Chapter 16
Author's Note : The rest of the story from here on out is a dream I had a couple days ago. I was daydreaming at work when suddenly I figured out how to end the story. But, it's gonna take awhile, so stick with me. More reviews please!!!
Jack was just finishing setting the table when the doorbell rang. He looked at his watch and saw that it was exactly 7 o'clock. She was punctual as usual. His 6 months old German Shepherd puppy ran barking to the door. Jack ran after him.
-Now, Homer, I know this is your first visitor, but promise me you'll behave.
The puppy wagged his tail in response as he jumped up and down in excitement.
Jack took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair and opened the door. He smiled at Sam. She was wearing a purple blouse and tight black dress pants and boy did she look great. Jack didn't get to see her out of uniform that often and when he did it was always a treat.
-You'll have to excuse Homer. He's not used to visitors, especially one so beautiful.
D'oh!! Did he say that out loud? By the looks of the gorgeous smile she gave him, yes. He no longer heard the sound of Homer barking excitedly. Jack looked down to praise him for calming down so quickly. But then he saw why he had calmed down. Homer sat licking the face of a little boy wearing a green baseball cap. Jack stared in shock and it took him a moment to realize that it was Brady. Jack looked at Sam in consternation.
-Uh…Sam…
Sam smiled.
-Don't worry.
She turned to Brady.
-Why don't you go out in the backyard with uh…Homer?
Brady grinned.
-Ok.
Jack silently pointed to the back door. Brady ran out and Homer ran after him, playfully nipping at his heels. After he was gone Jack sighed with relief.
-Sam, why the heck did you bring him?!?!?!!?
Sam frowned.
-We just got back from a shopping excursion and there wasn't time to take him back to the base.
-You took him shopping?!!?
-Yah. We also went to the park and got ice cream.
-What?!
Jack groaned.
-Sam, what were you thinking?!?!
-I was thinking that the little boy had been cooped up in the base and that he might need some fresh air. Shame on me for caring about his needs.
Jack sighed.
-Ok. Whatever. Can we just forget about Brady and eat dinner?
-Forget Brady? Sure. Since you've already done that I might as well join you.
They walked to the table, both feeling the tension and the friction between them. But all of that melted away when Sam saw the candlelit dinner on the table. She laughed lightly when she spotted steak, baked potatoes and coleslaw.
-I didn't know O'Malley's catered.
-They don't…normally. But, I told them it was as a personal favor to a two star general and that the Air Force would forever be in their debt.
Sam rolled her eyes as she sat down. Jack pushed her chair in. They heard the sound of Brady laughing. It was beautiful, melodious. The laughter of a boy who had never been allowed to play with a dog. Jack cringed. It was going to be hard to tune that out. But he would try, very hard, so that he could enjoy dinner with Sam.