Bette and Tina had been dating exclusively for about a year now. It was a bittersweet year. There was the issue of acceptance by Tinas family and Melvin is yet to warm up to Tina. There was also an incident where Tina left because she thought that Bette was cheating on her. Bette was involved with a woman, Jessica, about three years ago. There was never any closure on that relationship because the reason for ending was not because the women fell out of love but the fact that Jessica had gotten a job offer in England and she accepted it without discussing it with Bette. But why should she, they werent that serious, or so she thought, until she broke the news to Bette. Bette heart was broken and Jessica left with a piece of her heart. It took Bette months to get over Jessica and after three years she returned with the hope of picking up where they left off.

Bette was spending a little too much time with Jessica just catching up. Tina felt a bit left out but she understood what Bette needed to do. This was ok though until she walked in on them one evening at Bettes home. Jessica came over to have a talk with Bette one evening. Bette had already made up her mind but Jessica still felt that she could convince her otherwise. When Bette told Jessica that there was only one person for her and that she is very happy, they were saying their goodbyes with a hug and final kiss when Tina walked in. Tina assumed the worst and left without waiting for an explanation. It took Bette about a week or two to convince Tina that there was nothing going on. Now things are back on track and going very well.

The director of the CAC decided that he was tired of work and felt that an early retirement was in order. Bette had assumed the duties ever since, however without the salary and name to go with it. Bette loved what she did so for now it was okay. Bette and Peter were doing such a great job that there was no hurry or urgency for Franklin to find a new director. The week started off well. Everything was on stream for the opening on Friday, but when five of the seven artists called on Thursday and cancelled, Bette had no other choice but to cancel the show. Franklin knew this but some how he got some sadistic pleasure in giving Bette a hard time about it. Thursday was perhaps the worst day and she her timer was quickly reaching zero.

Tina came by to visit. She thought she would just surprise Bette with an afternoon lunch. Tina knocked, but when she didnt get a response Peter told her she can go right in. Peter thought she is having a ***** day but maybe you can snap her out of it. Bette was not up for visitors, even if it were Tina. She knew that whom ever came through the door was going to have it so she decided not to answer.

Tina- Baby? Peter said it was okay. How has your day been?

Tick tick tick, boom, that was the trigger. She let all her frustrations out on Tina.

Bette- How is my day? Fucked up thats how my day is. I have no artists for the show tomorrow and Franklin, I swear I have already killed him in my head.

Tina- Poor baby, it will be okay. Cant you get other artists to do the show? Or postpone it to till next week or something, when you can get other artists?

Bette- annoyed at Tina, No Tina. How the ***** am I supposed to do that. Look, Ill see you later, I cant talk with you right now. Bette knew if Tina stayed longer she might say something she would regret.

Tina- being the understand person that she is, Okay, fine, Ill see you later then. Tina knew Bette all too well. She knew that Bette would go home and probably see her the next day. But Tina decided that she would have dinner waiting and hopefully try to relax Bette when she does come home. Bette knew Tina didnt deserve that bit at the time it was the right thing to do. Bette had one thing on her agenda that evening and that was to put all the stresses of the workday aside and make it up to Tina.

Bette got home around eight thirty, and sure enough Tina was there with dinner ready. She set her bag down on the counter and before Tina could say anything she kissed her and tried her hand at an apology.

Bette- Tina, I am sorry about today. Its just that I had no idea what I was going to do and then you come in make it sound so simple to do. I mean, yes it would be the ideal thing to do but then I would have to admit to failure and I was not going to do that. But I guess I have no choice. I am sorry I snapped at you. You didnt deserve that.

Tina- taking Bettes face in her hand so that their eyes made four, Bette, I love you, so much that when the world is hard on you I can forgive you when you take it out on me.

Tina kissed Bette softly and passionately and yet again Tina was able to make Bette melt and if possible fall deeper for her. They had a wonderful dinner and dessert and the following morning when Bette left for work she had only one thing on her mind. Well two things but one meant more to her personally than the other. She got to work very early. Made calls to the remaining artists informing them of the postponement till next Friday, called eight other artists, four of which were amateurs, but their work was excellent and she had confidence that the opening next Friday would be a success. She also called the caterers and press. So now that that is out of the way, she asked Franklin for the rest of the afternoon off. She told him she had an emergency and she needed the time off. Franklin obliged. Bette left about one that afternoon. Everything has to be perfect for tonight she thought.

On her way to Tinas she passed by the flower shop and ordered two dozen bouquets of flowers of all sorts with the exception of roses. She needed only one red rose for her plan tonight. She went to the card shop, but then thought maybe I should make my own. She went to an Internet caf not too far down the street. She was not good at poetry so attempting to write her own was a disaster, so instead she took the words from one of her favourite songs. She bought an Italian dinner and put it in the oven to keep warm. When she stood at the door and took one last look Perfect, just one more thing before Tina gets here. With that she went to make her last errand. When she got back she made one last mental check, flowers, card, rose, ring. I think Im ready. Bette hid on the veranda and waited for Tina to get home.

When Tina got home and opened the door she was paralysed. There were flowers everywhere and her house was filled with the sweetest smell. After a few moments of looking around in total amazement, her eyes caught the single rose on the centre table in the living room. She walked over and picked up the rose. She took in the smell before reaching for the card. In the card were the words of an old favourite and very popular My Endless Love, at the bottom of the card was simply signed with all my love Bette. On the table was one more present. This present was a little different. It was well wrapped, in a box too big to be the obvious so Tina had no idea what it was. When she opened the present she saw the most beautiful diamond and ruby engagement ring she had ever seen and with it was a strip of paper with Will you marry me written on it. When Bette realised that she had read it she gave her a few moments before walking back into the house.

Bette- So, will you?

Tinas eyes were filled with tears of happiness and she had trouble speaking, perhaps because her breath was still lost along with her response to the question. Bette was becoming a bit nervous. Okay maybe this wasnt such a good idea after all. she thought. It was all so overwhelming but Tina knew there was only one answer for Bette. Tina walked over to Bette and gave her a deep kiss. The kiss lasted a few moments and when they finally broke for air Bette looked at Tina.

Bette- smiling, Is that a yes?

Tina- smiling back with so much love in her eyes, Yes, Yes, I will marry you.

Bette- gently grabbing Tina and kissing her again, Yeah?

Tina- Yeah.