“The president himself couldn’t drag me from this bed.” She flipped Mary over, surprising a laugh out of her. “Not until I’ve made love to my girl. That is, if she’ll have me.”

Her voice cut right through Mary, sending a bolt of lightning directly to her core. “Let me see if I have time for you in my schedule.”

Nora nibbled on the sensitive area just below her ear. “Well? Do you…” She changed direction and moved further down Mary’s body. “…have time for me?”

Mary moaned and arched back. “I think so. Keep going and I’ll let you know.”

All of the angst, all of the anger, all of the uncertainty and frustration of the past few months dissolved in an instant, leaving in its wake the only thing that mattered—their love.

“I love you, Mary Elizabeth Trask. You make my life complete in a way I never imagined possible. Please say you haven’t given up on me…on us?”

“I could never give up on you, Nora. I loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you. That will never change.”

Mary closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment, to love, to Nora, and to their life together.

Afterward, she stirred as Nora disentangled herself. Mary checked the clock. It was 8:45 a.m.

“I’m sorry. It is a Monday, and I really do have to go to work.”

“Spoil sport.” Mary stretched languorously and Nora leaned over and kissed her tenderly.

“I love you. Thank you for the perfect morning.”

“Thank you, Dr. Lindstrom. Now go save the world.”

“What are you going to do while I’m off saving the world?”

“I have a few errands to run. I’ll pick us up some groceries and stop at the bank.”

“That sounds like a lot more fun than going to work. But, alas…” She rose and headed for the shower. “Will I see you before your shift?”

“I don’t see why not. I’ll probably leave around ten thirty. I should be back here by mid-afternoon. If you get home by six, we could have dinner together.”

“You know I’ll do my best.”

“I always do,” Mary said at the same time Nora said it.

“You know I hate that I’m so predictable.”

“I consider it more like…reliable, and I find it charming.”

“Thank God.”

“I’m just going to catch a few winks before the errands.”

“I’ll be quiet as a church mouse. You won’t even hear me leave.” Nora came back for one more kiss. “I’ll see you later. I love you. Sweet dreams, sweet Mary.”

The last thing Mary saw as she drifted off to sleep was Nora’s beautiful face smiling down at her.