Josh pulled Donna closer to him, relishing in the feeling of her skin against his. She stirred slightly as she made herself comfortable in his arms, but continued to sleep peacefully.
The night before had been nothing short of incredible and as he replayed it in his mind he was tempted to wake her and explore every inch of her alabaster skin once again. She was in a deep sleep though, and he knew she needed the rest. She'd been going nonstop for… well, years, really.
Josh, for his part, was as content as he'd ever been. Everything with Donna felt so right. He was home with his family, nestled in close with the woman he loved. The soft sheets and warm blanket combined with the top of the line mattress were a nice change from his prior sleeping arrangements as well. The dawn light was barely beginning to filter in through the curtains as he stifled a yawn, realizing just how exhausted he was. He didn't fight it, quickly falling back to sleep.
He awoke to a commotion hours later. He was disoriented, but from the way Donna smiled adoringly at him when she ran her fingers through his hair, he knew he had a serious case of bed head.
The noise came again. A series of open palm slaps against the bedroom door.
"Donna?" Audrey's voice came through, sounding a bit distressed. "I can't find Daddy and I can't get the door open."
This wasn't the start to the morning that Josh hoped for as he felt Donna's bare body brush against him.
"Donna?" Audrey was nothing if not persistent. "Donna?! Please can I come in now?"
"I'm coming, Audrey." Donna rolled out of bed, picking Josh's boxers up off the floor and tossing them over to him as she quickly pulled a pair of pajama pants and an old tshirt out of the dresser, throwing them on before she unlocked the bedroom door.
"Good Morning, Sweet Pea," She greeted Audrey, who was waiting expectantly with Walter tucked under her arm and Lucy at her feet.
Audrey immediately lifted her hands and Donna couldn't help but to comply, picking her up and holding her tight. She was growing up so quickly, if she wanted to be held Donna certainly wouldn't say no.
"Daddy is right here," Donna assured, making her way back to bed and sitting Audrey on top of the comforter.
Audrey scowled at Josh, sensing that her father's presence had something to do with her impediment when it came to reaching Donna, though she wasn't sure exactly how.
"When are we having breakfast?" Audrey curled in next to Donna as soon as she sat back down.
"Umm…" Donna considered the question, glancing at the clock. "Well, it's 6:05. How about you let Lucy outside and then you can either lay back down or color quietly until 6:30 and then I'll make breakfast. Okay?"
"How many minutes is that?" Audrey asked.
"Twenty five," Donna yawned.
"That's a lot of minutes," Audrey wrinkled her nose. "Will you tell me when it's time?"
"Yes," Donna assured, kissing Audrey's forehead. "Now go find a coloring book."
Audrey climbed down from the bed and hurried into the living room, where Josh and Donna could hear her opening her small school box of crayons.
"Good Morning," Josh croaked, glad that they were alone again and somewhat amazed at the ease with which Donna handled that interaction.
Donna gave him a thousand watt grin and he couldn't help but to lean in and kiss her.
"Good morning yourself," she flirted back softly, loving the feeling of waking up next to him.
He flopped back into the pillows and pulled her on top of him, catching Donna by surprise.
"You said 25 minutes," Josh stated. "And I'm not getting out of any bed with you in it until I have to, even if we do have to keep our clothes on now."
"Kay," she grinned, having no objections to his plan.
OoOoOoOoO
"Edith!" Donna waived warmly at Josh's mother the moment she stepped off of the airport shuttle.
"Oh, hello, Donna. So good to see you, dear." Edie wrapped Donna in a warm hug.
The two quickly loaded Edith's suitcases into the trunk of the Audi and began to make their way back to the cabin.
"Thanks again for picking me up," Edith was always touched by how much Donna truly cared for her family.
"Of course. I was on my way home anyway. How was Florida?"
"It was lovely. Just what the doctor ordered, I'd say."
"I'm glad to hear it," Donna glanced over and gave her a smile.
"I'm afraid I need to apologize to everyone for my sudden departure," Edith stated firmly. "And I'll speak to Joshua and Audrey this evening. But more than anyone, Donnatella, I need to apologize to you."
Donna began to protest, to explain that there was no need to apologize, but Edith held her hand up to gently silence the younger woman.
"You've really held this family together, Donnatella. And I don't simply mean over the last year. Since the day you walked into Josh's life you've known exactly what he's needed. I can't tell you how much that means to me."
"I appreciate that, Edith," Donna stated with a quiet sincerity as they pulled into the driveway.
The side door to the house flew opened before they were even out of the vehicle, Audrey bouncing with excitement and waving hello.
"Hi, Donna! Bubbe! You're home!" Audrey rushed over to greet them both as soon as they emerged, Donna saying a quick hello before Audrey greeted her grandmother with a hug.
Josh leaned in the doorway to the cabin, the light streaming out from the cozy living room behind him.
"Hey there," he greeted Donna with the delicate fondness in his voice that had always been reserved only for her.
"Hey yourself." She gave him a sweet grin, unable to resist him. Their relationship was evolving and with each new step she found herself falling more and more in love with him- a feat she didn't know what possible.
He snuck a quick kiss hello and assured her he'd be right back, hopping down the front stairs to greet his mother and grab her bags. He deposited the two suitcases inside the suite to the guest house and made his way back to the main cabin, eager to find Donna.
Audrey was seated at the kitchen table, looking through the small bag of souvenir trinkets Edith brought back from Florida.
"It's so pretty," Audrey gushed, holding up a snow globe filled with glitter and brightly colored fish. "Look, Daddy! It's so sparkly!"
"Ah, it's very fancy," Josh indulged her. "Did you say thank you to Bubbe?"
"Yes. Thank you, Bubbe." Audrey stated again.
"Where'd Donna go?" Josh scanned the room.
"She's in her room. Changing clothes," Edith explained, standing up. "And I believe I'll do the same. I'll be back in time for dinner."
Josh stared longingly at the bedroom door, wishing he could follow Donna but unsure of how to explain if he did so. His cell phone chirped in his pocket and when he glanced at the screen he sighed a bit, seeing Sam's number.
"Here," he handed the phone to Audrey, thinking quickly, and pressing the button to put the conversation on speaker. "Talk to Uncle Sam."
He stepped away just as Edith closed the front door and Audrey and Sam greeted one another.
Slipping into their bedroom, a room title that brought a smile to his face, he found Donna standing right where he'd imagined her.
"Josh," she gushed. "They're beautiful. You shouldn't have."
Donna stood in front of an arrangement of 2 dozen long stem red roses, holding a still unopened card.
"I wanted to," he told her walking up behind her and encircling he waist with his arms.
"Can I read the card?"
"Yes," he whispered, nuzzling his face into her neck.
Her heart fluttered at the words on the small paper card. His scrawling handwriting confirmed that he'd been as over the moon as she in regards to their previous night together, and his hopes for their future as a couple.
She turned around in his arms, cupping his cheek and kissing him thoroughly, allowing her body to melt into him a bit more as he wrapped her closer in a strong embrace as the kiss intensified, Josh's hand snaking slightly up her shirt as her fingers danced across the top of his belt buckle. Their lips broke away from each other several minutes later, leaving both of them speechless and gasping for air.
"We should probably… get back out there," Donna stated, unable to take her eyes off of Josh's, which were still smouldering, his wild curls sticking up in every direction after her hands had entertwined in them.
"Hmm?" Josh, who had seemed to have lost most of his cognitive ability, just stared at her flushed face, heaving chest and rumpled shirt.
"Come on," Donna cracked another smile at his response, moving close to him again to gently touch her lips to his. "Let's have dinner and spend some time as a family. And then we can have a little more 'us' time after bedtime. How does that sound?" She bantered playfully.
"I'd rather have some 'us' time now," he countered. "Don't you want to get out of those work clothes?"
She laughed softly. "Yes. I do. And if you're in here I'll get out of them quickly but I'll never get in to anything else. So why don't you start to make a salad and I'll be out there in a minute to join you. Okay?"
"Fine." Josh sighed, only kidding. "But don't take too long. I've already had to be away from you all day."
Josh made his way back to the kitchen, pulling a head of lettuce out of the fridge. He could hear Sam giving a gentle "mmhmm" or "oh wow" every few minutes. Josh laughed softly, knowing very well that it can be brutal to speak to a small, talkative child on the phone. He'd take over the call in just a second.
"Oh!" Sam suddenly interjected. "Here's Aunt CJ! Bye, Audrey."
"Bye, Uncle Sammy. See you later!" Audrey proclaimed in a sing songy voice just as Donna emerged from the bedroom and Edith let herself back into the kitchen from the side door.
"Hi, kiddo!" CJ greeted warmly.
"Hi Aunt CJ! I miss you!" Audrey leaned forward and gushed into the phone's speaker.
"Well, I miss you too, sweetie." CJ's bubbly voice came through the phone. "What's new in Colorado?"
"Ummmm…" Audrey looked away from her coloring book, considering the question closely. "Daddy and Donna live in the same bedroom now! AND they lock the door at night time."
The room, and the phone, went silent. Josh felt the heat rise in his face and Donna stood completely still, her eyes widening. A smile smile tugged at the corner of Edith's mouth, having suspected that this would happen in time. CJ, after a few moments, let out a hearty laugh.
"What's so funny, Aunt CJ?" Audrey questioned.
"Oh, nothing," CJ continued to chuckle. "But can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"Is your Daddy making an odd face right now?"
Audrey glanced over as Josh tried to pull himself together, but he wasn't fast enough.
"He kind of looks like Gail," Audrey declared, scrunching up here face as she studied her father.
Josh quickly snapped his mouth closed as CJ laughed again.
"Well, kiddo, I have to go now. But tell your Daddy I'm happy for him. And tell Donna to call me tomorrow."
"Okay." Audrey agreed. "Bye Aunt CJ."
Edith was on her feet before the call ended, wrapping Josh into a tight hug and pulling Donna in as well.
"Mazel tov, my dears! Oh, I couldn't be happier for you. Joshua, I was worried this day would never come," Edith pat him gently on the shoulder.
"Thanks for the confidence, Ma." Josh muttered. "And I'm sorry we didn't say anything, but we're talking things slowly and-"
"Slowly! You can say that again." Edith exclaimed.
"Ma. Please just let us have a little bit of time to get used to this." Josh ran his hands coarsely through his hair.
Donna snaked her arm around his waist and gave him a peck on the cheek to calm his frustrations. They'd agreed to take things slowly, but neither of them wanted to hide the change in their relationship. They just weren't exactly advertising it, either. It was precious to both of them, and they didn't want to expose it to outside stressors before they had to. They were in a honeymoon phase and they wanted to enjoy it. Even more than that, however, they wanted to give Audrey as much time as possible to adjust to yet another major change in her life.
Josh relaxed with Donna's gentle assurance. His relationship with her just seemed to be too good to be true, and he wanted to protect it. It was precious to him and if that meant sheltering it for a while, that's what he'd do.
Edith gave a nod, consenting to backing off of the topic for the time being. "But I will say one more thing," she told him.
"What's that?"
"I'm free to babysit any night you'd like. For heaven's sake, Joshua. Take her out to a nice meal. You know better than that."
"Thanks, Ma." Josh grinned before turning his gaze to Donna. "So? What do you say? Any chance I can take you to dinner on Friday?"
Donna grinned at him. "It's a date."
OoOoOoO
"Donna?"
Nothing.
"Donna?"
Nothing.
"Donna!"
"Hmm?" She pulled herself out of her own thoughts the third time he said her name.
He gave her a goofy grin. "I asked you what time you'd be home tonight.l
"Oh." She shook her head a bit to bring her drifting mind back to reality. "I'll be home by 3:30. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious. Why? What were you thinking about?"
"Ummm… nothing." She was fairly certain she was blushing. She'd been staring at Josh, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped low around his waist after he'd exited the shower. He'd clearly spent a large portion of his time over the last 10 months working out, and his body was as fine tuned as she'd ever seen it. His arms were firm but not too bulky and his abs were well defined.
"Ahkay…" he gave her an odd look as she stood and walked by him to the closet, choosing her outfit for the day.
She pulled out a warm sweater and a pair of dress pants, removing her robe and hanging it carefully back in the closet.
Josh, who was peaking out of the master en suite, let out a soft whistle before walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her, his hands gently skimming down the side of her body as he kissed along her neck.
"Maybe you should call in sick today," he suggested, his fingers skimming along the lace on her panties.
"Tempting," she told him, tilting her head back as she leaned into him, allowing him to further explore her body.
"Come on. One day at home won't kill you." He told her playfully.
"No," she spun in his arms, giving him a mischievous grin as her hands found his biceps. "But if left to our own devices it may not be a one time thing."
"You won't hear me complaining if we lock ourselves in this room all day every Tuesday," he told her.
"As tempting as that is, and believe me it's very tempting," she whispered, "we both have to get going." She gave him a quick kiss but didn't step away.
"Fine," he sighed, knowing she was right.
"Only 3 days until our date," she grinned, trying to find a silver lining.
"Yes." His dimples broke out at the thought. "I made reservations at that little Italian place on the way to the hardware store. Alessandro's, I think it's called. Is that okay?"
"Sounds amazing."
"Yeah? Well, I may have a few other tricks up my sleeve, too." Josh bounced on the balls of his feet with excitement. He knew he'd only have one first date with Donna, and he wanted it to be perfect.
OoOoOoO
"Where are we going, Daddy?"
Audrey sat in her car seat, contentedly gazing out the window through a pair of pink, heart shaped sunglasses.
"We're going to run some errands," Josh explained. "I need to pick up a few things before we go home."
"Are we going to eat lunch?"
"Sure. I thought we'd go to that diner you like. How do pancakes sound?"
"Okay!" Audrey didn't hide her enthusiasm.
Josh pulled into the snowy parking lot and helped Audrey out of the car, holding her tiny mittened hand in his hand as they walked inside and found a booth towards the back of the restaurant.
They both ordered chocolate chip pancakes which extra whipped cream, Josh requesting a cup of coffee to combat the outdoor temperature while Audrey politely stated that she'd like a glass of milk.
"I like when we eat lunch together," Audrey remarked, shifting her weight so that she was kneeling and leaning forward to rest her crossed arms on the table as she took a drink of milk through the straw.
"I like having lunch with you too, Shortcake." Josh gave her a soft, genuine smile. On other days, he would have lightly chided her to sit down and use her manners, but he let it slide this time. Sometimes he just wanted her to stay innocent and little forever. Today wasn't the day for that.
"Can we play on the swings at the park after this?" She requested.
"Well, no. Not today. It's too cold to swing, Audrey. And I have to get a lot done this afternoon. But when we get home we can play a game and read a story."
"Can we play Pretty Pretty Princess?" Audrey perked up.
Josh groaned at the thought. "Maybe you can play that with Bubbe tonight," he suggested. "We can try Go Fish."
"Maybe Donna will play with me and Bubbe later," Audrey hoped out loud.
"I, ah, wanted to talk to you about that," Josh began, feeling his heartbeat begin to quicken.
"About what?" she scrunched up her nose in confusion.
"Audrey, I'm going to take Donna out to dinner tonight."
"And me?"
"No, shortcake. Just Donna and I tonight. You're going to have a popcorn and movie night with Bubbe."
"But why?"
"Because I'm taking Donna out on a date tonight," he tried to explain softly, watching her face closely to try and gauge her understanding.
Audrey looked up at him with wide eyes. Josh gave her a few moments to gather her thoughts.
"Daddy? Is Donna your wife?"
"What?" He wasn't expecting that. "Why do you think that?"
"You live in the same room at our house now. AND you kissed her on her lips." Audrey gave him a sassy stare.
"Well, I…" he pulled himself out of the state of shock he was in. "No, Audrey. She's not my wife. You know that."
She took another long sip through her straw, staring up at Josh with innocent eyes. "She could be. Bubbe says."
"Whoa. Slow down there, kiddo," Josh said nervously. "I'm just letting you know that I'm going to dinner with Donna. I wanted to know how you feel about that."
"I want to go too."
"How about we all go to lunch together next week? Okay? I'll take you both out wherever you want to go."
"For ice cream?"
Josh laughed. "Whatever you want. But that isn't really what I'm asking, Audrey. I want to know how you feel about Donna being my… girlfriend." He squirmed uncomfortably at his own question.
"I don't know." She gets her hands up in an over exaggerated shrug, not quite grasping the entire concept. Donna had always been a part of the family to her. "What's the difference?"
"Well, I… we…"
"You live in the same room now!" Audrey offered helpfully.
Josh slowly nodded his head. "Yes. That's true. But Audrey, let's not tell people that, okay? Remember how we don't always share everything that happens at home?" He took a sip of his coffee, mentally patting himself on the back for his on the fly response.
"Why do you keep the door closed now?" She asked. "What are you and Donna doing in there?"
Josh immediately choked on his coffee. He tried to regain his composure but his mind had suddenly gone blank as Audrey stared at him in anticipation of an answer to her question. Even though it was only 20 degrees out, he could feel himself starting to sweat.
"Sleeping?" The response, which was all he could think of, came out as a high pitched question.
"Together?" Audrey clarified.
"I'm not having this conversation…" Josh muttered.
"I don't like the door closed. Donna didn't used to close the door." Audrey stated firmly, while giving her father a little accusing glare, correctly assessing that he was the reason for the change.
"Well…" Josh stumbled trying to figure out how to justify the door without having to explain adult behavior to his baby girl.
"What if I have a bad dream?" Audrey's eyes got wide and her voice trembled a little, and Josh's heart started to break. She'd been through so much this year. The last thing he wanted was for the change in his relationship with Donna to cause Audrey any distress.
"Oh baby. Donna and I will let you in. You just have to knock first. I promise if you have a bad dream, we'll be there for you. "
"But what if you can't hear me? Why do you have to close the door?"
Josh bit back a moan. He should have known that his daughter was too smart for him to avoid this conversation completely. He sighed then gave her the facts.
"Because I sleep without pajamas."
Audrey wrinkled her nose. "Oh. Okay."
With that she stabbed another large bite of pancake and happily shoved it into her mouth. As she chewed and swallowed, Josh started to relax. Maybe it would all be fine. Audrey just needed a good reason and she'd take the change in stride.
But before taking the next bite his little girl muttered, "I'll ask Donna to get you some at the store."
OoOoOoO
He was nervous. More nervous than he'd been in a long time. They'd run all of the necessary errands that afternoon and now there was nothing to do but wait.
Audrey, who was growing ever more curious regarding her father's ability to sit still, was watching him closely from couch.
He'd picked up his best suit from the cleaners, purchased her a bouquet of flowers, and chilled a nice bottle of wine. Once they were home he'd tidied the house up a bit, he set to work on completing the other projects he'd jot down for himself. He'd distributed candles in the bedroom and tuned the radio on the dresser to a soft rock station. He'd shined the pair of dress shoes he'd found in the back of the closet and was digging through a safe when his mother came in.
"Joshua, what are you doing?"
"I'm looking for my cufflinks. They're probably around here somewhere."
"I'm sure that they are, dear. But I have a better idea."
Josh glanced up at her.
"Why don't you wear your father's, Hmm? I have them in my jewelry box. And while I have the jewelry box open, is there anything else you'll be needing for tonight?"
"It's our first date, Ma."
"Oh, darling. It's hardly your first date."
"It's our first official date."
"You've always loved her, is all I'm saying. But I'm not here to bicker, or to put any pressure on you. I just have a word of advice."
"Ahkay…" Josh shifted uncomfortably.
"Don't make her wonder."
"What does that mean?"
"It means, Joshua, that this isn't any woman. This is your Donnatella. She's stood by your side through things that would have sent other women running for the hills. She's sacrificed for you and Audrey, she's loved you both unconditionally and I think we both know she's saved your life more than once. But none of those things matter if you don't love her just as deeply."
"I do! Of course I do! Do you think I don't know any of that?" Josh whispered harshly. "I love her more than anyone can imagine. I've loved her for so long it hurts!"
"I know you do, son. So I'm telling you to show her that. Just like you have always wanted to. Don't let her wonder if you think this is moving too fast or slow. Or if it's just something familiar and convenient. Don't let her question your relationship. Don't do what you think you should do on a first date. Do what feels right for the two of you. She's the one, Joshua. So don't doubt your instincts, and don't let her doubt herself. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"
He swallowed hard, feeling choked up by his mother's words. But he had to admit, her perspective on the situation had him beginning to feel a bit more at ease. This was Donna. He'd give her the world if he could, but she was the one person in the universe that already knew him inside and out. He didn't have to try to impress her. His mother was right, He just had to show her how much he loved her and pray that she loved him too.