Next morning..

When Bette woke she could hear Tinas voice. She lay there listening to Tina talking quietly to Rosie, playing games with her, telling her stories. She sighed and got up curious where she was. She walked into the bathroom and found them both in the tub. Rosie was cuddled against Tinas breast; her head snuggled into Tinas shoulder.

Bette smiled Hey babe she crouched beside the tub and kissed Tina did you sleep OK?

Mmmhmm someone tired me out.. Tina smiled at her and raised an eyebrow suggestively.

Bette grinned Do you want me to take her? she said as she gently rubbed Rosies back.

Tina nodded Yeah..thanks..Ill finish up and get her dressed

No..you relax, Ill dress her.. Bette picked up a soft towel, wrapped Rosie carefully in it and carried her into the bedroom. She laid her on the bed surrounded by pillows while she found the nappies then she dressed her in a soft pink dress that her Mom had bought. When Rosie was dressed she picked her up and walked back into the bathroom. Shes all ready she looked at Tina relaxed in the tub would you like some help? I could dry you too?

Tina just laughed. She climbed out of the tub and wrapped a towel around herself.

Bette went back into their bedroom and sat on the bed. She held Rosie, rocked her as she started crying. I think she might be hungry T she raised her voice Are you nearly ready?

Mmmhmm just give me a minute Tina shouted from the bathroom.

Bette put her finger into Rosies mouth knowing it would only soothe her for a brief time, she rocked her and watched as Rosies face turned redder signaling how upset she was. T.. she said loudly. Rosie started to whimper, filled her lungs ready to start screaming.

Tina scooped Rosie out of Bettes arms just as she let out a lusty cry. Tina sat down on the bed flustered but ready.

Bette watched them for a minute made sure that Tina had everything she needed then went into the bathroom to shower and dress. As soon as she was ready Bette walked out to find Maggie and join her for breakfast. They lingered over coffee waiting for Tina to finish feeding Rosie and join them.

Mom Bette started Daddy rang last night; he wants us to meet him

Maggies cup clattered in the saucer, she was clearly annoyed Thats just typical of him..doesnt want anyone else spending time with his daughter. Are you going?

I want him to see Rosie.. Bette said quietly.

Maggie shook her head Bette..you know youre going to be disappointed…

Bette hated being in the middle of her parents fights. Shed been in the middle for too many years. Been the child her parents spoiled to get at each other while Kit was left alone to grow up however she could. She knew Kit had envied her sometimes but there were times that Bette had longed for Kits freedom.

Bette walked away Im going to ring Daddy see when hes available… Her mother threw up her hands in exasperation but didnt comment further. Bette walked towards the bedroom.

Tina looked up as she came into the room Everything OK?

Bette shrugged, went to her handbag and found her phone Im ringing Daddy. She turned her back on Tina and left the room before Tina could say anything else.

..a little later

Bette dropped Tinas hand as they walked into the restaurant. Theyd argued before theyd left the apartment about whether Tina should wear the baby carrier. Tina had finally won because they had no other practical way to carry Rosie but Bette wasnt happy. She liked Tina to be dressed a certain way when they met Melvin and the baby carrier was not a suitable fashion accessory.

Daddy she waved at Melvin as she spotted him across the restaurant.

He moved over and hugged her Its so good to see you

Melvin looked at Tina Hello

Tina smiled at him Hi. She held Rosie closer feeling an urgent need to protect her.

Daddy, this is Rosie.. Bette gestured towards her daughter turn around Tina let him see her. Tina turned sideways but Melvin was already turning back to Bette. He took Bettes arm and turned his back on Tina Lets sit. Im starving and I hear they have some fabulous food here he said.

Tina followed them feeling uncomfortable. This wasnt the sort of place that welcomed children and she saw a number of people frown at them as she made her way across the room. Bette was talking to Melvin and didnt seem to notice.

– (Tina wondered how Bette was going to manage when Rosie was older. They would have to start going to child-friendly restaurants and there werent a lot of those on the 5-start list. Were they going to be hiring a lot of baby sitters? Was she going to be at home while Bette went out alone or were they going to have to start developing a taste for McDonalds?)

As they sat, Melvin looked briefly at Tina It must be hard to lose the weight after having a child he said casually.

Tina smiled, gritted her teeth and said nothing. She wasnt going to get upset in front of Rosie but sometimes she wished Bette would really hear what Melvin said about her.

The waiter arrived at the table and started reeling off the specials for the day; fish, beef, pasta, dishes that all sounded delicious. Bette was chatting; Melvin was pointedly ignoring Tina and Rosie. The waiter just stood there impatiently waiting on their order so Tina looked up at him and asked him to give them a few minutes. She felt shed been here before – a slightly different setting but they seemed to play out the same script each time they met Melvin.

Bette chatted happily about Maggies show and Melvin tolerated the discussion because it was clear that Tina had been excluded.

When Bette took a breath he quickly intervened Surely someone here in New York has recognised your talents and offered you a job? he asked not aware of the discussions that had taken place earlier.

Bette looked a little nervously at Tina Uh well Moms lined up an interview for me on Monday

Melvin looked at Tina Dont you think my daughter would be the toast of New York?

Tina smiled I think shes fantastic. Shell do well wherever she is.

Melvin nodded and smiled at Bette. He turned to Tina Hows your career? Is my daughter still supporting you and your child?

Bette smiled at Tina, placed her hand over Tinas. Tinas doing really well Daddy. Shes writing for this new program on Showtime.

Would I have heard of it? Melvin asked and he frowned at Bettes hand resting on Tinas. Bette did not pull it away this time, she was dimly aware that Tina needed support.

Its a show about a group of lesbians in LA said Tina knowing that this was really going to impress Melvin!

Melvin made a sort of hrump kind of sound, a cross between clearing his throat and choking.

Are you OK Daddy? said Bette.

Melvin cast around quickly for another subject anything other than be faced with more ***** realities.

The waiter came back and brought their drinks but since theyd still not had time to read the menus and decide on their selection Tina asked him once again to give them a few minutes.

Tina, take Rosie out of the carrier. Im sure Daddy would like to see her. Maybe hed like to hold her.

Tina was reluctant to go to all the work of un-strapping the carrier, it was a bit of a pain to get it back on and if she no longer had Rosie in the carrier it was going to be hard for her to eat a meal and hold her. Bette leaned over and started to unbuckle the straps.

Its OK said Melvin quickly I can see her from here.

Isnt she just gorgeous said Bette shes such a good girl and Tinas so fantastic with her shes such a wonderful mother.

What will we have to eat said Melvin The fish sounds good.

Bette looked shocked and hurt. She realised for the first time that hed not once really looked at Rosie and remembered he still kept referring to her as Tinas child.

Daddy, Rosies our daughter, Tinas my partner. Dont you want to see our child, your grandchild?

Bette, its not biologically possible for her to be my grandchild. I made it clear before I only have one grandchild, thats David. If you want to believe that fantasy it is up to you but I chose to be realistic.

Tina sat unmoving. She hadnt really expected anything more of Melvin.

Bette, however, had expected that by some miracle since shed fought so hard to get Tina back and then start a family with her that the sheer magic of it would somehow have changed the way Melvin looked at life. She knew Kit had talked to him, she even knew that Kit had warned her about Melvin but the harsh reality of his words hit her like a fist to the stomach.

Daddy, how can you say such a thing? Look at her, how beautiful she is. Tina and I have fought so hard to get to where we are today why cant you accept my family? Be happy for me?

Bette, youre my daughter and I love you but what do you expect? Its not ..natural..and I cant accept it.

Bette stood up.

Tinas eyes were following the discussion, she felt like she was watching a tennis match with hurtful words being batted backwards and forwards. She wasnt prepared however when Bette suddenly took her arm and said Tina, get up, were leaving.

Melvins mouth dropped. Hed been prepared for Miss Kennard to leave but Bette? Where are you going? he said.

Daddy, were leaving. Tina is my wife. Weve been together for more than 8 years and its about time you treated her as my partner. I cant force you to treat Rosie as your granddaughter but I think youre missing out on something really special if you dont. Either way Im not letting my wife and my daughter be insulted by you. Good bye. I hope you enjoy your lunch and your visit to New York.

Bette pushed Tina past the waiter who had been hovering near the table. She ignored the other patrons who were sitting starring at the tall attractive brunette and the shapely blond who theyd just been told in no uncertain terms were a couple.

Bette didnt look back at Melvin as she left the restaurant.

TBC