.. a few days later

Bette stretched and yawned then turned over another page on the report she was reading. She looked up from the dining table aware that Tina had stopped the steady stream of chatter shed been amusing Rosie with.

She got up and looked out the window. Tina was standing over the herb bed with a large bunch of Rosemary in her hands. Bette could tell by Tinas expression that she was wondering what to do with it all.

Bette threw down the report. She watched Tina as she moved lithely around the garden. She was wearing the shortest of shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt; dirt was streaked down her arm and there was a little dark smudge across one cheek where she must have touched it absently mindedly.

Bette smiled. She was glad shed decided to work from home this morning. She just wasnt sure whether shed be able to tear herself away to go into work. Bette looked down at what she was wearing, casual clothes that shed change before she left for the office. She shrugged; did it really matter if they got a little dirty?

She went to the cupboard and pulled out two glasses then opened the fridge, perused the shelves and settled on a tropical juice that should be refreshing. She put the juice and glasses onto a tray and headed out the door. This would give her a good excuse to go out and be with them for a few minutes. Tina did look rather hot out there. She placed the tray on the table outside the door and walked around the pool.

Her feet were bare and she made no noise as she came up behind Tina. She put her arms around Tina from behind and she could tell that shed surprised Tina when she felt her tense up briefly in her arms before she relaxed and leaned back on her. Sorry Bette said I didnt mean to scare you. I just thought you looked like you needed a drink.

Tina turned around in Bettes arms and Bette indicated the drinks on the table. Tina smiled OKthanks…I need a rest anyway.

Bette looked at Rosie whod drifted off to sleep Ill put her into her bassinette while you go and relax.

Tina nodded, threw the Rosemary down and took off her gardening gloves. She walked over to the pool and dipped her hands into it, hoping to clean them off and cool them down. She continued on and sat down at the table.

Bette emerged from the bedroom The herb garden is looking good again Tina said Bette as she looked at the work Tina had completed that morning.

Tina put her head on one side and considered the garden. She nodded her head in agreement Yeahits unbelievable, when I came back from San Francisco it was dying..

Tina turned her face away from Bette and gave a quick smile and continued in a serious voice I didnt think Id ever be able to get it back to how it was. The weeds were starting to overrun it and the Rosemary that I thought was indestructible was almost dead. I was worried Id have to throw everything away and start again.

Well looking after the garden wasnt high on my priority list said Bette.

Yeah ..but I think we both neglected it even before I left. It was chocked with weeds and the plants were dying because of lack of care.

Bette looked carefully at Tina. Were they still talking about the garden or something more, like maybe their marriage?

Tina took another sip of drink and gestured at the garden. Now look at it. Only eighteen months later and everything is healthier than it was before. A little regular attention and its flourishing, the weeds are almost non-existent and that beautiful perfume is back again. Its just amazing isnt it?

Bette raised her eyebrow and a slow smile started to tug at the corner of her mouth.

Tina continued, not looking at Bette, a slight frown on her face and her voice pitched as if conveying a serious message I looked up some information on Rosemary – its an interesting plant.

Ummhmmm said Bette trying to suppress her smile.

Well said Tina earnestly It only flourishes when its protected.. it withers and dies under harsh conditions.

Bette slowly shook her head and her smile broadened. You dont say.

Tina looked hard at her hands, started to clean a little dirt from under one of her nails Its an amazing plant really .. its like two plants combined together..a light one and a darker one..and theyre joined making an amazingly strong plant which is beautiful in itself.

Bette started to grin broadly but Tina got up without looking at her and started to walk away. Bette could see Tinas shoulders start to shake with suppressed laughter. She got up and quickly crept up behind her, her bare feet making no noise. She reached out and caught Tinas arm and swung her around. She saw the huge smile on Tinas face and said You tease..you were talking about more than the garden from the start Bette laughed.

Tina burst into laughter and Bette did what shed not done since theyd just started dating, she picked Tina up and threw her into the pool.

Tina surfaced coughing and spluttering but still smiling. OK..OK she said but I nearly got you.. She swam over to the side I guess I deserved that. She leant her arms on the edge and looked up at Bette. Bette leaned over and extended a hand to help her out of the pool.

Tina took hold of Bettes hand Of course Ive also read that you only need a little Rosemary otherwise it overpowers everythingremind you of anyone we know? she pulled hard on Bettes hand and watched as Bette slowly toppled into the pool beside her.

Bette resurfaced and swam over to Tina, grabbed hold of her Well then its lucky weve found the right balance isnt it? She slipped her hand around Tina neck.

Tina looked carefully at Bette, was she going to kiss her or dunk her under the water? She smiled when she saw in Bettes face that the teasing was over and the loving was about to start.

Hmm said Bette an herb garden as an analogy for our life. I like it. She smiled and leaned in and kissed Tina.

She pulled back and looked into Tinas eyes You know Rosemary was thought to preserve memories, maybe we should press some, capture the good memories of our marriage. Dont you think its time we let everything else go?”

Tina nodded, leaned in and kissed Bette eager to start on making some new memories.

TBC