Jack: You ready to go?

Sue: Where might we be going? They (pointing to the team) are still not sure what they want to do.

Jack: I know what I want to do. I am hoping you would come with me.

Sue: Do I get an adrenaline rush wherever we will be going?

Jack: You ought to know by now; you get an adrenaline rush whenever you are with me. (Smiles and winks at Sue)

Sue: Is that right? I think it has more to do with trying to keep up with Levi. (laughs)

Jack: Ouch. You wound my pride and this old heart of mine. (smiles) 

Sue: Okay. I will spend the day with you.

Jack: Good. You are going to love my surprise.

Sue: Okay. What do we tell the group?

Jack: Listen up, everyone. Sue and I are going to do some more sightseeing. The rest of you can do whatever you want.

Bobby: Where are you two lovebirds going to anyway? (laughs)

Lucy: Can we tag along?

Jack: No, don’t you dare follow us, Crash. See you all later.

Bobby: Who me? Would I do that to you and Sue?

Jack: Yes, you. Stay here and have fun. Let’s make a run for it, Sue. Come on, Levi.

Sue: Lucy same thing goes for you. Do not follow us.

Jack and Sue and Levi leave the hotel. Then Stanley and Tara leave the hotel as well. The guys, Lucy, Hannah, and Danny are back at the hotel wondering what to do now.

Bobby: I think something is up with Jack and Sue.

Lucy: Yep, I agree. We should follow them.

D: Didn’t you hear them say they don’t want to be followed.

Myles: I think we should all do our own thing. And meet back here tonight for dinner and leave in the morning as planned.

Wes: Good idea. See you all later.

Patrick: I am going on a balloon ride to get a bird eye’s view of Paris. I hear it is spectacular pleasure trip from high above.

Jack and Sue take a train to Versailles where they go on a carriage ride around the palaces of Versailles. Jack and Sue smile at each other and watch the landscape pass by before they have a serious discussion. Since getting grazed in the left shoulder, Jack has been thinking a lot more about Sue and his future. Before long, Jack and Sue take pleasure in seeing the “grandes eaux musicales” in the Versailles garden park after their carriage ride.

Sue: Oh, I’ve never ridden on a horse carriage before.

Jack: Yeah, it is wonderful to experience Paris and adjacent cities in different ways. I have always wanted to go on a horse carriage ride with a beautiful woman by my side.  (smiles and pauses for a minute)

Jack: Um Sue, this may be none of my business but are you and David still together? I mean I haven’t seen him around in a long time.

Sue: Actually, David moved back to San Diego 3 months ago to take over his father’s business and to care for his dad. He didn’t know when or if he will come back to D.C. So, we broke up.

Jack: I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Are you okay? I wish there was something I could do to cheer you up.

Sue: I’m okay. Being here in Paris with you is not bad. It was for the best. His life is in San Diego and mine is here. (smiles)

Jack: If it’s any consolation I think David made a big mistake by letting you go. (smiles)

He covers her hand with his own and whisper to her, its okay. Then they glance at each other both deep in thought, wondering what this means, is there a chance for them after all?

Sue: Thanks for saying that. You’re good for me. But I know that David and I weren’t meant to be together. That’s the way it is supposed to be.  Um Jack, I think it’s only fair that I ask you about Ally?

Jack: After my mild heart attack, I had time to reconsider things in my life, to reflect on my relationship with Ally. She was a big part of my life. I really thought Ally and I had a second chance to be together, to make our relationship work this time. But I was wrong, her life is in New York and mine is here. It was for the best. What’s more, Ally never liked being second place to my job, and she loves the frenzied New York lifestyle that she leads.

Sue: I’m sorry. It’s funny, my mom always told me; when God closes one door, he opens another door. So I have to believe that God has a plan for me and I trust him to show me the way when the time is right.

Jack: Maybe this is a good thing. Well. I mean; long distance relationships never worked out for me anyway. Ally and I have a lot of history, but we weren’t meant to be together. I know that now and hopefully, I will have better luck next time around. (smiles)

Sue: You’re right. Let’s enjoy the scenery. Oh Jack. The fountain and music show was exceptional. And you said you didn’t know how to cheer me up. (smiles)

Jack: I thought you might benefit from the fountain musical extravaganza. (smiles)

Sue: Especially the water dancing up and down. How do they do that?

Jack: I don’t know. But stick with me, and you go to fabulous places. (smile and a wink)

After Versailles, they take a train back to Paris where they have a picnic lunch at Parc de Monceau. As they unpacked the picnic basket, their fingers brush against one another. They look deeply into each other’s eyes for a minute. Their lunch consisted of pate and crackers, chicken and ham sandwiches, and fruit salad. Top off with chilled white zinfandel wine and rich chocolate truffles for dessert. 

Sue: This picnic lunch is just what the doctor ordered.

Jack: I’m glad you approved. Now aren’t you glad you came with me today?

Sue: Yes, I am. Thanks for inviting me to come with you.

Jack: There’s no one else I would rather spend the day with here in Paris than you.

Jack: This is for you. You always brighten up my day.  (smiles)

Sue: How sweet. (smiles) Do the park police know you picked flowers for me? It’s against park rules. (laughs)

Jack: Hush. I won’t tell if you won’t tell. (laughs)

In the meantime, Levi is rolling around on the grass, having fun all by himself. Then, Jack plays Frisbee with Levi and later, Jack and Sue feed the ducks some leftover bread crumbs. Next on the agenda, Jack takes Sue to Jardin de Luxembourg. They walk through the gardens to see the flowers in bloom. Later in the afternoon, Jack and Sue sit near the fountain and watch the water cascade up and down.

Sue: Oh, Jack. This garden is amazing. Just look at all the eye-catching flower beds. I want a garden just like this at home.

Jack: I thought you might like this place. My parents took my two sisters Meg, Abby, and me here on vacation. You’ll never guess what they told us.

Sue: What?

Jack: My parents, Karen and Sam, met in Paris while my mom had been studying abroad. This is where my dad proposed to my mom. He dropped down on bended knee and held out a ring and asked my mom to marry him. They had only known each other for a couple of weeks. Somehow on their first date, my parents knew they were meant to be together. It was so romantic. Meg and Abby loves to hear the story. Since then this garden has always held a special place in my heart.

Sue: Wow! That is such a wonderful love story. I’m glad we are here too.

They smile at each other. Jack opens a book of poetry written by his favorite poet, Lord Byron and shows it to Sue. There’s a poem I want to read to you. It’s called “She Walks in Beauty”.

Sue: What a beautiful poem. Thanks for reading it to me.

Jack: My pleasure. Not only does this place have beautiful gardens it is also the perfect place to eat ice cream and enjoy the sunshine. Feel like eating an ice cream cone?

Sue: Levi and I love ice cream, don’t we boy? (Laughs) This is a pretty fountain. Have I told you are a really good tour guide?

Jack: I do my best. Oh, Sue, you have some chocolate on your mouth.

Sue: What? Where?

Jack: Right here.

He leans in, his thumb grazes her mouth; he is just about to kiss Sue when Levi touches her leg. At that moment, Sue and Jack look up to see Bobby and Lucy heading their way.

Bobby: Hey you two, what a coincidence to find you here?

Jack: (Shooting darts at Bobby with his eyes). What are you two doing here? And how did you find us, Crash? I thought I told you to not follow us.

Sue: Yeah. You should go buy ice cream cones, it taste really good.

Lucy: Are we interrupting something?

Sue: Not at all. Jack was just telling me about his vacation with his folks when he was 10 years old.

Bobby: I want to hear the story too. (Laughs) Hey, Sparky, there’s no PDA in foreign countries. Didn’t they teach you anything at Quantico? (laughing)

Jack: Very funny, Crash.  I was top of my class at Quantico, you I believe came in second.  (laughs) Now don’t you two have someplace else to be?

Bobby: Nope. We thought it would be fun to hang out with you two today.

Jack: What? Why? Where is the rest of the team?

Bobby: We decided to go our separate ways except for me and Lucy.

Lucy: Bobby, we have to go. I told Hannah and Danny we would meet them at the zoo.

Bobby: Huh? Oh right. See you two later. Don’t stay out on the town all night. We do have a plane to catch in the morning you know.

Jack: Thanks for your words of wisdom, Crash. Don’t worry about us. See you both later.

Bobby and Lucy leave the two lovebirds alone, they are smiling and laughing.

Bobby: That sure was fun. Did you see what I saw back there?

Lucy: You mean; Jack and Sue might have kissed if we hadn’t shown up.

Bobby: Yeah. Now I feel bad about interrupting them. But it was worth it to see the look on Jack’s face. (smiles)

Lucy: I’m sure Jack is going to want to talk to you about that later. (More laughing)

Bobby: All good. I can find out what really happened on their romantic outing, mate.

Lucy: Yep. I’ll get the scoop from Sue and we can compare notes on the plane tomorrow.

Bobby: Great idea, Lucy. Let’s go see what Hannah, Danny, and the rest of them are up to.

Back at Jardin de Luxembourg

Jack: I had no idea Bobby and Lucy were going to show up out of the blue.

Sue: Me either. What do you want to do now? Sue thinking: Darn the luck. I think Jack was going to kiss me before Bobby and Lucy showed up.

Jack: I’m not sure. What do you want to do now? Jack thinking: I should kiss her now. But I can’t because Bobby and Lucy ruined the moment for us. I will just have to kiss Sue after dinner. Jack is really looking forward to tonight.

Sue: Jack, what’s PDA? Is that an FBI joke that I don’t know about?

Jack: PDA means Public Display Affection. Bobby was just being his silly self. (laughs)

Sue: If you say so. Let’s walk Levi, I think he’s feeling left out.

After that, Jack and Sue are walking and enjoying the majestic view of Paris. They go to see the Palais du Louvre. They go on a tour of the enormous chateau. It is astonishing; all the history of the Louvre is on displayed inside.  Soon after, Jack and Sue walk aboard the Bateaux-Mouches river cruise.

Sue: A boat ride along the Seine River is a delightful idea. I’m glad you thought of it. The view of Paris from the river is remarkable.

Jack: Yeah. I have a couple more surprises in store for you tonight. But first, I want to take you to the Tour Eiffel before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

Sue: Sounds good. The girls went to the Tour Eiffel yesterday. It was fun. But I wouldn’t mind going to see it again with you.

Jack and Sue are on their way to the Tour Eiffel.  They are holding hands as they approach the pinnacle of Tour Eiffel, there is a gentle breeze. Overlooking the city of Paris the view is extraordinary.

Jack: I have a confession. (pauses) Heights give me the willies every time. So you better take good care of me, Sue. (smiles)

Sue: Are you okay? Is there something in particular you would like me to do? (smiles)

Jack: Yes. I’m alright. Focusing all my attention on you helps me forget about my fear of heights. You are a very good distraction, Mrs. Thomas. (wink and smile)

Sue: If anyone else tells me that, I would take him out. I am not a distraction. But you get a chance to redeem yourself. (laughs)

Jack: Okay. Let me try again. I’m scared to death of heights. But with you holding firmly onto my hands; I feel cool, calm, and collected. Just don’t let go of my hands until we are at the base of the Tour Eiffel. Promise me that. (laughs)

Sue: I promise. I won’t let you fall. It’s a good thing Levi is here to protect you also. Keep your eyes on me and don’t look down below. (smiles, kiss Jack on the cheek)

Jack: Easy for you to say. I feel much better. (smiles) What about my other cheek? (laughs)

Sue: You only get one kiss. You look like you were about to faint. I took pity on you. (laughs)

Now they are looking at the gorgeous sunset. Sue signs-Wow! Have you ever seen anything so radiant? They lock eyes on each other spellbound by the moment.  A little later, Jack notices that Sue is shivering. So he takes his jacket off and puts it around her shoulders. Sue wears his jacket but it looks really big on her. It is nice, warm, and she can smell his heady cologne.

Sue: Thanks, Jack. You have very good manners.

Jack: Yeah. My mom taught me to always treat a lady right. (smiles)

Sue: I think I like your mom; I would love to meet her sometime.

Jack: Who knows, maybe you will sometime. (signature wink) Did I mention that I think you are pretty great yourself?

Jack and Sue are lost in thought thinking about each other and the almost kiss at Jardin de Luxembourg. Jack looks over at Sue and says to himself; she is the most beautiful woman in the world. I’m glad she came into my life. 

Sue: Thank you, Jack. You are the best! In fact, this whole day has been perfect.

Jack: You think I’m perfect? (gives Sue a wink and adorable smile)

Sue: Who says I’m talking about you? (teasing Jack)

Jack: If not me, then who are you talking about Ms. Thomas? Tell me and I will go punch him.  (teasing Sue)

Sue: That’s for me to know and you to figure out. But I’ll give you a hint…His name is Bruce Buchanan. (teasing Jack)

Jack: Wait a minute. I have a buddy who’s name is also Bruce Buchanan. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin. And he’s a very successful attorney. I think I’ll give him a call.

Sue: Go ahead. He won’t tell you anything. (teasing Jack, laughing)

Jack: Oh, Sue. You’re putting me on. (laughs) We have dinner reservations at Chez Mercier.

Sue: We do? When did you have time to arrange that? I was with you all day. And I thought we are going to have dinner with the group.

Jack: Well, if you want to have dinner with the group, you won’t get your surprise. (Smiles and gives Sue the look)

Sue: What surprise?

Jack: You’ll find out if you have dinner with me tonight.

Sue: Alright. I would love to have dinner with you tonight. (Smiles at Jack)

Jack: Good answer. (Laughs) Let’s go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.

Sue: Okay. You’re the boss. Sue thinking: what are you up to Jack?

Jack: Yeah, and don’t you forget it. (laughs)

Jack holds securely onto Sue’s hand as they descend all the way down with Levi blocking Jack’s view. Jack and Sue head back to the hotel holding hands. But there is no one in suite 1036. Jack looks around and sees a note on the table. It says, sorry we miss you two. Hannah got us all tickets to the theatre. So we are going to eat dinner then go to the theatre. Tara and Stanley have joined us too. We will see you two later tonight. Have fun. Don’t forget to bring Sue home before midnight, Jack. I don’t want Sue to turn into a pumpkin. Love, Lucy.

Jack: They all went to the theatre. Hope you don’t mind not going with them.

Sue: That’s fine. I’m more interested in your surprise for me than anything else.

Jack: Get ready for dinner and you will find out real soon. I think you will like it a lot.

Sue: I’m sure I will. Give me about an hour and I’ll be ready to go.

Jack: Sure thing. I’ve got to get ready also.

In the next room- Jack thinking: I’m nervous. I feel like I’m a love-struck teenager. Like I’m 15 again and going on my first date with a girl. (Laughs) Well, I am going on my first official date with Sue. I am going to give Sue her present after dinner and dance with her tonight. Boy, she is going to be so surprised.

Sue in her room- Sue thinking: Wow! I can’t believe I’m going to have dinner with Jack. Today has been one of the best days of my life. Jack is a very special man. He means so much to me. But I just wish I knew for sure how he felt about me. I don’t know what I would do without Jack in my life.  I’ve got a surprise for Jack; I can’t wait for him to open his gift. Of course just getting to spend the day with him is more than enough for me. This dinner is the icing on the cake.

NEXT