The crowd, gathered in the backyard of the Porter-Kennard house, grew quiet as Tinas mother walked through the open French doors Ladies and.. she looked around uhh ladies.. and there was quiet laughter from the small group of women here to witness Rosies naming ceremony.

Annie continued I cant tell you how many naming ceremonies I have conducted over the years but none has been as special as this one, Im truly delighted to have been invited to officiate at this ceremony for my first grandchild.

She looked around at the four guardians who were nervously standing nearby. These are truly wonderful occasions for everyone but often hardest on the people asked to perform a role here. Children, often steal the show, just by being themselvesso I ask you all if you could please listen carefully as each of these people makes their commitment to guide Rosie through her life

And with that the ceremony started. Tina came out the doors holding Rosie, followed closely by Bette. They stood together; Bettes arm protectively circling Tinas back and her other hand lightly resting on Tinas arm, her fingers caressing Rosies hand.

Rosie kicked her legs and gurgled, she was unused to being in the lacy dress rather than the comfortable rompers that she spent most of her day in. She captured everyones attention immediately and Annie sighed aware that another naming ceremony was already out-of-hand and not caring one bit.

Annie spoke of what a special occasion it was to welcome a child into the world; how sure she was just by looking at Rosie as she interacted with her parents and their friends that she was truly loved.

The sun shone down on the small group as each one made their own commitment to be there for Rosie as she moved through her life.

Tina spoke of the names theyd selected Rosie is named after my mother Annie Rose, she smiled at her mother and we hope she grows up with my mothers compassion. She looked at her partner and Elizabeth after this amazing woman standing beside me Bette squeezed Tinas arm lightly and the tears spilled unchecked down her face. Tina continued smiling up into Bettes face I hope Rosie grows up with Bettes enthusiasm for life, her grace and her beauty…

Bette turned away, it was her turn to speak but she couldnt, the lump in her throat was so large. Tina saw immediately what had happened and continued to speak quietly until she could sense that Bette had pulled herself together then she gracefully handed over to Bette so she could speak of her love for their daughter and her wishes for Rosies future.

The ceremony finished with Annie handing over the certificates that Bette and Tina had prepared for each of the guardians and then the party started. Rosie was passed from person to person until Tina finally rescued her and retreated into the house to feed her and put her to bed.
A few minutes later Bette followed Tina into the house. She walked through the lounge room and their bedroom and finally found Tina sitting quietly in Rosies new room.

Its quieter in here Tina said simply. Bette leant over and kissed her wife and their daughter then settled down beside them.

Go back to the party babe..Ill be OK Tina smiled at Bette.

Bette shrugged They can look after themselves for a little while..besides this is Rosies day and I want to be here with her…

They sat together, Bettes arm around Tina as she fed Rosie.

Bette said Tina after a few moments do you remember what we talked about when you came to find me at Gillians place in San Francisco?

Umm, well sort of said Bette there was a lot of pressure that weekend and what I mostly remember is you finally agreeing to talk to me..give me another chance. She paused and when Tina didnt pick up the discussion she asked Which part of the conversation were you thinking about?

The bit about me not wanting to have a child alone.. Tina said softly. She watched Bettes face as comprehension dawned and then confusion and concern. Bettes mouth opened but no sound escaped.

Tina hurried on I know theres still a long way to go ..but I wanted to say thank you..you promised to be there for us..and you are..and I know its not easy for you..its hard to get the right balance between us and your job.. she looked into Bettes eyes but I dont feel alone..and I just wanted you to know that..

A radiant smile lit Bettes face T, have I told you lately how much I love you? You as my wife not just as Rosies mother..although god knows I love you as that as well.. She lifted Tinas chin and kissed her tenderly. She looked down at Rosie as she lay in Tinas arms I knew youd be an amazing mother..Rosies so lucky to have you..we both are..I just cant imagine my life without you and Rosie in it

They sat together quietly, watching Rosie until she drifted off to sleep then they took her through to their bedroom and placed her in the bassinette so theyd be able to hear her if she woke. They stood over the bassinette watching her until Bette sighed and took Tinas hand and pulled her back into the party.

When Rosie woke Tina went to fetch her while Bette talked to the caterer asking her to bring out the cake.

Bette walked over to the table and poured them both a drink; champagne for her and champagne with a huge amount of orange juice for Tina. She caught Kits eye and raised her glass, Kit responded by raising her glass of soda water.

Bette walked back to where Tina stood joking around with Alice. She placed her arm around her wife and looked around at all the people she loved.

This was a day to celebrate the journey theyd taken together; a journey traveled by more than just Tina and her and their beautiful Rosie. This day was a celebration of their LA family; the people whod been with them through the good times and the bad and who seemed determined to be there for them for the rest of their lives.

Bette pulled Tina closer and kissed her lightly on the cheek then she tapped her glass to get everyones attention. She cleared her throat I want to make a toast. I want to thank all our good friends for being here. Its you who make our life interesting and were really pleased to be able to share this special day with you all. She looked into Tinas eyes which were filled with tears and she felt her own start to water as she told them all how much they meant to both her and Tina and how lucky Rosie would be to have them all in her life.

When she finished she looked at Tina T?

Tina laughed happily, Rosie cuddled in her arms Youve really said it all..thank you for coming and celebrating with us..and please stay and help us eat up all this food otherwise well be having leftovers until Rosies 21st.

Bette smiled and hugged Tina closer Please raise your glasses to Rosie and join us in her ongoing journey..

To Rosie everyone cried.

TBC