Hold still, you have some on your neck. Tina reached across a bathtub full of bubbled to wipe a smudge of chocolate off Bette. She licked her fingers clean Mmm…

Thats what I thought about twenty minutes ago. Bette smiled mischievously thinking back to their dessert…

You certainly have a way about you, dont you? Tina asked.

What do you mean? Bette ran her hand up and down Tinas thigh under the water.

Oh you know what I mean. Tina raised an eyebrow. You are completely charming.

Well you are completely delicious. Bette leaned over and kissed Tina on the lips.

We really need to get moving if were going out with Alice and Dana tonight. Tina started to stand.

T, please? Stay a bit longer?

But theyll be expecting us soon. How much longer do you want to stay here? Tina asked, relaxing once again in the water.

Bette didnt respond immediately. Instead she watched Tina close her eyes and let the bath calm her. Tinas hair was pulled back but a few loose curls hugged her neck due to the moisture from the water and sweat. Bette adored Tinas physical beauty but especially what radiated from inside of her. As Bette fumbled with something, Tinas eyes flashed open.

Well? Tina asked.

Well what?

How much longer did you plan on staying in here?

Forever?

What do you mean, forever? Tinas question reflected in her eyes.

Silently, Bette found Tinas left hand under the water and opened it up. Tinas heart started beating quickly, unsure of what Bette was up to. Yet, her chest thumped against her will, full of an excited and nervous feeling. Tina squinted her eyes at Bette. Grinning, Bette slid something on Tinas finger.

Forever, T. You and me for all future time. Holding each other, taking bubble baths together, living together, committed together, even licking chocolate off each other… forever, as a family. You are it, T, the one for me. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love another human being. But here you are, that same woman who lost her earring at my gallery. You are the one who brought joy to my life every day and you are the one I fought for, the one I will always fight for. Tina, I love you and I want the whole world to know about my love for you. Bette took Tinas hand out of the water and kissed it. Taking a deep breath she asked, Tina Kennard, T… will you be my future? Will you be my partner for life? Marry me?