STURGIS AND BOBBIE
Author's note: I hope no one is offended by "Sam's Column" at the end. It fits her character. I apologize to those who are offended.
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Meredith Cavanaugh was right on the mark when she invited Bobbie to join the Valentine's celebration. It was obvious that they cared about each other, they just needed a push. Meredith was right there to give them that push. It was the Thursday after Valentine's and Sturgis decided enough was enough.
Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar
"This is nice." Bobbie said as Sturgis held her chair for her.
"It has a splash of California about it." Sturgis commented, taking his seat.
"Valentine's was interesting." Bobbie commented.
"It certainly was. I'm glad that Mac and Harm finally admitted their feelings." Sturgis said. "I was tired of the game."
"They were made for each other." Bobbie replied.
There was an uncomfortable silence between them. They had shared some special times together and when they ended neither spoke about it. They really just drifted away from each other.
"Sturgis, how are things at JAG?" Bobbie asked breaking the silence.
"Fine, how are things on the hill?" Sturgis replied.
"Fine as well." Bobbie stated.
There was more silence as they sipped water and perused the menu. The waiter came over and took the orders: that was the most verbalizing they had done.
"Bobbie, what happened?" Sturgis asked breaking the silence.
"I don't know." Bobbie said looking in her lap.
"Bobbie, look at me." Sturgis said.
"What is it?" Bobbie asked.
"Do you love me?" Sturgis asked biting the bullet.
"What?" Bobbie asked.
"Do you love me?" Sturgis asked again.
"Where is this coming from?" Bobbie asked. "Is this because of Mac and Harm?"
"They have nothing to do with it." Sturgis replied. "This is about us."
"Sturgis, I don't know what to say." Bobbie stated.
"It's a simple question." Sturgis said.
"It is not a simple question." Bobbie laughed nervously.
"Would you feel better if I tabled this for now?" Sturgis asked.
"Yes," Bobbie replied.
"Done," Sturgis said. "You pick a topic."
"Let's get a bottle of wine." Bobbie suggested and waved the waiter over.
The waiter brought over the bottle of wine, and served them. They quietly sipped the wine and looked around the room.
"Maybe this was a mistake." Bobbie said, after 10 minutes of silence.
"I guess we're still caught up in Valentines." Sturgis added.
"That could very well be." Bobbie said.
"Bobbie, why did you join us on Valentines?" Sturgis asked.
"You try saying no to Meredith." Bobbie laughed.
"It's good to hear you laugh." Sturgis smiled.
"It's good to laugh." Bobbie replied.
All of a sudden, things were more relaxed. They continued talking and laughing, like they had so many months before.
"And you, trying to sit on the floor at that restaurant." Sturgis laughed, remembering their first date.
"That had to be the world's worst first date." Bobbie laughed.
"The next one wasn't so bad." Sturgis smiled.
"It was fun babysitting." Bobbie nodded. "Sturgis ask me again."
"Excuse me?" Sturgis asked confused.
"That question you tabled, asked me again." Bobbie smiled.
"Do you love me?" Sturgis asked.
"Yes," Bobbie said with a smile.
"Aren't you going to ask me?" Sturgis asked.
"No," Bobbie teased. "I already know the answer."
"Are you sure?" Sturgis replied.
"Do you love me?" Bobbie asked.
"Yes, I love you." Sturgis said.
"Let's go home." Bobbie said. Sturgis called for the waiter and paid the bill. Twenty minutes later they arrived at Bobbie's apartment.
BOBBIE'S APARTMENT
"Would you like some coffee?" Bobbie asked.
"Sure, we didn't have any at the restaurant." Sturgis said sitting down.
"So where do we go from here?" Bobbie asked serving coffee.
"I'm not sure." Sturgis replied. "It's taken us a long time to get here."
"Too long," Bobbie agreed.
Again an awkward silence came over them. They finished their coffee and Sturgis got up to leave.
"I guess I should get going." Sturgis said, picking up his coat.
"Sturgis, don't leave." Bobbie said.
"It's getting late." Sturgis replied.
"Stay," Bobbie encouraged.
"Are you sure?" Sturgis asked.
"Do you love me?" Bobbie asked.
"Asked and answered." Sturgis replied.
"Then stay the night." Bobbie stated.
"Bobbie, we've never spent the night together." Sturgis reminded her.
"Maybe we should change that." Bobbie said taking his hand.
The walked to the bedroom, both excited but a bit nervous. Sturgis took Bobbie in his arms and kissed her. Bobbie snaked her arms around him and returned the kiss with passion.
"Are you sure?" Sturgis asked again.
"I want you to make love to me." Bobbie whispered.
Slowly and sensually they began to help each other out of their clothes. They tried to be slow but after the first few buttons they picked up the pace. Sturgis kissed Bobbie and gently laid her on the bed. They held and caressed each other savoring every moment. The made love and the closeness they shared was exhilarating.
"Of all the dreams I've ever had, this has surpassed them all." Bobbie said resting her head on his chest.
"I could grow accustomed to this." Sturgis said, tightening is hold on her.
"I wonder why we never did this before." Bobbie laughed.
"I was wondering that myself." Sturgis replied.
"Sturgis, I want to make this work, this time." Bobbie said softly.
"I'm not going anywhere," Sturgis said, "I don't plan to."
They remained entwined in each other and drifted off to sleep. The next morning, Sturgis served Bobbie breakfast in bed, before they left for their respective offices.
On the way to her office, Bobbie called Meredith Cavanaugh to thank her again for including her in the Valentine's Celebration.
On the way to his office, Sturgis stopped at a florist. He ordered a dozen roses to be sent to Bobbie, with a card that said 'Always'. He ordered a second arrangement of choice flowers to be sent to Meredith Cavanaugh, this card simply said, 'Thank You'.
JAG OFFICES
Sturgis arrived at work with a smile, as he walked into the bullpen, he could hear Harriet reading something to the group that had gathered around her.
…I understand their point of view; they don't want to see the senseless killing of civilians in Iraq. They want a peaceful means to this situation, who doesn't? No one wants to go to war. If there could be a peaceful solution to this situation, don't you think it would be taken.
These people are expressing their right of assembly, the right to voice their opinions. I accept that. I don't agree with them, but I cannot condemn them for exercising a Constitutional right. I can question their judgment and ask them one simple question "Have you all lost your minds?"
We are fighting a war on terrorism here. We are protecting the world for the next generations. We are asking for the elimination of chemical weapons and weapons of mass destruction. We are asking that the world be safe for our children and grandchildren. Wake up.
How dare you go to Iraq and speak out against your country. How dare you denounce your President. How dare you show support for a country and its leader, a man who will infect you will a deadly virus just as easily as he would look at you. How dare you not support our military.
Where were you when the planes crashed on September 11th? You were shouting support for America. Why aren't you now? You were screaming at the government for allowing this to happen. Why are you condemning them for protecting us now? Before you plan another rally, I suggest you take a good look in the mirror. See that person starring back at you, I am ashamed of that person, why aren't you?
Now is not the time to denounce your government, now is the time to come together and show a united front to the world. We are Americans; we are members of the greatest nation in the world. We are the defenders of freedom. Support your country as your country has supported you.
As always, when you see a member of the military, active or retired, thank them. They are the reason for your freedom.
They all just stood there when Harriet finished. Sam had definite opinions and she was not afraid to express them. Each of them stood a little taller that day, aside from the fact they were military, they were personal friends with Sam and today that made them proud.
