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Rissa’s eyes widened. “A small portion?”

Jolie laughed and hugged her from behind. “By the time he finished college, this one was an expert at investing and the stock market. Trust me, this won’t even put a dent in his bank accounts, Rissa. Let him do it for you both.”

His sister was right. The RV cost as much as a small home, but he could easily afford it.

Knox added his weight. “Fox refused all of Burke’s attempts to help with the bills and necessities. There was always enough for what we needed, and our parents had started college funds for us when we were born. Burke saved for us anyway. It’s time for him to have some fun with all those savings, and this looks like a lot of fun.”

Amber smiled. “Mom always said a gift given from love is priceless. You’ve always known that, Rissa. Can you imagine how much fun Mom would have helping you organize your Q2?”

That made Rissa smile, and her eyes misted with tears. “I bet she’d make it feel like home in no time.”

Jolie nodded, her own eyes misty. “She’d be so happy to see you two together, and she’d love knowing you were safe when traveling.”

Rissa laughed and smiled at Burke. “You and your family are very persuasive.”

He grinned and patted Frizzle. “Looks like you’re going to have a new Q Lab in the spring, Frizzle. You’re going to love it.”

Lawson pointed at the blueprints. “You’ve got built-in dog beds, you’re going to live like a princess when you’re on the road.”

Frizzle barked and licked Burke’s chin. “You’re very welcome, Frizzle.”

Rissa couldn’t stop looking at the plans for her Q Lab 2, or Q2 as Amber called it. The name had stuck while everyone talked about it and passed the plans around.

Burke wanted to buy her an RV. She could approximate the cost, and it boggled her mind that he could have that much money to spend on a present. That he wanted to spend that much.

She knew him well enough to see the excitement sparkling in his eyes. He was like a little kid, except his joy came from giving, not receiving.

Even if Rissa continued to work as she was for an entire lifetime, she could never save that much money. Part of her wanted to refuse the gift, balk at the amount.

But he’d put so much work and love into it, she couldn’t. He talked about how much fun he’d had talking with the designer to accommodate her science equipment and Frizzle. How could she tell him she wouldn’t accept?

She couldn’t. Which meant she needed to relax and enjoy. The Malssums valued many things above money. Love, friendship, safety, hard work, joy, and more. They’d been lucky to have parents and a grandfather who’d ensured there’d always been enough money for the necessities and fun extras.

Her life had shaped her own view of money. She’d struggled to get her father to give her money for food and cleaning supplies. She’d learned early to save every penny and to wait for clearance sales. It had taken her years to even open a savings account. It was a huge source of pride for her now.

But accepting this gift wasn’t about the money involved. It was about how well Burke knew her, about his wanting to travel with her and keep her safe. The Q2 had a ton of features that showed he loved her. Dog beds for Frizzle. A permanent workstation for her computer and laptop. Shelves built to spec for her science tubs.

When the plans returned to them, she flipped through them, smiling more at each glance.

Burke hugged her to his side. “Okay?”

She nodded and leaned into him. “Overwhelmed, but yes, I’m okay.”

He kissed her hair and pointed at the Murphy bed. “They made these shelves deeper for us. You can turn the bins sideways, and that will give you room to add more. That accommodates the new, improved mattress.”

Her cheeks flushed, and he grinned at her. “It’s going to see a lot of action, so it needs to be sturdy.”

She laughed and shushed him with a kiss. There were kids nearby. “I can’t wait.”

“Me neither. I’m looking forward to traveling with you.”

Ella interrupted their moment. “Burke. Pwesent.”

Charlie laughed. “It was hidden behind Bibi. Last one.”

Rissa realized it was her gift to Burke. In all the fuss, she’d forgotten he hadn’t opened it yet.

A rush of embarrassment shot through her. The only thing she’d bought was the shadow box itself. The rest were memories she’d kept.