The drive seemed to take forever. Tina was becoming more and more worried by the second, getting lost in her what if thoughts, What if something has happened to Bette? What if I lose her?

Tina quickly snapped herself out of them kind of thoughts, No. Bette is OkGodShe has to be. I can feel that she is, trying to convince herself more than anything.

Finally the Captain pulled up outside the gallery. Tinas heart felt like it was pounding through her chest.

As he was coming to a stop the Captain spoke, Ok Tina, be careful. Youll be ok to catch a lift back with the truck? I need to get back

Before the car had even come to a complete stop, before the Captain had even stopped speaking, Tina grabbed her fire coat, opened the door and swiftly jumped out.

Not hearing a word the Captain just said, not even letting him finish. Tina needed to see Bette!!! Nothing else mattered at that moment.

Tina noticed the building was still standing, and there were no visible signs of a fire, Thank God for that at least she said out loud to nobody in particular.

Tina raced through the front doors of the gallery, awkwardly trying to put her fire coat on. James immediately approaching her, in a relieved tone, Thank God youre here Tina!

Tina: (loud and panicky)Wheres Bette, James? I need to ***** see Bette.

James looked at Tina and Tina couldnt read his expression. It was almosta scared look, Tina, youd better speak to your colleague first. She will inform you of the situation! Shes in the back room walking Tina to the back showing room.

Tina was becoming very agitated, not meaning to, but yelling at James, No James, Where the ***** is Bette. I need to see Bette!! I need to know she is ok Tina had tears in her eyes; she was going through so many conflicting emotions.

She needed to know Bette was ok. She needed to embrace Bette and tell her she loved her; and that everything was going to be ok! She needed to feel Bette close to her, knowing that she was safe!

James: (sympathetically) Just talk to your colleague. Bette is ok!

Tina looked James straight in the eye to determine if he was telling her the truth. She came to the conclusion that he had no reason to lie, so at least Bette was ok. Tinas demeanor calmed slightly, Well where the ***** is she? Tina thought as she entered the back room.

Tina walked into the back room. It was dimly lit and a bit smoky. The fireplace on the back wall was actually kindling, the only form of lighting in the room, which Tina thought a bit strange.

Tina observed the figure of a fire fighter hunched over against the wall, almost looking like she was in despair. The figure was that of a woman, Tina could see her pony tail hanging down the back of her coat. It had to be Natalie, or so Tina assumed. The woman was wearing her fire coat, hat, overalls and boots.

Tina: (panic stricken) Nat, whats going on here. Where is Bette Porter, the owner? I need to see her (Tina raised her voice when it appeared Natalie wasnt responding) I really need to find Bette Porter!! ***** NatWhat the ***** is going on???? Tina was now becoming frustrated!

The woman turned around and slowly walked up to Tina. Tina intently stared at her wanting a response to her question. Tina didnt have to wait long. As the figure got closer Tina noticed something in her hand. It looked like. a single long stem red rose.

The woman took off her hat; with it her ponytail came free, and her brown curls fell freely around her face. At that moment Tina saw the womans face, confusion and relief washed over her whole body. In almost a whisper Tina spoke, BetteThank god

Bette closed the distance between the two of them, until she was standing mere inches away from Tina. Without saying a word, and with a look of pure love in her eyes, she extended her hand offering Tina the rose, staring into Tinas eyes broadly smiling.

Tina accepted the rose from Bette, starting to wonder what this was all about. Bette leaned into Tina and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

Tina wanted to grab Bette and pull her into her arms and never let go; feeling extremely fortunate that Bette was ok, but she also wanted to scream at her for making her worry so much.. for it appeared nothing. Tina didnt move though, she just stood there intently waiting to hear what Bette had to say.

Her heart rate was returning to normal; she could see the adoration in Bettes intense gaze. Sensing Bettes nervousness Tina spoke somewhat confused, Babe, what

Bette put her finger up to Tinas lips, ShhhTee, just listen to me, taking Tinas right hand into her own.

Bette: (staring intently into Tinas eyes) Tina.Tee.I want you to look into my eyes. I want you to really hear what I am saying ok baby. (Tina nodded, Bette took a deep breath and began) .You are probably wondering why the ***** Im in this uniform, and why you are here when obviously there was no emergency..Im so sorry you worried babyI orchestrated this little plan with your Captain, and we didnt realize you would panic so much before you knew

Tinas mind was now racing, thinking to herself, Plan with the Captain???? . Alright what the ***** dont I know???

Bette continued: Im in this uniform because I wanted to combine what Im hoping are the two most important things in your lifeyour two passions in life(smiling timidly, suddenly unsure of herself) your job and me? looking at Tina for a sign that this was all not in vein.

Tina saw in Bettes eyes her need for reassurance. Even though she had no idea what this was all about, she sensed the importance of the ensuing conversation. Tina lovingly smiled and nodded her head.

Thats all Bette needed to continue.

Tina could feel Bettes palms sweating, and Bette was becoming more and more nervous, I wanted this to be something you would never forget..Tee, baby. since you entered my life, every day I feel blessed. I cant even remember my life before you because it wasnt really a life.. it was just an existence. I feel like the luckiest woman alive every single morning when I wake up with you in my arms and I cannot imagine my life without you.. I dont even want to imagine my life without you. Your love makes me a better person.. Because you make me want to be a better person and I never want to be without you or our love.

Bette put one hand in the coat pocket pulling out a little black box. Bettes expression was a mixture of nervousness and hope.

At that moment Tina got it, what this plan of Bettes was all about. She suddenly became nervous too, thinking to herself, oh my god, oh my god.

Intently staring into Tinas eyes trying to portray without words the depth of her feelings, Bette slowly bent down on one knee, maintaining her contact with Tinas hand and opened the box.

It contained a simple yet elegant diamond engagement ring on a thin gold rope chain. Bette knew she couldnt put the ring on Tinas finger due to her injury, so she thought, all going well, for the time being, Tina could wear the symbol of their love around her neck, close to her heart, until Bette could place it in its rightful place.

Bette thought to herself, Well her goes

Bette spoke with all the sincerity and love that she possessed, Chief Christina Kennard, would you do me the absolute honor of spending your life with me? Will you marry me?

Bette pulled the ring out of the box in anticipation of the answer, looking up at Tina seeing the tears welling in her eyes..Hoping they were tears of joy!

tbc