“Yes, of course I am,” she said. “It will be so much easier if my mom knows you’ll be sleeping in here with me.”
“And the kids?” he asked.
“Yeah, the kids. I want them to see what a good, healthy relationship looks like. I want them to see us embracing and showing affection. I remember when I was a kid going into mymom and dad’s room in the morning and climbing into bed with them.” She smiled fondly at the memories that played through her thoughts. “My dad always hugged my mom and kissed her in front of Laura Lee and me. They loved each other, and I never doubted they did.”
Burke nodded. “My parents were the same; they still are. I want to introduce you and the kids when I video call them for Christmas. How do you feel about that?”
“Oh, it makes me just a little nervous, but in a good way. I’d love to meet your parents, Rich.”
He rolled her onto her back and pulled himself atop her. “Tomorrow night is the team Christmas party. Our office manager invited you, the kids, and your mom. I’d like you to come with me.”
“The team Christmas party,” she repeated. “I’m not sure it would be good for the kids to be at an adult event like that. Maybe they should stay home with my mom.”
“It’s not an adult event. All the kids will be there. It would be good for you to meet the other girlfriends and wives, and for the kids to meet the other kids of agency personnel. They’re all very close.”
She nodded. “Okay, so, our first official couple thing, huh?”
Burke’s smile spread. “Actually, I’d like today to be that. I plan to get a hold of my friend and team leader, Wilson, and see ifhe and Rae are free for an hour or so today. I think it would be a good idea for you to talk to her about the job. They’ve been together for about nine or ten months, long enough for Rae to have a good idea what it’s like.”
“Today? It’s the day before Christmas Eve. I’m sure they have things they want to do that don’t include us barging in on their day,” Donna said.
“Nah, I’m sure they’ll have an hour or so free,” he said. “And I have to remember to let Angel know you’re all coming to the Christmas party tomorrow night too.” He kissed her. “But first,” he said, kissing her again. He didn’t stop kissing her until they had made love.
“That’s the best way to wake up,” she said afterward.
After they showered together and dressed, they paused at the bedroom door.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked teasingly as he sensed her nervousness.
“I have wanted this for so long, Rich. And my mom adores you.” She kissed him one last time and then opened the door.
They went down the stairs together and came upon her mom sitting in the front room in the same chair. Echoing from the hallway that led to the kitchen and family room, they could hear the kids’ voices. Dorthea smiled knowingly when she saw them. “Good morning, you two.”
“Good morning, Dorthea,” Burke greeted.
“Good morning, Mom. Have the kids eaten breakfast?”
“Why, yes, we’ve been up for nearly two hours.” She smiled still. “I’m glad you two slept in.”
“Yes, thanks for taking care of them. Is the coffee still hot?”
“Yes, I kept it warm for you,” Dorthea said.
“Thank you. I’ll get us coffee, Donna,” he said and then stepped to the kitchen.
Donna went into the room and sat across from her mom. She heard the kids squeal with delight upon seeing Rich enter the kitchen. It brought a smile to her face. “Rich wants us to move here and move in with him, and I want that too, Mom,” she said quietly.
“Well, it has been over a year that you’ve had a long-distance relationship. That’s not an easy thing to maintain.”
“Well, until last night, we hadn’t,” she began but her mom interrupted her.
“Donna, honey, you don’t have to justify anything to me. Anyone with eyes can see that boy loves you and the kids. And I know you’re in love with him.”
“I am, Mom,” she said with a big smile. “And the kids love him too.”
“He’s good with them. I won’t have to worry about you.”
Burke came into the room carrying two coffee cups. He handed Donna hers.
