Valentine's Day Blind Date

Chapter 1

Mike groaned in response to the stupid Valentine's Day decorations. He used to like the day, because it was one day of the year that he and Christine had really spoiled each other, even more so then their anniversary. If he was home; he would wake her up in the morning with chocolate pancakes, that had raspberries and whipped cream. She would pack his lunch for work, including little love notes and a heart shaped sandwich. It was all very silly but they loved it. Sometimes, they didn't get a babysitter, so they would feed the kids early and put them to bed, and would enjoy a steak dinner for just the two of them. Mike would grill the steaks and Christine would make the baked potatoes and salad.

If Mike was deployed; Christine would pack a little love note; with Valentine's Day written on the outside. He would also leave her a note and he always scheduled out a flower and candy delivery for her before he left. The traditions were corny but Mike loved them and now that Christine was gone; he missed a lot of the traditions that they had as a couple and as a family. Every holiday and special day just seemed stilted.

So, Mike's mood gradually got worse from Thanksgiving on, through Christmas, New Year's, Christine's birthday in January, Hannah's in February and finally Valentine's Day. Once he got out of his funk, he would cater in a lunch for his long-suffering staff, and thankfully, they seemed to understand that he was in no mood for anything. He was surprised when Kara Greene, who now served in the same office as him, marched into his office like she was on fire.

"Yes?" Mike asked.

"You are driving the staff nuts, you know?" Kara said as she sat down. Mike could remind her that he was still her CO, but she was seven months pregnant, and her mood was worse than Mike's at times.

"I know. I will have lunch catered in. Barbeque or sushi?" Mike asked.

"Barbeque with this bunch. That's not the point. What is going on with you? You've been off since Halloween, and today; you poured out an entire pot of coffee simply because it wasn't strong enough. Coffee is a hot commodity around here. Even if you didn't like it; someone would have." Kara asked.

"Ah, yes. Halloween. Lucas' birthday. Then in November; there was Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year's in December. On January 15th; Christine would have been forty-three…had she lived. On February 6th, Hannah would have been fifteen, and then there's Valentine's Day." Mike answered sourly. He didn't normally divulge that much information about his family but his mood was off, and all Kara had to do was look in his file and put two and two together.

"You know what you need? And I am saying this off the books." Kara asked.

"Of course." Mike answered.

"You need to get laid. You also need someone to go home to, but we'll just start with getting you laid." Kara said as she got up.

"Captain, that is not something I need. It was also mildly inappropriate." Mike said.

"But its true. Just trust me." Kara said before walking back out of his office. He considered calling her out for crossing a line; but he was also a little intrigued by who she had in mind. Knowing Kara, he knew she would have a plan for someone that would interest him a bit more than just in bed. Finally, he walked into her office with the pretense of delivering a file he would normally have his secretary hand over.

"Okay, say I do trust you; make sure its someone I can have a decent conversation with. Someone who will be discreet. I don't just care about getting laid. More than anything, I miss having someone to talk to." Mike admitted.

"Check and check. I actually already have it arranged. I won't go into who, but she will be wearing a red dress with black trim. You'll meet her at McGinty's at seven on Friday. She will be at the bar. What happens after is entirely up to you, but I do believe its someone who will interest you and will understand the need for discretion." Kara said.

"Reservations?" Mike asked.

"Already taken care of. All I did plan for was dinner, so after; you can do what you want. If you want to just exchange numbers, fine. If not, fine. If you choose to go back to your place or hers, fine. You are both adults, and in your case; unincumbered; unfortunately. No one will look down on you for seeking a bit of happiness. After all you've been through; you deserve it more than most. I know you miss your wife, and you loved her deeply, still do. By going out to dinner; and enjoying someone's company, you are not cheating on her. What would she want? I only met her the one time, so I didn't really know her well." Kara asked.

"She would be upset that I'm like this." Mike admitted.

"Then do something to honor her and be happy. Everyone that cares will understand and those that don't care about you don't count." Kara answered.

"Who is she?" Mike asked.

"It's a blind date. You will find out Friday night." Kara said. He knew she wouldn't relent.

"You know; I could just say that I could babysit Frankie so you and Danny can go out?" Mike said.

"You could, but that's what you always do. Danny and I have my mom. We will be fine. You on the other hand, I'm not sure your staff can survive another year of this. Having someone special won't make the bad days go away but it will make the pain less sharp. Just trust me, okay?" Kara begged.

"Alright, but if it's a disaster, you will never live it down." Mike warned.

"And if its not, I will gloat about it forever." Kara said. Mike just groaned in response. He was still on the fence about the whole thing, but he was lonely. It would be nice to have someone to talk to over a delicious steak. He doubted it would go any further.