Title: "As Time Goes By"
Disclaimer, Summary, etc. - As in Part 1
Part 5 of 8
**
"You just put this in here so that I won't show this book to anyone, didn't you?" Donna asked, grinning at Josh. "You don't want me to really out you as a romantic."
"Hey, feel free to show everyone the book, but I think when they see that page they're gonna know who the real romantic is in this relationship," Josh smirked.
Donna looked back down at the book. The page she was looking at contained an e-mail she'd written to Josh, her first ever attempt at a 'love letter'.
*Flashback*
They had been dating for two months. Josh was going to London with CJ, Toby and the President for a meeting with the British Prime Minister. The only assistants going were Carol and Bonnie, along with two of the President's assistants. It was felt that Donna should stay behind, so that there was no danger of the trip being overshadowed by rumors about Josh & Donna staying in the same room while on business, and to prevent the chance of them being followed around everywhere.
They were only going to be gone for around three days and two nights; they were due to leave D.C. at 1pm on the Monday, arriving in London around midnight local time (7pm D.C. time). Tuesday would be spent in meetings, as would most of Wednesday. They would leave London around 7pm on the Wednesday, arriving back in D.C. around 8pm, local time.
It was almost the first time Josh and Donna had been apart for more than a night since they got together and neither of them was looking forward to it. They were due to leave to board Air Force One at 12:30pm and, for once, the President was going to be on time. Josh called Donna into his office at 12:15pm and closed the door behind her as she entered.
"What's up?" Donna asked. Josh stood in front of her and she decided to remain standing as well.
He let out a long sigh and looked at her intently. "I just wanted to say again that I'm sorry you can't come with us," he replied.
"That's okay, Josh," Donna said, smiling at him, "I understand the reasoning behind it. Besides, it's only two days of meetings and I'm really not needed."
"You are needed," Josh replied seriously, taking both her hands in his, "by me. I'm going to miss you." His tone conveyed such honesty and emotion that Donna felt her breath catch a little.
"Oh, Josh," she said, letting go of his left hand and using her right hand to trace his jawline, "I'm going to miss you as well, like you wouldn't believe. But…it's only for a couple of nights, I'm sure we'll survive." She tried to smirk, but Josh knew she was trying to convince herself of her statement as well as him.
He pulled her into a hug. "I love you," he stated quietly. She pulled back a little, looked deep into his eyes and then kissed him gently. Their arms immediately went around each other's waists, but Donna soon stepped back.
"You have to get going, Josh. I don't want to get a bad reputation for not being able to get you out of here on time." Although she was trying to be humorous, her husky voice gave her away. She stepped around him to pick up his backpack and overnight bag from the floor. "Your suit bag is already on its way to the plane by the way, just in case you were wondering," she smirked.
He shrugged in response. "I wasn't, I knew you'd take care of it…take care of me; you always do." The look in his eyes was intense and Donna grabbed his coat from the rack and handed it to him, trying to avoid his gaze before her emotions overcame her. He put it on and she then handed him his backpack and bag. He gave her another quick kiss before exiting his office. Donna stood in the doorway watching his retreating back until he was fully out of sight.
*
Donna had instructed Josh not to call her on the Monday night after he arrived at the hotel. She told him to go straight to bed so that he would be refreshed for his meetings the following day. He had been sorely tempted to ignore her and call anyway but, in the end he knew she was right; he was tired after the plane trip and knew that if he called her they'd end up talking on the phone for hours.
He called her in the office on the Tuesday and they spoke briefly about work-related items, such as some statistics he needed her to fax over to him, but he was too busy, and too crowded, to talk about anything else. His meetings didn't finish until nearly 11pm on the Tuesday night and by the time he got back to his hotel and picked up the phone to call Donna he realized he would be too late to catch her. She had told him that she was going out with Margaret & Ginger that night and they were going for dinner at 6pm before catching a movie. He kicked himself for not making time to call her earlier, but there was nothing he could have done about it. Before climbing into bed, he took out his wallet and smiled at the photo of Donna he kept there.
*
The next round of meetings was due to start at 10am on the Wednesday and Josh woke fairly early; in all honesty, he hadn't slept very much the previous night. Once he had showered and dressed, he switched on his laptop so that he could check his personal e-mail account. He wasn't expecting any mail, but he wanted to use it to send one to Donna. They had agreed that they wouldn't use their White House accounts to communicate about anything personal and he knew that she always checked her private account before she left for work and after she returned home. It was 7am in London, meaning it was 2am in D.C.
As soon as he signed on, his e-mail inbox chimed. He opened it up and found an e-mail from Donna, written and sent only a few minutes before. He frowned when he realized it meant that she was still awake at that time but also smiled, as he was glad to hear from her. His heart began to race as he read the body of the message.
***
Josh,
I know you're going to see what time I sent this at and ask me why I wasn't asleep so I might as well tell you the reason now – I can't sleep because I'm not in your arms. (Stop grinning by the way!) I found it difficult to sleep last night, although I managed a few hours, but tonight, it's impossible. I went out with Margaret & Ginger and had a good time - I'd hoped to tire myself out so that I'd sleep, but my plan backfired. When I got home and climbed into bed, I looked at the photos of us that I keep on my nightstand and I couldn't stop thinking about you. I desperately wanted to call you, but didn't think you'd appreciate being woken in the early hours of the morning.
Things have been really weird in the office for me without you around. Although you've been away before, this is the first time since our relationship changed. I guess I am now more aware of all the little things that contribute to us on a daily basis. No-one's been bugging me to bring them coffee, no-one's been yelling at me…I miss you!" Josh immediately thought to himself 'I'm da man!' then continued to read, rolling his eyes and grinning as he saw her next comment. (Now stop saying "I'm Da Man"!!!)
By the way, I'm not going to come and pick you up from the airport when you get back tomorrow (or rather, later today). I know I said I would, but there's a good reason as to why I've changed my mind…I don't think CJ would appreciate it if all Thursday's papers carried pictures of me jumping you at the airport!! You're due back around 8pm so go by the White House, pick up your car and drive to your apartment…I'll be here waiting to welcome you home in a way I'm sure you'll appreciate. :-)
Anyway, you're probably reading this before going down to breakfast, so I'm gonna stop typing now; I want you to eat properly, you're going to need your strength! (And you can interpret that in any way you want, i.e. your meetings…or tonight!)
I love you,
Donna
***
Josh glanced at the clock beside the bed, it was only about ten minutes since she'd written the email. He seriously considered calling her right then, but figured the ringing phone might wake up her roommate and then he'd get moaned at next time he saw Nadine. He also figured Donna would complain about his intention to not eat breakfast so he decided not to call, but vowed to call her later in the day, at the office.
*
"Josh Lyman's office." Donna grinned to herself; for once she was actually in his office when she said that.
"Hey, it's me."
"Josh?" Donna replied, a smile appearing on her face. "Do you need something?" Her tone betrayed her, she was obviously hoping that he'd only called to say hello and not to talk about something for work.
"Not really, I just wanted to hear the sound of your voice," he admitted, his tone making Donna smile even more.
"Where are you?"
"I'm waiting to board the plane, not long until I'm home," he replied, excitement in his voice. "I read your e-mail by the way," he said after a moment of silence.
"Yeah?" she replied quietly; he could almost feel her blushing.
"Yeah, it made my day. By the way, I can yell down the phone if you're missing it that much," he offered with a chuckle.
"Hey! I said it was weird without you yelling, not that I missed it!"
He laughed more loudly. "I missed you too, you know. I couldn't sleep either," he admitted quietly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, just ask Toby if you don't believe me."
She let out a sigh of confusion. "Why Toby?"
"Well…" Josh stammered a little before admitting in a sheepish voice, "his hotel room shared a wall with my room, and…well, when I couldn't sleep last night I turned the TV on to watch CNN. Apparently I had it on pretty loud, or so I found out when Toby hammered on my door. He said he'd been hammering on the wall for ten minutes, but I didn't hear him."
Donna burst out laughing. "Josh, you really are quite pitiful sometimes." She was still laughing at him.
"I don't know what you're laughing at, Toby knows it's your fault that I couldn't sleep, so he's blaming you," he stated, trying to sound serious.
"I really don't think Toby will blame me, Josh. Anyway, he should really blame himself," she replied.
"Yeah? Why's that?" Josh sounded intrigued.
"Well, if he'd let me come along on the trip instead of pointing out all the possible problems and dissuading us from the idea, you would have slept…I'd have tired you out to make sure of that," she said, making her voice sound very seductive as she finished speaking.
"Okay, you really need to stop speaking like that, Donna," Josh said.
"Why?"
"Because, I'm kind of in public here, the President just arrived."
Donna grinned on the other end of the phone. "Really? Oh, well I guess I shouldn't tell you that I love you and ask you to say that you love me then, should I?" She was taunting him now and she could tell that he was pacing around on the airstrip, probably trying to find some privacy.
"You don't need me to say that, Donna, you already know it," he replied, trying to think of a way to quickly change the subject.
"That's not the point, Josh, you have to say it every now and then." She was trying to sound stern.
He was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Alright…I love you, Donna." His voice was extremely gentle and full of emotion. "I've missed you so much the last couple of days."
"That's better," she replied, humor in her voice. "You'll get your reward tonight."
"Okay, I really have to go now…CJ heard what I said and is now telling everyone, the Press Corps are taking notes; oh God, I'm never gonna live this down."
"But I'm worth it, right?" She laughed as she imagined his deer-in-the-headlights look.
"Yeah, you are," he replied huskily after a moment. "I'll see you tonight." He hung up the phone and boarded the plane, eager to return home.
*
Donna burst out laughing when Josh got home that night. He had opened his apartment door quietly, wanting to surprise her, only to find that she was already in the bedroom waiting for him. He opened the bedroom door and she saw him, standing in the doorway, with a red rose gripped between his teeth. When he saw her lying in his bed he moved towards her, sat on the edge of the bed and leaned in to kiss her, passing the rose to her mouth with his tongue.
"It's Wednesday," he replied to her unspoken question. "You get a rose on Wednesdays." He made the statement so simply that it took Donna's breath away and she put her arms around his neck, preferring to speak through actions rather than words. The rose quickly made its way to the nightstand.
*End of Flashback*
"I can't believe you kept this," Donna said, looking from the e-mail to Josh. He smiled at her and shrugged. "I didn't even know you knew how to use the print function on your computer." She grinned at the mock-offended look on his face.
"What would you say if I told you I got Sam to print it for me?" he asked, raising his eyebrows at her questioningly and keeping his tone neutral, so she couldn't interpret whether he was being serious or not.
She sent him a glare. "You had better be kidding!"
"I am! Do you really think I would share this with anyone else? I don't want to share you, never mind our private communications," he replied honestly. He kissed her forehead and then looked back at the e-mail, reading it over again.
"Can I look at the next page, or are you still reading?" Donna asked, amused at the wistful smile on Josh's face while he was reading.
He smiled at her. "You can keep going."
The next page showed a photo of Josh sitting in between Donna's parents on the couch in his apartment.
"That was a good weekend, unbelievably," Donna remembered, grinning slightly, but her tone tinged with disbelief.
Josh grinned at her. "Yeah, it was."
*Flashback*
Donna entered Josh's office late on a Tuesday night and closed the door behind her.
"Hey," she said quietly.
He looked up at her. "Hi, what time is it?" he asked, not even bothering to look at his own, unreliable watch.
"A little after 10."
Josh raised his eyebrows, he hadn't realized it was so late. "So, you've come to drag me out of the office, huh?" he smirked.
"No, well, yeah, but first, um, what are you doing next weekend?" she said cryptically.
"Next weekend?" he replied, furrowing his brow in confusion.
"Yes, you know, the weekend after the one at the end of this week."
"Umm, I don't know. Working I guess. Why? Do you have plans for us?"
"Kind of," she stated, not giving any more away.
"K, do you want to maybe elaborate a little. Although, I can tell you now, if your plans involve staying in bed all weekend, then I'm all for it." He sat back in his chair and grinned at her.
She rolled her eyes in response. "Well, actually…um…well, my mom called me today. She and my dad want to come visit us that weekend." Donna sounded nervous and Josh grinned at her again.
"Is she gonna bring the embarrassing childhood photos of you for me to see?"
"No!"
"Well, that's okay. Once she gets here I'll just ask her to mail them down to me once she gets back home."
"No, you won't. Anyway, is it okay if I take that weekend off?" she asked rather hesitantly.
"The whole weekend?" He seemed a little incredulous. "I don't know, Donna…I can't promise anything, it depends what's going on, you know what it's like."
"Okay…as long as I can at least spend a couple of hours with them it'll be okay. I'll book them into a hotel nearby, they can go look round the sights on their own if I'm working and then I can catch up with them when I have a spare hour."
"Why don't you have them stay with you?" Josh asked. "That way, at least you can see them at night and in the mornings, I doubt we'll be working really long hours unless there's an emergency."
"There's no room at my place, Josh," she replied, shaking her head. "I can't exactly kick Nadine out and I really don't want to sleep on the couch. Besides, they're here to see us, not just me. At least if they are staying nearby we can both go and see them on the way home from work."
"Well, why don't they stay with me?" Josh offered with sincerity in his voice.
Donna looked at him incredulously. "Josh, much as I appreciate the offer, and I honestly do, I don't think you being alone with my parents is such a good idea, do you?"
"Worried they might let some secrets slip?" he laughed. "Seriously though, I meant that they and you should stay with me. They can have the guest room and you'll be with me."
"Okay, I'll talk to them about it…if you're sure?" He nodded and smiled warmly, standing up from his desk and giving her a hug. "I'll call my mom tomorrow and suggest it," she said, her tone grateful.
*
"So, Donna's parents are visiting this weekend, huh?" Sam asked Josh as they walked back from Senior Staff.
"Yeah, Donna's picking them up from the airport tonight," Josh replied. Sam looked a little surprised.
"You're not going with her?" They had reached Sam's office and they both entered.
"Nah, I thought she'd want some time with them on her own."
Sam closed the door. "Did she say that?"
"No, but I'm right, aren't I?" Josh now sounded a little unsure.
"I don't know, Josh. I think she'd want you there, she has said they're coming to see both of you, not just her. She's maybe hoping you'll offer to go with her," Sam suggested.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll talk to her."
"So, are you both taking the weekend off?"
Josh shook his head. "No, there's some stuff I need to do. I won't need Donna to be here all the time though…although she says she'll page me and get me to call her on her cellphone if she needs me to help her escape from her parents." They both laughed as Josh left the office.
*
Donna's face split into a smile as soon as she saw her parents come through the 'Arrivals' area of the airport. Josh felt her grip his hand even tighter and he grinned at how excited she was. As much as she complained about her parents, she did love them and miss them. He knew she desperately missed her niece as well. She had decided not to go home for Christmas again, preferring to spend it with Josh, who had to stay in D.C. to work. Since she hadn't made it back home for Thanksgiving either, it meant it was a while since she'd seen her family. It was now nearly the end of January and Josh had made a New Year's Resolution that he would make sure she spent more time with her family, even though it would mean her being apart from him while she was in Wisconsin.
"How are you, sweetheart? It's good to see you," Donna's mom said, enveloping her daughter in a hug. Her husband waited patiently for them to break apart and then copied his wife's actions. Josh stood off to the side a little, watching the family reunion and smiling.
"Mom, Dad, you remember Josh?" Donna said, grabbing Josh's hand and pulling him towards them.
"Of course we do, how are you, Josh?" Donna's mom asked, turning to him and smiling.
"I'm good, Mrs Moss, how are you?"
"I'm great, now that I'm getting to see my little girl again." Donna blushed and Josh grinned at her. "And please, we are not Mr and Mrs Moss; you're making our daughter happy, so you can call us Annette and Ben."
"Okay," Josh replied, smiling. "But, what happens if I'm not making her happy, what do I call you then?" he asked, laughing a little. Donna rolled her eyes.
"Let's just assume that we'll never need to find that out," Ben responded. "For your sake, you'd better hope we don't." Both Donna and Annette rolled their eyes at the testosterone display in front of them. Ignoring the 'men', they grabbed the luggage and started to walk towards the exit. Ben immediately grabbed a suitcase from his wife, but Josh just let Donna carry the other one, sticking to his usual routine, until he saw Annette raising her eyebrows. He then took the other case from Donna.
"You know, if you guys being here means Josh is actually going to start being chivalrous, you can stay forever," Donna quipped. Josh sent her a mock-glare and led the way to his car.
*
"Just make yourselves at home," Josh told Donna's parents after they had been given the guided-tour of his apartment. Josh and Donna left Annette and Ben in the guest room to unpack, while they went into Josh's room to change out of their work clothes. Donna had remembered to pack a bag with some stuff to wear while her parents were staying; she didn't want to move her stuff out of the guest room and into Josh's room. For some reason she knew that would have made her feel like she was moving in more permanently and she wasn't ready to do that. Instead, she intended to take the stuff she had in his room home after her parents were gone.
*
The four of them re-assembled in the living room, having all taken the opportunity to change.
"What do you want to do about dinner?" Donna asked her parents, who were now sitting on the couch. Donna was sitting in the armchair near her mom and Josh was standing behind her chair, resting his hands on the back of it.
"Whatever you want, sweetheart," Annette replied. "What do you normally do for dinner?"
Donna glanced up at Josh and grinned at him. They both replied in unison, "Take out!"
Annette rolled her eyes and shook her head at them both. "Honestly, one's as bad as the other. I thought you told me you were trying to get Josh to eat more healthily, Donna?" Her tone conveyed more of a statement than a question and Donna remained silent, realizing she had just been caught out and Josh was going to call her on it.
"What?" Josh blustered. "What's that supposed to mean? What's wrong with what I eat?" he demanded loudly, inquisitively looking down at Donna.
"You mean, besides the fact that you eat like you're still in college?" she smirked.
"Hey!" Josh tried to act wounded, but Donna just grinned at him and turned back to look at her mom.
"Donna, you really can't insult Josh like that when you just admitted that you are also eating take-out regularly," Annette admonished.
"Yeah, but mom, I order and eat healthy stuff, while Josh stuffs his face with the greasiest thing he can order off the menu." She looked back up to find Josh glaring at her. She grinned at him again and then resumed her conversation. "I really can't be bothered cooking tonight, mom, why don't we just order in?"
"Why don't I cook?" her mom offered. "I know you've been working all day, I really don't mind." Annette quickly noticed a guilty look on Josh's face and gave him a quizzical look.
"Um, there might be a problem with that," he stated, causing the three other people in the room to raise their eyebrows at him. "There's not actually any decent food in the refrigerator. I was gonna go to the store while Donna met you at the airport but…" Donna rolled her eyes at him.
"You," she said, standing up and moving to the back of the chair so she was now facing him, "are hopeless."
"Pizza anyone?" Josh asked, avoiding Donna's eyes and looking hopefully to her parents. Annette and Ben both grinned at him.
"As long as it's pepperoni," Ben replied. Josh sported a wide grin and nodded rapidly.
*
The pizza arrived – a large pepperoni for Josh and Ben to share and a Vegetarian one for Donna and Annette. Donna handed plates to them all to put their pizza slices on as they ate and Josh gave her a curious look. Donna sent him a look that said 'Josh, my parents are here, I want to look respectable' and he remained silent. They chatted while eating, catching up on each other's news. Annette quizzed Donna about how many dates she and Josh had actually been on and Josh looked extremely guilty when Donna replied that there hadn't been that many due to the hours they worked.
Donna informed her parents that she and Josh had to go into the office the following day, however, it would be a Saturday, so they only intended to be there from 11-3. She suggested that her mom and dad look around some of the D.C. sights, since it had been a while since their last visit. They agreed that this would be a good idea and they all planned to meet up again at 3:15, outside the North Entrance to the White House. However, Josh would drop them off at the back of the Lincoln Memorial in the morning as he drove himself and Donna to work. With their plans made, all four of them headed off to bed.
*
"Donna?" Josh's tone was slightly hesitant as he spoke to her. They had just climbed into bed and both were reading over some work documents, trying to cut down the amount of work they'd have to do in the office the next day. She lowered the paperwork onto her duvet-covered lap and turned to give him her full attention.
"Yes, Josh?"
He looked into her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking again. "I…I'm sorry we haven't had many dates," he said in a truly apologetic tone.
Donna furrowed her brow. "Huh?"
"Well, when you told your mom earlier that we hadn't been out on many dates…I'm sorry. I really hadn't realized how few there have been; I guess because we pretty much spend all our time with each other anyway. I should have made more of an effort to spend time away from the office with you though, I'm sorry." Donna decided to end his apology speech there. She placed her hands on either side of his face, using her thumbs to rub the corners of his mouth.
"Josh, it's okay. I don't really mind not going out on dates with you, all I want is to be able to spend quality time with you. Although we're not doing that in the traditional sense, i.e. going out to dinner a lot and going to the movies, etc. we still have our 'alone' time. We might be spending part of that at work, late at night, but it doesn't matter." She was willing him to realize that she meant it, she really didn't mind. Finally, after taking a few moments to process what she'd said, he gave her a warm smile and kissed her gently.
"So, you're happy?" he asked, his tone still unsure. "Honestly?"
"Honestly," she replied seriously, nodding at him. "I've never been happier, Josh. I love you." She decided that the best way to get rid of his uncertainty was to kiss him again, which she did.
"Okay, Donna," Josh said breathlessly a few minutes later, "we need to stop this and go to sleep now." His tone showed his reluctance to follow his own advice and Donna looked at him quizzically. "Remember, your parents are in the guest room. You'll be the one embarrassed in the morning, not me," he grinned. She rolled her eyes but smiled, conceding his point. Josh placed the papers he'd been reading onto his nightstand, and Donna placed her documents on the floor beside the bed. She moved down the bed a little so that she could place her head on Josh's chest. He wrapped an arm around her, using his other hand to turn off the light.
*
Annette and Ben were waiting for them when Josh and Donna emerged from the White House. They were a few minutes late, due to Josh deciding at the last minute that he needed to take a file home with him; a file that was buried under a pile of other files on his desk.
"So, where are we going then?" Ben asked his daughter, throwing an arm around her shoulders. Josh's face fell a little as he realized that Ben had just usurped his intentions. Annette noticed this and quickly threaded her right arm through Josh's left, the two of them falling into step behind Donna and her father.
"Well," Donna replied, loudly enough so that Josh and her mother could also hear, "I had been going to suggest that we went to one of the Smithsonian museums, but…well, we now need to have an early dinner before we go out tonight. I've booked the restaurant for 6, so we'd probably be best heading home to shower and change so that we're ready in time."
"Why did you make such an early dinner reservation?" Josh asked from behind her, clearly confused.
"So that we can be at the Kennedy Center for 8," she replied simply, confusing Josh even more.
He could sense that she wasn't going to reveal any more, but he decided to ask anyway. "Why are we going to the Kennedy Center?"
Donna stopped walking and turned around to look at him. "Why do people usually go to the Kennedy Center, Josh?" It was meant to be a rhetorical question, but Josh couldn't help the sarcastic comment.
"I dunno, do they go there to watch the Mets?"
Donna rolled her eyes. "You got your little Mike Piazza 'dude' fantasy going on there again, Josh?" she grinned. "Cos seriously, it's never gonna happen." Josh glared at her, but Donna just laughed at him and resumed walking.
*
Donna stayed with her parents while Josh collected his car from the White House parking lot. He brought the car around to the street and drove them all home. It was agreed that Donna would take the first shower, since her hair took so long to dry, followed by Annette, then Ben and, lastly, Josh.
When Donna returned to Josh's bedroom, she was surprised to find him lying on his bed, arms folded behind his head, as if he was waiting for her. She had seen her mom enter the bathroom as soon as she left it and had passed her dad sitting on the couch in the living room.
"Hey," Josh said as she closed the door.
"Hi," she replied, giving him a curious look. "Why are you here?" she asked plainly. Josh gave her a mock-hurt look.
"Umm, because I live here," he responded, a slight smirk forming on his face.
"I meant, why aren't you sitting out there keeping my dad company?" she asked, rolling her eyes at him and waving in the direction of the living room.
"Oh, is he out there?" Josh sounded surprised. "Sorry, I didn't realize. He went into the guest room with your mom while you were in the shower, so I came through here. I was going to get my change of clothes ready for tonight, but then realized I don't know how formal I need to be. Care to fill me in now?"
"Well, we're having dinner at the Chinese place we went to on my birthday," she replied.
"And then?" Josh was now sitting up on the bed, staring at her. He couldn't make up his mind if she was being evasive just to mess with his head, or if it was because he wouldn't like what she was going to say.
"And then we're going to the Kennedy Center, as I already said," she replied nonchalantly.
Josh groaned loudly. "Doooooonna," he whined, again loudly, getting off the bed and standing in front of her. "I need to know what we're going to see so I can figure out what to wear. I mean, is it the Symphony, something really formal, or what?" His tone was showing mild desperation now, he didn't like being kept in the dark, his curiosity always got the better of him, as Donna well knew.
"Look, just wear a pair of khakis and a casual shirt and you'll be fine," she replied, starting to brush her hair and avoiding his continued stare.
"Fine, but if this turns out to be something I hate, you're gonna regret it, Miss Moss; you've been warned," he replied. There was no malice in his tone, only teasing. She rolled her eyes at him and grinned behind his back as he removed the clothes she had suggested from his closet.
*
Josh returned from the bathroom after his shower to find Donna getting dressed, her hair now dry. He didn't close the door behind him properly, not being used to having guests in his apartment, but neither of them noticed the door still being slightly ajar. Donna's clothes were laid out on the bed next to his and, as he lifted his shirt, he noticed the Kennedy Center tickets lying beside Donna's pants.
"Oh no, you've got to be kidding. We're not going to see this, are we?" Josh asked in a whiny voice, lifting up one of the tickets. Donna raised her eyebrows. "Donna," he said warily, "you really can't be serious. You don't expect me to sit and watch 'Shear Madness', do you? I mean… it's dumb." Donna glared at him, just managing to resist becoming angry and raising her voice; she was hurt that he had taken such a flippant attitude to something she had taken time to plan and was really important to her, i.e. an evening out with her parents.
"Josh, firstly, it's not dumb, it has been running in D.C. for 14 years to great reviews. Secondly, we're going because my dad has always wanted to see it, I thought I would surprise him. I'm sorry if you feel you won't like it, but I think you will. Please, at least give it a chance." She looked at him seriously, trying to convey she didn't want to fight with him about it. He stared back at her in silence for a few moments, finally letting out a long sigh.
"Okay, I'll go…but I'm only doing this for you," he replied, his tone showing his total lack of enthusiasm.
In the living room, Ben Moss was smiling to himself. He'd heard the last few comments in the exchange between his daughter and Josh through the slightly open door, ever since Josh had started whining. Although he had met Josh before and liked and respected him, he had been slightly worried when Donna said she had started dating him. He was concerned about the fact that Josh was her boss. He had worried that Donna might somehow be a little subservient outside of the office, as well as inside it. However, listening to their conversation, he realized he couldn't have been further from the truth. He'd seen that afternoon how easily Donna could mess with Josh's mind and now he had agreed to do something he obviously didn't want to, just to please her. Ben wasn't sure what he was more pleased about; the fact that Donna was obviously able to control him when she wanted to, or the fact that Josh let himself be controlled by her because he so obviously loved her and wanted to make her happy.
*
The four of them were sitting in the third row of seats in the audience; Josh was on Donna's left, with Ben on her right and Annette next to her husband. Donna grinned as she noticed the tears of laughter rolling down Josh's face, especially when the inevitable political jokes were cracked.
"Did you hear that?" Josh asked, elbowing Donna in the ribs.
"Yes, Josh, I did," she replied quietly, trying to make him realize how loud his voice had just been. "I'm sitting right here watching and listening to the show as well, you know, or at least I would be listening to it if you would shut up." He got the point and settled back down, soon heaving with laughter again.
*
As the interval arrived, everyone made their way into the foyer area of the roof level. Ben and Annette said they would buy everyone drinks and Josh took the opportunity to go to the bathroom. When he returned he found that Ben and Annette were still in the line for drinks, but Donna wasn't there. He looked around and quickly spotted her standing outside on the edge of the roof terrace, her back to him.
"Hey," he said gently, walking up beside her and placing his hands next to hers on the railing.
"Hi," she responded, keeping her gaze on the D.C. skyline.
"I'm sorry," Josh said quietly. She turned to look at him, but remained silent. "You were right, I am enjoying the show, it's hilarious."
"That wasn't what I was upset about, Josh," she replied, looking back out to the night again.
"I know," he said, turning so that his right side was against the railing. He placed his right hand over Donna's. "I should have trusted you, your choices and decisions. I also shouldn't have acted like a brat. I'm sorry." His tone showed his sincerity and Donna removed her right hand from under his, turning to face him and grabbing his left hand with her now free right hand.
"Thank you," she said. He slipped his right hand around her waist and kissed her forehead gently. She released his left hand, allowing it to also go around her waist, and she placed her arms around his neck. "So, you're going to trust all my decisions from now on, without question?" she asked him mischievously, her face mere millimeters from his.
"Probably not," he admitted, "but only because when we argue it gives us a chance to make up." Donna rolled her eyes, but quickly stopped as Josh placed a gentle kiss on her lips. They broke apart and turned back to look at the skyline. Josh kept his left arm around her waist and she leaned her head on his left shoulder.
"It's beautiful out here at night," Donna commented quietly, a sigh escaping her lips.
"It's beautiful wherever you are, Donnatella," Josh replied huskily, placing a light kiss on the side of her head. They were stopped from any further communication by the arrival of her parents, accompanied by the 'interval act' that was a key part of the show.
*
None of them were really that tired when the cab dropped them off at Josh's apartment after the show. Josh surprised Donna's parents by automatically making cocoa for them all, causing Donna to laughingly explain that it was something of a routine with them; he always made them cocoa if they were getting home late but still weren't tired, as it helped them sleep. Annette and Ben sat on the couch while Josh and Donna shared one of the armchairs, Donna practically sitting on Josh's lap and their heads touching. They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't notice the look passing between their guests.
"What time do you have to be at work tomorrow?" Annette asked once they had all finished their cocoa and were standing up to go to bed. Donna looked at Josh for clarification, since she wasn't really sure herself.
"Well, actually," Josh replied, a smug smile on his face, "we don't have to be there at all. I managed to get most things done today and the rest can wait until Monday."
Donna beamed at him. "Really?" Although she was happy, she was also a little surprised, assuming that Josh would have been boasting about that fact all day.
"Yes, really," he replied, looking directly into her eyes. "So, I hope you have something good planned for tomorrow."
"Um, actually, I was so convinced we would be working, I didn't really plan anything," Donna replied, a little bit of panic creeping into her voice.
"Hey, don't worry about it. We'll think of something," Josh assured her. He glanced at her parents who smiled at him before making their way to the guest room.
"We'll see you in the morning," Ben said, just before he closed the door.
*
"I can't believe you waited until now to tell me we had tomorrow off," Donna said as she and Josh got ready for bed.
"Hey, if you're complaining, I'm sure I can find some work for you to do," he replied in a mock-hurt tone.
"I'm not complaining, it's just…well, now I have to find something for us all to do on really short notice." Josh looked at her quizzically as he climbed into bed, Donna was still changing.
"Well, what were you gonna have your parents do tomorrow?" he asked. "Surely you had something planned for them, can't we just tag along?" he suggested. Donna shook her head.
"No, I was just gonna suggest that they visit some more of the sights until we were finished with work and then we'd all go out for an early dinner again – their flight leaves at 8. I can't believe we have the day off." She climbed into bed beside him and they both sat up, resting their backs against the headboard and looking at each other.
"I dunno, Donna," Josh said, trying to put some mock-exasperation into his tone, "I go to all the bother of arranging a day off for us to spend with your parents and you moan about it."
"I'm not moaning, Josh," she grumbled. "Look, do you have any suggestions as to what we can do tomorrow?" she asked seriously. "I don't want to spend the day just sitting around the apartment." Josh thought for a few moments before answering.
"Okay, I have an idea. Leave it to me," he said, smiling at her.
"Well?" Donna asked. "What's your idea?"
"It's a surprise."
"Josh," she said warily.
"Oh, come on. You had no intention of telling me about the 'Shear Madness' show tonight, I only found out because I saw the tickets," he replied, laughing at her a little.
She raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, you had your little secret, now I have mine. Payback's a bitch, isn't it"? He was grinning widely and she rolled her eyes.
"Josh." Her tone was wary again.
"Look, do you trust me?" he asked seriously, looking into her eyes.
"Of course I do," she replied honestly, "with my life."
"Good, then leave it to me."
"Josh, come on, we're talking about my parents, I'd like to approve your plan." She was pouting slightly.
"Well, I was thinking something along the lines of skinny-dipping in the Potomac," he replied, a huge grin on his face.
Donna swatted his arm. "Okay, two problems with that; firstly, should I be worried that you want to see my mother naked, or my father for that matter?" she asked through laughter. Josh just grinned some more.
"What's the second problem?" he asked after a few moments of silence had elapsed.
Donna gave him a wicked grin. "Well, do you remember that Seinfeld episode where George went into the pool at the Hamptons?" Josh thought for a moment and then nodded his head, although his brow was still furrowed a little. "And you remember what happened to his…you know?" Josh knew exactly what she was talking about, but he just raised his eyebrows at her, enjoying the look of obvious discomfort on her face. Donna finally spoke, her voice almost a whisper. "There was shrinkage, Josh, significant shrinkage. I wouldn't want that to happen to you." He was grinning widely again. "The reason I wouldn't want it to happen to you, Josh, is that then it wouldn't just be my dad wondering if you were good enough for me, my mom would start to have serious doubts as well." Donna laughed as her last comment sunk in and the grin was wiped off Josh's face.
"Funny, Donna, really funny!" She grinned at him but leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. "Because of that comment, I'm not going to tell you what I actually do have planned." He laughed as Donna pouted again.
"Josh," she whined. "Please tell me, Joshua," she requested in her most seductive voice.
"Uh uh, that's not going to work, Donnatella. All I'm going to say is that you should dress warmly," he replied, ignoring the pleading look in her eyes. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to resist her pout for much longer, he kissed her then switched off the light and lay down to go to sleep. He could hear the slightly sulky sigh that Donna let out and he chuckled quietly. She soon realized she wasn't going to get anywhere and settled down beside him.
*
Josh had left the bedroom curtains open the previous night and Donna woke early due to the sunlight streaming into the room. She turned to give Josh a kiss but found that he wasn't in bed beside her. Since it was only slightly after 7am, she assumed that he'd gone to the bathroom, but when he hadn't returned a few minutes later she got up to go and look for him. Finding the bathroom door ajar, and Josh not there, she wandered into the kitchen. Stuck to the fridge with a magnet, she found a note from him. She quickly read it.
***
Donna,
I had to pop out for a bit. Don't worry, it's not work so I'll be back soon.
I love you,
Me
***
Donna's curiosity level immediately rose; wondering where he had gone when he said it wasn't work-related. She knew she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep without at least knowing where he was, so she picked up the phone to call his cellphone. It started to ring at the same time as she heard the key turn in the lock of the apartment door. She hung up the phone and went to meet him at the door.
"It was me," Donna said as she saw Josh looking at his cellphone in confusion. Realization appeared on his face and he put the phone back into his pocket. "Where were you?" she asked. He pointed to the grocery bags on the floor just outside his apartment and she nodded. She grabbed a few bags from the floor, with Josh grabbing the rest, and they took them into the kitchen.
"I take it you saw my note?" he asked, noticing it wasn't on the fridge door anymore.
"Yeah. What is all this stuff, Josh?" she asked, curiosity in her tone.
"Well, it kinda looks like groceries," he quipped.
"You don't say," she responded dryly. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, you know, ask a dumb question…" He trailed off, smirking at her a little and Donna shook her head in mock-exasperation.
"You couldn't have waited until after my parents have gone to go shopping?"
"No, I needed this stuff now," he replied. She gave him a 'what the hell?' look, but he just smiled. "Look, why don't you take a shower and get dressed, leave all this to me," he suggested. She narrowed her eyes at him, wondering what he was planning, but she nodded her head. She had just turned to leave the kitchen when he called her back.
"Donna?" She turned back round to face him. He stepped towards her and gave her a lingering kiss. "Good morning," he said huskily as they broke apart. She smiled at him and headed for a shower.
*
When Donna finally emerged from the bedroom, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, she walked into the kitchen and found that Josh had already put all the groceries away.
"Your parents are awake. I told them to dress warmly, which I told you to do as well, by the way," he said, giving her a pointed look.
"I'll put a sweater on before we leave," she replied. "Are you going to tell me where we're going now?" she asked, trying to use her sweet voice to persuade him. He shook his head.
"No, you'll find out soon enough." She pouted at him. "Stop pouting," he ordered, although his tone was light. "I made breakfast," he said, pushing a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of her.
"Where's yours?" she asked, pointing at the breakfast plate. "Did you already eat?"
"No, we're going to share," he replied, taking another fork from the drawer, sitting down beside her and stabbing the fork into the eggs on the plate. "I'll make some more for your parents when they're dressed."
*
Donna sat in the backseat next to her mom, while Josh drove and Ben sat in the front passenger seat. Josh was still refusing to tell any of them where they were going but about a half-hour into the trip Donna suddenly realized and let out a squeal of delight. Josh heard it and glanced at her in the rear-view mirror.
"Donna?" he asked, wondering what was wrong. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I just figured out where we're going, at least, I think I did," she replied.
"Where?" he asked, not prepared to reveal anything too soon.
"Shenandoah?" she asked, rather than stated.
"Yeah," he replied. "I thought it would be good, bring back some memories." Donna could see the side of his face from where she was sitting and caught the wistful look on it, causing her to smile warmly. Her parents, on the other hand, both looked totally bemused.
"Josh and I went to Shenandoah when I was staying with him, when I hurt my ankle," Donna explained.
"Yeah, you could say it was our first date, although we weren't really dating at that point," Josh added. Annette and Ben both nodded in understanding and noticed the look being shared between Josh and Donna as Josh quickly glanced behind him before returning his eyes to the road.
"Um, Josh?" Donna asked, hesitation in her voice. "Is the Skyline Drive actually going to be open at the moment, given the weather?" She looked out of the window and saw the remnants of snow lying on the ground.
"Yeah," Josh replied. "I checked this morning. It's open at this end, but closed a little further south. We're not going too far, I just thought it'd be nice. We can see all the hills with the snow on them, it'll be picturesque." Donna couldn't help grinning, she had never expected to hear the word 'picturesque' leave Josh's lips.
*
Josh pulled the car into the small parking lot of one of the stops on Skyline Drive. It was different from one they had been to before. Annette and Ben exited the car, walking to the front to look around while Josh walked behind the car and popped the trunk to retrieve the bags he had stored there. Donna followed him to see what he was doing, since he had packed the bags without her seeing them. She was still looking around her, trying to get her bearings and figure out where they were, since she hadn't been there before.
"I saw this place on one of the guide map things we picked up last time," Josh explained when he saw the curious look on Donna's face. "It says it has a covered seating area, so it should be free from snow. It also has a small lake that I figured we could walk around." He shrugged his shoulders to show he was becoming a little uncertain of his choice. Donna moved closer to him and placed a hand on his arm.
"It sounds great, but I don't think we need to worry about the seating thing, we're just going for a walk and then back in the car, aren't we?" she asked, still a little confused. Josh shook his head.
"No, well…I packed us some lunch," he explained, lifting the bags out of the trunk. "I know it's a little cold, but we should warm up after a walk. I also packed some flasks of hot soup and hot cocoa to heat us up." He gave her a look, silently asking if what he'd planned was okay and Donna smiled warmly at him.
"Okay, well, let's start with the walk," she replied. Josh nodded and closed the trunk, leaving the bags in it. He and Donna caught up with Annette and Ben and followed the signs from the parking lot to the lake. Josh started leading the way, with Donna walking beside him, her left hand in his right. Her parents followed immediately behind them both.
*
Once they reached the lake they changed their walking partners. Ben and Josh started to walk around the lake at a normal pace and Donna and Annette took a more leisurely stroll.
"So," Annette asked her daughter, once the other two were out of earshot, "when are you officially moving in with Josh?"
Donna looked shocked as she stopped walking and turned to face her mother. "I'm not, well, not in the near future anyway," she replied.
"Why not?" her mom asked her seriously. "I mean, it appears as though you spend a great deal of time there anyway. Does Josh not want to make that sort of commitment or something?"
"No, actually, it's not Josh that's the problem," Donna explained, looking fondly at Josh walking in the distance. "We've talked about it," she admitted, "but I don't want to miss out on the 'dating step'."
"That seems a little silly, Donna," her mom said. "I don't mean that nastily," she added, seeing the look of hurt on her daughter's face. "It's just, well, you've already said that you don't really have time to go out on actual dates, so your reason doesn't really make sense, to me anyway." They both started walking again.
"I know, but it's just…I don't know mom, I just don't feel I'm ready for that step yet. I still make sure that I spend at least two nights in my own apartment every week. I just feel I need that…security." She almost whispered the last word and her mother looked at her intently.
"You don't feel secure in your relationship?" Annette asked, with a bit of disbelief in her tone. "Donna, both your father and I can see how devoted Josh is to you, and you to him. How does Josh feel about waiting?"
"He says he's happy to wait…that unless I feel I'm ready, then we're not ready as a couple. He's stopped mentioning it now…I told him he'd know when the time was right. I do feel secure but, just not ready; I really can't explain it better than that." There was slight trepidation in Donna's tone and Annette squeezed her hand gently.
"Well, it sounds as though you have talked about it properly and I'm glad about that. The one thing you must never do in a relationship is keep your feelings bottled up. I just want you to know that you, and Josh, have the support of your father and I with whatever decisions you make. Of course, we'd be happier if you got married before moving in together…" Donna rolled her eyes, but she was smiling as well. "Seriously though, sweetheart, do what you feel is right, when you feel the time is right. We will always be here for you."
Donna stopped walking again and enveloped her mom in a hug. "Thank you," she said, unshed tears glistening in her eyes and a watery smile on her face.
"Would you two hurry up," Josh shouted at them. Donna and Annette both shook their heads in exasperation but started walking again, quickening their pace to catch up with Josh and Ben who were now sitting on a bench beside the lake.
*
Once Donna and Annette had caught up with Josh and Ben, they continued to walk around the lake again. This time, Donna's arm was threaded through her father's and Annette and Josh were walking side-by-side just behind them. They all chatted amiably, admiring the view of the surrounding hills. They arrived back at their starting point fairly quickly, since it was a small lake, and Josh and Ben went to the car to retrieve the food while Donna and Annette waited at the covered seating area, which was clear of snow as Josh had predicted.
When they finished eating, Donna grabbed Josh's hand, pulling him up to go for another walk with her.
"Dooonna," he whined. "I've just eaten, I need time to digest my food."
"Josh, you need to walk off the food, given the amount you just shoveled into your mouth," she replied. He saw the determined look on her face and gave in, threading his gloved fingers through hers and starting to walk with her towards the lake again. Ben and Annette remained at the table, deciding to let Josh and Donna spend some time alone together.
They returned about fifteen minutes later; Donna had given up on the walking idea as Josh kept stopping every couple of steps to give her a kiss, claiming that it was a better way of warming them up. They were back within earshot of Donna's parents, but hadn't yet arrived at the seating area. Josh continued to walk towards them, but Donna had stopped; she waited a few seconds and then called out to him.
"Josh?"
He turned around to face her and got hit square in the chest by a snowball, courtesy of Donna. It had been so unexpected, and so fast, that it winded him a little, particularly as it hit part of the tender area of his chest, where his scar was. He dropped to his knees to give himself a chance to recover. As soon as Donna saw him drop, she ran over to him.
"Oh my, God, Josh, are you okay?" she asked in panic. She dropped to her knees in front of him and he looked up at her sheepishly, slightly embarrassed by his inability to withstand a snowball.
"Yeah, it just winded me a little," he replied.
"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you," she said, her panic and worry causing her to be visibly upset. Annette and Ben had now started to walk towards them, to make sure Josh was okay.
"Shh, it's alright," Josh soothed, pulling her into a hug. "I'm fine." He felt her start to relax and took the opportunity to exact his revenge.
"Aaagh," she yelped, jumping up and glaring at him.
"What's wrong, Donna?" Annette asked as she and Ben arrived next to them.
"Josh just put snow down my back," Donna answered while Josh let his shoulders heave with laughter. "It's not funny, Joshua," she complained.
"Hey, you started it," he retorted. Donna continued to glare at him.
"He's right, Donna, you did start it; we saw you throw the snowball," Ben commented.
"I couldn't help it," Donna replied. "He was acting too smug for his own good, since his plan to bring us here worked out so well. I thought he needed a smack in the mouth, so I used a snowball to do it."
"Um, Donna?" Josh said, now standing in front of her. She looked at him, the remains of a glare still on her face as she tried to shake the snow out of her back. "If you were aiming for my mouth and yet hit my chest, I think I can now tell everyone that the phrase 'you throw like a girl' was probably coined with you in mind for comparison." He was grinning widely at her and she glared at him some more.
"Hey, make any more comments like that and next time I'll aim for your chest, meaning I'll probably hit somewhere a bit lower and even more sensitive; you won't just be winded then!" As soon as she finished speaking, Donna suddenly seemed to realize that her parents were still standing next to them and she blushed furiously.
Annette and Ben laughed at them both and returned to the seating area. Josh grinned at Donna again and moved towards her.
"Here," he said, "I'll help you get rid of the snow." He put his arms under her jacket, sweater and T-shirt and brushed the snow away, or what little was left; most of it had already melted. "I'm sorry," he said, trying to sound sincere. "But, you should know better than to do something like that to me, you had to expect me to get revenge."
"You caught me when my guard was down though, Josh. I thought I'd really hurt you," she said. She was so frustrated that she started to tear up a little.
"Hey," he grabbed both of her gloved hands in his. "I'm fine, you just winded me, honestly. I'm sorry if you were scared, I never want to make you worry about me." He kissed her gently and then gave her another hug.
"I always worry about you, Josh," she admitted, her breath tickling his ear. "It comes with the territory of being in love with you."
He kissed her again and then stepped back, nodding towards her parents. "Come on, we'd better get going if your parents are going to make their flight home tonight."
*
Josh and Donna waved goodbye to her parents as they made their way to the flight gate at the airport. Donna had promised to try and make it home for a visit sometime that year and Josh had said he'd make sure she managed.
They arrived back at Josh's apartment around 8:30 and sat down on the couch; Josh sitting next to the arm of the couch and Donna resting her head on his shoulder, his left arm around her waist.
"That seemed to go well," he commented in relation to her parents visit.
She snuggled closer to him. "Yes, it did. They really like you," she replied.
"Well, who wouldn't?" he asked, and she could tell without looking that he was sporting a huge grin. She moved her left hand, intending to swat him on the stomach, but instead she put it around his waist and kissed his neck gently.
"Those unlucky people who haven't had a chance to get to know you properly," she replied huskily.
Josh shifted slightly. "Hey, I know it's early but…we have the apartment to ourselves again, do you fancy getting an early night?" he asked, his voice taking on a gravelly tone.
"I think I could manage that," Donna replied, moving so that she was looking at him intently, her face very close to his. He leaned down and kissed her with the passion that had built up over the few days that they hadn't been alone. Finally, they breathlessly broke apart.
"Okay," Josh said, extricating himself from Donna's arms and standing up. "I think we need to move this to the bedroom, right now, otherwise, my back won't take it." He extended a hand and Donna allowed him to pull her up. They walked towards his room, arms back around each other's waists.
*End of Flashback*
"My mom called me a couple of days ago, by the way," Donna said, turning her eyes from the photo in front of her to look at Josh. "She wanted to know if you were still going to fulfil your promise of making sure I get to go home sometime this year." She grinned at him and Josh pulled her close again.
"I do intend to," he replied. "But the problem is, if you go to visit them, I'm going to miss you," he admitted honestly.
"You could always come with me," she suggested.
"We both know there's not much chance of me getting the time for that. I promise I'll try though," he said sincerely and she kissed him gently. "Hey," he said when they broke apart, "you need to stop kissing me like that, otherwise, you're not gonna get to finish reading this book tonight." His voice was husky and he used his eyes to indicate towards the bedroom.
Donna grinned at him. "Well, I do want to finish this tonight," she replied, "but I also want to keep kissing you, so I guess you'll just have learn to exercise some self-control."
Josh grinned at her. "I'm not promising anything," he replied in an even huskier voice.
Donna turned the page and smiled at the photo there. It was of her office desk, with a dozen red roses on it.
"St Valentines Day," she remembered.
"Yeah, I broke the bank with those you know," he said through mild laughter. Donna furrowed her brow and looked at him.
"Huh?"
Josh grinned. "Well, I'd already spent a fortune on the bouquet I got you to commemorate the day you originally started working for me," he explained. "Then, I spent another small fortune on the roses for you. Do you know how much florists rip us guys off by putting the price up for Valentines Day?" he grumbled.
"You don't think I'm worth it?" Donna asked, raising her eyebrows at him and trying to prevent a grin forming when she saw the 'Oh, God, how do I get myself out of this one?' look appear on Josh's face. He finally seemed to think of an answer and looked directly into her eyes.
"Of course you're worth it," he replied. "But, I think from now on, the only anniversary I want to commemorate with expensive flowers is the one where we finally got together."
"Well, there is another option," Donna replied. Josh gave her a 'huh?' look and she grinned at him. "You could still buy me flowers for our work anniversary and we can find another way to celebrate our anniversary." Josh gave her a fully-dimpled grin and his eyes lingered on her lips. He struggled to resist the urge to kiss her again, but his resistance was futile anyway as Donna leaned in and kissed him quickly. She then looked back at the scrapbook and laughed heartily at the next photo. Josh followed her gaze and grinned sheepishly.
**
TBC
