Bettes eyes slammed open and her heart beat wildly in her chest as Rosies hungry cries filled the bedroom. She groaned and reached out towards Tina but Tina was already rolling out of bed, her eyes not yet open and her body on automatic pilot.

Bettes eyes focused on the clock 3:05am, Rosie was on schedule. Bette looked forward to the night when Rosie slept until 7 or 6; even 5 would be a relief. She missed the long lie-ins they used to enjoy. She rolled onto her back and watched as Tina walked over and lifted their hungry daughter out of her bassinette. Tina cradled Rosie closer and massaged her back as she moved towards the doorway.

Im awake, stay here Bette said quietly.

Are you sure? Tina turned towards Bette We could be a while, she often wants to play.

Bette smiled and yawned Do you want to feed her in bed?

Rosie prefers it here said Tina indicating the rocking chair and making herself comfortable Are you sure you wouldnt rather we left you in peace? she queried one last time before she prepared to feed Rosie.

No stay.. Im awake now Bette smiled at them.

Bette lay watching Tina feed Rosie. It was so natural and beautiful. She loved seeing them together like this and she felt this overpowering love well up inside her.

She moved over on the bed and sat on Tinas side. She placed one hand on Tinas knee and with the other she cradled one of Rosies hands, marveling at how tiny it was. She sat there just watching them both and thinking how lucky she was. She swallowed, unable to speak and hoping that the love she felt for both of them was mirrored in her face. She continued to sit there, unable to speak or move until she could see Tina start to shift uneasily under her stare.

Tina frowned when she saw the tears in Bettes eyes Are you OK Babe?

Bette nodded, then after a few moments she said T, do you ever wonder what would have happened if wed never met?

Tina searched Bettes face wondering what she was thinking about But we did.

Yes, but what if we hadnt.. Do you think youd have married Eric? Bette asked tentatively.

Tina was at a loss to understand what was prompting these questions Whats the point of wondering about stuff like that babe?

I..just sometimes wonder what would have happened if you and Eric hadnt come into my gallery that night.

Tina smiled We might have met some other way at some other time.

Maybe Bette said, unsettled by the thoughts in her head but I may never have had the chance to .. she paused, searching for the right word persuade you..

Tina reached out a hand and put it over Bettes Babe ..why are you doing this..?

Bette shook her head I dont know..I just wonder sometimes what would have happenedif anyone else could have tamed the Bette Porter I was then..

They sat silently for a few moments, looking at each other but following their own train of thoughts.

..not that Id have wanted anyone else to.. Bette added wanting to make sure that Tina hadnt misunderstood where her thoughts were taking her.

After a few more minutes of pondering Bettes questions Tina finally spoke NoI dont think I would have married Eric.. but I cant be sure..

Bette just nodded her head understanding it wasnt a fair question to have asked. She tried again Do you think were soul mates?

You mean the one and only people meant for each other? Tina looked at Bette and when Bette nodded she thought about it for a moment I..I dont knowits scary to think theres only one person out there for each of uswhat if you never found that person?

Bette squeezed Tinas leg and sighed Im going to get a glass of water..do you want anything?

Umm..yeah..water would be good Tina nodded.

Bette wandered from the room and as she filled the two glasses under the tap she wiped away the tears from her eyes. She couldnt help but think how lucky she was to have found her soul mate, her one-and-only, not once but twice in one lifetime.

And as Tina fed Rosie and rocked her slowly she thought about Bettes questions. Yes, it would be sad if there was a one-and-only out there that you never found. But when she thought about Bette she realized that even when they were apart and she was angry and hurt and humiliated over the affair shed still loved her. That love seemed to shine through like a lighthouse in a storm guiding her home. What better definition of soul mate could there be than her first, last and forever.

TBC