Not Knowing- Epilogue Turning on her bedside lamp, Tina immediately looked over to be sure that she had not disturbed Bette. They had had a wonderful evening together, just the three of them, and after they had put the baby to bed, had spent the rest of the night making love to each other, over and over again, until they had finally fallen asleep in each others arms in total exhaustion. Sitting up in bed with her back resting against the headboard, she smiled as she watched Bette sleeping. Her breathing was deep and even, which told Tina how soundly she was sleeping. She, on the other hand, was experiencing another one of those restless nights, the same as she had had with her first pregnancy. Being six months pregnant was having the same affect on her body and sleep pattern as had occurred with their first child. Looking down at her naked belly, she softly rubbed her ever growing protrusion and sighed as she often could not believe that they were really going to do this all over again. Almost a year after their first child had been born, Bette began to talk about another one. Tina had been incredulous at the time, but after she saw how serious Bette was, began to consider it as a real possibility. She knew that in addition to just wanting another child, Bette also wanted to live and experience the full pregnancy with Tina that she had missed out on the first go round. Realizing what this meant to Bette, Tina knew that there was no way that she would ever tell her no. Smiling, she removed her hand from her stomach and lightly ran it against Bettes bare back, gently enough to make contact with her, but not enough to cause her to wake. Watching Bette sleep was one of her most favorite things to do. It was a time that she could absorb all of the woman that was her wife without having to glance away for fear of making her self conscious. It was at this time that she could study Bette, watch the expressions that crossed her face as she dreamed of whatever it was that her mind was processing. After they had reunited, Tina knew that Bette had found a certain sense of peace, but when she was sleeping, Tina truly saw it. She saw the look of everything being right in her world and Tina knew that Bette would wish to be no where else but there, in that bed, lying with Tina. Strangely, she often found herself jealous of Bettes slumber, wishing to be a part of it or to at least be wherever Bette was at that time. Turning on her side to face Bette, Tina continued to softly stroke her back, loving the feel of Bettes warm skin beneath her fingertips. Thinking back to her first pregnancy always made her feel a bit, What? What is it? she thought. Sad? Maybe. Scared? Probably. Needy? Definitely she thought as she looked at Bette. Thinking back to those last weeks spent apart always made her feel as if she needed to reach out and touch Bette, just to make sure that she really was hers again, hers to touch whenever she wanted or needed to. God, what a mess that was she softly sighed as she thought back to the day that she had gone to the CAC in order to straighten everything out just in time to break things off with Helena. She had never felt a greater sense of relief as she had in clearing the air with Bette and then ending things with Helena. Looking back, it almost felt as if the entire period was some type of tweaked out outer body experience. But, at least it got us to here, didnt it baby? she smiled as she leaned over and gently kissed Bettes bare shoulder. Not even moving, Tina rested her hand on Bettes back, letting it rise and fall with her deep breathing. She thought back to when she had walked out of the museum, telling George that Bette had been happy to see her, and how thrilled she had been right then, just at that exact moment, a sense of exhilaration that seemed to lift her off the ground as she made her way to her car. She didnt know if she had ever been happier before. She finally knew that she was on the road to reclaiming her life, getting it all back, where it belonged, and knew that it was just a matter of time before everything fell back into place. She had gone straight home and packed a bag. She knew that it may be premature, but didnt care. She wanted to be prepared for what she hoped was to be coming and wanted Bette to know how serious she was in getting her back. A half hour later, she had walked into The Planet looking for Kit. Knocking on her office door, she remembered Kit asking her in. Well, hey there mama! To what do I owe this surprise? she laughed as she walked around her desk to give Tina a big bear hug. Tina laughed at Kit and realized how much she had missed this woman. Hugging her back, she said, I thought that I would try and steal you away for a couple of hours before your dinner with Bette. Steal me away, huh? Youre not trying to make my baby sister jealous now are you? she teased. No she giggled. I just wanted to spend a little time with you. You know, catch up. Uh huh smiled Kit, giving Tina a look like she knew that something was going on. Ignoring the look, Tina said, I actually invited myself to yalls dinner, but just wanted the two of us to spend some time together before Bette got home. Knowing that Tina probably wanted to discuss Bette she said, That sounds wonderful, baby girl. What did you have in mind? Well, Bette said that she thought her meeting would go to around 6 and so I thought that we could just head over to the house, catch up and be there for when she got home she smiled. You dont think that shell mind that were just hangin out at the house while shes not there? Tina just smiled and said, Nope, I dont think shell mind at all. Well, you know best said Kit as she reached for her bag. Besides, I would love to get outta here and spend a little quality time with you she said. So? Ill meet you there? asked Tina. Yep, let me just grab our lobster and Ill see you there. Im guessing theres a story behind the lobster? asked Tina with a raised brow as they walked out of the office. Oh baby. Isnt there always? laughed Kit. Yes there is, Kit. Yes there is agreed Tina shaking her head with a smile on her face. Looking over at Bette as she continued to sleep, she couldnt help but smile at the memory of Bette walking in the front door, seeing the two of them sitting on the sofa catching up as if everything were completely back to normal, that this was just any afternoon of their life together. Stirring, Tina watched Bette mumble something in her sleep and then just as quickly, saw her re-settle herself to resume her previous deep slumber. Softly running her hand through Bettes hair, she continued to think back to that day. She and Kit had had a wonderful time catching up on the others life, Kit telling Tina all about Benjamin and Tina bringing Kit up to speed on things with Bette. Wow! she exclaimed. So, let me get this straight. You and Bette slept together, you told her that you didnt want it to change things between the two of you, but you actually did want it to change things between the two of you and so you called Bette here and told her that but she never checked the messages and so you went to the CAC to tell her in person where Helena started kissing you just as Bette walked up. Am I getting this right so far? she asked as she took a deep breath. Yeah giggled Tina. Sounds about right to me. And then, once you straightened things out with Bette, you went and broke up with Helena and told her to lay off Bette? she asked incredulously. Once again, you are correct laughed Tina. Well, all I can say is that you have been one busy woman she laughed. I bet Bettes life just got a whole lot easier she said, shaking her head in wonderment. I hope so said Tina. That was kind of the idea. They heard the key in the lock at the same time and both turned their heads to see Bette walking through the front door. With her phone held between her teeth, she was juggling her laptop and bag all the while flipping through the days mail. Concentrating on all of these actions, she did not see the two of them sitting on the sofa. Ahem she heard as she quickly looked up. Wha- she said in surprise which caused the phone to drop out of her mouth and fall crashing to the floor. Kit and Tina both laughed at her surprise as they stood to greet her. Turning and looking at the still open front door, she read the numbers on the door as if ensuring that she was in fact at the right house. Tina giggled at Bettes actions and walking up to her, removed all of her bags from her shoulder, took the mail from her hands, depositing all of it in the chair next to the door. Hey baby she whispered as she wrapped her arms around Bettes neck. Bette continued to stand there, mouth open in surprise as she looked between Tina and Kit. What-? We thought it would be nice to be here when you got home she smiled as she leaned in to give Bette a kiss hello. Well yeah, but- said Bette before Tinas lips met her own. Hey baby sister said Kit as she came around to give Bette a hug. Hey she said, hugging her back. Wow! How long have the two of you been here? asked Bette as she closed the door behind her. Just a couple of hours smiled Tina as she put her arm around Bettes waist. A coupla…? asked Bette not finishing her sentence. What for? Oh, just a little girl talk giggled Tina as she winked at Kit. The look that was passed between Tina and Kit was not lost on Bette. Really? she said. A little girl talk, huh? Yep both Tina and Kit answered at the same time. Well then, how bout sharing? suggested Bette with a smile on her face, knowing that she was not going to get a positive answer to her question. Ive got an idea said Tina as she squeezed Bette around the waist. How bout you go change and since you are home now, Kit and I will go into the kitchen and start cracking some lobster. How does that work? Well, Ive never been one to turn down an offer like that chuckled Bette. Leaning into Tina, she kissed her on the cheek and said, Ill be right back. Dont be long Tina said to her as she swatted Bette on the rear end as she walked away. Throwing Tina a smile over her shoulder, Bette made her way into her bedroom, undressing as she went. Upon walking in, she immediately sensed something was different. The room had a different feel and smell and she could not place it. Standing there with her shirt pulled part way off of her shoulders, she began to just look around and breathe deeply. It was then that she saw a duffle bag sitting on the chair in the corner of their room. Looking closer, she realized that it was Tinas. What the- she said as she walked up to it. The bag was open and she saw that it contained some of her clothes, shoes, underwear, and other miscellaneous items. Looking around, she also noticed a book sitting on Tinas bedside table. Picking it up, she saw from the placement of the bookmark that she was halfway through it. After flipping through the pages, she placed it back down and continued to remove her shirt. After removing her shirt and pants, she walked into the closet to grab a change of clothes and once again, her sense of smell was assaulted with something different. And there it was. Tina. She looked at Tina’s clothes hanging in the closet and that, in addition to the other items in the bedroom was changing the feel and smell of the room. Tina was back and from what she saw, was preparing to stay. Not really sure what to make of all of this, she made her way to the bathroom and was not surprised to see Tinas toiletries back in the same places that they had resided not but seven months ago. Picking up a bottle of her perfume, Bette inhaled deeply and recognized it to be the same scent that had permeated their room, faintly lingering as it always had, bringing along with it a sense of safety and comfort. Tina, Tina, Tina she whispered, shaking her head as she put the bottle back where she had found it. She quickly finished up in the bathroom and headed towards the kitchen. As she walked in, she was immediately warmed by the sight of Kit and Tina sitting at the kitchen table, sleeves rolled up as they cleaned lobster and laughed with one another. Tina looked up immediately and saying nothing, just studied Bette. Bette leaned up against the door and simply smiled at Tina, Kit still continuing on with her story, oblivious to the fact that Bette was even there. Returning her smile, Tina raised her eyebrow at Bette, as if in question, and waited for her response. Bette said nothing, just continued to stand there and smile at Tina. Kit finally looked up and seeing Tina looking over her shoulder, turned around and said, Hey baby sis! Get on over here and make yourself useful! Pulling up a chair, she did just that. Kit continued on with her story and Bette and Tina shared silent glances, smiles and winks for the balance of the evening. Hours later, as the night wore down, Kit stood up and began to clear the table. Kit, dont, really. I can do that said Bette as she too stood to take the plates from her sisters hands. You are not doing this by yourself, Bette. Now let me help you she demanded. Kit? said Tina. Yeah? she asked as she turned to look at her. Its ok. I can help Bette. You sure? she asked. Definitely she answered as she stole another quick look at Bette, continuing to try and figure out what was going through her mind. Well, if youre sure she said as she made her way to the front door. Do you need a ride or anything? she asked Tina. You really shouldnt be driving by yourself at night in your condition she said in a concerned manner. Kit, Im fine she said raising her eyebrow in emphasis as she subtly nodded her head in Bettes direction. Oh, right she quickly agreed as she opened the front door. They all said their good-byes and as Bette closed the door behind Kit, she slowly turned around and leaning against it, was not surprised to find Tina watching her intently. The two women looked at one another, neither speaking. Finally, Tina said, So? So smiled Bette. We should probably get cleaned up, huh? she said as she pushed off the door to make her way to the kitchen. As Bette walked by Tina, she heard in a low voice Elizabeth Porter, stop right there. Stopping dead in her tracks, Bette knew that Tina could not see the smile that was on her face. Yeah? she asked, biting her lip to keep from laughing, back still to Tina. Turn around she was commanded. Doing so, she assumed a serious expression and just said, What? Tina studied Bette for a moment and it was then that she saw the glimmer in her eyes. Anything you wanna say? she asked Bette, beginning to smile herself. Well, now that you mention it. Can I borrow that book that youre reading when youre done? a full smile now evident on her face. You little ***** growled Tina as she walked up to Bette and pulled her into a hug. Why would I expect anything different? she laughed as she massaged her back with both hands. Returning the hug, Bette just held on and once again, treasured the feeling of having Tina in her arms. So? said Tina as she pulled back to look into Bettes eyes. Welcome home whispered Bette as she leaned in to kiss her. Kissing Bette back, she ran her fingers through her hair while pulling on her neck, forcing Bettes lips harder onto her own. What Bette had initiated, she felt slipping to Tinas control. Tina was commanding ownership of Bettes mouth, her tongue fighting for a presence, pushing deeper while sucking Bettes into her own mouth. Pulling apart, Bette gasped for air, but did not have long as Tina pulled her back into her. She felt Tinas hands begin an exploration of her back, her top being pushed up as each and every rib was left yearning for more from her skilled touch. Pushing her hands in the air, Tina finally managed to get Bettes top over her head. Slowing the pace, trying to control her breathing, she placed her hands on Bettes bare ***** and even though she had just made love to Bette the day before, she was still mesmerized by the beauty in front of her. There was not a more beautiful woman on the face of the earth than the one standing before her and the fact that she was hers further amazed her in ways that she had difficulty fathoming. Looking deeply into Bettes eyes as she kept a hand on either breast, she whispered, I love you, Bette. Finding it difficult to find her own breath, she softly said in return, I love you too, Tina. I want to show you how much I love you Tina continued to whisper, neither eyes nor hands moving. I would like nothing more than for you to do just that smiled Bette as she reached down for one of Tinas hands. Leading them into the bedroom, Bette stopped at the foot of their bed and turning around, wrapped Tina in her arms and just held her. Are you sure about this? whispered Bette. Yes. I have never been more sure about anything in my life she answered with determination. Both women removed her clothes and lay down on the bed facing one another. Tina reached over and ran a finger down Bettes nose and said, Are you ok with this? With all of this? Yes she answered as she leaned over and kissed her. Absolutely she said as she ran her tongue around the rim of her ear. Definitely she replied as she drew her tongue down her neck to the tip of her breast where she nipped and bit the sensitive aureoles, never touching her nipples. Tina began to move her hips up and down, wanting more from Bette, her body screaming for more than just these teasing caresses that she had received so far. Baby she whispered as she tried to move Bettes mouth over to one of her aching *****. Please. She dragged her fingertips across the tops of her nipples, never allowing too much contact. The moan that she heard escape Tinas lips was one of both frustration and arousal. Bette she said as she reached for her own breast, guiding the nipple to Bettes mouth. Here…take it, baby she pleaded. Looking down at Tina, she saw the state that she was in and decided to ease at least part of the frustration. Taking her nipple between her teeth, she began to suck on it furiously. Oh God she heard Tina moan as she felt her press the back of her head in effort to get her to take more. Tinas hips were now matching the pace as Bettes tempo on her breast. Reaching for her other breast, Bette teased the nipple between her thumb and forefinger, kneading the entire breast, pulling and twisting until Tina was absolutely panting. Baby, please. I need you she begged as she grabbed Bettes hand and pushed it down her body. Bette moved her mouth over to the now vacant breast and continued where her hand had left off, until that hand that Tina was guiding, made it to her center. Bette immediately felt the heat radiating from between her legs and as Tina led them further, she was met by a torrent of liquid and heat, all at the same time. Peeling her mouth away from her breast, she moaned loudly at the arousal that she felt coming from Tina. Her hips were bucking beneath them and she knew exactly what Tina wanted. Trying to take control, she pulled her hand away from Tinas and rested it on one of her thighs that were spread wide open for Bette. Now Bette she heard Tina pant. Please babynow. Moving her hand up from her hip, Bette dragged the back of her fingertips through her slippery lips. Even though the contact was minimal, it was enough to elicit a loud moan from Tina. Leaning back down, she took Tinas now engorged nipple back into her mouth and began to pull it roughly into her mouth, teasing the tip of the rock hard nub with her tongue. *****, Bette she heard Tina pant as her hips undulated beneath them, looking for some contact with Bettes hand. Sliding her hand between her legs again, she ran two fingers from her rear end, all the way to the tip of her *****, just barely grazing it. Grabbing the back of Bettes head, she pulled her into a hard kiss. Reaching down, she pressed Bettes hand onto her ***** and panted, Rub it, baby. Please, give me what I want. Returning Tinas kiss with the same fervor, Bette finally allowed her fingers to fully explore what she had needed for so long. Yesterday had been gentle and delicate, a way of returning to each other, but this was about making the other her own. She rubbed her fingers up and down the side of Tinas hardened ***** and felt it pulsing beneath her touch. With Tina as wet as she was, she had to focus to keep hitting the right spots that she knew drove her crazy. Oh God yes, baby she loudly moaned as she thrust her hips in the air, trying to increase the contact between her ***** and Bettes fingers. Bette moved her mouth down Tinas neck, sucking at the pulse that was throbbing in her vein. Pulling her head up, she took a moment to look at Tina and saw that she was getting very close. Her head was thrown back against the pillow and was rolling from side to side. Her eyes were tightly closed and some of her hair was sticking to her forehead from the sweat that had accumulated there. Stilling her hand, she continued to look at Tina until she opened her eyes and breathlessly said, Whats the matter, baby? Nothing, T. Absolutely nothing she whispered as she drove three fingers deep inside of her. Pausing a moment, Bette watched Tina as her eyes slammed shut and her face contorted in absolute pleasure. Oh God she whimpered as her hips began to ride Bettes fingers hard. Her arms reached out and pulled Bette down onto her as she continued to meet Bettes thrusts with everything she had. Oh God, baby she whispered into Bettes ear. Im going to come she moaned. Come for me, Tina she whispered in return. Pleasecome for me, baby. Bette rotated her fingers, trying to go even deeper while rubbing the top wall, trying to find the spot that she knew would send Tina over the edge. As she turned her hand, she now allowed the heel of her hand to slam into her ***** and the two together had the desired effect. Oh God, Bette she moaned, head thrust back into the pillow. Oh babyI cant hold onIm coming, now, Bette, Im coming now It was at that point that Bette felt Tinas interior muscles slam down onto her fingers. Bette kept thrusting with everything that she had, but the muscles were making that difficult. Looking up into Tinas face, she saw the ***** passing through every one of her beautiful features and could tell that this one was wreaking havoc on her body. Tina reached down between her legs and grabbed hold of Bettes wrist to still her. Her eyes were still tightly closed as she pulled Bette back down onto her, the sweat from their two bodies making the contact slippery. Oh God, baby she whispered, trying to catch her breath. What did you just do to me? she moaned, finally opening her eyes and looking down at Bette. After placing a soft kiss on Tinas breast, she looked up at her and just smiled. Ive missed you she admitted. I think I can see that she chuckled as she allowed her fingers to play in Bettes hair. The two women lay in each others arms, absorbing what was passing between the two of them. T? Hmmm? Tina lazily responded as her hand drew aimless circles across Bettes back. I need to go clean up. Day old lobster shells are not something that I think we want to wake up to she chuckled. All in good time, baby. All in good time she whispered as she rolled Bette onto her back. Youve had your dessert she said as she leaned down and took one of Bettes nipples between her teeth. Now its my turn she growled as she pulled her entire breast into her mouth. And feast I did, huh baby? she softly asked her sleeping wife. Rolling over, she turned off her light and then turning back to Bette, got as close to her as she could. Pulling herself into Bette as tight as possible, she kissed her shoulder and said, Wait for me, baby, I’ll be right there.