After lunch, I was happy to discover that Mom and Donna were both done with the sight-seeing and shopping. When we got back to the condo, I pulled out my laptop. I really do need to check my email. Donna and Mom are settled into the living room with books and coffee. It's a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
A couple hours later, Donna comes up behind me and starts rubbing my shoulders.
"Almost finished?" She asks.
Not really. There are so many positions to fill and so many resumes to read. It feels like Transition will last forever and we'll never get to start governing. But I look up into her face and realize this can wait. I have better things to do with my time now. I make a note on my legal pad so I know where to pick up later.
"This is a good stopping point." I stand up and stretch, my back cracking a little. Donna rubs it and I feel like purring. How did I get so lucky?
"What time is it anyway?" I ask without thinking, even as I look at my watch.
"Almost 4:30."
"Just about an hour until sunset. What do you think about a stroll on the beach?"
Donna smiles at me. Her tentative smile of a few weeks ago is gone. She smiles like a woman who knows she is loved and knows she is valued. It takes my breath away. I lean down and give her a long kiss.
Mom walks into the kitchen just as we pull apart.
"Don't stop on my account." She quips. I knew she'd be over the moon that Donna and I got together I just didn't expect her to be quite so vocal about it. I guess she held her peace plenty long enough.
I smile at her and give Donna another soft kiss.
"So Mom, we are thinking about a sunset stroll on the beach. Want to join us?"
"No, you kids go enjoy yourselves. Make some babies on the beach."
"Ma!"
She laughs and Donna rolls her eyes.
"I'll just get out the leftovers and start getting dinner ready while you're gone."
"Oh. I thought since it was our last night, I'd take my favorite ladies out to dinner." Plus I'm not really a big fan of leftovers.
"Fine then, I'll call for reservations."
When we get back from our walk, Mom is sitting in the living room reading. She calls out to us.
"Come in here darlings. I have something for you."
She hands Donna a small box. It's wrapped in shiny white paper and tied with a big bow. Donna's eyes light up. She says she doesn't need anything but she really does like to open presents. She takes her time, carefully untying the ribbon and gently unwrapping it. I roll my eyes. Come on! Just rip it open.
Once the box is open she pulls out a single tea cup. It looks vaguely familiar.
Donna looks at my Mom in confusion, but politely says "Thank you."
It's the family china, dear. I kept one teacup and saucer with me. The rest is in storage. I'll have it shipped to you. Donna wraps my Mom in a hug.
"Thank you so much. It's beautiful. I love it." I have no idea when we'll ever use china, but Donna seems truly happy to have it, so I'm thrilled. Then Donna says-
"But I want you to keep this cup and saucer. It will be nice knowing that you are using it too." Donna has such a big heart. She's just made my Mother's night without even trying.