Tina leaned over and pressed her lips against Bettes. What started out as a soft gentle kiss soon turned heated and full of fervor. Bette felt the desire begin to rise in the pit of her stomach. She passionately plunges her tongue into Tinas mouth, desperately needing to feel every part of it. They moan into one anothers mouths as their tongues collide in exploration. Tina is the first to pull away as she needs to take in some air. Bette doesnt stop as she begins an assault up Tinas neck and over to the place just behind Tinas ear that drives her crazy. Tina moans into Bettes shoulder when all of the sudden they are interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Tina pulls herself away from Bette, places a quick kiss on her lips and gets up to get the phone.

Tina: Ill get that before we end up taking cold showers again.

Bette groans in frustration as Tina walks away.

Tina: Hello.

Tina listens for a moment than looks over at Bette.

Tina: Hey babe. Its for you. Its your father.

Bette is surprised, as she hasnt spoken to her father in quite some time. Tina hands her the phone.

Bette: Hey daddy.yeah, I can do that..okayjust let me know when you get here..okayBye daddy.

Tina: What was all of that about babe?

Bette: Daddy is going to be in town in a couple of days and wants to do lunch.

Tina: Are you okay with that? You seem a little unsettled. Bette: He asked for me to invite Kit.

Tina: Wow! Thats unbelievable. What do you think is up, babe?

Bette: I dont know, T, but I guess Ill be finding out soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day had arrived. Melvin Porter was in town to meet with his daughters. Part of Tina was glad to finally be getting it over with, as Bette had been so antsy the last three days that it was driving her completely crazy. The other part, however, was very worried. This was not like Melvin at all. Especially to invite Kit. Melvin hadnt spent any time with Kit in over 14 years and now he wanted to do lunch. Tina had a bad feeling about this whole trip, something was definitely up with Melvin and she just wanted Bette to be halfway prepared. She had tried to talk to Bette about it, but Bette just kept putting the subject off. Well, it was now or never. Bette had just gotten out of the shower and had headed for the bedroom to get dressed. Tina followed her.

Tina: Hey, babe, you really havent said much about this lunch thing? Id feel so much better if you would talk to me about it, about what youre feeling.

Bette: T, theres really not anything to say. I mean, I dont even know what it is about yet. I promise I will tell you everything once its over. Im not trying to keep anything from you baby.

Tina: I didnt mean to imply that you were babe. I just wanted to make sure that you know I am here for you.

Bette: I know you are T and I love you for that. I just really dont know what to say.

Tina: Well, have you given any thought to what it might be about? Dont you think its a little strange that hes invited Kit after all these years?

Bette: God, T. I dont know. I guess it could be anything. Maybe hes feeling bad for shutting Kit out and hes ready to accept her back into the family. Maybe hes got a girlfriend he wants to introduce to us. Maybe hes going on a trip. Maybe hes moving. Maybe he wants to tell us both how much weve disappointed him. I mean, there are so many things that it could be, what would I accomplish by sitting around trying to figure it out? Ill know soon enough.

Tina: I guess, babe. I just dont want you to be caught off guard. I know how much you love your father. But I also know that he has the ability to hurt you deeply. I just dont want to see you hurt baby.

Bette: T, Ive dealt with my father my entire life. I will be okay. Whatever this is about, well get through it. I promise you.

Tina: Are you going to invite him over to see the baby?

Bette thinks back to her fathers words when they had told him about the first baby.

That is biologically impossible. Unless there’s been a medical breakthrough that I don’t know anything about, the possibility that this child… will be my grandchild… does not exist..I am happy if that’s what you want in your friendship with Miss Kennard. But, I cannot realistically be asked to participate in this fiction of your creation.

Bette: Do you really want me to do that T? You know how horrible he was last time, not to mention the way he always treats you. Do we really want to put ourselves through that?

Tina: Babe, no matter what, he is still your father. And even though he does not understand or accept the lifestyle you have chosen, at least he has not shut you out. I dont expect him to change his attitude this late in life babe, but hes not going to be around forever. So maybe we just need to make the best of what weve got with the time that we have.

Bette walked over to Tina, pulled her into her arms and placed a soft, loving kiss gently on her lips.

Bette: Have I told you lately how amazing you are?

Tina: Hmmm, I think I remember hearing something like that, but it would help if you could show me.

Bette raised her eyebrow and looked into Tinas eyes.

Bette: Oh, really. Well, I think I might just be able to handle that.

Bette leaned in and once again placed her lips upon Tinas. Tina responded with a soft moan, which caused Bette to quickly lose all sense of control. She backed Tina up against the wall and began an all out assault ravishing her beautiful wife. But as quickly as it started, it also ended when Katalinas cries were heard coming from the nursery.

Bette: Damn, Im going to have to have a talk with her about her timing.

Tina laughed as she gave Bette a quick kiss and headed towards the nursery.

Tina: Aw, babe, its not her fault. Shes just hungry.

Bette: Oh, yea. Well, maybe I was hungry, too!

Tina continued to laugh at Bettes frustration as she got Katalina out of her crib and sat down in the rocker to nurse her. Bette quickly got dressed and went into the nursery.

Tina: You now babe, we dont have much longer. My checkup is in two weeks.

Bette: God, dont remind me. I dont know if I can make it two more weeks. I want to make love to you so bad baby. I need to make love to you. I miss the intimacy so much. Two more weeks, God, Im going to shrivel up and die.

Tina chuckled at Bettes words.

Tina: Aw, babe. Come here. Let me make it all better.

Bette: God, T. You have to quit saying things like that. Do you have any idea how worked up you have me right now? This has to stop. Its driving me completely insane. Maybe its a good thing that daddy is in town. Maybe he can keep me distracted, either that or Im going to have to move into the walk-in cooler at the Planet.

Tina: Aw, Im sorry babe. I guess I havent really thought about how this has been affecting you. Is there something I can do to make things easier on you?

Bette: I think we are going to have to set some boundaries until we get the okay from Dr. Wilson.

Tina: What kind of boundaries babe?

Bette: No more kissing, no more touching, no more watching you nurse the baby, no more.

Tina: Baby, dont you think youre going a little overboard?

Bette: No T, I am very serious and you need to help me out here, otherwise I cannot be held responsible for my actions. Now, I have to get going or I will be late and you know how daddy gets if youre not on time.

Tina: Okay, babe. Well finish this discussion when you get back.

Tina ponders over their discussion as Bette heads out to meet with Melvin and Kit. Bette enters the hotel lobby just as Melvin is coming off the elevator. She walks over towards her father, who looks somewhat wore out.

Bette: Daddy, its good to see you. To what do we owe this little surprise visit?

Melvin: Since when do I need a reason to see my girl? Is your sister here yet?

Bette: I havent seen her, although she could already be in the restaurant.

Melvin: Well, lets go find out.

Bette: Daddy, are you feeling okay? You look a little tired.

Melvin: Oh, Im fine, just a little tired from the trip. I dont see Katie anywhere, do you?

Bette: No, but Im sure she is on her way. She was very excited that you had asked her to join us. I must say, I was a little shocked myself. Why the sudden change of heart, daddy?

Melvin: I just wanted to see my two girls. After all, we are family and I think it is time that we get this mess straightened out and start acting like one.

Just then Kit walks in as Melvin gets up to greet her.

Melvin: Katie, Its good to see you. Im glad you came.

Kit looks over at Bette and rolls her eyes, as Bette answers with a shrug of her shoulders.

Kit: Its good to see you too, daddy. Although I was a little surprised at the invitation.

Melvin: I just dont understand why the two of you find it so hard to believe I would want to spend some time with my daughters.

Kit and Bette dropped the subject as they both knew they were not going to get the answer they were looking for. Their father was acting as though this was an every day occurrence.

Melvin: So Katie, tell me what you have been up to.

Kit: Well, Ive been keeping busy at my restaurant.

Melvin: Restaurant? What restaurant?

Kit: Well, with Bettes help, I bought a little caf, The Planet. I had to do a little remodeling before reopening, but now its open and business is really doing good. Its actually making some money.

Bette: Kit is a great businesswoman, daddy. You would be very proud of what she has accomplished.

Melvin: Well, I guess I need to see this restaurant. What was it called, the Planet. How about we have dinner there this evening?

Kit: That would be great, daddy, if that is what you want.

Melvin: Why wouldnt I want to see what my girl is doing with her life? And how about you Bette? How are things going in your life?

Bette: Things couldnt be better, daddy. Since Tina and I have gotten back together, I am happier than I have been in a very long time. And since the birth of our daughter, Katalina Elyssa Kennard-Porter my whole life has changed. We named her Katalina after Kit. She is so amazing, daddy. I cant wait for you to see her. Tina told me to be sure and have you come by the house so you could spend some time with her.

Melvin: Well, I am glad that you are happy. I am also glad that you and Katie have each other to lean on. That is what family is all about.

Melvin spent the rest of their lunch selectively reminiscing about their childhood days, carefully choosing only the happier times that they had spent together while growing up. It was as though the bad times, no longer existed to Melvin. Kit was enjoying herself, after all, it had been years since she had had a civil conversation with her father. Bette however, was becoming more and more unsettled. She knew something was up with her father, but she also knew him well enough to know they werent going to find out what it was until he was damn good and ready to tell them.

Bette got quiet as she sat back and listened to Kit and her father discuss their sudden rendition of a family. They even talked about David and how well he was doing. The fact that her father was so ***** bent on discussing their family and had yet to acknowledge that she and Tina had just recently expanded this family was beginning to weigh on her. It wasnt long before Melvin noticed Bettes silence and looked over towards her.

Melvin: You are being awfully quiet. Whats wrong?

Bette: You know daddy, Im struck by the fact that you seem to be so focused on discussing our family and yet you have not once asked about Tina. You remember Tina dont you daddy? You know, the woman I have shared the last eight years of my life with, who I now share a daughter with. They are my family, which makes them part of this family, too.

Melvin: I dont know what you want me to say.

Bette: I dont want you to say anything. I want you to start treating them like the family they are. I want you to start including them in these family get-togethers.

Melvin: Very well, why dont you have Ms. Kennard and Katalina was it, join us for dinner tonight?

Bette: And will you please drop the formality. Her name is Tina, daddy. You have known her for eight years. You do not need to call her Ms. Kennard.

Melvin: Very well. Please have Tina and Katalina join us for dinner.

Bette: Thank you daddy, you dont know how much this means to me.

Kit is glad to have the intensity of the moment come to an end. She is also glad that Melvin included Tina and the baby in their dinner plans. She knows how important it is for Bette to have her fathers acceptance. She also knows how pig headed and set in his ways their father can be and hopes that they can get through dinner without any major explosions. Kit begins to get up as she needs to get back to work.

Kit: Well, I hate to be the one to break this up, but I really need to get back to the Planet. What time shall we plan for dinner?

Melvin: Im not quite adjusted to the time change. Could we make it a little earlier, say 6:00?

Kit: That is fine daddy. Would you like me to pick you up from the hotel? That will make things a little easier on Bette and Tina since they will have the baby to get ready.


Melvin: That would be just fine, Katie.

Bette: Thanks Kit. I dont know what we would do without you.

Kit: No problem baby sis, you just take good care of my little niece. I cant wait to see her tonight. I bet she has grown some more.

Bette: She has Kit. Its amazing how quickly she changes.

Kit: Well, I gotta get going. Tell Tina hi for me.

Bette: I will Kit. Well see you later tonight.

Melvin: Goodbye, Katie. Ill be looking forward to this evening.

Kit: Bye daddy.

Bette and Melvin are left sitting alone. Bette: So are you ready to tell me what this surprise visit is really about or are you going to keep me in suspense.

Melvin: I already told you, I just wanted to see my girls.

Bette: Okay, have it your way daddy. Is there anything you need while you are here?

Melvin: I cant think of anything at the moment.

Bette: How long are you planning on being here?

Melvin: I havent really decided.

Bette: Is there anyplace you would like me to take you this afternoon?

Melvin: Actually, Im still a little tired from the plane ride. I think Ill just go up to my room and get some rest before I need to get ready for dinner this evening.

Bette: Okay daddy, but if theres anything you need, you call me.

Melvin and Bette get up and head back towards the hotel lobby. Bette gives her father a hug and kiss and watches as he gets on the elevator. On the drive home her mind begins to wonder what it is that has made her father suddenly want to spend time with Kit, especially after all these years. She also thinks back to his comment of Kit and her having each other to lean on. She finally comes to the decision that it must be an age thing. He must be thinking about how much longer he will be around and is trying to make an amends. She thinks back to how smooth lunch had gone. It was actually rather amazing. Her father had handled things so differently than the Melvin Porter she was accustomed to. Maybe people can change this late in life. She hoped dinner would go as smoothly as lunch. This was the first time that she actually felt her father was making an attempt with Tina rather than just his normal tolerance. She decided she was going to hope for the best.