Tina called the girls to come over to let them in their happy news. Kit was thrilled to get the invite telling Tina she had news of her own to share. Alice and Dana were appreciative of the dinner invite and were curious to know what breaking news the couple had to share—but when isnt Alice curious. Alice begged for a clue hating to be totally in the dark.

Alice: Oh come on Tina give me a clue.
Tina: No Alice youll find out along with everyone else.
Alice: Come on, just a little hint, please.
Tina: No Al, just be here at 7:30 and find out with the masses. Besides, if I tell you everyone would know in seconds.
Alice: Thats not fair. I wouldnt tell anyone I promise.
Tina: I know you wont because Im not telling you. If you really want to be involved I could use your help.
Alice: Anything Tina. Go ahead and tell me the news so I can help you out.
Tina: (laughing) Al I dont need to tell you for you to help me.
Alice: I thought Id give it one more shot.
Tina: (laughing) Nice try.
Alice: Ok Tina what can I do you for?
Tina: Shane I cant seem to get her on the phone. Ive left her a voicemail but havent spoken to her. Bette and I want to share this with all of you. Could you help me by making sure shes here tonight too?
Alice: Uhsure, Ill see what I can do.
Tina: Good. See you tonight.

Tina hung up the phone and went to check in on Bette. Bette had gone straight to her office when they arrived home from Dr. Wilsons. Bette appeared to be deep in thought as Tina approached her from behind.

Tina: Hey Bette, babe everyone is on board for tonight.
Bette: (startled) Oh T you scared me. Thats good about tonight. I really want to tell everyone and maybe get some help turning this room into a nursery. Two babies”well need plenty of room.
Tina: Babe you dont want to hire someone to do the remodel?
Bette: Absolutely not. This will be their home and I think if we remodel it, it will be done in love and it will make it more special. Besides, it will be the first thing Ill be able to do for them. (Bette beamed.)

Tina smiled broadly as unshed tears filled her eyes. This new Bette was such a softy”a softy she simply adored. Tina looked at Bette deep in her eyes and responded, Babe thats so sweet. What did I do to ever deserve you?

Bette: T”thats been my question for the last eight years babe.

Bette stood from her desk and pulled Tina into a warm embrace. Tina inhaled deeply and enjoyed the moment. Babe, *****?

Bette responded with a grin, Sure but we cant be too long. I mean the girls will be here soon. Tina started laughing, No sweetie”are we going to find out the babies ***** before they get here? Bette looked at Tina dejectedly, oh so no ***** for me? Tina had to laugh again, Later tonight, I promise. But Bette come on, tell me how you feel about finding out?

Bette: Well babe its up to you. Im fine either way. I mean we dont need to know before we decorate. I wasnt going to do anything remotely like blue for boys and pink for girls. I thought wed add some color but without any traditional boundaries. Can we decide later about finding out?
Tina: Im leaning towards being surprised babe”arent you? I mean, I just asked just in case you wanted to know before we decorate.
Bette: I think Id like to be surprised too. Todays surprise of finding out there are two babies worked out so well.
Tina: (laughing) Right!
Bette: I know its a lot to get used to but it will be so worth it.
Tina: (whispering”pulling Bette back into her arms) Youre right.

Tina gently broke her embrace, Babe what were you working on?

Bette: Im writing Simones contract for the CACs attorney to look over. Unfortunately, theres no way to avoid it. Franklin is right. We have to do her individual show. Besides, with two bundles of joy on the way we need to pad a nest egg for college funds, braces, summer camps, and anything else that may come up.

Tina: Babe Im so sorr
Bette placed her fingers on Tinas lips, No worries T. Were solid and Ill get through it. Tina please, dont keep apologizing. Its okay really. I meanits not ok to kiss her but it happened and youve apologized enough. At this point its time to move on.
Tina: Thanks babe, thanks. Id better order out before it gets too late. Oh babe I had Alice try to get Shane”she seems to be MIA.
Bette: Still? Thats odd she cant be that busy. You know Ill try calling her too.
Tina: Ok Babe.

Bette pulled out her phone and dialed Shane.
Voicemail: Youve reached me. Im busy. You know what to do.
Bette: Shane its me”Bette. Where are you? Tina and I are having everyone come over at 7:30, please come. Its important”see you.

With that Bette hung up the phone and wondered if Shane had been avoiding her. She was trying to remember if she had done or said anything inappropriate when she was drunk. I cant remember doing anything offensive or inappropriate. Besides, Alice was there and she would have straightened me out Bette thought.


Shane looked at her caller id as her conversation with Alice was interrupted.
Shane: Al Im not going. I got Tinas message and Bette just called too.
Alice: Shane I do understand you wanting to keep your distance but your sudden absence will be too hard to explain. ***** Shane, how long will this self-imposed exile last?
Shane: Until Im completely over Bette. I fooled myself last time II just cant do it.
Alice: Shane I really dont know what to say. I understand but maybeyou should focus on what you have and try not to think about what you dont have. Bettes a good friend”focus on that and please reconsider about tonight. At some point Porter is going to wonder why youre mad at her.
Shane: Im not mad at her.
Alice: She doesnt know that and your actions say otherwise.
Shane: Al I just need more time.
Alice: Ok Shane, ok.

At 7:30 sharp everyone arrives and sits down to share a meal and announcements.

Kit starts, I know you guys have news, but Im bursting to share some news of my own.

Bette: Go ahead.
Kit: IVE GOT A NEW CD Project it should be released in two months!
Bette: (screaming) OH KIT THAT IS GREAT (the sisters hug and jump around like little girls)
Dana: Oh I cant wait to hear it. This is so exciting.
Alice: That is GREAT news. How are you guys going to beat thatthats a tough act to follow.

Bette broke her hold on Kit and walked over to Tina and pulled her in by her waist.
Bette: I just wish Shane was here I wanted all of you all to hear this.
Alice chimed in trying to cover, seeing Bettes disappointment, hey shes been really busy the last few days.

Outside:
Shane parks her truck breaths in deep and exhaled. I can do this. I can do this. ***** Ive been doing this. Ill go in listen to the news and just be there. I dont want Bette to think Im angry with her and if I keep avoiding her shell think I hate her. God, I so dont hate her. With that Shane walked up and noticed a gift basket on the porch as she knocked on the door.

Kit opened the door.
Kit: Good, youre here. Bette looked like shed lost her best friend -didnt want to make the announcement without you.

Kit looked down and noticed the gift basket. Oh you goody two shoes”bearing gifts too? Kit pulled Shane in for a hug.
Shane: Oh no this was on the porch when I pulled up.
Bette: (smiling) Look what the cat dragged inoh and you brought a peace offering too uh?
Shane: Oh no I didnt this was on your porch.
Bette: Oh
Bette noticed the card it read To the happy couple. The basket was filled with baby stuff a rattler, a blanket, pacifier, and a small covered painting was inside too. Bette removed the cover and looked at the image with confusion and disgust-the image a family portrait with Bette, baby, and Simone. Suddenly Bette screamed at the image and refused to allow Tina to see it. She dropped the basket and tears filled her eyes. That ***** has gone too far!

Kit and Shane looked at the painting with bewilderment.

TBC