Chapter 30

Thanks once again for the wonderful words of encouragement. I love hearing from all of you. The time you spend reading and reviewing mean a lot, and are much appreciated.

The drive home seemed short. They talked nonstop up to the minute they pulled in front of Sue's apartment. Jack hopped out of the car and opened the door for Sue. He grabbed her bag from the trunk and walked her to the door.

"Do you want to come share the news with Lucy?" Sue asked smiling at him.

"I would love to see the look on her face, but are you sure you don't want to tell her by yourself? I think she's going to want details that you won't give her if I'm there…" He teased.

"Exactly!" Sue laughed. Levi pawed at the door, but Sue shushed him away.

"No, I think I'm going to go. You can have your girl time with Lucy. I'll call you later." Jack said, leaning in for a kiss.

"Jack?" Sue whispered as he turned to go.

"Yeah?" Jack said turning back to her.

"I love you." She said.

"Me too." Jack said lunging back for one last kiss before he disappeared down the stairwell.

Slowly Sue pushed open the door. Levi plowed his way through nearly tripping Sue, causing her to squeal.

"Levi!" She scolded. "You seem to forget you're supposed to keep me from doing that! Too much free time this weekend I see." She grumbled.

"Sue?" Lucy called. Lucy came into the living room smiling when she saw Sue there. She gave her an instant hug.

"Hi Luce" Sue said smiling at her.

"How was your weekend? Where's Jack?" Lucy asked.

"The inquisition's already started." Sue teased.

"Funny." Lucy said smiling wide. "So?"

"Jack- home. Weekend… awesome! Incredible… relaxing… romantic… passionate…" Lucy's eyes got big as she began to interrupt Sue continued. "Engaging…" She nearly whispered as she held out her hand showing off the diamond that now sits on her left hand.

"Oh. My. God!" Lucy said slowly. "You- you're engaged?!" Lucy gasped.

"Jacob is the nicest, sweetest man!" Sue began. "He's so incredible…"

"Wh-? Wait… who the hell is Jacob?!" Lucy demanded, no longer smiling.

"My fiancé." Sue said as straight faced as she could muster. "Thank you for tricking me into going. I never would have met him if you hadn't. I-I can't imagine if I'd never met my soul mate. How can I ever repay you…?" She continued.

"Jacob? Jacob who?" Lucy muttered as Sue walked past her to put her bag in her room. Once out of Lucy's sight she let the smile creep up to her lips. Lucy followed Levi into Sue's room.

Lucy touched Sue's shoulder. "I'm sorry… I'm confused. When Jack asked me to help him, I thought he was going to finally sit you down and tell you how… well, he would finally confess his true feelings for you. Honestly, I was hoping you and JACK would get together when you went down there… not some stranger named Jacob!" Lucy began. "What in the world ever possessed you to say yes to a complete stranger? I mean, seriously, you've only known him for a few days, at best!" Lucy was beginning to sound angry. "Sue, this is so unlike you!"

"I know… and that will teach you to play match maker!" Sue teased.

"Oh, thank God!" Lucy said letting out a sigh of relief. "Wait… is the ring real?" She asked.

"Yes. Jack asked me to marry him… and I said yes." Sue said unable to hide her smile any longer.

"EEEKK!" Lucy exclaimed hugging her best friend tight. "Wait… when did this happen?" Lucy asked.

"Saturday." Sue said cringing, waiting for the hammer to drop.

"What?!" Lucy exclaimed. "Saturday? And you're just now telling me about this?"

"I told Jack you'd say that!" Sue chimed in. "I wanted to tell you, but he had other plans."

"OH?" Lucy asked. She smiled at how uncomfortable Sue was, and how red her face was. "What plans might those be?" Lucy teased.

"This and that… long walks on the beach… "Sue said, hoping that would be enough, but knowing it wouldn't.

"And… "Lucy prodded. "Oh, come on… you can't say that and leave it at that!" Lucy said, nearly begging for info.

"We went to the fairgrounds, got some ice cream, dinner, breakfast, long romantic walks on the beach…" Sue said blushing.

"Must have been some great walks the way you're reacting…. That is a lovely shade of red staining your cheeks my dear." Lucy teased. "I take it, since you're going to be his wife that you two at least kissed?"

"Yes…" Sue admitted with a shy smile playing on her lips.

"How much time was spent kissing in the sand as opposed to taking long walks on it?" She teased further.

"L u c e! You don't ask something like that! And a lady doesn't make out and tell." Sue said bursting into giggles. Lucy joined her.

"I'm so happy for you Sue. You deserve to be happy, and I'm so glad it's Jack who's making you this happy." Lucy said.

"Me too." Sue admitted.

Lucy hopped up on Sue's bed, tucking her legs under her. Sue hopped up sitting across from her, mirroring her stance.

"So, what are you doing tonight?" Sue asked with a coy smile on her face.

"What did you have in mind?" Lucy asked with big eyes and an even bigger smile.

"Well, I was thinking maybe my maid of honor could help me plan my dream wedding…" Sue said suggestively.

"EEEEEEK!" Lucy exclaimed hugging her tightly. Sue reached into her bedside table drawer and pulled out a notebook and a pen and the two best friends began planning. They made their way from Sue's bedroom to the kitchen, and ending up in the living room. A pot of coffee later, date, colors, bride's maids, her half of the guests and possible food choices were decided.

"I hope Jack agrees with what we've decided on!" Sue said while stifling a yawn. Lucy joined her in the yawn then took the last swig of coffee.

"If Jackson is smart he will be happy with everything you decide as long as you agree to show up at the end of that aisle with him." She laughed, Sue joined in.

Bright and early the next morning Jack showed up with a box of pecan cinnamon rolls and hot coffee from the neighborhood bakery. He knocked on the door, but let himself in. Lucy walked toward the door as he come in.

"Morning!" Jack said

"Well, good morning!" Lucy said with a sly grin which stretched from ear to ear. "Congratulations!" She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Jack was taken by surprise by this action but smiled wide and hugged her back as best he could.

"Thanks Lucy. Has that smile left your face since she got home?" Jack teased.

"I don't think so." She admitted.

"Sue up yet?" Jack asked. Lucy nodded as she took the box and headed to the kitchen. She poured three cups of coffee and dished up the pastries. Almost on cue, the door to the apartment opened as Sue and Levi walked in.

"Good morning!" Jack said with a giant smile. Sue walked to him excited to see him as well. Jack leaned in to kiss her lightly on the lips, causing her to blush.

"You two are going to have to get more comfortable doing that." Teased Lucy.

"So you're up and out? That's awesome!" Jack gushed.

"I figured, you're right. No one will notice, no one will say anything… and if they do, well, they do…" Sue said shrugging her shoulders.

"So, are you telling people yet? I mean, seriously speaking, I can't keep this quiet forever you know!" She laughed. Sue and Jack joined her. Jack took a bite of his roll, and the ladies joined him.

"I'm surprised the team isn't already here celebrating with us!" Jack joked.

"Har har!" Lucy replied.

"I want to tell our parents." Sue added.

"What about work? Lucy asked.

Both Sue and Jack looked at each other and shrugged.

"I guess I'll talk to D tomorrow?" Jack suggested. He paused. "Or today?"

"Do you think it will help?" Sue asked, cringing.

"Don't know. We can't hide this for long…" Jack answered. "So, do you want me to be here when you tell your parents?"

"No, I'm good. What about you? Do you think your mom's going to be OK with you getting married?" Sue asked nervously. Lucy finished her roll and slugged down the last of her coffee.

"She'll be ecstatic. I can't wait for you to meet them, they're going to love you!" Jack exclaimed.

Sue looked nervous. "No worries, we'll work it out." He reassured. "Do you have plans for tonight? I thought I could pick you up after work and we can call my mom and dad."

"Sure..." She said with a smile.

"Great. Now, I'm headed to the office to see if we can get married and still both have jobs. Wish me luck." Jack said as he pushed himself from the table. "Luce, you want a ride?"

"Nah, in case they fire you, I want to have a ride home." She teased. Both Sue and Jack looked at her slightly panicked. "Kidding… kidding!"

Lucy grabbed her bag and jacket and headed out the door, leaving Sue and Jack alone.

"Bye Luce." Sue said. Jack wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. His lips captured hers without hesitation, instantly seeking entrance. Sue's fingers threaded through his hair enticing him to continue with their kiss.

Jack scooped her up and placed her on the couch, sitting on the side of her, their lips never parting. Jack slowly laid her back on the couch, his fingers caressing her face. He broke their kiss only to lunge forward capturing her lips once again. This kiss was more playful and fun. He pushed himself from the couch and headed to the door.

"You're not playing fair." Sue whined. Jack smiled, took a deep breath and turned the door handle.

"I know." He said smiling. "I'll call you later. I love you." He said as he slipped out the door. Sue pulled her legs up to her chest and hugged them tight. Her cheeks pink, her lips slightly swollen from her encounter with the sexy agent Hudson, her heart racing and she was happier than she'd ever been, happier than she ever thought she could be.