No sooner had they broken the embrace and arose to walk back to Nancy, when Nancy came bursting through the ward doors weeping. Tina, sweetheart, *sob * dads gone. Nancy stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Bette. She just stared at Tina in Bettes armsshe just stood there, she couldnt move.

Chapter 32.

As if in slow motion, Nancys eyes rolled back in he head and she fell to the floor.
Tina immediately went to her mum, so did a nurse who was passing. Upon checking her vitals, the diagnosis was Nancy had passed out. Tina breathed a huge sigh of relief. She knew loosing her dad would send her mum over the edge, she just didnt know how far.

After a few minutes Nancy was beginning to regain consciences ness. A doctor was in attendance ensuring Nancy was Ok. Tina was standing over her mum waiting for her senses to return to normal.

Tina: (grief stricken) God.Mum are you Ok, you fainted. Must be the stress of of loosing dad?

Nancy: (panicked) What. What happened to your father, sweetheart?

Tina thought her mum mightve temporarily blanked out the memory because it was too painful. Tina took her mums hand, Mum you told me, (looking at her watch) 5 minutes ago Dad had passed on. Hes gone.

Something just dawned on Nancy: Oh god Tina. yes he is gone. We need to find him!!

Tina looked at her mum confused. She expected more of a response.

Nancy: (looking worriedly into Tinas eyes) When he woke up his doctor gave him his diagnosis. He told him he didnt have much time left, so your dad..he took off..when no one was watching. He told the nurse and me that he was going to the bathroom. (tears were returning to Nancys eyes) God how long ago was that now?.. We have to find him sweetheart. He was very weak so he couldnt have got too far. He said he didnt want to die in a hospital..GOD TINA, WE HAVE TO FIND HIM!

There were so many emotions running through Tinas mind. She had thought up until 30 seconds ago, that her father had died, only to find out her mum was telling her that he had gonegone from the hospital.

Right then she helped her mum up, ensuring Nancy had recovered and was Ok. Tina walked over to Bette enveloping her in a big hug, which Bette returned whole heartedly.Tina needed to feel Bettes warmth and love even if just for a moment.

Tina: (trying to put on her Chiefs hat) Ok mum, were going to find dad, dont worry. I dont want you driving so youre coming with me. We will check all his frequented haunts and surely we will find him somewhere familiar. Bette (looking lovingly at Bette), babe, I really need you with me so you are coming with us too, Ok?

Bette: Sure ba. I mean Tee.

Nancy gave Tina an incredulous look, (sternly) Not now mum!! I need Bette and shes coming, lets go!!!

Nancy conceded, and Tina took Bettes hand, as the three of them quickly exited the hospital and were on their way to find Stephen Kennard.

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Stephen was feeling weak, dehydrated and short of breath. He was however determined to make it home. If he was going to die he wanted to be at his favorite place in the world, his home.

More precisely the back porch; sitting reading the morning paper, looking out over the baysmelling the cool sea breeze. The only thing that would be missing would be his family; his two girls, but he was pretty confident they would find him before well..just before

There was no way in ***** he was going to die in some sterile hospital bed, hooked up to monitors, with looks of pity from relatives who hadnt seen him for years. They could do that at his funeral. Stephen wanted to go home!!!!!!!!!

He was worried about his dear wife Nancy, more than anyone else. He knew Tina had grown into a fine young woman and she was strong, she would handle it, but Nancy and him were everything to each other, for the last 30 years.

He wandered determinedly out the doors of the hospital, finding a cab parked outside the doors. Getting in, Stephen told the cab driver, his address followed by; please just take me HOME perhaps for the last time.


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Tina, Bette and Nancy were frantically driving all over town, making their way home. Bette had volunteered to take the wheel, believing Tina was in no state either to drive, but Tina knew her way around so Bette had to give in, it would be quicker for Tina to get them where they needed to. They desperately wanted to find Stephen before anything happened to him.

Nancy: Tina, sweetheart dad probably headed to our home. he loves it there. Lets just check these few places, theyre on the way.. home.

Nancy though they may as well check, Stephens favorite pub, the local golf course and his old police station. Nancy sadly thought Stephen mightve been feeling sentimental.

Bette was sitting in the back seat watching these two women frantically work together for their goal and she could see how alike they really were. She also felt a great deal of pride for Tina, how Tina was dealing with the situation, with a cool head and brave attitude. God. I love that woman!!! Bette smiled in her heart, looking at Tina. That was the only place appropriate to smile at this time.

The 3 of them had managed to check all of the places Nancy thought of and eventually arrived at Stephen and Nancys home. Nancy and Tina got out of the car and hastily made their way inside; Bette followed not too far behind.

Tina walked through the house and Nancy went straight out to the back porch.

There she found her husband, slouched in the chair with the newspaper a pile on the floor. Nancy went over and felt Stephen; he was cold. Bette and Tina came out a minute later to find her mum sitting on her dads lap just hugging him, tears streaming down her cheeks. Bette pulled Tina into her arms and pulled out her cell dialing 911.

Tina looked at her mum holding her dad and through her grief, whispered to Bette, this is what.what he wanted .babe.

Holding Tina as hard as she could, Bette said, I know.

Tina noticed a mildly warm cup of tea sitting on the side table next to her dad. There was a note underneath, in Stephens handwriting that simply said, Ill love you alwaysmy two girls.


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Tina saw the note, picked it up and as soon as she read it she broke Bette embrace and went over to comfort her mum, who was, what could only be described as, in shock. Nancy would not let go of her husband. Tina just let her mum sit there for a while, until the paramedics arrived. Tina pried her mum away, holding her tightly, trying to comfort her mum, and her now empty soul.

Bette just stood back and let Tina and her mum say goodbye to the most important man in their livesa husband, a dad, a good man.

Nancy had cried all her tears. She turned to Tina mournfully; I dont know any other life except with your dad. What am I going to do with out him?

Tina: Im here mum, well work it out. Bette observed the uncertainty in Tinas eyes and with a heavy heart she vowed to do everything in her power to make things easier for Tina.


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The paramedics had left and the mortuary had came and picked up Stephen. Tina helped her mum inform all the family. Bette just stayed at Tinas side holding her when she needed it. istening when Tina wanted to talk. Bette was at a loss of what else she could do.

Tinas mum hadnt said a word to Bette, in all the time she was there. Bette didnt mind at all, she was worried about Tina and was thankful her mum was too upset to get into anything else right now. Tina spent the day at the house with her mum comforting her making funeral arrangements, with Bette never leaving her side.

It became late in the evening and the whole three women were finding it hard to keep their eyes open. Bette and Tina both hadnt slept at all the night before, so they were physically as well as mentally exhausted. Bette asked Tina if she could give her a minute.

Tina: (looking over at her mum) Sure.

Nancy was just staring blankly into space; Bette and Tina walk into the other room.

Bette: (compassionately, talking Tina in her arms)Tee, I think we all need some sleep.. I think you should stay here with your mum; she really will need you. Ill get a room at the Crowne Plaza, and when I hear from you in the morning, Ill be right back. If you need me at all, all you have to do is call Ok?

Tina thought about it, and although she desperately wanted to fall asleep in Bettes warm loving arms, Tina knew Bette was right.

Tina: (resignedly, staring into Bettes eyes) Ok babethank you so much for today.. I couldnt have held it together without you. (Tina gave Bette a loving kiss on the lips) I would love nothing more than to fall asleep in your armsand stay there forever..but youre right; mum needs me nowI will call as soon as we get up in the morning I love you Bette, always remember that!!

Bette: I love you too Tee. Call me for absolutely anything Ok?

Bette bought her mouth to Tinas and the two women shared a tender kiss, before Bette grabbed the keys to Tinas car and headed to the hotel, for some much needed rest. Problem was Bette didnt know how much rest she would get; she was so worried about Tina.

She managed to fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was so exhausted.

Bette woke up at daybreak and felt a familiar warmth next to her. She turned her head and saw the most beautiful vision, Tina must have come into her room sometime during the night and her body was snuggled up next to Bette’s. Bette was so out of it she didnt even feel Tina enter the bed.

Bettes movement caused Tina to wake. She placed her arms around Bettes midriff and hugged her tight, (yawning) Good morning babe(Bette smiled enjoying the closeness of their two bodies. It was the most useful she had felt since she had arrived) I just couldnt sleep without you by my side, Id better get back to mums.. I waited till she fell asleep and I just had to come. I hope you didnt mind?

Bette: (teary eyed) Of course not babyI love that you came to me!

Tina disentangled herself from Bette and went to get out of bed, missing Bettes warmth immediately. Throwing on her blue sweat pants and t-shirt she had got from her old room, the night before, Tina continued; there was sadness in her tone, babeI need to call the station and youll need to get back.um..when do you have to leave?

Bette: (statedly) Baby, Im not going anywhere until you do! And I already took care of letting the station know Tee. Let me worry about our home in L.A.. you just focus on here.

For the first time in what seemed like forever, a smile graced Tinas lips. Tina looked lovingly, deeply into Bettes eyes; lent down and gave Bette a warm, intimate kiss.

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It was three days later, the day of Stephen Christopher Kennards funeral and Tina had made all the arrangements in accordance with her mums wishes. There were a huge amount of mourners.

Stephen Kennard was a very popular man in the community, he lived in this city his whole life and with his work in the force well he had helped a lot of people over the years.

It was a moving service. Tina gave her fathers eulogy, a fitting tribute to a man that was truly loved.

Bette had taken care of everything back in L.A., keeping Kit updated when she could. Bette even personally rang Tinas fire fighting team members to let them know the situation.

Bette still wasnt sure when they would be returning home, but was planning on talking to Tina about it in a few days, when Bette thought she was up to it. Bette had no intention of pushing Tina; she would know when Tina was ready.

Nancy had slowly returned to the land of the living over the last 48 hours and she had witnessed first hand how in love her Tina and Bette were. She saw how loving and supportive Bette was to her daughter. How Bette and Tina seemed to thrive off each other. How they seemed to just fit together??!!!?

For some reason though Nancy felt like all she had left were her beliefs and ideals, and she just couldnt bring herself to accept her daughter’s relationship. Nancy kept referring to Bette as Tinas friendshe was in denial. but at least she was being civil!

She didnt have any idea about her life anymore, right now she was feeling alonethe love of her life had passed on and left her here.alone.

After the funeral service was completed and final goodbyes had been said, Nancy quietly asked her daughter if she could have a minute with her before she returned to Bette.

Tina: Sure mum, what is it?

Nancy: (hesitantly) Ive got a question for you, sweetheart. I know I would be asking a lot but I just want you to think about it Ok? (Tina looked curiously at her mum)Ive been thinking sweetheart and you are all I have left now..Tina is there any possibility. that you would. consider moving back home. back to San Francisco.to stay with me.in our home?dont say anything now. Please just think about it? I could arrange a job for you at the San Francisco fire department, your dad had contacts in all the emergency services fields

Tina responded to her mum, Ok, Ill think about it. She knew it had been an emotionally draining day for both of them and her mum did need her right now.

Tina hugged her mum and made her way back to Bette. As she was walking she looked appreciatively at Bette standing, waiting for her at the car. Tina got to thinking, Mum is really lostShe does really need me right now. But I couldnt possibly come back to San Francisco to live, could I?Its not just about me anymore Kennard, I really need to see what Bette thinks..