The Runaway Groom - Chapter 14

Apologies for the delay in posting everyone....things have been a bit manic recently.

Bobby and Lucy looked at each other as Jack repeated those three words over and over. Despite her initial anger, she was now worried about her friend and team leader. 

“Jack, tell us what happened. Maybe we can help, or at least understand why Sue has gone.”

“It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. She saw me telling.....someone that I loved her and it all went downhill from there.” 

Lucy sat back and listened to Jack. Sue had run off because Jack had told her he loved her. It didn’t make any sense. She knew that Sue was deeply in love with Jack. When he’d announced his engagement to Allie, Sue had been devastated. Only Lucy knew how she’d really taken the news. 

“That doesn’t make any sense Jack. Why would Sue run when she feels the same way about you?” 

Lucy watched as Jack lifted his head suddenly and looked at her.

“She never told you did she?” Lucy asked, the look in his eyes telling her the answer. “Oh Jack.”

“If she loves me Luce then why has she gone?

All Lucy could do was look at her team leader, his heart breaking right in front of her. She looked at Bobby, hoping he would know what to say, but he remained silent.

“I don’t know Jack, but I think it might have something to do with Allie.”
“Allie? I called it off with Allie because I love Sue.”

“I know that Jack, but think of it from Sue’s point of view. You cancelled your wedding to a woman who clearly loves you because you loved her.” She paused before continuing, seeing that neither of the men were following her. “In Sue’s mind, she feels guilty for causing so much pain to Allie. It’s because of her that you two aren’t married. She is the reason why Allie is now alone.”

“That ridiculous Luce. I am the one who ended it with Allie, not Sue. She had nothing to do with it.”

“You said it yourself Jack, you called off your wedding to Allie because you love Sue. Sue is the reason you couldn’t go through with it. Don’t you see? Sue blames herself for what’s happened.”

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 13

Jack staggered backwards with the force of the impact, his hand automatically going up to his now throbbing cheek. Focussing his eyes, he stared at Lucy as she stood in front of him, waving a piece of paper, the words leaving her mouth running into one.

“What did you do to her Jack? What did you say to make her leave? She’s gone Jack. You’ve driven her away? I’ll never forgive you for this.”

Jack listened to the words, still not fully understanding what had just happened. It was only then that he realised that Bobby was there too, trying to calm Lucy down. He looked to him for answers.

“What’s going on Crash?”
“She’s gone mate. I took the girls home, seeing as Sue had driven to the church and then took the car. Lucy offered me a drink so I went up with her only to find a note from Sue along with her apartment key.”

Jack listened to Bobby, the words not fully penetrating his brain. Sue had gone? Bobby took the letter from a now sobbing Lucy and passed it to Jack, who began to read the words.

Lucy


I’m so sorry but I can’t stay here anymore. I can’t be around Jack after everything that’s happened, it’s just too hard. You are a dear friend and I shall never forget you. Please don’t try and find me, I shall be in touch when I can. Let the team know that I’m safe and I love them all.


Sue

Jack lowered his hand and stared at Lucy and Bobby. He didn’t know what to say. He knew Lucy blamed him, and from reading the letter, he knew why.

“What happened Jack? Tell me the truth. My best friend has upped and left with no real explanation other than it has something to do with you.”

Jack was in a state of shock as he rounded his couch and sat down. Bobby and Lucy followed and sat either side of him as he spoke.

“I’ve lost her.”

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 12

As he paced his apartment, Jack couldn’t get her out of his mind. Why did he have to tell her like that? He knew that it was just happenstance that she’d walked in just as he was telling Bobby, but that didn’t change how he felt. He’d driven away the woman he loved.

Memories of the last four years flooded his mind. He remembered all the times they’d spent on cases, the dinners they’d shared. He’d always known that his feelings for Sue ran deeper than just friendship. He’d come close many times to telling her how he felt, but a mixture of fear and being in the wrong place at the wrong time had meant that he had always backed out.

His biggest fear had been that he told her how he felt and she didn’t return his feelings and he would ruin their friendship. As he looked out of his window, he realised that he’d been right all along. For her to have run off like that could mean only one thing, she didn’t feel the same way. His fear of her not returning his love weren’t unfounded after all.

Standing still, Jack placed his hands on his hips and sighed. His anger for what had happened rising to the surface as his foot connected with one of the dining room chairs, sending it flying across the floor.

He needed to talk to her, to sort things out, but he had no idea where she could be. He’d been to all the places that he knew she frequented, and some that he thought she might have done, but he’d drawn a blank. He knew that he couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. Grabbing his jacket and keys, he flung open the door, only to be stopped when a hand connected with his face.

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 11

After leaving Jack’s, Sue had returned to her apartment. After changing out of her wedding outfit, she’d packed a bag with clothes for a few days, knowing that she would arrange to have the rest shipped to her at a later date.

She’d called around all the airports but none had a flight leaving for Ohio that evening. The only other choice was by coach, but they were reluctant to let Levi travel, so she’d decided to drive. After packing up the trunk of her car, she returned to the apartment. Taking a few minutes to take one last look around, she wrote a note for Lucy, knowing that her friend would worry if she didn’t at least tell her where she was. She decided not to go into too much detail.

When she was ready, she grabbed her purse, clipped Levi’s leash to his collar and took a deep breath. After unclipping here apartment key from her key chain, she left if on the note for Lucy and left the apartment.

She’d been driving for a little over an hour and it was starting to get dark. Levi had settled on the back seat and she was headed in the direction of Ohio. She knew that this was a major step she was taking. She was giving up her life in DC, her career all because of three little words that Jack had said to her.

She knew that she longed to see those words on his lips, and under any other circumstances, she would be back in DC with him. But, knowing what heartache had been caused to others, she couldn’t be with Jack, not now, no matter how much she loved him in return.

She knew she would miss the friends she’d made in DC, and she promised herself that she would keep in touch with them all, but seeing Jack almost everyday would be too hard. In Ohio, she would get over him, her feelings for him would fade and she could get on with her life. At least, she hoped she could.

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 10

As darkness fell, Jack pulled up outside his apartment building and switched off the engine. He’d been driving around for almost three hours but hadn’t been able to find any sign of Sue. He’d been to her apartment, several parks and even some of their favourite restaurants and there was no sign of her. Sitting back in his seat, he slammed his hands against the steering wheel, angry at himself for the current situation.

He knew that Sue running was his fault. If he hadn’t blurted out how he felt about her, she would still be there. Now, there was every chance that he could have ruined any kind of future that the two of them might have had.

Looking up, he glanced around him, his head stopping when he saw a familiar looking blond woman entering his apartment building. Jumping out of the car, he locked it and raced across the street, stopping by the women and turning her round to face him, seeing that it was his neighbour from across the hall.

“Oh, Mrs Watson, I’m sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
“That’s okay dear, I think you missed her earlier.”

Jack looked at the woman who stood in front of him, his expression speaking volumes.

“Earlier?”
“I assume you’re taking about that pretty partner of yours. She came by earlier. I was just coming home from work.”
“How much earlier Mrs Watson, this is extremely important.”
“About two hours ago. She made a quick phone call, scribbled something on a piece of paper and left. She pushed something under your door too. Say, weren’t you meant to be getting married today?”

Ignoring her last question, Jack thanked the woman and raced up the stairs to his apartment. Pulling his key from his pocket, he quickly opened the door, seeing his spare key lying on the floor. Bending, he picked it up and sighed, leaning against the doorframe. As he looked around, he noticed a scrap of paper. Picking it up, he read two words written in a familiar handwriting: I’m sorry.

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 9

After Jack had left the church, it was left to Bobby to sort everything. It was a little under thirty minutes since Jack had left, and the last people were leaving the church. Everyone still wanted to know why the wedding had been cancelled, but Bobby remained tight lipped, saying it was a mutual decision between Jack and Allie.

After the last person had gone, only the team were left. Bobby had told them the same thing he’d told everyone else mainly to not arouse suspicion. How the team were on their own, the questions began.

“So, what’s the real reason Bobby? Mutual decision isn’t going to cut it. Allie adores Jack, she wouldn’t just decide she didn’t want to marry him.” Tara asked.

Seeing all of his friends looking at him, Bobby slumped down in the nearest pew. Everyone sat around him. He could feel their eyes on him, even Myles wanted answers.

“He didn’t love her.” Bobby told them, not missing the faint smile that crossed Lucy’s lips.
“That explains where Sue’s gone.” Lucy looked around her friends, all looked confused. “Don’t tell me you don’t know? Myles, you said it yourself a few months ago, Jack and Sue have this kind of chemistry.”
“So you think Jack dumped Allie because he is in love with the fair Miss Thomas?” Myles asked.
“That’s exactly what I think. And now Jack is gone and so is Sue, they must be together.”

Lucy couldn’t hide the excitement from her voice, which faded when she looked at Bobby’s face.

“I wouldn’t count on it luv. I think Sue saw Jack saying he loved her when he was explaining things to me. A few minutes later, she bolted from the vestry and drove off. I don’t think Sparky got the reaction he was hoping for.”

Lucy opened her mouth to speak before she was stopped.

“Excuse me, but I have another wedding soon and I need to get the church ready. I’m afraid you will all have to leave.”
“Sure thing father.” Bobby said as he stood. “Sorry for wasting your time today.”
“Don’t worry about it my son. That young man did the right thing if he didn’t love his bride. I just hope everything works out for the best.”
“So do I father, so do I.”

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 8

The car screeched to a halt as Sue stopped her car. Looking up, she saw where she’d driven too, not realising that she’d been heading in that direction. Turning off the engine, Sue unclipped her seatbelt and sat back in her seat. Her mind was still spinning after what had just happened.

She couldn’t quite believe that Jack had called off his own wedding claiming to be in love with her. He couldn’t love her. He’d had so many chances to tell her in the past and never had. She refused to believe that he had just suddenly realised how he felt about her. Despite her feelings for him, she couldn’t even think about having a future with him knowing she had caused so much heartache amongst Allie and her family.

She could only imagine what Allie must be going through right now. Jack was the love of her life. She had learnt quite a lot about her whilst they’d helped her plan the wedding. With Allie being an only child, she had no sisters to help her and with all her girlfriends in New York, that left her, Tara and Lucy to help.

Allie had confided in them all that Jack had been the only man that she had ever loved. He was the one she always turned to when things got difficult. Now, because of her, that was all over.

Sighing deeply, she grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car. Crossing the street, she entered the apartment building and took the elevator to the third floor. Working with Jack after everything that had happened would be too hard. She knew that there was only one thing that she could do now.

Exiting the elevator, she stepped out and approached the apartment. Taking out her key chain, she unhooked the emergency key and slipped it under the apartment door. Picking up her blackberry, Sue dialled and waited for a response, speaking when someone answered.

“Mom, it’s me. I’m coming home.”

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 7

Watching her drive away felt like someone had stabbed him right in the heart. He hadn’t expected that kind of reaction. He was certain that she felt the same way about him. He then began thinking about the situation from her point of view.

They had spent almost four years dancing around each other. He believed that, deep down, they both knew how the other felt but had done nothing. He knew how he felt for Sue and had a good idea how she felt for him, but he still allowed things with him and Allie to get this far. He couldn’t blame her for reacting like she had. After all, what did he expect, for her to fall into his arms and declare undying love?

Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he could only think of one thing to do. Loosening his tie and undoing the top button of his dress shirt, Jack flung open the door and walked into the main church.

He was surprised to see it still half full. As soon as people saw him, they all surrounded him, firing questions at him from all directions. He worked his way through the crowd and towards the door. Before he left, he turned and looked at everyone.

“I appreciate that you all have questions about what’s gone on today, but I have something I need to do right now so I can’t answer them. The reasons are between Allie and I and we would both hope that you can respect our wishes to keep what’s happened private. Thank you.”

With those words, Jack opened the main door to the church, realising that he didn’t have a car as Bobby had driven there. Turning, he stopped suddenly when he saw Bobby standing there, holding out his keys. Jack looked at him as Bobby winked.

“Go get her mate.”

Jack smiled his thanks at his best man and grabbed the keys, breaking into a run as he approached the car and jumped in. Starting the engine, he pointed the car in the direction of Sue’s apartment and went after her.

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 6

As Jack entered the vestry, he closed the door and let out a deep sigh. He couldn’t believe how well that had gone. He hated what he’d done to Allie, but he had to do the right thing, and marrying her wasn’t it. Sitting down, he looked up when the door to the vestry burst open and Bobby raced in.

“What’s going on mate?

Jack just looked at his friend before speaking.

“I couldn’t do it Bobby. I couldn’t marry her.”
“Do I need to ask why? Or are you going to tell me.”

Jack smiled at his friend. He knew that Bobby knew the reason why he’d called everything off. Like Lucy had been doing with Sue, Bobby had dropped many not so subtle hints about him and Sue over the years.

“I don’t think I need to tell you Crash. Allie isn’t the one I love.”

Turning away, Jack thought about Allie and how she’d spoken with Sue briefly before leaving the church. He had wondered what Allie had said to her, especially after the way he’d seen Sue look at him after Allie had gone.

“I take it you haven’t told her how you feel?” Bobby asked.

Jack just shook his head. He knew that he had to do something about his feelings after what had gone on today. No one would believe that he’d called it off just because he didn’t love Allie, especially with their history together.

“How do I tell her Crash? How do I tell Sue that I love her.”

Jack was looking at Bobby and froze when he heard a gasp. Standing, he moved past Bobby and saw Sue standing in the doorway.

Jack smiled at Sue, wondering if she’d read what he had just said. The faint smile on her face and the look in her eyes told him that she had. Reaching out, he took her hand before turning to Bobby.

“Could you give us a few minutes please Crash.”

Nodding, Bobby hurried out of the vestry and closed the door behind him. Jack looked at Sue, not sure what to say to her.

“Did you read what I just said?” He asked before continuing, “Do you feel the same way?”

All Sue could do was look at him. She saw that his lips were moving but her brain wasn’t fully processing what he was saying. She could have sworn she’d just seen him say he loved her and she was beginning to feel extremely guilty. She was the reason that what should have been the best day of Allie’s life was ruined.

Taking a step away from his, Sue began shaking her head as she looked at him.

“No Jack. You love Allie. You’re marrying Allie.”

Jack didn’t like the look that he saw in her eyes, or the words that had just left her lips. She was backing away from him, almost like she was scared. This hadn’t been the reaction he’d been expecting.

“No Sue, I don’t love Allie. I can’t marry her. It’s you that I love.”

Sue stopped moving when she hit a nearby table, but her eyes remained on Jack’s lips. She closed her eyes briefly and looked away. She’d spent the last three months coming to terms with the fact that Jack was marrying another woman. She’d tried her hardest to put her feelings for him to the back of her mind, and she’d just about managed to do that, and now he was throwing her a curve ball that she hadn’t seen coming.

She watched as he came closer to her and touched her shoulder. She hated how her body tensed at his touch. Only months ago she would have given anything to have him looking at her like he was now, to have him close to her, but now it felt wrong. Lilting her hand, she pushed his hand away and stepped closer to the back door.

“You can’t do this to me Jack. It’s isn’t fair.”

With those words, Sue left the vestry and headed to her car. The last he saw of her was when he wheels slid on the gravel as she left the church.

The Runaway Groom - Chapter 5

In the vestry, Jack stood in front of Allie, knowing that if he didn’t say something soon, he was going to chicken out yet again. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.

“Allie, I’m so sorry.”

He saw the confused look on her face as she sat down in front of him, he followed suit.

“Sorry for what Jack?”
“Sorry for causing you to fall in love with me when I don’t deserve it. Sorry for allowing everything to get out of control. Sorry for bringing you here today. Allie I don’t know where to begin.”

He paused again and just looked at her. She’d placed her bouquet on a nearby table and was watching him intently. He could see tears pooling in her eyes and he knew that deep down, she knew what he was trying to tell her.

“Allie, you know that I love you. We’ve been so close for so many years. Part of me can’t imagine my life without you in it and that’s where the problems start. I want you in my life Allie, but I think we will be making a mistake if we go through with this wedding.”
“What do you mean Jack?” Allie asked, her voice clearly shaky.
“I can’t do this. I can’t marry you Allie. I know this is the worst time that I could have chosen to tell you this, but I couldn’t let you walk in that church knowing that this isn’t right.”

Jack watched as she sat upright in her chair, her initial upset had been replaced with anger and he saw the expression on her face change.

“So, let me get this right, you propose to me, spend three months planning a wedding, you let me bring all of my family over from New York and Wisconsin and you don’t want to go through with it?”

Jack knew she had valid points in what she said, but his mind had focussed on one thing that she’d said. He hated to mention it, as he knew how she would react, but he needed to make his feelings clear.

“I didn’t propose Allie. I didn’t ask you to marry me. I asked you what you thought about marriage and you jumped to the wrong conclusion. Before I had chance to correct you, you’d called your parents, my parents and who knows who else. Everything just snowballed and I just figured it would be easier to let it go rather than try and stop it. I realised now how wrong I was to do that. You’ll never know how sorry I am for doing this to you, but I need to follow my heart.”
“And you heart doesn’t lie with me?” Allie asked as Jack shook his head. “Do you mind if I ask who it does lie with, because I don’t for one second believe that you have just decided that you don’t want to marry me. I know you Jack, better than most, if not everyone. You have morals and ethics and, even though I really want to hate you right now, I can’t. So, who is it?”

He knew he had to tell her. Part of him was surprised that she was being so calm about everything. He wasn’t sure how he was going to tell her, but knew that he’d been honest with her so far today, and that would be the way it could continue.

He watched her as the question hung in the air. He wasn’t sure how she would react when he told her he loved Sue. Since the wedding announcement, Sue, Lucy and Tara had all helped Allie out with the planning when her family was unavailable. They’d all become friends.

“I’m sorry Allie, I never planned for any of this. I didn’t mean for it to happen but over the years I just fell in love with her.”
“You don’t have to say it Jack. I know.”

Unable to hide the surprised look on his face, Jack opened his mouth but nothing came out. He kept his eyes on hers as she stood and picked up here bouquet.

“I guess we should tell everyone.”

Jack stood so that he faced her and shook his head.

“No, I should be the one to do it. It’s because of me that the wedding isn’t going ahead.”
“You bet it is, but we should do this one last thing together.”

All Jack could do was look at her. He hadn’t expected a reaction like this. He’d expected her to be angry, upset. He’d expected tears and lots of shouting but there had been none of that. She’d been unusually calm about the whole thing, which unnerved him a little. His eyes followed her as she walked towards the door that would lead them into the main church.

“You coming?”

Broken from his trance, Jack approached her as she opened the door. They both took a step out before someone approached them.

“There you two are. We need to get started, I have another service in thirty minutes.”
“I’m sorry father,” Jack said the man who was meant to marry them, “we won’t be getting married today.”

Without explaining further Jack and Allie walked past the father and towards the main congregation. They both heard the silence fall over the crowd as people saw them one by one. Jack saw Bobby walk up to them.

“Where’ve you been mate? We’ve all be waiting.”
“Sorry Crash, give us a minute okay?”

Jack looked at Bobby and saw his expression change, knowing that his best friend knew what was going on. Standing at the front of the church, Allie was the first to speak.

“Jack and I would like to thank you all for coming but we regret that there won’t be a wedding today. The reception will go ahead as normal so please feel free to enjoy the hospitality. Thank you.”

Stepping forward, Allie took one last look at Jack before hurrying away. She paused when she came to the second pew that housed Sue, Lucy and Tara. She bent slightly so Sue could read her.

“You’re a lucky woman. Remember that.”

With that, Allie hurried off down the aisle, leaving a shocked Sue watching her, before turning her head to see Jack turn and go back to the vestry.