Uniform
The dim bedside light was still on when they opened their eyes, as neither had turned it off before drifting into a satisfied slumber the previous evening. Outside, the sky was just brightening, through the heavy cloud cover. It penetrated the room through the sheer curtains.
Burke held her tightly to himself, as he had all night.
He knew there was more to discuss with her regarding his job, like the trackers.
They’d get to that after she talked to Rae.
He planned to call Wilson that morning to arrange a visit, as he’d suggested.
Somehow, no issues seemed insurmountable at this point.
He smiled, experiencing a contentment he didn’t know existed.
It was that feeling that everything was right with the world that he had felt when he was with Donna and the kids, but it was more intense, a stronger feeling.
He recalled listening to the wedding vows of his teammates when they spoke of someone coming into their lives, bringing something they didn’t know was missing until it was suddenly in their lives, standing in front of them.
Yes, he completely understood that feeling now.
Donna stirred in his arms and rolled to face him. She smiled at him and stretched. Waking up in bed with him was a dream come true. “What time is it?”
“Nearly seven thirty,” he said.
She sat up. “Shit, the kids and my mom are probably already awake because of the time change.”
He wrapped his arms back around her and pulled her into himself as he lay back down. “And I’m sure your mom is taking care of the kids and has figured out we’re in here.”
“And now she’ll think I lied to her because I insisted over and over that we weren’t sleeping together,” Donna moaned.
“Until we were,” Burke said with a grin. He squeezed her tighter. “You’re okay with going public with our relationship, aren’t you?”
“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 my mom 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 if he 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.
“I just told my mom you want the kids and me to move in with you,” she said.
Burke took a seat beside Donna. “And we want you to move in with us as well. We’ll get a place with a mother-in-law suite, so you can have your own private area.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Dorthea said.
“Mom, we want you to move in with us. I haven’t told Laura Lee yet, but I know she’ll be thrilled if you lived here too so she could see you more often.”
“Oh, honey, I don’t know. I’ve never thought about leaving my home. Memories of your father and raising you and Laura Lee are there.”
“But we’re all here now, and you’ll always have your memories. Mom, please think about it. I can’t move without you.”
“Oh, sure you can, Donna,” she said.
“Dorthea, I want you here. I’m gone for work a lot.
I’ll feel better if you’re here to help Donna and the kids.
Besides, the kids are used to seeing you every week.
They’ll miss you. And I know Donna takes you to appointments.
She can still help you if you’re here. You said yourself that driving can be difficult for you. ”
“Well, maybe I’ll consider moving into a condo or something near you.”
“I know you still like to garden and sit out in your yard, Mom. I don’t think you’d be happy in a condo.”
“We’ll talk about it,” Dorthea said dismissively. “What kind of timeframe are you thinking this move will take place in?”
Burke and Donna stared at each other. They hadn’t discussed that.
Burke assumed it would be right away. “As soon as possible. I plan to go back to Virginia with you after Christmas,” he said.
“I need to set that detective straight that Donna saw.” He paused, not needing to say it aloud.
“They could move back in with me right away.”
“So soon?” Donna and Dorthea said at nearly the same time.
“Why not?” Burke said.
“Well, I can’t get packed that fast,” Donna said.
“I’ll hire packers and movers,” he said. “We’ll just have to figure out where we’ll live. I’m sure we can find a short-term rental until we find a place to buy, close on it, and can move in.”
Donna watched him shrug as if it was no big deal. “Rich, buying a place takes time.”
“Nah, not really. Several of my teammates found their place and closed on it within a month. One of them moved in two weeks after finding the place and putting in the offer. It was vacant, and he was able to rent it until closing. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find that kind of arrangement too.”
“We’ll see,” Donna said. “You haven’t even talked to a bank yet about a loan.”
“It won’t be an issue,” he said confidently. He winked and smiled at Dorthea.
***
Later that morning, they left the kids with Dorthea and drove over to the townhouse community where Wilson lived, as well as all of Alpha Team’s members except for Cooper and Madison.
They lived nearby in a subdivision of single-family homes.
Lambchop and Michaela lived across the street from Cooper’s house.
Donna would admit that she was a little nervous about meeting Rich’s boss. And she wasn’t sure what his fiancée could tell her about being with someone who did the job they did. Would she paint a rosy or bleak picture of it? And would it change her mind about being with Rich? She didn’t think so.
“This is a nice subdivision,” she said as he put the car in park in front of Wilson’s garage. It was a middle unit.
“It is. Several team members from Alpha Team live here as well.”
Donna could see herself living in a place like this. It was definitely a step up from the apartment complex she was in. This would be a much better environment for her kids. She reached out and took hold of his hand as they walked up to the door to calm her nerves.
The door opened as they reached it. A white guy with longish blond hair greeted them with a smile. “Hi. I’m glad you reached out.”
“Donna, this is my friend and team lead, Jimmy Wilson,” Rich introduced.
Wilson swung the door wide and stepped back. “Hi Donna, great to meet you. Come in.”