"What's this all about, Beej? I know you're responsible for bringing her here," he affirmed.

"Mate, chill, okay?" she wore a shit eating grin. "Of course I am. Isn't she perfect for you?"

"No, and I don't appreciate your matchmaking."

Beej just shrugged. "Give it some time. You'll see. I think its about time you met someone with a sense of humor. Bridgid has that in spades."

His eyes narrowed. "Bridgid is not what you'd call a lady."

"Sit down, Bud and Ill get you a drink. Coffee? Tea?"

"Scotch," he replied succinctly.

"Kind of early…" she stopped mid sentence. Seeing the look on his face she figured she'd comply. She moved to get him a glass of Cutty. Pouring four fingers she carried the glass to him, setting it down on the coffee table. He picked it up as if he were going to slam it down but took a sip instead.

"What makes you think I even need anyone, Beej?"

She sat down in a chair across from him. "Bud, we all need someone. Perhaps you think you're some kind of lone wolf but I know better. She's a cop you know." she affirmed.

"It's a mans job."

"Not anymore it's not. She's blonde. You like blondes."

"The color of her hair doesn't mean she'd be able to cook or anything such as that."

Beej glared at him, growling a little. "You really are a chauvinist. Bridgid Morgan is just what you need to show you that we're not all cut from the same piece of cloth."

"Well?" Beej tried to stir him some more. "What have you got to lose by asking her for a date, dinner maybe?"

He waited a moment before answering. "I suppose she has to eat, and she doesn't know many people around here… and I have to eat."

"It's settled. Go ask her, Bud."

They were both distracted by the sound of the door opening. Bud stood as the Captain entered. He extended his hand to the man.  "Captain Aubrey, nice to see you again."

"Officer White, it seems the love of my life is giving you orders now." he chuckled.  "Perhaps it leaves me off the hook for the time being." Jack motioned for Bud to sit back down. He kissed his soon to be wife, then sat beside her. "What is this all about?"

Beej winked at him then nudged her shoulder toward Bud. "He was kind enough to deliver my friend Bridgid to the Point today. I'm just telling him that he should perhaps get to know her better."

Raising his chin as he spoke, Jack simply replied with an "Ah" as he smiled at Beej. "Women; always meddling, and mine does seem to be quite the expert at it." He may have been teasing, as love filled his eyes when he looked at her. If nothing else, that may have been more convincing to Bud than Beej's prodding.

Jack spoke next, thank goodness. The air around Bud was pretty thick at the moment. "Would there be any harm to this arrangement? I am sure Joanne has your best interest at heart, Bud. She would never suggest anything that would be detrimental to your well being."

"Now you're both going to gang up on me." Bud groaned, "I'll bite. I'll ask that Morgan woman to dinner if we make it a double date."

This set the wheels turning in Beej's mind. If she and Jack agreed to this then she'd get her way. Bud would ask Bridgid on a date and then Beej and Jack could find some excuse to cancel at the last moment, leaving Bud alone with the woman. Without even waiting for Jack's reply Beej shouted. "Brilliant! How about tomorrow night?"

"Joanne, we have…" Jack started to speak but Beej shushed him. They actually did have plans for a romantic dinner by themselves tomorrow night, and they'd do that too. It was just a little white lie, so to speak.

"It's settled. Bud, go ask her now."

The cop thought for a moment. He downed the rest of his liquid courage and nodded. "Alright, I'll play along for now. Don't expect much out of this. It's just dinner."

"Yep, that's all I can ask." Beej replied. "They said their goodbyes and the moment Bud left, Beej let Jack in on the plan."

"You are a sly vixen, my love," he affirmed before kissing her soundly. "Wendell will be angry with you."

"Not for long," she replied. "He'll be too busy pulling Cupid's arrows out of his heart. I just know it."

"I am aware of that feeling," Jack whispered to her. He let her go long enough to lock the door. One of Cupid's arrows was niggling at him at that moment.

The pup barked and circled her feet as she ambled toward the door. She'd been napping and it left her looking a sight. Her hair was all over the place and she was dressed in sweats and a tee. It's not like she was going to the prom or anything, right?

"Bud. I….I wasn't expecting you. Come in, please," she swept her hair back, hoping for the best but there was no doubt in her mind that she looked pretty scary at the moment.

"Can I get you something? A drink maybe?"

"He's a little brat. I'm just getting to know him but I sense he has a thing for legs," she giggled. "What's on your mind, Bud?"

He shrugged kind of shyly. He may as well just spit it out, he thought. "You busy tomorrow night? I mean some friends of mine are going…. asked me to have dinner with them and. I thought since you just go here…well would you like to have dinner with me...uh...them….uh us tomorrow night?"

"Well, um...I ...who are your friends? I mean it doesn't matter but, um…I...if you …really want me to...go with you…and your friends of course, then um….well…yes."