The ride into Hartford was tranquil. Amy slept the entire way. They were minutes from Winnie's. Amy started to stir.
"Hey sleepy head," Bruce coaxed as she got up off of his arm.
Amy groaned and stretched her arms. She looked around and became confused.
"Didn't we pass my car?"
"Yeah, you were sound asleep. I figured you might wake up once I get Rebecca. I told Winnie I'd pick her up by eight. Besides, they're dying to know who the new woman in my life is," he said with a chuckle.
"Wait, you're going to tell Rebecca and Winnie?" she said surprised.
Bruce smiled, keeping his eyes on the road, as he answered her.
"Yeah."
Amy beamed.
"You're ready for that step already?" she asked in delighted wonder.
"Amy, we've known each other for six years. My family knows you. All that we're doing know is letting them know that we're together in a different way. I know I love you, you said you love me. If there isn't any question about it, why wait to tell them?"
Amy grabbed his arm excitedly, pulled down him down and kissed his cheek. Bruce stopped in front of a building.
"We're here."
A look of panic came over Amy's face. Bruce looked at her worried.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not ready. I'm not ready for this Bruce. I don't have any make up. I'm not dressed. I've never looked like this in front of your family. Its like I don't respect them. This is a special moment. I should look special. I look like crap–"
Bruce leaned over, turned Amy's face to him and kissed her deeply. They broke apart slowly; each slowly opened their eyes and looked at the others lips. Bruce stayed within an inch from Amy's face as he spoke.
"Relax. You look fine."
They looked into each other's eyes. Amy nodded as Bruce continued.
"You don't have to worry. You're beautiful and they will be excited just because I'm letting them into my personal life. Trust me, everything will be fine."
"I'm still nervous, but I trust you."
"Ok then... Let's go."
They reached for their door handles and got out simultaneously. Bruce walked around to Amy and held her hand. They smiled warmly at each other. They entered the building and made their way to Winnie's door.
"Ready?" he asked Amy in a whisper.
She looked at him nervously.
"You know Rebecca really likes you. There's no reason to be nervous," he whispered and kissed her forehead gently.
"Really?"
He nodded. Bruce was about to knock on the door.
"–Wait, does Winnie not like me? You only said Rebecca did," Amy whispered.
"Winnie likes you. Rebecca adores you. Is that better?"
"Rebecca adores me? Really? Well does she adore me as 'someone cool' or as a 'cool mom'?" she asked with a huge grin.
"I don't know, let's go in and you can ask her yourself," he smiled but spoke impatiently.
Amy used her free hand to fuss with her clothing then looked up at Bruce nervously. He gave her a questioning look, waiting on her to proceed knocking on Winnie's door. Amy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Bruce shook his head in disbelief but then let out a small laugh. He leaned over and kissed Amy.
"Ok, I'm ready," she said softly with a crooked smile.
He squeezed her hand gently as he knocked on the door. In a few seconds, a shadow appeared over the peep hole. The door flung open.
"Daddy!" Rebecca exclaimed as she hugged Bruce.
Amy let go of his hand as Rebecca latched onto Bruce. He kissed the top of her head.
"Hey Baby Girl. How was your weekend?"
"Great!" Rebecca said excitedly.
Rebecca let go of Bruce and looked at Amy with a suspicious smile.
"Hi Judge Gray," Rebecca greeted Amy as they all walked into the apartment.
"Hi Rebecca," Amy returned the greeting with a smile.
Winnie appeared in the room. She looked at Bruce and Amy.
"Hey. Is there something going on at work? You could've just called, it wouldn't have been a problem. –Oh wait, is something wrong with your cell?" Winnie asked earnestly.
Bruce smiled at Winnie. Amy looked around nervously.
"No Winnie, my cell is fine. Nothing's going on at work. Amy came with me to get Becca because we were running late. There wasn't enough time to drop her off without being even later," Bruce said, struggling to keep a straight face.
Winnie looked confused. Amy smiled nervously at Winnie. Rebecca was beaming.
"Oh.... OH!" exclaimed Winnie when she finally understood.
"So you guys spent the weekend together?" Rebecca asked immediately.
Bruce and Amy nodded.
"But as more than just friends? You guys are seeing each other. Right?" Rebecca asked with a larger grin.
Bruce and Amy nodded again in unison.
"Cool!" Rebecca exclaimed as her eyes opened wider in excitement.
"Are you getting married?"
Everyone except Rebecca laughed.
"We haven't gotten that far but we'll let you know when we do," chuckled Bruce.
Rebecca made a disappointed face.
"Well if it helps; I like Lauren and Judge Gray a lot. They're nice and it would be great to become sisters," Rebecca said eagerly.
Amy's smiled tenderly at Rebecca, she was touched by Rebecca's sentiments. She walked to Rebecca and gave her a quick, appreciative hug then looked Rebecca in the eyes.
"Thank you, that means a lot to me. Lauren and I like you a lot too. I'm sure she'll be really happy to hear what you said."
Rebecca beamed at Amy. Winnie suddenly spoke up. She had been standing there with her mouth open.
"Hey Becca, why don't you show Judge Gra–"
"Amy, please call me Amy," Amy interjected in a pleasant tone.
Winnie forced a smile as she continued.
"Ok... why don't you show Amy the stuff we bought?"
Amy looked at Bruce. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Rebecca grabbed Amy's hand.
"Yeah! C'mon Amy, let me show you. You got to see all the stuff we got," Rebecca said excitedly as she pulled Amy toward the hall where the bedroom was.
"Ok! Amy exclaimed with forced enthusiasm but a smile from ear to ear as she was dragged away.
The two barely left the room when Winnie walked over quickly to Bruce and spoke rapidly.
"You're seeing your boss? Are you crazy? Didn't you two get in trouble for this once already? What are you doing? Is this a good idea?" she asked him frantically.
"Winnie, I've been in love with Amy for a while now. I cant fight my feelings anymore and it turns out that she feels the same way about me. I know its sudden but things have been happening between us for years. I'm transferring positions and hopefully it wont be long before I get a job in child psychology. We've talked things out this weekend. I'm sure there'll be a few obstacles but we've worked everything out. I thought you'd be happy. That's the only reason I brought her," Bruce responded dejectedly.
Winnie put her hand on Bruce's arm and looked at him with a loving concern instead of panic.
"I'm so sorry. You're absolutely right. I know how hard it must've been to do this. I am very happy that you've found someone. Even more so that its Judg– Amy. She's always been there for you and fair with you. She comes across genuine and sincere. I saw how moved she was with Rebecca's words. It's wonderful that she cares for Rebecca. I've always thought Amy felt close to you, I mean she chose you to walk her down the aisle. Its no wonder she didn't go through with the wedding when you didn't show. She not only cares for you but seems like she's always looked up to you. Admired you. I know you've felt that way about her too. Its only natural you'd fall for each other. I'm happy for you two. Really. You were glowing Bro. I've never seen you that way," Winnie ended and playfully hit Bruce.
"Thanks sis. It means a lot to me," he responded as he hugged Winnie.
"Wow, you must be in love. We only hug during the holidays," Winnie chided him as they let go of their embrace.
"Blame it on Amy and Donna; they hug for everything," he joked.
"Well I'm glad good habits are rubbing off on you. The brooding, angry black man was getting to be a tired act," Winnie antagonized him further.
"Ok ok," Bruce said still smiling.
Rebecca and Amy walked back into the living room. Their arms were full of Rebecca's things.
"Amy's going to come home with us Dad. I want to show her something in my room. Is that ok with you?"
Amy shrugged her shoulders and smiled at Bruce and Winnie.
"Yeah, its fine with me. But its up to Amy."
Bruce, Winnie and Rebecca looked at Amy.
"Great, its settled -I'm coming over," she said slightly laughing at all the eyes on her.
Rebecca had another smile from ear to ear, Bruce and Winnie laughed lightly with Amy.
"Bye Aunt Winnie, I had a great time. Maybe we could have a girls night next time and Lauren can hang with us so you'd get to meet her. She's a lot of fun. And then our parents can go out again."
"That sounds like a plan. We can even invite Megan and then there'll be four of us; we'll have even teams for nail painting and game playin'," Winnie answered enthusiastically.
Amy and Winnie smiled at each other warmly.
"Lauren would love that," Amy chimed in.
Rebecca and Amy headed toward the door. Winnie walked toward Amy.
"Amy, I hope I wasn't rude earlier. I was a little surprised, that's all. After all that you two have been through, it shouldn't be a surprise that you've gotten so close. I've noticed how you've always been there for Bruce. You've been good to him. And look at him glowing!"
Winnie and Amy laughed. Bruce smirked at the two of them as he grabbed Rebecca's things out of Amy's arms. They all walk toward the door.
"Thanks for everything Winnie. I'll call you later in the week," said Bruce.
"Seriously, you two look good together. I'm happy for you guys," Winnie said as she opened the door.
Bruce kissed Winnie on the forehead as he walked out. Rebecca reached up and kissed Winnie on the cheek.
"I was very nervous and anxious about your reactions. I know this was really unexpected. I couldn't have dreamt of a better reception. I'm so relieved and so happy. I know how important family is to Bruce and it's important to me too. Thank you," Amy ends softly as her eyes welled up with tears.
"Aww... no problem," Winnie answered as she hugged Amy briefly but warmly.
Amy quickly gave Rebecca a squeeze from behind and lowered her chin on top of Rebecca's head. As Amy hugged Rebecca; Winnie gave Bruce a look of approval, Bruce returned a look of acceptance. They all smiled appreciatively at each other as Bruce, Amy and Rebecca left Winnie's apartment. Though they were all in good spirits, no one said a word until they arrived outside.
"Where's the car?" Rebecca asked.
