Chapter 23

"Yes that sounds wonderful, I would like that," she stated happily.

AJ thought a moment and then said, "It was a very beautiful bracelet your father had Gibbs give you."

"It was, and Gibbs was directed to return it the first chance he got."

"Return it? Why? It looked like it fit, unless you prefer silver or platinum."

"The material was not the issue nor the fit. My father and I do not have a very good relationship…" she paused for breath before going on, but AJ couldn't not comment.

"I am so sorry for bringing up such an upsetting subject."

"It's alright. At this point I no longer get upset. All my life my father made it clear to me that I wasn't the son he wanted and since my mother was not able to have any more children there wouldn't be any chance of another child. She died when I was born so my father raised me in an atmosphere of disapproval. It wasn't pleasant. I left as soon as I was able."

"I'm sorry that you had such a difficult childhood. But it appears that your life turned out pretty well. Wasn't your father proud of you being in the Navy and now at FBI?"

"Ummm not really. My father is General Samuel Blaze. He is Army all the way, I actually joined the Navy as an act of rebellion. He wanted me to join the Army like him," she replied.

"I'm guessing he was not happy about that," he suggested.

"Not at all," she told him.

"So on top of not being a son you were also in the Navy instead of the Army. That pretty much put the last nail in the coffin."

"Yes it did, but that was several years ago and I've come to terms with it. He's gone from my life."

"But he couldn't be that far out of your life if he sent you such a nice birthday present," AJ protested.

"Oh he is, the present was just to remind me that I killed my mother."

"Killed your mother?!" he exclaimed. "You said she died when you were born…oh no! He blamed you for her death?!"

"Bingo," she reported sadly.

"Oh Samantha I'm so sorry!"

"It's certainly no more your fault that it is mine, but try and tell a grieving husband that."

"Still, you were his child!"

"A girl child whose birth killed his beloved wife."

"But…"

"AJ," she interrupted, "I would really not like to discuss this anymore."

"Alright Samantha I'm sorry. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive AJ, honestly."

Just then their food arrived and talk was put on hold for time while they tasted their food. Conversation continued as they ate:

"How is your steak cooked?" he asked.

"It's perfect and this gravy is wonderful!"

"So is the roasted asparagus."

When they finished their meal AJ asked if she would like desert. However, she insisted she was too full to eat any more. They he mentioned the triple chocolate cheesecake that was on the menu and Sam groaned.

"How can you tempt me like that?!" she practically wailed.

"I take it then that you might like to share a slice with me if I ordered one?" he inquired with a taunting grin.

"No, I'll have a slice of my own and if I can't finish it I can take what is left home."

He laughingly called the waiter over and ordered two slices of the oh so tempting cheesecake.

Her sigh of delight as she ate it was nearly his undoing. He mentally thanked god that she could only eat half of it before asking for a to-go container.

The band had started to play just as they finished dinner so when her cheesecake was packed up, AJ asked her if she wanted to dance.

With a suddenly shy smile Sam nodded and took the hand he held out and followed him to the dance floor. They danced for nearly an hour before he caught her trying to stifle a yawn.

I should get you back home so you can head to bed," he stated leading her back to the table so she could get her cheesecake.

"As much as I hate to admit it I think you're right."

To be continued…