Jack and Sara : A New Beginning (Read 9,445 times)

[gapeach]

I am absolutely LOVING this story. JJ coming in to comfort Robbie was absolutely perfect.

[blueyed358]

chapters 49-51

Everyone slept a bit late after the events of the prior night. Sara got up first and checked on Robert. She smiled at the sight she found in his room. JJ was sleeping next to Robert with a firm grip on Robert's fingers. How sweet that little boy was..trying to take care of his big brother. Sara would make him waffles for him..he would like that. Sara went to the kitchen and made coffee first then started the waffle batter. She poured herself coffee and one for Jack as she heard the bedroom door open. " Coffee..." Jack said as he walked in . Sara handed him his cup, " I love you..thanks." Jack and Sara sat and drank their coffee in silence , with small smiles on their faces. Both needed their first cup before being able to converse. JJ came into the kitchen in his PJ's , cheeks rosey and rubbing his eye. " Good morning little man. " JJ went to Sara and extended his arms. She lifted him up and he hugged her " Morning Sara.." Then he went to his father and climbed up into his lap , " Morning Daddy" he sat there with his head resting on Jack's chest. Sara told him that she was making him waffles this morning.." Yay..I love your waffles. " The door opened and Robert walked in , " Me too...Good morning everyone." He kissed hi mother then bent down and kissed JJ on the head. " Did you get any sleep last night? " Robert poured himself a cup of coffee , " As a matter of fact I did. Jack and Sheldon kept all the bad dreams away for me..isn't that right buddy ?" JJ nodded, " yes..Daddy can we buy Robbie his own teddy bear..so when I go back to Mommy's he wont be lonely ? " Robbie smiled and Jack kissed JJ on the top of his head..I think we could do that." Jack asked if he had heard from either agency about his interviews. " Yes..they both offered me positions. I just have to choose. Homeland Security offered me a position here in New York and the FBI offered me Washington. " Jack swallowed , " You spoke to Agent Todd about this? " Robert looked up at his mother then to his father, " He is the one who called with the offer. He seems to feel that he can get me a position here . " Sara looked down at her plate , " Mom..let's hear it." Sara shook her head, " You do what's best for you..I just ..don't want you to move away. " JJ picked his head up and looked at Robert , " You are moving away? How will I get to see you then? I don't want you to go away. " Robert smiled at him and messed up his hair a bit , " I am not going anywhere. I just got my family back ..I am not about to move away from them."


Jack was going through everything in his office looking for something. " What are you doing?" Sara asked. Jack explained he was looking for a book he had gotten that had helped him a great deal when he was dealing with his problems. " I must still have a box over at Jennifer's. I will have her send it , I think it will help Robert as well." Jack called Jennifer and told her to check for a box he had labelled " Office" and she could either drop it off at Jo's or he would make arrangements to have it shipped. Jack kept the conversation brief as he was still a bit upset with the way she had tried to manipulate the situation the other night.


Jennifer found the box in the attic and when she moved it she found the top open. She fingered the things inside. She found his pen that Adrienne had given him so long ago. Some books, a bottle of cologne he had always kept in his desk. She opened it and inhaled his scent. She found photos of his mother , brother and sister and the children. There was a double photo frame of Abigail and JJ and he and Jennifer. She decided to leave it in there. Maybe it will jump start his memories she thought. Then at the bottom was a box. She lifted it out and opened it. In it she found a timeline of his relationship with Sara. He had kept all these things all these years? Jennifer remembered how she had kept her letters from Frankie but still this upset her. There was a small photo album showing them kissing and smiling. There were a few that had Dean and Jack together and the four of them together. Under that was a silver frame with a picture of a young and quite beautiful Sara sitting under a tree, books strewn about and the sunlight glistening in her hair. A soft , sweet smile played on her lips as she blew a kiss at the camera. It was obvious to Jennifer that Jack had taken the photo, judging by the love in her eyes. She found letters from Sara telling him how she missed him and longed to see him even though he had just left for the evening. Then Jennifer's breath caught. It was a letter jack had written to Sara but never sent. Why had he saved it? Maybe he wrote it to ease his own pain. Jennifer had in her hand an insight into Jack and his true feelings and she knew she should not but she read it anyway.


Dearest Sara ,
I know you are hurt and confused right now as to my sudden and unexplained absence. I know that you were still at the window when I departed the last time and saw that my father was there outside. He informed me that I was no longer to see you or have contact with you or he would ruin any chances you have to become the great reporter and writer that I know you can be. Know that he is a man of his word and his power reaches far beyond Washington. It is my own fault as he had asked me at first to stay away but I did not. What I do now I do for you and you alone. I can not let him hurt you. You have brought me more happiness then I have known in all of my life. I have felt loved and excepted for who I am for the first time. I love you Sara , those words so hard to say or hear for both of us. Now I understand why. To have said them and heard them, then to have it end would have broken us both. This is hard enough to write but I must tell you, that I will never stop loving you , no matter what paths we follow I will take the memory of you, of us with me . Sara you have given me so much, now I give back to you, your future. I know you will have a glorious one. I will be following your career to be sure, I know you will make me proud. I know this will hurt you and I should talk to you directly but the truth of the matter is, I could not bring myself to say the words to you that would end us . I just couldn't , not because I was afraid to but because I never want it to end. I knew too you would want to fight him, but that is a fight we would surely lose and lose with catastrophic results. Just always remember that I love you with all of my heart .
All my love , always
Jack

Jennifer sat crying. He had loved Sara still even when he had loved Jennifer. She did not question the love he had professed for her , but it hurt to know that he had carried Sara with him always. She knew that Jack did not give his heart easily and that he when he loved someone he always loved them. She knew in that moment it was not just that she had hurt him , which she had, it was not that he was living in the past. No he loved Sara, always had and he always will.


Sara was watching Jack empty the box Jennifer had sent over. She was not happy to find the picture of he and Jennifer , but understood these things were from his desk in London. They were still married then of course , Jack told her he would give it Abigail and that pleased Sara. They discussed several items that were removed. Jack found the book and was looking through it when Sara found the box. "Jack what is this? " Jack looked up and saw what she held in her hand. He smiled sadly , " It's us. I have kept that box with me in every office desk I have ever had. " Sara tilted her head and Jack nodded. She opened it and went through it all. The photos of them , from just friends to being a couple. The letters she had written and the photo of her sitting by the tree. She looked up at him, " That was my absolute favorite picture of you , I think it still is. As a matter of fact, I believe I will leave that right here on my desk. " Then she found the letter addressed to her , it was unsealed. She went to open it and he placed his hands over hers. " I could not bring myself to mail. I could not end it us , not even in writing. Are you sure you want to read it ? " Sara nodded. He watched her closely as she read , read his thoughts, his feelings , his decisions for her life. She wiped the tears from her eyes. " You were right about one thing, I would have fought him, tooth and nail. " Jack nodded slightly , " And judging by his subsequent actions you could have ended up ....dead." She wrapped her arms around him tightly , " What's done is done , now we have the rest of our lives together..that's all that matters now. " His relationship with Sara truly amazed him. They had each made decisions that were painful and they could have easily chose not to be forgiving of them. But instead they moved forward , together wanting no apologies , none were needed. Each accepted the other for who and what they are and what they did. Happy to have each other now and not do the " What if's" . His regret for her was that she had never truly been in love having never let him go. He had been able to hold her in his heart , but moved on..lived a life and loved another. There were nights he would see her in his dreams , or sometimes take the photos of her out and gaze on them. How many times he had wanted to contact her, but he knew that he could not. Knowing his feelings for her had never left him , that they were buried deep within him.



They discussed the wedding plans and had found, to both their surprise, that everything was set . Sara told him all about John Barone and his family in Seattle. jack agreed she needed to speak with them in person. " I will miss you terribly. I will make the necessary travel arrangements " Robert came in a few moments later ,he had been on the phone with Steve planning Jack's bachelor party. Now he was ready for his date. " You look very nice, " Sara said with a smile. " Thanks..I am a little nervous. Hey...this is a great picture of you. I have never seen this, " he said as he picked the photo up off of Jack's desk. " Tell me some more about you and Dad before.. I mean I heard about the day you met , the day you moved from just friends to being a couple, but what about the middle. I know the four of you were always together but, how did you decide you wanted to be more..when did you know? I know I must seem like a little kid with all my questions but , I was never able to ask you before. " Sara rubbed his arm , " Well to be honest , for me think it started the night I.."comforted" him after he came back from a particularly bad weekend with his father. I knew I loved him then, but he was quite a player back them, a different girl almost every night ." Jack was standing in the doorway , " But wanting only you, " She turned and looked at him and smiled. " Do you remember that night when we ran into each other at Luigi's? " Sara nodded and smiled sweetly, " I do."



Sara was out with Salvatore Rizzo. He was a good looking pre-med student that she had been tutoring in English. They had just been seated when Jack and his exchange student from France came in. They nodded to each other as Jack was lead to his table. Each could not keep their eyes off the other. As the night progressed Jack was paying more attention to Sara and less to his own date. Finally he had taken his date to the dance floor. She was all over Jack , whispering into his ear. Sara and her date also were dancing. Jack watched as he groped and kissed Sara. He did not like the way he was manhandling her. He came next to them , " Hey Sara , " She acted surprised by him , " Oh..Hey Jack..How's it going? " Jack smiled at her , " It's going very well. We still doing movie and Pizza tomorrow? " Sara told him they were. They went back to their tables and headed for their cars. Jack called to her and she stopped in the middle of the parking lot, he met her there after putting his date into the car. " What you doing with that guy? He is a real jerk , you can do better. " Sara shook her head , " What are you doing with Juliet ? She is a bimbo , oh wait..you like that in a girl. " The more they talked the closer the got to each other. The fire and longing evident in their eyes. " Why don't you let me take you home, dump this guy now. " Sara laughed , " Goodnight Jack. " and she climbed into the car and it pulled away. Jack had his date on the couch of his suite. They were kissing and she was pulling at his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. All he could see was Sara. He saw images of her smiling , studying , dancing, playing pool. He saw the fire flashing in her eyes with arms crossed as she argued with him. Then images o her played in his mind of her with Sal. On the couch as he was now. Kissing and pulling at clothes going into the bedroom. He pulled back from her , " I am sorry Juliet..I have to take you home." Jack raced to Sara's , his long legs taking the steps two at a time. He knocked on the door repeatedly. Sara answered the door , her hair a bit messed and in a silk robe. " Jack what the hell are you doing here?" Jack's heart pounded, was she with him..had she been? " I wanted to check on you, make sure you got home ok." She thought about how she was going to sleep with Sal but the visions of Jack would not leave her. Those blue eyes haunted her always, the crooked smile, the crease between the eyes. No she sent him away and laid on the couch watching a movie , wondering if he was even now making love to Juliet. " Obviously I got home alright, well don't just stand there come in. Early date night for you isn't it? " Jack looked around , the bed , he could see from the living room, was still made. "Yeah..she was boring me. What about you ? " Sara sighed , he had not slept with her , " He was ...not for me. Wanna watch "Rear Window" with me? " Jack sighed , she had not been intimate with him, " Got popcorn ? " They laid on the couch together and Started the movie.



Robbie watched as his parents stood gazing into each others eyes. He could feel the love filling the room. This is what everyone searched for , some all of their lives he thought. Robert thanked them for the story and headed out for his date. He glanced back and saw them arms around each other kissing.



Jack and Sara were dressing for the black tie New years Eve party held at the Waldorf . Robert was bringing Katie to the party , their first date having went very well. It had turned out that Katie's father was a career Marine so they had much to talk about. Robert was also picking up Abigail and her date a young History major named Corey. Jack was putting on the tie of his tuxedo , " What are you wearing this evening ? " Sara told him she bought a new dress. " Oh..I was hoping you would be wearing that cream gown..you know..the one." Sara stuck her head out of the bathroom, " I have worn that dress like three times already. " Jack smirked , " Yes..well I happen to like it, " Sara stuck her head out again, " No..you like the way it slides off." Jack stopped and thought about that a moment , a smile spreading over his face, " No..ok..maybe ..but you still look amazing in it." From the bathroom she yelled , " Don't worry..I gave it the slide test..it falls off just like the cream one." Jack smiled , " Excellent, " he said quietly. " What did you say ? " Jack looked back to the bathroom , " Ahh..I said I need help with the cuff links. " Sara exited the bathroom and Jack stopped breathing. She wore a gold shimmering gown , sleeveless with a plunging neckline with a large slit straight up the middle. Her heels also in gold tied around the ankles. " Wow..you look..positively edible ," he said as he sank down onto the bed. " Well then I will have to make sure you don't eat too much at the party." she said as she put on her earrings. Jack came up behind her and inhaled her perfume which made his heart skip a beat. He leaned down and left a trail of soft kisses up her neck to her ear, " If I have learned anything from you it's that , there is always room for desert. " Sara laughed, "You got that right , Jackie."



Robert picked up Katie , who wore a beautiful black beaded gown that was high in the front and had a plunging back. " Oh my..a limo? " She asked . Robert looked slightly embarrassed, " Yes..my father insisted. We will be picking up my sister as well and he was concerned about drinking and driving. " Katie smiled , " I don't mind. Last time I was in a limo was my cousins wedding about five years ago." Robert helped her in and the drove away to get Abby. " You look stunning by the way. " She smiled shyly , " Why thank you sir, might I say you look the same in your tuxedo." Robert thanked her and they talked easily about a great many things. Robert told her about his parents and how they were to finally be married after so many years apart. " Wow..that's so romantic. Your parents really have lived exciting lives huh? " Robert laughed , " That's only the half of it..when we have time I will tell you about their lives in their time apart. " Robert felt he had to explain that Abby was his half sister, he didn't want Katie calling Sara her Mom by accident. They pulled up to the dorms and Robert phoned Abby. " She will be right down. I am really still getting to know her , but so far so good. " Katie nodded, "So your little brother and your sister have the same mom right? " Robert nodded , " Yes ..I guess being so young it was easy for him to except my mom and dad being together. I don't think he really remembers his parents together anyway. They had spent so much time apart." Abby came up the walk wearing a lovely silver gown on her arm a tall , lanky young man with dusty blonde hair. Katie laughed then tried to clear her throat to cover it. Robert looked at her with a question. " Sorry..you have that big brother look. You know , the one that says... That's my little sister pal..I will be keeping my eye on you" Robert chuckled , " Yeah..it's amazing how quickly one gets that look when they have a sister." Robert got out and Abby walked over and kissed him on the cheek. She introduced him to Corey and they got into the limo. Robert got back in and introduced Katie. Abby smiled but eyed her closely. When Abby and her date started to talk to each other after a few moments, Katie leaned in and whispered to Robert , " She had that look too. They hey watch your step that's my brother look. " Robert stared her a moment, " Really ?" Katie nodded and Robert smiled, " How about that. "



Dean and Angela were standing near the bar talking , Dean tugging at his tie and looking around Angela looking beautiful in a deep blue satin gown. " Stop tugging , I can't believe the turn of events that happened this year. I am so happy for Sara and Jackie. It's like those years never happened you know? We all just fell right back in step with each other. Oh Dean..I am so happy . " Dean smiled , " yeah..me too. We got our whole family back together. " He was kissing his wife when he heard Jack's voice, " Oh sure you two can kiss but when we do.." Dean cut him off , " That's because we have self control..unlike you two rabbits. " After a few minutes Sara announced that the kids have arrived. Robert and Abigail and their dates approached The foursome, and glanced at one another , Robert turned to Corey and Katie and said , " I want to apologize now for both Abigail and myself for anything that our father , my mother or my aunt and uncle say or do during the course of this evening as they are all certifiable. " Abby turned to her brother and said " Well said , " then to their dates, "Seriously , try not to hold it against us." After the introductions were made Jack looked at Corey , " So young man , a history major what are you planning on doing with that degree? " Sara elbowed him. Everyone began mulling around , eating and drinking. Sara watched as Jack chatted with the owner of the Times , he was so casual and confident she felt the pride pulsing through her. One of the board members introduced Sara to the owner as the jewel in their crown. " Oh yes Miss Jamison , it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. "It is for me as well sir." They chatted a few more minutes and he said to Jack , " So I understand you two are to be married in two weeks. That certainly is a way of ensuring her loyalty to the Times. " The time was getting close and all gathered together. Jack and Sara stood together, " I bet I know what you are thinking about, " he said. " Do you? " Jack nodded, " The New Years before we became "official" right? " Sara nodded, " Yup."



The count down was beginning, Jack and Sara were standing with their dates but they wanted each other. Then at the count of seven their eyes found one another. Each moved away from their dates and coming together to the center of the room. Six..Five.. " You left your date Sara"...Four..Three.." So it seems have you"..Two..One..Happy New Year !!..Then he took her into his arms , his hand caressing her face. " Happy New Year Sara "....." Happy New Year Jackie"..Then he kissed her , long and sweet and she kissed him back.



Six ...Five.." I love you Sara and in two weeks you will make me the happiest man in the world." Four..Three... " I am already the happiest woman in the world but in two weeks , all my dreams will come true..I love you so very much. " Two..One..Happy New Year..." Happy New Year Sara" ...." Happy New Year Jackie " Then he took her into his arms and kissed her breathless.

[gapeach]

Love it! You have a wonderful way of writing that makes the story come alive!!

[fluffysmom]

I really enjoyed these chapters. I like hearing the stories of their college days.

[blueyed358]

chapters 52-54



Jack and Sara were dancing and gazing into each others eyes. " This has been a wonderful night . " Jack kissed the top of her head , "Indeed it has been, just like that night .." Sara smiled , " Yes..it was what a week or two before you finally admitted you wanted to be "mutually exclusive" ? " Jack nodded , " Yes..I believe it was. The memory of that night pushed me the into following my heart. " Sara laughed , " Do you remember how casual we tried to be about it? " Jack chuckled , " I do.. we tried..however we were anything but...."



Jack and Sara were still kissing in the center of the dance floor while everyone else started dancing. The pulled slowly away from each other..both were a bit drunk. " Our dates are going to be pissed, we should get back to them." she whispered , but not moving from his hold. " Yeah..your probably right. " but not releasing her. " This is crazy..I don't want to spend the rest of the night with what's-her-name , I would much prefer being with my best friend . " He caressed then kissed her cheek , " What about you ? " Sara exhaled, her heart racing, she wanted him , she knew now of course her date was ruined, she would only be thinking of Jack now. " I would ..what do you suggest ? " That adorable crease appeared between his as he thought about it. " The way I see it is we end our dates get together afterwards..or we just take off. Which do you choose? " Sara saw her an Jack's date dancing together. Jack watched as she made that face he adored , her eyebrow come up and she had a small smile on her lips. " I have an idea..wait by the door." Sara then went to the dates and told them Jack had become ill , she would drive all of them home if they wanted or perhaps if they wanted to stay they could leave together. As Sara approached the door she was smiling broadly , now..everyone was happy. Jack and Sara went back to her room. She kicked off her shoes and Jack took off his tie and both flopped onto the couch. Jack kicked off his shoes also and both had their feet up on the coffee table. " This is much better , I will open the champagne." He had insisted on stopping at a liquor store on the way back. Sara put on music as he poured the champagne . After drinking half the bottle Sara got up and extended her hand , " Dance with me Jackie." He took her hand and held her close, both letting the alcohol and music take them were they wanted to go. " Sara, " Jack spoke softly as he planted soft kisses along her neck , then her lips , " What do you think ? Hmm..I am mean we are best friends and we have been intimate..." Sara's eyes were closed and she was breathing in his cologne. " I don't see why not , " she said trying to keep the desire out of her voice, " I mean we could have been intimate with our dates..I would much rather bring the New Year in with you. " Jack wanted to take her right there, his heart pounding with excitement, he was going to have her once more. As he tried to still his heart he pulled back looking into her eyes , he thought he could die with want of her , " Agreed , " Then taking her hand , " Shall we go inside? " Sara thought she could probably carry him into the bedroom , she wanted him that much , " Sure..why not. " They went to the bedroom fingers interlaced , standing in front of the bed he had to ask once more , " You sure you're ok with this? I mean we will be ok in the morning right? " Sara was thinking that Jack talked too much..sometimes. " Oh yeah..it's fine, just two friends being there for one another right? " Jack nodded , " Right." He kissed her and then they were on the bed. After a few moments, all thoughts of friendship had disappeared from their minds . The passion taking over, tearing at each others clothes, hands roaming each others bodies all the while their lips never parting.Sara knew she loved him , with all her heart , but he was not looking for love , he was having too much fun. She will take tonight and revisit it everyday , just as she had with their first time. For Jack all he could think about was that she was in his arms again. Sure they lay together on the couch to watch a movie or TV. Sometimes he slept with her if they had a late night of he was too drunk to go home. But he was going to have her again. Then those words he avoided came sweeping through him . Oh god, he loved her! He wanted only her , no matter how many women he took out or he became intimate with, he wanted only her. She could have been with some other guy tonight , but he had swayed her from that. He would have to think of ways to keep her from other men. That was a thought for another night... tonight she belonged to him,.



Robert and Abby and their dates said their goodbyes and headed out. Abby hugged Robert and headed up to her room and Corey shook his hand. Robert's face told the young "No funny business". Back in the limo Robert and Katie were kissing , " This was the most amazing night and your family ..your family is totally crazy and fun and interesting....sorry..guess I drank too much. Thank you so much for tonight Robbie. " He leaned in and kissed her , " You are quite welcome. " Robert walked her upstairs and she invited him in. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed her, " You aren't in a hurry..are you? "



Jack and Sara were in their room and Jack watched her as she took off her earrings. She was his..completely , he thought. How happy she made him..in every way . " Katie and Corey seemed very nice..don't you think? " Jack couldn't take his eyes from her. The memories of that New Years eve still playing in his mind. He could still smell her shampoo that she had used back then. She was just as beautiful today..if not more so. " Mmm Hmm." was all he could manage. Sara smiled and turned to face him, " Shall we see if this passes the slide test enough to satisfy you. " He nodded. She unzipped the dress and slid smoothly over her body. " I would say it passes with flying colors." He was in front of her with two long strides , " Come here." he took her in his arms as she laughed.



Dean and Angela were laying in each others arms. Dean started chuckling. " What are you thinking about shutterbug? " Dean turned and looked at his wife, " I was just thinking about a conversation I had with Sara about telling Jack she was in love with him. " Angela looked surprised, " You did ? You never told me..and I never told you I had a conversation like that with Jack. "



Sara was sitting under the tree with Dean. " Sara you know you are like a sister to me right? " She looked at him and nodded. " I don't butt into your life too much right? " She looked at him and laughed. " Why don't you just tell Jackie you are in love with him? I see ..Angie sees..hell he is blind if he can't see it. " Sara sighed , " Now why would I go and do that ? It would ruin everything..we are close friends that could all end if he doesn't..you know..if he isn't interested in me..like that. " Dean looked at her like she was crazy, " Seriously ?..The guy looks at you like he could eat you for dinner. His eyes are always searching for you and he acts all nutty when he finds out you are out on a date . " Sara stared at him , " He does ? " Dean laughed , " Yeah same as you do when he is on a date. " Sara shook her head, "No..no it's better that I don't say anything. Now if he were to...no..no"



Jack and Angela sat in the library together. Angela was staring at him. Finally he looked up, " What ? " he whispered. " When are you going to ask Sara out? And no I don't me to play pool or movie night. You know you are in love with her , you don't want to keep dating all those other woman. " Jack stared at her mouth open , " What brought this on ? " Angela stared back , " I saw you sneaking out of the room New Years Day. Honestly Jackie..anyone with a pair of eyes can see you two are crazy about each other..just tell her..go for it." Jack shook his head , " No..no..she doesn't want someone like me. She thinks I am a player..besides I don't wish to ruin our friendship. What if she isn't interested in a relationship with me..it would make her uncomfortable with me. No I can't risk it. "





Jack and Sara stood next to the car at the airport. " I wish I could go with you. " he said as he rubbed her arms. " I know..it's ok..I think I need to do this myself anyway. I will miss you." she said as she hugged him. " And I you..more then you know. Please call me when you arrive. I love you very much, be careful and hurry home." She looked up at him , " I love you very much too, I will. I will be back in a day or two. " They kissed for a long time and then Sara walked through the doors turning back to blow a kiss and wave. He gave her a sad smile and waved back. She disappeared into the crowd and he drove away.




Finally after about an hour of pleading his case Sara was beginning to thaw. His promise to behave from now on helped. He stuck out his hand , " Friends? " Sara looked from his hand to his face , " Will you apologize to Jack as well ? " Ben laughed out loud , " Hell no . " She knew then that he was being sincere. He explained how he too was going to see the Barone family as well. There was intel that Corporal Barone was involved with smuggling Opium from Afghanistan and that's why he was killed. " Not sure how or why Robert got switched with him..but I intend to find out. How is he doing ? " Sara told him about the nightmares. " It's natural Babe. He was put through hell , he could be far worse , he is one tough kid. " They sat in silence for a while and then Ben said , " I think we need to have a plan how we are going to talk to these people. I don't want to upset them with accusations unnecessarily. " Sara agreed. Jack was going to be furious, she thought, as she would have been if it was reversed. But there was so much she could get from Ben regarding Corporal Barone and what he might have been involved in..she knew how to handle him but she would proceed with caution. How was she going to tell Jack and keep him from losing it. Ben smiled to himself , yes this was an unexpected surprise , now what to do with the opportunity?



Jack found Robert with his head in the fridge. " Hey Mom get off alright? " Jack said she should be calling anytime now. " You got a few minutes, I have a few things to speak with you about. " They sat at the kitchen table while Robert ate a sandwich. Jack slid a card over to him and a book. " This book was a great help for me and I think it will help you as well. This the name of the therapist I found for you. He specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I made an appointment for you for next Friday. " Robert was staring at the card when the phone rang. Jack looked at the caller ID , " It's Mom , hey you , " Sara's heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, as it always had, " Hey , I am here. The hotel is lovely by the way, thanks by the way Mr Editor. " Jack laughed , " Editor nothing , your future husband got you that hotel. " Sara laughed , " Well I will have to show my appreciation to him. " Jack heard something in her voice..it was barely noticeable but there none the less. " Sara what's wrong ? " Sara swallowed , how did he do that ? " Nothing ..have youtalked with Robbie ? " Jack sighed , " As we speak , " Sara was relieved , " Oh ok..call me back when you are done. " Now she was rushing him off the phone, " What's going on Sara ? " Sara paused , " I will tell you all about it when you call me back. " Jack closed his eyes , " I am not going to like it am I ? " What was he psychic ? " Ahh..no. Talk to you in a bit..I love you...bye" Jack stood looking at the phone then hung it up . After talking about his appointment and the fact that he should continue to stay in the penthouse until his nightmares were better, Jack had something else on his mind. " I would like you to consider..taking my name. Becoming Robert Deveraux. I will understand completely if you don't want to but I ..I had to ask . Whatever you want is fine by me,, no pressure. " Robert blew out a breath , " I will..I will think about it..thanks for asking . "



Robert was watching the news when Jack called Sara back. She answered on the third ring , " Hello.." Jack went straight to the point , " Tell me.." Sara knew there was no way around it, she thought, for a split second , of not telling him about Ben until she came home, but that would never work. Plus he would have flipped if she waited. " Ok so something funny happened on the plane. " Jack frowned , " Somehow I believe I won't be laughing. " Sara told him about how Ben was on the plane . " WHAT !! He is there ?? I will be there in the morning . " She tried to calm him down and Jack started pacing and rubbing his neck. " You will wear a hole in the carpet pacing like that. Not to mention the tension in your neck. " Jack froze in his tracks. " Sara..I don't like this..not one bit." Sara sighed , " I know..but it will be alright. He is at another hotel..I will see him at the Barone house and that's it. You trust me don't you ? " Jack sighed again , " Of course, it's HIM I don't trust, or do you need to be reminded of Thanksgiving," Sara told him she did not, she was ordering room service and staying in all night. He hung up, reluctantly after saying he loved her and began pacing again. He should get on a plane and show up there,,yes Agent Todd would be very disappointed indeed. What to do..he thought back to another time. A time he impulsively rushed off to check on her....


" What do you mean you are going to the male strip club? " Jack asked with a shocked look on his face. " I have told you three times already Jack. I promised Angie and the the other girls I would go. I might do a story on it too. " Jack was pacing and rubbing his neck , Well when will you be back ? " Sara watched him with a smile , " I wont stay long , you are going to wear a hole in my carpet if you keep pacing like that. " She leaned up and kissed him , " I will behave myself..I promise." Dean was not happy either, " Maybe Jack and I will go to a strip club too. I won that poker game the other night , I have plenty of singles.." Angela shrugged , " Knock yourselves out. Come on Sara let's go, we have to go pick up Leslie." Two hours later and Dean looked up from his glass and said, " We are being stupid , the girls wouldn't do anything ...right? " Jack stopped pacing and looked at his friend. " They get pretty stupid when they drink. No..you are right..we are just over reacting. " Dean looked over and saw several girls throwing themselves at a rather handsome guy. Jack followed his line of vision and then they turned to each other, " Let's go" they said in unison.



Angela and the rest of the girls were screaming and waiving dollar bills around while Sara sat back laughing at them and sipping her drink. The man that had just stripped off his fireman costume was dancing around collecting bills. He came over to their table and Angela stuffed a bill in his shorts, his hardly even there shorts. Then he was wiggling his behind in Sara's face. It was so ridiculous to her she couldn't help but laugh. From behind the kitchen door Dean and Jack both stood mouth opened. " Did you see that ! Ang just stuffed a bill in that guys..." Jack piped in, " Look at her..look at the way she is laughing while he is waiving his...manhood practically in her face." They got in through the kitchen with a well placed twenty dollar bill in a waiters hand. The kitchen was busy and before they knew it they were shoved out the door into the middle of the room. As they tried to sneak back into the kitchen a young woman noticed them and yelled at them to " Take it off ! " Jack and Dean looked mortified. " let's get the hell out of here ! " Dean yelled. Most of the women there were drunk and then it happened " Oh..look isn't that jack Deveraux..he is so hot !...Come on Jack take it off.." Then another woman yelled , " Oh god I have been dying to see Michaels without his shirt , Come on let's go start stripping. " Angela and Sara jumped up, " Don't look now ladies but it seems your boyfriends are here and in high demand." Leslie told them. " What the hell ? " Angela said. Sara watched as the woman were swarming the guys. " Well..do we save them or what? " They watched as a few of the women started tugging at Jack and Dean's clothing. Sara and Angela turned to each other, " Save them.." After trying to reason with the growing mob the girls started getting pushed away. The bouncers came in and tried calm things when Angela saw a woman ripping Dean's shirt off and trying to kiss him. " Hey you tramp get off my boyfriend ! " and then she lunged for the girl. Sara was following her when she saw Jack had a few woman pulling at him and she went after them. An all out brawl ensued and the police and campus police arrived. They all got tickets but were not arrested. Sara and Angela refused to speak to the guys and slammed the door in their faces when they got home. The following day the foursome was called down to the dean's office. They all got lectured and then Dean Stewart looked to Sara , " Miss Jamison ..if I choose to suspend you , you do realize you would lose your scholarship . " Sara hung her head , her black eye visible through the make up , " yes sir I know. " Jack swallowed hard , he could not let her get kicked out of school. Jack jumped in and told the Dean this was all his fault. He told him the whole story then finished with , " Please sir ..Don't punish them for my.." Then Dean jumped in, " OUR ...our actions. " When they walked out of his office the Dean had let them off. Sara stopped Jack, " Thanks Jackie. " she gave a long loving kiss. He held her in his arms, "I would do anything for you Sara. I am just glad it worked out and you aren't mad at me anymore. " Sara pulled back and looked at him , " Oh I am still mad..very mad. You didn't trust me, don't you know by now, i would never no could never be unfaithful to you..and that is why I am still mad ." Then she walked away. Both she and Angela didn't talk to them for a week.



Sara was eating dinner and watching TV when there was a knock at the door. She asked who was there and he said , " It's me ..who do you think. " She opened the door leaving the chain on, "What do you want Ben ? " Ben thought for a moment then said , " For the Mets to win the world series but I will settle for dinner. Let's go grab something to eat and discuss our plan for tomorrow. " Sara frowned, " I already ate..ordered room service. You can call me when you get back to your room and we can discuss it." Ben was going to protest but she was in her sweats and tee shirt and she was making that face. The face that told him he would never win a dispute or sway her from her decision. " Ok..you want me to bring you some coffee or dessert on my way back ? " Sara shook her head , " No..thanks..I will talk to you later alright? " Ben nodded and went to the elevator. It was best not to push it, he thought..he had her alone for then next couple of days.



Robert sat across from his father , " What are you going to do ? " Jack thought about it for a bit. " Nothing..I am going to trust her to handle it. If I go charging over there she will not only be furious but she will be hurt. The wedding is a week away..I am not taking any chances. She does know how to handle him..doesn't she? " Robbie nodded , " That she does. Besides we are going out tomorrow anyway. " Jack smiled, he would not disappoint his son, but it was he could do to not charter a plane and go to her right now.

[fluffysmom]

I liked Jack asking Robert to take Deveraux as his last name. Thanks for another great Jack and Sara flashback. I love those.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 55-57

Robert watched his father as they both watched TV. He knew that his mind was on his mother and he was worried about what might be going on in Seattle. " You don't need to worry you know. " Jack held his phone in his hand staring at it. " Based on recent events ..well I believe I do. Agent Todd is quite resourceful and unpredictable. " Robert took a deep breath. " Be that as it may..Mom would never do anything to risk losing you. " Jack gave him a lopsided smile, " I know that..I just ..well I am worried about what his actions might be. He doesn't seem to take rejection well. " Robert ..while he always worried when his mother was not there..knew Ben would not her hurt. " Look..I know he has been a bit crazy lately but ..he was drunk on Thanksgiving. He is there to do his job and he never drinks like that when he has a job to do. He would never hurt her. " Hurt and and angry can drive one to do things they never thought possible..something i know of first hand. Robert studied his beer bottle for a moment , " You know..back in 2003 , when she found out you had been "Killed" , she fell apart. She didn't leave the apartment for three weeks. " Jack looked at his son sadly , " What ? " Robert frowned , " It was about a week after I met you..I was shipping out in a month and she read it in the paper. I came in and found the three of them in the living room....."



Robert could hear the pain in his Uncles tone of voice as he came into the house. He stood in the hallway listening but could not make out the words being spoken. He heard his mother..she was crying..crying like he had never heard her before. That was all he needed to move him into the room. " Mom ?...Mom..what's wrong ?...What's happened ? " he asked as he could see that his aunt and uncle both had red rimmed eyes as well. Dean walked over to him , " Hey kid.. We just found out that a friend of ours from college was killed yesterday." Robert looked at his mother as she sobbed , while Angela had her arms around her. he knew his mother rarely cried ..he could think of only one person she would cry over like this. Dean was the only one who knew Robert knew that Jack was his father and that he had went to Salem to see him in person. " Uncle Dean ? " was all Robert needed to say , Dean nodded slightly and whispered softly, " Yes..it was Jack. " Robert felt as though he was punched in the stomach, but his concern now was for his mother. He knew that she had remained in love with him and she was devastated. He went to her , " Mom I am so sorry. " She stared at him as if studying him. She was gasping from crying so hard and she caressed his face , throwing herself into his arms. He had been so quiet that Robbie didn't even see him at first but Ben was there..in the corner watching her...his pain on his face. Robbie wasn't sure whether or not he was sad for HER or for HIMSELF.



" So you see ..he knows in his heart..she only loves you..always had always will. As long as i live I will never forget the way she looked that day and the weeks that followed. I had never seen her that ..I don't know lost or ...depressed before..it broke my heart. You two..have something I can only hope to have. Something everyone looks for but not all find....true love. " Jack put his hand on Robert's shoulder , " Thank you for sharing that with me . "



Jack went to bed but waited patiently for her to call. He knew she was at the computer, working out what to say ..getting herself prepared for what lay ahead tomorrow . He lay in bed staring at the ceiling when his cell rang and he answered on the second ring. " Hi..." Sara smiled at the mix between love and sleepiness in his voice. " Hi Jackie. I am sorry i am calling so late but i was trying to work everything out for tomorrow. " He smiled at how well he knew her. " So..talk to me. He did I assume want to go to dinner..right? " Now it was her turn to smile. " Yes..when I heard the knock on the door, which I answered with the chain on I might add, when i heard the knock I half expected my fiancee ." Jack chuckled , " You have no idea how many times I picked up the phone to call the airport. " Sara told him that she declined dinner and he went away with no problem. She told him he called and they made plans to meet to go to the Barone's house. " I know that makes you unhappy but..I believe it best..please try not to worry. I appreciate that you used self control and that you trust me to handle this.." Jack sucked in air, " Oh I almost forgot a very large box arrived for you today." Sara say up in bed "Yes! ..My gown was delivered ?...Oh Jack..you didn't look at it did you? " He smiled , " Look at it? No..I tried it on...but" Sara laughed out loud , "Idiot ! " They talked for an hour and then Jack told her she should go to bed..she had an emotional day ahead of her. She promised to call him as soon as she left there house. " I love you and miss you terribly." Sara was sleepy and snuggled down under the covers , "Good, just keep right on doing that. " Jack put his hand under his head and closed his eyes , " As if I could ever stop." Sara closed her eyes , " I love you...I miss you too..very much. " Jack was drifting off, "That's what I like to hear. Sleep well." Sara sighed softly, " I will now."



Sara sat back , eyes closed and a small smile played on her lips as they drove the hour to Corporal Barone's house. Ben knew she was sleeping and he would steal glances at her. So looked beautiful, so peaceful and happy. Half way through the trip her eyes started to open , then she opened them fully and looked about , " Are we there yet ? " Ben laughed , " Another half hour or so little girl. What were you dreaming about..you had a very cute little smile on your face. " Sara yawned and then said , " None of your business..besides you really don't want to know. " He knew that meant it was about Jack, probably dreaming about their wedding...no she was right ..he did not wish to know. " Whatever..just making conversation. " They settled on a safe subject...Robert. Ben told her that he believed Robbie would make a great agent. Sara told him that He had begun dating. They talked about the night terrors . As they pulled up to the house Sara looked at Ben , "Will you allow me to take the lead on this?..I truly think it will go smoother if I did." They agreed and went to the door. " Yes ? " She was blond , a few years older then Sara. She was an average woman , about 5'7 with a sadness in her eyes. " Mrs. Barone ? " The woman nodded and looked from Ben to Sara , " Yes I am Mrs. Barone . May I help you? " Sara gave her a soft smile, " I am Sara Jamison..we spoke on the phone last week. This is Agent Benjamin Todd of the FBI. We would like to speak with you..about your son John. " As they sat at the table with coffee and cookies Sara told the woman her story. Both woman cried. " You must be overjoyed having him back. " the woman said as her hand covered Sara's. " Yes I am...I thank God everyday for this blessing he has given me. " While Sara did pray and thank God for the blessings she has received , she was not overtly religious but knew the Mrs Barone was. She had seen the Crucifix . Corporal Barones's mother showed them photos that spanned all the twenty three years of her son's life. Sara noted to herself that he was the same height and weight as Robert and their age was close.Ben gently guided her through her son's life , trying to get anything from her they could. She agreed to give them the hair that was in his hairbrush, which was in his room. They also took a swab from her cheek. Sara told her that she would call her with the results. "Thank you..I just want to know what happened to my son." She said as she sobbed. Sara asked if there was anything she could do to help her. Sara's heart was breaking for her..she knew all too well the hell this woman now found herself. " No..thank you. The MIA fund has been a great help to me. John was sending me most of his salary and when that stopped I thought I would have to either find a third job or sell my home. But when the checks started coming..well it was enough so I didn't even worry when I lost my second job. " Sara and Ben exchanged quick glances. Ben now took the lead. " I am sorry..what fund? " She told him about two months after her son had been reported missing she received a check from a fund for soldiers missing in action. She said it was deposited into her bank account every month directly. They left after another hour and stopped at a local diner. Sara called Jack and gave him an update and told him she loved him and she would call him later. " I have never heard of any such fund. I think perhaps someone has a guilty conscious. " Ben agreed. He would get her bank records and trace the transactions. Sara opened her mouth and her cut her off with a " Yes I will let you know. " He wanted to know if she would have dinner with him this evening before they went back home. Sara told him she was going to try and get on an earlier flight. He wanted to know the hurry. " You know what the hurry is..must I say it. " Ben shook his head " No" When they left the diner , they drove to Sara's hotel she was unable to get an earlier flight. " How about that dinner? " he asked. Then they were hit from behind and the car pushed off the road. Shots rang out and Ben threw himself over Sara removing the gun from his holster. " Stay down. " he shouted. For the first time in along time, Sara was afraid she was going to die..die without ever becoming Mrs Jack Deveraux. "Count on it. " she answered . He climbed over her and out the passenger door. First crouching down , then he sprang up and shot at the attacking vehicle. After a short exchange of gunfire the car sped off. " You ok? " he said helping her climb out of the foot well . " Yes..yes I am ..you? " Ben nodded , " Yeah..I'm fine, " He took out his phone, " Looks like you get your wish. We are going home. Yeah..this is Agent Ben Todd..I need a plane. .."



Jack had his phone on vibrate..he was afraid to miss her call. As they entered the bar Jack saw him waiting for them. " Hey Jackson..we thought a nice quite evening just the four of us was more your style. " Jack smiled, " Yes..it is. " He was happy to spend time with his friend son and brother..but all he wanted was to talk to Sara. They did manage to keep him occupied though. They ate and drank and then they played pool. " Come on Billy Jack , you honestly think these two can beat the Johnson Brothers? " They did not. More drinking..and some woman tried getting them to buy them drinks , but the older men knew better. " All I need is for Angie to hear about that.." Then Robert gave Jack his wedding gift from him , " Come on Dad you think these two can beat the Dashing Deverauxs ? " Jack turned at smiled at him, " What ?" he asked. Robert smiled back, " I have decided. Gentleman a toast to Jack Deveraux.." they clinked their bottles together, " And to his son , Robert Deveraux." Dean and Steve watched Jack's face fill with love and pride. Again they clinked bottles, " To the Deverauxs " Dean said. Jack hugged his son, " Thank you Robert, thank you. "



Jack was fairly drunk when he got home. He had called Sara's phone several times and it had gone directly to voicemail. That made him drink more. All the way home he had told Dean and Robert that he was worried about her " Something is not right..she would not answer my calls. " He entered their bedroom and could smell her perfume. He dropped down on the bed and inhaled. " Sara where are you? " He called her again.." Hello.." she said in a whisper. " Where have you been ? Is everything alright? " he waited for her to answer. "I have been busy Jack" His breathing was becoming labored , he was worried, " Busy doing what? " again he waited, " Busy coming home to you.." There she was standing in the doorway to the bathroom. He shot up and rushed over to her. " I couldn't wait for tomorrows flight..I had to see you now." He pulled her to him and kissed her , filled with passion. " It is more then alright..I missed you..very much." But before she could respond his mouth was on hers and he lifted her and carried her to the bed.


Jack held Sara tightly against him , his fingers dancing across her arm. " I was so worried when you didn't answer your phone." Sara chuckled , " Not as worried as you looked when I said we shouldn't make love until after the wedding. I wish you could have seen the look on your face....it was priceless." Jack frowned , " Yes..you are hilarious. Seriously why didn't you at least answer me so as not to make me worry. " Sara sat up and pulled the covers up around her. "Well then I would have had to tell you what was going on and I wanted to wait to see you. " Now Jack sat up to , " You are referring to coming home early aren't you ? " Sara sighed and looked down fingering her diamond , " Well yes and no.." Jack watched her play with her ring, " Tell me...tell me about the "no" ..." Sara sighed again, " Well...we...Ben and me...sort of ..." Jack was getting upset , " Sort of what? Sara..spit it out..sort of what ? " Sara looked at him and cringed, " Sort of had our car run off the road and got shot at.." She stood waiting for his response , her face cringing wait for the it..but there was nothing , he only stared at her. Just as her body relaxed he asked her to repeat herself, which she did. " WHAT !! What the hell is that about? Were they after him ?" Sara shook her head.." No I don't think so..Ben thinks they wanted the DNA we got." Jack shook his head , " I can't believe i am saying this but , thank god you were with Agent Todd. Are you sure you are alright? " She assured him she was. "All I want to worry about now is our wedding. " Jack nodded , He laid her back down and began kissing her once more. " I am of course focusing on the other things..like the wedding night...the honeymoon..."



Everyone started arriving in the morning and it was decided by the maid of honor that Sara and the girls will stay downstairs that night. " You know..the groom can't see the bride before the wedding. " Sara made a face, " I don't believe in those silly things..you know that. " Every woman stood and froze staring at her. " But I guess it couldn't hurt right? " she added trying to avoid the barrage of comments getting set to be unloaded on her. " Oh my Sara !...Your dress is stunning..you will make a beautiful bride. " Sara smiled at her future mother in law. " Thank you Jo..I hope so." Adrienne and Kayla added their praises as well. " Now..where shall we ladies go tonight for your bachelorette party?. " Sara looked shocked, " Oh no..Angie...I don't want to.." Adrienne jumped in , " Nonsense ..you didn't even have a shower..let's go someplace fun Hmm? " Jack came into the living room, " Go?..where are you all going ? " Sara looked at him pleadingly.. " They want to have a bachelorette party. " Jack stared at them, " Oh I don't think that's necessary..why not have one of those shower things instead. " Sara smiled at that. Angela shook her head, "No you need presents for that..besides..it would be more fun to go out and celebrate. " Then she looked at Jack but spoke to Sara , " Let's find a male strip club." Jack looked at her through squinted eyes, "Oh..you would just love that wouldn't you. " Angela laughed at him, "Why yes I would. " Adrienne chuckled at his expression, " I am sure we can find something suitable. " Jack leaned in and whispered to Angela, " Do try not to get my sister and fiancee arrested the night before our wedding . " Angela smirked , " Hey I'll try but.. no promises Jackie."



Jack and Steve were talking in the den. Jack was pacing. " Come on Billy Jack you're making me dizzy." Steve said to his brother. Jack stopped and flopped on the couch. " I didn't want to upset Sara so I let it go last night ..but..I am worried. Why would someone try to kill them. I keep thinking what would have happened if she had been alone.." Steve watched him closely ..the fear evident on his face, "Does she have any idea why " Jack shook his head, " No..but I intend on finding out. Want to go out for coffee with me? " Steve smiled ,"Let's do it"



"Ok ..we are going to the new club , "Lace" Angela announced. " Oh great.." Sara said. Jo declined to go and Abby was meeting them there. " Well..I guess I will go check on dinner." Sara left the room going to the kitchen. Jack came in a few minutes later. He could see she was upset. He asked what was wrong. " I am just ...nervous. You know I am stressing about tomorrow, am I being silly? " Jack kissed her head , " Yes..but that's why I love you so much. "



Jennifer sat in Dr Baker's office. Dr Backer asked what she could do for her and Jennifer began to cry. " I needed to talk to someone ..someone who knew both Jack and me. My family would only side with me..and his family would side with him. I needed someone neutral. Jack is getting married tomorrow. " she said as she sobbed.



Jack and Steve found Ben already seated at a table at the coffee shop. " Agent Todd..you remember my brother ..Steve. " Ben looked from Jack to Steve. " Jack..yes hello Steve. What do you want Jack ? " Jack swallowed , " First I want to thank you..for taking care of Sara. I need to know..do you think there is still a danger? " Ben said he thought they would be ok since they dropped off the DNA. But he would have someone watching over her.



Sara and the women were seated at a booth and they were all laughing. " Then the place went wild and all these women were tearing and Dean and Jack's clothes. " Sara shook her head, " It's funny NOW..not so much then." Sara was getting tired..tomorrow was a big day and she wanted to get her sleep. Tomorrow she will finally become Jack's wife and the sooner she went to bed the sooner it would be a reality.



It was after two when the women got back and Sara called Jack. " I am home.." He smiled , " Good..now get some sleep , and don't worry..tomorrow will be perfect. I can't wait for tomorrow. " Sara too smiled , " I know..this time tomorrow I will be Mrs Jack Deveraux.."

[fluffysmom]

I'm so glad that Agent Todd protected Sara. I am looking forward to the wedding! Thanks for the great chapters.

[gapeach]

Great story - can't wait until the wedding!!

[fluffysmom]

I wish Jack had a great story like this on the show!

[blueyed358]

Chapter 58


Sara and Jack had talked on the phone that night for over an hour, neither wanting to have the connection between them severed. They needed to see each other if only for a moment and had worked out a plan to meet in the elevator at eight that morning for some alone time. Jack tiptoed through the house, not wanting to explain to the guys were he was going. They had been up late drinking and talking. Dean slept on the couch , JJ in with Robert, Steve in JJ's room and Vern and Justin in the spare room and den. Jack entered the living room and found Robert sitting in the living room with coffee. Jack knew Robert must have come out there afraid to scare JJ. " You alright? " he asked his son. Robert nodded, " Yeah I got a few hours sleep." Robert smirked, "So..where you off to? " Jack smiled , " Oh..just thought I would pick up bagels for breakfast..be back in a bit. " As he headed to the door he could hear Robert chuckling, " Sure say hi to Mom." Jack got into the elevator..then got into the lobby and switched elevators and headed up to the eighth floor. When the doors opened the smile on his face turned into a frown . Angela was standing there..smiling. " Good Morning Mr Deveraux..let me guess..you're going out for bagels too?"





So the day went on but every attempt to meet was stopped by one family member or the other. Finally Jo asked , " Why tempt fate? " So they spent their time apart. Jack being kept busy and Sara getting fussed over. The women all went to the spa for manicures and pedicures. Abby had to admit that she was having fun, but was concerned how her mother was handling the day. She was going to go home tomorrow with JJ for a day or so to check on her. When all were done and dried they all had massages too , a gift from Angela . "Honestly this is so sweet of you to include me in all this." Jo said to Angela and Sara. " Don't be silly Jo..you are a part of the wedding party too." Angela said . Sara found herself left at the nail drying station with Kayla. " That's a lovely color, " she said to Kayla. "Thanks..it matches my dress perfectly. Sara I want you to know how happy Steve and I are for both you and Jack. He has went through a lot in his life and it's nice to see him at peace with himself and his life. " Sara's look told Kayla she knew all about their past , " I know that those words would mean the world to Jack..especially coming from you. " Kayla gave her a small smile , " I let go of the past long ago , but I don't think Jack ever did. Even when he had Jennifer..sorry..there was a sadness still in his eyes. I have seen him happy but..I don't know. " Sara sighed.." Thank you for that Kayla. I know that Jack has a bit of Hero worship when it comes to his big brother..I am glad that they can have their family time. " Kayla smiled,"Well Steve loves Jack and they do have fun together." Sara laughed, " They may go about things very differently but they are two of a kind..hopefully the years ahead will bring them closer still."





As they were leaving they hailed two cabs Sara told them to go on back without her, she had an errand to run. " Oh hell no! I promised Jackie that I would not let you out of my sight." She saw the questioning looks from the other women. " Sara ..well things always happen to her when there is an important event in her life. You know like receiving an award , graduations, weddings.." Sara shook her head, " I have been to a lot of black tie events lately with no incidents. "That's because you were not in a position of prominence to the event." Then to the others, " For instance..the ceremony when she was going to receive her Pulitzer.." Sara frowned.." That could have happened to anyone. " Angela laughed, " True..but as usual it happened to you. Anyway , she was running late so we had to meet her there and as she went to go hail a cab , her heels got caught in the subway grating. She finally got them out after having to take them off and break the heels off. Then when she was hailing a cab she got splattered when a bus passed her and went through a puddle. Funny as hell. Unfortunately..Jack has told me he will hold me personally responsible if any such things occur today. Sorry but I do not wish for him to have that over me for the rest of my life." So Sara and Angela went off to run her errand. " What is this errand anyway?" Angela asked. Sara smiled , " I need to pick up Jack's wedding presents. "





Jack and Robert were playing chess and Dean and Steve were playing video games with JJ, when the women came in all chatting at once. Steve had walked in and said to Jack, " Well there goes the peace and quiet. " The three guys laughed. " What's so funny? " Adrienne asked. " Nothing..guy stuff..baby girl." Steve said as he winked at Robert. " So Robert..are you bringing a date to the wedding? " Adrienne asked. Jack looked at his son and said with a smirk, " That is code for "Are we going to meet your young lady?" which means your mother told your aunts and grandmother about her. " Robert laughed , " Yes..Katie will be there. "





The women came back downstairs and were starting to get ready. "Was Jack alright? I mean..is he nervous? " Abby shook her head.."No..he is actually very calm..it totally weird. " They had their make-up done and all were helping to get Sara in her gown. When she stood before them they all got teary eyed at how beautiful she looked. Then she saw him in the back of the room, her son. So tall and handsome in his tuxedo. His eyes fixed on his mother. He could barely breath, he was beyond happy for her and his eyes began to fill with tears. Everyone followed her line of vision and saw him there. Kayla asked if JJ was ready and Robert smiled and tore his eyes from his mother, " Ahh..no Dad wanted to wait until the last minute so he wouldn't fuss too much. " Kayla offered to get him dressed and left the room. Robert looked at Angela, who gave him a slight nod. "Let's give these two a moment alone shall we? " Robert stopped them telling them how lovely they all looked. They wore red , off the shoulder mermaid gowns. Their flowers were a cluster of white roses surrounding a smaller cluster of red ones. Robert turned back to his mother, " Mom..you look stunning. " and she did. Sara kept her hair down..for Jack..it cascaded down her back in a sea of curls. She wore a strapless gown also in a mermaid style accenting all her curves. It was pleated and her flowing train was attached to her back at the hips and and was fanned out around her. " Are you nervous ? " he asked her. " Petrified ..they said your father was calm though..damn him. " Robert laughed. " Why are you petrified ? This is what you have wanted and dreamed of isn't it? " Sara's eyes filled with tears, " Yes.." she said on a whisper. " You will finally have the family you have always wanted honey. " Robert shook his head, " While I am thrilled to have my father and now a brother and sister, I would not have changed my childhood for anything. You gave me everything Mom. You were strict , but not overly. You were an amazing role model. You still are. I couldn't have felt more loved . I am so happy for you Mom. You deserve this..to be happy and have the love you have waited for all these years. " Sara started to cry, " Don't..my make-up will run. I love you more then anything else in this world. I am so thankful for you..you brought more happiness and love to my life then I could ever imagine. Being your mother is an honor I could never have done without. When this wedding is over..we will work on you and those nightmares..I want you to have everything you deserve too. " Robert hugged his mother . " Ok enough of this let's get this show on the road.."



Jack was talked to the manager making sure everything was just right. " You will have the cocktail franks in the bride room..and chilled champagne ?" The manager nodded , " Yes Mr Deveraux everything will be done to your specifications. " Steve laughed , " I was wondering when Jittery Jackson would show his face. " Dean put his hand on Jack's shoulder. All three men were looking very handsome in their black pinstriped tuxedos with vests. Jack had a white rose in his lapel while the others had red. " Well in Jack's defense..he has a right to be nervous until she gets here. " Dean proceeded to tell Steve all about Sara and the problems she would encounter. " Steve looked from Dean to Jack. "Seriously ? " Dean looked at Jack , "Tell him about the Honor Society ceremony. " Jack laughed, " Well..."



Sara was running late..as usual. She insisted on going to the library to finish her paper before the Honor Society awards. She was already dressed and she decided to take the elevator down to the lobby .She entered the elevator and then realized she left her books , she exited and just made it off before the doors closed. Her flowing dress was caught in the doors and went up with the elevator and was ripped from her body. Sara was luckily alone on the floor..the head librarian having let her stay late after making friends with her. She called around until someone found Jack. He called her back and brought her the robe she was to wear to the ceremony having it with him as he was to give it to her at the auditorium.

" She had to go through the ceremony with the robe and pretty much nothing else on." Steve said that isn't that bad. Dean started laughing,Jack added, " Yes well it wouldn't have been bad had the robe not been a very thin white material and she had not been wearing a very revealing black lace bra and pantie set. " Of course Jack didn't tell them what happened when he brought her the robe.

" Jack give it to me ! " Sara said as she tried to grab the robe he held above her head. " You first ." he had told her. Sara smiled , " You are impossible , I am already late ! " Jack noted that her ensemble was new and she told him it was a suppose to be a surprise for later. "Well we are here now..and you look ..edible. " Sara laughed, " We really shouldn't.." Jack agreed and then they crashed into each other kissing and laughing, He lifted her up and held her against the bookcase. In moments they were one and all thoughts of awards were gone. Sara held tightly to him as he pushed himself deeper. He swung her around and placed her on top of the desk and they reached the height of pleasure together. Both were panting and sweating as they heard the security guard come up to check on them.



Dean and Steve watched as the smile played across Jack's face. Steve leaned over to Dean , " Something tells me he left part of that story out. " Dean smirked, "Knowing those two rabbits you can count on it. " Jack came back , " I wont be calm until she arrives.." Jack felt a tug on his pants, he looked down to see JJ in his mini tuxedo , hair slicked back looking completely adorable. " Hey little man.." JJ looked up at his father, " Daddy are we going to marry Sara soon ?...I am hungry." Steve picked him up, " Come on little dude Uncle Steve will get you something to eat." JJ frowned, " But I want Sara to see me before I get messy." Steve chuckled, " Don't worry I will make sure you stay neat."



Sara and the rest of the bridal party were getting into the limo , Sara and Angela were to get into the white Rolls Royce. " Angela..I just need a few minutes alone..would you mind going in the limo with the others? " Angela looked at her friend..she knew that Sara liked her time alone to gather her thoughts. " No way..I promised Jack.." Sara laughed," I will be right behind you . Come on..I need to breathe..I am a nervous wreck. I just have to let everything sink in and get my head on straight." Angela relented but with the condition that she drive IN FRONT of them so she can see her the whole way there. They set off for the Chelsea Piers.



Jack was pacing and Robert watched him. The guests were arriving and were being seated in the area set up for the ceremony. " She is late..How was she when you saw her? " Robert told him she was beautiful." She is always that..I meant ..emotionally." Robert gave him a crooked smile, " Petrified..but happy." Jack sighed, " The sooner she gets here the better.



They were stuck in traffic. Sara's driver got diverted to the right, but the limo was sent straight. " Oh no..no..no..no..we need to follow the Rolls...hurry find it.!" Then she turned to the others. " I am dead." Sara and her driver sat in bumper to bumper traffic behind a huge accident. " I am late..I have to get there..how far away are we? " The driver told her they were about ten blocks away. " I'll walk.." The driver turned around and said, " Excuse me?" Sara pulled herself out of the car and gathered up her her train and started towards the piers.



The limo pulled up and Dean and Robert were there waiting. Angela jumped out, " Is she here yet..Oh god please tell me she is here." They told her she was not. " Don't worry babe..I won't remarry." Dean joked. Then she saw him coming towards them . He was smiling. "Well shall we get ready to begin. " Angela swallowed the last of her drink she had started in the limo, " Well a funny thing happened.." Jack started shaking his head, "Oh no.." Then the empty Rolls pulled up. The driver told Robert what had happened. " Aren't you going to tell your father? " Steve asked. Robert almost choked, " I was kind of hoping you would do it."



Everyone on the street and in the cars stopped and watched as Sara..in her tight wedding gown..tried to make her way to her wedding. " Oh Sara..you are so stupid..why did you get out of that car?" she asked herself. A large burly man on a Harley was stopped at the light. He laughed at the sight of her, " Running from or to ? " he yelled to her . " To ! " she shouted back. " Want a lift ? " There was not one head that did not turn at the sight of the bride on the back of the motorcycle.



Jack was in panic mode now.." Ok that's it..we have to start looking for her. " Steve knew that Jack was more than worried about her just showing up..he was worried for her safety. " What the hell happened to that security she was suppose to have? " Steve asked. Jack told him that since she was going to be surrounded by people all day today she did not have security. Jack got a call from Dean.." Go inside and get ready..she is pulling up. " Jack blew out a breathe and went to gather everyone. Robert went to the side entrance and almost fainted as he saw his mother pull up on the back of a Harley." "Thanks..Hank..why don't you come on in and stay for the wedding." He agreed and Dean , Robert and Angela all stood with their mouths open. " I don't want to know..let's get going please..Dad is practically out of his mind." Sara turned to Angela , " Look I didn't even get dirty...Ok..what did you say to me earlier Robert?..Oh yea..Let's get this show on the road."

[fluffysmom]

Terrific chapter Blueyed. Loved Sara arriving at the wedding on the back of a Harley.

[gapeach]

Love it... brings back memories of Bo and Hope... didn't he rescue her from marrying Larry Welsh on a motorcycle?? Can't wait to read more!!

[blueyed358]

chapters 59

Jack and Steve stood at the front of the aisle as the string quartet began to play. " You doing alright there Jackson or should I get ready to catch you when you pass out.? Steve asked with his usual smirk. "Not necessary I assure you..I find myself completely calm , with the exception being that I can't wait to to see her. " Steve placed his hand on Jack's shoulder, how far they had come he thought. As he looked out over the crowd of people he saw his mother and Vern, she of course already in tears. Next to them sat Justin and his own wife. Steve turned to see Jack eyes looking towards the end of the aisle awaiting his first sight of Sara. Jack saw him looking at him, " Did I thank you yet for standing up here with me ? Because it means the world to me. " Steve nodded , " Yeah Billy Jack..I know. It means the world to me too." Then the wedding march began and now Jack's heart began to race. JJ and Abigail came down first, he was completely adorable as he smiled at everyone, Abigail looking beautiful gave into her happiness for her father and she smiled at him and gave him a quick wink , which Jack returned. Adrienne and Dean came down next smiling as well . Angela followed them and Jack could see her eyes glistening with tears as she passed by him to stand at the side of the minister. Now everyone stood and Jack's breath was stolen. Robert held the arm of his mother and both were fighting back tears. Both Jack and Sara locked eyes and each felt every last bit of nervousness and fear drain from them. He watched her come towards him and he felt peaceful..that was her gift to him. For Sara everything she had ever longed for , dreamed of , was there before her. She finally reached him and their son shook his hand then hugged him , " I am so happy for you both. " Jack took Sara's hand, "You take my breath away ," he whispered. Sara looked up at him, "As do you." The minister greeted everyone , " Before we begin Jack would like to say a few words to Sara....Jack" He took a deep breath,

"Sara ..in a few moments we will be bound together in the eyes of both god and the law..yet I have never felt more free. Your love gives me that. It gives me the freedom to be myself...without fear. Your love washes away my self doubt ..and fills me instead with self confidence. It turns my insecurities and fears into a blanket of warmth and security. I see in your eyes my past..present and future. I see my life..our life. Today I give you my heart.. my soul..all that I am and all that I will be. I give these things to you because you are those things for me. You are my heart and soul . I love you more then I could have ever dreamed possible. "



Sara had tears streaming down her cheeks , which he wiped away. "Oh Jack....To say I love you could never touch on the depth of that emotion. Those three powerful words I have spent my life in fear of barely expresses what I feel for you. There is nothing about you I would change. You are everything to me ..the beat of my heart ..the air I breathe. I love the man that you were and the man that you are. Know that whatever you do or whatever life sends our way..I will never be anywhere but at your side and on your side. My love for you has always been and always shall be unwavering. My eyes only see you..my heart beats only for you...always. "





The minister spoke, " Friends and family, we have been invited to hear Jack Harcourt Deveraux and Sara Marie Jamison as they promise to face the future together, accepting whatever may lie ahead.For the world that God has created for them, with it's beauty and grace all around, with the strength that it offers and the peace that it brings, makes them truly grateful. Jack and Sara , nothing is easier than saying words and nothing harder than living them day after day. Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other, it is looking outward in the same direction...together. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved in life in ways you dared not risk alone.



Jack, will you take Sara to be your wife? Will you love and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come?

Jack sighed, " I will."



Sara, will you take Jack to be your husband ? Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?

Sara too sighed, " I will."



Jack, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

" A ring"



Jack placed the ring on Sara's finger..

" I, Jack, take you Sara to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep ,So help me God. "

Sara, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

" A ring."

Then Sara placed the ring on Jack's finger...


I, Sara, take you Jack, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever ,I will trust you and honor you ,I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold ,So I give you my life to keep. So help me God.



Jack and Sara , we heard you promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made.It is not a minister that stands before you that makes your marriage real , but the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here before your friends and relatives in the sight of God.



Foreasmuch as Jack and Sara have consented together in holy wedlock , and have witnessed the same before God and this company, by the authority committed unto me I declare that Jack and Sara are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the laws of the State of New York, In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . Amen . Whom therefore God hath joined let no man put assunder.



Jack..you may now kiss your bride ....



Jack and Sara smiled , " Come here" , he whispered to her. Sara rolled her eyes, " See..we aren't married five minutes and you are already trying to boss me around. " Jack chuckled and Sara grabbed his jacket and pulled him down to her, " You come here." He wrapped his arms around her and they kissed long and sweet. When they parted Jack rubbed his finger over the dent in her chin .

I present to you Mr and Mrs Jack Deveraux..





Jack and Sara danced to the sounds of " At Last " Everyone watched as they kissed and smiled sweetly at one another. " So then I jumped out of the car and started walking.." Jack's face became pained, " Why would you leave the car ? " Sara told him she did not want to be late. She then told him the rest of it. He stopped dancing and stared at her " You got here on what? " Dean ran up and snapped a picture of Jack's face. She repeated it. She pointed Hank out in the crowd. " Keep dancing Jack .." Jack sighed , " What kind of life are we to expect ? Things like this seem to happen to us all the time. " he said with a sparkle in his eyes. Sara pulled him down and kissed him again, "It will never be boring.."



Jack stood watching his wife as he was talking to the head waiter. Angela came over to him and they just stared at one another. " You know..." She cut him off, she was already a bit tipsy, " Yeah I know..I screwed up..but Jack..she made it here..on time. Plus she was fully clothed , both shoes on her feet , she wasn't dirty or wet...what more could you want? " Jack's eyes roamed the room. Robert and his date stood laughing with Steve and Kayla. Abigail , Adrienne and Justin stood just to the side of them and there was his wife. She held his son in her arms , his head on her shoulder as she and Dean talked with Vern and Jo. A small smile spread across his face, " Nothing..for the first time in my life I want for nothing. " Angela watched him watching Sara , " You know Jack.. Sara isn't the only one happy to have you back ." Jack nodded, " Yes ..Robert does seem happy doesn't he?" Angela shook her head slightly, " He does..but I was talking about Dean and Me.." Jack's head turned and she had gone. He smiled at her as she looked back at him. The head waiter asked everyone to please be seated. Sara took Jack' hand and the walked to their table. Both Steve and Dean came to the center of the room. " The best man has a few words to say...."

[gapeach]

Love the story - and am so glad that NO ONE (read Ben and / or Jennifer) tried to mess it up!