Lena and Stef had, by this time, a routine. Technically, Lena still had her apartment and Stef and Brandon lived in the apartment Stef had once shared with Mike. But it was the odd night here and there that Lena spent at her own place. And then, it was usually only when Brandon was staying with Mike and Stef would stay at Lena's place. It was just easier the rest of the time to be at Stef's because all of Brandon's things were there. Stef wanted Brandon's life as simple as possible and Lena completely understood.

Lena woke before Stef for once. She was watching Stef as she slept peacefully. Lena couldn't help but smile. It was at these times that all the stress Stef often shouldered was not on her mind or her face. Lena hated the idea of waking her, as the stress would return ten fold. Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped. Stef needed to get ready to see the judge. Today was the day that the final judgment form was supposed to be signed by the judge. Stef needed to be at the courthouse by 9 am.

Lena decided that since she had to wake Stef, the least she could do was wake her in a wonderful way. She leaned into Stef and began to kiss her face. She kissed her cheek, forehead, temple, and chin and then focused on Stef's beautiful lips. Quickly, Stef began to return the kiss.

"Mmmm," Stef murmured. "You can wake me up like that any day," she purred.

"Well I will definitely take you up on that. Right now, though, you need to get ready."

Stef nodded and threw off the blankets. She sat up, stretched, and stood. She grabbed the clothes she had set out the night before and made her way to the bathroom. Lena heard the shower turn on.

She wasn't going with Stef. It was definitely a task that Stef needed to do alone. Lena had her own task to attend to. Now that the divorce would be final, Lena wanted to ask Stef if they could live together. She knew Stef wanted Brandon's life to stay consistent so she didn't mind that the apartment had once had Mike in it. She knew that Brandon's comfort was more important than finding a new place at this point. Lena wanted Brandon to also get to stay in the home he knew. She knew that they would have their own place one day. Unfortunately, Lena didn't think Stef would think to ask her to move in because Lena pretty much lived there. So Lena had a plan…

Lena took Brandon to Sharon's house. "Thanks for taking him today,"

"Of course!" Sharon replied with glee. "I love any chance I get to spend time with my handsome grandson." Sharon ruffled Brandon's hair lovingly.

"Grandma!" Brandon groaned. "Did you know that I kept a secret from Mommy?" Brandon whispered conspiratorially to Sharon.

"You did?" Sharon asked, eyes wide, "What secret?"

"That I was coming to spend the night with you! Lena is making a surprise for Mommy," Brandon explained.

"You know, she told me the same thing and I kept the secret too! Are you ready for a fun day and night with me?"

"Yup! What are we gonna do?"

"Well, now if I told you it would ruin the surprise!" Sharon winked at Brandon and then her focus returned to Lena. "We will see you both tomorrow. Have a wonderful time."

Lena knew a dismissal when she heard one and she needed to be on her way anyhow. She had a few stops to make before going back to the apartment.

"By B," Lena waved quickly. Brandon shot forward and hugged Lena around the waist. Lena smiled. She loved this little boy very much.

XXXX

Lena waited impatiently for Stef to return. It was about 1:30 and she expected Stef any time. In the living room, Lena had set up a table with flowers, candles and a beautiful halibut steak and lemon rice dinner. Sure, she knew it was actually closer to lunchtime, but she had to make do with the time she had. She had told Stef not to eat lunch and she hoped that Stef had listened. She was also wearing a beautiful black dress. One she knew Stef loved on her. One Stef also loved off her, Lena thought with a smirk.

Finally, Lena heard Stef's key in the door. She stood and smoothed out her dress one final time. Stef opened the door and when she saw Lena a smile filled with love and relief crossed her face. Then her eyes took in the set up and curiosity lit her eyes.

"What is this?" she asked.

"Well, I just wanted to do something special to mark this day." Lena explained.

"Are we alone?"

"We are. Brandon is at your mom's house."

"You talked to my mom?" Stef asked with a hint surprise.

"Well, yes I had to. It was a little awkward I admit. But really, she is pretty great."

By now, Stef was directly in front of Lena. She pulled Lena into her arms. "You look beautiful," she whispered. And then Lena felt Stef's lips upon her own. Lena kissed her ardently in return.

Lena finally pulled back. "The food will get cold," she explained.

"Oh alright. We should eat. I am starving." The women sat down at the table. "This looks wonderful."

Halfway through the meal Lena began another conversation. "Have you noticed that I barely ever stay at my own house?"

"Well, I am glad because I find my bed much more wonderful with you in it."

"I was thinking it would be better if I was always in your bed," Lena blushed as she said it. When she decided to ask, it didn't feel this forward. Now, it seemed so presumptuous. What if Stef wasn't ready, she wondered. Her thoughts started flying a mile a minute. She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost missed Stef's reply.

"You would want to move in here and give up your place? Your place is so nice and this place is not as nice," Stef asked in surprise.

"I already do live here. I love being with you and with Brandon. It would just be easier to have my stuff here. I don't want to rush you, I know this is fast, but it seems so ridiculous to pay rent somewhere else when I spend one or two nights a month there. I know I will be with you forever, so why wait?"

"I agree," Stef said.

"And I know you don't want to move Brandon just yet. This is his home. Until we buy a house, he should be in the home he knows," Lena continued not hearing Stef.

"Lena, I agree. I would love to have you here always. I wanted to ask you awhile ago, but I thought I was rushing it too much."

"Haven't you ever heard the iconic lesbian joke?"

"What joke?" Stef asked curiously.

"What does a lesbian bring to a second date?"

"I don't know, what?"

"A U-Haul."

Lena saw Stef think about this for a second and then a smile grew on her face with understanding. "So what you are saying is that it isn't too early."

"It seems like just the right time," Lena grinned.

By now, the food was eaten. Stef looked at Lena and Lena could see the desire written all over her face. "Since we have the house all to ourselves…" Stef left the thought hanging. Lena just smiled in return and stood from the table; stretching a hand out to Stef.

Lena led Stef back to Stef's bedroom… No, she thought, to our bedroom.