have some news for you."

"Oh?" Mark raised his eyebrows.

"I said yes." Sue smiled.

Mark furrowed his eyebrows for a moment, then gaped. "You...you? He...he asked..." Sue giggled. "Oh, Sue! That is wonderful! Congratulations!" Mark beamed.

"Thanks."

"Have you set the date yet?" Mark inquired.

"No, not yet. But don't worry, we will." Sue replied. "It's such a whole, new world. I've never experienced anything like this before. And thank you, Mark, for all your help in steering us in the right direction."

"Oh," Mark chuckled. "It was my pleasure. I hope I wasn't too meddlesome."

"Not at all!" Sue interjected. "We appreciate your counsel."

"Are you happy, honey?"

"Very happy." Sue answered.

"I'm so glad." Mark said. "Oh, and Steve says hi."

"And Levi says hello too." Sue smiled. "I just wanted to share with you the good news."

"Yes. Well, good-bye, honey. Tell Jack we said hi and congratulate him for us!"

"I will." Sue nodded. "Stay tuned for more details."

"You can count on it." Mark agreed, then they ended their conversation. Steve was gazing at him curiously.

"Well, that was a very enlightening phone call." He said sarcastically.

"It was Sue Thomas." Mark smiled widely.

"Oh?" Steve feigned surprise.

"Steve, Jack and..."

"Jack and Sue are engaged now." Steve finished for him. Mark frowned.

"How did you find out?" He asked in resignation.

"Dad!" Steve rolled his eyes. "Where have you been? That's all Lucy and Amanda have talked about for days!" Mark stared at the ceiling sheepishly. Then he walked out towards the kitchen, silently fiddling with his fingers. "Oh, Dad. Please, not again!" Steve begged. Mark may not have been able to deduce how to properly use a new text-message phone, but since Sue left, he had definitely been brushing up on his Sign Language! And lately he'd been doing it whenever Steve said something that made Mark frown, but Steve could never understand what he was saying, which bugged him. Steve followed Mark into the foyer from the kitchen. "I know you're talking about me, Dad!" Steve emphasized.

"I'm just having a very interesting conversation with myself." Mark cocked his head casually. Steve squinted suspiciously and twirled his index finger in one sign he did know: crazy. Then Mark went off again. Steve reared his head back in secret amusement but visible annoyance.

"What am I gonna do with him?" He shook his head, snickering.


THE END

Okay! There it is, all finished! I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I had writing it. Not bragging, but it is one of my personal favorites of the ones I've written. Hope to do more of these. Have one in mind, just so you know! Again, thank you all very, very much for liking and reading this story from beginning to end! It's been quite an undertaking from when I first started it. And stay tuned for a continuance once I get the next one rolling!

Blessings, Mustard Lady